AUGUST 2016 | ISSUE 116
THE SERENITY ISSUE CAROLYN NIKODYM GIVES YOU THE LOW DOWN ON WAPITI FEATURE RESIDENT SHANNON TAKACS TALKS ABOUT BECOMING A DEATH DOULA | FEATURE ARTIST PAT MOORE DISCUSSES WHAT INSPIRES HER | SHELBY CAIN ON FINDING SERENITY | WORKING OUT IN NATURE WITH SARAH INGRAM
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AUGUST 2016 ISSUE 116 THE SERENITY ISSUE
EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS | 7 Business News/New Business Business Advice with Patty Vadnais – Clear Your Mind, and the Rest Will Follow
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT | 14 Feature Artist – Patricia Moore Fernie Reads with Francesca ter Poorten – The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker’s Guide to Extraordinary Living by Stephen Cope Rental Fix – Green Room by Andrew Vallance Musical Notes – Wapiti! by Carolyn Nikodym
COMMUNITY AND EVENTS | 22 Feature Resident by Krista Turcasso – Shannon Takacs You’ve Got Male: Second to None by Adam K MacDonald Family Stoke – You Had it All Along by Shelby Cain
FernieFix.com Events Calendar / August at the Arts Station
OUTDOOR LIFE | 30 Down to Earth: The Next Chapter with Fred Voysey by Helen McAllister and Jennifer Heath Never Have I Ever – Wake Surfing by Jesse Bell Lift Access Biking – Master of the Mountain: Advanced Trails at FAR by Karen Pepper Summer Hikes with the Elk River Alliance: Elk Lakes Provincial Park by Lee-Anne Walker Hitting the Trails with the Fernie Trails Alliance – Imperturbation Found by Terry Nelson Outdoor Living by Anonymous Mow and Snow Staff Member: A Quiet Space
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 43 Work Out in the Woods by Sarah Ingram, Practicing Kinesiologist Health Naturally – The Path to Serenity by Dr. Taina Turcasso, N.D., R.M.
Nourish Through Nature by Krissi Hyland, RHN – Take a Breather Beauty and Fashion in a Fix – Enjoy the Little Moments by Solange and Zoe
BITS AND BYTES | 51 The Answer Guy – HDD vs SSD vs SHDD by Kevin McIsaac Astrology with Yann Loranger
FERNIE FUN | 54 Fix Trivia
COVER: One of the racers in the BC Enduro race series sending it last summer. Photo by Matt Kuhn, mkuhnphoto.com THIS PAGE: Couple relaxing up at Island Lake, cruising around the lake and taking in the views. Photo by Matt Kuhn, mkuhnphoto.com
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Fairy Creek Falls Aug 5th 6:30PM
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Flathead Weekend Aug 6-7 overnight adventure hiking & camping trip
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Silver Springs Lakes Aug 20th 10AM
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Editor’s Fix IN MY TEENS, I LOVED SEINFELD. It took a very close second to my most favourite TV series, Star Trek: The Next Generation. I suppose with all that Sci Fi intensity, I needed a “show about nothing.” I find myself continually referencing Seinfeld even now. I cannot have nachos without saying, “People like to say salsa. Do you have any salsa? Where is the salsa?” Leading up to Christmas, it’s all about Festivus for the Rest of Us! But probably my most-used phrase is “Serenity now. SERENITY NOW!” It’s fantastic at giving chaotic situations a little humour. Months ago when I chose August’s theme, Serenity, I didn’t anticipate it resonating with me so strongly at this time. Somehow, every aspect of my life has come to a pinnacle this summer. Regardless of extensive efforts to spread all of these goals, responsibilities and deadlines over ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinophile nerd who currently lives on the wet coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting. CAROLYN NIKODYM is excited about the return of the Wednesday Night Concert Series. See you there! PATTY VADNAIS is the Executive Director of the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, a winter-time wanna-be ski bum, and summer-time golf slice professional. FRANCESCA ter POORTEN, master yoga teacher and life coach owns Essential Yoga Studio in Fernie and uses yoga and coaching as tools of transformation. SHELBY CAIN was raised in the East Kootenays. After spending a decade wandering the prairies - she’s back, baby. Writing and mothering and enjoying her daily dose of #ferniestoke. Her first novel, Mountain Girl, is now available! Tweet her @ShelbyCainWrote JESSE BELL is not a water sports person, ever, at all. But she joins a pro wake surfer on Lake Koocanusa and, as it turns out, water sports isn’t so bad.
a longer period of time, the universe decided… nope, it is time for Krista to learn. It is time for Krista to embrace less. It’s time for Krista to be present. Hi, my name is Krista and I am an over committer. I’ve been doing it since as long as I can remember, and it’s catching up to me. I think a lot of it has to do with being a parent… it’s as though you are suddenly divided into two parts. One for your children and the other for everything else. That’s a whole lot to fit into one half of a life, but somehow I managed to keep all of my “things” and squish them in there. Lately, I’ve really begun to notice the tight squeeze. All of my things are jammed right up against one another, spilling over and mixing together. They are less defined and clear, almost blurry as I clumsily make my way through them. Some are pushed so far down, they are nearly forgotten until I awake in a cold sweat at night. Serenity now. SERNITY NOW! While researching for their book Down to Earth: Cold-Climate Gardens & Their Keepers, HELEN MCALLISTER and JENNIFER HEATH spoke with many inspiring Elk Valley gardeners. Always interested to learn more, they continue the conversation with other gardeners who are also passionate about growing their own food. Into his ninth summer of lawn-loving at local landscape company Mow & Snow, DUNCAN MAISELS is currently training Ellie the dog to root out dandelions (you’ve heard of truffle pigs, right?!) A community water champion, LEE-ANNE WALKER loves to SUP, fish, swim and paddle the Elk River whenever possible. Nature fills her soul and her passion is sharing it with others. KAREN PEPPER has worked at Fernie Alpine Resort for almost 15 years. She looks forward to sharing tidbits about the mountain with readers this summer. KRISSI HYLAND is a Holistic Nutritionist, Ski and Snowboard Instructor currently spending her last few months in Fernie, BC enjoying everything summer here has to offer. NourishThroughNature.com
Yes, Universe. Message received, it’s time to slow the pace a little. Breathe in the last of the new baby scent. Look up for that breath-taking view on a bike ride. Listen, like really listen, to good music. Catch the gals dancing like nobody is watching. And sit back to enjoy a hot-off-the-press copy of the Fernie Fix, amazed to see how it has all come together once again. I wrote this opening before I pieced together the magazine, at which time I discovered two writers also mentioned this same episode of Seinfeld. See if you can locate the columns! Krista Turcasso, Editor FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 841 7th Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 www.clarismedia.com Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Carolyn Nikodym All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.
What better way to peace out and be tranquil than doing push ups on a log? This month SARAH INGRAM helps you find serenity in working out. If you need help developing a program individual to you, call 250-423-9167 or visit www. sarahsactiverehab.com The FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE is a non-profit organization that works with outdoor recreation groups, government and private land owners to enhance and maintain the Fernie trail network. DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching gorgeous babies, and is slowly inching her way back to Fernie. Operators and sisters of No.3, SOLANGE and ZOE have a passion for fashion and beauty combining their expertise into their salon and boutique. ADAM K. MACDONALD wishes everyone a happy Wapiti Music Festival! KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material. YANN LORANGER from Happy-Culture Inc. is your local resource for Astrology, Tarot and Apitherapy. Astrology courses are offered at the College of the Rockies in Fernie. happycultureinc@gmail.com
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Your employees are your greatest assets AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
Enable them to leave lasting impressions with your customers and generate more business with training provided through the Fernie Ambassador Program. The ambassador program drives visitor spending through in-depth knowledge of the destination ‘product’ and customer service training; ensuring a consistent delivery of a positive visitor experience.
“It is imperative my staff is knowledgeable in what Fernie has to offer. The Ambassador program equipped my team with destination knowledge and customer service skills to be able to go above and beyond for our guests. Improving the visitor experience is beneficial to everyone and this program is doing exactly that.” ~Marina Pauw, Owner/Operator, Fernie Super 8 #1 Fernie hotel, TripAdvisor
Resort Municipality Initiative Investing in B.C. Resort Communities
Fundraising Golf Tournament Fernie, BC September 17, 2016 Did you know STARS flew to Fernie 15 times last year? Help keep this critical health safety net in the ski for our community.
11am shotgun start Hosted by the Fernie Golf & Country Club For more details and to register visit www.golffernie.com
Business registration starts at $50 for six months. Non-Chamber members are welcome to participate. Please see more info at Ferniechamber.com/ambassadorprogram and contact Merrin Ozols for more information Merrin@Launchlocal.ca or phone 250-946-6241
Business
Fernie Trails Alliance www.fernietrailsalliance.com JEMI FIBRE IS CURRENTLY LOGGING ON ITS PRIVATE LAND in the Fernie area. You have likely noticed some changes to the trail network. The Fernie Trails Alliance (FTA) has been closely working with Jemi Fibre to make sure operations run smoothly and cause
Island Lake Lodge 602 2nd Ave 250-423-3700 THIS SUMMER, ISLAND LAKE is hosting a fun contest that identifies the amazing photo spots available on the Island Lake property and helps their guests find, experience and share them. There are 12 locations spread throughout the trail system, identified with a white sign that lists the hashtag and unique number
little disruption to trails. Jemi has been very observant of the amount of trail usage and is conscious of trail user groups. It’s rare that the logging area is open for recreational use whilst operations are in process. However, Jemi is keeping its land open so we can enjoy the trails. With this in mind, it’s upsetting and frustrating to the FTA, Jemi Fibre and other responsible trail users to learn that several criminal incidents have taken place, including
BUSINESS NEWS
vandalism of Jemi Fibre’s machinery. Jemi has suffered significant financial loss as well as lost days of work. FTA is offering $1000 for information leading to the conviction of those responsible for the vandalism. Jemi has agreed to match it for a total reward of $2000. Please contact Julie Kelly at manager@fernietrailsalliance.com with any information.
of the spot. To win the contest, find all 12 spots and share on Instagram, using the proper tag for each one. The winner will be picked in early October 2016 and be rewarded a $1000 travel voucher to Island Lake that can be used in winter or summer! Additional locations will be added in subsequent years, so stay tuned. Visit www.islandlakecatskiing.com for more details, or call 250-423-3700.
TAMARACK VIEW POINT | SUBMITTED PHOTO
Mine Films www.minefilms.com 403-827-6154
Call 250 946 6322 to view our show cabin
“GO BIG OR GO HOME” was instilled in Rory Hinds as a young South African skateboarder. An ethos that he carries through in adulthood. Rory saw camera’s on flying machines and jumped at the opportunity to get his cinema camera in the air. He started small, first building Hexicopters at home and test flying them in their newly carpeted bedroom then moving up and carrying water-filled pop bottles.
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It’s not easy flying an $80,000 camera, but his hard work has paid off. Now Rory is giving up the soldering gun and flies the world’s most professional drone called the Alta. “I can finally focus on flying and getting the shot. To be exceptional I have to remember my skateboarding mind set… everything is possible.”
www.thelittlecabincompany.com
Mine Films is Rory’s creative arm working in Television and Feature Films. For more details on what Mine Films offers, visit their website or call Rory directly. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Business
BUSINESS NEWS
2016
Thunder Meadows Massage Therapy
Community and Business Excellence Awards
www.thundermeadows.ca 250-423-2673
Nominations open August 1, 2016
OWNERS REBECCA AND JEREMY can’t wait to be parents and starting August 1, 2016 Rebecca will be on Maternity leave until Spring 2017. They are very excited to have Eleanor Tweddell, RMT look after Rebecca’s patients while she is away. Eleanor has been a Registered Massage Therapist for five years and has extensive training in - pre- and post-natal massage - myofascial release - cranial sacral therapy, and - deep tissue trigger point release
Nominate your favourite volunteer, non-profit, or business today. Winners announced at Award Gala October 21, 2016 at Best Western Plus Fernie Mountain Lodge. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Eleanor looks forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey to health. Book appointments online or call directly.
Sponsorship opportunities available
More details: FernieChamber.com/awards Proudly presented by:
Wildsight Elk Valley Branch 891 2nd Ave 250-423-3322 WILDSIGHT’S OUR HARVEST FEAST & FEST fundraiser is taking place Saturday September 10, 2016. JESSE BELL PHOTO It is a unique evening celebration of “Farm to Fork” culture. Taking place in their beautiful Fernie Community EcoGarden, join the Wildsight family for an intimate dinner party. “Feast” with them and enjoy dishes prepared with locally sourced organic produce and meats by chef Barrie Elliott. “Fest” with them into the night at the late evening social with bonfires, DJ and dancing, green house bar, live auction and good company. New this year “Fest Only” tickets for $20 dessert, drink and social! Get your Feast & Fest $65 Early-bird tickets until August 15 from the Wildsight office or online wildsight.ca/fest.
PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM Children ages 3-5 Now accepting registration for September!
littlemeplaycare@gmail.com 250-430-7474
Business
BUSINESS NEWS
Royal Lepage East Kootenay Realty –Alpine Trails Subdivision JASON KROG AND TOD LEFFLER were born and raised in the beautiful city of Fernie and continue to live and work here. They have developed Fernie’s latest subdivision at the base of Alpine Trails. This subdivision offers ten residential, full-serviced building lots that are variously zoned R1B, R1 and R1SL. With the newly paved cul-de-sac complete, construction can begin immediately. Enjoy a quiet, private atmosphere with breathtaking views of the mountains and a great SUBMITTED PHOTO opportunity to build your starter or dream home. Just a short walk to town and minutes to some of the Valley’s best biking and hiking trails, prices start at $139,900. Please contact Jason Andreola or Candace Grey of Royal Lepage East Kootenay Realty at 250-423-4644 for more details.
Mountain Opus School of Music www.mountainopus.ca 250-531-1012/250-430-2552 MOUNTAIN OPUS SCHOOL OF MUSIC was founded by Katie Lane and Allison Pace. As strong advocates for music education, they felt a growing need for a public music studio that offered private lessons and featured group classes for young children.
Health is freedom... Live well, Be happy!
Kristen Miller
BC Registered Massage Therapist
250-430-7244 • Therapeutic • Sports • Wellness massage 571B 2nd Ave, Fernie BC www.summitmassagefernie.com
Both Katie and Allison started music lessons at a very young age, studied with the Royal Conservatory of Music, and graduated from university with degrees in both music and education. Mountain Opus offers the internationally renowned Kindermusik program; a play- and movement-based musical experience! Kindermusik helps children to develop everything from balance and coordination, to listening skills and literacy. These early learning skills help to set a strong foundation for future success through a developmentally appropriate curriculum.
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The goal of Mountain Opus is to inspire a lifelong love and appreciation of music through creative and engaging musical instruction. For more information, visit their website or find them on Facebook under MountainOpus. FERNIEFIX.COM
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College of the Rockies
DRIVING SCHOOL
Think. Do. Become.
• • • •
Airbrakes Class 1 Class 3 Class 3-to-1 bridging.
September 19 – October 7 cotr.ca/driving-school To register contact Fernie Campus at 250-423-4691 or email fernie@cotr.bc.ca
Business
BUSINESS NEWS
The Studio- by Corrine www.thestudiobycorrine.com 250-946-6377 CORRINE PAGEAU IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE the opening of The Studio- by Corrine, a new full-service hair salon in Fernie. Corrine has 16 years of experience in the hair industry, having worked most of her career in Calgary. She focuses on continuing her education to keep up with the latest looks and trends to keep your hair looking and feeling fabulous. The Studio offers haircuts, advanced colouring techniques, up-dos, special occasion styling and more.
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As described by a client: “The fresh colours & modern décor give The Studio an upscale yet relaxed vibe. From the head massage to the lattés, Corrine’s chic sense of style leaves you feeling comfortable in the chair. The Studio is simply brilliant. A perfect place to unwind.” To see her recent work visit www.thestudiobycorrine.com or The Studio-by Corrine on Facebook. Call directly to book an appointment.
Snow Valley Counselling Ltd. 862 3rd Ave, 250-531-0048 DAYNA LIDSTER MC, RCC, R. PSYCH (AB) recently moved to Fernie with her family and opened Snow Valley Counselling Ltd. in early July, a private practice located in downtown Fernie. She has a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology, is a Registered Psychologist SUBMITTED PHOTO in Alberta with the College of Alberta Psychologists, and is now a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors. Dayna has been working in the field of mental health for 14 years, most recently in a psychologist position at South Health Campus hospital in Calgary doing individual and group therapy. She is grateful for the opportunity to be living in the beautiful valley and is looking forward to making connections in Fernie and the surrounding areas. Please contact Dayna at 250-531-0048 if you have questions about her services or would like to book an appointment. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Real Mountain Living Inc.
We are excited to announce our New Real Estate Brokerage!
Marilyn Brock Broker/Owner 250.423.8650
Toll Free: 877.423.8650
marilyn@marilynbrock.com www.marilynbrock.com
CENTURY 21 Real Mountain Living Inc.
Nancy J McNay, PREC
Be treated like family Experience the C21 difference Get AIR MILES® when you BUY or Sell EXPECT MORE, IT’S OUR THANK YOU!
Manager/Owner 250.423.8882
Toll Free: 877.423.8882
nancy@nancymcnay.com www.nancymcnay.com
PICK YOUR PEAK OPEN DAILY | 581A 2nd Ave., Downtown Fernie | 250.423.8651 Locally owned and operated
Business
BUSINESS ADVICE
Clear Your Mind, and the Rest Will Follow PATTY VADNAIS
A FEW YEARS BACK I ATTENDED A TEDx session in Lethbridge. I went because a mentor of mine was scheduled to speak. When she announced her topic, mindfulness, I was very intrigued. Mindfulness had been coming up as a meditation tool amongst my group of friends, but this was the first I had heard of mindfulness in a business context. My mentor gave a great visual. She walked across the stage, leaning forward, head down focused on the future – reaching for the future with her body language. It was not mindful. Then explaining that mindfulness is about engaging in the moment, about “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment and nonjudgmentally.” She stood up straight and walked across the stage looking at things purposefully and thoughtfully. The second demonstration looked much more enjoyable. She noted that in being mindful the stress of future tasks went away. The stress of past decisions were no longer a distraction and that business and life became more enjoyable. That talk comes back to me often. My job has me running to a lot of meetings while also getting done the day-to-day operational tasks. At times jumping from heads-up meetings to head-down desk work can be draining. And it is easy to sit in a meeting and run through a to-do list in my head, which takes me out of the moment. When that happens, I get anxious and bored wondering, “when will this meeting end?” It is in that moment that I must remember to be mindful. I typically count two or three breaths, noticing how the air fills my lungs and how my chest rises and falls. This little
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trick helps me engage in the moment. If you are thinking only about breathing, the past and the future stay in their place. I can then engage in the meeting. Paying attention in a purposeful way and noticing the details has made meetings more enjoyable and more productive for me. More and more businesses are adopting mindfulness strategies into their operations, companies like Google, General Mills, Intel, and Goldman Sachs. The research is showing this investment leads to an improvement in innovative thinking, to better communication skills, and to more appropriate reactions to stress. Want to incorporate pieces of mindfulness into your day? Try Mindful.org’s five tips: 1. Choose to start your day. Begin each day by noticing the sensations of the breath for a few breaths before jumping out of bed, as thoughts of the day pop into your mind, let them go and return to your breath. Researchers have found the morning is the most stressful time of the day as thoughts of the day ahead bombard our mind. 2. Use transitions wisely. Choose some days to drive to and from work without the radio on. When you arrive at your destination, allow yourself a few
moments to sit in the car, noticing your breath. 3. Nourish yourself. Mindfully eat your lunch paying attention to the flavours, textures, and smells of the food. 4. Just walk between meetings. Don’t interrupt your walk with checking emails or texts. Feel your feet on the floor, the air on your skin, and greeting colleagues you pass rather than bumping into them as you text. 5. Sit at your desk. Take a moment while your computer is turning on, place your feet flat on the floor, and notice the sensations in your body as you sit. Grab an item on your desk and examine it for thirty seconds focusing only on that object and its details. Mindfulness matches Fernie lifestyle. I met some business owners in the parking lot of the Chamber just prior to writing this article. They had gone for a mid-morning bike ride. I teased them about being hard at work. They responded that if you don’t make time for it, it doesn’t happen, and we are all in Fernie to enjoy the lifestyle. So, just as we take time to enjoy Fernie for its lifestyle, schedule time for mindfulness, to focus on the present, and to engage in the moment, whether at your desk or on the top of a mountain. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
F E AT U R E A R T I S T
Patricia Moore
EIGHTEEN YEARS AGO I started doing art with acrylics using patterns and premixed colors. Over the years I have used various mediums, including water colours, water colours on rice paper, some oils, encaustic (oils with beeswax), and have some mixed medium. I quickly discovered that I liked trying all mediums and learning as I go, as it is so exciting to find new ways of producing art. My love of art did not start as a child but later in life when my mother encouraged me. She began painting in her 70s and should have been painting a lot sooner. Her delay was because of a hearing disability, but I think her eyes were her ears and she analyzed everything and was able to put it down on canvas. Even her very first paintings were fabulous.
I love to take workshops as everyone has different techniques in painting that they love to share. When I start to paint, a feeling of calmness comes over me and I lose all track of time and release the stress of my workday. My work as a nurse, although very rewarding, does have a lot of stress and art has helped me with this. My inspiration comes from nature and doing yoga. Through the breathing and end relaxation of yoga, different images come to me and are often found in my abstract pieces. I enjoy hiking, biking, golf and skiing, so Fernie is such a great place to live and be an artist. A couple of years ago, I did a painting for our ski group. Each member was doing their usual pattern of mistakes, and everyone could immediately pick themselves out, so feel I captured each action completely and it was so fun to do.
Plein Air painting is great to do in Fernie, as you are right in the beauty of nature as long as the weather co-operates. Last year for my birthday my art girlfriends took me up to the Old Growth Forest and we sat and painted among those great old trees drinking in all the views with moss covered bark, flowers and analyzing the variations in the bark, trying to get it all on canvas. It was so cool to have a party in the woods, but we had to rush to our cars as we did get rained out – however, not before we had cake, a song and painted a quick little painting. The spot was so calm and serene, we definitely need to go again. Another favourite spot of mine is the waterfalls up Coal Creek, as well as Fairy Creek Falls. I will be painting Fairy Creek Falls for the Wapiti Art Expo this August 12-13. While painting in nature
is inspiring, it can also be dangerous. Once, three of us went to the Coal Creek Waterfalls and after setting up to paint, we suddenly spotted a bear coming up the stream towards us. We got out of there in a hurry, and turned around to see it coming across the road behind us. We have since gone back to take pictures to paint from, and the bear is still present in our minds to add to any image. I also love to paint mountains, such as the Three Sisters, Lizard Range, and the Ghostrider as well as Mount Hosmer, which I have painted on ornaments as well as canvas. Just recently, I was part of the Out of the Box: Dumpster Art Project, which was a much larger canvas and took four days for me to complete. I have also assisted with a mural for Elk Valley Hospice, displayed in front lobby of the Elk Valley Hospital,
so have had many different canvases to paint on. Additionally, I enjoy painting ornaments, coasters, wine glasses and art cards. My work can be seen at the Fernie Arts Co-op. I have always painted in groups, so belong to the Visual Arts group, who will have a display and sale this month at the Arts Station and the Decorative Artist group that meets and paints at the Seniors Centre. When you paint as a group, you receive critique and a different perspective from other like-minded artists. In summary I love creating art and using a different part of my brain that so few of us have used since we were kids. I have a reputation of not being afraid to try new colours and new ideas by stepping out of the box and into my second childhood. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Yoga & Wine Weekend Retreat: The Merging of Two Ancient Traditions at Mabel Lake in the Okanagan
Bookkeeping & Tax
September 15-18th Join Yoga Teacher Francesca ter Poorten at the beautiful and serene Waters Edge Lodge at Mabel Lake for 4 days of Yoga and Wine. Relax and feel the lightness that Yoga offers you and then allow the other senses, the smells and the tastes to take over as we enjoy Chef-prepared vegetarian meals with wines paired by a sommelier. Find out more information visit the Essential Yoga Studio Facebook page
Bookkeeping & Tax Bookkeeping, Tax, Administration Services Teresa Caufield, BMgt Accounting 250.423.8655 teresa@perfectcirclemgt.com Proud member of
761 7th Avenue, Fernie BC www.essentialyogastudio.com
at the Fernie Aquatic Centre Splash Park
free
Arts and Entertainment
Fernie’s Childrens Festival Circus Arts Face Painting
Bubble Dance Party Photo Booth
its free!
Sunday, August 14, 2016 Rotary Park, 10am-2pm FernieChildrensFestival
An Independent Book Store A unique selection of books, gifts, award-winning toys, guide books & maps, stationery and special treasures.
The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker’s Guide to Extraordinary Living by Stephen Cope FRANCESCA TER POORTEN
THIS BOOK IS A FANTASTIC WAY to introduce people to the real reason why yoga is so important: finding peace of mind. The author, Yogi and Psychologist Stephen Cope, goes through different stories about friends and clients to elucidate that yoga is not so much about breathing and getting a posture perfect, rather it’s more about finding serenity in our minds no matter what our current struggles might be. Just like the teacher comes along when the student is ready, the same could be said about a particular book. This book had been recommended to me several times over the years, but it wasn’t until my shift in direction from yoga to meditation that the words really did speak to me. Yoga, and yoga as a moving meditation, is more a pathway out of the chaos of the mind, rather than another avenue to find imperfection in our minds and bodies. Rather than harshly judge the contents of the mind and the weaknesses of the body, this book teaches us to study the pathways that may be deeply imbedded in how we think. And as we all know, our thoughts become mental habits, and our habits become our reality.
Open Everyday 592 2nd Ave., Fernie • 250-423-3736 polarpeekbooks@telus.net www.polarpeekbooks.ca
Contact us to place a special order
“We should look at taking the journey of yoga to gain a new understanding through the deconstruction of who we think we are.” What does that mean? It means we are not going to find serenity until we understand what MUST happen to have peace. We must understand what we are
FERNIE READS
drawn to in order to pacify the mind and what we dislike and try to get away from. It is this pattern of moving toward and away that creates our ego, our identity. And the minute we have anything that defines, we have angst. So, whether it’s a job loss, a child growing up or a marriage failed, what we want so badly and what we perceive as loss creates pain and we victimize ourselves through that pain. When we meditate, we don’t learn more. We deconstruct the ideas of the world, and others. Then we begin to see that the attachments and addictions to anything at all are an illusion. We come to discover what we believe is real, and we hang on to it. You hang on to a thought that you believe is a reality and because you’re chasing something that doesn’t exist, it causes so much friction inside of you and that causes pain. Meditation and yoga are a crystal clear view into how we are manipulated by advertising, societal trends, self-help books and religion. In all of these cases, we are taught that something outside of ourselves is going to relieve the angst of our minds. We pray or buy new stuff, we take up popular hobbies or try out a new method of relating to the world. When in fact, this book and all great meditation masters, tells us that it’s not “out there.” Nothing out there is going to permanently relieve us of the stresses and tensions that we experience due to our identifying with who we think we are. Once we deconstruct the self, we “get it” and as The Who put it so succinctly, “we won’t get fooled again.” Or we might, but with practice and dedication to selfhealing, we won’t stay fooled for long. If you’re done with counselling and you’re done with your mind being your master and not the other way around, this may be the book for you. The more you step into the path of yoga and meditation, the more this book reveals its secrets. FERNIEFIX.COM
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6B Alpine Trail Lane $514,000 Condo living with all of the advantages of owning your own detached home. Spacious, bright and open - this home offers 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private outdoor living space and a garage.
Drink Specials Monday - Friday 9pm - close!
Loralee Thomas | 250.430.1070 www.LoraleeThomas.com
Specials & more info:
$5 Coffee/Bailey's on Saturday and $5 Caesars on Sunday
Open daily 301 Hwy 3 | 250-423-3002
1602 - 9th Ave, Fernie BC
Now Open! First Patient!
1161 7th Avenue, Fernie BC 250-423-2620 Tanglefoot Veterinary Services
Our team is proud to have started taking appointments and serving the animals and clients of Fernie and area. Open House August 27 10am to 2pm. Please stop in and tour our new clinic and meet the team. See you there!
Arts and Entertainment
Green Room ANDREW VALLANCE
PUNK ROCK IS A ROCK MUSIC GENRE that developed in the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia in the 1970s. The bands rebelled against the perceived excesses of mainstream rock, stripping down instrumentation, writing anti-establishment lyrics, and creating hard-edged melodies and singing styles. One of the major splits in the punk movement was between punk musicians on the far right, such as Sire, and those who were left leaning, with a more social conscience such as Bikini Kill. Green Room is about the misadventures of a struggling punk band called The Ain’t Rights in the 21st Century who are persuaded to play in a venue run by an organization of far right skinheads in the backwoods of Oregon. The expectation of the skinheads is that the band will be of the far right variety, but they soon make the uncomfortable discovery that the band is, instead, part of the left leaning faction. At the end of the concert, which on the whole doesn’t go too badly, the band prepares to leave, but at the last minute makes a detour to the green room to retrieve a cell phone. Where upon they discover the remains of a murdered concert-goer. It then becomes clear that the supremicists plan to murder the band because of their discovery, and our heroes must fight their way out of the club. The interaction between band members is detailed and nuanced. The audience gets a sense of who these people are, which enhances the tension when the group is placed in extreme danger. However, we don’t get much of an insight into the relationships between members of the skinhead gang. Their conversations are short, to the point, and there is a lot of mumbling; but it soon becomes obvious that there is some dissension amongst
T H E R E N TA L F I X
them, and two members turn sympathetic to the band’s situation. The three best known actors in the film are Anton Yelchin, Alia Shawkat and Patrick Stewart. They all give excellent performances. Anton Yelchin plays the main character, Pat. Yelchin is best known for his role as Chekov in the new Star Trek trilogy. Green Room is one of the last projects finished by Yelchin before he died in a car accident on June 19, 2016 at the age of 27. Alia Shawkat stars as Sam, bandmate to Pat. Her previous work includes numerous independent films including Whip It and The Final Girls. She also appeared in the TV series Arrested Development and has had guest spots in Portlandia and Broad City. The most surprising performance comes from Sir Patrick Stewart, also of Star Trek fame, who plays Darcy Banker, the venerable leader of the neo-Nazi organization. Banker is all at once menacing and banal. Stewart gives a terrific performance, although, as always, his American accent needs some work. Green Room is directed by Jeremy Saulnier. It is a departure from his earlier and best known film, Blue Ruin, a small independent film about a man seeking revenge on the family that killed his father. The films are similar in that they feature a lot of violence and bloodshed. I give this film two thumbs up.
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Children’s vision is so important and proper care starts with an eye exam.
SLOW DRIFT
Eye health and vision exams for children are covered by Provincial Health Care.
Judge’s Choice OFOA ‘16
WITBIER
Book eye exams for your children today!
GRE NEW AT L SAME OOK. GR TASTE EAT !
FERNIE 250-423-4467 BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144 ELKFORD 250-865-2022
the fernie academy RESPECT, EXCELLENCE, LEARNING
VISIT US.
26 Manitou Road, Fernie, BC Tastings • Patio • Merch • Cold Beer Open Mon-Sat. Check website for hours. www.ferniebrewing.com #drinkfernie
Kindergarten to grAde 12, consider the Academy. Call to book a tour! 250.423.0212
Located in the heart of historic downtown Fernie BC this Ministry of Education recognized independent school offers a full complement of high standard academic programming combined with a focus on athletics and the arts. Hosting students from Kindergarten through Grade 12,The Fernie Academy focuses on individual students preparing them for the challenges of today’s demanding world. To book a tour please call: 250-423-0212 451 2nd Avenue, Fernie B.C. CONTACT OUR PRINCIPAL Jocelyn Sombrowski at: jocelyn@igsco.ca
Arts and Entertainment
Wapiti! CAROLYN NIKODYM
DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR and find any Wapiti bands you haven’t heard before online. This year’s lineup promises to deliver your new favourite band – which is always a benefit to a well-curated festival. Hats off to the Wapiti crew for stepping it up again. Get ready to party! BEAR MOUNTAIN If you like danceable bands, Vancouver’s Bear Mountain is definitely for you. This is live-band dance music, warm and organic with lead man Ian Bevis’s cozy vocals bringing it home. Formed in 2012, as a Bevis solo project, the band soon grew to a quartet and self-released its first EP in 2012. The band now has two more records – 2013’s XO and this year’s (last month!) Badu. No strangers to big stages, Bear Mountain has played Austin City Limits, Sasquatch and Lollapalooza and have toured with Bloc Party and Hot Chip, a band Bear Mountain is often compared to. CAMARO 67 Danceable band! Lively stage show! Camero 67 will be a high-energy highlight of this year’s Wapiti! Also hailing from Vancouver, this 10-piece band brings Afrobeat and Afrofunk groove. What more do you need to know?! LINDEN ANTHONY One of the local acts that Fernie-ites get to celebrate is singer-songwriter Linden Anthony. At times his music, his voice, is a balm, at others Anthony lets it all loose – and all times, it’s hard not to imagine he’s singing directly to you, and only you. If you haven’t seen him perform at Infinitea, don’t miss him at Wapiti. It’ll be pure magic.
SHRED KELLY Back on Wapiti stage for a second time, Fernie favourites Shred Kelly put it all on the line for live shows. The quintet has been all over and back again, making a muchwelcome stop back in Fernie during a cross-country festival circuit. The blend of old-time banjo and modern synth, the beautiful harmonies, this will be an exciting home-coming of sorts. Welcome back to Wapiti, Shredders! TERRA LIGHTFOOT Bringing her signature wild-girl voice to Fernie, Terra Lightfoot puts the capital-R rock back in roots rock. Hardhitting and lively, hers is a set not to miss. Last year, the Hamilton native was dubbed by the Toronto Star as your new favourite thing, and I, for one, am inclined to agree. THE FUNK HUNTERS No strangers to Fernie stages, this dynamic DJ duo from Vancouver have one goal – to get people up and moving. They do that with music that is obviously funky, but also old-school soulful and classic hip-hoppy. While their influences are many, it was experiencing Shambhala during that festival’s formative years that really germinated the seed of the Funk Hunters. The pair also began collaborating with musicians and performed its first live-band show a couple of years ago, and have since brought a full line-up to festivals across Western Canada. THE MATINÉE Another Wapiti returnee, Vancouver’s the Matinée have been around the block a few times since its last appearance. The band has gotten more pushy, more rocky and more trenchant. If you don’t believe me, just take a listen to 2014’s Call of the
MUSICAL NOTES
Wild – which the band worked on with Steve Bayes and Ryan Dahle (who were both at Wapiti last year with Mounties). If you’re a Wapiti devotee, you’ll enjoy seeing the evolution of the returning bands – especially the Matinée. WILD HONEY There will be more local love here with this female trio. Wild Honey’s beautiful harmonies and unpretentious melodies are perfect for a sunny afternoon and these open-hearted women will, no doubt, become your new best friends. One of the youngest bands to grace the Wapiti stage, Wild Honey has already made a name for itself here in the East Koots, opening for Barney Bentall and the Cariboo Express last fall at the Vogue Theatre in Vancouver. WOODEN HORSEMEN After releasing a subdued folky debut in 2013, this Vancouver band turned heads when it released its much more raucous sophomore album, Sentient, in January. Sonically hard to pin down – it swerves between psychedelic to jam band to beach rock – - it nonetheless has a goal in common with Wapiti - get the people moving. YUKON BLONDE This returning Wapiti band from Vancouver (and Kelowna originally) delivers hook-happy that is fun and full of party. Hard working and prolific – the band has released three albums and two EPs in the last seven years – Yukon Blonde’s evolution has also been a joy to follow. Its power pop has been improved by tight vocal harmonies and synths. To prepare yourself, give a listen to last year’s single, “Saturday Night.” FERNIEFIX.COM
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Community and Events
F E AT U R E R E S I D E N T
Shannon Takacs KRISTA TURCASSO
IT’S BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE MY NANA’S PASSING, yet Shannon has me opening up and sharing my experience over a coffee at Mug Shots. Both of us in tears. And immediately I feel grateful for the new services she is bringing to town, as I know it will help many families going through this experience immensely. Shannon Takacs is a woman of many trades. When she first arrived in Fernie 12 years ago she worked in residential care and home support, as well as a rehabilitation assistant. She then made the move to working at the Coal Mine, “to afford real estate,” she says. The next move was to start her own business, Find it in Fernie, a concierge and property management company. On top of this, she is a wedding commissioner, “for shits and giggles.” Recently, a close girlfriend of hers read the article “The Ride of the Death Doula” printed in Maclean’s magazine, and immediately thought of Shannon. “I have dealt with a lot of death throughout my life,” she says. “When I was 24, my 25 year old brother died suddenly in a car accident. To watch my parents, brother, and my dead brother’s girlfriend go through that loss was… educational.” Throughout her 20’s, Shannon lost additional family members and friends and has since always been drawn to people going through these types of losses as she can truly empathize with them. The more Shannon learned about Death Doulas, the more she realized how well it suited her. She attended an educational workshop held in Calgary, and although nervous and unsure, she quickly realized she was where she was meant to be. “From the Friday night talk, I was like… I am
KRISTA TURCASSO PHOTO
with my people.” From learning more about the industry and the legal side of it all, to being walked through the emotional aspects of death and the physical care of the body, Shannon gained a wealth of knowledge and team of experts to help support her in this journey. As a Death Doula, Shannon can support a family and individual any time prior to someone dying. “It could be a year, two months, or a few days,” she says. And help them make their way through the post care after a loved one has died. “What’s more sad to me is when people don’t process the grief and their hearts change,” Shannon says, adding that taking a body immediately away after a person has passed is so unnatural for grief. “By slowing down death and offering more time together at home, people can process
death in a more natural time frame.” Last month, Shannon hosted her first Death Café at the Castle on First. “It’s a safe space for people to come and talk about death,” she says, adding that she had a great turnout and even cupcakes so is looking forward to hosting more in our community. “Part of my passion is grief related, and the other part is to get people talking. Even as you are talking about your experience, you are healing yourself.” And I can attest to that. After speaking with Shannon, I felt as though a small weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Shannon’s next steps involve getting the word out so she can reach as many people as possible, and creating working relationships with everyone that is part of the chain in healthcare.
“I want to create a really loving experience of death for all of the people that are left behind.” 1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here? 2005, a business opportunity. I wanted to do something in tourism. 2. Where did you first live in town? The Pinnacle Ridge condos. 3. What was your first impression? Beautiful. 4. What keeps you in Fernie? The outdoor lifestyle. 5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory? Wow, so many. The first time I floated the river with Canyon Raft definitely stands out.
6. What is your favourite time of the year in Fernie and why? Summer, because I love wearing flip-flops and I love golf, followed by a cold beer. 7. Where do you see Fernie in 5 to 10 years? As beautiful as it always has been. 8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals? Cuddles with Winnie Winnie Winston (my cat) and a cup of tea. 9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you. I want to play trumpet in Harry Connick Jr.’s big band. 10. Quote to live by: I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious. ~Albert Einstein
Experience Serenity... At King Fir Spa & home Take some time to relax and book one of our signature facials at King Fir Spa All facials booked in August will receive a FREE natural product from The Hedgerow! Don’t forget about our free pool and hot tub access with all treatments!
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Custom cabinetry, interior finishing and furniture
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792 3rd Ave. Fernie, BC 250.531.0323 astahl@telus.net FERNIEFIX.COM
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360 Degrees of Perfection... Visit GolfFernie.com today and: * sign up for news and specials with our E-Club * learn all about our new 360 Loyalty Program... (golf more for less!) * get info on Tournament & Corporate Packages
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Community and Events
YOU’VE GOT MALE
Second to None ADAM K MACDONALD
100%
GMO FREE MENU
JOIN US ON THE PATIO AT THE BRICKHOUSE A GREAT PLACE TO CHILL AFTER A DAY ON THE TRAILS
• featuring a 100% BC only wine list and beer on tap • lunch and dinner menu with homemade burgers • open 7 days a week, 11:30am to close • live music • thursday jam night www.thebrickhousefernie.com
401 2nd avenue 250.423.0009
MY FIRST YEAR LIVING IN FERNIE, I worked several jobs. One of the jobs I had was as a babysitter. One of my babysitting gigs was at a rental condo on the ski hill for a couple, Tom and Sara, who had one young child. I babysat while they skied. When the day was over, Tom offered me a ride into town, as he was heading there to get some groceries anyway. I was grateful and accepted. During the drive, I learned that Tom and Sara had been coming to Fernie for seven years. He was a skier, she was a snowboarder (but their marriage seemed happy enough anyway). I also learned they shared a passion for coffee (perhaps this made up for any divisiveness caused by their preferred methods for quickly getting to the bottom of mountains). Tom asked me where the best place in town was for coffee. I had no idea as I don’t drink coffee. I did know the coffee shops though and suggested a few places on Second Ave. “Where’s Second Ave?” Tom asked. “Oh. It’s the main street in Fernie.” “You mean along the highway?” Turns out Tom and Sara thought the strip of highway through town was Fernie’s main street. They had no idea that Second Ave existed. Tom was shocked to hear there were coffee shops, gear shops, and even another grocery store. He dropped me off on Second Ave and went exploring while I went home. I love Second Ave. The idea that someone could visit Fernie for seven years and never know about this vibrant, yet old-fashioned, Main Street blows my mind. Now, having lived here for ten years, my love of Second Ave is even deeper. A walk down Second Ave (or Main Street, or Victoria Avenue, or whatever one chooses to call it) usually means bumping into friends I’ve gotten to know over the years. Many
V.CROOME PHOTO
of the businesses are still there, while there are also lots new since my arrival. Theatres have been renovated, movie rental shops have turned into artisan chocolate shops, and bagels have made their mark. Sure, the highway has its own gems. Yamagoya, Fernie Pizza and Pasta, and The Curry Bowl just to name a few. In addition to restaurants, the highway is home to flyfishing shops and recreation facilities like the arena, the curling club, and the Community Centre. Second Ave just seems like the heart of Fernie to me. Fernie wouldn’t be Fernie without it. After walking home, I told my roommates about Tom and Sara. They were flabbergasted too and we talked about how so many small towns have watched their Main Streets evaporate after chain discount-stores set up on town outskirts. We talked about our favourite shops on Second Ave and some of our funny “small world” stories that occurred walking along Second Avenue. One roommate talked about Second Ave’s magic ability to present people you are thinking about. She was amazed by the number of times she would see someone and her or the other person would shout, “Hey! I was just talking about you.” The next day, I was doing just that – walking along Second Avenue, when I saw Sara walking toward me, with a local coffee shop cup in hand. “Adam – this place is amazing! Tom is taking care of the baby. He told me I had to come in town and check out this street.” “Yes,” I answered, “it’s pretty awesome.” FERNIEFIX.COM
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A Summer of live music at Infinitea Fri Aug 5 Sun Aug 7 Thur Aug 11 Wed Aug 17 Fri Aug 19 Sun Aug 21 Fri Aug 26 Sun Aug 28
Robbie Shirriff show Homeless Chic start s a Hark Raving Sirens 8pm! t The Cells Myla and Julia Dark Fire Cloud & The Lightening Band Katie Marti Starlight Pines
Licenced, all ages, full fresh food menu, tea cocktails Located on 5th St downtown email:infinitea@mail.com
Community and Events
FA M I LY S T O K E
You Had it All Along SHELBY CAIN
IT’S DIFFERENT FOR EVERYONE. It can be a process, a place, or the presence of certain people. It can be a physical journey, or a simple mental reminder. It can be a really great burger. It’s the moment where everything slows down. Your lungs expand a little deeper, your mind is quiet, your eyes close briefly, you might even smile. You are at peace. It’s wonderful. But occasionally we can get so caught up in the events that we perceive might lead us to this perfect moment, that when we finally get there we forget where we were going in the first place. Stop. Enjoy. In pursuit of this sometimes-elusive feeling we can take ourselves to ridiculous lengths. Moving across the country. Abandoning the career you spent six years and sixty grand on. Attempting the Barkley Marathons. Spending eighteen hours road-trippin’ in a Ford Tempo with three kids, a slobbering dog, a half-dead cat with an incontinence problem, and a Mini Pops CD. Not that any of the pursuing is wrong. This is all good stuff. Having adventures, growing and changing and expanding your comfort zone. All good. But maybe we’re looking for the wrong thing. Maybe the journey is actually the destination. Eventually – hopefully – during one of these crazy pursuits something hits you. Something other than the sopping wet tennis ball that flies up from the back seat, followed by the scrambling dog and a chorus of screams. What hits you is a little sentence that you may have heard as a young child. A sentence so simple you can’t believe you don’t have a T-shirt or a bumper sticker emblazoned with it. (You vow to get one immediately.) Are you ready? Here it is. “You’ve had the power all along, my dear.” I remember when I
PICTURE OF GOD BY FIVE | SUBMITTED PHOTO
first heard this as a child. Dorothy went through hell to get that little piece of info, and Glinda just rattled it off. No big deal. In a frustrated outburst I jumped up from my beanbag chair and yelled at the TV, “Seriously? She could’ve saved herself all this trouble and that long walk?! She had it the WHOLE TIME! Seriously?!” Yes. And so do you. Because maybe finding serenity in your life actually has nothing to do with physically pursuing something you don’t currently have. Maybe you just have to stop and think. Breathe. Be grateful. Make someone smile, and then congratulate yourself for it. It might not be so elusive after all. With summer upon us, my girls and I have been spending a lot of time together. They’re five and seven and have a lot of energy. I started the summer with a multitude of plans. An in-depth itinerary of daily activities to keep us busy and challenged and fulfilled. I envisioned myself on the beach – the three of us frolicking in the water and eating cherries on our towels and the girls nodding off on the way home in the truck as they mumbled, “best day ever…” And I would be at peace. Because I was doing a great job at being a mom. And then it rained.
And I soon ran through the gamut of my “indoor activities – for emergencies only” list. I started to panic a little. The kids were restless and wild, at times resembling caged hyenas. What are we going to do? On a particularly un-peaceful day I was trying to stay ahead of the clean-up, and failing miserably. George Constanza’s famous phrase ran through my mind. “Serenity now!” I was in their room demolishing the fort that had taken them ten minutes to build and an hour to put away. Five walked in with a giant smile and eyes full of wonderment. “Mommy! I just figured out something big!” I sat back against the bed and could only smile. “You did? What is it?” She walked over and produced a coloured paper she had been hiding behind her back, covered in pink hearts. “Mom, I know how God got existed. All of our hearts were flying around, and they found a baby. They decided to take care of him and make him a very special guy, so they gave him all their love. Then he grew up and made heaven. Then the world. Best day ever!” And she ran off. And I sat there, awash in serenity, and thought, “it was right here all along.” FERNIEFIX.COM
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August 2016 Monthly Events MONDAY 1.8.2016 – 3.8.2016 Weekday Trail Warrior Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort. 3-day trail riding camp for all abilities for ages 18+. www.skifernie. com MONDAY 1.8.2016 Instameet Photowalk In Fernie @ Nevados for meeting point at 12pm. Hosted by Tourism Fernie and Destination British Columbia, with photographer Kyle Hamilton. www. tourismfernie.com TUESDAY 2.8.2016 FMBC 2knee Race Series @ S-Bomb to Brokeback, 7pm. www.bikefernie.ca WEDNESDAY 3.8.2016 Wednesday Concert Series: Po’ Ramblin’ Boys @ Station Square, 5:30-9:00pm. Live music, refreshment gardens, food vendors, kids’ art zone. Everyone welcome! FRIDAY 5.8.2016 Wild Nature Tours: Fairy Creek Falls Hike @ wildnaturetours.ca, 6:30pm Live Music with Robbie Shirriff @ Infinitea, 8pm SATURDAY 6.8.2016 Historic Walking Tour: Rum Running and Whiskey Six @ Fernie Museum, 11am. www.ferniemuseum.com Wild Nature Tours: Fernie Provincial Park Hike @ wildnaturetours.ca, 6:30pm He/She Tournament @ Fernie Golf and Country Club, 1pm Five Alarm Funk @ The Northern SATURDAY 6.8.2016 – SUNDAY 7.8.2016 Men’s Trail Progression Sessions @ Fernie Trails with the Fernie Bike Guides, 9am-1pm. Ferniebikeguides.ca Trek Dirt Series @ Fernie Trails hosted by the Fernie Guides Hut. 888.843-4885 to register. Women’s Mountain Bike Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort, for beginner and intermediates. 10am-4pm. www.skifernie.com Wild Nature Tours @ Flathead Weekend Overnight Adventure. www.wildnaturetours.ca SUNDAY 7.8.2016 Guided Hikes at Island Lake Lodge @ Mountain Lakes Trails/Heiko’s Trail 250-423-3700 Live Music with Homeless Chic @ Infinitea, 8pm MONDAY 8.8.2016 Little Critter Bike Race @ Maiden Lake, 6pm. Criterium style rides where riders ten and under complete as many laps as possible on a short course within 40 minutes. www. bikefernie.ca TUESDAY 9.8.2016 FMBC 2knee Race Series @ Hyper Vent Up/Down/Combined, 7pm. www.bikefernie.ca
WEDNESDAY 10.8.2016
Wednesday Concert Series: The Raven & The Fox @ Station Square, 5:30-9:00pm. Live music, refreshment gardens, food vendors, kids’ art zone. Everyone welcome!
THE ARTS STATION www.theartsstation.com info@theartsstation.com 250.423.4842
Up Next in the Gallery Visual Arts Guild: “Possibilities” July 28-August 22 Leah Potyok Opening August 25
THURSDAY 11.8.2016
Dueling Pianos @ The Northern Hark Raving Sirens @ Infinitea, 8pm FRIDAY 12.8.2016 Wapiti Music Festival @ Annex Park, gates open at 6pm for the first evening of this popular festival. Wild Honey, The Matinée and Shred Kelly kick off this year’s event. Wapitimusicfestival.com Leeroy Stagger: A Wapiti After Party @ The Northern Naturalist @ The Royal. Local DJs SATURDAY 13.8.2016 – Sunday 14.8.2016 Kids “Howl at the Moon” Campout @ Lost Boys Café, Fernie Alpine Resort. A supervised, overnight event for ages 8+. SATURDAY 13.8.2016 Historic Walking Tour: The 1908 Great Fire @ Fernie Museum, 11am. www.ferniemuseum.com Wapiti Music Festival @ Annex Park, gates open at noon for a full day of live music, vendors, kids’ zone, art expo and more. Wooden Horsemen, Yukon Blonde and the Funk Hunters to name just a few of this year’s hot acts. Wapitimusicfestival.com Humans: A Wapiti After Party @ The Northern Los Entangados @ The Royal. 6 pieces ska, reggae, worldArgentina SUNDAY 14.8.2016 Bibbity Bobbity Boo Children’s Festival @ Rotary Park, 10am-2pm. A day of fun with live entertainment, bubbles, balloons, crafts, games, facepainting, stories and more. Wild Nature Tours: Castle Mountain Hike @ wildnaturetours.ca, 6:30pm Fernie Museum: Heritage River Float with Canyon Raft @ Elk River, as part of the Currents exhibit. www.ferniemuseum. com Downtown Sunday Socials @ Victoria Avenue, 11am – 3pm. The Show and Shine takes over downtown. SATURDAY 13.8.2016 – SUNDAY 14.8.2016 Columbia Basin Culture Tour @ Fernie artists, museums, art galleries, and heritage sites for free. www.cbculturetour.com MONDAY 15.8.2016 – WEDNESDAY
17.8.2016
Kids Outdoor Adventure Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 10am-4pm for ages 8-12. www.skifernie.com WEDNESDAY 17.8.2016 Live Music with The Cells @ Infinitea, 8pm Wednesday Concert Series: The Sealegs @ Station Square, 5:30-9:00pm. Live music, refreshment gardens, food vendors, kids’ art zone. Everyone welcome!
THURSDAY 18.8.2016
Benjamin Caldwell @ The Northern
THURSDAY 18.8.2016 – Friday 19.8.2016 Kids Freeride Bike Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 10am – 4pm. www.skifernie.com FRIDAY 19.8.2016 Live Music with Myla and Julia @ Infinitea, 8pm
Workshops Club Cre8 with Rachel Butterworth and Heather Senior. Mondays: Aug 8 to Aug 29 AM or PM options. Ages: K - Grade 6. $25 per child (sibling discount available). Each week we will be offering funky arts based projects, with chill out vibes on the hot summer days! Supplies included. Craftastic Summer Series with Becca Musso Tuesdays: Aug 23rd 10am -12pm. Ages: 5-10. $15 per child. $12 for sibling(s) Join Becca and Friends this summer! For ages 5-10. Every event will have a surprise theme that has fun in store. Cos (per session) includes all materials.
CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT WWW.FERNIEFIX.COM FRIDAY 19.8.2016 – SATURDAY 20.8.2016 Fernie Museum: Elk River Plein Air Painting Workshop @ Elk River with artist Pamm Ciupa, as part of the Currents exhibit. Visit www.ferniemuseum.com to register. Dragon Fli Empire @ The Royal. Hip Hop-Calgary SATURDAY 20.8.2016 Wild Nature Tours: Silver Springs Lakes Hike @ wildnaturetours.ca, 6:30pm Skratch Bastid @ The Northern Red Haven @ The Royal. Folk, swing, roots-Vancouver SUNDAY 21.8.2016 Fernie Museum: Learn to Flyfish @ Elk River, as part of the Currents exhibit. www.ferniemuseum.com Guided Hikes: Lizard Lake – Cabin Bowl Loop @ Island Lake Lodge, 250-423-3700 Decks on Deck Pool Party @ Cirque Restaurant, Lizard Creek Lodge at Fernie Alpine Resort. Live DJs, BBQ, cocktails and pool open to all. 3-6pm Live Music with Dark Fire Cloud & The Lightening Band @ Infinitea, 8pm WEDNESDAY 24.8.2016 Wednesday Concert Series: Sean Ashby @ Station Square, 5:30-9:00pm. Live music, refreshment gardens, food vendors, kids’ art zone. Everyone welcome!
THURSDAY 25.8.2016
Gallery Opening: Leah Potyok @ The Arts Station, 7pm FRIDAY 26.8.2016 Neil & Bob Experience @ The Northern Katie Marti @ Infinitea, 8pm SATURDAY 27.8.2016 Due Clause Trio @ The Northern FRIDAY 26.8.2016 – 28.8.2016 BC Cup Finals @ Fernie Alpine Resort. As part of the Downhill BC Cup Series, featuring BC’s top mountain bike events. www.skifernie.com SATURDAY 27.8.2016 – SUNDAY 28.8.2016 Women’s Mountain Bike Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort, for beginner and intermediates. 10am-4pm. www.skifernie.com
SUNDAY 28.8.2016
Guided Hikes: Big White Peak @ Island Lake Lodge 250-423-3700 Live Music with Starlight Pines @ Infinitea, 8pm Billy Ross @ The Royal. DJ, Calgary MONDAY 29.8.2016 - WEDNESDAY
31.8.2016
Weekday Trail Warrior Camp @ Fernie Alpine Resort. 3-day trail riding camp for all abilities for ages 18+. www.skifernie. com WEDNESDAY 31.8.2016 Wednesday Concert Series: Tasman Jude @ Station Square, 5:30-9:30pm. Live music, refreshment gardens, food vendors, kids’ art zone. Everyone welcome!
Legends & Heroes with Kerri Holmes. Tuesday August 9 - Friday August 12 9:30am - 12pm. Ages: 5 - 10. $120 for the week. $90 for sibling(s). This camp features characters that inspire us, potters will carve images into bowls, tiles and mugs. 100th Episode! Steel Megaphone Live Podcast with special guest/performance by Keith Greeninger. Thursday August 18 - 8pm. $15 a ticket, or $30 for ticket to both events! Keith Greeninger Concert. Friday August 19 - 8pm. $20 a ticket
CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!
August 2016 Weekly Events
DINING, NIGHTLIFE & SPECIALS MONDAYS Burger and Bud $14.99 @ Boston Pizza Fernie Jugs of Beer on Special @ The Brickhouse Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Wing Night @ The Fernie Hotel $6 Meals all Day and Astrology Drop-in after 7pm @ Infinitea Mexican Mondays! Chicken or Beef Tacos $3 Happy Hour Corona (Bottles) @ Parkplace Pub Massage Mondays @ Trillium Day Spa, $60 for 60 min, $90 for 90 min Ladies Night: $4 House Red or White Wine, $5 $12 Mussels and $4 Wine @ The Northern Local Jam Night @ The Kodiak Lounge Free Pool, Spice Rum Special @ The Royal, 10pm Date Night @ Island Lake Lodge, 5-9pm. Enjoy a romantic dinner with two entrees, two glasses of bubbly and an appy to share for $79 per couple. Summer Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 9pm to close I Love Mondays @ Island Lake Lodge, buy one treatment and get a 2nd for 50% off TUESDAYS Pasta Specials @ Boston Pizza Kokanee Bottle on Special @ The Brickhouse Wing Night @ Parkplace Pub $12 Pizza Night @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Two for Tuesdays @ Trillium Day Spa, 2 pedicures for $100, 2 manicures for $70, 2 facials for $130, all three for $275 $10 Beer, Burger and Bingo Night @ The Northern Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort
Tuesday: Shot gun Karaoke with TOpo @ The Royal $5 Kids Dinner @ Loaf Bakery & Restaurant, 5-9pm Half Price Appy’s @ The Fernie Hotel. 5pm Summer Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 9pm to close WEDNESDAYS $7 Single or $14 Double Wings @ Boston Pizza Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Trivia Night @ The Fernie Hotel. 8pm Pint night @ Kodiak Lounge Zak’s Jam Night @ The Royal $10 Smokie, Beer and Fries @ Parkplace Pub Tarot Card Readings w/ Miss Janeil @ Infinitea Crochet Collective & Sweater Club Knitting @ Infinitea, 7-9pm Waxing Wednesday @ Trillium Day Spa, free underam wax with any other hair removal $15 Jugs and $8 Wings @ The Northern $10 Vietnamese Sub and Beer @ Pho Locoal $10 Pizza Night @ Loaf Bakery & Restaurant, 5-9pm Wax On Wednesday @ 901 Spa, 30% off waxing services. Summer Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 9pm to close Wine Tasting Wednesdays @ Island Lake Lodge, 5-course tasting menu paired with 5 wines. $99 per person THURSDAYS Tacos for $12.95 @ Boston Pizza Jam Night @ The Brickhouse Spiced Rum Specials @ Kodiak Lounge
OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS •Dominoes @ The Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Mahjong @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Special Olympics Athletes Bowling @ Sparwood. 4pm •Duplicate Bridge Game @ The Seniors Drop-in Centre •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Celebrate Recovery @ Mountainside Church, 7pm, open to everyone •Community Climb Night @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 7pm •Ladies Night Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Discover Yoga @ Essential Yoga Studio, 7:30-8:30pm Preschool Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 9:15-10:15am •Kids’ Workshop: Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station TUESDAYS •Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre. $6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D •Crib/Whist @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Storytime @ Library, 11:15-12pm for ages 3–5. •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Ladies Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6:30pm •Public Drop in Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-9pm •Climbing and Bouldering @ College of the Rockies, 7-10pm. $7 without rentals, $10 with. •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:3010:30am •Summer reading camp “Book a Trip” @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm. Free, email ferniesrc@gmail.com for details. •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym •Ladies Only Golf Clinic @ Fernie Golf & Country Club •Ladies Night @ Fernie Golf and Country Club •FMBC Two-knee Race Series on Tuesdays @ Fernie Trails, www.bikefernie.ca WEDNESDAYS •Crib @ Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm
Featured Pub Burgers @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Burger and Beer Special @ The Fernie 2 Medium Pizza Special @ Elk Valley Pizza RileyJ+Ash / Flatspin+Friends @ The Royal 6oz Cocktail Jugs $20 @ The Northern $10 lasagna @ Loaf Bakery & Restaurant, 5-9pm $8 2oz Cocktails @ Infinitea Summer Happy Hour@ The Bridge Bistro, 9pm to close Buck a Shuck Thursdays @ Cirque, $1 Oysters, $5 Presecco, $5 Kokanee Friends Who Spa Together Stay Together @ Island Lake Lodge, bring a friend and get a free mini-mani or a brow or lash treatment $10 Burger and Beer @ Rusty Edge
SATURDAYS Any Large Pizza for Medium Charge @ Boston Pizza Meat Draw & Bar Quiz @ The Legion Tequila Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Rib Night @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Open Mix and Live Music @ The Fernie Live bands and DJs@ The Royal Rib Night: $19 Half/$24 Full @ Parkplace Pub Songwriting Workshops and Wine Specials @ Infinitea, 5pm 3-5pm Happy Hour $10 Pizzas, $5 Beers, $12 Jugs @ Loaf Coffee and Baileys Special @ The Bridge Bistro Happy Hour 4-6pm @ Rusty Edge
FRIDAYS Full Rack of Ribs $19.95 @ Boston Pizza Live Music Fridays @ Infinitea 8pm TGIF & Chicken dinner draw @ Kodiak Lounge Fish & Chips plus Rib Night @ Parkplace Pub $13 Fish and Chips, Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Hotel. Supporting FTA. Live bands and DJs @ The Royal Date Night Special @ Spa 901 Live Music @ Loaf Bakery & Restaurant, 6-9pm DJ Aurora @ The Griz Bar Happy Hour 4-6pm @ Rusty Edge Summer Happy Hour @ The Bridge Bistro, 9pm to close Take Care Fridays @ Island Lake Lodge, take care of your skin with $25 off Yonka facials and 25% off Yonka products
SUNDAYS Kids Sunday $4.99 @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse All day breakfast @ The Fernie. 9am-4pm $10 BBQ and Beats @ Infinitea CLOSED (available for special events/private parties) @ The Royal Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort $18 Sausage and Mash @ Parkplace Pub 3-5pm Happy Hour $10 Pizzas, $5 Beers, $12 Jugs @ Loaf Steak Sandwich & Caesar Specials @ Parkplace Pub Caesars Special @ The Bridge Bistro Happy Hour 4-6pm @ Rusty Edge
Bike •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Adult Badminton @ The Community Centre. Drop in for $5 •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •Womens Drop in Climbing @ COTR, 7-9pm •Water Flow Yoga & Tea @ Infinitea, 10:30am •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am for ages 0-2. •Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:3010:30am •Fernie Women on Wheels @ The Guide’s Hut, 6:30pm. •Summer reading camp “Book a Trip” @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm. Free, email ferniesrc@gmail.com for details. •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym •Wednesday Concert Series @ The Arts Station, 5:30-9pm •Men’s Night @ Fernie Golf & Country Club THURSDAYS •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •RC Club @ Fernie Community Centre. 7-9pm. Flying and practice •Community Basketball @ Fernie Secondary School, 8:3010:30pm •Mixed Boxing Competitive @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Youth Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6pm •Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre, 1-3pm every 2nd Thursday. •Open Roller Skating Evening @ Max Turyk Gym, $2 drop-in fee. 6-7pm •Kids Boxing Boot Camp @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, ages 8-16 5pm. •Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:3010:30am •Climbing and Bouldering @ College of the Rockies, 7-10pm. $7 without rentals, $10 with. •Trail Maintenance Night with FMBC @ Fernie Bike Park, 6:30pm
Golf
Swim
Library Program
Other
•Little Sprouts Free Program @ Creative Minds Forest School Garden at Max Turyk School, 9:30-11:30am •Little Sprouts in the Garden @ Community EcoGarden at Prentice Park, 9:30- 11:30am •Summer reading camp “Book a Trip” @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm. •Preschool Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 9:15-10:15am •Ladies Only Golf Clinic @ Fernie Golf & Country Club •Scott Thursday Night Race Series @ Fernie Alp;ine Resort, before 6:30pm at the Adventure Centre Cabin FRIDAYS •Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion, 7:30pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library Ages 0-2 11:15am •Women’s Writing Group @ Fernie Women’s Resource Centre, 2-4pm. •Breastfeeding Mammas @ Fernie Heritage Library, first Friday of the month. •Summer reading camp “Book a Trip,” @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1-3pm. Free, email ferniesrc@gmail.com for details. SATURDAYS •Family French Fun @ The Arts Station, 10:30-11:30am. $12/ person or $5 per family member (maximum $20/family). •Teen Wheel Pottery @ The Fernie Arts Station 10am-Noon $125/ month $30/drop in •Karma Meditation Class @ Essential Yoga Studio 8:00am-8:45am •Historical Walking Tour @ Fernie Museum, 11am. •Open Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym SUNDAYS •Fernie Pets Society Group Walk @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9am. •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •First Sunday of the Month Family Climb Time @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 2-4pm •Fernie Mountain Market @ Rotary Park, 10am-2pm
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Outdoor Life
DOWN TO EARTH: THE NEXT CHAPTER
frustrating attempts at protecting his crops, Fred decided to erect the fence last year. Deer were no longer welcome. Oddly enough, this was the first year the garden was ever visited by bears. A family of grizzlies dug under the fence and feasted on carrots before being startled away by Fred’s flashlight beam.
Fred Voysey HELEN MCALLISTER AND JENNIFER HEATH
THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE WHEN YOU APPROACH FRED VOYSEY’S GARDEN is the fence. For anyone who has ever had their crops decimated by wildlife, this nearly seven-foot high fence is enviable. It is an effective deer deterrent, yet allows in light and views of the beautiful garden. After
Keeping out the wildlife has become Fred’s biggest gardening challenge. In addition to the bears and deer, the Voyseys’ backyard also has frequent visits from moose, rabbits, and birds. This spring, the crows ate most of Fred’s pea seeds. He has since had to replant, but now has netting covering the bed. He also uses the same trick to protect his bean crop. Respecting nature and being at peace with the occasional havoc that wildlife may inflict upon his garden, has become part of Fred’s gardening philosophy. Originally from Watrous, Saskatchewan, Fred comes from a long-standing
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
agricultural background. He believes, “growing - it’s just in you.” As a child, Fred helped at his grandfather’s farm and later worked with his brother-in-law who had every sort of livestock imaginable. He was driving cultivators and tractors at seven. Back then, producing your own food was not only important, it was necessary. “It was a need, not a choice,” says Fred. “Where I grew up, they gave you a hoe and told you to hoe. I guess I kind of learned through osmosis.”
The Voyseys have lived and gardened at their Parkland Terrace home since 1990. From the onset, Fred was thinking about food production. “Coming from Saskatchewan, I looked for a flat lot.” At first, they made small gardens to allow their two children to have enough playing space. Then about ten years ago, Fred began to get more serious about growing vegetables, and decided to dedicate more time and space to the garden.
Now, Fred grows three kinds of garlic, several varieties of squash, lettuce, chard, kale, herbs, carrots, peas, beans, tomatoes, and a massive raspberry patch. Despite last year’s browsing bears, the Voyseys still had carrots in storage until the end of February. Growing tomatoes, however, is Fred’s favourite. He likes the challenge of getting the fruit to maturity with careful pruning and support. He is constantly amazed by the amount of work that goes into growing food. “I just can’t eat a meal without thinking about all the labour and thought that has gone into producing it.” This growing season, Fred is experimenting with planting both his bean and pea seed a little later than usual, as the Voyseys plan to be away during the normal harvest time. He is cognizant of the importance of pollinators to a veggie garden’s harvest. He takes BC garden guru Brian Minter’s advice to “get bees in the garden,” and includes flowers in his yearly plantings.
As every gardener knows, change is constant. This year, Fred is trying blueberry and current bushes. He also plans on making his beds more accessible by altering them from eight to fourfeet wide. Greenhouse plans and an automatic watering system are also in the works. One thing is for certain - Fred will continue to work on amending and improving his soil. His favourite aspect of gardening is his love of “building dirt.” Every year, he piles up the soil in the middle of the beds and introduces humusrich organic matter. He advises new gardeners to take the time to prepare the soil, as it is the foundation of everything. With such a productive garden, Fred is challenged by consuming all that the garden produces. He does not like to waste any of his crops, and often shares with neighbours and friends. He is never discouraged by the challenges his garden presents and quotes Nelson Mandela, “I never lose. I either win or I learn.” Those are words to live – and to garden - by.
Mon-Sat 11-5 Sunday 11-4 591b 2nd Ave
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Koocanusa
is calling... and I must go.
Open 9am - 9pm every day, all summer long! Public Sandy Beach with Swimming Docks. Full-service Store: groceries, fishing licenses, general supplies plus boat and vehicle gas. Kitchen serving delicious All Day Breakfast Sandwiches, Burgers, Veggie Burgers & more! 12 Flavours of Hard Ice Cream and a large selection of novelties and treats. A whole other world to explore just a half hour drive from Fernie.
2354 Kikomun Road ~ KoocanusaCampsite.com
Outdoor Life
N E V E R H AV E I E V E R
Wake Surfing JESSE BELL
HOLY MOLY, I’M ACTUALLY WAKE SURFING. The water beneath me splashes white with turquoise blue, my friends cheer for me from the back of the boat – this lake life is a good life. Did I mention that I consider myself to be the worst water sports person ever? Like, literally the worst. So bad, in fact, that there is an entire album on Facebook dedicated to the faces I make while trying to pull myself up behind a boat. And each time I receive an invite for a day on the lake, waves of dread overtake me; flashbacks of painful crashes lead to newfound excuses not to join in. But when my friend Simone invites me out for a day on Lake Koocanusa with Caroline Villeneuve of H2O School Ltd. I can’t find any excuse. Motivated by my column and my intention to try everything once, I head for the lake. We meet at Sunshine Houseboats where Caro and her partner Ben Stokie operate their wakesurf school. Their shed is stocked full of lifejackets and wetsuits and is home to a plethora of trophies, newspaper clippings and photographs. There is a lot of pride in this tiny place. Caro is a pro wake surfer; for the last three years she has placed first at the Canadian Wake Surf Nationals. Last year she became World Champion at the World Wake Surf Championship and she has more than 25 first-place wins since 2007. She is humble, though. We’ve only just met and I admire her immediately. We collect gear, hop into the boat and head out. I’m the only goofy-footed rider and am happy to watch as the others surf first. Maybe I won’t have to surf, I think. Maybe we will run out of time.
Like I said, the worst water sports person ever. Caro drives the boat around a grassycovered point and Simone hops in the deep-blue water. Though it’s been several months since her last lesson she remembers quickly. I enjoy spectating— Simone carves into the wake and plays, I suntan and slurp juicy watermelon. When Steph, also a first-timer, gets up and surfs it’s easy to see she is a water sports person. “She’s a natural,” says Caro from the boat. Caro sits at the back and gives Steph tips to make surfing easier. Steph smiles an enormous smile; she’s got this. After all the left-foot-forward riders have finished Caro prepares the boat for me; I know I’m goofy in more ways than one and I just have to be okay with that. I strap on a lifejacket and tell myself I won’t make faces worthy of another online album. Caro practices with me and then, as I float in the water I remember all of my horrendous attempts to get up on a board last summer. Ignoring the dread, I tell myself I can do this. The boat picks up speed; I suddenly stand on the board and glide through the water.
CARO WAKE SURFING | JESSE BELL PHOTO
“I got up! I got up!” I yell. Everyone on the boat cheers. I rearrange my feet on the board, check that my shoulders face the correct way, tilt my hips and creep towards that sweet surf spot in the wake. I bail and try again. When I drop the rope for the first time and surf the wake I am the happiest person on Lake Koocanusa. A natural I am not, but the music beats through the boat’s speakers and my heart is full. Caro is more than encouraging. By the time I’ve finished surfing I feel confident and can’t wait to come back. High-fives delivered, Caro does a surf session for us behind the boat and I am amazed at her skill—she moves fluidly with the water. She does tricks I don’t understand and it’s incredible to watch. When the sun sets, we head back to the houseboat, make dinner and sit around a roof-top fire. Today was a really good day. I thank Caro for the opportunity to challenge myself, to help me do something I’ve been afraid to do for a long time. Then Brett says the truest truth of the day. “The water sports curse is lifted.” For more information on H2O School Ltd, visit www.h2oschoolbc.com or call (250)278-SURF (7873). FERNIEFIX.COM
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Now open daily for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner! Sunday-Wednesday: 9am-5pm Thursday-Saturday: 9am-9pm
photos: Nick Nault, Henry Georgi & Nicole Matei
Located in the Fernie Alpine Resort Plaza
Elk Chairlift: Open Daily - 10:30am-4:30pm (to 7pm on Thursdays) Timber Chairlift: Open Weekends & Stat Holidays - 10:30am-4:30pm Discover Mountain Bike Clinic
August Events
$89 + tax
Thursday Night Race Series August 4, 11, 18, 25 & Sept 1
Includes 3 hour lift pass, bike rental and coaching session.
BC Cup Downhill Race - August 27 & 28
Great intro program for those new to the sport!
Buck a Shuck Thursdays $1 Oysters | $5 Prosecco | $5 Kokanee POOL IS OPEN TO DINING GUESTS!
Open 7 nights a week 4-10pm
Call now 250-423-2056 or online
Outdoor Life
L I F T- A C C E S S B I K I N G
Master of the Mountain: Advanced Trails KAREN PEPPER FRENCH press
AS WE MOVED INTO THE ADVANCED TRAILS THIS MONTH, I found myself way out of my league. So I chatted with local rider Murray Sedlowsky to get his ideas on how to transition from the intermediate blue trails to the more advanced blacks. Murray has been mountain biking for over 20 years and has ridden pretty much every trail at Fernie Alpine Resort, and in the Fernie area. He races in the SCOTT Thursday Night Race Series and loves, loves, loves to bike. There are 15 advanced trails at the resort, with a couple of these being double black/ expert trails. Both the Elk and Timber Chairs offer access to advanced trails, so best to start on the Elk Side and progress to the Timber once you’ve got a few of these trails comfortably under your belt. Here are a few of Murray’s favourite suggestions for those starting to dabble with the black diamond advanced trails.
Trac II or III (#8) / Playground (#9) to Phat Larry’s (#21) From the top of the Elk Chair, follow Mr Berms (#34) to the Trac II trailhead. Trac II is one of the resort’s original bike trails and is named after its builders - Di Gillett and Ramon “Razor” Garcia. It’s a classic old-school singletrack with rocky sections and sustained fall line riding. Its new companion, Trac III is also a fun option to try out, running parallel to Trac II. Deke off Trac II or III onto Playground for a fun technical single track trail through open forest with various stunts and logs to ride. Then join onto Phat Larry’s for some old school North Shore stunts and singletrack through a cool cedar forest. At the end of Phat Larry’s, take Hobbits Trail back to the Elk Chair.
ADAM ON AGGRAVATED ASSAULT | CODY BELTER PHOTO/FAR
Aggravated Assault (#14)
TURKISHto get-up 1 the final
Another great advanced trail accessed via the Elk Chair! Follow the Deer Trail (#6) to the top of Hollow Tree and you’ll find the trailhead for Aggravated Assault there. The big brother to Hollow Tree (intermediate trail #22 – described in July’s article), Aggravated Assault shares the same loamy forest and natural terrain challenges with a few man-made features just to spice things up.
part of Rumplestumpskin, or hook on to lower Canada Cup (#32) and finish your run on the new jump line.
Rumplestumpskin (#30) – Neverland (#43)
Built in 2008, Rumplestumpskin is the ultimate top to bottom trail. This trail is accessed from the top of the Timber Chair, and takes riders on a 4.6 km journey through challenging, rugged, alpineget-up terrain, TURKISH 2 technical rock sections, wood features, and loamy berms. Be Bike Thief (#27) sure to take the Neverland (#43) option From the top of the Timber Chair, start on lower Rumple – this recent addition on Rumplestumpskin (#30) and then take has become a favourite with its loamy the access road for a short uphill pedal to singletrack flow and optional step-downs. the trailhead of Bike Thief. Bike Thief Neverland then rejoins Rumplestumpskin, was originally built as a hiking trail, but bringing you to the base of the Timber over ten years ago, it was “stolen” from Chair like a rockstar via a large wooden the hiking map and quickly became fade-away ramp. one of FAR’s more popular advanced biking trails. Bike Thief starts with some What’s Next? technical corners, off camber root drops You are ready to race! Join in the fun at and rocky sections but quickly transitions the BC Cup Downhill Race at Fernie into a smooth ride full of natural ebb and flow. Follow the trail all the way to the wall Alpine Resort on August 27 and 28! ride under the Timber Chair and join on FERNIEFIX.COM
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Outdoor Life
SUMMER HIKES WITH THE ELK RIVER ALLIANCE
Elk Lakes Provincial Park LEE-ANNE WALKER
MY WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN WHEN MY MOTHER DIED. We had a special bond and the pain of her loss was unbearable as her birthday approached in late September 2011. To cope with the stress I escaped with my husband to the tranquility of wilderness and nature. Since starting the Elk River Alliance in 2010 I always wanted to hike to the Petain Glacier, the source of the ribbon of life that connects all of our communities and the river that is the inspiration for our community-based water group. We packed knowing there are no amenities in the park and that weather conditions can change suddenly. Self-reliance is key and cell phones don’t work there. Elk Lakes Provincial Park is located at the north end of the Elk Valley. To access the Park, turn north at Sparwood on Highways 43 and travel 35km on pavement to Elkford. Keep driving north through town and the remaining 70kms or 2-hour drive is on gravel, which can be in rough condition. Be sure you have a spare tire in good condition and a set of jumper cables just in case (which did end up coming in handy). The upper Elk Valley is actively logged so always beware of, and yield to, loaded trucks and other industrial traffic. The drive is spectacular as the Elk River transitions to a meandering creek, then calm wetlands and finally Lower Elk Lake. Numerous peaks tower over 3000 m. Remnant glaciers drape off peaks with cascading waterfalls the source of the Elk River. If we had known about the new Alpine Club of Canada, Elk Lakes Cabin, we might have splurged the first night. For
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$25/night this gorgeous log cabin provides mattress pads, propane stove and lights, and cozy wood stove. It can be booked summer and winter. Most users access the cabin from Elk Pass near Upper Kananaskis Lakes, a 9km hike, mountain bike, ski or snowshoe. Instead we carried our backpacks from the trailhead along an easy 1km stroll to Lower Elk Lake. There are ten wilderness campsites offering pit toilets, fire rings and tent pads. On my first visit to this site in 1984, I was almost trampled early one morning by gangly, uncoordinated twin moose calves tromping around our tent. It is a short 1km hike to Upper Elk Lake and another 3kms easy hike to our base camp at the bottom of the Petain Creek Waterfall. Crisp fall weather had kissed the leaves red and yellow and killed off all the bugs. After a hearty meal we collapsed in our cozy tent.
After the 2-hour, 4km strenuous ascent north of the waterfall we crested the Petain Basin with endless routes and options to wander in the spectacular alpine meadow. The day was dead calm, silent and eerily peaceful. My mother was a devout woman of faith and she was a pillar for me on my spiritual journey. As I reclined in the carpet of mountain aven after lunch, warmed by the sun I felt a peacefulness to “accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference” (Reinhold Niebuhr, 1934). Her presence was with me then and always, reflected in the spectacular Rocky Mountain landscape and source of the river that guides my passion today. (In the 2013 flood, the trail between the Lower and Upper Elk Lake was washed out. It is scheduled for reconstruction the summer of 2016.) FERNIEFIX.COM
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AUTHENTIC CRAFTSMANSHIP
Fernie Showroom 11 Kutenai Road rivercity.ca 250.423.3331
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Outdoor Life
HITTING THE TRAILS WITH THE FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE
Imperturbation Found
Trails like dendritic extensions emanate out in all directions from our small mountain town. They are great conduits for us to connect with the landscape we live in. They lead us into the wild where there is peace, beauty and belonging to be found.
TERRY NELSON
Moments like these solidify one’s reasoning for our existence. Being part of something much bigger than ourselves, the larger ever expanding universe gives some context to our minuscule presence, as does sitting on this bench, looking over the expanse, and upcoming trail users. Nature’s garden has a way of providing a certain calmness, even when faced with impending challenges ahead. Breathe deep.
I HAVE JUST ARRIVED AT THE FIRST BENCH on my ride up Hyperventilation Trail on Castle Mountain, and a stillness comes over me as I contemplate my next moves. This location and place in time is a much anticipated reward after pumping my lungpowered thighs up this spectacular trail. To arrive at this feeling follow these directions: After ascending from the Coal Creek barn on Coal Creek Road following through the Montane trail network, I arrive at the River Road Extension crossing. This is where the climb starts, unless of course you have driven your truck here (not recommended, will ruin level of satisfaction). The smoothly graded, and re-routed Roots Trail snakes up to the Hypervent trailhead. This is an excellent place to unload all of the money that has been weighing you down, into the Fernie Trails Alliance donation bank. (Trails do not get maintained for free.) The trail is graced with a seasonal show of wild flowers including Mariposa Lilies, Indian Paintbrush, Balsamroot, Silky Phacelia, Shrubby Penstemon, and Harebell to name a few. They offer a calming effect as I re-group and psyche myself up for the challenging climb ahead. As once noted by a legendary Fernie rider, “do not stop until you see colours.” The flowers may be a good alternative. My heart beats intensely as I work to sustain the climb while the natural surroundings create an atmosphere of tranquility. I love this feeling. After conquering some of the technical switchbacks, I can sense the relief station just ahead. The bench is located on a pronounced rock outcrop overlooking the expanse of Fernie’s Elk Valley. Stillness
V. CROOME PHOTO
surrounds me as my oxygen starved mind works to piece this visual magnificence together. There’s more climbing to reach the choice destinations of Hyperextension, Castle Rocks, or Southern Comfort further above, so I linger to absorb the fresh mountain air, and enjoy a peaceful easy feeling.
Destination of the Month by Julie Kelly – ISLAND LAKE AND FIR TRAILS Distance: 2-5km Time: 1-2 hours Difficulty: Green A feeling of serenity can be achieved by taking a leisurely hike around Island Lake then basking in the sun on the patio at Bear Lodge. Enjoy some great food and a beverage.
Then Fernie Trails Alliance keeps the balance between over exertion and complete serenity. Have a great summer and respect all trail users, closures, and yourself.
Island Lake No Happy Trails.
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To access the trail network around the Lodge, head to Mount Fernie Provincial ParkLegend and drive up Cedar Valley Rd. The trip is 14 km from the town of Fernie and youLake willTrail experience a sense ofskiing tranquility 2.4km groomed trail, nordic only 1.6km trail, nordic only winding through the forest. From the parkingFir lotTrail head to groomed the trail headskiing below Bat Trail 1.1km groomed trail, nordic skiing only Bear Lodge and follow the signs to Lake Trail.Cedar This is an easy hikegroomed around the Valley Trail 10.6km trail, nordic skiing only lake. If you are feeling keen add Fir Trail on to your journey for non-groomed another trail 3km and Lazy Lizard 8km multi-use, approximately 1 hour. Enjoy the peacefulness as you travel through the Old Growth Forest.
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Island Lake Lodge
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After working up an appetite, head back up to the Lodge for some lunch and take in the view. est. 1988
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• Lazy Liz
Stratton PLUMBING, HEATING AND SHEET METAL
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Outdoor Life
A Quiet Space
blending into the landscape. Another choice would be a very open privacy wall with a planting of clematis or similar vine growing to cover the wall.
ANONYMOUS MOW AND SNOW STAFF MEMBER
With the bench in place, a few shrubs and maybe a privacy wall, all you need is a warm day and a good book.
“MAKE A QUIET PLACE IN THE GARDEN—a private enclosure with a comfortable seat, thick planting, sun. Pick the place for the seat carefully: pick the place that will give you the most intense kind of solitude.”
Serenity at home. For more information check out these books: A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction Christopher Alexander, Sara Ishikawa, Murray Silverstein with Max Jacobson, Ingrid Fiksdahl-King, Shlomo Anges Oxford University Press, 1977.
A Pattern Language; Towns, Buildings Construction (Oxford University Press, 1977) This is August. The lawn is mowed. The trees, shrubs and beds are settled in and on an even keel. This is the time to step back, to take the measure of your yard and create a special space, a quiet space. Christopher Alexander and his colleagues at Berkley published A Pattern Language in 1977 and set the world of design on fire. From how towns are organically sited in the landscape to the size a neighborhood needs to be to the external texture of a home, A Pattern Language delineated the natural and comfortable in human design and how it fits. Everything starts with the land and moves to the home and then returns to the land. We place our home on the land, then build, then finish the land surrounding our home. Take an hour and look at your home. Look at your yard. Grab a lawn chair. Walk around the house on a warm day. Place the chair in each corner of the yard. Sit. Sit and watch. What do you see? The mountains? The neighbour’s compost pile? The Elk River sliding down the valley? Start in the back at the far corners, then the close corners next to the house. Set the chair in the middle of the lot line looking back into the yard. Then do the same in the front yard. Pay attention to the directions—north, south, east, west. BULGARIAN split squat
OUTDOOR LIVING
CREATE A UNIQUE SPACE IN YOUR BACKYARD | V.CROOME PHOTO
Most likely, one place in the back will resonate. You will sit and feel at peace. That is your quiet place.
Patterns of Home Max Jacobson, Murray Silverstein, Barbara Winslow. Tauton Press 2002.
Next find a simple comfortable bench. Don’t buy it because it looks cool. Buy it because you sit well on the bench. Sit in the same manner you wandered the backyard. Be comfortable. Be relaxed. If the bench works, buy it. Place it in your spot. Tweak it. Move a corner out. Move the bench back. Move it forward. Find the spot again with the bench. Once the bench is placed look around. What do you need to create a sheltering alcove around the bench? Seek out shrubs and maybe design a privacy wall. The shrubs should be a mix of evergreen and deciduous. You don’t want the bench to become completely open in the winter. Some of the shelter should remain year round. If there is a jarring aspect in one direction – a shed, a Fisher-Price play set – shield that view. If you don’t think shrubs will do, build a simple sheltering privacy wall. Keep the wall natural. Cedar becomes silver with age and weathering, FERNIEFIX.COM
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ferniemountainspirits.com 1641-7th Ave. - conveniently located on Highway 3 near Boston Pizza 250-423-6522
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Ask us about our rewards program. Earn points and redeem for merchandise!
Health and Lifestyle
Work Out in the Woods SARAH INGRAM, BSC.HONS.KINESIOLOGY, BCAK PRACTICING KINESIOLOGIST
This month, I have included five exercises you can add to your next walk or jog in order to boost your endorphins and crank up that bodily serenity. Perform as many as you can in a controlled and pain free manner. 1. Push-ups: Using a log or the ground (harder), keep your body in a straight line as you bend and straighten your arms.
I HAVE TO ADMIT THAT WHEN I THINK OF SERENITY, working 2. Step-ups: Find a stump or log and step out does not come immediately to mind. up onto it keeping your foot straight, “Serenity” takes me more to the peace of knee over toe and tall posture. Switch paddle boarding, hiking in the woods or a feet after each repetition. sunset swim in the lake. Each is active but relaxing and tranquil at the same time. 3. Dips: Find a log and sit on it with your Exercise has been proven to improve the hands on the log beside you. Lift your mood and significantly help relieve stress hips off, bend your elbows behind you or anxiety so a good work out can indeed and allow your hips to go towards the be serene. Ten minutes of vigorous exercise ground. Stop when your elbows are at can peak the endorphins for up to an hour 90 degrees. Keep your chest out as you and help you get ‘out of your head.’ push your arms back straight. Push-ups
F I T T O P L AY
4. Squats: Feet hip width apart and straight. Keep your heels down as you bend and straighten your legs. 5. Side Plank: Place one hand on a log or ground (harder). Keep your body in a straight line, chest and head up. Walk your feet out until can feel your abs (usually about 45 degrees) and hold as long as possible. Match your time on the other side. Just so you know, these exercises can be done just about anywhere so if you are starting to feel like you need a pick me up and are not near the woods, give them a try using a chair and let your heart feel serene. The real key to exercise is consistency and constant reinforcement so find a few times a week to get into the zone and keep your emotional health in check!
Squats Step-ups
Dips
Side plank
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Call today to learn the locals secret..... When you need a mortgage, you call Zonya!
Zonya Knooihuizen mortgage broker 250.423.1864 zonya@shaw.ca www.eastkootenaymortgage.ca
photo: Robin Siggers 0 20 80 0
0 10 40 0
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Purchase | Pre-Approval | Non-Residence Equity Take Out | Refinance | Self Employed Dominion Lending Centres East Kootenay Mortgage | 462 2nd Ave, Fernie BC Independently Owned and Operated
Health and Lifestyle
The Path to Serenity
stress, but also an improvement in physical conditions such as pain, cancer, heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Exercise alone isn’t going to create a serene life for you and your family, though it will help to improve adrenal function and decrease adrenal fatigue. This work can be enhanced by eating a cleaner diet, decrease known toxins, and consider supporting the process with adaptogenic herbs that will support your adrenal glands and enable them to cope with stress more efficiently. Some great adaptogenic herbs include ashwaganda, schisandra, and rhodiola, and they work well in combination with nervous system supporting herbs like skullcap. As always, consult with an expert prior to taking herbs as they may interfere with medications.
DR. TAINA TURCASSO, N.D., R.M.
“SERENITY” HAS ALWAYS BEEN ONE OF MY FAVOURITE WORDS. For me, just saying it conjures up feelings and images of peace, tranquility, and calmness. Who doesn’t want to feel that way? Feeling serene improves your outlook, creates positive thought patterns, increases mental clarity, reduces stress hormones such as cortisol and improves overall health and wellness. Unfortunately, though, it is not as easy as just deciding to feel this way; it takes actual work. Our lives seem to just get busier and busier as our responsibilities just keep on piling up and as a result, we feel more stress consistently throughout the day, often leading to insomnia, anxiety, and an overall increase in circulating levels of stress hormones such as cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone produced and released by the adrenal glands, normally fluctuating throughout the day in a circadian rhythm. Our cortisol levels should peak at 8 am and be at their lowest at around 4 am, but we will also have an increase in cortisol during a stressful event. As a result of our increased amount of stress throughout the day, we are releasing cortisol several times a day and our bodies don’t have the opportunity to return to a normal state. Excess cortisol contributes to health problems like blood sugar imbalances, impaired thyroid function, sleep disruption, weight gain (particularly in the abdomen), elevated blood pressure, and decreased muscle mass. Maintaining a normal circadian rhythm is especially difficult when someone works irregular hours or does shift work, which can make those people more susceptible to adrenal fatigue/dysfunction. Unfortunately, though, people can’t always adjust their work schedules, or even reduce
H E A LT H , N AT U R A L LY
FIND YOUR SERENITY | V. CROOME PHOTO
the stressors that occur in daily life. This is why it is especially important to manage the body’s physiological response to stress, and arm the body with what it needs to stay calm and serene, even during peak periods of stress. Exercise is a great tool for keeping stress at manageable levels, and it has the added health benefits of improving sleep (both quantity and quality), weight management, decreased risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, and improved mental clarity. Beyond the effect that exercise in general has on the body, there are also specific types of exercises and activities that will go one step further and improve mood and mental function, decrease anxiety, improve sleep, and help you to achieve a more serene life. These activities, including (but not limited to) yoga, meditation, qi gong, and tai chi, encourage and utilize mindfulness, and it is well-documented that mindfulnessbased stress reduction techniques not only result in a lower level of perceived
A healthy, whole-foods diet, full of colourful produce, clean water, heathy fats, and lean, quality meats will augment the impact of mindfulness-focused exercises, but it’s still not enough. To truly create serenity for your family, it has to start in your home. Eliminate clutter, keep your space organized, and most importantly create a sleeping space that encourages good sleep practices. Buy nice sheets, find a supportive pillow, get a diffuser with your favourite scent (I use “Serenity” by doTERRA), use soft lighting - whatever you think will help you to get the best sleep you can, because adequate, good quality sleep makes everything easier. Finding serenity in your life truly is a holistic exercise, because it requires you to establish tranquility in every aspect of your life. The real challenge is not only in determining what changes need to be made, but in truly carrying the changes over into your work life, love life, and into all of your relationships, and then maintaining these changes long term. Achieving a peaceful, happy life is a lifelong endeavour.
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Cheers to another epic summer in Fernie! Community Fall Registration Fair
Join us at Fernie’s Community Centre September 7th & 8th from 6 to 8:30pm for the Fall Registration Fair. This fair is your one stop shop for registration information from Fernie’s many sports and cultural programs. Please call 250.423.2245 to book your organizations table. Fernie Aquatic Centre 250.423.4466 Facility Inquiries 250.423.2245 www.fernie.ca
T-SHIRTS
Your One-Stop Shop for: 4 Gifts & Souvenirs 4 Books & Magazines 4 Postcards & Cards 4 Puzzles, Games & Toys 4 Lottery Ticket Centre 4 Full-Service Pharmacy 441- 2nd Ave. Downtown Fernie Tel: 250.423.4511
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Health and Lifestyle
N O U R I S H T H R O U G H N AT U R E
Take a Breather
Sunshine Serenity Dressing
KRISSI HYLAND, RHN
WHAT IS SERENITY TO YOU? When you have no worries and can completely disconnect yet still connect within? For me, my happy place is in the stillness of nature. I am picturing a Bob Ross painting, are you with me? An earthy forest with a friendly cloud in the sky and a happy bush over there. Some days, we are stuck inside (maybe physically or mentally) and need to be still for just a moment to find a place where stillness exists. What I constantly have to remember is that it’s not about physically removing myself to be present, but finding that stillness right here, right now. This may sound airy-fairy to you but we have to admit as humans this day and age we are wired. Not just on stimulants like coffee and cell phone radiation but with to-do lists and deadlines. It’s so seldom that we take a moment to breathe. Calmness and stillness are nutrients of their own. Take a moment right now, maybe it’s having a sip of something, or admiring the place you are and take three deep breathes. Ok…go. There, wasn’t that great? Maybe your child was pulling on your arm, or you received a text, but the more we find those moments in a day, the more we decompress and lower stress. No more of this “I don’t know if I could meditate.” You just did it and all for free. Meditation, being present or being mindful is a practice, just like a sport, you have to schedule it in sometimes and make it happen. I find summer is when my schedule gets so busy that not even the quote from Seinfeld “Serenity now!” gives me a breath. The practice of finding a moment is a necessity, just like eating. Did you know taking three deep breaths signals the body into a parasympathetic state also known as rest and digest? This response activates more tranquil functions of the body that help maintain health and balance, decreasing your heart rate while
½ tsp lemon zest (roughly one lemon) 2 Tbsp lemon juice (roughly one lemon) ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup spring or filtered water 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp turmeric powder 1/8 tsp pepper 1/8 tsp salt 1 Tbsp maple syrup 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast flakes (optional, but makes it creamier) Combine all ingredients in a blender. Add the water in first so nothing gets stuck to the bottom or sides. Blend until smooth. KRISSI HYLAND PHOTO
saliva and digestive enzymes increase to help break down our food. One way of bringing stillness into your day is being present while you eat… and we all do that on an average of three times a day! First things first, we all need to stop eating on the go. Our digestive systems don’t work like that. Our nervous system’s job is to control the way in which our internal organs function. When our nervous system is in a sympathetic state when we’re doing things like driving, working or even watching American Ninja Warrior, it dramatically stops the functions of digestion. We are now in fight or flight, the body’s response to stressors, where it prepares us for a physical threat all thanks to our evolution. I know we can’t remove all the stress from life, but you can stop and sit down in a quiet place to eat. Take a moment to enjoy the colour and beauty of your food, take three deep breaths and eat mindfully. Enjoy this bright and beautiful dressing on anything! It works great on salad, salmon, rice or roasted or barbequed vegetables.
BBQ’d or Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes 1 large organic yam or 4 small organic yams 1 Tbsp coconut oil (or olive oil) Sea salt & pepper Cinnamon (optional) Wash the skins of each yam. If you are not using organic yams, peel them first. Cut yams into ½ inch rounds (or smaller for a faster cooking time). Brush both sides with coconut oil and sprinkle with sea salt, pepper and cinnamon. BBQ’d: Preheat BBQ on medium. Place sweet potato rounds on the grill. Grill for 7 minutes each side, checking to see if they are tender. Baked: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place sweet potatoes rounds on prepared baking sheet. Roast for 20 minutes, then flip and roast for 8-10 minutes more, until tender and lightly browned. FERNIEFIX.COM
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250.423.1665
Info@MowAndSnow.ca
F S ull Landervice scap in
g
n atioion Irrig llat a t s In + nce tena main
Construction and General Contracting service Taking on Residential and Commercial projects
ImagineKootenay.com
ferniecontracting@gmail.com 250.423.1871
#YourBetterLife
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Health. Beauty. Happiness. Confidence.
Sleep Well Sleep study • Snoring Sleep apnea appliances
Dr. Amos Kahane 292 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC
250-423-6838 dentist@kahane.ca www.kahane.ca
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B E A U T Y A N D FA S H I O N I N A F I X
A little behind in your cleaning?
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ENJOY THE LITTLE MOMENTS SOLANGE AND ZOE
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FASHION
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Beautiful days call for beautiful sundresses. It’s always a great feeling to find that perfect dress. An easy, no effort outfit. Leaving you to spend your day the way you want in the beauty of our surroundings. To spice up the look, find some funky jewellery and a pair of gladiator sandals. HAIR AND MAKEUP
Thunder Meadows MASSAGE THERAPY Your source for professional Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) and Acupuncture in Fernie
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There is something captivating about braided hair. From a simple loose basic braid to a complex bridal up-do involving twists, loops and braids. Braids are the look to have this month. Find one that works for you and fits your lifestyle. To complete this serene look, touch up with some makeup. Start with your base. A tinted moisturizer with SPF for that sun-kissed skin, some concealer and some blush. On your eyes apply a light nude shadow to the whole lid. On the outside corner put a nice bronze. Finish off with some mascara and a nice dusty pink lipstick and a splash of gloss. Your look is complete! Now, get out and have some fun in Fernie’s mountain paradise.
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Majic, Purdy Law Corporation
Trusted Legal Advice for over 30 years George S. Majic, Q.C. (d. 2003) • Glen A. Purdy, Q.C • Christopher E. Smith, LLB
Providing a full range of legal services, including:
Real Estate, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation, Criminal Defence, Family Law, Business and Corporate, Wills and Estates Fernie Office 592-2nd Avenue P.O. Box 369 Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0 T: (250) 423-4497 F: (250) 423-6714
www.majicpurdy.com
Sparwood Office (By Appointment Only) 119 Centennial Square Sparwood, B.C. T: (250) 425-7216 F: (250) 425-0400
250-423-0007
Pick-up or Delivery!
592 8th Ave. Fernie
Award-Winning Pizza
Roberta Milne Registered Massage Therapist
250 278 0537 robertamilnermt@gmail.com weekend & evening appointments available
We offer an extensive menu that includes gluten-free and vegetarian options using the freshest ingredients. We’ll be at: Come visit!
Order online at: ElkValleyPizza.com Proud member of
Bits and Bytes
HDD vs SSD vs SHDD KEVIN MCISAAC
SO, YOU NEED A NEW HARD DRIVE, BUT THERE’S A DIZZYING ARRAY TO CHOOSE FROM. Here’s your rough guide to the current state of hard drives. The hard disk drive (HDD) is the oldest drive. They have the virtue of being long proven technology. They’ve been around the block and work well. Mean failure times are in the millions of hours of use. Meaning they last and last. They also tend to hold data well even when they’ve sat on the shelf for a while. Their big disadvantage? Compared to the other drives I’m going to write about they are slow. Of course they’re still plenty fast, especially for data storage. And they’re cheap. HDDs run about $65 per Terabyte (TB) and are readily available in 6TB sizes. Chances are if you have a desktop computer, this is what’s in it. Much more recently, and leveraging the knowledge that went into making USB thumb drives and memory storage cards, are Solid State Drives (SSD). There are no moving parts in these drives. They are small and silent. They are also blindingly fast. On average they’re about twice as fast as an HDD. They are also expensive comparatively. SSDs run about $400 per TB and that’s about as big as they come for now. Early SSDs had some challenges associated with how they work. Those of you that have ever had to “defrag” your hard drive will remember waiting, potentially for hours, for your hard drive to reorganize all the files for efficient retrieval. Well, this is something that SSDs do in the background for you all the time.
IF YOU’RE BUYING A LAPTOP, GET A SOLID STATE DRIVE (SSD) AND PLAN ON EXTERNAL STORAGE OF SOME KIND. IF YOU’RE BUYING A DESKTOP, GET A SOLID STATE HYBRID DRIVE (SSHD). They also mark areas on the drive as bad and relocate files automagically behind the scenes. They do this because the read/ write mechanism that SSDs have is limited compared to HDDs. This means that they cannot be rewritten in the same location as many times as an HDD. Recent SSDs, however, are showing that under normal use, it’ll likely be more than 50 years before those read/write cycles are used up. By then I assume we’ll be using something somewhat more efficient. SSDs also use less power, thanks again to the lack of mechanical parts, making them very useful for battery powered devices like laptops. Really their only serious shortcoming is cost. One strategy that a lot of power computer users have been using is to have two drives, one SSD and one HDD. The SSD is the bootup drive with the operating system on it as well as crucial applications. The HDD is used as the data drive due to its large storage space. This was an attempt to capitalize on the strengths of both. This brings us to Solid State Hybrid Drives (SSHD). SSHDs are the latest new thing. These are basically an HDD with an SSD drive built in that acts like a cache. Caching in computer memory, be it in RAM memory or drive storage refers to keeping often requested files in fast memory for fast retrieval. Some complex
THE ANSWER GUY
mathematical strategies are used to figure out what to keep in fast memory and what to keep in regular storage. How it works doesn’t matter. It’s invisible. What matters is that SSHDs at $100 per TB are almost as cheap as an HDD, but also almost as fast as an SSD when measured over the course of a day. A pure SSD drive will be faster on many new accesses, but in reality most people do the same kinds of things on their computers throughout the day, thus benefiting from the built in SSD. If you’re buying a laptop, get an SSD drive and plan on external storage of some kind. If you’re buying a desktop, get an SHDD. HDDs are probably best relegated to backup storage purposes. And you are backing up right? If not, no drive technology is fool proof; losing data is a matter of when, not if.
The Best BANG for your Buck!
• Handmade bagels baked daily in house • Open 7am-5pm EVERYDAY • Voted ‘Best Quick Food Fix’ Fernie Fix Awards, 2015 502 2nd Avenue, Fernie BC 250-423-7778 www.bigbangbagels.com
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the
BLUE TOQUE diner a new menu featuring more plantbased, gluten free + dairy free options
open daily: 9am - 3pm closed: tuesday + wed.
Fernie’s Favourite Brunch Spot
where comfort food becomes art
join us on the patio for the return of gin and ginger-mint lemonade
250 423 4637 - 601 1st Ave
@ the Arts Station
ROCKIES LAW c o r p o r a t i o n CONTINUING A TRADITION OF SERVICE SINCE 1897
Real Estate, Family Law, Business Law, Corporate and Commercial, Civil Litigation, Personal Injury, Tax Law, Wills and Estates
Karen Tse | Graeme R. Nunn | J. Andrew Bird
Fernie PO Box 490, Suite 202, 502 Third Avenue Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 Tel: (250) 423-4446 | Fax: (250) 423-4065
With offices also serving:
Cranbrook Kimberley Invermere
info@rockieslaw.com | www.rockieslaw.com
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Bits and Bytes
ASTROLOGY
August 2016
Aries (March 21 - April 29) Renewing
Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Torchbearer
YANN LORANGER
You feel that you can start all over again. A strong energy pushes you to change your habits.
You might be the only one to feel light and happy this month. You will receive a new inspiration for the future! An important one as you are the only one to feel it and care for it. The others, caught in changes, are having a tough time understanding your serenity.
AUGUST IS A FULL EXAMINATION OF OUR WILL. If you were feeling energy suspended above your head waiting to take action, that something would eventually unravel in your destiny, this is the month it will take place. The expression and intensity of this materialization of our will and destiny will keep growing till the last day of the month. This means that the change is of such importance that every single day of the month counts. We need to use it all, to learn as much as possible from each day to be able to face the final exam. If you are looking to change your life, your job, your destiny, you should pay attention to August. It will provide you with what you need to do so! It is important to take this month very seriously, because if we do not pay attention or train ourselves to change our destiny in the direction we wish for, it may suddenly change in an unknown direction that could be unattractive to us. All actions count in moving towards the direction we want. To access serenity in this crucial time for our evolution, we need to accord our actions with wisdom. The change will come from a fire energy, very subtle and high, downwards to earth, concrete and precise energy. This is such a strong aspect that we could see important changes in our society. Those changes could also arrive later in September as a consequence of August. Our daily lives will change. Since we all have a little bit of each sign within us, consider each of the following interpretation as addressing a specific part of yourself. Read it all for every aspect within yourself.
IF YOU WERE FEELING ENERGY SUSPENDED ABOVE YOUR HEAD WAITING TO TAKE ACTION...THIS IS THE MONTH IT WILL TAKE PLACE.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Reorientation The beginning of the month is the most difficult and is where the changes happen the most radically for you. Towards the end of August, a new path opens and you gently walk it.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Observer You will learn lots. Stay alert to all that is happening and draw conclusions out of it. You will be able to help your surroundings a lot in the future with what you will gain.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Emotional Power You will go through lots of emotions! The power of those emotions will have a strong impact on others as they won’t feel that stable. Be careful of how you express yourself, so that this strength has positive impact.
Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Intention You feel like there is a lot in your hands, but everything seems to be slipping through your fingers. Be patient, expect your moment, it will come.
Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Transformation Your life changes, nothing will be the same after this intense month. Your values are being transformed. You will receive new objectives and goals to fulfil.
Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Preparedness You are prepared for what is happening. You always liked deep transformation, this month, you appreciate that transformation is taken so seriously.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Integrity Do all that is possible to respect the law, especially divine laws. Seek wisdom and advice from elders. On this depends the direction of the coming change.
Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Calm The only planet that remains positive at all during the month is in your sign. You know that what is happening is a good step for the future. You feel comfort rather than turmoil.
Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Self-Control Your impetuous nature might create a few obstacles this month. Be careful of challenging authorities, at any level. Even if you like the new energies coming, you could get into trouble otherwise.
Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) Balance Your sensitivity will be a precious asset to solve the tensions that will occur. Do not overreact, stay connected.
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Fernie Fun
ferniefix
FernieFixMag
FernieFix
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE There are five differences between these two pictures. See if you can find them.
AUGUST WORD SCRAMBLE
nus rkap ahcbe nsda oth iervr pwiita
FIND THE Somewhere in this issue is an ice cream cone. Can you find it?
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ANSWERS JULY
JULY WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS Submit an image for Spot the Difference to vanessa@clarismedia.com.
fireworks, celebration, canada, music, market, bands, summer,
ix
BOSSIO ROAD PROPERTIES
LOT
3
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Existing House
LOT
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.38 Acres (1538 sq. m.) $575,000 (includes house)
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.37 acres (1498 sq.m.) $239,000
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.466 Acres (1886 sq. m.) $239,000
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.184 Acres (745 sq. m.) Sold
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.180 Acres (729 sq. m) $209,000
6.
.180 Acres (729 sq. m) $209,000
Bossio Road Properties is a small, local development in the Parkland Subdivision offering five lots and a house along a ridge overlooking the town of Fernie and the Elk River. These properties are located on a private ridge in a quiet, low traffic area. All lots are levelled, gravel building sites and offer amazing views of the surrounding mountains with swift access to the recreation they provide. Contact John Turcasso for more information at 250-423-1148 or turcasso@shaw.ca.
Experience our Version of Spectacular
NEW HOURS in the Bear Lodge - Lunch and Dinner - 11 am - 8 pm Date Night Mondays - Just $79 per couple / Wine Tasting Wednesdays - $99 per person
Relax and Rejuvenate in our Spa I Love Mondays - Buy one spa treatment and get a 2nd for 50% off (discount applied to equal or lesser valued treatment; must be used on same day and by same client) Friends Who Spa Together Stay Together - Bring a friend and get a free mini-manicure or a brow and lash treatment with every full-priced service on Thursdays
Take Care Fridays - Take care of your skin and take $25 off a deluxe Yonka facial, plus 25% off any Yonka products
Endless Summer Special - Book 4 massages this summer, and get a 5th for free! (all massages must be booked for the same client)
Avoid disappointment - call ahead to inquire about reservations and availability
islandlakelodge.com
1.250.423.3700
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