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Vol. 5/Issue 52

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The Columbia

Valley

P ioneer

December 26, 2008

Year Round Dining!

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

8 roots of farming

14 margrit retires BEARERS OF GOOD NEWS – Florence and David Raven are a welcome sight for Pioneer readers everywhere, as they faithfully brave snow, rain, hail and sleet to deliver the paper every Friday morning. Thanks, Ravens!

32

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

If this is your idea of a savings plan, we really need to talk.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

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A holly, jolly Christmas

The students of Windermere Elementary celebrated the holidays with a rip-roaring Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 17th. There were many proud parents watching with a tear in their eye!

Top: Grade 4/5 students Brandon Stanley, left, and Ryley Haynes, right.

Bottom: Grade 1/2 kids Nolan Watt, Alexis Birtch-Hamilton, and Ella Haynes.

Photos by Sally Waddington

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

December 26, 2008

Valley NEWS

Residents against longer Bud’s hours

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff An application by Bud’s Bar & Lounge in Invermere has faced criticism from its neighbours.

A public hearing was held on Tuesday, December 16th so council could hear comments from residents about a possible extension of Bud’s patio hours from midnight until 2 a.m.

Seven residents and six Bud’s employees attended the hearing.

“There were a lot of comments from neighbours who are concerned about the noise that would result from the patio,” said Mayor Gerry Taft.

Bob Garies, who lives a block away on 13th Street, agreed that noise pollution is the biggest problem.

“Our concern is mainly the noise. There is quite a bit on Friday and Saturday nights,” he said.

“By extending the food and beverage service on the patio, we think the noise will get worse.”

Mr. Garies said the sounds often keep him awake at night. “Most people who live around here would say it affects their sleep as well,” he said.

Shelley Ferguson, owner of Bud’s Bar & Lounge, said she is aware of the noise problems – and this is her attempt to fix them.

“There is more noise, but it has nothing to do with the patio – it’s the change to the smoking bylaw. Now customers are pushed onto the street to smoke, where they are unmonitored,” she said.

In March 2008, the government of British Columbia enacted a Tobacco Control Act that banned smoking inside bars, restaurants, hotels, pubs, casinos and clubs.

To better accommodate smokers, Bud’s Bar & Lounge was granted a change to its liquor licence in September 2007, allowing its patio to stay open until midnight.

But Ms. Ferguson said that the midnight closing time makes it hard to control her patrons, who must go out onto the street to smoke after midnight.

“I am asking for an extension of the patio hours so I can monitor, supervise and control my patrons,” she said. “I am trying to be responsible and come up with a proactive, viable way to deal with the noise.”

Ms. Ferguson agreed that most of the trouble on

13th Street on Friday and Saturday nights is caused by her own patrons.

“Copper City doesn’t have this problem, because they’re allowed to serve on their patio until 2 a.m.,” she pointed out.

Todd Mitchell, who owns Best Western Invermere Inn, including Copper City Saloon, on the opposite side of 13th Street, also expressed his concerns about the Bud’s application at the meeting.

“I feel that a late-night patio at Bud’s will have a negative effect on the future development potential of our property,” he said. “Any future development of the Invermere Inn site will more than likely contain a residential or seniors’ housing component.”

He added that Copper City is in the process of changing its format to a sports lounge, which would mean lower noise levels because there will be no DJ. District of Invermere council will reconsider the application at its January 13th meeting.

Council’s recommendation will then be sent to the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch, which will make the decision whether to allow a change to Bud’s licence.

Benefit planned for Edgewater family

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Friends of an Edgewater couple whose mobile home was destroyed by a fire two weeks ago are stepping up to help the family get back on their feet.

Nikki McLelland, the wife of Kyle Barr, who owns the land where the family was living, and Sam Fiddler, the regional district animal control officer, are organizing a benefit evening for Akie and Pascale Pronk, and their two children – Brandon, 11, and Kayla, 16.

On Friday, December 12th, Pas-

cale arrived to find her newly-renovated mobile home engulfed in flames, a tragedy that left the family homeless just days before Christmas.

The family had just moved into the home a month prior, after spending all of their money, and a lot of their time to convert their single-wide trailer into a double-wide.

They are not insured, so there is no hope of being reimbursed for all of their lost possessions.

“We are holding it together,” Pascale said. “And the kids, they are coping pretty good – they are pretty amazing.”

Since the fire, the family has received an outpouring of support from the community.

“We are really learning a life lesson on how people can actually feel your pain and can replace it with joy,” Pascale said. “We are just thankful they are able to give to us.”

The family has received numerous donations in the form of cash, clothing and household furniture. Pascale’s co-worker has also opened up his home for the family, so they have somewhere to spend the holidays.

The benefit evening will be held sometime in mid-January at the Edge-

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON

water Hall. It will include a silent auction, live music and a midnight lunch.

Nikki and Sam are looking for businesses to donate items for the silent auction, as well as local musicians who would like to donate their talent for a good cause.

If you would like to help out the Pronks, you can also donate money to the Akie and Pascale Pronk Trust at the Kootenay Savings Credit Union.

For more information, or if you would like to volunteer your time, call Nikki at 250-342-5942 or Sam at 250-347-9793.

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

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At this time of year, we take the opportunity to reflect on our past, our present and our future. Some of our fondest memories are the times spent over the Christmas holiday season with friends and family. And because Christmas memories are so important, it is a particularly precious time in the lives of children and grandchildren.

There is a saying that there is no ideal Christmas, only the one Christmas you decide to make a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions.

What are our values?

Canadian society must be a place where individual Canadians are free to express their most closely held personal beliefs. My personal belief is that one of our most important values is that this season includes CHRISTmas.

What are our desires?

At this time of year our desires are many, but perhaps the simplest and most thoughtful will be the most meaningful. This is a time of year when we often ask ourselves what is truly important in our lives. Helping a friend, family member or someone in the community is a priceless gift.

What are our affections?

We, in Kootenay Columbia, share a common affection.

And that is that we are privileged to enjoy the tremendous landscape that this constituency has to offer to all Canadians.

What are our traditions?

Traditions vary from different cultures and families.

But they are what we hold dear in our hearts as they give us a sense of belonging. We carry these traditions from generation to generation and they are what make us family.

So, maybe there is an ideal Christmas! As you gather with your friends and families, may you be blessed with the spirit, happiness and hope of the season.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

December 26, 2008

Norm Macdonald looks back on 2008

By MLA Norm Macdonald Columbia River-Revelstoke It has been another busy year; a year in which I once again had the privilege of working on behalf of the constituents of Columbia River-Revelstoke. When you chose me to be your MLA in 2005, I promised that I would be a strong voice and that I would raise your issues both here and in Victoria.

In January and February, my staff and I held a series of seniors’ forums which were very well-attended. During these meetings a number of serious health care and seniors’ care issues were raised and I was able to work directly with affected seniors and their families.

Following the Ombudsman’s announcement that she would be doing a formal investigation into seniors’ care in British Columbia, we again met with seniors to assist them in sharing their stories with the Ombudsman’s office.

During the spring, we began to hear more about private power projects planned for rivers and creeks throughout our area. The fact that local communities no longer had the ability to make decisions about these river-diversion projects worried people in my communities. A series of meetings was planned in Revelstoke, Golden, Field, Invermere and Kimberley to give people an opportunity to learn more about private power, featuring guest speakers such as Joe Foy of the Western Canada Wilderness Committee, and Rafe Mair, former Socred cabinet minister and spokesperson for the Save our Rivers Society.

On July 1st, Gordon Campbell introduced his gas tax, which hits rural res-

idents hardest. With no effort made to provide rural communities with alternative transportation options, people in my communities have little choice. A true climate change strategy would not just penalize people for using their vehicles but would incent changes in behaviour that would protect our environment.

Over the summer I was chosen by Opposition Leader Carole James to act as the critic for education. My experience as a teacher and a principal gives me the background that I need to understand this ministry, and to advocate on behalf of parents and students.

This fall, in response to the continuing crisis in forestry, Bob Simpson, the critic for forestry, toured the area to talk to millworkers and forest company representatives about his five-point forestry plan. Simpson put forward a plan including bold changes for the industry that will ensure that forestry continues to be strong and viable in the province.

At the beginning of December I travelled to a number of rural and northern communities with the Opposition Rural Caucus to talk about our commitment to rural communities. Despite the tremendous wealth created in rural areas, the Campbell Liberals have consistently removed services from our communities and lessened our ability to make our own decisions. The Opposition Rural Caucus has a plan to revitalize the communities that generate B.C. wealth, protecting our rural way of life.

2009 will be another busy year, and I look forward to continuing to work on your behalf. Please contact me with your concerns, as it is important that I’m aware of issues that matter to you.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective

December 26, 2008

Historical Lens

HOCKEY ON THE LAKE – It must have been a warm day, because the players aren’t wearing caps in this hockey game. The white building behind the players is the Invermere Hotel. Also shown is the Paradise Mine office on the right hand side. This

photo, taken in 1913, was donated to the museum by the late Jaryl McIsaac. If you have more information about Photo A610, email the Windermere Valley Museum at wvmuseum@cyberlink.bc.ca.

Photo courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

How things have changed in just 25 years . . .

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher My daughter turned 25 years old in November, and reflecting on her birth one-quarter of a century ago, I was reminded that she entered the world around the same time as did the office computer.

Back in 1983, I was working at a daily newspaper in Alberta when the maintenance crew rolled a trolley into the newsroom, loaded up all the old noisy manual typewriters and took them away.

They were replaced overnight by dozens of brand new computers, and editors were expected, with only the most cursory training, to put out a paper the next day without delaying the press.

I well remember struggling to manipulate my electronic pages late into the night, while tears rolled down my face and dripped onto my new keyboard.

But I had bigger things to worry about, since I had just learned that I was pregnant.

At the time it seemed as if the whole world

was becoming computerized at once. And with the age of computers came a rash of news reports from around the world of miscarriages and birth defects among pregnant women who were using VDTs, or Video Display Terminals.

Since I was the first pregnant woman in my office to use a computer, I was scared to death. So the next day, I hurried down to my dentist’s office and bought a lead apron, the kind you still wear today when getting your teeth X-rayed. And I wore that darned thing for the next six months, whenever I was seated in front of the terminal.

My employers didn’t know what to do about this unprecedented situation, so they paid for the apron (about $200) and did their best to ignore me.

As I got larger, the apron became more uncomfortable. Every time I stood up to cross the newsroom and talk to a colleague, I would lift off the apron and hang it on the back of my chair, then drape it over myself again when I returned to my seat. My arms became quite powerful from all that

weight-lifting.

Visitors to the newsroom edged away when they saw me wearing my protective shield, unsure whether to be more wary of the computer’s lethal rays, or the crazy pregnant lady in the lead apron.

One of our male reporters who tended towards the slightly paranoic even toyed with the idea of wearing the apron to protect his reproductive organs, but was too embarrassed to go for it.

My pregnancy finally ended with the birth of a perfect baby girl. I wasn’t sure at the time how much credit was due to the lead apron.

But after a couple of years in which nobody in our office got pregnant, the apron gathered dust and by then the computer scare had largely been laid to rest by scientific studies which found no correlation between birth defects and computer monitors.

But today, whenever the dental assistant drapes me with the lead apron, I remember those exciting, terrifying days when my nickname around the newsroom was Ellie Lead Belly.

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer is independently owned and operated and published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net · www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item, and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Samantha Commons

Publisher

Reporter

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Graphic Design

Office Manager

Project Assistant

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

December 26, 2008

Fairmont Lions had a tremendous year Dear Editor: As another year draws to a close, it bears mentioning that one of the most active of valley organizations has proved yet again that volunteers are one of our greatest resources. And while many of their efforts go unmentioned, the Fairmont and District Lions in particular have shown again and again over the past year that they are an interminable, invaluable volunteer force in our valley community.

This small but growing chapter at the end of Lake Windermere was formed initially to serve the needs of Fairmont and Canal Flats, needs perhaps different from those of their neighbours up the valley in Windermere and Invermere.

Over the years, however, their generosity has been called upon, extending well beyond the valley communities just to the south. Now serving communities as far north as Brisco, this local chapter, 34 members strong, is a group distinct in their purpose and philosophy of giving, and touches valley lives in many ways, big and small.

Every cent donated has been earned by the hard work and tireless efforts, not only of the chapter as a whole but of the members within. These dedicated people contribute individually, generously offering their time and often, resources, to participate in any number of local projects and community service events.

Many times their efforts go unseen, but are without question felt, as those in need are aided in innumerable ways and without discrimination.

The modest local chapter, one of

thousands worldwide, exemplifies the Lions Club motto, “We Serve.” While they contribute to the greater Lions Club projects such as SightFirst, a program to combat preventable blindness in the developing world, their efforts are concentrated, primarily contributing to the needs of our region.

The work of our Fairmont Lions is felt up and down the valley. Whether it’s the purchase of essential medical equipment for our local and regional hospitals; supporting Valley Appreciation Day; standing for hours alone on a trail distributing to athletes much appreciated water and sliced oranges on Canada Day; maintaining with meticulous care the local Evergreen cemetery; Adopt-AHighway and the twice yearly roadside clean-up; or the generous financial donations provided to valley families in need through the Christmas Fund and Food Bank; without the invaluable support of The Fairmont & District Lions, there would be a tremendous hole left in our community landscape.

To those of you involved and those of you who have provided us support, a huge thank you!

We’d also like to thank journalist Tracy Connery, for her assistance in writing this letter.

Keep in mind we are always eager to welcome new members, so if you are looking for a way to make a positive difference in Fairmont and beyond, please consider being a part of this tremendous local volunteer organization.

Nelda Harker Fairmont & District Lions Club

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Road to Rescue drive needs your help Referring to the current rescue vehicles as underpowered and outdated, the campaign stresses that the Contributions to the Road current vehicles place restrictions to Rescue campaign have slowed on the volunteers’ ability to reach down with the economy, but the site of an accident in a timely committee members remain fashion. optimistic about reaching the They want to upgrade to a single goal of $450,000 by the end of rescue vehicle that will carry seven 2009. volunteers, along with 2.5 tonnes To date, Road to Rescue has of equipment including the jaws of collected $60,000, and chair of life. the committee Rick Hoar is urgThe new rescue vehicle will reing residents and businesses who duce critical on-site arrival time, alare thinking about donating to low for more equipment and rescue Kootenay Savings Credit Union has donated $5,000 to the campaign. charity to put the rescue vehicle personnel to reach the site, and ultiFrom left: Paul Kendall and Janice McGregor from Kootenay Savings, fund on the top of their priority mately provide better care to those Tom McNeil from Invermere Volunteer Fire Fighters Society, and Rick list. needing their assistance.

Hoar from Lake Windermere District Lions Club.

The rescue vehicle is someAlthough contributions from thing all aspects of society will the large corporate entities are alThe vehicle will reside in the Invermere use, Rick explained. “We all most flat, Mr. Hoar said that locally, fire hall, but will be used throughout the funds are still coming from businesses and have hopes never to have to use the rescue vehicle, but that just doesn’t happen – this is valley. individuals.

The vehicles they want to replace are a something that touches everybody.”

He also said that the Road to Rescue 1991 Ford F150, along with a Ford oneThe Road to Rescue campaign was initifund has not yet applied for grants from the ated in June by the Lake Windermere Dis- tonne Quick Response vehicle. They were federal government, the Regional District of trict Lions Foundation and the Invermere purchased second-hand from the ambulance East Kootenay, nor surrounding municipaliservice in 2000.

Volunteer Fire Fighters Society. ties, but will do so in the new year.

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

December 26, 2008

To donate to the new

Columbia Valley RescueVehicle Call:

250-342-9482 $450,000 GOAL

$60,000 funds so far

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

December 26, 2008

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPERS – This merry band of elves was on hand to help turn a mountain of donated and purchased food items and gifts into Christmas hampers for the less fortunate on behalf of the Christmas Bureau. The volunteers were working at the Invermere Community Hall bright and early last Friday morning and the hampers

were distributed on Friday afternoon. This year the Christmas Bureau filled a record 188 hampers, a testimony to the Christmas spirit of the people in the Columbia Valley.

Thank you to all the individuals, families and businesses who made someone else’s Christmas a little happier.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

GET PUMPED TODAY Why should we pump out septic tanks?

- Avoid costly repairs, regular maintenance is cost effective compared to replacing your septic system - It could stop working at the most inconvenient time (middle of winter, or a party, etc) - Save the environment, a full (or malfunctioning) tank could saturate and pollute the surrounding area, including creeks, ponds, and lakes. This could give off a foul smell, affecting the neighbourhood - Tanks close to the surface could freeze during the winter months if not used regularly - Septic tanks not used regularly also tend to fill quicker as the bacterial action stops working when not used (part time user should have their tanks pumped just as often as full-time users) - Your septic system is designed to last a very long time if maintained properly

TANKS SHOULD BE PUMPED EVERY 3 YEARS For More Info:

Contact Bruce of Dehart Sewer & Drain Ltd. 250-347-9803

MOULIN ROUGE N E W Y E A R ’ S E V E AT B U D ’ S !

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December 26, 2008

Province approves Invermere’s hotel tax Submitted by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts The Regional District of East Kootenay is poised to attract more visitors with strengthened local tourism marketing next year – thanks to the Additional Hotel Room Tax approved by the province, announced Bill Bennett, Minister of Tourism, Culture and the Arts on Friday, December 12th.

The two-percent additional hotel room tax will be collected on sales of accommodation within the Invermere area, and used by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce for direct marketing and tourism monitoring programs.

“The government of British Columbia has set up the additional hotel room tax to reward success, by linking increased tourism to increased funding for local tourism promotion,” said Mr. Bennett. “This hotel tax provides significant support towards regional tourism marketing and development around the province, and will go a long way towards fulfilling our goal of doubling tourism revenues by 2015.”

“The benefits of increased marketing funding, and reinvestment in tourism infrastructure will be enjoyed not only by the partners, but also by our residents and business owners,” said Gerry Taft, mayor of Invermere.

“This is an exciting program for the region, and we thank the provincial government for initiating the program.”

The Regional District of East Kootenay applied to the Province for the additional hotel room tax after gain-

ing support of Panorama Mountain Village and Invermere Inn, the two accommodation providers in the district that own approximately 550 rooms in the area. The regional district estimates the tax will return about $126,000 per year to the local Chamber.

“With this revenue, we look forward to initiating a robust program to show the world the best Invermere has to offer,” said Al Miller, president of the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.

“The underlying benefits for our valley will be very visible, both socially and economically, with a renewed focus on marketing our tourism assets.”

Fernie and Radium Hot Springs are the other “two-percent communities” within the Regional District of East Kootenay.

Invermere’s additional hotel room tax will come into effect on February 1st, 2009.

The additional hotel room tax complements the province-wide eightpercent hotel room tax. In February, the province increased Tourism B.C.’s share of the hotel room tax to three points of the eight percent collected. This higher rate is expected to increase Tourism B.C.’s budget to approximately $60 million in the first year.

Revenues from both hotel room taxes provide significant support towards provincial and regional tourism marketing and development. In the fiscal year 2007-2008, for example, $26.3 million of additional hotel room tax was provided to 39 local and regional destination marketing organizations.

FAMILY AND HOT TUBS Having a hot tub is like having a year round vacation right in your backyard. It’s a place to escape the cares of the day and spend some quiet time alone or with someone you love whether it’s with a coffee in the morning or a glass of wine in the evening.

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It can also bring your family closer together. The hot tub is fast becoming the new kitchen table; moms, dads and kids alike are soaking together after a long, hard day. Homeowners between the ages of 35 and 54 are looking to spend time together and be with their families, where better than the backyard hot tub?

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What families and couples find is that the hot tub quickly quiets nerves and helps one refocus almost immediately after a long hectic day, making way for quiet conversation.

A hot tub brings all-season fun for the whole family.

Kids love hot tubs! It’s a favorite celebration spot for Birthday parties, End of season parties, and family get-togethers. Hot tubs are always part of Christmas, and special holidays too!

Next week Relationships and Hot Tubs

> >>>

Encore

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

For Auld Lang Syne

MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

NEW YEAR’S BUBBLY

PAGE 12

Out & About 2009 is almost here! Celebrate with fireworks at Fairmont, Panorama, and Radium on Wednesday, December 31st.

See Page 13 for times.

Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley Page 13

Symphony of the Kootenays · Christ Church Trinity Symphony of the Kootenays January 25, 2009 at Christ Church Trinity.

Call 250-342-4423 for tickets.

Public Arts Survey What does ART mean to you?

Speak up about arts and culture in our community!

We want to hear your views on the past, present and future of arts in our region as part of the Columbia Valley Cultural Scan Project.

Complete the survey at www.columbiavalleyarts.com

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Movie Review: Burn After Reading

Reviewed by Dave Sutherland Burn After Reading is the Coen brothers’ followup to their multi-award-winning No Country For Old Men. Like that film and many of their others, it is chock full of biting satire and black humour, with scenes of near-slapstick situations and moments of casual brutality.

The Coens’ movies are notable, like Woody Allen’s, for attracting top-notch casts, and Burn After Reading is no exception. It features George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand, Tilda Swinton, and John Malkovich in the lead roles.

The plot concerns the antics that ensue when gym workers Linda Litzke (McDormand) and Chad Feldheimer (Pitt) find a disc that they believe belongs to an alcoholic ex-CIA agent (Malkovich), and may contain state secrets. Their single-minded and bald-faced Frances McDormand and Brad Pitt are hilariously dumb. efforts at extortion set off a series of events that may

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have you dropping your jaw in amazement one moment, and laughing uncontrollably the next. I was going to suggest that things go from the sublime to the ridiculous, but that’s not the case at all. Things actually go from the ridiculous to the really ridiculous.

The characters in this movie seem to be united by common traits. They are all complete idiots, consumed with self-interest. The only character in Burn After Reading who exhibits any sense of real decency or empathy for another character promptly finds himself hacked to death with a hatchet.

If you can get over this movie’s deep sense of cynicism, which is highlighted in an hilarious summingup scene with J.K. Simmons as a CIA executive, you’ll love Burn After Reading.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

December 26, 2008

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Holiday hours

Wednesday, December 31st:

Fairmont Hot Springs Pools Dec. 26-30: Regular hours, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

New Year’s Eve: 8-10 p.m.

New Year’s Day: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Jan. 2: Regular hours resume, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

For info, call 250-345-6030.

• Radium Hot Springs’ 18th birthday celebration. 3 p.m. Tobogganing and skating in the park, hot dogs, hot chocolate and birthday cake! 6:30 p.m. Fireworks at The Springs driving range.

• 6 p.m. Newfie New Year’s at the Legion, Invermere.

Traditional Jiggs dinner. Call Patricia for tickets: 250347-9341.

• 6:30 p.m.: La Cabina New Year’s at the Prestige Inn. Snacks, party favours, fireworks and champagne.

• 6:30 p.m.: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort New Year’s Eve Gala. Cocktails and buffet dinner. Entertainment

by Ray ‘The Hatman’, party favours and champagne at midnight. Casual elegant dress. For ages 16 years and older. $59 per person. Advance tickets required, available from the Resort Lodge Front Desk. Call 1800-663-4979.

• 7 p.m.: Horsethief Creek Pub and Eatery New Year’s Dinner and entertainment, party favours and champagne at midnight.

• 9 p.m.-4 a.m.: Moulin Rouge New Year’s Eve party at Bud’s Bar and Lounge. Comedy Theatre, Burlesque Show and Magician followed by DJs at 11:30 p.m..

• 9 p.m. New Year’s Eve Frolic at the Brisco & District Community Hall. Tickets available from Brisco General Store.

• 9 p.m.: Panorama Mountain Village Annual Torch Light Parade and Fireworks • 9:30 p.m.-3 a.m. New Year’s Eve Party at Bear’s Paw Lounge in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lodge.

Entertainment by Dana Honey. Cash bar.

Friday, December 26th: Toby Theatre • 7:30 p.m.: Dec. 26-27 & 29-30: High School Musical 3 – Senior Year • Closed: Dec. 28, 31 & Jan. 1 • 7:30 p.m.: Jan. 2 & 3: Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Holiday hours Invermere Public Library Open: Dec. 30 & Jan. 2 Closed: Dec. 26-29 & Jan. 1 Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Public skating schedule, $2 per person Dec. 27-29: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Dec. 30: 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Jan. 2: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.

Jan. 4: 5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

• 9 a.m.-5 p.m.: Greywolf Nordic Centre Opening.

• 10:30 a.m. Snow Snake Hunt at Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Hill. Snow snakes will be hiding on the Ski Hill. Find a snake and turn it in for a prize! Free for those with a lift ticket.

•11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Fairmont Winter Olympics at the Ski Hill. Fun day of Olympic activities at the Ski Hill. 11 a.m.-noon: 3-Legged Snowshoe Race. 12 p.m.: Sled Building and Pulling Race. 2-3 p.m.: Blindfolded Snowman Building. 3-4 p.m.: Winter Scavenger Hunt.

Saturday, December 27th: • Winter Wonderland Family Fun: The Great Hall at Panorama Mountain Village is transformed into a Winter Wonderland of bouncy castles and roaming entertainers.

Tuesday, December 30th: Columbia Valley Pioneer Newspaper Office closed until Sunday, Dec. 28 and New Year’s Day Open Dec. 29-31, Jan. 2 For info: 250-341-6299.

• 7 p.m.: Syndicate Rail Jam. First Rail Jam of the season at Panorama Mountain Village, watch pros and visiting riders compete.

Invermere Thrift Store Closed: Dec. 20-Jan. 7 Re-opens: Jan. 8

• New Year’s Eve Family Dinner at Panorama Mountain Village. Face painting, family-style dinner buffet and performance by juggler and comedian, Paul Isaak.

• New Year’s Eve at The Wildfire Grill, Panorama.

• Snow Ball New Year’s Eve Party in the T-Bar. Live music by Once Just. Dress in white!

• St. Eugene Golf, Resort & Casino King Size New Year’s Eve Celebration. New Year’s Eve deluxe package and Casino of the Rockies package available. Cash prizes, dinner and entertainment. For info: 250-4172772 or visit: www.steugene.ca.

• New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner at Grey’s Restaurant, Panorama.

Invermere Post Office Dec. 27: 8:30 a.m.-noon Dec. 31: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Jan. 1: Closed Rotary Club of Invermere Jan. 3: Christmas tree pick-up Radium Hot Springs Pools Dec. 26-Jan. 4: 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Wednesday, December 31st:

Friday, January 9th-Sunday, January 11th: • The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing Level 1 course will be held at Panorama. Please confirm your spot by paying the $50 course fee by January 3rd at either Spring Health Foods or the School of Skiing desk (Attention Heather) at Panorama. For information, call Catrien at 250-341-5125.

Saturday, January 24th: • Nipika Loppet at Nipika Mountain Resort. Nipika will be providing local skiers with another quality event for the classic technique skier. For more information, visit www.zone4.ca.

Saturday, January 24th-Sunday, January 25th: • On-the-Lake Bonspiel, Invermere

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

The roots of valley farming

By Alison Bell, Invermere This is an excerpt from my thesis for my Master of Arts in Gastronomy about the history of the Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruitlands Company.

I am indebted to the valley residents who helped me in my research. In particular, I felt very fortunate to have learned so much from Jaryl McIsaac. She really was the one who got me interested in the story of Bruce and the company, and this eventually led to my thesis project.

Mrs. McIsaac, a devoted mainstay of the Windermere District Historical Society, died earlier this year.

looking for a new life in a new land a century ago.

Therefore, it is this documented history that has provided the backbone of my research. What follows is a brief portrait of the man credited with establishing agriculture in what is now Invermere and the efforts he made to realize his dream.

Robert Randolph Bruce and the temptation of the apple

Scotsman Robert Randolph Bruce’s arrival in the Windermere Valley was destined to change the face of the area forever with his establishment of the Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruitlands Company, an operation integral to The Windermere Valley had a the development of agriculture in thriving agricultural community the valley. Tales of this venture have less than 100 years ago with successtaken a prominent place in local ful market gardens, dairy farms and folklore. prosperous cattle ranching. Sadly, the Depending on the lineage of majority of the people who live in the those who recount the story of the area today have little knowledge of the company, Bruce’s endeavours are valley’s agricultural roots. viewed as either a boon or a terrible Those that do have some historical burden. perspective on the area are most likely A well-known local legend claims familiar with a checkered version of histhat British settlers were tricked into tory that includes a so-called wily British coming to the valley with dubious proland speculator and the settlers that folmotional tactics. According to many, the lowed his heed to take up residence in this promoters for the company tied apples to idyllic valley. the branches of willow trees and then featured Delving into the history of agriculture in the pictures of these “prolific” orchards in their Windermere Valley paints brochures to lure settlers a very interesting picture to the valley. indeed of life in the early Early in my research part of the last century. at the Windermere Valley What is absent from the Museum, I confessed to historical documents I local historian Jaryl Mcstudied, however, is any Isaac that I was intrigued discussion of the indigby this legend and wanted enous food supply that to learn more. I had heard existed here pre-contact, a the story often since movsad fact of the dominant ing here in 1994 and was histories of areas of the amazed by the indignaworld that have been colotion that arose in those nized by Europeans. telling the tale.

While there is physical Mrs. McIsaac, who evidence of the hunting was a former curator of and gathering practices of the museum, maintained the Kutenai and Shuswap that this version of the peoples, a vibrant oral hisvalley’s agricultural history, and the existence of tory, while not clearly an abundance of indigproven, came to be the enous food plants in the bane of its existence and valley, the history of the she felt strongly that area is centred around the Bruce’s intentions were Top: Robert Randolph Bruce cut a dashing figure in his kilt; bottom: workers at the experimental farm in lives of the first wave of honourable.

European settlers who were Invermere grew a variety of vegetables and fruit such as apples, pears, plums and currants.

Continued on Page 15…

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

December 26, 2008 Continued from Page 15…

I must confess that through my research, I came to see Bruce, not as a “shady developer” as he would now be called, but as a person with a vision of a thriving, self-sufficient and cohesive community in a picturesque valley. Now when I hear talk of the Columbia Valley Irrigated Fruitlands Company, I find myself jumping to his defence, noting that regardless of how Bruce has come to be viewed by some in the Windermere Valley, his efforts led to a substantial migration of farmers and settlers to the valley from Britain in the years leading up to the First World War.

farming, and were more accustomed to a genteel life that included cooks and butlers. To his credit, Bruce realized that some form of farming education would have to be made available in order for the community to thrive. The result of this realization was the establishment of an experimental farm.

The Experimental Farm, Invermere

Bruce provided assistance to the settlers who had purchased land from his company by working to secure a government experimental farm around 1912, one of only three in the province of British Columbia, the other two being in Agassiz and Sydney. Settlers were able to visit the farm and receive guidance from the superintendent. A 1915 governmental publication entitled Experimental Farms of the Dominion of Canada lists 73 apple varieties, eight pears, 14 plums, 24 different varieties of white, red and black currants, 40 varieties of potatoes and numerous other fruits and vegetables that were planted at the farm in Invermere. Mr. Parham, the superintendent during that period, recorded that “marrows, cabbages, beans, The Columbia Valley and peas were most lucrative crops” in the growing Irrigated Fruitlands season of 1913.

Interviews with community elders uncovered Bruce saw the enormous value, many stories about the importance of the Invermere both for agriculture and for atExperimental Farm that operated until the late tracting settlers, that existed in the 1930s. Many recall the great variety of vegetables and Windermere Valley. Orchards were fruits grown at the Invermere Experimental Farm. becoming a source of wealth across Rancher Filmore Coy remembers the chickBritish Columbia in the early 1900s ens, turkeys and geese that were kept at the farm’s and many around the province who poultry station. Joe Fuller, whose father Hugh was were once involved in mining began to known locally for his champion certified seed shift gears towards a life of “orcharding.” potatoes in the early 1900s, remembers well the With the purchase of 40,000 acres of Invermere Experimental Farm and how many in land from the Canadian Pacific Railway the community relied upon its information. Acin 1908, Bruce set about to create an idylcording to Joe, “if a tree (grown at the Experilic settlement for those who were lookmental Farm) was able to withstand the local ing to escape the “industrial and political soil, growing season and weather, then it would unrest in Great Britain.” be planted around the valley.”

Because the land that Bruce had purMany of the fruit tree varieties that chased was comprised mostly of bench-lands, were introduced to the valley through the with little water, he recognized the need for Invermere Experimental Farm are still bearan extensive irrigation system that, in his ing fruit today. Clearly, words, “would run along the Invermere Experimenthe base of the mountal Farm provided invalutains and shed water over able agricultural support thousands of acres.” But to the people of the valley. for this pastoral vision Randolph Bruce’s to become reality, the intentions to form a company, with Bruce as a community on the shores principal partner, would of Lake Windermere in have to see the construc1911 may be viewed as tion of irrigation flumes. dubious and self-servCompletion of the ing to some, but with flumes, some of which the establishment of are still in use today, bethe Experimental Farm gan and by 1911, 15,000 and his emphasis on the acres of the area were importance of agriculture, irrigated.

I would argue that Bruce A campaign to attract should be remembered, settlers was undertaken in not as “that shady specuBritain and with promises lator who tied apples to of “prosperous orchards trees,” but as a man who and happy homes made knew what a commupossible with life-giving nity needed to survive, a water,” approximately source of locally-produced ninety families immifood. Randolph Bruce: grated to the valley. Many a “locavore” ahead of his of these families had little, Top: an early brochure enticed folks from Britain to try their luck at growing orchards in the valley; bottom: farm superintendent Mr. Parham, seated with his wife in front of the home that still stands on 13th Avenue, Invermere. time! if any experience with

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

December 26, 2008

Snow Scene: Nordic skiing has evolved over the years Submitted by Joe Hildes Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club Today’s Snow Quiz question is: So what the heck is Nordic skiing all about?

Hands up everyone who first thought of stomping through a snowy trail deep in the bush with very long, skinny skis, wearing woolly knickers, and carrying a packed lunch in a knapsack.

Anyone for an image of recent Canadian Olympians Beckie Scott or Chandra Crawford hoisting their racing skis, carbon fibre poles, and gold medals, after beating back the rest of the world in races that feature high-speed down hills, blow-out crashes on tight corners and finishes determined by mere fractions of a second?

That’s right: the cross-country skiing of your parent’s era has evolved from pine tar wooden bases and bamboo poles, to now include the latest in composite graphite and carbon fibre gear, colourful lycra, highspeed courses, and lots of sizzle.

The new technology in equipment (shorter, more responsive skis; lighter, stiffer poles; boots with far more support, but much less weight), as well as ski area operators spending more time and attention to grooming trails, has allowed skiers of all abilities to enjoy much better glide and performance, and enjoyment in the sport.

The new breed of Nordic skier includes athletes from casual joggers to marathoners, hardcore mountain bikers as well as roadies, and anyone who can skate can catch onto skiing very quickly. In fact a whole new technique of “skate skiing” has developed and is gaining rapid popularity in cross-country, which brings a skating movement on skis that allows long gliding and no sticky waxes to fuss with.

The traditional “classic” style is still also very popular, and involves a little bit more of the science/magic of “kick” waxes that allow skiers to propel themselves forward in that long striding motion most people

think of when they imagine traditional cross-country skiing.

While Nordic skiing is now much more than just a walk in the snowy woods, it is still an activity enjoyed by folks looking for a quiet outing to get a full appreciation of our Canadian winters.

In fact, there is something very universally Canadian about a sport/activity that can be enjoyed in every province and territory three or four months of the year, and has participation from kids aged four to the “older” kids who may have up to 70 years of experience on skis.

Here in our beautiful valley, we are lucky to have more than a few options for places to ski, including groomed and trackset areas with many kilometres of scenic trails at Greywolf Nordic at Panorama, and at Nipika Mountain Resort near Kootenay Park.

Edgewater has some tracked trails at Baptiste Lake, and some of the local golf courses have ski-ways along snow covered cart-paths when conditions permit.

Lake Windermere is also a great potential ski playground after freeze-up. There is a proposed winter ski/skate trail on the lake that will be groomed and maintained for anyone eager to take part in a great self-propelled “green” sport that is right out our doorsteps. We will be able to tour the proposed Whiteway around the north end of the lake joining Invermere, Windermere and Athalmer.

If you’re unsure on how to get started in the sport, or you are a seasoned veteran looking for some organized activities, improvement programs, or nearby races to participate in, the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club may be of interest.

This group of local enthusiastic skiers organize junior learn-to-ski (jackrabbit) programs, adult ski clinics, and a great local race held every year at the beginning of February, now in its 15th year.

For more information about upcoming events and programs, as well as local ski area snow reports and trail conditions, visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca.

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December 26, 2008

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

December 26, 2008

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Delta Air Lines made its first flight into the airport on Wednesday, December 17th, before a pleased crowd. Visit www. delta.com for schedules and ticket prices.

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

YOUR MONEY

B.C. Finance Minister offers reassurance about province’s economy

By Colin Hansen Minister of Finance These are difficult economic times. People are worried about their jobs and the value of their retirement savings and their homes. No matter where you live in B.C., you’ve probably felt the impact of what’s happening in the global economy.

British Columbia is not immune from the economic crisis. But there are things we can do to help ease its impact. Through careful management, our province is in far better shape to deal with this crisis than most other places in North America.

Over the past seven years, we have laid the groundwork for dealing with the current financial crisis.

We’ve done so through prudent and responsible fiscal management of your tax dollars.

Our careful budget management has allowed us to improve social programs, reduce the debt and cut taxes more than 100 times since 2001.

As a result, our province currently enjoys a tripleA credit rating, one of the best in the world. We’ve

delivered five balanced budgets and led the nation in job creation for the past five years with an unemployment rate that’s still near a 40-year low.

In October, Premier Gordon Campbell announced measures to further strengthen our economy and help British Columbians.

These include accelerated tax cuts and relief for both individuals and businesses. They include a financial hardship property tax deferment program for homeowners. And there is now unlimited deposit protection for credit union members and protection of RRSPs from creditors.

Also, for those 75 percent of British Columbians who are currently without a company pension plan, the government will spearhead a privately-financed, defined contribution plan that creates a viable pension option for those who want to participate.

These are measures that will provide added security for British Columbians.

On December 5th, I met with 11 of Canada’s most respected economists. The general view is that the 2010 Olympic Games are perfectly timed to boost our economy. Now just over 400 days away, the Games will bring an estimated $4 billion in new economic opportunities for B.C. companies.

The Vancouver 2010 Organizing Committee is

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So my message to British Columbians over this holiday season is to be confident about your economic future. Although we face challenges in the near term, we’re exceptionally well-positioned to meet them.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

December 26, 2008

Why Jumbo deserve attention Dear Editor: Recently in a letter published in the paper, Calvin Nickel wonders why Jumbo is getting so much attention when it covers such a small part of the mountains and there are other existing structures and activities in this area. Why should we worry when the proposed resort would be in what he claims to be a small “culde-sac” in the relatively tiny Purcell mountain range”?

This is why.

This area is prime grizzly country. Recent studies done by biologist Dr. Michael Proctor show that the grizzly population is much smaller than previous studies show and is in fact close to reaching the threshold of a species at risk. Since these latest studies are based on actual bear surveys using a DNA-based method that is standard across North America, they must be taken seriously.

In addition, a development in this alpine valley would block the corridors and restrict the movement that such large mammals need in order to survive. The year-round activity of the resort would also challenge the viability of a grizzly population in the Purcells. The presence of this awe-inspiring animal is vital to the overall health of the animal population and adds to the uniqueness of our natural habitats. From an airplane, the area of the debated resort may look tiny, but a development in this alpine valley would have an enormous consequence to the wildlife in the Purcells.

Mr. Nickel reasons that Jumbo Valley is not as pristine as some other valleys in our mountains and heli-skiing is already done in the Dome and Farnham Glaciers. All true, however this activity is provided by a small local company, and there are no permanent fixtures such as lifts, gondolas or trams. It is used only during the winter, not year-round as proposed by the Glacier Resort, which is more interested in selling real estate than in providing a service already in place.

The Edgewater resident continues to reason that there are other lodges already built north of Jumbo Valley, such as the Bugaboo Lodge. The Bugaboo Lodge was built in 1968, to facilitate heli-skiing in the area.

After so many years, it is still a small lodge with a total of 35 rooms. Such small back-country lodges provide visitors with low impact activities in the mountains.

Jumbo Glacier Resort proposes over 6,500 units, including a hotel, condos, private residences and other amenities such as stores and restaurants. These two can hardly be compared.

We can accept the existence of small lodges and low impact sports that provide activities for the enjoyment and appreciation of the mountains, but we can’t overlook the development of a resort that would have such a substantial negative impact on the health of our wildlife and natural habitats.

Jumbo deserves all our attention.

Nory Esteban, Invermere

Thanks for the winter apparel!

Dear Editor: Once again our community has amazed us with its generosity. This has been our fourth year running the coats for kids/families. We considered not doing it this year due to lack of space and volunteers. We also wondered if there was still a need for warm clothing for valley people. We decided to try for one last year because we knew extra coats would be sent to a much-needing Calgary. We started a week before Halloween, and our last day was December 11th.

We solved the problem by making space for coats in our business, therefore, with more hours for distribution. With fewer drop-off boxes we managed to do it all ourselves with help from Bev Deck.

We got hundreds of wonderful coats, a great assortment of sizes, many gloves, and some nice person knitted numerous hats and scarves. We kept a fairly good count and we gave out over 150 coats to needy families and numerous other winter apparel to suit them up completely. The extra items were boxed up and John Fitzsimmons (Fitz Flooring) kindly delivered them to Dolores Fitzsimmons in Calgary.

She sorted and delivered to many outlets in Calgary – Inn from the Cold, Drop in Centre, The Mustard Seed, just to mention a few. The valley has definitely warmed many hearts this season. Thank you to all who contributed. We wish you all a warm Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

The Saunders, Mom’s Upholstery

NOTICE 250-342-6901 Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!

When was the last time you reviewed your Life Insurance Portfolio?

I

n our ever changing world it is important that your insurance is reviewed constantly to ensure that it is the best and most appropriate coverage available.

As one of the valley’s only truly independent Life Insurance brokers, I have access to most of the major

carriers and can help you to ensure that you have the best products to suit your needs.

For a complimentary review and to see if we can lower your cost or improve the quality of your existing coverage call me at 250-342-5052 or just stop in to the Manulife Securities office and ask to see Jason.

Jason Elford

Certified Financial Planner, Insurance Advisor Suite 2, 526 13th Avenue, Invermere, BC.

Phone: 250-342-5052

NEWFIE NEW YEARS December 31st at 6:00 pm Royal Canadian Legion Invermere

TRADITIONAL JIGGS DINNER Tickets $20 per person Available at Legion Branch 71 or call Patricia at 250-347-9341

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

WISH YOU WERE HERE – These lucky travellers submitted their entries just in time to be eligible to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and a one-night stay at a Calgary hotel from our friendly and efficient local travel agency, Travel World in Invermere.

Clockwise from top left: Mr. and Mrs. A Turner and Mr. and Mrs. T Riches

in Hawaii, Kathy McNeil at the Grand Canyon; Kerry Colonna, Al Mullin, Kerry Colonna and Nancy Mullin in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Mildred Van’t Padje and her son Emmanuel with a pirate in Cancun, Mexico; Jessica Hromadnik, Madison Hromadnik, Melissa Kashuba and Garrett Kashuba on vacation with their families in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

December 26, 2008

Clockwise from top left: Andy Stuart-Hill on the Amazon jungle trail in Peru; Greg and Diane Lapointe on their honeymoon at Chichen Itza, Mexico; Leland and Brandon Davidson in Cancun with a rare black-andwhite copy of The Pioneer (actually, they downloaded it from their hotel’s computer), and Braden and Brooklynne Agnew in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico.

BOXING DAZE AT DOOR CRASHERS Girls Oxygen Hoodies

$

999

The Mercantile • 1046B 12th Street, Invermere (Behind Dave’s Book Bar)

CLUB HOUSE GOLF SHOP

Open 7 Days a Week! HDTV Spectacular New Years Eve Offering!

Call for details!

Open Friday – Sunday or by appointment.

• Gift Certificates • Men’s & Women’s Apparel • Footwear • Accessories • Golf Clubs • New Arrivals ~ Burberry Scarves! • FREE Gift Wrapping

Experience Service Beyond™

Dining 250-342-6560 • Golf 250-342-0562 www.eagleranchresort.com • Toll Free (877) 877-3889

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

Ryan Bavin, Don Vockeroth, Beva Kirk, Kim Kitching, Brad Kitching, Lyle Wilson, Penny Powers and Diane Wilson at Silver Star Resort near Vernon.

Be among the very first to stake a claim in Canada’s only Master-Planned Ranch community, located five minutes north of Radium Hot Springs BC, at the foot of the rugged Rocky Mountains.

Qibtf!2!Qsfnjfsf!Ipnftjuft!tubsujoh!gspn!%2:1Öt/ Fydmvtjwf!Sbodi!Qbsdfmt!gspn!47!.!591!bdsft +/ Tbmft!Dfousf!Opx!Pqfo!)5:41!Ixz!:4!bdsptt!gspn!Qfusp.Dbobeb* Dbmm!2.988.458.7949!ps!Wjtju!xxx/FmlQbslSbodi/dpn * Prices upon Request. Offered exclusively by Schickedanz West.

December 26, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

Ph: (250) 342-0707

e-mail: klein@nucleus.com • www.tepapanui.com Invermere Industrial Park (just off the road to Panorama)

Where casual fine dining embraces old world Japanese traditions.

no

w

op

en

dream big eat fish Open 5.00pm Tuesday-Sunday Located at Greywolf Golf Course Panorama BC

250.270.0248 Every Thursday - 15% off for Panorama Employees (food only)

You could win dinner for 2 ..just answer this question on our web site.

Which grain is Sake made from?

Submit your a n s w e r a t f u b u k i s u s h i . c o m / c o n t e s t Top: Chris and Bronson Gregor of Windermere, about 100 kilometres northeast of Bratislava, Slovakia; centre: Christine Keshen and Mike DuBois on top of Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa; bottom: Weston and Cole Hatt, Micheal and Christopher Ridge at Silverwood Theme Park in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Winners drawn January 31, 2009

:: menu and details at fubukisushi.com ::

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

Far left: Glen and Debbie Casey, with Jason, Jodi, Cohen and Reece Lawrick on the Mayan Riviera in Mexico. Above: Bob, Alyssa, Rita and Brianne Walker in Sitka, Alaska. Left: Skip and Connie Watson on safari at Amboseli Porini Camp, Kenya.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

December 26, 2008

From top left, clockwise: Kirk and Benita Van Son in Varadero, Cuba; Eric and Margaret Rasmussen with son Reid and daughter-inlaw Heidi Rasmussen in Chichen Itza, Mexico; Sebastian and Jill Bell at Leeds Castle, Kent, England; and Sylbe Wunderlich in Germany.

Open air eleven foot tall ceilings and ten foot tall windows—Borrego Ridge was designed to showcase your lifestyle while highlighting the natural beauty of the area. Choose from a villa or townhome, to fullfill your recreational mountain home dream.

Register on-line at www.borrego-radium.com Visit Borrego Ridge Centre in Radium Hot Springs 1-250-342-5889 or 1-877-733-7932

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

4896 Schick ad 2.indd 1

B.C.

schickedanzwest.com

This is not a offering for sale. An offering for sale can only be made by disclosure statement.

8/13/07 8:47:30 AM

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU Immaculate Homes

H O M E S

250-342-5832

• Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration NEW Duct Cleaning Service Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

NEED IT PAINTED? NO PROBLEM! We Paint it all ~ Residential & Commercial

• FREE Estimates • Locally Owned • Journeyman on every site

• Reasonable Pricing • Seniors Discounts

Kari & John Mason

780.970.7040 250.270.0821

Commercial and Residential Installation - Maintenance - Repairs Darren Ross

250-341-POOL (7665)

250-341-SPAS (7727)

8931 Hwy 93/95 RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2 poolman-911@hotmail.com

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

• Residential • Commercial • Jesse Vader – Ken Johnson Call:

250.349.5564

Gary Hogarth

Need Blinds?

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basement Development • Additions (Start to Finish) • Excavating also available.

window fashions

Interior World

Renovation Specialist at Large

4999 Eagle Brook Court • Riverside Golf Resort 250-345-9113 • Cell: 250-270-0058

• All Grading • Under Slab work • Mini Track Hoe

D&D POOLS and SPAS Duane Huether

Chalet Painting Contractors Call Now! 250-347-9315

• Snow Removal & Sanding • Trucking • Piles & Posts

250-342-1657

Fullyy Insured

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

LAMBERT-KIPP

JZ

ng & Ltd. i t n i Pa ting a r o c De

Jay Gebara Co-Owner

PHARMACY LTD. FURNITURE QUALITY BY FURNITURE BUILDERS Contact Dale Elliott • 250-341-7098 www.kekulibaycabinetry.com

J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm 1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dean Hubman

Certified Technician

342-3052

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

PO Box 767, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

342-6612 • • • • • •

Commercial Residential Renovations Firestop Attic Upgrades Parkade Spray

Rob Smith • 250-342-5011 • 250-341-7272 • 1-866-513-9626 • www.frictioninsulation.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

December 26, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU Radermacher Chiropractic & Massage Dr. Margaret Radermacher, DC Chiropractor Gary Boyd Make Your Day Massage

Adrienne Yeardye, D.I. Hom. Classical Homeopathist

Phone: 250-342-8830

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

250-342-5047 1-888-357-4449

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

• New Roof • Re-Roof • Service and Inspections • Insured Servicing the Invermere and surrounding areas.

Cell: 250-342-1622 • Fax: 250-342-3799 Email: jrsadler@shaw.ca

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

HOUSE CHECKING

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948

• Beverage Re-Stocking • Kitchen Re-Stocking • Clean-up • Handyman Chores • Complications • Details

pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

Quality Hand-crafted Steel • Structural Steel • Welding • Fabricating & Machining • Custom railings and ornamental iron #117 Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-9926 • Fax 250-341-3956 e-mail: txn@telus.net

Lambert

250.342.4426 Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & Flooring Residential & Commercial Interiors Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer For appointment call

(403) 861-8782

next to Skookum Inn

brenda@soledecornmore.com

Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork Structural Balance

H E L L E R W O RK Jean-Luc Cortat Certified Hellerwork Practitioner @ Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 342-2535

1484 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC V0B 2L1

RV • Truck • Car Wash Open 7 days a week

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 342-3031 PHONE: 347-9350 FAX: 342-6945 FAX: 347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

Cell: 250.341.7227 Toll Free: 1.877.342.4426 Fax: 250.342.4427 redeye48@shawbiz.ca

250-342-0450

Excellent Security Measure Make it look like you’re home Kirk & Karen Davis Invermere BC Local and Residential Only. when you’re not!

Lube Shop open Monday to Saturday RV Supplies open Monday to Saturday Sani-Dump

Phone 250-342-8774 1361 Industrial Rd. #4 Invermere, BC

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

342-3268 (plant) 342-6767 (office)

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU NEW

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • Complete sewer/drain repair • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years • Avoid costly repairs

• POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQ’S • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmere, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

HAPPY FEET

Specializing in Pedicures & Massage

CLUB TOWING

DCS Plumbing & Heating

)&"7: "/% -*()5 508*/( "/% 3&$07&3: :FBST 4FSWJOH UIF 7BMMFZ

Ask about Pedicure Parties 250-347-2244 shonese_hogarth@yahoo.com

24 hour emergency service

341-8501

Senior Discount

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd.

Shonese Hogarth Licensed Hairstylist Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist

• Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

Phone: 342-6610 • 507A - 7th Ave., Invermere

(250) 347-9726

Serving Invermere and the Columbia Valley

250.341.5889

250.688.3334

“TEMPORARY WORK AGENCY�

The Columbia Valley’s Manpower Solution Centre #7 – 1008, 8th Avenue, Invermere (right next to the Pioneer)

250-342-3478

HEAT PUMPS Sales and Service

Call today 250.342.1167 • Locally Owned and Operated • Guaranteed Workmanship • Free Estimates Our Specialties‌

• Paving • Patching • Seal Coating • Saw Cutting • Grading • Site Prep • Road Building • Power Sweeping • Consulting • Project Management “Serving the Columbia Valleyâ€?

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

• Driveways • Parking Lots

CALL 250-341-5895 or 1-888-342-7284

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

December 26, 2008

Ktunaxa First Nation leader named provincial chief commissioner

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Chief Sophie Pierre of the Ktunaxa First Nation has been appointed chief commissioner of the British Columbia Treaty Commission.

Chief Pierre currently represents the members of the Ktunaxa Nation, including the Akisqnuk band near Windermere.

Born in Cranbrook, Chief Pierre was the elected chief of the St. Mary’s Indian Band for 20 years. She received the Order of British Columbia in 2002 and, in 2003, she received the National Aboriginal Achievement Award.

“Chief Sophie Pierre has shown strong and consis-

tent leadership, not only in her community, but in our province and at the treaty table,” said Chuck Strahl, federal Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

Grand Chief Edward John of the First Nations Summit political executive agreed that Chief Pierre’s efforts are honourable.

“Chief Pierre is a highly-regarded First Nations leader who has worked tirelessly to create improved opportunities for First Nations people in her community as well as across Canada,” Grand Chief John said.

“We are confident she will be effective in her new role, providing clear and decisive leadership and strengthening the renewal of the negotiation of fair, just and honourable agreements in B.C.”

The Treaty Commission has had acting chief commissioners since 2007, when Grand Chief Steven Point stepped down.

Now, Chief Pierre’s experience makes her the best person for the job, according to B.C. Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation, Michael de Jong.

“Appointing the right person is essential to ensure that the Treaty Commission works in an effective manner,” Mr. de Jong said. “We are confident that Sophie Pierre has the experience, knowledge and energy to bring to the role and I firmly believe that she is the right person to guide the commission forward in the important task of advancing negotiations and facilitating fair and durable treaties.”

HERE TO SERVE YOU We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

Fine Homeservices Sales • Services • Repairs Phone: 250-342-9207

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

LICENSED

250-341-5096

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug Installed Basements Dug

WINDERMERE 342-6805 red

e

ns

e Lic

• Topsoil • Sand • Gravel VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

d&

u Ins

Your Secret Weapon for Quality Construction Construction Supervisor

Maxime Perrin Tel: 250.688.3232 Fax: 250.347.6031

Call NOW:

688-0213

• Carpets dry in about 1 hour!

• 100% guaranteed!

• Low Moisture • No Steam • No Sticky Residue • Upholstery • Area Rugs • Wood & Tile Floors • Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates See more online at www.heavensbest.ca

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Auto • Home • Commercial • Mirrors • Shower Doors • 27 years glass experience Jeff Watson

Telephone: 342-3659

Serving the Valley for over 11 years • #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

Margrit Thierbach loves ‘her’ valley

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff After 26 years of service to the Columbia Valley, Edgewater resident Margrit Thierbach is stepping down from her volunteer work with the Regional District of East Kootenay to enjoy her retirement.

Margrit, aged 71 years, began her legacy with the regional district in 1981 when she was chosen as the Director of Area G, a position she held for 15 years.

She was then appointed to the Advisory Planning Committee, a 11-person committee that assists the regional directors with issues including applications for land use.

Although she will be missed, Margrit made a difference.

“What I remember most clearly, besides her warm smile and caring attitude, was the almost ferocious way she would attack the budget process; always wanting to ensure that property taxes and fees were held at reasonable levels,” said Lee-Ann Crane, Chief Administrative Officer with the Regional District of East Kootenay.

Margrit was highly-respected among her colleagues and constituents for her dedication and knowledge of local issues.

“She had no political ambitions other than to represent Edgewater and the rest of Area G well, and for Margrit, ‘well’ meant keeping costs to a minimum while attracting good staff and treating them with respect,” said Greg Deck, the former mayor of Radium Hot Springs, who has worked with Margrit since the village’s incorporation 18 years ago.

Although she had a reputation of being a no-nonsense woman who always stood her ground, Margrit was also known for being approachable and making people laugh.

“She could be very humorous at times and easily deflate arguments,” said Klara Trescher of Brisco, who succeeded Margrit as Director for Area G in 1996.

Margrit was born in Germany just before the Second World War began. By the time she was a teenager, post-war Germany was in a state of social unrest.

The east and west sides of the country

Margrit Thierbach and husband George of Edgewater. were ideologically divided.

One of eight daughters, Margrit was just 15 years old when her parents decided that she and her twin sisters should follow in their older sister Berta’s footsteps and make their way to Canada.

“Really it was our parents that decided we would come to Canada and at that time as a 15-year-old, you did not disagree with your parents,” Margrit said. “They felt Canada was the future and the best country in the world.”

Margrit, her sister Alle and her twin sister Betty fled East Germany to West Berlin on June 15, 1953 – leaving behind their parents and remaining four sisters.

“You never thought you would come back and see your parents again,” Margrit said.

As soon as the girls crossed the border into West Berlin, they were labelled refugees and spent the next month in a

refugee camp.

From there they moved on to West Germany, where they stayed with another sister until they had made arrangements to travel to Canada. As the young girls boarded the ship, they were already frightened and homesick.

“You were worried about yourself and the family that was left behind,” she said.

Their voyage across the Atlantic lasted two weeks, but they finally arrived in Quebec and took their first steps onto Canadian soil.

From Quebec, they took the train across the prairies and finally arrived in Edmonton, where they joined Berta, who had moved from Germany two years earlier.

Margrit lived in Edmonton for ten years. She made her living waiting tables and working other odd jobs.

But in 1959, her life changed forever when she took a trip to Radium

to visit Berta, now Berta Hellmer, who had moved to Radium a year earlier after purchasing the Flamingo Motel.

It was in Radium she met the love of her life, George Thierbach, who also hailed from Germany.

In 1961, George and Margrit were married in Edmonton. Two years after their marriage, the couple moved to Edgewater, where they constructed their home, a modest four-bedroom bungalow, the same home they live in today.

There the Thierbachs raised three children: George Jr., a selfemployed electrician who now resides in Edgewater with his wife Carolyn and two children – Tony, 14, and George, 12; Richard, a teacher who lives in Victoria with his wife Christy and two children – Thomas, 13, and Geneyieye, 10; and Doris Thraytula, a self-employed accountant who lives in Harrogate.

The family has been to Germany many times to visit the family they left behind.

Margrit has been involved in local politics since she first arrived here. Not only was she an avid representative at the regional district, but she also lent her name to the Edgewater Improvement District, a committee that looks after the water system in Edgewater; and The Edgewater Utility Commission, that works by advising the regional director about issues regarding the water, sewer and the community itself.

Margrit’s love for politics can only be explained in one way.

“I care about what goes on in my Columbia Valley,” she said.

Now that she is officially retired, Margrit still keeps busy. She is the president of the Seniors Association in Edgewater, but is looking forward to spending time with George, who is also retired from his logging company, Thierbach Contracting.

“To me this country is the best country in the world,” Margrit said.

“It was an honor to be elected by the people on the Regional District of East Kootenay and I truly enjoyed it.

“A majority of people don’t know how lucky we are to live in a place like this.”

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

December 26, 2008

Copper Creek Electric opens retail store

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Ray Reamsbottom has always been an entrepreneur.

That is why it was a no-brainer for the founder of Copper Creek Electric to expand his business to include a retail store in his new Athalmer location. “I always thought this should be a retail space,� he stated simply.

Boasting one of the widest inventories in the East Kootenays, Copper Creek Electric sells a variety of electrical supplies, “things you can’t buy at the hardware,� Ray said.

Being an electrician himself, Ray also carries specialty items for certified electricians and those do-ityourselfers who can perform small electrical jobs on their own. “Homeowners can come and get the material they need to do their own projects,� he said.

Ray grew up in the valley and began his career as an electrician in 1982.

He took his apprenticeship at Deck Electric 16 years ago and worked there for many years.

Ray was employed as a journeyman at Deck Electric until February 2007, just one year before the business closed its doors in June 2008.

A retail outlet was a logical step for Ray Reamsbottom.

Always the entrepreneur, Ray incorporated his own business as Copper Creek Electric in May 2007.

The company, originally based in the garage of his Invermere home, does a variety of electrical contracting, including industrial, commercial and civil work.

It also offers consulting and management services, automation and WiFi solutions, and has the equipment to detect underground lines – one of the only

companies capable of doing so in the area.

The company has six employees during the winter, but in summer the number of staff increases to more than 10, including several apprentices.

Although he admits he is still learning the tricks of the trade when it comes to store-keeping, Ray is very excited about his new venture. “It has been very well-received by the community,� he added.

The location, he said, has a lot to do with it. “When Deck Electric closed their doors I thought, ‘Well, this is a good spot.’ It had been here for 20some years and a lot of people know this spot as an electrical company – so I thought it was a good idea to move here.�

Throughout the years, Ray has lent his hand to many areas of the business sector, but always comes back to being an electrician, a move he can only explain in one way – it is in his heart.

Ray is already looking for ways to expand his new venture and is hoping to offer products online in the future.

Copper Creek Electric is located at 109 Industrial Road 2 in Athalmer.

For more information, call Ray at 250-342-8790 or 250-341-5380.

Your Local Professionals TEAMRAVEN.ca

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd.

Paul: (250) 341-5300 paul@rockymtnrealty.com

Strata, Rental & Commercial Property Management

Sean: (250) 341-5445 sean@rockymtnrealty.com

Invermere Offi ffice – 526B – 13th Street Fairmont Offi ffice – #4, Fairmont Village Mall PAUL ROGGEMAN

Phone (250) 345-4000 • www.rockymtnrealty.com

SEAN ROGGEMAN

w w w. r o g g e m a n . c a

For professional management of your strata corporation or rental property, overseen by a Certiďƒžďƒžed Property ManagerÂŽ, please contact Bill Weissig CPMÂŽ, RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES. Our property managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive qualiďƒžďƒžcations and experience, please visit our web site at http://www.mountaincreek.ca.

Phone: 250-341-6003

Email: bweissig@mountaincreek.ca

Paul Glassford Sales Consultant $FMM t

Daniel Zurgilgen www.maxwelldaniel.com

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Glenn Pomeroy glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds announcement

found

COMMERCIAL SPACE

SUITE FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

Christmas Tree Disposal Saturday, January 3, Invermere area only.

Have trees out front of your house Friday night.

All monies from this project go to Cystic Fibrosis.

Any donations are gratefully accepted.

Trees will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner.

Sponsored by Kinsmen Club.

Found in Cranbrook, cell phone with an Invermere number. Call 250-426-2045.

Office space available February 1, 2009. Spectacular Purcell views in Radium hot Springs.

Newly renovated and upgraded, east side main street in Radium.

High exposure to the prairie traffic. Please call David to discuss, 250-347-2460 (office) or 250-342-1524 (cell).

1 bdrm walk-out basement suite, $750.00, includes utilities, cable, private entrance, W/D. Available immediately, 250342-0035.

Lakeview Meadows 3 bdrm, fully furnished unit with gorgeous mountain view, $1500/month + util. Available February 1st , heidilp2005@gmail.com

house FOR RENT

2 bdrm, 2 bath + den condo in Radium. Granite, counter tops, fireplace, hardwood floors, top floor, wrap around balcony, newly furnished, short or longterm. Call 403-861-7754.

Vehicle to be sold under the Warehousemen’s Lien Act by D. Clowers, dba Club Towing.

2005 Black Dodge SRT 4 door Vin # 1B3ES66S45D138976.

Date of Sale: January 2, 2009 Location of Sale: 455 Borden Street, Athalmer, BC (Club Towing Compound) Time of Sale: 5:01 PM Name of Debtor: D. Clowers, dba Club Towing Amount of Debt: $2,479.18

CHEERS & JEERS CHEERS: to the entire Stetsko Family, you reminded us all of what Christmas is really about.

Families like yours make us all proud of our community! Thank you.

THANK YOU The proceeds from the sale of the table-top Christmas trees for Norman Gagatek & Kimberley Munn was $500.00. We would like to thank this newspaper, Home Hardware, AGValley Foods, Lori at Sign Artists for their help, and the donor of the trees for his generosity. Also, a very special thanks to all the people who purchased a tree. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and is greatly appreciated. Thank-you everyone, and have a happy holiday season!

Sincerley; Friends of Norm & Kim

storage

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637 380-square foot garage available Jan. 1st. Great contractor location. Call Mom’s Upholstery, 250-342-0355.

COMMERCIAL SPACE Invermere: Fantastic Location!

1000 sq ft up to 3000 sq ft possible! Excellent parking, private decks facing south overlooking Lake Windermere & the Rocky Mountains.

Consultants, therapists, doctors, dentists, accountants, architects, food & bev? Many options. Contact Bonnie-Lou, 250-342-6899 or email escape@ sunsationsdayspa.com or www. sunsationsdayspa.com.

May consider compatible tenant to share space with Sunsations Day Spa! Very busy intersection, excellent location!!! Great parking! Huge private deck facing south overlooking lake Windermere & the rocky mountains! Newly renovated.

Attention: all therapists, doctors, naturopath or Chinese doctors, chiropractors, massage therapists, architects, accountants, business consultants. If you are a happy positive professional & are passionate at what you do, I may be willing to share my space with you. Contact Bonnie-Lou, 250-688-7798 or email escape@ sunsationsdayspa.com or www. sunsationsdayspa.com.

SUITE FOR RENT CONTRACTORS: Self contained cabins by the week or month.

(250) 345-6365 Fairmont Bungalows.

Affordable accommodation in Radium. $425.00 and up. Call 250-341-7022.

Invermere 2 bdrm walk out, utilities, hydro, cable TV, W/D included. Bright & very clean!

Available Feb. 1st . N/P or partiers, quiet single or working couple, $1100, long-term! 250688-7798.

Radium, 2 bdrm suite, W/D, fridge, stove and dishwasher included, $800/month + utilities, 250-342-5129 or 250341-3659.

Affordable accommodation in Invermere, $700.00 and up.

Furnished, utilities and some housekeeping/laundry service included. Call 250-342-6618.

Downtown Radium, 3 bdrm upstairs apartment, $950.00 + DD, 5 appliances. Call 250-3476420 or 250-341-1577.

Downtown Radium, unique 2 bdrm apartment, $900.00 + DD, utilities included, smoking outside. Call 250-347-6420 or 250-341-1577. Available Jan. 1st .

3 bdrm main floor suite on 13th Avenue. All appliances, fireplace, Jacuzzi, $1375.00 inclusive, 250-270-0788, available immediately.

FOR RENT Contact

250-342-5914 for seasonal or long term rentals or go online at

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Edgewater, 3 bdrm house, partly furnished, $1500/month + utilities, N/P, N/S, references, long-term. Available Feb. 1st , 250-341-8779.

Available immediately, yearround newly renovated 2 bdrm mobile home in Windermere.

4 appliances, large lot, N/P, references, 250-342-5201.

Available immediately 3 bdrm, partly furnished (if required) Fort Point family home.

Spacious, clean, only blocks to beach, park, tennis courts, and downtown. $1400/month + utilities. N/S, N/P, references, long-term available. Call 250342-3066, 250-342-3210, or 250-604-0694 (cell).

3 bdrm mobile home for rent.

Close to town, $900/month.

Call 250-342-6813.

Brand new 1200 sq. ft. house with garage, 2 bdrm, minutes to Invermere, quiet neighborhood with beautiful view. N/S, N/P, no children. References required, $900/month + utilities, 250345-2104.

condo FOR RENT 2 bdrm Invermere condo, available Jan. 1st, 250-3415534.

Canal Flats, 3 bdrm townhouse.

N/S, N/P, references, longterm, $900/month + utilities.

Available immediately, 250341-8779.

3 bdrm, 1 ½ bath, 1600 sq. ft. townhome in downtown Invermere for rent, W/garage, $1350/month.

Call 250-341-1182.

1 bdrm, fully furnished condo for long-term rental in Sable Ridge Resort, Radium. Built in 2007, the condo is fully furnished with Penthouse furniture, fully stocked with all amenities, has gourmet kitchen with 4 appliances, eating bar and dining table. Stone gas fireplace, queen bed, full bath, TV, DVD, 3rd floor patio with BBQ. Full use of hot tub, pool in summer, and club house. Underground parking and storage. To view pictures go to www.ownradium. com (gallery). Long term rental. $995/month plus phone and cable. Available in December.

Call Karen 403-283-6662.

house FOR sale

.

Professionally renovated 2 bedroom home in Canal Flats, garage, storage shed, full basement. Perfect starter or recreational home, $202,000.00.

Call 250-345-6591.

Beautiful house in Radium. Well suited for investment, vacation, or home, with legal walk-out secondary suite. 3200 sq. ft. finished interior area, 700 sq. ft. covered deck and patio, 600 sq. ft. double garage/shop.

5 bdrm, 3 full baths, 2 full kitchens, reading nook/office, media room, dining nook, open loft and 3 livingrooms. Open concept with high end wood finishing throughout. Far too many details and features to list.

A must see! $595,000.00, 250342-5159.

Private sale in Lakeview Meadows, 4827 Holland Creek Ridge Road. 5 bdrm, 3 full baths.

Open House Tuesday, December 30 1:00-3:00 p.m. Contact Glenn, 250-270-0666.

condo FOR sale The highest 1 Bdrm available at Panorama. Springs 312 offers quiet mountain views, ski-in/out and best access to pools. Asking $163,900.00.

Visit GeoffHill.ca or call Geoff, 250-341-7600. MaxWell Realty Invermere.

house FOR sale

MOBILE HOME FOR SALE

HERITAGE RANCH HOUSE, completely renovated house on 2.5 acres located outside of Windermere, in Elkhorn Country Estates, an exclusive private gated community, one of only 11 estates included in phase I. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, security system, working shutters, all services underground, all furniture included, $485,000.00. Phone Elkhorn Ranch at 250-342-0617 or 250-342-1268

2002 mobile home, 2 bdrm, 2 bath. White Tail Manufactured home Park, $125,000.00. Call 250-342-5419.

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE Adjoining C1 lots in Tretheway Beach subdivision, Windermere.

2 @ 60’ x100’, 1 @ 105’ x 100’.

Private beach, park, playground, marina and boat stall. Will sell all or part, 250-342-7111.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

December 26, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE

Misc. for Sale

Misc. for Sale

Services

Spectacular Private Gated Acreage One of only 10 prestigious 3 plus acre estate lots in this private community. On a hill with 360 degree mountain views, minutes from Windermere beach. See welist.com Invermere. 250-3425367.

Support “Rockies” Hockey. Pine, fir & poplar – dry & split. To order call 250-342-6908.

Like new GE washer and dryer, used only 2 years, $500.00 for the pair, 250-342-2274.

Top quality Hay, Alfalfa, grass mix, round bales $140/bale. Call Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

Phil’s Carpentry – Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms.

Phone 250-341-8033 cell or 250-342-8474 home. Not on valley time.

Take advantage of highly motivated seller. Lot 14 (The Cabins) Creekside Crescent, Panorama, BC. Must sell, asking $175,000. Submit your offer now! Visit GeoffHill.ca or call Geoff , 250-341-7600. MaxWell Realty Invermere.

RESORT PROPERTIES FOR SALE Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden www.adlerdevelopment.ca 250-344-8447 billy@adlerdevelopment.ca

PETS Golden Retriever/German Shepherd cross puppies require loving home. Call 250-6881157.

Salon/ Spa Equipment Sale: 3 pedestal pedicure chairs $250 ea. Adjustable aesthetics chair $200, 3 cutting capes (2 black, 1 brown) $10 ea. 3 large poster frames $20 ea. 4 hourglass shaped mirrors 4x2 ½’ $40 ea. 3 bins of perm rods (blue/yellow, orange/peach, purple) $10 ea, round adjustable stool $20. Call 250-342-1143.

1998 Dodge Neon 84,000 km, standard 5 speed, blue, 2 door, car starter, mint condition, 250342-7077, 250-270-0808.

Services

COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES are looking for odd jobs or part-time work.

Call the coach @ 250-688-1515.

Hauling, yard work, no job too big or too small!

Flooring Installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood.

30 years experience. Call 250347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

REPAINT MAKES SENSE Experienced, professional.

Quality work guaranteed.

References, 250-342-7352.

Services

BUSINESS FOR SALE

ASSISTED CARE AID

Light & Heavy Auto Towing Business for sale. We have 2 large 30 ton tow & recovery units, 1- 3 ton tow recovery unit, all related towing & recovery equipment. Have served in the Columbia Valley for 13 years.

Interested parties only, please call 250-342-9551.

Experienced and compassionate; certified.

Available short or long-term.

Call 250-342-7352

Legal Notice

Legal Notice

Sears Nordic Track Elliptical Trainer. 2 years old, barely used, excellent condition. Paid $800.00, will sell for $650.00, 250-347-9093.

A Fly in the Microwave…

Fun on the farm When no ones around Funny stories about the Windermere Valley. $20. soft cover 230 pages 250-342-4400 or www.flamingsteel.com

house for sale

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Luxury Alpine Villa at Castle Rock Estates 24 2600 Riverrock Way, Invermere

Priced to sell at $499,000 Call 403- 818-5330

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

More than bricks and mortar This lakeside house is a finalist in the Canadian Home Builders Association 2008 SAM (Sales and Marketing) Awards.

Quiniscoe Homes has been nominated in the category “Single Detached Home Between 2,500 To 4,000 Square Feet.” Quiniscoe Homes, owned by Dave and Doris Penner of Panorama, will find out if this house has won at an awards gala in Quebec City in February 2009.

Photo by Kyla Brown.

P ioneer C lassifieds CAREERS Store Clerks needed. Must be enthusiastic and enjoy people. $13/hour, store discounts and advancement opportunities.

Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada.

Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca Farside Pub in Fairmont accepting applications for experienced cooks and servers.

Fax resume to 250-342-0341.

CAREERS

WANTED

on-site handyman to coordinate project/exchange for rent. First phase to upgrade 3 – 2 bdrm cottages in remote setting near Radium. Call 780-485-5166, fax 780-485-5140.

Experienced bobcat operator/ labourer required for year-round work. Drivers abstract required.

Call John, 780-970-7040.

Experienced server for La Cabina Restaurant. Call 250-347-2340 or email lacabina@nanonow.ca

Advertising deadline for The Pioneer’s January 2nd issue is noon Monday, December 29th.

Leave a message at 250-341-6299 or email us at upioneer@telus.net to reserve your spot.

Employment Resources for the Valley 1313 – 7 Ave • 250.341.6889 • cvec@cyberlink.bc.ca th

The Government of Canada has contributed funding for this initiative.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 International Student Program

HOMESTAYS NEEDED

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mt.) requires host families in Invermere to accommodate International students for David Thompson Secondary School immediately and also for January 2009. Placement until June 2009. Host families provide a family environment with a private bedroom, three meals a day, a study area, transportation assistance and high speed internet access.

Remuneration of $600.00 per month per child is paid for hosting a student.We need your support now! Homestays are required to submit a criminal records check.

Assistant Sales Manager/ Training Co-ordinator required by a progressive company in the vacation industry.

Our business is expanding and we require an individual with excellent credentials in this position.

Must have: • Minimum 10 years active, ongoing experience in like position in the vacation industry.

• Intimate knowledge of RCI points program and conversion process.

• Significant background experience in fractional real estate sales.

Sales Professionals Are you a sales professional with a high closing ratio and looking for change?

We have a lead list but we need results oriented closers!

Best Product! Best Prices! Best Location!

If interested please contact Lori Sluth (Homestay Coordinator Invermere) at 250-346-3377

If you have experience selling fractional/ timeshare real estate or similar type of product and are results oriented we’d like to talk to you.

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday.

Please send your resume in confidence to Jack@fairmontridge.ca or fax it to 250-345-0078 attn Jack Kilroe.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

December 26, 2008

Four alcoholic drinks should be your limit Submitted by Maxine Jones East Kootenay Addictions Services, Invermere Not all young people understand what is meant by a standard drink or know their limit; also, they are not aware that it is dangerous to mix alcohol with other drugs including marijuana, prescription and over the counter drugs.

Here’s some information that parents should share with their teenagers this holiday season.

The minimum risk guidelines recommend no more than four standard drinks per occasion for adult males, and no more than three standard drinks for females.

A standard drink is: • a regular beer or cider (350 ml or 12 oz. at five percent alcohol) • a regular cocktail or highball (50 ml or 1.5 oz of hard liquor at 40 percent alcohol) • a small glass of wine (150ml or five oz. at 12 percent alcohol) If a person passes out from alcohol intoxication they need emergency medical assistance because alcohol poisoning can be fatal; call 911 and stay with them until help arrives.

For those who are drinking it is advisable to mix liquor with soda (not energy drinks) in tall glasses or alternate water with alcohol to slow down your

drinking, and avoid snacks that make you thirsty.

It is advisable to keep your drink with you at all times and do not accept drinks from strangers; make sure you know what you are drinking.

The safest message is never to drink and drive as it is difficult to guess your blood alcohol content, and no one who has been drinking is safe to drive, no matter how good a driver they are.

If you or your child is affected by alcohol or drug misuse, East Kootenay Addiction Services Society provides free confidential counselling for adults and youths affected by addicitons.

Call 250- 342 3868 to make an appointment or visit www.ekass.com.

To place your Community Classified call The Pioneer at 250-341-6299 or toll free 1-866-669-9222 classifieds@bccommunitynews.com www.communityclassifieds.ca

Automotive

Career Training

Employment Opportunities

For Sale Misc.

Miscellaneous

Start Rebuilding Your Credit! Need a truck, car, SUV or van? Huge selection! All makes and models!

Best rates! Call Bob 1-877-6663673 or visit bobthecreditbuilder. com.

TRAIN FOR A NEW CAREER in medical transcription. Train from home! Work from home!

Contact CanScribe today for a free information package. 1-800-4661535, www.canscribe.com, info@ canscribe.com.

INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC & Controls Ltd. is currently hiring an Instrumentation Manager and Journeyman Instrumentation Mechanic for our oilfield operations at Fort Nelson, British Columbia. For more information send inquiries or resume to careers@iecgroup.ca.

ADD AND SAVE on home phone reconnection. Bad credit - no problem! Up to $30. off for new customers, plus lower monthly rates! Call Tembo 1-877-266-6398 or sign up online www.tembo.ca.

Financial Services

WAREHOUSE JOBS- Morning/ afternoon shifts. Annacis Island.

Hiring Shippers/Receivers.

Competitive wages based on previous experience. Fax resume to 604-540-0266.

WHO IS YOUR TARGET MARKET? Reach 2.5 million readers throughout BC and the Yukon or 11 million readers nationwide.

Community Classifieds. Contact us at classifieds@bccommunitynews. com or 1-866-669-9222. www. bccommunitynews.com

TIMESHARE FORECLOSURES—Save 60-80% off Retail! Best Resorts & Seasons! Call for free catalogue today! 1-800-597-9347. Browse hundreds of worldwide properties online—www.holidaygroup.com/ bcn.

Personals

Steel Buildings

ARE YOU LOSING a loved one to substance abuse? Our program has the highest success rate. Help is only one phone call away! 1-877782-7409; www.narconon.ca.

FUTURE STEEL BUILDINGS durable, dependable, pre-engineered, allsteel structures. Custom-made to suit your needs and requirements.

Factory-direct affordable prices.

Call 1-800-668-8653 ext. 170 for free brochure.

Auto Financing EAGLE AUTO LOANS. Easy financing.

Good credit, poor credit, divorced, first time buyers, self employed, bankrupt. We finance in-house OAC. Call our credit specialist 1-800-9161723. www.secondchancefinance.ca # #1 IN CREDIT REBUILDING. Need a car, truck, van or SUV? Auto Credit Fast. Bad credit! No credit!

Bankruptcy, Repossession! No problem. Call today and drive away.

Call Stephanie 1-877-792-0599.

Free delivery anywhere –www. autocreditfast.ca.

COME TO THE RIGHT place to buy a new/used vehicle. What ever your credit, we finance the future not the past. Delivery B.C./Alberta. www.drivehomenow.com or 1888-501-1148.

Business Opportunities MONEY MAKER - Local route, no selling on your part. For more info call 1-866-821-2569.

WORK AT HOME ONLINE - Start a real home-based business. Work when you want. Apply online and start today! www.wfhbc.com

Education BECOME A VETERINARY ASSISTANT in 24 weeks at Granville Business College. Specializing in veterinary assistant diplomas for 15 years.

Classes every 3 months. www.vetassistant.com, 604-683-8850.

APARTMENT/CONDO Manager Course. Certified home-study training. 40 jobs currently registered! Thousands of grads working. Government registered.

29 years of success. Information: www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

Employment Opportunities

JOIN AN EXCITING, FUN COMPANY!!

One World United is looking for sales people throughout Canada!

Our product is easy to sell and we provide full training! No investment required to earn a six figure income working from home! Looking for dedicated, hard working and honest people to work with us. Part/FullTime, salary plus commission for those selected. Please send resume to: jeff@oneworldunited.com or 110 Longford Ave, Winnipeg, MB R2N 1S9.

$500$ LOAN SERVICE, by phone, no credit refused, quick and easy, payable over 6 or 12 installments.

Toll Free: 1-877-776-1660.

For Sale Misc.

NEW FULLY LOADED COMPUTER $29.99/month! In-house financing everyone’s approved. Right to your doorstep from only $29.99/month: MDG Desktop Intel Processor, 2 GB Memory, 500 GB HD, 22” LCD Flat Panel, Windows Vista or 15.4” Notebook! Bonus 20” LCD TV with DVD! (*Call for conditions) 1-800236-2504.

A FREE TELEPHONE SERVICE - Get Your First Month Free. Bad credit, don’t sweat it. No deposits. No credit checks. Call Freedom Phone Lines today toll-free 1-866-8847464.

AT LAST! An iron filter that works.

IronEater! Fully patented Canada/ U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, sulfur, smell, manganese from well water. Since 1957. Phone 1-800-BIG IRON; www.bigirondrilling.com.

Help Wanted

Homes For Sale REPOSSESSED PRE-FAB HOMES!!

SAVE 50%++!!

Canada manufacturer’s USA order cancellations. Brand new 1260SF pre-engineered package originally $29,950.00, LIQUIDATION $14,975.00!!! Other sizes SACRIFICE PRICES! GREEN-R-PANEL Building Systems: 1-800-8717089. SPRING/SUMMER DELIVERY AVAILABLE!

Loans 0$ ARE YOU SINKING IN DEBT? 1st, 2nd & 3rd Mortgages - Bruised Credit - Bank Turndowns - Debt Consolidation - Refinancing - Power of Sale - Past Bankrupt – Home Renovations. We can lend a Hand. www.canadalend.com. Toll-free 1 (866) i CAN LEND (1-866-4226536) CALL NOW!

DENIED CANADA PENSION PLAN disability benefits? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help.

Call Allison Schmidt at 1-877-7933222. www.saskadvocate.com.

Personals DATING SERVICE. Long-term/ Short-term relationships, free calls! 1-866-512-8367. Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes 1-866-573-0914. Live adult casual conversations -1on1, 1-866-5227131. Meet on chat-lines. Local single ladies 1-866-512-9083 (18+).

Recreational Property For Sale

“BUILDING SALE!”....”Rock bottom prices.” BEAT NEXT INCREASE. 25X40 $6,190. 30X50 $7,295. 35X60 $12,400. 40X60 $15,330. 60x100 $36,800. OTHERS! Pioneer Steel Manufacturers. 1-800-668-5422.

Since 1980.

Travel ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES - Book Online at www.canadatravels.com and save more on your vacations.

Use code NCA74327 for discount or call us toll-free at 1-800-563-5722.

•The Pioneer• The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 26, 2008

Public Information

SNOW REMOVAL

District of Invermere bylaw number 1142 “Traffic Bylaw” states in Sections:

3.12. Being the owner or occupier of property abutting on a highway, allow or permit any snow, ice, earth, mud, rocks, stones, logs, stumps, branches, garden clippings or other things to be placed on or to cave, fall, crumble, flow, drift, slide or accumulate or to be tracked or carried by a vehicle or vehicles from the property onto a highway; or being there to remain thereon.

11.

Owners or occupiers of real property shall remove snow, ice or rubbish from the sidewalk and footpaths on a road right of way adjacent to the real property owned or occupied by them within 24 hours of the accumulation of such snow, ice or rubbish on such sidewalk.

12.

Owners or occupiers of real property shall immediately remove any snow, ice or rubbish from the roof or other part of any structure situated adjacent to or abutting on any portion of any highway if it constitutes a danger to persons using the highway by imposing a threat of falling upon the highway.

Here’s how you can help...

•

Be a good neighbour. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks as soon as possible after a snowfall to ensure that they are safe for all residents. Lend a hand to those who may not be physically able to shovel.

•

Do not park on the street during a snowstorm or while snow clearing operations are underway. Parked cars make plowing difficult, and sometimes impossible. With your help, winter maintenance crews can plow snow faster and more efficiently and you will reduce the chances of having to dig your car out of a snow drift.

•

Please make sure that your car is parked within your driveway. Please do not let it extend onto the street or sidewalk.

•

Keep children safe - don’t let them play in snow piles, or build snow forts in the snow banks at the side of the road.

•

Snow plows have no place to push the snow except to the curb or shoulder of the road. Sometimes this happens just after you have finished shoveling. We appreciate this can be frustrating; however, we ask your cooperation in clearing this snow without placing it on the roadway. If you hire a private contractor to clear your driveway, make sure the contractor does not push snow into the traveled portion of the roadway, or fill in sidewalks.

•

Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shoveling. This helps reduce the amount of snow created by the snowplow at the end of your driveway.

•

Remove snow from around fire hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises.

•

Do not place your garbage cans on top of snow banks. If possible place them on your driveway near the edge of the road.

•

The District thanks you for your co-operation!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 2009 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL

The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere)

January 13th & 27th February 10th & 24th March 10th & 24th April 14th& 28th May 12th & 26th June 9th & 23rd

July 14th & 28th August 11th & 25th September 8th & 22nd October 13th & 27th November 10th & 24th December 8th & 22nd

Agendas are posted on out website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings or are available at the Municipal Office

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR GARBAGE & RECYCLING COLLECTION

Please be advised that regularly scheduled garbage collection within the District of Invermere is in effect for the holiday season.

As well, please be advised that the regularly scheduled recycling collection within the District of Invermere for Thursday, December 25th, 2008 has been rescheduled to Monday, December 29th, 2008 and recycling collection for Thursday, January 1st, 2009 has been rescheduled to Monday, January 5th, 2009.

Are you an avid reader?

Are you excited about the library’s expansion?

Would you like to be a part of your library’s future?

“The Invermere Public Library is searching for an enthusiastic individual resident to fill a volunteer Trustee position. The Position will be for a length of 2 years.”

To be considered for a position, the applicant must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere and cannot be an employee of the District of Invermere or Library Board. Those holding positions at the time of advertisement are welcome to reapply for an additional term.

Interested persons are requested to submit letters of application and brief resumes including reasons for interest and related experience to: Mayor and Council District Of Invermere P.O. Box 339 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0 or to kdalke@invermere.net Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, January 9th, 2009

Holiday Schedule for Municipal Office

The Municipalth Office will be closed forst Friday, December 26 and Thursday January 1 , 2009.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

December 26, 2008

Valley Churches

FAITH

Some solutions to help keep your resolutions

By Scott Peterson Valley Christian Assembly Another busy Christmas season has passed, complete with holiday shopping, office parties, school productions and family turkey dinners.

Now we come to the proverbial New Year’s resolutions, where we all try to do better and be better in the upcoming year.

The question is obvious: how many people actually follow through on their commitments? Besides going exactly one time to the gym, or keeping to your diet for the sum total of two weeks, more often than not caution is soon thrown to the wind. We find ourselves back into the same mode of behaviour as we have been in for many years.

I submit to you that there are strategic ways to make worthwhile resolutions, and then hold to them.

To begin with, determine the things that really matter in life, then in keeping with those priorities, choose resolutions that are worthwhile. Things like losing weight for a healthier body, breaking addictions such as smoking or drinking, or spending more time with your family are commitments which will add quality to your life. The Bible tells us in Proverbs

Pick up phone books at a new spot over holidays Submitted by Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce During the holidays, please pick up your new Telus telephone books from The Source by Circuit City (Selkirk TV & Appliance Ltd), located at 1229 – 7th Avenue, Invermere.

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce will resume distributing phone books effective January 5th, 2009.

22:1, “To be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold.”

Next, you need to formulate a practical plan to fulfill your goal. One example of over-reaching (resulting in under-achieving) is as follows: “I’m going to get up at 4:30 a.m. and exercise for two hours before work, six days a week. Then I won’t eat anything except lettuce and wheat thins!” Maybe a more realistic and obtainable goal would be to exercise three days a week, 30 minutes a day, and simply try to cut out the sweets and second helpings at dinner! Be practical in your planning.

Also, include a friend or family member in the loop as an encourager in helping you maintain your commitments. Ecclesiastes 4 says, “Two are better than one . . . if one falls down, his friend can help him up. A chord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

God wants you to succeed in life, and provides us the blessing of friendship to help keep us strong!

Finally, don’t beat yourself up if you stumble in your consistency; instead, get up and keep going until you reach your goal. With the Lord on your side, family and friends to support you, and a steadfast resolve, you can see your dreams realized.

This January, Valley Christian Assembly is offering free on Wednesday evenings a course based on Rick Warren’s bestselling book, The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? If you would like to discover your divine destiny in life, then I invite you to join us.

Let’s make this new year the best ever!

All Christmas Items are

50 OFF

Lake Windermere Alliance Church December 28th: Celebration Sunday.

The Lord’s Supper will be served.

Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 7, during service.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 -10th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-9535 Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED December 28th: 8:30 a.m. at All Saints, Edgewater 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6644 www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship and Word.

Children’s Church provided during the message.

7 p.m. Wednesday: Adult and Children’s Programs Pastor T. Scott Peterson • 4814 Highway 93/95, 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Canal Flats 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere Sunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium December 31st: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Canal Flats 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere January 1st: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium Father Jim McHugh • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship Worship service Sunday 10 a.m.

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

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