Which teams are meeting in this year’s Grey Cup final game this weekend? (Answer on page 5) December 8-14, 2021 Volume 19 Issue 50 Stock Up on Seafood
Rockies Hockey
Orion will be here with his seafood bus this weekend, December 11 and 12. He will be parked up near Canadian Tire, as usual. Take this opportunity to stock your freezers with delicious seafood. He has good prices on some great products so it is well worth at least checking him out. Orion will not be back until March of next year so don’t miss him this weekend.
The Columbia Valley Rockies remain in first place in their division after two wins this past weekend, defeating Creston and Fernie. The Rockies are on the road for a few games and will return to the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Saturday, December 18, hosting the Golden Rockets at 7 pm. It is always fun to support a winner so get on out to some games and support the Rockies. They are having a greet season.
Strong Women “My wife is so difficult,” said Bill. “The least little thing sets her off with an argument.” “You’re so lucky,” said Dave. “Mine is a self -starter.”
Shake a Tree The perfect gift for anyone this season would be the new CD released by the Steamboat Mountain Music Society. It is a 10-year celebration of the music festival with original songs from amazingly talented local artists. You can find it for $20 at Pip’s Store, Pynelogs, the Edgewater Post Office, the Horsethief Pub and AG Valley Foods. Shop local and support your community.
NOW OPEN!
Invermere, BC 778-526-8300 We are hiring
kalamatagrill.com
DCS Plumbing For repairs or service call:
250-341-8501 Seniors’ Discount
24 Hour emergency service
250-342-7260 or 250-342-7656 sales@hiheatinsulating.com www.hiheatinsulating.com
5. Banff
Looking Up As most of you already know, I love the night skies. The full moon last week was amazing, especially with the snow on the ground. Everything was brightly lit up. Even more amazing are the shooting stars. We are always floating through one asteroid field or another. We are currently entering the Geminids meteor shower. It is one of the better meteor showers and will peak on Monday night (December 13). Keep your eyes to the sky and you will see some beautiful displays.
SEPTIC TANK PUMPING
PORTABLE TOILET RENTALS
COMPLETE SEWER/DRAIN REPAIRS
7 Days/week, Seniors’ Discounts
Septic should be pumped every 2-3 years
At Canadian Tire
December 11 & 12 (Sat, Sun)
Amazing Seafood
Prawns, Shrimp, Scallops, Crab, Salmon, Cod and so much more.
Check out our 3 for $50 freezer.
Open Noon-9 pm Daily
250-345-6233
Shannon’s Blinds & Designs
GREAT GIFT SELECTION Merry Christmas Chisel Peak Centre
417-10th Avenue Phone 250-342-8877
LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS SALE Buy 1 and get 75% off second blind Until December 25
Gift Certificates with Free options
Free In-Home Consultation • Lifetime Warranty • Quality & Affordable • Phantom Screens
shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca (250) 342-5749
2
www.valleypeak.ca
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Call 250-341-7243
December 8-14, 2021
Free Food Pantry
CHARCUTERIE For the Festive Season. Book yours early! Great for gifts.
Call 250-342-9283 Palliser Printing is OPEN Monday-Friday, 9 am-4 pm
This past week is the busiest I have ever seen at the Free Food Pantry. It was actually cleaned right out of every single item this weekend. I can only hope that many folks ae using it and not just a couple that take advantage. Anyway, I totally need some help with this folks. Drip your food donations directly into the Pantry at 1313 10 St, drop food at my place up the street or get some cash to me and I can do my best to keep it filled. The Free Food Pantry is accessible 24 hours a day and has become critical to food security for a lot of people who need a lift up. Please help.
Riddliculous I like to post this riddle every year or two. It was the one that got me interested in doing this column. A ship at dock has a rope ladder hanging over the side with four 1-foot rungs above the water. The tide is going out at a rate of 1 foot per hour. After 3 hours, how many ladder rungs will be above water? See page 6.
Tree of Lights
B.B.’s Home &
Lawncare Services. Handyman Services & Renovations Yardwork & Eavestrough Cleaning, Window Cleaning & Dump Runs Home Checks & Cleaning
No Job Too Small! TIME FOR FALL PROJECTS
250-688-2897
250-342-1195
janklimek@shaw.ca ǁ JanKlimek.ca
Realty
Invermere
BUGABOO ANGUS BEEF
Grass Fed -- Locally Raised Order Available year around now to Variety and Family boxes fill your freezer To order or more info email: for fall bugabooranch@gmail.com 250 342 1607
Everyone Welcome
The Tree of Lights ceremonies take place this Thursday, December 9 at 6:30 pm. Please check the page 3 ad for the location in your community.
Architectural Window Tinting
Super Burgers I stopped by the ‘Hit & Run Snack Shack’ in Canal Flats on Friday travelling back from Cranbrook. We called ahead and preordered burgers rather than hit a fast food place in town. It was a fantastic decision. The burgers were incredible. Tasty, juicy homemade patties on great buns with lettuce, tomato and onions. Huge and delicious. Stop in and check out the Snack Shack when going through the Flats. They are right off the highway at the south end and open Fridays to Sundays, noon to 8 pm.
Gullible
250-270-0095 pdqtroy@hotmail.com
SOLAR, SECURITY & PRIVACY FILMS Free Estimates/Lifetime Warranties
pdqtinting.com Llumar.com
3. Columbia
It has been months since I sent money for the book, ‘How to Scam People Online’. It still hasn’t arrived.
George Orwell Said: ‘The further a society drifts from truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.’ There is a lot of wisdom in that statement. Do not be afraid to speak the truth.
OPEN FOR DINING Call 250-342-8885
STEEL & TIMBER New Rmt in town Book Online at Jdevinsrmt.com Direct Billing available
Located in Purcell Integrative Health
Tree Removal, Pruning & Firewood Land Clearing Timber Shed Packages Portable Welding Custom Steel Fabrication Portable Wood Milling We can turn your unwanted trees into usable lumber
Tate 250-688-9924
December 8-14, 2021
www.valleypeak.ca
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Robservations
SEAFOOD BUS CANADIAN TIRE DEC 11 & 12
4. Charlie
Some folks wonder why I seem to be okay with opposing the main narratives out there. Many know that most of what I write or say does have some merit to it but many are afraid to admit that there may have been some mistakes made. A lot of people are afraid to speak the truth for fear of offending someone or of being considered different than others. I guess I am over that. It is okay to offend people, that is part of life and it is generally their issue to deal with, not mine. Criminals in government offend me but I don’t think they really care. I used to worry a lot about what people thought but I have realized that life is way too short and can end way too suddenly to waste it not being true to yourself. I was feeling pretty close to death again the past couple of weeks. Now I am told I have issues with my main aortic valve in my heart and that will require surgery. So I care about cancer, kidney failure and heart surgery, not other people’s feelings. Just staying alive is difficult enough thank you. Oh, and I care about dogs. They are filled with love.
3
SHAKE A TREE
Steamboat Mountain Music Festival’s 10th Anniversary Celebration CD Two-disc compilation All local Musicians All original tunes $20.00 On sale at:
Pip’s Store, Edgewater Post Office, Horsethief Pub, Valley Foods, and Pynelogs
Kootenay Kool Studio & Gallery
Noon-4 pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday We Have unique gifts made by local artists to help keep your Christmas dollars in the valley
Located in Canal Flats Next to the Snack Shack
Holy Budget A priest’s car broke down on Monday. He took it to the shop and asked the mechanic, “Can you keep the cost down? I’m a poor preacher”. “I know” said the mechanic. “I heard you preach last Sunday”.
Letter of Thanks
Bruno’s Plumbing Service Mike Sylvestre 250-342-5105
brunosplumbing@shaw.ca
Serving the Columbia Valley
I found a note in the Free Food Pantry this week. It showed sincere gratitude for the help. Here it is: “Thanks you kindly for your continued supply of food. A friend of mine who’s since passed told me about this charity box a few months ago and since me and my landlord are often on hard times. We’ve only got half a roof right now, unable to pay for the remainder. So thank you for your help. It may only be a few cans but they go a long way. Thank you sincerely’. So folks, please know that you who have donated are making a hug difference in people’s lives.
Kool Gift Ideas If you are looking for some unique gifts produced by local artists check out the Kootenay Kool Gallery in Canal Flats. They’re open Friday to Sunday, noon to 8.
MONDAY GAMES NIGHT TACO TUESDAY TRIVIA WEDNESDAY FANCY FRIDAYS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Call 250-341-7243
What is the official flower of Nunavut? What Cape is Canada’s most northern point of land? The Arrow Lakes are the result of damming which river system? What is the International Radio Code word for the letter ‘C’? What community is known as ‘the highest town in Canada’? How many km long is the Confederation Bridge to P.E.I.?
Hit ‘ N Run Snack Shack
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 12-8 pm Wings, Strips, Burgers or Fish with Fries or Tots for $14.95 Desserts too! 250-688-6890 9115 Hwy 93/95 Canal Flats. snackshack.kootenaykool.ca
The Best of Seconds OPEN Tues-Fri 11-4 Saturday 11-3 Adults’ & Kids’ Clothing Shoes, Toys, Books Infant Equipment, Maternity Items Much, Much More Located below Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy 250-342-4430
FEHR SEASONS
HVAC
Answers are hidden within ads in this issue. Enjoy your search!
FURNACE REPLACEMENTS
250-342-1259
4
www.valleypeak.ca
PET SERVICES
Dog Walking
Kritter Sitting-House Sitting-Pet Taxi 250-755-6334
6. 12.9 km
OPEN Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm ► CUSTOM EXHAUST SYSTEMS ► WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT ► TIRE SERVICES ►Brakes, mufflers, suspensions, air conditioning,
propane conversion, fuel injection and more!
250-342-9424 or walkersrepair@cyberlink.bc.ca
featuring
Providing the Columbia Valley with delicious unique local & specialty items www.hopkinsharvest.com Located on Highway 93/95 at Windermere
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Call 250-341-7243
December 8-14, 2021
Watson’s Waddle Okay, so this white stuff is a bit of fun so far. Being raised in Port Hardy, Rocky and I (Drew) have not experienced a ton of snow and cold weather. Of course we have seen the odd freak snowstorm but it is usually gone within a day or two. Chatting with the other dogs around here we are finding out that things can be quite different here in the valley. I don’t mind it so far. The chilly snow kind of tickles my feet but I can see where it might be a problem if it gets much colder. It is minus 7 this morning and that is on the edge of annoying. We are both pretty short -haired so very cold temperatures may be a problem as we go. We shall see. Rob talks about the booties that they would put on Watson. That makes sense to me as our huge paws can absorb a lot of ice and snow that becomes very painful as it refreezes between our pads. He suggests we remind all dogs and their owners of the importance of paying attention to your pets in this cold weather. The Huskies and St. Bernards will enjoy the cold weather but the Chihuahuas and Bassetts won’t. I am looking forward to exploring the winter experience. Apparently we will be introduced to ice fishing. I hope it is as fun as laying in the bottom of the fishing boat for a relaxing afternoon.
What Year Was It? I must say that this is a very tough article/ puzzle to come up with. Most of the resources list the headlines from each year, but it seems that the only things that make the news lately are very depressing. Wars, disasters, diseases, murders and such. You would think nothing good ever happens.
This is a short one. Recently, Michael Jackson passed away, paleontologists uncovered the oldest remains of a human ancestor yet (Ardipithecus ramidus) and NASA launched a photoprobe to The Milky Way to search for extrasolar planets. What Year Was It? See page 7.
Swims, Walks, Nail Trims, Obedience Classes, Baths, Riding Lessons, Horse Camps.
THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD. IN HIM MY HEART TRUSTS. PSALM 28:7
COLUMBIA VALLEY TRADING COMPANY Outerwear-Footwear-Workwear
250-342-3366
columbiavalleytrading.ca
CRESTEEL RV SERVICE
WE WINTERIZE! Mobile Service Available 250-342-6312
Monday-Saturday 8 am-8 pm Sunday 9 am-8 pm
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine is covered by many health insurance benefit plans. Check yours and book in with us at Flourishinghealth.ca
NOW HIRING!
Stop by with a resume at customer service and ask to speak to a manager today.
CONSULTING
December 8-14, 2021
www.valleypeak.ca
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Great Deals, Great Gifts
GEMINIDS METEOR SHOWER MONDAY, DEC. 13
Make sure you consider ReFresh Family Consignment for some great ideas for gifts this year. They have a lot of great inventory that is in fantastic condition and priced for affordability. It is a very diverse store with items for all ages. You will be amazed at what you see including affordable clothing for everyone. You will find ReFresh down the stairs below Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy.
Canadian Sports Trivia Answer
Call 250-341-7243
5
KOOTENAY DUCT CLEANING FURNACE, DUCT & DRYER CLEANING Call Dale for a quote 587-877-1913
The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will be travelling to Hamilton to play the hometown Tiger Cats in the 18th Grey Cup game this Sunday, December 12. Good luck to both teams
Long Relationship “My wife is an angel,” said the first man. “You’re lucky. Mine’s still alive.”
December Already I always put the date on the top of the paper so I actually count the weeks as they go by. Here we are in week 48 or so. We are very near the end of 2021. It is amazing how time flies along as we live our daily lives. I am getting a bit excited to get out and do a bit of ice fishing. Sitting and staring at something seems to be near the limit of my abilities these days. I hope everyone has a great December. Only a couple weeks or so until Christmas. Enjoy the winter.
Find a Treasure Treasures in the Wind is chock full of unique vintage items that would suit anyone as Christmas gifts. You have to go there to see what is available. There is lots. Find Treasures just south of the Bakery on main street in Invermere.
HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
BOX 2228 742 - 13 STREET INVERMERE, B.C. V0A 1K0 PHONE 250-342-3031 FAX 250-342-6945 EMAIL info@invermereinsurance.com
Doing It Right
BOX 459 7559 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C. V0A 1M0 PHONE 250-347-9350 FAX 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE 1-866-342-3031
North Star Hardware & Building Supplies Ltd.
NOW HIRING! Retail, Yard and Mill Positions.
Call 250-342-6226 or 1-877-342-6226 Fax 250-342-4424
Open Mon-Fri, 7 am-5 pm Saturday 9 am-4 pm
Pastor: Reverend
Josh McCallum Sunday, December 12, 10:30 am
INDOOR WORSHIP SERVICE Masks required—Please be Respectful
office@lwac.ca
GREAT GIFT IDEAS!
Antiques ☺ Rarities Boutique ☺ Vintage Home Décor ☺ Upcycled Junk Jonny & Teresa 778-526-5117 4730 Government St. Windermere
6
www.valleypeak.ca
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Call 250-341-7243
December 8-14, 2021
Maxwell Trial
HELLERWORK
Structural Integration Release tension, pain, stress. When everything else fails Come see Jean-Luc 16 years in practice
250-342-2535
This is such a perfect example of the bias of media. Ghislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s recruitment partner, is on trial right now for very hardcore pedophilia and child -trafficking. It involves a lot of very highprofile people, including politicians, royalty, Hollywood personalities, huge corporations and more. This is one of the most important trials in history. So where is the live footage on the media? Why are they burying this story? I guess we are all supposed to just pretend that this is not happening as thousands of children still go missing every year? That seems to be working for most people so far. Just ignore it all. We live in a sad society right now.
Riddliculous Answer Dean Hubman-Certified Technician EMERGENCY RESPONSE Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed
1-877-342-3052 • 250-342-3052 odysseyrestoration@telus.net
WIND, FIRE & WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION •CARPET CLEANING•INSURANCE CLAIMS•AREA RUG DROP-OFF• BOAT, RV & AUTO DETAILING
LOCKSMITH SERVICES
VALLEY
LOCKWORKS 1-587-577-9589
www.valleylockworksbc.com Tracy Shandrowsky CJL
(From page 2). The receding tide has dropped the water level by 3 feet over the 3 hours. But the ship stays at the same level as the water surface because it drops with the tide. You will still have 4 rungs over the side of the ship.
Take a Chance
250-342-9933 Drive Thru 11 am-8 pm
DINE IN/DRIVE THRU 11 am-9 pm 7 Days/week Delivery at feastify.com
STUMP
REMOVAL
‘GRINDER STYLE’ Only 30” Gate Entrance Needed On Tracks not Tires Call for Estimates 250-342-0406
Las Vegas is loaded with all kinds of gambling devices. Dice games, card games, slot machines roulette tables and wedding chapels.
Trivia Test I love it when folks tell me that they can’t find an answer to the Brain Drain questions on page 3. It helps my vanity knowing that folks actually read this little rag. If you love trivia, get out to The Station Neighbourhood Pub any Wednesday evening. The trivia contest begins at 7 pm but you have to get there early to get a spot. It is a lot of fun and draws a great crowd.
Hair Care for the Entire Family! Lynzhair.com 250-270-5187 Open Mon, Tue, Thurs, Friday Saturday by appointment only Next to Kootenay Coffee Works
Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy 2020 Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm) Émilie Lamoureaux, Pharm D.
HUGE SELECTION OF
Great Gifts.
Awesome for kids of all ages! Phone 250-342-6612 or fax 250-342-6574
WHERE Were we?
Answer on page 7
Can you guess where this photo was taken?
December 8-14, 2021
www.valleypeak.ca
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Charcuterie Boards
Gord Rasmussen
Saunders Family Farm is making some amazing charcuterie boards, but they go quickly. If you are craving a delicious food experience for yourself or to share with friends, get your order in shortly. Stop in at their new retail and lunch counter location across from Palliser Printing in the Industrial Park or give them a call at 250-3429283. You will not be disappointed.
With great sadness, the family of Gordon Rasmussen informs of his passing on November 26, 2021. He will be remembered as a loving father, partner, and brother. Born April 17, 1952 in Prince George, Gordon lived a hardworking, full, active life. He was a thoughtful, caring man and very kind. A very capable outdoorsman & forestry worker, Gordon was always interested in learning, writing and technical fields. He became a respected network & encryption specialist. Gordon was equally passionate about running, taking the time to train and push himself. He taught the value of listening and critical thinking, seeing between the lines and understanding the greater purposes in life. He shows in our best moments of selfunderstanding and recognition, leading to a new level of acceptance & peace with all. Gordon, you are lovingly remembered always, and your legacy is carried on by your family.
What Year Was It (From page 4) In 2009, the longest total solar eclipse of the twentieth century occurred, thousands were killed in earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, wild fires and more. Several political leaders were assassinated, the second G-2 Summit took place and a Russian and an American satellite collided in space. Kind of a crappy year in the news if you ask me.
Vaccine Passports We all know that the vaccines are not working as promised. Jabbed people can get and spread the virus or any variant as much as the free-range humans. It is not a ‘pandemic of the unvaccinated’ as much as the media has tried to sell that to you. So that makes the vaccine passport completely useless. It does nothing to stop the spread of anything but it sure does spread hate and discrimination. It is disappointing to see so many people feeling virtuous over complying with random health orders made by known liars and thieves. Orders that make no sense and constantly change upon a whim. Let’s all ignore natural immunity and exclude people with real health issues such as cancer that will thrive as the vaccine diminishes their immune systems. Yes, you must have a vaccine passport to come to our event. It does nothing to stop the spread of the virus but it makes me feel virtuous and powerful.
Travelling Companions Thank you very much to the folks who have travelled with me to my Cranbrook dialysis sessions. Sometimes I just don’t feel like driving, especially alone. I guess I am an old wimp now. Anyway, shout outs to Barrie, Amber, Tammy and Duane for sharing their time with me. I believe I am done Cranbrook runs after this week and can get back to home hemodialysis.
Where We Were The page 6 photo shows the hounds on another Kootenay Kritters adventure. They are down near the bike track at the bottom of Sinclair canyon in Radium.
Call 250-341-7243
7
Gord Rasmussen Gordon's celebration of life to be held December 26 2021 Messenger (FB) Shelley Ford For details. Blessings
LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in Chainsaw, Lawn Mower and Trimmer Repairs Industrial #2 Rd (across from NAPA)
Local Celebrities
8 Danny Osborne, Sascha Salzbrenner 9 Neil Carey, Tanis Wareham 10 Brad Jones, Michael Greene, Norm Hendricks 11 Kristopher Ede, Taylor Hart 12 Rose Sibilleau 13 Kendyl Hart, Bob & Darlene Friesen anniversary 14 Noel Nantais 15 Greg Kester, Barb Cote, Little Bear, Howie Williams Submit your free birthday or anniversary greetings to rob@valleypeak.ca or call 250-341-7243
Open Tuesday to Friday, 9 am-5 pm Saturdays, 9 am-3 pm.
250-341-2551
IT IS FIREWOOD SEASON CHAINSAW TUNE-UPS HERE!
GARY’S PROFESSIONAL PAINTING & DECORATING LTD Interior/Exterior Wall Coverings Custom Wood Faux Finishes Red Seal Journeyman Senior Discounts Free Estimates garyspainting@gmail.com 403-650-4622
Downtown Invermere 250-342-9661
2. Columbia
Daily Lunch Specials
If cauliflower can magically become pizza, then you my friend, can do anything!
European Christmas Goodies are arriving!
Get your favourites while supplies last. Monday-Saturday 9 am-6 pm.
KONIG MEAT & SAUSAGE COMPANY
8
www.valleypeak.ca
Email rob@valleypeak.ca
Call 250-341-7243
December 8-14, 2021
1. Purple Saxifrace
Hearth2Home
FREE LISTINGS FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS Every Monday Senior Fitness, CV Centre 10:30-11:30 am Indoor Walking, CV Centre, 11:45 am-1:30 pm. 1st & 3rd Mondays Lake Windermere Lions Club, 6 pm, Lions Hall. Every Wednesday Senior Yoga, CV Centre, 10-11 am. Trivia, Station Pub, 7 pm.
WETT Certified Chimney Sweep, Inspector & Installer. Please contact R.J. @ 587-784-2446 to book today!
MONTHLY ROOM RENTALS
GABLES MOTEL Radium Hot Springs Available October 1 250-347-9866 Ask for Tom
Every Sunday Alliance Church Service 10:30 am. December 8, Wednesday Trivia Night, Station Pub, 7 pm December 9, Thursday Tree of Lights, 6:30 pm. December 11 & 12, Sat. & Sunday Orion’s Seafood Bus, Canadian Tire parking lot December 18, Saturday Golden Rockets visit the Rockies, 7:00 pm.
Keep the community posted by keeping The Valley Peak posted What is happening Columbia Valley?
CROSSROADS MARKET
ONE STOP SHOP GROCERY STORE Hot & Cold Deli Fried Chicken Meat Department Produce. Bakery Fruit Stand Take Out Orders Fuel
Visit us in Cranbrook!
Order NOW for Spring and SAVE!
GREAT GAS GIVEAWAY Winner Last Week: Brian Hodgson
778-526-5085