vol6issue14

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Vol. 6/Issue 14

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The Columbia

Valley

April 3, 2009

P ioneer

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

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• Bedding Sand • Drain Rock • 3/4 Crush Gravel • Landscaping Rock BOMBS AWAY –– Firefighters worked for half an hour to put out a blaze that had started inside a garbage truck.

Fire Chief Roger Ekman said that they have no idea what caused the fire.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 (ROCKY MOUNTAIN)

Kindergarten Registration Eligibility - Age

Children whose fifth birthday occurs on or before December 31 , 2009 are eligible to enter Kindergarten in September 2009. For registration, please bring your child, as well as your child’s birth certificate, care card, and custody papers (if applicable). If you have questions regarding which school your child should attend, please call the School Board Office at 250-342-9243, ext. 250. st

Please phone your child’s school for an appointment time.

Windermere Elementary: 250-342-6640

Appointments will be scheduled for Thursday, April 9th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Eileen Madson Primary: 250-342-9315

Appointments will be scheduled for Thursday, April 16th starting at 9:00 a.m.

Edgewater Elementary: 250-347-9543

Registration will take place Thursday, April 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Martin Morigeau Elementary: 250-349-5665 Registration will take place Tuesday, April 28th Please call for an appointment time.

LEARNING@HOME PROGRAM:

If you are interested in finding out more about the Learning@Home Program and/or wish to register for this program, please phone either Becky Blakley at (250) 347-6379 or e-mail at: bblakley@sd6.bc.ca or Wayne Pelter at (250) 427-5308 or e-mail at wpelter@sd6.bc.ca

Garbage truck catches fire

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff A garbage truck driver was shocked to see flames spewing from the top of his truck on Monday morning.

Tom Spiry of Invermere said he has no idea what caused the fire that left his South East Disposal Ltd. garbage truck charred and his load soaking wet.

“I was going to dump a bin behind the hospital when I noticed the smoke, so I pulled over,” he said, as he watched firefighters attempt to cool the blaze.

At around 10:45 a.m., 12 firefighters responded to the scene of the fire in the parking lot beside the ambulance dispatch centre on 10th Street.

They were greeted with clouds of off-white smoke, billowing out of the top of the truck, and Mr. Spiry trying to tame the flames with a fire extinguisher.

It took the volunteer fire crew roughly half an hour to put out the fire. Once the fire was out, they extracted the garbage and began to rake through the blackened mound, soaking any remaining flames.

“Right now we have a loader coming to mix up the pile of garbage,” Invermere Fire Chief Roger Ekman said.

“Then we will douse any hot spots, then pick it up and haul it away.”

He said he has no idea what caused the fire.

“It could have been anything; someone discarded hot ashes or something – of course, no one would admit to it,” he said. “Now the driver will try to retrace his steps to see if he can figure out what caused it.”

Mr. Spiry began his day on Monday at 6:30 a.m.

He had only dumped 15 bins before the fire.

He said the fire could have been caused by a cigarette butt.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

April 3, 2009

Valley NEWS

Music is Ken Mallett’s passion

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff When The Pioneer broke the news to Ken Mallett of Windermere that he had been named Citizen of the Year, he couldn’t believe his ears.

“No,” he said. “No, there must be some mistake.”

But there was no mistake: Ken Mallet has been honoured by the Invermere Rotary Club as the 2009 Citizen of the Year.

“I am still absolutely amazed,” he said. “It is very, very humbling.”

Since he moved to the Columbia Valley in 2000 to retire, Ken’s radiant grin and boisterous laughter have become very familiar to local residents.

His passion is the arts, and throughout the years he has devoted himself to inspiring residents, young and old, by bringing them the power of music.

“The motto of the Rotary Club is “Service Above Self.” The choice of Ken as Citizen of the Year exemplifies this motto,” said Milt Deck of Invermere Rotary. “Ken has tirelessly given his time and energy for the enjoyment of valley residents. He has worked to build the arts in our community and lay a foundation for continuing quality performances.”

Just months after his arrival in Windermere, Ken formed Valley Voices, a well-known choral group that over the years has involved as many as 55 singers at

one time. He resigned in January, after conducting the choir for nine years, at more than 40 concerts and thousands of weekly rehearsals.

“It is very difficult not to be there,” he said. “What a great bunch of people – I miss the people.”

In addition to his work with the choir, he served as chair with the Columbia Valley Arts Performing Arts Committee for eight years. He will be stepping down this April, after delivering his last of more than 60 concert performances to the valley.

During his time with Columbia Valley Arts, Ken was influential in the fundraising and purchase of a $60,000 Steinway Concert Grand Piano, now housed at Christ Church Trinity.

“It really put the valley on the map in terms of serious music-making,” he said.

For the past two years, Ken has volunteered as a Mountain Friend, guiding skiers at Panorama. He has also volunteered for the Windermere Community Association Bottle Depot for more than five years.

Although Ken admitted that he has taken on a lot, he said he loves every minute of it.

“I just have to be busy,” he said. “I love this valley so much, so I do what I can to give to it and hope that it makes life richer for others.”

Before his retirement, he spent 21 years as a member of Red Deer College’s music faculty. After teaching his first class in a windowless basement room, Ken left

a legacy at Red Deer College which included a new Arts Centre and the college’s first concert series. During his tenure he conducted both the college’s Concert Choice and its Jazz Choir.

Before moving to Red Deer, Ken taught at William Hay Composite High School in Stettler, Alberta; James Fowler High School in Calgary; and was responsible for developing the choral program at Vernon Junior Secondary School in Vernon.

He accomplished much during his musical career, but Ken said he couldn’t have done it without his wife Terrie. The couple will celebrate their 43rd anniversary in June.

“Her foresight, her motivation, her support and encouragement, her momentum over all the years of our marriage – she has been more than an equal partner in whatever successes I’ve had,” he said. “And that includes buying our home, moving to the valley, then the activities here in the valley – the Valley Voices, Columbia Valley Arts, etc. We are in this together, and we make a great team! Her talents have made things that might not happen, happen!”

Ken is looking forward to enjoying more leisure time with Terrie and their four grown children – Shelley, Tracey, Scott and Brent – as well as their five young grandchildren.

Ken will be honoured by Invermere Rotary at their meeting on April 16th.

Striking medics will still respond to emergencies

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Despite being on strike as of midnight Wednesday, paramedics will still care for patients in a medical emergency.

Peter Hecher, a local paramedic, assured The Pioneer that the level of services provided by the B.C. Ambulance Service will remain exactly the same.

“The only thing that’s changed is that I don’t do administrative work,” he said, adding that he was unable to comment further on the situation.

The controlled strike, meaning that essential services will remain in place, affects 19 full-time

and part-time personnel employed at the Invermere station, and 3,500 paramedics and dispatchers province-wide.

On Tuesday, John Strohmaier, president of Canadian Union of Public Employees Local 873, rejected Health Minister George Abbott’s final offer to avert the strike, a voluntary 90-day contract extension that would protect signing bonuses and ensure labour peace during the election campaign.

In an interview with The Vancouver Sun, Mr. Strohmaier said the latest offer simply buys the paramedics’ silence in the run-up to the May 12th provincial election.

“It would be a voluntary 75- to 90-day cooling-

off period where we wouldn’t engage in a strike,” he said. “And that would just sort of buy the government a free ride through the election and then we’d be dealing with a new government in the first few days of their mandate.”

The union is pushing for higher wages and improved working conditions. To date, the B.C. Ambulance Service has offered a one-year contract and three-per-cent salary increase, plus signing bonuses of up to $4,100 for full-time paramedics, and up to $2,600 for part-timers. The union is seeking a fourto 4.5-percent wage increase per year over seven years to bring them in line with other emergency responders, such as police and firefighters.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

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RCMP Report Bud’s Bar food stolen

PROTECT

By Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack Columbia Valley Detachment

…your property from theft and vandalism

On March 24th at 4:32 a.m., a local citizen reported a possible break-and-enter at Selkirk TV & Appliance in Invermere.

The complainant told RCMP that as he was driving to work, he noticed two males wearing black “hoodies” standing in front of the store. He yelled at the pair and they ran away.

RCMP were on scene within seconds, as there was a member nearby. Police checked the adjacent alleys on foot but were unable to locate the pair. Upon returning to the scene, the investigator noted a large rock lying on the sidewalk in front of the store, but there was no damage to the store.

Unfortunately, thieves returned around the same time the following day and managed to break into the store.

Among the stolen items are: two GPS units, three iPod Touches 16GB, four iPod Nano’s 8GB, six iPod Nano’s 16GB, two portable DVD players, several Nintendo Wii games and about 28 sets of earphones. The value of the stolen items is about $5,000.

It is believed the thieves used a vehicle to make their getaway, as one was heard “peeling off” in the downtown area.

Anyone who saw a car in downtown Invermere at around 4 a.m., on March 25th, or has information on this crime is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-3429292 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Under Premier Campbell’s leadership, BC has seen a remarkable

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turnaround from being the worst economy in the country to being one of the best, with the lowest income taxes of any province. Your BC Liberal Government has made record investments in healthcare, education, housing and job creation.

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Find out why Bill thinks: The Future is So Bright, You’d Better Wear Shades

On March 29th, at about 10:30 a.m., RCMP were advised by a member of the Columbia Valley Search and Rescue Society that an avalanche had occurred in the Bugaboos Park.

They were informed that a Canadian Mountain Holidays helicopter pilot had noticed a fresh avalanche, and with the low light at the time, was only able to locate one snowmobile track in the location.

The pilot returned within half an hour with a crew of avalanche technicians and they conducted a search on the ground with transponders for any persons wearing a beacon. They did not find any sign of persons or equipment being caught in the slide.

While on the ground, the crew was able to verify that several snowmobiles were in the area recently and had been “high-marking.” As tracks were found away from the avalanche and no debris was seen in the vicinity, rescue services are satisfied nobody was caught in the avalanche. RCMP also verified that there were no overdue travellers reported in the area. RCMP also checked the known staging areas for snowmobiling in the Bugaboos area and found no vehicles in the area.

We’ve come a long way over the last eight years in British Columbia.

Here in Columbia River-Revelstoke we’ve built a strong foundation for our future, with the new residential care and assisted living accommodation in Revelstoke, conference centre partnership in Kimberley, new Spirit Square at Pothole Park and Skate park (part of Mount Nelson Athletic Park) in Invermere and Kicking Horse Canyon Project which upgraded 26km of the Trans-Canada Hwy near Golden.

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Also on March 25th, RCMP received a report that Bud’s Bar had been broken into. Some time between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., the back door to the freezer in Bud’s Bar was pried open and about $500 worth of food items was taken. Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-342-9292 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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As we face the current pressures of the global economic crisis, we need strong, proven leadership.

On May 12, we need your help to re-elect a BC Liberal Government.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

April 3, 2009

Future of CPR Lodge still uncertain

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff The owners of the old CPR Lodge on Fort Point said a flurry of interest has resulted from the recent coverage of their attempts to find a new home for the building, but no deals have been reached yet.

According to Nancy Ballard, a member of the Weir family who owns the 1920 lodge, several proposals are on the table, including a plan from a Calgary couple to move the building to their campground north of Edmonton.

However, a probable proposal from Joe and Elizabeth Klein, the owners of the Invermere antique store Te Papa Nui, has fallen on the rocks after it was discovered that the Weir family’s offer of $20,000 to help move the building applied only to the District of Invermere.

“That was the premise we were working on,” Mrs. Klein commented. “Once that was corrected, I just wished her luck.”

Mrs. Ballard corrected an earlier report that the family would contribute $20,000 to anyone who

East elevation of the old CPR Lodge on Fort Point. would give the structure new home.

“When I explain that to people,” she said, “they are fine with it.”

However, she said, there might be some leeway if the right proposal comes forward.

“Our criteria (for the $20,000 contribution),” she said, “is that it stays in Invermere and can be used by

the public.”

The family is hoping someone will take the building, so the land can be sold for development.

Invermere realtor Daniel Zurgilgen who is listing the property said it would be easier to sell without the building there.

“For most people,” he said, “the lodge is a deterrent, because it needs so much work.”

New owners, he said, would incur a significant cost in getting rid of it.

The half-acre lot, he said, is priced at $945,000 and could be subdivided.

A unique feature, he said, is that the lot includes a legal 1/52 ownership of the lakefront that dates back to when the CPR owned the land.

Mrs. Klein said she and her husband had accepted the terms of Hank Pronk to move the building to their ranch in Juniper Heights and was green-lighted by the regional district, but declined for the lack of the $20,000 contribution.

“We were a wee bit disappointed, but I wish them all the luck in the world,” she said.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective

Let’s think positive

April 3, 2009

Historical Lens

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher How much of our financial situation is caused by media reports, with their dire predictions of economic gloom and doom?

On the one hand, the media does tend to report negative events more frequently than positive ones, and to go on reporting them.

On countless occasions, the media will pick a story and ride it to death, long after the readers are sick and tired of it and ready for something fresh.

In fairness, however, the economic situation can’t be laid at the feet of the media any more than it can be blamed on any single government, bank or union.

Back in 1929, the great depression was triggered by the stock market collapse, and at the time there was no widespread media network in place.

News reporting had nothing to do with the subsequent failure of banks and people jumping out of windows on Wall Street. There are some things that even the media can’t control, and economic collapse is one of them.

This time around, the media must and should report what is happening, even though the news is largely bad – so that people can be informed enough to make good decisions about their future.

In spite of the news, this is a time for thinking positive. I don’t mean the kind of wishful thinking where people believe they can influence the future by pretending that things will change for the better.

But we have plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

Our homes are still worth more than they were five years ago; the labour shortage has eased off; there’s more affordable housing available; and this is still a place where people love to visit and to live.

Best of all, spring is here at last and the evening sunshine lights up the mountains like a beacon of hope. How can anyone fail to respond to the joy of being alive on an April day in the Columbia Valley?

DIGGING FOR PRECIOUS WATER – Valley pioneers dig a well in Windermere. The man standing on the left is unknown, but he may be the well digger as he’s wearing waders. Sinclair Craig is standing on

the gravel pile holding a bucket. The man with his hand on the windlass is Bob Chisholm, and the man on the turning handle is Charlie Crook.

Photo courtesy of Ray Crook

Windermere well once tapped into fine-tasting water Dear Editor: Your article about Windermere water in the March 13th issue of The Pioneer prompted me to send you the enclosed photo, date unknown but perhaps in the early 1920s.

The men are shown at a well being dug for Sinclair Craig, who owned the property on Victoria Avenue in Windermere.

This would be considered a shallow well, but it provided potable water for many years. It was finetasting and all the wells in that area produced the

same quality.

There didn’t appear to be an aquifer but rather underground springs. I remember a well being dug on Government Street close by, and no water was found.

As a kid in Windermere I drank from the wells, the irrigation ditches and Windermere Creek. It was all good tasting water. Today I consider the tap water there only suitable for flushing the toilet.

Ray Crook Invermere

The Columbia Valley

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

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

Elinor Florence

Brian Geis

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Publisher

Editor

Reporter

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Graphic Design

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

April 3, 2009

‘Invermerian Angel’ gave me a happy birthday surprise Dear Editor: Birthdays: some hate them, some love them, and others ignore the date.

I turned 45 last Tuesday and was spending this birthday on another business trip, choosing to celebrate at Invermere’s Huckleberry’s Restaurant.

A few friends and family had called my cell or “Facebooked me” to make the day memorable, but I so missed receiving a call from a lady who can no longer dial.

Cancer and perhaps a meat packer’s gift of Listeriosis silenced the voice of my mother, one who had always made an effort to find me and sing “Happy Birthday” for the past 44 years.

Yet while the waitress brought out my Huckleberry Pie – with a candle in it – one of your residents asked if she

could sing to me.

A senior citizen – perhaps the same age as my mom – gave me the sweetest smile and sang the first few lines of that birthday tune. I had to wonder if this Invemerian Angel wasn’t a friend of my mother’s, or if she was planted there somehow by someone. Yet as quickly as she smiled and sang, her dinner was done and she left.

Invermere: you have some of the most amazing people in the world, and I had no idea that you could find one to complete my circle on March 24th. If you discover who she is: please whisper my warmest thanks.

It is funny how a random act of kindness can renovate the reality of what should have been a lonely day.

I was saddened and surprised to hear the news that Revelstoke Mayor Mark McKee offered for sale at his Liberal campaign fundraiser a season’s pass for the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort City near Invermere – one of the most controversial and least popular development proposals in his prospective riding.

Even sadder was the news before Christmas that the new Revelstoke Mountain Resort had to lay off workers, and offer local contractors a fraction of the hundreds of thousands of dollars owed to them after the resort’s previous owners had to sell in response to a financial crunch.

With this recent bad news and nearbankruptcy of his local resort – one with existing access, adjacent to a city that supports it, and on the busy No. 1 Highway, it is almost unbelievable that he would support a similar proposal, 50 kilometres into the wilderness, with no

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Liberal candidate should not support Jumbo Dear Editor:

Kick-Off Party

existing infrastructure, no public support, and with a short-sighted business plan that includes marketing melting glaciers as a “world-class” ski destination at a time when the ski industry is in well-documented decline.

There is no way that this proposal will ever open for business, and if it is ever approved, it will only take local contractors down with it (as happened in Revelstoke, and in Kimberely when Charlie Locke’s financial difficulties forced him to sell to Murray Edwards, and where local contractors received a tiny fraction of what was owed to them).

This is not the type of ‘jobs’ the Kootenays need – ones that, in the end, do not even pay what is promised, and that are based on a business plan that relies on melting glaciers in a dwindling alpine ski market, and involves industrializing our best asset – wilderness.

Dave Quinn, Wildsight Kimberley

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

LETTERS

Wildsight has never supported grizzly hunting Dear Editor: Development is good for grizzly bears? Can this be for real?

Last week’s letter to the editor presented the Jumbo developers’ argument that development would be good for grizzly bears.

Not only is this totally contrary to wildlife science, it’s simply absurd.

Western Canada’s leading grizzly bear researchers have repeatedly stated that development of the Jumbo Glacier Resort would put grizzly bear populations in the region at significant risk.

To date, there are no studies indicating that roads, condos and ski lifts help support grizzly bears.

Inexplicably, the author also misleadingly claims that Wildsight supports the killing of grizzly bears.

Wildsight has never supported bear hunting.

Wildsight supports and runs Bear Aware programs throughout the region to lower the risk of conflict and the killing of bears in our existing communities.

Wildsight supports sustainable development associated with our communities, and, as such, provides critiques of major developments.

These critiques have consistently resulted in improved environmental standards and in some cases the withdrawal of misguided proposals.

Wildsight encourages development that supports local economies and a healthy environment.

The proposed Jumbo development does neither of these.

It offers only social and economic burden to our communities and loss of key grizzly bear habitat in the Purcell Mountains. It would lead to more dead bears as the result of human-bear conflict at the heart of their habitat.

A real estate/resort development in Jumbo Creek would be a very bad deal for the East Kootenay. Fortunately, people are acting to make sure it does not happen.

Keep Jumbo wild, for the bears and for the people.

John Bergenske, Wildsight Skookumchuk

Why does Radium council decide on musical taste?

Dear Editor: I’d like to express my extreme displeasure at the recent decision of Radium Village Council to ban all forms of live music in the downtown core “without prior approval.”

This anti-busking law’s intent is to control the types of people that play in Radium.

Come on, guys, in no forum during the last election campaign did you state your taste in music, and I severely doubt that your musical tastes were the reason any of you were elected.

Why then should you decide who gets to play in our community?

As a Radium resident, I can tell you that throughout most of the year – aside from the many semi-trucks rolling through town – it is the silence in Radium that is deafening.

Not every aspect of our beautiful village needs to be planned – a little artistic freedom is welcome.

Adrian Bergles Radium

Wildsight not ‘tree-hugging hippies’ Dear Editor: Last week Mary Ann Rombach wrote a woolly letter to the editor regarding that perennial of all subjects, the Jumbo valley.

While not being a member of Wildsight, I appreciate their desire to have the best science and greatest public support behind their causes. Their scientific due diligence, whether in support of the Lake Windermere study, the mountain caribou or the maintenance of the environmental integrity of the Jumbo valley, is what makes this home-grown environmental group admirable to many whom I have spoken with.

This is not a group of unemployed anti-capitalist tree-hugging hippies. These people are our neighbours, who appreciate the profound beauty and fragility of our valley, and are not afraid to use the instruments afforded us in a democratic nation to attempt protect what they believe needs protecting. Instruments like science, education, the right to free association, and above all, the right to vote for or against matters that they believe will greatly affect the people and environ-

ment in which we live.

As a psychologist, Ms. Rombach is probably familiar with cognitive dissonance (the state of having inconsistent thoughts, or attitudes as relating to behavioural decisions) and is projecting such cognitive dissonance upon Wildsight. She confuses the mutual objectives of two groups having one interest, the Jumbo valley, with deep-felt sympathies in other areas. She seems to have difficulty reconciling Wildsight’s wishes not to see a billion-dollar resort at the headwaters of Jumbo creek with the objectives of the guide and outfitter association.

Wildsight is not ‘siding’ or ‘aligning’ with trophy bear hunters; they are simply finding themselves headed in the same direction. Ms. Rombach would know this had she spent any time talking to members of Wildsight or, I’m guessing, the hunters of trophies.

This is not a situation where two disparate parties are discovered in bed together; it is a case of two parties heading down the same road less travelled. Both are intent on not seeing that gravel road become a taxpayer-subsidized highway.

Also, if “economic sustainability is something that Wildsight never addresses,” perhaps it is because that is not part of their mandate. They are an organization whose stated goals are environmental sustainability and education, not economic growth and development. It is probably best that they stick to that which they do best and are most passionate about. The precarious economic state of our “vulnerable little valley” has more to do with economic movers and shakers in New York than any actions by Wildsight and like organizations. And look at the piss-up of a shoreline those greedy captains of industry have beached us all on.

Further, Jumbo Glacier Resort has not “set an environmental standard for all future resorts.” In order to have “set” a standard, the project would have to have already been completed. They have “proposed” an environmental standard. Which, no doubt, is already a decade out of date, much like the project’s projected costs and outdated bear population studies.

Ken Cooper Spillimacheen

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

April 3, 2009

Golden mayor dies suddenly at 39

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Columbia Valley elected officials have expressed shock and sadness over the sudden death of Golden mayor Aman Virk last week.

Mr. Virk, 39, died of complications from a heart attack last week while on a vacation in India.

Married to Sharan Virk and the father of two children, he was elected mayor last November, narrowly defeating former MLA Jim Doyle.

Prior to taking the top position, Mr. Virk sat on council for 12 years.

His family moved to Golden from England when Aman was just one year old.

He had lived in the town of 5,000 ever since.

Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald was mayor of Golden

from 1996 to 1999 and councillor from 1993 to 1996.

“Aman was a close friend that I served with on Golden council during his first term,” Mr. Macdonald said in a press release on Friday.

“One of the most appealing parts of being involved in politics is getting to know so many truly special people.

“Aman was one of those people.

He was wonderfully articulate, incredibly hard-working and always fun to be around.

“He made me laugh, and he was a good friend that I could always depend on,” Mr. Macdonald added.

Invermere mayor Gerry Taft said he knew Mayor Virk from regional conferences they had attended together after Mr. Taft became a councillor in 2002.

“It’s really sad, absolutely unbelievable,” Mr. Taft said. “Aman had a dry,

sarcastic sense of humour – he would be pulling your leg with a completely straight face.

“He had just started his term and he had a lot of things he wanted to do. It’s sad that he won’t get to see those things through.”

Although she had not yet met Mayor Virk, Radium mayor Dee Conklin said: “I have heard nothing but good things about him and the community was fully supportive of the directives he and the new council were working on.

“He will be surely missed by many.

We send our deepest sympathies to his family from everyone here in Radium and the Columbia Valley.”

The Town of Golden will hold a byelection to elect a new mayor; however, council hasn’t called the election yet.

Councillor Magnus Magnusson will be acting mayor in April and May.

Aman Virk

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

Village of Radium to build new fire hall

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Firefighters in the Village of Radium Hot Springs just received a splash of cash, courtesy of the provincial government.

Radium mayor Dee Conklin told council at their March 25th meeting that the village will receive a $400,000 grant for construction of the new fire hall.

“We worked hard on the grant process and were very, very excited to see us awarded this,” Ms. Conklin said. “With the boom of 2006/2007 we found that our fire department was inadequate to handle our bulging population. The wonderful firefighters we have deserve the best we can offer them so when – not if – a fire happens in or around Radium, they will be properly equipped to handle the situation.”

The grant comes from Towns for Tomorrow, a program launched in December 2006. Grants support projects that address climate change and contribute to the overall health and livability of communities.

This is the second time the village has applied for

the grant. Their request was denied earlier this year.

“The second grant application was tweaked to better speak to issues like green and carbon-friendly design features, sustainability and the future firefighting needs of the community,” said Mark Read, Chief Administrative Officer of Radium.

The village has already chosen an architect for the job, Richard Cordner of Calgary. He is in the process of roughing out preliminary layouts for discussion.

According to Mr. Read, the village is hoping to have a final design by the end of June.

“It would be great to see a training hall for our and other area firefighters,” Ms. Conklin said. “Training is one of the single most important issues facing our firefighters – they are all volunteers and to try and get them all together at one time is almost impossible – especially if the training is outside of our area. This might make it easier to bring in a trainer instead of us sending the guys out.”

Although no one has been hired to build the fire hall, Mr. Read said that the village hopes to break ground on the project this summer. They will soon be

seeking quotations or tenders from general contractors for the construction.

The Village has not yet finalized the budget because those estimates come from the architect, as the design progresses, but Mr. Read said he expects the costs to be in the order of $1 million.

The project will be financed from a combination of borrowing – $400,000 from the Towns for Tomorrow grant, plus $400,000 from reserves and general taxation.

“From our preliminary budget discussions we are planning a zero-percent tax increase for 2009 and hoping to hold those tax rates going forward into next year,” Mr. Read added.

Although only in its beginning stages, Fire Chief Dave Dixon is happy that the project is finally moving ahead. “It’s exciting to be able to do this,” he said.

The fire department is made up of 16 volunteers.

Mr. Dixon said the new fire hall will not only provide better facilities for them, but he hopes it will attract more volunteers as well. For more information, call the Village Office at 250-347-6455.

New sidewalk in village Music on Main will return

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff The Village of Radium Hot Springs will finally be able to make their vision of a walkable community a reality.

Councillors were thrilled to hear that the village has been granted $20,000 through Local Motion to complete the last stretch of sidewalk in the community, located along Columbia Avenue – parallel to the highway, along the east edge of The Springs golf course.

“We were very excited to receive this grant,” said Mayor Dee Conklin.

“Slowly but surely, we are making all of our sidewalks connect for easier walking around town.”

Local Motion is a provincially funded program that provides local governments assistance for capital projects that make communities greener, healthier

and more active and accessible places in which to live.

“We have a long-range plan of improving our network of sidewalks, to facilitate pedestrian use, and we felt that this section was the next logical step,” Chief Administrative Officer Mark Read said. The project is expected to begin sometime this summer and will cost a total of $40,000.

According to Ms. Conklin, the Village’s overall goal is to promote connectivity.

“We are working on a Heritage Walk up to the Hot Pool which will also extend throughout town and down to Sinclair Creek and the Greenways Path,” she stated.

The updates are all a part of the Village’s Official Community Plan, developed by previous mayor Greg Deck, to make Radium a walking town.

The streets of Radium will have more entertainment this summer.

At last week’s meeting, council unanimously voted in favour of the popular event, formerly known as Thursday Night Block Party.

“Who wouldn’t be in favour of mixing residents with our guests, as they mingle through downtown before or after dinner?” asked Mayor Dee Conklin. “It’s an opportunity to showcase businesses, plus the amazing talent we have in the valley.”

Music on Main will feature live entertainment every Thursday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in July and August, as well as three evenings in September.

The project was spearheaded last year by a group of Radium residents, including Ms. Conklin.

“We brainstormed about the idea of a block party on main street – hence Thursday Night Block Party was formed – primarily hoping to get weekenders to come an extra day early. We were very pleased with the pilot event and have decided to grow it for the months of July and August.”

This year the performances will be held on Main Street West. They will showcase live bands, with appearances by the Arabian Mountain Spice belly dancers, magicians and other family entertainment.

The Music on Main committee, made up of residents and Radium Chamber members, is hoping that all evenings will be sponsored by area businesses to help with costs. For more information, call the Radium Visitor Centre at 250-347-9331.

> >>>

Encore

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

BRUCE’S FINAL BOW

MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

GUITAR TRIO

Bruce Childs, the inspirational leader of the valley’s storied Silver Strings ukelele group, will take his final bow on Tuesday, April 7th, 7 p.m., at Christ Church Trinity during the group’s annual Concert Dessert Night. See Page 16 for more.

PAGE 14

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

Photo by Brian Geis

Art From the Heart • Pynelogs Cultural Centre Art From the Heart: Part 5 · Gallery Show April 7 - 26.

Pynelogs Café Opens • Pynelogs Cultural Centre The Pynelogs Café opens April 8 from 11 - 4.

Build a House for Community Birds • Workshop

Saturday April 18, 10 – 1 pm.

What does ART mean to you? Montreal Guitar Trio Concert • Christ Church Trinity Friday April 17 at 7:30 pm.

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

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

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire his lost childhood love, Latika, played by Frieda Pinto.

The film has a shocking beginning, as the viewer witnesses Jamal being tortured by a nameless police inspector, played by Bollywood star Irfan Khan.

Relentlessly, he interrogates the young man, convinced that Jamal has cheated his way up to the ten-million rupee level on the game show.

Ten million rupees is just one question away from the grand prize, which Jamal will be faced with that evening.

The police inspector grills Jamal about how an uneducated peasant can possibly know the answer to each question. In a series of flashbacks, the viewer is taken back

Reviewed by Cayla Gabruck Every dog has its day and with eight Oscars, four Golden Globes and 71 awards under its belt, Slumdog Millionaire proves it.

Normally, I am a bit skeptical of films that clean up at these awards, but this one lives up to the hype.

Visually captivating and charismatic, Slumdog Millionaire makes even the most sordid and tragic scenes beautiful.

It is the story of Jamal Malik, played by Dev Patel, a street kid or “slumdog” who has landed himself an appearance on India’s version of Who Wants to be a Millionaire, in an attempt to reunite with

through Jamal’s life, to the poverty-stricken streets of Mumbai (formerly called Bombay), where Jamal and his older brother Salim steal, cheat and do even worse things in order to survive.

The two orphaned boys endure unspeakable brutalities along the way, with each horrific memory juxtaposed with one of the questions on the game show.

Director Danny Boyle does a brilliant job. Despite the complex plot line, the film engages the viewer’s emotions as we watch Jamal growing up, falling in love, coming close to death, and teetering on the brink of escaping from his terrible predicament.

This film illustrates the evolution of the colourful, emotional Bollywood film including traditional Indian music and dance. Yet the theme of a young man struggling to overcome insurmountable odds is universal, and speaks to all of us.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

April 3, 2009

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS • Art From the Heart: Part 5 at Pynelogs Cultural Centre features more than 500 pieces of art from young artists at elementary schools around the valley.

Show will run until April 26th. Special opening event with entertainment and appetizers on April 15th.

• 7 p.m.: Silver Strings concert Dessert Night, Christ Church Trinity. Last concert for the ukelele group’s director Bruce Childs. Bring cash for food bank.

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

Wednesday, April 8th:

Toby Theatre • 7:30 p.m.: April 3-4: He’s Just Not That Into You • 7:30 p.m.: April 8-11: Paul Blart: Mall Cop

Friday, April 3rd: • 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: Ladies of the Catholic Women’s League will serve homemade soup at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere. $5 will be enough to buy soup, bun and dessert. Home baking also for sale.

Saturday, April 4th: • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Community garage sale at Wilmer Hall, rain or shine. For info: shemmelgarn@shaw.ca.

• 1 p.m.: The Columbia Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club of Radium Hot Springs invites square dancers to join them for a PLUS dance at 1 p.m. and a mainstream dance at 7:30 p.m. Guest caller will be Don McPeak from Osburn, Idaho. The dances will be held at Radium Community Centre. For info: 250-347-6573.

Monday, April 6th: • 1-3 p.m.: Career Day at David Thompson Secondary School, called Make the Most of Your Skills, sponsored by Kootenay Business magazine.

For students, parents and valley employers. For info: 1-800-663-8555.

• 5 p.m. Deadline to drop off your Easter Colouring Contest entries at The Pioneer office.

• 7 p.m.: Monday and Tuesday, both nights, see the Talent Show at David Thompson Secondary School.

Tickets $3 at the door; funds to the Rescue Vehicle.

Tuesday, April 7th: • Screening mammography program mobile service at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce today, Wednesday and Thursday. Free mammogram for women aged 40 to 79. Call 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment. For info: www.smpbc.ca.

• Renewable Energy for a Greener Planet, Dumping That High-Carb Diet, with guest speaker Bill Swan.

Part of the Wild Voices Speaker Series. Held at the high school theatre. Tickets $7, students free.

• Dirty Penny, five-piece indie band from Santa Cruz, performs at the Hoodoo Lounge, Fairmont.

• 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Pynelogs Café, featuring the famous Scotty Burger, opens for the season at Pynelogs Cultural Centre, Kinsmen Beach, Invermere.

• 5:30 p.m. Boot Camp at Valley Fitness Centre, every Wednesday for eight weeks. Space limited. For info: 250-342-2131.

Thursday, April 9th: • 4 p.m.: Grand opening for MLA Norm Macdonald’s Invermere campaign office at Unit 101, 905-7th Avenue. For info: 250-342-6360.

• 7 p.m.: Groups requesting funds from Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives Program will meet with government representatives at Invermere Hall. Public welcome. The Regional District of East Kootenay will make the final decision on May 29th.

Friday, April 10th: • Three-day Paragliding Easter Meet at Panorama starts today. For info: fly@flyingmax.com.

• 6-9 p.m.: Pauline Paquin exhibition opens at the Artym Gallery. Runs until April 23rd.

• 5:30 p.m.: Crop Night at Scrappy-Do’s. Please call 250-342-7238 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, April 11th: • 3-6 p.m.: Opening reception for Flair! exhibition at Effusion Art Gallery. Elena Ilku’s oil and Sharon Quirke’s acrylic paintings shine with Flair! Exhibition runs until April 20th.

Sunday, April 12th: • 8 a.m.: The Kinsmen Club presents the annual

Easter Egg Hunt behind the Radium Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Centre.

• 10 a.m.: Easter Egg Hunt at Windermere Hall.

• Noon: Easter Egg Hunt at CastleRock Estates gazebo. For info: 250-341-6212.

Tuesday, April 14th: • Screening mammography program mobile service at the Radium Seniors’ Centre today and Wednesday.

Call 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment.

Wednesday, April 15th: • Deadline today for Windermere Valley Minor Baseball Association registration, available at www. cvrec.ca. For info: Jeff Armstrong at 250-342-7105.

Thursday, April 16th: • 7 p.m.: Official Kick Off for Columbia Valley Relay for Life at Copper Point Golf Course. This year’s relay will take place June 13th and 14th. Live entertainment, live and silent auction, door prizes, appetizers and cash bar. For more info: Lisa at 250688-4488 or Shonese at 250-347-2244.

Friday, April 17th: • 7 p.m.: Montreal Guitar Trio at Christ Church Trinity. For info: 250-342-4423.

Saturday, April 18th: • 26th Annual David Thompson Secondary School Big Band Dance. Tickets available only at Dave’s Book Bar, Sears, and any senior band member. For info: Greg Constable at 250-342-9213, ext. 136.

• Experienced Trail Runner Camp at Nipika Mountain Resort. Tips, yoga, lunch, Parks Canada presentation, cross-fit session and training schedule included to get you trained for the Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run on May 30th. For info: 250-342-2074.

Friday, April 24th: • 5:30 p.m.: Crop Night at Scrappy-Do’s. Please call 250-342-7238 to reserve your spot.

Saturday, April 25th: •10 a.m. to noon: Valley Pride Day, valley-wide cleanup day from Edgewater to Canal Flats, sponsored by Columbia Valley Service Clubs Alliance. For info: Steve at 250-342-3825 or Milt at 250-342-3353.

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

Three guitarists you won’t want to miss Submitted by Ken Mallett If you were at the recent concert sponsored by Columbia Valley Arts, the Marc Atkinson Trio, and were absolutely amazed by their performance – Marc’s awesome guitar technique, that phenomenal bassist, the humour and stage presence, the amazing total musicianship, and the pure rapture of the audience – we have another treat for you on Friday, April 17th: The Montreal Guitar Trio.

From Montreal – that city known around the world for its music, its culinary delights, and its old-world/newworld charm – comes The Montreal Guitar Trio, aka MG3.

Formed by three guitarists of unbridled energy and charisma, MG3 leads its audience into a special place where jazz and world music are entwined with gusto. Spiced by a wry sense of humour, its music exudes an irresistible energy and an overwhelming passion that will make you stomp furiously!

The trio’s eclectic music takes lis-

teners on a journey through the world’s many cultures — from the mysterious melodies of India to the hot rhythms of South America, Spain, the Balkans, the Orient, Quebec and Hollywood!

Coming from a classical background, MG3 members also sing and write much of their material. Since it was founded at University of Montréal in 1998, MG3 has given hundreds of concerts in North America, Western and Eastern Europe, many of which have been recorded and broadcast.

In 2007, MG3 released its third CD and toured extensively.

This world-class ensemble is currently on their 10th Anniversary Tour including the U.S., Germany, Australia – and Invermere!

So, don’t miss the final concert of this year’s Concert Series, on Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Church Trinity. Tickets are $20 and $10 for students at Invermere One Hour Photo, Essentials, and Pynelogs in Invermere; at N’Deco in Radium; and at Smoking Water Coffee Company in Fairmont.

Coming from a classical background, these three guitarists also sing and write much of their own material featured in their 10th anniversary tour.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

April 3, 2009

Art From the Heart opens Pynelogs season with children’s exhibition Submitted by Anne Jardine Life is a work of art, and no one understands this better than children. They sing, dance, draw, paint, and discover their way through the world with wholeheartedness. Children make meaning of their experience by expressing their discoveries with a joy and ease that adults can only aspire to. Watching children make their art is a revelation – a curious combination of spontaneity and solemnity. We are witness to a ceremony of innocence.

This year marks the fifth annual production of our regional children’s visual arts show, Art from the Heart. For the past few years, this colourful, exuberant exhibition has become one of the most popular shows of the Pynelogs gallery season.

Art from the Heart features more than 500 creative works by students from five schools: Eileen Madson Primary, J. Alfred Laird Elementary, Windermere Elementary, Martin Morigeau Elementary, and Edgewater Elementary.

The exhibit runs April 7th to 26th at Pynelogs Cultural Centre from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday to Saturday.

Art from the Heart is proudly sponsored by Rocky Mountain School District in partnership with the Parent Advisory Groups from each school, Columbia Val-

ley Arts Council, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, and Mercer & Company. The bright poster for the show was designed by Pixel Planet from an original painting by Alexa Holgren, a Grade 2 student from Eileen Madson Primary School.

The show’s theme is the celebration of the 95th birthday of Pynelogs, one of the region’s great historic buildings. One special display from the Pynelogs permanent collection will be a scale model of the building that was made in 1994. Look for other historic touches, including student sketches of heritage buildings around the region, and a slide show biography of Pynelogs.

Art from the Heart will also feature a silent auction of 10 works selected by the schools. Revenues raised by this auction will be used to create a special regional arts scholarship.

On the evening of Wednesday, April 15th, everyone is welcome to come out to a gala public reception to meet the artists and their families.

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Editor’s Note: If you have missed this show in the past, make sure you don’t miss it this year. The overwhelming effect of 500 pieces of children’s art will lift your spirit. Pynelogs is our community’s loveliest old building, well worth a visit any time of year, and the Pynelogs Café opens for business on April 8th.

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

Bruce Childs to take final bow as director of Silver Strings

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff A year away from retirement, J.A. Laird School music teacher Bruce Childs is handing over the reigns of the wildly popular Silver Strings ukelele group.

After 16 tours with hundreds of student musicians over countless Bruce Childs road hours, Mr. Childs will step down as director this year and pass his ukelele to Lisa O’Sullivan, who returned to teaching last year to take over for Mr. Childs.

On Tuesday, April 7th at 7 p.m., at Christ Church Trinity, Mr. Childs will direct his final “Concert Dessert Night”, so called because desserts are served during intermission.

Mr. Child’s scratched his head and joked when asked why an extracurricular music program centred

on a novelty instrument like the ukelele is so popular among kids in grades five to seven.

“I like to think I had something to do with it,” he laughed.

A full third of the student body of J.A. Laird rush to school two hours early on Thursday mornings to attend the program.

“It’s a hard question,” he said. “There’s magic in music. It can affect people. It does affect people.”

Certain songs performed by the Silver Strings, he said, elicit shear joy among audiences, while others bring tears to the eyes of parents and students alike.

Graduates of the program, he said, carry their love for the instrument forward, often returning to jam with the group or gather at coffee shops to entertain.

It helps, he said, that music instruction is mandatory for valley kids from kindergarten to grade seven.

“I think that means something,” he said. “The kids are receptive to it.”

Mr. Childs, an Ontario native, started the group when he moved to the valley in 1990 from Elkford after seeing a concert by another ukelele group called the Super Ukes from New Denver.

The director of the Super Ukes offered Mr. Childs

some sage advice. “He said, ‘If you start up a group like this,’” Mr. Childs explained, “‘you’ll never regret it.’ And he was right.”

In the first year, there were 21 students. The second year there were 36. The third year there were 45.

Each year since, there have been 50-60 students in the group. As a result, Mr. Childs said, he can tune 55 ukeleles in 10 minutes, but the students themselves and their parents deserve much of the credit.

The annual tour to perform for schools across western Canada was the incentive for all the hard work. Over the years, the band has criss-crossed Western Canada to cities like Vancouver, Edmonton and Victoria to play as many as nine shows a week.

“This is an extracurricular activity. These kids volunteer for this and it’s hard work,” he said. “They have to set the stage, strike it in a half-hour, get everything loaded and get to the next school in 30 minutes.”

The tours culminated, he said, in a trip to Hawaii. The group was feted by ukelele luminaries in the instrument’s homeland.

Come early to get a good seat. Organizers are expecting a full house for Bruce’s final performance. A photo essay by the parents will also be presented.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

April 3, 2009

Portabella torch passed to new owners

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

Lianne Lang, Jason Stevens and Lily Stefanovic are the new owners of the Portabella Restaurant in Invermere.

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8, 1008 – 8th Avenue, Invermere BC Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net

After eight years of service, residents of the Columbia Valley are saying goodbye to Nick and Judy Gibbs. The local couple will no longer be running the Portabella Restaurant in Invermere.

This week Jason Stevens, his partner Lianne Lang and their aunt Lily Stefanovic will take the reins at the popular dining establishment.

“We are incredibly excited,” Jason said. “Customers can expect the same great quality and service that made Portabella popular to begin with, but we are also looking at moving forward and evolving the menu.”

Jason, now employed as a financial advisor at Kootenay Savings Credit Union in Invermere, and Lianne, manager of the Kicking Horse Café at the crossroads, moved to Invermere a year and a half ago from Vancouver.

The couple have one child, Anna, 5, and another due April 15th.

Lily and her husband Brian have just settled in the valley, after travelling here from Hamilton, Ontario.

All three new owners have extensive knowledge and experience in the food and beverage industry.

Prior to moving to the valley Jason and Lianne spent a number of years employed in management positions with Canadian Pacific Hotels, now known as Fairmont Hotels.

Lily has been involved in the restaurant industry since she moved to Canada from Serbia in 1980.

Her father purchased a restaurant in Hamilton called ‘Buddy’s’ which she eventually took over and operated.

Jason said that the group does not plan to make any drastic changes to the restaurant, but will welcome new chef Virgil Turkington, known for his work at RK Heliski and Eagle Ranch.

“There’s a reason why it has been successful,” he said. “And I know it sounds cliche – but if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

AROUND THE VALLEY Community groups, public invited to April 9 forum Columbia Valley residents have been asked to give their input on the funding of community projects.

The Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors will decide next month on which community projects it will fund through the Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives Program.

To help them make their decision, the councils of Radium, Invermere and Canal Flats and the regional directors of Area F and Area G will meet at Invermere Hall on Thursday, April 9th at 7 p.m.

Groups that have applied for funding will present their proposals, and the public is invited.

“This is definitely an opportunity for the public to have input on the initiatives that the community feels are important,” said Shannon Moskal, deputy manager of administration for the regional district.

Thirty-one applications have been submitted in the valley – 22 from Area F, 21 from Area G, 16 from Canal Flats, 19 from Radium and 26 from Invermere.

Some proposals have been submitted across more than one area. “A lot of those applications overlap and that’s why they have one meeting,” Ms. Moskal said.

Each municipality will make recommendations to the regional district board, which will review the recommendations and award the funding on May 29th.

Relay for Life to kick off at Copper Point April 16 The Columbia Valley Relay for Life will be getting everyone into the relay spirit at the Relay Kickoff party on April 16th at Copper Point Golf Course.

The festivities will begin at 7 p.m. and the evening will feature the musical stylings of DJ Justin Futa, live entertainment, a live and silent auction, door prizes, balloon prizes, appetizers and a cash bar.

“Once again, Copper Point has generously offered

us the use of the club house for the evening,” said relay organizer Lisa Logstrup. “We hope that the community will come out and show their support for the relay and for those who have had, or are battling cancer.”

At the event, teams and individuals will be able to sign up for the relay, as well as survivors. Luminaries will be available for purchase for $5 each.

Valley businesses have donated great auction prizes and the committee is still seeking items, services and corporate sponsorship for the kickoff and relay. To donate an item or for more information on corporate sponsorship, contact Lisa at 250-688-4488 or Shonese Hogarth at 250-347-2244.

For more information, visit www.cancer.ca/relay or email Lisa at columbiavalley@bc.cancer.ca. The 2009 Relay will take place on June 13th and 14th at the David Thompson Secondary School track.

Valley Pride Day gets rid of junk April 25 Valley communities are banding together to get rid of winter litter. The Columbia Valley Service Clubs Alliance has announced that April 25th will be dubbed Valley Pride Day. It was Milt Deck who came up with the idea after seeing the amount of litter lying around. “We decided that maybe a way to start instilling some pride in our community would be by getting it cleaned up.”

The project will cover the area from Edgewater to Canal Flats, including rural areas. The clubs will have trucks circulating, picking up garbage – not regular household garbage, but extra garbage that has accumulated on streets, yards and public areas over the winter. Recyclable and non-recyclable material should be separated. Bottles will be returned by the group.

The cleanup will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th. For the first hour, citizens will clean up their own neighbourhood – yards, sidewalks and streets. From 11 a.m. to noon, they are urged to clean up public areas such as beaches, parks and roads.

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Members of the Alliance will be on hand during the day to haul away the gathered waste. “We are trying to make it a real community effort,” Milt explained.

So far, community groups who have signed up include Edgewater Recreation Society, Edgewater Elementary School, Windermere Community Association, Windermere Elementary School, Timber Ridge Community Association, Village of Radium, Radium Rotary Club, the Fairmont Lions Club, David Thompson Secondary School, J. A. Laird Elementary, the Rotary Club of Invermere, Lake Windermere Lions Club and the Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley.

Community groups are welcome to join the effort.

Contact Steve Mantyka at 250-342-3825, Milt Deck at 250-342-3353 or Al Lynch at 250-342-3417.

No Slush Cup at Panorama Panorama Mountain Village will not hold its beloved Slush Cup this year.

The event, according to Hayley Wilson, Marketing Coordinator for Panorama, was axed because the resort wanted to make the Showoff Freestyle Weekend, held March 13-15, the last big event of the season. “We just wanted to put a lot of money into the freestyle weekend,” she said. “It was the main event we wanted to promote this year.”

The Slush Cup, an end of the season event described by one enthusiast as “a beach party on the snow,” has been held at Panorama for several years. Ski season at Panorama will wrap up on April 12th.

Local talent on display The Leadership Class at David Thompson Secondary School will present a talent show on April 6th and 7th in the school theatre.

The show will begin at 7 p.m. and features 20 performers. Tickets are $3 available at the door, with funds going towards the valley’s Rescue Vehicle.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

April 3, 2009 EIGHT

WEEKS

•

EIGHT

EDITIONS

•

EIGHT

ISSUES

•

THE

C A N D I D AT E S

RESPOND

Candidates respond to the issues Question 3, five weeks to go: The population of the Columbia Basin is aging. Compared to the rest of B.C., a higher percentage of people aged 45-74 live in the Basin, with a lower percentage of people aged 20-44 years. In 2011, the “boomer” generation will start to reach age 65, so senior dependency rates are likely to increase significantly over the next 10 years. If elected, what will you do to improve the quality of care for our seniors?

Norm Macdonald, Golden, New Democratic Party I believe that the way we treat our seniors is a true measure of our society. If seniors in our province are not getting a reasonable standard of care, we are failing. It takes more than money, it takes a commitment, a commitment that states unreservedly that seniors will be treated with the respect they deserve.

Improving the current standard of care will include developing and implementing a much more rigorous inspection process.

Inspection reports for care facilities must be made public. Facility operators must move much more quickly into compliance with existing licensing requirements.

Care issues that result in high hazard ratings for facilities must be dealt with immediately.

We must allow staff in health and seniors’ care facilities to speak openly about their concerns and include them in a process that will make improvements to care. If there is an issue in a care facility, why wouldn’t we want it known so that it could quickly be resolved?

We must establish a Representative for Seniors, an independent officer of the Legislature who would be responsible for acting on behalf of seniors. A Representative for Seniors would have the ability to report publicly, without political interference, about the

true state of seniors’ care and would have the power to make recommendations to improve the lives of all seniors in British Columbia.

We must also ensure that seniors have access to the housing, home care and health care services that they need within their home communities. Healthy communities are communities where every generation is able to live and we must commit to providing needed resources to all British Columbian communities, no matter the size. Quality care for seniors will cost more, but it is a cost that every reasonable person would say is worth it. I’ve not spoken to a single constituent who said that we should spend less on taking care of our seniors. In fact, seniors’ care was the issue that was raised most often during the last election.

We must do better than we have done in the past eight years. British Columbians want a government who will put the needs of children and seniors first.

Mark McKee, Revelstoke, Liberal Party Contrary to what some people think, the B.C. Liberals have a much better record when it comes to seniors than the New Democrats.

In the last eight years, the B.C. Liberals have built 5,896 new beds, and replaced 6,539 residential care beds in communitybased assisted living and supportive housing facil-

ities across B.C. That’s 12,345 seniors’ care beds over eight years. Contrast that with the New Democrats’ record. In 10 years in power, they built just 1,461. In addition, the average wait time for residential care has dropped from a year to less than 90 days.

Cost-wise, 62 percent of B.C. seniors now pay one of the lowest residential care rates in all of Canada at $30.90 per day. What’s more, the B.C. Liberals increased home-support care hours by almost 25 percent and expanded rent subsidies for seniors so that more than 15,700 now get a monthly payment to help with the rent.

But we can do more — and we are. We have doubled nurses’ training since 2001 by adding 4,000 new spaces. We have also doubled the number of doctors graduating. Health care will have increased this year to $15.7 billion and over the next three years 90 percent of all new spending will go to health care, which will further increase health care spending to $17.5 billion by 2011/12.

Over the next 25 years the number of seniors in B.C. will more than double from about 600,000 to 1.4 million. In 2031 our population will be comprised of approximately 24 percent seniors. We have to do more now to be prepared to look after our seniors now and well into the future. Our system is not perfect. But the B.C. Liberal government has a track record of building a strong economy, creating jobs and investing in our infrastructure while keeping its fiscal house in order.

This is the kind of strong foundation the province needs to look after our seniors now and in the future.

I look forward to working on positive solutions to the issues surrounding seniors’ care in the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding.

Conservative Hanni drops out of local race

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Wilf Hanni, the leader of B.C.’s Conservative Party, announced on Tuesday that he was pulling out of the Columbia River-Revelstoke race in order to challenge Liberal incumbent Bill Bennett in his home riding of Kootenay East.

Mr. Hanni, a resident of Yahk, said in a press release he originally decided to run in Columbia RiverRevelstoke, instead of his home riding, so that another candidate could run for the Conservative Party there.

That candidate, he said, has decided not to run. After

being urged by citizens in Kootenay East to run there instead, he dropped out of this race.

Columbia River-Revelstoke Liberal challenger Mark McKee, who stands to gain from Mr. Hanni’s decision, applauded the move.

“Mr. Hanni has made the right decision to instead run in Kootenay East,” Mr. McKee said on Wednesday. “This tightens the campaign focus in this riding and offers voters a clearer choice — the strong economic policies and forward-looking leadership of the B.C. Liberals, or the New Democrats.”

New Democratic Party incumbent, Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald, said he was

more surprised when Mr. Hanni originally announced he was running in this riding, than when he heard he was switching to another riding.

“What you usually do is focus on what you can control and that is your own campaign,” he said. “I like campaigning and I am looking forward to it.”

Mr. Macdonald returned to the riding on Wednesday from Victoria to begin campaigning in earnest.

Mr. Hanni’s party has until April 14th to find another candidate to run in this riding.

“I am hoping we can find a good conservativeminded person who lives in Columbia River-Revelstoke to take my place,” he said.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

YOUR MONEY

Common income-generating investments In today’s low-interest-rate environment, many investors wonder how to create income from their investments. The current low interest rates couldn’t come at a worse time for retirees looking to supplement their incomes in retirement. The following is part two of a list of common income-generating investments.

Mutual Funds

Pros – Mutual funds offer diversification and are expert money managers that hold a basket full of stocks, bonds, preferred shares, or income trusts.

Some mutual funds hold a mix of investments while others focus on one type such as a bond fund. A series of mutual funds referred to as T-Series funds offer investors monthly payments from the fund at 4, 6, 8, or 10 percent.

Cons – Fund fees can be a deterrent for some investors who would rather hold their own securities. TSeries funds will pay income to the unit holders even if the fund doesn’t earn the payment. This can cause a deteriorating balance over time. Mutual funds that are very large have a hard time buying smaller issues of preferred shares or corporate bonds because they can’t own enough to affect the overall fund performance.

Corporate class mutual funds: mutual funds held within a corporation

Pros – some mutual fund companies will set up

corporations and put their mutual funds inside the corporations. There is a big advantage for the holders of corporate class mutual funds because they get paid monthly income that is not taxed in the year it is received. Instead, corporate class funds are able to defer a large portion (often 90 percent) of the income into the future when the holder of the fund redeems their units. At this point the fund holder pays a capital gain.

This can be very effective for those who have income tested benefits such as Old Age Security, Pharmacare, or Long-term Care.

Cons – Fund fees can be a deterrent the same as regular mutual funds. Deferring taxes for too long can create a large tax problem in the future. Many lower risk funds such as balanced funds or diversified income funds are not available in the corporate class structure.

Annuities

Pros – annuities are essentially lump sum payments made to an insurance company in return for a guaranteed income stream back to the investor for a period of time. Annuities carry all sorts of options such as guaranteed periods, certain terms or open lifelong terms. Prescribed annuities offer a tax status that is lower than regular income paying investments. Annuities can be beneficial for those who do not have pension plans in place when they retire so that they guarantee a portion of their income. They can also in-

sure an investor does not outlive their investments.

Cons – many annuities rates are based on longterm interest rates and the payments in low interest rate environments can be low. Annuities also can pose a problem for those who would like to pass on an inheritance or a legacy to their children or other family members, because when the owner of annuity passes away the insurance company keeps the assets.

Variable Annuities

Pros – variable annuities generally offer investors the best of the both worlds: control of their money and a guaranteed income stream (usually 5 percent) for life or a set period of time. If the underlying investments in a variable annuity program do very well, the investor retains the right to withdrawal all of their money if they would like. If the underlying investments do very poorly they can keep receiving the guaranteed income stream for life or the set period of time. Variable annuities allow for an inheritance or legacy value and the remaining underlying investments also skip probate upon death.

Cons – variable annuities can be expensive because there is a cost to having control of your money and being entitled to a guaranteed income stream. This cost will limit the growth of investments over time and in a low interest environment would not be suitable for investors who want fixed income investments because the fees would erode any interest generated.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

April 3, 2009

Three Invermere residents travel to Nepal on separate humanitarian missions

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Three Invermere residents will trade their comfortable lifestyles for rice and lentils as they head halfway around the world to participate in two separate humanitarian missions.

Eric and Liz Vanderkruk, owners of A&W in Invermere, and Invermere Rotary Club’s past-president Yvonne Redeker will be less than 25 kilometres away from each another as they work to improve the quality of life for the impoverished people of Nepal.

“How big of a coincidence is that? We don’t even know each other, yet we are both going to a part of the world that obviously has been needing some help,” Yvonne said.

“How wonderful that from our little town we can go half-way around the world and be of some assistance – we are a generous community, for sure!”

Eric and Liz have already embarked on their journey to Nepal, where they will be participating in the Run for the Hills fundraiser, a 15-kilometre road race with profits going towards purchasing running shoes and sports equipment for children in the Helambu region, northeast of Kathmandu.

Liz is a seasoned marathon runner who works as a registered nurse at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital. The couple has three children: Larissa, 22, Nathan, 20, and Ben, 17.

They plan to tackle their task with the help of Liz’s sister-in-law Judy, her husband Rob and their running group from Ontario.

It was Judy and Rob who first introduced the couple to the poverty in Nepal. Both high school teachers in Kitchener, Ontario, the pair has been taking their senior class on humanitarian missions to the country for several years.

“Judy’s running group asked her ‘Why don’t you do something like this for adults?’” Liz explained.

And so she did.

Prior to the run, the running group will take a nine-day trek through the wilderness.

Then both the group and the Nepalese students will participate in the race, each runner wearing a bib bearing the name of a sponsor. Sponsors donate $25, in turn purchasing that child a pair of running shoes.

An avid runner who can often be seen pounding

the pavement around town, Liz said this trip was a great way to combine her passion and community work.

“Personally, I’ve run a lot of races, but they have been all about me getting the best time I can,” she said.

“This way I can give back a little bit and help some needy kids.”

Yvonne Redeker leaves for her mission next week.

She is an enthusiastic community volunteer and her husband Eric is a realtor with Royal LePage Rockies West Realty in Invermere. The couple has four children: Sonja, Warren, Jolanda and Ian. Yvonne was one of nine non-medical volunteers chosen to travel to Banepa, Nepal, as part of a Rotaplast mission, which is funded by the 61 Rotary Clubs of this district.

Rotaplast is a humanitarian organization providing free reconstructive surgery to children born with cleft palates.

“Eric and I have thought many times that when our kids moved away from home we wanted to do this sort of thing – take our service work where we can travel,” Yvonne said.

“This mission, because it is sponsored by the district, just kind of fell into my lap.”

The mission, which costs $100,000, involves nine non-medical volunteers and 16 medical volunteers.

“We will spend about eight days in actual surgery,” she explained.

“The remaining four days will be spent in screening clinics, pre-op clinics and post-op clinics.”

Although generally the mission’s focus is on cleft palate surgery, she said, her group appears to have a lot of burn victim surgeries as well.

“Because rural Nepal still works with open fires and kerosene lamps, there are a lot of burn victims,” Yvonne explained.

Her job, she said, is to keep patients and their parents calm before and after surgery.

“Mentally I am preparing for the sadness of it,” Yvonne said.

“But from what I hear from those that have been on missions like this in the past, the parents are so grateful, so thrilled you’re there. They’re not depressed, sad, distressed at all. You have to keep in mind that we are changing lives.”

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 4, 2009

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

April 3, 2009

Painted Ridge making progress in the Flats

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The Painted Ridge development in Canal Flats is edging closer to approval after council granted eight development variance permits last week.

A project of Stanley Cup champion Mike Vernon, the 31-lot subdivision has been in the works since 2004. However, during the approval process with the Village of Canal Flats, communication broke down and this led to the developer suing the village in February 2008.

A Supreme Court judge found in favour of the developer in August 2008 and granted Painted Ridge a six-month exemption from the village’s controversial subdivision and development bylaw. The judge also told the two parties to decide on a third-party approving officer, instead of then-chief administrative officer Rob Sabine, also named in the suit.

On December 29th, 2008, two days before Mr. Sabine resigned, the village named Cranbrook Approving Officer Gary Mott as Painted Ridge’s approving officer. Since then, Mr. Mott has given the developer its Preliminary Layout Approval.

The court-ordered six-month bylaw exemption ended on February 1st, so Painted Ridge returned to

The development is on the east side of Columbia Lake. council on Monday, March 23rd to ask the village to lift nine requirements of its subdivision bylaw.

Painted Ridge was granted eight of those nine requirements. The road can be seven metres wide instead of nine; the developer does not have to install streetlights; the lots can be 440 metres from emergency access, instead of 200 metres; the road can have a two-percent cross-slope, instead of a 2.5-percent cross-slope; the road and fire lane pavement structures have been lessened; and driveways and walkways can

be gravel instead of concrete.

Council deferred one decision – whether the development requires curbs and gutters – for further information.

Karl Sterzer, project manager for Painted Ridge, said he was pleased by council’s openness. “I feel like we have had a legitimate, open discourse and there is genuine care and concern for the community and the developers,� he told council. “I appreciate it.�

However, two court cases remain active between the Village of Canal Flats and Painted Ridge.

The village lodged an appeal to the August decision, and while the case is still active, the Supreme Court has decided not to hear it until after Mr. Mott has completed the subdivision application.

In October 2008, Painted Ridge launched a second suit against the village, this time suing for damages. That case is still active. In January this year, Karl Sterzer explained why. “Four and a half years ago, we went down the path of subdivision. Since then we have been dragged down the garden path to now, where if we finally have it approved, will we have anyone to buy? “It’s such a punch in the nose. We have no choice but to continue with legal proceedings.�

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24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

Bantam team places third in province Submitted by Greg DuBois The Windermere Valley Female Bantam Hockey team, ages 13 and 14, recently competed in the B.C. Provincial Championship in Burnaby. The teams included the best nine teams from B.C. and the Yukon.

This was the first provincial tournament for a Bantam Female team from Invermere. The first game was against the Mid-Island Extreme from Nanaimo. Aggressive play by Invermere found them ahead 4-0 after the first period. The round robin tournament format meant that goals for and against could come into play to determine who moved on to the next round. The girls continued their aggressive skating style and came away with a very decisive 110 victory. No longer could Invermere sneak into a game under the radar!

The second game was against a very powerful Kelowna team, the 2008 champions. Strong goaltending by Invermere’s Jayme Saunders contributed to a 0-0 tie after the first period. The

Standing: Grant McDonald, Kerry Ellingboe, Mary Smith, Kiana Strand, Raven McAllister, Alexis Westergaard, Katrina DuBois, Lindsay Torma, Emilee Enns, Peter Torma and Louise Smith. Front: Lilly Smith, Holly Nikirk, Haley McDonald, Sawyer Ellingboe, Ashley Oddy, Courtney Hlady and Greg DuBois. Goalie: Jayme Saunders. local girls scored the first goal of the game early in the second period to take a 1-0 lead, but Kelowna pushed to a 4-1 lead. Invermere narrowed the gap to 43 in the third period with a power play goal by Holly Nikirk and a penalty shot goal by Haley McDonald, but in the

end the defending champs overpowered Invermere and won the game 6-3.

The final round robin game put Invermere against Prince George.

Invermere dominated play throughout, outshooting their opponents 44-21 and winning the game 4-0, earning them a

berth in the playoff round.

The semi-final game put Invermere against Vancouver North Shore. The girls were unable to overcome this very skillful team, losing the game 0-5.

Invermere’s last game was against their rivals, the West Kootenay Wildcats from Castlegar. These two teams were evenly matched, skating to a 0-0 tie after two periods. The superior conditioning of the Invermere girls became apparent as they outshot Castlegar 15-5 in the third period and won the game 3-1 to earn a 3rd-place finish in B.C. Kelowna defended their title with a 4-3 victory over the North Shore.

Earlier Invermere won the Division B Championship for the Female Bantam Tier 1 Central Alberta Hockey League. The girls are a fan favourite for their style of play: fast skating, hard work and quick puck movement.

The team thanks the Lions Club for financial assistance, and the Valley Fitness Centre and Invermere Yoga (Tamela Hart) for donating memberships for dryland training.

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Range Pass: $99 (plus tax) Purchase an annual range pass and see the difference it will make to your game.

Monday – Friday for the month of April Copper Point course: $50 The Ridge course: $40 Rates include 18 holes of golf, cart, driving range and tax.

Must present a valid B.C. Drivers License.

Call 250-341-3392

copperpointgolf.com

The driving range at our full-service Golf Academy is the ideal place for you to practice and perfect your golf shot.

Join Copper Point’s new Customer Rewards Program Play more, Get more!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

April 3, 2009

A Basket Full of Plenty helps Verge for Youth

up p Green u winter yyour inter our w blues aatt Spur Valley!

S lley! pur Va

Submitted by Heather Underwood Verge for Youth is a local non-profit organization started by Floyd Verge, his family and friends.

The goal of Verge for Youth is to help children and their families deal with the emotional and financial hardships that can be incurred due to an accident or illness, very discreetly and privately.

As Floyd points out, sometimes it is a “pride” thing with people.

He is modest about what they do, but rest assured that when the need is there, so is Floyd and Verge for Youth. One hundred percent of your donation goes directly to someone in the valley who is in need.

Sick kids are a priority for Floyd, but Verge for Youth also supports many scholarships, sports and other forms of activity geared towards the Katie Holland, aged 4, holds the basket that can be won by donating to the non-profit group Verge for Youth. youth in our valley.

Recently it has come to our attention that this es to fill our overflowing Huge Grand great local organization is having diffi- Prize Easter Basket. A donation to Verge culty meeting the growing needs in our for Youth gets you an Easter Egg with a valley. small prize inside and a chance to enThe gang at the Skookum Inn and ter the draw to win the basket. The eggs the Skookum Family Restaurant have and donation boxes are located at The joined forces to gather “A Basket Full of Skookum Inn and the Skookum Family Plenty.”

Restaurant. The draw is Easter Sunday.

Many local businesses have generHappy Easter from the gang at The ously donated gift certificates and priz- Skookum.

OPEN FRIDAY APRIL 10th

“the best value in the valley” NOW OFFERING:

• Tune up your swing with Craig Millar, CPGA professional

Green up your winter Great prices on memberships 20%Valley!

Off blues at Spur

• Warm up or cool down with tasty new Tex/Mex meals and specials at The Luxor Creek Cantina

• With friendly extended tee-grounds, beautiful soft greens and hot spring fashions, start your season right and right now.

•

•

All remaining 10-pass books – $180 Get one before they are gone!

•

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE for all last year’s garments

For Information & Tee-Times Phone (250) 347-6500

GOLF SHOP CLUB HOUSE

New Arrivals from Lacoste, Burberry, DKNY. The hottest Spring Fashions can be found at Eagle Ranch!

The Golf Shop is now open daily.

Our final Sunday Brunch is fast approaching.

Join us on April 12th for our best ever!

Visit us for Appy Hour!

Five amazing choices for only $700 each! Offered Daily from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Experience Service Beyond™

Windermere Valley inor Baseball Association gistration now available at www.cvrec.ca Deadline: April 15th, 2009 Umpire Clinic offered April 4th - WVMBA will pay clinic fees.

For further information or to volunteer to Coach or Umpire, please contact Jeff Armstrong 342-7105.

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

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

VALLEY sports

April 3, 2009

Windermere Valley Ski Club shows off ribbons won in Golden

Congratulations to the Windermere Valley Ski Club team members who participated in the Nancy Greene Invitational and East Kootenay Zone Finals at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden.

All these happy, rosy-cheeked little skiers raced away with results between sixth and first! Way to go, kids!

Back row, left to right: coaches Will Comrie, Laurens van Wesep, and Rhys Artridge helped the children do their best.

Front row, left to right: Balance Paagman, Cameron Brush, Avery Comrie, Star Paagman and Peyton Dutcher show off their ribbons.

Snow Scene: Nordic ski club kept busy Submitted by Joe Hildes Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club One may be forgiven for thinking that this season of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club could be summed up in three words: Lake Windermere Whiteway.

The Whiteway has been all the rage this winter for many folks, both local and visiting, looking for winter recreation and exercise without having to drive too far from home. But as prominent as the Whiteway has been in its inaugural season, the club’s activities do not begin and end with the track out on the lake.

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club started the preseason with an open house hosted by Columbia Cycle.

Just after the snow arrived, a technique refresher clinic on the Nipika trails offered skiers a chance to bring their ‘stride and glide’ back to maximum efficiency.

Thoughout the season an informal gathering of interested skiers met weekly at various locations. Some of the highlights were skating on the Whiteway by headlamp, a full moon ski at Nipika, and partaking in post-ski sushi feeds at the wonderful Fubuki Sushi at Greywolf Nordic.

Recently six participants took advantage of a club-sponsored Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors Level 1 course and learned how to teach proper ski technique, so they can pass on more Nordic knowledge to the next generation.

The success of our Jackrabbit program saw 34 participants take part in Saturday sessions visiting all the local ski venues – Nipika, Greywolf, and the Whiteway – as well as some keen racers travelling to Golden.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT – From left: Yvonne Redeker, Nick Berzins, Darren Tamelin, Dave Penner and Lisa Budenholzer. The Rotary Club of Invermere donated $5,000 raised in the community to help fund the outstanding efforts at the Lake Windermere Whiteway.

This year the program for school-aged children was run by Darren Tamelin, with Rich McCleary heading up the ‘bunny’ group. They were assisted by many parents/coaches who took part in this family-oriented program which has, over the past several years, taught dozens of children the basics of Nordic skiing.

The club’s other signature event is our local loppet (ski race). Now in its 15th year, it has provided a venue for locals to host skiers from neighboring clubs for some friendly competition. Our numbers have been steadily growing for five years with an emphasis on

providing a quality racing event.

It seems to be working, as this year’s edition topped 80 participants, many from the Bow Valley, Kimberley and Calgary. The club is indebted to every business that has come forward in local sponsorship, making this growing ski event a reality. Race results and pictures can be found at www.tobycreeknordic.ca.

And finally, back to the Whiteway.

Judging by its popularity, a season-long ski and skate track on Lake Windermere was an idea whose time had come. The club must thank Nick Berzins, who set the wheels in motion, to take this from the dream of those who used the lake when conditions permitted, to a reality with funding and partnerships in the community. Nick’s drive and enthusiasm to form a winter alliance with his Greenways initiative was both infectious and ultimately successful.

This year the club was able to hire a person to groom/maintain the track and buy some of the equipment needed to make this a three-month trail (weather permitting). We may even end up beating the current Guinness record for the longest natural ice skating track in the world!

There is a lot of natural cross-over of skills between Nordic skiing and skating, so we hope that skaters who love to use the track will consider trying out a pair of skinny skis on the trails that run beside the ice track.

Runners and mountain bikers have also been using the trail, and hopefully we can look ahead to hosting events such as a winter version of Loop the Lake or a winter triathlon. For more, visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca starting in early fall.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

April 3, 2009

Columbia Valley Cougars new team

By Pioneer Staff

COUGAR PRIDE—The new Columbia Valley Cougars volleyball club are pictured here. Front row, left to right: Tiara Livingstone, Makayla Wilder, Charlotte Dibb, Macaela Halverson, Madison Haynes. Sscond row, left to right: Cayla Gabruck, Kalyn Grabowski, Zoey Anders, Jazz Montgomery, Courtney Hlady, Joelle Wassing.

Photo by Lee Barker

Hungry Wolf fights for honours

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Local mixed martial arts fighter Darryl “Hungry Wolf ” Stettler brought home a host of honours from spring events this year.

In February, Mr. Stettler won the gold medal in the under 82-kilograms coloured-belt division at the Vancouver International Judo Tournament.

Earlier this month, the Hungry Wolf won second place in a bare-knuckle fighting competition at the 2009 Calgary Cup at the Deerfoot Casino.

Two weeks ago, he won a bronze medal at the Edmonton International Judo Tournament.

“Out of the 10 best fighters around,” he said, “I came in third.”

In Calgary Cup fighting, the Wolf dominated throughout his round, but got knocked out in the last seconds when his opponent delivered a flying knee to the head.

“I bled from the ears for five days after that,” he said. You can watch the death blow delivered in slow motion by searching YouTube for “Invermere Kyokushin Karate.”

Local girls now have an opportunity to play competitive volleyball in the Alberta Volleyball Association, with the formation of a new team called the Columbia Valley Cougars.

The team, part of a new club volleyball program for girls aged 16 and under, was formed by volunteer coach Cayla Gabruck, 21, who is employed by The Pioneer and coached volleyball at David Thompson Secondary School last fall.

“I came from a community (Killam, Alberta) where volleyball was a major player in terms of sport,” Cayla said, “so I thought it was sad that in an area with so much interest in the game, like the Columbia Valley, there was no opportunity for young players to take their skills to the next level.”

The girls travelled to Edmonton last weekend for their second tournament, wearing brand new uniforms provided by AG Valley Foods.

“I am really grateful that businesses in the community, and especially AG Valley Foods owner Sydney-Anne Porter, have stepped up to help get this thing off the ground,” Cayla said.

The Cougars placed eighth in their first tournament out of 16 teams.

“The girls have come a long way since the start of the season and I am very proud of the progress they are making,” said coach Cayla. “Many people don’t realize that a majority of the girls they are competing against have been playing together since Grade 6. Our girls just began playing competitive volleyball in September, so to walk into our first tournament and finish eighth – I am very excited about it.”

Currently, two teams are operating under the club – a Midget team for girls aged 16 and under, coached

by Angie McKenzie; and the Bantam team for girls aged 14 and under, coached by Cayla. The Midgets placed eighth out of 11 in their first tournament in Calgary. Both teams are registered with the Alberta Volleyball Association.

The goal of the Columbia Valley Volleyball Club is to offer a club system for elite volleyball players and increase the availability of competition to players.

“It also offers an opportunity for players to be seen by provincial and national team coaches, as well as college and university coaches from across Western Canada,” Cayla added. “I am really hoping it catches on. I would love to see the Columbia Valley Volleyball Club operating with a number of teams – boys and girls – and a group of qualified coaches.”

The Cougars will be heading to Calgary for their chance at a provincial title on April 25th. Cayla said she is confident her team will place well.

“These girls have the skills to play with the best of teams,” she said.

Keep an eye out for the girls around town, as they are selling Epicure spices to generate funds to cover the costs for the rest of their season. For more information, contact Cayla Gabruck at 780-385-4027.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Cranbrook Pest Control ANTS • RODENTS • SPIDERS • FLIES • BEES Environmentally-friendly vironmentally-friendl vir ironmentally-friendl rroonm nnme me men ennttalllllyy en integrated pest estt m management. g AAssk Ask sk about abo ab bbou ouuutt our oouuurr ma maintenance maint ma e programs pr programs ogggra rams m P T QUESTIO PEST QUESTIONS? QQUU Visit our webs website: bsit s

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT CERTIFIED & LICENSED

ALL WORK

GUARANTEED

www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com

250-426-9586

WHOLE 9 YARDS MOWING • RESIDENTIAL LAWN CARE • SPRING CLEAN UP ETC. • CONTRACT & HOURLY RATES • SENIORS DISCOUNT • FREE ESTIMATES Call

(250) 341-5512

Dunlop Contracting All Your Excavating, Hauling, Landscaping Needs

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

Bruce Dunlop Cell: (250) 342-1793 Home: (250) 342-9081 E-mail: dunmal@telus.net

Box 75 Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0

Water and air quality problems?

Add our water and air filter systems

A Healthy Home Solution creatinghealthysolutions@gmail.com • 250-342-3214 www.nikken.com/creatinghealth

Gary Hogarth

K.I.S.S. LANDSCAPING

Renovation Specialist at Large

• Yard & Construction Site Clean-up • 12,000 lb Dump Trailer • Bobcat Services • Angle Broom – Parking Lots, Driveways and Sidewalks

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

250-342-1657

Ph: 347-9385Logos: • Cell: 342-5912 Corporate Trade Name + Dealership Sub Logos

Colour: PANTONE 349 English • FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

3/16" Minimum size to be used on business cards

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

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

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Worried about providing income in 1/4" Minimum size to be used on the standard sized brochures your retirement?

MANULIFE SECURITIES INSURANCE AGENCY

See our ad on Page 20 for more details.

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

Fullyy

Manulife Securities Incorporated = IDA Insured Manulife Securities Investment Services inc. = MFDA Manulife Securities Insurance Inc. = INSURANCE

Custom French Home Design

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

Specializing in Single Family Homes, Additions and Renovations, Drafting Services.

Contact: Paul Aubrecht Invermere (250) 342-0482 Calgary (403) 874-0483

250-342-5682

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BC EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net

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

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

April 3, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU LAMBERT-KIPP

INVERMERE GLASS LTD.

PHARMACY LTD.

•Shower Doors•Mirrors •Auto•Home•Commercial

Telephone: 250-342-3659

invermereglass@cyberlink.bc.ca

Jeff Watson

Serving the Valley since 1995• #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

• Structural Timbers and Posts • KD Tongue & Groove (Pine, Cedar and Fir)

Window Cleaning

250-342-0450

Dean Hubman #109-901 7th Ave., Invermere

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

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

Custom built spiral stairs, deck railings and balustrading.

Delivered and installed.

Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

(403) 201-7181

342-3052

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948 pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

“Your husband�called�and�said�you can�buy�whatever you�want...”

Choice of colours. Steel or Alloy.

Mountain Metalworks

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

Certified Technician

7 days a week

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS

342-6612

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

Automotive Repairs

BOBCAT SERVICE FOR JOBS BIG OR SMALL

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

250.342.9082 Invermere, BC

Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Kirk & Karen Davis, Invermere BC

• KD Bevel & Channel Sidings • Radius Edge Cedar Decking 5/4 and 2” • Wide Plank F/L Flooring

Box 80 SKOOKUMCHUCK, BC V0B 2E0 PHONE (250) 422-9229 FAX (250 422-9227) Email: mardis@cyberlink.ca

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

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

www.legacykitchens.com

Invermere

250.342.3577

FINE HOMESERVICES Since 2001

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

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Q Q

Quality Hand-crafted Steel

Q Q

• Structural Steel • Welding • Fabricating & Machining • Custom railings and ornamental iron

• Topsoil • Sand • Gravel VJ (Butch) Bishop

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

Owner/Operator

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

#117 Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-9926 • Fax 250-341-3956 e-mail: txn@telus.net

250.342.4426 Cell: 250.341.7227 Toll Free: 1.877.342.4426 Fax: 250.342.4427 redeye48@shawbiz.ca

1484 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC V0B 2L1

next to Skookum Inn

Lambert

Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork Structural Balance

RV • Truck • Car Wash Open 7 days a week

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

Gel Nails, Gel Toes, Eye Lash Perming, Lash & Brow Tinting.

Located behind Tim Hortons • Ph: 250-688-0787

H E L L E R W O RK Jean-Luc Cortat

Certified Hellerwork Practitioner Lube Shop open Monday to Saturday RV Supplies open Monday to Saturday Sani-Dump

Home Renovation Tax Credit Expires Feb 1, 2010

There will never be a • better time to renovate • for availability and • quality workmanship!

@ Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 250-342-2535

Drywall Services: Board Tape & Texture New Residential Commercial Renovations

E-mail us at dale.contractor@telus.net @ for a FREE no obligation quotation OR

Call Dale @ 250-804-6868

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

• Insurance Repairs • Any size job!

Renovate now! Take advantage of the “Home Renovation Tax Credit” finish that basement and get $$$ back from Canada Revenue Agency as a refundable tax credit in 2009!

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

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

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

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

250.349.5564 • • • • • •

Commercial Residential Renovations Firestop Attic Upgrades Parkade Spray

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

April 3, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU DCS Plumbing & Heating

NEW

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

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

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

24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

Senior Discount

CLUB TOWING

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

D&D POOLS and SPAS Commercial and Residential Installation - Maintenance - Repairs Duane Huether

Darren Ross

250-341-POOL (7665)

250-341-SPAS (7727)

• Snow Removal & Sanding • Trucking • Piles & Posts

Kari & John Mason

• All Grading • Under Slab work • Mini Track Hoe

780.970.7040 250.270.0821

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

Interior World

window fashions

g

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Dave Sutherland Sales Associate

y We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

N E W S PA P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Invermere, BC www.columbiavalleypioneer.com email: upioneer@telus.net

Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service

Need Blinds?

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

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

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd.

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

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

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

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

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

cheers & jeers

storage

storage

commercial space

Rocky Mountain Buffalo Now available at Grant’s Foods 503 – 7th Avenue

Pat Lynch’s 80th Birthday Open House

CHEERS: to the person who found my wallet and turned it into the Post Office. A big thank you to the ladies who returned it to me. Gordon Lake

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637

380-square-foot garage available immediately. Great contractor location. Reduced to $300/month. Call Mom’s Upholstery, 250-342-0355.

Financial professional looking for other professionals to share space with. I have a great location with excess room.

Please call 250-270-0270.

Alcoholics Anonymous. Open to all. Regular meetings of the Columbia Valley A.A. are held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at the Valley Connection, far end of the Service B.C. building, 625-4th Street, Invermere. The Radium Friendship Group meets at 8 p.m. Friday at the Catholic Church, east side of main street, Radium.

Celebrating Pat Lynch’s (formerly Bryce) 80th Birthday!

An Open House for family and friends will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2009 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the Seniors Hall.

Please drop in to wish Pat a Happy Birthday!”

Royal Canadian Legion, Invermere Hall rental and catering. Reasonable rates.

Contact Sylvia at 250-342-6559.

ANNOUNCEMENT

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 International Student Program

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

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

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

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

CHEERS: Wolfgang for returning Nanook, our family dog back home safely.

JEERS: to Panorama condo owners who don’t pick up after their dogs (EVER!). You know who you are. Shame on you.

thank you The Rockies would like to express their heart felt thanks to all of our SPONSORS, ADVERTISERS, VOLUNTEERS, and FANS for their fantastic support during the past year. The club is only successful because of your continuous support. THANK YOU!

lost Keys, Ford key, Dodge Key, on “Cascade” key chain, Sobeys card, 250-342-7517.

garage sale Community Garage Sale. Wilmer Hall, Saturday, April 4th , 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Rain or shine.

Obituary Wallin Muriel May July 23, 1936 – March 18, 2009 Muriel May Wallin, beloved wife of Dawson Wallin of Windermere, passed away peacefully in her daughter’s home in Calgary with her four girls and family by her side after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

She will be deeply missed and always remembered by her daughters Fonda McGregor (Gord), Sandra Rossi (Frank), Donna Maas (Lonnie), and Brenda Fullerton (Paul). Also left to greatly miss her are her grandchildren who meant the world to her: Holly, Carrissa, Corey, Craig, Jill, Kristy, Tianna, Lauren and Logan. In addition she will be remembered with fondness for her laughter and infectious smile by extended family and many friends.

Muriel was born in Lloydminister, AB on July 23, 1936 where she grew up on the family farm. She later moved to Kimberley in 1947 and completed her schooling. Muriel met Dawson, her husband of 52 years in Radium, and they were married on September 15, 1956. Dawson’s employment allowed them numerous adventures where they collected many friends along the way. They eventually went home to the valley where they built their home and reconnected with old friends while making new.

Muriel enjoyed countless hours in her garden and yard. She golfed and curled for many years but her biggest love was playing bridge. Over the past seven years Muriel’s garden has expanded like her friends. All who knew her will continue to enjoy the beauty she brought into all of our lives. She will be missed for her special Christmas, fresh-baked bread, tarts, cinnamon buns, beanie babies, cards with her grandchildren, countless trips to Disneyland, Ponoka and all those shopping trips!

“To my beautiful wife from your loving husband. Thanks for being in our lives and showing us how to face adversity with grace and integrity. Your remarkable ability to show kindness and understanding to all and the impact you have made on so many lives has not gone unnoticed. We admire and love you and will forever miss you.”

Dawson, Fonda, Sandra, Donna, Brenda & Families.

Upon Muriel’s request there will be no funeral although a celebration will be planned at a later date.

The door is always open at the Wallin house so please feel free to drop in where the “tea” is always on!

HERE TO SERVE YOU HAPPY FEET

Specializing in Pedicures & Massage

Shonese Hogarth REFERENCES AVAILABLE

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

LICENSED

250-341-5096

Licensed Hairstylist Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist Ask about Pedicure Parties 250-347-2244 shonese_hogarth@yahoo.com

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

April 3, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds memoriam

commercial space

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

SUITE FOR RENT

SUITE FOR RENT

house FOR RENT

In loving memory of Margaret Case, April 19, 2003

Panache Building

Green and organic home close to beach, $475, includes utilities, wireless, W/D. N/P, N/S, 250342-5937.

Invermere, must see, 1 bdrm, large, bright upper suite.

Half-block walk to beach and downtown, own entrance & parking, very private upper deck with amazing lake views, $800, all utilities included, 250-3421056.

Invermere large 2 bdrm, 2 bath, upper suite in Black Forest Heights. Large lot, 2 decks, N/S, N/P, available April 23rd , $1050/ month, utilities included, 250342-9770.

Radium duplex, 2 or 4 bdrm, all appliances included, N/S, N/P, new building. Call 403-2576253 or email bradyh@telus.net

If tears could build a stairway And memories a lane We’d climb right up to Heaven And bring you home again.

Remembered always, With love.

Ray, Robbie, Chuck, Babe, Heather and families.

commercial space

Invermere, BC. Beautiful building near public beach and walking distance to hundreds of condos in Canada’s most perfect four-season town! 2400 feet on main, with two 1200-foot world-class apartments up.

Perfect location for restaurant or retail. For info, call 250-3425525.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

Attention Contractors! Secure 20-foot storage container in fenced yard. Larger lots also available. Invermere Industrial Park. Call 250-342-2100 or 250346-3011.

Invermere, furnished new townhouse, centrally located, $435 + DD, utilities included, N/ S, N/P. Available May 1st , 250688-0726.

SUITE FOR RENT One or two bdrm bungalows, by the week or month, (250) 3456365 Fairmont Bungalows.

Affordable accommodation in Radium. $425 and up. Call 250341-7022.

Hillcrest Apartments, 1 bdrm $700. 2 bdrm $900, fully furnished, all utilities included.

Call 250-341-1182.

Obituary Jim Warne November 6, 1930 to March 28, 2009 Jim passed away peacefully in his home on March 28, 2009. He was predeceased on March 4, 1993, by his best friend and love of his life, his wife of nearly 40 years, Fran, with whom he has been reunited.

Lovingly remembered by his brother George Warne of Penticton, his 6 children and their spouses, Judy Smith of Invermere, Mike (Amy) Warne of Edmonton, Jan (Pat) Warne of Surrey, Joni (Stu) Pigot of Summerland, Sherry (Garry) Vicze of Richmond and Carol (Mike) Warne of Edmonton, his daughter-in-law, Terry Murphy of Edmonton and son-in-law, Mike Smith of Invermere, his 14 grandchildren, Megan Smith, Fraser (Kelly) Smith & Kyla Smith of Invermere; Deanna (Ian) Warnock of Calgary; Tracy (Nestor) Hrycun, Crystal (Adam) Warne, Doni, Toni & Brett Klyne of Edmonton; Darren, Ryan & Lindsay Pigot of Summerland; Alec & Jaqueline Vicze of Richmond and his 5 great-grandchildren, Murray Campbell and Ella Smith of Invermere, Dax and Tru Hrycun of Edmonton and Addison Warnock of Calgary.

Jim grew up in Burnaby, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from UBC in 1954. He worked as a pharmacist in Burnaby, Chilliwack, Abbotsford and Invermere, B.C. during his career and took great pride in his work. He served on the Board of the College of Pharmacists of BC, as a councillor and as Vice-President.

Jim served two terms as an alderman in Invermere, followed by two terms as Mayor. Warne’s Drugs was often the scene of much community-minded discussion, as he welcomed all opinions.

Jim loved community theatre and had a long and prolific involvement with the Lake Windermere Players as director, actor, stage manager and even writing the annual Christmas Show.

Jim’s greatest pride came from watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow and become adults, living lives they enjoy. He will be sadly missed by all of them.

His family would like to thank all who contributed to his enjoyment of life in Summerland, especially Dr. Sue Severide, whose amazing dedication and patience will not be forgotten and the staff at Summerland Pharmacy who helped to make life easier for Jim. Celebrations of Life will be held in Summerland on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 2 pm at the St. Stephen’s Church hall and in Invermere on Saturday, May 23, 2009 from 2 - 5 pm at the Lions’ hall.

Jim and Fran were both enthusiastic about the Hospice Room at Invermere & District Hospital, so the family request that any donations could be made to the Hospice room in Jim’s memory by way of the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, at the hospital.

Downtown Invermere basement suite, $1100 includes util.

Available April 1st , 250-6881224.

2 bdrm + den/3rd bdrm, all appliances, 5 mins. from D/T Invermere, N/S, N/P, $1250/ month + util, references required, 403-874-0483.

2 bdrm basement suite w/ private entrance, all appliances, 5 mins from D/T Invermere, N/S, N/P, $950/month + util.

References required, available April 1st , 403-874-0483.

2 bdrm apartment D/T Invermere, unfurnished, laundry, fridge, stove, N/S, N/P. Call 250342-3155 until 7:00 pm.

Beautiful basement suite, separate entrance, newly renovated, new kitchen, new floors, 3 bdrm, large yard, shared garage, $1050/month, all inclusive. Call Jessica, 403473-7828.

2 bdrm suite in Panorama located on Greywolf Drive.

Furnished, N/P, N/S, $1050/ month + DD, utilities included.

Available immediately, 403502-0752.

2 bdrm suites available in Windermere, 2 blocks to beach, all appliances, $775/month & 1000/month, 403-241-8598 or email sillymilleys@shaw.ca Large 1 bdrm basement suite in central Invermere, $725/month, utilities included, 250-3415027.

Fairmont, bright walk-out basement. Fully furnished, 2 bdrm, full bath, full kitchen. $950 includes cable, internet, & utilities. Long-term, references required. Call after 4:30 pm, 250-688-0727.

Black Forest Heights, lower walk-out basement suite, 2 bdrm, W/D, dishwasher, fridge, stove, N/S, N/P, $900/month, utilities included. Available April 1st , 250-342-9025.

WALK TO DOWNTOWN & KINSMEN BEACH. Spacious, clean 2 bdrm basement suite, separate entrance, 4 appliances, backyard amenities N/S, references/deposit required.

Rent negotiable, utilities included. Available April 1st , 250-342-7590.

house FOR RENT

FOR RENT Contact

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

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Rockies West Realty Independently Owned & Operated

Windermere, Timber Ridge 1, 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath, fully furnished & stocked, N/S, N/P, available Sept. 1st , $1400/month +util on 12 month lease. Call 403287-9968.

Radium, 2 bdrm trailer, fenced yard with out buildings, partially furnished, N/S, $1200/month, includes utilities, 250-3423841.

Brand new 4 bdrm, 2 bath home in Edgewater, all appliances.

Right price for right person.

Leave message, 250-341-3225.

Athalmer, 2 bdrm house, completely furnished, N/S, $1250/month includes utilities, 250-342-3841.

condo FOR RENT Radium Condo for sale or rent, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den. Open to offers, 250-347-2252.

Radium­-FULLY FURNISHED. Large windows & large deck, backs onto 13th hole of The Springs Golf Course. Available now, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, bungalow style in Eagle Crest Villas. Single car garage, 6-month minimum lease. $1,250 (includes condo fees) + utilities + DD, N/P, N/S. References required. 403-5192216 or 403-981-1551.

Invermere on the lake, new luxury fully furnished condo. 2 bdrm plus den, 2 bath, facing lake, underground parking.

Avail. May 1. Weekly, monthly or long-term. Call 403-561-0111.

Invermere, fully furnished 2 bdrm condo. 2 Queen beds, includes bedding, towels, dishes and cooking utensils. 2 blocks to D/T and beach. Available April 15th , $950/month + hydro + DD, free cable, 1-250-833-0196, 250-341-5855 (cell).

Radium, 3 bdrm fully furnished villa, sleeps 10. Includes linens, dishes and free long distance.

Available for short or long term lease starting @ $149/night, $1600/month long-term. 1403-617-1122

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds condo FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

house for sale

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE

Misc. for Sale

Misc. for Sale

Spacious 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, Willow View condo in Canal Flats.

Beautiful 1000 sq. ft, newly built in 2007, in suite W/D, kitchen has 4 appliances, laminate flooring, 9’ ceiling on main floor.

Furnished with dining set & futon. 10 min from Fairmont, 25 min from Invermere. Must see! $725 + utilities. Available May 1st, but can move in as early as Apr. 16th. N/S, small pets negotiable. Call 403-873-8158, email canalcondo@live.ca for photos.

Lakeview Meadows townhouse.

Over 1700 sq. ft., 2 bdrms up, fully finished basement, 2.5 baths, 6 appliances, gas fireplace, A/C, garage, access to private beach, tennis courts, rec center (indoor pool, gym). Avail May 1st , $1300/month + util. + DD. N/S, N/P. 250-341-3214 or 250-688-0516.

Canal Flats 2006 Moduline home next to golf course. Mint condition, plenty of room for R.V. etc. Pad rental $225/month. $119,000 OBO, 250-349-5439 or 250-4214790. Email snoopdog2@ shaw.ca for pictures.

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

Oak hutch, $750, Oak display case with glass top & front, $500. Refrigerated, portable beer keg cooler, $500, CO2 bottle, $100. Offers considered 250-342-6534.

Quality Top Soil

3 bdrm townhouse across from Pothole Park. Available May 1st, $1200/month + util, 250-3423415.

2 bedroom furnished & unfurnished condos, 5 appliances, garage, NS, NP. Were $1200, now $1000 + util, 250342-1475.

417 6th St. 3 bdrm, 2 ½ bath, attached double garage, 100’ x 200’ lot, walking distance to all amenities. Asking $450,000, 250-342-2802.

vacation rental

Radium, 2 bdrm, fully furnished condo, W/D, BBQ, wood fireplace, $1400/month. Call Mardi, 403522-3669.

1 bdrm, full bath luxury condo in Sable Ridge, built in 2007.

Fully furnished with Penthouse furniture, stocked with all amenities, full gourmet kitchen with all appliances, eating bar & dining table. Stone gas fireplace, queen bed, 2 TVs, DVD, 3rd floor patio, BBQ, insuite laundry, full use of outdoor hot tubs, pool & club house, underground heated parking & storage. Looking for long-term renter, $895/month, available immediately. Call Karen, 403-710-4448. To view pictures www.ownradium.com (photo gallery).

Pinewood Radium, 1 bdrm, 1 bath, new, main floor, underground parking, storage, $695/month includes utilities, mature, N/S, N/P, 403-2399279.

Sable Ridge, Radium, 2 bdrm, 2 bath w/den, fireplace, A/C, granite, pool, 2 hot tubs, heated underground parking, $1195/ month includes utilities, 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503.

Invermere on the lake, new luxury fully furnished condo. 2 bdrm plus den, 2 bath, facing lake, underground parking.

Avail. May 1. Weekly, monthly or long-term. Call 403-561-0111.

Sled Heads/ Skiers Special, furnished house, rent by the night or week. 20 mins. from your paradise, N/S, 250-3423841.

house for sale Reduced! 137, 10th Ave. Invermere, BC. 4 bdrm, 3 bath, office, finished walkout basement, large fenced backyard, walking distance to all amenities. Asking $460,000.00, 250-342-3100, cell 250-3421092.

HERITAGE RANCH HOUSE, completely renovated house on 2.5 acres located outside of Windermere, in Elkhorn Country Estates, an exclusive private gated community, one of only 11 estates included in phase one. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, security system, working shutters, all services underground, furniture included, $485,000. Call Elkhorn Ranch at 250-342-0617 or 250342-1268.

2 bdrm, 2 bath, quiet area in Invermere, $395,000. No agents, 250-342-9446.

BEAUTIFUL FAIRMONT HOME WITH REVENUE SUITE. This 6 year old, 3300 sq.ft., 6 bdrm. home is located on Riverside Golf Course. Main floor: 4 bdrm, 2 bath, 5 appl. All stainless, beautiful views. Downstairs: 2 bdrm private entry suite, new kitchen,5 appl. Walk out to golf course. Double car garage, underground sprinklers, large driveway, a must see, $629,000.

Call 250-342-7682 or email for photo’s bruce_terri@hotmail. com

condo for sale Akiskinuk Resort, 1 bdrm condo, completely renovated, stainless steel appliances, very weel furnished, indoor pool, beach, marina and tennis courts, $275,000, realtors protected, 403-703-8614.

Tenders

RESORT PROP. FOR SALE

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

WANTED Does anyone out there have a Besson Prestige or a Besson Sovereign 3 or 4 valve B flat Euphonium for sale? Phone Ray 250-342-0580 or email rapicton@telus.net.

Misc. for Sale CATS EYE WOOD PRODUCTS 2018 Mitchell Rd. Golden, V0A 1H4 250-348-2000 Jim Dodich 3000 ft. KD fir/larch, 1” x 4” trim 2 eased edges, STK 80 cents/ft.

Cedar and fir siding from $1.00/ sq.ft.

Top quality Hay, Alfalfa, grass mix, round bales $160/bale. Call Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617.

mobile home for sale

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE Developing land (Canmore, AB).

Must go quickly.

Ranging from $3K - $12K!

Call for more details call Cassandra

403.678.5111

Got an entertainment, sports or news tip? Give us a call! 250-341-6299

& Manure. Top Soil 160/dump truck load, $70/pick-up lad.

Manure $100/pick-up load. Call, 250-342-1268.

INVITATION TO TENDER Contract: POTHOLE PARK PHASE ONE SITE DEVELOPMENT Reference No. 0953.0077.02 The Owner invites tenders for: Construction of park improvements at the north end of Pothole Park in Invermere. The work generally includes removals and disposals of existing material, and new installation of concrete curb and gutter, water service, sanitary service, electrical service and lighting, site grading, site drainage improvements, rock features, coloured concrete and exposed aggregate concrete plaza, reinforced grass paving, gravel paths, irrigation, planting, post and rail fence.

Contract Documents are available during normal business hours on or after March 26th, 2009 at: Urban Systems Ltd. #101-2716 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 0A5

On payment of a non-refundable amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) including GST by cash or certified cheque payable to: The District of Invermere The Contract Documents are available for viewing on or after March 26th 2009 at: Address: Urban Systems Ltd. #101-2716 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary AB T1Y 0A5 and District of Invermere 914-8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 and Southern Interior Construction Association 902 Camosun Crescent, Kamloops, BC V2C 6G2 and Civic Info BC http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/ Requests for information may be submitted to: Trevor Downs Urban Systems Ltd. #101-2716 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary AB T1Y 0A5 Phone (403) 291-1193 Tenders are scheduled to close at:

Tender Closing Time: 2:00 p.m. local time Tender Closing Date: April 15th, 2009 at Urban Systems Ltd. Address:

District of Invermere 914-8th Avenue Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

April 3, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds Misc. for Sale

boat for sale

VEHICLE FOR SALE

services

careers

careers

Sold Oak kitchen table and 5 chairs, $500. Murray 10HP, 29” snowblower. Like new, $500, 250-342-6962.

14 ft Traveller fiberglass boat, 40hp Mercury outboard. Explorer tilt trailer, runs great, $800 OBO, 250-341-1667.

1977 Volkswagen Van, low miles, good running condition, $3500, 250-341-4809.

Computer Technician A+ certified, Microsoft certified, systems engineer, software support, network specialist. Very reasonable rate/tune-ups/virus/ prevention/removal/hardware/ trouble shooting/replacement.

All computer problems. Phone Russ, 250-341-1779.

Looking for a positive, upbeat, ‘Yes, we have no bananas’ personality to provide customer service. Must be willing to work afternoon/evening shift including weekends. This is a full time seasonal position. Please send resume to Radium Valley Vacation Resort by fax 250-3479808 or email radval@shaw.ca

Front desk manager wanted.

Some computer skills, flexible hours. Call Chalet Europe, 403660-6162.

Is grass your passion? We are looking for assistance in maintaining our well-manicured lawns. This is a part-time seasonal position (15-25 hours/ week). Please send resume to Radium Valley Vacation Resort by fax 250-347-9808 or email radval@shaw.ca

New Station Pub

Tenders DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

INVITATION TO TENDER Contract: POTHOLE PARK WASHROOM BUILDING Project No. 0903 The Owner invites tenders for: The project consist of constructing a new 390 sq. ft., one storey, ICF walled, wood framed roof, screw pile foundation, suspended slab, design build electrical & mechanical, washroom building in entirety or in two phases. Phase 1 being sub-service foundation work, under slab plumbing and conduits and concrete slab assembly, phase 2 being completion of building to all work indicated on the documents.

Contract Documents are available during normal business hours at: Urban Systems Ltd. #101 – 2716 Sunridge Way NE Calgary, AB, T1Y 0A5

On payment of a non-refundable amount of one hundred dollars ($100.00) including GST by cash or certified cheque payable to: District of Invermere The Contract Documents are available for viewing on or after March 26th 2009 at: Address:

and and

and

Southern Interior Construction Association 902 Camosun Crescent, Kamloops, BC V2C 6G2 Urban Systems Ltd. #101 – 2716 Sunridge Way NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 0A5 District of Invermere 914-8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Civic Info BC http://www.civicinfo.bc.ca/

Requests for information may be submitted to:

Zane Erickson Site lines Architecture Ltd. Suite 200, 9188 Glover Rd. Fort Langley, B.C. V1M 2 R6 Tenders are scheduled to close at:

Tender Closing Time: Not later than 3:00 p.m. local time Tender Closing Date: April 15th, 2009 at: District of Invermere Address:

District of Invermere 914 8th Ave, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC, VAO 1K0

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

1993 Infinity J30-T, loaded, easy miles, mint condition. $2500, hell of a steal! 250-342-6890.

2001 Ford F250 super cab, custom tonneau cover, $12,500.

Call 250-342-6464, 250-3425370 (cell).

2003 Dodge grand Caravan Sport, P/W, P/D, air, CD player, 7 pass, quad seats, remote door opener. Very nice clean, $6800 OBO, 250-347-2130.

2005 Pontiac Wave, 5 door hatchback. Auto, fully loaded, only 48,000 km, $6500 + GST, OBO, 250-342-3178 or 250-3426369.

2005 Ford F350 Lariat Crew Cab 4 x 4, SWB-SRW, 6.0 L diesel, auto, fully loaded, 4” lift, new tires & wheels, $21,500 + GST, OBO, 250-342-3178 or 250-3426369.

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

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

Vacuums

Parts, repairs & accessories, All makes & models Central Vacuums – sales and installations Bonded & licensed Fine Homeservices 250-342-9207, fhs@telus.net We will pick up all recyclable cans and bottles at your location, between Radium and Fairmont.

Call K&C Pickup at 250-3429503.

DAY CARE Verna’s Family Daycare has daycare spots for children over 3. 250-342-6010.

Furnace & duct cleaning services using the patented Rotobrush system. Call AQUAIR for free estimates, 250-342-5089.

Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-3425089.

KISS Landscaping & Bobcat Services.

Parking lot and sidewalk sweeping. Great rates, call 250347-9385 or 250-342-5912.

BUSINESS FOR SALE Barber Shop in Invermere, BC. Business only, nice sized clientele. For inquiries please phone 250-341-3240 or 250342-0655.

careers Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca Helna’s Stube is now accepting applications for kitchen help/ dishwashers and servers. F/T or P/T, evenings. Call 250 347 0047 or mail@helnas.com Experienced cooks and servers for La Cabina Restaurant.

Call 250-347-2340 or email lacabina@nanonow.ca

Hairstylists/Nail Technicians!

Chair rental opportunity. Be your own boss, book your own clients, be 100% in control. Must be professional, reliable, keen, established, happy, and positive.

Excellent Invermere location. www.sunsationsdayspa.com, 250-342-6899.

Qualified hotel cleaning staff, $12.05/hour plus bonus. Nice boss, beautiful location. Call now, 403-472-2617, 250-3479305.

Requires wait staff, bus people, hostess, dishwasher and prep cook. Apply in person with resume and ask for manager.

Resume me De Design Interview iew Co Coaching

250-688-0707

SHINERESUME@GMAIL.COM

Gallery Curator – Full-time Summer The Columbia Valley Arts Council are looking for a Gallery Curator to assist in administrative matters and responsibilities to fulll the HRDC summer program. Such staff person will work under the direction of the Gallery Manager. Duties range from assisting with hanging, installing, and displaying the Gallery Shows, promote summer programs and events, cash handling & nancial transactions, assist in registrations, and supervise volunteers and front line sales in the Gift Shop and Gallery.

Hours of work: 38 hours per week. Rate of pay: depending on experience. Qualications: Must be a university/college student. Interest in arts an asset. Business experience an asset. Mature, responsible and quick-thinking. Sense of humour a must! Deadline for applications is April 13th, 2009. Start of employment: May 1st, 2009.

Columbia Valley Arts Council Contact: Jami Scheffer – Manager, Gallery & Administration Box 2345, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-4423 • E-mail: info@columbiavalleyarts.com

SUMMER GROUNDS MAINTENANCE AND/ OR WINTER SNOW REMOVAL

We are seeking proposals for summer grounds maintenance and/ or winter snow removal (if the applicant provides both services) for about 40 of the strata corporations managed by Mountain Creek Properties Ltd. throughout the Columbia Valley.

Interested parties please reply by email to trasmussen@mountaincreek.ca for more information.

In your response, please indicate if you are interested in doing work in any communities other than Invermere, from Cranbrook to Kicking Horse, and if so please list the communities you would be willing to service.

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd.

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

Nominate your favourite Business for Excellence

By Pioneer Staff Hats off to valley businesses!

For the 11th year running, the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for its Business Excellence Awards.

Anyone can suggest a nomination, but the individual or business nominated must be a chamber member.

The 13 categories include Professional Services, Food and Beverage, Business Excellence, Entrepreneur of the Year, Employee of the Year, and Retailer of the Year.

Nomination forms can be picked up, filled out then dropped off at the Columbia Valley Visitor Centre at the Invermere crossroads; at any of the three Invermere banks; AG Valley Foods, Sobeys, Radium and Fairmont Mountainside Markets, Pip’s Country Store, and Windermere and Canal Flats Family Pantry.

You can also fax the nomination form to the chamber at 250-342-3261.

Or visit www.cvchamber.ca and follow the prompts to nominate online.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 17th.

The awards will be handed out to winning valley businesses on Wednesday, April 29th at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Sponsored by Copper Point Golf Club and Canadian Pacific Railway, the ceremony starts at 6 p.m. for cocktails, with dinner and the awards section of the evening starting at 6:45 p.m.

This year’s entertainment will be provided by master sound impressionist and comedian Herb Dixon.

Hailing from Calgary, Herb Dixon earned his chops in Vancouver comedy clubs.

He’s bound to make the ceremony a winning evening for everyone. This is always a fun event for valley businesses, many of whom bring their entire staff.

P ioneer C lassifieds DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

Full-time Cook

For Austrian restaurant. Minimum 3 years experience. $17/ hour.

Resumes to Old Salzburg Restaurant at Box 217 95/93 Highway, Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0

ep·i·cu·re·an [ep-i-kyoo-ree-uhn] Adjective:: “Devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of good food and comfort.”

BARISTA (Full-time) As a Kicking Horse Café BARISTA, pulling the perfect shot, sharing your latte art with the masses, and providing a level of service that is second to none, will not so much be a job as it will be a vocation. The only requirement… ya gotta be crazy about coffee; think it, drink it, love it, dream it!

BAKER, SHAKER, SANDWICH MAKER (Full-time) As one of our resident Kicking Horse Café Food Gurus, your creation of exceptional baked goods and pastries, lunch items and seasonal specialties will be showcased daily in the Kicking Horse Café. Ideally, you will have some formal food preparation/baking training and or experience.

For both these opportunities, a passion for great food and coffee, as well as a devotion to quality will be what separate you from the crowd; we will supply the tools and training – you will work the magic.

In addition to teaching you more than you could ever imagine about coffee, we provide a steady paycheck, extended health and wellness benefits (Full Time), competitive wages, staff fun days, paid day-off birthdays, and the opportunity to work with one of the finest teams in the country!

If you’ve got what it tastes…, fire us off your resume to jobs@kickinghorsecoffee.com or fax 250-342-4450. We will contact successful applicants.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Summer Student Public Works Department The District of Invermere is accepting applications for a Summer Student to work as part of our Public Works staff.

To be eligible, you must be a full-time student returning to school in the fall.

This position is temporary, full-time, 40 hours per week. A flexible work week, including weekend work, is a requirement of this position.

Duties include semi-skilled, manual labour, flowerbed planting and maintenance. To be eligible you must be in good physical condition, and possess a valid Class 5 Drivers License. Knowledge of small engines would be an asset.

This position is within C.U.P.E. 2982 bargaining unit and wages follow the 2009 Collective Agreement.

Hours of work: 8:00am – 4:30pm Monday - Friday Hourly Rate: as of April 01, 2009 Student $14.36 per hr Returning Student $17.51 per hr Applicants are invited to submit their resumes to: Grant Gyurkovits, Engineering & Infrastructure Supervisor District of Invermere, PO Box 339 (914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 Or via email to: tech@invermere.net • Fax: (250) 342-2934

Delta will keep flying once a week

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Weekly flights into the United States will continue for another season from Canadian Rockies International Airport.

Delta Air Lines announced on Monday that between June 20th and September 5th, it will offer a Saturday service between Cranbrook and Salt Lake City.

The announcement came after several weeks of nervous waiting by the Fly YXC Alliance, a group of Columbia Valley businesses that successfully petitioned the U.S. airline to begin flights into the only major airport in the East Kootenay.

From December 17th to March 29th, Delta came and went from Cranbrook’s airport three times a week – on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. When the airline returns in June, there will only be one return flight a week.

However, that hasn’t put a dampener on the happiness of Fly YXC. “We are delighted that we will be enjoying continued service to YXC for the summer season, based on strong results shown during our first winter season, which is now complete,” said Phillip Elchitz, managing director of Canadian Rockies International Airport.

The Fly YXC Alliance set a target of 50 percent of capacity for flights over its first winter season.

“As of March 18th, we are sitting at 52 percent for the whole winter contract,” said Laurie Reed, coordinator of air partner programs at Kootenay Rockies Tourism.

The seat occupancy rose to 72 percent for March inbound flights.

“That is really exciting – to be able to achieve those numbers in the first year of service, in the midst of what some are calling the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression,” Laurie said.

The success of the first season is due to its patrons, she added.

“Thanks to those who took the opportunity to give Delta a try this winter, or who brought friends and family up from the States.

“And, of course, thanks to the funding partners and stakeholders. Their continued support is integral to the success of this important project,” she said.

Bookings for Delta’s summer season can be made online at www.delta.com or through your travel agent.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

April 3, 2009

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

Announcements

Business Opportunities

Credit Counsellors

HOST AN EVENT for the 10th Annual Arts and Culture Week!

April 19-25, schools & arts councils across BC are presenting arts events. www.bcartsweek. org.

REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET. Community Classifieds are printed in over 600 newspapers across Canada each week. Book now at www.communityclassifieds. ca or contact ads@ bccommunitynews.com. Phone 1-866-669-9222.

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they work

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38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009 L i v e

w e l l

Happy Haappy Easter Eaaste ter er

w i t h

Happy Easter 906 – 7 Ave. th

250-342-3330

250-342-2468

250-342-9661

417 - 10th Ave.

250-342-8877

Happy Easter!

1305 7 Avenue th

(250) 342-9913

Drop off your page at The Pioneer office located at #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere. Contest open to children ages 1 – 12. Contest ends 5 pm, Monday, April 6th. Two winners will be drawn and will receive beautiful Easter baskets, courtesy of It’s A Wrap!

INDERMERE WV ALLEY A (PMG $PVSTF

Tee Times

(250) 342-3004

Phone_________________________

Colouring Contest

Licensed Dining ~ Next to the Super 8 Motel, just north of the Crossroads, Invermere.

It’s Worth the…

Short Drive!

Happy Easter!

Invermere Home Hardware & Building Supplies Co. Ltd. 250-342-6908 1-800-731-1103

info@invermerehardware.com

Gone

D HOLLY LY YWOOD V

250-347-6502

11 kms. North of Radium on Hwy 95

• Energy Balancing • Wellness Patterning • Sensitivity Indication

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Shizu E. M. Futa, TFH Level 2 touchingtranquility@yahoo.ca Saturdays at Spring Health Foods

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Touch for Health Techniques

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350 Laurier, Invermere

across from Bank of Montreal

250-342-6901

Age___________________________ Address _______________________

1214 – 7th Avenue

514 - 13th Street Invermere

Name _________________________

Great Food ~ Great Prices ~ Great Atmosphere

Happy Easter

Downtown Invermere 250-342-7238

I D E O

503 - 7th Ave., Invermere

250-342-0057

Nobody does it better!

Makes me feel sad for the rest.

926 7th Avenue (Main Street) Invermere, BC 250-342-4406

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Jason A. Elford, CFP 526B - 13th Street PO Box 429 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Office: 250-342-5052 Toll Free: 877-342-5052 www.jasonelford.com

LAMBERT-KIPP PHARMACY LTD.

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

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LAKE AUTO

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Call Lana

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

April 3, 2009

Valley Churches

FAITH

What if they say is true?

By Trevor Hagan Lake Windermere Alliance Church There was a Roman Centurion, a soldier, who was there the moment Jesus died.

I think his story is amazing. His response to the death of Jesus was to declare, “Surely he was the Son of God!” This Centurion had watched many men die.

He had probably seen bravery and cowardice on the battlefields of Rome and the streets of Jerusalem.

He had probably had the despicable job of carrying out the sentences of Rome on the hill of Golgotha a myriad of times.

Yet, what he saw at this crucifixion stood apart from any death that the Centurion had ever seen.

We can be assured that although he might have called many men exemplary or weak, he would never have called a man “the Son of God.” And, above all, we must be amazed that the Centurion would give that awesome title to a criminal on the cross.

There is a song I used to sing with young people called “What If What They Say Is True?” by Eli Morris. Eli asks this question four times in the context of

who Jesus is.

What if what they say is true? / What if you fed 5,000? / What if you calmed the sea, / Can you calm me?

What if what they say is true? / What if you walked on water? / What if you healed disease? / Can you heal me?

What if what they say is true? / What if you rose on Easter? / What if you conquered death? / Can you conquer me?

What if what they say is true? / What if you came to love me? / What if you heard me say I love you, too? / I love you, too . . .

I wonder if the Centurion may have asked this question before his experience.

Before watching Jesus die, it is possible that he would have heard of this guy who was claiming to be God, who was said to perform miracles and who was drawing large crowds of people to hear him speak about the “Kingdom of God.” The Romans had dealt with many insurgents who claimed to be sent from God to save Israel. Perhaps he thought Jesus was just another failed saviour – until his experience at the Cross.

I wonder where this Centurion was three days later when Jesus rose from the dead.

I wonder if he checked out the teachings of Jesus . . . I wonder if he believed what they said about Jesus.

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

Do you believe this?” (John 11:25)

Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED April 5th: 8:30 a.m. communion at All Saints, Edgewater 10:30 a.m. communion at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere April 9th – Maundy Thursday: Noon communion at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 7 p.m. communion at All Saints, Edgewater Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship and Word.

Children’s Church provided during the message.

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

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship 10 a.m. Worship service 7 p.m. Special Praise, Special Prayer and Especially the Love of God Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

April 4th and 5th: 179th Annual General Conference. Sessions on Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Men’s session at 6 p.m. Saturday.

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

Selkirk TV & Appliance • Kitchenaid • Inglis • Whirlpool • Roper

Earth Hour saw drop in power

Panasonic Pioneer Cell Phones Electronics & Service Christian Books, Music & Misc.

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

By Pioneer Staff Electricity dropped by 0.4 percent in Invermere last Saturday as citizens switched off their power to save the planet. Eighty four communities throughout the province participated in Earth Hour this year. The highest drop in consumption – 4.6 per cent – was recorded in Pemberton, a small town located in the province’s southwest interior.

In 2008, the overall reduction in load during Earth Hour was two percent throughout the entire hour. This year, the total reduction was a less impressive 1.1 percent province wide. Earth Hour is organized by the World Wildlife Foundation and sponsored locally in part by BC Hydro.

Lake Windermere Alliance Church April 5th – Palm Sunday: 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction.

“Hosanna to the King.” Pastor Trevor ministering.

Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 6, during service.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 -10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org

342-6415

RARE AKISKINOOK OOK END UNIT Tantalizing fiction to whet your childrens appetite for adventure.

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WHAT GOES INTO the h MIND TM COMES OUT in a LIFE

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Bill Thompson Buyer’s Agent

• Radium • Invermere • Fairmont • Windermere • Panorama

Call 250-341-6151 or 1-888-341-6155 www.rayfergusonrealty.ca

Ray Ferguson Seller’s Agent

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

April 3, 2009

fractional, 1/8, 1/4 or whole ownership from $17,900 nightly accommodations available for a luxurious getaway

www.bighornmeadows.ca Uncompromising quality in luxury resort properties

1-888-766-9637 info@bighornmeadows.ca ďż˝