vol7issue3

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 7/Issue 3

The Columbia

Valley

January 15, 2010

P ioneer

FREE

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

trucks in deep

2 COPPER POINT DEAL

3 TORCH schedule

CORDUROY CURVES On a crisp winter morning, the hill at Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Resort is groomed and waiting for skiers and snowboarders to make their mark.

Photo by Gerry George

19

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

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

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Valley NEWS

The Partners of Smith Green Andruschuk LLP, Chartered Accountants are pleased to announce the appointment of

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Kevin achieved his Chartered Accountant designation in 2005, and his accounting, tax and audit experience and special interest in owner managed businesses will enhance the services provided by our firm.

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Telephone: (250) 342-9271 Toll-Free: (888) 433-3777 Fax: (250) 342-9274 E-Mail: mail@valleyca.ca

In memory of Julien

O

ne day you were jumping and skipping around and then you were Superman about to make a bound.

Days you might not ask questions in class, but in the art class you would always pass.

Some days were just for snacking on popcorn and chips, Others were for movies or long warm bathtub dips.

Painting was your specialty, just the

paintbrush and you or drawing cause that is just what you wanted to do.

One day you wanted a popsicle to get your sweet tooth fill.

Days you would play freeze tag and stay absolutely still.

If you had a paper chain for every single friend there would never be an end.

On days you felt like hugging everyone in sight, sometimes you want to reach the monkey bars and one day you still might.

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TRUCKS SUBMERGED – John Ronacher of Invermere stands in front of two trucks – the one on the left belonging to Dennis Reed of Wrench Bender Towing 2004 – that broke through the ice on Whiteswan Lake.

Driver’s pride the only thing hurt after tow truck plunges into lake

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff A Canal Flats tow truck driver said the only thing hurt is his pride, after his truck plunged through the ice while recovering another submerged vehicle on Whiteswan Lake last Sunday.

Dennis Reed, owner of Wrench Bender Towing 2004, was called out to the lake around 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 10th to pull out a Dodge driven by a Cranbrook man that had fallen through the ice.

“We had worked for a long time on it and finally got brave enough to get close and put planks out,” he said. “That’s what really makes me mad – we were right there and it was coming so good – then all of the sudden, with no warning, we were in the water.”

Dennis was standing outside the truck operating the winch, when the ice broke and he was thrust up to

his armpits into the freezing waters.

“There was no warning at all, just ‘bang’ and it broke,” he said. “You didn’t have time to think or anything.”

Luckily, Dennis’s friend Mike Krebs was nearby and pulled him out.

Both vehicles were scheduled to be pulled out of the lake on Wednesday morning by a tow truck company from Cranbrook. Dennis said that he expects both the Dodge and his truck to be written off, a thought that stings, because he built his recovery truck from scratch.

“I bought a wrecker in one place and the truck in another and built it all up,” he said. “I spent hours and hours on that truck.”

Dennis added that after pulling the two vehicles from the water, he will be roping off a large area on the lake where the ice is too thin.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

January 15, 2010

Valley NEWS

Copper Point Resort gets new owner

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Radhe Gupta, the chief executive officer of Edmonton’s Rohit Group, got a nice Christmas present this year.

On Christmas Eve, the Rohit Group closed a deal making them the outright, unconditional new owners of the Resort at Copper Point, and at a better price than they imagined.

“Combining our strengths in residential, commercial and land development, and the exceptional bones of this project,” Mr. Gupta said, “we can bring to fruition the vision of a vibrant community that has an outstanding future.”

The new deal came as a surprise, just a few months after the Rohit Group was turned down in its previous attempt to buy the resort. Rohit now takes over the unfinished development in a fallback deal struck by the receiver of the resort after a competing bidder, Brahma Capital of Cochrane, Alberta, failed to meet the conditions of their sales agreement, forfeiting the

$500,000 non-refundable deposit they used to secure the deal.

The sale ends a year-long rocky period in the short history of the resort that was mired in debt and crippled by cost overruns when the owners gave it up.

Back in September, the Rohit Group were minutes away from the court’s approval of their original offer of $13 million to purchase the resort, when the newly-formed Brahma Capital swooped in with a $15-million bid backed by a $500,000 deposit, which the court accepted.

Larry Prentice of Ernst and Young, the court-appointed receiver of the resort, said legal counsel for Brahma Capital offered assurances that efforts to secure the funds needed to close the deal were on track.

However, on November 30th, 2009, the date on which a second $1.25-million deposit was due, Brahma requested a one-week extension. Unable to agree on the terms of an extension, Mr. Prentice explained, the receiver gave Brahma Capital until December 15th to close the deal.

When Brahma failed to close, he said, they forfeit-

ed their deposit and the transaction was terminated.

“I think they were interested in completing the project, but just couldn’t come up with the money,” Mr. Prentice said. “They must have had great confidence to deposit $500,000 and that is the basis on which we awarded the sale.”

The following day, the receiver revived talks with the Rohit Group and, by Christmas Eve, closed the deal for $10 million, plus the potential of a percentage of gross sales achieved before December 31st, 2013.

According to Mr. Gupta, the Rohit Group is reaching out to valley communities for cooperation in their effort to finish the resort.

“As part of our desire to create sustainable communities,” he said, “Rohit looks to work with the local community to bring this project back to life and add to the local economy.”

Rohit Group of Companies is a commercial and residential developer with properties in Edmonton, Fort McMurray and the B.C. interior. According to the company website, Rohit Group posted over $150 million in revenue in 2009 (www.rohitgroup.com).

Crossroads rezoning could attract Canadian Tire

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff A public hearing to rezone four lots along Athalmer Road near the crossroads would make way for a Canadian Tire store in Invermere.

On Friday, January 8th, the regional district board gave first and second reading and authorized a public hearing for Bylaw 2198 that will rezone 1.74 hectares to permit a variety of service and regional commercial uses, including Canadian Tire.

Dean Kupchanko, the spokesperson for owner Quatro Properties of Invermere, cautiously warned that no agreements have been reached, but con-

firmed his company is engaged in discussions with Canadian Tire.

“I’m being absolutely honest with you,” he said.

“National retailers are hard to pin down. There has been lots of talk, but no documentation. Zero.”

Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft said Canadian Tire has been seeking a foothold in the valley and had a conditional agreement to occupy land adjacent to the Black Forest Restaurant owned by the Resort at Copper Point.

However, he said, that deal fell through when the Resort at Copper Point collapsed under a heavy debt load and skyrocketing cost overruns, and went into receivership.

According to Mr. Kupchanko, landing Canadian Tire is contingent upon gaining access to Lakeview Drive from the rear of the property and, so far, the owner of a lot that is needed for access is reluctant to sell. The Quatro property up for rezoning lies on the south side of Athalmer Road, across from the Shuswap Band office, beside the Bavin Glassworks complex. It is currently home to a boat storage facility and Abbey Carpets.

A public hearing for the rezoning bylaw is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, January 25th at Windermere Community Hall. For more information, contact regional district planning and development manager Andrew McLeod at 250-489-2791.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

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Submitted by Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley RCMP • January 7th: At 8:43 a.m., the Columbia Valley Detachment responded to a three-vehicle accident on Highway 93/95 just south of the Akisqnuk band office.

A Ford pick-up was southbound when it encroached into the northbound lane and collided with a semi-trailer, driven by a 56-year-old male from Langley.

A 1999 Dodge pick-up driven by a 40-year-old female from Windermere, also southbound, had to go into the ditch in order to avoid collision with the white pick-up.

There were no injuries to the drivers, but all three vehicles sustained more than $1,000 of damage.

The driver of the Ford was charged with Fail to Keep Right.

• January 8th: Columbia Valley Detachment received a complaint of a break-and-enter at Timbermont Place in Windermere.

While investigating the original complaint, it was determined that an audible alarm prevented any further entry into the residence. A rock had been thrown through a patio window.

The owner of this residential property had an arrangement with a security company to attend.

While investigating this break-and-enter, the police officer checked nearby houses and found two other homes that had been broken into.

It is believed that these two houses were broken into first, and the third house with the alarm caused the persons to flee the area.

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In one house, a television and other undetermined property was stolen.

In the second break-and-enter, stereo equipment and movies were stolen.

All entry was gained via smashing the patio window. All homes were seasonal homes.

The owners will be attending to assist the police with any further property that may have been taken.

Police are encouraging seasonal homeowners to take precautions like the owner of the residence with the alarm.

Seasonal homes such as we have here in the valley are targeted by the criminal element, and are seen as easy targets.

• January 10th: RCMP responded to a complaint when a young female was taken to the hospital after a social evening at the bars at Panorama Mountain Resort.

The symptoms that were displayed by the female may have been caused by the date rape drug known as GHB. The female did admit that she had been with a number of people she did not know, and at one time left her drink to use the washroom.

Fortunately, in this incident the female victim was with a friend and when the friend noticed something was wrong, the victim was taken to the hospital.

Know that this drug is in the area and take proper precautions in public.

• January 8th: RCMP received complaints of theft of fuel from a vehicle in the 600 block of 4thStreet.

• January 4th: RCMP responded to a complaint of assault at Panorama Mountain Resort.

A male was hit while in the elevator. Injuries were minor in nature.

A 24-year-old male suspect was located on the street, highly intoxicated.

The victim did not wish to pursue charges. The male from Regina was lodged in cells and released the next day when sober.

January 15, 2010

Ministry defends roads maintenance contractor The public doesn’t understand the contractual agreement between the province and Mainroad Contracting, he said.

In the wake of continued accusations that Main“There is a bit of a misunderstanding,” he said. “We road East Kootenay Contracting was negligent in its don’t pay them to keep the roads bare and black.” duty to maintain the road on the morning of a fatal The contract, he said, specifies six minimum winaccident on Peter’s Hill in October, the provincial in- ter season requirements for the Peter Hill section of vestigator once again has cleared the contractor of any Toby Creek Road: wrongdoing.

1. Snow must not accumulate to a depth of more Cranbrook-based Ministry of Transportation and than six centimetres before removal.

Infrastructure Area Roads Manager Scott Maxwell 2. Snow must be fully removed from travel lanes said he is confident that within three days of the Mainroad Contracting end of the snowfall. was in full compliance 3. Traction must be “There is a bit of a misunderstanding. We don’t with their contractual restored within 90 minpay them to keep the roads bare and black.” obligation to clear, salt utes of the time it is reand sand area roads in — Area Roads Manager Scott Maxwell ported to the contractor. winter.

4. The contractor Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure An early snowfall on must patrol the area in the morning of October intervals no greater than 14th created slippery eight hours, if no reports conditions that resulted are received. in the accident that critically injured Barney Weis5. If slippery conditions are encountered during miller. The 53-year-old Edgewater truck driver died in required patrols, traction must be restored immedihospital two weeks later. ately.

Since that time, Mr. Weismiller’s friends and coAccording to Mr. Maxwell, Mainroad Contractworkers have mounted a campaign challenging the ing is contractually obligated to maintain a quality results of the investigation. A recent letter from Peter management system in which all operational details Howard of Brisco cited eyewitness accounts that ap- are logged, including the foreman’s winter shift logs pear to contradict the ministry’s assertions. that detail all the day’s events.

The results of the investigation, Mr. Howard Accidents, he said, automatically trigger an inveswrote, seem too neat and tidy. tigation, including a review of records stored in the “In regard to the ministry’s investigation — and quality management system. Mr. Maxwell said he is I don’t think I speak alone — I’d love to see it,” the confident in the findings of his investigation. letter concluded.

Furthermore, he said, there is a system of sticks This week, both the Ministry of Transportation and carrots, including a bonus system for proactive and Mainroad Contracting stopped short of releasing maintenance. Mainroad Contracting, he said, consisany of the documentation upon which the findings tently qualifies for bonus incentives. were based, but both offered assurance the investiga“In my opinion, Mainroad Contracting has done tion looked at employee time sheets, shift logs, the in- a good job.” cident report and the police report.

Mr. Maxwell said the staff of Mainroad Contract“Everything that I can see indicates that Mainroad ing considered Barney Weismiller — who split his was in full compliance with their contractual obliga- time between Coyote Concrete and Mainroad Contions,” Mr. Maxwell said. tracting — one of their own, and the news of his death Acknowledging that the accident was a terrible came as a shock. tragedy, Mr. Maxwell said he thinks the accusations “They’ve taken it very hard,” he said. “They all, against Mainroad are based on mistrust and misun- of course, knew Barney, and they are taking it very derstanding. The mistrust, he said, is a result of the personally.” government’s decision to privatize road maintenance.

Citing company policy, Mainroad Contracting “There is a lot of resentment,” he said. “That is declined to provide any of the documentation used by where a lot of this comes from.” the Ministry in their investigation.

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

perspective

Scam artists abuse our trust

Historical Lens

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher The recession has created a few more scam artists than usual, so please beware of any special offers.

We caught one of them recently here at The Pioneer – an unidentified woman from Pennsylvania wanting to advertise for a “secret shopper” in Invermere. Her advertisement was offering money to anyone wanting to serve as a secret shopper, who visits stores and collects information about the quality of their service.

We did a little research on the internet and uncovered the “Secret Shopper Scam” – anyone who answers the advertisement is asked to send a sum of money first, and that’s the last they hear from her. She provided a credit card number to pay for the ad, but we emailed her and told her we didn’t want her business.

The second time we didn’t catch it. A man offered free puppies in our Classifieds. This seemed like a pretty routine request. He paid by credit card and we didn’t think anything about it, until we had calls from a couple of local people who wanted the pups.

When they contacted the crook, he asked for money up front to pay for “shipping charges.” This is, apparently, known as the “Free Puppy Scam.”

This week, another reader received a telephone call from someone who claimed to be looking for rental accommodation in Invermere for visitors to the Olympic Games. He was offering up to $1,500 per night for a room. Once again, there was a charge involved to register. Obviously the caller, whoever or wherever in the world he was located, didn’t realize it would be one mighty long commute from Invermere to Vancouver!

Here in the valley, we are trusting souls and that’s what makes us vulnerable to dishonest people. Please don’t provide any personal information by email or telephone, and please don’t send anyone money unless you know for sure where it’s going.

DANCING DOLLS – Six little girls are performing a folk dance at the Edgewater Hall in 1938. From left to right: Marina Harrison, Doreen Harrison, Patsy Calcutt, Barbie Annis, Sherry Thompson and Nonie Thompson. If you have more information, please e-mail us at upioneer@telus.net.

Photo (C1194) is provided courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

MPs should just do their jobs Dear Editor: This is an open letter to Jim Abbott, MP Kootenay-Columbia: Now that Parliament is prorogued, does that mean you’re “on strike”?

If so, are you still receiving your fat government pay cheque, or are you receiving “strike pay” from your union? (Read taxpayer, either way.)

It seems that our fearless leader (et al) prorogue when something confronts them that they choose

not to face.

It’s becoming increasingly obvious that you and your bunch are more representative of yourselves than your constituents. Hopefully, one day, we voters will wake up and realize this.

With the whole country in a recession, our “dear leaders” take a hike from their elected responsibilities.

Isn’t this a great country?

R. Nemeth, Invermere

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, 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

Elinor Florence

Brian Geis

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Dave Sutherland

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Michele McGrogan

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

January 15, 2010

Vandals need their heads examined Dear Editor: I am writing in response to Bruce Parkin’s letter in the January 5th edition of The Pioneer.

Being a 10-year resident of the valley and avid outdoorsman, I was shocked to read of Mr. Parkins’ ordeal on Mount Swansea. The fact that someone would try to steal a vehicle in the bush and strand the owner is appalling.

Pushing the vehicle down the embankment is just plain ignorant.

Unfortunately, I think these letters will not reach those responsible.

Obviously the person/people who perpetrated this wanton act of destruction either do not care what goes on in this valley we call home, or are not smart enough to read a newspaper.

It makes me think that people who do such things are trying to make up

for “personal inadequacies,” i.e., deciding to quit school and finding out that the Grade 8 education isn’t paying off so well, or maybe it goes deeper. Maybe it stems all the way back to “size,” if you catch my drift.

Whatever the reason, these people need their heads examined.

I’m not a religious man, but there is one thing that I try to live my life by: “Do unto others as you would have done unto you.” This is a good basic moral code that even a lowlife coward who pushes vacant vehicles over cliffs could understand.

To the persons responsible, beware: you have yours coming to you, and it will be far worse than pushing a vehicle over a cliff.

Jim Ryder Radium Hot Springs

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Community compassion made Christmas happy Dear Editor: On behalf of the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley Board, I would like to salute the wonderfully compassionate people of the Columbia Valley. Your generosity allowed the Christmas Bureau to distribute a record 219 holiday food hampers to needy families in our community on December 18th.

So great was the need, in this time of economic recession, that hamper requests outstripped hamper sponsors. Fortunately, generous financial donations from businesses and fundraising projects meant that the Christmas Bureau was able to order case lots of food from local businesses to assemble over 40 additional hampers. For teens, the Christmas Bureau also funded activity gift coupons to be redeemed at local businesses.

Neither a list of names, nor a photograph can hope to recognize all the people responsible for this community project, and most prefer to contribute anonymously. Valley businesses, employee groups, service groups, churches, schools, sports teams, crafters, families, individuals and the media supported the Christmas Bureau.

They raised community awareness of need, contributed funds, compiled applicant data bases, sorted food, purchased and wrapped gifts, knitted, sewed, transported supplies, and carried heavy hamper boxes to and from the Invermere Community Hall.

The success of the Christmas Bureau Distribution Day attests to the warm community spirit in our valley.

Thank you, all.

Sheila Bonny, Invermere

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

What is ‘viewer discretion’?

Dear Editor: On television, we are warned: “The following program contains coarse language. Viewer discretion is advised.” So, what am I meant to do? Steer impressionable young people away from the program, shut my eyes and ears to avoid being offended, or suggest that my maiden aunt take a toilet break?

And what is viewer discretion? Can you observe me practising it and, if you approved of my methods, would you commend me? Have you ever met someone of whom others have said: “You can rely on his discretion, particularly when it comes to viewing”?

I know that discretion has been described as the better part of valour. Is a half-dose of valour what is needed when one is faced with TV programs requiring one to exercise viewer discretion? And, if so, how?

As you can see, I am getting nowhere using logic and am still completely at sea as to what a TV viewer’s discreet response should be. So let’s tackle the problem scientifically. Suppose I act in a manner that can only be classified as viewer indiscretion? What then would you expect to observe?

I am in a public place, such as the bar of a smart hotel. On the TV screen I hear the voice of someone

I’ve never met uttering what can only be described as extremely foul language. I respond. I stand up and start shouting about the vile qualities of this person, using the same profanities. If I refuse to stop and continue abusing the TV screen in this vein, the bartender will arrange for me to be charged, detained and confined at the local constabulary. My viewer indiscretion will have landed me in jail!

What if partial nudity on TV does not provoke the appropriate viewing discretion on my part? Suppose it simply reminds me that the bar is hot and steamy, so I shed all my garments? Again, the bartender will need to cater to the discretion of his other clients and have me removed from the scene.

Now I am beginning to realize how important viewer discretion really is and how it weaves a strong fabric around our society. The alternative is unthinkable if one wishes to retain one’s reputation and social status. In other words, it is the key to a comfortable life. So don’t hesitate! Make practising viewer discretion your New Year’s resolution, and remember to exercise it continuously in sports arenas, as well as in private in front of your own TV. Sebastian Bell, Wilmer

No TVs at thrift store, please!

Dear Editor: Christmas seems to be a time when many families replace their old TVs with new ones.

Although the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Shop greatly appreciates all our community’s donations, we can’t accept TVs (and all other large appliances/furniture).

We do not have enough room in our shop for large appliances and most of our volunteers are “over 65” ladies, unable to lift heavy items. Therefore, we must hire someone to dispose of them, which is very expensive.

Also, it would be much better to give it to a family who needs it. You can also leave them at the free community recycle depot at the Columbia Valley landfill.

At the Thrift Shop, there is a large sign saying ‘NO TVs,’ but in the first week after Christmas, already, two huge TVs have been dropped off. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and support.

Invermere Health Care Auxiliary

January 15, 2010

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Regional board supports Area F governance study

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Despite issues raised by the Ministry of Community and Rural Development, the regional district board unanimously passed a resolution on January 8th reiterating its support for a new model of government in the Columbia Valley.

The latest development in the long-running effort to establish a regional municipality in Area F, Deputy Minister Dale Wall said that, under existing rules, the resulting municipality would be responsible for the

prohibitive cost of maintaining roads.

“As we discussed,” the deputy minister explained, “the creation of a new municipality in the upper Columbia Valley could be challenging due to the high cost of managing a large road network that a new municipality could inherit.

“This responsibility and others could result in significant increases for residential, farm and business property taxes.”

As an alternative, the ministry suggested the creation of a sub-regional commission for Area F, which is permitted under the Local Government Act.

“The commission could include representatives from Canal Flats, Radium Hot Springs, Invermere and electoral areas F and G,” he said, “and could be responsible for a range of current and future services and provide for strategic planning to ensure the environmental and economic sustainability of the upper Columbia Valley.”

Regional District Director Gerry Taft, the mayor of Invermere, said it would be only the second time it was tried in B.C. – and the first try failed.

“The good news is that we’re on the radar,” he said.

“The minister is pushing staff to make it a priority.”

Regional district joins campaign to preserve hotel tax

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

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The provincial government will be advised that the Regional District of East Kootenay strongly supports the additional Hotel Room Tax and the Resort Municipality Tax Transfer Program as irreplaceable sources of revenue for tourism marketing.

The regional district board wants the voice of local governments to be retained in the decision-making process related to tourism destination marketing.

The board joined a burgeoning campaign to preserve the tax that is threatened to be eliminated by the proposed Harmonized Sales Tax. The provincial government invented the program as a source of funding for as many as 40 destination marketing organizations in communities that would declare themselves resort municipalities, but is now proposing to scrap the idea in order to usher in the Harmonized Sales Tax, which eliminates provincial sales taxes.

Invermere, Panorama and Radium Hot Springs, which signed on as participants in the program, have already begun spending hundreds of thousands of dollars of revenue generated by the tax.

The valley’s resort municipalities are using the money to enhance public transportation options to help tourists travel among and within participating communities, among other initiatives.

To help support tourist communities and regional destination marketing organizations, the two-percent tax will remain in effect until at least July 2011, giving the province time to consult fully with the tourism industry on how to fund regional destination marketing organizations.

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

Goodbye Solo

MOVIE REVIEW

Columbia Valley Arts Council presents the Cinéfest movie Goodbye Solo at Pynelogs Cultural Centre on Tuesday, January 19th, at 7 p.m. Tickets at the door for $10.

See Page 15 for more.

PAGE 12

COMEDY TOUR

PAGE 14

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

Cinefest @ Pynelogs • Pynelogs Cultural Centre Cinefest @ Pynelogs Film Series “Goodbye Solo”, Tuesday, January 19th.

Doors open at 6 pm - film starts at 7 pm.

What does ART mean to you?

Wine Makers Dinner • Pynelogs Cultural Centre Featuring Quails Gate Estate Winery, Saturday January 30th.

Brought to you by Terroir Dining & Catering.

Call Josh for tickets (250) 270-0489.

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

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

Movie Review: The Hurt Locker Reviewed by Dave Sutherland The Hurt Locker is a great action film that combines scenes of nerve-wracking tension with pitch-perfect characterizations in what has got to be one of the best movies, so far, about the war in Iraq.

The story is set in Baghdad in 2004, during the early years of the war, and nominally concerns the exploits of an elite squad of bomb disposal experts in the U.S. army.

But the real focus of the story is on the new team leader, Staff Sergeant James, played by Jeremy Renner.

He’s the replacement for the old team leader who had, well, a bit of a mishap.

James is good at his job, a soldier’s soldier. But he may be just a tad too reckless for his other team members – Anthony Mackie as Sergeant Sanborn, and Brian Geraghty as Specialist Eldridge – who just want to finish the last month of their tour of duty and make it home alive.

James, on the other hand, seems to thrive in the arena of war and is only fully alive when he’s in a hazardous situation. In scenes set in civilian life stateside, James seems out of place and exhibits an awkwardness that disappears when he is under fire.

Director Kathryn Bigelow, best known for the 1987 cult classic Near Dark, and for having been married to director James Cameron, manages to maintain an almost unbearable level of suspense throughout The

UPCOMING SHOWS CALL 250-342-2965 Check us out on line for other upcoming events at …

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SNOWED IN COMEDY TOUR Tues., Jan. 19 – 8:30 pm th

“Better than Just For Laughs Tour.”

- Kelowna Daily Courier “Whipped the Audience into a Frenzy of Laugher.” – Globe and Mail

GLEN WOOL

DAN QUINN

CRAIG CAMPBELL

ED BYRNE

Tickets are $10 in Advance or $20 at the door. Can be bought at Bud’s or online at www.snowedincomedytour.com

Aussie Day

Retro Torch Relay Party Friday the 22nd with

Tuesday the 26th

4 Domestic Pints $ 75 3 Jager Shots

$ 75 Come dressed up in your Retro sports gear to win great prizes.

Gone

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I D E O

Hurt Locker, while at the same time providing enough action to keep lovers of slam-bang happy.

Written by Mark Boal, who was embedded with a bomb disposal unit in Iraq in 2004, the film also imparts an understanding of the psychological burdens shouldered daily by soldiers in war-torn countries.

In addition to convincing performances by the three leads, there are also cameo roles by such notables as Guy Pierce, David Morse, and Ralph Fiennes.

It’s still early, but I’m betting that The Hurt Locker is one of the best films I’m going to see in 2010.

Fairmont lights up with Fire and Ice Gala

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Cool jazz beats and red-hot cuisine will combine in Fairmont Hot Springs for a terrific, Olympic-inspired evening out at the Hoodoo Lounge and Grill.

A fundraiser for the Fairmont Business Association, the event will feature a nine-course dinner and a presentation by former Olympian gold medallist Doug Anakin.

The Olympic gala dinner will begin with a “Fire and Ice” oyster bar, followed by dinner and professional live entertainment.

The menu is prepared by executive chef Donovan Sawatzky and sous chef Josh Cummins, with special guest chef Patrick Sinclair from the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference

Gone Hollywood’s TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top p 5 Rentals 1 2 3 4 5

Cloudyy With A Chance of Meatballs Inglourious g Basterds The Hangover District 9 Final Destination

New Releases January J y 12 1 Moon 2 Halloween II 3 The Invention of Lying 4 The Hurt Locker 5 Whiteout

RATING: 9 OUT OF 10 HEADS

New Releases January J y 19 1 Gamer 2 Smokin Aces 2: Assassin’s Ball 3 Staten Island 4 The Invention of Lying 5 Whiteout

Centre. Dishes include scrumptious items such as house-candied salmon, house-smoked duck, AAA Angus ribeye, and reverse molten lava cake.

Each course will also be paired with an appropriate wine.

Following dinner, Doug Anakin, a member of Canada’s gold-medalwinning, four-man bobsled team at the 1964 Winter Olympics, will speak. A silent auction will begin after his presentation.

The event will be held on Saturday, January 23rd starting at 5:45 p.m. at the Hoodoo Lounge and Grill located on Highway 93/95 south of Fairmont Hot Springs. Tickets are $95. Early ticket purchases are recommended due to limited capacity.

For more information, call 250345-2166 or email hoodoogrill@ shaw.ca.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

January 15, 2010

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

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

Toby Theatre • January 13th-16th, 7:30 p.m.: Old Dogs • January 20th-23rd, 7:30 p.m.: 2012

Friday, January 15th: • 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey team plays Spokane at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Saturday, January 16th: • 10 a.m.: Free curling clinic at Invermere Curling Club. All ages and abilities welcome, beginner and advanced clinics available. For info: 250-342-3315.

• 10:30-11:45 a.m.: Six-week snowshoeing fitness class begins. All levels. Cost: $60. To register, contact Columbia Valley Life Sports at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• 6 p.m.: Free Chilli Night with the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club at the Invermere Legion.

Non-members welcome. For info: 250-341-3254.

• 7:30 p.m.: College of the Rockies presents film Shining Spirit: The Musical Journey of Jamyang Yeshi at the David Thompson Secondary School auditorium, with a live performance by Jamyang himself. Tickets $10. For info: 250-342-3210.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey team plays Kimberley at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Sunday, January 17th: • 12:30-1:45 p.m.: Eight-week Nordic pole walking clinic with Can-Pro certified coach begins. All levels. Cost: $70. Poles included. To register, contact Columbia Valley Life Sports at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• January 17th-24th: Nordic Ski Festival at Nipika Mountain Resort. For info: 250-342-6516.

Tuesday, January 19th: • 10-11 a.m.: Six-week snowshoeing fitness class begins. All levels. Cost: $60. To register, contact Columbia Valley Life Sports at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Next meeting of the Steamboat Mountain Quilting Guild at Edgewater Community Hall. All levels welcome.

• 7 p.m.: Goodbye Solo screens in the Cinefest at Pynelogs Winter Film Series by Columbia Valley Arts. For info: 250-342-4423.

• 7 p.m.: Regional District of East Kootenay town hall meeting at Brisco Community Hall. For info: 1-888-478-7335.

• Snowed In Comedy Tour at Bud’s Bar & Lounge, featuring Glen Wool, Craig Campbell, Dan Quinn and Ed Byrne. For info: 250-342-2965.

Wednesday, January 20th: • 7 p.m.: Regional District of East Kootenay town hall meeting at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. For info: 1-888-478-7335.

Thursday, January 21st: • 8 p.m.: Rita Chiarelli performs at Bud’s Bar & Lounge. Tickets $20. For info: 250-342-5873.

Friday, January 22nd: • The Columbia Valley welcomes the Olympic Torch Relay! See complete guide on Page 19.

• Radium: From 9 a.m., live music, fire pits and hot chocolate. Relay starts at Hot Pools at 10:30 a.m., travels through Radium, leaves town at 11 a.m.

• Invermere: From 10:45 a.m., stage show behind Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena with local school children and official host entertainment. The torch is in town from 11:10 a.m. to 1:10 p.m.

• Windermere: From 1 p.m., the Windermere Winter Games coincide with the torch relay. Outdoor sports, relays, games and contests as well as music, entertainment and food until 5 p.m. The torch is in town from 1:20 p.m. to 1:50 p.m.

• Akisqnuk First Nations: From noon, chief and councillors welcome the torch. Food and music by

Open daily 9am to 5pm Visit Panorama’s snow report online for current trail conditions

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Standby For The Bomb. The torch passes through between 1:50 p.m. and 2:05 p.m.

• Fairmont: From noon, free barbecue and air band competition at Fairmont Village Mall. The torch passes through between 2:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m.

• Canal Flats: From 1 p.m., mini Olympics, ducttape bob-sled race and refreshments. The torch is in town between 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

• 9:30 a.m.: Windermere Valley Museum torch celebration with a display about valley Olympians.

• 6-8 p.m.: Winterlude at Kinsmen Beach with performances, food, shinny tournament, public skating and fireworks. For info: 250-342-9281.

• January 22nd-24th: Bonspiel on the Lake at Kinsmen Beach and Invermere Curling Club. For info: 250-342-3315.

Saturday, January 23rd: • 9 a.m.: Winterfest in Radium. Pancake breakfast, snowman-building contest, ice-sculpting contest, fire pits, potato cook-off and entertainment. Fireworks finale at 5:30 p.m. For info: 250-347-9331.

• 5:45 p.m.: Fire and Ice Ball at the Hoodoo Grill.

Nine-course dinner by guest chef Patrick Sinclair of the Delta Burnaby Hotel and Conference Centre, with jazz entertainment and guest speaker Doug Anakin. Tickets $95. For info: 250-345-2166.

• 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Cooking in the Mountains culinary experience with Canadian expert Gail Hall at the Residences at Fairmont Ridge. Tickets $67, includes all food and wine. For info: 1-877-646-5890.

• Nipika 30-kilometre Classic Loppet at Nipika Mountain Resort. For info: 250-342-6504.

Sunday, January 24th: • 8-11 a.m.: Pancake breakfast at Smoking Water Café, Fairmont. Free with charitable donation. For info: 250-345-4008.

• 1 p.m.: Robbie Burns shoot with the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club at Rauch Homestead Range. $5 registration plus target cost.

For info: 250-341-3254.

• Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club 20-kilometre Skate Loppet at Nipika Mountain Resort. For info: 250342-6504.

TRAIL FEE

Present this coupon to receive one free Nordic or snowshoe trail fee with the purchase of a second (of equal or greater value).

Valid until Mar 28, 2009. Not valid with any other promotions.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

International comedians will bring the laughs to Bud’s Bar this week of the festival as one of the best.

Glenn Wool started his comedy career Four of the world’s top comedians will in Vancouver but quickly started touring the team up for a terrific night of comedy as world. Now making his home in London, the Snowed In Comedy Tour hits Bud’s Bar England, he has hit the international circuit and Lounge in Invermere on January 19th. in a big way, performing to huge crowds in This is the second year that Ed Byrne, Singapore, South Africa, Australia, Holland, Dan Quinn, Glenn Wool and Craig CampDubai and New Zealand. bell – all talented performers with numerCraig Campbell started his comedy career ous television and festival credits – have hit in Calgary, but it wasn’t long before he moved the road together, garnering rave reviews to Vancouver and quickly established himwhile having the time of their lives. self as one of the top comedians in Canada, Insiders say the four performers are a which led to numerous appearances at the Just From left: Glen Wool, Dan Quinn, Craig Campbell and Ed Byrne perfect fit for one another. Each one’s style for Laughs Festival. Now based in the United Just For Laughs Gala, as well as toured for them nacomplements the other, and creates an Kingdom, Craig is considered one of the top amazing evening of entertainment that garners stand- tionally. comedians in the world, doing shows in various counDan Quinn, originally from Alberta, has won the tries every month. ing ovations.

Ed Byrne, originally from Ireland, has developed Canadian Comedy Competition at the Just For Laughs The Snowed In Comedy Tour will hunker down a huge following in the United Kingdom, playing to Festival as well as being chosen Best of The Fest at the in Bud’s Bar and Lounge in Invermere at 8:30 p.m. on sold-out theatres. He has appeared on The Tonight Moncton Comedy Festival. He has just been invited January 19th. Tickets are $20.

Show with Conan O’Brien five times and hosted the back to Moncton this year for the 10-year anniversary For more information, call 250-342-2965.

By Pioneer Staff

To our 2009 Sponsors who graciously ‘gave’ to the Columbia Valley Arts Council to further the ARTS in our community: • AG Foods • Bavin Glassworks • Gerry’s Gelati

• Home Hardware • Invermere Business Committee • Palliser Printing

• Peppi’s Pizza • Pixel Planet Design • Quiniscoe Homes

• Robert & Barb Shaunessy • Terroir Fine Dining & Catering • Will Green Woodworking

Special thanks to our Charter Sponsors: Thanks to the Patrons of Pynelogs

• District of Invermere Village Crew • East Kootenay Refrigeration

• Levine Electric • Purcell Mountain Electric

• Wood Floor Artisans

CV Arts Advertisers

• Artym Gallery • Copper Point Golf Club

• Effusion Art Gallery • Essentials Department Store

• Invermere Vet Hospital • Monkeys Uncle

• Rainbow Donkey • Bavin Glassworks

Donations (both monetary and in-kind) are another very important source of support for CV Arts and we extend a heartfelt thank you to all our 2009 donators. These generous donators are noted on the Recognition Wall at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Thank You to the following agencies that provided grant funding to CV Arts: Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) · Regional District of East Kootenays (RDEK) · District of Inververe (DOI) · BC Touring Grant · Community Presenters Assistance · 2010 Legacies Now: Arts Now · British Columbia Arts Council · Columbia Valley Community Foundation · Columbia Kootenay Cultural Alliance (CKCA) · Human Resources Skills & Development Canada (HRDC) · Government of Canada · Shell Canada

Special Thanks to our friends and partners: Wings Over the Rockies Festival, Village Arts, Essentials, One Hour Photo, N’Deco, Smoking Waters, Christ Church Trinity, Scotty Burger …and most importantly, thank you to all those who volunteer their time for this very worthwhile organization!

On behalf of the Columbia Valley Arts Council Board of Directors, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year!

Chris Evans Mona Johns

Cam Berry Alec Fleming

Louise Gagne Silena Ewan

Jackie Anderson Lynda Tutty

Nan & Frank Jones Cathy Howard

Carney Oudendag Connie Watson

www.columbiavalleyarts.com · 250-342-4423

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

January 15, 2010

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Monthly Independent Film Series

STELLAR CAST – Red West and Souléymane Sy Savané star in Goodbye Solo.

Photo submitted

Goodbye Solo to screen at Pynelogs January 19th Submitted by Cathy Howard Cinéfest Coordinator A new year brings new films to Cinéfest. Goodbye Solo, Cinéfest’s January film screening, introduces the audience to Solo (Souléymane Sy Savané), a Senegalese taxi driver living in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and his passenger, 70-year-old William (Red West).

William has hired Solo for a long drive to a faraway mountaintop. Over the course of their negotiations, Solo comes to understand that William has a tragic plan for the end of his trip, and decides to befriend him and dissuade William from his goal.

Solo is a remarkable character who is good, through and through, and lacks the North American self-consciousness about relationships. He believes

that everyone should be engaged and concerned with one another. This “it takes a village” approach to life is anathema to William, who harbours secrets, and a desire for privacy, all of which are at odds with Solo.

An audience favourite at the Toronto International Film Festival, Director Ramin Bahrani’s Goodbye Solo provides the viewer with a cinematic gem.

With the aid of extraordinary performances by Savané and West, Bahrani succeeds in his ultimate goal: delving deeply into the lives of his characters, he shows us ourselves.

Goodbye Solo will show at Pynelogs on Tuesday, January 19th, at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10. Seating is limited and light refreshments will be provided by Cinéfest sponsor, Terroir Fine Dining and Catering.

Rita Chiarelli

INVITES YOU TO A NIGHT OUT WITH..

Thursday the 21st of January

An odd couple embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. “A masterwork!”

- Roger Ebert

Tuesday, Jan 19th 7pm @ Pynelogs.

It’s Movie Night at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Tickets are $10 at the door.

Come early. Limited seating. columbiavalleyarts.com/cinefest

The Cinefest @ Pynelogs Series is proudly sponsored by:

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

Shane Phillips

Thursday the 28th of January

Lester Quitzau

Thursday the 3rd of February

8 pm - $20 at the Door 8 pm - $10 at the Door 8 pm - $10 at the Door Call 250-342-2965 or check us out on line for other upcoming events at www.budsbarandlounge.com

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Now Serving The Columbia Valley

Tembec requests tax decrease in Canal Flats

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff

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Tembec is seeking a tax cut from the Village of Canal Flats.

Council received a letter from the forestry company at its January 11th meeting, asking for tax relief in light of the troubled times in its industry.

“Our industry isn’t out of the woods yet, and in that light we respectfully request that you continue in your efforts to further assist in our endeavours to help us keep our costs to a minimum by giving consideration to further reductions for the forthcoming year,” read the letter from Jean-Luc Carriere, vicepresident of Tembec’s B.C. division.

In response, council said they will continue the appeal in their 2010 budget deliberations, starting next month.

“As is the case every year, we will be looking at Tembec’s tax and its impact, as we do everybody’s tax and impact,” said Mayor Bruce Woodbury.

For the 2009 budget, Tembec requested council cut its industrial tax bill from $54,509 to $33,900 – back to the level it was at before Canal Flats incorporated in 2004.

Council didn’t go quite that far, but they did decrease the major industrial tax rate so that Tembec paid $47,576 in 2009.

Mayor Woodbury could not say whether the tax rate will be reduced, remain the same as 2009 – or even increase in 2010.

“It’s much too early at this point to know what may or may not happen with Tembec’s taxes,” he said.

“Council will be reviewing the tax rates for major industrial property, along with all other classes of property, when

we proceed with our 2010 budget discussions over the next three months.”

The request from Tembec comes as other foresty companies across the province flat-out refuse to pay taxes. A report in the Globe and Mail states that in Campbell River, Powell River, Port Alberni, North Cowichan and Kitimat, forestry companies have laid lawsuits against municipalities over high industrial tax rates.

The Celgar pulp mill in Castlegar stopped paying taxes last July, resulting in a freeze on municipal spending since the mill contributed 45 percent of the city’s budget. The mill backed down in December, but the trend has other municipalities wary.

In Canal Flats, Tembec’s property tax amounts to 10.8 percent of the total municipal taxes, but two percent of the village’s revenue, according to Mayor Woodbury.

“For 2009 our major industrial property comprised 2.6 percent of our total property assessments and paid 10.8 percent of the total municipal property taxes. With approximately $2,513,000 in total municipal revenues, the major industrial tax levy represented approximately two percent,” he said.

There is no indication Tembec would follow in the footsteps of its peers, but Mayor Woodbury said the village has recourse if it does.

“Should any property owner refuse to pay their property taxes, there are provisions in the Local Government Act that stipulate that the property is put up for sale at public auction after the outstanding taxes become delinquent (over three years old),” he said.

Jean-Luc Carriere was not available for comment.

See our Olympic Torch special on January 22nd N E W S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 • Email: upioneer@telus.net

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

January 15, 2010

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Certified Financial Planner

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Big bucks for rescue truck Members of the Invermere Volunteer Fire Department and the Lake Windermere District Lions Club were all smiles on January 11th, as the District of Invermere presented them with a $30,000 cheque for the Road to Rescue Campaign. The donation comes just two weeks after the rescue truck was totalled when it was struck by an

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The long-awaited renovation of Invermere and District Hospital is banging along towards its January 2011 deadline.

In March, phase one of the $4.3-million project is slated to be completed, said hospital administrator Erica Phillips.

“We are midway through the first phase,” Ms. Phillips said. “It includes refashioning the space where the operating room was, to create a trauma room and patient nursing area.”

Once the area is complete, she added, the emergency room will move into the new space, while the front of the hospital is renovated.

The first phase has also seen a complete refurbishing of the Public Health Unit location.

“The space where the Public Health Unit was located has been gutted and it is being reconfigured into office space. All of the community folks will be in one area,” Ms. Phillips said.

So far, the construction is running smoothly.

“Any changes are challenging but the doctors and nurses have really stepped up to the plate. The contractors are doing a good job of managing the impact on hospital staff.”

A drive to raise funds for emergency room equipment is more than halfway to its goal.

The Together for Everyone! campaign, organized by the valley’s hospital auxiliaries and the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, aims to raise $500,000 to buy equipment such as a central monitoring station, nurses’ trauma station, ceiling lifts and an electrocardiogram machine. Last month, Invermere Health Care Auxiliary made an enormous donation of $243,773 to the campaign, bringing the total raised to $305,012.

“I am very proud of our volunteers and the auxiliary’s ability to help purchase essential equipment for the emergency department,” said Mariane Comis, president of the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary.

To make a donation for the emergency room equipment, you can drop into the hospital, donate online at www.ekfh.com or send a cheque to the East Kootenay Foundation for Health, 13-24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, V1C 3H9.

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Celebrate the Hunt Chilli Night!

out-of-control car on Highway 93/95.

Pictured here from left to right: Deputy Fire Chief Tom McNeil, Lions Club members Leo Kienitz and Rick Hoar, Fire Chief Roger Ekman, Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft and Councillors Al Miller and Bob Campsall.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Hospital emergency room construction on track

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The hunting public and their families (not just club members!) are invited to join the Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club for a FREE bowl of wild game chili and buns, etc. Join us at 6:00 p.m. this Saturday, January 16 in the rear meeting room of the Invermere Legion. For club members wishing to enter their 2009 hunting successes in our big game competition, this will be the last opportunity to do so.

A special THANKS to our members and corporate donors who make this fun and popular event possible.

See you there! www.lwdrodgun.org

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

YOUR MONEY

United States deeply in debt: how bad is it?

By now, everyone has heard or read about the U.S. debt. After suffering the worst financial crisis since the great depression, the U.S. government spent trillions of dollars bailing out banks, automakers, homeowners, insurance companies and stimulating the economy. Just how bad is it south of the border?

U.S. government debt

According to the website www.usdebtclock.org, the U.S. federal debt currently stands at about $12.3 trillion. That works out to $38,687 per citizen in the United States. The U.S. has almost doubled its amount of debt in the past five years. In 2005, the U.S. national debt stood at $7.9 trillion. World debt-rating agencies have even threatened to lower the U.S. credit rating if they don’t get their spending under control.

Debt to GDP

When it comes to government debt, a common measure is the Federal Debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio. This ratio measures how much debt a country’s government has built up, relative to how much the country produces in goods and services. In the case of the U.S., the debt to GDP ratio is hovering around 84.4 percent.

How much interest does the U.S. pay?

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Having too much debt is never an ideal financial situation for a household or a government, but it can sometimes be a necessary evil. The true cost of debt is the interest that must be paid each year to have borrowed the outstanding money.

Whether or not the U.S. spending all of this money is a necessary evil is yet to be determined, but in the case of the U.S. in 2009, they had to pay $383 billion in interest on their debt outstanding.

So how bad is it?

While the United States has been increasing their federal government debt at an alarming rate the past few years, they are still less in debt today than they were in 1950. Back in 1950, the U.S. government had racked up enough debt to equal 94 percent of their GDP. Further, back in 1950, interest rates were slightly higher than today and the American government had to pay more interest per GDP than today. In other words, it cost the American government more money to finance their debt relative to what they were producing back in 1950 than it does today.

Lower interest on debt

Another statistic that would shed some optimism on the U.S. debt situation is the fact that in 1998,

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The future

While the U.S. debt currently may not be as bad as it appears, it has the potential to become a problem in the future. All the debt being issued by the U.S. government might be cheap to finance now, but with an average duration of about four years and interest rates expected to rise, there will be a lot of debt to refinance in the next several years.

If the U.S. economy doesn’t find a way to grow and increase its tax base, there will be an increase in the amount of money spent to pay the interest on the debt. That could lead to higher taxes and less government spending to help the economy and a much lower growth rate.

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the U.S. debt to GDP ratio was a much lower 61.3 percent. While that might seem decent by today’s high debt levels, the U.S. government had to pay higher interest on all of that debt outstanding. In fact, the U.S. spent $363 billion on its debt back in 1998, compared to $383 billion today.

With U.S. GDP sitting at $14.2 trillion as of July 2009, and interest being so low, the American government only pays about 2.7 percent of its GDP towards interest on the debt. By comparison, the U.S. had to pay four percent of its GDP toward interest in 1998.

Selection

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Research

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MFC Global Investment Management This material is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation. The securities mentioned may not necessarily be considered suitable investments for all clients. Contact your Investment Advisor to discuss your individual investment needs.

GIC Rates* as of January 11h

Cashable 90 Days 1 year 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

1.00% 0.66% 1.50% 2.00% 2.57% 2.95% 3.35%

*Rates subject to change without notice.

Corporate Bonds Issuer GE Canada Shaw TD Capital Trust

Term Sept. 28, 2012 Nov. 20, 2013 Jun. 30, 2019

Yield* 2.32% 3.40% 5.06%

*Yield factors in the current share price, call date and set quarterly dividends. Rates are subject to change without notice. Can be sold prior to maturity.

Income Trusts Issuer A&W Income Fund Davis & Henderson CML Healthcare Fund

Yield* 8.10% 10.80% 7.50%

** Estimated NET yield as of Janaury 11th, 2010, based on minimum commissions. Subject to change without notice and subject to availability. Actual yield obtained may differ.

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Call us for local, friendly, professional free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 712-10th Street, Invermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

January 15, 2010

Your guide to the torch

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff On Friday, January 22, after months of anticipation, the Olympic Torch will pass through the Columbia Valley.

In one memorable day, it will travel from Golden to Cranbrook, and on the way it will pass through Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Akisqnuk, Fairmont and Canal Flats.

Now it’s time to get prepared. Here is your guide to where you can go to show your Olympic pride and wave the flame on.

Note: all times for the torch relay are estimates provided by the Vancouver Olympic Committee.

Edgewater – torch visits from 9:23-9:43 a.m.

The flame travels along Columbia Road, Vermillion Street, Riverview Drive, Sinclair Street, and Selkirk Avenue.

Students from Edgewater Elementary School will greet the torchbearers at the cenotaph as the route loops around the park.

Radium – torch visits from 10:26-10:57 a.m.

Starting at the hot pools, torchbearers will carry the flame down Highway 93 to the four-way intersection, then take it south on Highway 93/95 to the edge of town.

In the morning leading up to the torch’s arrival, there will be live music, beverages and light snacks at the hot pools, at the Visitor Centre on Main Street East, and outside Kootenay River Runners’ headquarters on Highway 93.

After the torch has passed through, celebrations continue with live music by Kathleen and Scott, chili and a fire pit at the Visitor Centre.

Invermere – torch visits from 11:09 a.m.-1:11 p.m.

From the highway, the torch passes along Athalmer Road, 10th Avenue, 6th Street, 13th Avenue and 8th Avenue. It loops around Pothole Park, then comes down 7th Avenue and onto 6th Avenue, before arriving at the stage behind Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. After the celebration, it travels down 7A Avenue to Kinsmen Beach.

Celebrations start at Windermere Valley Museum at 9:30 a.m., where there will be a display commemorating past Columbia Valley Olympians.

There is an official Vancouver Olympic Committee celebration, with a stage and a cauldron for the flame set up behind Eddie Mountain

Memorial Arena. From 10:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., entertainers who travel with the torch will perform on the stage.

When the torch is carried onto Lake Windermere, it will pass the Bonspiel on the Lake. Former Olympic cross-country ski coach Lyle Wilson will carry the torch across the lake and he is encouraging skiers to join him on the route.

From 6 p.m., the party continues at Kinsmen Beach with the first annual Winterlude.

There will be entertainment by Oso Simple, hula hoop dancers and Billy Jive and the Funktastics, a shinny tournament on the lake, food to enjoy, and fireworks to cap off the evening at 8 p.m.

arrives at the beach, the bells of The Stolen Church will ring and Windermere student Jade Bowen will sing the bilingual version of O Canada as her schoolmates wave flags from around the world.

After the torch passes through, hockey will be played on the lake, musicians will perform and games such as milk-jug curling and a snowshoe pentathlon will be played. At 5 p.m., there will be a candlelight skate.

Windermere – torch visits from 1:21-1:49 p.m.

The torch will land at Windermere Beach then travel up Lake Street, Victoria Avenue and Windermere Road.

The House of Friesians sleigh will go before the torch, carrying former Windermere Olympians Doug Anakin and Christine DuBois.

As the torch

Fairmont – torch visits from 2:17-2:41 p.m.

The relay starts on the north edge of town, travels past the Fairmont Village Mall, then south along Hot Springs Road.

To mark the relay, Fairmont’s weekend-long Fire and Ice Festival begins at noon. At the mall, there will be a free barbecue, a beer garden and DJ, face painting, games and contests for children, an air-band contest, hot-dog eating contest and First Nations presentation.

After the flame passes, the “community flame” will be lit and carried to Fairmont Ski Hill by local schoolchildren. From 4 p.m., the party continues at the ski hill with night skiing, a kids’ ski competition, the Fire and Ice Parade as the community flame travels down the ski hill, and live music by the Halfsacks at the ski chalet.

Akisqnuk – torch visits from 1:50-2:03 p.m.

From Windermere Road, the torch travels down the highway to the Akisqnuk Band Office. There it will be met by Chief Wilfred Teneese. Councillor Beatrice Stevens will offer a prayer for the flame as it travels on.

After the event, Akisqnuk community members and band Standby For The Bomb will perform.

Canal Flats – torch visits from 3:02-3:29 p.m.

The torch will come down Burns Avenue, Shaunessy Street, Beatty Avenue, and Grainger Road, before turning back onto Burns Avenue and finishing at the arena.

From 1 p.m., there will be a free public skate and 3-on-3 hockey game at the arena. Community members will wear red to wave the torch through town.

After the flame leaves for Kimberley, there will be a ducttape bobsled race in the arena. At 5 p.m., enjoy a free hot dog, hot chocolate and cake at the Civic Centre during a variety show with local talent. At 7 p.m., a time capsule will be sealed with mementos of the era – then not opened for 50 years.

Photo submitted by Vancouver Olympic Committee

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Valley couple saw Olympic torch in Athens

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff The Olympic Flame is coming to the Columbia Valley on January 22nd, but one Windermere couple has already seen it — in Athens, Greece, before it began its journey over the Atlantic Ocean and across Canada.

Wes and Val James were in the middle of a 10-week, whirlwind vacation in Europe when they stumbled upon the torch-lighting ceremony in the birthplace of the Olympic Games.

“We had no idea it was going on,” Val told The Pioneer. “We bumped into a man from the Canadian Embassy in the elevator of our hotel — of course we had our little Canada pins on — and he told us about the ceremony, which was going on the next day. So we went — it was just by chance!”

Val described the ceremony, which took place on October 29th, as spectacular. She said that she was particularly impressed by a group of Greek maidens carrying olive branches, who came dancing in after the torch.

The ceremony began when the Olympic flame was carried in by GreekCanadian figure skater Nikki Georgiadis. She lit a cauldron in the centre of the stadium using a 2010 torch, itself lit from the flame ignited from the rays of the sun in a similarly elaborate ceremony the previous week in Olympia.

“There was lots of music and marching,” Val said. “It was spectacular.”

The ceremony concluded when the flame was dipped into a miner’s lantern and carried out of the stadium. From there it hitched a ride to Victoria aboard a military plane to officially begin the torch relay in Canada.

Win 2 tickets ti etss to the 2010 Olympics If you are a resident of Invermere and have the opportunity to travel to the Olympics, let us know why you would be a good candidate for this once in a lifetime opportunity!

WHAT: Men’s Snowboarding Cross Qualification & Final WHEN: February 15, 2010 @ 10:30 a.m.

Val and Wes James of Windermere saw the historic lighting of the torch in Athens.

Winterfest

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WHERE: Cypress Mountain Please write a brief note for why you feel you deserve to win these awesome tickets!

Your submissions will be taken until January 22 at 4:30 p.m. and can be dropped off at the

District Office, 914 – 8th Avenue Mailed, Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 or emailed to info@invermere.net

More info call: Vall Bracken 250 347 2323 or Radium Info Centre 250 347 9331 Visit www.radiumhotsprings.com GOLD SPONSORS

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

January 15, 2010

Museum presents Olympic memorabilia during torch relay Submitted by Dorothy Blunden Windermere District Historical Society Start your Olympic Torch Day at the Museum!

The Windermere District Historical Society invites all residents and visitors to start the January 22nd Torch Day celebrations at the museum at 9:30 a.m.

Join Historical Society members to view a display celebrating our valley Olympians. Share a coffee or hot chocolate (maybe even a muffin!) with friends and neighbours before the torch arrives in Invermere.

Then, follow the torch along the main road and join in the activities planned for the rest of the day.

The museum has curated a display of memorabilia received from a number of Olympians – athletes, coaches, volunteers – who reside or have resided in our valley.

We have added items from our own archives and are sure you’ll enjoy your visit with us. The museum will also be open afternoons from February 15th to 21st, celebrating the Olympics, as well as Heritage Week in British Columbia.

The theme of 2010 is: Community Pride, Active Living — The Heritage of Sport and Recreation.

The Historical Society is pleased to have Marg Christensen return as president of the organization for 2010. Working with her are Eileen Fiell (vice-pressident), Joan George (secretary), Dot Smith (treasurer) and Louise Frame, Joy Bond, Sandy McKay, Anne Keely and Audrey Mantyka, directors.

Plans for the coming season are underway and the Historical Society is looking forward to opening the “new look” Implement Shed, and showing off new additions in the Wagon Shed.

We wish each of you a great 2010.

See you on the 22nd!

Help Lyle Wilson carry the Olympic flame

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Former Olympic cross-country ski coach Lyle Wilson, owner of Nipika Mountain Resort, is inviting all cross-country ski enthusiasts to help him carry the Olympic flame across Lake Windermere at 1:20 p.m. on January 22nd.

“There are more medals given out during the Olympics in Nordic events than in any other sport and I want people to come out and celebrate it with me on skis,” Lyle said.

“Plus it’s a great way to celebrate

how beautiful the Whiteway is.”

The torch ski will kick off the 7th annual Nipika Classic Loppet, which will be held Saturday, January 23rd.

The Loppet will be held at Nipika, and will include a 1.5, 5, 10 and 30 kilometre course. On Sunday, Nipika will host the Toby Creek Skate Loppet, a 1.5, 5,10 and 20 kilometre course.

“It’s a fun, family day of skiing,” Lyle said.

Register online at www.zone4. ca. For more information, call 250342-6516.

The Olympic Flame is coming to Radium Hot Springs January 22, 2010

Watch for our Olympic Torch Section in the January 22nd issue N E W S PA P E R

No. 8, 1008 - 8th Ave. Box 868 • Invermere BC • V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

INVERMERE’S FIRST ANNUAL

JANUARY 22, 2010 6:00 – 8:00 PM KINSMEN BEACH

Featuring:

Invermere Chamber of Commerce will be hosting “The Taste of Invermere” • Enjoy a whole day of Winter Fun! • Start your Torch experience off with a visit to the Museum and a Torch pancake breakfast downtown. The Olympic Torch Celebration is from 10:45—1:00 and will feature talented local children as well as VANOC sponsored entertainment.

• After the Olympic Torch has left town, don’t let the excitement leave. Come down to Kinsmen Beach and help us celebrate the beauty of our town in winter!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

January 15, 2010

Three men stranded in stalled elevator Alex Noga, centre, an employee of Fairmont Ridge Renovations, was one of three men rescued on the morning of December 31st after 45 minutes in a stalled elevator at the Lake Windermere Pointe development in Athalmer.

Doug Hagen, left, a volunteer with the Invermere Fire Department, was one of seven firefighters who responded to the call.

Equipment used in the rescue was purchased by donations from local businesses, including Lake Windermere Pointe. The equipment has been used several times around the valley to rescue people trapped in elevators.

This is the second time it has been used to rescue someone at Lake Windermere Pointe.

“They got their money’s worth,” said Deputy Fire Chief Tom McNeil.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Whiteway sign damaged by vandals in vehicle

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff An act of vandalism on the Whiteway – the popular 15-kilometre ski and skate path on Lake Windermere – has disheartened members of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club.

Whiteway coordinator Chris Paget said he was Chris Paget frustrated when he saw that one of the large wooden signs at the Windermere entrance, worth about $2,000, had been knocked down and pushed around by a vehicle.

“The sign has reflective material on the front and the back, so whoever hit it either did it on purpose, or was under the influence,” he said. “It’s disappointing, especially because the signs were made with donated material and time.”

There are three signs advertising the rules and regulations of the Whiteway: one at Windermere Beach, one at Kinsmen Beach and one at the Bayshore condos on Fort Point. The signs were made from material donated by Rona, and constructed by NCM Construc-

tion, which is owned by Chris Wiegert of Invermere.

The damaged sign was located just off Windermere Beach, about 10 metres from the well-used ice road.

It is the first act of vandalism on the Whiteway, but Mr. Paget said the group will not be involving the RCMP in the matter. “We are just going to fix it up the best we can and put it in its place again,” he said.

Despite other minor infractions, such as people driving on skate and cross-country ski paths, Mr. Paget said it has been a very positive year for the Whiteway.

“There is a lot more awareness this year. There are a lot less quad and snowmobile tracks crossing the Whiteway, which makes it easier to maintain,” he said.

“I would like to applaud everyone who is actually trying to stay off it. It keeps maintenance costs down.”

The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club has hired Brad Kitching to ensure the Whiteway remains in tip-top shape. His duties include ploughing the ice skating track, as well as laying the cross-country ski track, using a snowmobile and groomer.

“When the conditions are right for setting the track, he is out there twice a week, and it probably takes him four hours each time,” Mr. Paget explained.

The Whiteway is becoming increasingly popular with visitors and residents alike. Mr. Paget said that so far this year, they have received about $300 in donations and the club’s membership has doubled.

Life Time Warranty on all Blinds Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

NOTICE TO ALL DOG OWNERS All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require an annual dog license, from January 1st to December 31st. Licensing allows Animal Control Services to contact you as soon as possible if your animal has been impounded of if the animal has been injured as a result of traffic or as a result of other causes.

If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag. Fees are as follows:

Unspayed Female Dog ..............................$35 Unneutered Male Dog ..............................$35 Spayed Female Dog..................................$15 Neutered Male Dog ..................................$15 Spaying/Neutering We encourage all pet owners to have their dogs spayed or neutered to assist in promoting the health of your animal and to minimize the potential for unwanted pups in the community. As an incentive to spay or neuter your dog, the various license and impound fees for spayed or neutered animals are less than if your animal is not spayed or neutered.

For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our Dog Control Office at 250-342-1707.

COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES

Jan 23 Jan 25 Jan 26 Jan 26 Jan 27 Jan 29 Jan 30 Jan 30 Feb 2 Feb 3 Feb 6 Feb 17 Feb 18 Feb 18 Feb 19 Feb 20

Invermere Campus

WorkSafeBC OFA Level 1 Intro to MS Word 2007 Conversational French Morning Flow Yoga How We Eat Canadian Firearms Safety Make Your Own Chocolates for Valentines Day CORE Hunter Winter Composting Help! My Computer isn’t Working!

Writing News Releases Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 Simply Accounting Help! What’s for Dinner?

Airbrakes FoodSafe

250 342-3210 • www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Identification kits now in all valley schools

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

I.D. KITS – Lions member Don Critchley with the kits.

For the first time since the Lake Windermere District Lions Club began annual distribution of personal identification kits, the club is proud to announce that all children in the Columbia Valley, from kindergarten to Grade 12, have been equipped with the kits.

It has taken seven years to get to this point, but program coordinator Don Critchley is proud of the program and the service it offers to the community.

“If we can save just one kid with these kits – that’s why we are doing this,” Mr. Critchley said.

This year, the Lions Club handed out 130 kits.

They are being distributed to students at Eileen Madson Primary School, J. Alfred Laird Elementary, Windermere Elementary, Edgewater Elementary and Martin Morigeau Elementary in Canal Flats.

Property owner’s checklist

Have you received your 2010 property assessment notice?

If not, call toll free 1-800-668-0086.

If so, review it carefully.

Any questions, call your local assessment office.

Go online to compare other property assessments using the free e-valueBC TM service on our website.

Don’t forget ... if you disagree with your assessment, you must file a formal appeal by February 1, 2010.

For more information visit www.bcassessment.ca

The kits are intended for parents to complete, Don explained. This includes filling out information requested, attaching a school photograph and a hair sample for DNA, and fingerprinting your child with the attached tools. The completed kits should then be placed in a secure place.

The kit also contains tools for parents to teach children how to stay safe, including a colouring book for youngsters and an insert showing a helpful approach for parents in discussing and preventing problems.

The Lake Windermere District Lions Club has been acknowledged for their work with the personal identification kits. They were presented a certification of appreciation for their efforts and a special scroll – the highest honour – from the Victims of Violence, Canadian Centre for Missing Children in Ottawa.

For more information, contact Don Critchley at 250-342-3505.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

January 15, 2010

Full-day kindergarten coming in September 2011 Submitted by Bendina Miller, Superintendent Rocky Mountain School District In August 2009, government announced its commitment to expand kindergarten from a half day to a full school day, with implementation happening over the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 school years.

With this commitment to a two-year phasein, the Ministry of Education has informed school districts of the number of full-day kindergarten spaces which will be funded, effective September 2010.

Given funding for 143 students in School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain), the board has considered how this funding can best be distributed.

At its January 12th regular meeting, the board passed a motion to implement full-day kindergarten in the Golden and Kimberley zones effective September 2010, with implementation in the Windermere zone (Canal Flats, Windermere, Invermere and Edgewater) in September 2011.

The Rocky Mountain Board of Education and staff are dedicated to ensuring that full-day kindergarten continues to be a play-based developmental program and a high-quality introduction to the primary program.

Barbara Morris, Assistant Superintendent, Learning Leadership and Student Services, will be facilitating orientation sessions for parents and guardians and will be planning staff development sessions for teachers who may be teaching students registered in full-day kindergarten.

These sessions will be held this spring with parents, guardians and staff from throughout the Rocky Mountain School District being encouraged to participate.

“Full-day kindergarten is an exciting opportunity for our youngest students as they transition into school life,” emphasized Board Chair Roberta Hall.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Bendina Miller, Superintendent of Schools, at 250-342-9243, extension 251.

NOMINATIONS WANTED for

CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Nominations are now open for the Invermere Rotary Club’s annual Citizen of the Year Award.

Anyone who wants to nominate a person they feel has made a significant contribution to the community is asked to write a letter outlining their reasons. All nominations are to be mailed to the Rotary Club of Invermere, Box 877, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0.

Anyone can be nominated. Contributions to the community can mean many things. It does not have to mean someone in the public eye. Many contributions to the community are accomplished in quiet unassuming ways.

Take the time....write a letter of nomination. It’s an honour just to be nominated.

Deadline for nominations is Wednesday, February 24th, 2010.

More information concerning the Citizen of the Year Award can be obtained from any Rotary member.

We love Fairmont Hot Springs!

Congratulations to Tim Duthie of Calgary, the December winner of a two-night adventure package, for the above photo in the I Love Fairmont Hot Springs photo contest, sponsored by The Residences at Fairmont Ridge.

To win, visit www.ILoveFairmontHotSprings.com and upload your favourite photo of time spent in Fairmont Hot Springs. Tell friends, family and colleagues to vote for your photo and you could win the 60 golf rounds, 60 ski passes and 60 passes to the hot pools at Fairmont. The grand prize will be drawn on February 14th, 2010.

The second prize includes 20 golf rounds, 20 ski passes and 20 hot pool passes.

The third prize includes a four-night stay at The Residences at Fairmont Ridge, four ski passes and four hot pool passes.

January 23 & 24, 2010 at Nipika Mountain Resort

Nipika 7th Annual Classic Loppet Information on all events: www.nipika.com or www.tobycreeknordic.ca or call 250-342-6516

Register at:

www.zone4.ca

Let us hammer out the details

Nipika/Toby Creek Nordic Loppet Weekend

Saturday, Jan. 23 • 1.5, 5, 10 & 30 km

Toby Creek Skate Loppet Sunday, Jan. 24 • 1.5, 5, 10 & 20 km

Weekend Combined Pursuit • 50 km total distance

Nipika Learn to Ski Week N E W S PA P E R

For all your advertising needs, call 250-341-6299

Running/Yoga Store

• Jan. 17 to 24

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

January 15, 2010 DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 1406 Official Community Plan Amendment 1405

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 1408 Official Community Plan Amendment 1407

NOTICE is given of a Public Hearing to be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, January 25, 2010, in the Council Chambers at the District of Invermere Office, 914 - 8th Ave., in the District of Invermere, to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002.

NOTICE is given of a Public Hearing to be held at 7:30 pm on Monday, January 25, 2010, in the Council Chambers at the District of Invermere Office, 914 - 8th Ave., in the District of Invermere, to amend Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002.

Zoning Bylaw amendment No. 1406, 2009 and Official Community Plan Amendment No. 1405 will amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1145 as follows:

Zoning Bylaw amendment No. 1408, 2008 and Official Community Plan Amendment No. 1407 will amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1145 as follows:

• By amending the designation of the following lands, Lot F Block 8, District Lot 216, Kootenay Land District 4268 from R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL to R-1(A) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, SMALL LOT.

• By amending the designation of the following lands, Lot 1, District Lot 1092, Kootenay Land District plan 8385 Except part in Plan NEP20703 from R-1 SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL and R1(A) SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL, (SMALL LOT) to R-3 CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT, MEDIUM DENSITY.

Name that volunteer!

By Pioneer Staff

The search is on for the Regional District of East Kootenay’s Volunteers of the Year.

Every year, the regional district honours one outstanding volunteer from each of its six electoral areas through the Electoral Area Volunteer Appreciation Awards. Nomination forms are now available.

“We recognize the valuable contribution volunteers make, day in and day out, particularly in our rural communities,” said regional board chair David Wilks. “This is our opportunity to honour those contributions and pay tribute to six special individuals.”

Nominees must be a resident of an electoral area and make voluntary contributions to the spirit, culture or people of the community.

Nomination forms are available on the regional district website (www.rdek.bc.ca) and can be picked up at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley regional district offices, from the chairs of the Electoral Area Advisory Commissions and various community associations. The deadline for nominations is February 26th, 2010. Winners will be notified in April and invited to an awards dinner in their honour.

Library supporters raised $12,000

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The Intent of these Bylaws is to permit the subdivision of the parent lot into two parcels.

The intent of these bylaws is to permit the development of a proposed 50 unit housing development.

The above synopsis is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as the full text and content of the proposed “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1406, 2009 or OCP Amendment Bylaw 1405, 2009”.

A copy of the proposed bylaw and relevant background documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere municipal office 914 - 8th Ave., Invermere from January 13, 2010 to January 25, 2010. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

The above synopsis is not intended to be, nor should it be interpreted as the full text and content of the proposed “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1408, 2009 or OCP Amendment Bylaw 1407, 2009”.

A copy of the proposed bylaw and relevant background documents may be inspected at the District of Invermere municipal office 914 - 8th Ave., Invermere from January 13, 2010 to January 25, 2010. Office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1406, 2009” and / or OCP Amendment Bylaw # 1405 may: • Send written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing • Fax written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing; or • Present verbal or written briefs at the hearing.

All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed “Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 1408, 2009” and / or OCP Amendment Bylaw # 1407 may: • Send written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing • Fax written briefs to the District of Invermere prior to the hearing; or • Present verbal or written briefs at the hearing.

NOTICE is also given that the Council will not accept any written or verbal presentations after the close of the public hearing.

NOTICE is also given that the Council will not accept any written or verbal presentations after the close of the public hearing.

Rory Hromadnik Director of Devlopment Services

Rory Hromadnik Director of Development Services

The Friends of the Library, a 20-member fundraising group for the Invermere Public Library, pulled together more than $12,000 for the library in 2009.

This comes on the heels of a decision in November by the District of Invermere to increase library funding to $73,000 for 2010, up from $43,000 in 2009.

Library board member Nancy Ballard said the Friends of the Library are all avid readers who support public access to literature.

“They believe a small community should have as much access to books as any community in B.C.,” Mrs. Ballard said.

The Friends held four fundraisers in 2009. In December, a silent auction and a bake sale raised $3,600.

Over summer, a hot dog sale at Home Hardware raised $920. However, the largest event was the Big Book Sale in July, which netted $7,800 for the library.

“It needs community support to buy a hot dog or a book,” Nancy said. “The Friends have a good reputation and I think people see it is a good cause.”

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

January 15, 2010

Radium’s Sheep in Our Village photo contest winners named

By Pioneer Staff

SECOND PRIZE – Paul Milligan of Calgary won for his close-up of a ram’s face.

FIRST PRIZE – Wayne Noga of Edmonton won for his shot of a berry-eating ram.

The Friends of Kootenay National Park “Sheep in the Village” Photo Contest resulted in an overwhelming 340 entries from all over B.C. and Alberta.

Local photographers Achim Purschwitz, Hans Fuhrer and Radium’s mayor Dee Conklin were the judges faced with the task of choosing the top three.

Wayne Noga from Edmonton (and part-time resident of Radium Ridge) was the first-place winner with a photo of a ram stretching to eat berries from the Mountain Ash trees on Main Street in Radium.

Wayne will take home a fused glass work of art donated by Leslie Israelson.

The second prize, a Lumix digital camera donated

by Invermere One-Hour Photo, was won by Paul Milligan of Calgary, for his shot of a ram’s head.

Sandra deVries of Salmon Arm won third prize with a shot of a ram jumping a fence in Radium. She receives a pair of Celestron waterproof binoculars, also donated by Invermere One-Hour Photo.

Friends of Kootenay National Park thank all the photographers who entered, and look forward to including selected photos in our photo book to be published this spring.

THIRD PRIZE – Sandra deVries of Salmon Arm won for her shot of a fence-jumper.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

RCMP offers tips for winter driving Submitted by Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley RCMP Due to a number of recent accidents, a request was made by the media for some driving hints or precautions for winter driving.

A great number of the accidents that are happening on winter roads can be linked to driver experience – or more so a lack of experience and lack of proper equipment.

First of all, the speed limit indicated on the highway is the speed limit that should be used during perfect driving conditions. Ninety kilometres an hour in a ninety zone may be too fast for the road conditions.

Know your limitations and understand your experience.

When a vehicle is coming at you, watch what that vehicle is doing. Assume that the vehicle is going to come into your lane and drive accordingly.

In the police world, all-season tires are three-season tires. Get winter tires. Given our conditions, allseason tires are a myth.

Many parents are now good at insisting their chil-

dren take driving lessons from a qualified instructor.

It’s money well-spent.

Now take that additional step. Grab an empty lot, with lots of open space with nothing the driver can hit, and practise how to brake properly on wet, snowy, slippery pavement. Learn how the car will react to your corrective actions.

If you do hit something, you didn’t hear this from me. This is something that everyone should take the time to practice.

Braking improperly and over-correcting has been the cause of many accidents when the driver is going too fast for the road conditions in the first place.

When your vehicle’s back end starts to go out on you, right or left, it’s too late to refer to the manual to figure out which way you should be steering in an attempt to correct the vehicle.

Most vehicles now come with anti-lock braking and will allow you to steer the vehicle to some degree when you lock up.

In the majority of cases, you want to avoid hammering on and staying on the brakes.

Black ice is a big concern and the cause of many

accidents. The main comment from the person is that they didn’t see that the road was slippery.

Black ice often catches you on a curve or when it’s sunny outside. Due to shaded areas on the road that don’t get their fair share of sunlight, the ice does not get to melt and everything is fine until you get into the shaded area. Any brake application or decent curve catches you off guard.

On the highway, if you see an oncoming vehicle approaching a curve ahead, slow down and let the other guy complete the curve.

If there is no need to pass, don’t pass. If you do, you need a lot more space to start the pass and to complete the pass. Any sharp movement will cause the vehicle to lose control. You get the same hydroplaning in snow as you do when hitting water.

There is a disease called get-home-itis. Know your limitations and get off the highway and wait it out.

Don’t pull over on the highway; get off the highway.

For our kids who have moved on to college and university and have little money, just grab a hotel.

Mom and Dad will put it on their visa. They will know you’re safe. Try to keep it within budget.

Your Local Professionals Paul Glassford Strata, Apartment & Commercial Property Management

Bernie Raven

MaxWell Realty Invermere 926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

www.teamraven.ca

For professional management of your strata corporation, overseen by a Certiďƒžed Property ManagerÂŽ, with the accounting done by a Certiďƒžed Management Accountant, please contact Bill Weissig CPMÂŽ, RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES.

Sales Consultant $FMM t

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

Our six Strata Managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive qualiďƒžcations and experience, please visit our website at www.mountaincreek.ca.

Phone: 250-341-6003

Email: bweissig@mountaincreek.ca

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

Daniel Zurgilgen www.maxwelldaniel.com

Glenn Pomeroy

MaxWell Realty Invermere 926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere BC V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

January 15, 2010

HERE TO SERVE YOU NEW

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

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

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: (250) 342-7100 PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: (250) 342-7103

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

250-342-5682

Lambert

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

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

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: 250-347-9350 FAX: 342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

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

Located behind Tim Hor tons • Ph: 250-688-0787

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

• 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

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

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

250.349.5564

Scott Postlethwaite

CVCC Contractor// Trade Builder of the Year 2008 0

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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

Dean Hubman

Certified Technician

250-342-3052

We’re back at our old location in the Industrial park!

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

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: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

HERE TO SERVE YOU RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL Freight & Passenger

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

SHOLINDER & MACKAY ACK A CK CKA EXCAVATING A ATING TIN TING ING G IInc. n nc. nc

Septic Systems ste t ms Installed Installe nss d ~ Pumped Pum P Pu ump ped d ~ Repaired Re ire Repair i ed ired Prefab P Pr reffab refa fab Cement Cementt Tanks Installed IIns In nsta s alle W Wa Water Lines nes Dug Dugg IIn Insta Inst Installed allled d Basements B nts ts Dug D

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805 Q Q

Q Q

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential • Garage Doors • Passage Doors • Truck Doors • Sun Rooms • Patio Covers • Vinyl Decking • Aluminum Railings • Gutters • Siding • Soffit • Fascia • Window Capping • Renovations

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

Phone: 250-342-6700

Quality Hand-crafted Steel Hand Crafted Log , Timber and Conventional Frame Homes.

Crane Service, Septic Systems, Rent or Hire Excavator, Compact Excavator, Dump Truck, Flat & Dump Trailers, Scaffold, Foundation Forms, Tools.

Call Tim Anderson • 250-341-7260 tim@westernloghomes.net• www.westernloghomes.net

Shiatsu & Acupressure Relaxing - Comfortable - Therapeutic

Farron Chandler Registered Shiatsu Therapist Over 12 years of experience

#106, 901 7th Ave. Parkside Place Downtown Invermere V0A 1K0

Phone : 250 342-6347 Mobile : 250 688-0364

Available Monday–Wednesday at Mei Mei’s Asian Market.

Make an Appointment Today, let your worries melt away!

Fine Homeservices

VACUUM CENTRE

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

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

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

ROSS’S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

Darren Ross 4890 Stoddart Creek RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 250-347-6363 • poolman-911@hotmail.com

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Shower Doors•Mirrors

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

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

•Auto•Home•Commercial

Telephone: 250-342-3659

Come in and browse our giftware

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

Jeff Watson

250-342-6612

invermereglass@cyberlink.bc.ca

Serving the Valley since 1995• #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

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

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Mobile pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning • Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

January 15, 2010

HERE TO SERVE YOU Cranbrook Pest Control We use the most successful products available.

• 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

Environmentally-friendly ironmentally-fr ronmentally-fr onm nm nm men me ennnt y eent integrated pest est m ma management.

Asskk about As Ask aabbboou out ut our o r mai maintenance mainte m ce programs program prrrogram ograms gram am ms PESTT QUESTIONS? PEST QUUE UES ESTIIOON ES EST OONS NS? Vis Visit our website website: eebsite: bbsite: bsite ite:

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT CERTIFIED & LICENSED

ALL WORK

GUARANTEED

www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com info@cranbrookpestcontrol com

250-426-9586

• SANDING/ SWEEPING • Landscaping

• SNOW REMOVAL • Trucking • Property • All Grading Maintenance • Mini Track Hoe

Kari & John Mason

250.270.0821 Invermere • Panorama

You’re invited to see our

RENOVATIONS

Complete Automotive Repairs REFERENCES AVAILABLE

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone: 250-342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

LICENSED

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

250-341-5096

DCS Plumbing & Heating • Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks 24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501 Senior Discount

250-346-6886

pwallace@confederationloghomes.com

250.342.4426

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

250-342-5047 • 1-888-357-4449

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

Need Blinds?

Serving The Valley for over 15 Years

Interior World

window fashions

Invermere

(250) 341-6888

www.cordnerarchitect.com

• Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE conultation and estimate

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

• Drinking Water Systems • Duct Cleaning Service • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration including iron lters that really work!

Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Commercial and Hospitality IT Computer Consulting, Service and Support 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

250-342-6008

info@mountaincreektech.ca @ With four service Technicians and two support staff we have the resources to solve your computer problems.

Computer Networks Remote Backup Services Custom Programming

Data Protection Computer Repair IT Consulting

3D Modeling and Virtual Rendering Home Automation and Green Technology Computer Sales and Support

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Old Zone: Congrats, Norm!

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist Last week I told you about a recent 1-0 hockey game.

This week I want to tell you about one of our goalies who somehow has shut out the opposition two weeks in a row.

You will automatically think that either he is an extremely talented goalie, or he has an incredible group of players in front of him.

Well, yes, it could be one or both of those reasons, but I personally subscribe to this reason: Norm Julien is the Lake Auto Mustangs’ net-minder and is Edgewater’s oldest actual real bachelor.

Norm is 57 years old, has never once said “I do,” and very recently he worked up the nerve to get on his knees and ask Barb Morris to become a Julien.

This wasn’t as hard as it sounds, since Norm is only five foot nothin’ and therefore already close to the ground!

I think because she said “yes,” Norm has been standing two feet taller and has an increased sense of greatness.

Now the question is . . . can he keep up this streak for eight more weeks when our playoffs finish?

I think not, but anyone who can post consecutive shutouts in OldTimers hockey deserves to have a wife to come home and brag to.

Congrats on the upcoming nuptials, but if the rest of us OldTimers have anything to do about it, you can kiss your shutout streak goodbye. Maybe Barb is good at consoling you, too!

January 6th results: the Phantoms and Wolves tied, the Mustangs kicked the Junkies, the Waterboys were out-hustled by Hi Heat, and the Killer Tomatoes juiced the Hawks.

CVOHA League Standings Team

W

L

T

Points

Lake Auto Mustangs

10

4

2

22

Aquair Waterboys

9

5

2

20

Finish Line Phantoms

8

6

2

18

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes

6

5

4

16

Kicking Horse Coffee Junkies

6

7

3

15

Hi Heat Hustlers

7

8

1

15

Inside Edge Black Smoke

6

8

2

14

Huckleberry Hawks

4

8

4

12

Warwick Wolves

5

9

2

12

Posse rounds up the Rockies Submitted by Steve Mantyka Rockies Hockey

Posse put the icing on the cake and left town with the win and two more points.

The story of the game was once again Jeff Magee, who stopped 49 of 54 shots in a loss, and Princeton’s Weston Joseph, who stopped 21 of 23 to get the win.

The Rockies took the show on the road to Revelstoke the next night.

There they were greeted by the hungry Grizzlies, who pawed their way to a 7-0 lead after 20 minutes and cruised to a 12-1 win.

Robbie Antoine scored the lone marker for the Columbia Valley Rockies, with assists to Zac Michalko and Zack MacLellan.

Cam Dagg stood tall in the crease, stopping 45 of 57 shots for the Rockies, and Cole Buckley was 26 of 27 for Revelstoke for the win.

A Wednesday game in Kimberley took place after press time.

The Rockies will host the Spokane Braves Friday, January 15th at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena and the Kimberley Dynamiters on Saturday, January 16th.

See you at the rink!

The Princeton Posse rode into Invermere with an inkling to take possession of two points at the hands of the Columbia Valley Rockies.

After 60 minutes of play, that’s just what they did, riding off with a 5-2 win.

Goals one minute and 10 seconds apart, midway through the period, allowed the Posse a two-goal advantage that seemed enough, but Rockies forward Stephen Hynes replied at 5:58 from Kory Movold and the Posse led 2-1 after the first period.

In the second period, it was all Princeton as they fired 21 shots on net to the Rockies seven shots.

But Rockies goalie Jeff Magee stood tall, blanking the Posse in the period, even with an almost twominute two-man advantage.

Hynes scored again for the Rockies, from Sean Leslie and Movold at 18:21 to draw the home team even.

But the tie was short-lived as Princeton replied at 15:56 and 13:18, making the score 4-2.

Corporate At 5:01 on the power play, the

Logos: Trade Name + Dea

Colour: PANTONE 349

HERE TO SERVE YOU English

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Al Tallman N E W S PA P E R

Complete your renos NOW before the Tax Credit runs out in February. Call for estimates.

From Framing to Finishing – We do it all!

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#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Invermere, BC 250-341-6299 • upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

MANULIFE SECURITIES INSURANCE AGENCY

See our ad on Page 18 for more details.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

January 15, 2010

Great start for ski club Submitted by Mary Bagan Windermere Valley Ski Club Windermere Valley Ski Club Kinder ski racers, aged 11 to 14, kicked off their season in Kimberley on January 9th and 10th with great performances.

Martin Grasic and Courtney Hoffos swept the gold medal spots, coming first in every race they competed in. Barbara Jenkinson won two silver medals, and teammates Julia Stiz was 8th, and Madison Haynes was 15th.

Jacob Koell had four top 10 performances, Nathan McGrath caught 5th and 7th, and Devin Dutcher was in 10th and 12th.

First time Kinder racers Finley Spiegl and Balance Paagman had four solid finishes, most of them in the top 20.

On January 3rd and 4th, International Ski Federation (FIS) racer Stephen Bagan attended a Super G race in Schweitzer, Idaho.

In his first year competing at this level, he placed 29th and 39th.

The club will host the K2 provincial race from February 4th to 7th at Panorama, and volunteers are needed. Call Gordon Bagan at 250-342-5115 for more information.

Our Nancy Greene skiers started off their season last weekend at Panorama.

For more, visit www.wvsc. typepad.com.

Manny Osborne-Paradis, pictured here at Val Gardena in Groeden, Italy, is racing to win gold in the Olympics.

ACA/Pentaphoto

Manny digging for gold

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff With three gold medals already under his belt, Manny Osborne-Paradis is racing full-steam ahead to a podium finish at the Olympic Games in Vancouver.

This past year was an exceptional one for Manny – he captured three gold medals and one bronze in 2009. The last gold medal came just one month ago, on the World Cup circuit in the downhill race in Val Gardena, Italy on December 19th.

Earlier that month, Manny made history after picking up the first super-G win of his career, becoming the first Canadian male to win both a super-G and downhill World Cup race at Lake Louise.

Despite his big wins, the 25-year-old skiing superstar is determined to keep his head going into the most prestigious winter sports competition in the world.

“I have got to keep my focus,” he said.

“It’s just another race and I think we [the Canadian Alpine Ski Team] really have to take it as just another race, because there are so many variables. You need to approach it with an understanding of how you are going to ski technically, go with what you know and ski as hard as you can.”

This is not Manny’s first time at the Olympics. He made his debut at the 2006 games in Torino, Italy. That year he placed 13th in the downhill race but this time around, Manny has set his sights on the top.

“I’m racing to win, but if I finish in the top three I will be happy,” he said.

He said that he plans to take a lot more risks while chasing the gold.

“If I don’t come in the top three, I could be 25th because when you are taking more risks, if you do make a mistake, you are going to be totally out there.”

Born on February 8th, 1984 to Jane Osborne, an interior designer, and Jacques Paradis, a movie set director in Deep Cove, a suburb of North Vancouver, Manny grew up in Deep Cove with his mother and his stepfather Bill Scott, a retired radio technician. Manny, who owns a condo in Invermere, moved to the valley at the age of 15 to race with the British Columbia Ski Team. He graduated from David Thompson Secondary School in 2003.

Manny has a large fan base in the Columbia Valley and said he enjoys being a role model for up-and-coming athletes.

Fifteen-year-old Stephen Bagan is one of those fans. A Grade 9 student at David

Thompson Secondary School, Stephen is the son of Gordon and Mary Bagan, and a member of the Windermere Valley Ski Club. Earlier this year, Stephen was chosen to participate in the Cowboy’s Camp, a free ski camp in Whistler run by Manny and another member of the Canadian Cowboys, Mike Janyk.

“I think he’s going to handle the Olympics really well – I can see his focus and that’s why he’s great to look up to,” Stephen said. “I’m obviously rooting for him.

I think he will do really well and I’m stoked to see what happens.”

Manny has some advice for Olympic hopefuls like Stephen.

“Eat your green beans. You might like other vegetables but I think green beans really help,” he joked.

“But really, you have to sit down and decide how much you want to do something, and if you want to do it to your fullest extent, then you do it,” he said.

“I think if you want to do something to your fullest extent you have to let everyone else around you know it, because if people don’t know, then it’s hard for them to help you.”

You can follow Manny’s progress on his website at www.manuelracing.com.

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Local girl named hockey all-star

By Pioneer Staff An Invermere girl has been chosen as one of 40 young hockey players to be showcased in a prestigious tournament.

Fifteen-year-old Kiana Strand has been selected to play in the Female Midget AAA Allstar Classic, which will be held on January 22nd in Nanaimo.

Kiana, along with five of her Kootenay Wildcat teammates, will join 40 players showcased for college and university scouts.

Not just anyone was selected to attend the tournament. The Allstar committee evaluated players on their on-ice and off-ice performances.

The Kootenay Wildcats are a member of the British Columbia Female Midget AAA League.

The league began in 2007 in response to the membership to provide an opportunity for elite female hockey players to play on zone teams that would challenge other elite teams in the province.

The Wildcats, third in league standings, trail league leaders the Thompson/Okanagan Rockets by seven points, and second-place team Vancouver Fusion by two.

Two other Invermere girls – Holly Nikirk and Jayme Saunders – also play on the Nelson-based Kootenay Wildcats.

Burning up the ice on Lake Windermere Shawn Tegart and Ken Hatt of Invermere have been turning heads on Lake Windermere as they rip around a homemade course on their dirt bikes. The bikes have been modified for the sport, commonly referred to as ice-racing. They are fitted with street tires that are equipped with ice screws to grip the

slippery surface, and ice fenders to protect the rider from the studded tires. The two men, both Supermoto competitors, began ice-racing in December as a way to get a little more practise before their summer season, which begins in April.

Photo by Dave Sutherland

“I love working at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.”

“I work at the Ski Hill in the winter and the Mountainside Course in the summer. It’s a fun place to work and I love the free golf and other benefits!” — John, Mountainside Golf Course

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort has lots of great employment opportunities. Are you reliable, friendly and service-oriented? You should apply for a job here! Here are just some of the positions that are currently available, starting in March and April:

t Server t Lifeguard t Front Desk t Café Counter Help t Retail Clerk

t Cook t RV Park Attendant t Room Attendant t Guest Services

t Kitchen Help t Esthetician t Greenskeeper t Golf Shop Attendant

To apply, please send your resume with references to: David Sheedy: e-mail hr@fhsr.com, fax 250.345.6616, or call 250.345.6004.

fairmonthotsprings.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

January 15, 2010

Pioneer Classifieds

• • • •

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

thank you

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

storage

COMMERCIAL SPACE

SUITE FOR RENT

The family of Bruce McMurray would like to thank Dr. White, the nurses of the Invermere and District Hospital, the RCMP, paramedics, and the Radium Fire Department for their care and compassion. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to everyone for their flowers, cards, phone calls, and visits. We would like to extend a very special thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends for their ongoing love and support. We could not imagine going through this difficult time without you. We feel truly blessed to live in such a caring and supportive community. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. Bruce was a wonderful man who meant the world to us and will forever be in our hearts.

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. Call 250-342-2424 for more info.

Windy Cafe is offering 10% off all take out and eat in orders for all of January. Now open for lunch, 250-342-6001.

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE

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

Please call 250-270-0270.

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS! One or two bdrm bungalows, by the week or month! Call 250-3456365, Fairmont Bungalows.

s

Calling all artists!

Smoking Water Cafe is opening their gallery and is now looking for artwork to display. Please contact Steph at 250-341-7774.

obituary

s

Margaret “Marge” Gibson

HALL RENTAL Invermere Seniors Hall Rentals.

Space for weddings, parties or any special event.

To book call Tomi @ 250-342-9532.

CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to everyone who so generously donated to the Christmas Eve fireworks in Wilmer.

LOST & FOUND Lost somewhere between Windermere Beach and the bowling alley; a pair of bright orange ski gloves, cream & pink toque, cream scarf. Reward, please call 250-342-6210.

April 24, 1936 – January 8, 2010

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society – a very dear cause to our family.

You own it, we can store it!

Secure, fenced compounds, any size up to one acre. Secure containers available. Would also build building to suit for long term tenant. Zoned Heavy Industrial. Invermere Industrial Park. Phone 250-342-5297, 250346-3011 or 250-342-2100.

COMMERCIAL SPACE 1350 sq.ft. store front property, 7549 Main Street West, Radium, 250-342-6633.

A LOCAL SECRET, GELATI TASTES BETTER IN THE WINTER!

We are sorry to inform you Marge, the wife and best friend of George Gibson passed away suddenly on January 8, 2010. She leaves behind her family; sister, Joyce Kiselbach, daughters, Trudy Skiffington (Ed), Holly Price (Norman), sons, Allen Wall (Taylore Beltan), Glen Wall (Marilyn McAteer), Dan Wall (Deb Nault), Brian Gibson (Laurie), Wayne Gibson (Julie).

Please understand Marge’s wishes were to bring a “smile” and laugh with us as we celebrate a truly wonderful person’s life.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park, 250-342-3166.

ANNOUNCEMENT

If Margaret “Marge” Gibson of Invermere, BC, touched your life in any way.... Please read this.

Marge’s many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and close friends will be pleased to greet you at the Black Forest Restaurant in Invermere on Saturday, January 16th from 12:00 to 3:00 pm for tea and snacks.

Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637

Panache Building, Invermere, B.C. Beautiful building near public beach and walking distance to hundreds of condos in Canada’s most perfect fourseason town! 2400 feet on main, with two 1200-foot world-class apartments up. Perfect location for restaurant or retail. For info, call 250-342-5525.

864 sq.ft. warehouse space with loading dock, unheated, $656.25/month includes GST, available immediately. Call 250342-3637.

Office/retail for lease. Street front location in Invermere, from $450/month. Flexible layouts and square footages. Incentives available with year lease.

Competitive rates. Mountain Creek Properties. To view call 250-342-6912.

Agricultural opportunities on two 5 acre (approximately) parcels, near Invermere, one creekside, negotiable. Call Stan, 250-409-9049.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION 2 rooms in Westside Park, $400 + shared utilities, 250-3423399.

• •

everyday of the week!

Features free internet with • purchase!

Features free re-fills on coffee!

soups every day!

Has an extensive menu ranging from grilled sandwiches to pitas!

SUITE FOR RENT Affordable accommodation in Invermere, $550 and up.

Furnished, utilities, phone, cable, and some housekeeping/ laundry service included, 250342-6618.

CARRIAGE COURT APARTMENTS Conveniently located behind Sobey’s within walking distance to downtown. 2 bdrm townhouse units, outside entrance. Sliding glass doors open onto balcony, overlooking private courtyard.

Fireplace and W/D included in each unit. Long term preferred, N/P, $750 - $850/month + DD. Utilities not included. Available immediately, 250-342-8781.

Hillcrest furnished apartments, utilities included. 1 bdrm units, $600/month, 2 bdrm units, $800/month. 250-341-1182.

2 bdrm, lower level apartment, stove, fridge, W/D, $800/month, includes power and heat, N/P, N/S. Beautiful for seniors, 250342-9532 or 250-342-3418.

Radium, 1 bdrm apartment, $650 including cable & utilities.

2 bdrm apartment, $800, including cable and utilities.

Bachelor efficiency, $550, available immediately. DD, N/S, N/P, references required. Call Don or Susan, 250-342-6908 or 250-347-7775.

Furnished bachelor suite available Jan. 1st, $550/month + DD, N/S, non partier, includes cable & utilities, 250-342-6178.

Invermere, 2 bdrm apartment, separate entrance, W/D, N/S, N/P, $750/month + utilities, references required, 250-3423245.

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Pioneer Classifieds

• • • •

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

SUITE FOR RENT

house FOR RENT

house FOR RENT

house FOR RENT

CONDO FOR RENT

CONDO FOR RENT

Wilmer, bright 1 bdrm walk-out basement suite, $700 includes utilities, cable, private entrance, W/D, available immediately, 250-342-0035.

FOR RENT

Radium, 2 bdrm trailer with addition, partially furnished, fenced yard/outbuildings, $900/ month + util, 250-342-3841.

Executive Home in Castlerock Estates,

3 bdrm, 2 bath + garage, N/P, N/ S, available now, $1350/month, 250-341-1182.

Invermere, 3 bdrm spacious 1400 sq.ft suite, 2 min. walk to school, all appliances, large fenced yard, pets negotiable, $1100/month + ½ util ($70/ month), 250-270-0906 or 250342-9650.

www.EricRedeker.com

2 bdrm + den condo in Radium.

Fully furnished, 6 appliances, granite, cast iron fireplace, hot tub, pool, underground parking, long or short term rental, 403861-7754.

Downtown Invermere, close to hospital, clean, quiet and secure, 1 & 2 bdrm units. Rents starting at $495/month. For further information call 250-342-6912.

Invermere, 2 bdrm, newly renovated upper suite, close to hospital, D/W, W/D, $850/month including utilities, available Feb. 1st, N/S, N/P, 250-341-6080.

2 bdrm lower walk-out suite in Invermere. Very bright, clean, large lot, N/S, N/P, $875/month, includes utilities, available Jan. 1st. 2 bdrm, 2 bath upper suite, large decks and lot, very clean, N/S, N/P, $1000/month, includes utilities, available immediately, 250-342-9770.

Columere Park, bright, 1 bdrm furnished upstairs suite, private beach, quiet, $650/month, 250345-6524.

2 bdrm lower level walk-out, clean, bright, large windows.

Excellent downtown location, D/W, W/D, N/S, $850/month, 250-342-3790.

Black Forest Heights, 2 bdrm, N/S, quiet, clean, $775 inclusive, available immediately, 250342-5581.

Contact

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

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

Invermere, 3 bdrm semi, near schools, $850 + utilities, DD, N/S, N/P, references required, available immediately. Call Don or Susan, 250-342-6908 or 250347-7775 (home).

Beautiful newer A-frame home in Fairmont, 5 bdrm, 3 bath, 2 fireplaces, large deck, walkout basement, perfect for large family or singles, available immediately, $1400/month + utilities, 403-239-7037 or 403836-9701, email cleawhite@ shaw.ca.

Exclusive Timber Ridge Phase III, 1400 sq.ft. bungalow on ½ acre, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, N/P, N/S, DD required, $1350 includes propane and water, private beach and tennis courts, 403685-3134 or 403-615-3134.

Radium cabin, $600, utilities included, 250-347-6420 or 250341-1577.

Downtown Radium, large 3 bdrm, all appliances, $800 + hydro + DD. References required, available immediately, 250-3476420 or 250-341-1577.

2 bdrm older home with garage.

Very reasonable rent to include utilities, references, DD, available soon. Reply to, Landlord, Box 362, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0.

3 bdrm home in Windermere.

Upper suite with lake views, just renovated including new appliances. $975 + ½ utilities.

Call 250-342-8862 for more info.

Invermere, charming 4 bdrm, 2 bath home, next to Kinsmen Beach, N/S, N/P, available immediately, $1600/month + utilities, references and DD required, 403-246-6680.

Renovated Dry Gulch Bungalow, 2 plus bdrms, 2 bath, $800 + util. + $400 DD, references, available Feb. 1st, 250-342-9813.

$2300/month + DD + Util.

Large Master Suite – double sinks, walk-in closet, propane fireplace, den, 2 large bdrms with in floor heat. Dream kitchen – granite counters, wood burning fireplace, great room. N/S only, N/P, available Feb 15th, 1 year lease, 403-8018905.

View Utube, River Park, BC, exceptional value! New 2 bdrm house, ½ garage, all appliances, W/D, N/S, N/P, FREE cable, $885/ month, 250-345-2104.

Modern 4 bdrm house, 2 bath, large deck and yard, wired storage shed, great central location between schools, downtown, and lake, D/W, W/D, N/S, $1450/month. Available Feb. 1st, 250-342-3790.

4 bdrm, 2 bath, large rec room, upgraded kitchen and great room, W/D, wood stove, garage, corner lot, large backyard, walking distance to schools, hospital and town. Pets negotiable, avail immediately, $1600 + utilities. Call Mark 403-803-7306 or Neil, 250-3417084.

CONDO for sale

603 Horsethief Condos

$116,900

3-1005 7th Avenue, Downtown Invermere 250-342-5914 • www.1stChoiceRealty.ca

Radium, Stanley Street, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den, insuite laundry, laminate flooring, fireplace, A/C, 2 underground parking stalls, N/ P, N/S, available November 1st, $1100/month + DD, utilities included, 403-472-8992.

2 bdrm condo, D/T Invermere, furnished. N/S, N/P, available immediately, $900/month, utilities included, 250-341-1182

Radium, 2 bdrm ground floor with patio, all appliances, $950/month includes utilities, available immediately. Call Richard, 250-341-6888 or 403613-6815 (cell).

Top floor Radium condo, unfurnished, 2 brm, 2 bath, in suite laundry, underground parking, available immediately, $950/month utilities included, 780-903-0900.

Invermere, beautiful condo close to downtown, 3 bdrms, 3 bath, 5 appliances, large storage room and attached garage. Will go fast @ $1150/month + utilities!

Call Kevin for evening showings, 780-982-1140.

1 bdrm condo on Radium Golf Course. Fully furnished, including all utilities & cable, $800/month, 250-427-4997.

Invermere, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, behind hospital, next to playground, newly renovated, clean, N/S, N/P, laundry, secure building, $800 + DD, includes utilities but not electricity, 250342-7547.

Akiskinook Resort 1 bdrm furnished condo, $700/month.

3 bdrm furnished condo, $1100/ month. Radium Resort 1 bdrm furnished villa, $700/month plus hydro, cable included, N/S, N/P for all condos, 403-2935659.

recreational VEHICLES

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

January 15, 2010

Pioneer Classifieds CONDO FOR RENT

Misc. For Sale

Sable Ridge Resort, Radium, 3rd floor, 1 bdrm luxury condo.

Fully furnished and stocked with amenities, just move in!

Penthouse furnishings, gourmet kitchen, ensuite laundry, Queen bed, flat screen TV, fireplace, BBQ, underground parking, outdoor hot tubs, clubhouse, seasonal pool.

Long-term rental, $795/month including utilities. JOE, 403-830-0799.

Electric bed, twin, CSA approved with remote control. $400 OBO, can deliver, 403-239-1175.

Family home in quiet area of Wilder subdivision, some renos.

Priced to sell at $325,000. call 250-342-9446.

condo FOR SALE Brand new 1600 sq.ft. D/T Invermere, 3 bdrm, 2 bath + garage. Reduced to $299,900 + GST, www.cedarwoodglen.com, 250-341-1182.

Affordable condo downtown Invermere, fully furnished, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, $139,900, 250341-1182.

Misc. For Sale Firewood – Cut, split and delivered. Fir & pine mix, $180/ half cord, $275/full cord. Birch $275/half cord, $400/full cord.

Larch now available, 250-6880143.

Larch firewood, ½ or full cord, 250-342-5790.

Firewood for sale. Pine/fir mix $225/cord. Larch $300/cord, pine also available. Delivered anywhere in the valley, 250341-5551.

Full sized 8 person hot tub with cover. Excellent working condition, only $1000. Call Todd, 250-341-1966.

Dry, split, birch wood bundles, $5. Call 250-346-3275.

4 snow tires, used only 3 months, P205/75R 14 – 950, $200.00 OBO, 250-347-2347.

Winter Blizzak tires, 195/60R 14 on 4 bolt Acura/Honda rims.

Excellent condition, used 1 year, $500, 250-345-6690.

BE YOUR OWN BOSS Anglz Hair &Tanning Studio is for sale. This well established family hair salon has been in business for 11 ½ years. It is a well known salon located in Invermere, BC, in the Windermere Valley. Anglz has friendly staff and a constant flow of regular clients. Anglz provides all hair services, 4 stations, a tanning room, waxing/massage room, and a pedicure/manicure area. Seller would stay on part-time as a stylist, under a chair rental agreement.

Call Maria, 250-342-3227.

Nearly new washer/dryer, white, Kenmore (Whirlpool), high efficiency, excellent condition, $900, 250-341-1052.

Vehicles FOR SALE 2002 Subaru Outback Ltd. Wagon, 179,000 kms, black, AWD, auto, leather, $8950, 250342-4808.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE Yamaha 360 Enduro, runs, comes with parts, bike $500, 250-6881270.

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

Phone 250-341-8033 (cell) – 24/7. Not on valley time.

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

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Services Vacuums Parts, repairs & accessories, All makes & models Central Vacuums – sales and installations Bonded & licensed Fine Homeservices 250-342-9207, fhs@telus.net Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-3425089 DK Woodworks Kitchen refurbishing, furniture repair/refinishing,customcabinets, mantles, bookcases, benches… etc. for all your woodworking needs 250-688-1335.

CAREERS

Looking for a job or career?

The Trades Industry Wants You!

SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

HOUSE FOR SALE

Architectural Shingles, 3000 sq.ft. dark green, used 16”x36” panels, $5500 OBO. 2’ x 8’ x 10” white Styrofoam insulation panels, best offer. Call Bob, 250345-6668 Fairmont.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

• • • •

Check out one of our upcoming sessions to get information on specific trades.

Next information session: Wednesday, January 20th, 7-9 p.m.

College of the Rockies 2-1535 14th Street, Invermere

Call Today!

Roy Cimolai, Trades Assistance Program Ph: 250-421-9212 • E-mail: rcimolai@sica.bc.ca

Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

Housekeepers/Room Attendants Bighorn Meadows Resort is currently seeking detail oriented, energetic, room attendants and laundry personnel. Related experience will be considered an asset. Full or part-time hours are available. Eligible candidates must have the ability to work weekends.

Bighorn Meadows Resort is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary/health benefit package and is committed to providing a superior employee experience.

Interested applicants please forward your confidential resume to: pbusch@bighornmeadows.ca or by fax to (250)-347-2311 attention Pearl.

FOOD GURU (P/T) Working independently in the mornings 1-2 days per week, your creation of delectable baked goods and pastries, fresh prepared lunch items and seasonal specialties will be showcased daily in the Kicking Horse Café. Formal cooking/baking training is not a requirement; fast and efficient food production experience is essential – as are fastidious organization and kitchen cleanliness. Additional hours may be available, providing coverage over holidays or in other departments.

We provide work/life balance, a good wage, a steady paycheck, stability, and the opportunity to work with one of the finest teams in the country! Email us at jobs@ kickinghorsecoffee.com or fax 250-342-4450. We will contact successful applicants.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

Services

Services

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

ACT NOW! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 2009 PRICING. OFFER EXPIRES JAN. 31ST, 2010.

Blinds, Drapery, Bedding Customized...plus a savings!

High quality & lifetime warranty commercial or residential Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Call a professional today; for a free consultation 250-349-7507 or 250-342-5749 shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca

Dry in one hour!

Call 250-688-0213.

Flooring installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood.

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

Services

Dog Grooming.

Call now to make your appointment 250-342-6178.

Services

careers

Tile & Slate Installs

Fairmont Creek Property Management

Journeyman Tilesetter 30+ years experience Custom Steam Rooms, Showers and Floors All work Guaranteed Competitive rates.

Call 250-341-5645.

Is accepting applications for a Head Housekeeper responsible for the overall management of the housekeeping department.

For detailed job description or to submit resume contact: info@ fairmontcreek.ca.

Call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.

Deadline for next Friday’s issue is Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

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

Auto Financing

Career Training

Financial Services

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Need a vehicle? Good or Bad credit call Stephanie1-877-7920599. www.autocreditfast.ca.

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Contact us for your no obligation quote. ads@bccommunitynews. com or 1-866-669-9222.

Business Opportunities

Career Training

IF YOU OWN A HOME or real estate, ALPINE CREDITS will lend you money: It’s That Simple.

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WANTED INVESTORS, BUSINESS OWNERS & FINANCIAL Agents Lucrative Income! High degree of Security & Returns. 16 year history. Not stocks / mutual funds. Training provided.

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Contact CanScribe at 1 - 8 0 0 - 4 6 6 -15 3 5 , www.canscribe.com, info@ canscribe.com.

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Start your own successful business. You’ll receive fullcolour texts, DVDs, assignments, and personal tutoring. FREE BROCHURE. * 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 6 7-1 8 2 9 *. www.qceventplanning. com.

Employment Opportunities AREA MANAGERS, 1 in Cold Lake Region, 1 in Slave Lake/ Whitecourt region. Responsible for procurement and delivery of all area projects related to roadway infrastructure: municipal, industrial/ commercial/residential, and highway. Provides planning, operational and technical support to ensure safe, timely and high quality project completion. Personal skills promote and build good relationships with all clients.

See website: www.knelsen. com or contact Bernard 780841-1701 or Email: bernardw@ knelsen.com.

COMMUNITY CLASSIFIEDS get read! Find out how you can reach millions of consumers each week. 1-866-669-9222.

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For Sale Misc.

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For Sale Misc.

Homes For Sale

Services

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Health Personals

DIAL-A-LAW offers general information on a variety of topics on law in BC. 604- 6874680 (Lower Mainland) or 1.800.565.5297 (Outside LM); www.dialalaw.org (audio available). Lawyer Referral Service matches people with legal concerns to a lawyer in their area. Participating lawyers offer a 30 minute consultation for $25 plus tax. Regular fees follow once both parties agree to proceed with services. 604687-3221 (Lower Mainland) or 1.800.663.1919 (Outside LM).

#1 PARDON SERVICE - We can remove your criminal record in 6 months! Receive FREE pardon or waiver evaluation.

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NEED A BUILDING? MSC’s crews travel Western Canada selling, erecting and servicing our client’s pre-engineered steel building needs. Call Metal Structure Concepts today! 1800-979-2993.

DATING SERVICE. Long-Term/ Short-Term Relationships, FREE CALLS.1-877-297-9883. E x c h a n g e v o i c e me s s a g e s , v o i c e mailboxes.1-888534-6984. L i v e a d u l t c a s u a l conversations-1on1, 1-866311-9640, Meet on chat-lines.

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Pioneer Classifieds

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Steel Buildings

SPOT THE DEALS! N E W S PA P E R

250-341-6299 • upioneer@telus.net

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

January 15, 2010

FAITH

Baptism unites God’s family

By Father Jim McHugh Canadian Martyrs’ Church Last Sunday, the church celebrated the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord.

I reflected upon how the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity became one with us.

Creator united himself with creature, so that we could unite ourselves with him. In Saint Luke’s Gospel it is recounted, “Now when all the people had been baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form, like a dove.

And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’” (Luke 3:2122) Not only does God become Man, but, by accepting baptism, Jesus has shown all of humanity the way to salvation. It is through baptism that we enter into the family of God – the Church.

I remember growing up at home with my brother and sister. At times, it seemed, we couldn’t stand each other. We complained about each other and the rules Mom and Dad made us live by, but one thing was never in doubt. We loved each other. Sometimes, we didn’t show it much, but we never doubted it. In fact,

that love was manifested in the family rules.

We went to Mass, even when we didn’t feel like going. We ate at least one meal together every day at the family supper table, and our parents were respected, loved, and obeyed (and still are).

Mom and Dad taught us, they nurtured us, and they disciplined us when required.

Now, all three of us children are adults with lives of our own and we still call Mom and Dad at least weekly.

I still ask for advice (sometimes), and I still give my little brother a hard time about some things. So, in reality, I am and always will be a member of my parents’ family.

Baptism is like that; once we are members of God’s family, we will always be members of his family.

Some people stop participating in family functions, sighing and complaining about their brothers and sisters or leader’s actions as their justification.

In doing this, they cut themselves off from God’s love and only hurt themselves.

Our baptism unites us with God and his sons and daughters in the Church, so let us pray for unity in his family.

This year, I hope the family of faith with which I have been entrusted as Father, will grow in love and holiness despite my own manifold weaknesses and shortcomings.

Just as Jesus prayed for his disciples, so I pray for each of you and I ask for your prayers for me.

May the Lord bless you in this New Year.

Youth writers could win $1,000

By Pioneer Staff Young adults aged between 15 and 29 are being encouraged to draw on their creative genius.

The Columbia Basin Trust is seeking entries in its first-ever Scratch Writing Challenge.

“This writing challenge will be a tremendous opportunity for youth who love to write, to have the chance to be published in Scratch Magazine and to have their story read by people across the Columbia Basin,” said Michelle d’Entremont, Columbia Basin Trust youth liaison.

Young writers have until March 31st to submit a 3,000- to 5,000-word fictional story that has not

been previously published.

Submissions will be narrowed down to 10 finalists by a selection committee of published authors, instructors, and a library representative. All ten finalists will appear in the special summer edition of Scratch Magazine.

Along with being published, a grand prize of $1,000 and a runner-up prize of $500 will be awarded, and each of the remaining 10 finalists will receive a $100 gift certificate to their favourite area book store. The winner of the Readers’ Choice Award will also receive a $300 gift certificate to their favourite book store. Visit www.scratchonline.ca/challenge for more information.

Valley Churches

Lake Windermere Alliance Church Sunday, January 17th, 10:30 a.m.: Special guest speaker Rev. Tim Tjosvold, international worker to Niger, West Africa.

K.I.D.S. Church, for children ages 3 to 12, during the service.

Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Sunday 8:30 a.m.: Worship at All Saints, Edgewater 10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sharing Truth, Showing Love Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship and Word Kids’ Church provided.

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 Sunday 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, Sunday 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

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

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

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

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

250-342-6415

PANORAMA - SUPER VALUE!

Spacious 2 bedroom and Loft. Not in a rental pool, so immediate possession with all the inclusions. Imagine being central for ski in ski out,fun in the hot tubs, the Waterpark, Greywolf Golf, tennis, volley ball, mountain biking, hiking and lots more?

ONLY $268,000.

• Radium • Invermere • Panorama • Windermere • Fairmont Call 250-341-6151 or 1-888-341-6155

MLS# K190021

www.rayfergusonrealty.ca

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 15, 2010

FEbRuARy NIGHT SKIING—STARlIGHT SATuRdAyS Night skiing returns to the Fairmont Hot Springs Family Ski Area– every Saturday evening throughout February. Hit the slopes and enjoy Starlight Saturday nights—February 6, 13, 20, 27 only. Hours: 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

FIRE & ICE FESTIvAl NIGHT SKIING— ONE FRIdAy ONly—JANuARy 22Nd! Celebrate the Fire & Ice Festival in Fairmont Hot Springs with a special one-off Friday late night Ski Hill event!

THE 27TH ANNuAl STARlIGHT CHAllENGE. REGISTER NOW! The annual recreational racing under the stars event. Every Saturday night in February, enjoy friendly racing at the Fairmont Hot Springs Family Ski Area. NEW for 2010—two sets of races: Weekly Drop-in Youth Heats (ages 8-18), just $22 per night including lift pass, and the traditional Four Week Adult Heats.

Register your adult team of four for the series including awards dinner and lift tickets now—just $89 per person. Adult drop-in racers welcome, just $25 per night including lift pass. Call 250.345.6037.

DREAMING ABOUT...

GOLF? SAVE BIG with Early Bird Books of Ten Golf Passes!

Treat yourself (or the golfer in your life) to a book of ten rounds, redeemable at both Riverside and Mountainside Golf Courses.

Buy now and save! A book of ten is just $499 + tax, and worth up to $800 in value.

Call 250.345.6346 for details.

SHOP, SWIM & SOAK! The Mid-Winter Shop, Swim & Soak Event is back! From January 15th through February 15th, receive a FREE Adult Swim Pass when you spend $75 (before taxes) at the Lobby or Poolside Shops.

Poolside Shop features Western Canada’s largest swimwear selection, and a great collection of cruisewear for your winter getaway.