vol9issue3

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January 20, 2012 Vol. 9/Issue 3

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 January 20, 2012

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

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Collision with bus kills Calgary woman By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff A woman who planned to move to the valley this July was killed when the vehicle she was driving slid into an oncoming coach bus on Sunday, January 15th. Fire rescue, ambulance, East Kootenay Traffic Services, and Columbia Valley RCMP rushed to the scene of the accident at 4:18 p.m. on Highway 93/95 at the corner by the turnoff to Radium Resort. Christian Helen Mitchell, 45, was on her way home to Calgary after spending the weekend in Invermere skiing and visiting her partner, David Thompson Secondary School math teacher, Joe Lucas. Ms. Mitchell’s northbound 2003 Ford Taurus lost control on the corner and fishtailed into the path of an oncoming Ridgeline Coach bus traveling southbound, RCMP reported. The bus attempted to avoid the collision by driving as far right as possible, entering the righthand ditch, but the Ford collided with front of the bus. Ms. Mitchell, the only occupant of the vehicle, was transported to Invermere hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver of the passenger-less bus, a 46-year-old driver from Banff, was uninjured. The collision is still under investigation, but speed too fast for the road conditions is expected, RCMP said. Ms. Mitchell was originally from Halifax, and was working as a Grade 8 English teacher at a school in Calgary. She had planned to move to Invermere this summer to be close to Mr. Lucas and the mountains, which he said she loved dearly. “Chris was in the process of meeting the people of the valley and was anxious to be a part of this community,” Mr. Lucas said. “Her love of the outdoors was going to make her a ‘natural’ for the Invermere lifestyle. “Chris was always smiling and looking forward to the next adventure. She found what she was looking

Christian Helen Mitchell for here in Invermere and wanted to call it home. Her untimely passing was not only a tragedy for those who knew and loved her, but for those who would have met her as she settled here in the valley,” he added. Ms. Mitchell is survived by her daughter Daphne, 17; her son William, 20; her three sisters Beth, Jane and Daphne; and by her mother, Diana Mitchell.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Valley NEWS

Council considers cull cancellation clause By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff As the start date for the controversial deer cull looms on the horizon, District of Invermere Council continue to take preparatory steps, hiring local contractor Larry Mullikin to act as the Urban Deer Control Coordinator at their January 10th council meeting. The cost of the contract is expected to be $35,000, which is made up of $300 for each of the 100 deer to be culled, gutted and skinned, plus $5,000 for training costs, risk management and administrative costs. Council also included a cancellation clause in the contract, which allows them a mechanism to halt the cull if they are uncomfortable with the process after observing it in practice, said Mayor Gerry Taft. “There was some concern regarding whether or not the trap and bolt gun method is humane. There is conflicting evidence on the subject, which I personally feel is exaggerated, but we all figured we should witness it first hand. It’s such a suggestive situation and most of us

have never been to a slaughter house to witness how the process works,” Mr. Taft said. The district has received a number of e-mails calling the cull inhumane and unethical, but so far the vast majority of them have come from individuals or groups from outside of the area, Mr. Taft said. Council was even compared to Hitler at the January 10th meeting by a member of the public, who urged them to watch Schindler’s List before they carry on with the cull. However, there are currently 23 property owners signed up to have the traps placed on their properties, and another 46 people who would like to receive deer meat, which indicates a strong silent support for the plan, Mr. Taft said. “Whether it’s right or wrong, the people who are strongly in favour of the deer cull are less likely to write an emotional public letter. They usually find a member of council and talk to them quietly and don’t make it into a public debate.” In response to being called unethical, Mr. Taft said that council looked up the definition of the word, and

found that it is defined as “lacking moral principles and unwilling to adhere to proper rules of conduct.” This harsh accusation was troubling, he said, but at the end of the day the district is operating within the rules laid out by the province, and is undertaking the cull to protect residents, the wild deer populations and predators who are attracted to town by the semi-tame ungulates. “This is a technique the province is willing to give us a permit for and this is the number of animals that we are allowed to deal with,” he said. “We have gone through the committee and all the proper processes. We surveyed the residents and we looked at all the options and now we’re following the rules. So to say that it is unethical, we feel like we are doing what we should be doing. It’s difficult when people throw out words like that,” Mr. Taft said. In terms of a start date, the district will have to wait until Kimberley is done using the traps. In his report to council, CAO Chris Prosser said that the equipment would likely be delivered to the district in early February.

First local baby of 2012 born to Invermere parents By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Even after a sleepless night, first-time parents Kirk and Miel Dubielewicz looked blissful as they gazed down at their newborn daughter, Gaia, swaddled in a white blanket. The tiny bundle has already made her mark in the valley, laying claim to the title of the first local baby of the year. Now settled at her home in Invermere, Gaia was born at the Cranbrook hospital on January 7th at 5:29 a.m, with the help of Invermere midwife Kyra Warren.

After 29 hours of labour, Miel and Kirk were thrilled to hold their daughter, who weighed 8 pounds, 7 ounces, and measured 54 centimetres. The unique name the couple chose for their baby is inspired by the name for the primordial Earth goddess in ancient Greek religion. “The two of us love the mountains and care about nature, so it seemed like the perfect fit,” Kirk said. Kirk and his parents, Roger and Phyllis Dubielewicz, moved from Saskatchewan to Invermere in 1983. After high school Kirk moved away, but has since returned and now works as a massage therapist

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and in plumbing and carpentry. “I always end up coming back here because this is home and where I want to be,” Kirk said. Miel moved to the valley in 2000, and has worked at Panorama, for forestry, and now as a barista at Kicking Horse Coffee. Her parents are Louise and Victor Llewellyn of Ontario. Kirk and Miel first met in 2006 at a birthday party at Panorama. They were married at Eagle Ranch on October 10th, 2010. The couple plans to remain in the valley and raise Gaia in the community they both love so much.


4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

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• On January 14th at 1:50 a.m., a Columbia Valley Detachment officer was on the side of the road when a GMC pickup drove by at a high rate of speed. The officer followed the vehicle and noticed its speed continued to increase, regardless of the lower speed limit it entered. The vehicle was stopped and the driver displayed signs of being impaired. A breath demand was given. The driver blew a high reading and has been charged with impaired driving, driving over .08, as well as driving without a driver’s licence. The vehicle was also uninsured. The male will be appearing in Invermere provincial court in the near future. • On January 14th at 2:45 a.m., police responded to a domestic assault in the area of the 1000 block, 8th Avenue, Invermere. A 26-year-old female was located near shattered glass with multiple injuries resulting from being pushed against a wall. The injuries were treated. A 38-year-old male was arrested and charged with assault, as well as breach of conditions. The male was not to have any contact with the female. • On January 14th at 2:35 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to a single-vehicle accident on Highway 93/95 at the Sholinder & MacKay gravel pit. A 2005 Pontiac Pursuit was southbound when the 24-yearold driver lost control and put the vehicle in the ditch. The driver was charged with speed relative to road conditions. • On January 14th Columbia Valley Detachment responded to a complaint of hit-and-run when a third party witnessed a vehicle back into a Toyota Celica parked in the area of 519-13th Street, Invermere. Police were able to obtain the plate of the offending vehicle to follow up with the investigation, which is continuing. • The adult male who was recently charged with breaking-and-entering and sexual assault was recently arrested and held in custody due to failing to abide by his curfew. The male was held in custody and is to appear for a bail hearing on January 17th in Cranbrook. If he is released, curfew checks will continue to be monitored by police.

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Raging Grandmas A great deal of the humor I tend to find myself in revolves around some of the experiences with work and hockey that I can relate to police work, and definitely the husband errors I tend to make. This past weekend I had the pleasure of witnessing a great hockey game between young players, aged 4-6. Invermere vs. Golden. I have a number of friends whose kids play for Golden, so Bev and I attended to watch. It was a win-win situation for me. I witnessed a hockey ritual and I learned a great deal about Invermere’s #3, Keira Neal. A Golden father was being quite vocal and two ladies sitting one step below me were not happy with the pressure and stress that some parents put on the kids. I saw an opening to stir the pot. I commented to the ladies that the kids have to learn to deal with pressures and stress, or how will they ever survive in the NHL? I advised the ladies that this is a father’s right of passage: the dads didn’t make the NHL, so their kids will. My opening salvo. I later learned the people sitting in front of me are the Neal grandparents. I learned of young Keira’s fight with cancer and the fact that she plays hockey and other sports with a prostheses. I focused on her play and was truly amazed at her abilities and skills. The Golden father was still being vocal and the next thing I see, Grandma is not concentrating on the game but staring over at the parent. I turned Grandma’s head back to the ice and blocked her ears. Grandma was getting ticked and she commented that Keira has always told her that it’s all about fun and not whether you win or not. I made the mistake of replying to that statement with, “That’s a pretty poor attitude to take with sports. How are you going to get far with that attitude?” One might be wondering, how does this story connect with police work? With my experience I can pretty much judge when someone is about to get physical with me. Read the eyes, the body language, and I can prepare to defend myself. However, it was, wam, wam, wam, three blows to the leg. She was good, fast, and I didn’t see it coming. Have to brush up on my self defense strategy. As I limped out of the arena I thought, good, if Keira has a little bit of that feisty DNA from maternal Grandma, she should bring back a gold medal in the future. Paternal Grandma was also vocal but thankfully didn’t join in on the assault. My leg is feeling fine — probably a Tim Hortons coffee, two milk, will make it feel better (hint, hint).

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

January 20, 2012

Residents petition regional district for Dry Gulch water lots,” he added. “It’s tough to know whether another vote would succeed but I think Joe Helmer has found much more support with his petition.” Dry Gulch’s water is a hot topic of discussion afDespite the disappointing outcome of the first vote, ter a call to arms by residents, who are petitioning the the regional district exercised due diligence, Mr. Helmer Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) for another stressed, “They just don’t have the capacity to proactively chance to vote on a proposal that could bring water to seek out owners like we have done.” their community. But after two months of work, when the property After property owners turned down the proposed wa- owners’ informal petition came before the regional district ter system upgrade in September 2011, with a vote that board of directors on January 5th, the reaction was mixed. achieved just 26 per cent support, the regional district beDespite gaining 33 ‘yes’ votes — a 73 per cent majorgan the process of reallocating the $1.8 million of available ity — some directors queried whether a second vote was funding — which expires if it is not used by March. needed on a proposal that was flatly rejected, while others But concerned residents had already sprung into ac- were concerned about exactly what the project would entail. tion after the vote failed, taking to the streets and hitThe proposal would see the RDEK enter into a ting the phones to figure partnership with Kinbasket out why the project faltered Development Corporation, “We went and contacted those folks who voted and to see if there was any the federal government’s ‘no’ in the last water vote and many didn’t even Public-Private Partnership support to reconsider. know it was underway.” One problem was lack Canada (PPP Canada), an of awareness in Dry Gulch, unknown private partner Joe Helmer said Joe Helmer, one of the and Radium Resort. Dry Gulch water petitioner organizers of the current The vision for the repetition to the RDEK for gional water and sewer sysanother vote. tem is an integrated water “We realized how small the voter turnout was on the and sewer service area for Radium Resort, Dry Gulch and first vote when we got the list from the regional district,” the Shuswap Indian Reserve, with the required infrastruche explained. “We went and contacted those folks who ture put in place by a private partner, who would design, voted ‘no’ and many didn’t even know it was underway.” build, part-finance, operate and maintain the infrastructure. Despite the regional district sending out notices to “We were originally prepared to proceed with the each of the 49 parcels of land, along with newsletters PPP Canada option if we had a ‘yes’ vote,” Mr. Wilkie plus a public information meeting, absentee homeown- explained. “Now that we’ve had a second look at it some ers and part-time residents were largely unaware of the questions have been raised. process, Mr. Helmer explained. “The difficulty with the regional district and PPP Just 13 ‘yes’ votes were submitted, however, due partnership is that in order to supply water to Dry Gulch to the way the voting system works, non-responses or we are, in a sense, committing ourselves to infrastructure spoiled votes (where 13 residents voted yes, but included along the entire corridor to the Invermere crossroads.” a list of clauses) were counted as a ‘no’ votes, said Gerry The decision on whether to allow a second vote was Wilkie, Area G Director. deferred to the February board meeting, to allow staff to “About 12 or 13 were in favour but spoiled their bal- gather further information on the PPP Canada project.

Thank You! The Columbia Valley Food Bank would like to extend a sincere thank you to all of our generous donators and volunteers who worked so hard over the past several months.

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff

The Invermere Public Library Adventure Club for Gr. 5-7 students Wed., Jan. 25th • 3:30-5:00 p.m. Free! Please call to register. 250-342-6416 • invermere.bclibrary.ca

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

perspective

Charitable or not?

Historical Lens

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff During the past two weeks, national news media latched on to the Conservative government’s very vocal questioning of the charitable status of environmental groups. During heated discussion about the Northern Gateway Pipeline project, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Minister of Finance Joe Oliver spoke out, calling into scrutiny whether or not environmental activist groups should be allowed to tout their charitable status when they receive up to millions of dollars from U.S. funders in what are technically classified as donations. The Conservative government argued that environmental groups — some of which have grown corporate in size, stature, and operations — that receive mega funding from foreign interests are using the bloated cash flow to oppose and stall projects that greatly affect the Canadian economy, undermining the interests of our country. This comes at a time just before the Conservativeheavy Commons finance committee prepares to begin a review of the charity sector. If they review the charitable status of environmental groups, the possible outcome could affect protests and projects across the country. In many ways, the controversial but timely comments made by the Prime Minister and the resulting arguments coming out of the Northern Gateway Pipeline issue parallel the environmental movement and many projects in the East Kootenays. Our area is home to a powerful, well-organized, and well-funded environmental movement with charitable status. As valley residents have witnessed during the past three decades, these activists have had fairly major political pull, have created alliances with First Nations governments, and have been well-organized and deliberate about stalling projects they oppose ­— projects that have the potential to significantly affect the local economy. The question is, should that be the role of a charity? Should foreign or local donations work to sway political decisions? Or does every charity have the right to use their money as their funders see fit? What do you think? Email news@cv-pioneer.com with your opinion.

Porch step conversation Three men sit with Gladys Pitts on the porch steps of Mountain Valley Ranch in 1904. The names of the men are unknown. Mountain Valley Ranch was located on Horsethief Creek, 20 kilometres west of Wilmer. If you have any more information or memories about this photo, email us at news@cv-pioneer.com

Photo A830 courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Winnipegger says insult went too far Dear Editor:

nipeg Jets?! Not cool at all. Good luck with the rink, you’re going to need it. Go Jets go!

I would like to send out a Jeers to the town of Invermere. I think that trying to beat the city of Winnipeg out of the longest skating rink in the world is ridiculous. I visited the town from January 3rd to January 11th and drove past Lake Invermere many times, often looking and wondering how the skating rink will ever work when you can still see water on the lake. And on top of it all, the mayor of Invermere goes on record as dissing the newly-acquired Win-

Shawn Miller, Winnipeg Editor’s note: to fuel the competition for longest skating rink in the world, Mayor Taft wrote a letter to the mayors of Winnipeg and Ottawa challenging, “Once we are successful in getting the Guinness Book of World Record titles, the only ice records that Winnipeg and Ottawa will have will be their lousy hockey teams.”

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

January 20, 2012

LETTERS

w o l Par B r e t p

Dear Editor: Regarding Kelsey Verboom’s editorial ‘Cull is contagious’: A band of distant Ecconiks with nothing better to do than nose into other communities business has indeed made the feral rabbit cull in Canmore, Alberta, less than a pleasant exercise for town council which has ordered the cull; and for the vast majority of townsfolk who see the need to carry out the exercise. Unless these professional disturbers are all vegans and have no animal meat in their fridges, they are hypocrites as well. At the two largest animal processing units in Alberta close to 10,000 heads of beef cattle are murdered (words activists would use) each day to satisfy the ovens,

hamburger chains, and BBQ’s of the world. B.C. probably processes similar numbers each day. Sure makes the deer cull seem small doesn’t it? Why is there no outrage at how domesticated animals are dispatched, or the millions of lobsters, lambs, chickens — real living, breathing creatures of the planet — are similarly processed each day around the world to feed humans? An outrage directed at meat processing for human consumption would be silly, and so is any outrage directed at efforts made to make communities safer, for humans to live in.

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Media should be allowed at meeting Dear Editor: Regarding Cheryl Willard’s Letter to the Editor in the January 13th edition that called for media representation and transparency at the upcoming backcountry coalition meeting: You are right on the money. The Lake Management Program was built on propaganda that the lake was dying. That generated the support for Wildsight to run a program that at the end showed the lake wasn’t dying, but succeeded in Wildsight’s aim to regulate everything from building to boating.

The same will happen in this backcountry plan if we allow only sanitized, Wildsight-produced media press releases. Come on Invermere, how many more boarded up stores do you really need? People have choices where to spend their money, and they aren’t going to spend money in an environment where they are made to feel like environmental marauders when they recreate in the backcountry. Nick Berzins Invermere LETTERS continued on next page . . .

We welcome your letters E-mail your letters to info@cvpioneer.com or visit our website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at 1008-8th Avenue.

!

Su Sunday, February 5 y

Cull outrage is outrageous

Please keep submissions to 400 words or less. Letters may be edited for content, length, grammar, or accuracy. The opinions expressed in the Letters section are not those of The Pioneer.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

LETTERS

Invermere deer cull should be stopped Dear Editor : In response to the letter ‘Culling Invermere deer is inhumane’ in the January 13th paper, I agree with it wholeheartedly. I too question the accuracy of the figure of “300” deer. I’ve lived in Invermere for 20 years and I have never had a single, solitary problem with a deer. Not once. Not ever. Unless the eating of tulips is considered a “problem.” Unless having to wait a few seconds while some deer cross the road in front of my vehicle Dear Editor: Humane, or just plain, human? I am extremely disheartened and mournful about the imminent slaughter of our beautiful, innocent neighbours. I think the deer cull is barbaric, unsustainable and inhumane. If the complainers would fence their shrubs and vegetables and keep their dogs on leashes, we would not have the demand for this terrible, undemocratic “solution” in Invermere. How is having deer in our community any different than having sheep in Radium and elk in Banff? Dependent on tourism — will you explain the cull as one more wildlife viewing opportunity? Humans don’t have the right to take the lives of other beings just because of the slight inconvenience of living in the

Dear Editor: I read that Mayor Taft claims that: “‘Clover Traps’ are metal cages, which when triggered cause the back door to close, and the trap to collapse. Having the trap collapse prevents the deer from struggling and keeps them contained and calm...When the bolt gun is administered the deer dies instantly. Fawns or baby deer are not the target of the cull, and it is unlikely that the contractor will kill any.” First, “fawns” will stay with their

is considered a “problem.” Perhaps those people with their perfect lawns, shrubs and flowers should move to an urban centre where they don’t have to worry about the deer spoiling their makeshift paradise. It’s this attitude that is the real problem, not the deer. After all, if you can’t coexist with deer, most likely you can’t coexist with anything. Kathy Wilson, Invermere real world. It is not reassuring at all that it will be done under cover of night and there will be no blood. Just the opposite applies. The people who are demanding the killing of deer should witness the process. Take responsibility. Your kids should know that meat doesn’t magically appear wrapped in plastic on styrofoam trays. This is a terrible, short-term solution to a non-existent problem that will silence the vocal complainers temporarily only. I can’t help thinking it is not far removed from other terrible examples of inhumanity. Some may feel reassured the killing is like euthanasia; not unless you support mercy killing of healthy animals by taser. Bad karma; bad people — leave my neighbours alone! Please have mercy and humanity. Karen Brown, Invermere

moms for the first one to two years. Some of their moms may be killed and they themselves may not survive. The truth is that it is inhumane. For facts about the inhumanity of culling deer, search ‘Lifeforce’s Boycott BC Deer Kills’ on Facebook. These barbaric, ineffective kills must end. Politicians must start using their brains and hearts by placing a moratorium on further any deer kill until Lifeforce and others can provide humane solutions. Lifeforce Society, Vancouver

Dear Editor: I am completely opposed to the upcoming deer cull in Invermere. I consider myself a local as I have lived here for the past 10 years, and my 8-year-old daughter wass born and raised here. We love the deer and the fact that we live in the home of all these beauti-

Dear Editor: The loud voices of a few cruel and intolerant people are drowning out the silent majority and they have invented an “issue” of “deer problem” out of a complete non-issue. The municipal government — the mayor and the four councillors — have completely caved in to these loud individuals and are taking part in this cruel and inhumane practice with unusual enthusiasm. It is time to send them a clear mes-

ful wild animals. I have had friends from home (Ontario) come to visit me and see deer for the first time in their lives! They are amazed at the natural beauty I am surrounded by. I am ashamed of my town for allowing this cull. These animals live here, this is their home. Leave them be! Jennie Hilder, Invermere

sage that they are catering to a few individuals. Their wishes will not go unnoticed by the vast majority of the people of Invermere and we will hold them accountable for wasting public money on unnecessary wasteful causes while ignoring real issues that matter to most of the people. This mayor and the council are now completely out of touch with the people on this issue. Shane Suman, Invermere

Resort opposers don’t use intimidation tactics Dear Editor: I am writing in response to a letter regarding Jumbo that appeared in your January 13th issue. The writer of the letter claimed that the proposed Jumbo resort/real estate development “enjoys strong support despite the campaign of intimidation and misinformation.” The Jumbo project is actually only supported by a small minority. As for intimidation and misinformation, it has really been the resort promoters who have tried to use such tactics. The proposal to build the resort is entering its 21st year. If it is such a good idea it would have been approved long ago. The provincial government has been dragging its feet on rendering its final decision. Why? Because they have come to

the conclusion that it is not a good idea. In March 1999, the Iris/Sno Engineering Economic Feasibility Report commissioned by the provincial government was quite negative toward the proposal. In May 2011, the Schaffer Economic Report commissioned by the Ktunaxa First Nation appeared on the scene. This report was prepared by Dr. Marvin Schaffer of Schaffer and Associates, with research assistance provided by Meyers Norris Penny LLP. This report was also very negative about the proposed resort. Within the Schaffer report is a fourpage executive summary. It is interesting and informative. If you would like to get a copy of this summary, please contact me at 250-346-3370. I will get one to you as quickly as possible. Jim Galloway, Brisco

LETTERS continued on page 37 . . .


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

January 20, 2012

Pump park on track for Sinclair Trail area

STRANDS CHRISTMAS CHARITY FAIR WAS HELD AT STRANDS RESTAURANT IN INVERMERE DEC. 23rd & 24th AND AT THE COLUMBIA INN, CANAL FLATS, ON DEC. 31st. THANKS TO TONY WOODS AND HENRY KARPERIEN & ALL THEIR STAFF IN HELPING TO MAKE THESE CHARITY DRIVES SUCCESSFUL!

HIGHWAY

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff

Strands Christmas Charity Fair

OVER $17,000 RAISED

($500 for BOYS & GIRLS CLUB) (OVER $1000 FOR THE WOMEN’S SHELTER) ($6000 FOR COATS FOR NEEDY) (OVER $10,000 PLEDGED TO SHINE THRU FOR SEXUALLY ABUSED CHILDREN)

95

Columbia Valley biking enthusiasts will soon be able to test their tires on a brand-new pump track slated to be built in Radium this spring. A pump track is a trail consisting of small = site of future jumps and corners where riders use a pumping mopump park tion with their bodies to gain momentum to move around the track, instead of pedalling. The Columbia Valley Cycling Society will be lead- money or donated equipment and dirt fill, to the Rotaing the park project, which will be built in the open area ry’s financial contribution, and have applied for a Grant nearest Highway 95 down beside the Sinclair Creek Trail in Aid from the village. system in Radium Hot Springs. Council will take the request into consideration The idea for the bike area was first hatched by the when planning their budget next month. Radium Rotary Club’s Al Leslie, who then approached the “It’s like any work we do. It relies on funding and cycling club. The not-for-profit cycling society presented donations,” Mr. Bergles said, adding that the project will the idea to Radium council at a regular meeting on Janu- likely take 250 dump truck loads of dirt fill, so any doary 11th, and council gave their unanimous support. nated fill would be welcomed. “It’s really exciting. Radium council is eager work Once completed, Mr. Bergles said he hopes the park with us, and that’s really encouraging for us,” said Adrian will excite and encourage riders, at the same time attractBergles, president of the bike club. “The track will in- ing attention to the beautiful Sinclair Creek Trails. crease cycling opportunities for people in the valley. This “We have been trying to increase the number of activwill be something unique to the Columbia Valley, and ities for families to do together while visiting Radium, and will be for riders from kids to adults. we are thrilled that Rotary and CV cycling club are work“It will be a great place for youth to ride, and for ing jointly on this project,” Mayor Dee Conklin added. people who might not be ready to go out on the trail. It’s “Along with all the other new bike trails, the Columbia a place to hone their skills and develop as cyclists.” Valley is becoming a place for bike enthusiasts to visit.” Radium Rotary will be working with the club to help Once further funding is secured, construction for fund the project, the estimated cost of which is $23,000. the pump track is set to begin in May. To donate or help The cycling society hopes to add donations, either in with the project, contact cvcyclingsociety@hotmail.com.

VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: Suzanne Wong, Janet Watson, Tracy Litchfield, Mackenzie Wassing & friend Taylor, Pat Hess & Franz Grassinger from the band L8, Angelique Silberman, Tamara Rosenblum (Mantaray Creative, Calgary), Karaoke Gals from Canal Flats – Leanne & Claudia, Mike Sween & Chantry Knight.

“Supper and Sounds” Evening Saturday, January 21st, 2012 Listen to the sounds of

Scott & Kathleen while enjoying a winter comfort buffet.

GOLD DONORS • Pineridge Developments • Remax • MacIntosh Appraisals • Peppi’s Pizza • George Gray • Sobeys • Best Western Inn & Copper City Saloon • Copper Point Golf Course

• Gary & Corrine Ruault • Lake Windermere Appreciation Society • Fairmont Resort & Ski Hill • Riverside Villa Mgmt. • Sunchaser Vacation Club • Shane Wylie • Suzanne Wong • High Country Properties • Collin Knight

SILVER DONORS • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

River Gems Radium Bighorn Giftshop Cory Fung & Friends Canterbury Flowers Angus McToogle’s Fairmont Pizza Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Syndicate Snowboarding Shop Fairmont Goldsmiths 1st Choice Realty Rocky River Grill Home Hardware Valley Foods The Source Kool Country Konig Bank of Montreal Smitty’s Painting Invermere One Hour Photo Maxwell Realty Hubbard & Blakely

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Mohson El Wakeel D.R. Sports Effusion Sandy Gord Green Essentials Ray Ray’s Beach Pub The Bistro Be Gifted Ed English Bavin Glassworks Lakeside Pub Scissor Sisters Huckleberry’s Restaurant Valley Alley Lambert Insurance Failsafe Canada Deanna Gauthier Designs Smith & Andruschuk Accounting • Tricia Kirwan

Doors open at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 7:00 pm Cost is $2500 per ticket. Beverages (beer, wine, coffee and cold beverages) available.

I sincerely apologize if I missed any volunteers or donors.

Tickets available in advance or at the door. Reservations recommended, limited seating available.

A SINCERE THANK YOU ONCE MORE TO EVERYONE WHO PURCHASED A COAT OR DONATED TO SUPPORT “SHINE THRU”, “THE WOMEN’S SHELTER” AND “THE BOYS & GIRLS CLUB” ALL WORTHWHILE CHARITIES & INITIATIVES CHARITY HOST: COLLIN KNIGHT

Call 250 347-6567 for more information or to reserve your tickets!

OUR GOAL OF TRYING TO HELP KEEP OUR COMMUNITIES FROM BRISCO TO CANAL FLATS WARM AND SAFE THIS WINTER HAS BEEN SURPASSED!


10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Robbie Burns Dinner ~ Wednesday, January 25th ~

• Traditional Roast Beef Dinner • Bagpipes • Haggis • Live Celtic Music

Open Tuesday thru Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Live Music Friday and Saturday

One seating only at 6:00 p.m.

1321 – 7th Avenue • For Reservations call 250-341-6868

STEEP SLIDE — Tow truck operators prepare to extract a truck that slid 200 feet down an embankment after trying to avoid hitting a Bighorn sheep. Photo by Kelsey Verboom

Truck flips off Radium hill By Pioneer Staff

Bundle Up

WINTER REDEFINED AT COPPER POINT RESORT Own your piece of adventure or book your vacation getaway at 1.855.926.7737.

A 76-year-old man can count his lucky stars after the truck he was driving slid down a steep embankment and he walked away from the scene. At 12:30 p.m. the man was travelling up the Radium hill southbound in a Ford Ranger, when he swerved to miss a Bighorn sheep and lost control of the truck.

The truck clipped a northbound Ford F350 pickup with a snowplow on the front, and the Ford Ranger spun out and went off the road down a steep, snow-covered hill before coming to rest against a tree. The Radium Fire Department and ambulance attended and the man climbed out through his vehicle’s windshield. He received only minor injuries.

TOBY CREEK NORDIC SKI CLUB

Thank You

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club would like to thank the following organizations for their support in our fundraiser, The 2012 Best of Banff Mountain Festival.

Visit us at 760 Cooper Road, Invermere, BC

COPPERPOINT.ca

The Pioneer

Triple the circulation, triple the advertising power of any other local newspaper!

• • • • • • • •

The District of Invermere Home Hardware Peppi’s Crazy Soles Inside Edge Lusti’s Kicking Horse Coffee Nipika Mountain Resort

• The Red Cabin Martin and Gabrielle Bridgwater • Columbia River Kayak and Canoe • All the volunteers • And everyone who attended the event

Don’t Miss an Issue! N E W S PA P E R

Read us online:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com


The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page• 11

January 20, 2012

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

PAGE 12

FIRE DEPT.’S 60th

2012 CONTEST IN FULL SWING The Pioneer’s popular annual travel photo contest is already on a roll for 2012, with more than 10 entries already submitted for the chance to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and overnight accommodation, courtesy of Invermere’s Travel World. Pictured, Copper Point Resort’s general manager, Helmar Praël, reads the paper with Sully from Monsters Inc. while on family vacation in Disneyland. Send your high-resolution photos to news@cv-pioneer.com.

CV Arts: What does ART mean to you?

To bring the Arts to the People, and the People to the Arts Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

PAGE 20

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


12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

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

Movie Review: The Ides of March Reviewed by Kelsey Verboom The Ides of March is a slick political thriller that gives the most realistic portrayal of political campaigning I can think of. If you’re looking for epic gunfights, explosions, and high-speed chases, this movie isn’t that type of thriller. It’s an intellectual white-knuckler that calls higher morals into question and challenges viewers to think a little while they watch. Produced by George Clooney and executive producer Leonardo DiCaprio, this film is packed tight with major star power: Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood, and Marisa Tomei.

Idealistic campaign staffer Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) whole-heartedly backs his candidate, Democrat Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), who is poised to become the favoured wildcard candidate in the U.S. presidential campaign. Just as the soothsayer warned Julius Ceasar, “Beware the Ides of March,” Myers is warned to flee the political game before he can be used as a player to advance Morris’s presidential quest. Meyers works under campaign head, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman), who gives him a lesson in dirty politics when Zara thinks Meyers has betrayed their campaign efforts with a secret meeting. Tangled in the perceived double-cross is 20-year-old campaign intern Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood), who has a smouldering attraction to Myers. Myers finds himself in a tricky position when he

learns a major secret while sharing pillow talk with the young intern. The secret could derail Morris’s campaign, and is left open to interpretation right up the film’s cliffhanger ending. The Ides of March is everything smart filmmaking should be. The ruthless, steely tone of the movie is perfectly reflected in cold-feeling camera angles and with settings that are muted in colour. The script is sharp and its long silences leave room for speculation and reflection on the viewer’s part, making you feel that you are being used as a political pawn as Myers is screwed by the politics in which he once had great faith.

Family Resource Centre Invites You to our 17th Annual

Friday, January 20th, 2012

“Deb’s Night Out” Chinese New Year

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Kinsmen Beach

Saturday, Januar y 28th, 2012 at Eagle Ranch Resort

Community Family Event - Everyone Welcome

Main Stage Music by

L8

RATING: 8 OUT OF 10 HEADS

Cocktails: 6:00 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m.

Taste of the Valley Experience menu samples from a selection of our finest restaurants in the valley! Taste of the Valley Passports available for $10 at the Visitor Centre and various retailers call 250.342.2844 for more info.

Fireworks! 8:00 p.m.

• Curling • Hockey • Skating • Akisqnuknik Development teepee and cultural display • Fire pits and stump stoves to warm up by.

Come and Enjoy a Night of Fun and Fundraising for the New Women’s Shelter and Domestic Violence Programs. THIS IS THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON TICKETS ARE $4000 EACH Call Wendy at FRC 250-342-5566 for table reservations or tickets. Tickets also available at Interior World and The Book Bar.

THE GATE FOR THE ICE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AT KINSMEN BEACH FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT.

Gone

HOLLYWOOD V

I D E O

Gone Hollywood’s TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top 5 Rentals New Releases January 17 1 2 3 4 5

Money Ball Killer Elite Columbiana The Help I Don’t Know How She Does It

1 2 3 4 5

Ides of March Red Line Dirty Girl Catch .44 Abduction

We carry all game console accessories

New Releases January 24 1 2 3 4 5

Paranormal Activity 3 Real Steel 50/50 The Whistleblower Restless

Wii • XBox 360 • PS3 503 - 7th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-0057


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

January 20, 2012

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS Saturday, January 21st:

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 • January 20th - 21st, January 25th - 28th, 7:30 p.m.: The Twilight Saga - Breaking Dawn - Part 1. • February 3rd - 4th, February 9th - 11th, 7:30 p.m.: The Muppets. For info: www.tobytheatre.com.

Friday, January 20th: • 11 a.m. - 1 p.m: Free BBQ and ice wine sampling at the Mountainside Market in Fairmont Hot Springs. Part of the 3rd annual Fairmont Fire & Ice Festival. • 5:30 - 9 p.m.: Apres-ski live music with Al Lukas at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort ski area. Skiing is extended until 6 p.m. For info visit www. visitfairmont.ca. • 4:30 - 9 p.m.: Free tobogganing on Highway 1 run, accessible via the Red Carpet lift at Panorama Resort. Tickets available at the Guest Services Desk in SkiTip. • 4 - 11 p.m.: Curling Bonspiel on the Lake by Kinsmen Beach, Invermere. Also, indoor curling to view at the Invermere Curling Club rink. For info: 250-342-3315. • 6 - 8 p.m.: Invermere Snowflake Festival at Kinsmen Beach. Music by L8, Taste of the Valley menu sampling from local restaurants, curling, hockey, skating, Akisqnuknik Development teepee and cultural display. Fireworks at 8 p.m. Taste of the Valley passports $10, available at Be Gifted, Three Bears gift store and Candyland. For info: 250-3422844. • 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies versus Chase Heat at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

• Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and Nipika Mountain Resort Loppet Weekend Festival. Classic loppet on Saturday. For info call: 250-342-6504 or register at www.zone4.ca or visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca. • 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Curling Bonspiel on the Lake by Kinsmen Beach, Invermere. For info: 250342-3315. • Noon - 10 p.m.: Panorama Mountain Snowflake Festival kickoff at the Great Hall. For info: 250-3426941. • 9:30 - noon: Flow Yoga, Zumba and Yin Yoga combination class at Windermere Hall, held by the Desiderata Health and Wellness Studio. $25 per person. A kickstart to the Liberation 2012 Health Fair. For info and registration: 250-342-1438. • Noon - 2 p.m.: Liberation 2012 Health Fair at the Windermere Hall. Free to the public. Cost for vendors $20. For info: 250-342-1438. • 1 - 3 p.m.: Drop-in shinny at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Part of the 3rd annual Fairmont Fire & Ice Fiesta. For info visit: www.visitfairmont.ca. • 6 p.m.: Supper and Sounds Evening at Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House in Radium Hot Springs. $25 per person. 250-347-6567. • 6 - 11 p.m.: Fiesta Gala Dinner and Silent Auction at the Hoodoo Grill. Call 250-345-2166 for tickets and details. • 7:30 p.m.: Columbia Valley Rockies versus Nelson Leafs at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. • 8:20 p.m.: Torchlight Parade at Panorama Mountain Village.

Sunday, January 22nd: • Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and Nipika Mountain Resort Loppet Weekend Festival. Skate loppet on Sunday. For info call: 250-342-6504 or register at www.zone4.ca or visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca. • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Free Pancake Brunch at Smoking Water’s Cafe. For info visit: www.visitfairmont.ca. • Noon - 3 p.m.: Curling Bonspiel finals on the lake by Kinsmen Beach, Invermere. For info: 250-3423315.

Tuesday, January 24th: • 7 p.m.: Groundswell presents the movie Mountain Magic by Pat and Baiba Morrow at David Thompson

Secondary School. The movie is about health education in remote mountain villages of Ladakh. For info e-mail allybill@telus.net.

Wednesday, January 25th: • 3:30 - 5 p.m.: Wacky Words Adventure Club at Invermere Public Library. Free for students in grade 5 - 7. To register: 250-342-6416. • 6 p.m.: Robbie Burns dinner at McToogle’s. One sitting only. For reservations: 250-341-6868.

Thursday, January 26th: • 1 - 3 p.m.: Senior’s Computing course at the Invermere Seniors’ Centre. Facilitated by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy. Free for members of the seniors’ centre. For info and registration: 250-688-2115 or e-mail kandruschuk@ cbal.org. • 6:30 - 9 p.m.: Sexual abuse awareness evening: dinner, fashion show and expert awareness panel at Rocky River Grill. $20 per person. Tickets available at Valley Fitness Centre, Corner Cafe and Rocky River Grill or contact shinethru@telus.net. • 6:45 - 7:15: Pyjama Story time at the Radium Public Library. • 9 p.m.: Big John Bates performs at Bud’s Bar and Lounge. Tickets are $10.00 at the door.

Friday, January 27th: • 10 a.m.: The Invermere Public Library and the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy celebrate Family Literacy Day. CBAL contest entries will be on display. For info visit: abclifeliteracy.ca. • Noon: Lunch at the Edgewater Legion. Soup, bun, dessert and beverage. $6 per person. For info: 250347-9388. • Saturday, January 28th: • 6 p.m.: 17th annual Deb’s Night Out Chinese New Year at Eagle Ranch Resort. Fundraiser for domestic violence programs. Hosted by the Family Resource Centre. Tickets are $40 per person. For info and tickets call 250-342-5566 or visit Interior World or The Book Bar. • 6 p.m.: Spaghetti Dinner at the Brisco Hall. Hosted by Brisco Riding Club. $8 each or $25 per family. Toboggan party at 2 p.m. For info: 250347-2125, or 250-347-0085.

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

(next door to Fairmont Goldsmiths)

Maxwell Realty Invermere/Panorama

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600

JENNY BUECKERT 250-342-5711

Office: (250) 341-6044 • Fax: (250) 341-6046 • www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca


14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Whiteway buzz grows as ‘Cold War’ begins By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff The Lake Windermere Whiteway saw a flurry of media attention over the holidays after Mayor Gerry Taft sent out a lighthearted challenge to the mayors of Winnipeg and Ottawa, optimistically inviting them to Invermere’s future celebration of achieving the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest and largest maintained ice surface. The letter sparked a story by the Toronto Star, a number of CBC stories and coverage in the Winnipeg Free Press, all of which added Invermere to the Canadian “Cold War,” as it is being dubbed across the country. The response from Ottawa was swift, as Mayor Jim Watson replied with an invitation for Mayor Taft to go skate on the Rideau Canal, adding that he would be happy to discuss the competition further if the Whiteway is established as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) World Heritage Site, like the canal in Ottawa. “He invited me to come for a skate and added that he’d even buy me a Beavertail,’ Mayor Taft said. “The most important thing is that people are talking, which is good for all three skateways.” Winnipeg’s formal response came in from Chief Operating Officer of The Forks Renewal Corporation, Paul

Jordan. The group is a non-profit organization that manages the famous Forks area of Winnipeg, and as part of their mandate maintains the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail. It was the Ottawa media that dragged Winnipeg into the competition, said Mr. Jordan, who was called out by one particular Ottawa journalist after his group quietly maintained their skateway in a year when nasty weather prevented Ottawa from getting the Rideau Canal operational. “Jack Aubrey at the Ottawa Citizen wrote this article calling me a dweeb in a snowsuit and a schmo in the snow and ‘how dare Winnipeg try to beat Ottawa.’ I had no idea who this guy was or what was going on. I just kept it in the back of my mind and then the next year we went at it and did the formal Guinness application just to rub it in their face, and it has been on ever since.” Mr. Jordan is in full support of Invermere’s goals for The Whiteway, and even went so far as to offer his personal help in figuring out the logistics of applying for the Guinness World Record. He did say that his skateway could always be extended, while the Rideau Canal cannot, so the competition could “get stupid.” “We could go all the way to Norway House in the north and Fargo in the south. At some point we may both have to find a niche and stick with it,” he said. In terms of the potential for the record increasing tourism, Mr. Jordan said that they are seeing numbers in

A new sound system for your kid’s first car.

February that would normally only occur in July. The river trail has invigorated Winnipeg residents, getting them out of hibernation and encouraging them to enjoy the great outdoors more often. “We could start a skate-your-way-across-Canada campaign,” he joked. “The marketing potential could be great between our three skateways. Your trail is going to be just beautiful. It’s so gorgeous out there.” Winnipeg’s river trail currently employs 18-24 workers as they establish the trail, and then a permanent crew of eight maintains it 24 hours a day. In Ottawa, the Rideau Canal, which experiences around one million visits per season, has about 60 people that work in various capacities to maintain the ice. Now that the snow has arrived, work to designate the expanded Lake Windermere Whiteway will begin. It should be completed by January 20th if the ice is thick enough, Councillor Justin Atterbury said, just in time for the Snowflake Festival and Bonspiel on the Lake. The Discovery Channel’s show, Daily Planet, has been in contact with the district, and if they get the go-ahead from its executives, would like to do a segment on the Whiteway in February, Councillor Atterbury said. “Everything we’re doing will benefit everyone in the area. The media buzz, the Guinness World Record process, it’s all exciting stuff for the district and the valley as a whole.”

The box for an extravagant new watch. One week at a spiritual healing camp.

An unlimited season of golf at all resort courses!

Riverside, Mountainside and Creekside Get your Season Pass for only $1,699 – it’s money well spent!

For a limited time. Call 1.800.665.2112 today. *Unlimited golf based on tee time availability. $1,699 rate allows play at Riverside, Mountainside and Creekside courses. A Mountainside only pass is $1,399. A Riverside only pass is $1,599. Power cart and applicable taxes not included. All programs and packages subject to seasonality, cancellation and change without notice.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

January 20, 2012

Men polish pond hockey rinks By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Two local residents have been working around the clock to make sure the eight rinks needed for the upcoming B.C. Pond Hockey Eastern Championship will be ready. Bobby Stewart and Ralph Elliott, both longtime Invermere residents, make up the dynamic duo who have built and maintained the area that will be used by the tournament, an expanse of ice that is the equivalent of more than three football fields in size. The crew of two initially established the rinks when the weather turned cold, and have been flooding them whenever the temperature dips between -3 and -9 degrees Celsius. Now that the snow has finally come, the priority has turned to constant plowing, as a build-up of snow could damage the glass-like smoothness of the ice, Mr. Stewart said. “The ice is 14 inches thick where we are working. Right now we’re plowing the snow off with a truck to build the snow

bank boards, and then we shovel it all by hand to get every bit of snow off it,” Mr. Stewart explained. Before the snow hit, overall tournament organizer, John Reed, said that he was thinking they would have to bring in a snow-making machine to create the boards, but if the weather holds everything should be in tip top shape for the tournament. So far, it looks as though the tournament will attract the goal of 40 teams, Reed said, adding that participants are signing up from Calgary, Spokane, Seattle, the Kootenays and as far north as St. Albert. If all goes well with this year’s tournament, his company, Adventure Architects, will look at establishing an event for junior hockey players either the weekend before or after the adult event. “It is morphing into a Western Canada focus, taking in B.C. and Alberta. If all goes well we will lock Invermere in as a location as we move forward with the series,” Mr. Reed said. For more information about the tournament: www.bcpondhockey.com.

have you herd? 91sheep.ca

RINK MAKERS — ­ Invermere residents Ralph Elliott and Bobby Stewart have been working tirelessly to create and maintain the eight massive rinks needed for the upcoming Pond Hockey Tournament set to hit the lake on February 3rd-5th. Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

New menu launched Friday January 20th

Sunday Brunch

A la Carte 10:00am to 2:00pm

Hours of Operation: Wednesday to Saturday: 11:30 am to 8:30pm Sunday: 10:00 am to 8:30 pm

Tapas Night Thursday & Friday from 5 pm

2 5 0 - 3 4 2 - 6 5 6 0 • w w w. e a g l e r a n c h re s o r t . c o m • To l l Fr e e 1 - 8 7 7 - 8 7 7 - 3 8 8 9


16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Celebrate the Chinese New Year By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff

All-You-Can-Eat

Sundays!

can eat pizza including 1100 Allouryoufamous caesar salad $ 1300 Jugs of Fernie Beer! $ 1100 1/2 Litre Red or White Wine

$

Open at 4:00 p.m. (Friday & Saturday @ 4:30)

1018 - 8th Avenue Avenue, Invermere · BC

Help usher in the Year of the Dragon at the annual Deb’s Night Out Chinese New Year celebration, with its blend of fun games, themed food, a silent auction and prizes to be won, with all proceeds going towards domestic violence programs in the Columbia Valley. This will be the 17th year for the event, which was originally spearheaded by Debbie Neault, who passed away in 2010 and was a longtime advocate of domestic violence prevention and support. It is thanks in a large part to Debbie and the charity she helped found, Columbia Valley Family Violence Prevention Society, along with the Family Resource Centre, that Invermere now has its women’s shelter. “When Deb passed away we did not have a women’s shelter here … she would be ecstatic to know there is now a place in Invermere for women to feel safe,” said Susan Claus, Ms. Neault’s longtime friend and one of the event organizers. “It’s not like domestic violence or violence against women are issues that have been fixed. It’s not an easy fix and we still need to keep getting the message out there.” Despite the seriousness of the issues it raises funding for, the event, on January 28th at Eagle Ranch Resort, is great fun to attend, Susan said. For $40, guests can enjoy a Chinese buffet dinner and are included in a draw for door

prizes. All other elements of the event are by donation and include 50/50 draws, a raffle with prizes donated by local individuals and businesses, a silent auction and games. “It’s so much fun,” Susan said. “We have games like heads or tails, where you stand up, pick heads or tails and flip a coin and whoever guesses wrong sits down until you have a winner.” The Chinese New Year event was started by Debbie to give women a place to get out and enjoy themselves during the winter months and is now hosted by the Family Resource Centre. This will be the third year at Eagle Ranch, which provides a traditional Chinese buffet dinner that kicks off at 7 p.m., with cocktails served at 6 p.m. The main fundraising efforts are aided by local business owners who, despite the troubled economic times, have been generous with donations, Susan said. “We decided not to canvas all the local businesses as things have been a little rough this year, but to our surprise so many people came in to give us vouchers and gifts,” Susan added. “This community is absolutely astounding … We weren’t going to do the silent auction but because we had prizes come in now we’ll have it on a smaller scale.” To buy your tickets or make table reservations for Deb’s Night Out Chinese New Year, call 250-342-5566. Tickets are also available from The Book Bar and Interior World.

Charter Sponsors:

www.columbiavalleyarts.com · 250-342-4423


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

January 20, 2012

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

250-342-5566 DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

SEEKING MEMBERS FOR THE IMAGINE INVERMERE ICSP IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE

‘Interacting’ with the Rotary Club Members of the newly-formed Interact Club at David Thompson Secondary School receive their charter from the Rotary Club of Invermere. Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18. Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. Pictured, left to right, back row: Lily Smith, Kate Godlien (treasurer), Riley von Niessen, Caoimhe Anderson (vice president), Sawyer Ellingboe, Erin Hillary (president), Peter Evans (Rotary president). Front row: Mary Smith, Milt Deck (Rotary marketing) and Amanda Elwakeel. Photo by Joshua Estabrooks DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

COLUMBIA VALLEY FOOD BANK ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

AGM

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

Monday, February 6th, 2012 • 7:00 p.m. at the College of the Rockies.

Seeking Members for The Urban Deer Advisory Committee

All interested people welcome. For more information call 250-342-3196 Accepting applications for board members.

The District of Invermere is looking for two (2) members of the public to volunteer for a two (2) year term to monitor the implementation of the Urban Deer Management Report and Recommendations.

To be eligible, you must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere. Successful candidates must possess a strong sense of community service, willingness to work respectfully as part of a team and have good communication skills.

Detailed terms of reference and copies of the Urban Deer Committee Management Report and Recommendations, July 2011 are available for review at the District office or at www.invermere.net Interested persons are invited to submit written applications on or before February 3, 2012 @ 4:30 p.m. to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 or to cao@invermere.net

Membership on the committee will be for a two (2) year term from the date of appointment. To be eligible, you must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere. Successful candidates must possess a strong sense of community service, willingness to work respectfully as part of a team and have good communication skills. The Imagine Invermere ICSP Implementation Committee duties shall include •

Membership on the Board will be for a two (2) year term from the date of appointment.

The Urban Deer Advisory Committee shall: • Coordinate an annual urban deer count within the boundaries of the District of Invermere; • Monitor the implementation of management recommendations for reducing the urban deer population; • Seek and implement strategies for the prevention and management of urban-deer conflicts; • Report to Council on an annual basis regarding budget allocation, success of the recommendations and advise of potential changes in implementation for Council to consider.

The District of Invermere is looking for up to 3 (3) members of the public to volunteer for a two (2) year term to guide the implementation of the Imagine Invermere Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, (ICSP).

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Recruiting community partners for Imagine Invermere and for meeting with existing partners to communicate success stories and to look for ways to move Invermere closer to its vision of sustainability; Reviewing the action inventory priority list (a component of Imagine Invermere ICSP) and making recommendations for action implementation Organizing local activities and actions that promote sustainability and or move Invermere closer to its vision of sustainability contained within the ICSP Liaising with residents who wish to discuss Imagine Invermere and its constituent parts including its sustainability objectives, community priorities, strategy areas and associated descriptions of success statements, action inventory implementation and monitoring Planning the monitoring and annual reporting on Imagine Invermere Considering sustainability issues or concerns referred to it by Council

Detailed terms of reference are available for review at the District office or at www.invermere.net. The Imagine Invermere ICSP policy document is also available for review on the Districts web site or can be made available at the DOI office. Interested persons are invited to submit written applications on or before January 27, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. to: Rory Hromadnik Development Services – planning@invermere.net Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

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


18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

YOUR MONEY

Don’t leave your Savings Plan to the government lead to a big tax burden in the future. Take for example a couple who each have $200,000 in their RRSP accounts at age 65. If one of the spouses passes away and their RRSP transfers tax-free to the surviving spouse, there will now be one RRSP account with $400,000 in it. If the surviving spouse then leaves the RRSP acHow can I reduce the tax burden? count alone and passes away at age 70 with $500,000 Whether you outlive a spouse or simply do not have in the account, they will have to add $500,000 to their What happens to my RRSP? Manulife Securities Incorporated = the IDAsurviving spouse’s infinal tax return. Depending on When we pass away, our Savings Plan or Income Fund one, there is still a possible way to reduce the eventual Manulife Securities Investment inc.they = MFDA in the year that they Services passed away, will have a is come accounts are transferred to a named beneficiary. This ben- tax implications of RRSP or RRIF accounts. The key of their RRSP account taxed at the highest eficiary can be a spouse, a family member, a trust, a charity to slowly and methodically reduce RRSPs over timeManulife once lotSecurities Insurance Inc. = INSURANCE marginal tax rate. or an estate. Depending on who you have named as the you have stopped working. In the above example it may have made sense to account beneficiary, there will be different tax treatments. As long as income isn’t too high in the years before death, you can increase income by a small amount each withdraw enough money each year to increase the surFrench English Spousal tax-free rollover year to slowly reduce the value of an RRSP or RRIF ac- viving spouse’s income to the Old Age Security clawWhen we pass away with an RRSP or an RRIF the count. By doing so, it’s possible to pay less tax on small- back threshold. If this was say, $25,000 per year for five Canada Revenue Agency graciously allows for a tax-free er amounts over time and avoid paying the highest tax years, the RRSP account would have only been worth rates on a large portion of RRSP or RRIF accounts upon $375,000. This would have sheltered $125,000 from the transfer to aMinimum spouse ifsize they areused the on named beneficiary. 3/16" to be business cards This is the simplest way to avoid a tax hit at the time of death. With careful planning you can also potentially highest tax bracket and would have instead have subjectdeath. Those who are married or common law and have avoid jumping into higher tax brackets or losing Old Age ed the income to a middle tax bracket. a spouse who they would like to leave money to should Security as you withdraw money over time. Speak to a professional name them as their beneficiary. If you are wondering about your RRSP or RRIF Don’t always delay Often retirees don’t like to take money out of their accounts and how they should be managed, be sure to What if I don’t have a spouse? If you don’t have a spouse then your RRSP or RRIF RRSP accounts until they are forced to by the govern- speak to your financial advisor or your accountant. He can still have a named beneficiary, but the account will ment when they convert their RRSPs to RRIFs at age 71. or she will happy to plan a strategy that will make sense 1/4" Minimum sizeupon to beyour used on theSince standard brochures be deemed as cashed out passing. RRSP sized While this can be a wise strategy in some cases, it may for your personal situation. It has always been said that only two things in life are certain: death and taxes. We all know that we are going to pass away at some point, but many of us don’t realize the tax implications when it comes to Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) accounts. Fortunately a couple of simple steps can help reduce a large tax burden upon death.

or RRIF proceeds are counted as income on your tax return, if you pass away without a spouse, your tax return will include all of your RRSP or RRIF as income in the year of your death. Depending on the size of your Savings Plan or Income Fund account, this can mean a huge tax hit before the account reaches the beneficiaries.

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


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

January 20, 2012

Registered sports therapist opens doors By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff You may recognize High Altitude Therapy’s Craig Smith from behind the reception desk at Fire Vixen Tattoos, an Invermere-based business he runs with his partner and talented visual artist Sarah Eastick. With the tattoo shop running along nicely, Mr. Smith has taken the time to work through the process of transferring his athletic therapy credentials over to B.C., and is opening up shop as a registered sports therapist. Mr. Smith previously owned a successful therapy business in the Toronto area. He and Ms. Eastick chose to relocate to Invermere in part because there was no one else operating businesses in their chosen fields. They decided to give up the fast-paced urban existence and high-profile clients of Toronto in favour of the calm and quiet of the mountains. Having worked with professional hockey players in the American Hockey League, football players in the Canadian Football League and lacrosse players in the National Lacrosse League, Mr. Smith said he is looking forward to developing more one-on-one relationships with his local clients, and helping them reach their athletic goals. High Altitude Therapy specializes in all types of injuries and rehabilitative needs. Mr. Smith plans to offer an on-call component to his business, and as a registered massage therapist and primary care paramedic, he is able to engage in most of the treatments needed by athletes, car accident victims and even WCB injury recovery. He first became interested in the field of sports medicine after experiencing the process from the other side of the therapist’s table. In 2001, Mr. Smith experienced a major motorcycle accident, and needed an intensive rehabilitation program to learn to walk again. From this perspective, coupled with his keen interest in anatomy and high-level competitive sports, Mr. Smith said it seemed like a natural fit when he was fully

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

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HEALING POWER — Craig Smith opens his new sports therapy clinic on January 23rd. P hoto by Joshua Estabrooks recovered and ready to start a new career. After an intensive four-year program and two years of work experience, Mr. Smith opened his business in the Greater Toronto Area, and instantly realized it was his calling. The philosophy of sports medicine is simple: to assess, rehabilitate and develop a regimen to prevent a re-injury as quickly and safely as possible, whether the patient plays in the NHL or is someone who injured themselves at work or in a car accident. “I love helping people, and I have been on both sides of the table so I can build rapport with patients easily, and because I grew up as an athlete I can relate to them and their needs,” he said. Mr. Smith opens the doors of his new practice on Monday, January 23rd. It is located in Karen Fahrni’s Columbia Chiropractic, Suite 4, 1008 8th Ave, Invermere. For more information, to book an appointment, or to contact High Altitude Therapy’s on-call service, call 250-688-1115.

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NOTICE TO ALL DOG OWNERS All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require an annual dog license, from January 1st to December 31st. Licensing allows Animal Control Services to contact you as soon as possible if your animal has been impounded or if the animal has been injured as a result of traffic or as a result of other causes. If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag. Fees are as follows:

UNSPAYED FEMALE DOG ....................... $35.00 UNNEUTERED MALE DOG ...................... $35.00 SPAYED FEMALE DOG ............................ $15.00 NEUTERED MALE DOG ........................... $15.00 We encourage all pet owners to have their dogs spayed or neutered to assist in promoting the health of your animal and to minimize the potential for unwanted pups in the community. As an incentive to spay or neuter your dog, the various license and impound fees for spayed or neutered animals are less than if your animal is not spayed or neutered.

(Located at College of the Rockies Invermere campus)

Teaching Salon Now Open Monday – Thursday 9am – 3:30pm Limited bookings and services available.

Call 250.688.0239 for details.

For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our Dog Control Officer at 250-342-1707. As we now know, plastic is not so fantastic. Up to a trillion plastic bags per year are used around the world. While most of them go to landfill sites where, scientists estimate, takes up to 1,000 years to break down, millions still end up in waterways, trees, and in our oceans where it eventually ends up in stomachs of fish and birds. We encourage you to use biodegradable dog waste bags, which are available at various sites throughout town.


20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

HOT STUFF — The Invermere Fire Service is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Pictured, the fire department gather together for a group photograph at the 40th annual Fireman’s Ball at Invermere’s Community Hall. Photo by Ed Jones

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff The Invermere Fire Service and its 28 members are celebrating six decades of service to the community, as the department turns 60 this year. Established in 1952, with around eight members, the fire department was created within a year of Invermere’s incorporation as a village in May 1951. After two fires destroyed buildings in the newlyformed village, a group of residents with no previous experience fighting fires gathered together to discuss creating a volunteer fire department. “I was surprised how many turned up and were interested,” said Gordon Lake, who was elected as the first fire chief at one of the group’s early meetings. “We’d had a couple of fires in town so we decided it was about time to get fire protection ... the crew that we started with were very good, very efficient.” The group, which included Jack Solinger, Roy Broadfoot, Todd Fisher, John Shaw, Ray Hemmelgarn and Gordon, started their weekly fire practices with the basics — learning their equipment. The Village of Invermere purchased their new firefighting team a secondhand 1931 International Open Cab fire truck, which Gordon recalled, “Most of the guys didn’t want to ride in because of the open top, so they’d often drive to the fire instead.” Everybody was trained to start the vehicle and the most important task, how to prime the pump. A second vehicle, a 1941 International truck, this time with an enclosed cab, followed as soon as the village had the money to purchase it. Early fire practices consisted of the crew hauling

hoses up ladders placed up the outside of the small fire department building, still standing near the current site. “There weren’t many calls; maybe one every few months,” Gordon recalled. “The fire department purchased a big siren for the top of the building and whoever got the call would race down to the station and crank the siren and that called the rest of the fire crew to the station.” The early years were quiet, with few calls and small grass and structural fires to deal with. Along with firefighting in

Invermere, the department’s duties included assisting with forest fires in the summer months. The department’s numbers swelled somewhat in 1967 when the Athalmer Fire Department, formed in 1964, merged with them. ...Continued on page 21

BIG RED — The Fire Department’s third truck, Big Red, a 1952 Thibault Bickle Seagrave, is no longer in active service but is still the pride of Invermere Fire Rescue. The vehicle, pictured here, pre-refurbishment, was spruced up 20 years ago and now takes pride of place in local parades through Invermere for Christmas and Canada Day. Photo submitted


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

January 20, 2012

FEELING THE HEAT — Left, Invermere’s firefighters compete in a hose laying contest in Banff in the summer of 1973. Above, a volunteer firefighter gets to work at a training house in Athalmer. Photos submitted ...Continued from page 20 The first severe blaze in town that Gordon recalls the department tackling was at the Athalmer Coronation Hotel in the winter of 1968/69. When firefighters arrived, the building was engulfed in flames. With no hookup for water available, they had to get creative to find a source to douse the flames. “We had to run a hose down to the river,” Gordon explained. “All we had to work with was our little truck with the pump on it and a hose down to the river to get water.” Despite their best efforts, the structure was beyond saving and the hotel was badly damaged by the flames. But along with the serious task of fighting fires, members of the fire department also enjoyed a lot of offduty bonding experiences with the rest of the team. Particularly favoured were the hose-laying contests against other fire departments throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, often a big annual event for nearby communities such as Banff and Kimberley. Invermere’s firefighters would take on teams from other departments to attach together multiple length of hose as quickly as possible to allow them to spray a target at the far end of the street. “I still think about how much fun we used to have,” Gordon said. “We always used to look forward to the biggest contest in Banff ... of course you’d usually get absolutely soaked!” Gordon, who was the first chief until 1967 and remained with the Invermere Fire Department for another 15 years after that, was also there when the department purchased its first-ever new truck in June, 1976. He, Ray Hemmelgarn and a third firefighter journeyed across the province to collect the new lime green truck from Vancouver and took shifts driving it back. “I seem to remember I did most of the driving,” he laughed. “It sure was a fun trip through. I didn’t mind driving, I’d done lots of school bus driving before that.” By the time Gordon left the fire department, in 1982, there were only three of the original members left:

Gordon, Jack Solinger and Roy Broadfoot, who were all awarded 30-year service medals by the government for their dedication to the department. That same year, Roger Ekman, the current fire chief for Invermere, was appointed to his current role. Roger joined the fire department in 1977 and took over from chief Ray Hemmelgarn, the third fire chief to serve after Gordon and Jerry Kebe. “I’d say we had probably 16-18 members when I joined in 1977,” Roger explained. “We always did our Tuesday night practices, as we do today, but it was completely different from how things are now. A lot of the changes to the way we operate have been pretty mind boggling.” Sitting in the Fire Hall office, surrounded by stacks of paperwork, some of the changes are easy to see. Over the years since Roger took over running the fire service, the administrative duties have skyrocketed. His position, once voluntary, became paid parttime in 2010 and is now a full-time job, which involves keeping abreast of all policy changes, dealing with paperwork, organizing regular inspections of every single piece of rescue and firefighting equipment, running fire practices, and all the behind-the-scenes work needed to keep the department on the right side of the regulators and rulemakers. He is aided by 10-year department member, Tom McNeil, his deputy chief and a retired RCMP officer who helps Roger plough through the ever-increasing stacks of red tape. “The changes are there for a reason — the biggest thing is ensuring everybody’s safety,” Roger explained. “The reason the regulations are there is because somebody has done something and got hurt in the past so they’re trying to prevent it from happening again.” Along with fighting fires in the municipal boundaries and other contracted areas, the department also started doing road rescue in 2000 and has a dedicated rescue truck, purchased in 2010 with the help of the Lake Win-

dermere and District Lions Club. There are also two dedicated fire trucks, Engine 1, purchased in 2006, and Engine 2, plus a 3,000 gallon tanker and a four-wheel drive truck used to tackle bush fires. Big Red, the 1952 vehicle pictured on the opposite page, is also stored inside the fire hall, but is no longer in active service, serving instead as a parade truck. The vehicles are stocked with millions of dollars worth of the most up-to-date and high tech equipment, from the jaws of life and hydraulic equipment used to extract people trapped in their vehicles after an accident, to the thermal imaging cameras used to assess the hot spots in an on fire property. The current team of firefighters must gain a certification for each different element — such as road rescue, structural fires, ice rescue — in order to be able to assist. This is a far cry from the early days of the department where, “You just turned up and got on with it,” Gordon explained. The siren that used to alert crews to a fire has been replaced with pagers and cellular phones, and within 10 minutes of a call coming in, firefighters must have made it to the fire hall, changed and be loaded and on their way. At the conclusion of my visit to the fire hall, I get to witness this system in action. An alert blares on the radio that an accident has happened on the road near Edgewater. Single vehicle — extraction may be needed. Within seconds, firefighters are on their radios announcing that they are on their way and within one minute of the call coming in, the first of them is through the door, dressed and ready to go. More pour in and three or four minutes later the rescue truck is rolling out of the door with its crew of seven on board. As it bowls towards the traffic lights with sirens and lights blaring, I’m amazed at how quietly, quickly and smoothly everything has taken place. Like a well-oiled machine, the firefighters demonstrated that all the hours spent practising, certifying and studying pay off. In their line of work, those crucial few minutes can help to save a life. Long may their efforts continue.


22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Columbia Valley Real Estate Daniel Zurgilgen MaxWell Realty Invermere 926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC danielzurgilgen@gmail.com

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Monthly Feature

Don’t let thieves target your home on a CD or memory stick somewhere safe, or have copies stored in various locations.

By Pioneer Staff If you’re planning a winter getaway to escape the recent cold snap, make sure your home is protected while you’re away. Leaving your home or second home unoccupied for a period of time does come with some risks, so tie up the loose ends before setting off, using these handy tips:

• Make arrangements to have the snow removed from your driveway and front entrance area. Even having someone leave tire tracks and footprints on your driveway and around your property is a good idea.

• Arrange a local contact person or security firm who can respond with a key to the property in the event of an alarm or service call. • Check your home insurance policy before heading off, and have a friend, neighbour or security company check on your property in order to keep your home insurance valid during your trip. • Have someone collect all newspapers, flyers, etc. from your front entrance. Nothing screams, “We’re not home,â€? more than a stack of mail or papers piling up on the doorstep. Canada Post will hold your mail if you’re away for extended periods.

Scott Wallace

Co-Owner/Managing Broker MaxWell Realty Invermere 926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

Cell: (250) 342-5309 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: (250) 341-6046 scott@scottwallace.ca

• For insurance purposes, take digital pictures of your personal property (televisions, computers, electronic goods, stereos, etc.) including all serial numbers, just in case your home or business is burglarized. Store the images

Wende Brash

• Use automatic timers, preferably at random intervals for your outdoor and indoor lights, radios and television to make it look and sound as though someone is around in the property. • When you’re heading out of the door, be sure to close most curtains, leaving some open slightly. Make sure all valuable items, including TVs, stereos, computers and even liquor are out of sight through all accessible doors and windows. • Have someone stop by to check the interior of your house periodically to make sure the furnace is working properly and there are no issues that demand immediate attention, like water damage. • Make arrangements with a friend or neighbour to park their vehicle in your driveway either regularly or periodically to give the impression someone is home.

Each office is independently owned and operated.

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WINDERMERE VALLEY REALTY 250-342-9450 BUS., 250-342-0510 FAX 1-866-342-9450 TOLL FREE, 250-342-5115 CELL gordon@wvrealestate.ca

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January 20, 2012

Health and Wellness

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

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BETTER WITH AGE — Left to right: George Thornton, 84; Doug Anakin, 81; Joyce Millar, 81; Irene Hohm, 80; and Pat Lynch, 82, are regulars at the Valley Fitness Centre in Invermere. Photo by Kelsey Verboom

Age matters not to fitness centre octogenarians By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff With a combined age of 408, five members of the Valley Fitness Centre put most fitness buffs to shame with their dedicated exercise regimes. Although they are all more than 80 years old, George Thornton, Doug Anakin, Joyce Millar, Irene Hohm, and Pat Lynch make it a priority to work out at the fitness centre regularly. Irene, 80, walks to the centre every single day of the week from her home at Fort Point for exercise that keeps her generally healthy, and also helps her injured knee. “I enjoy the social part of it,” she said. “I could do it in my basement instead, but I wouldn’t get to see everyone here.” Pat, 82, has been coming to the fitness facility since its 1987 opening. She formerly operated a ranch in Edgewater where she said she “worked like a man,” and has always made being fit a priority. “I believe exercise is the basis for everything,” she said. “I aim for an hour a day, minimum. When you come here you are making a commitment. There isn’t a person alive who wouldn’t benefit from exercising.” Joyce, 81, especially enjoys the sociability of exercis-

ing at the centre with other like-minded people, and said she looks forward to having post-workout coffee dates with her fitness friends. Doug, 81, and George, 84, are both avid skiers and hikers when they’re not in the gym. “Sometimes we’re so tired from mountain climbing, skiing and stuff that we don’t have much energy to lift weights!” Doug joked. Doug, a former gym teacher, is no stranger to physical activity. At 34, he made history as part of the team that became the first Canadians to win Olympic gold in the four-man bobsled event. The win at the 1964 Olympic Games in Innsbruck, Austria, was one of the biggest upsets in bobsledding history when the inexperienced Canadian team beat out the heavily-favoured Austrian team for the gold medal win. A recent injury has kept Doug off the ski hill lately, so he has turned to the gym for activity. The Valley Fitness Centre recently decided to reward its long-standing members and is now offering free memberships to anyone over the age of 80. Helen Breau, manager of the not-for-profit centre, said the decision was made to encourage people of all ages to stay fit, and to thank older members who continue to exercise.

Counselling for individuals & families Fiona BradfordMSW RSW (250) 688-0612 fiona@bradfordcounselling.com Located at 1006 7th Avenue, Downtown Invermere

www.bradfordcounselling.com Discuss life’s challenges & learn new ways to feel better.

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Health and Wellness

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Intuitive Readings

The challenges of going gluten-free

Allison Bowen

Certified AEP™ Available Fridays at All Things Beautiful. Join me at the Liberation Health Fair in Windermere, Saturday, January 21st. Bookings anytime by appointment.

By Rose-Marie Regitnig Pioneer Staff

abowen222@live.ca 250.341.5788

NORWEX ENVIRO PRODUCTS Our Microfiber picks up 99.9% of bacteria and viruses with just WATER! Ask me how!

Tammy Tutte, Sales Consultant

Save time, money, the environment and your health. Use only water! 250-270-0340 • tammytutte.norwex.biz • tammy.norwex@hotmail.com

A New Year - a new beginning! What do you need to make this your best year ever? To eat healthier? Spend more time with your family? Make more money?

Ask me how I can help you with all of these things! Sandy Traverse

Independent Epicure Consultant & Unit Leader

Phone: 250.342.2121 sandysspices@gmail.com

For most of us, losing a little weight is a good thing. Diet fads come and go, and to some people a gluten-free diet may fit into the ‘fad’ category. But to those afflicted with Celiac disease (a sensitivity to gluten), a gluten-free diet is essential, and can even be a matter of life and death. Even if you don’t know all the facts about Celiac disease, you’ve likely heard the buzz and debate about whether it is a health issue or a food fad, and if there are any potential health benefits from reducing gluten in our diets. The Canadian Celiac Association (www.celiac.ca) describes Celiac disease as an autoimmune disease where the absorptive surface of the small intestines is damaged by a substance called gluten, which is found in wheat, rye, triticale, and barley. As a result, the body is unable to absorb nutrients, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health. It is estimated that 1 in 133 persons in Canada are affected by celiac disease. At present there is no cure, but celiac disease is readily treated by following a gluten-free diet. In my family we encountered this disease for the first

time four years ago when my daughter was afflicted by daily headaches. Although Celiac disease was in our extended family, we did not draw the conclusion for the longest time. Since then both of my sons have also been diagnosed with Celiac disease. I was incredulous that all three of my children had this disease, and at first found their new diet intimidating to cook for. I had to completely rethink meal time and snack time. My pantry is now stocked with a dozen different flours that in various combinations provide great substitutions to wheat flour in recipes. Even though gluten-free cooking initially presents a challenge in the kitchen, it is absolutely doable. There are many great cookbooks on the market and informative websites that offer great recipes. There are more glutenfree products on the grocery store shelves and on restaurant menus than ever before, and you are no longer restricted to shop health food stores or specialty stores for gluten-free items. At our local high school, David Thompson Secondary School, the Rocky Mountain Cafe recognizes the Story continued on next page . . .

“Girls Day Out” from Winter Blahs...

Presenting Four Easy Steps to take You...

1

Choose a stylish new swimsuit at Poolside Shop.

2 3 $249

Revitalize in the Natural Springs Spa with the treatment of your choice.*

Only

*

per girl$200

Save up to

Slip into the exclusive Guest Hot Springs Pool (in that fantastic new swimsuit!)

4

to Blissful Aaaaahs!

Celebrate your fabulous day in the Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill.

Relax with two glasses of house wine and an appetizer of your choice!

Escape the Blahs! Book a “Girls Day Out”.

Call 250.345.6070

*Any spa treatment excluding packages. Does not include tax. All programs and packages subject to seasonality, cancellation and change without notice.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

January 20, 2012

Health and Wellness . . . continued from page 24 increasing need for gluten free food on the menu providing options for students and staff. Alison Bell, Chef Instructor at the high school said, “We have been identifying foods as either ‘gluten-free,’ ‘vegetarian’ or ‘locally-grown’ on our menus this year. While we have always served vegetarian, gluten-free dishes and served foods made with locally-grown foods, people are very happy to see that we are now identifying them. “It is important to not demonize food; a no-gluten diet is not sustainable for everyone. To teach students that all things in moderation is key, unless you are celiacafflicted, is important. We need to look at the whole picture,” she added. For those not afflicted by Celiac disease, are there any negative health affects from eating gluten-free foods? I have found that gluten-free convenience foods often have more calories and fewer nutrients than the original wheat products they try to mimic. Manufacturers often add starches and refined flours to improve the texture. On the other hand, a variety of alternate whole grains such as brown, wild rice and black rice, cornmeal, millet, quinoa, teff and buckwheat may actually improve the nutritional quality of your diet. My oldest son who was just diagnosed this fall was discussing his new diet in the school hallway with a friend when another boy overheard some of the conversation and interjected, “I thought you said you were Swedish!” “Uh?” said my son with a puzzled look on his face. “What? You are Sicilian now?” the boy asked.

For your body, mind and soul!

“Ha, ha!” laughed my son, when he realized the confusion. “No I am Celiac!”

Gluten-free banana lemon loaf This is the best-ever gluten free recipe. It’s from the Gluten, Wheat and Dairy Free Cookbook by Antoinette Savill. This cake is lemony, moist and delicious, and will keep for several days. 1 cup rice flour 1 cup buckwheat flour (or 2 cups rice flour) 3 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt 1 cup plus 2 Tbsp margarine or butter, softened 1 ¼ cups sugar 3 bananas 4 large eggs 4 Tbsp icing sugar (or just regular sugar) 1 Tbsp lemon juice

Preheat Oven to 350F. Sift flours with baking powder and salt. Beat the butter, sugar and bananas together until smooth and then briefly stir in the eggs. Stir this into the flour mixture until blended. Pour into a large loaf pan and bake for about 1–1 ¼ hours or until a skewer comes out clean and the cake is just firm. Cool for 10 minutes and then mix the sugar with the lemon juice and drizzle over the top (if you like it more lemony, use more lemon juice).

DEANNA EMPEY RMT (AB) Ph:250-342-7320 • E-mail: azurewellness@gmail.com Book online at www.azurewellness.ca Get healthy with our…

Therapeutic Options Our winter specials from now until March 15

(excluding weekend appointments) are -

Upgrade your 60 minute Lomi Lomi massage to a 90 minute one for the same cost ($30 saving) . or give the extra 30 minute massage to a friend/family member via a gift certificate ($55 saving). 6 hand acupressure reflexology treatments for $100. Great for targeting symptom relief and health improvements.

Bare Hands Day Spa at the Prestige Inn 7493 Main St., Radium Hot Springs, BC (250) 347-2121 • www.barehandsdayspa.ca barehandsdayspa@gmail.com

CrossFit It’s back…

Invermere

90-day Look Better Naked Challenge 2 Next 8-session introductory class starts February 2nd! Call today! 250-342-5856 endeavorfitness@live.com Located next to Kicking Horse Café

www.facebook.com/pages/Endeavor-Fitness/150829255012331

Exciting business opportunity for a dynamic entrepreneur. Copper Point Resort is seeking an experienced owner/operator for its new, sophisticated Spa. • 2,700 square feet of finished floor space • Includes Pedicure and Manicure stations • 4 treatment rooms • 2 flex rooms • Change rooms • Reception desk with retail space • A separate manager’s office Expected completion date: February 29, 2012 Please contact Darren Still at Darren.Still@rohitgroup.com for all inquiries


Health and Wellness

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

The healing power of hot springs By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff

Health is balance…

We would love to help you find it. Everything you need to achieve your 2012 health goals.

250-342-2552 • 901 7th Street, Invermere

We’ve all heard that soaking in a hot spring is good for us, but what is actually in the water that delivers health benefits? The temperature of most hot springs is generally agreed to be therapeutic, but warm water is by no means unique. One can achieve the health benefits of warmth by sitting in a man-made hot tub or a sauna, so what is it about the water in a natural hot spring that delivers that extra punch of healthful well-being? While there are many strong opinions and theories, the direct connection between health and the waters of a hot spring is not a medical fact. Some believe it is the placebo effect, while others argue that the dissolved minerals and gasses contained within the water itself are beneficial. Steve Grasby, a geologist with Natural Resources Canada and an adjunct professor at the University of Calgary, has been studying the chemical makeup of a number of hot springs in the Columbia Valley. His area of research is more geared towards the geology side of thermal waters, but his interaction with the natural wonders is closer than most. Back before science understood as much about human health and the chemical makeup of hot springs as it does today, many pseudo health practitioners tried to profit from the growing interest in hot spring therapy, but according to Mr. Grasby, it may have been happenstance that “proved” their theories. “In Europe there was a lot of qualitative evidence that if you had certain ailments and went to certain springs you would get better,” he said. “No one knew why but there was experience with certain springs that would help with certain problems.” An example of this would be if someone had what we now know are symptoms of low iron, they would be sent to a spring that we now know is high in iron. Typically these visits would involve both soaking as well as drinking the waters, Mr. Grasby said. “The next thing you know the symptoms are

gone. But again, nobody really knew why any of this worked, and today you can just take an iron pill, or eat a good steak.” In the two main hot springs found in the Columbia Valley, Fairmont and Radium, the actual dissolved minerals and gasses differ slightly. Fairmont has noticeable concentrations of Chlorides while Radium has some extra Calcium and Magnesium. In his book Healing Springs, Nathaniel Altman discusses some of the alleged health benefits of these minerals and gasses in great detail. Not being a physician, Mr. Altman makes it clear his research is not to be used as medical advice or treatment, adding that bathing in hot springs is not for everyone, especially if one is pregnant, suffering from serious cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, or cancer. The three ingredients that are common to both Radium and Fairmont hot springs are Bicarbonate, Sulfates and Silica, which have been attributed to assisting with a variety of ailments: Bicarbonate is a salt resulting from the incomplete neutralization of carbonic acid. Bathing in bicarbonate-rich water relaxes and widens blood vessels and improve circulation, Mr. Altman writes. Sulfates owe their chemical composition to sulfur, writes Altman, and their value depends on their presence in chemical compounds such as Calcium sulfate, Sodium sulfate or Magnesium sulfate. Bathing in sulfate-rich water has been used to treat chronic infections of the respiratory tract, and skin diseases such as eczema. Silica, or Silicon dioxide is believed to be important in promoting cardiovascular health and plays a key role in bone formation and remineralization, writes Altman. People take silica as a nutritional supplement, and to restore health to aging skin, hair and nails. Whatever your reason for having a soak in any of the hot springs in the Columbia Valley, no one can deny the pure aesthetic appeal of bathing in a naturally hot pool of water surrounded by incredible mountain vistas and clean, crisp air.

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

Body ~ Mind ~ Spirit

Ky kushin Karate 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm Tuesday & Thursday at Kicking Horse Coffee Phone: Jer 250-342-8862 / Doug 250-347-9048


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

January 20, 2012

Health and Wellness

Cleaning green

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff If staring at a wall of complicatedsounding cleaning products at the grocery store or home cupboards overflowing with multiple bottles of grime-busting chemicals sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many homeowners clean with chemical agents. According to Earth Day Canada, the average Canadian family consumes anywhere from 20 to 40 litres of chemical cleaning products each year. In recent years, the Internet has surged with a popularity in homemade cleaning remedies. Partly because of the growing trend of ‘going green’ and partly due to penny-pinching during the downturned economy. Invermere’s Robin Shmigelsky has always cleaned with green products, using homemade or plant-based remedies in her own home. “It’s healthier for the person using the product and it’s healthier for the person living in the house,” she said. “Why would I want to use something that’s bad for the environment and bad for me?” She’s had such success with the cleaning power of environmentally-friendly products that she has incorporated them into her interior design and cleaning business, CORE Design. The most common

misconception people have about green cleaning products is that they don’t clean as effectively, Ms. Shmigelsky said. “I think people believe that if it doesn’t smell bad and foam up when you use it, it’s not going to work.” That couldn’t be further from the truth; green products work just as effectively and cost roughly the same as chemical-based products, she added. Especially if you buy pre-made green cleaners in concentrate, it can actually work out to be less expensive. “I think you just have to do your research, be selective about what you’re using, and find out what works best for you,” she said. Robin’s homemade cleaning tips • For an all-purpose cleaner, use a mixture of vinegar and water, but add a few drops of scented essential oils to cut the acrid smell of the vinegar. • To eliminate scale, cut a lemon in half, pour coarse salt on it and lightly scrub scaled-affected area until it comes off. • To get rid of the ring around the bathtub, apply a paste of baking soda and lemon juice, let sit for a few minutes, and scrub. • To de-scale your shower head, fill a plastic bag with vinegar and water, tie the top of the bag around the shower head, and leave to soak for a few hours.

Pilates 101 - Did you know? Pilates is an excellent form of exercise that builds core strength and stability. The exercises provide a full body workout focusing on muscular tone and balance, joint stability, flexibility, balance, improved posture and body awareness. Pilates is customizable for participants of all fitness levels and ages. It challenges those new to exercise, those returning from an injury and even elite athletes.

Parkside Place (250) 342-6600 workout@pilatespursuits.com www.pilatespursuits.com

Why Pilates Pursuits?

Our instructors are trained and certified through STOTT PILATES®. We stay current so the newest Pilates exercises and equipment are incorporated into your workout as they are developed. Our objective is to help you achieve your fitness goals in a friendly and welcoming environment.

Available September – June ~ Monday – Friday Choose between Deep Tissue, Signature Customized, Aromatherapy Relaxation 60 min. $80 (reg. $95) 90 min. $120 (reg. $140) o cbody a l ’ streatments. Discount Days Together with 10% of all esthetic servicesLand

Save 10 - 15% OFF

Winter Escape Package Beat the winter blues at Fusion! 1.5 hours

Pilates Pursuits combines quality instruction with small class sizes to produce a highly personalized and warm environment where you’ll receive the utmost in attention. We offer group mat and reformer classes, semi-private (2 students), and private (one-on-one) sessions. Our studio is fully equipped with Reformers®, Stability Chairs™, Cadillacs, Barrels, BOSU®, Fitness Balls and more!

Who teaches at Pilates Pursuits?

(drivers license id required)

Organic sugar scrub, 30-min massage and express facial

$150 (reg $185)

Healing Earth (90-minutes)

Beautiful mud scrub and soak followed by 45-minute relaxation massage.

$150 plus tax

Detoxifying Mud Wrap 75-minute mud wrap.

$120 plus select spa tax services

Call us today to book your relaxation time!

518 Thir Downtow Phone fusionwe

518 Thirteenth Street • Downtown Invermere Phone 250.341.3511 • fusionwellnessspa.com STOTT PILATES® photography © Merrithew Corporation

Just what is Pilates?

Local rates for valley residents

Reading The Pioneer is healthy for you! Studies show that reading is the best way to relax. N E W S PA P E R

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


DESIGN

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

robinshmigelsky@yahoo.com

Give your home a boost

your look

D

Update

Welcome new colour

Createdesign your oasis interior Transform your space product sourcing Up your style factor colour consulting

Staging

Get an edge over the competition when selling your home by hiring Core Home to improve your space. I will meet with you to determine what requires change.

Organizing and Clutter-Control Solutions

Too much stuff and nowhere to put it? I will provide solutions for new storage, organizers, furniture, accents, paint, flooring and lighting, and if required, will also obtain price quotes for work from the trades.

Cleaning Services

DESIGN

Will provide full cleaning services for a variety of situations. • Thorough cleaning to prepare for the sale of your home or when you have a showing • Before/after your visits to your recreational property • Cleaning on a regular basis – Rate:robinshmigelsky@yahoo.com $30/hour (approx.)

FOR ALL YOUR DESIGN NEEDS

D

Robin Shmigelsky

interior design 9455 Tobysourcing Ridge Road, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K5 product robinshmigelsky@yahoo.com • Ph. 250-342-1548 colour consulting

Do you know the health benefits of Hazelwood? Mylene Lefebvre is a happy mom with a story to tell other moms whose babies are having a difficult time teething. “My little one now has all her teeth and I never had to give her any medication for teething. Plus I’ve been off cortisone for my eczema since I started using the Pure Hazelwood products,” said Mylene. The story is one that has its roots back in the very, very early days. Many long years ago Aboriginal people put chips of hazelwood on their babies’ necks to soothe teething pains. The practice seemed to have been nearly lost until a Quebec couple with a new baby who was teething, was given a necklace made with beads from the hazelwood tree. Genevieve Lagace and Patrick Lafond were delighted when they found that the ageold practice seemed to work wonders, so they began to make necklaces for infants, children and adults.

January 20, 2012

Health and Wellness Top 10 quick get fit tips Submitted by Jolaine and Brandon Bloom Endeavor Fitness 1) Set realistic goals for yourself. Most people are eager to start exercising and eating healthily as their New Year’s resolution but they do too much too soon, realize it’s unrealistic and then quit. More is not always better. 2) Take small steps and make gradual changes. This helps ensure consistency. 3) Hire a trainer. A good coach makes all the difference. He or she should hammer out the basic techniques first. 4) Do compound movements. These are functional movements that work many muscles at once, burning more calories and making you stronger, such as squats, deadlifts, push-ups, chin-ups. 5) Keep it constantly varied. Our bodies adapt quickly. You need to change your program to make gains in strength, cardio respiratory endurance, power, agility, flexibility, etc. Variety is the key. 6) Dial in your nutrition and have a plan. Increase your protein intake. Protein has a thermogenic response as it takes up to 30% more energy to digest over carbohydrates and fats. The key is balance and not over eating carbohydrates which are proven to put on excess body fat. 7) Rest equals recovery, which equals results. Get eight to 10 hours of sleep every night. Sleep and exercise will help decrease cortisol, a stress hormone. Decreasing your cortisol will decrease body fat around the midsection. Exercise is the stimulant, rest is where results happen. 8) Stay hydrated. This is one everyone is guilty of. Being dehydrated will not allow you to train to your full potential or recover adequately. 9) Be consistent. Inconsistent effort = inconsistent results and injury. 10) Believe in yourself. You can do anything you put your mind to. It takes approximately 21 days to form a habit. Don’t beat yourself up if you eat something you shouldn’t or miss a workout, just start with your next meal. You always feel better once you start your workout, the hard part is just getting started. You can do it!

Desiderata Health and Wellness Studio presents...

LIBERATION 2012 HEALTH FAIR

EVENT INFO! Yoga / Zumba Class Combo

Health benefits of Hazelwood for the whole family

• •

Hazelwood has the property of neutralizing the body’s acidity. Testimonies from our clients confirm that Hazelwood relieves or soothes: heartburn, gastric reflux, teething, skin problems (psoriasis, acne, eczema), arthritis, osteoarthritis, constipation, migraines, cavities or any ailment associated with surplus acid.

Lambert Kipp Pharmacy Pharmasave Rainbow Donkey

www.purehazelwood.com

t C

at he a w. de an Desi wtc sid d W de h era el rat av l a n ta. e H e bu ss S ea sin tu lth es dio sca tal yst .co m

2012 is here. Liberation. Free yourself from small ways of thinking and being. Liberation. Check out local businesses that have your healthy lifestyle in mind. Liberation. This is your time to be entirely awake and fully alive. Liberation.

They now have over 70 employees and this is a 100% natural, 100% handmade and 100% Canadian product. They now sell in over 1,300 outlets across Canada, the United States and Europe.

Available in your local stores:

ww

SATURDAY

JANUARY 21st Windermere Hall Sinclair Avenue & North Street Windermere, B.C.

9:30 am-noon $25 at the door or reserve your spot in advance for $20 by emailing: thismomentisyours@gmail.com

Health Fair

• • •

12-2pm Free samples Meet local businesses and entrepreneurs in the health, wellness and nutrition sector of Invermere and surrounding area.

For more information about Liberation 2012 contact Kelly Carlson: thismomentisyours@gmail.com Inquiries for renting a table at Liberation Health Fair contact Colleen Wagner: 250-342-1438


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

January 20, 2012

HERE TO SERVE YOU From Framing to Finishing Al Tallman

Call Al at

We Do It All!

RENOVATIONS REFERENCES AVAILABLE

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

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

250-341-5096 Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

Complete Automotive Repairs Snow Removal And Sanding / Parking Lot Sweeping (Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

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

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

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

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.

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

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

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

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

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501

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

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

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

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

Call or visit online

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

• NEW SEWER • CAMERA •

DCS Plumbing & Heating

VACATION HOMES REQUIRED TO MEET OUR GUEST DEMANDS.

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE • GAS FITTING

LICENSED

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

Seniors’ Discount

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

Now offering snow removal for your decks, driveways, sidewalks and small parking lots.

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


30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Renovating?

January 20, 2012

Interior World

HERE TO SERVE YOU window fashions

250-341-7022

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

DWM Snow Plowing

Wood Blinds Interior World

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

David

w i n d o w f a s h i oCommercial ns Residential

Plowing & Sanding Reasonable Rates Fax: 250-347-9913 E-mail: dwmservices@shaw.ca

Jesse Vader Ken Johnson 250.341.5426 250.341.5427 Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

250.349.5564

FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION

250-342-5682

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

Top Quality Interior World Sales • Warranty • Repairs

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

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

Kyle Moll

HTH Contracting Ltd. 250-341-5603

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

New Construction

Building

Renovating

Finishing

Framing

Need Blinds? Interior World

• Full and partial dentures • Repairs • Relines • Rebases

Invermere B.C. • 250-999-9191 Donald MacDonald – D e n t u r i s t

Home-based customized gift basket business.

Scott Postlethwaite

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

Personal & Corporate • Free local delivery

JAYNE MAGRI • 250-342-3160

www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca • info@itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D . 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

invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Lake Auto Services

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

FOUR SEASONS ~ FOR ALL REASONS!

CVCC Contractor/ Trade Builder of the Year 2008

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Radium Hot Springs Esso

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

Lambert

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

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 • 31

January 20, 2012

HERE TO SERVE YOU 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

Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Certified Technician

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

250-342-3052

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

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

Patco Developments Ltd. PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

RFE ALARMS • • • •

Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

Darren Ross

Alarms Surveillance Systems Home Theatre Analog & Digital Background Sound Systems

Rick Flowitt

(250) 347-9726

ROSS‛S POOLS & SPAS

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

250-342-6549

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805

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

“Serving the Columbia Valley”

• Gel & Acrylic Nails • Coloured Gel • Nail Art

250-342-1355

Call Judy ~ 250-341-5245 • Days, Evenings, Weekends

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

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

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

250-342-6700 • universaldoorsandexteriors@shawbiz.ca

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

Also offering FREE year-round pickup of unwanted vehicles

Warbrick Towing & Salvage warbrick@shaw.ca • Cell: 250-342-5851

VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

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

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

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE


32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Elementary schools click into ski program By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff The snow prayers of a few lucky elementary school classes have been answered. After being instructed to “sleep with their skis” in hopes of snow, Grade 3 classes at Windermere Elementary School and Eileen Madson Primary School are ready to learn the basics of cross-country skiing, thanks to a generous dump of fresh snow and new program being offered by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. The brand-new Ski S’Kool program will travel to classes at the two local schools with recently-purchased equipment and teach students the fundamentals of the slippery snow sport. The Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club has frequently been approached by local schools interested in teaching kids to cross-country ski, but the club has never before had the necessary equipment to teach large classes, said the nordic club’s Darren Tamelin, who will be head coach of Ski S’Kool. Now, thanks to a generous donation of $6,500 from the Columbia Valley Community Foundation, the club has been able

to buy enough ski equipment to travel from class to class and teach the sport. “Hopefully it will encourage kids to become involved in the sport and in fitness, and to get out on the weekends with their family,” Mr. Tamelin said. “The kids are where it’s at. We need to build our program and our club through the kids. It helps bring skiing into the community and the valley.” Volunteer coaches from the nordic club will teach the classes, which start with the basics like how to care for the skis and how to get up when you fall. Volunteers from the club will also be grooming the schoolyard beforehand, so students can get a feel for skiing in a real track. After three sets of lessons, the classes will conclude with a field trip to the Whiteway on Lake Windermere, which is maintained by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. As demand and interest in the program grows, the cross-country ski club hopes to expand Ski S’Kool to Edgewater and Canal Flats Elementary School next year, Mr. Tamelin said. For more information about the club and program: www.tobycreeknordic.ca.

Debating divas David Thompson Secondary School students Kate Godlien (left) and Caoimhe Anderson (right) recently returned from the Kootenay Regional Debate Winter Classic Tournament in Trail, where they placed first. The duo debated whether or not the international community should solve man-made humanitarian crises, and whether people’s greatest fear is the unknown. Both students have also qualified for the Law Foundation provincial finals this spring, a first for both the school and the East Kootenays.

Property owner’s checklist

Have you received your 2012 property assessment notice? If it has not arrived in the mail by January 20, call toll free 1-800-668-0086. If so, review it carefully. Visit www.bcassessment.ca to compare other property assessments using the free e-valueBC TM service on our website.

We’re ready... are you?

Questions? Call the office listed on your notice. Don’t forget...if you disagree with your assessment, you must file a Notice of Complaint (appeal) by January 31, 2012.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

January 20, 2012

Pioneer Classifieds s obituary s Christian Helen Mitchell The woman you did not get to meet. Chris, named “Christian” after her grandmother, was moving to Invermere this July to live. Originally from Halifax, Chris was in the process of meeting the people of the valley and was anxious to be a part of this community. Her love of the outdoors was going to make her a ‘natural’ for the Invermere lifestyle. She spent most of her adult life in Ontario with her eye on the West. Calgary was just a stopping off point before she got to where she always wanted to be: in the mountains. Chris was always smiling and looking forward to the next adventure. She found what she was looking for here in Invermere and wanted to call it home. Her untimely passing was not only a tragedy for those who knew and loved her, but for those who would have met her as she settled here in the valley. She is survived by her daughter Daphne (17), her son William (20), her three sisters Beth, Jane and Daphne, and by her mother Diana Mitchell. No words can adequately describe the loss of such a wonderful person. She will be greatly missed by Joe and her newfound friends.

s

s

In Memoriam Mike “Rocket #9” Degenhardt

Mike “Rocket #9” Mike “Rocket #9”Degenhardt Degenhardt

ANNOUNCEMENT

thank you

cheers & Jeers

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.

Attention families with preschool age children in the Windermere Valley: What: To get the drop-in playgroup running again! Where: Invermere Community Hall. When: Wednesday mornings. Why: To get out and socialize for everyone’s sanity – especially in the winter months! Who: Windermere Valley Families. How: The Wednesday morning drop-in Play Group needs a new host. For more information, please call Lisa Lehr 250-341-3952.

The family of Margaret Gillies would like to extend a very sincere Thank-you to Dr. Shannon Page whose concern and quality of care over a number of years was beyond any of our expectations. Also, thank you to the staff of Home Support and Home Care Nursing for their excellent care. A grateful thankyou goes out to Adrienne and the wonderful staff at Columbia Garden Village. All of the above made it possible for her to remain comfortably in her own home until her passing, according to her wishes.

I would like to send a cheer out to Jonny McCulla for being such a gracious host to Shawn and Louis while we stayed in Panorama. We really appreciated you taking the time to spend with us. Good times were had by all of us. Also, a special note goes to DOC and the beautiful Claire who made our vacation that much better. Thank you!

cheers & Jeers

Cheers to the staff at the Invermere Veterinary Clinic and especially to Dr. Bruce Thiessen for answering our emergency call last Tuesday evening. Though our 16-yearold “Koala” passed away, your compassion helped us be at peace with the loss of our beloved pet.

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.

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.

lost & found LOST: set of keys (includes mail, car, and house keys). Keychain also has ref whistle on it. If found, please call 250-342-6846.

cheers & Jeers Jeers to those who want to cull the deer . . . can we throw in the crackheads and junkies too? They are causing more harm to our community than the poor deer.

RENTAL SUBSIDIES ARE AVAILABLE NOW! INVERMERE, BC CALL (250) 341-3350

January27, 27, 1950-January 1950-January 21, 2010 January 21, 2010

Charles Morley Hogan July 29th , 1920 - January 25th, 2011 Gone are the days we used to share, but in our hearts you’re always there. A thought, a smile, a silent tear — we can hardly believe it has been one year. The gates of memory will never close. We miss you, Morley, more than anyone will know. Always in our thoughts and forever in our hearts. ~ Your loving wife Irene and son Harry and family.

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

ANNOUNCEMENT

SENIORS HOUSING:

Not a day goes by that we don’t think of you and miss you dearly. 1950-January 21, 2010 Gerry,January Kathy,27, Dave, Jake, Valeen & Dustin.

• • • •

• • • • • • •

Delicious Meals 24-Hour Emergency Monitoring Transportation Daily Activities Housekeeping Entertainment Private Suites with Kitchen

Cheers to the person(s) who are maintaining the Horsethief Forest Service Road off of the Westside Road. From one person who lives up that way, I would like to say thank you for the great job you are doing. I appreciate the time and effort you have put into maintaining the Horsethief. I am sure the outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the work you are doing as well. Great Job! Jeers to the “Peeping Tom” on 17th Avenue and 7th Street. This behavior will not be tolerated in such a small, tight-knit community. Cheers to my housemate for all the delicious chicken twisties she has been cooking us all week! Jeers to the drivers of the empty logging truck and the B-train who so recklessly overtook slower traffic westbound in the 80 km/ hr zone of the park between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, January 9th. Now we can see how accidents happen, with people like you speeding in dangerous road/ weather conditions and using the left-hand side of the road around blind corners. Cheers to the volunteers who make the Special Olympics ski program such a positive experience for the athletes! How inspiring!

Cheers to Courtenay, our Christmas angel, for rescuing our dog and taking her to the vet after the deer attacked her. We can’t thank you enough.

A big cheers to the snow angel who moved a lot of snow for the residents of Crescent Wood Drive in Edgewater last weekend. We are so lucky to have such awesome neighbors! You rock! Jeers to the snow plowers who only seem to work daytime MondayFriday. Snow removal is a 24/7 job! That 18 inches of snow in the public parking lot Monday morning could have easily been removed Sunday evening when the parking lot was empty. Jeers to the District of Invermere for the awful snow removal job which left D/T Invermere in such a mess on Monday morning. Handicap stalls unusable, seniors trying to climb over walls of snow to get to the sidewalks. If you can’t handle the job, contract it out.

Please call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.


34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

cheers & Jeers

storage

suite for rent

suite for rent

suite for rent

Cheers to the permanent residents of Radium. It makes us feel right at home when you remember us every visit. This is why I love the valley!

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.

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. Pets OK, N/S, available now. $625/month + utilities. Call Grant: 403-493-1245.

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.

Fairmont: 2-bdrm, 1-bath suite. W/D, fully furnished, excellent location, N/P, N/S. $850/month including utilities — wireless Internet, water and cable included. Call 250-270-0043.

Cheers to the wonderful volunteers for the Banff Mountain Film Festival, and all who made our job of putting it on so easy. Penny and Heather.

commercial space

Cheers to Peppi’s, who on one of their busiest nights of the week, were at our beck and call, with pizzas and salad ready for us throughout the evening. BMFF Crew.

Rent/Sell approx. 2,400 sq. ft. between Home Renovation Centre & Fitz Flooring. For more information please call Lorne at 250-270-0102.

Jeers to the woman in the black Dodge Charger for parking in the middle of the road to wait for the school bus. Not only is it illegal but it is unsafe to the rest of the children and downright rude! Walking a few extra feet to the bus isn’t a big deal especially when it means it keeps the road clear and kids can get to the bus safely! Shame on your arrogance!

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

Cheers to the gentleman who helped me get my car unstuck in front of Fields.

For Lease: Approximately 2,800 sq. ft. across from Invermere Post Office. Contact Gordon at 250-3429271.

Cheers to Mr. Tremblay for being so hip with the kids these days. On behalf of the Filipino community of the valley we would like to send a cheers to AG Valley Foods, Tim Hortons, Dairy Queen, Sobeys, Konig Meat & Sausage Co., Radium Petro Canada, Best Western, Fairmont Mountainside Market & the Columbia Valley Pioneer for your help and support for the victims of the Typhoon Washi. $1,076.41 was raised and sent to the foundation.

storage NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available. Now with climate controlled units. Call 250-342-3637. STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park. 250-342-3166.

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.

Bright and tastefully renovated 350 sq. ft. office space on main street location. Call 250-688-0222.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION Private room with cable, phone, laundry access, Internet, and all utilities included, $400/month + $200 DD, N/P, 250-342-4020. Share with one other. Large 3-bdrm house on the lake in Invermere. Furnished, own bath, all appliances. $500/month, cable, Internet and utilities included. 250342-1791. Roommate wanted to share 2-bdrm suite. $450/month, includes utilities. Call 250-342-5171.

suite for rent 2-bdrm apartment (upper floor) in Canal Flats. Available immediately. $550/month + utilities + D.D. N/S, N/P. Call 250-342-3345 after 6 p.m.

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, NP. Utilities not included. $850/month. Available immediately. 250-2700729. 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 immediately. $850/ month + utilities. Call Grant: 403493-1245. 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. 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. Email 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. Brand new large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite in D/T Invermere. Private entrance and enclosed patio, all new appliances, N/S, $800/month + utilities. Available immediately. Call 403-874-0483.

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. Please call Sharon: 250688-1365. 2-bdrm (upper floor) deluxe apartment. Available January 1st for long-term rental in Canal Flats. Newly renovated, fridge, stove, W/D. Perfect for couples or 2 roommates, N/P, N/S. Call after 6 p.m. 250-342-3345. Large furnished 1-bdrm suite. Lots of storage, large fenced yard, offstreet parking, close to the hospital and shared laundry. $725/month including utilities and cable + D.D. Call 250-342-9404 1-bdrm lower walkout suite for rent between Invermere and Windermere. $675/month utilities included, N/S. Call 250-342-3790. Bright, 2-bdrm basement suite with separate entrance in Wilder subdivision. N/S. $850/month utilities and cable included + D.D. 403-819-8121. Lovely 2-bdrm suite in Invermere with private entrance. Very close to D/T and schools. Includes W/D, fridge, and stove. $775/month + utilities. Available immediately. Call 250-688-1105.

Low low rates daily, weekly and monthly at the Motel Bavaria in Radium Hot Springs. Call 250-3479915. Clean, quiet, bright, large, 1-bdrm upstairs suite for rent in Columere Park. $650/month + hydro. Call 250-345-6524. Bright and roomy 2-bdrm lower walkout suite in Black Forest Heights, Invermere. $800/month utilities included. Available immediately, N/S. 250-342-9770. Windermere home with 2 separate suites, each with 2 bdrm and 1 bath. Private entrances, parking and laundry. $850/month. Call Ben, Green Door Property management at 250-688-0362. For more info & photos see Kijiji.ca Ad ID 346999161. Radium, brand new, furnished lower level suite for rent. 2-bdrm, 2-bath, lots of windows, bright and clean. Available immediately, N/S, N/P. $750/month + utilities. 250342-3790.

Homes for rent INVERMERE: 5-bdrm, 4-bath, 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. Call 403-609-0870 or email patgenier@ yahoo.ca for pictures.

Suite for rent

2 bedroom basement suite behind Sobeys. Available February 1st. Includes utilities, Internet, cable, shared washer/dryer. A well-behaved pet or child permitted. Either partially furnished, or unfurnished (your choice). $800/month. Call Gerry to view at 250-341-1202.

Homes for rent

FOR RENT

INVERMERE: Lake Windermere Pointe starting at $1,100 per/month. Pool, underground parking, elevator and much more. WESTSIDE PARK: 2 homes available at $1,400 per/month plus utilities. WILDER SUBDIVISION: 2 bdrm. basement suite, furnished at $1,250 per/month including utilities. WINDERMERE: Furnished 2 bdrm. cottage. Nice yard! $900/month plus utilities. Available immediately. RADIUM: 4 bdrm. home, unfurnished long-term, no pets or smoking at $1,350/month plus utilities. CANAL FLATS: Newer 2 bdrm. furnished townhome $850/month plus utilities.

Contact Dave or Eric

250-342-4040

www.FirstChoiceRentals.ca

Edgewater: Fully renovated 3-bdrm, 1-bath with partial basement and two small decks. Includes seven appliances. Large yard with lots of room for parking and storage (indoor and out). Wellbehaved dogs welcome (large and small). $990/month + hydro. References required. Call 250-409-9130 for more information. 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 250-3411182. For the latest rentals available please visit jennyb.ca. Jenny Bueckert-Maxwell Realty Invermere. info@jennyb.ca or call 250-342-5711. 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.


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

January 20, 2012

Homes for rent

Homes for rent

Homes for rent

Condo for rent

condo for sale

misc. for sale

T/H for rent at Cedarwood Glen Estates. 3-bdrm, 1.5 baths, garage. $1,200/month + utilities. N/S, N/P. Available immediately. 250-3411182.

Windermere: 3 bdrms, 1 bath, 5 appliances + W/D, yard, deck, quiet area, N/S, N/P. $800/month. Call 403-815-1025.

1-bdrm cabin in Edgewater. $600/ month includes hydro and TV. Call 250-342-5912.

2-bdrm luxury condo for long-term rent in Sable Ridge Resort, Radium. Fully-furnished and stocked with amenities. Just move in! Furnished with Penthouse furnishings, gourmet kitchen, in-suite laundry, queen bed, flat screen TV, 1st floor, fireplace, BBQ, underground parking, outdoor hot tubs, clubhouse, seasonal pool. Longterm rental. Available Feb. 1st, $950/month includes heat. Call Joe 403-830-0799.

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

White Admiral appliances in excellent working order: fridge, stove (self-clean), D/W. $400 for all. Call 403-815-0289.

2-bdrm home for rent in Athalmer. Available immediately. $700/ month + utilities. 250-342-6813. House for rent in Athalmer: 2-bdrm, 1-bath, 5 appliances, wood and electric heat, N/S, large yard. $900/month + utilities + D.D. Call 250-342-8933. 3-bdrm, 2-bath house for rent. Very clean, all appliances included, walking distance to schools and D/T. 2 references required and 1st and last month’s rent. $1,100/ month + utilities + D.D. 250-3416043. D/T furnished, immaculate 4-bdrm house for rent. A/C, W/D, fully developed basement. N/S. Available immediately. $1,375/ month + utilities. Contact Linda or Gordon at 289-795-4000 or 289795-4107. Unique 5-star accommodation. 3-bdrm home 10 minutes south of Fairmont. 3 years old, 1,817 sq. ft. Semi-detached, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, 5 appliances, garage, carport, geothermal heating, low utilities, A/C, beach house, BBQ and fireplace. $1,500/ month + utilities. Call 780-4463575. Edgewater: 6 bdrms, 4 full baths, 2 full kitchens, 2 living rooms. Includes 10 appliances on 3 acre lot. $950/month + utilities. Available immediately. 403-650-8654.

Edgewater: 3-bdrm home with wood or propane heat. Includes stove, fridge, W/D, D/W and large, partially-fenced lot. Available January 15th. $800/month. Call 250-347-9768 or 250-342-3417. 3-bdrm, 2-bath home on acreage in Fairmont. N/S, N/P. Available March 1st. $1,200/month. Call 250342-5290. 2,100 sq. ft. home in RVVR. 3-bdrm, 2-bath, furnished, available immediately. $1,250/month + utilities + $1,250 D.D. All Club House privileges included. Contact Ray 403-478-9773 or e-mail rammac4562@hotmail.ca. 3-bdrm house for rent in Wilder Subdivision, close to the beach, school & D/T. Attached garage, N/P, N/S. Available immediately. $1,100/month + utilities. 250342-2052. Invermere: 3-bdrm semi-detached. Close to all schools and D/T. Available now! Pets negotiable. $850/month + utilities. Call Joan 250-342-7517 for viewing. Edgewater: 3-bdrm, 2-bath house with basement, clean, stainless steel appliances, large deck. Available March 1st. $1,000/month + utilities. 250-342-5332.

Fairmont: Newer 1,600 sq. ft. 3-bdrm, 2-bath house. Large lot near river. All appliances included. $1,150/month. Call Mark 403-5190252.

Newly renovated 3-bdrm, 2-bath in Fairmont (Dutch Creek). Available February 1st. $850/month includes 6 appliances, unfinished basement, propane fireplace, forced air furnace, baseboard heaters, paved driveway and access to community pool and tennis courts. Great, quiet community. Pets negotiable. Call 250-345-0004.

Athalmer: 3-bdrm, 2-bath, 2,000 sq. ft., unique home. Huge front yard and lots of storage for toys. End of road, so total privacy. Available for short-term rental. $900/month + utilities + D.D. 403680-6999.

Large, clean, unfurnished cabin in Fairmont on treed lot. 3 bdrms, 2 renovated baths, great deck $1,000/month. Call Ben Green, Green Door Property Management at 250-688-0362. Kijiji.ca AD ID 343147709.

condo for rent 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, 2-bath, 2nd floor, 1,045 sq. ft. furnished condo in quiet and well-maintained building in Radium. Appliances include fridge, stove, microwave, D/W and insuite W/D, all like new. A/C, large balcony (8’ x 13’) with propane hook-up to the building for BBQ. Secure underground parking with storage cage. N/S. Pets negotiable. $900/month utilities included, D.D. and references required. See Kijiji (Cranbrook) ID333406882. Available immediately. To view call Susan 250-422-3510. Hillcrest Apartments have 2-bdrms, $800/month; 1-Bdrms, $600/ month. Fully-furnished, including utilities, TV and Internet. 250-3411182. 1-bdrm + den, 1-bath unfurnished condo at The Peaks in Radium with hot tub access. $750/month includes utilities. Call Ben Green, Green Door Property Management at 250-688-0362. Kijiji.ca Ad ID 340091643. Luxury condo in Sable Ridge, Radium. Top floor corner unit, 3-bdrm, 3-bath + den. Underground parking, luxury, fully-furnished, short or longterm rental. $1,550/month. E-mail akbar@nimji.com. 2-bdrm, 2-bath at The Peaks in Radium on the second floor. End unit, underground parking. W/D. $880/month including all utilities. 403-801-4356.

mobile Home for sale

Affordable-Immaculate 3-bdrm, 2-bath, 1,400 sq. ft. 2002 Moduline Home in the quiet Green Acres Mobile Home Park. Vaulted ceilings, drywalled, energy efficient, 2 covered decks, workshop (12x10) wired for 210 and 220, storage shed (8x12), across from park-like setting. For more pictures go to Kijiji ID 346406014. $144,900. Call 250-347-6909.

Homes for sale

Mountain Home For Sale www.newbuildinglinks.com Price reduction! Central Radium, close to golf course. Fully renovated, 6-bdrm home – like new! Stunning kitchen and suite potential. For full details visit www. propertyguys.com ID#266165. Asking $475,500. Call 250-3479399. 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. For full details and pictures visit www. propertyguys.com ID#266210. 250-409-9130. Exceptional park-like acreage in town with country style executive home for sale. Call 250-688-1508.

pets

Household furniture for sale. Sofa/ loveseat, twin beds, end tables, and microwave etc. Call Terry 250341-1568.

Hawt Pawz and Clawz is now offering 25% off all grooming services. Offer expires January 31st. Call 250-347-2412.

Tilting double sled/quad trailer in good condition. $550. Call 250342-7666.

wanted

vehicles for sale

Do you have a cheesy old velvet painting gathering dust in your basement? Well how would you like to contribute that old gaudy 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.

1986 CHEVY ½ TON, no motor, LOTS OF ACCESSORIES. Best offer. MUST GO! 250-341-7393.

Single, professional person seeking 2-4-bdrm home in Invermere for L/T rental. Preferably D/T. Dbl garage or better with large yard. Need for Feb 1st. Call 250-3421167.

misc. for sale Hot Tub Rentals Week or Weekend Rates. Valley Spas, 250-342-3922. 302V8 + 3SPEED TRANSMISSION MODIFIED MOTOR too many extras to list. Best Offer. 250-4099130. 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.

1988 Kabota M7950 with loader, 4x4, 6,500 hours, new tires. Asking $22,000. Call Tony 250-347-9909. 2005 Pontiac Vibe in good condition, 5-speed manual, good gas mileage. $6,900. Call 250-3454571. 2004 Sedona Luxury EX Model Van. Dual-sliding doors, 2 sets of tires. 7-passenger. Asking $5,600. 250342-3688.

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. Vacuums Parts, repairs & accessories, All makes & models Central Vacuums – sales and installations Bonded & licensed Fine Homeservices 250-342-9207, fhs@telus.net. Dryer Vent and Furnace Cleaning & inspections. Call AQUAIR today! 250-342-5089.

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

Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-342-5089.

Firewood for sale: split and delivered. ½ cord or full cords. Call 250-688-0272.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Like-new, black Kenmore stove. 3 years old. $150. Call 250-347-6475.

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


36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

services

services

help wanted

help wanted

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.

Are you an adult who has always wanted to learn to play the guitar? Let me show you the basics and more. Available most evenings to come to your home. $15/hour, group rates available. Call Emily at 250-341-2793.

Part-time job, Full-time income potential.

F/T or P/T Heavy Duty Mechanic, Class 1 with air an asset but not necessary. Heavy equipment experience an asset but not necessary. Fax 250-341-6006.

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. Interested in Blinds? Save now.. Still 2011 prices! “We were very impressed with Shannon’s Blinds & Designs during our recent purchases of blinds for our home. Shannon was very accommodating, friendly and we valued her expertise when choosing our new window coverings. She spent many hours going through samples and her prices matched other competitors. We also appreciated the quality and flexibility that Ken Jonasson showed when installing the blinds. A company definitely worth recommending,” Brian & Sandy Meyers Shannon’s Blinds & Designs 250-342-5749 shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca “Covering the Valley – One Window At A Time” Expires: January 27th, 2012 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 at #35 109 Industrial Rd. #2, 250-342-9696. Flooring installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood. 30 years experience. Call 250-347-9192 or 250-341-1235. Executive Typing Services, Over 20 years word processing experience. Resumes, manuals, data entry, and more. Accurate and fast! 250-270-0254.

Invermere Sharpening Carbide and steel sharpening services. Carbide saw re-tipping, saw blades, router bits, planer knives, 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. Immaculate house care services available. Condos, homes, cabins, cleaned with care. Call 250-3479779. Have you purchased a Mac computer and need a tutor to help you learn the basics? Making the move to a Mac can be an intimidating experience. I will show you the basics and show you how to get more value from your system. I’m a graphic designer with 20 plus years experience working the Macintosh operating system. Basic tutoring session, $30/hour. Call Emily at 250-341-2793. Columbia Valley Handy Help! “ 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.

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 earning 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. Class 1 truck driver, must be experienced with clean driver’s abstract. Fax 250-341-6006.

RV Operations Manager at Shadybrook Resort in Windermere needed for 2012 season. Full job details at www.shadybrookresort. com/manager.

Please call 250-341-6299 to place your classified ad.

help wanted

FLOOR STAFF HOUSEWARES DEPARTMENT Are you a well organized, neat, self motivated and directed, friendly, outgoing and helpful person? Do you enjoy working with customers and solving their problems? Does demonstrating the special features of products sound like fun? If so, then perhaps a position in the Housewares department of Invermere Home Hardware is what you are looking for. The successful candidate will also be able to sustain and develop ideas for increasing sales in this department which includes gourmet items, small appliances, cleaning supplies and other household items. This is a full-time position and will require shift flexibility. Although based in this department, assistance to our customers and other staff throughout the store is required of all our staff.

0911611 BC LTD o/a Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

Shift Supervisor Full-time/Shift Work Nights/Early Mornings/Weekends $11.80-$12.30/hour + medical/dental depending on experience. Apply via email: timhortons.invermere@gmail.com

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 (ROCKY MOUNTAIN)

Temporary Full-time Accountant School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) is now accepting applications for a temporary, full-time Accountant (35 hrs./wk.) effective March 19, 2012 – March 31, 2013. This position will be located in the District Administration Office in Invermere. The duties include support staff payroll coordination and processing; personnel benefits administration; monthly, quarterly and annual reporting; and related administrative responsibilities. Interested applicants should send a letter of application, and a detailed resume which includes a record of education, training and experience relevant to this position, as well as three references to the Human Resources Coordinator by Friday, February 3, 2012 at 4:00 p.m.: Meghan O’Neill Human Resources Coordinator School District No.6 (Rocky Mountain) P.O. Box 430 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-9243 (x 4416) • Fax: (250) 342-6966 e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca We would like to thank all applicants, but only those short-listed will be contacted. The successful applicant will be required to provide a criminal record search.

If you are interested in this position, contact Josh Miller at 342-6908 extension 242 or email your resume to josh.miller@invermerehardware.ca

GARDEN CENTRE MANAGER/ BUYER Invermere Home Hardware Building Centre is looking for an enthusiastic individual to lead a team in their fast-paced, customer-orientated, Mark Cullen-approved garden centre. Tasks and Responsibilities • Helping customers, combined with team management, purchasing, stocking, and overall running of this department • Inventory management skills • General merchandising and maintenance of product • Follow-through of all customer questions, requests using outstanding customer service techniques. Major Requirements / Competencies • Knowledge of horticultural products, minimum three years experience • Ability to provide professional customer service and employee support • Ability to work in a team environment • Ability to maintain composure and work effectively in a fast-paced environment • Ability to complete tasks, delegate tasks, according to instructions and demonstrate responsibility for outcomes • Attention to detail. Please contact Al Miller, Invermere Home Hardware Building Centre Phone: 250-342-6908 -ext. 230 or e-mail: al@invermerehardware.com

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


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

January 20, 2012 . . . LETTERS continued from page 8

Will the world change? Dear Editor: Here is hoping for a good New Year to all. Yet hope, like faith, is so often blind and has contained many belief system elements of historical subjective wishful-thinking. 2012 is heralded amongst a backdrop of Mayan endtimes beliefs according to their 26,000 year+ calendar. “End” likely not in the way some think. When their calendar resets to zero, our calendar version will most probably rollover unto the next day of December; yet, will the world be the same? A bird’s-eye view for some now likely indicates, as a noticeable prelude, something quite different in our ways. Just in case you have not gleaned this in ourselves: as Canadians, we seem to like to point fingers at the U.S. and others, and in typical narcissistic fashion place blame. However, Canada as you once knew it is right on track to becoming similar, and will likely be almost exactly the same under our present stewards. It may look different, but they are much more subtle in Ottawa in comparison to the U.S., and are looking more every day like a co-opted pathocracy. I had written a few examples of our negative differences today in terms of humanity at large, but have refrained from their inclusion here, because, if they have not been noticed of mind by the reader now, they will likely remain that way.

1939 produced what some might say was a trial run by fascists, some known and some from the shadows, yet humanity paid most dearly. What system have we now, democracy? No, it is not this; we only think it is because we have been granted simple freedoms that are now being incrementally stripped away. I will leave this with a quote put forth by Joe, not Joe the plumber, from Milton Mayer’s ‘They thought they were free: The Germans: 1933-45’. “One doesn’t see exactly where or how to move. Believe me, this is true. Each act, each occasion, is worse than the last, but only a little worse. You wait for the next and the next. You wait for one great shocking occasion, thinking that others, when such a shock comes, will join with you in resisting somehow.” ...”These are the beginnings, yes; but how do you know for sure when you don’t know the end, and how do you know, or even surmise, the end? … the one great shocking occasion, when tens or hundreds or thousands will join with you, never comes. “That’s the difficulty. If the last and worst act of the whole regime had come immediately after the first and smallest, thousands, yes, millions would have been sufficiently shocked… But of course this isn’t the way it happens. In between come all the hundreds of little steps, some of them imperceptible, each of them preparing you not to be shocked by the next.”

Tax dollars shouldn’t benefit private development

Arthur Koan Radium Hot Springs

Larry Stotts, Radium Hot Springs

Dear Editor: Regarding the Letter to the Editor from Ian McKenzie in the January 13th edition: I would like to thank Mr. McKenzie for bringing the issue of government waste of taxpayer’s money to the forefront. Over and above all the issues that are being lobbied to the government, there is the question of taxpayer subsidization being required for a private venture. Remember that two economic feasibility studies question the economics of the Jumbo proposal. I do not believe I am alone in not wanting my tax money to assist a private development. As a resident of the Columbia Valley and B.C. taxpayer, I do not want the Jumbo project to proceed for two reasons: the necessity for using government/taxpayer funds, and for environmental reasons.

Watch for The Pioneer’s sixth annual special advertising supplement… The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy is currently seeking an:

Administrative Assistant Part-time ~ 1-2 days a week

The focus of this organization is to promote literacy and life-long learning throughout communities in the Columbia Basin. The Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to this caring and energetic team and is pivotal to its success. This role is for you if you have effective communication skills, both oral and written, if you possess excellent organizational skills, and are able to prioritize tasks and manage your time wisely. Your courteous, friendly and professional manner makes you an asset to a team-based workplace. Regular administrative duties include: • • • •

Answering phones and email correspondence Maintaining and updating employee information and filing Processing payroll Invoicing and deposits

Qualifications: • • • • •

Effective oral and written communication skills Strong problem solving skills A working knowledge of Simply Accounting Experience in payroll processing Knowledge of Word and Excel

WOMEN IN BUSINESS Booking deadline is Friday, February 3rd and will appear in the February 10th issue.

Job posting closes January 27th, 2012. Resumes can be submitted by email to awassing@cbal.org or by fax to 250-342-9221.

N E W S PA P E R

If you are a Woman in Business, call 250-341-6299 or e-mail ads@cv-pioneer.com to participate


38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Valley sports View from the players’ bench

CURLING CHAMPS — ­ Left to right: Skip Marilyn Berry, Third Barb Fassnidge, Second Sandra Quinn-Boyes and Lead Cindy Stevenson are all smiles after winning their regional playdowns on January 7th and 8th, earning the right to represent their zone at Provincials in Kelowna in February. Photo by Joshua Estabrooks

Valley curling teams hurry hard to victory By Joshua Estabrooks Pioneer Staff Two local curling teams have returned victorious from recent competitions, and will both be representing the East Kootenays against teams from around the province at two separate events. On January 7th, the Invermere Juvenile Men’s Curling team, made up of Ian Redeker, Sam Gaspar, Logan Powell, Garrett Kashuba, JP Pollard and coach Dave Gaspar, defeated Grand Forks twice in a playdown held in Creston. By winning both games, the team has earned the right to represent their zone at the B.C. Games, which will be held in Vernon from February 23rd - 26th. “They are doing really well and I am really proud of them. They work together as a team and that’s the most important thing,” Mr. Gaspar said. Currently there aren’t many teams they can play against in the area, but Mr. Gaspar said the positive results they are

having is encouraging other teams to start thinking about coming out to compete, which would be good for the sport both locally and provincially. As the Juvenile Men’s team was putting in a strong effort, so too was the Invermere Senior Women’s team (pictured above), led by skip Marilyn Berry. The ladies traveled to Nelson to take part in a regional playdown, where they faced Sparwood, Trail and Castlegar in a double knock-out format. Winning the A event was exciting, Ms. Berry said, but the women already have their sights set on the provincial competition that will be taking place in Kelowna from February 14th - 19th. All sanctioned curling is overseen by Curl B.C., which can be compared to Minor Hockey’s governance over most youth hockey programs in the province. For the Juvenile Men’s team, there is a chance to win their way to the Optimist International Tournament, which is the Canadian championship.

The Columbia Valley Rockies put on an exciting show at home on Friday, January 13th, as they beat the Spokane Braves 5-4 in overtime. Clockwise from top: Jordan Stimpson attempts to dump the puck into Spokane’s zone, but unintentionally flips it at his teammates, narrowly missing a certain member of the press if it

weren’t for the quick glove of backup goaltender, Scott Legault; Chel Anderson exits the Rockies zone under heavy pressure from the Braves; Chad Davidson crushes a Spokane player against the boards.

Photos by Joshua Estabrooks


The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

January 20, 2012

FAITH

Putting faith in God’s care By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly It begins with the snap of a latex glove and the doctor saying, “Your PSA numbers are too high. I’d like to do an examination.” An ultrasound biopsy is scheduled. A few days before Christmas you’re curled in a fetal position as a doctor punches a hollow needle into your prostate twelve times, removing samples for testing. You leave with a throbbing ache somewhere deep behind your belly button. You hope to never go through this again, but you sense you may be back. Smiling and laughing you mechanically walk through Christmas celebrations wondering about results. Unspoken questions linger below the surface. After Christmas, the doctor’s office phones, he wants to see you. New Year’s festivities come and go. You keep busy, distracted with friends, food and family. Sitting in

the doctor’s office at 10:15 a.m. on the third day of the New Year you hear him say, “The biopsy revealed cancer.” Time slows down. He’s looking you in the eyes, watching your response. The room is silent. His words land with a thud in your heart. This wasn’t what you were hoping to hear. You don’t know how you should feel, or how to respond. You remain calm. You’re going numb. He reassures you, goes over some details, and dazed you walk outside into the sunshine. Sitting in the car reality begins to sink in. How can I have cancer, I’m still a young man? Is this how my story ends? How’s this going to affect my marriage, my work, my future? What do I do with this news? Who do I talk to about this? In the stillness your eyes close and words begin to flow. “Father, I’m weak and confused. I don’t understand, but you are my God and I trust you. My life is in your hands.” Outside the sun’s still shining. Someone hurries along the sidewalk. Around you everything seems normal but something’s changed. You turn the key, the engine starts and you back up and drive away. Smiling, you whisper, “I’m not alone. I belong to you and my life is in your hands.”

Valley Churches

Lake Windermere Alliance Church Sunday, January 22nd, 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Life Instruction, “The Journey: The Basics of Growing Up”...Pastor Trevor ministering. “K.I.D.S” Church, for children age 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.: Morning Prayer at All Saint’s, Edgewater 10:30 a.m.: Morning Prayer at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere David Farrell. 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. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m. President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

• Books • Music • Stationery • Children • Educational

INVERMERE CHRISTIAN SUPPLIES

Selkirk TV & Appliances Ltd. “Serving you since 1971” MAIN STREET • INVERMERE (250) 342-6415

WHAT GOES INTO the MIND TM COMES OUT in a LIFE

You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society

Fairmont helping to feed the valley Fairmont Hot Springs Resort staff hand over the proceeds from the annual free hot springs Christmas Day entry (with a donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank). The event netted $1,277 in cash donations and sixteen boxes of food. Pictured, left to right: Francois Lanctot, Adam Elwakeel, Doug Leibel (CV Food Bank), Peter Smith. Photo submitted

To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: P. O. Box 102 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Please include: Your name an address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to

Let’s Make Cancer History

www.cancer.ca


40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 20, 2012

Roadshow Returns Campbell River: 4Weekend! Days Only! Roadshow returns to Nanaimo: 4 Days Only! Roadshow Comestoto Invermere This TERRY INKLER Canadian Collectors Roadshow Staff Writer

Local Roadshow Expert Examines Some Gold Jewellery

OOUSysE! H FFRREEoEErH 4 MCAAeLLLLDSa! C

noticed a substantial increase in the amount of precious metals such as gold and silver coming to the Roadshow, which makes sense considering how After very successful shows in Penticton high it’s currently trading at. He added, and Kelowna, The Roadshow is has “The Roadshow is great because it puts coming totoInvermere. Campbell River. Sohad you had better money in people’s pockets, especially returned Nanaimo. you had better SoSo you better search through your attics and garages, during such hard times. Lots of items go through your lock boxes and jewelthat are just sitting around collecting dust lery, because you may be sitting on a in basements and jewellery boxes can be small fortune and not even know it! exchanged for money, on the spot!” Roadshow experts are here to examine all your antiques, collectibles, gold At another Roadshow event, a woman, and silver. named Mira Kovalchek, walked in with a tin full of hundreds of old coins that During a show near Toronto, a woman were given to her as a young child by her came in with a jewellery box that she grandfather. She �nally decided to come had just inherited from her late aunt. “I in to the Roadshow and see what he don’t wear jewellery,” explained Barbara had given her. She was ecstatic to learn Engles, “so it was an easy decision to she had coins dating back to the late come down to the Roadshow to sell it”. 1800’s, some of which were extremely She was very excited when she was able rare. Roadshow consultant Perry Bruce to walk away with a cheque for over explains “We had uncovered an 1871 $2,100 for jewellery she was never going Queen Victoria 50 Cent piece, valued at to wear anyway. over $2,000!! She had a nice assortment Expert Elijah Gold explains, “We have of coins that were not rare dates, but

she was able to sell them for their silver content”. She explains, “I never would have thought that my old tin of coins was worth so much! I can �nally afford to renovate my kitchen”. Perry Bruce continued, “Canadian coins prior to 1967, and American coins prior to 1964 are all made with silver, and we have noticed a large increase of customers coming to the Roadshow with coins and cashing them in for their silver value”. Experts at the Roadshow will evaluate and examine your items, FREE OF CHARGE, as well as educate you on them. The Roadshow sees hundreds of people during a one week event, and they have been travelling across Canada to different cities and towns, searching for your forgotten treasures. Trains, dolls, toys, old advertising signs, pocket watches, porcelain and bisque dolls, pretty much everything can be sold at the Roadshow. Any early edition Barbie’s are sought after by the Roadshow collectors, as well as a variety of

OUT DON’T MISS

Dinky Toys and Matchbox cars. Lionel Trains and a variety of tin toys can also fetch a price, especially if they are in their original box or in mint condition. If a collector is looking for one of your collectibles, they can always make an offer to buy it. A man brought in a 1950’s Marx Tin Toy Robot, in fairly good condition, still in its original box. They were able to locate a collector for that speci�c toy within minutes, and that gentleman went home with over $700 for his Toy Robot and a few other small toys. So whether you have an old toy car, a broken gold chain, or a Barbie sitting in the closet, bring it down to the Roadshow, they will take a look at it for FREE and it could put money in your pocket!

See you at the roadshow!

InCampbell Invermere: River: January 20, 2120, & 19, 2221, In January 20,22 21 & 22 In Nanaimo: April 19, Best Western Invermere Inn, 1310 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9246 Best Western Chalet, 462 South Island Hwy. Campbell Western Plus Plus Austrian Dorchester, 70 Church Street, Nanaimo, 9 am - 6River pm, 250-923-4231 250-754-6835 Friday Saturday 9:00 am 6:00 pm • Sunday 9:00 am 4:00 pm 9:00 am --6:00 pm (Except 9:00 am•- 5:00 pm) 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Thursday Saturday 9:00 April am 22nd, - 6:00 pm Sunday Bring in your oldold unwanted oror Bring in your unwanted broken jewelry, coins, antiques & collectibles for cash.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

• Gather all your collectibles and bring them in • FREE admission • NO appointment necessary • We will make offers on the spot if there is interest in the item • Accept the offer & get paid immediately • FREE coffee • Fully heated indoor facility

TOP ITEMS TO TO BRING... BRING... TOP 5 ITEMS

Gold Jewellery, Gold Coins, Silver Coins, Sterling Silver, Collectibles

THE ITEMS WE MAKE AN OFFER ON MAY INCLUDE: • SILVER: Any silver items such as flatware, tea

• INVESTMENT GOLD: Canadian

sets, charm bracelets, jewellery & anything

Maple Leaf, Double Eagle, Gold Bars,

marked Sterling or 925

Kruggerands, Pandas, etc

• COINS: Any coins before 1967 (Silver Dollars,

• SCRAP GOLD: All broken gold, used

Half Dollars, Quarters, Dimes, Half Dimes,

jewellery, any missing pieces (Earrings,

Nickels, Large Cents and all others) collectible

Charms, gold Links etc), Dental Gold,

foreign coins, rare coins & entire collections

Class Rings, Charm Bracelets, etc

• GOLD COINS: All denominations from all parts of the world including Gold Olympic coins

• PLATINUM: Jewellery, Dental, Wiring and anything else made of Platinum

• WAR ITEMS: WWI, WWII, War Medals, Swords, Daggers, Bayonets, Civil War Memorabilia, etc. • JEWELLERY: Diamond Rings, Bracelets, Earrings, loose Diamonds, All Gem Stones etc • PAPER MONEY: All denominations made before 1930, Confederation bills, Large Bills • OTHER COLLECTIBLES: Toys, Train Sets, Advertising, CastPottery, Iron Banks, Dolls, Cast Iron Banks, etc. Pottery, etc.

GOLD ITEMS OF INTEREST: SCRAP GOLD • GOLD COINS • GOLD OUNCES • GOLD PROOF SETS • DENTAL GOLD NOT SURE IF IT’S GOLD? Bring it in and one of our experts will be glad to examine it for you!

We represent thousands of collectors who are all looking for a variety of collectibles! We have purchased a wide selection of items for our group of collectors. The CCG (Canadian Collectors Group) are a private group of collectors who are looking for unique items in a wide variety of categories.

1.877.810.GOLD

COLLECTORSROADSHOW.CA


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