Haida Gwaii by Paddle Power Two Tales of Rail & More in Cranbrook The Big One That Didn’t Get Away YOUR COMPLIMENTARY COPY JUNE/JULY 2011 VOLUME 5 / NUMBER 3
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• www.bcoceanfront.com • Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-Round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com • Great Choicews for Recreational Use & Year-Round Living
• www.bcoceanfront.com • Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-Round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com •
• www.bcoceanfront.com • Great Choices for Recreational Use & Year-Round Living • www.bcoceanfront.com •
Contents Photo courtesy Parks Canada
June/July 2011 Volume 5 / Number 3
Kayakers pull up to Sgang Gwaay, one of the ancient totem pole sites in Gwaii Haanas
Features
Departments
5 Postcards from Cranbrook
21 Datebook
From golf to two tales of rail a local tells us what you don’t want to miss in the region.
8 The One that Didn’t Get Away
Things to check out from around the province
23 The Business File
Where to have a meeting in Comox/Courtenay
24 Employee’s Focus
Why you will want to go to Trail even if you don’t need to go to Trail
A big, big fish story
10 Kayaking Haida Gwaii
The totems of Haida Gwaii by kayak
26 Plane Teasers
Sudoku and Crossword
16 Native Sparkle
Jewelry inspired and made by First Nations artisans
Cover: Paddling across open water, where wind and waves are the only companions Photo: Kevin Arnold, Tourism BC photographer Editor Devon Brooks editor@soarinflight.com Publisher Craig Brown craig@prospermediagroup.ca 250-768-5088 Published by Prosper Media Group P.O. Box 32102, 2151 Louie Drive Westbank, BC V4T 3G2 P. 250-768-5088 F. 250-768-9506 4
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Director of Sales & Corporate Dev. Roy Kunicky roy@soarinflight.com 250-306-5738 Art Director Donna Szelest donna@prospermediagroup.ca Soar magazine is published five times per year and is distributed on all Pacific Coastal Airlines flights. The points of view or opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or Pacific Coastal Airlines. The contents of Soar magazine are protected by copyright, including the designed advertising. Reproduction is prohibited without permission from the publisher.
President’s Message: A Pilot’s Journey One of the things I value most about Pacific Coastal is our sense of community. This sense of community is more than a passing notion or the tagline from some slick downtown advertising campaign. It’s an honest reflection of who we are and a byproduct of our unique story, part of the rich history of economic development in the province of B.C. Pacific Coastal Airlines was founded by Daryl Smith, a tough and ambitious logger who purchased a single floatplane so he could fly himself to logging sites in some of the most rugged and inaccessible areas of British Columbia. Soon, he was flying other loggers, resource developers, First Nations and government officials, and delivering mail and cargo in and out of communities along the way. Today, over 35 years later, Pacific Coastal Airlines flies to more than 65 regularly scheduled destinations in B.C., more than any other airline. We operate a mixed fleet of 24 wheeled, amphibious, and float aircraft and employ about 280 people in 14 locations across the province. They all work hard each day to serve the communities in which they live. Our story has recently been published in a book titled: A Pilot’s Journey Log: Daryl Smith and Pacific Coastal Airlines. Written and designed by author Jack Schofield, it is the story of a man, an airline, and homage to the strength and resilience of the unique people who live and work in the coastal region of British Columbia. The book is available to purchase in a variety of bookstores including Coles, Munro Books, and Chapters. It is also available online at Aviation World and as a Kindle ebook at Amazon.com. We’re proud of the role we play in supporting local economic growth across the province. While our eyes are fixed firmly on the future, our feet remain rooted in the soft sand and clay of our local communities. It’s a special part of our history and we wouldn’t want it any other way. Sincerely, Quentin Smith, President SOAR
Feature
Postcards from Cranbrook W
ho better to ask for advice on what to see and do when you visit a spectacular new place, than someone who routinely fields those kinds of questions every day. Wendy Van Puymbroeck is the Director of Sales & Marketing at the four-and-a-half star St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino just north of Cranbrook. It’s hard for Van Puymbroeck not to Wendy Van Puymbroeck boast about St. Eugene, which has a unique history of its own. Formerly a residential school for First Nations, the Ktunaxa (pronounced ‘too-hah-ha’) Nation, have transformed the building from horrible history to a working, modern day beauty.
If you really want to know what it was like in the residential school, Van Puymbroeck says a First Nations guide, who used to live there, can take you around the resort, explaining just what happened and where. There is much more though – the resort includes the Ktunaxa Interpretive Centre, which highlights their history, and showcases contemporary aboriginal art, culture and heritage. The Ktunaxa also have gifted St. Eugene’s with 123 beautiful guest rooms, a casino, four restaurants, fly fishing packages, a fitness centre, and its very own golf course. While proud of the resort’s facilities Van Puymbroeck says golf is a perfect example of what the area has to offer. Including St. Eugene’s course there are 17 other courses within an hour’s drive. St. Eugene Golf Resort & Casino (www.steugene.ca) Photos contributed
The stunning beauty of the backdrop almost makes you overlook the elegantly finished St. Eugene’s resort
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time. The century-long effort came to an end in 2001 when the last ore was hauled topside. Since then the mine, which was integral to the economy of the region, has become a tribute to the industry of the people that made it work. Visitors can get a taste of that life with a trip on Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway, which runs from the Victoria Day long weekend in May to Labour Day weekend. Volunteers in the town built the miniature train, which starts right next door to Kimberley’s downtown square. It winds up past historic sites in the town and the lovely Mark Creek Valley before culminating at the 750-foot tunnel that houses the Underground Interpretive Centre. There, miners demonstrate mining equipment used in the mine before it shut down. Kimberley’s Underground Mining Railway (www.kimberleysundergroundminingrailway.ca)
The Great Outdoors at the Wildstone The Wildstone is one of 17 golf courses in the area, but the brand new 18-hole Wildstone is Canada’s only Black Knight course, so-called because it was designed by Gary Player, a.k.a. the Black Knight, one of the world’s most amazing golfers. Player won 165 tournaments over 50 years before retiring from professional play in the 2000s. Despite the fantastic course, Wildstone’s original backers had to put it in receivership in 2009. The new owners have completed the course and will officially open it on June 1 this year. Chris Andrews, the course’s general manager, is very excited. “It’s a player friendly course.” In addition he says, “Routes were designed to take advantage of all the viewscapes.” If you’ve never been to the Cranbrook region it is hard to describe the magnificent backdrop of the rugged rockscape that literally surrounds a valley of green beauty. Says Andrew about Fischer Peak, one of the most prominent crags in the area, “Fischer Peak can be seen from the one of the greatest practice areas I’ve ever seen.” Then, at hole eighteen the peak forms a picture-perfect backdrop. It’s almost like the designers were hoping to throw golfers off their came with landscape that robs them of concentration. The WildStone Golf Course (www.wildstonegolf.com)
The Working Man’s Rail For more than a century some 65,000 people worked in or around the Sullivan mine near Kimberley gouging out 17 million tons of zinc, lead and 285 million ounces of silver, one pound at a
Rail of Dreams There is another, far more luxurious side to railways than Kimberley’s hard working miniature rail system. The Canadian Museum of Rail Travel, says Van Puymbroeck, “is one of the best museums in Canada for the rail buff.” According to Garry Anderson, the soft spoken executive director at the museum, this is not the usual museum or rail collection. He says it’s not about grease and gear boxes, but rather about the beauty, detail and extravagance of the most beautiful rail cars in the world. It starts when visitors come through the main door into the restored Royal Alexandra Hall, a famously opulent train station in Winnipeg from 1906. As many of the original pieces as possible have been brought to Cranbrook, lovingly restored and put back into place. From there, viewers move out to the rolling stock that rolls no more, but forms the backbone of the collection. The 1929 Trans-Canada Limited refers to a collection of rail cars forming a complete set of the most extravagant rail travel to ever grace Canada’s steel lines. This is not big fish in a small pond either. Anderson says these art deco era cars are some of the best in the world. Built in the roaring ‘20s the Trans-Canada Limited was the fastest, most comfortable way to traverse the continent. Three and a half days took passengers from Montreal to Vancouver for $270 to $1,500. In 2011 dollars that ranges from $3,500 to $19,600. You only have to glimpse the stunning interiors to realize that those long gone rail patrons got every penny worth.
Kimberley’s miniature train, here seen leaving the underground interpretive centre
Miner Bill Roberts poses with a jackleg drill and members of the Vaudeville Dancers that entertain visitors
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The Omemee Dome is part of the Art Nouveau SooSpokane Deluxe from 1907
This inlay is typical of the incredible wood work from the 1907 Soo-Spokane Deluxe
The Trans-Canada was designed to offer the best of the best in service and accommodation. Unfortunately for the rail owners the timing couldn’t have been worse. Completed in 1929 the recession hammered the business and the trains were all mothballed two years later, never to ride the tracks again. The world’s loss then is the gain of the rail museum today. The museum boasts 28 cars, of which 16 are fully restored and available to tour. Touring every car with guides takes a maximum of two hours, allowing a glimpse of one aspect of the lifestyles of the
Note the perfectly restored wood work and upholstery in this shot of seating from the 1929 TransCanada Limited
The plain brick and glass entrance to the Canadian Museum of Rail Travel barely hints at the extravagant luxury to be seen within
rich and famous when time was less of a premium, but premium living was the target. The Trans-Canada set is the most complete, but only represents one era of elite travel. Another highlight, says Anderson, is the Soo-Spokane Deluxe from 1907. The intricate wood work, beveled and stained glass are just some of the details not to be missed. Canadian Museum of Rail Travel (www.trainsdeluxe.com)
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Big Fish Stories The Big One That Didn’t Get Away By John Beckett, Nootka Marine Adventures
Every bad fisherman’s joke starts with “The one that got away...”. Sometimes they get away because of “rod ‘n reel error,” sometimes it’s just plain bad luck, but in my story fish didn’t get away, instead it almost took me away. 8
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Exhausted, but happy, John Beckett with the biggest Chinook salmon the fishing veteran has ever caught
O
n July 8, 2004, to be exact, all the makings of a great fish story were in place. I was fishing with my very good friend and longtime fishing partner Dr. David Hardy of Calgary off the west coast of Vancouver Island, just outside Nootka Sound. David and I used to be neighbours and we still fish together whenever possible. My family and I have been fishing Nootka Sound extensively since 1981 when we moved here. I know the area well. On this occasion, we were at a place called Maquinna Point, a magical spot where the water quickly shallows up to about 50 feet with lots of underwater pinnacles and kelp beds. Needlefish, herring, anchovies and squid are pushed in by the tides and surf, so you know many large salmon can’t be far away. Unfortunately this water that suddenly shallows and has surf pounding into the Point before the waves are reflected back out often makes for rough threecornered wave action. Such was the case this day. We were fishing out of David’s 27 foot Grady White, a great comfortable boat, very safe and outfitted with every electronic gizmo imaginable. I was born on
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a boat in the middle of Halifax harbour 60 years ago when my mother didn’t quite make it to the hospital in time. You could reasonably say I have been boating all of my life, and as a result I feel very comfortable in a boat of any size in most water conditions. So there we were, bouncing around wave-top to wave-top just a few feet off the rocks at Maquinna Point with the afternoon westerly winds blowing hard and an ebb tide running, which is an opposing wind and tide. This tends to stack up the waves even higher. Every time a fish bit we put the engines into neutral. Almost immediately, the boat would turn sideways, which created a steady and constant rocking side-to-side motion of the boat. We were having the time of our lives, as the fishing was simply incredible. David had already reached his limit for Chinook salmon that day, with two dandy fish, but I still had one to go. We were down to the dregs in the bottom of the bait tub. Those poor anchovies looked like they had dried leather on their skin. As I lowered a sad, weathered anchovy over the side, I thought it shouldn’t be too long before a fish sees it. It barely got to trolling depth at 27 feet when a salmon hit it and the fight was on. Was it ever! David immediately stopped the boat engines while the fish took off at incredible speed, heading in the general direction of Gold River, about 30 miles away. It peeled off several hundred yards of line and I had not even had a chance to crank on the reel at all. All I could do was hang on to the rod and try to stay on my feet as the boat rocked back and forth and side-to-side. It was exhilarating! Just as I was getting perilously close to running out of line, the fish decided it no longer wanted to go to Gold River and instead, made a 180-degree turn and raced back towards us as fast as it could go. Using a single action Islander reel –possibly the ultimate reel of that type– there was no way I could keep up to the fish as he swam towards us. With all this slack line between me and the fish the only thing keeping line pressure on the fish was the line drag going through the water as a result of the speed at which the fish was swimming. Now, a new problem emerged. When the fish passed us, it went by the bow of the boat while I was still at the back. David’s boat has a hardtop with radar arches and high gain antennae mounted all over the place. They probably soar at least 15 feet or more above the floor of the boat and there is no way to get a fishing rod and line above them to get to the other side of the boat. There was certainly no way that David was going to turn the boat around to help me out of my little predicament because he was laughing too hard. The only one thing to do was to utilize the walk-around area at the side of the boat to get up to the bow. A “walk-around” on a boat is there in name only, otherwise known as, “Don’t try this at home.” With the fish about to draw my line tight and break it off, I quickly, and skillfully I might add, raced up the walk-around to the bow. I tippy-toed around the starboard side of the boat, holding my rod as far to the side as I could to keep the line clear, while trying to hold onto the handrail on the side of the hard top with my left hand. I was about half way to the bow when I let go to get a grip further along the handrail. Just as I let go, the boat pitched to the
left. I blindly grabbed for the rail, but my hand grabbed a fistful of fresh air. I was about to go overboard, and two thoughts raced through my mind. One was this is a big fish so I wasn’t letting go of the rod. The second was to clutch desperately for another handhold. It was the closest thing to multitasking I had done in a while. Reaching back I somehow, luckily, grabbed solidly onto the handrail. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. Finally I reached the bow and sat on the front deck with my rod held high. For the first time I was now somewhat in control of the situation. The fish started to tire and eventually came to the side of the boat. I negotiated down the left side of the walk-around just as I had gone up the right side, hopefully with a bit more dexterity and less drama than the first time. David was able to put the fish into the net and we both lugged it up into the boat. I slumped down onto the rear bench seat in exhaustion, amazed at what had just transpired and what nearly transpired. Both the fish and I circumnavigated the boat, the fish trying hard to get away and almost taking me with him. Like I said before, sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Back at camp, the fish weighed in at 46 pounds – the largest salmon I ever caught. If you would like more information about Nootka Marine Adventures outdoor adventure holidays, please contact us at 1-250-337-8834, or at www.nootkamarineadventures.com. Photos contributed
Working with First Nations to build homes and opportunity for everyone.
Wayne Brown e-mail: wayne@bigfoot-mfg.com
Ph: 250-835-8885
www.bigfootloghomes.com
FACING PAGE ABOVE: A boat much like the one that Beckett was on when he nearly went overboard in his determination to land the “big one.”
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A kayaker pauses at dusk, enjoying the tranquility of the moment
Photo by S. Righi, Parks Canada
Feature
Kayaking the Haida Gwaii Kayaking Gwaii Haanas, the National Park Reserve protecting the southern reaches of the Haida Gwaii Islands, is on the bucket list of many people for a reason – it is an unmatchable wilderness experience. Without weeks to explore, it is impossible to see every part of the reserve.
Photo by Kate Alexander, Parks Canada
By Bobbi-Sue Menard
Close up of a totem pole in Haida Gwaii
G
waii Haanas is the only area in the world protected from mountain top to sea bed, covering almost 5,000 square kilometers. This vast area has multiple historical and ecological sites begging to be explored. Local kayak companies have a variety of suggested itineraries from a few days to a few weeks for the truly adventurous. The average length of trip is 7-10 days. The busiest years see about 2,000 people visit the park, which is almost nothing for a park this size. Compare it to Banff, which is about four times the size, but annually receives 4 million visitors. Here, visitors can see the staggering natural beauty of Gwaii Haanas, and enjoy it in as much solitude as they wish. Marine life is abundant, the onshore rain forest and its inhabitants include protected species. The cultural treasure of the Haida Gwaii First Nation, who are partners in the management of the reserve, includes six Haida Gwaii Watchmen (totem pole) sites. SGang Gwaay (Ninstints, Anthony Island), one of those totem pole sites, is located in the south western portion of the park and is a designated Unesco world heritage site. To help visitors understand the culture and to protect the living legacy of the Haida nation many of the cultural sites have members of the Haida Gwaii serving as modern watchmen. These Haida nation members provide site security, protect cultural features
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and provide visitors with the opportunity to hear firsthand about the Haida culture. Getting the most out of a kayak adventure depends on matching the right tour company to a group’s skill level, interests and comfort levels. Trip options range from fully supported mother ship tours where kayakers sleep on board a home vessel each night with catered meals to basic outfitting, sans guide, where experienced adventurers stop by the supply shop on the way to the water. The first step in any Gwaii Haanas kayak experience is the Parks Canada website, which is full of valuable information. The second step is to get in touch with Parks Canada staff directly. “You can call us toll free, you can e-mail us; we are here to help and answer questions,” says Natalie Fournier, Promotion Officer with Parks Canada. “You will benefit from doing your homework.” Based on feedback Parks Canada and the Haida First Nations received from visitors there is a cap of 12 people who can visit any onshore site in Gwaii Haanas at any one time. The system is beloved by visitors because onshore visits are tranquil and unrushed. Barb and Keith Rowsell, proprietors of Anvil Cove charters based in Queen Charlotte City, have been taking kayakers on mothership tours for years. It is a ‘genteel’ way to explore Gwaii Haanas, especially for the inexperienced kayaker, says Barb. Guests can choose to spend the day on the boat if paddling
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Making their way through a kelp bed along the rocky shores Gwaii Hanass Photo by Woodruff, Parks Canada
seems too arduous, but eventually almost everyone will kayak to shore at least a few times, says Rowsell, “Usually all guests get hooked on paddling. Even if the weather is bad with some rain, it can be a quiet, lovely experience in the rain. You can always come
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back to the boat and get warm and dry.” The Rowsells do the cooking, Barb concentrates on local and eclectic west coast fare with plenty of seafood. “The cooking is very important to people, good food is a big part of the experience.” Anvil Cove takes six passengers per trip with July and August the busiest months. Barb says while that matches with people’s vacation days, it is a quieter time for wildlife sightings, “May and June the whales are better seen and in September you have the salmon run, migrating birds and the bears come down from the mountain tops.” For those with a more independent streak or smaller budgets, there is Moresby Explorers in Skidegate, where kayakers have more do-it-yourself options ranging from basic outfitting to transport. “Our company is suited to the experienced kayaker; we cater to people who are more independent,” says co-owner Laura Pattison. “The weather is changeable, some places are exposed. If you are less experienced you should hire a guide.” Moresby Explorers will rent kayaks out, or transport customer kayaks and customers by Zodiac to specified points in the park. Most people looking to head out on an unguided tour spend months planning the trip and Pattison says it is smart to book transport trips well in advance, as many days sell out in high season. If kayaking isn’t in your skill set at all, Pattison says you are not alone, “About half of our service is kayak rentals and transport. Many people choose guided tours by boat.”
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When, Who, Why and How to Kayak Haida Gwai • Parks Canada has an invaluable 30-page trip planner for Gwaii Haanas in pdf format online. Visit www.pc.gc. ca/gwaiihaanas for more information. Parks Canada also has a listing of licensed tour operators on the website. • Independent travelers must reserve their spot with Parks Canada, pay park fees and then undertake an orientation before departing. Call 1-877-559-8818 or send an e-mail to gwaii.haanas@ pc.gc.ca for more information. Tour companies provide the orientation and collect park fees from their guests. • There is a strong selection of tour companies to choose from in Haida Gwaii including:
E XTREME M AKEOVER
Anvil Cove – Mothership tours www.queencharlottekayaking.com Moresby Explorers – Outfitting, transport, guided boat tours www.moresbyexplorers.com Green Coast Kayaking – Guided kayak tours. Green Coast supplies the guide, kayaks, kitchen equipment and emergency gear. You bring the appropriate camping gear, clothing, and food. These fully guided tours include communal cooking and welcome guests from age 10 to 80 plus. www.gckayaking.com.
Photo by Clint Johnson/Parks Canada
BC
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a five bloom community www.trail.ca
Trail Visitor Centre 200-1199 Bay Ave. Trail BC www.trailchamber.bc.ca 1-877-636-9569 or 250-368-3144 JUNE / JULY 2011
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The CARIBOO CHILCOTIN COAST Delivers. Summertime Adventure Vacations. Discover Yours! Get info on BC’s Central Region and order your free Travel & Touring Guide 1-800-663-5885 www.landwithoutlimits.com Photo by Graham Osborne
OLE’S HAKAI PASS Fishing Freedom!
Come experience unequalled fishing variety and opportunity only minutes from our floating lodge on the protected waters of Hakai Pass, British Columbia
For current availability, rates and more information about our all-inclusive fly-in packages 250-287-8303 www.ole.ca ole@island.net
Activate your adventure in the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Plan a full day hike to remote Hunlen Falls, Canada’s 3rd highest waterfall Leap aboard a whitewater river raft or jetboat on the legendary Chilko River. Take a guided kayaking tour of the Great Bear Rainforest’s coastal waters. Hike the hundreds of trail networks found throughout this great region. Mount up on a trail ride through alpine meadows in Tweedsmuir Provincial Park’s remote Rainbow Range, or saddle and snuggle up at a Guest Ranch. Stroll through ancient, massive cedar forests in the Snootli Creek Park near Bella Coola. Experience a flightseeing tour over incredible mountain glaciers, inlets and fjords. Explore and conquer some of BC’s most spectacular mountain biking trail networks in the Williams Lake, Wells and Spruce Lake areas to name a few. BC’s number one fishing region offers up unparalleled rivers, lakes and saltwater options. Tall fish tales are born at our many fishing lodges and resorts! View magnificent Grizzly Bears on a guided river drift in the Bella Coola Valley or Cariboo Mountains. Book your canoe trip of a lifetime on the world famous Bowron Lakes Circuit.
Summer Adventures in
A Land Without Limits!
Photo by Eric Berger
Anahim Lake, BC 250-742-3707 • 1-800-742-9055 www.eaglesnest-resort.com
“Overlooking beautiful Anahim Lake, Eagle’s Nest provides comfort in the wilderness. Enjoy delicious meals in our lovely licensed dining room. Experience the grandeur of nature by hiking, canoeing or a flightseeing tour. Minutes from historic Tweedsmuir Park.”
Unique First Nations footprints in
silver and wood Silver & Gold V
Val Lancaster’s silver and gold jewelry display natural and traditional art works in their forms.
al Lancaster, a Namgis First Nation artist, is happiest when she’s on the water, reflected in the silver and gold carved whale tails and salmon that can be found on the jewelry she makes. Her brothers, John and Don Lancaster, both established and respected artists with over 20 years experience, recognized her innate ability and apprenticed her. Val attended gold and silversmithing classes in Victoria to refine her jewelry technique. An established artist in her own right for over a decade, Val appreciates how her artwork reflects a strong connection to her community and culture. Themes of ravens, salmon, thunderbirds, the moon, eagles, hummingbirds and the wolf spring out from her jewelry line. She explains, “Wolf has special significance for me as it is my family crest. It is featured on our regalia [ceremonial clothes] at potlatches and feasts. It is always a thrill to witness family members participate in the wolf dance.” Unlike her brothers who work together in Victoria, Val sometimes feels like a lone wolf, working alone in her studio. She enjoys interacting directly with the public, connecting with them and sharing her inspiration.
By Racelle Kooy
She especially appreciates delivering a special order to a client. She delights in the moment of realization that the original piece of jewelry is really and truly theirs. Val will be one of 120 artisans present at the upcoming Filberg Festival. The art festival takes place during the long weekend (July 29-August 1), at the 9-acre waterfront Filberg Heritage Lodge and Park in Comox. She says she was delighted to pass the artisan jury’s review for a third straight year. Val also plans to participate in the Campbell River Pier Street Farmer’s Market and Art Fair, which are on every Sunday from May to September. You can also view Val’s work at the I-Hos gallery in Comox, Smashin Fashion in Sidney and Wei Wai Kum House of Treasures in Campbell River. Campbell River Pier Street Farmer’s Market: www.pierstreet.com Comox Filberg Art Festival: www.filbergfestival.com Comox based I-Hos Gift shop and gallery www.ihosgallery.com Photos Contributed
Feature
Jewelry of Cedar P
Pamela Mitchell, a jewelry maker who uses cedar, sports earrings and a necklace she has made herself.
These bracelets show off two different types of weaving. The wide bracelet is a 2-1 pattern where two strands are woven together followed by one more strand. The bracelet leaning on the wide one is a 1,2,3,4 weave where each strand weaves around the other three and then repeats. The bracelet on the bottom is a skinnier version of the 2-1 weave.
amela Mitchell, a K’ómoks (Comox) First Nation artist, has strong family connection into the Kwakwaka’wakw territory, which encompasses the northeast half of Vancouver Island. Artistic from an early age, Pamela got her start by drawing, but expanded her repertoire to include oil, acrylic and water colour; woodcarving; cedar bark weaving and sewing. It was her mother, Margaret Mitchell, who taught her woodcarving and how to make her own tools. For the past five years she focused on taking the tradition of cedar inner bark weaving to new places. “Our people have been using cedar for thousands of years; I get a thrill out of finding contemporary ways to use it,” declares Pamela. “I find it a fun and forgiving medium to experiment with. I enjoy creating new designs in the weave, finding so much free will with the raw material” While she enjoyed making traditional objects, Pamela also wanted to make contemporary cedar bark items accessible to the general public. For the past five years, she has been switching it up. Today she creates earrings, barrettes, bangle style bracelets, anklets, cuff links and tie tacks, contrasting yel-
low and red cedar. Sometimes, she dyes the bark or adds embellishments such as beads or abalone buttons. The results are one-of-a-kind earrings, barrettes, bangle style bracelets, anklets, cuff links and tie tacks. One of her freewheeling sessions led her to the box weave, something that is popular with brides and grooms. The box weave is a take on square braiding; essentially weaving one section instead of continuing the braid. The result, Pamela feels, is an artistic metaphor, exemplifying the interconnection between a couple and how their love is woven together. Pamela’s work is featured at her family’s recently opened shop, the Cedar Bark Gallery located on the K’ómoks First Nation Reserve between Courtenay and Comox. It is truly a family affair. Her dad designed and built the structure; from the hand mixed concrete to the hand milled fir logs for the beams. They only feature their family’s work: cedar inner bark jewelry, painting, prints, clothing, wood carvings, small crafts and stained glass. Cedar Bark Gallery, 3507 Bayside Road, Courtenay, BC Photos Contributed
The set of cuff links and tie tack were created using a box weave. The box weave represents the interconnection of love a couple has for one another
Music
Rockin’ the 17th Annual Vancouver Island MusicFest “I’ve been with the festival for 13 years and I’ve never seen people so excited,” gushes Meaghan (Meg for short) Cursons.
is still good value, she argues, pointing out that seats at a Krauss concert in Vancouver typically run a hundred bucks. It’s a gamble for the MusicFest, but Cursons says that’s what the music business, and especially the Vancouver Island MusicFest is all about. “It’s a gamble, absolutely,” she says, “but we’re taking a risk to build our event in the long run.”
Cursons is the Associate Producer and is in charge of Marketing, Sponsorship & Community Outreach for the Vancouver Island MusicFest, which runs July 8 to 10. The festival takes place at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds, near Courtenay. Well, except that really it runs from July 7th because there is an associated
Randy Newman, hip hop artist Arrested Development, Canadian jazz vocalist Holly Cole and 49 other performers and groups. Cursons says the festival, the biggest music event on Vancouver Island, sells out many years. Typically, she says, 9,000 people will come onsite every day of the festival, making it comparable in size to the Vancouver or Calgary folk festivals. The Vancouver Island MusicFest is not termed a rock festival, a blues festival or a folk festival because, according to Cursons, they wanted the music to appeal to everyone. She says, “The idea is building on the folk festival, but folk mean’s the people’s music.”
Randy Newman
Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas
evening performance by Alison Krauss & Union Station, featuring Jerry Douglas. The Krauss appearance is an extension of the MusicFest, but not a direct part of it. For one thing it will be on the Thursday night and it will cost extra. If a person only wants to take in the Krauss performance the tickets will be $77, but for holders of the whole weekend show the price drops to just below $60. Weekend passes to the MusicFest are $149 plus tax until the end of June, $159 thereafter. Cursons says the only way to make an appearance by Krauss work was to offer a separate venue for an entire concert. It 18
JUNE / JULY 2011
Trying to do something different and finding new ways to keep festival goers coming back is part of the challenge for Artistic Director Doug Cox. Cox is a musician himself and, at the time of writing, was on tour in Italy. Cox, who started out as a blues fan, has evolved into a widely eclectic musician. Cursons says it is Cox’ widely divergent musical loves that gives the festival its flavour. Every year he rubs shoulders with different groups right across North America and Europe, and it is from those meetings and collaborations that Cox gets the inspiration to populate the festival. This year’s line up, aside from the aforementioned Krauss, includes rocker heavy weight David Crosby (yes, the Crosby of The Byrds and later, Crosby, Stills & Nash), famed singer-song writer and composer
In keeping with that theme the MusicFest is doing the utmost to connect with its community, pushing a green program. Food is sourced locally where possible, there are no plastic water bottles sold anywhere on site (but there is lots of water available), the coffee is free trade, bike racks abound, even the food and cutlery is made of 100% compostable materials. Music with vision and conscience – sweet music indeed. For tickets: Call 1-866-898-8498 Online www.islandmusicfest.com/tickets Photos contributed
SOAR
Heritage
Built the Victoria Way A
opened her own architectural busi- Helmcken ness was she able House to openly practice in her chosen field. Hill’s first architectural work was to convert a home into a duplex, but she later went on to design the Glenwarren Lodge Private Hospital, located at 1230 Balmoral Road. Hearkening back One of the few buildings older than to an era before Hill is the Helmcken House, which only reopened in May of this Helmcken House is St. Ann’s Schoolhouse, which was put up in 1844 by the Laquechiyear after extensive maintenance work. The Helmcken House, located at 638 Elliot er family. Nine years later the Roman CathStreet, is reputed to be the oldest house olic Bishop Modeste Demers purchased in British Columbia still on its the building for use as a schoolhouse and a residence. original site. By 1858 the Sisters of St. Ann had The first part of the two stocome to the city from Montreal and were rey structure, a log cabin, was constructed in 1852 for Dr. using it to hold classes. The school, deJohn Sebastian Helmcken, a spite its Catholic founding, allowed other surgeon working for the Hud- denominations into the building and reportedly the daughters of James Douglas, the son’s Bay Company. It was four years later that colony’s governor, attended St. Ann’s. CoinHelmcken expanded, adding cidentally, James’ daughter Cecelia would on a dining room, an upstairs marry Dr. John Helmcken. She lived with bedroom and the middle sec- him in the Helmcken house until her early death in 1865. tion of the house. Today the schoolhouse has been reIt wasn’t until the 1880s that This close-up of Victoria’s Empress Hotel shows Gothic-style stored and sits next to the Royal BC Muhe finished the house off with windows right next to classically inspired turreted domes seum, where it was moved in 1973. the addition of the porch, a sunRattenbury dominated the capital with room and the rest of the second story. The doctor ena slew of other buildings like the Bank of tered into politics, Montreal building at 1200 Government working on both Street, the Law Chambers at 45 Bastion sides of the quesSquare and the Brackman-Ker Milling tion of B.C.s entry building found at the corner of Pandora into Confederation Avenue and Broad Street. before retiring from This was an era of men and sadly, one of the buildings you will find a hard time the government to return to medicine. locating is one designed by the first woman He died in the house to become an architect in Canada. Esther in 1920, aged 83. Marjorie Hill was born in 1895 and entered Entry to the house the University of Alberta, the first woman is by donation, or, if accepted into architectural studies there. you have a ticket for She transferred to the University of Toronto the Royal BC Muto complete a BSc in architecture there, St. Ann’s seum, entrance is but fought prejudice most of her career. Schoolhouse included. Only when she moved to Victoria and Photo courtesy of Royal BC Museum
Photo courtesy of Royal BC Museum
walking tour in Victoria will quickly turn up numerous heritage buildings that help define the style and look of British Columbia’s capital city. Victoria’s architecture often acts like a bookmark for significant moments in the city’s history. In fact it is because of heritage preservation that Victoria is not only distinct, but has been used on film to fill in for places as diverse as New York City, Paris and England, all 19th century of course. The one name that stands out from a century ago is architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury, whose signature is the combination of styles seen in his most famous Victoria creations, like the Empress Hotel and the provincial legislature. The ivy-covered Empress, for example, contains Tudor arches, Gothic-style windows on the roof on the outside and Edwardian lines on the inside.
Pacific Coastal Airlines
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Festival
Photo courtesy of Brand Live Group
Three Champions Battle It Out at Vancouver’s 21st Annual Celebration of Light
On July 30, August 3 and August 6, 2011, Vancouver’s English Bay will be ablaze with the pyrotechnic prowess of three previous Celebration of Light champions. China kicks off the festival with their 24 Seasons of the Solar Year show. Next, Spain brings their Odyssey fireworks spectacular to Vancouver. Canada will wrap up the event with their journey through Then and Now. The winning country will be announced Monday, August 8. In the ramp up to the 10 pm firework start, child friendly activities will be featured at the family zones at Sunset Beach, Kitsilano and Vanier Park. In English Bay, pyrotechnic fans can jam to the B.C. music talent spotlighted via Shore 104.3 Song Search concert series. For those who are not fond of beach blanket bingo, this year also sees the return of the always popular 1,000 reserved bleachers in English Bay. It is a welcome revenue stream to the 100% sponsorship driven event. Expanding the event’s green footprint and encouraging healthy living, bike valet parking will be available at three locations: under the Burrard Street Bridge; at the foot of Denman and in Kitsilano. In addition, the City of Vancouver and the Celebration of Light are asking fans to embark on a zero waste initiative while they attend the fireworks. Numerous recycling and garbage bins will be provided throughout the festival site with an aim to reduce waste on the beach and in neighbouring areas. As the festival celebrates its twenty-first consecutive year, the public is invited to submit personal photographs and stories from the past 20 years of the event via the “Make Memories, Share Memories” contest. This year, over 300,000 spectators are expected to bear witness to the epic Battle of Champions. For more information about the event: www.vancouverfireworks.ca
Datebook
What’s happening across the province that you do NOT want to miss! June Cranbrook & Kimberley
Williams Lake
Comox
51st Annual Marysville Daze
85th Annual Williams Lake Stampede
Comox Valley Art Gallery Wearable Art Show & Competition
www.williamslakestampede.com
www.comoxvalleyartgallery.com/ eventsfilms.html#wearableart
June 3-5
www.marysvilledaze.com Marysville is a small suburb of the town of Kimberley. Every year, as they have for half a century, residents from both places celebrate starting with a pancake breakfast, a parade, a slo-pitch tournament, bingo and then finish off with a dance.
Three for the Show IN CRANBROOK
June 11
www.keycitytheatre.com A CD release party for three bands from the Kootenays including Red Girl, Heather Gemmell and 60 Hertz. Tickets: $31.75 or $16.75. The more expensive tickets include a copy of a CD from each group.
Sixth Annual Taste of Cranbrook
Part of the Sam Steele Day celebrations. (see below)
June 18 (11 am to 5 pm)
www.samsteeledays.org/ uploads/2011-A-Taste-ofCranbrook.pdf The best way to find out who offers the best culinary delights in the Cranbrook region. Restaurants offer samples at Spirit Square. Sampling tickets start at $1.
Sam Steele Day celebrations
June 18-20
www.samsteeledays.org Sam Steele was a wandering legend in Canada’s wild west, but he gets the most name play in Cranbrook region where the community borrows his name for its annual three day party. Events include an arts & crafts fair, a parade, the largest ball tournament in the Kootenays, the Annual Taste of Cranbrook, a business decorating competition, a youth pageant, bocce and soccer tournaments, a fishing clinic and a poker competition with a $5,200 top prize.
June 30 - July 3
One of British Columbia’s biggest and most famous rodeos, the Williams Lake Stampede includes all the favourites like bull riding, horse races, barrel racing, team roping, steer wrestling and other events that will make you shout, “Yippeekayay!”.
Powell River Powell River Blues Festival
June 3-5
www.powellriverblues2011.com It’s not often you can be the first to participate, but this year is the first annual blues festival at Powell River. To kick it off organizers have landed the Powder Blues Band, plus 13 other soul-achin’ performers and bands. Sponsored in part by Pacific Coastal Airlines. See you there! Tickets: $50 Friday, $100 Saturday, $70 Sunday.
Vancouver Island VanIsle 360º International Yacht Race
June 4-13
www.vanisle360.com
June 16-18
Art to go is part of the third annual wearable art show. Artists create a piece of art, which they must “perform” in with music for two minutes. Thirty-five contestants are judged and awarded cash prizes in six categories including: Best Use of Textiles, Most Poetic, Best Performance, The Wow Factor, Best Use of Recycled Materials and Audience Choice. The show repeats over three nights. Tickets for June 16 or 17 are $20, $30 for the final night when the prizes are awarded during the gala dinner.
B.C. Shellfish Festival
June 17-18
www.bcshellfishfestival.ca For one weekend you can eat, watch and sing while thinking and tasting all things shell fishy (new word coined for this column). It begins with the festivals’ Chefs’ Dinner on Friday night when six chefs from all over Vancouver Island will make multiple courses paired with a B.C. wine. As the food rolls out diners will be serenaded by Emily Spiller. Day two festival attendees can wander between cooking demos, listen to several bands and watch the BC Oyster Shucking Competition and cheer on the Chowder contestants. Tickets: $120.
This race starts and ends in Nanaimo. Between the start and finish racers must circumnavigate all of Vancouver Island with scheduled stops in French Creek, Comox, Campbell River, Hardwicke Island, Telegraph Cove, Port Hardy, Ucluelet and Victoria. So far 41 boats have registered in the race. Each town along the way organizes events to welcome the yachters into harbour.
Trail Cruisin’ the Columbia Car Show
June 11 (11 am - 3 pm)
www.smokensteelcarclub.com/ car-show The 3rd Annual Smoke ‘n Steel car show will take place at Gyro Park in Trail, right next to the cool river. A live band will be present and, just as the car owners take pride in buffing up their machines, they take pride in building (and winning) the awards handed out to show winners. Free to watch, $20 to enter a vehicle. Pacific Coastal Airlines
Selections from the 2010 Wearable Art Show in Comox
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JuLY Cranbrook & Kimberley
Powell River
Kimberley International Old Time Accordion Championships
Sandcastle Weekend on Texada Island
www.kiotac.ca
www.texada.org/sandcastle.html
July 4-9
July 16-17
A week long celebration of, and competition between some of the best accordion players and bands with dances and concerts every night.
This weekend event features races, games, a lip synching contest, a parade and some sand sculpting. It all finishes up with a great big yummy pig roast.
JulyFest
48th Annual Sea Fair Festival
www.kimberleyjulyfest.com
www.seafair-powell-river.com
July 15-17
A celebration of sporting events of all kinds (The Canadian Bocce Championship, volleyball, skateboard racing, soccer), there is enough shopping, food, booths and displays to make it appealing to families and people of all ages, even the non-competitors.
Masset, Haida Gwai 2011 Totem to Totem Marathon
July 16
www.totemtototem.com Run your heart out in a race now certified as a Boston Marathon qualifier. What this run offers that Boston (and pretty much any other) marathon doesn’t are eagles overhead and stately totem poles as route markers and goals. If you’re a runner, but not quite up to marathon status there is a half marathon and a 10 km course. If you’re not a runner at all, you can take in the “Marafun” Walk to Breakfast. Registration: $100 to $130 for the marathon depending on how soon you sign up, $75 to $90 for the half marathon, $25 or $30 for the 10k run and $10 for the Marafun Walk.
Bella Coola Bella Coola Rodeo
July 2-3
July 22
Powell River’s Sea Fair includes a midway, nonstop entertainment, fireworks and a parade that stretches for two kilometers. Sponsored, in part, by Pacific Coastal Airlines.
Port Hardy Filomi Days
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JUNE / JULY 2011
www.bcbikerace.com
Theatre Under the Stars
Vancouver Island Music Festival
July 7-10
www.islandmusicfest.com See article this issue for more details.
Denman Island Readers & Writers Festival All things literary get the spotlight here, with readings from well known B.C. authors, moderated by author and CBC radio personality Bill Richardson and a chance for writers to have their fiction manuscripts assessed by a published author. Prices range from $5 to attend a single session to $80 for a pass plus $60 for entrance to all workshops.
Lavished with stunningly beautiful landscapes Bella Coola compliments the scenery with an intimate and fun music festival every year at the height of summer. This year nine performers will offer up folk, rock, blues, roots and world music to lucky listeners. Admission price is the best for any music festival anywhere – only $20 until July 16 or $25 thereafter and at the gate.
July 2-9
comox area
Bella Coola’s annual roundup of bronco riding, bull riding and the less well known cow patty bingo. Every evening finishes off with dancing, western style.
www.bellacoolamusic.org
BC Bike Race
Once a year, a hard working town celebrates the three resource industries that underpin the region’s economy. Filomi comes from the first two letters in fishing, logging and mining. Once there expect the usual suspects like a beer garden or two, crafts, a dunk-tank, music and fireworks.
www.filomi.com
July 14-17
July 23-24
Vancouver
This week long race starts in North Vancouver, jumps across Georgia Straight to Nanaimo and then pushes up the coast of Vancouver Island as far as Campbell River before heading back to Comox. Back to the mainland, landing at Powell River, riders push onward to Earls Cove, Sechelt, Langdale, then on to Squamish and finish up in Whistler. Every year 500 mountain bikers get to be challenged by one of the most interesting courses anywhere. The price to race is $2,099 per person, watching is free.
July 17-19
www.bellacoola.ca/valley/ festivals.php
Discovery Coast Music Festival
line up is coming from the U.K., New Zealand, Sweden, Australia, the United States and from right across Canada. Performers will do everything you can think of from juggling, playing music and cracking jokes to impossible contortions at Victoria’s Inner Harbour, Centennial Square and Bastion Square.
www.denmanislandwritersfestival.com
Victoria Victoria International Buskers Festival
July 15-24
http:// victoriabuskers. com You see them anywhere that crowds gather, but every year Victoria invites them to form their own crowd at the Buskers Festival. This year’s
July 8 - August 20 www.tuts.ca
Theatre Under the Stars is entering its 65th season and is offering two family musicals at the Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. This year you can take in Bye Bye Birdie or Anything Goes.
Celebration of Light
July 30, August 3 & 6 www.vancouverfireworks.ca
Every year three countries square off and throw their best pyrotechnics way, way up into the air to explode. Happily the fireworks make an amazing display of light set to music and this year China, Spain and Canada will be up. (See article elsewhere in this issue.)
Everywhere July 1
It’s Canada Day and every city, village and town will be celebrating the birthday of this great country and all of us who live in it. Make sure you take the time to go and enjoy some cake, fireworks and all the rest of the party!
To submit an event for the SOAR Datebook, send an e-mail to editor@soarinflight.com or send a fax to the attention of “Editor–SOAR Magazine” at 1-250-480-3233.
SOAR
The Business File
Finding meeting space in the Comox-Courtenay region We recognize that one of the challenges faced by every one in business is making effective connections in new communities for special events, to communicate new opportunities or to find new clients.
The Westerly Hotel & Convention Centre (part of the Best Western chain) Like all chains the Westerly Hotel has the benefit of offering solid, reasonably priced and reliably comfortable amenities. Since the hotel is located in Courtenay’s downtown area all the usual services are close at hand. Similarly, because the hotel is aimed at the vacationer as well as the business person, there is a full range of services like a foreign currency exchange, hot breakfast buffet, iPod docking stations in each room and an onsite specialty wine and liquor store. • The entire facility is wi-fi enabled. • Food services include a restaurant, lounge and pub and catering options for meetings. • The largest meeting room will hold 225 people and costs $350 per day plus taxes. An evening only rental rate is $275. • The smallest conference room will take 50 people and goes for $150 per day plus taxes. The evening rental rate is $100. • A full range of meeting equipment from podiums and microphones to mobile projectors are available, for an extra cost, for all meeting rooms. • The Westerly offers a unique all-in price for meetings, which for $143 per person, includes a one night stay, full breakfast buffet, use of a meeting room, AV equipment, a working lunch and snack breaks in the morning and afternoon.
When a company’s representative steps foot into a new community for the first time they may have many questions. On this page we would like to explore the business connections that can make those first steps easier and more productive. Whether you are a Vancouver sales person trying to connect in a rural community or you are from a village flying into the big city, we want this page to give you ideas on what kinds of business services you might be looking for. If you have ideas you would like to see covered, or if you have a business that you think would be invaluable to a visiting business person, let us know about it. Send your suggestions to editor@soarinflight. Address & Contact Information com.For our first entry into this file we Website: www.thewesterlyhotel.ca info@thewesterlyhotel.com thought we’d cover a basis service, finding E-mail: Address: 1590 Cliffe Avenue a good meeting place. We chose the Co Courtenay, B.C. V9N 2K4 mox-Courtenay region of Vancouver Island and talked with several business people Phone: 250-338-7741 or 1-800-668-7797 and event planners. Our question: If someone asked you for a recommendation of where to have a business event, what would you suggest? The following are The Westerly’s Cumberland meeting room set up for a small the top three picks. conference with projector and computer AV link. Pacific Coastal Airlines
Meeting facilities at the Crown Isle set a style of elegance and comfort
The Crown Isle Resort The most luxurious and beautiful of the options chosen, the Crown Isle resort is also the most expensive venue chosen by our business contacts. The 48,000 sq. ft. resort facility is situated on 831 acres, including a golf course, and comes with the full range of services and luxuries you’d expect with the higher price tag. The resort takes its name from the tree farm license, owned by Crown Zellerback, which formerly had title to the property. When you are trying to understand the different room options, try to ignore the two confusing charts set out on the resort’s website. They represent a range of rooms or room configurations that are not easy to decipher. Instead make sure you call the resort where very friendly sales people can easily sort out your needs and fit you up with the right meeting facilities. The resort also offers an enormous selection of catering options from full on meals to browsing stations. • The largest room will take 200 seated people for $300/half day or $600/full day plus tax. • The smallest business meeting room comfortably holds 50 people for $150/half day or $300/full day plus tax. • Catering option prices per person range from: Snack breaks $9-16; Appetizers $8-10; Breakfasts $1230; Lunches $14-26; Main Courses $28-48; Buffet add-ons serving 50 to 80 people with prices in the $350 to $425 range. JUNE / JULY 2011
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Dining facilities, like this one in the Copper Room at Crown Isle, are picture perfect.
•
• •
Onsite facilities include a village centre, shopping, spa and sleeping accommodation. The entire facility is wi-fi enabled. A full range of meeting equipment from podiums and microphones to mobile projectors are available, for an extra cost, for all meeting rooms.
Address & Contact Information Website: www.crownisle.com E-mail: info@crownisle.com Address: 399 Clubhouse Drive, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 9G3 Phone: 250-703-5000 or 1-888-338-8439
FREE BOOK Log on to FreePresentationBook.com today for your free book. While quantities last. “Fred spoke at our Executive Chamber Conference and we received some of the best feedback ever. His presentation style is engaging and humorous. He made people think in ways they never thought of, and provided specific tools for people to take away.” --Weldon LeBlanc, CEO Kelowna Chamber of Commerce “This book shows you how to grab their attention, connect with their hearts, and convince them of your message.” --Brian Tracy, Author, Speak to Win
www.FreePresentationBook.com
The Filberg Centre (owned by the City of Courtenay) Run by the City of Courtenay, the Filberg Centre is clean, spacious and functional, but it is somewhat Spartan and has a community hall (which it is) feel to it. White walls and beige doors are punctuated with a gymnasium-like floor and bulletin boards. It is also the most inexpensive. • The conference hall has a large stage with curtains, dividers if you want to partition the room but again looks a bit like a high school gymnasium. • The largest room available, the Conference Hall can hold 420 people, all figures presuming a theatre-style seating arrangement. Cost is $66 per hour up to four hours or $692 for the day, taxes included. • An attached kitchen rents for $49 per day and there is a two hour custodial charge of $70. All figures include HST. This room has an LCD projector and a 7x10 foot screen over the performing stage. • The smallest meeting room is the Craft Room, which can hold 25 people. It rents for $24.50 per hour, maximum of $63 for the day, taxes included. • There are no sleeping facilities. • It is located downtown with ample off-street parking. • The entire facility is wi-fi enabled. • Podiums, microphones and a full range of AV equipment is available for extra charges depending on needs and complexity. Address & Contact Information Website: www.city.courtenay.bc.ca/ recreation/facilities/florence-filbergcentre.aspx E-mail: filberg@courtenay.ca Address: 411 Anderton Avenue, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 6C6 Phone: 250-338-1000 Other: Virtual 360º tours available online
soarinflight.com “Business Building for Fitness Professionals”
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JUNE / JULY 2011
SOAR
Pacific Coastal’s Public Face:
in Trail
Name: Michelle Huber Position: Trail Base Supervisor
“It’s all about the muncha, muncha, muncha!”
Pacific Coastal Airlines
One of Pacific Coastal’s strengths is that it serves many small communities that the big airlines overlook, but working in a smaller area means you don’t get a simple job that runs nine-to-five or to pass problems on to someone else in a different department. Michelle Huber is the Base Supervisor for the airline’s Trail operations. Asked what she does, she laughs, saying, “Everything. I’m a jack of all trades.” Huber does customer service, works at the airport when flights are coming in, looks after scheduling and volunteers to make sure the airport is clean. Yes, you read that right. The full time employee also volunteers at the airport (and at a good many other things). Beside her efforts on and off the job, Huber notes that six retired pilots also volunteer to keep the airport running. Huber, mother of five in a blended marriage, cares about a lot of things. The 38-year-old says, “The great thing is Pacific Coastal has really encouraged me to be the public face.” She is with Rotary in Trail and on the Search
& Rescue team for the area. If that wasn’t enough she takes in her dog, a Samoyed that goes by the name of Sedona, to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital to comfort patients who have dementia, are suffering from stress or are terminally ill. Her care and attention might make Trail the only airport where you might actually hope your departure is delayed, at least during the winter. Huber explains, “The unique thing about our airport is we have a real fireplace. In the winter we light a fire, and if the plane’s late, we’ll make s’mores. It’s all about ‘muncha, muncha, muncha!’ Asked about the airport’s most frequent time-sensitive export she laughs her infectious laugh again. “This area,” she confides, “has many Italian families.” Many of their kids have moved elsewhere, but their mommas want them to have the benefit of good food, so no Pacific Coastal flight leaves without a shipment of robust Italian home cooking, winging its way to wherever the lucky children live.
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Plane Brain Teasers CROSSWORD puzzle ACROSS 1 “Lorna Doone” character 5 Sinbad’s bird 8 Demolish: Brit. 12 Idea (Fr.) 13 Alas 14 Cheese 15 Leg ends 16 Burmese knife 17 Taro 18 Small S.A. rabbit 20 Pilgrim 22 Skin Vesicle 23 Veneration 24 Beginning 28 Blaubok 32 Public vehicle 33 54 (Roman numeral) 35 Israelite tribe 36 Ringed boa 39 Reading desk 42 Abdominal (abbr.) 44 Have (Scot.) 45 Female falcon 48 Butterfly 52 State (Fr.) 53 Television channel 55 Endearment 56 Mine (Fr. 2 words)
57 Rom. first day of the month 58 Per. poet 59 Maid 60 Compass direction 61 Foreign (pref.)
down 1 Breach 2 Design 3 Profound 4 Hate 5 Fanatical 6 Wood sorrel 7 Rudderfish 8 Flat molding 9 “Cantique de Noel” composer 10 Kemo _____ 11 Turk. title 19 Jap. fish 21 Intimidate 24 Amazon tributary 25 Grab 26 Kwa language 27 “_____ Abner” 29 “Fables in Slang” author 30 Rhine tributary 31 Television channel
Sudoku
34 Car 37 Insect 38 Presidential nickname 40 Helper 41 Caddy (2 words) 43 Male duck 45 Loyal
46 Hindu soul 47 Cella 49 Crippled 50 Dayak people 51 Aeronautical (abbr.) 54 Low (Fr.) (See answers below)
Sudoku answers for this issue
Fill in the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9.
Crossword answers for this issue
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JUNE / JULY 2011
SOAR
A T R I V E R S I N L E T, B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A
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Experience Humpback, Grey and Killer Whales feeding in our fertile waters
RESERVE YOUR LEGACY EARLY TO ENSURE AVAILABILITY. VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT LEGACYLODGE.COM OR CONTACT US AT 877.FISH.LEGACY (347.4534)
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