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Vol. 5/Issue 7

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The Columbia

February 15, 2008

Valley

P I NEER

Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

CRASH RECALLED

18 ON THIN ICE

29

Kent Kebe proposes to his true love Lydia —on the front page of today’s Pioneer!

See Page 3.

Photo by Brian Geis

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

VALLEY NEWS

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

• We can check your vacant home • We could stock your pantry and liquor cabinet • We can check on your renters • We can solve your problems.

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

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Phone: 345-4000 Phone: 342-6911

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This condo’s large SW exposure balcony overlooks the pool, has spectacular views of Purcells and a walk-out bsmt. Fully furnished & tastefully decorated 3 ½ baths, 2 bdrms, & sofa beds for visitors.

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Newest beautiful mountain & valley view 2 bdrm. condos. waterfront resort community! An opportunity to purchase at entry level pricing, and enjoy this exceptional community and location.

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on the generosity of women across the valley - we kindly ask for a cash donation or a product or service that can be auctioned or raffled at the event to raise funds for our community transition shelter.”

Last year, more than $17,000 was raised and 145 personal care “emergency” bags were put together through local donations.These bags were delivered to the Family Resource Centre’s Safe Home Program and contained necessary items for women and children in an abusive situation spending an unexpected night away from home.

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Members of Invermere Red Hat Society, Myrtle Murphy, Janet Thompson and Denise Tegart, enjoyed themselves at the Chinese New Year’s Ladies’ Night Out at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on Saturday night. Almost 200 women attended the dinner, a fundraiser for The Columbia Valley Family Violence Prevention Society.

Society secretary Kim Sanderson said the event is held to raise awareness of domestic violence in the community, and the various services within the valley which are accessible to victims. “Our fundraising efforts for this event rely

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

February 15, 2008

VALLEY NEWS

Greyhound seeking new location

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Bus passengers hoping to hop on a Greyhound in Invermere will soon be looking for a new stop.

That’s because the Invermere Petro Canada, which runs the Greyhound agency, including parcel delivery and passenger stops, has given a month’s notice to quit.

But the bus service will still continue to stop for passengers at Petro Canada after March 1st, until a new location is found in the coming weeks.

Parcel service will no longer be available in Invermere after March 1st, and customers wanting to drop off or pick parcels will have to travel to Radium or Fairmont.

Petro Can owner J. C. Alacoque said Greyhound doesn’t fit into his plans any more.

“We’re doing renovations inside the gas station, and the labour shortage is a huge factor. Running the Greyhound agency is very labour-intensive. It takes one to two staff per day to organize. They have to get the parcels off the bus, sort them, and phone everyone

who has one to pick it up. Each parcel has to be entered into a system, so it is a lot of detailed work.

“Over the past two to three years we’ve had a problem finding staff. We start them at $13 an hour, but two or three years ago we could only pay them $8 an hour. So it’s a combination of reasons.

“In the winter, it’s not too bad, but once the golf season starts it’s very difficult to find staff,” Mr. Alacoque said.

The Greyhound agency has been based at Petro Canada for the past 10 years, and Mr. Alacoque said the extra business has been great most of the time.

“I hope somebody with a fairly good location decides to take it on. Even somewhere downtown, as the bus can pull in anywhere as it only needs to stop for five or 10 minutes.

“Losing the extra business is a real trade-off. We will lose some coffee sales and magazine sales, and most passengers pick up a few snacks before they jump on the bus, especially if they’ve got a long journey ahead of them. Even the people who stop in to ship or receive parcels usually pick up a few snacks as well.

“We’ve weighed up all the pros and cons but we’ve

decided this is the best decision for us,” Mr. Alacoque said. Whoever decides to take over running the services will get 10 percent commission.

Mr. Alacoque has owned Invermere’s Petro Can since 1995, and he took on the Greyhound Agency in 1998, after the previous managers who ran it in town decided to call it a day.

The gas station has been in Invermere for many years and has been owned by the Dalke family for several generations.

“We originally took on the Greyhound Agency to build up the traffic in the store. But times change and we have to change with them,” Mr. Alacoque said.

Dave Hickie, director of passenger services at Greyhound, confirmed that buses will still be stopping in Invermere until they find another agent to run the services.

“We are still regulated to stop in Invermere. Our agency manager Alex Mishchenko is working with the current agent and we will continue to stop there for passengers until we find someone else to take over the contract,” Mr. Hickie said.

For more details visit www.greyhound.ca.

Kent Kebe offers his hand in marriage

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher This week we have an exciting announcement - Kent Kebe of Radium Hot Springs has chosen to propose marriage to his beloved, Lydia Helmer, on our front page.

Kent, who is the manager of the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Centre, first got the idea almost one year ago when he was the lucky winner of a door prize at our Columbia Valley Map Book Party, held at Pynelogs Cultural Centre last March. The party was held by The Pioneer to celebrate with our advertisers the successful launch of another Map Book.

Kent’s business card was drawn from the jar, which made him the lucky winner of a full-page advertisement in The Pioneer, designed by Will McKenzie at Harrison McKay Communications.

“That’s where I got the idea,” Kent said. “I was trying to think of doing something different, and when I won the prize I knew that had to be it.”

Although we don’t sell the front page, we decided to allow Kent to use it for such a romantic purpose.

Kent has been waiting for the right moment ever since, but he decided that Valentine’s Day would be the perfect occasion to reveal his intentions.

The couple has been dating for two years.

“Once I met Lydia, I knew she was the one,”

says Kent.

Lydia works at Smith, Green and Andruschuk in Invermere. When she arrives on Friday morning, there will be a copy of The Pioneer on her desk.

Kent won’t be far behind, as he is anxious to find out what Lydia’s answer will be.

“I’m pretty sure she’ll say yes, but you never know until you ask,” he said. “She might say no across the front page of The Pioneer next week!”

Meanwhile, it’s been a challenge to keep the project under wraps so that Lydia wouldn’t hear anything in advance, and our staff has been sworn to secrecy.

But we’ll be sure to let our readers know in next week’s paper whether Lydia says yes.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

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OPEN HOUSE 4770 Ridge Road, Timber Ridge 1 K166654

Saturday, February 16th 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ron Maciborski Cell: 250-342-5704

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Sunday, February 17th 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Charlotte Jablanczy Cell: 250-341-5894

RCMP Report Crane company burgled On February 5th, 2008, RCMP were called to a report of a break and enter at Rocky Mountain Cranes.

The crime occurred between February 1st - and February 4th.

Seven containers were burgled and the contents: a chainsaw, propane heater and a generator set, were taken.

RCMP have entered the serial number for the chainsaw on Canadian Police Information Centre’s database. It was through this database that police recently located a rifle stolen in from a Cranbrook home in 2004.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the RCMP at (250) 342-9292 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

its speed in excess of the posted limit.

When the officer stopped the vehicle, he found and adult driver and three children inside it - the children were eating fast food.

The male, a 44-year-old Columbia Valley man was unable to provide a driver’s license.

He identified himself and subsequent queries found him to be a vehicle impound candidate, and there was no valid insurance on the truck.

The vehicle was impounded, and the driver was issued a provincial Violation Ticket for no driver’s license. Police drove the entire family to their home.

On the way home, the man told the officer his driving was bad because one of the kids had spilled a drink in the truck.

Certainly, a different take on “drinking and driving,” but perhaps no less risky.

Bad driving blamed on kids

Seven people drunk in public

On February 8th at 7:25 p.m., a concerned motorist stopped an RCMP member and told him they had followed a blue small Dodge pickup on Athalmer hill as it was wandering all over the road. RCMP located the vehicle as it exited Athalmer Road to Hwy 93/95.The officer followed the vehicle as it increased

Over the past week, RCMP made seven arrests for public intoxication. In each of the cases, the people involved were drinking at local licensed establishments - but in excess of what is permitted. RCMP and the Liquor Control Licensing Branch are following up on these matters.

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I N F O R M AT I V E !

Read us online at:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

E-mail: upioneer@telus.net Phone: (250) 341-6299

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Just a reminder… The Classified deadline is 12 noon Tuesday. Call 341-6299 today to place your classified ad.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

February 15, 2008

Fairmont expansion master plan unveiled

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Adequate water supply, the use of green building technology, and seamless integration with the existing community were among the concerns of residents attending the unveiling of Fairmont Hot Spring Resort’s draft expansion master plan.

A standing-room-only crowd packed into the Cedar Room in the main lodge at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort last Wednesday to listen to vice-president Richard Haworth outline the new owner’s vision for the future of the 50-year-old resort.

Since acquiring the resort in 2006 from the Wilder family, Ken Fowler Enterprises has been consolidating land holdings and sketching out the details of a billion-dollar expansion that will dwarf the existing resort and leaving few traces of the Wilder era.

Ken Fowler Enterprises, a company that owns other real estate developments in Canada, announced late last year that it had acquired Riverside Golf Course and 400 hectares of land as part of the expansion.

The acquisition provides the resort with about 1,200 acres on which to develop 4,000 single-family homes, townhouses and condominiums.

“It will, I believe, become an icon in western Canada that people will look at and say, ‘Wow!’” Mr.

Fowler commented after the presentation.

A signature flagship hotel reminiscent of the great Canadian Pacific hotels, a smaller boutique hotel and a new gondola to an expanded ski area are all included in the plan.

Ken Fowler Enterprises intends to rebrand and retool the look of the resort from atomic-age “Parkitechture,” to a clean, modern blend of “Rocky Mountain ranch” with a contemporary twist.

“We want the resort to fit into the landscape,” he said. “We want that building to look like it should be there.”

The new discovery centre will be built along the highway for a good example of things to come.

The entire master plan, Mr. Haworth explained, pivots around a village core in the area of the current Fairmont Lodge and includes the development of a retail village to include boutique shops, artisan workshops and galleries, a coffee shop, a brew pub, outdoor and recreational outfitters, fine dining and more.

Nine objectives, Mr. Haworth explained, have served as guideposts for the expansion master plan.

• Create a world-class, four-season destination resort community unparalleled in the Columbia Valley.

• Protect ecologically and culturally sensitive natural areas within and surrounding Fairmont Hot Springs.

• Work within the natural landscape by creating buildings and roads which address the topography.

• Create a pedestrian-friendly experience that connects all elements of the resort to the Fairmont community.

• Create a vibrant, sustainable retail and arts village within the heart of the resort.

• Utilize the hot springs, pools and other water features as unifying elements within the resort, while ensuring long-term protection of the hot springs source.

• Implement sustainable and green design principles which promote clean air, energy effienciency, water management and efficient transportation choices.

• Provide a wide range of real estate ownership and accommodation options throught Fairmont including single-family homes, townhomes, condo-hotels and hotels.

• Provide progressive forms of employee housing and attainable housing for temporary and permanent employees.

Project engineer Peter Mulyk said the resort is working on a water filtration system and a reservoir will be built on the ski hill.

The reservoir, he said, will serve as a raw water storage facility to provide a continous flow of clean, filtered water during the spring freshet.

Invermere Sunday, February 17th, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Join us and view multiple open houses in Invermere!

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For more information call: Invermere Office: (250) 342-6911 Fairmont Office: (250) 345-4000

www.RockyMtnRealty.com

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

February 15, 2008

Historical Lens

Grant’s Law no good here

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher

The new regulation requiring people to pay before they pump their gas is a royal pain.

Ultimately all gas pumps will be automated, but we are not there yet. Forcing small business owners to follow a law that they don’t agree with, and one which causes actual hardship, is mean-spirited on the part of the provincial government.

Like most laws, it stems from good intentions. A young man was killed in the Lower Mainland while trying to stop a driver from racing off without paying for his gas, hence the name “Grant’s Law.” Some of the smaller stations say gas-and-dash isn’t a problem locally, while others say it is. The Pioneer published an article last year in which various owners said they were frequent victims of gas-and-dash. However, no staff member is, or should be, compelled to risk their own safety by chasing after these people.

There are various downsides to the law, as far as the customer is concerned. Paying before you put in the gas means you have to estimate how much gas your tank will hold. If you have already paid 40 bucks, you have to make the electronic ticker stop at exactly $40 - and we all know how tricky that is.

If you hand over your credit card before you pay, you are not only losing sight of your card—something you aren’t supposed to do—but you are also running the risk of having it confused with someone else’s card.

And, as one gentleman pointed out in today’s issue, some people aren’t physically capable of walking inside the station to pay for their gas.

The only solution is to install automated pumps, and that’s where we are penalized for being in a rural area. Most pumps in the city are automated, owned by large profitable chains. In this area we still have many small, family-owned businesses that simply can’t afford to fork over $15,000 for new pumps at the whim of the province. This law needs to be reviewed.

The Coronation Hotel in Athalmer, located on the right side of the road while heading east, in a photograph taken by Hal Bavin in the 1950s. The hotel burned down sometime in the 1960s.

Photo A38, courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Missing man Our photo was incorrectly cropped last week, cutting off the man at the far left. A note attached to this 1923 photo of Athalmer Road identifies him as “Louis Paul - Indian at Work.” If you have more information about this photo (A45), please email the museum at www.wvmuseum@cyberlink.bc.ca.

The Columbia Valley

P IONEER is independently owned and operated and is 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 for 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 Publisher

Brian Geis Editor

Rachel Pinder Reporter

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Sarah Turk

Advertising Sales

Graphic Designer

Office Manager

Project Manager

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

February 15, 2008

LETTERS Our family needs broadband

OPEN HOUSE

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part of our everyday lives, makes me think that living in this small town is not the right place to raise a family.

Broadband now runs right by our community; this technology is absolutely the best for our community’s future.

After valley referendums were voted down on the broadband issue, Edgewater residents banded together to form a society which is more than 70 members strong, to show how much our town needs the services of phone, TV and internet, provided through broadband.

The technology is a stone’s throw away.

Why anyone would want to stop technology that could improve my family’s well-being is in my mind not acceptable.

Lillian Rose, please consider our small town when making your decision.

Dear Editor: When internet ďŹ rst came to be, I was excited for me and my family of two children, hearing about all the possibilities it could do for us. I signed up to the local Internet provider.

To our dismay, the only service provider for the small community of Edgewater was on a dial-up connection through our phone line.

We can hardly do anything because dial-up is too slow for most upload and download applications. This dialup connection is so slow it has put my family out of reach of all the technology that it could provide.

My daughter recently moved to Vancouver to attend a college there. To ďŹ nd a place to live, registering in the college for her courses, all had to be done over internet.

Living in a small community, not being able to properly access the internet, which is now an essential tool and

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Ray Crook apologizes Dear Editor: I would like to apologize to Sanda Taylor and your readers for my mixed-up account of the team and sleigh trip on Settler’s Road.

However, I never said that Bob Tegart was the owner of the Richter property.

Since writing the letter, I’ve

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

The case for a performing arts centre

By Cam Berry Windermere There is considerable community concern that the initiative to build a combined Performing Arts and Literary Centre has been politically sidetracked.

Following the renovation and upgrading of the historic Pynelogs Cultural Centre in 2005, the Columbia Valley Arts Council focused its future direction on the building of a first-rate community Performing Arts Centre attached to Pynelogs.

A flexible use facility with excellent acoustics and comfortable seating would provide a local stage for every kind of performance. It is now up to the residents of the community to step forward and show their support if they truly want a performance centre. If you do not act, we are likely to end up with a hodgepodge facility that will not serve our needs.

We are blessed with virtually every type of sport recreational facility in the region and we now propose to address the community’s cultural needs. It is just as important to stimulate the mind and senses as the body. Whether you are a hockey player, a curler or a skateboarder, you listen to music and likely have a family member who enjoys theatre, live music and dance.

Thousands of residents and visitors annually attend arts events such as Cinefest, Mountain Mosaic, Mystery Theatre, the concerts at Christ Church Trinity and gallery shows and workshops at Pynelogs.

This would be a facility for everyone. Local theatre, music, choral and dance groups would have a commu-

nity facility which would encourage participation by both youth and adults. We would also have a first-rate facility for cinema when The Toby eventually closes.

We would also have travelling performances featuring everything from rap and rock to symphony.

This facility would enhance our community as a year-round tourist centre, make this a more attractive place for young families to reside, and serve the dynamic retirement population that provides thousands of volunteer hours contributing to our social, health and recreation opportunities.

Performing arts centres have a profound impact upon the economic health of a region, increasing income and employment, not just in the hospitality industry but also in the entire retail sector. The City of Castlegar determined in a recent analysis that arts and culture results in an economic multiplier of 2.5 for every dollar directly spent - about $3 million per year.

A momentum of support was rapidly growing and numerous articles and support letters appeared in the local media. We had strong interest in funding from Victoria and from our municipal and regional governments. A number of part-time residents from Calgary were prepared to contribute. The Lake Windermere District Lions Club conditionally awarded the arts council and the library $30,000 each for the joint facility. It sure looked like we had a viable project.

In August 2006 the District of Invermere requested that the arts council work with the library to build a joint Performing Arts and Literacy Centre. We were assured that this would be solely a library and performing arts facility that could also be used for conferences, another source of revenue. Although we had concerns about losing our momentum, it looked like a win-win and the result would also replace an eyesore at the gateway to Invermere with a signature building.

Unfortunately obstacles began to appear in our path. We were asked to consider accommodating

other recreational uses for the facility, everything from wading pools to gymnastics to multi-purpose rooms.

The Arts and Literacy Centre was rapidly starting to look more like a community recreational facility than the one we had agreed to support. Cost would also escalate. These recreational facilities are important, but are not part of a music and literacy facility. Needless to say both the arts and library boards were dismayed by the turn of events but it is important to note that we both agreed to work within this new imposed direction. A committee consisting of representatives of the District, the regional district, the arts council and the library was struck. After six months of deliberations, we unanimously submitted a proposal to the district containing a number of provisions to accommodate other community users.

The final bomb dropped in December when the Invermere council decided that a Performing Arts Centre would not be part of the new facility after all.

The library would be accommodated and a number of recreational groups and perhaps even new office space for the district. A small theatre might be considered but it was way down the priority list. This decision apparently was based on the results of a survey distributed only to Invermere residents, and not to the regional population. A grand total of 95 people responded to this “pivotal survey” which asked how they would like $100 of their tax dollars directed. The inconclusive results of this survey could be interpreted in different ways, but 95 respondents is hardly a valid representative sample of this community.

The arts council is very concerned that our time frame has been set back by over a year and a half. We have had to leave perhaps millions of potential funding on the table, including the Lions Club grant. The momentum and community support we worked so hard to build has been undermined.

I invite your input and comments.

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Encore

Page 9

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 10

BUY THIS PRINT

PAGE 13

Out & About K. Neil Swanson, whose work entitled The Corner of Winterwood and Hockeyville Hockeyviller is shown here, is one of three artists showing at The Artym Gallery. See Page 12.

Call To Artists · 2008 Gallery Season • Extended to Feb 22 Applications are available for those artists interested in showing at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre for the 2008 Gallery Season. Call 342-4423 for more information.

Tillers Folly • Christ Church Trinity

Tillers Folly concert at Christ Church February 23, call 342-4423 for tickets.

What does ART Cinefest Movie · Love in the Time of Cholera · Toby Theatre mean to you? Monday, February 25 at 7pm.

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

Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

Movie Review: Gone Baby Gone Reviewed by Dave Sutherland

• Your Columbia Valley computer professionals • Commercial and Residential • Sales/Service/ Networking/ Consulting

Computer Pros

341-1114 CV Chamber of Commerce 1-16 employees

Gone Baby Gone is one of my favourite movies of the last year. It’s a mystery thriller with great performances, lots of action, atmosphere to spare, and a story that will keep you guessing.

It’s based on one of a series of novels

by Dennis Lehane (Mystic River), featuring private eye partners Patrick Kenzie (Casey Affleck) and Angie Gennaro (Michele Monaghan).

Dorchester, one of the toughest areas in all of Boston, is no place for the weak or innocent. When Kenzie and Gennaro are asked to probe the disappearance of a young girl from this seedy neighbourhood, they open up a rat’s nest of deceit, twisted loyalties and dysfunctional family ties.

Affleck and Monaghan are great in the lead roles. Affleck is surprisingly effective as a man whose youth and slight stature belie a tough-as-nails tenacity.

Morgan Freeman and Ed Harris shine as veteran policemen with their own way of ensuring that justice is done.

Amy Ryan stands out as a strung-out party girl, more concerned with media attention than the fate of her missing child.

There’s plenty of action for the discerning fan, but moral dilemmas are also intelligently dealt with.

Directed by Ben Affleck ( yes, that Ben Affleck).

RATING: 8 OUT OF 10 HEADS

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Assasination of Jesse James The Brave One Across the Universe Elizabeth – The Golden Age Mr. Wood Cock

New Releases February 12 1 We Own the Night 2 No Reservations 3 Martian Child 4 Romance & Cigarettes 5 Gone Baby Gone

New Releases February 19 1 American Gangster 2 Michael Clayton 3 Rendition 4 Chaos 5 In the Valley of Elah

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

February 15, 2008

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

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

Toby Theatre • 7:30 pm Feb. 13-16: Water Horse: Legend of the Deep • 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-23: Charlie Wilson’s War

Friday, February 15th: • 6-9 pm: Artists Ken Gillespie, Alex Fong and K. Neil Swanson will attend the opening of their group show at Artym Gallery, Invermere.

• 7:30 pm: Columbia Valley Rockies play the Sicamous Eagles at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, Invermere.

• 9 pm: Guitar Hero Jam Night at Back Country Jack’s, Radium. Every Friday until Feb. 29th. For info: 347-0097.

• Happy Alberta Family Day long weekend!

Saturday, February 16th: • Noon-4 pm: Blushing Bride Expo, at Eagle Ranch Golf Resort, showcasing professional services that will help you create your special day. Tickets at the door. For info: (250) 270-0338.

• 1-4 pm: Artists Ken Gillespie, Alex Fong and K. Neil Swanson will attend the opening of their group show at Artym Gallery, Invermere.

• Noon to 8 pm: Climb-a-thon at the new climbing wall in the Laird School gym, Invermere. Climbers will obtain pledges and money donated will help pay for the new addition. Drop-in fees $5, season passes available. Call the school at 342-6232 or Herb Weller at 342-9413 for more info.

Wednesday, February 20th: • 7 pm: Transformation, presented by Jean-Luc Cortat. Begin to transform your body through the experience of hellerwork, a combination of deeptissue bodywork, movement education and dialogue.

Valley Fitness Centre.

Thursday, February 21st:

Tuesday, March 4th:

• 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting for Electoral Area F Residents, Windermere Community Hall. Topics include financial plan, Jumbo survey, recycling, and Official Community Plan.

• 7:30 pm: Windermere Community Association annual general meeting, Windermere Hall. Coffee and snacks. Topic: Fall Fair - can we keep it going?

Friday, February 22nd: • 5 pm-midnight: Scrapbooking Crop Night, Scrappy-Do’s in Invermere. Call 342-7238.

Saturday, February 23rd: • Tiller’s Folly performs at Christ Church Trinity, sponsored by Columbia Valley Arts Council. Call 342-4423 for tickets.

• Annual wild Game Banquet and Dance, sponsored

by Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club.

Happy hour 5:30 pm, followed by dinner at 6:30 pm. Beef also available. Dance begins at 10 p.m.

Tickets $30 adults, $15 youths, available at Rona, Home Hardware and from club executive members.

Monday, February 25th: • Noon-3 pm: Celebrate the new B. C. Transit bus service in the valley, starting today, with cake and refreshments at the Invermere Community Centre.

See the new bus and meet the drivers. Pick up a copy of the Rider’s Guide for a complete schedule and more information. For more info, visit: www. busonline.com.

• 7 pm: Love in the Time of Cholera, a Cinefest movie presented by the Columbia Valley Arts Council at the Toby Theatre. Tickets $10 at the door.

• 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting for Electoral Area G Residents, Edgewater Community Hall. Topics include financial plan, recycling, and Columbia Basin Trust funding. For info: 346-3265.

Thursday, February 28th: • 7 pm: Town Hall Meeting for Electoral Area F Residents, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Topics include financial plan, Jumbo survey, recycling, and Official Community Plan.

Monday, March 3rd: • 7 pm: Columbia Valley Search and Rescue Society annual general meeting at the Invermere Fire Hall.

Saturday, March 8th: • 10 am - 12 pm: “Easter layout class” at Scrappy-Do’s.

To register: 342-7238.

Friday, March 14th & 28th: • 5 pm-midnight: Crop Night at Scrappy Do’s, space is limited! Call 342-7238 to reserve your spot.

New Video Releases Tuesday, Feb. 12th: • American Gangster • Chaos • Lust, Caution • Michael Clayton • The Last Hit Man

• Blue State • In the Valley of Elah • Margot at the Wedding • Rendition

Invermere Library Hours: • Tuesday & Friday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.

• Thursday: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Radium Public Library • Tuesday & Thursday: 7 - 9 pm • Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday: 2 - 4 pm • Saturday: 10 am - 12 pm

Invermere Thrift Store Hours: • 1-4 pm: Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Closed mornings.

Other: • 7:30-10 pm Sundays at the high school, and 8-10 pm Wednesdays at Laird School: Badminton. For info call Audrey at 342-3825.

• 8:30-10 pm Mondays: Men’s Basketball at the high school, $20 for the year, drop-ins welcome.

• 6:30-8:30 pm Tuesdays: Options for Sexual Health, a confidential service offering lower cost birth control methods, counselling, and access to doctors, at the Invermere Health Unit. For info: 342-2362.

Eagle Has the Cure for the Early Season Itch!

Eagle Ranch is now accepting tee times for the 2008 golf season! Prepaid golf specials are in effect until March 31st.

The Golf Shop at Eagle Ranch is open on weekends or by appointment. Upgrade your golf gear with the finest selection of golf designer labels. Reserve your spot in the popular 3-day golf schools for the weekends of April 11th-13th, and April 18th-20th.

Golf Shop Hours: Friday & Saturday 11:00 a.m - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Elevate Your Game Call (877) 877-3889 or(250) 342-0562 for tee time reservations or visit www.eagleranchresort.com

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

Historical Society celebrates oldest businesses

By Dorothy Blunden Windermere District Historical Society Each year the heritage community of British Columbia dedicates a week to a celebration of the past in this beautiful province. This year is no exception. February 18 -24 is the chosen week. The theme is “Taking Care Of Business – a Salute to the History of Trade and Commerce.”

The oldest business in our valley was here two hundred years ago . . . Yes, explorer David Thompson and the members of the First Nation Peoples began the commerce of fur trade. Kootenay House was built, items of trade were stocked and deals were struck. Although this business was short-lived, it did pave the way for a variety of interesting and timely enterprises. Individuals followed trap lines, set up their own sawmills, started grocery stores and piloted steam boats up the Columbia River.

Companies opened banks, construction companies, hotels and even mining operations.

Through the years the Valley has maintained and furthered a tradition of excellence in trade and commerce.

The Windermere District Historical Society salutes all who have served us here in the Valley.

The Historical Society will hold its February meeting on Friday February 15, 2 p.m. at the Museum. Come along and share a story or two about early businesses and their owners.

Perhaps we’ll tell you about a certain hardware store owner who opted to go fishing with a friend instead of tending his store. It seems he left the front door open and invited folks to complete their own purchases. Story is that customers left a note of their purchases and paid their money in to the cash register (making change where necessary). Upon his return the owner was able to balance his day . . . to the penny!

Liven up your winter at Artym Gallery Submitted by Deanna Berrington The Artym Gallery Got the winter doldrums? Craving a bit more colour in your life? The Artym Gallery has just what the doctor ordered with a group exhibition that opens Friday, February 15th. Featuring the work of Alex Fong, Ken Gillespie and K. Neil Swanson, this show will banish your seasonal dreariness.

Alex Fong, a longtime favourite of the valley, brings a sense of fun and unbridled joy to his paintings that make them infectiously happy.

Alex’s medium of choice is watercolour, but he has been known to use acrylic as well, just to mix it up a bit.

The vibrant colour in his paintings and his whimsical confetti dots make Alex Fong paintings unmistakable.

Ken Gillespie has always combined rich colour with broad brushstrokes to create bold impressionistic landscapes.

For this show, Ken has simplified his paintings, creating paintings that, if anything, are even brighter and more

striking than before. A wider colour palette and spirit of exploration make this a breathtaking show for Ken. K. Neil Swanson is also no stranger to the valley - his work has been featured twice on the cover of the Columbia Valley Mapbook. Neil is known for painting shadow animals in bright mountain landscapes. His fans will find plenty to satisfy. However, Neil is also exploring a new type of winter scene, with children playing hockey, sledding and just having winter fun. These vibrant scenes remind us of the wonder and exuberance that sunny winter days can inspire.

The show opens with an evening reception with the artists on Friday, February 15th from 6 to 9 p.m. If you can’t make it Friday night, all three artists will also be at The Artym from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 16th. Can’t make it at all? You are in luck, because the whole show will be on the website: www.artymgallery.com.

Everyone is welcome if they promise to embrace the fun, share a smile, and pass it on to someone who needs it!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer celebrates Taking Care of Business - A Salute to the History of Trade and Commerce

Life Time Warranty on all Blinds Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

250-342-7566 ~Downtown Invermere ~ www.artymgallery.com

presents

Guitar Hero Nite

Come and rock out with a chance to win some great prizes and have an awesome time!

Ken Gillespie

February 15th & 16th

EVERY FRIDAY IN FEBRUARY STARTING AT 9 PM

Ken Gillespie, Alex Fong and K. Neil Swanson

Final night Feb. 29th

Check out your competition Feb 1st

THE LEAP Guitar Hero Jam Nite YEAR PARTY

Opening Reception:

Friday, February 15th ~ 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Artists Also in Attendance:

ALL AGES WELCOME!

Call us for info at 347-0097

Feb. 8, 15, 22 Competition Winners go to the FINALS Feb. 29th

Alex Fong

Saturday, February 16th ~ 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

K. Neil Swanson

Exhibition continues until February 29th

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

February 15, 2008

There’s still time to order art print high quality art reproductions created by spraying minute droplets of paint The Friends of the Invermere onto canvas.The gicleés are still availPublic Library would like to thank the able for sale through the Artym GalColumbia Valley Map Book and The lery and the proceeds will continue to Artym Gallery for choosing the library go to the library. as the recipient of the funds generated The much-appreciated funding is by the sale of the Map Book cover art helping to buy new reading material for 2007. for our growing library.

The library is thrilled with the response to the Elizabeth Wiltzen Val James, President signed and numbered gilcee, Cobalt Friends of the Invermere Lake – The Bugaboos. Gicleés are Public Library

This striking piece of art is featured on the cover of the 2007 Columbia Valley Map Book.

Duffy’s Choice coffee goes well with a good book

This charitable project is jointly sponsored by The Columbia Valley Pioneer and The Artym Gallery in Invermere.

Dear Editor:

What better way to spend a quiet winter afternoon or cozy après-ski evening?

And what better place to find the fixings than the Invermere Public Library?

Librarian Liz Robinson keeps her new book shelf stocked with a sophisticated selection of hot-off-the press releases from all literary genres including mystery, romance, outdoor adventure, cooking and do-it-yourself books.

Some of her latest purchases include James Grippando’s Last Call, Michael McGarrity’s Death Song, Sara Paretsky’s Bleeding Kansas, Stephen King’s Duma Key, Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book, Charles Todd’s A Pale Horse, Bapsi Sidhwa’s The Pakistani Bride and W.E.B. Griffin’s The Shooters.

And the coffee? Why not Duffy’s Choice? It’s a light-to-medium blend chosen each month by its namesake, Duffy the library’s Scottish Terrier. The coffee is available for sale at the library through Kicking Horse Coffee’s fundraising program to the Friends of the

Invermere Public Library to raise money for new books.

The Friends of the Inveremere Public Library are the volunteer arm of the library.

Their fundraising efforts such as the summer book sales, Christmas Bake Sale and Silent Auction help the library keep best sellers on the shelf.

Their volunteer work frees the librarians to operate the library and its many programs.

The Friends also work with the librarians to host events such as the very successful Book Club Gathering and Author Reading last September at Pynelogs, when more than 80 local book club members enjoyed author Susan Clark’s readings.

If you’re interested in helping the library, The Friends meet at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of the month, upstairs at the library. Everyone’s input and ideas are welcome.

So come on down to your Invermere library, stock up on some delicious coffee and new books and help the library put more new books on the shelves.

Order this beautiful signed and numbered giclée print of an original oil painting

by Elizabeth Wiltzen.

Cost for 20-inch x 15-inch print is $450 unframed, $675 framed.

Cost for 40-inch x 30-inch print is $1,200 unframed, $1,640 framed.

Proceeds towards the construction of the new Invermere Public Library.

To order your print, please contact: The Arytm Gallery at (250) 342-7566 or e-mail: info@artymgallery.com.

The Pioneer at (250) 341-6299 or e-mail: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com.

The

2

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Wedding Expo The Columbia Valley’s Only Bridal Show

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Brendan Donahue Investment Advisor Phone: 342-2112

GIC Rates cashable 90 days 1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

as of February 12th 3.75% 3.91% 4.00% 4.10% 4.25% 4.35% 4.55%

New USD High Interest Savings Accounts No minimum balances 3.25% No fees Interest calculated daily, paid monthly Redeemable at any time RRSP and RRIF eligible

Investments

GICs, Stocks, Bonds, Preferred Shares, Income Trusts, Mutual Funds, High Interest Savings, RRSPs Rates subject to change without notice.

Subject to availability.

Brendan Donahue, BCOMM, CIM, FMA Investment Advisor, Berkshire Securities Inc. 342-2112 Jason Elford, CFP Investment Advisor, Berkshire Investment Group Inc. 342-5052

The Columbia Valley’s Premier Wealth Management Firm Planning

Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Retirement Projections, Income Splitting, Registered Educational Savings Plans

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Ask us about our free consultations and no fee accounts.

February 15, 2008

YOUR MONEY Personal planner can help you achieve financial fitness

There are a few times each year when people decide to turn over a new leaf, and for many of us, the New Year is a prime time for change.

February is also an excellent time for a fresh start, since that’s when many of us consider purchasing RRSPs and start thinking about preparing our income tax returns.

However, it’s difficult to make a new resolution stick, especially if it involves something new and unfamiliar to us.

For example, it’s hard to fulfill the goals of a new work-out program if you don’t know how to use the equipment.

Likewise, it’s difficult to eat a well-balanced diet if you’ve never consulted a nutritionist or read the Canada Food Guide.

The same goes for money matters. If you’ve never spoken with a financial planning expert – and according to a 2005 BMO Financial Group study, over 50 percent of Canadians have not accessed professional advice – your odds of sticking to a long-term financial plan are remote.

In fact, financial resolutions are probably harder to fulfill than exercise or diet, as most people would claim a general knowledge of diet and fitness, while few would claim such a grasp of investment management.

“Going to the gym and starting an investment plan are very similar – the hardest part of the process is just getting started,” said Linda Knight, Vice-President of BMO Mutual Funds.

“Getting into the habit of investing is just like going regularly to the gym - once you begin implementing the plan that your trainer or financial planner has helped you create, you will find that it gets easier and

by the end of the year, you will see noticeable changes.

Financially speaking, that may mean having a nice nest egg that you can build on for years to come.”

Tips for getting started: • A fitness plan designed for weight loss is different than a fitness plan designed for building muscle.

Similarly, an investment plan designed to save for a vacation will be different from an investment plan designed for retirement.

So, it’s important to think about what your investment goals are and what you would like to achieve.

• The period of time in which you will have to save is also very important and will impact your investment strategies. Ask yourself when you will need to access your money: will it be in five years or 40?

• Determine your risk tolerance, or the degree of safety you wish to have in your portfolio to offset any short-term losses.

Your risk tolerance measures your threshold for losing money in a volatile market. It may relate to your own personal choice, your financial situation, or the amount of time you have before using the investment.

Like fitness programs, there are a lot of choices when it comes to investing – and what may work for one person, may not necessarily work for you.

By speaking with an investment professional at your local bank branch, who is available at no cost, you can create a well balanced portfolio that will keep you financially fit for years to come.

Information provided by BMO Mutual Funds. For more information, visit your nearest BMO Bank of Montreal branch or log on to www.bmo.com/investments.

Market Action S&P/TSX Composite Index Dow Jones Industrial Average Nikkei Oil (New York) Gold (New York) Canadian Dollar (in US dollars)

As of February 11, 2008

13,136 12,240 13,017 $93.59 $926.70 $0.9985

Weekly Gain/Loss

-122.08 -394.99 -841.76 5.68 30.10 -0.0083

Year To Date

-5.04% -7.72% -14.96% -8.43% 11.12% 0.29%

Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!

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

In 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 342-5052 or just stop in to the Berkshire office and ask to see Jason.

Jason Elford has been a wealth management specialist in Calgary for more than 9 years. Now a full time resident of Invermere, Jason recently joined the Berkshire office with Brendan Donahue.

Jason Elford Certified Financial Planner Insurance Advisor 712 - 10th Street, Invermere

Phone: 342-5052

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

February 15, 2008

YOUR MONEY Retirement planning tips for small business owners

Submitted by Bank of Montreal Many Canadian small business owners can tell you their business plans without hesitation, but ask them about their plan for retirement and you might just stump them.

Without question, small business owners are devoted to and passionate about their business, but many entrepreneurs are near-sighted about their own retirement plans.

Like all Canadians, small business owners must also plan and save for their desired retirement lifestyle.

According to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, seven in 10 Canadian small business owners are expected to retire within the next 10 years and many of them do not have an adequate retirement and succession plan. “The ďŹ rst step small business owners must take is to complete an inventory of what their retirement income sources will be, such as RSPs and non-registered investments, or the future equity in their business,â€? says Julie Sheen, Vice President, BMO Term Investments. “The second step is to develop a retirement plan

RRSP deadline February 29 Canadians contributed $32.4-billion to their RRSPs in 2006, the highest number ever recorded and a 5.8-percent increase over 2005.

But according to Statistics Canada, as of March 31, 2007, Canadians have left a cumulative total of more than $437-billion in unused contribution room on the table to date.

For your RRSP contribution to count against your 2007 tax return, you must make your purchase on or before Friday, February 29, 2008.

with an investment professional who understands the special needs of business owners.�

Whether small business owners intend to sell their business or pass it down to their children, an exit plan is an important part of a small business owner’s retirement plan.

Contributing regularly to both RSPs and non-registered investments is also critical.

Ms. Sheen warns that one of the biggest mistakes many business owners make is investing all their disposable income directly back into their business.

Instead, they should diversify at least some of it into their own registered or non-registered investment portfolios.

If something should negatively impact the business’ performance, a lack of diversiďŹ cation could leave nothing for the owner to fall back on.

Retirement planning has less to do with the current age of a business owner than it has to with making sure they are making good decisions and choices throughout the life of their business, so that they can enjoy a secure future in retirement.

Talk to a trusted investment advisor about developing a retirement plan or visit www.bmo.com for more information.

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For investment advice to help you meet your ďƒžnancial goals, please contact: BMO Bank of Montreal 1241 – 7th Avenue Invermere, BC Shauna Power, Financial Services Manager (250) 341-6823 'PS B MJNJUFE UJNF POMZ 3BUF TVCKFDU UP DIBOHF

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MILTON CRAWFORD

IT’S CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

NEW YEAR, NEW Y U

M

The nimble fingers of Kelly Smith soothe a client’s aching muscles at Pamper Yourself.

Proudly serving the Columbia Valley for 15 years with: • • • • •

Knowledgeable Sales Staff Top of the line product showroom Experienced Service Technicians Complete line of residential & commercial pool and spa chemicals Worry free weekly or bi-weekly maintenance programs

385 Laurier Street, Invermere

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

For some people, massage might be something they treat themselves to every once in a while.

But most people don’t realize that massage is actually something they should have regularly for their own well-being and overall health.

With an amazing choice of massage therapists and wellness spas right here in the valley, there’s a veritable selection of places to go to de-stress and unwind.

So what’s so great about massage?

Well, apart from the obvious relaxing aspects, what health benefits can be enjoyed through massage?

Monica Petrowitsch opened Pamper Yourself Spa in 1993 at the edge of Invermere on Highway 93/95, which offers massage, facials, pedicures, manicures, body wraps and body polishes.

Monica explained that everyone can benefit from massage, and pointed out the spa has given massages to people aged eight to 78. She said it is great for stress relief, increased blood circulation and muscle flexibility. “In this day and age we are connected to everyone via the internet, cell phone, e-mail, etc.

Massage gives us the opportunity to reconnect with ourselves. And more and more men are now realizing the benefits of massage,” she said.

Swedish Relaxation Massage is offered at Pamper Yourself Spa, but Monica explained there are many more types of massage available, such as Thai, trigger point and sports massage.

Monica believes people should have a massage at least once a month as a preventative measure, and more so if they have a strain or injury.

Anyone who is nervous about having a massage should bring a friend or partner along for support.

“We have a couple’s retreat at the spa, which is the perfect opportunity to introduce men to the experience,” she suggested.

“We often have mothers and daughters and friends come to the retreat together. Our clients can make the most of the hot tub by having a soak before the treatment so they begin to relax.

“For first-timers, I would suggest having a 55-minute massage, because you are just beginning to relax after 25 minutes and then it is all over.”

Continued on next page

Anglz Welcomes ing Studio Hair & Tann 227 -3 2 34

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

February 15, 2008 Continued from previous page Jeanette Riches had always been interested in massage therapy and honed her skills at the Foothills College of Massage Therapy in Calgary in 2001.

Jeanette opened Fusion Wellness Spa last June, which offers massage as well as a range of body treatments and scrubs, along with hydrotherapy, facials, esthetics, reiki, and reflexology.

“A lot of people think massage is a pampering treat they give themselves every once in a while,” Jeanette said. “But it should really be just as much part of your health care regime as drinking water. Massage is an investment in your health. Even people who don’t have any physical problems or aches and pains can benefit from massage. It is great for stress relief and just to have that human touch is very healing and therapeutic,” she explained.

She said that 95 percent of the clients at Fusion come with some kind of condition they want treated.

“It’s a very personal thing and each massage therapist has different techniques. I’d say people with a health condition or injury should have a massage every four to six weeks. Everyone else should enjoy a massage at least every two to three months, even if it is just to relax and take time for yourself. That hour is all

about you. And in today’s stressed world, we all need a bit of ‘you time’,” Jeanette said.

Fusion Wellness Spa offers a range of massages, from the classic Swedish to deep tissue to a hot and cold stone massage. There is also a Fusion Signature massage which is a combination of different therapeutic techniques. Jeanette explained that aromatherapy oils are used in deep tissue massage, which all have different benefits to help certain conditions.

She said newcomers to massage should just try out a 30 minute massage to start with.

“I would probably go for a relaxation massage for a first-timer. The massage therapist will always ask the client how the pressure is so they can tell if it’s too much for them. And the client is always fully draped and never exposed so they don’t feel vulnerable.

“Massage really increases circulation. I don’t always think that deeper is better; some people just need that healing touch. And good massage therapists always give their client home care recommendations, such as hot baths, stretching exercises and postural techniques. Most pain in the body is postural related, and how we do our daily tasks ultimately affects where our aches and pains are coming from.

“Even the smallest changes can make a huge difference to how you feel on a daily basis,” Jeanette said.

A peek at history

• SALES • SERVICE • CHEMICALS • WATER MAINTENANCE VISITS

In 1813, the Royal Central Institute was established in Stockholm, Sweden, where massage movements were studied scientifically and systematized.

This is why remedial massage is often called “Swedish.”

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

Valley woman remembers airline crash of 1978

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Thirty years ago, on Feb. 11, 1978, Jacquie Hemmelgarn started dinner, dropped her kids off at her mom’s and went to work.

The plan was to attend a grand opening in Invermere, then meet her mom at the arena to watch the kids skate. Her brother-in-law was dispatched to retrieve her husband from the airport and they would all meet back at the house for dinner.

That was the plan, but an unimaginable tragedy of horrific proportions would change her plans forever.

Last Sunday, two dozen of Jacquie’s relatives and friends gathered around her husband’s grave in the

Lloyd Hemmelgarn, seated, holding his son Allen, with daughters Kari, left, and Sandra.

hInvermere Cemetery to honour him and remember the events that led to his demise.

Monday, Feb. 11, marked the 30th anniversary of the crash of Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314 at Cranbrook Airport, the crash that claimed the life of 42 of 49 passengers and crew including Jacquie’s husband, Lloyd Hemmelgarn, the father of her three children.

News of the crash sent ripples across Canada and around the world. Ask around and you will find people who have detailed memories of the tragedy and the events of the day.

It’s not surprising that Jacquie would, too.

Last week, Jacquie sat at the kitchen table in the Invermere home of her mother, Eileen Tegart, sorting through a pile of old photographs, cards and newspaper clippings as she recounted the loss of her husband in the crash.

Lloyd was a Wilmer boy, and Wilmer, back then, was considered the wrong side of the tracks, she said.

She fell in love with him at age 15. He used to drive to town and bring Jacquie cigarettes. One day, she said, her father took Lloyd aside and asked him to stop.

“He said that if she’s going to smoke, I want her to have to buy her own,” she recalled.

The two were married nine days after her 18th birthday in August, 1965. Lloyd was 23.

Jacquie describes Lloyd as a prospector at heart.

“He didn’t think anything of hiking out of the bush with 75 pounds of samples on his back. That’s what he called them, ‘samples.’”

He was a risk-taker, but studied each risk meticulously. Lloyd, she said, “could hold his own in any area,” and was equally at ease with common folk and cabinet ministers.

He succeeded, she said, by surrounding himself with people who excelled in his own weak areas.

However, life for the young couple was no picnic.

Lloyd established Wescore Drilling and with a young family at home, was often gone four to five weeks at a time.

“He was the one who knew where the ore was,” she said. “He was the one.”

After two daughters, Kari and Sandra, Lloyd talked Jacquie into having another child, in hopes of having a boy.

“He wanted a son so bad,” she said.

Continued on next page...

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

February 15, 2008

reported traffic.

Flight 314: OK. We check - two nine seven six.

Mr. Hanover: And three one four. The - er - sweeper His brother Leonard found him in the bush to on the runway - er - has been for some time trying to deliver news of the birth of their son Allen. keep the snow back for you. I’ll let you know what it’s like She said he was sure it would be another girl. as soon as I get a progress from him. And the visibility “But then it dawned on him that Lenny wouldn’t not much change in the weather - maybe visibility about have come all that way to deliver news of another girl,” three quarters of a mile in snow. she said.

Flight 314: Three fourteen checks.

The next day she got a bouquet of pink roses and It was the last transmission from Flight 314. card with a one-word message.

Both Mr. Hanover and Mr. George expected the “Thanks!” flight would report by the “Skookum Beacon,” At age 36, she said, Lloyd was beginning to 28 miles north of the airport, on a straight-in achieve some success. He was preparing a mine approach to runway 16, thus giving the ploughfor the stock exchange and thoughts turned to man about seven minutes to get off the rundomestic issues. way.

Just two weeks before the crash, the couple At 12:55 p.m., ten minutes before the estienjoyed their first vacation since their honeymated time of arrival, Flight 314 touched down moon, a trip to Hawaii. in Cranbrook and the thrust reversers were de“We made the decision to spend more time ployed. A thrust reverser is an air scoop that as a family,” Jacquie remembered. deploys behind a jet engine that redirects the On February 11, 1978, Lloyd was returnthrust forward, instead of aft, to slow an aircraft ing from a meeting with MLA Jim Chabot and after touchdown and reduce wear on the brakes. members of Premier W. R. Bennett’s cabinet in Suddenly, the crash report noted, the crew of Victoria.

314 noticed the snow plough still on the run“Normally, he did not fly into Cranbrook,” way and a go-around, a touch-and-go landing, Jacquie explained. was immediately initiated.

However, while he was away, he had a new Twelve hundred feet after touching down, set of tires installed on the truck he left in Calthe aircraft became airborne again and flew over gary. He began the drive back to Windermere, the snow plough at a height of 60 to 70 feet. but found the truck handling poorly on the The perfect storm of problems began to highway. reach a critical mass. After the miscalculation of “He called home and said he thought maybe the estimated time of arrival, the adverse weaththe mechanics made a mistake,” Jacquie recalled. er conditions, the communication breakdown, “He said the truck was ‘floating.’” and the inexperienced crew, a mechanical failSo he decided to fly back instead. ure developed. The left thrust reverser failed to Pacific Western Airlines Flight 314, a Boeing re-stow after the go-around was initiated.

737, was a scheduled service from Edmonton to The aircraft, with 49 souls on board, climbed Castlegar with stops at Calgary and Cranbrook. EVER REMEMBERED—Jacquie Brown holds a photo of the couple The flight departed Calgary at half past noon taken on a trip to Hawaii, two weeks before Lloyd died in the crash of to 300-400 feet, banked steeply to the left, lost and was due into Cranbrook at 1:05 p.m.

PWA Flight 314.

Photo by Brian Geis height and nosed steeply into the metre-deep snow on the side of the runway.

Jacquie said she and the kids were excited Flight 314: We’re gonna crash According to the official accident report, the first to see Lloyd, and his return from a business trip was Mr. George: Where the hell did he come from? always a family affair with the extended family show- mistake was a miscalculation of Flight 314’s estimated Mr. Hanover: I don’t know, Terry, but he sure didn’t ing up to take greet him. “That’s what we did, as a time of arrival by air traffic controllers in Calgary.

Once the flight was underway, Calgary reported call after his first call. family.”

Aeradio Landline: Cranbrook radio, Calgary.

At the time, Jacquie served on the board of the to Cranbrook Aeradio operator Ernie Hanover an Mr. Hanover: Cranbrook.

East Kootenay Community College and made plans ETA of 13:05.

Aeradio Landline: I’ve got an inbound for you.

Because of the snow, truck driver Terry George to attend the grand opening she helped organize that Mr. Hanover: Standby a second please, I got an was ploughing the runway in preparation of Flight afternoon. emergency.

Afterward, she was going straight to the arena to 314’s arrival.

Aeradio Landline: Oh. OK. Mr. Hanover relayed the estimated time of arrival watch Kari perform in a skating event.

Aeradio Landline: Cranbrook radio, Calgary, are Lloyd’s brother Johnny Hemmelgarn and Wilfred to Mr. George, alerting him of the incoming aircraft.

At 12:46, Cranbrook Aeradio was contacted by you still busy?

Larrabee volunteered to pick him up at the airport.

Mr. Hanover: Aoah, OK go ahead now Calgary.

“I put a roast on time-bake and dropped the kids Flight 314 at which time Mr. Hanover radioed back Aeradio Landline: OK, first off, where’s P.W. three to the flight crew, junior pilot Chris Miles, 30, and his off at my parents,” she said.

Norm Babin of Windermere, the owner of Babin 26-year-old copilot Peter Vanoort, that snow removal thirty, three fourteen now, have you any idea?

Mr. Hanover: Yeah, he’s the emergency. He’s crashed Airlines in Invermere, was a 30-year-old pilot for was in progress.

Flight 314: Cranbrook Radio. Pacific Western Flight and is burning off the end of the runway.

Kootenay Airways, based in Cranbrook.

Mr. Babin, who was snowmobiling with his son in Mr. Babin, who got his start as a bush pilot in Sas- three one four-er-your frequency.

Mr. Hanover: Three one four, Cranbrook, go ahead. the back yard, saw the fireball. katchewan back in 1967, flew in and out of Cranbrook “I saw a red flash through the snow,” he said.

Flight 314: Yes, sir. We have the approach. You can from 1971 to 1990.

“There were basically three of us that got there at the Cranbrook, he said, is a great airport, sitting up go ahead with your numbers.

Mr. Hanover: OK - I’ll give you the numbers - the same time.” on a bench with a 28-mile approach. “It’s the best IFR (instrument flight rules) airport between Vancouver wind at one five zero degrees magnetic at six Cranbrook Continued on next page... altimeter two nine - two nine seven six and there’s no and Calgary, no questions,” he said.

Continued from last page...

“We lived adjacent to the airport,” he recalled.

“On a clear day, you could see the airport from our house.”

However, nearly a metre of snow had fallen on Cranbrook that day. It had been snowing all morning and visibility was reduced three-quarters of a mile.

The weather, Mr. Babin explained, was one problem in a perfect storm of problems that led to the tragedy that transpired that day, chief among them, a communication breakdown.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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February 15, 2008 Continued from last page...

The aircraft exploded on impact and bodies, some still strapped in their seats, were everywhere. Mr. Babin and the others began combing though the wreckage looking for survivors.

“We hauled about ten or eleven people out of there, me and another guy,” he said.

Ron Simms, then the owner of Premier Plumbing and Heating in Cranbrook, was one of the people Babin rescued from the wreckage, one of only seven to survive the crash.

“I pulled him out because I knew him. He was a (flight school) student of mine at the time,” he said.

“His legs got burned off in the crash.”

Mr. Babin said a makeshift morgue was set up in one of the airport hangars.

“It was gruesome,” he said, “just bloody awful.”

Family arriving to identify victims of the crash, he said, had to walk past a pile of limbs and file through the rows of bodies lined up on the hangar floor.

Yet more bodies of victims were transferred to the hospitals in Kimberley and Cranbrook and to McPherson’s Funeral Home in Cranbrook.

News of the crash spread fast.

Jacquie said she phoned home at about 2:00, but there was no answer. The next time she looked at the clock it was 4:00 p.m. The East Kootenay Community College, a precursor to College of the Rockies, occupied space above Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy in Invermere, so it was a short walk to the arena from there.

When she got to the arena, her mother was waiting for her. She told Jacquie that her father needed to talk to her right away.

The urgency in her mother’s voice scared her, she said.

“I thought Lloyd had gotten run over, that somebody hit him in the car,” she said. “It’s funny, I was crying already.”

When she burst through the door at home, her father, thinking she had already heard about the crash, blurted out that there were some survivors, but he didn’t know if Lloyd was among them.

Jacquie said she remembers her father grabbing her and holding her back as she headed out the door.

“He said, ‘Wait, let me change clothes and I will drive you,’” she said.

The ride to Cranbrook was a long one. Jacquie said she remembers her father holding her hand and saying, “I love you.”

“I remember saying to my dad, ‘It wasn’t him,” she said.

When they arrived at the airport, she said, they were stopped at a road block and sent to the hospital in Kimberley. At the hospital, they met Johnny and Wilf, who told them Lloyd wasn’t there and sent them to McPherson’s in Cranbrook.

Jacquie said the Salvation Army took care of her while her father went in to identify Lloyd’s body.

“I remember saying, ‘Don’t talk to me about God! How could he do this to my children?”

Kari was ten years old at the time and adored her father. She was learning to cook and delighted in mak-

ing breakfast for her father. Sandra was six years old and Allen was only two.

She said telling her kids their father had died was the hardest thing she ever had to do in life.

“I couldn’t do it. I just could not do it,” she said, “My mother had to tell them.”

Although she had given up smoking years before, she became a two-pack-a-day smoker for the next eight years.

Jacquie said she fell to pieces but landed in a strong net of family and community support.

Her sister, Donna Alston, flew into Cranbrook the following day to help out with the kids, having to see the still-smouldering crash site from the air before landing.

“That’s some kind of love,” Jacquie commented.

Retailers from up and down the valley called or showed up at her parents’ house to offer whatever they could provide, whatever the family needed, and told them to not worry about paying.

Pacific Western Airlines offered them a settlement of $500,000 and free air fare for life.

The lawyer representing them got half the money.

Jacquie got $89,000 and each of the kids got $50,000.

She turned down the free air travel.

“People thought we were rich, but we really weren’t,” she said.

A memorial service for Lloyd was held the following Saturday at Christ Church in Invermere and he was buried in the Invermere cemetery.

Jacquie said she remembers standing in front of the church, looking up and cursing God. “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you!”

“I was angry with him for taking my children’s father,” she said.

More than $4,000 was donated to the Salvation Army in Lloyd’s memory.

Her young family, Jacquie said, struggled with the loss. While she and Kari rebelled, Sandra and Allen grew closer together.

“I drank. I did some things I regret. I ran away once,” she said. “And that wasn’t good for the kids.

“It was tough. All of a sudden at 30 you have three small children without husband who was very much in control of your life.”

Kari dropped out of school in the ninth grade and moved out at 15. A year later she was married. By 18, she was divorced and struggling to raise a baby of her own.

“I spent a lot of days standing at Lloyd’s grave,” Jacquie said, “asking: ‘What do I do now?”

Jacquie, now a Calgary-based real estate agent, found herself at Lloyd’s graveside again last Sunday, this time surrounded by loved ones including her three grown children, all married and doing well, four grandchildren, and Wayne Brown, her husband of 17 years.

There are good reasons for safety and security in air travel. One is the catastrophic loss of life that could result from a breach in airline security. Jacquie says her family hopes this is the lesson learned from the loss of her husband.

“I just think it’s time to honour his memory,” she said.

February 15, 2008

LETTERS

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

New gas law unfair to seniors, disabled Dear Editor: Re: Grant’s Law – the newest regulation in effect requiring pre-paid gas.

This action or law serves only to create divisions of conflict across the province.

How many disabled live in BC? How many seniors live in the province of BC? How many injured workers or Workers’ Compensation Board individuals are there and what length of time are they usually unable to work?

In 1947, I was the first recruit in the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light infantry after the Regular Force was formed. I served four tours in Korea and was wounded 60 years ago.

Today, I drive a vehicle. I live in apart of British Columbia where we have no daily transit, or bus service. I commute by my own vehicle, strictly at my own

expense. Due to my own disability, I fuel my vehicle and then go inside to pay the attendant. Often in our area, I have moved my vehicle closer to the door of the building where the attendant is, especially in winter on icy walks and uneven ground. I normally buy gasoline at a service station where they have full service – at self-serve prices.

What a boost for the B. C. economy, with jobs for individuals. Instead we will have to talk to a computer, no service.

Grant’s Law, is a blatantly unfair reaction, extremely non-thinking.

No doubt the tragic death of station attendant Grant DePatie in 2005 may have brought some positive changes. You state that: “Safety is government’s number one priority.” But because I am old and disabled, but still able to drive, I question your thinking.

Is B.C. Workers’ Compensation Board going to cover

Rockies are great role models

Darren Naylor, Head Coach Columbia Valley Rockies

Richard Engel and Faye Engel, Fairmont

DARE TO COMPARE!

Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the item printed on February 1st in the “Cheers & Jeers” section. I would first like to apologize for the actions of my players and myself in the meltdown which occurred during the Rockies game on January 26, 2008.

The comment about “role models who used to be respected” was both very harsh and I feel, unjust. This year’s team has had struggles on the ice, but considering we have 14 first-year players, it hasn’t been bad.

Off the ice, the Rockies players have gone above and beyond in terms of giving back to the community. This season the Rockies players have helped every week with the “Learn to Skate” program. One player was even nominated as volunteer of the week.

The Rockies have helped with the Christmas Bureau, Remembrance Day and the Christmas parade. Some players volunteer with the Parent Advisory Group at a local school. There are nine players attending school full-time, two apprenticing electricians, one apprenticing mechanic, and one apprenticing plumber. They practice every day and play 52 games – many of which involve long periods of travel.

These players ARE role models who have dedicated themselves to this team and this community.

To judge and speak negatively of the whole team when the actions of one or two individuals were wrong is not fair or right.

all seniors and disabled in the province, if during the winter they get out of their vehicle to gas up and fall and break a leg, a hip, an arm?

There is no question that quality of service reflects on the B. C. economy. This discontinuation, minor as it may be, will no doubt have a base reflection, financially on the tourist industry.

Why come to British Columbia? We have a seven percent PST and the highest gasoline prices in Canada. Living close to the border of Alberta, Washington, Idaho and Montana, we question this decision and the part it will play on the economy in our area.

The salaries of the MLAs and oil company profits should be used to pay for the attendant at the pumps—not out of the pockets of British Columbians by increased gasoline taxes.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

February 15, 2008

The Old Zone

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist Usually at this time of year, I have just returned from a three or four-week vacation someplace tropical, but you have probably noticed that I have been here all winter.

Very frustrating, very cold, very difficult to survive, and very, very hard on my golf game. Never again will I spend a January in the Columbia Valley!

Since I have had to endure this bitter cold, I think that everyone should be suffering along with me. The number of guys who disappear for weeks on end during hockey season astounds me. And the gall they have to do it during the playoffs! Obviously these guys are letting their wives make their travel plans!! Absolutely no thought has gone into what they are doing to their teammates.

We work all year long on building cohesion on the ice and poof; just like that it is gone. “I have to go to Australia for six weeks” or “I have tickets for the Super Bowl” or “I have to go the Florida for two weeks” or “I’m going on a cruise for three weeks.” Don’t you guys know it’s rainy season wherever the heck you’re going?

Our visions of hoisting the much sought-after Oldtimers’ championship trophy fly out the window along with your Westjet flight to the fun and sun. You guys should have the worst holiday possible because of what you do to those you leave behind.

Can you tell I’m bitter because I couldn’t get away this year?

This week, our thanks go to Kerry and Lori Ellingboe, the sponsors of the Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes. I am quite sure they were not consulted about the “Killer Tomatoes” part! Maybe if they slide a few bucks my way, I can change that for them.

And finally, just in case you care . . . The Playoffs: Week 3.

Feb. 6th results: Lake Auto thumped Huckleberry’s, Valley Vision lost to Hi Heat, Warwick beat Kicking Horse and Inside Edge defeated Petro-Can. CVOHA League PLAYOFF Standings Team

W L

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2

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RADIUM PETROCAN KILLER TOMATOES LIVE UP TO THEIR NAME: Back Row: John Rose, Mike Meadus, Tom Roberts, Chris Wrazej, and Daryl Crowley. Front Row: Ross Bidinger, Bob Hanley, Peiter Jansen,Wayne Bozowski and Harald Kloos. Missing: Brian Schaal, Ernie Parent, Adrian Messerli, Dale Wilker.

Celebrate the launch of the Columbia Valley Transit System!

Drop by for refreshments, meet special guests and check out your new bus!

Monday, February 25, noon to 2:30pm Lions Hall at the Crossroads 651 Highway 93 and 95 Schedule Two trips every weekday to Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats, and one by-request trip each on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between Radium, Invermere and Fairmont.

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Sheet of 10 Tickets $15.00 $18.00 Bus Pass $42.00 For schedule details, visit www.busonline.ca, call 1-877-343-2461 or pick up a Rider’s Guide on the bus.

Regional District of East Kootenay

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24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

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2 bdrm, 2 bathroom unit is located in one of the finest developments in Radium Hot Springs.

Exquisite design and amenities coupled with high end finishing and heated underground parking, outdoor pool and club house makes this well priced unit a destination property you have to have! Only two blocks from the Radium Springs Golf Club. MLS K165616

Unit 212 Sable Ridge Radium Hot Springs, 7495 Columbia Ave

$349,900

2 bdrm., 2 bathroom unit is located in one of the finest developments in Radium Hot Springs.

Exquisite design and amenities coupled with high end finishing and heated underground parking, outdoor pool and club house makes this well priced unit a destination property you have to have! Only two blocks from the Radium Springs Golf Club. MLS K165619

Unit 310 Sable Ridge Radium Hot Springs, 7495 Columbia Ave

$364,900

Your one stop vacation spot! This beautifully appointed 4 bedroom condo on the prestigious Radium Ridge boasts over 2000 sq. ft.. Single car garage and large deck with mountain views. If you like cooking you will love this spacious kitchen. Access to swimming pool and hot tub. Open design, air conditioned, real wood fireplace in living room. Definitely a must see to appreciate. K164957

2 bdrm, 2 bathroom unit is located in one of the finest developments in Radium Hot Springs.

Exquisite design and amenities coupled with high end finishing and heated underground parking, outdoor pool and club house makes this well priced unit a destination property you have to have! Only two blocks from the Radium Springs Golf Club. MLS K165619

Invermere. 624-9th Ave Invermere

Unit 214 Sable Ridge Radium Hot Springs, 7495 Columbia Ave

Townhouse with Mountain Views! This 3-bedroom townhouse is in walking distance to downtown Invermere and all its amenities. Single car garage, large storage area, 1.5 Baths, low maintenance and awesome mountain views. K165155

2 bdrm., 2 bathroom unit is located in one of the finest developments in Radium Hot Springs.

Exquisite design and amenities coupled with high end finishing and heated underground parking, outdoor pool and club house makes this well priced unit a destination property you have to have! Only two blocks from the Radium Springs Golf Club. MLS K165621

250 Pinetree Road Invermere

Lot 17 Pineridge Mountain Resort Invermere

Tranquility with awesome Lake and Mountain views! For ever unobstructed views, extra large and private concrete deck, hot tub, and a river rock fireplace, hardwood floors, double garage, in-floor heating, extra large kitchen, 3 large bedrooms and a rec-room with a walk out. Walking distance to downtown. K164860

Rare opportunity in Invermere! This Pineridge Mountain Resort lot is a great front “walk-out”. Slight pie-shaped. Excellent front views of the Rocky Mountains Backs on to a natural forested park with access to a regional pathway. Well treed with a good mix of Douglas fir. MLS 165749

$329,000

$699,000

$459,900

$259,975

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

February 15, 2008

Best minor hockey ever marks playoff season

By Cheryl Bachinski Pioneer Columnist As the minor hockey season begins its wind down, there are a lot of playoff games to be enjoyed throughout the area with most teams competing over the next few weeks.

The Bantam boys’ team participated in their zone playoffs with a Thursday night contest against their arch-rivals, Golden.

The boys took to the ice with about 150 screaming fans cheering them on.

Golden did not stand a chance against us, as our team put forth an incredible effort in what some fans said was the best minor hockey game they had ever had the pleasure of watching.

The game was filled with end to end action, with goals being scored by Drew Nikirk, Reto Stitz and T. J. Bone.

Golden managed to net a few goals themselves, including the go-ahead goal, until Tryg Strand drilled one in to Golden’s net late in the third, forcing

the game into overtime.

Invermere was victorious in overtime, with the game winning goal being scored by T. J. Solid net-minding by Zach Opheim

ent weather were forced to forfeit their first game.

The girls then competed in the consolation round where they secured a solid win. Great goal-tending from Jayme Saunders helped the team towards this win, and Jayme even contributed on one of our goals, earning herself an assist.

Invermere goals were scored by Haley McDonald, Sawyer Ellingboe, Kiana Strand, Lindsay Torma, Katrina Dubois and Gracie Jones.

Outstanding effort award goes to Raven McAllister Hart who is a recent new comer to Windermere Valley Minor Hockey and to the Bantam team.

Job well done, girls!

With the excitement of the playoffs and zones throughout the province, let’s all be very cautious on the highways when travelling to and from games.

February can be a very crazy month for extreme changes in the weather.

Let’s all get back home safely.

Thanks, everyone!

was key in the win for Invermere.

The second game for the Bantams was in Golden with a very early start where they suffered a defeat.

The boys were back in Golden a couple of days later for a late start with many cheering fans along with them.

Tension was high on the ice and in the stands as the third period wound down with the game locked in a tie, with our goals coming from Reto, Tryg, T. J. and Stephan Seel.

With just a few minutes left, Golden’s Kyle Colonna scored stealing the win from our boys.

It was a tough loss but the boys had every reason to hold their heads high, as they provided some pretty amazing hockey for the fans to watch, and did an outstanding job representing our valley in the playoffs.

Well done to our Bantam boys’ team, and to all the fans who cheered them on.

The Bantam girls were off to Stettler this past weekend, and due to inclem-

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E-mail: upioneer@telus.net Phone: (250) 341-6299

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

‘Hungy Wolf’ Stettler to fight on pay-per-view

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

Darryl (Hungry Wolf ) Stettler pummels Ian Gordon in a mock fight to practice before his big event next Friday.

Saturday, February 23rd

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Darryl “Hungry Wolf ” Stettler of Invermere will battle Trevor Daley in a welter-weight match-up in Maximum Fighting Championship at the River Cree Resort and Casino in Edmonton on Friday, Feb. 22.

The match will be televised in an HDnet Television pay-per-view broadcast.

Both Bud’s Bar and the Copper City Saloon will be featuring the event on the big screens the night of the fight.

Mr. Stettler said the Maximum Fighting Championship is full hand-to-hand combat following the same rules as the popular Ultimate Fighting Championship.

“For me to score a fight like this is big,” he said.

“I’m definitely not going there to lose; otherwise there is a good chance I’m going to end up in the hospital.”

Mr. Stettler, a semi-pro hockey player in Switzerland, grew up practicing Karate and Kung Fu. “I’m into Judo, Muay Tai kick boxing and Commando Krav Maga,” he said.

The Hungry Wolf will be wearing the light blue short shorts and entering to the theme from The Good, The Bad and the Ugly.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

February 15, 2008

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28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

February 15, 2008

Windermere resident warns of thin ice

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Windermere resident Dan Osborne has amassed a collection of photos to warn people how thin is the ice near the place where Windermere Creek flows into Lake Windermere.

According to Mr. Osborne, at least six vehicles have fallen into the icy waters of Lake Windermere this winter.

“I can personally attest to three in since January 5th,” he said. “Another local resident told me that three went in over the Christmas period, but I did not personally see them.”

Mr. Osborne said he is trying to

Photos submitted by Dan Osborne

raise awareness of the issue out of concern for the environment and public safety, as well as saving drivers the cost of recovery, which can run into thousands of dollars.

“Typically it happens at night,” he said, “but not always. Vehicles come from the south towards Invermere and come too close to the east shore at this particular place.

“One of the last three was someone heading straight out from private property.

“They drove right into the soft ice and bottomed out on the floor-boards.

People simply do not know that this is a non-navigable piece of the lake.”

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

The Pioneer Presents…

Our Library of Publications Everyone’s Favourite Weekly Newspaper Our Annual Guidebook to the Columbia Valley

A magazine aimed at Radium’s many visitors.

Our annual look at valley real estate and lifestyles.

N E W S PA P E R

Where to Our long weekend dine out in the valley. guide to summer fun.

Tear-off maps to our three most visited communities.

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

February 15, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer •31

The Pioneer acquires another publication The Columbia Valley Pioneer has acquired the valley’s only Dining Guide from Palliser Printing.

“This handy guide is a great addition to our library of publications,” said Pioneer publisher Elinor Florence. “It is a good resource for locals and visitors, and offers another advertising opportunity for our clients as well.”

The Dining Guide is an attractive glossy brochuresized product that features advertising from more than 30 restaurants in the valley.

Distributed at local businesses and hotels, it is a quick and easy way for the visitor to find a place to eat.

Locals can benefit, too, as the guide offers both menus and take-out specials.

“The valley needs a Dining Guide that is truly spectacular,” said the former owner and creator Dee Conklin. “The restaurant world should be thrilled to have The Pioneer team take over, as they will be in good hands. I am so glad to pass this on to a reputable and respected partner in the community.”

The Dining Guide will be published this spring in time for the busy tourist season. If you would like to advertise, please call us at 341-6299.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer already offers locals

and visitors a menu of publications, including: • Columbia Valley Map Book, a digest-sized guide including area maps and tourist information, distributed across Western Canada; • Radium Hot Springs Magazine, a magazinesized glossy publication produced in partnership with the Radium Chamber of Commerce and distributed through hotel and motel rooms in Radium; • Columbia Valley Homes, a magazine-sized glossy publication featuring articles and information about valley lifestyles; • Tear-off maps for Invermere, Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs, distributed at both the Radium and Columbia Valley Visitor Centres and at many valley businesses.

• Play and Stay, our special tourist supplement that appears in The Pioneer during the four long weekends of summer in May, July, August and September.

If you would like to purchase advertising in the dining guide or any of our other publications, call Dave Sutherland at 341-6299.

If you would like to see copies of any of our publications, please drop by our Invermere office or call 341-6299 for more information.

Elevate Your Dining Experience

Quality antique furniture and collectibles from Canada, Europe and Asia. Architectural items for home and garden.

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Call 250-342-6560 for restaurant reservations • www.eagleranchresort.com

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

Winter driving safety tips Local man jailed again The BC Ambulance Service is issuing some safety advice to help drivers stay safe on the roads this winter.

The service attends about 37,000 motor vehicle collisions annually.

• Is your journey essential? Don’t take unnecessary chances. Check the weather forecast and avoid driving in poor conditions. If you must travel, allow yourself extra time or wait until conditions improve.

• Check your vehicle. Before you leave, be sure you have sufficient windshield washer fluid. Poor visibility can lead to accidents. Keep your gas tank sufficiently full - at least a half of a tank is recommended, in case you run into lengthy delays; the extra weight also assists with traction.

• Are you prepared? The service suggests these useful items for your emergency driver’s kit: cones or reflectors, jumper cables, shovel, trac-

tion pads or chains, ice scraper, towing cable, flashlight, matches and a candle, blanket, non-perishable food, and emergency phone numbers.

• Drive safely. Reduce your speed according to the conditions. The society recommends a four-second gap between you and the car in front of you. Stay alert and avoid distractions.

This will give you time to respond.

Avoid braking suddenly as it can cause you to skid. If you do start to skid, take your foot off the brake and engage the clutch or put the car into neutral. While steering, look in the direction you want the car to go.

• In case of an emergency. If you need help, pull off of the road to make or receive a call on your cellphone. Be sure to keep your hazard lights on and, if it is safe, place cones or reflectors in an angle behind your vehicle to assist with visibility.

FOREST STEWARDSHIP PLAN AMENDMENT Canadian Forest Products Ltd., Radium Hot Springs (Canfor) is advertising for public review an amendment to its Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) prepared under the Forest and Range Practices Act. Canfor has timber harvesting rights within the Rocky Mountain Forest District that extends from Radium Hot Springs east to the Alberta border, west to the height of the Purcell Mountains, south to US boarder and north to Parson.

The proposed amendment to the FSP is an addition of a new Forest Development Unit (FDU) in the Invermere TSA.

TIMBER SUPPLY AREA

Invermere TSA

GEOGRAPHIC AREA

Brewer Creek, Bruce Creek, Neave Creek, Andreen Creek

PROPOSED ACTIVITIES IN FDU’S

Harvesting, road building and silviculture activities to facilitate the harvest of dead, infested and damaged timber from beetle, windthrow or fire.

The plan specifies results or strategies that are consistent with: 1) objectives set by government in the Kootenay Boundary Higher Level Plan, and 2) objectives prescribed by the Forest and Range Practices Act or otherwise established by government.

The FSP also specifies measures for preventing the introduction or spread of invasive plants and to mitigate the loss of natural range barriers. Finally, the FSP specifies the regeneration date, free growing height and stocking standards necessary to actively establish and reforest harvested areas.

The FSP is available for public review and written comment at: Canfor Woodlands Office Radium Plaza building, 7585 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs, BC. Persons may review the FSP during regular business hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, From February 15, 2008 to April 18, 2008 A Canfor representative will be available to discuss the proposed plans and receive comments. If you are unable to review the proposed plan during these times, arrangements can be made with Canfor to view the plan at a mutually agreeable time.

Written comments about the plan must be submitted by mail or in person by April 18, 2008 to:

OFFICE

Canadian Forest Products Ltd. PO Box 39, 7585 Main St. West, Unit 6 Radium Plaza Bldg.

Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0

CONTACT

Darren Tamelin, RPF Strategic Planning Forster

E-MAIL

Darren.Tamelin@canfor.com

PHONE / FAX

347-2711/347-9211

for threatening wife

By Pioneer Staff Kaspar Heiz of Invermere was jailed for two years after pleading guilty to uttering threats to his estranged wife, according to evidence presented in Adult Criminal Court in Invermere on February 7th, 2008.

Details of the case will also be forwarded to Immigration Canada officials, who may consider deporting Mr. Heiz to his native Switzerland.

Crown prosecutor Andrew Mayes told the court that after Mr. Heiz was released from prison after serving his sentence on a previous charge of threatening to kill his estranged wife, he was heard boasting to two men in Radium about starting legal action with his wife in regards to their house.

While he was talking, he put his hand in the shape of a gun and appeared to pull the trigger with his finger.

Mr. Heiz was arrested that same evening, on July 12th, 2007.

While in jail in Kamloops, he wrote a letter to his wife’s mother, dated August 15th, 2007 and postmarked September 4th, 2007. In the letter, he stated that he would not set his wife free after 27 years of marriage.

Excerpts from the letter read: “I will burn and torture her forever if she wants a divorce. Without my wife, life is worthless for me and her. My wife will cry herself to death, and I will torture her until she knows where she belongs.

But by then she knows it’s too late. I will fight for my wife until we both fall down dead. If my wife no longer wants to be with me she should take a rope and hang herself, that will save me the work. If I meet her without her wedding band she will lose her finger with a knife.”

The letter was handed over to the RCMP. Prosecutor Mayes told the court that Mr. Heiz has numerous previous convictions, including assault and driving over the legal alcohol limit. The court heard that Mr. Heiz breached his probation order seven times since March 2005, and was returned to jail on several occasions. On January 16th, 2007 he was convicted of uttering threats towards his estranged wife.

Mr. Mayes said Mr. Heiz has shown

complete disregard for the court’s previous orders and has continued his threatening behaviour from jail.

He pointed out that although Mr. Heiz is a permanent resident of Canada, being convicted of criminal offences could affect his right to remain here.

“I’m aware that Immigration Canada has begun proceedings relating to Heiz’s prior convictions,” he said.

Mr. Heiz’s lawyer defended him by telling the court that since last July, he has spent 211 days, or almost seven months, in custody. He also pointed out that Mr. Heiz is in poor health.

“My client is almost 60. He suffers from a host of medical problems, including hearing, chronic back pain, and he has blood in his stool. He has had three back surgeries, and on more than one occasion he has been taken to hospital while in custody. In addition, his elderly mother who lives in Switzerland is dying and he would like to go back to visit her.”

However, Judge Carlgren sentenced Mr. Heiz to another two years in jail.

“I know there was an increase in the nature of the threats, as I have dealt with Mr. Heiz numerous times in court.

The threats have gone from indirect to increasingly more direct and more frightening. His wife is entitled to see the courts have achieved some level of protection for her,” he said.

“Mr. Heiz has repeatedly breached probation orders and release orders almost before the ink on them has dried.

Obviously the court has to assert its ability to protect his wife, and its ability to enforce its own orders,” the judge explained.

“The last threat I find to be an extremely frightening one, a considered one, and one done in a calculated manner to cause distress to his wife and her mother, who must now be aging,” Judge Carlgren said.

He then spoke directly to Mr. Heiz: “I thought two years ago you were at the point where deportation should be considered. I request the transcripts of this case be forwarded to the appropriate authorities in respect to deportation.

“I have considered how difficult your time in custody has been, but how little difference it seems to have made to your thinking,” the judge added.

February 15, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer •33

Kicking Horse Coffee sees the light Submitted by Wildsight

Before and After The top photograph shows Kicking Horse Coffee with old-style glaring lights that could be seen at night for a long distance. The bottom photo shows the same building at night with a new type of light called “Glare Busters.” The business has also put their lights on a timer so they are no longer shining unnecessarily after sunrise or before sunset. Some of the lights

also have motion detectors installed so they only come on when needed. Wildsight congratulates Leo Johnson and Elana Rosenfeld, the owners of Kicking Horse Coffee, for their initiative as well as their employee Mike Pollard, who supervised the changes. Wildsight is urging other businesses to follow their lead and reduce light pollution in our valley.

It wasn’t that many generations ago that parents told their children to turn off the lights when they weren’t using them. Back then wasting electricity was considered a bad habit.

Today, a quick spin around the valley at three o’clock in the morning shows a wide array of outside lights glaring away, for no rational reason, throughout the entire night.

Some bad habits seem hard to break.

When Kicking Horse Coffee was first told that they were “less than stellar in regard to the amount of electricity they were wasting with outside lights” the gauntlet was thrown down in front of the staff member charged with their electrical system. He did not flinch nor relent.

Now, after several months of changes and tweaking, Kicking Horse Coffee is the first business in the valley to have completely retrofitted its outdoor lighting to the standard of Wildsight’s Responsible Outdoor Lighting Program.

Asked about the lighting changes, Chief Executive Officer Elana Rosenfeld said: “Not only do we feel that it is our responsibility to reduce input of greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere, but the changes to our outdoor lighting are going to reduce our operating expenses and make us more profitable.”

Before the change, glare from two Kicking Horse Coffee lights could be seen from the summit of Mt. Swansea.

Now these two can’t even be seen from the highway. And on the back of the building old-style glaring lights called “wall packs” have been replaced by full cutoff light fixtures named Glare Busters. Since no light can get out of these fixtures above a horizontal line, a bulb of about half the wattage can be used for the same amount of useful light on the ground.

Photocells, that turn lights off in the morning and on in the evening have been upgraded at Kicking Horse Coffee and now they are more in sync with streetlights, no longer wasting electricity by being on an hour too late in the morning and another hour too early in the evening, as lights at many other businesses and industries are.

Timers play a part as well for there is no reason, unless you are open at these hours, to have advertising lights on between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Since the original “nameplate” lights were four times stronger than needed, the bulbs were replaced with ones that were not only more efficient but of lower wattage, using considerably less electricity. As a final touch, some of the business’s lights have motion detectors so they are on only when needed.

Mike Pollard, who made all the electrical changes, was very appreciative, stating: “Wildsight’s suggestions were of great help; other business should take advantage of their thoughts about outdoor lighting.”

It was the combination of full cutoff light fixtures, efficient light bulbs, improved photocells, timers and motion detectors that has made the business’s outdoor lighting not only socially responsible and environmentally sound but also an economically progressive step in their own business plan. So hats off to Kicking Horse Coffee the first valley business to embrace a plan that ends wasted light at night.

34 โ ข The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

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BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7559 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 โ ข Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System โ ข Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dean Hubman

Certi๏ฌ ed Technician

342-3052

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

7 days a week

GAS โ ข PROPANE โ ข DIESEL Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

February 15, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU SCRUBS

Executive Housekeeping Service Professional Service Now Taking New Clients Call today for your FREE Cleaning Consultation References Available

Elin (250) 342-0050 or John (250) 342-5832 email: scrubgrp@gmail.com

The only place t’s w he re i 30 minute circuit training for women only.

HEAT PUMPS, DUCT WORK & FURNACES

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

Sales and Service

• We can check your vacant home • We could stock your pantry and liquor cabinet • We can check on your renters • We can solve your problems.

Call today 342.1167

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

cool to be a loser!

orat iv ec D e a i b m u l oC • Acid S t ainingCo•ncrete

Now Open 24/7

• S t amping • Exposed •

What are you weighting for?

Women’sPACE

Eric J. Friesen

Proudly supporting La-Esperanza-Granada.org & Casas-De-La-Esperanza.org

Verna Jones • pacegal@ telus.net • Tel: 342-6010 We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

• POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQ·S • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC PO Box 117, Windermere, BC V0B 2L0 Phone: (250) 342-7100 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: (250) 342-7103 www.diamondheatingandspas.com

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

LAMBERT-KIPP J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Interior World

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

Specializing in hot water tanks and large variety of plumbing repairs.

Come in and browse our giftware

Clarke Mousseau Box 115, Radium BC V0A 1M0

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

342-6612

(250)

347-9237

Avion

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

WINDERMERE 342-6805

Need Blinds?

Radium Plumbing & Maintenance

PHARMACY LTD.

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

342-1775

Construction Ltd. CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS - GENERAL CONTRACTORS

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

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

DESIGN/BUILD CUSTOM HOMES • MULTI-FAMILY & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

INVERMERE

Phone: (250) 342-9866 Fax: (250) 342-9869 www.avionconstruction.com

HEAD OFFICE

Phone: (403) 287-0144 Fax: (403) 287-2193 #200, 6125 - 11 Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 2L6

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

Grant’s Foods moves to main street

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

Grant Kelly is enjoying the extra display space at his spacious new store.

Regular customers at Grant’s Foods in Invermere may be wondering where the store has gone.

After three and a half years at its location on 8th Avenue, Grant Kelly and his wife and assistant Sherri have made the move to the main street of Invermere, to a bigger and better store, just a few doors up from Gone Hollywood.

The new store opened its doors on February 1st. It is double the size of the former location and Grant says he will gradually increase the selection of products available.

Customers can shop for frozen prepared foods, seafood, fish, buffalo, chicken, vitamins and supplements, health foods, gluten free foods, imported foods, snacks and healthy beverages.

Grant explained his reasons for moving to the new premises.

“I felt there was a market to fill some voids in the frozen prepared food category and certain areas of the health food and imported foods,” he said.

And he has already seen an increase in customers in the short time he has been open.

“We do see customers who pull up to frequent the video store and as people become accustomed to us being on the same block, it will increase even more,” Grant said.

Grant’s Foods is open from 10 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. on Monday to Saturday, and 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Opening hours may be extended in the summer.

HERE TO SERVE YOU COLUMBIA VALLEY Hours:

Sunday, 12 noon – 10 p.m.

Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Thursday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

TAXI

250-342-5262 Serving Golden to Cranbrook, Banff and Lake Louise

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

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

(403) 861-8782

brenda@soledecornmore.com

READY MIX CONCRETE Bus: (250) 342-6336 Fax: (250) 342-3578 Email: isr@telus.net Website: www.is-r.ca 403 - 7th Avenue Invermere, BC

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)

February 15, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer •37

Dad and daughter get hair cut for cancer

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Brave seven-year-old Emma Norquay had her long tresses cut to a bob so she could donate her hair to the Canadian Cancer Society.

In front of all her classmates at Eileen Madson Primary School, Emma watched her two ponytails being snipped off by stylist Maria Small, who owns Anglz Hair Studio in Invermere.

Her dad Ron Norquary, a teacher at the high school, was so inspired by Emma’s idea, that he, too, had his head shaved to raise even more cash.

Emma has been growing her hair since last year’s Relay For Life so she could donate it at this year’s event.

But she was getting very frustrated with her hair, and wanted to find a way to donate it for a wig earlier.

Emma wanted to make sure that if any girls or boys had to lose their hair to get rid of their cancer, that they at least had a pretty wig to wear until their own hair grew back.

Emma raised $630 by herself, but Brian Stade, who is a teacher/counsel-

lor at the high school, offered to donate $370 if her dad Ron went for the big shave, boosting the funds to $1,000.

Geraldine Gibson, a Canadian Cancer Society member, was on hand to collect Emma’s ponytails.

Her story inspired a couple of other pupils to donate their hair as well.

Zoey Anders from J. A. Laird School and Kayja Becker from David Thompson Secondary School have both committed to cutting their hair at the Relay for Life event on the night of May 31st.

Relay for Life coordinator Shelley Smith said the Columbia Valley youth are becoming very involved with the Relay for Life and the Canadian Cancer Society.

“I am still amazed how the selfless act of one little girl can touch so many people in so many different ways.

“And all because one of her best friend’s moms has had cancer all of their lives,” Shelley said.

Anyone who wants to donate to the Canadian Cancer Society can do so by clicking on Emma’s, Zoey’s or Kayja’s names online at www.cancer.ca/relay.

Emma helps Maria Small with her father Ron Norquay’s head shave.

Climbing wall hosts climb-a-thon Saturday

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Climbers in Invermere are reaching new heights, thanks to an expansion of the indoor wall at J. A. Laird School.

The wall now has more than 1,000 square feet of climbing area. There is added top roping and bouldering, as well as lead climbing and a rappelling station.

The wall was initially opened in 2002, and many climbers from beginners to the very experienced have taken advantage of it over the past six years.

Climbing gym instructor Herb Weller said the expansion would not have been possible without the help of many people across the valley.

Financial contributions were made by the Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, the Laird Parent Advisory Committee, the Grade 7 leadership group at J. A. Laird School, and Kicking Horse Coffee. Construc-

tion materials were donated by Tony Bukovnik of Rona/Northstar Building Supplies. Donations in kind were also made by Norma Harmsworth’s Bed and Breakfast. And some welding was provided at cost by Shane McKay of TXN Welding.

Labour and construction expertise was provided by Harry Cherney, Mike Hutchinson and fellow Canadian Union of Public Employees workers from the Rocky Mountain School District.

The wall was engineered by Vancouver-based High Performance Climbing Walls, which have built certified climbing facilities all over the world.

Laird School is one of very few elementary schools in the country to have such a climbing gym.

Herb says the wall has become very popular with students as well as the public.

“Climbing is an excellent way to develop strength and flexibility. It also promotes mental challenges of route finding and movement strategies. Climbing is also a sport where there is gender equality, as the recent world champion climber is a

13-year-old girl in an open age and gender competition,” Herb said.

Equipment is provided free of charge or people can bring their own. Special functions or groups can be scheduled outside regular climbing wall hours.

There is still a substantial amount to pay for the expansion and a climb-a-thon will be held on Saturday, February 16th from noon until 8 p.m. to boost funds. Climbers will sign up with a qualified belayer and then try to climb as many times up the wall or across the wall in half an hour.

Climbers will try to obtain as many pledges per climb as possible. Pledge forms can be picked up during regular climbing wall hours, which are Fridays from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturdays/Sundays from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Drop-in fees are $5 per session. A yearly season pass for an adult is $80, a child up to 14 years is $50 and a family of four is $160. For more, call the school at 342-6232 or Herb Weller at 342-9413.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS MEMORIAM

SUITE FOR RENT

CONDO FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE

Lloyd Hemmelgarn May 28/42 – Feb 11/78 It has been 30 years since we lost you. You will ever be remembered and ever loved.

Jacquie, Kari (Steve), Sandra (TJ), Allen (Kyla), your grandchildren who wish they could have known you, Christopher, Jack, Emily, and Elijah.

Radium 4bdrm, 2 bath bsmt suite. $1375 includes utilities.

Donna or Verna 342-6010.

Two bdrm, two bath luxury condo for long-term rent in Sable Ridge Resort, Radium.

Fully furnished and stocked with amenities. Just move in. For pictures of similar unit see www. ownerdirect.com, unit #96922. (this is only a one bdrm but it looks the same). Furnished with Penthouse Furnishings, gourmet kitchen, ensuite laundry, 2 queen beds, TV, DVD, fireplace, underground parking, 2 outdoor hot tubs, seasonal pool, storage unit. Long term rental. $1295/ month including utilities. Karen 403-283-6662.

1975, 14x70 mobile on large well-treed lot in Canal Flats.

Beach and golf course in walking distance. 3 bdrms, 1 bath, covered deck, $140,000.00, 417-5282.

ANNOUNEMENTS Windermere Valley Shared Ministry will hold its annual congregation meeting at Christ Church Trinity, Sunday, February 17th, following the 10:30 service. Members are asked to bring sandwiches, squares, or fruit plates to share.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 342-3637

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Roommate wanted to share new house in Westside Park. $500/ month. Available immediately, call 688-7787.

SUITE FOR RENT Monthly or weekly units available for working couples or individuals with or without kitchens. Call Motel Bavaria in Radium, 347-9915.

2 bdrm basement suite close to downtown Invermere. $800/ month, utilities included. N/P, N/S, 342-1617.

Furnished rental in Radium, starting at $425.00, utilities included, 341-7022

Invermere, bright unfurnished, 2 bdrm ground floor suite.

Walking distance to beach and downtown. Large backyard, 4 new appliances, plus w/d. N/S, N/P, mature, long-term renter preferred. DD plus references required, $1000/month includes utilities and cable. Available immediately. John, 403-8015168.

CONDO FOR RENT Radium Fully Furnished Condo for Rent This 1 bdrm fully furnished condo located in the luxurious Sable Ridge complex comes complete with king sized bed, Penthouse furnishings and accents, along with everything you will need to make this retreat-like condo home. This is the largest one bdrm condo in the complex which features a spacious living and dining room, large deck overlooking the pool, 2 hot tubs, and full vistas of the Rockies. All this plus heated underground parking, ensuite, laundry, water, heat, and electricity are included. Make this award winning complex home at only $1400 per month.

Min. 6 month lease. For more information please phone 403861-5656.

Canal Flats: Brand new condo in Jade Landing. Kitchen, nook, and living room, deck, 2 bdrms & bath upstairs, unfinished basement. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave. N/S, N/P, prefer mature individuals.

Rent is $1000/month plus utilities and damage deposit of $1000. Call owner at 1-403251-5996.

Sable Ridge Resort: Luxury in Radium, long-term rental. 2 bdrm, 2 bath, unfurnished, 930 sq. ft., outdoor pool, hot tub, fireplace, $1200 plus utilities.

The Peaks in Radium, 2 bdrm furnished, long-term, recreation centre, pool, $1350 includes electricity. Invermere: 3 bdrm unfurnished townhouse at David Thompson Terrace, garage, longterm, $1350 plus utilities. Black Forest Village: 2 townhomes, 2 bdrm, garage available, $1200 plus utilities. Call Eric Redeker at Rocky Mountain Realty, 250342-5914.

HOUSE FOR RENT 3 bdrm townhouse in Invermere.

Bright and clean, N/S, N/P, close to downtown. Fridge, stove, W/D, D/W, available immediately, 3426842.

House in Wilder Subdivision, 4 bdrm, 2 bath, 5 appliances. $1350/month, plus utilities, call 342-5226 after 4:00 pm.

Totally renovated 2-3 bdrm house next to golf course in Edgewater.

5 appliances, wood/oil combination heat. Mature couple preferred, N/S, N/P, references required. $900/month, DD, plus utilities, 347-9500.

3 bdrm home with garage on quiet street. Self-contained 1bdrm suite, large lot with nice trees. 1301 – 20th Street, Invermere. $375,000.00. Call 342-7329.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY Radium Hot Springs 10 Unit Motel on 6 acres, zoned C1. Good starter or crew accommodation.

Redevelopment potential!

Asking $397,500.00. Exclusive.

Call Syd or Larry at 250-8628100, Syber Realty, Kelowna.

WANTED Used furniture – mattresses to furnish 3 bdrm home. Family new to area, need everything, call 688-0194.

Secondhand skates and snowshoes, size 11. Call Rachel, 688-5305.

Secondhand downhill skis, boots size 11 (Euro 42) and poles. Call Rachel, 688-5305.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Support “Rockies” Hockey. Pine, Fir & Poplar – dry & split order 342-6908.

Top soil, call Elkhorn Ranch at 342-0617.

Brand new mobile kitchen island, 2 pine Ikea dressers, ¼ “ pine doll crib, call 347-6523.

Solid wood entertainment unit, armoire style. Can hold up to 38“ TV, $300.00, 347-6881.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Steel Cattleguard, heavy duty 16’ x 8’, $1,800.00, phone Elkhorn Ranch, 342-0617.

Bobcat for sale, Thomas 103, 1988 great working condition, $12, 500.00 OBO, 341-7022.

Motorized older model “Quickie” brand wheelchair. Easy to use SNOWMOBILE FOR SALE joystick control, 16” wide seat, 2002 Summit 800. Great shape, oxygen-tank holder in back, great running condition! $700.00, 342-9702. $5,300.00 OBO, call 342-5336 or 403-519-5063.

Like new Roper washer, $75.00, 341-6043.

For Sale Successful treatment for Sleep apnea/snoring/chronic tiredness. Respironics REMstar Auto Model with C-Flex. New cost $2300. Used 1 year cost $1050.00. Maintained by certified supplier. I had medical diagnosis of sleep apnea, 189 interruptions per night and snoring that both hurt me and disturbed everyone else.

Overweight and always tired.

Now less than 12 interruptions a night (low, normal range); do not snore anymore and have lost 50 lbs. So I no longer need the machine. Selling it to help transform your life too.

Invermere (250) 342-8947.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

1990 Chev ¾ ton truck. Bucket seats, grey, $3,500.00 OBO, call 688-2730 or 342-8829.

1998 ford F150 XLT, 4x4, 196,000km, loaded, has tow package and 3rd door. $8,900.00 OBO. Matt or Angela, 347-9671.

2001 GMC 2500 HD Ext Cab SB 4x4, 6.0 litre, auto, A/C, P/S, P/B, 200,000 kms, all maintenance work up-to-date, good condition, just passed BC inspection, $14,500 OBO. Call Ross at 342-9424 (days), 3421624 (eve).

REAL ESTATE

NEW LISTING UNIT 115 RIVERSTONE VILLAS, RADIUM HOT SPRINGS Immaculate 3 bedroom, 3 bath, townhouse featuring bright sunny kitchen with deck, A/C, cozy rock fireplace and fully finished basement for extra living space. This home comes in mint condition and fully furnished including BBQ, 3 televisions, pull-out couches, all kitchen items & linens – just move in and enjoy!

275,900

$

Rockies West Realty Ross Newhouse

Representative, Recreational Specialist

230 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Bus: 250.347.2321 • www.newhouseconnect.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

February 15, 2008

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS VEHICLE FOR SALE

$10,000,000 in vehicle inventory.

Go to

www.cranbrookdodge.com

to view complete inventory.

2002 4x4, 2 door Jimmy, standard. 120, 000 km, excellent condition, $10,500.00, 3476881.

2006 GMC 3500 with snow plow & sander. Very low mileage, 688-4848.

SERVICES TOTAL HEATING SYSTEMS HEAT PUMPS FURNACES DUCT WORK 342-1167 Phil’s Carpentry – Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms.

Phone 341-8033 cell or 3428474 home. Not on valley time.

CLEANING SERVICES: No time to clean? Unable to clean your home? Experienced and very reliable home cleaning and house checking. Dianne Peterson, 3429702, dtpeterson@shaw.ca

BUSINESS FOR SALE

CAREERS

CAREERS

CAREERS

CAREERS

Massage and Day Spa, located in The Prestige Inn at Radium Hot Springs BC. A professional and well-established business since 1988, fully equipped for massage and esthetics. $40,000.00, call Monita at 250347-6420, evenings.

Gas attendants, bowling alley staff and cashier, wanted for f/t and p/t work at the Valley Alley & Lucky Strike Gas Station. Fax resumes to 1-866-719-7927.

Construction Labourer, male/ female, no experience necessary.

Local work, transportation provided, 403-563-8589, leave message.

Busy Motel needs housekeeping staff. Call Motel Bavaria in Radium, 347-9915.

SKI or BOARD ALL DAY AND SLING PIZZA ALL NIGHT Peppi’s Italian fuel is looking to hire an energetic, customer service oriented server to work evenings Friday, Saturday and 1 or 2 other nights a week. You must be over 19 years of age.

Contact Laura or Tim at Peppi’s.

Phone 342-3421 or E-mail peppisitalianfuel@yahoo.ca

Full / part – time positions available at Radium Liquor Store, (next to Horsethief Pub). Apply in person, by fax 347-9987, or email horsethiefcreekpub@ telus.net.

BIG HORN MEADOWS RESORT requires full time room attendants to clean rooms, balconies, and stairways.

Experience an asset. Wages $13/ hour, 40hours/week. Fax resume to 250-347-2311 or email pbusch@bighornmeadows.ca

Small cafe for sale in Canal Flats.

Turn-key operation. Email for more info lepan@telus.net

CAREERS

Store Clerks needed. Must be enthusiastic and enjoy people. $13/hour, store discounts and advancement opportunities. Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada.

Residential Care Worker.

Temporary, full time position.

RCA or PCA or HSW or equivalent.

Union membership, HEU. See posting, Mt. Nelson Place.

Manager: Donna Jefferson 3423699.

Valley Hawk Security is seeking full-time and part-time security guards. Night/day shifts in Invermere and Panorama area.

Call 250-688-4295 or email resume to valleyhawksecurity@ shaw.ca.

Part-time bookkeeper needed with QuickBooks experience.

Please call Jason at 270-0270 or fax resume to 1-866-719-7927.

Grizzly Mountain Grill in Radium

Requires Experienced Cooks and Servers Call 342-1666 Fax: 341-3453

or send resume to: PO Box 1079, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

RESERVATIONS AGENT REAL ESTATE

We supply parts and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

High Country Properties is a property management company offering executive vacation accommodation in privately owned homes and condos at Panorama, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Radium. We are looking for an enthusiastic team player with experience in the hospitality and tourism industry. The successful candidate will have superior people and sales skills, exceptional customer service skills, an outstanding telephone personality and extensive office and computer experience. You must be able to problem solve in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision and work evenings and weekends. This position offers a competitive starting wage; has an attractive commissions program and a full benefit package for full-time employees. www.highcountryproperties.com Please forward resumes to: Reservations: julie@highcountryproperties.com or fax 250 342-0294.

Only successful candidates will be contacted.

The Farside Pub at Fairmont is looking for cooks. Apply at Farside or fax resume to 3420341.

Luxe Developments currently has an opportunity for an experienced multi-family site superintendent for its Invermere operations. Experience and a commitment to success are essential qualities that you must possess. Excellent remuneration package awaits the right person as does the benefits of working for a classleading residential developer.

Please forward your resume to info@luxedevelopments.ca for consideration and see www.luxedevelopments.ca for further company information.

EAST KOOTENAY ADDICTIONS SERVICES SOCIETY

Adult Addictions Counsellor – Invermere, BC East Kootenay Addiction Services Society is hiring a permanent part-time 0.8 FTE Adult Addictions Counsellor for the Invermere area.

Job Summary The Adult Addictions Counsellor provides screening, assessment, treatment planning and individual, group and family counselling to adults affected by their own or someone else’s substance misuse. The Adult Addictions Counsellor also participates in the planning and delivering of treatment programs and community education programs in the Invermere area.

Qualifications • Bachelors Degree in an appropriate discipline suitable for addictions work within the health care field • Experience and training working with individuals, groups and families • Experience and training working with adults with concurrent disorder issues • Three years work experience in the addictions field Salary: Commensurate with HEABC Agreement, Social Worker I, Grid Level 8

Paramedical

Submit letter of application and resumé to: Dean Nicholson, Administrator East Kootenay Addiction Services Society 202, 1617 Baker Street Cranbrook, BC V1C 1B4 Fax: (250) 489-1020 E-mail: dnicholson@cintek.com For more information about our agency, please visit our website www.ekass.com Closing Date: February 29th, 2008.

Only those short listed will receive a reply.

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS Receptionist/Scale Person Do you want to grow? Both personally and professionally?

Come to Invermere, BC and join our amazing team.

Just because we are small, it doesn’t mean we think small.

Invermere, BC – the place with room to grow!

RESIDENT CARE COORDINATOR (CASE MANAGER – DC2) Columbia House INVERMERE & DISTRICT HOSPITAL INVERMERE, BC Relief full-time position

We invite you to phone or apply online at www.roomtogrowbc.ca to EK-IDH-NUR-08-0047328 or submit a detailed resume, in confidence to: Human Resources Recruitment Services 1212 Second St. N. Cranbrook, BC V1C 4T6 Phone: 250-420-2442 Fax: 250-420-2425 E-mail: debbie.mandryk@interiorhealth.ca

Kootenay Paving / Skandia Concrete a division of Terus Construction is searching for a full-time Receptionist/Scale Person to work out of our Invermere of¿ce. The successful candidate will be responsible but not limited to: Duties/Tasks - answering phones; - dispatching aggregate and concrete orders; - operation of truck scale; - basic bookkeeping; - typing and ¿ling.

Knowledge/Skills - pleasant, courteous and professional attitude; - basic accounting knowledge; - strong oral and written communication skills; - knowledge of computers, accuracy and attention to detail; - capable of working in a busy of¿ce environment with the ability to prioritize.

Kootenay Paving / Skandia Concrete offer a competitive compensation package with a comprehensive bene¿t plan.

Room to grow.

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

WANTED: Superhero; able to leap from building to building in a single bound wearing only a hairnet, cape and tool belt (no tights required).

Maintenance/Field Tech Under the direction of our Maintenance Foreman, as Kicking Horse Coffee’s Maintenance/Field Tech, your responsibilities will be twofold.

Firstly, you will be the eyes and ears for Kicking Horse in the Field; installing, diagnosing, troubleshooting and repairing a variety of coffee brewing equipment for many of our commercial customers.

Secondly, you will help to keep the big production wheels of this charging Horse oiled and tuned by assisting the Maintenance Foreman in the troubleshooting and repair of a host of production machinery.

Required superpowers include: o Strong mechanical and problem solving skills o Technical job experience or training ideal o Strong service orientation, training and previous customer service experience o Excellent verbal and strong written communication skills. o Physically fit, energetic team player with a “glass half full” outlook o Ability to listen, process and learn both written and verbal technical instructions, quickly and efficiently. o Valid BC Drivers license and clean driving abstract.

Please send your resume by fax to 250-342-3484

Email us at mail@kickinghorsecoffee.com or fax 250-342-4450.

We will contact successful superhero wannabes.

Kootenay Paving SKANDIA CONCRETE

We Work At Play!

Voted “Best Conditioned Course in BC” in 2005, Eagle Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole championship golf course located in picturesque Invermere, British Columbia. Last season Eagle Ranch proudly unveiled a magnificent clubhouse complete with an expanded Golf Shop, full service dining room, meeting room and lounge.

At Eagle Ranch, our approach to golf operations is simple – we strive to provide the ultimate guest experience - which means hiring and retaining employees who strive for excellence in all that they do. We are looking for team players with a ‘can do’ attitude to contribute positively to our continued growth. Our ideal candidates will possess characteristics that reflect our corporate values of caring, integrity, excellence, team spirit and financial responsibility.

Positions for 2008 Golf Season Eagle Ranch Golf Course is looking to hire individuals in the following departments for the duration of the golf season (April 3 – Oct 13) and beyond:

• • • •

Turf Maintenance Ambassadors Beverage Cart Servers Customer Care

• • • •

Golf Shop Kitchen – Line Cooks and Prep Cooks Restaurant Hostess Restaurant Servers

We offer competitive wages, a complete staff uniform and golf privileges at one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country! Full-time and part-time positions available.

Resumes may be sent confidentially to: Eagle Ranch Golf Course RR #3, M-2, C-11 Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Email: careers@eagleranchresort.com Fax: 1-250-342-2563

Skandia Concrete / Kootenay Paving, a division of Terus Construction, leader in the construction industry in British Columbia and the Yukon Territory and part of the Colas Group of Companies, is searching for a full time Accountant/Office Manager to work out of our Invermere office. The applicant will provide a full range of bookkeeping and internal accounting functions for the corporate group including preparation of internal financial statements. He or she will become an integral part of the overall management team.

Ideally the position is well suited to the senior professional accounting student or recently designated graduate. The successful candidate should have good organizational skills, will need to be a self starter, to work independently and to meet required deadlines.

Reporting to the General Manager of Kootenay Paving, the successful candidate will be responsible but not limited to : Duties/Tasks · Preparation and processing of A/P, A/R, payroll and G/L entries from source documents · Preparation of formal quotations and proposals from notes · Correspondence and communicating with customers, suppliers and government agencies Knowledge/Skills · Strong computer skills ( excel ) · Excellent accounting knowledge · Strong oral and written communication skills · Knowledge of Explorer Software would be an asset Experience/Education · Post secondary education in accounting · 2-5 experience years in a same position Kootenay Paving offer a competitive compensation package with a comprehensive benefit plan.

Please send your resume stating position to the Human Resources department at: hr@terusconstruction.ca or by fax at: 604 575-3691.

41 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

Solar home showcased at open house

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Anyone who’s curious about how a solar home works will have the chance to find out on Saturday at a public open house.

It’s the brainchild of Dale Wilker of Quiniscoe Homes, who is busy trying to complete his Annualized Geo-Solar home, which is designed to generate more energy from the sun than the home uses in a year as well as walking softly on the environment.

The house is nearing completion and is now at the drywall stage so it is a perfect time to show people how everything is going to work.

Everyone is invited to browse round and enjoy some tea and cookies from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. at 1350 Canyon View Road in Invermere.

Dale Wilker of Quiniscoe Homes and Bill Swan of Greenman Sustainable Buildings have both played a big role in each other’s projects and will be on hand to answer questions at the open house.

Visitors can expect to learn about how the solar heating system has been designed to heat the home with the sun, see the Enerworks solar hot water panels in action and learn how it all works.

There will also be an opportunity to touch and feel a straw bale wall and discover its benefits, see the proposed grey water system, discover what a Heat Recovery Ventilator is and see it operate, walk on the acid stained concrete floors, touch and feel the Icynene spray-in insulation, and see the Delta Dry product used as a rain screen barrier behind the exterior siding.

And people can also view other

home features like the ultra low water consuming duel flush toilets, the home’s greenhouse, the triple pane Duxton fiberglass R8 windows and R17 fiberglass entry door, high efficiency wood burning fireplace and solar sheet intake air preheat system.

The equipment used for the blower door testing will also be on display. The testing is required to have the home certified as a R2000 and Built Green Platinum home. The blower depressurizes the home so the amount of air leakage in the exterior walls can be determined.

To be certified, the home must be under the max limit of 1.5 air changes per hour.

Bill Swan has many sustainable projects on the go through Osprey Communications and Greenman, including solar system sales, rainwater collection, green landscape design and referring people to sustainable products and services available in the rapidly expanding green marketplace. A major current focus of Bill’s expertise and enthusiasm for sustainability is the Community Greenhouse Project at David Thompson Secondary School.

Dale pointed out that environmental and energy issues are much more in the public eye now, and he believes he needs to get the word out on how people can become more sustainable.

“We feel that there is a lot of what we are doing that others could do as well if they were just more familiar with the products and how they work. If the interest in what we are doing is so great that we are flooded with visitors and the event carries on well into the evening, then we will just have to bring out more tea and cookies,” Dale said.

OPEN HOUSE — (Left to right) Dale Wilker of Quiniscoe Homes and Bill Swan of Greenman Sustainable Buildings get ready to welcome people to an open house on Saturday, where visitors can find out how a solar home works.

Back by popular demand: King Corn returns!

A second screening of King Corn will be presented on Monday, February 18th, hosted by David Thompson Secondary School, the Columbia Valley Botanical Garden and Centre for Sustainable Living along with Columbia Valley Arts Council.

According to the film-makers, Mosaic Films, “King Corn is a feature documentary about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation.”

Curt Ellis and Ian Cheney, best friends and film-makers, travelled to the “heartland” of Ameri-

ca to find out about the food they eat.

“With the help of friendly neighbors, genetically modified seeds, and powerful herbicides,” Ellis and Cheney planted an acre of corn in the same Iowa county where both of their great-grandfathers had homesteaded and farmed nearly a century ago.

What followed was a “bumper crop” of corn and an enlightening, and often troubling journey into the workings of the global food system.

King Corn is a fascinating and highly entertaining look at the world of corn production. If

you eat corn . . . and it’s hard not to, if you consider that the overwhelming majority of processed foods, from soft drinks to crackers, cereals and cough syrup contain high-fructose corn syrup . . . then you need to see this film! After all . . . you are what you eat!

King Corn will show at Pynelogs at 7 p.m. Admission is by donation and all proceeds will go to the Community Greenhouse Project, a joint project of the high school and the Columbia Valley Botanical Garden and Centre for Sustainable Living.

42 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

The Pioneer is on the road again, as our 2008 Travel Photo Contest gears up. Left, a gaggle of 15 local girls wings home from Las Vegas. Front row, left to right: Marianne Hollingsworth, Camille Howie, Teresa Rogel, and Teresa Wilder. Middle row: Colleen Wagner, Christine McNeil, Karin Smith, Meghan O’Neill, Francine Feldmann and Wendy Horning. Back row: Jody Behan, Donna McKay, Sherry Ponych, Adele Trask, and Tiffany Gulbe.

Far left, Dave Wolfe attended the Superbowl in Phoenix, Arizona; while Denise Hoesing of Canal Flats, left, travelled to the Bahamas.

Send us your travel photos and be eligible to win a night in Calgary and two Flames tickets, courtesy of Travel World in Invermere.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer •43

February 15, 2008

Valley Churches

FAITH

Are you really listening?

By Sandy Ferguson Windermere Valley Shared Ministry For a member of the clergy, I have a startling confession to make; the Life of Brian is one of my favourite movies.

For those people who don’t know what I am talking about, it is a film made by the Monty Python crew to explore the nature of religion and its followers. The film is set in Israel, during the time of Jesus.

When the film was initially released, it created quite a stir, many believing that it was attacking religion:in fact, in the UK, some even talked about charging the Monty Python crew with blasphemy!

The Brian of the title is a young Jew living in Galilee at the time of Jesus, looking for a purpose in life.

One day he hears this fellow called Jesus preaching, and decides to listen. Jesus is preaching what we now know as the Sermon on the Mount, sharing with the people the Beatitudes. At one point, Jesus proclaims, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Unfortunately some of the folks around Brian misheard what Jesus actually said. They ask around, what did he say? Someone responded, I think he said, “Blessed are the cheese-makers.”

Now personally as someone who loves cheese, I would think that this was an appropriate thing to say.

But anyway, others decide to argue with this. “Why

do cheese-makers deserve such a blessing? What have they done to deserve this? What is wrong with other trades?” As the arguments continue, others complain that because of them they can’t actually hear what Jesus is saying. Then the insults begin. Eventually this group who gathered to hear Jesus start a brawl, after mishearing, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Yes it’s very funny, but it also issues an important challenge to us. Are we actually listening to what Jesus tells us in the Beatitudes? Or do we mishear, and go on with our lives, thinking we get it? Or even worse, mishear them so badly that we completely lose their meaning and start a fight with those whom we disagree with?

The Beatitudes call us and challenge us to be Jesus witness in this world. Revealed in the Gospel of Matthew 5:1-12 they are not simply receiving a series of commands or laws, telling us what to do. In the Beatitudes we receive a glimpse of the world that is to come. And they reveal God’s faith in us that we are willing to embrace and participate in the vision of the Kingdom of God. And that is why the Beatitudes are such a challenge. We are responsible for our actions; we can’t simply turn round and blame God if things become difficult, saying that we were only doing what we were told. Jesus wants us to follow God with an open mind, heart and soul, as an act of our faith in God’s love for us. Jesus shows us the way towards the Commonwealth of God, and challenges us to be part of the journey. Now all that is required from us is a willingness to follow.

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44 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 15, 2008

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