Fernie Fix March 2021

MARCH 2021 | ISSUE 171

THE

LEGENDS ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE: Nine past Feature Artists share their influences, obstacles and hopes!

Looking back on 12 inspirational interviews with Fernie’s matriarchs in Feature Residents with Krista Turcasso.

Kate Richardson shares how knowing we can do hard things can support women postpartum in “Fumbling Forward.”

“Through the Lens” is back, this month highlighting Fernie legends captured by Born to Adventure and Judy McMahon.

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ELK VALLEY REALTY

EDITOR’S FIX p7 THE LEGENDS ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURE p9

MARCH 2021 | ISSUE 171

Giving Real Support by Nicky Benzie

BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY p10 Business News Taking Care of Business – Women’s Enterprise Centre by Brad Parsell

THE

LEGENDS ISSUE

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT p16 Feature Legendary Artists Musings of a Bookworm – Speak Up, Support and Celebrate by Jessica Bozoky ArtBeat – Legends in Your Neighbourhood

by Michael Hepher At Peace and Yet On Fire – This Legend Needs a Home by Sadie Rosgen and Steph Fleming Rental Fix – Hamilton by Andrew Vallance Events Calendar

COMMUNITY p30 Feature Residents – The Matriarchs City Corner – Shaping Community Together

by Ange Qualizza

RECREATION AND OUTDOOR LIFE p37 Kootenay Wanderings – Powder Mamas

by Shona Rubens Hitting the Trails – Fernie Women on Wheels

by Julie Kelly

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE p41 Fumbling Forward – We Can Do Hard Things

by Kate Richardson This is Life – Be Your Own Legend

by Tyla Charbonneau

BITS AND BYTES p45 The Answer Guy – Social Media Makeover

by Kevin McIsaac Astrology – March 2021 by Ashley Kristina Through the Lens – Legends Photo Gallery The Social Page

FERNIE FUN p50 The Last Page

COVER: The Skyline of Legends.

Photo by Danyal Taylor @danyaltaylor THIS PAGE: Lucy Harrup. Snowboard Coach, Tennis Coach, all-round awesome chick.

Photo by Vince Mo @findingvmo

We acknowledge the [financial] support of the Government of Canada

Nous reconnaissons l’appui [financier] du gouvernement du Canada

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Keepin’ it Local!

March 5 -7, 2021

ferniegrizdays.com grizdays

@ferniegrizdays

44th annual Griz Days celebration reimagined to keep Fernie safe during the pandemic.

Full schedule at ferniegrizdays.com

Editor’s Fix

conversation with anyone, regardless of their age or the gender they identify with. I too am learning!

By Krista Turcasso, Editor

I have caught myself saying, ‘stop crying’ to my girls.Yes, of course it is super frustrating for your five-year old to be Lately, I have thought a lot about women having a tantrum because she cannot have being labelled as emotional. Like it’s a a hot chocolate before bedtime. What does negative attribute and something that should be discouraged and avoided. This has saying, ‘stop crying’ accomplish? Shame?

Frustration? Confusion? Likely all of the made me realize that people seem to have above, along with the situation escalating. created a habit of commenting on other people’s emotional states.

I’ve found that meeting people where “Don’t be such a baby.”

“Calm down.”

“Take it easy.”

“You’re being too emotional.”

Let me tell you, this is not an effective method of having a constructive

they are and empathizing with them are fundamental first steps. With my five-year old, sitting down on the floor with her and saying, “Yes, it totally sucks that you can’t have a hot chocolate! I know how much you love it.” All people want to feel heard and respected and know that how they feel

is important. Now, we’re in this together and can work our way through it.

Emotion is an amazing tool. If we can label how we are feeling and why, and try to do the same for others, instead of making assumptions or judgments based upon our predispositions (in this case, that being emotional is negative)… wow, the possibilities are exciting.

Of course, it can be extremely challenging.

Not only have we been trained to think a certain way, we also have to navigate this when we are tired, stressed, frustrated and multi-tasking! But, I promise it gets easier the more you do it. And by continually choosing to do it, you literally are rewiring your brain and creating a new habit… and one you can be proud of.

Contributors ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinephile 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/teaching for five.

For an in depth natal chart reading, email mountainashastrology@gmail.com.

BRAD PARSELL is the manager of the Fernie Chamber and loves working with our local vibrant business community. He is also a music nerd with an ever-growing collection of records in his basement.

JESSICA BOZOKY quit her editing job in Australia to chase the snow. Having settled in Fernie, she’s found herself at home surrounded by mountains (of books).

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

KATE RICHARDSON is a physiotherapist and owner of Mountain Life Pilates. She is incurably fascinated by the human body and its movement, and has just recently embarked on her most epic case study to date – her own post-partum journey!

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

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

NICKY BENZIE is the outreach worker at the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre. She is a passionate feminist and dreams of a world free of gender-based violence.

Every month SADIE ROSGEN teams up with some of Fernie’s brightest young writers

collaborating on a given theme. If you are reading this and think that you are that person, drop her a line at sadiepumps@gmail. com.

SHONA RUBENS is a science by day, adventure by weekend kinda gal. Calling Kimberley, BC home, she wonders and wanders in the natural world around her.

Her background as an Olympic downhill skier keeps her searching for her next rush and thankfully the Kootenays have an eternal supply.

TYLA CHARBONNEAU is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC2385), dog momma, and nature lover. She loves talking with others about mindfulness, selfcompassion, and human nature.

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 | 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.

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CARNAVAL D’HIVER / WINTER CARNIVAL March 15 – 19

Saturday, March 6 Watch these amazing shows in French and English for kids & families, full of colours, magic, and laughter! * MADAME DIVA – 11.00 AM * ISABELLE LA WONDERFULL – 12.00 PM Listen to this francophone, vibrant & high energy concert: * LE FLO FRANCO - 5.00 PM – hip hop, rap music * JOCELYN PETITT – 6.00 PM – Celtic and dance music

Isabela Dicken School – École Sophie Morigeau

Indoor, outdoor and virtual activities all week, finishing with a magic show from Isabelle la Wonderfull for all kids to celebrate the month of the “francophonie” about “le temps des sucres”.

Find more details at www.afros.ca or our facebook page: AFRoS Fernie

French Bakery Open Thursday to Monday 7.45AM to 5.00PM Homemade Bread - Croissants - Pain au Chocolat - Almond Croissants and more!

All made with organic flour and lots of love

792B- 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC / 250-278-0109 www.lebonpainbakery.ca • lebonpainfernie@gmail.com @lebonpainfernie

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STRENGTH - FITNESS HEALTH - WELLNESS 24-hr access with membership Office Hours: 10am-7pm Tuesday - Saturday

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THE LEGENDS ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURE

Giving Real Support

by NICKY BENZIE In a year that seemed like bad news was around every corner and hope was lost, the people of the Elk Valley stepped up in a legendary way. The Fernie Women’s Resource Centre has been helping the women and families of the Elk Valley since 1979 and we’ve never received support like we have these past 12 months.

The Women’s Centre supports families and individuals in the Elk Valley by providing a number of programs. While services look different due to COVID-19, we are still providing counselling and outreach services to people who are impacted by violence, supporting pregnant and young families, as well as providing early years programs to families with kids under age six.

Over the past few years it’s been our joy to provide extra support to families during the holidays with a community funded toy drive. We knew the demand for support in 2020 would be more than it had been in previous years, but we were unsure how to support our clients in the safest way possible. It was decided that we would create a gift card drive and ask our community to help us fund it. We thought that gift cards, being less festive than giving gifts, might mean fewer donations and we would struggle to support all the families we were anticipating. We were wrong; in fact, we were blown away by the response.

We received more donations in November and December 2020 than we ever have before. Wow, Fernie! You really are the stuff of legends.

So, what happens now that the holidays are over and the pandemic rages on? Well for many of the clients of the Women’s Centre, they continue to struggle.

We’ve all been there, needing money for groceries on Monday but not getting paid

Shred Kelly’s Christmas Special helped raise $4350 for The Fernie Women’s Centre Giftcard Drive | Nick Nault Photo until Friday, needing to get to Cranbrook on Tuesday for a specialist appointment but the bus only runs on Mondays and Wednesdays. Or maybe, needing to find money for both a damage deposit on a new rental and a U-Haul for the same move in day. What were you able to do in those cases, call on your friends and family? Stick the charge on your credit card? Ask your spouse to help? What happens if you don’t have access to those options?

That’s where the Women’s Centre’s Emergency Fund comes in. All donations made to the Women’s Centre go in the Emergency Fund. The fund is a radical program funded purely by community donations.Your support means that women and families can get money for groceries, gas cards, or rentals at the time when they need it most. They don’t need to fill out a lengthy application or wait for government approval; they can get help right now. Access to convenient, timely, and tangible financial help is rare among

government funded programs, especially in rural communities. Because of the support of our community, we are able to provide this help. So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, we can help. We offer free, confidential support to all self-identifying women in the Elk Valley. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted us all but there is a particular group of people who are at considerable risk: people who are living with violent partners and/or family members. We often think of violence as physical and/or sexual assault but what this pandemic is highlighting is the types of violence where bruises don’t show. These are behaviours like manipulation, gaslighting, isolation, using corrosive control, belittling, and/or overt financial control.

You don’t need to figure it all out alone.

If you would like more information please contact us at 250-423-4687 or ferniewomenscentre.com FERNIEFIX.COM

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Business in the Valley

BUSINESS NEWS

Submitted Photo

AFRoS – Southern Rockies Francophone Association The AFRoS is very happy to announce that the Francofest - a Francophone Festival of Music and Art, will be held virtually on Saturday, March 6, in partnership with the Fernie Chamber of Commerce and Griz Days.

Stay tuned and connect to their Facebook page: AFRoS Fernie, to watch virtual 45-minute shows in French and English for kids and adults starting at 11am, and to listen to a music concert starting at 5pm.

NEW BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Beautycounter –

Charné Baird Photography

Sadie Rosgen and Caroline Marquis Have you looked at the ingredients in your personal care products? Are you looking for high performing products that deliver results without compromising safety or sustainability?

Sadie Rosgen and Caroline Marquis are advocates for ingredient safety and proudly bring Beautycounter to the Elk Valley. They are passionate about helping consumers navigate safer choices and find products that deliver incredible results.

Due to a lack of regulation governing personal care, ingredients linked to cancer, hormone disruption and allergies are common in mainstream brands.

Madame Diva - from Manitoba with a With a mission to get safer products into colourful music show for kids. the hands of everyone, Beautycounter Isabelle La Wonderful - from Alberta with a formulates with an unparalleled show of magic, laughter and art for families. ingredient screening process.

The talented francophone artists coming from all over Canada include:

Leflofranco - from Ontario with high energy, multi-coloured urban pop concert for all public.

Jocelyn Pettit - from Squamish, BC with an outstanding Celtic concert and stepdance.

You can find more information online at afros.ca/index.php/en/francofest-2/.

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Submitted Photo

Get in touch with Sadie and Caroline to learn more.

Sadie: beautycounter.com/en-ca/ sadierosgen, sadiepumps@gmail.com Caroline: beautycounter.com/en-ca/ carolinemarquis, ferniehomeservices@ gmail.com

charnebaird.com Charné Baird Photography, based in Fernie, is now offering food, beverage and product photography in the Elk Valley.

Charné is a professionally-trained commercial photographer with a background in culinary arts. Her passion for still-life photography came from merging her culinary experience with her attention to detail and creative eye. She strives to create images that are clean, crisp, vibrant and full of richness while tailoring the imagery to branding. Her product photography experience includes furniture, packaging, bottle photography and more.

She utilizes studio and natural light to capture brand personality and showcase product by manipulating the light and creating depth and dimension to the images to invoke a feeling, to tell a story.

Contact Charné to set up a complimentary half-hour consultation to see how she can elevate your brand, both online and in print.Visit her website or on social media Instagram @charnebaird or Facebook @charnebairdphotography.

Business in the Valley

BUSINESS NEWS

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Fernie Prep School

Le Bon Pain

fernieschoolagedcare.org

792b- 3rd Ave 250-278-0109

Fernie’s Kindergarten readiness program, Fernie Prep School is now taking registrations for the September intake with limited spaces available.

Le Bon Pain, C’est La Vie is the new French bakery in town, open Thursday to Monday, 7:45am to 5pm and just off downtown.

The bakery has a variety of breads like spelt, Fernie Prep focuses on learning through rye, sesame, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and of nature, S.T.E.M, Kindergarten readiness, course the classic French baguette! If you’re empathy and mindfulness.You can book in in a hurry and need to grab lunch their a private tour and pick up an activity pack “baguette garnie” with tomatoes and goat with Miss Alissa, Lead Educator throughout cheese is perfect. All breads are sourdough March. made and with organic flour from BC, which means no additives.

To book a tour or register email Alissa, fernieprep@gmail.com or through the The owners, originally from France also Facebook page @fernieprep. have delicious “viennoiseries” like croissants, pain au chocolat, suisse (croissant filled with chocolate chips and a delicious French custard), almond croissants and a caramel croissant called “Kouing-Amann” which is a speciality from Brittany, France.

Follow the bakery on Instagram @lebonpainfernie, Facebook Lebonpaincestlavie or visit their website, lebonpainbakery.ca.

Mckenzie Jespersen Photography mckenziejespersen.com 250-531-0064 Mckenzie and her family moved to Fernie three years ago mid-winter. While it wasn’t in the plan, now that they’re here they are lifers.

Seven years ago, Mckenzie pursued photography in an attempt to stay at home with her three children. With the COVID-19 pandemic bringing the world and weddings to a standstill, her business continues to evolve as she shifts to including family photos as one of her specialties.

Mckenzie’s goal is to capture real love and epic mountain connections between couples and family in and around the Elk Valley. Her clients have fun while making memories and creating a lasting piece of art. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, camping, and sitting around the campfire with her own family.

Reach out to learn more by emailing Mckenzie at mckenzie.jespersen@gmail.com or call directly to book your family photos in these beautiful mountains.

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ION TRAT

REGIS

OPEN

FOR SEPTEMBER ENROLLMENTS

4 year old program

Check out this month’s Moose On The Loose page to get the first stanza of Felina Arsenault’s moose-themed poem!

Tuesday / Wednesday / Thursday 8:30am - 12:30pm

Natureplay - STEM - Mindfulness - Phonics A professional School readiness program Alissa.fernieprep@gmail.com

theartsstation.com

www.fernieschoolagedcare.org 250-430-3155

Welcoming Derek to RE/MAX Elk Valley Realty Helping you with: Lot Purchases for your Custom Home Build New Home Sales and Purchases Lakefront and Lifestyle Properties DEREK C. DEEMTER 250-946-7174 sales@velin.ca mylifestylerealty.ca

Office: 250-423-4444 | 1241 7th Ave, Fernie BC Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

Business in the Valley

BUSINESS NEWS

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Sparrow Hair 641 7th Ave 250-423-7175 A year ago Sparrow Hair committed to becoming sustainable by partnering with the Green Circle Salons organization (GCS) and launching a unique recycling program. Green Circle Salons, founded in Toronto in 2009, helps salons and spas across North America divert typical waste from landfill sites through a unique recovery and repurpose system. Sparrow Hair has been sending waste such as hair, leftover hair colour, foils, colour tubes and aerosol cans to the GCS facility where it is cleaned and repurposed, and most importantly kept out of our landfill site.

In response to the pandemic, GCS is also recycling PPE like masks and gloves.

Overall, they collected and recycled nearly six tonnes in the first six months!

“This is truly an amazing and important initiative. We hope to inspire other salons and spas in Fernie area to join the quest for a cleaner planet,” said Stacey Goldade, owner of Sparrow Hair.

Visit sparrowhair.ca to book an appointment and follow them on social media @sparrowhairfernie.

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NEW BUSINESS

Three Sisters Farm and Greenhouse 3132 Anderson Rd. Three Sisters Farm and Greenhouse, providing tools, plants and provisions for sustainable gardens.

Madi Bragg is a long-time gardener who has nurtured a productive, sustainable, and gorgeous garden in Fernie for over nine years. This spring, Madi is starting a greenhouse and garden centre on Anderson Rd. She is passionate about helping Elk Valley gardeners be successful. Madi is excited to talk to fellow gardeners (new or experienced) about soil health, garden planning, and choosing the right plants for our area.

Three Sisters will carry: organically grown seedlings that are proven to do well in our cold climate; organic, environmentally friendly soil amendments in bulk and backyard gardener size; zone 2 and zone 3 hardy fruit and nut trees, bushes, canes and vines; and certified organic manure, local worm castings, and compost.

You can find out more by searching @threesistersfarmandgreenhouse on Facebook.You can contact Madi at threesistersfarmandgreenhouse@gmail.com.

Thrive Life Coaching thrivelifecoaching.ca 250-946-6047 Life-long Fernie local,Veronica Shier founded Thrive Life Coaching in 2017.

Thrive Life Coaching’s mission is to empower and equip individuals to break out of survival mode to thrive in life in all circumstances by shifting the all too often narrative of “I can’t” to “I’m going to figure out how I can!” Thrive Life coaching is committed to helping others turn their depression into passion, their anxiety into excitement, and their fear into faith for an amazing future they are working to achieve.

You can email Veronica at thrivelifecoaching3@gmail.com, or visit her website for more details on how you can start working towards an abundant, thriving life and join her Thriver’s Nation: Breaking Out of Survival Mode to Thrive in Life (a free Facebook group).

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Scenic Fernie Acreage For Sale 4360 COKATO ROAD

5% of the Sales Representative’s net commissions goes to Angel Flight

1241 7th Ave, Fernie, BC 250-423-4444

NEW LISTING

4392 sq.ft.

4

3½

This 5.5 acre mountain estate offers beautiful views of the Lizard Range and Fernie Alpine Resort. With a large garden right out your back door there is plenty of room to play and explore, a fully automated underground sprinkler system makes lawn care a breeze. Kitchen features granite countertops and S/S appliances throughout. Enjoy an office with an unbeatable view in this custom finished home. Live in style and comfort with excellent modern amenities: heated floors, triple heated garage, wood burning stove, and central Vac. Other features include hickory hardwood flooring, fir tongue and groove vaulted ceiling, triple pane windows, and a spacious 4-piece ensuite master bath with fantastic mountain views. With 4 bedrooms and 3 ½ baths there is plenty of room for the whole family to get together.

Contact Sharon Taylor

Phone: 250 423 8903 Email: sharon@fernielistings.com

Business in the Valley

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS

Women’s Enterprise Centre

by BRAD PARSELL As we recognize and celebrate International Women’s Day this month, I wanted to shine a spotlight on an organization that I think is doing great work supporting female entrepreneurs and business owners. The Women’s Enterprise Centre (WEC) was launched as a femaleled, non-profit organization in BC back in 1995. Since then, WEC has helped power women-led businesses in a variety of ways and continues to offer support and mentoring to this day.

WEC’s programming includes offering loans for women-owned businesses in BC. Loans of up to $150,000 can be made available to entrepreneurs whether you are just starting out, purchasing a new business, or expanding your current business. The loans offered by WEC differ to those of traditional lenders primarily in that they are bundled with free, ongoing professional business advice, skills training, and mentoring. Female business owners may also find it easier to qualify for a business loan with WEC than traditional lenders.

For a limited time, WEC is also offering access to the Regional Relief & Recovery Fund (RRRF) which offers loans of up to $60,000 for eligible women-run businesses.

This fund is to help small businesses cope with financial hardship and recovery from economic disruption resulting from COVID-19, and who may not be eligible for the federal government’s Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan.

Outside of loans, WEC works really hard to build a supportive community around women in business by providing a host of professional development opportunities.

The Fernie Chamber of Commerce has partnered with WEC several times in the past couple of years to bring our

Women’s Enterprise Centre Regional Ambassador for Fernie, Jill Barclay. Submitted Photo

Outside of loans, WEC works really hard to build a supportive community around women in business by providing a host of professional development opportunities. members some of their great webinars and workshops. We will continue to highlight these opportunities to our members as they come up. WEC has also conducted 66,000 business advisory sessions to date across the province.

WEC is currently making a dedicated push to expand their service delivery to more rural areas in BC outside of the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan Valley. Several local Fernie entrepreneurs have already made use of WEC’s mentoring and tools, and my understanding is there will be another intake for the WEC mentoring program locally this fall. For more information on WEC and their amazing work supporting women in business, please contact our local WEC Regional Ambassador for Fernie – Jill Barclay – by visiting wec.ca/jill

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Arts and Entertainment

FEATURE ARTIST

Feature Legendary Artists An abundance of artistic imagery and journeys have coloured the pages of the Fernie Fix. We caught up with some of the women painters, potters, writers and musicians we have featured in past to share their thoughts on legends, obstacles and inspiration.

Angela Morgan

Laura Nelson

Angie Abdou

ANGELA MORGAN, Painter

ANGIE ABDOU, Writer

I am a figurative, with a love for colour and movement. My work is about capturing moments that fill up our cups!

As of April, I will have published eight books: a short story collection, four novels, two memoirs, and a collection of essays on Canadian sport literature.

My real-life legends are my family. A woman is truly blessed when she has the influence of family that love and support one another. This is brought home to me every day in my practice.

My biggest obstacle in life as a professional artist is time management, the true conundrum is really how to get phthalocyanine green out of my clothes, and hair, and eyebrows…

My wish is to create a spark of joy… something to hold onto, something to make us grateful that the world is a beautiful place.

Lately, Laura Nelson has been a local inspiration – for her art and her community contributions, from being one of the initial owners of our bookstore (every good town needs one of those!) to her hard work helping launch the Fernie Museum. Artists can be stingy with their time; Laura’s art has not suffered because of her generosity. I love her trees, especially, and the way her paintings both reflect nature’s beauty and inspire us to protect that beauty. Readers will find words of appreciation in my forthcoming book, This One Wild Life.

Fearing judgement, as well as the flipside: seeking approval have been obstacles I have faced as an artist. I’m pretty much over it though.

What do I hope to inspire? Energetic conversation. That my books make people think and make them talk (about the kind of people they want to be, about the kind of lives they want to live, about what it feels like to experience the world as someone different than themselves).

LAURA NELSON, Painter Painting is a way for me to honour and express my deep appreciation and concern for the forests and landscapes we live in. It challenges me, keeps me learning and discovering about myself and the subjects I study in my paintings.

Sage McBride | Nick Nault Photo

Mary Menduk

Melanie Macvoy Female Legends who have influenced me include Harriet Tubman, Emily Carr, Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, Diana Beresford-Kroeger and Robin Wall Kimmerer.

be a working mom and hire a weekly housekeeper with no guilt, in order to participate in art activities. Also, I was greatly fascinated by the work of the American artist, Georgia O’Keefe.

Self-doubt and the feelings that I’m not good enough have plagued me for most of my life. At times this is paralyzing, but I’m learning to lean into it and use it to motivate myself to be brave, learn more, keep trying, and to be patient. I hope this inspires others to have courage - believe in yourself, find your passion, challenge yourself and most importantly, connect with and care for the ecosystems we live and play in.

My biggest obstacles throughout are procrastination, self-doubt, and selfcriticism.

MARY MENDUK, Writer, Musician and Painter For a start, I did not think myself as much of a feminist, my upbringing was very traditional. Growing up in Fernie choir and drama were weekly activities, no movies in the middle of the week. In later life all my involvement started with groups, the Fernie Visual Arts, Station Strings and writing with Keith Liggett’s writing sessions.

Rose Watson was the living legend who influenced my changing role as a woman. Rose was a master tapestry weaver and founder of the Fernie and District Arts Council. We were daughters of immigrant parents, interested in music and drama, we grew up in mining towns. From Rose I learned, I could

Opportunities for creative development are always available, even in a small town. There are always individuals willing to share their craft. Many “wanna bes” are daunted by the expertise in urban areas and are intimidated to begin. Fernie is a good starting place for creative involvement. Creativity adds electricity to our lives and vibrancy to our community.

MELANIE MACVOY, Painter I enjoy spending time recreating outdoors as much as possible with my family and friends. I have been living and painting in Fernie for over 20 years and my work is recognized for its energetic tree portraits and rocky mountain landscapes, especially those near Island Lake Lodge. As an artist, I am inspired by exploring our surrounding wilderness areas with my camera or painting outdoors “en plein air,” then drawing on these experiences back in my home studio to create larger, more immersive paintings on canvas.

As an artist, I was influenced by the legendary Emily Carr, Georgia O’Keefe and Frida Kahlo. Time management is an obstacle I am continually working on!

I hope my practice inspires others to stop and appreciate the simple beauty that surrounds us, like a moment of fleeting light found within the landscape, to care for the environment for future generations and to foster creativity in others, young and old.

SAGE MCBRIDE, Writer and Musician I am a member of the band Shred Kelly.

My primary work is performing, writing and recording music, but we are also self-managed, so there is a lot of behind the scenes work I do as well. I do grant writing, tour planning, event planning, video producing and planning, social media, marketing, website development and maintenance, online store management and maintenance and promotion.

A couple of legends I am influenced by are Emily Haines and Stevie Nicks. I am also in awe of The Good Lovelies and Jill Barber and how they balance their families and music careers.

There are so many obstacles to being an artist in the best of times. The biggest obstacle has been over the past year with the live music industry shutting down. We’ve really had to think outside of the box constantly to try to stay

WELCOME TO YOUR CLASSROOM. Think. Do. Explore.

Climb.

Excite.

Lead.

Reach.

Become.

Mountain Adventure Skills Training students on an experiential field trip.

MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE SKILLS TRAINING mast_fernie

APPLY NOW! | cotr.ca/mast

Shelby Cain | Murray Hayward Photo

Sarah Pike | Eva Grace Photography afloat while the world changes around us. Combine that with having a young child, plus the mental load of a global pandemic - it hasn’t been easy.

I hope to inspire others to listen to their creative ideas and do them! Regardless of what the outcome is. The process alone is fulfilling.

SARAH PIKE, Slab Potter I am a slab potter, which means I make pottery out of clay, but not on a wheel.

I’m constantly torn between a minimal approach and a throw-everything-at-it approach. My pots sit somewhere on that spectrum.

The most legendary woman in my life is my Mother. She was a life-long seeker of knowledge and experience. She was my biggest fan and encouraged me to do whatever I put my mind to.

As a young artist I idolized Betty Woodman, Linda Sikora, Lucie Rie, Julia Galloway, Kate Ohe, Frida Kahlo, Eva Hesse, Annie Leibovitz, Emily Carr, Georgia O’Keefe, Artemesia Gentileschi, PJ Harvey, Bjork, Betty Davis, Ani Difranco, Sinead O’Connor, Lauryn Hill, Kathleen Hanna, Jane Goodall, Nellie McClung, Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, and Alice Munro. Their art, actions and words still make me stand taller. More recently, Ava DuVernay,

Tara Higgins Rachel Cargle, and Greta Thunberg. Are they not queens?

When I’m inspired, it’s initially exciting, the possibilities endless. But the army of self-doubt, jealousy, and imposter syndrome attack. It feels pretentious to hope to inspire, but it would be good to inspire strength to ward off that army, and to inspire vulnerability because I swear that’s how you let the creativity in.

SHELBY CAIN, Writer and Musician with Wild Honey After such an extraordinary year, I don’t have to look far to find legendary women who offer me inspiration.

They’re standing all around me. Working at the hospital and the grocery store.

Keeping their business doors open and the smiles in their eyes despite extreme personal sacrifices. Moms dropping their kids at school, navigating all the difficult questions with love and empathy.

Women showing up, day after day, to jobs that keep our small town thriving.

My daughters, bravely donning masks and backpacks, gracefully accepting a situation they don’t understand.

My mom, staying positive when she desperately misses her grandkids’ arms wrapped around her. The smell of their hair. Their sweet kisses. As an artist, I have temporarily lost my platform. As a mom, I’m struggling, just like you. As a woman, I encourage you to stay strong

ladies, because when this fricking thing is over, I’ll meet you for a cocktail at The Northern. And I promise, it’ll be LEGENDARY. TARA HIGGINS, Painter I am a landscape painter who gets distracted by wildlife. In my landscape paintings I aim to evoke connection, to draw the viewer in by capturing the fleeting moments we fly past in our everyday lives. My wildlife paintings are an expression of the many encounters I have had with the diverse wildlife we share this valley with.

My mother and Grandma Theada are the two strong women who taught me to get up, lift my chin and keep moving forward and double dare anyone who said you couldn’t.

As an artist my biggest challenge to overcome is starting. Whether it is a new piece, returning to a painting or trying to finish one, showing up is the hardest thing - especially when smart phones are so desperately in need of our attention.

I hope to encourage others to show up. Being a creative is a lonely path.

Acknowledging the obstacles, voicing a creative’s inner critic and offering the space to allow others to thrive, those are my goals.

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Arts and Entertainment

MUSINGS OF A BOOKWORM

Speak Up, Support and Celebrate

by JESSICA BOZOKY

Here are a few books to help guide you:

With a focus on challenging gender bias and inequity, this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) seeks to provoke society to take action and accelerate gender parity. Choose To Challenge is the theme, and creating a more alert world is the aim. As their website says, “from challenge, comes change.”

Making a choice to challenge someone’s comments, actions or even your own assumptions and prejudices based on gender is no easy feat. It is not always the person’s fault they hold the attitudes they do, as most of the time bias is subconscious.

Attitudes have been passed down for generations and are solidified in the justice system, social media and our daily interactions. Speaking up, calling out and identifying these behaviours is a learned skill, it takes practice, patience, integrity, and respect.

One of the special things about Fernie is seeing how women excel in our community. Women thrive in business, art, sport, politics, as volunteers, authors, chefs, pioneers, and more. We’re a tight community who supports the growth and empowerment of talented women.

However, just because there is so much bold feminine energy in the air, doesn’t mean gender bias is extinct.

With knowledge, comes power. The more we educate ourselves on gender discrimination, the better we’re able to recognise it first hand and make a stand to challenge it. As we expand our frame of reference and pinpoint what needs changing, the better we’re able to pass these positive behaviours and attitudes on for continual growth.

As a gateway to information, libraries have been essential in preserving

Kids

Baby Feminists by Libby Babbott-Klein You Should Meet Ruth Bader Ginsburg by Laurie Calkhoven Rosie Revere Engineer by Andrea Beaty

Illustration By Pruthvi Harshan Visit ferniefix.com to find the black and white illiustration to colour in!

“With knowledge, comes power. The more we educate ourselves on gender discrimination, the better we’re able to recognise it first hand and make a stand to challenge it.” women’s voices, in a society who often listens primarily to men. Open access to information and protection of cultural rights is at the core of empowering women, and a pillar in the library community.

This month I encourage you to seek out female voices. A book written by a woman, a movie with a strong female lead and director, a podcast from a women’s point of view. Help yourself to unlearn the prejudices you’ve been fed and relearn equity and connection with the female soul.

Young Adult

I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls by Elena Favilli Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo Adult

The Moment of Lift: How Empowering Women Changes The World by Melinda Gates Untamed by Glennon Doyle Girl, Woman, Other

by Bernardine Evaristo

Share The Nuggets Empowered Women, Empower Women Fernie Heritage Library wants to see what you’re consuming from women this month! Share your nuggets of female empowerment with us #fhlbookchallenge

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Arts and Entertainment

ARTBEAT

Legends in Your Neighbourhood

by MICHAEL HEPHER A legend, by definition, is someone who is extremely well-known to excel at something notable, who’s influenced our culture, or changed the world in some way. In short: Someone BIG. Pete Seeger is big—if you factor in his legendary status over decades of music and activism. In preparation to celebrate his 90th birthday in 2009 with a huge concert at Madison Square Gardens, he famously said “Well, normally I’m against big things. I think the world is going to be saved by millions of small things. Too many things can go wrong when they get big.” Typical Pete.

We live in a culture that admires big. Big houses, big cars, big companies, big dreams, big money. It does not take long as an artist or a businessperson to realize that if you want to be a kind, generous, communityminded person it is going to talk longer— and you’ll have to work harder—to be ‘big.’ But why do we need to be big?

Why isn’t being humble and thoughtful enough to make you a legend? When I look around our community, I see so many people working hard with no need for recognition—they are legends in my mind.

Mary Menduk, for example: Poet, supporter, philosopher, philanthropist, and builder. Without Mary the arts in Fernie would not be what they are today. Or dear Beulah Limber, who I first met sitting around a jam circle as she cradled her beloved banjo, but who also threw herself fearlessly at a canvas. She never missed a chance to give you a smile and never stopped learning.

And what about Louise and Jackie—heroes of the Arts Station? They’ve transformed that institution from an art clubhouse to a vibrant cultural hub that contributes to the greater community in uncountable ways. During COVID, they’ve found ways

If you’ve walked downtown and noticed the beautiful banners hanging from the lamp standards, you’ll know the tireless volunteer work of Donna Miller who has quietly propelled this project along year after year.

Where would the Museum be without the cheerful and dedicated contributions of Rebecca Hall, or the library without the energy of Tina Hayes? Where would the Fernie Pride Society be without Sara Funk or the Seniors Centre without Courtney Baker?

Rebecca Hall | V. Croome Photo to keep the doors open and programming happening. Though mostly unnoticed, and often under-appreciated, their work is nothing short of extraordinary.

My friend Laura Nelson: rockstar painter, closet fiddle player, and so much more.

Founder of Polar Peak Books during the rise of the digital age, her kindness and thoughtfulness are matched only by her talent with the brush. Plus, the ongoing wonder of a small, local bookstore is carried on now by another stalwart legend: Patty Reedyk.

Tara Higgins, who had the audacity to open a gallery (and then expand it, and then expand it again) in the middle of a global pandemic. Hard-working, talented, and always willing to lend a hand to make something better or help a friend. Her attitude and skill was indispensable as I rushed to finish the mural as cold weather threatened. If you scratch the surface of the arts in Fernie you’ll probably find Tara there behind the scenes greasing the wheels and smoothing ruffled feathers.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Krista Turcasso and Vanessa Croome, who came to the people of Fernie dreaming of a glossy magazine with local content—now in its 15th year. Do you have any idea how hard it is to do anything for 15 years, let alone the relentless cycle of writing, layout, ad sales, editing, pre-press, and publishing of a periodical? During this stretch these talented folks also balanced young families and side-hustle sports and art careers. It can’t be easy, but it’s amazing to witness their passion.

If you haven’t noticed already, all of these local legends are women. These are just a few that I know off the top of my head, but there are so many more that I haven’t met yet or haven’t seen in action.

You know who you are. Working hard with humility, kindness, and passion; these women continue to mold and shape Fernie. Without their work we’d have a town, but we wouldn’t have a community.

Fernie is made better by all of these legendary women who are saving our corner of the world one small thing at a time.

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Arts and Entertainment

AT PEACE AND YET ON FIRE

This Legend Needs a Home

by SADIE ROSGEN and STEPH FLEMING

“Creative people are the best kind of dangerous.”

-Rachel Wolchin It goes without saying, but I’ll say it again, Fernie is synonymous with the term legendary: legendary snow, legendary views, legendary people. Steph Fleming is no exception. When she opened Infinitea eight years ago, some locals laughed at the idea of yet another coffee shop but what they didn’t know was that it would evoke so much more. She had the vision to house food and art, a perfect cultural pairing under the same roof, the same roof that had always housed legends 100 years previous. This radiant soul brought her business acumen, her education and experience, and most importantly, her love for the arts and snow to Fernie and I don’t think our legendary town has ever been the same. Like me, I know you miss the live scene. Live performance is a true gift of vulnerability and skill and Steph was nurturing that, offering a decadent space for artists of all disciplines and walks of life.

Thank you Steph. Thank you for believing in the artists and pouring your heart and soul into Infinitea, that legendary tea shop around the corner.

This Legend Needs A Home

by SADIE ROSGEN and STEPH FLEMING

Do what you love, always love energy eyes dreaming materialize bringing music chaos connection to a room dare down the alley the sidestreet open the red door you can’t see behind people dance laughter in a glance leaving reflections

mirrored through moving through time compromising nothing glasses celebrate the home you have made and the open road anything you have earned weave the scene in the dark light the spark leave the story to grow The Legends

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Fernie Pride Society AGM Thursday, March 11, 6pm Zoom link at ferniepride.ca Support inclusivity initiatives and events by purchasing a Fernie Pride membership.

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BOOKED! Thursday April 1, 2021 7 pm via Zoom and Facebook live

Do you have a story about the Fernie Station?

We are looking for stories about the original train station to the present day Arts Station!

Children in Peril: what can fiction teach readers to help us cope with alarming trends and the threats they pose to our children? Join moderator Angie Abdou and these best-selling writers of dystopia in a lively discussion about what their novels have to say to (and for) the next generation.

Contact us via email with your stories: info@theartsstation.com

Ali Bryan

Jael Richardson

Angie Abdou

Arts and Entertainment

THE RENTAL FIX

Hamilton

by ANDREW VALLANCE Alexander Hamilton was born in the British West Indies in the 1750s. His father was James Hamilton, a Scottish trader. His mother was Rachel Fawcett Lavine, the daughter of a French Huguenot physician, and wife of John Michael Lavine, a merchant who had settled on the island of St. Croix in the Danish West Indies. Rachel probably began living with James Hamilton in 1752, but Lavine did not divorce her until 1758. Unfortunately, James Hamilton abandoned his wife and Alexander in 1766 and Rachel died two years later.

At the age of 11, Alexander began working as a clerk in the counting house of two New York merchants who had recently established themselves at St. Croix, and in 1772 he went to study in America, entering King’s College (later Columbia) in New York in 1773. His studies were interrupted as the colonies geared up for their war for independence.

Alexander Hamilton became one of America’s most influential founding fathers. He made his reputation during the Revolutionary War, and as an impassioned champion of a strong federal government, he played a key role in defending and ratifying the U.S. Constitution.

He was, however, a slave trading, elitist, arch capitalist xenophobe who disparaged representative democracy. He also cheated on his wife, and in 1804 he was killed in a duel with Aaron Burr, a long-time political foe. While not the most prominent of the men who helped the U.S. become an independent nation, Hamilton was interesting enough to fire the imagination of Ron Chernow, who wrote a book that white-washed the man’s legacy, making him seem much more progressive than he actually was.

This highly inaccurate characterization of Alexander Hamilton was subsequently seized on by playwright, actor and musician Lin Manual Miranda, who used Chernow’s poor scholarship as the foundation on which he built his musical, Hamilton.

is catchy, the choreography is great, and the costumes are wonderful. Watching it, you can absolutely see why Hamilton was a smash hit, regardless of how many lies it tells about the founding fathers. A filmed version of the stage production was recently added to Disney Plus, and while I object on principle to a show that turns anyone as awful as Hamilton into some kind of hip hopping leftist saint, the fact is that this incredible show is worth checking out. Just don’t read a legitimate history of the American Revolution before you do, because you will inevitably be disappointed.

Hamilton provides a highly compressed account of Hamilton’s life and portrays the man as a hip, pro-immigrant, abolitionist radical who stood up for truth, justice and the American way. Miranda essentially portrays Alexander Hamilton as an 18th century version of superman.

From its opening Hamilton received critical acclaim. It premiered Off-Broadway in February 2015 at the Public Theater in New York City, and won eight Drama Desk Awards, including Outstanding Musical. When it transferred to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, it again received positive reviews and high box office receipts. At the 2016 Tony Awards, it received a record-breaking 16 nominations and won 11 awards, including Best Musical. It also received the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. When it opened in London in 2017, it won seven Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical.

The show has a great cast, and almost everyone, including individuals who we know were actual slave owners, are played by people of colour. The music

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Arts and Entertainment

EVENT CALENDAR

MONTHLY EVENTS Monday 1.3.2021 Northern Beer it Forward – March @ The Northern – buy a beer for a friend, and they can enjoy it when they’re in next!

Club Baguette @ The Arts Station Raging Elk Silk Trail Slide – Virtual Nordic Ski Event @ Fernie Alpine Resort. Running until March 6, check out the routes and register to compete and win prizes!

Find the Griz Contest Begins @ Rocky Mountain Optometry on Facebook 6th Annual Bomber Month @ Fernie Mountain Spirits - over 150 different beers Fernie Nordic Society Canadian Ski Marathon @ Fernie Nordic Trails, register for our community at ski marathon.ca/register/fees Thursday 4.3.2021 An Afternoon of Mystery @ Fernie Heritage Library, ages 8-11 4pm. Grab a curbside activity pack, join the zoom session.

March’s Moose on the Loose @ Station Square/ Downtown Fernie. Visit theartsstation.com/ moose-on-the-loose-march for details on how to participate!

Friday 5.3.2021 Griz Days Storywalk: Where the Wild Things Are @ Fernie Heritage Library Walkie Talkie: Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts @ Fernie Heritage Library, 1pm Big Life Brigade @ Fernie Heritage Library, six-week virtual afterschool group focusing on positivity, believing in yourself, kindness and gratitude ages 7-10, 4pm 44th Annual Griz Days Weekend Kicks Off @ Fernie. Visit ferniegrizdays.com for the full schedule, modified and keepin’ it local!

She Jumps – Get the Girls Out @ Fernie Alpine Resort, virtual scavenger hunt. Shejumps.org/ get-the-girls-out

Saturday 6.3.2021 Griz Days Storywalk: Where the Wild Things Are @ Fernie Heritage Library FrancoFest @ afros.ca International Women’s Day Get Out and Ride Weekend @ Fernie Mountain Bike Club, visit FMBC.ca for how to get involved.

Monday 8.3.2021 Regular Council Meeting @ City of Fernie, 7pm Wednesday 10.3.2021 Rotary Club Wine Tree Raffle @ Fernie Chamber, 12:30pm, proceeds go towards the Fernie Food Bank and Angel Flight East Kootenay Thursday 11.3.2021 Fernie Pride Society AGM @ ferniepride.ca, 6pm Saturday 13.3.2021 Keep Calm and Stay Cozy Adult Craft Kit @ Fernie Heritage Library zoom, 2pm Monday 15.3.2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting @ City of Fernie, 4pm Winter Carnival/Carnaval D’hiver Begins @ Isabella Dicken School - Ecole Sophie Morigeau, afros.ca Tuesday 16.3.2021 Trivia Tuesday: Test Your Harry Potter Knowledge @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3pm virtual Wednesday 17.3.2021 BINGO Bonanaza @ Fernie Heritage Library, ages 7-10 year olds, 3pm on zoom St. Patrick’s Day “Go Green” @ Fernie Mountain Bike Club, FMBC.ca Friday 19.3.2021 Raging Elk Virtual Kinky Rail Jam Series @

Fernie Alpine Resort, all weekend. Video your run through the flagged features at FAR’s terrain park!

Monday 22.3.2021 Elk Valley Gymnastics Spring Break Camp Begins @ elkvalleygymnastics.com Fernie School Aged Care Spring Break Camp Begins @ fernieschoolagedcare.org Regular Council Meeting @ City of Fernie, 7pm Tuesday 23.3.2021 Fernie Trails Alliance Virtual AGM @ fernietrailsalliance.com Trivia Tuesday: Test Your Harry Potter Knowledge @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3pm virtual Wednesday 24.3.2021 Real Local Book Club: I am Herod by Richard Kelly Kemick @ Fernie Heritage Library zoom, 7:30pm Thursday 25.3.2021 Teen Book Club: A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro @ Fernie Heritage Library zoom, 7:30pm Friday 26.3.2021 Tea and Talk Book Club: The Rules Do Not Apply

by Ariel Levy @ Fernie Heritage Library zoom, 1:30pm Wednesday 31.3.2021 Tourism Fernie Virtual AGM @ tourismfernie. com Thursday 1.4.2021 Booked! Fernie Writer’s Series: Jael Richardson and Ali Bryan with Host Angie Abdou @ Fernie Heritage Library zoom and Facebook Live, 7:30pm

WEEKLY EVENTS Mondays Parent-tot Funtimes @ Facebook Page Les Tiguidous – Virtual activities with songs, stories or manual hands-on in French ages 0-5 @ AFRos Fernie, 10am Le Club Baguette Junior @ AFRos Fernie, art activities and games in French ages 7 and up on zoom, 3:30-4:30pm Tuesdays Baby Goose @ Zoom, 9:30am Storytime (ages 3-5) @ Fernie Heritage Library Live Instagram and Facebook Try it at Home Minecraft Mayhem @ Fernie Heritage Library, weekly STEM/DIY for kids Fernie Youth Art Collective @ The Arts Station, 6pm Fernie Options for Sexual Health Clinic Open @ Elk Valley Hospital, 6:30-8:30pm by appointment

Parent-tot Funtimes @ Facebook Page Burger and Beer Night @ The Northern Wing Night @ The Pub Wednesdays Curbside Craft @ Fernie Heritage Library, pick up between 12-4pm, Tuesday through Friday Toddlertime (Ages 0-2 years) @ Fernie Heritage Library Live Instagram and Facebook Team Trivia @ The Fernie Meet Draw @ The Legion Thursdays InterActive Hour @ Zoom, 10am Bellies to Babies @ Zoom, 2pm Art History with Jackie Video Launch @ The Arts Station Club Baguette Adultes - Practice Speaking French @ AFRos Fernie via Zoom, 7pm

Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub Fridays Storytime (ages 0-5) @ Fernie Heritage Library Live Instagram and Facebook Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station Fish and Chips @ The Pub Fish and Chips Take Away @ Fernie Hotel, 4pm Meat Draw @ The Fernie Saturdays Shawarma Take Out @ Fernie Hotel, 4pm Meat Draw @ The Legion Many events are subject to Covid restrictions. As things change and evolve, additional events may be added to the calendar. Make sure to stay up to date by visiting FernieFix.com/events Do you have an event to share? Send it to krista@clarismedia.com for inclusion!

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Community

FEATURE RESIDENT

The Matriarchs

by KRISTA TURCASSO I have had the opportunity and pleasure of interviewing many inspiring community residents over the last nearly 15 years. The benefit is always mine. Every month, I learn, am challenged to think differently, and am exposed to ideas, activities, organizations, and history that I would never have been otherwise.

Diane Stothers

This month, to honour our local female Legends, I chose some of my favourite moments. We hope you enjoy.

Diane Stothers – 2013 Diane’s affair with music began at a very young age. She went through the Royal Conservatory of Music for piano, and also took part in church choirs, tap dancing and ballet. “Although I became too tall for ballet,” she adds with a laugh. It was clear that she had a love of music which led Diane to pursuing a degree in Music Education at UBC in Vancouver.

Ev Cutts Rhoda Deluca and Jeri Mitchell

Diane began teaching in 1978 when Max Turk Elementary School opened and while she was teaching Grade one, she also taught music and quickly became involved in school concerts.

“At one point I had 600 kids at all three schools and was often asked how I managed it all. I would always answer that I love chaos,” she remembers.

“I truly believe we are here to serve,” Diane says. “But I get so much out of it, it never feels like a sacrifice! Come forward to help out, it’s more fun than you think.”

Evelyn Cutts – 2010 Ev was exposed to the benefits of volunteering at an early age with a very involved mom and grandma. “I didn’t know any other way,” she recalls. When she

Kim Stokie became a young mother, she realized that you could only get out of the community what you give, which propelled her into groups that directly influenced her children as they grew up in Fernie.

She was also the face I associated with the City of Fernie for some time, being the first female mayor. And when I moved back to Fernie as an entrepreneur, she welcomed me with open arms at the Chamber of Commerce. And that’s just my own personal experiences. Ev has also been involved

with Girl Guides, church groups, PAC at Isabella Dicken, the School Board, the Columbia Basin Trust, Rotary Club, and the Salvation Army Christmas Campaign all while maintaining a busy family life with six grandchildren.

Jeri Mitchell and Rhoda Deluca – 2016 Jeri was in Mexico, and Rhoda in Fernie when they both read a story about a girl in Lethbridge who encouraged people to bring $20 to a Walmart to donate to a

Linda Socher

Lee-Anne Walker family going through a tough time. “And she found that family,” recalls Jeri, who commented on the post. When Rhoda read the comment, she replied, “Let’s do this!”

They created a page on Facebook and put a call out to the community for nominations.

“That’s when we realized there was a need for this,” Rhoda says. “The Salvation Army and Welfare programs help a lot of people, but there are people who fall through the cracks. There are the silent sufferers.”

This power team has really made a difference where it matters. Even with their own personal struggles, they are stronger than ever. Their generosity of spirit and open hearts are contagious. And I feel excited about what we as a community can do through the Random Acts of Kindness initiative with Jeri and Rhoda at the helm.

Kim Stokie – 2011 Kim was living in Squamish with her husband and two daughters under two when she decided she needed to be closer to her family. Her parents were near the end of a sailing trip around the world, and Kim called her mom Liz and said, “I need you.”

Liz frankly replied, “We’re not moving to Squamish.” “Well, where do you want to live?” Kim asked. “Fernie.” So, they all made their way back here. Lucky for us!

With the support she needed, it wasn’t long before Kim started toying with the idea of a coffee shop. Liz raised the idea of them doing it together, as they could split the care

Rosemary Brydon of Kim’s kids, switching four on, four off shifts. “It’s cheaper to employ someone in a coffee shop than to pay them to babysit!” she admits, plus she recognizes that while she can handle a bad cup of coffee being served, she couldn’t handle poor childcare.

And the snowball that is Freshies began, October of 2004.

Lee-Anne Walker – 2016 “I need wilderness, clean water and air, healthy soils to grow plants so I can live. Humans have two simple choices – to harm or to help our environment, which supports us. I choose to help my neighbours and friends,” she says. Her passion is so deep that it permeates into all aspects of her life.

From where she works to time spent with family and friends, to her volunteer efforts, hobbies and interests, the environment is always at the forefront. For example, she started Wildsight Education programs, has taught the MAST program at the College of the Rockies for ten years. Lee-Anne owned and operated Fernie Nature Tours, and still continues to offer tours even though she graciously donated her business to Wildsight. And most recently, she started the Elk River Alliance.

“When you look at environmental issues, you realize it’s not an environmental problem, it’s a people problem. The environment is resilient,” Lee-Anne says. “I want everyone to think more about where their water comes from, how we use it and where it goes afterward, issues affecting

our water and how we all play a role in the solutions to steward our water.”

Linda Socher – 2017 Growing up, everyone felt like they knew Linda and Heiko. They were Fernie famous, and both so friendly and welcoming when visiting Fernie Snow Valley or the Ski Base.

When I moved back home, and Vanessa and I started the Fernie Fix, they were so supportive of our magazine, from the beginning.

In the 60s, Heiko and Linda were the only ones to hike to the top of the Bear to ski.

“He thought the headwall was so fantastic and used to say that someone was walking around up there making the snow fall with a gun. He told the fellas the story one day after skiing, and Dave Rogers said… that’s the most BS I ever heard out of you!” Linda recalls. Heiko created a small sketch of the Griz, Ken Schneider refined it a little, and then Jack McLean, a local artist finalized the logo to what it is today. “Muriel MacLeod started Griz Days when she worked in Marketing for Heiko,” adds Linda. This year marks the 40th Anniversary of Griz Days, a weekend festival organized by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce that has become an integral part of winter in Fernie.

Rosemary Brydon - 2009 While Emily Brydon is omnipresent in Fernie conversation of late, her mother - the pillar of strength supporting this resilient Olympian – remains far from the forefront, FERNIEFIX.COM

31

Stephanie Rogers

Rose Watson hard to believe when you meet her. Taller than Emily with a witty sense of humour that takes you by surprise and a personality that fills the largest of rooms, Rosemary is hard to miss.

“Each year she would just keep getting the results, and it would always be a surprise.

The next year, up to the next level and we never expected it. Emily actually came home one day and said, ‘I’m really glad you are my parents.’ We asked why and she replied, ‘Because you don’t care if I win or lose!’ Some people fulfill their dreams through their children. Not us. We were always in shock and she got where she did on her own.”

Shelley Moulton was so eager and brought experience.”

The Arts Council started as a theatre group, but they soon realized they needed a home… an arts centre for all arts. Headed

by Rose’s daughter, Beth Gregg the Arts Station project began and was successfully completed. “All of these groups were in one place. And now young people are taking it from there,” Rose reflects..

“Do what you crave, it’s what drives you.”

Now, isn’t that the truth.

Shelley Moulton - 2012

Rose Watson – 2009

Shelley was first diagnosed with cancer in 2002 and went through a two-year treatment plan. After seven years in remission, she discovered it had come back in November of last year. The process the second time around was a bit foreign to them both. “Chemo we knew,” admits Chris. “Stem cells were new territory.” Prior to the bone marrow transplant, Shelley underwent treatment in preparation and after the transplant, followed an extensive recovery process.

Teaching at the Secondary School, Rose found that her attempts at getting children involved in drama were not well received.

“They didn’t have a role model. It had to start in the community, not there. I discovered that the government was giving grants to arts councils. Fine, we’ll give it a name,” Rose said. She set out to start the Arts Council by putting an ad in the paper to gain interest… and an encouraging group of people responded. “It was good, everyone

Through this taxing experience, they learned that they were ineligible to receive any monetary support through the Canadian Cancer Society. That’s how the idea of starting a foundation, which they have called Friends for Fernie came about.

“It wasn’t out of anger, it was more like ‘Oh my God, if we don’t qualify who does?’”

Shelley and Chris, who have been together since they were 15, have put the wheels

When it comes to the Olympics, Rosemary considers herself a third time Olympian and is prepared to join in the celebrations and cheer on Emily alongside the other Canadian athletes. But when it comes down to it, Emily has already made it in Rosemary’s books. And in ours!

into motion, with five directors already in place and a non-profit organization ready to support members of our community and their families going through cancer treatment.

Stephanie Rogers – 2012 Stephanie decided to get on board with the Clear View campaign after her own experience. Calcium deposits had shown up in her mammogram and needed to be removed. Her options were either an invasive procedure in Cranbrook, or to travel to Nelson or Calgary for a much less invasive procedure with the use of a digital mammography machine. “I was in and out in an hour,” she recalls. Stephanie realized the benefits of having this machine at our regional hospital, “It helps with early detection, can screen more women in less time, allows for guided biopsies and mammography,” and much more.

One day campaign representative Evelyn Cutts walked by her store and she jumped at the opportunity. “How can we help?” she asked. A fundraising event was the answer, and right away Stephanie decided on a ski-athon. The Breast Buddy Ski-athon is a fun way to educate residents and raise funds.

Skiers or boarders sign up for $20, and then receive pledges as they try to ski as much as they can February 4-6.

Tina Hayes – 2015 Growing up, the library was located in the building that is now home to Mug Shots.

Tina Hayes

I thoroughly enjoyed spending time there, perusing the children’s books and studying there in secondary school. The librarians were well known to us all, and us to them.

I remember Tina from those days. Although I always thought she was working at the library, little known to me she was a volunteer. Tina is difficult to forget. With a warm and positive personality and a bounce in her step, she leaves an imprint and is a very recognized resident within our community.

In a few months, Tina will have been with the library for 15 years. Sitting in this new space, I am reminded of how far it has come.

The space is not only a significant piece of Fernie history, it holds a place for everyone.

Tina agrees, recognizing that the move itself afforded the library space they never had before.

“Now we can be a community living room because we have one. The way we are seeing people use us is different, there are so many more opportunities,” she says. “I love that people feel comfortable to come in – it’s their library, too.”

Thank you to all of the 170 individuals who have sat with me for coffee, a meal, a glass of wine and more recently over zoom and shared your stories with us and our readers!

To read the full interviews with these outstanding 12 women, visit ferniefix.com/ articles/community.

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Community

CITY CORNER

Shaping Community Together

by ANGE QUALIZZA For the first time in history, we have a woman in the White House. After Hillary’s run, and after the Trump administration, quite frankly I was a bit numb to the event.

I had almost nothing left to feel about the political events in the US, and then the morning of the inauguration came and every platform I subscribe to was flooded with images of Kamala Harris. Classy, confident and cool. Miraculously, I started to feel again.

I reached out to as many women as I could that morning asking them to send me a photo of themselves with Kamala’s signature pearl necklace shot, I wanted to celebrate Fernie’s leadership.

Within about ten minutes I realized I would never get to them all, so many women in Fernie are community builders, lady bosses, creatives, and women who just get it done. The truth is -in Fernie- there are not any glass ceilings to shatter.

For me, it’s the charm of a ski town.

Mountain culture and fierce women, it’s what I love the most, and also why I have a hard time jumping up and down about a female in the White House. Women in leadership is a normal part of our community, not a one off.

India elected Indira Ghandi in 1966, the United Kingdom elected Margaret Thatcher in 1979. Pakistan elected Benazir Bhutto in 1988, Ireland elected Mary Robinson in 1990. Less than a month after 50 Muslim worshippers were shot in a mosque in Christchurch, Prime Minister Jacinda Arden was supported in passing a law that banned most semi-automatic weapons on her country.

It would definitely appear that the US is late to the party, women in leadership

is and should be a normal part of the composition of your country.

Currently I am surrounded and supported by women in leadership, except I don’t see it like that. I am surrounded and supported by strong leaders, both men and women.

In fact, when I get asked at events what it’s like to be a female in leadership I often laugh. Leadership is tough, period.

One gender is not the architect of why leadership is tough, and one gender is not the owner of how tough it is.

On this journey I am on, both men and women have reached for my hand, supported me, challenged me and pushed me to dig deeper. It is equally true, that both men and women have been cruel, causing me to have to dig deep.

Submitted Photo I feel extremely fortunate to know so many women who are working to support our community, who are working together, and who support one another. Madeline Albright, in a keynote speech Celebrating Inspiration, 2006 famously said, “There is a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

If I could, I would invite Ms. Albright to Fernie where we are positively full of women supporting women, or are we all simply working together to build and shape our community? I prefer the latter lens, because we are unstoppable when we create enough space at our tables for everyone to work together, and I think we do that extremely well in Fernie.

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Recreation and Outdoor Life

KOOTENAY WANDERINGS

Powder Mamas

by SHONA RUBENS I stop for a rest and look back to watch her progress. My admiration for her grows with every step she takes. She moves along the up-track slowly and methodically, eyes cast down at the path ahead. She’s slower than she used to be, but who can blame her. She is walking for two now. I wonder what thoughts are coursing through her mind. I wonder if the second heart beat in her belly beats in rhythm with her own.

Things have changed now. How can they not? Decisions we would have made six months before, about where to ski or how much we can possibly fit into one day have more consequence now. It’s no longer just ourselves we must worry about.

The day is calm and friendly as we slowly make our way up through the scorched landscape. The black, burnt carcasses of trees standing like brave warriors in the white blanket of snow. The slope is gentle, and the fresh snow is quiet under our feet.

Everything you could ask for from a day in the backcountry. At the same time, we know it would take hours and a significant snowmobile ride to get to the nearest hospital if anything unfathomable were to happen.

We don’t talk much about the growing bean in her belly. We focus on the present.

Reveling in the moment of being perfectly free and wild. Not quite willing to admit that it’s a freedom that has a time limit. I selfishly experience a twinge of sadness knowing that because her life is changing, mine will too, simply by default. I think about my own mother, ski touring well into her third trimester in Australia and wonder if she felt similar apprehensions.

A woman, whose fierce spirit and thirst for adventure is similar to ours, must have given up many a wild escapade to raise children of her own.

Submitted Photo Two years later I stand at the bottom of the ski resort and watch her now one-and-ahalf-year-old daughter take her first run down the magic carpet. Her eyes as wide as saucers as she takes it all in and manages to keep her balance as she is released from the safety of her father into the waiting arms of her mother.

It’s not lost on me that it has all come to pass. The alterations. The limitations.

The deviations in the way adventures are executed not to mention the adventures themselves. But without a doubt there are still adventures. We still have our backcountry days, but they are fewer and now intermingled with the satisfaction of watching the newest generation of adventurer rise and discover. Sometimes we can still sneak away for an overnighter in the mountains, but often, it’s just as enjoyable to have the kid around.

with kids and some without, but so many inspiring the next generation. So many inspiring the current generation. And all continuing to push boundaries as to what it means to be a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend and a lover of the mountains. I think about the women before me who paved the way. Women like my mother, who was the only woman on many of her first forays into the mountains, not having the benefit of other women to help her know it was even possible. It’s because of them that my generation and the next, can believe that this is normal, can be confident in being leaders in adventure and not just along for the ride.

As I look back to the magic carpet to watch my friend and her daughter, I see the progression of decades of strong, capable, adventurous women and I know, without a doubt, that the future is bright.

My mind wanders to the community of women in the East Kootenays. Some FERNIEFIX.COM

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Recreation and Outdoor Life

HITTING THE TRAILS

Fernie Women on Wheels

by JULIE KELLY, FTA

JOIN US THIS WINTER AT THE BRICKHOUSE A GREAT PLACE TO CHILL AFTER A DAY ON THE SLOPES

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The Fernie Women on Wheels program (FWOW), spearheaded by an FTA member club the Fernie Mountain Bike Club (FMBC) has been running since 2013.

They are a group of women ripping it up on Fernie’s awesome trails. The group has grown into weekly scheduled rides on Wednesdays and Fridays with approximately 15-20 ladies attending pre COVID-19. They hope to get things rolling again in the Spring, COVID-19 dependent.

Some of the popular weekly trails include Montane Blue, Coal Heritage Trail and sections of the Trans Canada Trail/Elk Valley Trail. All levels of riders are welcome and groups are split up based on levels.

For the more advanced rides some of the favourites include Hypervent to Today’s Special and Project 9.

[The Fernie Women on Wheels] hope to get things rolling again in the Spring, COVID-19 dependent.

To get involved and stay up to date on upcoming rides join the Fernie Women on Wheels Facebook group. Please note you need to be a Fernie Mountain Bike member to join the rides and a waiver must be completed online. The membership also gives you access to all of the events hosted by the FMBC throughout the year. If you are looking to support trail maintenance, development and access, the Fernie Trails Pass can be purchased at fernietrailsalliance.com.

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Health and Lifestyle

FUMBLING FORWARD

We Can Do Hard Things

by KATE RICHARDSON During one of the many moments through motherhood when I have felt out of my depth, a good friend told me, “We can do hard things.” That stuck with me and became a bit of a mantra. And through my own experience, and in hearing other women tell their stories, I’ve come to realize just how true those five little words are. Women are warriors. We can do hard things.

“I’m supposed to push this through that?!”

I thought as I faced the realization that labour and delivery were fast approaching.

“Surely there’s a better way!” But women have been doing this since we became a species; this is what we have evolved to do.

Though no story is easy or complicationfree, we get through it. We can do hard things.

It’s 6am on day I-don’t-know-how-many of little sleep. As I rinse off the nipple cream that I accidentally put on my toothbrush, I wonder how I will function today. We somehow manage to get by. We can do hard things.

Feeding and sleep are all of a sudden the most complicated things in the world. Feeding-pumping-sleeping schedules cycle through my head. At the same time, I start to understand just how much I can’t control. Everyone says, “trust your gut; you’ll know what to do,” but I wonder if I’m the only mother born without this intuition they speak of. I take a deep breath. We will figure it out. We can do hard things.

I remember fondly a time when I had strong abdominal muscles. I sure wish I hadn’t taken them for granted. I stare down the long road to recovery and getting my

Taina and Toivo | Emily Park Photography Photo

“We are women.

We are warriors.

We can do hard things.” body back. It is dotted with hurdles like lack of sleep and time. But I’ve watched many women do it with patience and determination. We can do hard things.

I go back to work and wonder constantly if I’m making the right choice. Will my baby be ok? Then, will my business be

ok? I wrap my head around changing hats, and as I strive to have a happy, healthy baby, a successful business, AND a clean house, I think... “Ha! Now we’ve taken this too far!”

Our challenges may look different, but whatever they may be, we are made to meet them. We have strength, grit, grace, humour and, above all, love. And when we run low, we can draw these things from others, from our tribe.

We are women. We are warriors. We can do hard things.

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Health and Lifestyle

THIS IS LIFE

Be Your Own Legend

by TYLA CHARBONNEAU In the past few years Dr. Kirsten Neff has become one of my personal legends. In her teachings about the importance of self-compassion I learned that the actions of other people are not a direct evaluation of my worth. Read that again. We crave acknowledgement from others. “Good job,” or “you got this” really can be some of the greatest words we hear in life. When we were young, we were praised for the smallest acts. Cheers and clapping arrived for all of our momentous occasions like smiling, standing, or taking a step. Then somewhat abruptly these personalized salutes to our tiny successes begin to disappear. They were often replaced with expectations to do more and be more in life and we still look to those around us to tell us we are enough.

We often look to others to validate our beliefs and behaviours.Validate, I am not a big fan of this word. Who you are, your feelings, and how you see the world is valid because it belongs to you, not because someone tells you it is. We do not need to be told that we are doing well for it to be true, though I am aware of how nice it feels. We can do this for ourselves. Sounds weird right? Not really. We can cultivate an internal voice that encourages us, motivates us, and reminds us that when in doubt we are enough. Unfortunately, we often have the opposite voice, the critic that tells us what we are doing wrong or how to be better in an often not so kind way. What we need to do is nurture our own inner legend. It might feel strange or uncomfortable but what would you lose if you developed your own inner cheering section?

On those days when you are feeling down or having a challenging day ask yourself what would you like to hear from a person that you admire. Then write those words

V. Croome Photo

The next time you find yourself seeking reassurance take some time to think about how you are legendary in your own life, even in the smallest of ways. down and read them out loud or silently to yourself. Read through it a few times.

Our minds do not actually know the difference between external or internal confirmation of our worth, they both have equal weighting. When we learn to self sooth and encourage ourselves, we increase our confidence, improve our ability to be self-compassionate, and increase our sense of calm. The hardest part of this practice is believing that we are worth it and developing the habit. I think somewhere along the line we came to believe that taking care of ourselves in these ways could lead to boastful or arrogant behaviours.

There is a big difference between

confidence and ego. Think of your own personal legend. Are they confident? Are they kind to themselves? Do they rely solely on others for comfort or a selfworth or do the exhibit the ability to generate this within themselves? The irony of what we were taught is that in actuality the opposite is true. The more we work on our own inner self with kindness and compassion the more we have to offer others.

The next time you find yourself seeking reassurance take some time to think about how you are legendary in your own life, even in the smallest of ways. Allow yourself to sit with those accomplishments.You are doing a good job, you really are, but you do not need me to tell you that, you got this.

The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you find yourself in distress, please reach out to your local physician who can provide mental health resources in your community.

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Bits and Bytes

THE ANSWER GUY

Social Media Makeover

by KEVIN MCISAAC

By now you or someone or everyone you know has watched The Social Dilemma. If you haven’t you should. It’s eye-opening.

The purpose of the documentary is to educate you about how social media is affecting your life in profound and often undesirable ways.

Facebook friends, but you won’t see their posts. 3) Unfriend them if you never want to see their posts again. 4) In extreme cases you can block them. To do that click on their profile picture then use the [...] menu at the top right of their feed and Block them.

There are many very, very smart people with amoral approaches to success using artificial intelligence to get and keep and sell your attention. They are not trying to make society better. They are trying to make money. They have a wide variety of tools and techniques that are bent to one purpose: to get and keep your attention.

The difference between block and unfriend is that a blocked person can’t see you anymore either.You won’t see any post or comment by them and they won’t see yours. It’ll be like they don’t exist on Facebook.

The documentary The Social Dilemma paints this picture boldly. It uses, not ironically, similar techniques to social media itself such as cutaways, human interest, phrases designed to make you fearful, etc. They do this because it’s effective.

I bring this up because the documentary frames all these methods used by almost all social media platforms, as well as many others, as immoral but the fact that they’re all doing it belies the definition. It has become standard behaviour.

Stock Photo I’ll pick on Facebook for a minute as that’s the one most of us are on. Facebook has a news feed. Whenever you open Facebook or refresh the page, the algorithm sifts through your behaviour and all the items that could appear in your news feed: posts from friends, public posts, ads, etc. and tries to create a feed that you will want to scroll through.

If you understand how the algorithm works you can use it to make your social media experience better.

You confirm the validity of the feed by interacting with the posts. Every post you pause on, click on, share, like, etc. increases the value of that kind of post. Click on your friend’s post about the latest ski touring trip and you virtually guarantee that you will get more posts from your friend, about ski touring and skiing in general, as well as ads for skis, outdoor equipment, ski vacations etc.

When you’re using social media you need to keep in mind one overarching principle: what you pay attention to you get more of. The algorithm which is constantly being revised and refined has one goal: get and keep your attention and to keep you scrolling so you see more ads.

Okay, so here’s what you need to do. Don’t click on posts you don’t want to see more of. Use the [...] menu at the top right of each post. In order of increasing filtering: 1) Use Hide Post to see fewer posts like it. 2) Use Unfollow so that you won’t see posts by that person anymore. They remain

Okay. So, this brings me to the point of this month’s column: what can you do about it?

Why do these things? Because it trains your feed. Using Hide Post, Unfollow, Unfriend, and Block will filter out those kinds of posts from your feed. It won’t just be that person or company, it affects to a lesser extent the categories that those posts fall into. They will now have a lower frequency score and you see less of them.

Conversely, if you want to see more of something then interact with it. Like it or react to it. Comment on it. Share it. Every time you interact with a post, including just spending a long time reading it, the frequency of those types of posts goes up for your feed.

Some discipline is required. We are all subject to reacting to things that affect us both positively and negatively. Not responding to the negative ones means Facebook won’t put more of them on your feed.

Keep it up. Be purposeful about it. After a week or two, you should notice that your Facebook feed is a lot less aggravating.

Furthermore, because you are a data point for all of Facebook you will be making everyone’s feed a little bit better by flagging bad posts and users.

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Bits and Bytes

ASTROLOGY

March 2021

by ASHLEY KRISTINA Welcome to the best month of the year. March marks an incredibly peaceful time with destiny as the theme. Mars merges in the sky with the north node, in Gemini, while the rest of the planets move through Aquarius and Pisces.

All planets are direct this month, continuing to create momentum on earth. With so many planets in Aquarius and Pisces there is a palpable loving and mystical energy especially with the new moon in Pisces 03/13. The Libra full moon 03/28 has a bitter sweetness as the sun conjuncts Venus and Chiron to oppose the moon ie: the wound surfaces.

The sun moves into Aries 03/21 (along with Venus), and we have the rebirth of the astrological new year. In astrology (the language of energy), we have a new cycle, a new year, a refreshing energy to move through the rest of 2021, if used appropriately. If you pay attention, you can sense the difference between the last sign of the zodiac, Pisces, symbolized by the fish, a mutable water (mist) sign, and the energy of Aries, symbolized by the ram, a cardinal fire sign. The energy of the first three weeks of March will be very different to the last week of March. A happy birthday to the March Pisceans and early decan Aries.

Aries The last week of the month is your time to shine, and this continues into April.

Learning reciprocity and femininereceptivity for the first three weeks is key.

Launch a new project or plans after 03/21.

Taurus A nourishing month for you and a great month to spend near water or in meditation. Pisces energy loves yoga, ashrams, and places of prayer but you do not need to actually go anywhere to do these things.

Gemini Mars moves into Gemini 03/04 and therefore your energy to get what you want to get done is supported.You will feel this energy all month and into April. Go do what you will with this boost of energy!

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The planets are providing you with incredible support to clear, cleanse and repair. It’s a time to go forward and to not look back. Relax and control your mind to be present, the past is no longer.

Leo Future orientation is your theme and do not procrastinate. There is a theme of social connections and community-orientation.

Release the trauma of the past and walkon.

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Career, healing endeavours and partnership are your themes this month. Intimate relations, romance and interaction is paramount, and communication is the special key.

Libra A time for learning, especially advanced university-type courses, religions, philosophy, culture and language. The full moon is in your sign 03/28. Health, career and service to others are major themes.

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Scorpio It’s a great time to launch a new business or project and let people know what you have to offer. Fun and creativity are your major themes, alongside a revival in health. A great time to provide healing work or jump-start your own health.

Sagittarius We are midway through the eclipse season, which is affecting Sag and Gemini energies the most. Stay positive and keep your vibrations high: rid your life of toxins, including alcohol, low frequency foods and definitely low frequency people.

Capricorn Clarity comes this month and plans for the future no longer seem futile. This month is incredibly nourishing and regenerative which is perfect timing for the rebirth of the sun into Aries: a new cycle, a fresh start.

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Aquarius February’s amazing wave of Aquarian energy increased the vibration on earth and definitely supported your energy. Keep riding that wave throughout this month.

Manifest the dreams that pop up, they are your guidance.

Pisces Possibly the best month of a lifetime if you connect truthfully. The key for you is honest communication, put your fears behind you and do not deny the obvious truth of your heart. Alignment is now.

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Bits and Bytes

THROUGH THE LENS

Legends, Through Your Lens Photo by BORN TO ADVENTURE Oftentimes, our expectations of teenagers are low. They can have permission to be moody, lazy, lowskilled, bored or self-centred. It doesn’t have to be that way though and this young woman is a legendin-the-making because she pushes past all of that. She strives to be competent in sporting endeavours and a big variety of life skills, but most importantly she is kind, considerate of others, and is always looking for ways to grow.

Photo by JUDY MCMAHON Florence Phillips - Born in 1933 in the living quarters of the United Church at Coal Creek - near Fernie, BC I photographed Florence Phillips at Maiden Lake in 2008 for a project entitled Legends of the Elk Valley.

I met Florence in 2001 through another local legend Grace Dvorak. They were long-time friends having both shared a history of living at Coal Creek. I spent an afternoon with Florence and Grace visiting the old town site and listening to stories of daily life, fun, family, work, tragedy, joy etc. The day was filled with laughter as they reminisced together. I think Florence Phillips is a real Fernie legend. She and her husband raised seven children together and life was not always easy. She returned to school (College) and graduated at the age of 60 and worked with the First Nation children in the Cranbrook school system. She has spoken on behalf of the environment as she strived to see the Flathead preserved. I am so grateful to have Florence as a friend. In her humble view however, she would never consider herself a Legend.

Bits and Bytes

S OCIA L PAGE

Out in the Community: Who is the most influential women in your life?

Keith Ligget, Writer My mother, of course.

Beyond that, Mrs. Elkins, my Fourth Grade teacher. Her husband was a biologist and our classroom was filled with stuffed animals and birds.

Randy Morse Photo My parents gave me a love of the outdoors. Mrs. Elkins taught me the names of all the bits and pieces and how they fit together.

She made me want to be a biologist, a scientist.

Dayna Lidster, Snow Valley Counselling Definitely my mom. She dedicated her life to connecting with people and animals and taught me the importance of compassion and belonging. Without knowing it, she touched many hearts!

Angela Ethridge, Ethridge Law My mom, Patricia. She’s the strongest woman I know.

She rocked being a working mom in the 70s and 80s, when society was just beginning to accept that a woman could be a mother and have a career.

FYI

#chooseto challenge

March 8 is International Women’s Day, and this year’s theme is #choosetochallenge. “A challenged world is an alert world and from challenge comes changes. So let’s all choose to challenge!” How can you do this?

Celebrate women’s achievements. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality. Visit internationalwomensday.com for more on this theme, how you can get involved and celebrate.

So, what exactly is the Moose on the Loose Festival? A temporary public arts festival by the Arts Station in which artists present a moosethemed installation in various Fernie locations.

The festival spans five months, with a new moose reveal each month. Moose artwork is created from different materials based on the artists’ preferred medium or in collaboration with other artists. February saw Wild Wolves Design get creative with their Moose installations and design. March, artists Soraya Olszewski and Michelle Mongey, and Felina Arsenault are up and we can’t wait to see what they have in store! Visit theartsstation.com/moose-on-the-loose for more details!

Guess what! The Fernie Heritage Library opened its doors to the public to browse the shelves, Tuesday to Friday from 11am-4pm and Saturday from noon until 4pm! Curbside service is still available, Tuesday to Friday between 10am and 5pm and Saturday noon until 4pm. They ask all patrons to wear a mask and to sanitize their hands upon entering and are so excited to welcome you back to the beautiful library space.

Don’t forget – they have a lot of activities and events taking place virtually on their YouTube page, visit them on social media @FernieHeritageLibrary to stay up to date and to get the links!

The Fernie Museum launched its newest exhibit – Stories from Fernie. From Spalding to Abdou, a history of books from and about Fernie, their authors and inspiration. The stories that have been written in and about Fernie record our history, our lifestyle and our hopes and dreams.

The collection of published works includes a wide range of genres from children’s books to researched historical texts, novels, memoirs, poetry, anthologies and guides.

Secrets of the Painted D

Along with supporting materials from the Museum HOME ICE This was the Koo and community, Stories from Fernie celebrates Fernie’sImagining literary Difference heritage.

The exhibit will run until April 4, and can be viewed between 11amCROCODILES and 4pm, AND Thursday to Sunday. ferniemuseum.com The Rise and Fall of Emilio

Fernie at War

Fame Monster FERNIEFIX.COM Ghost Towns of BC Big49Rock Candy The Life and Times of the Elk Valley

Forgotten Side of the Border

East Kootenay

Fernie Fun

THE LAST PAGE

Spot the Difference

FIND THE

Can you find five differences between these two pictures?

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

Somewhere in this issue is a little pineapple. Can you find it?

Name the Location These businesses, buildings or locations are located somewhere in Fernie, can you name them?

Answers Last Month

Fernie Golf Club, City Hall, Griz Bar, Post Office, Aquatic Centre, Fernie Museum

We are all in need of some Powder Therapy!

Catskiing by the day is available

We are now taking appointments for Powder Therapy sessions...

Visit our website to check out availability and sign up for our standby and dayskiing lists.

Better yet, get your bubble together for a full cat and give us a call. islandlakelodge.com

1.250.423.3700 Follow: @islandlakelodge

Photo: Matt Kuhn