vol8issue47

November 25, 2011 Vol. 8/Issue 47

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 November 25, 2011

P ioneer

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CURL GIRLS AIM high

Bears fare well

3 election results

8 WINTER GUIDE

This quartet of local curlers has their brooms pointed towards the goal of becoming Team B.C., and eventually making it to the Olympics. Read their story on page 23. Pictured, left to right: Stephanie Schroeder (First), Theresa Wood (Second), Holly Jones (Third), and Jill Andrews (Skip).

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

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By Pioneer Staff An eagle rescued this summer and rehabilitated by the Invermere Veterinary Clinic is soaring above the valley once again after her release on Saturday, November 19th.

Lola, a bald eagle, was found with an injured shoulder by the J2 ranch near Canal Flats at the start of the summer. After her injuries healed, the rehabilitation process began with local vet, Mark Zehnder, flying Lola on a tether to strengthen her wing.

But as her progress was slow, Lola was sent to the Orphaned Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Delta to continue her recovery.

Once healed, the only task left was to return Lola to the spot where she was found, giving her the best chance of survival, and let her take to the skies. Lola was also fitted with a metal ring allowing her movements to be tracked if she is ever recaptured.

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November 25, 2011

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Valley NEWS

Fewer bear conflicts in valley this year

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Most bears in the Columbia Valley are now hibernating, and the successful Bear Aware program instituted by the Village of Radium Hot Springs and the District of Invermere is wrapping up for the season.

Only one problem bear was destroyed in Invermere this year, said Bear Aware Community Coordinator, Crystal Leonard, who was hired after a record number of problem bears were destroyed in the valley last year.

There were no problem bears destroyed in Radium Hot Springs this year — quite a change from the five Radium conflict bears that were killed last season.

The biggest attractant that draws bears into town is garbage left out overnight, said Ms. Leonard, so one of the first initiatives she undertook was a week or so of

“garbage raids” in Invermere. Ms. Leonard would prowl the community under the cover of darkness, leaving reminder stickers on garbage bins and bags left unattended.

“The number of residents who left their garbage out went from 42 to 14 after my first night of stickering. That number didn’t increase all summer,” said Ms. Leonard.

As 54 per cent of all bear attractants in Radium consist of improperly stored garbage, and 62 per cent in Invermere, reducing the numbers may have had a significant impact on problem bear numbers, she said.

Other initiatives Ms. Leonard undertook to help educate the public about important bear aware facts included information kiosks at a number of major events, school outreach programs, door-to-door visits and even organizing a fruit swap program that connected fruit

pickers with residents who have fruit trees but do not need the fruit.

“Fruit trees are the second largest bear attractant, so finding a solution for the unwanted fruit that just falls to the ground every season was important,” she said.

Something Ms. Leonard would like to see improve within the communities is the prompt reporting of bear sightings by residents, as she found many reports came in long after the fact.

Anyone spotting a bear within their community is asked to call the Conservation Officer Service’s RAPP line immediately. Doing this allows more accurate information to be recorded which helps both the Conservation Officers and the Bear Aware Community Coordinator to respond more effectively and continue to develop effective strategies for dealing with problem bears.

Shelter provides safe haven for women and children

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff For women fleeing violence, starting over can be an intimidating and difficult proposition. To help alleviate some of the stresses, the Family Resource Centre in Invermere has been working towards establishing a women’s shelter that would allow women and children who are leaving an abusive situation the time needed to get their lives together and separate themselves from their former situation.

The actual facility was donated rent-free, said Executive Director of the Family Resource Centre, Pat Cope, and through generous donations from the community the house is now furnished and food is sup-

plied by the food bank.

It cost in excess of $10,000 to get the facility up and running, but it is a much-needed service, said Ms. Cope, as last year alone 33 women and 12 children utilized the shelter services administered by the centre. In the past, the only shelters available were rooms in people’s existing homes, so having a standalone facility allows for longer term stays as the individual gets the help needed to start over, said Ms. Cope.

“We have operated since the early 90s delivering safe homes and this is just an extension of that. Having our own facility allows us to deliver service for a longer period of time. Some women aren’t comfortable in a stranger’s home for an extended period of time and it easily takes 30 days to help a woman get

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set up if she has nothing. Especially if there are children involved,” she said.

There is still a need for volunteers and donations, and the resource centre is looking for individuals willing to take on an evening shift in the shelter, as well as donations of any household items that could be used to make home supply kits for women who are leaving the shelter with nothing.

“We have a storage facility where we can keep tables, chairs and beds. Often when a woman leaves a situation they leave everything behind,” said Ms. Cope.

For more information about the women’s shelter, or to make a donation, contact Ms. Cope at (250) 342-5566. Currently the catchment area for the shelter runs from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

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Thank You

to all the business who donated and to everyone who came out to support Pierre. There were over 100 people there! It was a great night. A HUGE thank you to Al Miller for acting as MC, Anne Riches for the Catering, and Joyce from the Dollar Store for all her help with the baskets. And thank you to everyone who donated personally that could not make it out that night.

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43-year-old driver from Invermere blew a ‘warn.’ As a result, the vehicle was impounded for three days. The driver was also charged with driving without a driver’s licence. The passenger was charged with having open liquor in a vehicle.

Movember update Cst. Tim Harper has the Columbia Valley Detachment registered online to raise money for further research in prostate cancer: http://mobro.co/ColumbiaValleyRCMP. Tim advises that through the kindness of your donations, to date we have raised about $1,600, with money still coming in.

Thanks, keep the money coming in! We still have some time to go in November, so register online with a donation and let’s break the $2,000 mark. Here is the deal, I was in Troop 22; if we break the $2,200 mark, I will keep the moustache off until December 25th.

• On November 18th at 3:10 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP attended to a single-vehicle accident near Bella Vista Blvd. and Hwy 93/95. A 2007 GMC driven by a 52-year-old male from Alberta lost control on poor road conditions and entered the ditch. There was extensive damage to the car, but only minor injuries to the driver.

• On November 18th at 9:30 p.m., detachment members responded to a complaint in the 1300 block of 12A Ave., Invermere. A dirt bike was located in the area and was found to have been stolen out of Regina. The investigation is continuing.

• On November 19th at 3:30 p.m., police received a complaint of a break-and-enter in the 7000 block of Columbia Ridge Dr. This offence happened between October 15th and the time the offence was discovered on November 19th. A window was pried open and it was determined that a small amount of cash was stolen. The investigation continues.

• On November 20th at 2:40 a.m., a vehicle was observed turning onto 13th Street, Invermere, without signaling. Given the hour of the offence and that it was the weekend, a routine check was done to determine if the driver was drinking. The driver admitted to having consumed liquor. An ASD demand was read and the

Re-opening Early December Under New Ownership

Doggone lucky This week, Cst. Scott Myers wrote up a report about saving a dog from a near-drowning and death in the mighty Columbia River near Edgewater.

What could have been documented about the November 19th event in a paragraph, took two pages.

He starts off by reporting that the day was a cold Saturday (-13 degrees Celsius), when an operator bellowed over the radio that a dog had fallen through thin ice and was struggling, caught between the ice.

Cst. Myers advised that he ran to his police vehicle, careful not to fall. This was probably the first time in his career that he ran to his vehicle. He advised he started his long journey to Edgewater. In my opinion, had he been more aware of Edgewater, he would have discovered it’s really not that long of a journey. Probably needed to check his map.

Upon arrival, he scanned the river with his one good eye and observed the dog struggling to get back onto the ice. He realized the route to the river was a steep embankment and determined it was not a safe place to descend. Truth be told, he has gained weight since training and knew he would not be able to get back up.

He jumped in his car to get to a better location. He realized he was out of his expertise and called upon dog control officer Sam Fiddler to attend for assistance.

Attempting to get into a better position, he came upon a young boy and, according to his report, made the brilliant deduction that this was the person who made the 911 call. Cst. Myers is going places in this outfit.

RCMP Report continued on page 5 . . .

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

November 25, 2011 . . . RCMP Report continued from page 4 The young male took Cst. Myers to a location to get as close as possible. Cst. Myers called out to the dog, identifying himself as a police officer and demanding the dog swim to shore! No doubt the dog is thinking, “This is who they send to rescue me?”

Cst. Myers documented that “This would be more trying than he could have imagined.”

I interpret this as: the dog is a goner.

Fortunately, Sam Fiddler arrived with some rope and made attempts to latch on to the dog. Cst. Myers stated that he checked on the stability of the ice and noticed it was weak at best. So, he sent Fiddler on the ice. My hero.

Sam put the rope around her waist and proceeded to walk out on the ice while Cst. Myers stayed dry on shore holding the end of the rope in case she fell through. He is trained in CPR. Attempts failed, even though they were now closer to the struggling dog. Cst. Myers stated in his report that he showed no emotion, but focused on the task at hand — that being staying dry and on shore. Sam walked out further, but although her attempts were close, she was still falling short of reaching the dog.

Cst. Myers had also called the Edgewater Fire Department, and by this time, two firemen with a canoe arrived. Cst. Myers felt confident that his call to Fire Rescue would save this dog. One fireman was in the canoe while the second fireman tied the end of the rope around himself. The canoe broke though the ice, while the second fireman attempted to pull the canoe back. Fearing

the ice would break on the second fireman, Cst. Myers finally jumped into action, put his life on the line and got on the ice to help get the canoe, fireman and dog back to safety.

All rescuers provided warm jackets for the freezing and nearly-dead dog, and rushed to the animal clinic.

The dog’s core temperature was raised through a hot bath and as Cst. Myers concluded his report,“The dog will live to chase another cat.”

As Cst. Myer’s supervisor, I would like to take this time to thank the young boy who called in this report, Sam Fiddler and the Edgewater Fire Deptartment for being directly responsible for saving this helpless, doomed dog, and for making Cst. Myers look good. Given the read on his report, why, I wondered, did he not just walk on the water and save this dog right from the start?

Cheers to all involved. Scott, I am forwarding a request for a medal of bravery.

A huge cheers to Dale Verge and Tristan Weismiller for calling 911 after hearing our dog Roxy crying for help when she fell through the ice in the river behind Edgewater school. You boys saved her with your quick thinking! Cheers to the Edgewater Fire Department, the first responders, the RCMP, The Invermere Vet Clinic and to Sam Fiddler, who went out on the ice and pulled her out. You are all heros and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts; you saved a member of our family. ~ Keirna, Ian, Monica, Kylea and Jamie Nittel.

And Roxy too, of course!

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

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

perspective

Ride it out

Historical Lens

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Since the excitement of election night in the Columbia Valley, I’ve been reflecting on the candidates’ platforms and sifting through notes from pre-election forums and interviews. Of all the recurring trends, there’s one that repeated itself throughout the election campaign: economic development.

Among the candidates, you’d be hard-pressed to find one who didn’t speak out about the need to prop up the valley’s somewhat stalled economy and even out the lopsided scale between summer and winter seasons.

Candidates’ approaches to achieve this unified goal varied, but included increasing tourism, hosting bigger and better festivals and events, and promoting building development.

Marketing the area to promote tourism and hosting fun-filled events surely boosts our area’s image and helps supplement pieces of a missing major economic driver, but those aren’t “the” answer to our economic woes.

We need something bigger, like a major development, a new or revived industry, or bucket loads of money to start falling from the sky.

The problem is, even for those who wish for an increase in building developments, there aren’t exactly developers lined up around the block (except for one major development I don’t dare mention). I recently spoke with a local realtor, who told me that of the nearly 800 real estate listings currently for sale in the entire Columbia Valley, last month only 9 sold. The month before that?

Similar numbers. And the month before that? You guess.

So if councils have few development applications to mull over, and they’re already supporting valley events and tourism marketing programs, what else is their role in helping the much-touted ‘economic development’ push?

In my opinion, it’s accepting that there is in fact no magical solution to the current economic downturn. The economy, and our valley’s economy in particular, will eventually pick itself up off the floor when Canada’s population in general has more money to spend. Until then, it is the role of municipalities to ensure that our towns have the best and most improved infrastructure possible, so when the time comes when developers, tourists, and locals are ready to spend again, we’re ready to go.

Moustached men In the spirit of Movember, the moustache-growing month of November that raises awareness for prostate cancer, we selected this photo of three coiffed cuties as this week’s Historical Lens image. The photo, believed to be from the 1920s is of James L. McKay (left), Will Wickwire (middle), and an unkown gentleman (right). If you have any more information or memories about this photo, e-mail us at info@cv-pioneer.com.

Photo C1594 courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Pioneer Toy Drive helps kids in need Pioneer Staff It’s that time of year when children begin making their Christmas wishlists in anticipation of finding their heart’s desires nestled under the Christmas tree.

For some children of families in need however, wishlists remain just that — a wish.

If you want to make a difference in an underprivileged child’s Christmas this year, and at the same time clear out some of the toys that have been piling up at home, consider donating your gently used toys to the Columbia Valley Pioneer’s first annual Toy Drive.

We will be collecting gently used toys between December 5th and 9th, and will host a sale of used toys on December 10th.

All proceeds from the sale will be used to sponsor children from the Angel Tree program, making Columbia Valley children’s Christmas wishes come true.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer proudly supports Movember and the fight against prostate cancer.

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership, Robert W. Doull, President.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Rose-Marie Regitnig Publisher/Sales Manager

Kelsey Verboom Editor

Kate Irwin Reporter/ Special Publications Editor

Joshua Estabrooks Reporter

Kathy Sutherland Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design

Shawn Wernig Graphic Design

Gayle Engstrom Office Assistant

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

November 25, 2011

LETTERS

VOLUNTEERS

Meals on Wheels Program

Crime Bill C-10 isn’t Canada’s answer Dear Editor: I am not in agreement with the Crime Bill C-10. It will make inequality worse.

It’s not tough on crime; it’s tough on Canadians suffering from mental illness, addictions, and poverty. It targets youth for harsher punishments, and it will put more Aboriginal people in prison.

This crime bill threatens valuable programs. Mandatory sentences will clog the justice system and fill prisons, forcing the provinces, which pay for most of our justice system, to raise taxes, increase debt, or cut spending on essential programs like health and education.

It is time that we as a community speak out publicly to our politicians.

Prime Minister Harper claims that Canadians support tough on crime laws, but I think that thousands of Canadians would ask that their provinces refuse to pay for Crime Bill C-10. Quebec and Ontario have already refused to pay for a strategy that has been tried, and failed.

We need to make Canada safer, not meaner. To reduce crime we should focus on what’s already working — prevention

and rehabilitation — and address the major causes of crime by reducing inequality and supporting people who need help.

This cruel Crime Bill will do none of this, and ultimately will make us meaner, and less safe. I am no expert but it seems to me that mandatory sentences backfire.

They take precious resources from crime prevention programs and rehabilitation, and turn minor offenders into hardened criminals.

Put the money in the hands of the RCMP or other law enforcement strategies that work.

I have heard that Conservative Texans are warning us not to follow a failed fill-the-prisons approach to justice, and the Canadian Bar Association, representing 37,000 Canadian legal professionals, has said Crime Bill C-10 “...would move Canada along a road that has failed in other countries, at great expense,” I encourage others to not stand on the sidelines on this issue. It seems to me that we are targeting the disadvantaged and marginalized at a time when they need support, not prison.

Columbia Garden Village is seeking volunteers to assist in the delivery of hot meals to shut-ins in the Invermere area. Hot meals are delivered between 5:00 and 5:30 p.m. three days a week. If you are interested in helping out once, twice, or three times a week or even once in a while, please contact community manager Adrienne Turner at 250.341.3350 or email aturner@glm.ca.

Thank you Invermere for your support!

GERRY TAFT Mayor of the District of Invermere

I look forward to serving you for the next 3 years. www.gerrytaft.ca

David Farrell, Windermere

Write us a letter

drop them in at 1008-8th Avenue.

E-mail your letters to info@cv- Please keep submissions to 400 words pioneer.com or visit our website at or less. Letters may be edited for conwww.columbiavalleypioneer.com. Or, tent, length, grammar, or accuracy.

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ELECTION By the numbers

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Gerry Wilkie Area G Director Votes: 202

Re

dR

Mayor Dee Conklin Acclaimed

ock

93/95 Hwy 93 /95

Ko o

ten ay Hw y

Edgewater

Roberta Hall Ran for Area G Director Votes: 126

Radium Hot Springs

Ro

ad

Mayor Gerry Taft Votes: 717

Coun. Ron Verboom Votes: 130

Coun. Spring Hawes Votes: 571

Coun. Justin Atterbury Votes: 559

Coun. Greg Anderson Votes: 556

Coun. Paul Denchuck Votes: 528

Al Miller Ran for mayor Votes: 389

Dale Wilker Ran for councillor Votes: 512

Ray Brydon Ran for councillor Votes: 407

Dave McGrath Ran for councillor Votes: 326

Richard Unger Ran for councillor Votes: 289

Rob Dunn Ran for councillor Votes: 195

Stephanie Stevens Ran for councillor Votes: 152

Invermere

Coun. Clara Reinhardt Votes: 130

Coun. Todd Logan Votes: 129

Coun. Karen Larsen Votes: 79

Windermere

Win d

ere

ek R

oad

erm

93/95

Cre

Hw y

Don Devlin Ran for councillor Votes: 73 Tob y

Deborah Fischer Ran for councillor Votes: 78

Lak e

We st

sid

2011 Voter Turnout Voted

eR

93

/95

Fairmont Hot Springs

oa

d

Wendy Booth Area F Director Acclaimed

Abstained ake ia L

mb

u Col

Mayor Ute Juras Acclaimed

Radium: 31.8% Invermere: 50.2% 516 eligible voters 164 voted

2,213 eligible voters 1,112 voted

Coun. Evence Blanchard

Acclaimed

Canal Flats

Area G: 48% 819 eligible voters 396 voted

Hw y Coun. Marie Delorme Acclaimed

Coun. Gilbert Delorme Acclaimed

Coun. Paul Marcil Acclaimed

93

/95 93/95

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9 3.25 x 4.6

November 25, 2011

Taft trumps Miller, one vote decides Radium results

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Hundreds of voters turned out to Columbia Valley polls on November 19th, electing three new faces to Invermere’s council while voting firmly to keep incumbent mayor, Gerry Taft; and keeping a balance of new and returning councillors in Radium Hot Springs in a result that was decided by a single vote.

In Invermere, returning mayor, Gerry Taft, handily beat challenger, current councillor, Al Miller, 717 votes to Councillor Miller’s 389.

The heated 10-person race to secure a seat at the council table wasn’t decided until after midnight. Current councillors Spring Hawes and Ray Brydon were the only two candidates re-running for council, and of the two, Councillor Hawes was the only one to be re-elected.

Three new faces will join Councillor Hawes on District of Invermere council: Justin Atterbury, Greg Anderson, and Paul Denchuk.

“I think the results indicate a desire to have a balanced council that build on local strengths while respecting the views of the residents and our natural environment,” said Mayor Gerry Taft. “I think there was a pretty clear vote against a strong business or development-only agenda. I also think that the voters want a council that set realistic goals about what can be accomplished, and attempts to keep taxes at a reasonable rate.”

After commenting that he was surprised outgoing councillor, Ray Brydon, didn’t do better in the polls, and that he will be missed, Mayor Taft said the new council is an exciting group to be working with.

“It is a very young council — in ages and also in direct experience — but I think that there is a lot of energy and lot of passion,” he said. “There will be a definite learning curve for the new council members, but knowing them individually, I think that they will learn fast and enjoy the challenge.

“The greatest challenge for this new council is going to be working together as a team, accepting that not everything can be accomplished immediately and that sometimes you have to pick one project over another because there is a limited amount of capacity.”

Voter turnout in Invermere was 50.2 per cent: of the

district’s 2,213 eligible voters, 1,112 cast a ballot.

In Radium Hot Springs, election results indicate voters filled out their ballots strategically — third and fourth-ranked councillors were separated by a margin of 25 per cent, while the fourth and fifth-ranked councillors were only a single vote apart.

Veteran Councillor Ron Verboom, who has served on council for all but one term since the village incorporated in 1990, shared top spot in the polls with incumbent Councillor Clara Reinhardt, each earning 130 votes. Only one vote behind, newcomer Todd Logan secured 129 votes. The fourth available council seat went to newcomer Karen Larsen, who made it in with 79 votes, just one vote ahead of Deb Fischer.

Mayor Dee Conklin, who was elected by acclamation, said the incoming council is the perfect blend of experienced and new.

“We have a very balanced council. Ron brings past history and stability. Clara is in her second term and brings present history and a safety background. Todd Logan has been actively involved in the community as a resident and a firefighter, so he brings family and youth strengths to the table. Karen Larsen has jumped into the community with both feet and has been an extremely engaged member; we are lucky to have her as she brings her event organizational skills to the group.

“If we have one weakness,” Mayor Conklin added, “it is that four out of five members have three years or less experience with local politics; we are continually learning.”

Voter turnout in Radium was 31.8 per cent: of the 516 eligible voters, 164 voted. Mayor Conklin said the number of people who voted was “quite disappointing.”

“The candidates were making a commitment to dedicate three years of their lives to the Village – the least the citizens could do was cast their ballot. It is one of our freedoms that I personally take very seriously,” she added.

In Area G, current director, Gerry Wilkie, faced off against Roberta Hall, and won the Area G seat 202 votes to Ms. Hall’s 126. Although Ms. Hall came out strong at the Edgewater polling station 77 votes to Director Wilkie’s 68, Director Wilkie dominated the polls in Wilmer (56 to 4) and Brisco (38 to 18).

The new set of Columbia Valley leaders will take over in December.

What do Columbia Valley councils get paid?

MAYOR (per year)

COUNCILLOR (per year)

VILLAGE OF CANAL FLATS

$5,744

$3,446

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

$20,000

$12,000

VILLAGE OF RADIUM HOT SPRINGS

$9,457

$5,779

The assistance was timely and strategic. CBT’s Basin Business Advisors Program is a top-notch means of fostering a sustainable business culture in the Basin.

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Congratulations to the successful candidates on mayor and council.

A BIG THANK YOU to all who supported me in the campaign. I appreciate it!

Best regards,

Al Miller

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Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 • Email: info@cv-pioneer.com

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

WANTED

League Coordinator & Coaches Hoops Steve Nash Community Basketball Program To run registration, put teams together with volunteer coaches. This program will NOT run unless someone steps forward. Program runs January – March break. For more information call Teresa Rogal at 250-342-7264

Ladies’ Open House Saturdays, 11 am - 4 pm Upstairs at Thredz Every Saturday until Christmas Featuring:

Epicure, Usborne Books, Mary Kay, Norwex, Silpada Design & Tupperware

Brisco Riding Club Annual Awards Night

Saturday, November 26 at Brisco Hall • Roast Beef dinner at 6pm • Awards, live auction and dance Call Karel at 250-347-0085 for shuttle bus information.

November 25, 2011

New smartphone application keeps Kootenays tech-savvy

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Kootenay Rockies Tourism recently released a handy new application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod. The program functions as a tool for both visitors and locals, who can access listings for restaurants, attractions, road reports, maps, and more, from their phones or tablets as they travel.

A NEAR ME function is also included, which instantly displays the various options available in the immediate area of the user. Users can also sign up for event notifications, so they won’t miss out on any of the exciting events going on in the Kootenays.

The information included in the application is populated in real time from the www.KootenayRockies.mobi website, which has been specifically formatted for handheld devices and smart phones. Businesses that have a paid product listing through Tourism B.C. are included automatically, but any business can register with Kootenay Rockies Tourism free of charge.

The app is available from the iTunes App Store for free, and users will be notified of any updates or new versions when they are released. So far the app has been downloaded 124 times, and includes 819 tourism operator pages and 278 event listings. Users are encouraged to send their comments and suggestions to Karen@KootenayRockies.com. For Blackberry and Android users, go to www.KootenayRockies.mobi.

The Kootenay App includes the following functions: • NEAR ME function • Event notifications • Phone numbers activated by a click

Kim and Joan Weaver & Doug and Joyce Root are pleased to announce the marriage of their children Shannon and Stephen.

New! 10” Thai Pizza

HANDY DANDY — The homepage of the newly-released Kootenay App from Kootenay Rockies Tourism. The smartphone application helps travelers navigate the valley while they’re visiting.

Image submitted • Ferry schedules and road reports • Mapping and driving directions • Videos and webcams • Photos and audio clips • Web, Facebook and Twitter links • Comment on a property • Create your own favorites

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page• 11

November 25, 2011

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

HAND-PAINTED HANGERS Effusion Art Gallery in Invermere is currently selling a selection of colourful holiday baubles as a charity fundraiser for the newly-opened Women’s Information and Safe Home. The beautifully handcrafted ornaments are painted by artists of the gallery, and 100 per cent of the proceeds go to the safe home. The new home is run by the Family Resource Centre, who were the recipients of last year’s ornament sales.

PAGE 12

LIGHT-UP PARADE

PAGE 15

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

Photo submitted

Page 13

Lucia Frangione

Internationally produced Playwright & Actor

Bedtime Stories for the Big Kids

Tuesday, Nov. 29, 7:30 pm at Pynelogs What does ART mean to you? Entry by donation.

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

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

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HOLLYWOOD V

I D E O

Movie Review: Super 8

Reviewed by Kate Irwin Super 8 feels like a nostalgic love letter to a bygone era of Sunday afternoon creature features. This unashamed homage by writer/director, J.J. Abrams, to early films of Super 8 producer, Steven Spielberg, is a mish-mash of styles (coming-of-age, sci-fi, adventure, buddy, young love, government conspiracy) which shouldn’t work, but manages to — thanks largely to its talented young cast.

For big kids, it’s the opportunity to relive some classics that spawned their love of sci-fi. For today’s kids, the chance to witness a rarity: a charming, 2D, original release — not a remake or book adaptation — that you don’t need to be lobotomized to enjoy.

We start in 1970s Ohio suburbia, where Joe Lamb (capable newcomer Joel Courtney) is distracting himself from the tragic loss of his mother by making a movie with his Goonies-esqe gang of friends: nerdy director, Charles (Riley Griffiths); pyromaniac/special effects guy, Cary (the scene-stealing Ryan Lee); smart kid, Preston (Zach Mills); and leading man, Martin (Gabriel Basso).

They’re creating a low-budget zombie short for a local film festival and — not unlike a young Abrams or Spielberg — borrow their parents’ Super 8 camera to shoot it.

But one night, Joe and his friends sneak out to film and, while being wowed by the acting talents of their

newly-recruited leading lady, Alice (Elle Fanning), witness a devastating train crash. The train disgorges a mystery cargo and soon dogs and people are vanishing, and the town is swarming with military personnel.

Let’s get something clear, Super 8 is not the big scares monster movie some may be expecting. For the most part, the lurking menace remains lurking and we find out what the extraordinary circumstances do to the youngsters, rather than what the monster could do to them. While Elle Fanning is streets ahead of her co-stars, and Abrams wisely places the film’s heaviest moment on her, the rest are definitely no slouches in the acting department either.

If only filmmakers hadn’t inserted some absurdly over-the-top special effects, such as a train derailment to rival Armageddon, and crowbarred in a sugary ending, I’d be awarding top marks. Nevertheless, Super 8 remains an enjoyable antidote to the loud, crass and stupid movies Hollywood seems to now favour. If you missed the good old days the first time around, indulge yourself now.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

November 25, 2011

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

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@cv-pioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication.

We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may run rarely.

Toby Theatre Due to a restructuring of movie film distribution in Canada, the Toby Theatre will only be open for one movie per month this fall and winter. For info: http://Tobytheatre.com.

Friday, November 25th: • 6 p.m.: Hawaiian Luau fundraiser to eradicate polio at Copper Point Resort. Hosted by Rotary Club of Invermere. $50 per person. Dinner, DJ, silent auction and 50/50 draw. For info: 250-342-8304.

• 7 p.m.: 5th Annual Grey Cup Spiel weekend at Invermere Curling Club. First Draw. $50 per person. To register call: 250-342-3315 or email invermerecurling@ shaw.ca.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies versus Grand Forks at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. For info: www.rockieshockey.com.

Saturday, November 26th: • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Christmas Craft Fair and Tea at the Invermere Legion.

• 10 a.m. Holiday Silent Auction kick-off bake sale at the Invermere Library. Auction items on display at the library until bidding closes on December 10th.

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Columbia Ridge Christmas Market at Columbia Ridge Community Hall with local vendors. Interested vendors contact Jan: 250-3450321 or ronaldjan@shaw.ca.

• 10 a.m.: First draw in Grey Cup Spiel at Invermere Curling Club. For info: 250-342-3315.

• 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.: David Thompson Secondary School Community Craft Fair at the Invermere Community Hall. Proceeds go to Food Bank and Angel Tree charities.

• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Arts Exhibition of Canal Flats and Headwaters area artists at Canal Flats Community Hall. Come meet the artists. Refreshments served.

Hosted by the Headwaters Art Society. For info: 250349-5877.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: Kimberly artist Christine Simpson paints at Effusion Gallery as part of the Light Up festivities.

For info: 250-341-6877.

• 6 p.m.: Christmas Light Up Parade on Main Street in Invermere. Live music, late night shopping, fire pits, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa! Presented by the Invermere Business Committee.

• 6 p.m.: The Brisco Riding Club’s Annual Awards Night with roast beef dinner, live auction and dance at Brisco Hall. For shuttle bus information call: 250347-0085.

• Fundraising Wrap up party for the Columbia Valley Bighorns football team at Ray Ray’s. Featuring the live band Cronic. Prizes, silent auction and 50/50 draw. $10 door cover and $1 from each drink sale also go to the Bighorn team.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies versus Beaver Valley Nitehawks at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. For info: www.rockieshockey.com.

Sunday, November 27th: • 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Christmas Craft Bazaar at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #199 in Edgewater. Beef on a bun or soup and bun. $6 per person. To book a table call Doreen: 250-347-9550.

• 11 a.m.: Final Playoffs for all teams in Grey Cup Spiel at Invermere Curling Club. For info: 250-342-3315.

Monday, November 28th: • 7 p.m.: ‘Mary did you know?’ A dramatic reading

by Lucia Frangione, an internationally produced playwright and actor at Lake Windermere Alliance Church. $10 per person. For info call Joyce: 250-3426657.

• 7:30 p.m.: Annual General Meeting for the Jumbo Creek Conservation Society at David Thompson Secondary School Theatre. Guest Speakers Pat and Baiba Morrow.

Tuesday, November 29th: • 7 p.m.: Public hearing for official community plan and zoning bylaw amendments. DOI council chambers.

• 7:30 p.m.: Bedtime Stories for the Big Kids with

internationally produced playwright and actor; Lucia Frangione at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Entry by donation. For info; 250-342-4423.

Wednesday, November 30th: • 6 - 8 p.m.: 2nd Annual Christmas Craft Night at the Invermere Public Library. All supplies will be provided. Craft stations for all ages and abilities.

Families welcome - children must be accompanied by an adult. For info: 250-342-6416.

• 7 p.m.: Idaho’s Forgotten War, a documentary at David Thompson Secondary School theatre.

Admission by donation and funds will go towards the Aboriginal Youth: Rotary Interac.

Thursday, December 1st: • 5:30 - 6 p.m.: Circuit training workout by Fitness 4 Life at Eileen Madson Primary School. Bring yoga mat. By donation. Fundraiser for Team Andrews to raise money for curling provincials. For info contact Hayley Wilson: 250-342-0503.

• 6:45 - 7:45 p.m.: Karma Class fundraiser for Special Olympics Invermere at the Desiderata Health and Wellness Studio, below Chisel Peak Medical Clinic. A minimum donation of $5 is requested. For info call: 250-342-1438 or email: yogadesiderata@gmail.com

Friday, December 2nd: • 4 - 8 p.m.: 18th Annual BIG Christmas Craft Sale at the Invermere Community Hall.

Saturday, December 3rd: • 10 a.m. - 12 noon: Free photo with Santa Claus at the Santa Cabin on the grounds of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. For info: 250-345-5990.

• 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Columbia Ridge Christmas Market at Columbia Ridge Community Hall with local vendors. Interested vendors contact Jan: 250-3450321 or ronaldjan@shaw.ca.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: 18th Annual BIG Christmas Craft Sale at the Invermere Community Hall.

• 11 a.m. -3 p.m.: ICAN’s 5th annual Pet Photos with Santa at Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. By donation, minimum $5. For info: 250-341-7888.

• 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies versus Kimberley at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. For info: www.rockieshockey.com.

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Pioneer Playlist

Pioneer Playlist Pioneer Playlist Discussing music, musicians and muses

With Joshua Estabrooks

Bradford Cox was born in Athens, Georgia in 1982 with the genetic disorder, Marfan Syndrome. The disorder causes people to be unusually tall, with long limbs and long, thin fingers.

Cox dropped out of high school, and when his parents divorced he described his life as “Living in this big suburban house by myself.” He was a loner, but he embraced his isolation, and began making music on a small tape recorder after being captivated by Danny Elfman’s compositions for the soundtrack to Edward Scissorhands.

The tape recorder was an Atlas Sound brand, which is the moniker Cox records and produces much of his solo work under.

Cox founded the band Deerhunter in 2001, and right off the bat a noticeable difference emerged between what was around at the time, and what the group was producing. They called it ambient punk, but Cox’s stream of consciousness recording style started getting noticed by music critics and indie hipsters throughout North America, gaining in momentum until now, they are a household name in any enlightened record collection.

Through his solo explorations, Cox has released three official albums (Let the Blind Lead Those Who Can See but Cannot Feel in 2008, Logos in 2009, and Parallax in 2011) and a four-album collection of songs (Bedroom Databank Vol. 1,2,3 and 4) he gave away to fans through his blog. The latest release, Parallax, hit the streets on November 7th and has been tantalizing music junkies all over the world.

The album was put together while Deerhunter were on tour in Iceland. As the rest of the band did touristy things, Cox said he stayed in his hotel room and began piecing it together from his ever-increasing stockpile of demos. There’s an unmistakable psychedelic art-rock influence that weaves its way through the songs on Parallax, and at times Cox has the listener convinced they are experiencing an ethereal futuristic Lou Reed crooner-type character from outer space performing as they summersault in slow motion through the thick musical atmosphere.

Continued on Page 28...

PersonaSmallAd_PersonaAd 11-11-22 3:54 PM Page 1

FLURRY OF ACTIVITY— Downtown Invermere will be alive with activity November 26th.

Lighting up the streets Pioneer Staff It’s that time of year again, when families and friends gather along Invermere’s downtown corridor to try and catch a glimpse of jolly old Saint Nick, along with the wonderful array of floats that make the annual Light Up event a great time for people of all ages.

This year’s Light Up takes place on Saturday, November 26th, and will be a great chance to get a head start on your Christmas shopping, as local businesses will be open late with in store specials and incentives to encourage shopping locally.

The event is put on by the Invermere Business Committee, and will feature rov-

ing bands of carollers, hot beverage stations, a festive parade, pictures with Santa Claus himself and holiday cheer for all.

Santa will also act as a celebrity judge, helping the business committee determine the top floats in the Santa Clause Parade, before retiring to his den where children can go have their picture taken with him. Santa’s Den will be located at the Fire Pit Grill.

Anyone interested in entering a float is asked to register online at the Chamber’s website, www.cvchamber.ca. Floats should arrive downtown by 5 p.m., and the parade will begin at 6 p.m. So pick your spot and check it twice, ‘cause Santa Claus is coming to town.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

November 25, 2011

Holiday train bringing Christmas cheer to Radium

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train is making the Christmas rounds once more, bringing music to Radium Hot Springs and nearly 150 other Canadian and U.S. communities while raising awareness for local food banks.

It’s the thirteenth year that the pair of Holiday Trains will roll into action, one travelling across eight U.S. states while the other rattles from Quebec to British Columbia, raising food, money and awareness in the fight against hunger, and providing a great deal of holiday cheer along the way.

More than $5.5 million in donations and 2.45 million pounds of food have been gathered since the train first started in 1999.

“The magic of the Holiday Train is phenomenal,” said Randall Prescott, who has just put together the entertainment for both trains for his tenth year in a row.

“To be able to bring this level of tal-

ent to thousands of people on this musical roadshow for food bank programs is very special and something I am proud to be a part of.”

The Canadian train, which is decorated with thousands of Christmas lights, today begins its month-long journey stopping at more than 80 communities along the way.

Headlining on the specially designed stage is Canadian folk legend Valdy, who will be joined by country music singer Tracey Brown. The duo will provide musical entertainment at all the Western Canadian stops on the train’s route.

But Valdy and Tracey Brown won’t be the only visitors to Radium. Special guest star Santa is also rumoured to be making an appearance when the train stops at the Forsters Landing Road railway crossing on Tuesday, December 13th at 6 p.m.

All that organizers ask for in return for all this holidays cheer is a non-perishable food donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

YOUR MONEY GICs not all that bad

In these economically uncertain times many people are looking to keep some of their portfolio in safer, lowrisk investments. Due to the current low interest rates, finding safe investments with a reasonable yield can be challenging. For people seeking the lowest risk investments, Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) and short-term bond funds are popular choices.

Short-term bond funds are considered one of the mutual fund industry’s safest products. They hold the bulk of their assets in one-five year Government of Canada and corporate bonds, and buy few longer-term bonds for diversification. While short-term bond funds are fine investments, these days they are often sold based on past performance, and many have been misled into believing that those returns will be duplicated going forward.

If bond prices fall, investors still have interest income, but also a potential capital loss.

Former bond climate Due to falling interest rates in Canada over the past 30 years, bond funds have posted attractive returns. When interest rates fall, bond prices rise. This means that investors in bond funds were typically getting their interest coupons, plus capital gains, creating great returns in bond funds.

ally zero to 30 per cent of their portfolio, in longer term bonds. Juicing up portfolios is only one of the ways shortterm bond funds can earn decent returns. However, this may cause risk-averse people to have their money in assets that are not considered low risk, without them realizing it.

Guaranteed Investment Certificates Guaranteed Investment Certificates are far more straightforward. A person invests $100 in a GIC at a Manulife Securities Incorporated = IDA rate of 2 per cent for one year, and receives $102 upon Manulife Securities Investment inc.GICs = MFDA maturity.

There are no feesServices to purchase and their Bond Funds Going Forward principle is guaranteed the=Canadian Deposit InsurCanadians are now in an environment of rock-bottom Manulife Securities InsurancebyInc. INSURANCE interest rates and extremely expensive bonds. When inter- ance Corporation for $100,000 per issuer. Along with est rates start nudging upwards, bond prices will begin to Government of Canada bonds, GICs are the lowest-risk fall back to $100 or lower. This will eventually leave inves- investments available, and have a better rate of return.

French English For example, a one year GIC will currently yield 1.8 per tors with only their interest income, less capital losses.

The reality is bond funds today are very expensive. With cent, with no fees, and a one year Government of CanaHow bonds work Bonds are always issued at $100, will mature at $100, interest rates being so low, people who buy a bond fund are da bond will yield 0.9 per cent, before mutual fund fees. and can beMinimum bought and prices above orcards below now paying a high premium for a low return before fees.

3/16" size sold to beatused on business Avoiding disappointment $100 at any time. They are traded on the bond market, For example, Canada’s DEX Universe Short Term Bond InMost mutual funds, including bond funds, are sold which prices bonds daily based on a variety of factors. dex shows the average short-term bond return at about 1.5 This means a bond’s price will fluctuate over its lifetime, per cent. Coupled with the average short-term bond fund’s on past performance. In some cases this makes sense, however, due to rising interest rates, it is a mathematical 1.35 per cent fee, an investor’s returns are negligible. in response to what is happening in the economy. impossibility to expect that short-term bond funds will There are two components to bond fund returns: the perform as well as they have done in the past. A person Juicing up returns interest paid on the bonds they hold, and capital gains or In order to avoid going into the red, and for diver- buying a bond fund today and expecting their returns losses on the bonds in the portfolio. If bond prices rise, investors have interest income, and the potential for cap- sification purposes, most short-term bond funds seek to to be in line with past performance will most likely be 1/4" Minimum to bethe used on was the purchased. standard sized brochures increase their returns by investing a small percentage, usu- disappointed. ital gains, dependingsize on when bond

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products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is 3/8" This size toInsurance on pieces where piece 12” thebe soleused issuer of the Manulife GIF Select insurance the contractwidth which offersof thethe IncomePlus benefiexceeds t and the guarantor of.any guarantee provision therein. Manulife Securities Incorporated is a member CIPF.

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

November 25, 2011

BUSINESS

New homeopath relocates to Invermere

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff For those looking for an alternative to mainstream medical treatments, a new homeopathic service is now available in Invermere.

Lauri Germain moved to Invermere in June to be close to her father, Doug George, who has lived in the area for 24 years. She Lauri Germain and her family used to visit the area on vacation, she said, which is another reason why she moved here.

Ms. Germain discovered homeopathy as a result of a chronic medical condition that just wouldn’t go away.

Having studied nutrition for two years, and finding that eating healthy didn’t help her illness, she started looking into homeopathic options.

Not only did the homeopathic remedies cure her

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chronic condition, but it also sparked her interest so much that she enrolled in school and after five years received her licence to practice. She uses the Heilkunst system, which includes treating a person’s acute and chronic symptoms of any disease or condition, as well as treating a person’s traumatic timeline, she said.

In a nutshell, her practice uses highly-diluted preparations of substances that are believed to cause similar symptoms to those being experienced by the patient.

Like cures like, or the law of similars, is the philosophy that drives most homeopathic remedies, she said.

“Everything we see that is physical is being driven by energy, therefore energy informs the physical. Homeopathy can cancel out unwanted energy, then the physical body innately knows how to heal itself,” said Ms. Germain.

She currently practices out of her home, and is available for consultations by phone or Skype, but she is looking for office space that she can rent part time.

Her current roster of patients includes people in Kelowna, Vancouver, the United States and parts of Alberta. She said she helped a number of vacationers this summer who came to her for remedies as they were away from their regular homeopath.

For more information: 250-317-8162 or laurishomeo@yahoo.ca.

First Annual

Columbia Ridge

CHRISTMAS MARKET

Columbia Ridge Community Hall Saturdays from November 12th to December 10th, 2011 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Local vendors including: • Quilts • Crafts • Baking • Toys • Fresh Christmas Boughs and Arrangements • Gluten Free Baking • And much more!

Interested vendors contact Jan at 250-345-0321 or ronaldjan@shaw.ca. Food Bank donations welcome.

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to upioneer@telus.net

INVESTMENTS | RETIREMENT PLANNING | INSURANCE

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Certified Financial Planner

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Happy

80

November 25, 2011

th

Birthday

Open House for Ed Cotton Dec. 3, 2011, 2-4pm Invermere Senior Hall No Gifts Please!

Regional District of East Kootenay

ElEctoRal aREa F and G REpREsEntativEs

invermere public library Board The Regional District of East Kootenay is receiving applications for one person to represent Electoral Area F and one person to represent Electoral Area G on the Invermere Public Library Board.

To be considered for the position, the applicant must be a resident or elector of Electoral Area F or Electoral Area G and cannot be an employee of the RDEK or Library Board. The term of this volunteer position will run until December 31, 2013.

Interested persons must submit letters of application and brief resumes including reasons for interest and related experience to Shannon Moskal, Community Services Manager, at the RDEK office in Cranbrook.

Applications must be received by 4:30 pm on Wednesday, December 7, 2011.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

Pilot project puts families first

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff Businesses in the valley that do their part to provide for families could find themselves recognized under a new pilot project designed to promote child-friendly practices at work.

The Columbia Valley has just been awarded one of two Family Friendly Initiative pilot projects taking place in the East Kootenay region, thanks to the efforts of the Windermere Valley Early Childhood Development Team.

Although still in the preliminary planning stages, the Early Childhood Development Team is hoping that the Family Friendly Initiative will raise help awareness of the importance of businesses providing for youngsters and their parents.

“It’s amazing to have been awarded the project; we’re very thankful,” said Lisa Lehr, of Windermere Valley Early Childhood Development Team. “They picked Fernie and us to take part in the pilot projects. We’ll receive a little bit of money each year to put towards promoting family-friendly business.”

Following the success of a similar scheme in the Okanagan, the provincial government’s Success By 6 early childhood development program announced plans earlier this year to bring the Family Friendly Initiative to other areas.

Working in partnership with a similar group in Fern-

ie, the Early Childhood Development Team are currently establishing the scope of the project, which they hope will include a decal to display in windows of businesses that meet the criteria, and a possible family-friendly trophy at the Annual Business Excellence Awards.

Another key aspect of the project is raising awareness of a more child-friendly approach to running a business, in the hopes of inspiring more businesses to follow suit.

“We want to recognise businesses that are providing things like a place for nursing mothers, toys, changing tables, stroller access,” Ms. Lehr explained. “Then there’s the human resource side of things, recognizing organizations that offer working parents the flexibility they need.”

Using the Okanagan template, the planning committee have started to draw up a checklist of childfriendly practices, which businesses will be able to fill out and send in to allow their efforts to be recognized.

They are also working to raise awareness of the pilot project, with the hopes that more individuals and businesses want to get involved.

“We have an amazingly family-minded community,” Ms. Lehr added. “By recognizing those businesses that go above and beyond to provide services for families, we are hoping others will see the importance of this and do the same.”

To find out more visit www.EKkids.ca, call 250341-3952 or email wvecd@live.ca.

Join the merchants of Parkside Place Saturday, November 26th

In-store ! s l a i c e p S

Enter to win 1 of 7 Giveaways

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

SUSHI PLATTER FOR FIVE

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

Grab a Hotdog for the Parade !

48 pm

Downtown Invermere

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

$100 GIFT CERTIFICATE

Proceed Bighorn s to the s footba ll team.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

November 25, 2011

Warm yoga classes heat up the valley

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff On the other side of the world in Kerala, India, two strangers met at a yoga training centre. Their shared love of yoga secured a fast friendship that has since carried them to the Columbia Valley.

Former Edmonton resident, Kelly Carlson, and Brazillian born-and-raised Fe Saraiva, are hot yoga enthusiasts. Known as Moksha Yoga, the practice uses a 28-30 degree heated room to strengthen and tone the muscles, detoxify the body and calm the mind, Kelly said.

Both yoga teachers returned to Canada after their intensive training in India and started teaching in studios in different cities. Fe then moved to Invermere, BALANCING ACT — Kelly Carlson and Fe Saraiva (left to right) show off their yoga moves along the shoreline of Lake Photo submitted where Kelly visited her frequently. During a visit, the Windermere this past summer. pair came up with the idea of spreading their passion for yoga to the community. Kelly moved to Invermere, and “I love yoga because it is always challenging both nity, and that Special Olympics Invermere perfectly emthey are now teaching yoga at the Desiderata Health and physically and mentally,” Fe said. “It helps cultivate a bodies those three elements.

Wellness studio in Invermere. sense of compassion for me and for the world I live in. I The “Karma Class” will be held on December 1st “Although yoga in Invermere is not a new concept, have chosen it as a career because I love helping people from 6:45-7:45 at the Desiderata Health & Wellness stuwarm yoga is new to the community,” Kelly said. discover their body. I enjoy the personal connection with dio (below Chisel Peak Medical Clinic). The minimum Kelly and Fe have decided to take their passion for the students. I truly believe in the benefits yoga brings donation to attend is $5. yoga and offer something back to the community by host- and love to share that with others.”

Email yogadesiderata@gmail.com, call Colleen Waging a fundraising event on December 1st, with 100 per Kelly said she believes in creating a healthy body ner at 250-342-1438, or visit the Facebook page Desidcent of the proceeds going to Special Olympics Invermere. through movement, accessibility, and building commu- erata Health & Wellness studio for more information.

Annual General Meeting Monday, November 28th 7:30 p.m. at DTSS in Invermere (Doors open at 7:00 p.m.)

Special Guest Speakers

Pat and Baiba Morrow

Award Winning Photojournalists Pat and Baiba Morrow “Mountains: The sacred and the profane” Pat & Baiba will reflect on three decades of high adventure.

KEEP JUMBO WILD

Remember - The world is run by those who show up.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

THANK YOU INVERMERE

for letting me represent you for the past 6 years.

Thank you to all my supporters during this election.

Extended Hours OPEN LATE Thursday and Fridays until Christmas starting Thursday November 24th.

Shop until 9:00 p.m. for all your holiday needs.

Invermere Hardware & Building Supplies Co. Ltd. Tel: 250 342 6908 • 1-800-731-1103 • Fax: 250 342 7263

Spreading smiles Tim Hortons owners, Bethany and Kurt Taylor, along with their staff, are all smiles as they present a cheque for $562 to the Family Resource Centre in Invermere. The money was raised during Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie Campaign, which dedicated all of the sales of their popular smile cookies the week of September 19th to local charity. The money will be used by the Family Resource Centre to support their Youth Outreach Program. Pictured left to right: Marlene Anderson, Bethany Taylor, Pat Cope and April Williams of the Family Resource Centre, Jocel Valdez, Katherine Joy Buela, Joan Villones and Kurt Taylor.

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

Are you Self-Employed?

A Contractor?

Or small business Owner?

Your family health & dental expenses can be 100% tax deductible.

A Private Health Services Plan (PHSP) lets your business pay your family health expenses tax-free. Check our website to see how you can reduce your taxes.

150 Millrise Boulevard PO Box 76095, Calgary, AB - T2Y 2Z9 Toll Free: 1-866-959-7483 info@Brockhealth.ca • www.BrockHealth.ca

Winter is here!

For all your snow removal needs...

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

November 25, 2011

• Stocking stuffers galore • Christmas gift bags filled with product for that special someone on your list • Come in for a 5-minute make-up trial • Sample our luxurious products by Eminence, Jane Iredale, Peas in a Pod, and more • Gift certificates always available.

LIGHT UP SATURDAY! Open 10 am – 9 pm.

Serving hot Banff Tea to visitors who stop by.

518 13th Street • Downtown Invermere • 250.341.3511 • fusionwellnessspa.com

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Official Community Plan Amendment & Zoning Bylaw Amendment

Laughing all the way to the food bank On Tuesday, November 15th, 45 valley residents travelled to Cranbrook on the Rockies’ bus to have a few laughs at a comedy show. In order to get on the bus, travelers were asked to contribute non-perishable food items, all of which were donated to the Invermere Food Bank. The event was organized by Invermere’s Investors Group.

Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

NOTICE is given of a Public Hearing to be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday November 29, 2011, 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 and OCP Bylaw 1085, 2001.

Official Community Plan Amendment No. 1441, 2011 and Zoning Bylaw amendment No. 1442, 2011 will amend the Zoning Bylaw No. 1145, 2002 and OCP Bylaw 1085, 2001 as follows: By amending the Zoning designation of the following lands, Lot 30. Block 38, District Lot 267, Kootenay District, Plan 1143 from R-1, Single Family Residential to M-1A Light Industrial / Commercial and by amending the current Land use plan designation under 3.2 and 3.3 of the OCP from Single Family Residential to Light Industrial

NOTICE OF POWER INTERRUPTION - RADIUM HOT SPRINGS Time: 5:00 am to 8:00 am MST When: Saturday, November 26th, 2011 We will be making electrical system improvements in Radium on November 26th.

To ensure the safety of our work crews, it will be necessary to interrupt electrical service for approximately 3 hours, from 5:00 am to 8:00 am. The area affected are customers from the bottom of Radium Hill NORTH up to but not including Foresters Landing Road, also up to the Park Gates.

The intent of these bylaws is to amend the land use and zoning of 320 Borden Street in order to allow a fitness center and storage business with accessory residential quarters as a permitted use at this location.

Please protect all sensitive equipment. We recognize the inconvenience this may cause, and will restore service safely and as efficiently as possible.

Shorten restoration time during a power outage by switching lights and electrical equipment off. Wait one hour after power is restored before switching on multiple appliances to allow the system time to stabilize.

3224

Prepare for outages and stay informed by visiting bchydro.com/outages or bchydro.com/mobile from your handheld device. Please call 1 888 POWERON (1 888 769 3766) if you experience any electrical difficulties or for more information.

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. 1442, 2011 or OCP Amendment Bylaw 1441, 2011”. 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 Wednesday, November 16, 2011 to Tuesday, November 29, 2011.

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. 1442, 2011” and / or OCP Amendment Bylaw # 1441, 2011 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.

For 50 years, BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable electricity to our customers. Today we are planning for the next 50 years by investing in new projects, upgrading existing facilities and working with our customers to conserve energy through Power Smart.

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

Learn more at bchydro.com/regeneration50

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to upioneer@telus.net Publication:

Invermere Columbia Valley Pioneer (PMCP)

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Personalized gift baskets to suit all styles and Just made give budgets, lovingly me a call, from my home studio!

I’ll take care of it all!

LY AR !

R E VE D E SA OR AND

The Holidays are just around the corner…

Personal or Corporate

Call Jayne: 250-342-3160

Free local delivery

www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

The Invermere Public Library Christmas Craft Night Wed., Nov. 30th • 6-8 p.m.

Join us for an evening of crafting and Christmas cheer. All ages and crafting abilities welcome.

250-342-6416 • invermere.bclibrary.ca

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

Grand Forks . s v Border Bruins

7:30 p.m. Friday, November 25th

Beaver Valley Nitehawks vs. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, November 26 th

SUPPORT ROCKIES HOCKEY!

Five-star service!

• • • •

Housekeeping Yard maintenance Security checks We will even run errands for you!

Crystal Concierge For service & enquiries:

Nenet 250-688-0454 nenet@xplornet.ca

Steve 250-688-0849 stephen1@xplornet.ca

Relationship Counselling Stress Management Chronic Illness Support Life Transitions Family Resource Centre 1317-7th Avenue, Invermere (beside McToogle’s)

250-342-5566

Rockies lose hard-fought game against Golden The Columbia Valley Rockies played hard but came up short against Golden Rockets on Friday, November 18th. The team displayed moments of brilliance, but couldn’t seem to maintain enough sustained pressure to gain a lead, finishing the game with two goals to Golden’s five. Pictured above, Rockies defenceman, Brendan Sage, celebrates as forward, Todd Sykes (far right), scores after receiving a pass from Chad Davidson to bring the team within two in the third period. Inset, Rockies goaltender, Bruce Corrigal, makes an impressive stop during the third period.

Photos by Joshua Estabrooks

T

he Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley is now ready to accept applications for FOOD HAMPERS AND ANGEL GIFTS for Christmas 2011, to be distributed Tuesday, December 20th.

Application forms are available at The Family Resource Centre, Columbia Valley Employment Centre, Invermere Public Health Unit, Akisqnuk Health Centre, Shuswap Band Office, Canal Flats Headwaters Centre or 250-342-6752.

Deadline for requests is

Monday, December 12th.

To sponsor a family hamper, call Gail at 250342-6752 or Helen at 250-342-6789; or email Gail at hghoff@telus.net or Helen at hw6789@telus.net to register your commitment by Friday, December 9th.

To donate an Angel gift, visit the children’s and seniors’ Angel Tree in The Bargain! Shop (8th Ave. & 13th St. Location) after Saturday, November 26th or the children’s Angel Tree in Dairy Queen after Thursday, December 1st. Return wrapped and labelled gifts to the stores by the December 16th deadline.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR AN URBAN DEER CONTROL CO-ORDINATOR Consideration will be given to persons with previous animal control experience and must have a valid Provincial hunting license.

This is a renewable contract position and compensation will be based on experience and qualifications. The working timeframe will commence in February 2012 and will run through the 2012 calendar year.

Please submit a written proposal outlining your experience in this regard by 4:30 p.m., Friday, December 9, 2011 to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer Box 339, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 or to cao@invermere.net

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

November 25, 2011

Invermere ladies hoping to join ranks of top curlers in the world

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff With a skip, sweep, and a bump, four local ladies have set their sights on training to first become Team B.C. for curling, and eventually make it to the Olympics.

Team Andrews is composed of Skip, Jill Andrews; Third, Holly Jones; Second, Theresa Wood; and First, Stephanie Schroeder. The girls have all been curling since before they were teenagers, and have decided to take their experience to the ice to reach the most elite level of curling in Canada.

In order to compete at an Olympic level, Team Andrews must first receive an invite to the Olympic trials, which requires either winning Scotties Tournament of Hearts and become Team Canada, or accumulating enough points on the World Tour.

Skip Andrews said their team doesn’t expect to receive an invite to the Olympic trials immediately, but that their main goal is to gain experience as a team.

“Our aim this year is to make it to the provincials and learn how to cope with the stress when playing

tough games,” she said.

The team’s most immediate goal is qualifying for the provincial championships by placing in the top two of a double knock-out bonspiel in Kamloops in two weeks.

They also plan on attending two World Tour events.

Team Andrews has already played against Team Russia at a World Tour event in Medicine Hat and Team Korea at a World Tour event in Kamloops.

To help them reach their goal, the four women train every day of the week at the Invermere Curling Club with their new coach, provincial coach Terry Bublitz, who has 25 years of experience and led Team B.C. to the Brier Cup in 2003.

“We pretty much live at the curling rink,” said Skip Andrews, laughing.

The ladies work out at least twice a week to maintain the intense training they executed this summer as part of Curl B.C.’s High Performance program.

While Ms. Jones grew up in Invermere and curled at the local rink as a youth, Skip Andrews and Ms. Schroeder moved to the valley from Saskatchewan, and Ms. Wood relocated from Ontario. The four women said

they feel fortunate to have found each other.

“We’re a good compliment of people,” Ms. Schroeder said. “Our personalities mesh. We play well together and we’re driven, but we still have fun.”

Not everything the curling quartet have to do to reach their goal is fun and games: the ladies are responsible for raising all of their own funding.

The team must travel all over British Columbia and Alberta to a number of bonspiels, which can cost upwards of $800 each to enter.

Team Andrews thanked everyone who has helped them so far, and said they always welcome new sponsors or donations to help them on their way.

To help raise money for the team, Fitness 4 Life is offering two Body Blast classes by donation on December 1st and December 8th from 5:30-6 p.m. at Eileen Madson Primary School. All proceeds will be donated to Team Andrews to help them raise money for all their travels.

For more information about Team Andrews, contact Jill Andrews at 341-5662. For more information about Body Blast workouts by donation, contact Hayley Wilson at 342-0503 or hayley@myfitness4life.ca.

Shop the original! The 18th Annual

BIG CHRISTMAS CRAFT SALE Introducing Cranberry, our newest flavour, for the Christmas/entertaining season.

We also have stocking stuffer sizes now!

The Porcelain Garden Brenda Smith

P.O. Box 1965 Golden B.C. V0A 1H0

www.daveshotpepperjelly.com

Porcelain Jewellery made with tableware from the 1890s – 1990s. Plus Beaded Christmas Spiders

Phone: (250) 344- 2136 E-mail: theporcelaingarden@gmail.com Facebook/The Porcelain Garden Etsy.com/The Porcelain Garden

Saunders Family Farm Perry Horning 250.342.1324 (c) 250.342.9811 (t)

BoxInvermere, 2263 • Invermere, V0A 1K0 Box 2263 BC V0A 1K0BCKootenaybc.com Kootenaybc.com Mountain Fresh • Locally Crafted • Christmas Decorations Mountain Fresh • Locally Crafted •Christmas Decorations

Delicious jams made only with fresh, local BC fruit.

Spice up your Christmas with our Jalapeno Jellies!

Faith and Gord Saunders • (250) 342-9283

See you at the craft fair!

Shop the original!

The 18th Annual

BIG

Christmas Craft Sale

At the Invermere Community Hall Featuring Your Favorite Chefs and Bakers as well as your amazingly talented artisans

Goodie” WIN “Foodie gift baskets 13 of

Friday, December 2nd, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 3rd, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Your Local

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Bernie Raven

Professionals

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

Cell: (250) 342-7415 Office: (250) 341-6044 braven@cyberlink.bc.ca

www.teamraven.ca

Wende Brash

Paul Glassford

Broker/Owner

Sales Consultant $FMM t

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

RE/MAX Invermere

Glenn Pomeroy

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

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

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

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

Cell: (250) 270-0666 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: (250) 341-6046

HERE TO SERVE YOU From Framing to Finishing Al Tallman

Call Al at

We Do It All!

INTERIOR FINISHING - REPAIRS - PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR - KITCHENS, BATHS & BASEMENTS - FURNITURE REPAIRS

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

250-341-5096

Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Speedy service – 7 days a week

Complete Automotive Repairs Snow Removal And Sanding / Parking Lot Sweeping

LICENSED

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • NEW SEWER • CAMERA •

THE WATER YOU DRINK – Reverse Osmosis, Whole House Filtration, UV Disinfection & Softeners THE AIR YOU BREATHE – Furnace & Duct Cleaning Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

RENOVATIONS REFERENCES AVAILABLE

THE WATER & AIR COMPANY

Serving The Valley for over 15 Years

A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Avoid costly repairs

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

• Property Maintenance • Mini Excavator • Landscaping & Design • Trucking • Residential/Commercial • Skidsteer Services

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

or 250-270-0318 Kari&&John JohnMason Mason250-270-0821 Kari Invermere • Panorama 250.270.0821

Phone: 250-342-6614 • www.autowyze.com Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Invermere • Panorama

FREE ESTIMATES

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.

• Pruning and Removal of All Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

OVER

30 YEARS

EXPERIENCE

No job is too small or too large!

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

Top Quality

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Interior World

HERE TO SERVE YOU window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

Need Blinds?

Home-based customized gift basket business.

Interior World

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

Scott Postlethwaite

CVCC Contractor/ Trade Builder of the Year 2008

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

FREE ESTIMATES

Kootenay Cribbing, Ltd.

FOUNDATION CONTRACTOR OF CHOICE Established 1976

JOHN WOOD

Place your Christmas order early to save!

Personal & Corporate • Free local delivery

JAYNE MAGRI • 250-342-3160

www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca • info@itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

Lake Auto Services

250-342-9310 Same great team, same great service.

INFRARED INSPECTIONS

PH: 250-345-2188 • CELL: 250-342-1289 FAX: 250-345-2189 • E-mail: tobywood@shaw.ca

DETECT: HEAT/ENERGY LOSS, MOISTURE INTRUSION, FAULTY WIRING, ACTIVE MOLD, VERMIN & PESTS, NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

5026 Riverview Road, Fairmont, B.C. V0A 1L1

KARLFAST • 250-688-1200 • info@kootenayinfrared.ca www.kootenayinfrared.ca

Radium Hot Springs Esso

250-347-9726 7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

LAMBERT-KIPP

Lambert

Hourly or Contract Rates Available

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 250-342-3031 PHONE: 250-347-9350 FAX: 250-342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

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

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

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

250-342-6612

• Excavator • Mini-Excavator • Bobcats • Dump Truck • Compaction Equipment • Street Sweeping • Underground Services • Site Prep • Road Building • Land Clearing • Landscaping • Basements

Trevor Hayward (Owner/Operator)

250-342-5800

Patryk Jagiello STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR patco_dev@shaw.ca 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

Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

Robert D. Harvey, Tax Specialist 30 Years of Tax & Business Consulting

• Personal Tax Preparation • Corporate Tax Preparation • Financial Statement Preparation

• Accounting • Business Consulting • Income Tax & Estate Planning

#302, 1313 • 7th Avenue, Invermere BC PHONE: 250-342-9285 • FAX: 250-342-0192

(250) 270-0345 (403) 870-7558 in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

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)

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

November 25, 2011

HERE TO SERVE YOU VACATION HOMES REQUIRED TO MEET OUR GUEST DEMANDS. Are you happy with the care, attention and number of rentals your current vacation home management company is offering you? Allow us to introduce you to our “Boutique” Vacation Rental Management services that produce results.

Cranbrook Pest Control We use the most successful products available.

Environmentally-friendly integrated pest management.

Ask about our maintenance programs ALL WORK PEST QUESTIONS? Visit our website:

GUARANTEED Call or visit online

www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com

250-426-9586

PH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca

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

250-341-8501 Seniors’ Discount

Residential

Jesse Vader 250.341.5426

Commercial

Ken Johnson 250.341.5427

250.349.5564

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE • GAS FITTING 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

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

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

• • • •

FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

250-342-5682

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

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

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

F

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

ree Homes In c ieldt

• Renovations Inside & Out • Custom Decks • Design & Build • Finish Carpentry • Doors & Window Replacement Experts

.

FieldTreeHomes@aol.com Ph 250.341.5900 Bernie Veldboom • Invermere, BC www.fieldtreehomes.com

Sales • Warranty • Repairs

250-342-9207 1265A Sunridge rd., Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC • fhs@telus.net

Kyle Moll

HTH Contracting Ltd. 250-341-5603

New Construction

Building

Renovating

Finishing

Framing

• Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

Phone: 250-342-6452 • 250-342-3773 • Cell: 250-270-9444 All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

November 25, 2011

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

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

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

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

Darren Ross

Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

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

“Serving the Columbia Valley”

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805

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

• Gel & Acrylic Nails • Coloured Gel • Nail Art Call Judy ~ 250-341-5245 • Days, Evenings, Weekends

250-342-1355

After Hours Call: 250-342-3830 Email: tayntonbay@hotmail.com

■ Lockout Service ■ Lake Recovery ■ 24 Hour Towing ■ Prompt Service

Also offering FREE year-round pickup of unwanted vehicles

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

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

250-342-6700 • universaldoorsandexteriors@shawbiz.ca

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

warbrick@shaw.ca • Cell: 250-342-5851 VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

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

N E W S PA P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Kathy Sutherland

Advertising Sales

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1939 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com kathy@cv-pioneer.com

• 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

SERVING SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY Call 250-341-6299 to discuss your advertising needs.

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • E-mail: ads@cv-pioneer.com

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

GO GREEN IN 2011 WITH to Zero C.A.R.B. COMPLIANT CABINETRY Low Emissions

Contact Dale Elliott • 250-341-7098 www.kekulibaycabinetry.com

November 25, 2011 ...‘Pioneer Playlist’ continued from Page 14 It isn’t all floating through clouds, however, as there is always a punk rock edge to Cox’s sound, no matter how accessible and polished a track might seem on the surface.

That feeling of floating from song to song is due in part to Cox’s recording style, which is very much an organic process.

Cox layers sounds until the song starts to feel crowded, and his lyrics are all stream of consciousness. He doesn’t write anything down, and is very hesitant to attach any sort of absolute

meaning to them. He has said that he often discovers the meanings to his lyrics the same way anyone else does, by listening and exploring what the finished work means at that moment.

There are a myriad of extrapolations and interpretations a music reviewer could pull from Parallax, as the intricacies and eccentricities of Cox’s compositions are endless, but I believe it is a work of art to be enjoyed without much analysis, following the spirit of how it was recorded.

This album is a free-flowing dream, dark at times, light at others, but all in all a magical musical experience.

WE WANT TO MAKE OUTAGES AS SHORT AS POSSIBLE. AND WE NEED YOUR HELP. It’s winter storm season and you may experience power outages. BC Hydro will work to restore your power quickly to minimize disruption to your home and family.

Once fully in place across the province, BC Hydro smart meters will report power outages instantly, allowing us to restore your power faster. This is just one reason why smart meters are a key investment in our electricity system.

To report a power outage, call us at 1888 POWERON (769-3766) or *HYDRO (*49376) on your mobile phone. And learn about preparing for storm season at bchydro.com/outages

For all your advertising needs, call

N E W S PA P E R

**

Kathy Sutherland at 250-341-6299 **average daily electricity usage

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

November 25, 2011

Pioneer Classifieds s In Memoriam s In Loving Memory

Leonard Hemmelgarn July 12, 1930 – November 20, 2005 Wishful Dreams If we had one wish to make, We would use it up on you.

Just to see you one more time, In the heavenly sky so blue.

All we have are the memories, The good ones and the bad.

The day you finally let it go, And left us more than sad.

We wish that you could come back here, And fill back up this hole.

You put it there six years ago, When your body left your soul.

You always made us feel special, You were always there it seems.

But after all this is too big, It is only wishful dreams.

Love, Jo-Ann, Arno, Tyler, Farris, Austin, Christopher, Garett, Alysha, and Leighton.

s obituary s Cowboy Joseph “Mark” Leppington rode off into the sunset on November 21, 2011 at the age of 60. He was predeceased by his parents Joseph Thomas Leppington and Kathleen Mary McDonald.

Surviving Mark is his beloved wife Sara, and his daughters Rebecca (John Doherty) and Jacqueline (Daniel Kleinsasser).

Born in Toronto, Ontario on July 23, 1951, Mark moved west in his teens starting his eventful life as a cowboy, from bronc riding and rodeo life to guiding and outfitting in the Rockies. In the early 1980s Mark and Sara moved to the Columbia Valley, continuing outfitting and raising a family.

Mark was immune to just about everything except for lung cancer.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mannheimer and the amazing staff at the Invermere District Hospital for all their care and support.

There will be an open house to celebrate the life of Mark at his home in Edgewater, December 10th at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes donations to be made to the Invermere District Hospital.

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyways.”

s

In Memoriam

s

In Loving Memory of

Shayna Hollowink November 27, 1987 – November 26, 2008 No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye.

You were gone before we knew it, And only God can tell us why.

garage sales Craft Sale November 26th 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby area. Put on by the Hoodoo Quilters.

ANNOUNCEMENT Alcoholics Anonymous. Open to all. Regular meetings of the Columbia Valley A.A. are held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the 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 Café . . . is now open for lunch from 11:30-2:30 and Dinner as always from 5-9 p.m. Enjoy 10% off all orders.

s

• • • •

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

cheers & Jeers

cheers & Jeers

Wings over the Rockies AGM Thursday, December 8th, 2011 4 p.m. at Pynelogs

Cheers to the true meaning of community. I would love to live in such a place instead of the cold, impersonal, everyone-forthemselves kind of place like the city.

Jeers to the educational “professionals” who put videos on in class and then go to their office and close the door. Hard to justify raises when that is your performance!

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call Carol at 250-347-9841.

The Tennis Club meeting is at McToogle’s on November 30th at 7 p.m.

Friday, November 26th at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, December 2nd at 2 p.m., the Columbia Valley Music is resuming our winter film series at the Edgewater Hall.

Movie “La Planet Sauvage” early 70s animation. Call 250-347-9668 or info.

Valley Fitness Society AGM has be re-scheduled to Wednesday, November 30th, 7:30 p.m. at the Valley Fitness Centre.

lost and found Found: key at Toby Creek mailboxes.

250-342-6200.

In Memoriam

s

In Loving Memory of

Sybil Menegozzo November 27th, 2006

We will never forget the lessons you taught, your strength, your love.

Victor, Marie & Gilbert, Shelley & Bino, Cody, Jessie, Victoria, Olivia, Erica, Wyatt

Jeers to the police officer who immaturely took out his bad night by punishing someone who made the right choice to get a ride home instead of driving while intoxicated.

Authority figures are supposed to set a good example.

storage NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climate Controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

Cheers to the District of Invermere for plowing the sidewalks around the Columbia Garden Village, Columbia House and the hospital.

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

A big cheers to everyone who helped rescue Roxy. A special cheers to Dr. Thiessen who took excellent care of her. She is recovering nicely.

Have a tail waggin’ day!

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 250-3425297, 250-346-3011 or 250-3422100.

Jeers to the DTSS teachers who did not send their students’ marks home. Union negotiations or not, we parents have a right to our kids’ marks and knowledge of their progress. You are quickly loosing parental support for your cause.

Cheers to those who did!

Cheers to my neighbor, Elana Zufa who helped save Maximus from our house fire. Thank You! –NickCheers to The Pioneer for such timely election coverage! Great Job! Cheers to Bob Campsall and Ray Brydon for your service and dedication to this community over the years.

Jeers to Winter. May it end sooner than later!

commercial space Rent/Sell approx. 2400 sq. ft. between Home Renovation Center & Fitz Flooring. For more information please call Lorne @ 250-270-0102.

864 sq. ft. Warehouse space with loading dock, unheated, $625/ month. Available immediately. Call 250-342-3637.

For lease: approx. 3,000 sq. ft. 5037th Ave below gone Hollywood and Valley Spas – Beside Back Door Wine Cellar. Overhead door/heated. $5.00/per sq. ft. triple net. Call 250342-0603 or 250-341-5845.

For all your advertising needs, call

N E W S PA P E R

Kathy Sutherland at 250-341-6299

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer shared accommodation

suite for rent

Private room with cable, phone, laundry access, internet, and all utilities included, $400/month + $200 DD, N/P, 250-342-4020.

1-bdrm suite for rent in central Invermere. Fully furnished with in-suite laundry. Spacious, bright walkout with patio. Available immediately, N/S. $500/month + utilities. 250-342-8755.

Large 3-bdrm home on the lake in Invermere, furnished, sharing with one other, available with own bath, all appliances. $500/month, cable internet, and utilities included, 250-342-1791.

suite for rent Invermere: large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite with separate entrance.

Appliances shared, W/D, central location, 2 blocks to D/T, school, and hospital.

3 blocks to groceries & beach. Pet’s ok, N/S, available now. $625/month + utilities. Call Grant 403-493-1245.

CARRIAGE COURT APARTMENTS. Conveniently located behind Sobeys 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.

Utilities not included. $850/month.

Available immediately, 250-3420838.

2-bdrm apartments, D/T Invermere, clean, quiet units, parking, walk to everything, Start at $775/month, N/S, references required, D/W, W/D hookups. Call Dennis, 250-3426912.

Radium: Bachelor – 1-bdrm – 2-bdrm fully furnished units.

1-3 bdrm unfurnished apt. Rent includes heat, hydro, cable, and parking. DD required. N/S, pets possible. Call Joan at 250-3427517 for more information and availability.

Beautiful 1,200 sq. ft. luxury apartment 2 bdrms, 2 baths, 5 appliances must be seen. N/S, N/P. $1,200/month + hydro. References required. Available immediately.

E-mail panacheinteriors@telus.net or 250-342-5805.

Kinsmen Beach, fully furnished, 1-bdrm suite for rent. Cozy, clean, bright, quiet with laundry, $500/ month + 1/3 hydro. No partiers, N/P, N/S. Call 403-688-1972 or 250342-0008.

Front Walkout Suite partially furnished or not, located in the Wilder subdivision. 1-bdrm + office, private entrance, 5 min. to Kinsmen Beach and D/T. In-suite Laundry, 3 piece bath, new oak kitchen with all appliances, N/S, N/P. $600/month hydro and water included. Looking for a mature professional. Call 403-796-6218.

2-bdrm apartment (upper floor) in Canal Flats. Available immediately. $550/month + utilities + DD. Call 250-342-3345 after 6 p.m.

Large, clean, furnished 1-bdrm suite with shared laundry room.

Available December 1st. $725/ month utilities included + DD. Call 250-342-9404.

Clean, quiet, bright, large, 1-bdrm upstairs suite for rent in Columere Park. $600/month + hydro. Call 250-345-6524.

Invermere: 2-bdrm suite near schools in log home with laminate & tile floors. Includes W/D, fridge, stove, free cable & wireless internet. Private entrance with lots of parking, N/S, N/P. $750/ month + utilities + DD. Available starting December 2011. Call 250342-1010.

Spoil Yourself! Beautiful 1-bdrm suite for rent in Fairmont on R/S Golf Course. Nicely furnished, 2 TVs, W/D, all appliances, cable, internet, and BBQ. $650/month includes utilities. Call 250-342-1629.

2-bdrm fully furnished D/T apartment. $800/month including utilities and internet. Available November 15th. Call 250-3415534.

November 25, 2011

suite for rent 2-bdrm, walkout, basement suite in Invermere. Year round rental, close to beach and shared laundry. $650/ month + partial utilities.

N/S, references required, available immediately. Call 250-342-9605 (evening) & 250-341-8754 (day).

2-bdrm suite for rent available immediately, includes 5 appliances. $800/month includes utilities.

250-341-1099.

1-bdrm apartment in 12 unit building. In D/T Invermere, parking, easy walk to D/T, amenities, no stairs, on-site Laundromat. $579/ month + Hydro, N/S, references required. Available December 1st.

Please call Sharon 250-688-1365.

2-bdrm, 1.5-bath upper suite in Radium. Shared laundry, large back yard, garage included. $600/month + hydro. Call 250-347-9970.

2-bdrm basement suite furnished and close to schools. $800/month utilities included + DD, N/S, N/P, Call 250-688-2456.

Large 2-bdrm suite in Invermere.

Close to D/T and schools. W/D, fridge, and stove. $775/month + hydro. Available immediately. Call 250-688-1105.

Radium: D/T bachelor suite. $350/ month includes utilities. Call 250341-5668.

Brand new large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite in D/T Invermere.

Private entrance and enclosed patio, all new appliances, N/S, N/P, $800/month + utilities, 1 year lease preferred, references required, available immediately, 403-874-0483.

Invermere: Huge, bright 2-bdrm main floor suite, with extra large fenced yard. Nice wood burning stove. All appliances (shared W/D). Central location 2-blocks to D/T, schools, hospital. 3-blocks to grocery store and beach. Pets OK, N/S, available December 1st. $850/ month + utilities. Call Grant 403493-1245.

suite for rent

homes for rent

homes for rent

Athalmer: upper level 2-bdrm, 1-bath suite with large deck and shared yard, W/D, N/S, pets negotiable. $650/month + utilities + DD. 250-342-8933.

Fully furnished luxury home for rent, 2+1 bdrms, 2 full baths, 1,400 sq. ft. bungalow located in Castle Rock Estates, Invermere. Stainless steel appliances, all dishes, pots, and pans, hardwood floors, huge 13 foot island, HE laundry set, gas fireplace, hot tub, large sundeck with stainless steel BBQ, partially finished walkout basement with plenty of space and storage. $1,400/month + D.D. which includes long distance telephone excluding utilities. N/S, N/P, mature single or couple preferred. To view (on weekends only), please call Nicole 403-472-6684 or 250- 3429362.

For the latest rentals available please visit jennyb.ca.

Jenny Bueckert-Maxwell Realty Invermere. info@jennyb.ca or call 250-342-5711.

2-bdrm furnished suite available Dec 1st, walking distance to town, N/P, references required. $699/ month (for 2 people). Call 403-6783087.

homes for rent

FOR RENT

INVERMERE: Lake Windermere Pointe starting at $900/month; furnished or not; pool, underground parking, elevator and much more.

WINDERMERE: Furnished 2 bdrm. cottage for October 1. Nice yard! $900 plus utilities.

INVERMERE: 2 bdrm. furnished condo, storage room, central location at $800 plus utilities.

BLACK FOREST VILLAGE: 2 bdrm. unfurnished town home, long-term at $900 plus utilities.

RADIUM: 4 bdrm. home, unfurnished long-term, no pets or smoking at $1350 plus utilities.

CANAL FLATS: Newer 2 bdrm. town home $850 plus utilities.

Contact Dave or Eric

250-342-4040

www.FirstChoiceRentals.ca

3-bdrm, 1-bath home for rent in D/T Invermere with nice yard, N/S, N/P. Available immediately. $1,350/month + utilities. Call 250341-1182.

3-bdrm, 3-bath T/H in Radium Hot Springs with 6 appliances, W/D, F/P. 1st month FREE with 1 year lease. $995/month + utilities. 403-2201423 or s.couture@shaw.ca.

INVERMERE: 5-bdrm, 4-baths, 4,000 sq. ft., all appliances, A/C, double garage, 2 decks, view of lake, walking distance to school and town, N/S. $1,800/month + utilities. Available immediately.

403-609-0870.

Fairmont, Dutch Creek: 4-bdrm + den cabin in beautiful treed, quiet location. Furnished. Large rec. room, wood F/P. $1,000/month + utilities. Call Ben Green, Green Door Property Management at 250-6880362 Kijiji.ca Ad ID 324747855.

Wilmer: 2-bdrm log home, large fenced yard and, detached workshops, perfect for couple for 2 singles. Small pets welcome.

Some furnishings. Wood heat on main + basement oil furnace and W/D. $900/month. Available immediately. Call to submit application with references. Ed English 250-342-1194 or Jan Klimek 250-342-1195. janklimek@ shaw.ca. edenglish@shaw.ca.

3-bdrm home in quiet Wilder Subdivision with garage, close to D/T, lake and schools, N/S, N/P. $1,100/month + utilities. Available January 1st, 2012. Call 250-3422052.

D/T Invermere home for rent. 4 bdrms, 2 baths, 2 kitchens, garage & shed, 2 separate entrances. Could fit 4-6 people easily. Available December 1st. $1,500/month + utilities. Call 250-688-1224.

2-bdrm unfurnished home for rent.

4834 St. Joseph Street, Radium. $550/month + utilities. Call 250347-9325 or 250-347-9958.

Large 3-bdrm, 2-bath home for rent with island kitchen, yard, garden, and appliances. Available immediately and pet negotiable. $900/month + utilities + DD. 250341-1099.

D/T Invermere: 2-bdrm main level with garage. $1050/month including utilities. Available December 1st. 250-688-1224.

4-bdrm, 2-bath home for rent in Canal Flats. Large fenced front & backyard with a fenced dog run, large garden, and greenhouse, beside Elementary school, pets are welcome. $1,000/month. 250-3417774.

I am a cat – for rent. Along with me comes a lovely 1-bdrm house.

Central Invermere, Available January 1st – May 31st. $800/ month. Only responsible mature adults need apply. References required. Call 250-342-6562.

Cozy 2-bdrm unfurnished home in Invermere. Available December 15th. Fridge, stove, W/D included, N/S, pets negotiable. $900/month includes utilities. 250-342-3841.

4-bdrm, 1-bath mobile home in Windermere. Wood stove, N/P, N/S, available December 1st. 10-day application process and minimum for a 4 month lease. $775/month + utilities. Call 250-688-0106.

3-bdrm family home on a large yard in a quiet neighborhood.

Electric heat with wood back-up close to schools and D/T, attached double garage, and large deck.

References needed. Call 250-3417138 or 250-964-7522 after 6 p.m. and leave message.

condo for rent Hillcrest Apartments has 2-bdrm apartments, $800/month, utilities included, fully furnished, all in.

250-341-1182.

Nice condo for rent in Canal Flats at Jade Landing. Would be great for young couple/people starting out! 3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, close to school and lake, includes 6 appliances and A/C. Bus service to and from Fairmont Hot Springs. $1,000/month + utilities. Available immediately. Call Mark or Wendy 250-349-5419 or 250-489-9717.

Jen 250-341-5095.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

November 25, 2011

condo for rent

condo for rent

Homes for sale

WANTED

MISC. FOR SALE

SERVICES

Windermere Lakeview Meadows

2-bdrm, 2-bath condo for rent in Radium. Spacious floor plan, private balcony facing Sinclair Creek, convenient parking. No indoor smoking and no pets please!

Must see to appreciate. $725/ month + hydro. Call 250-347-9210.

Quaint 1,100 sq. ft. home for sale in Edgewater. Close to elementary school & river. Large 80 ft. x 200 ft. lot with mature trees.

Excellent access with both side and back alleys. Fully renovated & new electrical. Asking $283,000. For full details and pictures visit www. propertyguys.com ID#266210.

250-409-9130.

Single, professional person seeking 2-4-bdrm home in Invermere for L/T rental. Preferably D/T. Must allow medium sized, well behaved, outside dog. Dbl garage or better with large yard. Need for Jan 1st or Feb 1st. Call 250-342-1167.

Woodmizer LT 40 HD Sawmill CAT diesel with 12 ft. BEDX, 1043 hours, great machine. $21,000 OBO. Call 250-341-8424.

Renew & Restore Professional tile and grout cleaning, re-grouting, repair and sealing of tile, grout, slate, and stone. Commercial and residential. 35 years experience.

New installations also available.

250-341-5645 refreshtile@yahoo.ca.

Spacious Luxury, 3-bdrm, 2 ½-bath, 2 storey, premium finishing, large decks, bright, open views, major appliances, elevator access, secured underground double parking and storage, recreation centre w/indoor pools, fitness, games rooms, private beach, boat dock, sports courts, playgrounds. N/S, N/P, DD, references, $1,800/ month, includes Heat/AC, + basic utilities. Rent to own options.

Avail Sept.1, 250-688-0512.

Fully furnished 2-bdrm apartment with 15-year-old lovely cat in residence. Magnificent views, 5 minutes to lake, 10 minute drive to Invermere. N/S, N/P, max 2 employed adults, references required (work and previous landlords). Available December 1st – April 30th. Share apartment with owner for December $250/ month. From January 1st – April 30th $500/month + utilities (regular $850/month + utilities) for excellent care of Cloudy the cat.

250-342-5561 or cmacc47@gmail. com.

1-bdrm, 1-bath condo with den in Pinewood, Radium. Amazing mountain views. Includes utilities, propane, and internet. A/C, underground parking with storage locker, N/S, N/P. $600/month.

Available immediately. 250-2029654.

2-bdrm, 2-bath unfurnished condo for rent in the Pinewood in Radium.

A/C, W/D, and underground parking. N/S, N/P and available immediately. $700/month includes utilities. Call 403-285-3417.

Invermere: Beautiful condo close to D/T. 3-bdrm, 3-bath, 5-appliances, large storage room and attached garage! Will go fast at $1,100/ month + utilities. Call Kevin for evening showing at 780-982-1140.

2-bdrm, 6-appliances, mountain views, patio, partially furnished, and garage. Great location! $1,000/ month. 250-342-1475.

2-bdrm T/H for rent in Edgewater.

Large deck and yard, updated with new appliances and lots of storage. $700/month + utilities. 250-3418775.

1-bdrm, 1-bath furnished condo in Radium. N/S, Nanofibre, parking, and play area. $550/month + utilities. References and DD required. 403-870-2805.

1-bdrm condo near Sobeys $600/ month. 2-bdrm condo $625/ month. N/S, N/P. Call 250-3426255.

1-bdrm + den, 1-bath unfurnished condo at The Peaks in Radium. $750/month includes utilities.

Hot tub access. Call Ben Green, Green Door Property Management at 250-688-0362. Kijiji.ca Ad ID 324747105.

Radium: 2-bdrm 1-bath villa.

Furnished or unfurnished. Garage & storage space. Awesome deck & view. $950/month + utilities. Call Ben Green, Green Door Property Management at 250-688-0362.

Kijiji.ca Ad ID 321267416.

Available immediately – May 31st 3-bdrm fully furnished home in Windermere. $1,000/month + utilities. If interested, please call Susan at 403-540-6858.

Homes for sale Central Radium: Close to golf course! Fully renovated, 6-bdrm home – like new! Stunning kitchen, suite potential.

For full details visit www. propertyguys.com ID#266165.

250-347-9399.

Edgewater: 1,300 sq. ft. home with undeveloped basement 2-bath, 2-bdrm with attached deck and carport. $239,900. To view call 250347-9813.

CONDO for sale Ski to your door, fully furnished 1-bdrm condo, F/P, deck, heated parking, swimming pool, and hot tubs. Tamarack Lodge, Panorama, BC, $115,000 Firm. Call 250-3426858 after 6 p.m.

3-bdrm T/H with fully developed walkout basement, family room, laundry room, bathroom, garage, heat pump, wood trim throughout, custom window coverings. Access to indoor/outdoor pool and fitness center. 360 degree mountain views, 2 minutes from Kootenay National Park and Hot Pools.

Minutes to swimming, boating, downhill and cross country skiing, hiking and a variety of golf courses for every skill level. $298,000. Call 250-342-0183.

D/T living 2-bdrm, 2-bath condo. $249,000 serious inquiries only please. Call 250-342-0554 or 250342-5919.

PETS Hawt Pawz N Clawz Pet Grooming located in Radium is now booking appointments! Call Michelle 250347-2412.

WANTED Do you have a cheesy old velvet painting gathering dust in your basement? Well how would you like to contribute that old gawdy piece to one of the fastest growing velvet painting collections in the valley? Nothing is too old or too small, if you have one you’d like to get rid of, please give Josh a call @ 250-341-6299.

Standard sidewalk blocks. Will pickup any quantity. 250-3476871.

MISC. FOR SALE

20 pairs of men’s slacks (34W x 29L) 1 suit, 1 jacket all in excellent condition. 250-345-6105.

Hot Tub Rentals: Week or Weekend Rates. Valley Spas, 250-342-3922.

4 like new 16” steel rims with 100 mm spacing, fits Subaru. $100. Call 250-345-6695.

302V8 + 3SPEED TRANSMISSION MODIFIED MOTOR too many extras to list. Best Offer. 250-4099130.

Holy Bible Authorized King James Version (1965) Michelangelo Edition. $75. 250-345-0065.

700R Chevy Transmission custom built originally paid $3,000.

Best Offer. 250-409-9130.

Firewood! Birch, Larch, Fir and Pine, cut, split, delivered. ½ cords & full cords. Prices starting at $150.

Call 250-688-0143. Or visit www. horizonridgeranch.com.

Support Rockies Hockey! Pine, Fir, dry and split. To order call 250342-6908.

Top quality Hay and Straw, alfalfa/grass round bales. Call Elkhorn Ranch. 250-342-0617.

Leveling kit for 2003-2006 Dodge Ram. $300 O.B.O. 250-409-9130.

Aluminum deck railing. 1995 Ford truck front bumper, $100 OBO. 3, P-225/70 R16 Firestone Wilderness A/T, one brand new, 2 at 70%-80%. $150 OBO. 2, P245/75 R16 General American A/S at 70%, $75 OBO. 250-342-3569.

Kenmore Washer and Dryer. In good working condition. Dryer 5 years old. Washer 3 years old. Call 250-347-6390.

DSP 5th Wheel Hitch. Used 4 times, 4–way tilt, 17,000 LB. GTW. $450.

250-341-1305.

Cast Iron wood burning stove and accessories. $400 wood/glass cabinet. 73” high. $250. 250-3420554.

Cast iron/EPS woodstove. Asking $750 OBO. Call 250-342-9390.

Wood double glass, double casement, picture window, RO 48” x 72”. Good condition $100 OBO. 1,000 litre steel fuel-heating oil tanks in good condition. $100 OBO. Call 250-342-7313 after 6 p.m.

4 Hankook W404 winter tires with 85% tread left. 195/65 R15. $300 includes mount and balance. 250342-9892.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 1986 CHEVY ½ TON, no motor, LOTS OF ACCESSORIES. Best Offer.

MUST GO! 250-341-7393.

1997 Dodge Dakota in excellent condition, V8, A/C, power windows, security system, 4X4, extended cab, 138,000 kms. Call 250-342-2941.

2004 F-150 5.5 Triton Crew Cab. 165,000 kms, very clean, winter tires only used for 1 season. $12,800. 250-342-4665.

2000 2-dr, 5-speed, Pontiac Sunfire. $1,900. Call 250-342-7677.

1990 Toyota 4x4 for sale. Needs transmission. Offers? 250-3429892.

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.

Dryer Vent and Furnace Cleaning & inspections. Call AQUAIR today!

250-342-5089.

Tile & Slate Installs Journeyman tile setter. 30+ years experience. Custom steam rooms, showers, floors, and cultured stone.

All work guaranteed.

Competitive rates.

Call 250-341-5645.

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, 250-342-5089.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products.

Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca.

“Shannon goes above & beyond, with her impeccable, superb, excellent and speedy service!!!

Thanks so much... Lorna Dyson & Darrel Anderson” Shannon’s Blinds & Designs 250-342-5749 shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca “Covering the Valley – One Window At A Time” Expires: November 27, 2011 LBO Autobody Your Fender Bender Mender & The Valley Shine Shop Keep your vehicle free of salt & road grime. Have it detailed. Basic – deluxe packages available. Drop in for a free estimate on paint and body work @ #35 109 Industrial Rd #2, 250-342-9696.

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Tantalizing travels

PIONEER ON THE ROAD SERVICES

SERVICES

Columbia Valley Handy Help!

Executive Typing Services

“30 years experience in rental property management and maintenance “ SERVICES AVAILABLE: Small Handyman Projects, Repairs and Maintenance Snow Shoveling Bookkeeping Internet and Computer Skills Assistance Cleaning Painting Lawn Mowing Gardening House Watch Elder Assistance Errands Dog Walking and Pet Care Yard Cleanup Local Delivery Temporary Help No job too small Very reasonable fees or by donation.

(20% of proceeds donated to a local charity of your choice.)

Phone: John (250) 347-9877 Cell: (250) 342-1585 for info.

Flooring installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood. 30 years experience. Call 250-347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

Ripped worked clothes? Call Denise for repairs. All clothes must be freshly washed. Call 250-688-0198.

Over 20 years word processing experience. Resumes, manuals, data entry, and more. Accurate and fast! 250-270-0254.

Red Rock Contracting Masonry Work, Riverrock Walls, Glassblocks Etc. . . Tile and Slate, Installations, Interlocking Paving Stones, Retaining Wall Systems, Repairs Etc. . . For Estimates Call 250-341-6869.

Invermere Sharpening Carbide and Steel Sharpening Services. Carbide Saw Re-Tipping.

Saw-Blades Router-Bits, PlanerKnives, Hole-Saws, Ice Auger Blades, Knives, Scissors, and Much More. 250-341-5447, 345 Blair St. Athalmer.

Local Website Design: Designer seeking new clients, specializing in small to medium websites, blogs or portfolios. Initial meeting and quotes are free. www. eggplantstudios.ca.

Columbia Valley Pioneer readers have been sending in photos of their travels in the hopes of winning a two-night stay in Calgary and tickets to a Flames game, courtesy of Invermere’s Travel World. Pictured, Justin Tegart, Dawn and Kent Ervin, and Heather Woodman at Cold lake in Manitoba.

Send your high-resolution travel photos to info@cv-pioneer.com, or bring them to our office at #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere. Happy travels!

HELP WANTED Come join Toby Creek Adventures in the Tourism Industry for a fun and exhilarating work environment. We have 2 positions to fill. Please send resumes to: i n fo @ to byc re e k a d ve nt u re s. com or fax 250-342-0419 www. tobycreekadventures.com 1) Toby Creek Adventures in Panorama B.C., is looking for mature, enthusiastic and reliable individuals who would like to learn to become a Snowmobile Guide.

Persons must be familiar with snowmobiling and must posses the following minimum requirements: valid Level 3 First Aid or equivalent first aid certificate, Canadian Avalanche Level 1 or 2. In-house training starts beginning of December.

2) Toby Creek Adventures is seeking a full-time mechanic. Individuals must be current with latest technologies in snowmobiles and ATVs.

HELP WANTED

Part-time job, full-time income potential.

It’s true: work as much or as little as you like. Earn 30% commission as an independent representative selling sterling silver jewellery.

Along with the trips and free jewellery, being an independent representative is also a fun way to earn some extra money. Call me to find out how 250-341-5956.

Seeking dog walker for 2 large, well-behaved dogs in Edgewater for approx. 30 minutes a day (Monday-Friday (mid-day-early afternoon)). Must be responsible, mature and reliable! If interested please contact Gayle 250-4099130.

Balance Bobcat is seeking hardworking, self-motivated, reliable person who enjoys working outdoors for snow removal.

Starting wage is $15/per hour.

Please call 250-270-0318. DID WE MENTION HARD WORKING? ?

HELP WANTED The Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery requires a P/T and F/T Line Cooks.

Must be available weekends and evenings. Apply in person to the Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery by e-mail to horsethiefpub@telus.net or fax 250-347-9987.

Logging Truck Drivers!

Electrician Wanted!

Mid-sized sawmill operation located near Radium, positioned for steady growth. Looking for an experienced, motivated employee to immediately fill a site electrician position.

Please submit resume to: WoodEx Industries Ltd. Attn: Trevor Young Box 266 Edgewater, BC V0A1E0 p: 250-347-6504 f: 250-347-6508 e: tyoung@woodexind.com

The Pioneer can take your dollar farther!

With triple the circulation of other local newspapers, your advertising is really going somewhere.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com

Want to be your own boss? WoodEx is a primary sawmill located near Radium Hot Springs, BC. We will finance your truck and give you work.

Contact Steve Williams: p: 250-688-1257 e: swilliams@woodexind.com

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

November 25, 2011

Invermere teen runner-up in provincial essay contest

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Kelton Rohrick’s love of the forest and being outdoors recently won him top honours in a province-wide essay contest to celebrate National Forest Week.

Kelton, 13, was the youngest winner in the contest, held by the Association of B.C. Forest Professionals, which invited youth aged 13-18 to write about what the forest means to them, their communities, or the province of B.C. He placed runner-up and received a prize of $150 for his accomplishment.

An avid outdoorsman and budding hunter, Kelton chose to write about how forests provide an important outlet for recreation, and are also a source of multiple wood products he and his family uses.

“The forest provides food and shelter,” Kelton said.

“It really provides for all of our needs.”

Kelton and his family moved to Invermere five years ago from Manitoba. His dad, Larry Rohrick, grew up in the valley, and since his family’s return to the area, Larry and Kelton have been learning how to hunt.

Father and son have taken hunter safety training courses, which Kelton said have helped him learn how to identify bird species and animal tracks, and other helpful tips from the forest.

Kelton also said he feels lucky to be living in a place with so much access to the backcountry, and encouraged other youth to get outdoors any way they can.

“To teens my age, I would invite them to connect with nature by getting out in the bush and use their observation skills to learn about the forest,” he said.

To read Kelton’s essay, turn to page 34.

Morrows talk mountains with Conservation Society Submitted by Jumbo Creek Conservation Society The Jumbo Creek Conservation Society invites you to a special audiovisual presentation, Mountains, the Sacred and the Profane, by Baiba and Pat Morrow at David Thompson Secondary School on November 28th. The award-winning photojournalists will reflect on three decades of adventure, from their search for sacred hidden valleys in the Himalayas to local climbs, hikes and environmental efforts aimed at keeping the mountains wild and free.

The Morrows believe that contemplation of sacred places, whether it be the 6,600-metre Mount Kailash in Tibet or Qat’muk in the Jumbo Valley, can help us appreciate the value of wilderness. This leads to treating the environment with care and respect, and instills pride and a sense of place.

In 2002, at the G8 Environment Ministers meeting in Banff, Pat and Baiba presented a show based on the western world’s exploitative relationship with

nature. Part of their message was that as spiritual and cultural values erode in our overly consumptive world, it is critical that we make every effort to rekindle our once strong connection with nature.

After covering similar ground, the upcoming presentation will also take the audience on a globe-trotting journey, from the sensuously carved sandstone canyons of the Southwestern United States to the snow-covered peaks of the Himalayas via Mt Fuji in Japan. Of particular interest are stills and video from a remote trek last winter into a “beyul” — a sacred hidden valley on the border of Tibet and Nepal.

Pat and Baiba’s short film, Beyul, examines 1,200 years of conservation efforts in the Himalayas, a Columbia Valley initiative to introduce teenagers to the joy of self-propelled outings to the summits and glaciers of the Purcells, and clips from the recently produced film Qat’Muk – Where the Grizzly Bears Go To Dance.

Mountains, the Sacred and the Profane will take place on Monday, November 28th at 7:30 p.m. Doors

Pat and Baiba Morrow

open at 7 p.m. The event is by donation. The evening will conclude with The Jumbo Creek Conservation Society AGM. For info: 250-342-3147.

GLOBETROTTERS — Baiba and Pat Morrow will give a presentation at David Thompson Secondary on November 28th.

Photo submitted

The Pioneer is celebrating the holidays...

N E W S PA P E R

Phone:

250-341-6299 Email:

info@cv-pioneer.com 8, 1008 – 8th Avenue, Invermere BC

December 2

December 9

Super Sunday Shop Local

Christmas decorations in time for the holidays

December 16

December 23

Christmas food and delicacies

Two More Sleeps: last minute gifts

December 30 Best wishes and greetings for the New Year.

Join the celebration and bring your business to the forefront this holiday season by advertising in any or all of our holiday special editions.

Have a joyous and prosperous season!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

November 25, 2011

Valley Churches

FAITH

Sweet hour of prayer

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship Church Nothing can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:31-32, New Living Translation says, “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these?

If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?”

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes forget how great and wonderful and awesome God is and forget how about how much He loves me. Sometimes I feel discouraged or depressed, maybe worried about something going on in my life or the lives of my family and friends; maybe it is a financial problem or a health problem.

Just as we set aside one day each year to remember those who have given of themselves for our freedom, we also have to set time aside to remember what God has done for us, what He is doing for us, and what He is going to do for us. God is on our side.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord,” Romans 8:38-39 NLT. A couple of weeks ago I was reminded of this love. It was our week to minister at Columbia House’s extended care facility, and I was feeling somewhat discouraged on our way there. But while we were there, I was tremendously encouraged by those wonderful folks that live, work, and volunteer there.

We spent some time singing, and it was while we were singing Sweet Hour of Prayer, Jesus Loves Me and Amazing Grace I was reminded, that even when everything seems to be piled up against us, we can always sing songs of praise to our Lord, and, no matter what our age or the circumstances of our surroundings, we can always pray. And God answers those prayers.

I don’t care what you’re facing today or how dark it might seem. There’s a covenant between you and your God that is in force and there’s no devil big enough to break it. “If God be for us, who can be against us?” God is on our side!

It’s a teddy bear picnic These adorable little teddy bears from Windermere Valley Childcare Society’s daycare program visited Columbia House on Monday, November 21st to help Sarah Miller of Home Hardware to distribute bears to all residents. The bears were donated to residents by the Invermere Home Hardware branch, to bring them a little extra seasonal cheer. Left to right: Saffie Douglas, Payci Carder, resident Clara Kaplan, Keagan Wingert, Caden Williams, Kiyomi Elford.

Photo by Kate Irwin

Lake Windermere Alliance Church Sunday, November 27th, 10:30 a.m.: CELEBRATION SUNDAY, “Are You Getting Ready For Christmas?”...Pastor Trevor ministering. The Lord’s Supper will be served.

“K.I.D.S” Church, for ages 3 - to Grade 1; and Grade 2 to Grade 5, during the Morning Service.

Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED 9:00 a.m.: Worship at All Saint’s in Edgewater.

10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Interim Priest In Charge, Katherine Hough 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday, 10 a.m.: Worship and Word Kids’ Church provided.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 4:30 p.m. at St.Anthony’s, Canal Flats. Father John Kellogg Saturday: 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 James 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 Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Thursday 7 p.m. Fun Night 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

Rotary Seniors’ Christmas Dinner

Sunday, December 11th, 2011 Invermere Inn, 5:30 p.m.

For reservations phone 250-342-5566 Monday – Thursday, 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Celebrating our 40th Anniversary

Selkirk TV & Appliance Open from 12:00 to 8:00 pm on Sat., Nov 26

In store specials

furniture, mattresses, Christian bookstore and kitchen aid products Join us for cake and refreshments Sat. from 1pm - 3pm

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

250-342-6415

ll pu t ou

1st Annual Columbia Valley

Winter Guide

Photo by Ryan Bavin (www.bavinphotography.ca)

2 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Winter wonderland Snow-filled activities for everyone

New to the valley or just visiting? The Columbia Valley is brimming with winter recreation opportunities that are available to the whole family. For any of the activities listed below, take the time to understand the risks of each activity, and make sure you have the proper safety equipment and training before you go play. Here is but a selection of the endless snow-filled adventures the valley has to offer: CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING This popular pastime is a great way to see the fantastic Columbia Valley countryside under your own steam.

Up near Edgewater is the Baptiste Lake Trail System, offering 16 kilometres of trails in gently rolling terrain for a $4 daily fee. If you’re based in Radium, Radium Resort sets around three kilometres of classic ski tracks around the golf course, accessed via the parking lot adjacent to the main Resort Lodge. The Greywolf Nordic Centre at Panorama Mountain Village has more than 20 kilometres of trails, snowshoe and ski rentals and a waxing hut. There’s also a warming hut on the Delphine loop. If flat terrain is more your thing, then be sure to visit the Invermere Whiteway, a 15-kilometre groomed loop around Lake Windermere, with tracks for crosscountry, skate-skiing and ice skating.

DOWNHILL SKIING Turn to page 6 for an update on the valley’s fabulous downhill skiing facilities.

SNOWSHOEING Modern day snowshoeing is a popular part of winter exercise routines, often used by runners and hikers who want to stay active in the colder months and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous mountain scenery. Ski resorts make good starting point for snowshoers with Panorama Mountain Village and Kicking Horse Mountain Village offering guided treks for all ability levels. The ski hill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is another good option.

The world really is your oyster once you strap a pair of snowshoes on. To find your feet, rent some snowshoes in

Invermere and try some of the paths around town. Other good trips are the Johnson Trails near Lake Lillian, and the Greenways Trail system at Dry Gulch.

SNOWMOBILING With its moderate to extreme mountain terrain, light dry snow and eye-popping scenery, the Columbia Valley is a mecca for snowmobilers at every level. First, drop by the nearest Visitor Centre for a map of the local trails, avalanche risk areas and off-limit zones.

Rocky Point Creek near Brisco is a steep and challenging six-kilometre trail that gains over 900 metres in elevation. Mid-valley, The Forster Creek route near Radium Hot Springs offers advanced-level riding through alpine meadows to the scenic Thunderwater and Whirlpool Lakes. Just south of Invermere, the Brewer Creek trail offers moderate alpine riding alongside the creek to open meadows and Mineral/Brewer Pass. Less explored but no less beautiful is the McDonald Creek route. Further south, near Canal Flats, the Doctor Creek route offers moderate to advanced riding along an abandoned mining road.

SKI TOURING The beautiful valley backcountry is awe-inspiring with its frosted peaks, deep powder snow and peaceful solitude. Knowledge is power when it comes to backcountry exploration and ski touring should not be attempted without first checking at the closest Visitor Centre for current snow conditions and avalanche warnings. Backcountry experience, or a knowledgeable guide, is essential and proper safety equipment including transceivers must always be carried. In the central Columbia Valley, backcountry lodges can be found to the east of Radium Hot Springs. Towards the valley’s southern end there are backcountry cabins less than an hour west of Canal Flats and a single hut to the northwest of Kimberley. Many backcountry lodges can only be accessed by helicopter and require pre-booking.

ICE FISHING One of the most popular winter activities on Lake Windermere and other fishing hot-spots, ice fishing is a great way to spend an afternoon. Each year, ice fishing enthusiasts set up their fishing shacks as soon as the

ice is thick enough. Each January, an ice fishing derby is held on Lake Windermere, when local fishermen compete for the biggest catch.

CURLING The Columbia Valley is brimming with curling enthusiasts. The Invermere Curling Club curls out of their Invermere rink (across from the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena), and has programs for both serious and beginner curlers, young and old. The curling club hosts one of the area’s most popular and lively winter events, the two-day Bonspiel on the Lake. The Bonspiel is an outdoor affair, where curlers compete on sheets of ice smoothed from Lake Windermere’s ice. This year’s event runs from January 20th-21st.

ICE SKATING The Columbia Valley boasts both indoor and outdoor skating. For the indoor crowd, there are pubic skating hours as well as specific programs at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena (see opposite page for details). Further south, Canal Flats also has an indoor arena.

For skating under the stars, there’s no better place than the Whiteway on Lake Windermere, where a plowed track for walking and skating runs alongside the groomed cross-country trail system. There are also a number of cleared outdoor rinks on Lake Windermere for playing shimmy or practising your triple-salchow.

The towns of Radium and Edgewater also have outdoor public rinks available for skating.

HELISKIING For those looking for the ultimate skiing experience, R.K. Heliskiing near Panorama Mountain Village, and Canadian Mountain Holidays both offer great helicopter skiing packages for either day or week-long trips. Be warned: once you have a taste of deep, heliaccessed powder, you’ll be snow spoiled for life!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 3

November 25, 2011

Arenas: Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Invermere, 502 13th Street - 250-342-6712 Friday: Adult Public Skating (Ages 19 and up) 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Parents and Tots Skating (Preschool) 12 – 12:45 p.m.

Sunday: Family Public Skating 5:45 – 6:45 p.m.

Canal Flats Arena Canal Flats, 4925 Burns Avenue - 250-349-5617 • Skate sharpening available $3.00 for youth and $5.00 for adults • Please call before attending public skating or shinny Monday: Public Skating: 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Youth Shinny: 4:45 – 6 p.m.

Adult Shinny: 6:15 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday: Public Skating: 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Youth Shinny: 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Thursday: Public Skating: 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

Sunday: Public Skating: 2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

Youth Shinny: 3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Adult Shinny: 4:45 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Invermere District Curling Club Located across from the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena - 250-342-3315

Bonspiels: Bonspiel on the Lake - January 20th, 21st and 22nd Ladies’ Bonspiel - February 3rd, 4th and 5th Men’s Bonspiel - February 17th, 18th and 19th

outdoor facilities: Radium Hot Springs’ outdoor skating rink: Open for public use once frozen.

Lake Windermere Whiteway: The Whiteway is a 15 kilometre groomed track that runs all the way around Lake Windermere, connecting the towns of Invermere and Windermere. There are tracks for classic cross-country skiers, a groomed skate skiing track, and a cleared ice-skating track.

The Whiteway has three official entry points onto the ice: Kinsmen beach in Invermere, the Invermere Bay Condos and Windermere Beach. Each entry point has a large timber frame sign providing user guidelines, maps, information about Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club, and a donation box.

For more information visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca/ lake-windermere-whiteway.

resorts: Panorama Mountain Village www.panoramaresort.com - 250-342-6941 Skiing and Snowboarding: December 9th - April 15th 2012 Open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Sunday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

resorts: Radium Hot Springs Pools - 250-347-9485 For more information visit www.pc.gc.ca/voyagetravel/sources-springs/index/radium/radium.aspx October 11th – May 17th Sunday – Thursday: Noon – 9 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: Noon – 10 p.m.

Christmas hours: December 25th: Noon to 11 p.m.

December 26th - January 7th: daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

January 8th: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Cool Pool: October 11th - May 17th Friday: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: Noon to 9 p.m.

December 25th: CLOSED December 26th - January 7th: Noon to 10 p.m.

January 8th: Noon to 9 p.m.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort:

www.fairmonthotsprings.com - 250-345-6000 Hot Springs Pool Information Until December 15th: Open daily 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Night Swim is from 7:30 – 9 p.m. during this time. $5.50 per person.

December 16th - January 1st, 2012: Open daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Night Swim is from 9 p.m.

– 10 p.m. during this time. $5.50 per person.

Ice Rink Free public skating at the ice rink.

The rink has lights and is located in the tennis courts at the front of the Lodge.

Ski Area Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Area opens on December 16th.

• $5 drop-in or spare fees • $20 for all sessions of the Junior Program

RK Heliski: December 10th - late April 2012. Daily tours available.

Tuesday: Afternoon drop-in practice and Sturling (two person team game using sticks to shoot the rock): 2 – 4 p.m.

Snow Tubing: December 22nd - April 15th 2012 Open every day, 2 - 9 p.m.

Wednesday: Junior Curling (ages 9-13): 3:30 – 5 p.m. Instruction included.

Tobogganing: December 22nd - April 15th 2012 Open every day, 4:30 - 9 p.m.

Nipika is an eco resort in the Canadian Rockies beside Kootenay National Park, offering cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on groomed trails.

Thursday: Fun Mixed League. Starts at 7 p.m., second draw starts at 8:30 p.m.

Toby Creek Adventures Snowmobile Tours: December - April. Daily tours available.

54 kilometres of groomed ski trails are open from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, from mid-December to mid-March.

Greywolf Nordic Centre: December 17th - late March 2012.

Cross-country ski and snowshoe equipment is available to rent at the resort.

Snowshoeing: December - April 2012.

sTrail use is $11.40 for adults and $5.60 for children under the age of 12.

Friday: High School Curling (ages 12-18): 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

Evening drop-in – 7 – 9 p.m. Adults and children welcome.

Nipika Mountain Resort: www.nipika.com - 1-877-647-4525

4 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Winter Historical Lens

2011/12 Ski Season Monita Gauvin, B.C. and Alberta Registered; and Lyn Birkett, Alberta Registered, at the Radium Resort, Radium, B.C. Phone: 250-347-9311 • 250-341-5668

W

e have changed our food offering this year and are providing a combination of Aprés ski, A La Carte and Fine Dining to all our guests. All the new menus can be found on our web site under Greys Restaurant. www.earlgreylodge.com

RISING SUN MASSAGE

The Aprés Ski menu is available from 4:00 pm before our set dining evenings on Monday (fondue), Friday and Saturday (fine dining).

The a la carte menu is available from 4:00 pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday including children’s menu.

Monday Night 3 course fondue $55.00 adult $29.95 child.

Friday and Saturday 5 course fine dining $79.95

•New Year’s Eve • Evening Party 9:30 pm – 1:00 am • Dinner $99.00 per person + taxes 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm Hors d’oeuvres and midnight • Dinner and party $109.00 + taxes 6:00pm - 1:00 am toast $30.00, join us to • Arrival from 6:00pm, seating @ 6:30 pm celebrate the New Year

To buy tickets or make a reservation please contact us 250-341-3641 • info@earlgreylodge.com

250-341-3641 • www.earlgreylodge.com

A professional blend of techniques, this includes trigger points to clear your mind and body of built up tensions. We will send you away feeling Relaxed, Released and Rejuvenated.

½ Hour .................................................... $45.00 ¾ Hour ..................................................... $60.00 1 Hour...................................................... $75.00 1 ½ Hours ............................................. $105.00 Come 30 minutes early and enjoy the new facilities including a new hot tub.

RADIANT HOT STONE MASSAGE

Thermal transfer of heat into meridians from ancient geological stones combined with fine oils and a soothing massage.

One Hour .................................................. $85.00

SUN SHOWER & RAINDROPS

Delicate aromatherapy oil assimilation treatment and gentle massage - Beneficial to all physiologies.

One Hour .................................................. $85.00 ANCIENT ART OF REFLEXOLOGY

Ancient modus of stimulating nerves and circulation AND opening meridians of anatomical function and health.

One Hour .................................................. $60.00 WAKING SUN FACIALS

Renewal – A warm steam with a facial massage, cleanse exfoliation, natural mask, toner and hydrating cream.

Facial ........................................................ $85.00 ESSENTIAL SUN PEDICURE

Pedicures are the essential foundation of good health. Includes paraffin wax and your own mini bottle of OPI polish.

Pedicure ................................................... $70.00

Call the Resort to book directly • Open 7 days a week 9am until 7pm www.radiumresort.com • email risingsunbc@telus.net

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 5

November 25, 2011

Premium Childcare Outdoors 250-341-8070 info@skinanny.ca www.skinanny.ca

Warm your walls with art this winter.

On Display at the Best Western Invermere Inn.

Stop by the Invermere Inn for some Hot chocolate.

Quality Canvas Art for Sale

Winter through the ages

We are a local business!

Many years before the Whiteway was drawing people onto Lake Windermere for winter recreation, those living in the valley have been enjoying the ice fishing, skating and sledding opportunities in their back yard. Pictured, left to right from opposite page: a mixed hockey group gets their skate on near Windermere in 1911; Bev Harris teaches ice fishing skills to a youngster on Lake Windermere; two members of the Pitt family ride by sleigh across the frozen waters in 1935.

Photos (A596, A957 and A1075) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Follow us on…

Rentals

Hockey and women’s skates Hockey sticks & helmets Snowshoes and poles Cross-country skis

We also sell Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe Packages at great prices.

Main Street, Invermere

250-342-0402

@PioneerNewsTip

Smoking Water Coffee Company is under new ownership and looking forward to bringing you the following events:

DECEMBER 8TH: Fairmont Evening Shopping from 4 to 8 p.m.

Tired after shopping? Come on in for wine and appetizers or one of our warm specialty coffees.

DECEMBER 11TH: 4th annual Santa in Fairmont from 12 - 3.

Kids get to visit with Santa and have pictures taken for $10.

Musicians, Christmas carol sing along, wagon rides, cookie decorating, and more.

JANUARY 22ND: Annual Fire/Ice Celebration Pancake Breakfast.

JANUARY – APRIL: One Sunday afternoon per month from 3-6 apres ski. In-house artists showing their beautiful work.

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Kathy at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

SMOKING WATER COFFEE COMPANY

Pioneer Newspaper

MARCH: Celtic band from Nova Scotia.

JANUARY – APRIL: Once a month on Saturday evenings we will have theme dinners. Call for more info!

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • Email: info@cv-pioneer.com

We are also offering in-house and off-site catering services. Fully licensed and ready to serve you. Please call or stop by with any inquiries on our upcoming events and offerings.

4895 Hot Springs Road • 250-345-4008

6 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Panorama Mountain Village Panorama Mountain Village has undergone a string of upgrades for the 2011/12 winter season including a brand new snow tube park and four themed festivals between January and April.

Opening December 22nd, Panorama’s snow tube park will have three lanes for sliding enthusiasts to blast down on air-filled rubber tubes. The lanes range from mild to wild and are located steps from slopeside accommodation, with easy access via the Red Carpet conveyor lift.

“The snow tube park adds to our ever expanding set attractions available for families,” said Jamie Hurschler, Marketing Coordinator for Panorama. “All the new features are really going to make the experience at Panorama special. Not only do we have world class skiing and a fantastic village, but we also have an exciting array of activities to keep families entertained while off the slopes.”

After tripling the size of their night skiing area last winter and increasing the number of gladed tree runs, this year the resort was looking to extend the range of activities and evening events on offer.

The first new festival, the Mountain Snowflake Festival, will take place from January 21st-22nd, followed by the Mountain Mardi Gras, from February 25th-26th. The Western-themed Mountain Stampede

will run from March 17th-18th and to wrap up the season, Panorama’s Mountain Spring Carnival will run from April 7th to 8th.

Themed dining, family activities and nightlife will be on offer at each of the festivals.

“We are really excited about the four festivals and the variety of activities for different age groups,” Mr. Hurschler explained. “Younger guests can take part in carnival style games throughout the day, while teens will love the evening rail jam, and parents can take in live music as they enjoy a themed culinary menu.”

Freestyle riders are also well served for the winter months with the Rockstar Terrain Park’s permanent skier and boarder cross track. Newly-extended for 2011/12 the banked track runs from the top of the park and leads skiers and snowboarders to the medium and large features in the lower half.

Other enhancements to the mountain include trail widening on Stumbock’s, a step fall line run, plus added glading and pruning in Taynton Bowl. The Pine Inn has also been redecorated and refurbished with new carpets, beds and updated bathrooms.

Panorama Mountain Village opens on December 9th. For more information about the resort, or to buy season passes, visit www.panoramaresort.com, or call 250-342-6941 or 1-800-663-2929 (toll-free).

Photo by Panorama Mountain Village

Fairmont Resort Ski Hill

Photo by Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

If you’re looking for a mellow place to practise your turns without breaking the bank, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill has some new offerings for adults and kids alike for the upcoming snow season.

One of the resort’s brand-new additions is a border and skier cross track, suitable for beginners and up to practise their turns, along with new snowmaking guns and additional fun features for kids in the magic carpetaccessed beginner area.

“To go along with our beginner-novice freestyle park we have installed a new boarder and skier cross on the Easyrider run,” said Marion Garden, Fairmont Resort’s Marketing Manager. “Excavating work was done on the green slope building a permanent boarder/skier cross track for the up-and-comers to get their start on.”

The terrain park, which was widened last season to double its original width, has a selection of rails and jumps suitable for all ability levels, from terrain park aficionados to freestyle novices.

As a lower altitude hill, snowmaking is an important consideration for Fairmont, and the resort has been working for the last three years to enable them to offer the highest quality of snow to guests.

Six new snowmaking guns and a new wireless control system at the ski hill mean two to three times more

snow can be produced per gun this winter than in previous years, while using half the energy.

“Aquafina has come through for us again continuing to sponsor our SnowPlanet learning centre,” Ms. Garden added. “Building on the magic carpet lift investment of two years ago, we introduced our child-friendly, interplanetary alien-themed SnowPlanet area last season. This was hugely successful in encouraging young children to get out on the slopes and have fun learning new skills.

“More characters and fun features like tunnels and arches have been added to the SnowPlanet, along with some earth work and shaping of the kid’s area over the summer.”

In addition to the range of new on-mountain features, the popular Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and Fireworks will make a return on December 24th.

Ticket prices have been held over from last season, reflecting the ongoing effects of the recession, with free, same-day access to the resort’s mineral hot pools included in the cost. The resort also has a special H2O Snow Card on offer until December 24th. For $89 for adults, $69 for youth or seniors or $49 for children, you can have three days of skiing, plus free hot springs entry.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Hill opens on December 16th. For more information about the resort, or to buy ski hill passes, visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com, or call 250-345-6000 or 1-800-663-4979 (toll-free).

November 25, 2011

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 7

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Skiers and snowboarders from novice to expert will find themselves well-catered to at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort this winter, with a brand-new learning centre for novices, increased access to the Feuz Bowl ski area, and additional grooming for those who love to cruise the corduroy.

A new 500-metre traverse trail has been constructed on Redemption Ridge providing a groomed entrance to the spectacular scenery and advanced terrain of the powder-filled Feuz Bowl. From this traverse trail, the groomers at Kicking Horse will be exploring additional grooming options on the south facing Crystal Bowl side of Redemption Ridge. This new project will help provide fresh grooming options from the top of the Stairway to Heaven Chair into two alpine bowls, great news for those who enjoy the cruisers.

“The Redemption Ridge access trail includes new groomed access to terrain perfect for intermediate skiers,” said Steve Paccagnan, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

“The improvements for winter 2011/12 continue to demonstrate our commitment to improving the overall mountain accessibility for all ability levels of skiers and riders.”

The biggest change for the upcoming season is the new learning centre near the base of the mountain, a

dedicated beginner and novice area.

The magic carpet lift has been relocated and extensive slope work undertaken near the resort plaza, providing the smooth, gentle terrain needed when getting to grips with skis or a board.

The location, close to the ski school meeting place and rental shop, should also help to speed up the process of getting geared up and onto the slopes.

“Our new learning area in the plaza will provide a comfortable slope for first timers, in a centralized location, close to all the plaza services,” Mr. Paccagnan added.

In addition to the on-snow upgrades, Kicking Horse also has a choice of activities for those who want to do more than just hit the slopes, with snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, telemark and cross-country skiing available at the resort.

Christmas and New Year’s will be celebrated in style with Ski with Santa taking place on December 17th and 18th and Christmas at Kicking Horse from the 24th to the 27th. Ski and snowboard demos, ski mountaineering races, freeride contests, and more are on offer throughout the winter.

Kicking Horse Resort opens on December 16th.

For more information about the resort, or to buy season passes, visit www.kickinghorseresort.com, or call 1-866-754-5425.

Photo by Andrew Mirabito

Local business provides childcare on skis

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff If you’re stuck for what to do with the little ones this winter while you hit the slopes, a unique local business could give you a helping hand. Ski Nanny, the brainchild of former ski instructor Susi Rieger, offers a gentle introduction to a range of snow sports for children aged two and up. Through guided play, Susi provides a safe, encouraging environment to help kids get to grips with skis, snowshoes or skates, while having plenty of fun along the way.

“Most important is to create a good time,” Susi said.

“People can book me for an hour or two to ski with their three or four year old, or a group can book me for a week so that all their kids can ski together and have fun, even though they may not ski to the same level.”

Working anywhere in the Columbia Valley or further afield, Susi will meet with clients at their preferred location and provide childcare services for the day, or as long as required.

Those wanting their children to ski can send them out solo or in groups with Susi, who will explore the mountain with them, playing skill-building games along the way.

But non-skiers are not left out, Susi will plan a funfilled day of gondola rides, snow angels, snowball fights and warming hot chocolate breaks.

“I aways loved to ski and started skiing myself before the age of three,” Susi explained. “It was the greatest gift my parents gave me … I get a lot of joy out of being a part of that experience for kids and seeing the smiles on their faces.”

Susi began teaching skiing back home in Austria, before spending several winter seasons instructing skiing and running a kids and teens camp in the United States.

She first came to the Columbia Valley in 2008 to work for the ski school at Panorama Mountain Village.

After several friends suggested that she turn her enjoyment of winter sports and working with children into a business, Susi created Ski Nanny last winter.

“It is better for parents as well as for kids,” she said. “Doing things right from the start is always the best way and I can SKI NANNY — Local ski enthusiast Susi Rieger is offering a full range of tell parents how their kids are skiing, which winter childcare services with her Ski Nanny business. Pictured, left to right: runs we went down, if there’s anything to Bennett, Susi, Helen (crouching) and Shelby.

Photo submitted work on ... These are not ski lessons, but ski hills. “Anything outdoors” is her remit, including ice there is an educational element. They are learning about safety, to look up the hill before starting, how to skating, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, nature walks and more. To learn more about Ski Nanny visit www. ride a lift, etc. All of this helps build their confidence.”

But Susi’s educational adventures are not limited to skinanny.ca, or call 250-341-8070.

8 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Baby, it’s cold outside Photo tips for winter weather

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff The arrival of winter flurries can cause some photographers to shelve their cameras in wait of bright spring colours and warmer weather. Deep-freeze conditions outdoors can certainly prove challenging for photography, but they should serve as a source for creative inspiration, not a cause for sending your camera into hibernation.

For those who can cope with cooler temperatures, the perfect storm of winter weather conditions can result in stunning images: slanted morning sunlight makes perfect backlighting for delicate flakes clinging to tree branches, steam rising from open water creates ethereal photo effects, and windswept snow scenes captured at the right moment look otherworldly.

Here are a few tips to think about before you wade through snowdrifts with your camera, so you can capture the most impressive frosty photos feasible.

Wrap your gear in warm woolies Think of your camera and its batteries and flash as you would your fingers and toes. Just like your extremities, camera parts and batteries slow down and become less effective in cold temperatures. Combat this by keeping your gear cozy before you shoot. It’s a good idea to keep a spare battery stored in a pocket close to your body so you can swap it with a sluggish, cold battery if need be. Also consider carrying your camera inside your jacket while you wait for the perfect light, pulling it out only when you need to shoot. In extra-cold temperatures, pack along portable hand-warmers that can alternate spreading some warm lovin’ to both your fingers and camera parts — both need to be working properly for the perfect shot.

Avoid a “whoops!” moment Attach a trail of fluorescent flagging tape to tiny pieces of equipment to prevent a string of expletives from escaping your mouth as you watch your memory card of award-winning images drop into an abyss of snow. Store any bits and pieces you might pull out of your camera bag in a highly-visible way, just in case your cold fingers fail you: lens filters and caps, memory card cases, battery packs, and your tripod head.

Black-and-white might be right What winter sometimes lacks in lush colour, it makes up for in great shadows and light patterns, which are ideal for black-and-white photography. If you’re not getting the colour photos you’re looking for, switch your brain over to thinking in grayscale. Pay special attention to contrasts in light; silhouettes (of which there are many in winter, when most trees and plants shed their leaves); how the wind sculpts snow into tantalizing curves; and

SNOW OCEAN — Winter images, like this stunner from Invermere photographer Ryan Bavin, are in reach of anyone willing to put up with more challenging photography conditions.

Photo by Ryan Bavin (www.bavinphotography.ca) dark objects, like a stand of trees, positioned against snowy light backgrounds. Thinking outside of the realm of colour can help you become a better photographer with a more well-rounded understanding of exposure and light.

Use lazy hours to your advantage Those who have a hard time crawling out of bed early enough to catch summer sunrises have no excuse in the winter. The sun rises an average of three hours later during winter months, and sets at least three hours sooner, meaning the most beautiful lighting moments of the day are available to even the most sluggish sleeper. The low angle of early morning and evening light produces soft, even lighting and long, languid shadows, which make for warm, full-bodied photographs. The clear skies that bring crisp winter temperatures can also create perfect alpenglow — a blue, purple, red, or orange-tinted sky — that no photographer should miss.

Keep your camera dry If it’s really snowing, you want to make sure no moisture reaches the most precious parts of your camera.

Your camera is basically a durable computer; it can only take so much before its electronic parts fizzle.

Protect your camera from the snow by investing in a clear plastic camera rain cover, which usually has drawstrings or elastic at all the right parts for a snug fit. Or, make Red Green proud and build your own with plastic bags and strips of duct tape.

Most importantly, when you’re finished shooting and head back indoors, let your camera warm up as slowly as possible to avoid condensation buildup. Wrap it in a sealed plastic bag before you go inside, and leave it to warm up in a place that isn’t next to a heater, like a cool windowsill. This will protect both your lens and inner camera parts from moisture, so you can continue to shoot amazing photos all winter long.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 9

November 25, 2011

Kitching keeps the Whiteway clear

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff He may not have the jacket Homer Simpson wore on the famous “Mr. Plow” episode, but Windermere resident Brad Kitching has been keeping the Lake Windermere Whiteway clear for skaters and cross country skiers since it began.

Heading into his third winter, Mr. Kitching is not only excited to get back on his plow, but he is also looking forward to working with the Invermere Business Committee as they move forward with expansion plans for the popular Lake Windermere trail system.

Mr. Kitching moved to the valley 15 years ago, after working as the Sports Director for Chateau Lake Louise for eight years. When he’s not out on Lake Windermere, he washes windows, manages Indian Beach Estates and makes stunning art pieces through his business, Twisted Metal.

Before the Whiteway was established, he used to plow areas of the lake for the exclusive use of his Indian Beach Estate clients, but when he was approached by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club to expand his plowing efforts to the 15-plus kilometre Whiteway, he agreed.

It takes Mr. Kitching about nine hours to completely clear the Whiteway and set fresh cross-country ski tracks after a snowfall. He uses an older model Toyota truck with a blade on the front to move the snow, and a snowmobile with a towbehind track setter for the cross-country portion of the trail.

At the beginning of the season, he spends three full days checking the ice in a number of spots to confirm that he has at least a foot of good ice before he brings his truck out on it.

“I don’t want to be that idiot who falls through. I start doing the testing around mid December, but this year it might happen earlier. I’m already skating on the lake at my place and with the cold weather we’ve been having the ice thickens about an inch a day,” said Mr. Kitching.

Spending his post-snowfall days on the Whiteway is a great way to make a living, he said. He burns through audio books like hot cakes, and gets to be the first one out on the lake making tracks.

“I generally start at the crack of ten. I like to lay the cross-country track down in the late afternoon so it sets up overnight and the next day it’s great,” he said. “As a rule of thumb the cross-country skiing is better the next day after a snowfall.”

The users of the Whiteway are generally very welcoming when they see Mr. Kitching’s truck zipping across the ice.

The public is pretty good at policing the trail as well, he said, as motorized vehicles that go on the trail not only damage the skating surface but obliterate the crosscountry ski tracks as well.

So if you see Mr. Kitching’s red Toyota plowing it’s way around the lake, give him a wave. And in the words of Homer Simpson, “Call Mr. Plow, that’s my name!

That name again is Mr. Plow!”

KEEPING IT CLEAN — Brad Kitching, along with his trusty Toyota, has been working hard the last couple of years maintaining the Lake Windermere Whiteway.

Quality antique furniture and collectibles from Canada, Europe and Asia.

Architectural items for home and garden.

STOREWIDE SALE ON NOW!

Open Wednesday to Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm

Ph: (250) 342-0707

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

Canadian Rockies Sources thermales des Hot Springs Rocheuses canadiennes parkscanada.gc.ca parcscanada.gc.ca

Escape the chill Échappez au froid Annual pass sale Save even more for spontaneous escapes to Radium, Miette or Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Offre de laissezpasser annuel Faites une escapade spontanée aux sources thermales Radium, Miette et Upper Hot Springs de Banff et économisez encore plus.

Adults $140 $ 110 Seniors/Children $105 $ 85 Families $385 $ 310

Adultes 140 $ 110 $ Aînés et enfants 105 $ 85 $ Familles 385 $ 310 $

Price includes taxes.

Les taxes sont comprises.

Sale ends January 1, 2012.

L’offre prend fin le 1er janvier 2012.

Call 250-347-9485 or visit the hot springs to purchase your passes.

Composez le 250-347-9485 ou rendez-vous aux sources thermales pour acheter votre laissez-passer.

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to upioneer@telus.net

10 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Wintry treats to tempt your

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff There’s no better cure for the winter blues than some warming recipes that leave your whole house smelling delicious.

With a little confectioner’s sugar and some creativity, it’s simple to create some festive treats that will have you coming back for seconds and thirds.

From warming Gluhwein to festive cookies, The Pioneer has got you covered.

taste buds

Melted snowman cookies This simple sugar cookie recipe produces light, buttery tidbits that can be cut to any desired shape with cookie cutters or shaped by hand. Christmas trees, stars or good old fashioned round cookies can be spruced up with the help of some coloured frosting and cake decorations. You can also add chocolate chips, nuts or cherries to the cookie dough for an even tastier treat.

Makes 30 cookies

Cookie Ingredients: • ¾ cup butter, softened • 1 cup white sugar • 2 eggs • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ¼ teaspoon salt

Decorating ingredients: • 15 large marshmallows • 1 tube chocolate decorating icing •4 3 tubes coloured decorating icing (orange + black/brown + two additional colours) or red, yellow and blue food colouring if you want to make your own • ½ cup butter, softened • ½ cup shortening • 4 cups icing sugar • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 2 tablespoons milk or cream

Method:

- Beat butter, sugar and vanilla together until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

- Add eggs, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition.

- Add flour, salt and baking powder and mix until just combined.

- Cover with saran wrap and allow dough to rest in the fridge for at least an hour.

- Heat oven to 350°F/175°C. - Roll dough to desired thickness and cut out cookie shapes with cutter, or take chunks of dough, roll into balls and flatten onto a greased baking sheet.

- Cook for 8-12 minutes until pale golden and leave to cool.

Method:

- Cut marshmallows in half using scissors or a sharp knife.

- In a large bowl combine butter, shortening and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.

- Beat in icing sugar, one cup at a time, adding milk or cream if the mixture is too thick.

- Spread frosting over your cookies.

- Add one marshmallow piece towards the edge of each cookie.

- Use chocolate decorating icing to draw eyes and a mouth on your marshmallow halves and orange icing for the carrot nose (I mixed red and yellow food colouring and used it to paint on my carrot noses instead).

- Divide your remaining frosting in two and dye half pink and half blue, or grab your tubes of decorating icing.

- Using a piping bag with a small nozzle, draw little scarves in blue/ pink icing around your all of your marshmallow halves.

- Pipe the corresponding coloured icing to draw buttons down the front of each snowman.

- Use chocolate decorating icing to draw stick arms.

Photos by Kate Irwin

12 ~ Columbia Valley Winter Guide • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 25, 2011

Smoking Water’s Amaretto mochaccino This divinely decadent warming winter drink comes courtesy of Smoking Water Coffee Company in Fairmont Hot Springs. The perfect cure for the winter chill, the drink has a delicious lingering almond flavour with just the right touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

The staff at Smoking Water Coffee Company celebrate their new liquor licence with a delicious Amaretto mochaccino. Pictured, left to right: David, Selena, Shannon, Karen, owner, Cindy and Megan.

Photo by Kate Irwin

This homemade take on the beloved Hostess treat will have you wondering why you ever went with the sickly shop bought version. For a cream filled treat, use a piping bag to pipe a squirt of frosting into the centre of each cupcake.

Makes 16 cupcakes

- Heat oven to 350°F/175°C. Ingredients: - Line a 16 slot muffin tin with paper cup• ½ cup butter cake cases.

• ½ cup white sugar - Beat butter, sugar and vanilla together • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).

• 2 large eggs - Add eggs, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating • 1 cup all purpose flour well after each addition.

• 1 teaspoon baking powder - Add flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking • ¼ teaspoon salt powder and mix until just combined.

• 2 heaped tablespoons cocoa powder - Fill each muffin cup two-thirds full and bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothcooking time has elapsed, otherwise pick inserted into a cupcake comes out cupcakes will fall flat in the centre. clean. It is important not to open the Cool on wire racks. oven door until at least two-thirds of the

Decorate:

- Pour shredded coconut onto a small Decorating ingredients: plate and set aside.

• 1 bag finely shredded coconut - Place sugar, egg whites, corn syrup, wa• 2 cups extra fine white sugar ter, vanilla and cream of tartar in the top • 3 egg whites of a double boiler, or in a clean glass bowl • 3 tablespoons light corn syrup over (but not touching) a couple of inch• 3 tablespoons cold water es of water simmering in a saucepan.

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Stir thoroughly until sugar has totally • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar dissolved and mixture is quite hot to the touch.

- Using a handheld mixer, whisk for sevthe tops with meringue frosting. en minutes or until mixture forms stiff

Dip frosted cupcakes into coconut to peaks when beaters are raised. create a powdery snowball effect.

- Take your cooled cupcakes and slather

Method:

- Pour the chocolate syrup and steamed milk into a 12 ounce (340 ml) cappuccino mug or tempered glass mug, and froth the mixture. If you prefer, you can use a frothing jug, then pour into a mug once the frothing is completed - Slowly add the espresso and almond syrup or amaretto to the frothed chocolate milk.

- Top with a dollop of whipped cream.

- Drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Snowball Cupcakes

Method:

• 1-2 ounces/30–60 ml chocolate syrup • 4-5 ounces/113–145 ml steamed milk • 2 ounces/60 ml hot, fresh espresso or strong coffee • ½ -1 ounce/15–30 ml almond flavored syrup or Amaretto Liqueur • Whipped cream, for garnish • Chocolate syrup, for garnish

Greys Restaurant’s Gluhwein This warming, spiced treat comes from the team at Greys Restaurant at Panorama Mountain Village. Based on a traditional German recipe, this tasty, hot mulled wine can be served with a fresh slice of lemon or orange, plus fresh cinnamon.

Method:

- Place apple juice in a large pan and place over a medium heat.

- Add cinnamon, honey and spices.

- While honey is dissolving cut the orange into quarters, then cut them in half so you have eight pieces. Push two of the cloves into the skin of each piece and add to the pan.

- Add the bottle of wine.

- Increase the temperature until bubbles start to rise to the surface of the liquid and then remove from the heat.

- As soon as it is cool enough to taste, test the gluhwein for sweetness. If it is not sweet enough add sugar to taste and stir to dissolve.

- Let the pan stand for an hour or longer to allow the flavours to develop.

- Warm gently before serving and add brandy. Spoon into heatproof glasses, leaving the oranges and cinnamon behind.

Ingredients: • 1 bottle of red wine (inexpensive, full-bodied and fruity) • 2 cinnamon sticks, broken into 1-2 inch pieces • 16 whole cloves • 1 orange • 2 tablespoon runny honey • 1 heaped teaspoon mixed ground Christmas cake spices or equivalent amount of any of ground allspice, nutmeg and coriander • 1 litre apple juice or water • 6 oz cheap brandy

November 25, 2011

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Columbia Valley Winter Guide ~ 13

Whiteway visionaries consult with ‘Mr. Canal’

By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff As the Invermere Business Committee continues to develop the Whiteway and work towards dethroning Ottawa’s famous Rideau Canal for the title of world’s longest skating rink, who better to have on board than the man who used to oversee the historic landmark for 17 years, a man known throughout Ottawa as “Mr. Canal?”

Stephen Estabrooks, an Ottawa resident and frequent visitor to British Columbia, probably knows more about outdoor ice making and management of major tourist attractions than most, having worked his career among the ranks of the National Capital Commission in Ottawa, the crown corporation that administers the federally owned lands in Canada’s National Capital Region. ENJOYING A SKATE — Stephen Estabrooks, also known as “Mr. Canal” and his wife, Jayne Estabrooks enjoy a skate on During his almost two-decade tenure overseeing the Ottawa’s Rideau Canal.

Photo submitted canal, Mr. Estabrooks has worked with Hollywood movie producers looking to shoot the Batmobile speeding down 70s, and said there was a noticeable increase in the years work a nine-to-five schedule. the ice surface, and companies who develop ABS braking that immediately followed the status being achieved.

“There were stretches during the winter where my systems for planes.

“The city of Ottawa benefited greatly as the tourism kids called me uncle and my dog bit me and my wife He has also been asked to offer advice to engineering potential of the canal was realized. It increased tourism changed the locks on the door,” he said with a laugh. “It’s conventions in New York, government officials in Lab- numbers significantly in the winter months and was an a lot of long hours and you have to have the flexibility to rador City and St. John’s Newfoundland, representatives economic boom during a traditionally low tourism time. get out there depending on what the weather is doing at from Holland and an entrepreneur from Winnipeg, all of People were coming just to skate on the world’s longest any given moment.” whom were interested in developing a similar landmark as skating rink and to take part in Winterlude,” he said.

When asked if he thinks Invermere has a chance in the famous Rideau Canal.

Looking at the climate of the Columbia Valley, Mr. beating the record, Mr. Estabrooks said he does, if all Invermere Business Committee Chair, Justin At- Estabrooks said that the weather is more favourable than the right factors fall into place and the right people are terbury, said that he has been fortunate to be able to Ottawa in terms of ice making conditions. He also feels involved. draw on Mr. Estabrooks’ expertise, as it has saved a lot that the establishing of the Whiteway as the world’s lon“The sky is the limit as far as planning events around of initial mistakes that would only have been found out gest skating rink would truly compliment and enhance the Whiteway. There’s nothing a whole family can do through trial and error, a process Mr. Estabrooks knows the winter tourism potential of the area. that is as economical or enjoyable as skating. Skiing can all to well.

It isn’t all blue skies and smooth skating however; cost a fortune but you just can’t beat skating. Even if “Steve has helped a lot with some of the trials and as he also said it takes a lot of hard, thankless work, and there is competition between Invermere and Ottawa, if errors that he has learned on the Rideau Canal,” Mr. a dedicated group of people with a solid vision to make it’s healthy competition everyone is going to win.”

Atterbury said. “He’s already been through a lot of the something like the Rideau Canal happen.

When asked if he feels Ottawa will be upset he is challenges we are going to face and has a lot of unique “It’s not just a matter of clearing the snow and let- helping another community try to outdo one of its most solutions that would have taken us a while to figure out. ting the ice form. You need to have everyone working famous landmarks, he said it could go either way.

We will have our own set of problems and challenges but with the same goal in mind and you really have to have “I don’t know what the reaction will be once word he has helped us eliminate a lot of things we may have capable people involved. You can’t have people with con- gets out. It could be from one extreme to another. It done without knowing.” flicting priorities, they all have to be on the same page,” could be a fun competition, and the real winner regardMr. Estabrooks, now retired, recalls the impact es- he said. less of who has the title is the public getting out and tablishing the Rideau Canal as the world’s longest skatYou also have to be ready to roll with what Mother getting some exercise and enjoying the winter activities ing rink had on Ottawa’s struggling winter tourism in the Nature throws at you, he said, as the weather doesn’t Canada is so famous for.”

The 1st Annual Pioneer Christmas Toy Drive Help spread cheer and fill the Angel Tree this holiday season by donating to The Pioneer’s toy drive!

Consider donating your gently used toys. The toys will be sold for $1 or a donation of your choice at a toy sale on Saturday, December 10th. All proceeds will be used to purchase gifts for the local Angel Tree.

Please donate your gently used toys. Drop-off at the Columbia Valley Pioneer office December 5-9th.

Huge toy sale on Saturday December 10th. All toys will be sold for $1.00 or whatever donation you would like to make.

Drop off your toys from Dec. 5th-9th, and attend the sale on Dec. 10th at the Columbia Valley Pioneer office (#8, 1008-8th Ave., Invermere).