Fernie Fix June 2018

JUNE 2018 | ISSUE 138

t he bucket list issue New columnist Michael Hepher on the conversation of art in the community

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Feature Resident Sarah-Jane Nelson on why she’s passionate about advocating for medicinal cannabis

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Shelby Cain on the importance of writing goals down

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Mel Makepeace tells us all about climbing, in her new column “Time to Solitude”

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New columnist Ashley Taylor helps get our gardens going FERNIEFIX.COM

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Think. Do. CARE

HEAL SUPPORT NUTURE

Become.

HEALTH CARE ASSISTANT PROGRAM DESIGN This seven-month program combines classroom and practical experience, providing you with the knowledge and skills required to care for individuals in residential care, assisted living facilities, community settings or in their homes.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

September 5, 2018 to March 22, 2019 FERNIE CAMPUS FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: 250-423-4691 email: fernie@cotr.bc.ca

The Interior Health Authority and Golden Life Management are actively seeking new members for their health care teams.

cotr.ca

HCA-Fernie-FernieFix-FullPage-4C-April-2018-V1.indd 1

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JUNE 2018 ISSUE 138

THE BUCKET LIST ISSUE

EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY | 6 Business News/New Business Making Social Media Work: Four Ways to Become an Online Influencer by Christina Pilarski Money Matters: Who’s Calling by Gerald Price, CPA, CA

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT | 12 Feature Artist – Delyea Art ArtBeat: The Currency of Art by Michael Hepher At Peace and Yet On Fire – In No Particular Order by Sadie Rosgen Rental Fix – Breathe by Andrew Vallance

COMMUNITY AND EVENTS | 18 Feature Resident – Sarah-Jane Nelson Inside and Out with Rebecca Hall – Buckets of Snow Fun Planning Ahead: A Few of the Most Important Things by Kerri Wall Family Stoke – What Do You Want to Do?

by Shelby Cain

RECREATION AND OUTDOOR LIFE | 29 Time to Solitude by Mel Makepeace – The Climbing Bucket List Two Trails Diverged in a Wood by Jeff Colden – Iconic Trails of Fernie Never Have I Ever – Proctor Mountain by Jesse Bell Hitting the Trails: Early Season Hit List by Julie Kelly, FTA

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 37 The Magic of Compost – Getting your Garden Going

by Ashley Taylor For The Love of Food by Katie Hamar – Eat and Drink ‘To Do’s’ The Find – Goals Oriented by Crys Stewart Food Intelligence – Diet and Diversity Debunked

by Tiffany Schebesch, RD, BASc

BITS AND BYTES | 44 The Answer Guy – Travel Routers by Kevin McIsaac Astrology with Yann Loranger

FERNIE FUN | 46 Fix Trivia

COVER: Trail to Mt Hosmer Photo by Vince Mo, vincentmo.com THIS PAGE: There is something special about being at the top of a mountain dropping into a trail, especially with this backdrop. Matt McLean en route to Dirt Diggler.

Photo by Nick Nault, nicknaultphotography.ca

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www.montanefernie.ca This is not an offering for sale. Lots are sold under a disclosure statement. All maps are for relative location purposes only and are not to scale. All materials and photos, features, dimensions, specification, improvements and amenities depicted or described herein are conceptual in nature and subject to change or cancellation (in whole or in part) without notice.

Certain photographs may not have been taken at the site and views are not from a particular lot.

TAGE 4

EDITOR’S FIX

new eyes as we travelled. Every standing stone, ruined castle or fortress caught our attention and had us researching its existence. It was an adventure that we could all take part in.

I

’m a believer in setting goals. Writing down what you want to do, checking in and adjusting where necessary, and celebrating once attained. I take time to set goals with the new year and birthdays, but this has taken a bit of a back burner and the goals shifted focus since becoming a parent.

For instance, a few years ago we set a goal to live abroad with our kids before they started school. In addition to these goals are the bucket lists. The things we want to do, “some day…” which tend to be a bit more ambitious, like doing the BC Bike Race before turning 40.

This spring, I had the fortunate opportunity to cross off one of the oldest items on my bucket list. We travelled to Europe to spend time with our families, and made a small detour to a part of England I have long been enchanted with – Bath. Having studied English Lit and as a lover of all things 19th Century, it’s not surprising I was drawn to this town. And it was so much better than I imagined – such a beautiful

CONTRIBUTORS ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinophile nerd who currently lives on the west coast.

Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting.

ASHLEY TAYLOR grew up in the mountains of the Elk Valley. To give back she has put her passion for all things green into her new business focused on composting and growing luscious organic food. Check out Valley Vitals on Facebook.

CHRISTINE PILARSKI of CIPR Communications believes in the power of meaningful relationships and strategic engagement, both on and offline.

After a 35-years in publishing, CRYS STEWART enjoys road trips with her husband between Fernie and Ontario. When not writing, taking photographs or riding shotgun, she’s sharing a glass of red with family and friends.

GERALD PRICE of GPI Chartered Profesional Accountants has experience in preparing audit, review and notice to reader financial statements and corporate, personal, estates and trust income tax returns. Gerald enjoys skiing, water skiing, trapshooting and riding motorcycles.

Our original ‘goal’ may have been adjusted, from living abroad to spending three magnificent weeks travelling together, but I was able to check off a bucket list item and share a part of myself with my family. And to me, that’s worth celebrating.

What’s on your bucket list?

Krista Turcasso, Editor

KRISTA TURCASSO PHOTO

city situated in a stunning valley, with antiquity to be discovered with every step.

But the most exciting discovery was my family embracing my slight obsession with history, resulting in exploring areas with just as rich a history and seeing the world with

JEFF COLDEN is expanding his horizons all the time, always looking for the next adventure in wine, photography and the great outdoors.

JESSE BELL bucket list is always mountains.

Always. She finally climbs Mt. Proctor, gets caught in a cloud, and feels a little infinite.

JULIE KELLY is the Manager for the Fernie Trails Alliance and loves spending time on the Fernie trails.

KATIE HAMAR grew up in the Maritimes and has lived in Fernie for the past five years.

She is a self-professed foodie, wine lover and works as the Sales and Event Coordinator at Island Lake Lodge.

KERRI WALL specializes in group facilitation, mediation, parent coaching, and leadership training. She welcomes inquiries at kerriwall. ca.

KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material.

FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 361A 1st Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 www.clarismedia.com Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Kevin McIsaac Associate Editor | Carolyn Nikodym All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

MELISSA MAKEPEACE is the owner of Mountain Addicts - Guiding and Instruction, and an ACMG Top Rope Climbing Instructor and Apprentice Ski Guide. Her bucket list climb is the Split Pillar on the Grand Wall of the Squamish Chief.

MICHAEL HEPHER is a painter, printmaker, sculptor and musician living and working in Fernie. His work is collected internationally and can be seen locally at Clawhammer Press and a variety of galleries and public spaces in Western Canada.

SHELBY CAIN has lived in the East Kootenays most of her life. She’s a full-time writer and musician in the roots band, Wild Honey. Shelby’s first novel, Mountain Girl, is available at a book store near you. Her second novel? Any day now…

TIFFANY SCHEBESCH is a registered dietitian and owner of Peak Nutrition Consulting where she helps clients create lasting changes towards their nutrition goals.

YANN LORANGER from Happy-Culture Inc. is your resource for Astrology, Tarot and Apitherapy and offers courses at the College of the Rockies in Fernie.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Business in the Valley

BUSINESS NEWS

Big Bang Bagels 502 2nd Ave 250-423-7778

B

ig Bang Bagels is turning ten years old this June, and they invite you to come and celebrate with them. On Friday, June 29 from 2-6pm, Big Bang Bagels is hosting a Block Party on 5th Street (beside Big Bang).

Enjoy live music, a beer garden, bouncy castle and face painting. Additionally, they will be selling their original Big Banger (bagel with fried egg, old cheddar, and ham or tomato) for the original price of $4 all day long.

“We can’t thank our fabulous customers enough, but we want to try by hosting this great Block Party. Can’t wait to see you there,” says owner Carolyn Doyle.

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Fernie Tennis Community Tennisfernie.com

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he Fernie Tennis Community has some exciting news! Due to the growing popularity of tennis in Fernie, they are offering an adults beginner social night. The course will be every Thursday for six weeks starting on June 7. The lessons are from 5-6:30pm at the courts in the James White Park, teaching you the basic techniques of tennis, how to score, and practicing match play.

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Fernie RV Resort Ferniervresort.com

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he Fernie RV Resort is answering the call of campers who want outdoor adventure combined with a few home comforts. Luxury camping or ‘glamping’ in yurts is a new option to escape on vacation to recharge, unwind, decompress and focus on family, fun and good friends.

Five large yurts have been ordered from Yurtz By Design in Langley BC and when

ready, the Forestside Yurts will be available for nightly use year around. Getting back to nature has never been easier than staying in one of these comfortable yurts.

The yurts are ideal for families up to six or for two couples and will be available for Summer 2018.

For timely updates on the status of the yurts being available to reserve, follow FRVR at Facebook.com/ferniervresort/ or signup for the newsletter online.

Membership and course fees are $40, which includes tennis racquets and balls.

Please make sure to wear the proper footwear. The Monday night socials will start on June 4 and run from 5-8pm.

These nights are for levels 3.0 and higher.

If you are unsure of your level, pop in to the beginner social nights and Charlotte will let you know.

For more information please visit tennisfernie.com or contact Charlotte at 250-946-6007.

Business in the Valley

NEW BUSINESS

Pet Tech Care 250-278-7387

Creating a brighter future together

FOR LEASE Commercial Land, Shop & Office Space 701 Hwy 3, Fernie BC For more Information please contact our office: 250-423-2050

P

et Tech Care is Fernie’s new team of pet sitters and dog walkers offering professional services to meet all of your pet care needs, 365 days a year!

Owned and operated by a Veterinary Technician, it started with just Val Lanthier in November 2016.

Today, the team is made up of four sitters, and growing.

From dog walking to cat visits to farm care, they do it all. They allow pets to stay in the comfort of home by offering trusted and reliable house sitting services.

Visiting Fernie? They offer to come stay with your furry ones in your hotel room or rental suite while you enjoy all that this mountain town has to offer!

The team focuses on personalized care as they recognize the unique needs of every pet.

The company is fully insured and bonded.

For a full list of services, visit the Pet Tech Care Facebook page. Stay tuned for the website. info@pettechcare.com

Smokehouse 1101 7th Ave 250-423-4622 SERVICES Site prep, road building and excavating complex building sites.

AGGREGATES Consistent high quality products.

Manufactured from river bottom gravels.

CONTRACTING We value our role in the success of your project.

www.foothillssilva.com office@foothillssilva.com FERNIE, BC

OFFICE 250-423-2050 MICK’S CELL 250-423-1868

A

ttention all food lovers, Smokehouse is ablaze!

Established local chefs Keith Ilavsky and Jimmy McDonald are launching Fernie’s latest restaurant and a menu of mouth-watering new dishes. Located at the Red Tree Lodge, just off the highway, Smokehouse will open its doors on Friday June 1.

Specializing in Cajun-inspired slow-cooked smoked dishes, there are options for carnivores and vegetarian alike. Southern classics are given a sophisticated make-over in dishes like their hushpuppies cornmeal fritters with smoked jalapeno and ginger honey, or their popular blackened red snapper served with salsa verde, sweet potato infused polenta frites, seasonal vegetables and grilled avocado.

Smokehouse favourites are represented with a smoked pork belly starter, beer brined and applewood smoked ribs, and cherrywood-smoked chicken leg. Thoughtful dressings such as their smoked peach and white balsamic vinaigrette complete delicious salads and for something more substantial try the smoked vegetable ratatouille.

Opening hours are 5-10pm, visit ferniesmokehouse.com for more details.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Spring Hours (April 16 – June 22) Open Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays 5:00 – 9:00pm (Bar opens at 4pm)

Summer Hours (June 23 – Sept. 3) Open Daily 4:00 – 9:00pm

For reservations: 250-423-2056 or online

Hourglass Window Cleaning Don’t let dirty windows be a pane in the glass!

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hourglasswindowsfernie@gmail.com www.hourglasswindowcleaning.com

Business in the Valley

Four Ways to Become an Online Influencer

by CHRISTINA PILARSKI

I

s becoming an online star on your bucket list? Top influencers make as much as $300,000 per video. Instagram users with 100,000 followers can receive up to $5,000 per post that is made in partnership with a company or a brand.

Influencers are usually regular people that have connected on a deeper level with important marketing target audiences. Social media influencers have access to a large audience and have the power to affect the purchases of their followers.

Who is an example? For me – Jillian Harris.

I didn’t follow her as the Bachelorette, but I do enjoy Love it or List it Vancouver.

Jillian has a popular Instagram channel that she uploads to daily from her home in Kelowna. I have purchased products she has recommended through her Instagram Stories. Her boy was born a few months before my boys and her recommendations on products have influenced me.

So how do you become an influencer?

To be honest it is a lot like building your business online. Set goals, decide on your target audience, and be consistent.

1. Find Your Thing The biggest influencers are genuine and authentic. If you love hiking start there – even if you are a beginner but you are passionate about it the story will resonate.

If you hate hiking you will have trouble – unless of course you plan to build an account all about your hate of hiking (hmm …). Whatever you are passionate about focus on that. And stay focused.

2. Stick to a Plan Focus on your goals. Set targets for posts you want to share each week for an entire quarter. Research the platforms that are popular for the demographic you want to

MAKING SOCIAL MEDIA WORK

reach. Create a library of content from a list of focuses, themes, and stories you want to share.

Set a budget. Promoting posts is necessary – it ensures people see your content and will build a following. Soon your organic reach will outperform your paid, but you will need the initial boost to get to where you need to be to be considered an influencer.

3. Pick a Channel Generating enough content to fill one social media channel is not easy. If you are trying to build a following you need to be consistent and post multiple times per day. Start with one account that is popular with your target demographic. Once you are comfortable and have curated a library of content connect on other platforms.

Remember, do not post the same things on every account – give your followers a reason to follow you on each.

If you are a photographer your Twitter account could be your stream of planning and editing, your Instagram account a

feed of finished prints, LinkedIn could be focused on using professional photography in business (from art on a wall to images in marketing material).

4. Stick with It It’s not easy. And it isn’t quick. Be consistent, engage with everyone, and look at your analytics so you understand the content that is most popular.

Becoming an influencer can be advantageous for you personally, but it can also help to grow your business.Think about my example of the photographer; there are endless applications like realtors, small business owners, or non-profit executives.

If you are comfortable putting yourself out there on social media, you can leverage your following to build the following of your business, create brand awareness, and increase your own sales.

Who are the influencers you follow? I would like to follow them too - engage with me directly by using @CIPRComs and by using the hashtags #PRPower and #FernieSuccess.

Majic, Purdy Law Corporation

Trusted Legal Advice for over 30 years

George S. Majic, Q.C. (d. 2003) • Glen A. Purdy, Q.C Caeli H. MacPherson, JD 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

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Spring Listings!

We know Real Estate!

5552 Vanlerberg Rd. $769,000

9902 Osprey Landing Dr. $775,000 Real Mountain Living Inc.

Marilyn Brock

Nancy J McNay, PREC

Broker/Owner 250.423.8650

Manager/Owner 250.423.8882

marilyn@marilynbrock.com

nancy@nancymcnay.com

362B 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0, C21Fernie.com

The Only Hole-In-One Dad Will Ever Make.

Handmade Father’s Day bombs from Rocky Mountain Chocolate.

Father’s Day, Sunday June 17.

581A 2nd Ave., Downtown Fernie 250.423.2680

OPEN DAILY Locally owned and operated.

Business in the Valley

Who’s Calling

address and specific financial information off of your most recent income tax return.

by GERALD PRICE, CPA, CA

I

recently received an email from a client.

The email started off, “Gerald I think this email is a scam. What do you think?” I responded in agreement that it was a scam.

The email claimed to be from Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and stated they had tried to send him his income tax refund but were unable to process the refund as the details they had did not match. He was to re-verify his information so his refund could be processed in six to nine working days. There was a link to click on to provide the details.

We all need to be careful with our personal information. When contacted by telephone, text message or email and asked to provide personal information we need to be skeptical. Providing personal information opens you up to the potential of identity theft.

If you receive a phone call from a CRA agent claiming that you owe them money and you need to pay it immediately or the RCMP will arrest you be cautious. CRA does call to collect outstanding taxes. CRA does not threaten to have you arrested.

They do not make you pay with bitcoin, gift cards, email money transfers or by credit card.

You should ignore emails offering you a tax refund with a link to provide your personal information. If you have signed up for CRA’s online mail, CRA will send a registration confirmation email to the address you provided. CRA will send an email to notify you when new online mail is available to view on CRA’s secure online portal. CRA will not send an email with a link requesting you to provide personal or financial information.

A text message claiming to be an e-transfer from CRA with a link to click to deposit the money should be ignored. CRA will

MONEY MATTERS

STOCK PHOTO

We all need to be careful with our personal information. When contacted by telephone, text message or email and asked to provide personal information we need to be skeptical. send deposits only using direct deposit or mailing a cheque. CRA will never send payments by email money transfer.

If you receive communication from CRA you can verify the authenticity by signing onto your CRA online account known as “My Account” or have your income tax preparer sign onto the CRA site using Represent a Client. To use the represent a client option you need to have previously authorized your tax preparer access by signing a T1013 Authorization or Cancelling a Representative.

You can call CRA regarding personal income tax information by calling 1-800959-8281.You will need to have your personal tax return on hand so you can verify your identity when you call.You will need to provide your SIN, birthdate,

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has a website (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude. ca/fraud-escroquerie/index-eng.htm) that provides information on various fraud types including telemarketing scams, online scams, email and text message scams, identity theft, business scams, mail scams and door to door scams. Going to the site and reading up on the scams will arm you with information to protect yourself and your information. If you have read up on these scams you will recognize the various approaches and you can identify a scam if someone tries to trick you.

Another good website that provides information on scams is competitionbureau.gc.ca/eic/site/cb-bc. nsf/eng/04333.html. This site describes subscription traps, identity theft, CEO scams, health and medical scams, romance scams, business scams, phishing and smishing scams, tax scams, door-to-door scams, emergency scams, purchase of merchandise scams, sale of merchandise scams. This site also provides information on red flags to watch for such as wire transfer requests, spelling mistakes, personal information requests, unsolicited calls, astounding mail offers and can help us identify if it’s too good to be true.

It is unfortunate that there are people out there trying to trick us out of our money. To protect ourselves we need to be informed and cautious. In the right circumstances, all of us are vulnerable to being tricked in ways that may compromise our money or our personal information. Reduce your risk of being scammed by not sharing personal information or sending emails that contain confidential information such as your social insurance number, bank account numbers or credit card numbers.

For more information please consult with your professional advisors.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Arts and Entertainment

FEATURE ARTIST

Winter Morning by Harman Buck by Bev

delyea art My husband Harman and I see the Canadian Rocky Mountains as our main inspiration for Harman’s landscape and wildlife paintings and my landscape, abstract, impressionist and floral stainedglass mosaics. From our home in Fernie, we travel the length and breadth of the mountains we love and where we have lived for 50 years.

As a teenager, I took art courses (painting, sketching, pottery) with my mom, an artist in Nelson. Later, I began creating quilts, loving the colours, fabrics and patterns.

After a mosaic course where I discovered the beauty of stained glass and learned the basics, I collected the tools and materials and began to do mosaics. I expanded my knowledge base and learned tricks of the trade thanks to friends and mosaic artists around the world that I’ve met online.

My abstract mosaic won first prize for ‘Emerging Artist’ at a juried Kootenay/ Columbia art show and a number of my mosaics are featured in a mosaic how-to book. Sometimes Harman will adapt one of my sketches in a painting or I will copy one of his paintings.

Harman was always confident he could draw and paint and around 20 years ago, he created his first pencil sketch, of a tree. Using kids’ coloured pencils, he did a few sketches then bought a beginner’s set of acrylic paints and started painting. He entered an early painting, “Munro Lake Elk” in a juried art show in Cranbrook and was given a Robert Bateman book as a prize for ‘Most Life-Like Presentation of Wildlife.’

He became serious about painting and visits major art galleries where he studies the brush strokes and layering of colours

Khutzeymateen Grizzly by Harman

Earth, Sky & Water by Bev

Reflections by Harman Ramatuelle by Bev

by the Impressionists and other artists. He also visits places where major artists have painted to see how they interpreted the landscapes for colour and compositions.

Putting it all together, he works on his own compositions. He uses acrylic paint like watercolours and applies it in thin layers, usually with a hog hairbrush. He feels his paintings are never finished until he has captured the mood of the place.

Together we walked in the footprints of Vincent VanGogh in Arles and Auvers-surOise, Claude Monet at his Giverny pond, garden and studio in France, Tom Thomson

at Canoe Lake in Algonquin Park and members of the Group of Seven in Yoho and Banff Parks as well as Banff artists, Catharine and Peter Whyte.

We enjoy meeting people at markets and at the Fernie Arts Co-op (where I have my art). People ask how mosaics are made and where certain scenes in paintings are, or they want to share a poignant memory related to an artwork. Talking to people reinforces the shared experiences of artists and viewers; every artwork tells a story—not only our experiences but those of the viewer as well.

Any time of the year, we may be found outside near home or far away looking for art inspiration. We daydream about returning to favourite places across Canada and in the National and Provincial Parks as well as checking off places on our wish lists such as the fall colours in Eastern Canada and seeing the Far North. We hope people enjoy seeing the world through our eyes.

Delyea Art can be seen on our website (delyeaart.com), Instagram, and at the Fernie Arts Co-op.

FERNIEFIX.COM

13

Arts and Entertainment

ARTBEAT

The Currency of Art

some residents’ eyes, it still can contribute to a clarifying conversation about what gives our community its uniqueness.

by MICHAEL HEPHER

Visually speaking, significant art brings identity when travellers visit the public green spaces. There they take photos with the landmark in the background and share them with friends. The residents of Paris, for example, felt the Eiffel Tower was ugly when it was built in 1879, but now there is no way to think about that city without the landmark. Large-scale artwork creates a visual vocabulary for experiences that contribute to how people understand a place.

T

here are many kinds of currency at play in our lives. Money is the easiest to understand, but recognition, good feelings, and learning opportunities are just some of the other currencies that influence how we evaluate our worth in the context of our community. As an artist, I’m a sucker for the burst of joy I get when I see my prints on the wall of a local watering hole. It gives me a little hope that despite how small I feel like my voice is, it’s still resonating. That’s enough to get me through most days.

Fernie is a vibrant, growing city that carries with it a strong sense of history.

We have many kinds of people all walking slowly forward, all sharing our hard-fought wisdom with each other. This evolution of a community is bound to have hiccups, so how do we continue the conversation?

Here’s my suggestion - let’s make more art.

EIFFEL TOWER | STOCK PHOTO

Over the past few months, through a grant from the BC Historical Society, I was given the opportunity to design and build a piece of large-scale public art for downtown Fernie. I saw it as a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to be part of that dialogue.

When working on a project of this scale, I have to be intent on balancing a number of tricky elements. This project was historically inspired, but it had to be visually relevant both now as well as several decades from now. It also had to be durable, fairly safe, and fit within a budget– it’s a lot to hold in mind. While a piece of public art might be visually arresting, and even interesting to look at, one of the things I don’t think about is will everyone like it? The main point is that the sculpture will invariably elicit different responses from all who see it, and by doing so contribute to the vibrancy of our town.

PUBLIC ART SCULPTURE IN PROGRESS SUBMITTED PHOTO

Public art has the incredible effect of helping a community define or refine its self-identity by creating opportunities for dialogue. Think of it as a city-sized conversation starter. Emotionally speaking, to residents, public art gives clarity by creating discussion.Viewing a sculpture has a mirror effect on our feelings about the piece, reflecting our values back at us. Even if a sculpture misses the mark visually in

As a gallery owner, I regularly hear people say “I don’t know what I like, but I know it when I see it.” The reason so many of us have a hard time defining what we like is that culturally we have not been given the language to clearly articulate our tastes. In the absence of clear language, we are guided by vague emotional responses which initially may not feel helpful, but are very valid as they are indicators of beliefs that build the foundation of the world as we understand it. When we are buying a painting for our living room, our emotions should be positive. In the case of public art, however, all responses can be valuable if we’re willing to look honestly at them and engage in frank discussions about those feelings.

Regardless of whether everyone is ‘into’ public art or not, or passionate about being part of the conversation or not, we all see the benefits.You don’t have to like a sculpture or mural for it to positively affect the place you live. Public art is truly for everyone.

When a town like Fernie receives a grant for a sculpture, it’s an amazing opportunity.

We have been given a chance to refine our ideas about what makes Fernie great, all on someone else’s dime. I’m proud knowing that this sculpture will be there, creating dialogue, building community, for a long time. That’s my kind of currency.

Arts and Entertainment

AT PEACE AND YET ON FIRE

In No Particular Order

by SADIE ROSGEN

This month my collaborative efforts seemed to reach far and wide. I polled my pals on social media to confess what they’d love to accomplish before they “kick the bucket.” After all, death is the only guarantee in this life.

Here’s what we came up with.

In No Particular Order before I leave my absorbing carbon based life form I want to: hike any trail all trails all the time raft the Grand Canyon the Colorado the Zambezi the Chilko the Futaleufu be an actor in a movie with Benicio Del Toro and beat Streep for the Oscar I will travel on the Flying Scotsman I will see Japan, Mexico, Paris and Greece

TAKE ME AWAY I’ll scream it in my sleep to milk cows ride a Tuk Tuk sing in Nashville living and breathing to reclaim that famous battlefield that beach that next tattoo in a hot air balloon the play about the 54 kgs of Comte Cheese PLEASE ending world hunger because that is a THING and not as a contest but a means to survive this is your single ticket admission to feeling alive living before we give way to the next inning winning FERNIEFIX.COM

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Don’t miss the BEST day of your summer!

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JOIN US THIS SUMMER AT THE BRICKHOUSE A GREAT PLACE TO CHILL AFTER A DAY ON THE TRAILS

1.888.423.7226 or 250.423.7226

The purpose of the Communities of Interest Advisory Initiative is to foster dialogue and communication between the five coal operations and community representatives within their area of influence.

MEET SOME MEMBERS Vickie Thomas is a representative on the Steering Committee on behalf of the Ktunaxa Nation. Vickie is employed by the Ktunaxa Nation Council and is responsible for implementing the Teck/Ktunaxa Nation Impact Management and Benefit Agreement.

Kim Bauer is Executive Director for the Elkford Women’s Task Force Society and represents Social Programs on the Steering Committee. It is important to Kim that social issues be a part of the planning process with the goal of keeping our communities vibrant and sustainable.

www.evcnpvoice.com

Lois Halko is the Mayor for the District of Sparwood and represents Local Government on the Steering Committee.

She is pleased to contribute to these forums in which representatives of all communities come together to communicate and network on issues of mutual interest.

Sign up for the newsletter for more information.

RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY

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• 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

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Arts and Entertainment

Breathe

Frankenstein) as Teddy Hall, inventor and friend of the Cavendishes.

by ANDREW VALLANCE

Breathe is a wonderful film. It’s well written, acted and directed. I do wish, however, that a disabled actor had played the main role. The film industries in both the US and Britain seem to practice the policy of shutting out actors with disabilities, thus preventing much more plausible portrayals of the disabled on screen. This exclusion of actors with challenges is another barrier that prevents them from integrating fully into society.

O

n March 14, 2018, Stephen Hawking, scientist, humanist and intellectual, who expanded our knowledge of physics, campaigned against the Iraq war, and fought for many other progressive causes, died. His death saddened me. Hawking was fascinating, and one of the only people on the world stage who truly represented my views. In order to commemorate the life of this fascinating man, I have chosen to review Breathe, a bio-pic about another remarkable and physically challenged activist, Robin Cavendish.

Robin Francis Cavendish was born in 1930 and became affected by polio at the age of 28. He became paralysed from the neck down and was only able to breathe with the use of a mechanical ventilator. Despite the fact that he was initially given only three months to live, he lived to the age of 64, making him one of the longest-lived responauts in Britain, a ‘responaut’ being a person permanently dependent upon an artificial respirator to maintain breathing.

Cavendish became a tireless advocate for disabled people and was instrumental in organising the first record of responauts in Britain and helping to develop numerous devices to give a measure of independence to paralysed people.

In this film, Robin is portrayed well by Andrew Garfield, a wonderful actor who is best known for roles such as Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge (2016), Dennis Nash in 99 Homes (2014), Rodrigues in Silence (2016), and, of course, Peter Parker in The Amazing Spiderman and The Amazing Spiderman 2 (2014).

Claire Foy plays Diana, Cavendish’s wife.

She is best known for a terrific turn as Queen Elizabeth in the Netflix series The Crown but has also performed in many other movies including Season of the Witch with Nicholas Cage and Vampire Academy with Zoey Deutch. She appeared most

THE RENTAL FIX

recently in the Stephen Soderbergh flick Unsane.

Filling out this excellent cast are Tom Hollander (Gosford Park, In the Loop, Pride and Prejudice and About Time), who plays both of Diana’s quarrelsome twin brothers, and Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey, Paddington 2, Nottinghill, Mary Shelley’s

If people with disabilities are ever to feel entirely included, they have to be able to see themselves in the media they consume.

So far, with the possible exception of documentaries about wheelchair athletes, the mainstream media landscape generally does not feature differently-abled individuals.

Regardless of this one issue, Breathe is a great film and worthy of your attention.

Wednesday Concert Series

Join us this summer every Wednesday evening for FREE, family-friendly outdoor live concerts at the Fernie Arts Station!

Mark your calendar for the first Social, Wednesday July 4 and stay tuned for the full line-up annoucement!

INTERESTED IN BEING AN EXCLUSIVE SPONSOR OF ONE OF THE NINE WEDNESDAY EVENTS? CONTACT LOUISE AT 250-423-4842 FOR DETAILS

www.theartsstation.com FERNIEFIX.COM

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Community and Events

FEATURE RESIDENT

Sarah-Jane Nelson

by KRISTA TURCASSO

R

ecently, someone close to me was diagnosed with dementia. As her symptoms escalated, and the medication prescribed couldn’t prevent her unease, I wondered what other methods could help calm her and keep her at peace.

Around this same time, I was congratulating a member of our community on her new business endeavour. Sarah-Jane Nelson (SJ), with a background in nursing and mother of three, had recently started Sakari Consultancy. I was intrigued to learn more about her pursuing something that has been on her so called ‘bucket list’ and to learn more about what medicinal cannabis can offer people in our community and beyond.

SJ moved to Fernie six years ago, after having lived in Elkford for ten years. Like many, it was the mine that drew them to the valley. With a medical background SJ became interested in the legalization of cannabis, and wanted to learn more about the possibilities it offered for symptom relief for patients and to develop a better understanding of drug use in our communities. “With three young children, I also wanted to do my best to prepare them for what’s out there,” she adds.

While listening to a CBC interview, she overheard that the first course was being offered on professional medical management of marijuana in Canada.

Curiosity and a love for learning pushed her to enrol. “It was fascinating and forever changed my life,” she tells me. “I’m grateful to have something I’m so passionate about and to bring a voice to help those in need.”

SJ continued to educate herself, including taking a CMA Accredited course on Medical Cannabis in Toronto last spring.

KYLE HAMILTON PHOTO

“This is where doctors who believe in its use gather and educate themselves.” She was having her own health problems, and was looking for alternative symptom relief and treatment which was just another reason she became an advocate for it.

“I don’t want the medical access system to get lost in legalization. There are over 240,000 Canadians finding relief with medical cannabis and a projected six million who may benefit. The senior population for example is finding relief from pain and they need non-stigmatized guidance and support. It’s a huge mental shift, coming out of 100 years of prohibition. However, there are numerous testimonials coming out, and since there is trial and error with it, patients need support.”

That’s where SJ comes in - Sakari offers Medical Cannabis Access Support services.

It has been a bit of an uphill battle, even

with legalization. People hear the word marijuana, and like SJ said there is a stigma.

But, her hard work is paying off and she is laying the groundwork and creating a network which will allow her to connect patients with the right resources and provide an array of support along the way.

Full services include support and guidance accessing medical cannabis in Canada, choosing a licensed provider, and creating a cannabis care plan. She has a Facebook page @sakarico which provides up to date information, contact details, and a supportive environment.

“With respect to legalization, Canada is leading the world with a public health approach using principles of education and harm reduction rather than criminalization.

Legal access to cannabis may help fight the opioid crisis because you can’t overdose with it. It’s even less harmful than alcohol.”

I have learned through SJ and my own research that medical cannabis could relieve my family member’s symptoms. I have also learned that there can be a lot of resistance in this approach. This makes me appreciate even more what SJ is offering. A professional, safe and supportive option for those in need. Thank you, SJ. Photo: Sakari means to be at one’s best and for SJ that means helping others. She recently joined the EK Harm Reduction team and participated in the building compassion photo voice art show.

She wanted a picture drinking coffee with her three kids to emphasize that even coffee is a drug.

3. Do you remember your first general impression of Fernie?

7. Where do you see or hope to see Fernie in 5 years?

Charming and breathtakingly beautiful.

I hope doctors will feel more comfortable prescribing, that medical cannabis will be dispensed by our local Pharmacists and that the mine will test for active impairment rather than simply the presence of THC.

4. What keeps you here?

The ease of having an active outdoor lifestyle combined with a supportive community for raising our children.

5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory or pastime?

Watching my 3 kids climb on the train at Rotary Park, dinner at Yamagoya and the view as I climb Resurrection on my bike.

1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here?

6. What time of the year do you love most in Fernie, and why?

We moved to Fernie six years ago this summer. My kids were five, two and three months old.

At this time in my life? Winter. I love the calm, bright, white blanket that covers us and snowboarding with my family is my favourite way to play.

2. Who did you first meet in town?

Other moms who loved to bike and be active, and the CrossFit community.

8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals?

I’m still getting used to waking up before my babies! I cherish this time of solitude and quiet, taking a moment to focus on my breath and clear my mind. Even if it’s one breath, it helps me feel grounded and grateful in the present moment.

9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.

I love to swim in lakes, rivers and oceans!

10. Quote to live by: “It’s not why the addiction, it’s why the pain?”- Dr. Gabor Mate

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FERNIEFIX.COM

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rockies notary & legal A Division of Rockies Law Corporation

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PO Box 490, Suite 202, 502 Third avenue Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 Tel: (250) 423-4446 | Fax: (250) 423-4065

PO Box 1886, #116 - 101 Red Cedar Drive Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Tel: (250) 425-2114 | Fax: (250) 425-2204

info@rockieslaw.com

We are much more than a fly shop, come check out our gear for all your Fernie Adventures!

791 - 7 th Ave. • 250-423-7239

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Community and Events

A Few of the Most Important Things

The most important thing to do to connect and build this closeness with your kids is to make yourself a person that feels emotionally safe. Be relaxed, aware and present, and interested in them. Does your teenager lie to you? S/he probably doesn’t feel like there is enough emotional safety in your relationship to tell the truth. Do your kids share both the highlights and the defeats of their day with you? This is a sign that they feel emotionally safe.

by KERRI WALL

W

hat are all the things I want to do/see/experience before I die?

This is the proverbial bucket list. Making such a list is an opportunity to reflect on what would feel like ‘a life well lived’ when we reach the finish line.You might ask yourself, ‘what do I really hope to accomplish? What are the things that will bring me a sense of sincere satisfaction when it’s all over?’

If we were to consider bucket lists that parents make, a lot of them would probably include specific holidays or trips with the kids, or special family events and activities.

But in all honesty, people with kids will tell you the most important thing in life is their children’s happiness.

Why is this the popular aspiration on our parenting bucket lists? It’s partly because we want reassurance that we’ve done a good job. It would be great to get some kind of validation that we succeeded as a mom or dad because nobody is going to give us a report card or medal for the hard work of raising humans.

However, it doesn’t take parents long to figure out it is impossible to make our young ones feel happy. The bigger they get the more chances we have to watch them experience disappointment and heartbreak.

Though we try our best, we can’t even keep them physically out of harm’s way at all times. To a very large degree (larger than it feels comfortable to acknowledge) we do not have the power to determine our kids’ level of contentment or well-being.Yet that is truly our desire.

It doesn’t make sense to use changeable states in our children that are out of our control as indicators of our proficiency at life or parenting. It’s like having ‘get

PLANNING AHEAD

You are going to work for years on building a close relationship with your kid(s) and yet you won’t be visibly closer to finishing that project anytime soon. In one moment you might feel like you’re winning and in the next, you might make a mistake. We all do.

S. PULLEN PHOTO

We can work on deepening our relationships with [our children] and learn to grow in our ability to be emotionally connected. abducted by aliens’ as a bucket list item – you just can’t make it happen!

Do you know what we can actually influence? The closeness and connection we have with our kids. We can work on deepening our relationships with them and learn to grow in our ability to be emotionally connected. Research tells us that the number one measure of how good our lives are is the quality of our human relationships.

I think another reason why parents rank their children’s happiness as a high priority is because having purpose and making meaningful contributions really leads to a fulfilling life. Typical bucket list items like, ‘camp under the northern lights’ or ‘fly in a hot air balloon’ won’t cut it when the end is near and we look back on what mattered. Our hearts know the difference.

We live in a culture that values external measurement. We get marked and compared from our earliest days, and learn to judge our efforts by the way others view them. It can be hard to decide for ourselves if we feel pleased with our accomplishments since we are used to the outside world deciding for us.

Remember that it’s the meaningful purpose and relationship parts that lead to a sense of a life well lived. Focus on the journey of moving yourself towards more closeness; the outcome – our children’s ultimate happiness or lack thereof - is a wild card.

We can do this by letting ourselves be more authentic and more empathetic, which will lead to becoming increasingly trustworthy. Be real with them and care about their lives. This allows our kids to feel closer to us.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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OUT OF THE BOX

Dumpster Art Party

Health. Beauty.

Happiness. Confidence.

Saturday June 30, 4-9pm at Station Square NEW THIS YEAR:

Dr. Peach would like to thank all his past and current patients for entrusting him with their smiles.

MAIN EVENING EVENT: SATURDAY, 4-9pm WITH LIVE PAINTING, DJ’S, REFRESHMENT GARDEN INFORMAL FRIDAY EVENING EVENT: LIVE PAINTING & POP-UP DJ

As Dr. Peach embarks on a new adventure in life, we will continue to support your needs with a new Certified Specialist in Orthodontics

292 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC AD DONATED BY CITY OF FERNIE

250-423-6838

dentist@kahane.ca www.kahane.ca

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

For all your home interior needs INTERIORS

FOR QUALITY, SERVICE AND CONVENIENCE, SHOP FOR YOUR MATTRESSES AND BLINDS AT BRECAN Brecan is now the exclusive dealer for Blinds By Vertican, manufacturers of hard window coverings since 1979.

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“We use Brecan for all mattresses, appliances, cabinets and more.

Great Service, Good Quality” ~ Jeremiah Pauw, Fernie Super 8

Community and Events

What Do You Want to Do?

by SHELBY CAIN

W

hat do you want to do? It’s a question we’ve been badgering each other with since we were old enough to cruise up our neighbour’s driveway on a pink Hot Wheels. But, seriously, any thoughts? Okay. Good. Now, grab a piece of paper and WRITE THEM DOWN! It’s so important to your future self that I used all caps. And I never do that. There are truckloads of research showing that people who write down their goals are significantly more successful at achieving them. A study by Dr. Gail Matthews, a psychology professor at Dominican University in California, looked at the art and science of goal setting. Dr. Matthews found that you’re 42% more likely to achieve your goals and dreams by writing them down on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, making your list on Jan. 1 while suffering from a hangover and a serious case of the guilties isn’t enough.You have to take that list and go over it a week later. Or now. This time, split it into four categories. Health, Love and Relationships, Vocation, Freedom. Start writing. I know it can feel embarrassing, even to yourself, but go big. Reach for the stars. This is your life, after all. Why not jump in with both feet?

Once you have your slightly embarrassing list that you probably told yourself you’d never show another living soul, I have to give you the next part of Dr. Matthews findings. The percentage of people who found success with this exercise rose even higher if you share your written goals with a friend who believes in your ability to succeed.Yup.You have to show it to somebody. Scary, right? I know. But it doesn’t have to be your spouse or your mom. Nobody who will laugh or mock you in any way. Not them. Pick someone encouraging. Tell them to make a list, too, and then make the trade.

V. CROOME PHOTO

I understand this whole concept may sound hokey. How can the simple act of putting your goals on paper rather than letting them float around in your brain really make that big of a difference?

Science. When something is just a thought, it lives in the right side of your brain.

The imaginative side. Untethered and insignificant, it drifts around with all kinds of fleeting thoughts like ‘where did that girl get her pants?’ or ‘I should get some McNuggets.’ Point being, it doesn’t stick to anything real. Something else demands our attention, and we forget. On the contrary, the left side is your business side.

The ‘getting stuff done’ side that sends messages to every cell in your body.Your brain becomes aware, on a whole other level of consciousness, that this list must be important. These goals are important.

When you physically commit a thought to paper, chemical messages commute on a neural freeway called the corpus callosum from your artsy non-committal right side into your left-side powerhouse.

Opportunities for success become obvious.

Pathways emerge. Doors open.

Writing lists of goals and dreams is somewhat new for me. I wrote my first one

FAMILY STOKE

after trying to get my novel published for a few years. In an act of total desperation, and I think because Oprah told me to, I scribbled ‘published novel’ onto a piece of paper. And promptly hid it. I still have that crumpled little paper, tucked in the first copy of my book. I also have the few that followed, detailing my desire to live in Fernie and write for a living and surround myself with wonderful friends. Check and check. Now I’m a goals junkie. I think about new ones and write them down all the time. Part of it might have to do with the clarity and sense-of-self that comes with the beautiful age of forty. When I was twenty I would’ve stared at that blank sheet of paper, eventually writing ‘rich and famous’ as a non-specific destination.

Now I know what I want. I know how to get there. And I know the secret. It’s work.

Hard work. Persistence and commitment and not taking ‘no’ for an answer. And hey, a very detailed bucket list never hurt either.

So, what do you want to do?

DISABILITY

AWARENESS

NIGHT June 2, 2018

Info & tickets:

canadianadaptive network.com FERNIEFIX.COM

23

June 2018 MONTHLY EVENTS FRIDAY 1.6.2018 Art Unveiling: A Hardy Town by Michael Hepher and Paul Reimer @ Station Square, adjacent to the Arts Station. 12pm.

Digital Storytelling @ Fernie Family Centre, a program to guide you through modern times. 10am.

FRIDAY 1.6.2018 to SUNDAY 3.6.2018 Snow Valley Slam @ Sparwood Arena, roller derby extravaganza!

SATURDAY 2.6.2018 Fernie Community Yard Sale @ Fernie Wide, 8am12pm. Sidewalk shopping and garage sales Midas Lab Robotic Workshop for Youth @ Fernie Senior Citizens Society and Drop In Centre, 9am Author Reading: Sean Arthur Joyce @ Fernie Distillers, 3pm. Reading from his new novel, Mountain Blues.

Fernie Disability Awareness Night @ MAX Restaurant at Park Place Lodge, 6pm. Community premiere of l’impossible.

SUNDAY 3.6.2018 DJ Syraz Live @ Infinitea, 6pm with $10 BBQ dinner Juliana Bicycles Ride Out @ Straight Line Bicycle and Ski, 9am. Breakfast, swag, bikes, demos, group rides and lunch. RSVP please.

MONDAY 4.6.2018 Information Night for South Rockies Grizzly Bear Conservation @ The Arts Station, 7pm Year-End Dance Show: Icons of Music @ Fernie Secondary School, 6-8:30pm MONDAY 4.6.2018 to WEDNESDAY 6.6.2018 Lamaze Childbirth Educator Training @ Fernie, hosted by Doula Essentials TUESDAY 5.6.2018 Me Inc. Workshop @ Fernie Chamber of Commerce, 6:30pm. Should you become an entrepreneur?

Cooking on a Budget – Teens vs. Adults @ New Horizon Village, 5:45pm WEDNESDAY 6.6.2018 Senior Storytime @ Tom Uphill Manor, 1:30pm Fernie Caregiver Support Group @ Rocky Mountain Village, 1pm Ambassador Program @ College of the Rockies, 12:30-4:30pm Contra (Flow Trail) Fundraiser Dinner @ Nevados, 6-10pm. Two seatings at 6pm and 8pm.

THURSDAY 7.6.2018 Ukulele Garden Jam @ Fernie Heritage Library, 4-6pm Beautea Night with Spa 901 @ Infinitea, 6pm Art Opening: Banner Launch @ The Arts Station, 7pm FRIDAY 8.6.2018 Opening Day @ Island Lake Lodge La Cafamore 10th Anniversary Tour @ Mountainside Community Church, 7pm.

Shop Late Friday @ Freyja Lifestyle Fashion, 6-9pm Robyn Hosts Live Music @ Infinitea FRIDAY 8.6.2018 – SUNDAY 10.6.2018 Dirt Jump Clinic @ Fernie Dirt Jump Park, threeday clinic for ages 7-17 hosted by Fernie DJP Group and FMBC. Coal Miner Days @ Sparwood, jam packed with activities for the entire family.

2nd Annual Untamed Kootenays Culinary Weekend @ Island Lake Lodge, 5:30pm SATURDAY 9.6.2018 International Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day @ Fernie Bike Park, 1pm SUNDAY 10.6.2018 DJ Bro Boy Live @ Infinitea with $10 BBQ Tuesday 12.6.2018 Movers and Shakers @ Fernie Heritage Library, ages 5-6 with caregiver. 4-5pm WEDNESDAY 13.6.2018 Senior Storytime @ Rocky Mountain Village, 1pm Lemonade Social @ Fernie Heritage Library, 4pm for all ages with lemonade, activities and snacks.

THURSDAY 14.6.2018 Beginner Paint Date: Spring in the Mountains @ The Arts Station with Sue Hanlon.

FRIDAY 15.6.2018 Club Cre-8 No School Friday @ The Arts Station Fly Fishing Season Opens @ Elk River Knead 2 Know Knife Skills @ Fernie Senior Citizens Society and Drop in Centre, 3:45pm. Chop, dice, mince and julienne.

Pauly Hosts Live Music @ Infinitea, 8pm Beers and Queers @ The Valley Social, 7:30pm.

Hosted by Fernie Pride Society.

Gallery Opening: Backroads BC by Michael Hepher @ The Fernie Museum, 7pm.

Daring Greatly @ The Northern, 10pm SATURDAY 16.6.2018 The Lone Wolf Trail Running Challenge @ Fernie, 10am. Hosted by Stag Leap Running, washing-machine style loop until the lone wolf is standing.

SATURDAY 16.6.2018 – SUNDAY 17.6.2018 Sarah Pike: The Fab Slab Workshop @ The Arts Station SUNDAY 17.6.2018 Father’s Day Brunch @ Island Lake Lodge, 11am.

DJ Jay Ray Live @ Infinitea, 6pm with $10 BBQ WEDNESDAY 20.6.2018 Ancient Ammonite Adventure @ Wildsight Elk Valley, 5:30pm.

TUESDAY 19.6.2018 Diversity at Our Doorstep @ Fernie Family Centre, 4:30-6:30pm. Crafts, Henna, music stories and more.

CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT FERNIEFIX.COM

WEDNESDAY 10.6.2018 Ambassador Program @ College of the Rockies, 12:30-4:30pm THURSDAY 21.6.2018 Aboriginal Day Celebrations @ Fernie Heritage Library Summer Solstice Party @ The Pub - Live entertainment & a special FBC tap takeover!

FRIDAY22.6.2018 Reece Zibin Host Live Music @ Infinitea, 8pm SATURDAY 23.6.2018 Summer Opening Day @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 10:30am Artist Talk with Michael Hepher @ Fernie Museum, 1:30pm Fernie Lucky 7’s MTB Race @ The Aquatic Centre, 9am. A seven-hour bike race, challenged solo or on a team.

Fernie Heritage Library Gala: An Evening Interlude @ Fernie Heritage Library, 6pm.

SUNDAY 24.6.2018 FernieSmart Work Bee @ Castle Mountain hosted

by Fernie FireSmart, 9am-2pm Meditation 101-Fernie @ Essential Yoga Studio, 12pm DJ Alex Live @ Infinitea, 6pm with $10 BBQ MONDAY 25.6.2018 Ambassador Program @ College of the Rockies, 12:30-4:30pm THURSDAY 28.6.2018 Gallery Opening: Visual Arts Guild @ The Arts Station, 7pm FRIDAY 29.6.2018 Tea and Talk Book Club: Hidden Figures by Margot Lee Shetterly @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1:30pm Big Bang Bagel Block Party @ Big Bang Bagels.

Help them celebrate ten years with beer gardens, bangers, activities and more!

Dumpster Project Informal evening @ Station Square. Come down to Station Square where you may find live painting and a pop-up DJ. Frank Patrick Live @ Infinitea, 8pm SATURDAY 30.6.2018 Artist Demonstration with Michael Hepher @ Fernie Museum, 1:30-4pm 5th Annual Out of the Box: Dumpster Project @ Station Square, enjoy live painting, music and more.

New this year: 4-9pm evening event with refreshment garden.

SUNDAY 1.7.2018 Canada Day Celebrations @ City Hall with music, cake, activities, fireworks and mountain market.

For events in your inbox each week, sign up for our e-Fix newsletter at Ferniefix.com

CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!

June 2018 WEEKLY EVENTS

DINING, NIGHTLIFE and SPECIALS MONDAYS Pair it up Appies @ Boston Pizza Pool Tourney Mondays @ The Pub Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Wing Night @ The Fernie Hotel $6 meals & Free Movie Night @ Infinitea Ladies Night @ The Northern Local Jam Night @ The Kodiak Lounge Monday Mayhem with Goffles @ The Royal Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company Snowshoe and Dine @ Fernie Alpine Resort Pasta Night @ Loaf Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials TUESDAYS Gourmet Pasta Specials @ Boston Pizza Wing Night @ The Pub Bar & Grill Pizza Night @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Beer, Burger and Bingo Night @ The Northern Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre Karaoke @ The Royal Half Price Appetizers @ The Fernie Hotel Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Pasta and Wine Night @ Cirque Restaurant WEDNESDAYS High Flyers Pool Comp @ Kodiak Lounge Wings Night @ Boston Pizza

OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS Parent Power Hour @ Fernie Chamber of Commerce Dominoes, Duplicate and Mahjong @ The Seniors Drop in Centre Pickleball @ Fernie Community Centre Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre Ladies Only @ Fernie Old School Boxing Parent Tot Funtimes @ Fernie Family Centre StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School ages 0-4 Tiguidous – Learn French While Having Fun @ CBAL Office Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Cribbage Club @ Trinity Lodge, Grades 1-6 Drop-In @ Elk Valley Gymnastics, 11-12pm for ages 0-4 TUESDAYS Crib/Whist, Chess and Drop In @ Seniors Drop in Centre Storytime Ages 3-5 @ Heritage Library Ladies Archery @ The Elks Hall Junior Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre Open Climbing @ Evolution English Conversation Cafe @ CBAL Office Drop in Climbing @ College of the Rockies StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School Fernie Community Choir @ The Fernie Arts Station Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre Family Early Years Hub @ Fernie Heritage Library Free Guided Meditation @ Soar Studios Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Earth Kids @ Fernie Heritage Library

Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Trivia Night @ The Fernie Hotel Wing Night @ The Northern Wax On Wednesday @ 901 Spa Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company Zak’s Jam Night @ The Royal Half Price Ice Bar @ Lizard Creek Lodge Ice Bar Tarot Readings @ Infinitea, 7pm Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials THURSDAYS Pizza Night @ Boston Pizza Jam Night @ The Brickhouse Hot and Cold Cocktail Night @ Infinitea Featured Pub Burgers @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Bar & Grill Burger and Beer Special @ The Fernie Medium Pizza Special @ Elk Valley Pizza Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub Bar & Grill Thirsty Thursdays @ Kodiak Lounge Pizza Night @ Loaf Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Winter Bike and Dine @ Fernie Alpine Resort FRIDAYS Nacho Night @ Boston Pizza Fish & Chips @ The Pub Bar & Grill Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Hotel Seniors Programming

Kids Programming

WEDNESDAYS Crib, Gentle Exercise and Tai Chi @ Seniors Drop in Centre Adult Badminton @ The Community Centre AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement Competitive Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club Toddlertime Ages 0-2 @ Fernie Heritage Library Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre Open Climbing @ Evolution English Conversation Cafe @ CBAL office StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre Celebrate Recovery @ Mountainside Church Knit Clique @ Fernie Heritage Library Drop-In @ Elk Valley Gymnastics, 11-12pm for ages 0-4 Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Wine and Wheel @ The Arts Station Latin Vibes: Rhumba @ The Arts Station Lego Club @ Fernie Heritage Library, ages 7+ Apres Ski Yoga @ Lizard Creek Lodge THURSDAYS Morning Yoga, Drop in, and Canasta/Cards @ Senior’s Centre Pickleball @ Fernie Community Centre RC Club @ Fernie Community Centre Community Basketball @ Fernie Secondary School Mixed Senior Recreational Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Youth Archery @ The Elks Hall Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre Open Roller Skating @ Max Turyk Gym

Date Night Special @ Spa 901 Fish & Chip Night @ The Pub Live Music @ Loaf, 6-9pm Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Live music @ Infinitea SATURDAYS Kids Pool Party, BBQ and Movie Night @ Lizard Creek Lodge Meat Draw & Bar Quiz @ The Legion Coffee and Baileys Special @ The Bridge Bistro Pint Night with Overtime Beer Works @ Infinitea Rib Night @ Max Restaurant and The Pub Open Mic Night @ Fernie Hotel Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials SUNDAYS Hip Hop Sundays @ Kodiak Lounge Cocktail Specials @ Cirque Restaurant Kids Specials @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse All day breakfast @ The Fernie Roast Dinner @ Infinitea Curry Sundays @ The Pub Caesars Special @ The Bridge Bistro Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Half Price Cocktails @ Cirque Restaurant

Swim

Skate

Library Program

Other

Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School Free Guided Meditation @ Soar Studios Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Knits and Knots @ Fernie Heritage Library, ages 8+ FRIDAYS Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion Toddlertime Ages 0-2 @ Fernie Heritage Library StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Evening Uptracking Tour @ Fernie Alpine Resort Pre Ski Saturdays Stretch and Warm Up @ Lizard Creek Lodge SATURDAYS Karma Meditation Class @ Essential Yoga Studio Open Climbing @ Evolution Prenatal Yoga @ Essential Yoga Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre SUNDAYS AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Guided Meditation @ Soar Studios Drop-In @ Elk Valley Gymnastics, 12:45-1:45pm for ages 5+

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25

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Community and Events

INSIDE AND OUT

Buckets of Snow Fun

by REBECCA HALL

F

or most people in Fernie, skiing is definitely not a bucket list item! If you grew up here there’s a good chance you’ve been skiing since you could walk (or have no interest) and if you came here as an adult it’s unlikely you haven’t at least tried it in some form. For my 41-year-old baby sister, Lucy, it was definitely on the list.

Along with her three kids aged 5, 9 and 11, and her mother-in-law, Jean, she arrived in Fernie on April 10. We were able to arrange private ski lessons during closing week at a steal of a deal and have the Mighty Moose almost entirely to ourselves for the day. The sun shone, the instructors ­— Lucia and Dahlen — were fantastic, and eventually, the lifties had to send us home.

MONICA, JEAN AND ETHAN LOVED WATCHING THE ANTICS AT THE COCA COLA SLOPE SOAKER. CAN YOU SPOT YOURSELF IN THIS PHOTO?

“The conditions were so perfect we couldn’t miss the opportunity to have our first skiing experience. Lucia was extremely patient and encouraging, and from never having touched a ski before, it was fantastic to be able to ride the Mighty Moose alone within two hours. Dahlen was amazing with the kids, handling the differences in age and ability brilliantly. I think he spent half the time upside down holding onto my youngest’s skis!”

After that first midweek day, they were all keen to head back up and practice their skills. With plenty of entertainment to enjoy in between runs, we decided that closing day would be perfect to get back on the slopes. I’ve since heard people say that the weather wasn’t great that day but I honestly remember it as a sunny bluebird day. Good memories will do that to you.

After a few laps on the Mighty Moose to get their confidence back, my sister and her eldest son, Jaxon, were ready to take on the Deer Chair while the younger two, Monica and Ethan, enjoyed BC/DC in the plaza. “The Slope Soaker was an event like no other we had experienced,

MY FIRST EVER FAMILY SKI DAY!

had a blast watching BC/DC and would have had no idea he wasn’t watching the real thing, had I not told him. We had an awesome weekend visiting Fernie Alpine Resort and have brought home memories to treasure.”

LUCY AND JAXON: TAKING BEGINNERS ON A CHAIRLIFT FOR THE FIRST TIME IS SO MUCH FUN. EVEN JUST A FEW METRES ABOVE THE BASE, THEY FELT LIKE THEY WERE ON TOP OF THE WORLD.

excellent entertainment for non-skiers and great atmosphere while we skied the Mighty Moose. Ethan, an avid AC/DC fan,

Apart from the obvious reasons, this was a special weekend for me too. Having taught my sister to swim over 30 years ago, I am thrilled to have been able to take her skiing for the first time. And for Jaxon, who took his first solo steps at Maiden Lake ten years ago, it’s pretty cool that he learned to ski here too. I can’t wait to see what he tries next time he visits!

FERNIEFIX.COM

27

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Y A M A G O Y A

Outdoor Life

TIME TO SOLITUDE

The Climbing Bucket List

hips. A properly fitted harness will prevent a climber from falling out of it should they pivot upside down in a fall.

by MEL MAKEPEACE

Rope A climbing rope is the most expensive piece of equipment, so you want to choose the right one. Ropes are measured by length and diameter. Length is important, as you need the rope to be able to reach the top of the climb, and then back down to the ground. 70-metre ropes are increasingly popular and a good choice.

The extra length gives you a better margin of safety on those rope-stretching 30-metre climbs. Diameter is measured in millimetres. A thicker rope is preferable for top roping as it will be weighted more often, and run along the rock. A 10mm to 10.7mm diameter rope is a good choice.

Dry treatment applied to the rope is also an option, but not necessary as you start out.You won’t be climbing in the rain, and the treatment quickly wears off as the rope is abraded on rock.

R

ock climbing is a sport that can be on everyone’s bucket list. If you can climb a ladder, you can climb rock.

Word on the streets of Fernie is that local route development is in the works, but for now, you can visit one of the established climbing areas within an hour’s drive of Fernie. Pick up a copy of the East Kootenay Climbing guidebook to find route information for Lakit Lake, Moyie, and Perry Creek. Stone Hill in Montana is another great climbing location close to Fernie.

For those looking to make their first gear purchase, the amount of rock climbing gear available today can be overwhelming. To help ease the burden, here is some insight into the basic gear required.

Shoes Climbing shoes have a soft rubber sole that effectively moulds to the rock when pressure is applied, which increases the surface area and therefore the amount of friction between your foot and the rock.

This friction is the “stick.” To get the most out of this rubber-rock relationship, choose a shoe that fits your foot tightly. Tight does not imply pain. Ensure there are no air spaces between your foot and the shoe, but also ensure that your foot is not uncomfortably contorted by the shape of the shoe. When starting out, opt for a shoe with a relatively flat sole and laces. The flat shape is the most comfortable, and the laces give you the flexibility to adjust the fit. As your skill level increases, you can choose a higher performance shoe.

Harness As a beginner, expect to spend a fair amount of time hanging in your harness.

Choose a model with padded leg and waist loops to ease the discomfort associated

ANDREA TRISHUK CLIMBING OUTSIDE OF CRANBROOK

Belay Device and Carabiner Belay devices are attached to both your harness, via a carabiner, and the rope. The belay device is used to create enough friction to prevent rope from paying out, thereby stopping a climber in a fall.

A modern auto-locking device, such as the Grigri, is the best option for those starting out.Your carabiner should be pearshaped and preferably with a triple-action locking mechanism, which is effective in preventing accidental opening of the gate.

BRETTE HARRINGTON IN SQUAMISH SUBMITTED PHOTOS

with hanging in a harness. The fit is incredibly important, as the harness is one of the pieces of gear that prevents you from falling to the ground when you come off the rock. The waist loop should be very tight; it should be difficult to pass your hand between your body and the harness.

The harness should sit well above your

For your first trip out, a certified guide will ensure that you have a successful and safe experience. Most popular rock climbing destinations have guides operating in the area. Do not attempt rock climbing without proper instruction from a trained individual.

For questions, comments, or more info on hiring a climbing guide, email info@ mountainaddicts.ca or visit www. mountainaddicts.ca FERNIEFIX.COM

29

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Outdoor Life

TWO TRAILS DIVERGED IN A WOOD

Iconic Trails of Fernie

by JEFF COLDEN

A

s I write this, the weather is still flipping back and forth between bright sunny days and cold frigid ones, so there has not yet been the opportunity to get outside and enjoy the nice weather on a day chosen in advance. I know I am free this Sunday, so I am going to go out and …. Damn… rain. Maybe I am soft, but I do not hike in the spring rain.

But, as I sit here and watch the rain pour down, it is a great opportunity to plan. As regular readers –have I written enough to have those yet? If so thank you!- of this column are likely aware, a lot of my outdoor pursuits are more of the off the beaten path variety, but this month we are going straight onto the well-beaten, wellworn paths of Fernie. As Fernie has many sports, and I try to dabble in them all, my iconic trails of Fernie samples from four sports.

Despite living here for a decade, I have ridden and hiked some, but not all, of these trails, but I am going to complete them before the end of the summer. Here is my Fernie trails Bucket List: Hiking – Heiko’s Trail Perhaps the most iconic trail of all in Fernie, it is named for the most iconic man from Fernie, Heiko Socher. Heiko built this trail in his spare time after he was finished building the ski hill. He was kind of a slacker. It is a 21km, all-day jaunt from Hartley Lake Road to Island Lake Lodge, with an option to add in a climb up the Three Sisters. It even has a waterfall!

Cross County Biking – Swine Flu I have one friend who always asks which trails you took on your ride. He always responds that it was a “classic Fernie loop.”

I don’t think he is kidding either. To many,

HEIKO’S TRAIL | V. CROOME PHOTO

every trail in Fernie is a classic trail. I don’t have the column inches to cover that many –I will refer you the Fernie Trails Alliance Map for that, however, if you made a survey –which I admittedly did not- I think the most common answer would be Swine Flu. I confess I have never ridden it.

In 2018, I will.

Downhill Biking – Fernie Alpine Resort, Top Gun Fernie is on the map for two reasons, coal and the Ski Hill. So it only makes sense that at least one of my trails is at Fernie Alpine Resort. First thing, though, downhill biking is its own sport. To get the most out your day there, do yourself a favour and make sure you have a downhill bike. FAR also has a community day where locals can get a free ticket, so that can be the perfect time to give downhilling a try.

Located just off the Elk chair, Top Gun is the most well-known and perhaps most popular of the trails at the Hill. Personally, I ride it every time I hit the Hill. It is a daily bucket list item. One of the reasons it is

so popular is that is can be ridden hard by more experienced riders, or you can make your way down more slowly.

Golf – The front nine of the Fernie Golf and Country Club I am not an avid golfer, but I do enjoy playing every now and then. The big thing for me is that for the average non-golfer, golf is a great nine-hole game –or five and a half, according to my spouse- but gets to be a bit dull when playing eighteen holes.

Fernie has a lovely golf course that I try to frequent once or twice a year. If you are going to play nine holes, then I suggest the front nine, I am sure golfers could –and if given the opportunity would, at great length debate the merits of the front versus the back nine on their technical golf merits. For me, I think the front nine is prettier.

So there is my bucket list for the summer.

I hope you make your own. Or better yet, you can just steal mine! I am a very good sharer.

FERNIEFIX.COM

31

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Outdoor Life

Proctor Mountain

by JESSE BELL

M

y bucket list is made of mountains.

Mountains I’ve yet to climb but hope to, ones with deep-blue lakes and jagged ridges, where the summit leaves you feeling infinite.

Around Fernie, I’ve climbed most of them; Mt. Fernie at least five or six times, Three Sisters twice as much, Hosmer Mountain thrice. But never Mount Proctor. I ignore her, pretend she isn’t there.

I’m not entirely sure why, less curb appeal I suppose.

Mount Proctor’s unthreatening to the eye—a green slope of pine and avalanche chutes, she pales in comparison to the naked layers of the steep rocked Three Sisters, to the Ghostrider tale attached to Mt. Hosmer. The moment you hike Proctor, though, you realize none of it’s true. Proctor’s mean, gruelling, neverending, and glorious.

Ben and I hike Proctor on an early-August day with our dog, first up the popular Swine Flu bike trail and then onwards past the bench. The trail’s worn, though less-so the further elevation we gain. Trees thick, bush dry, the way summer leaves everything a little thirsty.

We reach a rocky outcrop, not yet halfway up, then lose the trail because we choose to. Cutting across the front face between Indian Paintbrushes and daisies, we do our best to guess a route. Then the weather turns.

“Looks like a storm’s coming,” I say aloud, to Ben perhaps, though more to remind myself of the potential risk. Blue sky above the Lizard Range turns a deep navy and black; before long deep thunder roars close by.

“Time to find a hiding spot,” he replies.

We strive for lower elevation off the ridge,

NEVER HAVE I EVER

and when the clouds are nearly overhead, make a call and head for a tree.

Hidden beneath the branches against the base of a pine, we watch the rain hit Fernie.

In waves, gentle at first, then in sheets.

The air cools, and before long water pelts against the tree, above our heads, against our GoreTex coats. The dog, afraid of thunder, hides under our legs.

Like any summer storm though, this one passes and we carry on.

The trail reaches rock, a false summit, and we hike the ridgeline. Cliff below, a jagged peak above. Another false summit, more rock. The dog’s paws likely hurt, but the sound of chirping pikas is enough to distract him. Finally, four hours after stepping foot on the trailhead, we meet with a Canadian flag on the summit of Proctor.

“Unreal,” I say. ‘Unreal’ is how I describe any geological phenomena I can’t grasp. We’re 7,851 feet above sea level overlooking the Elk Valley, though still below the summit of Three Sisters. There’s a patch of snow, some rocks, a wooden post.

And, of course, the feeling of infiniteness.

I crave stillness, to sit on a piece of limestone and savour the slight breeze, the panorama. We don’t dawdle, though. More storm clouds creep towards us and we have another six kilometres to loop back to valley bottom. As we descend into Proctor Bowl, the rain hits.

JESSE BELL PHOTO

has on our old(er) knees, we slog down slippery rock and try to find the trail. We meander wide-open alpine, wildflowers in illustrious bloom, then between thick brush—so thick I think of grizzly bears.

None appear, thank goodness.

An hour later and back on the main trail, we reach the upper bench of Fairy Creek and nearly step on a lumpy forest toad.

He’s come for the rain, thirsty like the leaves that camouflage him. I place the toad on our dog’s head, for fun.

Mud clings to my legs, and the dog slows to a saunter. I slow to a pathetic walk, my feet and legs and arms and toes aching with the day. Then Ben slows, too.

“Sweet Lord this goes on forever.” I’m not sure who says it.

As promised, the Proctor Loop carries on.

And on. And on. Until finally we reach familiar trail near Fairy Creek Falls and then, shortly after to the valley bottom.

Twelve kilometres, eight hours, Proctor summited.

My bucket list is made of mountains.

Mountains, hikes, tents, wildflowers, summits, campfires and dog snuggles. How about yours?

The next six kilometres are wet. Happy to have poles to alleviate the impact hiking FERNIEFIX.COM

33

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Outdoor Life

Early Season Hit List

by JULIE KELLY, FTA

Distance: Approx. 30 km Time: Approx. 3 hours + Difficulty: Blue - Black

I

t’s early season in Fernie and you are probably keen to hit the trails! Here is my bucket list of trails that should be ready by the time you are reading this edition.

I just got back from riding most of them with the exception of Hyper Ventilation.

By the time June comes they all should be good to go! My top early season picks and how I like to get it done are: 1. Hyper Ventilation 2. Space Unicorns (formerly Broken Hip) 3. Swine Flu Start by going across the Fairy Creek Pedestrian Bridge and head up Dairy Run

HITTING THE TRAILS

to Swine Flu. This is a good warm up on some switchbacks and a couple of short punchy climbs.

The fast and fun descent makes it all worthwhile.

Next up, make your way over to Sidewinder for a short climb. Take a sharp right on lower Eco-Terrorist and continue down Ridgemont Road to Space Unicorns.You are guaranteed to be smiling after this one, hitting the berms and rollers!

When you hit the road take a sharp left to follow the Elk Valley Trail, part of the Trans Canada Trail (TCT). Take in the views and enjoy the easy stroll before your next climb.

Cross Coal Creek Road continuing on the TCT to Roots intersection. Take a

SUBMITTED PHOTO

sharp left and continue climbing up to River Road. Cross the road and stay left on Uprooted to Hyper Ventilation. One last climb to get those early season legs in shape! Stay right at the top and enjoy a fun descent on Southern Comfort. Once you’ve reached Cokato, connect onto lower Montane and take back to the Barn. Feel free to split this into a few rides if you are not up to filling up the bucket all at once!

Embrace the

Outdoors

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Health and Lifestyle

THE MAGIC OF COMPOST

Getting your Garden Going

by ASHLEY TAYLOR

Using compost to enhance your garden and other helpful hints.

A

lthough it seemed like Old Man Winter would never relinquish his grasp on Fernie, the snowline is slowly creeping up the mountainsides and the Valley is coming into bloom. I would be hard-pressed to say for sure who is more excited about the change in season, the mountain bikers or the gardeners! If you’re reading this article, yes, it is high time for you to plant your garden! So if you haven’t sown your seeds yet I’m going to help you kick-start your season with some compost tips and tricks and break down why compost application is so important.

Adding compost to your garden provides your veggies with the nutrient boost they require for proper development, pest and disease resistance, as well as excellent flavour and colour. The same goes for gorgeous flowers and luscious green lawns. A properly balanced and nutrient diverse compost will provide all of the macronutrients and micronutrients your veggies need (except for perhaps some particularly picky plants). Compost also slowly breaks down to release nutrients over a longer period of time whereas commercial fertilizers often run the risk of ‘burning’ gardens or lawns. A lot of the nutrient content of commercial fertilizer is lost as part of runoff; you might as well pour your money down the drain!

Compost also provides the organic material needed to help retain moisture in the ground. If you find your soil is often dry and crumbly, the addition of compost or peat moss can be used to remediate poor soil structure.

Speaking of parched… if you’re having issues keeping your soil moist, if you want to reduce your water consumption, or if

SUBMITTED PHOTO

you just want to reduce how frequently you’re watering your garden then may I suggest mulching? Mulching, like compost, increases the organic matter content in your soil and therefore increases its ability to hold moisture. Mulch is a thin layer of leaves, grass, shredded wood, cardboard, or straw. Not only does mulching help retain soil moisture but it also suppresses weeds, protects the soil from erosion, breaks down into more compost, and creates favourable habitat for beneficial invertebrates such as earthworms! Mulching in my own garden has reduced my water consumption by half!

If you’re going to use grass clippings ensure the lawn has not been sprayed with any pesticides and that cardboard is free of any tape and staples (which can be an unpleasant surprise later on).

How much compost should you use? Well, as long as the compost is well balanced and properly broken down it’s hard to go wrong. I would suggest about a 5cm application if you’re going to till it into the soil.

this is a ‘no-dig’ and ‘no-till’ method of prepping your garden beds. Less work? Sign me up! In this method, you layer “brown” and “green” materials in alterations to create a scrumptious earthworm meal and cozy home for your produce-to-be.

Brown materials include cardboard, straw, shredded paper (non-bleached), peat, and other carbon-rich material.Your greens can include grass trimming and/or vegetable scraps. As part of the ‘delicious dirt delight,’ this main course would be incomplete without a couple layers of compost (which is exactly what the lasagne will eventually become, this just gives your bed a head start). This “no-till” method preserves the natural soil structure that develops over time as part of healthy, living, soil ecosystem. Lasagne gardening has been used in urban farming to create vegetable gardens directly on top of concrete surfaces; parking lots to produce plots!

Digging it? Keep tune next month on how compost can not only improve your soil but your quality of life and that of others!

“Lasagne” gardening is another method of prepping your veggie garden or flower beds; FERNIEFIX.COM

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• 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

Health and Lifestyle

Eat and Drink ‘To Do’s’

dirt road into lush hills where locals told us the climate creates the ideal growing environment for coffee. The owner of the small home farm walked us through the process from harvest to drying to roasting; everything completed on site.

The black coffee tasted sweet and earthy. I felt honoured to experience a resource so deeply rooted in the heart of Colombian culture.

by KATIE HAMAR

I

have been lucky to check several items off my “food and beverage” bucket list.

Among my favourite: Street Food in Bangkok: Row upon row of carts on sidewalks serving up fresh noodles, Thai pancakes, cold juicy fruit, papaya salad, coconut ice cream, hot broth with fish balls… you get the idea. The sheer variety and incredible quality of food were mind-blowing and all for the equivalent of a couple dollars.

The knowledge and pride of the cook was palpable and heart-warming.

Tacos in Mexico City None of that Old El Paso boxed stuff there!

Into a hole in the wall one block from Zócalo city square, I followed a queue of locals to my taco destiny. It was as authentic as Mexican food gets with just a homemade soft shell and one filling of pork, beef, chicken, refried beans, or potato. Topped with chunky mashed avocado and spicysweet salsa verde from giant bins on high stool countertops. Many napkins required.

High Tea in London Ten years ago, I travelled to London with my grandmother and she treated us to a traditional British afternoon high tea.

We enjoyed flawless finger sandwiches, beautifully detailed cakes, and warm scones with clotted cream and jam in an ornate dining room. I hold this memory dear as one of the most special things I’ve ever done.

Market in Antigua, Guatemala Along the cobbled streets of the small volcano-sheltered city, I visited a market selling an abundance of artistically presented produce and local “grab and go’s” like red tamales colorados, coloured with

FERNIE FLAVOURS

With each great food experience, I’ve only become hungry for more. My food and drink bucket list continues to grow, with the recent additions of the following:

TACOS AL PASTOR | EMILY PULLEN PHOTO

annatto seed and stuffed with tomato sauce, chilies, raisins, and meat. With so many exciting new things to try, it was the kind of place where you unknowingly point to an item and say “Uno por favour.”

Pho in Ho Chi Minh City I am a noodle aficionado and there is no better place for noodles than Vietnam. I sat at a tiny table on a hectic street corner while rushes of motorbikes zoomed by mere feet away. A deep steaming bowl of fragrant broth and long slurpy rice noodles with fresh Thai basil, thinly sliced chilies, bean sprouts, and lime to top.

To the eye, the dish appeared simple but the complexity in the layers of the broth revealed flavours only an expert could create.

• Sushi and ramen in Japan • Wine and cheese in the south of France • Pizzafest festival in Naples and truffles in Peidmont, Italy • Spice market in Morocco • Tapas in San Sebastián and La Tomatina “the world’s largest food fight” in Buñol, Spain • Dim sum in Hong Kong • Ripe figs and dolmades in Greece • Kottu, a dish made with crispy flatbread, vegetables, egg and spices in Sri Lanka • Christmas market in Berlin Though I plan to check all of the above items off my bucket list, this summer’s more attainable but still personally exciting plans include: • Grow my own herb garden • Host a garden dinner party • Brew fermented kombucha tea at home • Learn about wine tasting, varietals, and food pairings What’s on your food and beverage bucket list?

Cheers and bon appétit!

Coffee in Salento This past fall, I visited Colombia and spent a few days in the coffee region of Salento.

The open-top jeep drove up a winding FERNIEFIX.COM

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Health and Lifestyle

THE FIND

Goals Oriented

by CRYS STEWART

DISCOVERIES TO EMPOWER YOUR NEXT QUEST.

Dream Team Trying to make up your bucket list? Here’s a great way to kick-start those daydreams. “A mobile can represent a story in our life, a dream, a passion,” explained Brina Schenk. She and Michelle Galway are the creative duo (and mobile-makers) behind Annex Suspended. As both artists are full-time moms, they see mobiles as “more than just baby room accessories,” said Schenk. “We love how mobiles interact with us. They move when we move!” Working in total collaboration from idea to finished piece, they’ve been exploring a new way to enjoy mobiles–complementing them with paintings. Shown in the photo is Into The Woods, featuring Galway’s camping themed wood pieces. Providing contrast and depth is Schenk’s circle painting of a forest. Together, the pieces offer different perspectives–or inspirations–depending on how you look at it.

INTO THE WOODS MOBILE, $50, AND BIRD’S EYE VIEW PAINTING, $95, BY ANNEX SUSPENDED.

Small paper mobiles start at $20; mixedmedia mobiles range up to $250. Paintings, $95. Commissions accepted. To purchase, go to annexsuspended.com or etsy.com/ca/shop/ AnnexSuspended

MICHELLE GALWAY (LEFT) AND BRINA SCHENK (RIGHT) OF ANNEX SUSPENDED IN THEIR STUDIO.

For Glory and Great Taste Heads up, veggie gardeners–experienced or newbie. Karen Nicolson, co-owner with husband, Craig, of the Fernie Garden Centre, has a tasty suggestion– Kelsae Sweet Giant onions. “Once you’ve tried them, you’ll be addicted,” she told me. A good choice for our zone four climate, they’re “easy to grow,” she said, with a uniquely mild, sweet flavour. They may also be your ticket to prize-winning glory. Nicolson advised, “If you’re going to the fall fair, take your Kelsey onions!” They hold the Guinness World Record for Largest Onion in the World at nearly 15 lbs. 5.5 oz. and 33 inches in diameter. So, if you’ve always wanted to score a red ribbon, get to the garden centre now. Nicolson’s greenhouse team started planting onion seeds back in early March so you’ve got a head start on our short growing season. If you’re not sure how to get started, just ask.

Nicolson admitted she’s excited to see more people showing an interest in growing their own food. Helping gardeners succeed is clearly a passion of hers. All the guidance offered, from starting a mushroom patch to growing cucumbers in hanging baskets, is abundant and free.

KELSAE SWEET GIANT SEEDLINGS, PLANTED IN EARLY MARCH AT THE FERNIE GARDEN CENTRE. LOOK FOR THIS TAG AT THE FERNIE GARDEN CENTRE FOR YOUR POTENTIAL FALL FAIR PRIZE-WINNER.

Onion seedlings, sold in pack of 6, $2.99, at Fernie Garden Centre, 6283 Olivia Road.

Happy (Fur) Camper

Spirited Introductions Pro distiller Jillian Rutherford admitted that, as far as bucket lists go, “I always wanted to have my own business and one that creates something is very personally satisfying.” That creativity, in collaboration with her husband, Andrew Hayden, has resulted in this month’s grand opening of Fernie Distillers offering Rutherford’s unique small batch spirits. Recalling the moment in a café when she tasted the inspiration for her debut liqueur, Fernie Fog, she said, “I’d ordered a London Fog [a popular tea-based latte] and went hmm…”

Her timing couldn’t be better. The Earl Grey tea-infused tippler may be just the thing to brighten what’s fondly referred to around here as Monsoon June. For a refreshing spring cocktail, Rutherford recommends serving it on the rocks or with club soda and “it’s lovely with lemonade.”

Fernie Fog liqueur, $23 for 375 mL, $42 for 750 mL, at Fernie Distillers, 531 1st Ave.

Ruffwear Knot-a-Hitch, $79.99, at Barkside, 791 2nd Ave.

COAL TOWN 591 b 2nd Ave

Artwork: Merlijne Marell

JILLIAN RUTHERFORD WITH HER DEBUT LIQUEUR, FERNIE FOG, INSIDE THE NEW FERNIE DISTILLERY.

OK, enough about bucket lists.

Sometimes you just want to go camping with your fur kid. Well, the folks at Barkside want to remind you that it’s mandatory in Canada and many parts of the U.S. to have your dog tethered at a campsite. But they’ve also got the answer for keeping Bowzer happy, safe and rule-abiding–the Knot-a-Hitch campsite THE KNOT A HITCH CAMPSITE DOG HITCHING SYSTEM IS AVAILABLE AT dog hitching system by Ruffwear. Tristin BARKSIDE, MAKING CAMPING FUN FOR Zimmer, Barkside’s manager, explained EVERYONE (FURKIDS INCLUDED). why this isn’t just a fancy leash. “It is designed with climbing inspired components and hardware–a strong kernmantle rope can be set up between two trees or secured to a single post, and the leash attaches to the rope using a swivelling carabiner, allowing the dog to move about and explore their surroundings.”

No tangled leash. And the tension system makes for a quick set up. Everyone at Barkside was clearly excited about this latest introduction from the performance dog gear outfitters.

“Ruffwear is a great company that we have carried since we opened in 2007,” noted Zimmer. “They are constantly looking at the pet industry’s needs from a mountain adventure perspective and they always deliver.” Much like the folks at Barkside.

Handcrafted + Handpicked Quality Goods Jewelry . Ceramics . Apparel . Leather . Cards . Prints + more....

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41

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Health and Lifestyle

Diet and Diversity Debunked

anti-inflammatory and arthritic properties as well as reducing exercise-induced inflammation – and this has been proven by scientific evidence! Due to its low bioavailability, turmeric should be taken with piperine (the active component in black pepper) to be properly absorbed. Our current evidence suggests taking 400 – 600 mg of a turmeric supplement three times daily. That would look like six to eight tablespoons of the spice multiple times a day…whew, that’s a lot of golden milk! As a more realistic approach, add more turmeric to your daily cooking such as curries and stews.

by TIFFANY SCHEBESCH, RD, BASC

T

ara feels lucky to live in a small town that still offers a vast array of restaurants, a farmers market, and health food stores. Despite the abundance of options available to her, she has been feeling stuck in a food rut lately. She tends to choose the same few meals for dinners like tacos, pasta, and salads. These seem to be the easiest, healthy and family-safe meals. Tara wants to venture out of her cuisine-comfort zone and try some new foods, but she isn’t really sure where to start.

Tara has a point, on average North Americans tend to stick to the same few meals on a weekly basis - think about that bowl of cereal you might have every morning. These are the dishes we enjoy, have recipes for, and can reduce stress by having a clear meal plan. While there are benefits to sticking with your predictable way of eating, such as having more time to squeeze in an after-work bike ride and decreasing your chance of mindless snacking, there are drawbacks as well.

These routine-eating habits can give us “permission” to eat less than stellar food choices, despite what we’re actually craving.

For example, having pizza every Friday can fit nicely in the 80/20 pattern of eating, but if you’re craving pizza on Wednesday, and feel you can’t eat it until Friday, you’re setting yourself up for unnecessary restrictions, cravings, and binges. Other drawbacks to strict routines are a limited variety of nutrients, falling into a monotonous eating pattern and can even increase your risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

So, what’s the next step to diversifying your diet? I’ll give you three simple tips to try this month to add some variety to your daily nutrition routine!

FOOD INTELLIGENCE

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Try a trendy new health food…or not?

Cannabis oil, medicinal mushrooms, and golden milk are just a few of the new trends we’re seeing in the food world this year. I’m going to give a quick review of which to try, and which may not be worth the money. First, we have cannabis oil, which claims to treat conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. While some of these claims may be true, we don’t have the evidence yet to promote cannabis oil as a widespread health food. Likewise, medicinal mushrooms, such as reishi, have been a long-standing tradition in Chinese medicine, which claims to be everything from an anti-viral to liver detoxification.

Unfortunately, there is no evidence supporting the use of mushrooms in the treatment of disease yet, and these claims of miraculous healing powers should be taken with a grain of salt. Finally, looking into golden milk, we find our winner of the group! The main healing ingredient in this drink is the vibrant yellow spice, turmeric. Turmeric, and its active component carcumin is known for its

Incorporate one new whole food every week The key here is to stick with whole foods, not one of the processed “healthiest ever kale chip you’ve ever tried” snack bag.

Setting a small goal such as one new food a week makes it more likely that you’ll be successful, and it gives you clear objective to focus on. Need some inspiration? Try picking up a jicama to make a fresh spring salad, adding bulgur to your next pot of soup or taking the leap and try star fruit on your oatmeal.

Try a new weekly recipe, and keep a list I love this idea because it incorporates the best of both worlds - trying new foods AND having a plan for what to eat during the week. It’s as simple as it sounds, search through recipe books and online blogs to find one new recipe every week, I like pulses.org and ohsheglows.com for healthy plant-based recipes. Then, keep a note on your fridge or in your phone of the recipes that are the “keepers” and soon enough, you’ll have a laundry list of healthy recipes to choose from.

What’s on your healthy eating bucket list to try this month?

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43

Bits and Bytes

THE ANSWER GUY

Travel Routers

by KEVIN MCISAAC

T

his month is ‘bucket list’ month in the Fix. My personal bucket list contains quite a few travel destinations which Mrs. Answer Guy and I have been ticking off over the years. I enjoy travelling, but I’m always looking for little things that make travelling easier and more enjoyable.

This past winter I picked up a mini travel router. A mini travel router is just like a regular router, but besides being smaller and lighter it has some pre-configuration options that make it using it on the road much nicer. The specific problem that it’s designed to solve is getting you connectivity in a new network environment.

How many times have you checked into a hotel only to discover that they have an ethernet connection, but no wifi; or the wifi costs extra? Or my personal pet peeve is when the hotel has free wifi, but they have a login page where you have to enter a password and be transferred to their dedicated page before you can use the network – and then you have to go through that exercise every time you leave the room and come back!

be powered by a USB connection. So, if anyone has a laptop or even a portable charger you can operate the router. They take so little power that I can run mine off a portable charger that’s about the size of a Zippo lighter for days.

Another nice feature is their ability to provide a virtual private network (VPN) connection for you. I’ve written here before about VPNs. They are very useful when travelling as they encrypt your entire communication with the Internet. With the tools that hackers have these days, I do not consider this optional when travelling anymore. With a travel router you can preconfigure your VPN and then everyone using the travel router connection is automagically protected as well.

I’ve looked at several of these and they’re all pretty similar. The one I settled on is the GL-AR300M from GL-iNet (gl-inet. com). It costs $40 on amazon.com. The lite version is just $23. The difference is

If you’re wondering how it’s possible to power this on a dive boat, well because travel routers are so small they can usually

It’s about 1/2 the size of deck of cards and weighs about as much as three hungry hummingbirds. They run with OpenWRT which is a well regarded open source router operating system. Its VPN capabilities are excellent. It’s easy to configure using a built in web page. Make sure that you fire it up at home and change the default password before you take it on the road. Hackers are very good at looking up default passwords for routers. I also change the SSID to something that doesn’t reveal what kind of router I’m using and lets me have a little fun with hackers. I change it to XFINITYWIFI or LINKSYS, just so they can waste their time going through the defaults for those routers.

Happy travelling and computing.

the fernie academy RESPECT, EXCELLENCE, LEARNING

Travel routers are designed to solve these problems. Once connected to the hotel network you can leave them on. Now coming and going is just like your wifi at home – it just works.

They also can be used to let you create an ad hoc network so several devices can talk to each other if needed. This feature has come in handy on dive boats where there is no network, nor cell service, but you want to share photos or videos with someone. Plug in the travel router and it creates a wifi network that everyone can connect to and use to share.

that the lite version does not have an extra 128MB of flashable RAM nor the dual flash option. Honestly, you can just get the lite version.

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: info@thefernieacademy.ca

Bits and Bytes

June 2018

by YANN LORANGER

T

he month begins with great emotions and enthusiasm. Quickly, tensions find their way into this sentimental fabric initiating the work of sorting out which emotions we want and choose to live. Late in the month with the full moon of June, Saturn will bring all that work up again.

The emotional choices made in June form a new base for our personal development.

Since we all have a little bit of each sign within us, consider each of the following as addressing a specific part of yourself. Read it all for every aspect within yourself.

Aries (March 21 - April 29) Patience You typically appreciate when everything is clear and straight forward, and emotions are in the way for those hoping to move ahead without any delicate questions to be solved. Accept that you will have to use your time and energy in order to deal with this upcoming flow of emotions.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) Work All this movement is very difficult for you.

It is important to keep in mind that your reactions to this emotional hurricane will generate the foundation of your future sentimental nest - the main feeling that dwells in your home. The results aren’t in hand, but by doing your best you can create the happiest future possible.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20) Discernment You’re the only ones able to keep a cool head when the heart is involved and your role is crucial, you could compare it with a navigator that keeps the boat safe and relatively sailing in the right direction while the waves and storm are causing havoc on the sea.

The emotional choices made in June form a new base for our personal development.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22) Dreamer Being naturally very sensitive, you feel every wave and every draft created by this emotional storm.You follow each movement with great interest, like a lullaby for your heart and are very happy to see everyone involved and connected with their feelings.

Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Firm You are strong and maintain your position like an anchor. Everything can keep swirling around you, it will only turn in circles as you will not budge. The challenge for you will be to remain connected with the work others are doing. Try not to be excessively proud.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Wishful You pray for the structural energy present earlier this year to return. As the month goes by, you feel the emotional overexcitement that was in the air cooling off.You’re ready to benefit from this change as you’ve maintained a constructive mode.

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Socialization Last month triggered lots of intensity emotionally. This month simply keeps raising the level until its last days where sentimental work will be completed. Every person you meet will be significant, no indifference at all. Enjoy the crispness of these exchanges.

ASTROLOGY

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Introspection Your intuition is sharp and eager to penetrate the depths of human feelings.

So much will be happening in this realm during this month. If you take some time to focus on it, you will discover more hidden secrets concerning your own inner life.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) Intelligence Feeling a bit left alone, you have some time to create a synthesis of all that is happening.

You observe a lot and draw conclusions, and are extracting the best out of other’s experiences that are much more involved than your own.

Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) Service The power you’ve been experiencing from the beginning of the year allows you to bring back some balance in the emotional turmoil arising during the month. This is your major role and it is one of service.

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Instigator You feel that a lot is requested of you and are having a hard time coping with the level of discipline you should demonstrate to fit with the general picture.You use your creativity to deal with this, creating an impact that puzzles everyone.

Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) Seeker What is happening this month means a lot for you and you keep trying to make sense out of it.You feel the meaning deep within but still can’t figure out why it is so compelling.Your quest is most important.

FERNIEFIX.COM

45

Fernie Fun

FIX TRIVIA

ferniefix

FernieFixMag

FernieFix

COMMUNITY DUMSPTERS Can you identify the locations of these four dumpsters located in Fernie?

Have a picture to submit for Fernie Fun? Send it to info@clarismedia.com.

Yo fa sh

SAVE THE DATE! 5th Annual Dumspter Painting Party is Saturday June 30, 4-9pm at Station Sqaure

ANSWERS COMMUNITY BUILDINGS MAY

FIND THE Somewhere in this issue is a little flower.

Can you find it?

The Arts Station The Fernie Library

City Hall

The Fernie Museum

W Ne Ne “F

STORE E’S FA VOUR ITE SP ORTS FERNI

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