Fernie Fix March 2019

MARCH 2019 | ISSUE 147

THE V OICE ISSUE

Feature Artist Colleen Gentemann on how working hard builds strength and resilience

Feature Res Nicky Benzie on lending a voice to those not yet ready to speak

Kerri Wall discusses how parents’ voices can shape those of their children

Emma Polit encourages us to support local by shopping local FERNIEFIX.COM

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MARCH 2019 ISSUE 147

EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY | 9 Business News/New Business Making Social Media Work – Why Listicles Resonate by Christina Pilarski Money Matters - Canada Pension Plan Enhancements by Gerald Price, CPA CA

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT | 14 Feature Artist – Colleen Gentemann ArtBeat - Uncovering Your Artistic Voice

by Michael Hepher At Peace and Yet On Fire – The Limerick

by Sadie Rosgen Rental Fix – The Handmaid’s Tale

by Andrew Vallance

COMMUNITY AND EVENTS | 22 Feature Resident – Nicky Benzie

by Krista Turcasso City Corner with Ange Qualizza – An Afternoon with a Legend

Planning Ahead - Modelling the Courage to Speak Up by Kerri Wall Family Stoke – The Good Fight by Shelby Cain Inside and Out with Rebecca Hall – Canadian Voices

RECREATION AND OUTDOOR LIFE | 35 Hitting the Trails - A Hike on Swine Flu

by Julie Kelly Elements of Movement – The Turkish Get Up with Maddy Alaric Indoor Fix – Inspiring Your Child to Find Their Own Movement Voice

by Sarah-Beth Plishka

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 41 Family Wellness with Dr. Taina Turcasso ND, RM - Balancing Women’s Hormones Take Five by Crys Stewart – Simply Sensational Salmon Appy Fashion For Everyone – Shopping Local

by Emma Polit

THE VOICE ISSUE

For The Love of Food by Katie Hamar – Food for Women’s Health

BITS AND BYTES | 48 The Answer Guy – Password Managers.

Your Secret Weapon by Kevin McIsaac Astrology – March 2019

by Ashley Kristina

FERNIE FUN | 50 Fix Trivia

COVER: CrossFit Coach Kim Shopland, slaying the rope climb at a recent competition.

Photo by Randi Goertzen, @red.flannelphotography THIS PAGE: Sunday Funday, just making snowman and playing in the snow.

Photo by Matt Kuhn, mkuhnphoto.com

IT’S LIKE A WALK IN THE PARK WITH FAR LESS EFFORT THAN WALKING. A regular hearing check is no biggie.

In fact, it’s really no different than an eye test or trip to the dentist. And it’s good for more than just your ears.

Healthier hearing is proven to reduce the risks of cognitive decline and dementia. Not bad for a quick visit.

Schedule your next check at

HearingLoss.ca

It’s just healthy living.

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EDITOR’S FIX

I am grateful every day to have found a group of empowering women who took me under their wing, loved me for who “I like wearing nice dresses because people I am, and introduced me to a sport that tell me I look pretty.” exposed a side of myself I never knew existed… or perhaps had long forgotten. uch. Raising two girls often petrifies These women were a catalyst of change, in me. I want so much for them to be happy and confident with who they are, but them I found strength.

I know how difficult the journey can be.

I would give anything for my girls to avoid experiencing a similar journey. For them I had troubles in my early years at to never doubt their worth, their abilities.

University. My heart had been broken and For them to love themselves and to go I began making changes in an attempt to with confidence into the world. To feel avoid the same pain in future. Looking equal and to demand the best.Undoubtedly back, these changes actually hurt me more my journey is easier that my mom’s, and than anything but the continued positive hers easier than her mom’s. Maybe it is reinforcement from others… compliments this recognition, giving a voice to what and attention on my appearance and we have endured and what others have accommodating behaviour, created a endured before us, going out into the world snowball effect that took nearly ten years and saying #metoo, that is ever so slowly to reverse. Not only was I not being my making a permanent and positive change in authentic self, it resulted in attracting the futures of our children. people to me who ultimately were not a good fit.

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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.

ANGE QUALIZZA is a nutty economist who has a passion for policy, governance and everything to do with municipal government!

Let’s lift up the carpet and take a closer look inside City Hall.

ASHLEY KRISTINA has studied astrology for over twenty years and has been reading and teaching for the past five years. In her perspective, astrology is a compass that makes sense. for an in depth natal chart reading, email mountainashastrology@ gmail.com.

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.

EMMA POLIT likes to wander the world, swim in the seas and ride in the mountains.

You may also find her sipping margaritas and eating tacos.

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.

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 specialises 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.

MADDY ALARIC is a lover of putting things down and picking them back up again, whether it be weights or her two year old daughter.

She loves inspiring people through her classes at Soar Studios and looks forward to sharing this love through her column, “Elements of Movement.”

And this gives me hope and excitement.

My girls will likely continue to receive a lot of compliments on what they’re wearing, but they will also continue to hear how great they ski, how clever they are, how kind and generous their hearts are. Which makes me a little less petrified and a whole lot of proud.

Krista Turcasso, Editor

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 All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

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.

REBECCA HALL loves the snow, afternoons nordic skiing on the Fernie Golf Course and movies at the Vogue.

SARAH-BETH PLISHKA, a certified personal trainer and fitness blogger, believes there isn’t just one cookie cutter way to stay fit and healthy. She loves showcasing unique ways to stay active on her Instagram @fitandnerd.

SHELBY CAIN has lived in the East Kootenays most of her life. She’s a fulltime 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…

DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching babies, and is inching her way back to Fernie.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Build your dream home in Fernie’s newest Mountain Community.

Modern Mountain

Homesites in Fernie, BC Only a few lots remain in Stage 4 from $228,000 Buy now to build your dream home for Summer 2019 Contact Dan or Alan at ReMax Elk Valley Realty DAN MCSKIMMING ferniedano@gmail.com or 250-423-1921 ALAN YOUNG alan@fernielistings.com or 250-430-1245

www.montanefernie.ca | 250-423-4136 | info@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.

Business in the Valley

BUSINESS NEWS

The Arts Station 601 1st Ave 250-423-4842

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ow in its 8th year and officially an Arts Station event, the Wednesday Concert Series (WCS) are highly anticipated summer evenings in downtown Fernie, drawing close to 500 community members WEDNESDAY CONCERT SERIES | V. CROOME PHOTO and visitors each week.

With live bands, refreshment garden, food trucks and kids activity tent, the Socials (as they’re commonly referred to as) is a Wednesday staple in July and August.

Local businesses have the opportunity to be a main stage sponsor and give back to the community in the most fun way possible! Sponsoring this event gives your business great exposure and association with a well-loved community event. As a non-profit event, these funds go directly to helping the organizers book bigger and better bands making each Wednesday Social the best it can be! If you would like to become a sponsor please contact info@theartsstation.com. Limited spots are available, so get in touch today.

Canada Revenue Agency Community Volunteer Income Tax Program

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s your income under $45,000 for families and $35,000 for individuals? The CRA community volunteer income tax program can help you file your 2018 income tax.Volunteers will be available March and April on Saturdays and and Tuesdays.

Saturday clinics start March 2 at the Heritage Library board room, from 1-4pm until April 27. Tuesday clinics begin March 5 at the Fernie Senior’s Centre in the back room from 11am-2:30pm until April 30. No clinics over Easter weekend. Bring your 2017 Notice of Assessment and 2018 information slips.

Contact Terry (250-423-4905) or Bill (250-423-4758) with any questions or if you need to meet at another time or place.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Christ Church Anglican 591 4th Ave 250-423-6517

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n Friday, March 15 at 7 pm, Christ Church Anglican is hosting Great Plains, a veteran touring duo, for a fundraising music concert. Saskia and Darrel of Great Plains deliver “a taste of Celtic, a dab of bluegrass, a touch of folk all wrapped around extremely beautiful melodies.”

All profits from this event go towards the “All Mothers and Children Count” initiative of the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund (PWRDF), which supports maternal, newborn and children’s health in rural areas of Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi and Mozambique.

“And guess what?” remarks Reverend Andrea Brennan, “Global Affairs Canada matches our donation an amazing 6:1! So, come on out! All are welcome.”

The $15 tickets are available at Fernie Stationers or by emailing christchurchfernie@gmail. com. For more information visit christchurchfernie.ca, thegreatplains. ca and pwrdf.org.

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Business in the Valley

NEW BUSINESS

Born to Adventure borntoadventure.com

M

ini Adventures. Mighty Adventures.

They all deserve to be remembered!

Born to Adventure is a business inspired by the idea that beautiful memories need more than a smartphone selfie, or an out of focus shot snapped by your six-year-old, your husband or a well-meaning stranger! We all want creative and spontaneous photos without getting caught up trying to get the perfect image.

SUBMITTED PHOTO

As photography and adventure specialists, Leanne and Kent Nanninga take away that tension, and you get to be present in your moments. As a result, your photographs will be the best possible souvenir from your vacation or adventure.

Born to Adventure accompanies people on the experience of their choice: hiking, snowshoeing, floating the river, tobogganing, fishing, canoeing, etc. The resulting photographs help you celebrate your relationships—those timeless moments that are energetic, colourful and real.

You can find out more about their work on their site, or contact them at hello@ borntoadventure.com.

FEB 28 – APR 3, 2019

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ON KITCHENAID ® MAJOR APPLIANCES

24B Manitou Road, Fernie BC | ferniehearthandhome.com Follow us for up-to-date sales and product info!

V. CROOME PHOTO

Hearing Loss Clinic Hearingloss.ca 250-430-9389

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he Hearing Loss Clinic, located at 322 2nd Ave in downtown Fernie, is proud to be a compassionate, forwardthinking clinic with eight locations (where the coffee is always hot) across the entire East Kootenays and Southern Alberta. They offer a full range of hearing care services provided by an award-winning team of Doctors of Audiology, Audiologists and Hearing Aid Practitioners, helping you connect to the things that really matter— who and what you love most.

Hearing is more than just a sense. It is what connects us to the music that moves us, the laughter that spreads over us, the words that inspire us, the nature all around us, and the people we hold closest. The team at the Hearing Loss Clinic is honoured to help people of all ages to live their lives with confidence, independence, and support, through the gift of hearing. There is nothing more rewarding than making a positive impact on others.

Business in the Valley

NEW BUSINESS

FERNIE

BANNER PROJECT 2019 SUBMITTED IMAGE

CALL FOR ENTRIES

Women Talk womentalk.ca

Deadline for submissions: April 4, 2pm

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he Women Talk Conference is a one-day event where women present and share their inspiring stories, thoughts, ideas and experiences. Everyone’s uniqueness is celebrated!

SAVE THE DATE Banner Opening/Reception on June 6th.

For details and to submit visit: theartsstation.com

CITY OF FERNIE

- NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED -

March Group of the Month: Fernie Snowmobile Association

CITY OF FERNIE BRITISH COLUMBIA

Safe sledding.

With a total of 20 speakers, topics will be vast, varied, and always inspirational.

Local women are encouraged to apply to share their stories on this day as well.You’ll laugh, you’ll learn and you’ll be entertained by amazing women talkers! The day is fastpaced with each presenter speaking for 20 minutes TED TALK style, mixed together with five-minute inspirational stories. Women from all walks of life are welcome to speak; from stay-at-home moms to CEOs, first-time TALKers to international speakers, all sharing the same stage.

Keynote speakers are Founder and CEO of Women Talk, Brigitte Lessard-Deyell and Comedian Medium Jennie Ogilvie, along with radio celebrity Sue Deyell as emcee.

Premium off road gasoline • Regular gasoline • Diesel • Marked Diesel

24/7/365

Tickets are available at womentalk. ca/fernie.

www.ferniecardlock.com 250.423.7205 • 1592-9th Ave., Fernie FERNIEFIX.COM

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(GST included)

Business in the Valley

MAKING SOCIAL MEDIA WORK

Why Listicles Resonate

by CHRISTINA PILARSKI

W

ho doesn’t love a good list? Whether it’s the top ten episodes of Seinfeld or the top things to do in Fernie, we have an insatiable appetite to create lists and rankings.

Perhaps it’s an easier route to write things down one to nine. Many people, including myself, get curious satisfaction from mentally compiling and completing a list. It strikes a chord and ticks a box.

Maybe it’s because finding your true voice on social media can be scary – compiling a list is a great way to share content that is accessible, to the point, and engaging. We aren’t all cut out for creating a live video but most of us can string together a few solid reasons why our company, product, or ideas stand out.

After all, in today’s day of information overload, the list is important because it’s easily digestible. Lists get clicks because readers perceive a list will take them significantly less time to get through than an article, and it is easily referenced if you need to come back to it!

So, let’s get down to business and create a list of reasons why we love lists.

1. The human brain may structure information in list format: Think about it, when we write down things to get for groceries, it’s in a list. Christmas presents for friends and family? In a list.

Best coffee spots in your neighbourhood?

Yep, also in a list.

2. Lists take advantage of limited attention spans: They’re short, to the point, easy to read, punctual, and stick out in our mind.

3. People like to group random things together in lists: A list of best things to do in your city for a long weekend can have so many ideas that you’ll find yourself wanting to everything! Think of

...compiling a list is a great way to share content that is accessible, to the point, and engaging.

Listicles are also excellent online content. A list can live as a blog on your website that your social media channels point to; try highlighting a different item from the list each day and start your own countdown on social, or even reference one of the listed items and point to the same blog all month long. Use the listicle in your next e-newsletter and share it on your LinkedIn profile as a Pulse post. Create an animated video on PowToons highlighting each item in your list.

A list is one of the easiest pieces of content to recycle and leverage in all you do online.

For example, check out the results of the Best of Fernie 2018 on ferniefix.com!

complementary businesses and partners – create a list together and leverage one another’s’ followings.

Tell us the top three reasons you love a good list online at @CIPRComs. Use the hashtags #PRPower and #FernieSuccess to share with the community.

4. Lists seem to suggest popularity: Best burger joints in the city, best hikes to do, best things to do on a long weekend, best places to visit. We never seem to ask according to who – take advantage of that – you are an expert in what you do.

Let us know what you are trying out online at @ CIPRComs. Use the hashtags #PRPower and #FernieSuccess to show off your successful metrics, campaigns, and partnerships.

5. It’s fun and creates conversations: Create a divisive list on Twitter or Facebook and watch your mentions and notifications skyrocket. Use calls to action!

6. It’s how humans read: We like to see things organized in such a way – left -> right -> top -> bottom. That’s what lists are.

7. Lists can keep people organized and focused: When someone sets out to write or read a list, they are focused, organized, and determined.

Love Your Hair

8. Lists give us a feeling of familiarity: We’ve grown in up in an age where we see lists, and then it sticks with us and is comforting.

9. Lists provide knowledge and information for us to learn: They give us the opportunity to learn more information and discover things we may not have previously known.

Book online www.sparrowhair.ca 250-423-7175 | 641 7th Avenue

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Fernie Puppy School Cathy Smith-Clark, CAPPDT • Professional Dog Training Instructor • over 30 years experience

Start Your Puppy off Right Prevent Behavioural Problems April/May Classes Limited space, sign up now Privates Encouraged

All Sitka 20% off All Eberlestock Packs 30% off sales end March 31st

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

csmithclark2002@yahoo.ca

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GRIZ DAY

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Thank you to the Griz Days 2019 sponsors!

Resort Municipality Initiative Investing in B.C. Resort Communities

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Wapiti • LWE • Elk Valley Pizza •Tourism Fernie • College of the Rockies • Fernie Lodging Company • Rocky Mountain Optometry • Purcell Law • Mow and Snow • McDonalds • FernieREAL Distillers • Happy Hounds • Fernie Golf Club • Freyja • Post and Prosper • Giv’Er Shirt Works • Elevations Showcase • Kootenay Signs • Fernie Shuttle • ESTATE Starbucks • The Fernie Hotel and Pub • The Free Press • Lilac Media • Home Hardware and The Ski Hosts from RCR for helping keep the kids back and the parade safe!

Pub Crawl: Griz Bar • Rusty Edge • Super 8 Fernie • The Pub • Kodiak Lounge at Raging Elk • Fernie Legion • Fernie Hotel and Pub • The Royal • The Northern * GRIZ DAY

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Business in the Valley

Canada Pension Plan Enhancements

by GERALD PRICE, CPA CA

S

ome of you may have noticed that your employer is with-holding more Canada Pension Plan (CPP) in 2019 than they did in 2018. This increase is the first of several steps to increase the CPP benefits receivable in the future. CPP currently is designed to provide income comparable to replace one-quarter of your pensionable earnings in retirement. The changes being implemented over the next few years will increase that coverage to one-third of pensionable earnings. The first change will occur between 2019 and 2023. During this period the CPP contribution rate will be increased.

The second change will take effect in 2024 by adding the “Year’s Additional Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YAMPE).”

During the period 2003 through 2018, 4.95% of your pensionable income was with-held from gross pay and remitted to the Government for CPP.Your employer matched that 4.95%. For 2019 the rate increases to 5.10% with annual increases to follow for the next four years. The withholding amounts for 2020 will be 5.25%, 2021 will be 5.45%, 2022 will be 5.75 and in 2023 the rate will be 5.95%. This increased rate will allow you to receive higher CPP payments when you are retired.

Each year the “Maximum Annual Pensionable Earnings (MAPE)” amount increases as well. Any income up to the MAPE amount (less the basic exemption amount, which has been set at $3,500 since 1996) is subject to CPP at the contribution rate. For 2019 the MAPE is set at $57,400.

For 2018 the MAPE was set at $55,900.

Contrast this with 2009 when the MAPE was $46,300. Each year the MAPE is increased to reflect higher wages and higher CPP contributions ensuring that the CPP payments in retirement can be funded.

In 2024 an enhancement to be referred to as the YAMPE will be implemented.

Increasing the contributions to CPP allows benefits in the future to be increased.

This is a second tier of CPP contributions that affects people earning more than the MAPE amount. In 2024 this amount will be 7% of MAPE. In 2025 the amount increases to 14% of MAPE. Since YAMPE is a percentage of MAPE, as MAPE increases so will YAMPE. The contribution rate on YAMPE will be 4% and it will only be calculated on earnings that are above MAPE and less than or equal to YAMPE. Here are some examples of two taxpayers earning different salaries. Let’s assume their wage remains constant throughout the examples. Al makes $50,000 per year.

In 2019 he will pay CPP of $2,371.50 ((50,000 – 3,500) x 0.051) which his employer will match. Barb makes $80,000 per year. In 2019 she will pay CPP of $2,748.90 ((57,400 MAPE – 3,500) x 0.051) which her employer will match.

MONEY MATTERS

((79,400 - 69,700) x 0.04)) which her employer will match.

The increase in the contribution rate affects CPP contributions for everyone with earned income higher than $3,500 per year.

The second tier of pensionable income with a 4% contribution rate affects only pensionable earnings in between the annual MAPE and YAMPE. Increasing the contributions to CPP allows benefits in the future to be increased. The maximum CPP benefit per month in 2018 was $1,134.17. With the enhancements, the maximum benefit will increase to up to $2,075.

Here is a link to Canada Revenue Agency where there is more information and examples that include the estimated increases to the MAPE: canada.ca/en/ revenue-agency/news/2018/10/thecanada-pension-plan-enhancement-businesses-individuals-and-self-employedwhat-it-means-for-you.html

Assuming the same previous annual salaries and an estimated MAPE of $65,700, in 2023 Al will pay CPP of $2,766.75 ((50,000 – 3,500) x 0.0595) which his employer will match and Barb will pay CPP of $3,700.90 ((65,700 MAPE – 3,500) x 0.0595) which her employer will match.

Assuming the same previous annual salaries and an estimated MAPE of $67,700 and YAMPE of $72,400 (67,700 + (67,700 x 0.07) truncated to nearest 100), in 2024 Al will pay CPP of $2,766.75 ((50,000 – 3,500) x 0.0595) which his employer will match and Barb will pay CPP of $4,007.90 (((67,700 MAPE – 3,500) x 0.0595) + ((72,400 - 67,700) x 0.04)) which her employer will match.

Assuming the same previous annual salaries and an estimated MAPE of $69,700 and YAMPE of $79,400 (69,700 + (69,700 x 0.14) truncated to nearest 100) in 2025 Al will pay CPP of $2,766.75 ((50,000 – 3,500) x 0.0595) which his employer will match and Barb will pay CPP of $4,326.90 (((69,700 MAPE – 3,500) x 0.0595) +

Roberta Milne Registered Massage Therapist

250 278 0537 robertamilnermt@gmail.com ferniermt.com online booking available FERNIEFIX.COM

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Arts and Entertainment

FEATURE ARTIST

SHADES OF WINTER - ICELAND

JANINA KUZMA

FLYING INTO EDZIZA PARK

CANYON RAFT - COLLEEN

C OL L E E N G E N T E M A N N My journey of becoming a filmmaker really began in Fernie. In 2005, after a season of raft guiding on the Ottawa River, I bought a ’88 Chevy Blazer and started the long drive across the country with my boyfriend at the time. He was a photographer and had set up a contract at the ski hill shooting video and taking photos in exchange for ski passes. He handed me a camera… and so began my career as a creative.

After a couple of seasons working at Fernie Alpine Resort, I managed to get a job as a cat skiing photographer at Fernie Wilderness Adventures. In the summer I worked for Canyon Raft Company shooting photos on the Elk River from my kayak. It was a wonderfully blissful time of my life to work outside, doing the sports I love, working with amazing people and getting paid for it. The daily wildlife sightings and beautiful scenery inspired my work and I feel privileged to have been able to learn and grow as a photographer in this spectacular place.

I took my first step out of Fernie with a photography contract at Monashee Powder Catskiing near Revelstoke, BC nine years ago. I now have two photographers working for me and find myself in a mentoring and teaching role. Leading a small team has allowed me to reflect on how much I’ve learned over the years and how far I’ve come.

From photography I have shifted my focus to cinematography and filmmaking. I have worked with small businesses, brands and am particularly interested in working with female athletes. This winter I am working on two exciting film projects. One is a comedy documentary on women in leadership in a male-dominated big-mountain industry, and the other is a travel documentary about skiing in the Middle East with Fernie’s own professional skier, Janina Kuzma.

SHADES OF WINTER - ICELAND

My journey has certainly not been easy. I challenge myself mentally and physically almost constantly to keep up with the demands of my job. Every bike ride or ski tour I go on in my leisure time is not just play, I consider it training. I have to keep up with top level athletes with 20lbs of gear on my back. When I am not outside, you can find me in my home office or as I like to call it “the cave.” As an editor I am a forever student, always trying to learn new storytelling techniques and ways to captivate the audience.

I think one of the most influential events in my life that really propelled me forward as a filmmaker was ironically a major set back. It’s funny that when something awful happens it seems devastating at the time but in reflection is a catalyst for action. In 2012, while working at MPS I was caught and buried in an avalanche.

It’s hard to say how long I was under the snow.

When they dug me out I was unconscious, a deep shade of blue and not breathing. I limped away from that incident with a blown knee, concussion, shattered confidence, and anxiety that followed me into every aspect of my life. Looking back I realize that I had to completely rebuild myself physically, mentally and emotionally and have resurfaced a stronger and more resilient woman because of it.

SANDRA LAHNSTEINER

MOUNTAINEERING

COLLEEN FILMING IN LEBANON

Coming close to death makes you realize just how precious life is. I decided that I would not let this thing break me and I sought out the people, tools, and strategies to create the life I wanted to live. Six years later, I’m still working on it. I’ve learned to be patient with myself and that there really is no short cut. As long as I move forward with intention toward the things that energize me and give me life, I can find success.

Follow Colleen on instagram @ colleen_gentemann or visit her website, colleengentemann.com.

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Arts and Entertainment

ARTBEAT

Uncovering Your Artistic Voice

by MICHAEL HEPHER

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rtistic voice is more than just a style or a particular colour palette; it is a way of making something that is so unique to us and our lives that it could not have been made by any other person. It’s a process that turns mechanical mark-making into a deeply personal result. It’s a lifelong commitment to turning our senses inward to uncover the thing that makes us one of a kind, and then to capture it in our work.

To find our voice, we must spend the lion’s share of our time twisting the dial back and forth to find the frequency that transmits the strongest vision.

Artistic voice is not something we develop, it’s something we uncover. It’s always been there, it just takes time to hear it properly, to separate it from the background noise of life. That is why we say we are finding our voice, not creating our voice.

The process of discovering my own voice is like a scavenger hunt: I’ve found bits of myself in a few marks on someone else’s painting, others in the snow piling up on mountain ash berries, still more in a lyric from a song heard over the sound system at a coffee shop. When I start paying attention to the things that resonate differently in my subconscious mind, almost anything can become a tool of discovery.

To illustrate what it feels like, let me borrow the term Constructive Interference from wave theory. When two waves (in phase) overlap, they produce a wave that’s double the strength. A walk along an ocean beach should give you real-life examples.

Similarly, when that artistic sound is thrumming away inside you, and it overlaps with something outside that’s on the same wavelength, it grows a signal that is twice as strong. If your antennae are up you can feel it.

A SELECTION OF MIKE’S WORKS FROM 2011 TO 2018

Artistic voice is not something we develop, it’s something we uncover. It’s always been there, it just takes time to hear it properly...

If you’ve ever been at an art gallery and seen a painting that excited you and terrified you at the same time, that’s constructive interference in action. It’s exciting because you’ve discovered a piece of yourself, and it’s terrifying because it’s telling you something about your own work that’s still missing. It’s the age-old dialectic between the thrill of discovery and the pain of growth. It makes me want to run home and paint.

Once we get enough of these constructive puzzle pieces together, a clearer picture of our voice starts to emerge and we can begin making use of these discoveries in our work. For me, I ask myself if this mark, or this colour, or this shape feels like me. Is it something I would do? It’s far too easy to make marks for someone else, or for some commercial reason.Your voice is a hidden

codex that resonates at a frequency only you can hear.

When we are uncovering our voice, we can never capture it all, but we can always capture it more. In time, our voice gets stronger, and people start to recognize our work because it is distinct, personal, and true.

The biggest challenge is that you are the only one who can tell if you’re on the right path. This requires a good deal of selfinspection, quiet honesty, artistic courage, and time. Good god does it ever take a lot of time. There will be distractions, and detours, and things that pull you off your path.You need to find what brings you back. For me, it’s a walk along the river.

Playing guitar. An evening with friends.

There is great freedom in finding your own way, and great responsibility, because the weight of that journey can feel very solitary.You will face criticism and uncertainty, feel professional jealousy alongside artistic accomplishment. In the end, the only true reward is that we get to uncover the primal personal sound of our authentic self.

THINK. DO.

REACT. TREAT. LEAD. RESCUE.

BECOME.

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April 8 to 16

April 13 to 16

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Wilderness First Aid offers relevant and realistic first aid training for those who seek seasonal outdoor activities or short term wilderness pursuits.

April 8 to 11

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Phone: 250-423-4691 | email: fernie@cotr.bc.ca

April 6 and 7

AT PEACE AND YET ON FIRE

Arts and Entertainment

The Limerick

by SADIE ROSGEN

A dude from the Flathead, Wanted a bobsled, He trained, And he gained, But would rather his bedspread.

TheMarchRoyal Shows

ninjette and mihajic touch

sat 2nd - vibrant festival takeover =====================

tickets from eventbrite

sun 17th - st padd y’s day ‘from under the stone’ 7-piece celtic punk band =====================

Thurs 21st - mr royal

yyc pop-punk 3-piece

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thur 14th - pyjama part y =====================

fri 15th - Bass night

Open 9pm-2am Mon-Sat

i fi n t e

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fri 8th - Galacticas sat 9th - hark raving sirens + thar be dragons

Check Facebook for all our events this month!

fri 22nd - The ILlustrator/pete moss =====================

sat 23rd - phibes tickets from eventbrite =====================

fri 29th - The soul train house/funk/disco =====================

sat 30th - Break beat dojo takeover (yyc) 501 1st Ave, Fernie, BC

-B

T

=====================

sat 16th - Kytami

'kitchen always open'

a

fri 1st pussy power night

There once was a fella from Fernie, Who ended up on a gurney, He sent it, And meant it, Broken and bruised was Bernie.

A young teen from Elko, Hurt his left elbow, He swung his racket, After removing his jacket, And now needs a brace with some Velcro.

In

What drew me to the limerick this month was the lightness of it. As we end the winter season and emerge into spring, create your own limerick for your dog, a lover, or a brother from another mother! With the help of a few giggling girlfriends, here are a few limericks I came up with about some local characters.

A big guy from Sparwood, Went as fast as his truck could, Starving for speed, Feeding his need, He ran straight into a forest of hardwoods.

A dog from Coal Creek, Who looked rather sleek, When he barked, It was marked, By his fierce need to speak.

Hailing from the county of Limerick in Ireland, a limerick is a funny poem with a strong beat. It usually consists of three long lines and two short. All in all, it’s a lighthearted romp through a few silly stories.

ar

&

Bou

ti q u e

Infinitea this March Licenced Lounge, all ages, homestyle cooking, board games, musical instruments 0pen noon-late every day except Tuesday

Monday's Free Movie Night 7pm $8 Meals. Free popcorn.

Wednesday's Tarot reading's from 7pm Thursday's Cribbage & Cocktails - All 2oz cocktails $8 & Crib Tournament from 7pm ($25 Gift Certificate) Friday's Live music from 8pm Saturday's $5 pints from Overtime Beer Works (rotating taps) Sunday's $10 Roast Dinner 6-9pm (book!)

Book a party at Infinitea ph # 778-519-5258

Located on 5th St downtown FERNIEFIX.COM

19

OUR COMM ING UN RV IT E Y S

25 YE A R S 1993 - 2018

POLAR PEEK

BOOKS & TREASURES

OPEN EVERYDAY 592 2nd Ave., Fernie 250-423-3736 polarpeekbooks@telus.net www.polarpeekbooks.ca POLAR PEEK BOOKS AND TREASURES

250-423-0007

Pick-up or Delivery!

592 8th Ave. Fernie

Let us do the cooking this Spring Break!

8th Annual

2017

Think of us for fresh wraps, pizza & more: Pizza * Wings * Greek Wraps * Lasagna * Desserts

Open for Lunch and Dinner. Pick-up & Delivery from Hosmer to the Ski Hill.

Extensive menu... more than great pizza! $13 Basic Topping Tuesday

Enjoy 2 Basic toppings on any size crust.

All other Daily & Everyday Specials and

order online at: ElkValleyPizza.com

Arts and Entertainment

The Handmaid’s Tale

by ANDREW VALLANCE

T

he Handmaid’s Tale is a dystopian novel, written by Canadian author Margaret Atwood and published in 1985.

It is set in the near-future in a totalitarian state created when a religious theocracy overthrows the legitimate United States government. The only portions of the country which remain democratic are the states of Alaska and Hawaii.

The book is a classic and seminal work of feminist literature. Its title reflects the fact that it is a series of connected stories, such as that found in The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. It explores the theme of women in subjugation in a patriarchal society and the means by which they are denied individualism and independence.

The novel focuses on the journey of the handmaid, Offred, whose name derives from the possessive form “of Fred,” the master whom she serves, since handmaids are forbidden to use their birth names. The story retells the events leading up to the fall of women’s rights and describes the current slave-like state of every handmaid through the perspective of Offred.

It was adapted to a successful motion picture in 1990, starring Natasha Richardson, Faye Dunaway, Aidan Quinn and Robert Duvall, with a screenplay by Harold Pinter. As such, it makes sense that someone in the Hollywood machine would make a streaming television series out of it.

In this more recent version, the plot is extended beyond the initial story in the novel. Featured in the cast is Elizabeth Moss who stars as the central character, Offred. Moss previously played Zoey Bartlet, the daughter of Josiah Bartlet, in the television series The West Wing (19992006). She also received six Emmy award nominations for her role as Peggy Olson in the television series Mad Men. For

THE RENTAL FIX

her excellent portrayal of Offred, she has received an Emmy award.

NBC spy series Chuck (2007-2012) and as Hannah McKay in the drama series Dexter (2012-2013). She has received an Emmy Award nomination for her role in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Joseph Fiennes plays Commander Fred Waterford, the story’s central villain.

Fiennes is best remembered for his 1998 role as young Shakespeare in Shakespeare in Love, a film that won that year’s Academy Award for Best Picture, and one in which Fiennes was nominated for the Screen Actors Guild Award for best male actor.

Max Minghella plays Offred’s love interest in the film. He is the son of director Anthony Minghella and has been seen previously in such excellent films as Agora (2008) and The Social Network (2010), a film about the origins of Facebook. In 2013 he had a supporting role as Graham Hawfrey in the comedy The Internship.

Serena Joy Waterford, the mistress of Fred’s household is played by Yvonne Strahovski, an Australian actress, best known for her roles as CIA agent Sarah Walker in the

This is an excellent show. The acting, script and cinematography are great. In a series where a man touching a woman’s shoulder can be as frightening as a man with a gun, the writers are able to successfully convey how repressive and violent this totalitarian state is without showing disturbing scenes too explicitly.

Two thumbs way, way up!

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- Best drink prices all season long - Pint and hockey ticket specials for all ghostrider home games - Jam night Mondays - Situated at The Raging Elk Hours:

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www.ragingelk.com 892 6th Avenue, Fernie BC • ph: 250-423-6811 FERNIEFIX.COM

21

Community and Events

FEATURE RESIDENT

Nicky Benzie

by KRISTA TURCASSO

D

on’t you just love it when you’ve known someone in our community for a while, and discover a passionate and powerful side of them that takes you by surprise? This is the case with Nicky Benzie. While I have known she is involved with the Fernie Women’s Centre (WC), I was not aware of the voice she has lent many in Fernie.

When Nicky finished University, she decided she wanted to travel and did some research into ski towns. She had worked for the same rafting company as Carolyn Doyle who owns Big Bang Bagels and had a friend working for Carolyn. Nicky decided to reach out to Carolyn, who immediately responded with, “if you come in September you can stay with me for free and work for me!” Having never heard of Fernie, Nicky took the leap. “I worked at the bagel shop for two years and met all of my best friends there!”

While she loved working at Big Bang, she started feeling like she could be doing something “more geared towards giving back.” Nicky had been volunteering with the Women’s Centre and saw that there was a position available. She contemplated going back to school, but decided to apply… and is now the Office Manager.

“That was almost six years ago,” she tells me. “It was a dream come true, providing me with a way to live here, to give back to the community, and to have a job that sustains me.” Nicky knew how much the WC was doing in the community, something that is very important to her.

She has been a feminist as far back as she remembers. “Even as a little kid, when I didn’t have the right words to say it,” she says. “Women’s issues are a passion of mine.”

Nicky’s role is to support women with whatever they need, with wherever they are at. She has the knowledge about key

KRISTA TURCASSO PHOTO

resources and programs, the ability to navigate different government systems when they are in need. As her boss, Lauren Fox says, “She is a strong feminist and an advocate for ending violence against women.” Nicky is the chair of a local committee called Community Coordination for Safety in Relationships (CCSR) - a group of services providers who recognize that gender-based violence impacts many of the people that they serve. They work to promote the safety of individuals in their relationships through timely interventions and solution focused collaboration. The ultimate goal is to see our community free from violence and abuse, where everyone is safe and respected. Recently, men’s issues have been identified as a need through CCSR and they are in the process of organizing a monthly men’s drop-in program starting this fall.

assault receive consistent support and assistance from the agencies best equipped to meet their safety needs.

Nicky also sits on the Sexual Assault Response Committee (SART), who work towards increasing the awareness of reporting options for victims of sexual assault in the valley, increase available support and reporting options, update and share written protocol between Interior Health staff and victim services, and ultimately ensure all victims of sexual

The WC has become much busier in recent years. But Nicky believes it’s not because there is more violence, it’s more to do with people feeling more comfortable and confident in talking about what they are going through. “They’re wanting to ask questions, is this a healthy relationship, or they’re having weird feelings… it has become way more socially acceptable to

On top of all of this, Nicky has been volunteering at the Options for Sexual Health clinic for the last five years!

As we chat, I can’t help but ask how she does it. Isn’t it hard mentally and emotionally to work with people who are going through something so devastating?

“It’s tough, but it’s in my skill set - helping people and problem solving,” Nicky says.

“I get that initial story, and it can be hard to hold the weight of that. What breaks my heart the most is the way the system adds extra layers of trauma.” She tells me that counselling is available to all of the staff at the WC, “and Lauren is incredible. She is there to debrief in the moment as well as with extra clinical supervision.”

go and talk to someone about it. There has also been a surge since the #metoo movement,” she says. They’re seeing an increase in older women coming in as well. “It’s lovely to see the resilience in these women, someone in such a long relationship having the courage to talk about it.”

“The voice theme is so awesome. Abuse thrives in silence,” she adds. “If you’re not feeling respected or safe, that’s enough.”

Everyone is welcome at the WC, and they encourage dropping in for a coffee and a chat. Or even to use the computer, the printer and fax machine. “You don’t have to be a resident, we have no criteria other than identifying as a woman.”

This year, the Fernie Women’s Centre is celebrating 40 years! Inspired by the Women’s Marches on Washington, they are hosting Solidarity March on March 8 at the Fernie Arts Station “to honour survivors of domestic and sexualized violence.” All are welcome, to join in the walk from the Arts Station to the Court House and back, followed by refreshments, and live music by the Hark Raving Sirens.

“We want to let any survivor of violence know that there are people who see them, believe in them and are willing to speak up for them. I have a voice that can do it when maybe you don’t feel like you can.”

2. Who did you first meet in town?

Carolyn Doyle.

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

I was blown away by how beautiful it was.

In every direction you looked. Almost overwhelming.

4. What keeps you here?

Lots of stuff. The community does, cliche to say. Just being able to live and work in a meaningful way in a beautiful place with people who lift me up.

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

here, and there is always something new to do. Always an activity. Even springtime, as it provides a time to slow down and take stalk.

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

I would love there to be a space for all individuals where they could feel like they are being supported in whatever challenges they are going through. And affordable housing. A homeless shelter, would love one here.

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

Coffee.

Being on the chairlift on a pow day and hearing everyone hooting and hollering makes me so happy. Everyone is so excited.

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

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

10. Quote to live by: No one achieves anything alone.

I really like pub trivia.

I like the fact that there are four seasons

When asked about what her hopes are, Nicky immediately says for her role to be made redundant… if we ended violence in the valley. “But it would be great to be in a place where people in any relationship feel like they know there are people they can talk to, and that they have worth… everybody needs help.”

And until we reach that place, we have people like Nicky offering their voice. And for that, we are grateful.

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

Being in the mountains brought me here, and I came on Derby Day in September of 2011… a little concerning.

FERNIEFIX.COM

23

Community and Events

CITY CORNER

An Afternoon with a Legend

by ANGE QUALIZZA

H

olding the office of the Mayor involves a lot of things which I hope to explore at length in this space over the next several months, but today I want to shine the light on that part of the job that brings me a bounty of opportunity. The ceremonial role.

I was recently invited to an afternoon of storytelling by Mike Delich to hear Rhoda Wurtele in conversation. Rhoda and her identical twin sister represented the entire Canadian Women’s Alpine Ski team in the 1948 Olympics, is a recent recipient of the Order of Canada, and a tenacious lover of sport.

I knew I was in for a treat the second I laid eyes on Rhoda and overheard her playful banter with Mike before the event took place. With her son John Eaves, a ski legend himself by her side, we drifted into that delightful space of listening to a legend.

Rhoda and her sister travelled by the RMS Queen Mary to the 1948 St. Moritz Olympic Games, where Rhoda had the misfortune of breaking her ankle during a training run when one of her teammates cut across the back of her skis. Without dwelling on the misfortune, Rhoda with a mere shrug said it was certainly disappointing but despite her injury, she raced in Chamonix a month later tying for third place.

Rhoda delighted us with stories about her impossibly long 7-foot 3-inch skis for all three events, but mostly just told us what a pure joy it was to compete and the privilege she felt she was given. Nearly every answer to our questions resulted with a grin, her messaging was that none of the difficulties mattered much because she just had so much fun with it all.

MIKE DELICH, RHODA WURTELE AND JOHN EAVES | PHIL MCLACHLAN PHOTO / FREE PRESS

It wasn’t Rhoda’s race career that got into my heart though that afternoon, not that it wasn’t truly extraordinary, it was her story of being a working mom with ambition and goals to chase. Rhoda and her sister Rhona wanted to make it easier than they had it for women to get proper ski instruction, so they started a ski school that eventually grew to 1000 students. As the school grew, they identified a need to provide programming for the moms while their children were skiing.

John teased his mom by interjecting to us that his childhood was crazy, with several dogs and cats always underfoot and the phone constantly ringing in his house from queries about snow reports, you were likely to walk into his house and have at a minimum of twenty skis crash down on you. Rhoda just grinned and waved her hand at him dismissing his story with a wink.

John continued to tease his mom gently and recounted that the first time he won a major competition on behalf of Canada, Ken Read won the exact same day. The press in Montreal went crazy with articles and news releases about Ken Read. Having none of it, Rhoda called radio stations and kept saying, hey what about this John kid,

he just won a world championship! To resounding laughter in the room—John closed with the punch line—the press called her on it, ‘Wait a second, are you his mother?!’

Rhoda just smiled and shrugged, we all knew we would have done the exact same thing on behalf of one of our kids.

I might have met a ski legend last week, but what I actually heard was that being a working mom is messy. The chaos that ensues in your household when your passion allows you to step over piles of skis at the front door. I heard about a proud mom trying to get her son the attention he deserved. Mostly though, I heard that the kid turned out just fine while his mom was chasing her dreams, John Eaves became one of Canada’s most accomplished Freestyle skiers.

Rhoda won the Order of Canada for her contribution to the sport, but that afternoon as a working mom myself I was lifted by her courage to chase her dreams.

I was also very happy to hear that chasing your dreams is an imperfect and messy business and that the kids will probably be alright. Here’s hoping.

FERNIEFIX.COM

25

March 2019 MONTHLY EVENTS FRIDAY 1.3.2019 A Snowy Day Storywalk @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am and 2pm. Explore this book by Ezra Keats outside in the library garden.

Ski with the Griz @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 11am Griz Myth Adventure @ The Arts Station, 4pm and 6pm.

Three unique stories, you choose the ending!

Griz Days Pub Crawl @ The Northern, 3pm DJ Aurora @ The Griz Bar Linden Anthony Live @ Loaf, 6pm Herky Cutler Live @ Infinitea, 8pm Pussy Power Night @ The Royal SATURDAY 2.3.2019 Storytelling And Adventuring with Terry Nelson @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2pm Griz Days Craft Fair @ The Community Centre, 9am-2pm Creative Photography for Beginners with Chris Attrell @ Fernie, 1-4pm Junior Griz Training Ground @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 11am 1pm. Stamina, intellect, ability and strength - hone in those Griz Skills!

Extreme Griz Competition @ Parkplace Pub, 12pm Testers Live @ The Griz Bar Night Skiing on the Mighty Moose @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 4pm Griz Saturday @ The Fernie Hotel and Pub with a Hot Wing Eating Contest, Dirt Rich Band, and DJ Jim Paul.

Tim Ketchum Live @ Infinitea, 6:30pm Thriihouse’s Bday Hoopla @ The Central, 9pm Griz Days Parade @ Downtown Fernie, 5:30pm Vibrant Festival Takeover @ The Royal SUNDAY 3.3.2019 Raging Elk Dummy Downhill @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 11am Adult Figurative Drawing Class with Gordon Milne @ Fernie Museum, hands-on class encouraging intense observation and brave approach to drawing.

Testers Live @ The Griz Bar Sunday Sessions with Jeff Steiert (J-Skillz) @ The Pub, 5pm Sunday Skool @ The Fernie, 8pm MONDAY 4.3.2019 Heritage Library Board Games @ Trinity Lodge, 3:304:30pm Fernie Friends of Opera Screening: Anne Bolena @ The Arts Station, 7pm German Sparkle Party @ The Royal, 9pm TUESDAY 5.3.2019 Bingo for Kids @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45 ages 8+ Free Executor Protection Seminar @ Fernie Senior Citizens Centre, 6:30pm WEDNESDAY 6.3.2019 Engineers Club @ Heritage Library, 3:45pm ages 7+ The Abstract Lion Visual Art Club @ Fernie Arts Station, 3:45pm ages 7-11. All levels welcome!

THURSDAY 7.3.2019 Knits and Knots @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45pm ages 7+ Poker Night @ The Elks Hall, $20 6-10pm with all proceeds benefiting the Fernie Childcare Society.

Beautea Night @ Infinitea with Spa 901, 6-9pm FRIDAY 8.3.2019 Fernie Women’s Resource Centre’s Solidarity March @ Fernie Arts Station, 6:30pm Blue Tansy Live @ The Loaf, 6pm Jam Night with Sly Violet @ Infinitea, 8pm

Monster Energy Presents the 7 Inches Tour @ The Northern, with Mat the Alien, DJ Pump, Dj Illo and Vinyl Ritchie.

Galacticas @ The Royal SATURDAY 9.3.2019 Kids Make Art @ Fernie Arts Station, 9am-4pm New Soul Live @ The Griz Bar The Price is Kinda Right @ The Legion, 8pm Hark Raving Sirens and Thar Be Dragons @ The Royal SUNDAY 10.3.2019 2nd Annual Fernie Birkie and Season Wrap Up @ Elk Valley Nordic Centre New Soul Live @ The Griz Bar Indie Films Fernie: Colette @ The Vogue Theatre, 5pm TUESDAY 12.3.2019 Seniors Story Time @ Trinity Lodge, 1:30pm Bingo for Kids @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45 ages 8+ WEDNESDAY 13.3.2019 Engineers Club @ Heritage Library, 3:45pm ages 7+ Seniors Story Time @ Rocky Mountain Village, 1pm Walkie Talkie Book Club @ Fernie Heritage Library, 10am Intro to Hand-building Pottery Clinic @ The Arts Station, 6:30pm THURSDAY 14.3.2019 Knits and Knots @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45pm ages 7+ Oliver The Crow live @ Fernie Distillers, 7:30pm Fernie Poker Tourney @ The Legion, 6:30pm Write it Down - Creative Writing Circle @ Fernie Heritage Library, 6:30pm PJ Story Time and Stuffy Sleepover @ Fernie Heritage Library, 6-7pm ages 3+ and caregivers FRIDAY 15.3.2019 Lunch and Learn Series with Gordon Milne @ Senior Citizens Centre, 12pm Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm Great Plains in Fernie @ Christ Church Anglican, 7pm.

Celtic, Bluegrass and Gospel Flavours.

Hark Raving Sirens Live @ The Loaf DJ Aurora Live @ The Griz Bar Chixdiggit Live @ The Northern with the Runs, 10:30pm Donuts with Dad @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2pm for all ages.

Donuts, books and activities!

FRIDAY 15.3.2019 - SATURDAY 16.3.2019 Ladies Riding Cinic with Stephanie Schwartz and Nadine Overwater @ Elk Valley Snow Shepherds Monster Energy Boarderstyle @ Fernie Alpine Resort Sean Burns Live @ The Rusty Edge SATURDAY 16.3.2019 Mountain Magic 2019 @ The Northern with Christian Martin, Small-town DJs and Neon Steve 10pm-2am Kytami with Phonik Ops @ The Royal, 9pm. An alchemy of classical, fiddle styles fused with bass elements of DnB, Dubstep and hip hop.

SUNDAY 17.3.2019 Sunday Sessions with Jeff Steiert (J-Skillz) @ The Pub, 5pm Sunday Skool: My Son Ted @ The Fernie, 8pm That Be Dragons Live @ The Griz Bar St. Paddy’s Day “From Under the Stone” @ The Royal MONDAY 18.3.2019 Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm MONDAY 18.3.2019 - FRIDAY 22.3.2019 Horsemanship Spring Break Camps for Youth @ Love it or Leave it Ranch, ages 7-12

CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT FERNIEFIX.COM TUESDAY 19.3.2019 - THURSDAY 21.3.2019 Performing Arts Camp @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm ages 6-11 WEDNESDAY 20.3.2019 Disco Teen Bingo @ Heritage Library, 1-3pm Full Moon Social @ Elk Valley Nordic Centre, 7pm THURSDAY 21.3.2019 Barnyard Puppet Theatre @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2-3pm ages 5-6 Mr Royal Competition @ The Royal FRIDAY 22.3.2019 Movie, Popcorn and Charades: Where the Wild Things Are @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1:30pm ages 7+ Raging Elk Kinky Rail Jam @ Fernie Alpine Resort Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm Rick and Ryan Live @ The Loaf, 6pm Porteau Music Live @ Infinitea, 8pm The Red Cannons Live @ Fernie Hotel, 8pm The Illustrator/Pete Moss @ The Royal SATURDAY 23.3.2019 - SUNDAY 24.3.2019 Dallas Live @ The Griz Bar SATURDAY 23.3.2019 Phibes @ The Royal SUNDAY 24.3.2019 Slocan Ramblers In Concert @ The Arts Station, 8pm MONDAY 25.3.2019 Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm MONDAY 25.3.2019 - FRIDAY 29.3.2019 Horsemanship Spring Break Camps for Youth @ Love it or Leave it Ranch, ages 13-17 TUESDAY 26.3.2019 Cooking Class @ Infinitea, 6pm Me Inc. Workshop @ Fernie Chamber of Commerce, 6:30pm TUESDAY 26.3.2019 - THURSDAY 28.3.2019 Watercolour Extravaganza Kids Camp @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm WEDNESDAY 27.3.2019 Crazy Kids @ Fernie Heritage LIbrary, 1:30pm THURSDAY 28.3.2019 Racetrack Builders @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2pm ages 5-6 Lego for Engineers @ Fernie Heritage LIbrary, 6:30pm Exhibit Opening: Jocelyn Mudry @ The Arts Station, 7pm Hip Hop Night @ The Royal, 9pm FRIDAY 29.3.2019 Tea and Talk Book Club: The Nightingale Won’e Let You Sleep @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1:30pm Movie, Popcorn and Charades: The Spiderwick Chronicles @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1:30pm ages 7+ DJ Aurora Live @ The Griz Bar Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm Naena Robinson Live @ The Loaf The Soul Train House/Funk/Disco @ The Royal SATURDAY 30.3.2019 Kids Make Art @ Fernie Arts Station, 9am-4pm First Annual Fernie Gumball Snowmobile Event @ Fernie Snowmobile Association Karaoke Night @ The Legion, 8pm Kokanee Retro Weekend @ Fernie Alpine Resort Cold Cuts @ The Fernie Hotel and Pub Break Beat DOJO Takeover @ The Royal SATURDAY 30.3.2019 - SUNDAY 31.3.2019 Dirty Dancer Banked Slalom @ Fernie Alpine Resort

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

March 2019 WEEKLY EVENTS

DINING, NIGHTLIFE and SPECIALS MONDAYS Gourmet Pizza Night @ Boston Pizza Pool Tourney Mondays @ The Pub Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Wing Night @ The Fernie Hotel Free Movie Nights @ Infinitea from 7pm Ladies Night @ The Northern Local Jam Night @ The Kodiak Lounge Monday Mayhem with Goffles @ The Royal Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Pizza Specials @ Fernie Pizza and Pasta Kick Off the Week Americano Specials @ Freshies TUESDAYS Pasta Night @ 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 Curry Night @ The Fernie Hotel Store and Tasting Room Open @ Fernie Brewing Company Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Toonie Tuesdays @ Freshies Pizza Specials @ Fernie Pizza and Pasta WEDNESDAYS 1/2 Off Wings @ Boston Pizza Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse

OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS 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 Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Drop-In @ Elk Valley Gymnastics, 11-12pm for ages 0-4 Strong Start @ IDES, 9-12pm for ages 3-5.

After School Program: Board Games @ Trinity Lodge, 3:30-4:30pm 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 Fernie Community Choir @ The Fernie Arts Station Free Guided Meditation @ Soar Studios Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Teens Drop in @ Elk Valley Gymnastics,7:45-8:45pm Strong Start @ IDES, 9-12pm for ages 3-5.

Kindness Committee @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45-4:45 KinderGym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am After School Program: Stop Motion Animation @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45-4:45pm Snowshoe and Dine @ Fernie Alpine Resort

All Day Happy Hour @ 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 Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Coffee With a Friend @ Freshies, two for one coffee Wine and Beer Specials @ Sushi Wood Taro Readings from 7pm @ Infinitea Featured Burgers @ The Pub and Bistro Restaurant

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 Prime Rib Night @ The Old Elevator Chinese Restaurant

THURSDAYS Buy Two Appies, Third for Free @ Boston Pizza Jam Night @ The Brickhouse 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 Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Create Your Signature Mocha @ Freshies Cribbage and Cocktails @ Infinitea FRIDAYS Rib Night @ Boston Pizza Fish & Chips @ The Pub Bar & Grill Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Hotel Winter Outdoor

Seniors Programming

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 @ The Pub Open Mic and Live Music @ Fernie Hotel Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Large Pizzas for the Price of a Medium @ Boston Pizza Early Bird Breakfasts @ Freshies Dragon Cod Fish Night @ The Old Elevator Chinese Restaurant SUNDAYS Kids Meal Specials @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse Mini Jugs and Caesars @ The Fernie Hotel Off the Grill Sundays and Caesar Specials @ The Pub Caesars Special @ The Bridge Bistro Happy Hour @ Loaf, 3-5pm Pizza and Beer Specials Dinner Buffet @ The Indian Kitchen Fernie, Stanford Inn 4-9:30pm

Early Bird Breakfasts @ Freshies

Roast Dinner Special @ Infinitea, 6-9pm Kids Programming

WEDNESDAYS Crib, Gentle Exercise and Tai Chi @ Seniors 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 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 Town @ The Library, ages 7+ 3:45-4:45pm Adults Drop in @ Elk Valley Gymnastics,7:30-9pm Strong Start @ IDES, 9-12pm for ages 3-5.

KinderGym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am Cyber Seniors @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1:30 - 2:30pm Yoga @ Lizard Creek Lodge The Abstract Lion Visual Art Club @ The Arts Station, 3:45pm 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 Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre,

Swim

Library Program

Other

Free Guided Meditation @ Soar Studios Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Tech Petting Zoo @ The Library, ages 10+ Knit Clique @ The Library, 6:30pm Strong Start @ IDES, 9-12pm for ages 3-5.

Kid’s Cafe @ Mountainside Community Church, 9:3011:30am. Everyone welcome!

After School Program: Knits and knots @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:45-4:45pm Winter Fat Bike and Dine @ Fernie Alpine Resort FRIDAYS Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion Toddlertime Ages 0-2 @ Fernie Heritage Library Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre KinderGym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am Storytime Social @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:1512:45pm ages 0-5 SATURDAYS Karma Meditation Class @ Essential Yoga Studio Open Climbing @ Evolution Prenatal Yoga @ Essential Yoga Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Evening Uptracking Tour @ Fernie Alpine Resort Cultural Saturdays: Kids Make Art @ The Arts Station, 9am-4pm SUNDAYS AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement Public Swimming @ The Aquatic Centre Guided Meditation @ Soar Studios Drop-In @ Elk Valley Gymnastics, 3:45-4:45pm for ages 5-12 Nordic Sunday @ Fernie Alpine Resort FERNIEFIX.COM 27

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Community and Events

Modelling the Courage to Speak Up

message is simple and profound: we need to raise both our sons and daughters to be fully human, with the skills of emotional intelligence, relational awareness, personal agency, and a confident voice. In past generations, it was necessary for men and women to mostly operate in separate domains and then partner up to complete each other. This is no longer the case in modern societies. In fact, our chances of success are greatly diminished if we get too comfortable in one gender box.

by KERRI WALL

A

s our children become teenagers, we start to glimpse the kind of people they will be as grown-ups. We may see their work ethic develop, or watch as they take a principled stance at school. We might also catch them bullying, cheating, or lying. I’m a believer in this Einstein quote, “Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others, it is the only means.”

How can parents demonstrate being brave enough to do what’s right?

I see moms and dads in my conflict coaching/mediation practice who are experiencing relationship difficulties with their teen or a mix of family problems.

Recently I worked with some couples in various stages of separation wanting to get a handle on dual-household parenting.

There was a similarity to their stories I find chilling: the wants and wishes of the male partner dominated their marriage, and the women came to realize they were somehow complicit in this.

After one pair of clients left I wrote this sad paragraph in my notes.

“They both seem astonished that their partner isn’t the same person they thought they married. The wife feels resentment and her husband is angry and confused. It has finally been revealed that an invisible patriarchal code ruined the relationship but he didn’t notice and she failed to speak up about it. Now it’s too late and they are all suffering.”

Women finding their voice are a triumph, but the aftermath of divorce is devastating, especially for young people caught in the chaos. Would the trajectory of these families be any different if the mothers had raised their voices earlier? Best selling author and family therapist Terrence Real

PLANNING AHEAD

V. CROOME PHOTO

In past generations, it was necessary for men and women to mostly operate in separate domains and then partner up to complete each other. This is no longer the case in modern societies. wrote over twenty years ago, “Traditional gender socialization in our culture asks both boys and girls to ‘halve themselves.’

Girls are allowed to maintain emotional expressiveness and cultivate connection.

But they are systematically discouraged from fully developing and exercising their public, assertive selves – their ‘voice,’ as it is often called. Boys, by contrast, are greatly encouraged to develop their public, assertive selves, but they are systematically pushed away from the full exercise of emotional expressiveness and the skills for making and appreciating deep connection.”

Terrence Real is neither radical nor female and his quote is decades old, written well before the #metoo momentum. The

I don’t want any of the young ones I love to become adults who are half-people.

Daughters need more examples of women who say what they think and stand behind their words. Sons need to see men prioritizing real closeness with friends and family. As moms and dads, it’s imperative that we model using our voices and our presence to show how it’s done.

DO notice and appreciate when girls express an opinion, take a stand, show themselves, run things, or disagree. DON’T say or act like these girls are silly, irrational, sensitive, in a phase, being difficult, or menstruating. Listen and take her seriously.

DO acknowledge and encourage boys to name their feelings, shed tears, talk about their struggles, care for others, and be physically close. DON’T describe these boys in female terms, call them homophobic slurs, tell them to man up, shame them, or act like they have a mental illness. Listen and take him seriously.

There are tragic repercussions when women are voiceless and men are disconnected. Being the kind of people who act with courage and integrity is hard, but it’s exactly what we want to model as parents. The love we have for our children is a powerful motivator, so use it as a reminder and speak up. If we want our young people to be brave enough to do the right thing, we have to be prepared to do it first.

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29

Cheers to the Griz!

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SHARING AND CARING Many great connections are made through the Communities of Interest Advisory Initiative (COIAI). The Elkford Housing Society (EHS) formed as a result of a discussion about the lack of senior housing in Elkford following a COIAI Partners meeting. Now the EHS is at the project design and funding application phase of the construction of a senior housing facility for Elkford!

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Community and Events

FAMILY STOKE

The Good Fight

by SHELBY CAIN

O

ne year ago, my friend appeared on my doorstep in the darkness and told me she had cancer. She’d come from a routine check-up and driven alone from Calgary, afraid to say the words out loud and make them real. I have cancer. A phrase that sticks to your tongue and the inside of your mouth, thick and vile. Since that day, my friend and I speak a new language. A dialect that those affected by cancer know all too well. White cells and hemoglobin and CTC’s. Sarcomas and carcinomas.

Radiation and chemotherapy and tamoxifen. These words became a part of our daily dialogue. We started researching everything, trying to decipher this new world she wanted no part of living in.

We can all fall into the trap of moving semi-consciously through our routines of family and work. Never anticipating the day - the moment - you are delivered a piece of information so indigestible it smashes into you like a moving vehicle.

Everything you thought was important isn’t. Wasn’t. Might never be again. Because not being able to do the things that just yesterday completely frustrated you feels terrifying.You’d give anything to go back.

Erase this new reality and rewind time.

Do it differently. Be more present and appreciative. Exude love and patience. Hug your kids more.

One year ago, my friend chose to make a plan. To attack this vicious bitch called cancer. Not only to cut it from her flesh, but to find its origin and tear the roots from wherever they sprouted. She spent countless hours making appointments and itineraries and flight arrangements.

Travelled to clinics and hospitals and treatment centres. She was zapped and prodded, dehydrated and flooded with magical fluids. I waited by the phone.

Always leery of saying or doing the wrong thing. When her name appeared on my screen I’d run to the bathroom and close

V. CROOME PHOTO

the door so my girls wouldn’t hear me.

In case the news was bad. My mind raced as she spoke, desperate to anticipate what was coming next on this roller-coaster of emotions. My mouth formed the word ‘yes’ before she finished the question. Can you pick up the kids? Help with the house?

Drive me to the airport? Yes.Yes. Anything to satiate my own helplessness.

The strength of the human spirit is fierce. When cornered, we come out swinging. Our voices grow louder and more confidant. It’s a beautiful thing, and I watched as my dear friend became a powerful warrior. Manicure chipped and hair pulled back, she swung. The months passed by and through surgeries and tests and multiple disappointments, she kept fighting.Voice shaking but hands steady.

She continued to be a light in my life, despite the dark place she was living in.

I told her I wanted to write about her.

About how an experience like this can change a person. I wanted to lend her my voice on this page. To tell you what she’s learned and pass along the immense wisdom that comes from such a soul-

rattling experience. She said she wasn’t ready to tell her own story. Not yet.

Because the words we speak today are still precious and fragile. We both feel it. Try not to say them too often. Not to jinx it, if such a thing can be jinxed. Words like healed. Remission. My friend is okay. Her guard remains up, but her hands are steady.

I know the lessons she’s learned would fill volumes of books. I know that one day she will pass this knowledge on to her children and they will live better because of it.

They will live better. Because of her fight.

Because of her courage.

Although I was on the sidelines, I feel her victory deeply. Personally. Her lessons are mine and her voice is clear in my head.

From her struggle in the darkness, my life is lighter. I hug my kids harder. Lay beside them and listen to their stories way past bedtime. Read what makes me happy.

Celebrate the minutia, laugh often, ignore the toothpaste on the counter, lift my face to the sun and remind myself every day to appreciate what’s around me. Thank you, my friend.

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31

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Community and Events

INSIDE AND OUT

Canadian Voices

by REBECCA HALL

A

round 12 years ago, at a booth in the Brickhouse with the committee of Indie Films Fernie, Carolyn Nikodym suggested that our little group should consider putting on a film festival. Of course, we had many reservations – Will people come? What would we show? How will we get special guests to turn up? But the enthusiasm was there, and after more than a year of planning, procrastinating, and pre-screening, we set the date for the first Reel Canadian Film Festival – March 27-29, 2009. Over the years, feminist themes have featured strongly – from the angst-ridden Mothers and Daughters and the explosive Incendies in the early years to heartwarming comedies including Cloudburst and Gabrielle. We’ve been fortunate to welcome Canadian filmmakers Su-An Ng, Miriam Needoba and Emma Grabinsky, actor Siobhan Williams, and the inimitable, unstoppable Leo-awardwinning Florence Barrett.

The 11th annual festival was held on January 26-28 this year. The opening night feature – The Grizzlies – by first-time feature director Miranda de Pencier was a massive hit. We were thrilled to welcome Russ Sheppard to Fernie to discuss his real-life experiences in Kuglugtuk, but it was young student Miranda who really stole the show. As tragedy and triumph unfold around her, stoic Miranda is a force for good in the town, helping Russ find his feet and supporting the fledgling lacrosse team that is central to the film’s narrative.

As we found out at the Q&A with Russ following the screening, the real-life ‘Miranda’ is even more impressive. Emerald McDonald became an advocate for social change in high school in 2007 when she helped lead around 200 students to enact liquor restrictions and regain control of a town devastated by alcohol abuse. This is what feminism is to me; empowering young women to choose their own destiny

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Although the festival doesn’t have a mission to feature feminist movies (the aim is to celebrate the excellence of the Canadian Film Industry in all its forms) these films have a natural resonance and are always well received. Through these accessible and beautiful portrayals, the festival has shone a light on the women who are helping to shape this country through their lives and work. That I get to help bring the films to Fernie is just the butter on the popcorn. and working towards a world where everyone can thrive.

Also featured at the festival was The Woman Who Loves Giraffes, the story of Anne Innis Dagg, a pioneer of giraffology and a passionate feminist. Denied tenure for being a married woman, she fought years of misogyny, sexism and job insecurity.

One week later at a satellite screening in Sparwood, La Bolduc told the story of Mary Rose-Anne Bolduc, a Quebec musician who rose to fame in the 1930s with her lively renditions of witty folk tunes. The film focuses on her music career but is shaped by the personal challenges she faced with her incredible spirit and strength of character.

Image Captions 1. The Board of the Reel Canadian Film Festival (missing from shot: Kevin Allen and Ingrid Wittler) with special guest, Russ Sheppard at the Opening Night of the 11th Annual Reel Canadian Film Festival on January 25.

2.The cast of Conviction: A Radio Play received warm applause for their retelling of the uniquely local, uniquely Canadian story about the killing of Constable Lawson and the trial of Emilio Picariello and Florence Lassandro, on February 15.

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33

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HITTING THE TRAILS

JULIE KELLY PHOTO

Swine Flu Hike

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xploring the outdoors and breathing in the fresh mountain air is often a great way to find your inner voice. A great escape from your daily life commitments is to hit the trails. A hike up to the top of Swine Flu is a good option. It’s relatively short and has a great view of the city from the bench at the top.

Begin the hike from the Visitor Centre and follow the single track from there.

Enjoy the gentle grade moving around various switchbacks. Stay right at your first intersection, heading up a short steeper section. The terrain levels out from there before you head up and over the cattle guard. Continue right heading back into the trees and eventually hitting the Powerline. Stay left following the single track back into the trees. If you are looking for a shorter option you can duck out on Far Side trail, which loops back to the cattle guard. Otherwise, continue climbing 160 meters to the top to take in the spectator views. Be sure to take a moment to sit on the bench and enjoy the solitude, if you have chosen a solo adventure or enjoy it with a girlfriend if you brought someone along for the fun.

Head back down the same way, either mixing it up by taking Far Side down or Swine Flu back to the Visitor Centre.

FERNIEFIX.COM

35

Recreation and Outdoor Life

ELEMENTS OF MOVEMENT

The Turkish Get Up

by MADDY ALARIC

O

h! I can’t wait to talk about this!

I love a good time under tension, stabilization, and strength building movement. Let me explain. The Turkish Get Up (TGU) is a movement that more people should be doing yet most don’t even know it exists and therefore, is often overlooked. Potentially my favourite movement, it incorporates overall mobility and stability of the core, shoulders and hips. Come to think of it, no other single exercise comes to mind that does all of this! The TGU exposes weaknesses and imbalances, enabling us to identify asymmetries between the left and right sides of our bodies. Daily events such as carrying a child, groceries using a specific arm, having one foot forward on your bike or snowboard, always throwing or reaching with your dominant hand, leaning to one side while seated. That reminds me!

You’re sitting up straight, core engaged and hips level while reading this, right? All of these examples will add to imbalances.

For those of you who get as excited as I do about a body that functions/moves well, achieving a state of balance is a rather ideal (challenging) goal, but since we’re all goal crushers here, let’s talk about how to do a TGU. In very simple terms we are moving from laying down to standing, back to laying again, all with a weight held overhead. Please note- this can be done with or without weight. If the movement is new begin with no weight.

Step 1 - Getting to your elbow and hand: • Lie flat on your back with your right arm holding weight pointing straight towards the ceiling.

• Bent right knee bringing foot towards glutes.

• Opposite hand is on the floor at a 45-degree angle.

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• Roll from forearm to palm (left arm).

• Keep eyes on weight overhead.

Step 2 - Lift hips: • Squeeze your glutes and lift your hips as high as possible (create as much space between your body and the floor to give space for the next step of bringing leg through.)

Step 3 - Leg through: • Begin to pull left leg through creating a tripod with your foot, knee, and hand.

Step 4 - Getting upright: • Push off the floor with supporting hand.

• Keep your upper body straight and tall.

You should be in half kneeling position with weight overhead.

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Step 6 - Getting back to start position: • Bend knee, lunging back to half kneel.

• Plant hand creating a tripod.

• Bring back leg through to front, straightening it once through.

• Go from palm, forearm to lie flat.

• Weight is still locked out overhead.

Wow, so many steps right? Yes, but I am willing to bet that if you follow the instructions and pictures, you will have TGUs figured out sooner than you’d expect. Let’s start by incorporating 5-8 per arm 2-3 days a week slowly adding weight if appropriate. Pay attention to where you feel weakness and focus on this. Move slow and methodically, this shouldn’t happen fast. Be sure to let me know how it’s going next time we see each other. Happy strengthening and stabilizing, friends!

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Recreation and Outdoor Life

INDOOR FIX

Inspiring Your Child to Find Their Own Movement Voice

by SARAH-BETH PLISHKA

C

hildren need to find their own voice.

This can be in terms of the choice of their own style in clothing, their favourite foods or in the way they like to move.

Every child likes finding their own way of doing things, but it sometimes takes a while for them to do so. That being said, there a few ways that you can help your child in finding their own “movement voice.”

First, focus on building a solid foundation. By a solid foundation, I mean lifelong movement skills such as balance, coordination, and kinesthetic awareness.

These are skills that even if your child is no longer doing the original activity/ sport, what they learned is transferable to any number of new activities/sports. Think of them as long term investments, with huge upsides, no matter how long or short your child participates in them. Classes such as dance or gymnastics are great for these lifelong skills. Children learn in a safe environment which will allow them to test their limits and explore new ranges of motion all while learning how to safely fall, jump, and tumble. Or if your child is going to be around water at all (think boating, fishing by the river, or simply going to a birthday party at the pool), swimming lessons are a must! Pools are a great way to introduce water safety without being preachy, and giving your little ones a chance to be confident in the water in a controlled environment, a skill that many young adults make the most of on trips to the beach or abroad.

MATT KUHN PHOTO / ELK VALLEY GYMNASTICS

Don’t underestimate the influence your relationship with movement will have on your children.

going to your yoga class or Crossfit box, your child will pick up on how happy moving your body makes you and just might want to try it out for themselves.

Personally, I grew up going to the curling rink two nights a week to watch my parents play, and because of how much fun I saw them having, I couldn’t wait to try it myself! I would practically beg them to let me try and throw a few rocks after their game. When I got old enough, they put me in curling lessons which made me think I was so cool because I got to do what my parents were doing. My parents made Second, be a positive role model when being active a positive experience, which it comes to movement. If you are constantly has led to my life-long love of moving. complaining about going to the gym, your Don’t underestimate the influence your little ones learn that movement isn’t a fun relationship with movement will have on thing. Which is terrible! But if you love your children.

Third, think outside of the box! Not all forms of movement come from obvious places such as the gym, skating rink, or studio. Theatre productions offer your child the opportunity to move and be creative, without all the trimmings of traditional exercise, as they rehearse scenes, learn basic dance numbers, or build sets. There is a lot of walking done even during fun improv scenes, making it easy for your child to move a ton without even thinking about it. Even playgroups that offer your child a chance to free play away from screens are a great way to get kids moving without them really thinking about it. Because we all know it takes serious effort to make-believe running a hospital for stuffed animals or building the tallest tower ever from blocks.

Groups are regularly run at the community centre, library or Fernie Family Centre, check out the weekly events calendar in this magazine for times and dates.

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39

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Health and Lifestyle

Balancing Women’s Hormones

stored in fat cells so as they are released, hormones can be further imbalanced and symptoms can be exacerbated. In addition to eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly, managing stress can contribute towards maintaining a healthy weight because when our level of stress is elevated so is our cortisol level which can result in abdominal weight gain over an extended period of time. Also, severely restricting your calories or eating considerably more than the recommended amount of calories for your weight can both increase insulin levels and worsen insulin resistance which will contribute to weight gain.

by DR. TAINA TURCASSO, N.D., R.M.

A

s women, we think a lot about our hormones when it comes to both our first (puberty) and last (menopause) menses but we think a lot less about our hormones in between, even though this period makes up our entire reproductive lives. Many women have very regular cycles, have little to no premenstrual symptoms, and get pregnant when they want to and don’t when they don’t want to, with very little thought or effort. Many (possibly more), however, at one time or another struggle with irregular cycles, infertility, painful, heavy periods, severe premenstrual pain, and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It can take years to get to the bottom of what is causing their symptoms and sometimes there are no clear answers. There are, however, ways to optimise the balance of your hormones.

Watch Your Diet The foods that you eat have a very real effect on your physiology and can significantly worsen hormone imbalances.

Eating excess sugar can increase your insulin, estrogen, and testosterone. This includes foods that are readily converted to sugar, such as white flour, fruit juice, and other high glycemic foods. Ingesting adequate amounts of fibre can optimize your digestion of sugars, limiting what you actually absorb and also assisting the elimination of metabolites that have been excreted into the digestive system. Dairy can contain dozens of different types of hormones that can create disruption of our own sex hormones, including organic milk as it may come from pregnant cows. Diets that are low in carbs (and thus higher in protein, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats) are known to improve levels of insulin and thus can reduce insulin resistance as well as PCOS symptoms.

FAMILY WELLNESS

V. CROOME PHOTO

Hormone imbalances really vary from one person to the next so there is no “one size fits all” approach that works for everyone...

Exercise Everything that we eat or drink must be metabolized in order for us to extract the nutrients and the process results in byproducts that must be eliminated through our digestive system. Similarly as our hormones naturally fluctuate, they are metabolized and the byproducts excreted.

Much of this work is done by the liver prior to the metabolites being released for elimination and exercise is a great promoter of adequate liver function and the metabolism of these hormones. Exercise also helps to promote digestion as well as manage stress, which may result in keeping cortisol at its optimal level.

Maintain a Healthy Weight Being overweight or obese can contribute to hormones being out of balance for a variety of reasons. Excess hormones are

Improve Your Quality of Sleep Getting good quality of sleep is so important to your health overall, but it also specifically impacts hormone levels including insulin and cortisol. Chronic sleep deprivation can result in elevated levels of both as well as increased resistance to insulin, leading to increased weight gain and worsening of PCOS and its associated symptoms. Both quantity and quality are equally important so spend some time creating a positive sleep environment for yourself and a routine to allow yourself to fall asleep and stay asleep more readily.

Hormone imbalances really vary from one person to the next so there is no “one size fits all” approach that works for everyone beyond the simple suggestions mentioned above. Once you determine the nature of your hormone imbalance, work with your provider to come up with a treatment plan that specifically addresses your needs, whether that be a specialized diet, additional supplements to aid metabolism and liver function, or techniques for managing stress (such as meditation and/ or yoga). If you suffer from some of the symptoms of hormone imbalance, go see your health care provider about it and make a plan. Not only will your reproductive health benefit from it but so will your health overall.

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Health and Lifestyle

TAKE FIVE

Simply Sensational Salmon Appy

by CRYS STEWART

E

ach month we celebrate Fernie’s amazing food scene by challenging a local pro to create a five-ingredient recipe with delicious–and revealing–results.

Jay Squires’ Salmon Gravlax appetizer • Salmon gravlax • Greek yogurt • Fennel • Pickled pearl onions • Blueberries The late, great jazz musician and composer Charles Mingus once said, “Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” By that definition, Jay Squires, Executive Chef of Cirque Restaurant at Lizard Creek Lodge, has nailed the creative appetizer–a surprisingly complex combination of flavours from five uncooked ingredients.

JAY SQUIRES, EXECUTIVE CHEF OF CIRQUE AT LIZARD CREEK LODGE

or, Squires’ preferred choice, raw salmon.

“Ever since working [next to] the Great Barrier Reef, I love using raw ingredients– having the food [as] it’s naturally meant to taste.”

If you opt for store-bought smoked salmon, Squires suggests you don’t smoke the yogurt.Yep, you read that right. For this dish, Squires gives the Greek yogurt “a 45-minute cold smoke” using a smoker, applewood chips and ice.You can use plain old Greek yogurt but if you’ve got your own smoker, it’s worth the effort. And make a lot. Squires also blends smoked yogurt with smoked garlic to make a dip for calamari. [Insert Smiling Face With Heart Eyes emoji here.]

“My philosophy in food has always been simple, fresh and tasty,” Squires told me.

But it was in Australia, after starting in the food industry in Wales at the age of 15, and gaining experience in France and New Zealand, that he discovered “My love for seafood and raw ingredients.”

Gravlax is raw salmon that’s been cured for a couple of days in a dry brine of salt and sugar. For extra flavour, a fresh herb (dill is classic) or a combination of herbs or spices can also be added. Squires’ extra flourishes are caraway seeds and a splash of Taffel Akvavit, a classic Scandinavian distilled spirit (think schnapps) made with caraway seeds. The process for making your own gravlax is remarkably easy (Google it) but if you want a shortcut, use smoked salmon

SQUIRES’ SALMON GRAVLAX APPETIZER DEBUTS ON THE CIRQUE MENU IN MARCH PHOTOS BY CRYS STEWART

“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”

Shave the fennel as thin as you can, preferably on a mandoline. “Fennel can have quite a bite,” said Squires. “If you shave it nice and thin, it’s essentially a really good slaw.” Save some of the fronds for garnish, too. Squires’ pickled pearl onions are baby red onions steeped in red wine vinegar and sugar but you can just buy a jar of pickled pearl onions. At this

point, you may be relieved to know that the blueberries are, well, just nice fresh blueberries.

OK, now you’re ready to plate. Start by slicing your gravlax nice and thin. Spread a dollop of the yogurt on a small plate.

Loosely roll each slice of salmon and stand each roll up on end to create a little drama.

Sprinkle some of the fennel slices, a few halved pickled onions and the blueberries around the salmon rolls and garnish with the fennel fronds. “You don’t want to overpower any of the flavours”, warned Squires, so strive for a balance of all five ingredients.

And there you have it–a dish that’s taken Squires “about a year” to develop and get just right. If you want to taste his version, you’re in luck. It’s debuting this month on the Cirque menu.

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Health and Lifestyle

A LOOK DOWN SECOND AVE

Shopping Local

by EMMA POLIT

F

or this month I’m stepping away from my regular column advice on what awesome things there are available to purchase in Fernie and instead, talking about the importance of actually buying them. I want to give our local business owners a voice and share what it means to them to have you walk into their store, and buy something. Seems simple, doesn’t it.

And it is. So step away from Amazon, and support your own community (that Bezos guy has enough money!).

Fernie has a certain charm about it. I hear the term ‘Authentic Mountain Town’ thrown around a lot, and I believe that means that it is real. The people are real, and the vibe of the town is influenced because of it. The people here really are just something else.

CHANTEL VINCENT AND ALICIA CLARKE | V. CROOME PHOTO

Fernie’s downtown has over 100 oneEvery single one of Fernie’s of-a-kind stores. That means that over small-business owners has 100 of those awesome local people I just mentioned are working their butts off, day a story to tell. They form in, and day out, to bring YOU the very best a wonderful collective of in their industry. Together, they help give inspiring entrepreneurs that Fernie its distinctive character. From the softest teddy bears to the creamiest cheese helps make Fernie what it and the most extreme downhill mountain is... bikes, we have a store for almost every need.

Variety, originality, and personalized and very hard in her store and throughout the knowledgeable service are available within greater community. a five-minute drive, and I encourage you to support them or guess what, they’ll I recently saw an Insta Story from Freyja disappear.

Lifestyle Fashion about the owner, Chantel Vincent, still having the same excitement Having a small business is not easy. Having 12 years later that she had when she first a small business in a small town is even opened her store. Chan works hard to bring harder. I was honoured to work alongside fashion to the Kootenay Babes, but she Alicia Clarke from Grow Children’s goes beyond the typical role of a business Boutique for many years, and it blew owner. She really asks what do the women me away precisely how much work goes of Fernie need and then goes all out to help into the running of her business. It takes her create it. Freyja isn’t just there to sell dedication and a great love for what you do to continue on through the ups and the you your next killer outfit; it is also a social downs. Alicia is a committed volunteer and hub, the venue of your next ladies night out, and a central location of community supporter of many local events; she works

support. Chan is a fierce supporter of Fernie’s charities, non-profits, and of course, the ladies. I asked her what running her own small business means to her and she said, “It means having a career that I enjoy every day.” I think we’re lucky to have her!

Every single one of Fernie’s smallbusiness owners has a story to tell. They form a wonderful collective of inspiring entrepreneurs that helps make Fernie what it is, and they all play a monumental role in supporting our local community.

Let’s have their backs and work hard to keep our money local and by doing so, help stimulate the local economy and create jobs. It’s cliché but true, every purchase made from a local business helps the owner provide wages for your friends, keep your kid’s soccer club going, and put food on the table for their own families.

They need us! Support local business, if you don’t then one day, they won’t be able to afford to be here and that would be an incredible shame.

FERNIEFIX.COM

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Health and Lifestyle

FOR THE LOVE OF FOOD

Food for Women’s Health

by KATIE HAMAR

W

omen have specific nutritional requirements that differ from men.

Increasing the intake of foods containing high levels of female-friendly vitamins and minerals supports health and wellness.

Making rounded, thoughtful dietary choices is a deeply nourishing form of selfcare. Following are ten foods that promote women’s health: 1. Cruciferous Vegetables Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussel sprouts are beneficial for women due to their high levels of vitamins C, A and E, and their strong anti-cancer properties. One cup of broccoli contains 135% of the recommended daily vitamin C intake.

The beta-carotene in these vegetables is converted to vitamin A which speeds skin cell turnover. Cruciferous vegetables have also been found to combat leukemia and melanoma cancer cells.

2. Flaxseeds Flaxseeds are an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids and fibre.

They are anti-inflammatory, lower bad cholesterol, can help with hot flashes, and may have breast-cancer-fighting properties.

For flaxseeds’ benefits to be absorbed, they must be ground as the whole seeds are not easily digestible.

3. Lentils The humble lentil is a beneficial source of lean protein and helps balance blood sugar, aid in weight maintenance and has been shown to contain cancer-preventative compounds. Per cup, cooked lentils contain 30% of daily required iron, an essential mineral for women’s health.

V. CROOME PHOTO

4. Dark Leafy Greens Dark leafy greens like kale, arugula and Swiss chard are packed with calcium, iron, magnesium and vitamin A, and contain phytonutrients that help prevent disease.

Dark leafy greens are also heart-healthy, lowering bad cholesterol and increasing helpful, good cholesterol. Kale is high in vitamin C and vitamin K, a powerful bone strengthener. Most dark leafy greens are packed with calcium, for those seeking dairy-free sources.

5.Blueberries Blueberries are full of heart-healthy antioxidants (more than double the amount than most other fruits) that help prevent urinary tract infections, memory loss and some cancers. They are also antiinflammatory, fighting arthritis, diabetes and heart disease, and supporting cognitive strength.

7. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin that treats digestive issues, inflammation, arthritis and supports brain health. It has long been used in Eastern medicine to speed wound healing and treat infection. Turmeric has also been shown to boost serotonin and dopamine to combat depression and to slow the progression of endometriosis.

Make sure you consume turmeric with black pepper, as it helps the body absorb its nutrients by up to 2,000% more versus without.

8. Black Beans Beans are both a complex carbohydrate and a good source of protein. They are full of essential minerals like iron, folate and magnesium. Beans aid in weight management and blood sugar regulation due to their high content of soluble fibre.

Black beans, in particular, contain three times the amount of omega-3 fatty acids versus other beans and their skin contains 6. Beets Beets lower blood pressure and help prevent flavonoids which fight cancer cells. Beans aid in digestion regularity and may stabilize hypertension which can lead to artery female hormones to help with PMS and damage, plaque buildup and heart disease. menopause symptoms.

Beets are also full of folate, an important B vitamin for women during pregnancy. They 9. Mushrooms also help with energy maintenance and lower inflammation.

Mushrooms have been shown to reduce

the risk of breast cancer, strengthen the immune system via their high selenium content, and help lower cholesterol to promote heart health. They also contain folate, vitamin D and various B vitamins.

Consuming foods high in nutrients that support the unique dietary needs of women leads to greater health and wellness. Practice self-care through varied nutrition choices and consume these ten foods that promote female wellbeing.

Zonya Knooihuizen mortgage broker 250.423.1864 zonya@shaw.ca www.eastkootenaymortgage.ca

photo: Robin Siggers

10. Dark Chocolate Thank goodness, right? It has been found that eating a small amount of dark chocolate (one to two ounces) per day lowers cortisol, a stress hormone that raises blood pressure and increases the risk of obesity, depression and heart disease. Feeling less frazzled and eating chocolate? Winwin. Additionally, dark chocolate is high in iron, copper, manganese, magnesium, and antioxidants. Dark chocolate should be a minimum of 70% cocoa.

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47

Bits and Bytes

THE ANSWER GUY

Password Managers. Your Secret Weapon

The way to do that is to use a password manager. There are several good ones.

LastPass (lastpass.com), 1Password (1password.com), and KeePass (keepass. info) are probably the most common.

by KEVIN MCISAAC

They all try to help you with several things: generating strong unique passwords, storing passwords associated with specific websites, securing those passwords in a database with very strong encryption.

I

was recently tagged in a post on Facebook by someone that was hacked.

They were looking for information about password managers. It seems they’d been reusing the same password on several sites, one of which got hacked. This is probably the most common ‘hacked’ story I hear these days.

Here’s what happens: you’re careful.You use a separate password for email, banking, social media, etc. but on a bunch of sites, you reuse the same password. And almost as bad, all your passwords are all variations of the same thing. The limitations of memory come into play.

Then, some website you used, perhaps only once, was hacked. The hackers now have your email and password combination, which they will feed into a program that will start trying them on every website they can find. Over the next 20-30 minutes, they’ll try thousands of websites flagging everywhere your password works.

Those websites will then be searched for messages and contacts you’ve made, building a profile. That will then be used to try and trick others with the goal of getting banking, email, shopping, and social media site passwords from you and others. These are then sold on the blackhat market. Then three months from now you find out someone has stolen your identity and you owe $60,000 in credit card bills.

Not to be overly dramatic or anything, but this actually happens. Identity theft happened to over nine million people in the USA last year.

Let’s prevent it. The best security you can have on the internet, besides basic common sense, is to use a strong, unique password on every website you visit.

Generating strong passwords is hard.

Humans are terrible at random. Computers have a difficult time doing random as well, but they’re still much, much better at it than you and me. Password managers can generate ridiculously strong passwords easily and will either let you copy them or will autofill them on forms when you need them. So, you don’t care how long or complicated they are because you never actually type them.

If you’re using a modern browser it’s likely that it’ll offer you the option of remembering your password for many sites.

This is okay if your browser is secured.

Password managers use a database, either on your computer or in the cloud to store your passwords. In this case ‘in the cloud’ is pretty secure as your passwords are encrypted before being copied up and decrypted after being copied down, so they’re never in plain text form online.

One of the reasons I like KeePass is its database is pretty free form, so I keep all sorts of private information in there that’s unrelated to the web: MSP number, Passport number, eyeglasses prescription, etc. Because I can access my database from anywhere, I always have this information with me and it’s always secure.

Once in use, you only have to remember one password – the one to open your password manager. Do not lose this password as your information will become unrecoverable. I strongly suggest that you write down the password and put it in your safety deposit box or in with your will so that should something happen

your family can get access to your online accounts.

Once your password manager is installed you start using it at every website that needs a password.You may need to download a browser extension to integrate your password manager. This is an extra step but it really helps, by automagically filling in passwords for you right in the browser. This is less necessary if you are letting your browser remember passwords.

Now download your password manager’s app onto your phone, tablet, etc. With LastPass, once you log into your account you have access to your passwords. With KeePass the simplest way it to store your file in DropBox Start by changing your passwords on the most sensitive sites. Create a new strong password. Save that site and password. Now the next time you’re going to that site, open your password manager and copy the password and paste it into the browser.

How do you know if a password is strong?

Check the entropy.You can do this in KeePass or on the LastPass site. Generally, anything over 60 bits of entropy is strong enough. The defaults for password generation should get you there.

Save the password manager file. Back it up.

If you lose it you can’t recover it. (Except that with LastPass, because it’s stored online you can, but with difficulty.)

With KeePass, I use Dropbox for storage and that makes my KeePass database available on my desktop computer, my phone, my iPad, etc. LastPass uses online storage to accomplish the same thing.

If you’re a techy kind of person, I recommend KeePass. It’s extensive and extensible. If you’re less comfortable with technology then give LastPass a try. They’re both solid performers.

But whatever you do: stop using the same password everywhere, please.

Bits and Bytes

March 2019

by ASHLEY KRISTINA

T

his month is ethereal and soothing for all of the signs - a feeling of a dreamlike state where the power of manifestation is pronounced.

Mercury will be retrograde for most of this month, bringing up aspects of the past. As Mercury rules our thoughts, speech and communication in all forms are internalised and therefore miscommunication can occur. Be extra careful with how you express yourself, with authentic communication in even the most subtle sense. A feeling of being connected with the divine is likely, Pisces energy is very ethereal and it is the mystical energy of the God-head so listen to how the Universe communicates with you.

Pay attention. This is a good month to spend time in meditation and activities like Qi-gong, yoga and solitary time on the mountain.

This is the fifth consecutive month where the full moon aligns at the 0 degrees axis, this month at 0 degrees of Libra, also marking the Spring Solstice. This is very rare, the astrological events that we have been witnessing only happen approximately every two thousand years.

It’s truly the time of crossing a ‘Spiritual Sea’ and how this manifests will be seen in hind site. Mark your calendars as the time we are in right now is very special.

Blessings!

Aries Watery energy calms your fire and you may feel like you are walking through a dream. A greater connection with spiritual people warms your fire and your creativity is enhanced because of it. Happy birthday!

An in depth Natal Chart reading might be a good way to welcome your birthday.

Taurus A month that feels soothing and ethereal to you, you will likely feel overly independent

during it, with a heightened ability to absorb the wisdom that is available when one connects to the mystical universe.

Uranus shifting into your sign on March 6 brings the unexpected.

Gemini Your ruling planet, Mercury is retrograde all month so this gives you a feeling of retrograde -revisiting unfinished business.

With all the Pisces energy, this feels mystical and magical, somewhat ethereal and your connection with the divine feels very strong. Finances are abundant this month.

Cancer This is a mindful and peaceful month for you, it’s best to stay inward in meditation and self reflection as you’ll find the rejuvenation that you need.You are especially sensitive and intuitive, and Mercury’s retrograde will bring you the answers you crave. Forward momentum happens at the end of the month.

Leo Work-life balance is hard to maintain, you must keep your expenses in check as the elusiveness of the energy this month affects your bank account.Your love life is changing and aspects are being reconsidered. It is probable this is not your choice and a tension inside is felt.

Meditation is good for you this month.

Virgo You are also ruled by Mercury and that is why you have a very mental, analytical energy that can be nervous at times. It will also be an inward month for you where mediation and extra self-care is necessary.

Your professional life is abundant and lucrative so utilise this energy to progress with it.

Libra Watch your savings and finances.You feel as if you are in a dream all month and might understand some of the deep illusionary aspects of this realm such as your ability to

ASTROLOGY

see yourself in all. Take care of your health with sleep, long baths and some yoga.

Scorpio You merge with the waters and romantically there is a great peace. There are many forms of love however the best brings a peace that percolates. Love sustains and cradles it all, the greatest sadness, anger and hatred.Your career and life in general is full of abundance and opportunities, manifest your desires.

Sagittarius You are attracted to work and seem to be busy while others are more relaxed.

Find your work-life balance especially as Mercury retrograde may bring misunderstandings and Uranus may bring the unexpected. Daily 4-7-8 breath practice would be a powerful way to balance yourself.

Capricorn You continue to excel on the work front and 2019 is prosperous. Watch your expenses and spend only for the necessities, take a step back from all aspects that are needless and could lead to monetary loss.

Concerning yourself with family and excelling in studies is ideal.

Aquarius This is a wonderful month for you and your sense of feeling, instead of knowing, the divine permeates your heart and spirits.

You feel you can express yourself and that you are understood and that is a relief for you. This is a month of spiritual growth.

Refreshing.

Pisces A muse is a person who is the source of inspiration to the creative artist. In fact, the Creator needs this energy or the fire that lifts the mists is lost and the mystical sinks into the mundane. This month is aligned and the force of love brings it all together.

Happy Birthday Pisces, your world is coloured again with roses and it’s for the long haul.

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49

Fernie Fun

FIX TRIVIA

ferniefix

FernieFixMag

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Can you find five differences between these two pictures?

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

FernieFix

ST. PATRICK’S DAY RIDDLES Credit: enchantedlearning.com

When is an Irish potato not an Irish potato?

(When it’s a French fry!)

Why can’t you borrow money from a leprechaun?

(Because they’re always a little short!)

What do you call a fake stone in Ireland?

(A sham-rock!)

What is Irish and left out on the lawn all summer?

(Paddy O’Furniture!)

What type of bow cannot be tied?

(A rain-bow!)

How can you tell if a leprechaun is having a good time?

(He is Dublin over with laughter!)

ANSWERS FEBRUARY SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

FIND THE Somewhere in this issue is a little clover.

Can you find it?

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PROVIDING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR VOICE TO BE HEARD North Coal works to build strong, respectful relationships with First Nations, governments, local residents, community leaders, and organizations by engaging in early, transparent and continuous dialogue through which issues and concerns can be effectively understood and addressed. Please stay tuned for more information about upcoming Open Houses for a chance to provide feedback and learn more about the North Coal Michel Coal Project.

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