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FANCY FOOTWORK — Sandra Mercier, artistic director of Arabian Mountain Spice belly dance troupe, entertains the crowds at the Invermere Farmers Market. For more about the belly dancers, see page 4. Check out the Invermere Farmers Market on Saturday, September 1st, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Photo by Kate Irwin

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2 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 31, 2012

Amble to the origins of the Columbia River

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff The mighty Columbia River’s humble beginnings in Canal Flats make for a pleasant stroll suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The 1.5 kilometre trail is part of the Columbia River Greenways Alliance and can be easily accessed from the village of Canal Flats, 45 minutes south of Invermere.

Paired with the hike up the Dutch Creek Hoodoos, accessed moments south of Fairmont Hot Springs along Westside Road, this walk can be turned into a half-day excursion that takes in scenic wetlands, the tranquil beauty of Columbia Lake and a range of flora and fauna.

Even if you skip the Hoodoos, the drive south between Fairmont and Canal Flats offers breathtaking views.

To reach the trailhead, travel south from Invermere on Highway 93/95 for approximately 52 kilometres, until you reach a left-hand turn signposted to Canal Flats. Travel northeast along Burns Avenue for less than one minute and turn left onto Shaughnessy Street, taking another left at the T-junction at the end of the street onto Beatty Avenue.

Drive to the end of the street and follow the ‘Hike’ sign, turning right to travel along a short dirt road until you reach the parking lot and trailhead, clearly marked on the left-hand side. A camera, some water and bug

STRAIGHT TO THE SOURCE — This bridge on the Source of the Columbia Trail in Canal Flats, spans the small streams that come together to form the Columbia River.

Photo by Kate Irwin repellent are recommended.

The walk itself is a simple stroll with no real elevation gain or loss. The trail sets off toward the west along a

wide, well-maintained gravel path, which winds through leafy trees.

. . . Continued on Play ‘n’ Stay page 3

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 3

August 31, 2012 . . . Continued from Play ‘n’ Stay page 2 Within three to five minutes, you will encounter the first interpretative panel, detailing some of the many species of plants and animals that can be spotted in this and other areas of the Columbia River Wetlands.

The wetlands, which start in Canal Flats and stretch for 180 kilometres, are the longest continuous stretch of wetlands in North America. They are home to more than 260 resident and migratory bird species, as well as hundreds more varieties of insects, fish, amphibians, and many endangered species including the Northern Leopard Frog and the Short Eared Owl. Some of these species, particularly an array of co- HUMBLE ORIGINS — The Source of the Columbia traillourful dragonflies, can be head is easily accessed through the village of Canal Flats. enjoyed as you continue Bottom: Interpretative panels line the 1.5 kilometre loop, ofdown the path, which forks fering interesting informational tidbits about the wetlands, Photos by Kate Irwin six to eight minutes from the river and village. trailhead. Either pathway can be taken, as both lead to the same place. streams start merge together and flow toTaking the right-hand fork will offer ward nearby Columbia Lake. From there, a few more minutes of strolling through the growing river flows for 2,000 kilomedappled shade before the trees open up to tres, crossing 14 dams before emptying a wetland area. A wooden bridge, with in- into the Pacific Ocean at the border beterpretative panel, spans the small marsh. tween Washington and Oregon.

It is here that a collection of small The wetlands are a giant, natural filter, so while the lower Columbia River is vast and polluted, the waters here in the Columbia Valley are pure and teeming with life. Several memorial benches are scattered around this area, offering a pleasant spot to sit or enjoy lunch.

Once you have fully explored the area, continue the loop round back to the parking lot. The entire journey can be completed in 30 minutes, although stopping to read the interpretative panels along the way and enjoy the scenery will stretch this to an hour or more.

To learn more about the Source of the Columbia trail or any of the Greenways Alliance’s other local pathways, visit www.greenways.ca.

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4 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 31, 2012

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A TOUCH OF SPICE — Left to right: Arabian Mountain Spice’s Romy Wood, A.K.A Rashieka, and Sandra Mercier, A.K.A Sadira, twirl with their veils to fundraise at the Invermere Farmers Market. Below: Iris Grolla, A.K.A Narin, shows off her colourful costume, complete with jangling beaded hipscarf.

Photos by Kate Irwin

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Belly dancers shimmy and shake their way to Vegas

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff A bevy of local dancers are shimmying their way to Las Vegas next week to pick up tips and new techniques at a belly dance festival.

The six members of the local Arabian Mountain Spice troupe have spent their summer raising funds to head to the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive and Festival, which will run from September 6th – 9th.

There they will take part in workshops and classes, as well as two group members giving a special performance to fellow belly dance enthusiasts from across North America.

“Dolumay [Deanna Berrington] and myself will be performing at the festival. We had to be specially selected so it’s rather exciting,” said Sandra Mercier, artistic

director and group founder. “We’re all going to be heading to Las Vegas together. We’ve been raising funds for months now. I’m still not even sure we have quite enough!”

The Arabian Mountain Spice troupe have spent the summer performing at local venues and events — including the Invermere Farmers Market, Tony’s Greek Grill and Columbia House — to raise funds for their trip and spread their enjoyment of belly dancing.

The group formed in May 2007, after Sandra, who goes by the stage name Sadira, moved to the area, bringing with her a love of Middle Eastern dance. . . . continued on next page

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 5

August 31, 2012

Windermere scares up fun with festival

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff A special event is bringing homemade happiness and antique authenticity to Windermere. The 13th annual Fall Fair and Scarecrow Festival kicks off at the Windermere Community Hall and elementary school field September 16th.

“The fair is just old-fashioned fun,” said Cheri Hann, event organizer. “We want people to let loose and enjoy time with their friends and neighbours.”

The fair, which was attended by 2,000 people last year, sticks to its rustic roots by offering an itinerary of family events that begin with a scarecrow competition.

Participants can brainstorm their favourite avian anxiety-inducing figurines and drop off their creations at the Windermere Community Hall September 14th, which is the Friday before the event.

Submitted scarecrows are judged by festival organizers for second and third place prizes before the fair. Choosing the number-one straw star will rest in the hands of festival goers on the day

. . . Continued from page 4 “I was a beginner when I came here,” she said. “I started for my mom’s 60th birthday and never intended to continue.

Then I got hooked and thought, ‘This is amazing!’ and kept taking classes.”

Sandra quickly found herself with 40 eager new students looking for a fun way to keep fit, socialize with other women and gain body confidence.

Because belly dance is a low impact form of exercise and is suitable for women of any size, shape and age, it is easy to pick up, while offering plenty of challenges for those looking to perfect it, Sandra explained.

“The movements are based on how the body moves, so it feels very natural.

The toughest part is remembering choreography. It’s good for the brain and body.”

Belly dance consists of a wide array of core movements, which are then strung together or ‘layered’ to create performances.

While a love for public performing is welcomed, it is not mandatory and group members move at their own pace to choose if and when they are ready to perform, Sandra added.

Along with performances, the ladies enjoy occasional get-togethers with other local belly dance troupes in Cranbrook

of the event.

Contestants who want to inject a little life into their competition can participate by dressing up as scarecrows themselves during the costume contest.

Pets, which are welcome on a non-retractable leash, can also compete in the Dress Your Pet Competition.

Beyond scarecrows, the fair features a wife carrying race. Contestants worried about the repercussions of a tumble can also compete in the wife-carrying wheelbarrow race.

Participants looking to do a little shopping can enjoy the wide range of local food vendors and artisans selling their homestyle goods.

The fair has a special kid zone with a bouncy castle and mini-golf, topped of with a little foam.

The Windermere Fire Department will be arriving on scene to douse festival goers with foam fired from their water hose.

Those looking to slow down and avoid a flash flood of foam can take the day at their own pace. The event will have golf cart shuttle service provided by the Windermere Valley Golf Course and a rest tent

and Golden.

“If they have a show we will go out to help or support them,” said Romy Wood, a member of Arabian Mountain Spice since late 2007. “ It’s getting quite popular all over the world. It’s such a nice, enjoyable form of exercise and a chance to spend time with other women ... we have all become close friends through belly dance.”

The group meets once a week and has whittled down to six core members, most of whom have been with the belly dance troupe since it started.

The sextet’s colourful costumes come from a variety of places, with some members opting to craft their own custom creations, which include a fitted top, hip scarf and skirt.

When starting out in belly dance, a hip scarf is an important first purchase, Sandra explained, as the jangling of the metal beads helps novices hear when movements are fluid. Because the dance is formed from many different movements, which are learned one at a time, beginners can quickly progress to putting together simple routines, she added.

To help Arabian Mountain Spice members towards their fundraising goal or to learn more about the group, go to www.arabianmountainspice.com

for those wishing to take a load off their feet.

Admission to the Fall Fair is $5 for adults, $3 for participants under 15. Children under 5 are free.

The Fall Fair is the Windermere Community Association’s biggest fundraiser of the year, with proceeds from admission going to support the hall throughout the year.

For more information about the event, call 250341-3383 or email info@windermerecommunity.ca

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6 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 31, 2012

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

Enter the Pioneer’s annual travel contest for your chance to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames’ game and a night at a Calgary hotel courtesy of Travel World, our local travel agency in Invermere. Simply take a copy of The Pioneer with you when you are away on holidays, send us a copy and have it published in The Pioneer. At the end of the

Road readers rule

year, we will draw the winning name. Submit your photos online at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com, email them to info@cv-pioneer.com, or drop by our office, #8, 1008-8th Ave. Invermere.

Pictured, clockwise from top left: Wayne Noga flashing his copy of The Pioneer while working as a camera-

man for beach volleyball at the London 2012 Olympics; Christopher Midyette at the Silverwood water park in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; Fred and Dorothy Blunden at the London 2012 Olympics; Marlene Chabot with granddaughters Elisabeth and Sophia Davies in San Diego, California.

August 31, 2012

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 7 WANDERERS — Clockwise from top left: Aidan and Dylan Guest in front of the Terry Fox monument in Thunder Bay, Ontario; Robert Freeman and Natalie Tompa expose The Pioneer to the mist at Niagara Falls, Ontario; proudly bearing the newspaper at Yoho National Park’s Twin Falls are (clockwise from top left) Heather Pryndik, Wendy Behan, Melissa Altmann, Kathy Thomsen, Meghan O’Neill, and Jody Behan; Bobbie Fulton dives to 70 feet underwater with the paper at the Palencar Caves in Cozumel, Mexico.

8 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 31, 2012

Fruit swap program pairs pickers with trees

By Kelsey Verboom Pioneer Staff Craving a homemade apple pie or some sweet, handcanned jam?

If so, you’re in luck, even if you don’t have access to your own fruit trees.

Bear Aware coordinator Crystal Leonard is now running the second annual Columbia Valley Fruit Swap, which pairs fruit tree owners with eager pickers who want the sweet treats.

The aim of the program is to reduce the number of bear attractants in the valley, which draw bears in to town during late summer and fall.

“Next to household garbage, fruit trees are the second biggest attractant,” Ms. Leonard said.

“This time of year, bears are looking for the greatest amount of food possible, so the more we can remove

from the trees, the less desirable town will seem.”

Ms. Leonard said she hopes everyone who has a fruit tree they don’t pick will call.

She aims to attract even more participants than last year’s event, which drew 30 happy pickers, who had their choice of crab apples, apricots, plums, and even cherries.

As an added bonus, this year the Bear Aware program and the District of Invermere jointly purchased an apple press for making juice, which participants of the Columbia Valley Fruit Swap can borrow to juice their picking spoils.

Ms. Leonard also hopes to organize a group picking and pressing day in September, and is currently looking for participants and volunteers.

To sign up your fruit tree to be picked, or to request to be matched with a tree, phone 250-688-0561 or email invermere@bearaware.bc.ca

HARVEST — District of Invermere employee, Terry Collins, picks crab apples near the town office. Photo submitted

Canning catches on with younger generations

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff Today’s generation is discovering the lost art of canning, which is no longer a food preservation necessity, but a pleasant pastime.

The process of applying heat to food in glass bottles to prevent deterioration may not seem exciting, or even worthwhile in today’s market of manufactured foods with shelf lives that will probably outlast most of us, but a younger demographic is finding the benefits of transforming fresh garden produce into safely stored food caches for winter.

Liana Krissof, author of Canning for a New Generation: Bold, Fresh Flavours for the Modern Pantry, writes in the introduction of her book, “When I was growing up, canning was for old folks and cranks and separatists.”

Neither old, cranky, or a separatist, recent Wilmer resident and apprentice canner, Linda Gerlach, is part of a growing trend of twenty-somethings who have picked up the ancient art.

Ever since she moved from Vancouver to the valley three months ago, Linda has found the activity of preserving food and avoiding commercially canned products to be a rewarding experience.

“It makes you proud of your hard

work,” she said. “It is ornamental and it lasts forever. There is something very satisfying about seeing a large whack of food you just preserved.”

Linda, who works at Win Valley Gardens, has used her insider connection to source and prepare food for the upcoming fall and winter months. She has canned peaches, cucumbers, and carrots so that she can avoid paying top dollar in a time of high food prices and economic uncertainty.

Outside of economic gain, Linda has found canning to be psychologically beneficial.

“I never thought I would get into it, but I have found canning to be a therapeutic activity.”

She has had her ups and downs with the culinary art, suffering the slings and arrows of learning something new. She has burned herself multiple times during the sterilization process, in which she has to heat canning jars in the oven or boil them in a canning pot.

“Either way, when you are putting the ingredients in you can burn yourself,” she said. “It is also a tedious job because you are preserving items in large amounts at a time.”

Despite the damage that her forearms have recieved from hot jars, Linda will continue her beloved activity one new can at a time.

BOUNTY — Linda Gerlach, who recently moved to Wilmer from White Rock, B.C., is a brand-new canner inspired by fresh valley produce.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen TIPS FOR BEGINNER CANNERS: • Don’t try to can overly ripe fruits • To prevent cut fruit from darkenor veggies. They will only deteriorate ing before you can it, stir it in a solufurther during the canning process. tion of lemon juice and water. Drain • Unless working from a tested rec- before canning. ipe, don’t add butter or fat, as it will • For safe sealing, flat jar lids should increase the chance of spoilage. only be used once.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 9

August 31, 2012

Things to do this September September 1st

September 11th

Bugaboo Blast 2012 at Radium Shooting Range. Hosted by the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club. For info, visit www. lwdrodgun.org

11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Featured Artist Show at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Featuring Jim McElroy, Pam Williamson, Rita Rankin, Cat McDiarmid, Kathleen Turnbull, Nancy Sorensen. Runs until September 23rd.

For info: 250-342-4423 or www. columbiavalleyarts.com

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Farmers Market in Invermere.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Art from the Attic at the Invermere Community Hall.

Fundraiser for Columbia Valley Arts and Invermere Health Care Auxilliary. For info: 250-342-1621.

10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Edgewater Legion Open Market.

For info: 250-347-9550.

10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Top Secret Show at The Artym Gallery in Invermere.

Group show with a new array of artists. For info: 250-342-7566.

September 12th 1 – 2:15 p.m.: Seniors Day at Invermere Public Library.

Community bus picks up and drops off at Columbia Garden and the Manor. For info: 250-342-6416.

September 14th 4 – 8:30 p.m.: Market on Main in Radium Hot Springs.

4 – 9 p.m.: Market on Main in Radium Hot Springs.

6 – 9 p.m.: Rockin’ on Main with the Dry Gulch Ramblers in Radium Hot Springs.

7 – 9 p.m.: Music on Main with the Halfsacks in Radium Hot Springs.

September 15th

September 2nd $100,000 Cliffhanger Shootout at Greywolf Golf Course. $25 entry fee in addition to the regular green fee on the day. Annual fundraiser for Panorama Foundation who will match all $25 donations. Recipient is ACE (Access in the Community for Equality). Chance to win other prizes through-out the day and food station on-course. To register, visit www.greywolfgolf.com 9 – 11 a.m.: Pancake Breakfast at Edgewater Legion.

6 p.m.: Gates open to the 3rd annual Family Drive-In Movie. The movie, Brave, starts at dusk, 8 p.m.. Hwy. 93/95/Radium Golf Course Road. $25 per car.

For info: 250-347-9331.

For info: 250-347-9331.

September 4th 5:30 p.m.: Shuswap Bingo at the Big White Tent on Capilo Way, old Eagle Ranch entrance. Early Bird at 7 p.m. For info: 250-342-6361.

September 9th 9:30 a.m.: Motorcycle Toy Run starts at Meet on Higher Ground Coffee shop. Organized by Ladies Born to Ride motorcycle group. Open to everyone. Participants will ride to Lake Louise, Golden and back to Invermere’s Lakeside Pub for dinner.

Riders to bring toys or donations to go to the Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau. For info, contact Angelle at 250-341-5646.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Columbia Valley Classics car club’s annual Show n’ Shine classic car show at Radium Springs Golf Course. Entry fee is a donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Global Animal Lovers Society BBQ fundraiser at Home Hardware.

6

3 – 8:30 p.m.: Market on Main in Radium Hot Springs.

3:30 – 5:30 p.m.: Rockin’ on Main with Marty and Eli Beingessner in Radium Hot Springs.

6:30 – 9 p.m.: Rockin’ on Main with 60 Hertz in Radium Hot Springs.

September 16th 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Windermere Community Association’s 13th annual Fall Fair and Scarecrow Festival in Windermere. Costume contest, wife carrying race, foam splashdown. Adults $5; 6-16 years of age, $3; children under 6 are free.

For info: 250-341-3383.

1 p.m.: Registration starts for Parkinson SuperWalk at Pothole Park in Invermere. Fundraiser for Parkinson’s research. For info contact Grace: 250-342-6764.

September 22nd 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.: 2012 Headbanger Trail Challenge in Radium Hot Springs. Fundraiser for the Radium Public Library.

11-kilometre scenic trail run and 3-kilometre family friendly run/walk. For info and registration visit: www. headbangertrailchallenge.ca.

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10 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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Hunters take aim as archery season gets underway

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff Archers across the valley are readying their bows and arrows for the first hunt of the fall season.

While open seasons for most game are still a few weeks off, from September 1st, bow hunters can practise their sport in solitude during bow-only seasons.

In years gone by, this meant a slow start to fall hunting, but the release of two major movies centred around archery has caused numbers trying the sport to rise sharply, said Invermere’s Don Steinwand, who has been hunting for 56 years.

“Since The Hunger Games movie came out and with Robin Hood coming up there’s been an incredible interest in archery from young people. It’s a clean sport and if kids are out there doing it safely

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and properly, that’s a positive thing to put their energy into.”

Mr. Steinwand is a recent convert to the sport of archery, and has been using a bow to hunt for the last seven years.

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“It’s totally different, so different from rifle hunting,” Mr. Steinwand explained. “Because your range is smaller you have to get the animals to come to you, you’re basically still while hunting. It requires a lot of patience.”

A bow hunter relies on stealth, patience and skill to draw game to their location and ensure a clean shot is available before releasing their arrow.

Methods vary, with some bow hunters choosing to erect and use tree stands (elevated platforms secured to a solid tree) and others employing camoflauge clothing and a good deal of patience to hunt from the ground.

While hunters using rifles and shotguns often remain mobile, traversing large areas at a time seeking game, bow hunters tend to stake out a small patch, remaining motionless at the foot of a tree for hours at a time to allow wildlife to come close.

“To have an animal so close that you can see them blink and hear them breathe is amazing,” said Kent Kebe, a Radium resident who hunts using bows and rifles. “That’s why we go out there ... if people are out there to kill they are out there for the wrong reasons.

It’s about the experience of being in the forest and the enjoyment of nature.”

Mr. Steinwand agrees.

“I just enjoy being out there and enjoy the wilderness experience,” he said. “I like hiking with a purpose and being outside during one of the most beautiful seasons of the whole year.”

Both Mr. Kebe and Mr. Steinwand practise archery year round, at least once a week, to help properly prepare for bow season. . . . Continued on Play ‘n’ Stay page 11

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August 31, 2012

. . . Continued from Play ‘n’ Stay page 10 Hunters in British Columbia can use a range of firearms and bows for their sport, provided they meet minimum standards set by the provincial government.

Getting the bow properly fitted to an archer’s draw length (distance they can pull the string back) and strength is a vital first step.

Bow hunters must consider not only themselves and their quarry, but also changes in wind conditions, varying levels of terrain and minute obstacles such as leaves and twigs, which can impede an otherwise viable shot.

Being totally familiar with equipment is the only way to ready yourself for the changing conditions encountered, Mr. Steinwand said.

“You cannot over-practice. Distance is your enemy and being able to judge distance is probably one of the biggest ethical considerations when hunting.”

While gun hunters rely on rifles, which can have a range of up to 900 feet under the right conditions, bow hunters have four different types of bow to choose from, all of which are short to medium range.

Modern compound bows (with levers and pulleys), more traditional recurve bows, long bows and crossbows are all permitted during bow-only seasons, but are limited to distances of 50 feet or less when shooting.

“The biggest challenge is to be undetected by your quarry because you need to be very close; 20 to 30 yards is preferable,” Mr. Kebe said. “You also need to be very familiar with your equipment and the hunting and trapping regulations.”

Hunters are regulated by all four levels of government, from federal to municipal. All hunters, including bow hunters, must first qualify for a licence by undergoing the provincial government’s Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education course.

The course covers not only the rules and regulations put in place to protect wildlife and backcountry users alike, but also hunting ethics.

“Hunting ethically is so important, I cannot stress this enough,” Mr. Steinwand said. “You do not take a shot unless you are sure you can make it.”

Rules and open seasons vary across the province’s eight hunting zones, referred to as resource management units. These rules and open seasons on different game are adjusted annually based on animal populations.

The Kootenay zone, that the Columbia Valley is part of, stretches from just west of Revelstoke to the Alberta/ B.C. border and from the United States border north to Kinbasket Lake.

Bow-only seasons in the Kootenays last anything from nine days to six weeks depending on the species the hunter is permitted to pursue. Once bow-only season is concluded, general open seasons — where rifle and bow hunting are permitted — commence.

To learn more about hunting and trapping regulations in the local area and across B.C., visit www.env. gov.bc.ca/fw/wildlife/hunting. To learn more about the weekly archery programs run in the valley, visit www. lwdrodgun.org

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Play ’n’ Stay ~ 11

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12 ~ Play ’n’ Stay • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

August 31, 2012

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