Reved Winter 2013

reved Quarterly

FREESTYLE

Revelstoke's Arts, Culture and Lifestyles Publication

WINTER '13/'14 Issue #35 reved.net

INSiDE:

narrow lots and skinny houses • snowbikes • Girls Do Ski • avalanche history • your kid on music... And that's not all.

Kim Vinet shows Revelstoke Mountain Resort's North Bowl that Girls Do Ski. Photo: Amy McDermid

¡

Artist in “I concentrate on the faces,” Cherie explains, “and on giving Keeping the canvasthem personality and expression.” es simple allowed Cherie to keep the Evolution in art is nothing new to Cherie. When she first left prices affordable– Thompson Rivers University’s Fine Arts Diploma program in something she was 2005, Cherie was focused on creating pop art. determined to offer.

Artist Cherie Van Overbeke. Photo: Dayna Van Overbeke

The Great Northern Storybook Collection by Imogen Whale

“My first solo show in Revelstoke featured a collection of works commenting on social issues,” Cherie says. “I think art is about so many different things. One of those things is being a medium to challenge people about what they think and feel.”

They make such great presents... people can choose the colours and the name they want me to put on the back.

They’re wonderful keepsakes.

¡

“Each piece has three different oil colours then I draw the animals in ink on top. The pieces vary from forty to two hundred dollars, depending on the size,” she says.

The Great Northern Storybook Collection has struck such a cord with people, resulting in Cherie constantly working on hen Revelstoke artist Cherie Van Overbeke started her One particularly provocative piece comprised of three women commissioned pieces. latest art collection with acrylic paints and ink draw- in burlesque dress, drawn from the waist down and parading ings, she knew that animals were going to play a big part. in front of a stack of men’s shirts. This was painted on top of “They make such great presents,” she expands. “People can a poster advertising the art show. Cherie wanted to illustrate choose the colours and the name they want me to put on the “Bears especially as I think bear imagery is quite connected to the objectification of women in the media. back. They’re wonderful keepsakes.” the community. They’re symbolically represented throughout our town,” Cherie explains.

“I was a bit nervous but I hoped the people coming to the Indeed, the paintings will long outlast a plastic toy and Cherie opening would understand what I was trying to portray and ensures customers are satisfied with their pieces, e-mailing As she contemplated something whimsical, bright and fun, the discussion I was trying to inspire,” Cherie explains. them pictures for approval before she signs the designated it was her sister Dayna who suggested creating an affordable name on the back. collection both children and adults would love.

People’s reaction to the piece was polarized. The Visual Arts Centre received several e-mails from people who disapproved “I just feel really happy that people are connecting with these Coined The Great Northern Storybook Collection, the ani- of it being on display. little characters,” Cherie enthuses, “It’s great people like mals depicted include bears, bucks, rabbits, racoons and them as much as I do.” foxes. “Typical Canadiana,” Cherie laughs.

“We did have a small number of the public, who notified us they did not approve of the piece being part of the While her latest collection isn’t controversial, pushing viewSeveral of the animals look like very cheeky creatures with show,” Jackie Pendergast of the Revelstoke Visual Arts ers into reflecting on serious social issues, The Great Northexpressions ranging from quizzical to friendly to rather ser- Society confirmed. ern Storybook Collection does something equally important. ious are also represented in a series of original art cards.

It inspires people to take a moment and enjoy something “It went to the exhibition committee, who decided it was not lighthearted and sweet, emotionally connecting to both The art struck a chord with Revelstokians and visitors alike. of a pornographic nature. While the public is welcome to adults and children alike.

Cherie’s first six-piece delivery to Art First, a local co-op comment, ultimately we look at the quality of the work so we art store representing, and run by, local artists, sold out kept the piece in the exhibit.” within the week. Every animal drawn is given a name that is Cherie Van Overbeke's The Great Northern Storybook written on the back of the canvas. Since she first started with “The gallery was very supportive,” Cherie says. “The Collection. Photos courtesy of Cherie Van Overbeke this series, Cherie’s work has grown and changed from creat- piece sold opening night and stayed up for the duration." ing complete animal figures to focusing on portraits.

Cherie’s next collection focused on thick abstract oil paintings.

From there she moved to lighter images of flowers, the inspiration pulled from her mother’s garden.

W

“I liked the concept of mixing dead and alive,” Cherie says. “So I would have light colours with dead, dried-up flowers.”

Cherie clearly loves to try new things, embracing art experimentation.

“For now I’m very happy creating these animals,” she says. “I’m debating my next collection being a similar style but farm animals–chickens, cows, horses, pigs, cats and dogs.”

2

Don’t Call It A Vacation

by Heather Lea

I guess there’s no reason for me to be so tired.

Most of my travel memories lay snuggled into brain matter that bubbles up every now and then with happy nostalgia; but among them are rapid-fire recollections of adventuring gone askew.

Let’s discover the difference between travelling and vacationing: What really happened: while I vacationing means living like a milfended off hundreds of taxi driv- lionaire. An in-house translator, ers shouting at me for my bags, maid and transportation system a Peruvian woman hitched her means never getting lost and always colourful skirts and peed into a knowing what the hell you’re eatgutter. I stressed about which was ing. Travelling, on the other hand, the least-obvious money stash I means everyday actions at home should go for to pay for my bottled become life-threatening oversights water–the moist baggie stuffed into out there: ordering salads, brushing my bra, the bills strapped onto my your teeth with tap water, getting fabric thigh-bag under my pants on the wrong bus destined for Gueror the already sweaty pile tucked rilla warfare country… these travelunder the Dr. Scholls. The loud, whoops can turn the dewy-eyed cavernous night sprayed humidity traveller into a starving kidnapped warm as a garden hose left out in victim with diarrhea. the sun. I never stopped sweating for the entire duration of my trip, Maybe it’s worth noting that of the even in the shower. For all the plan- 23 countries I’ve travelled in, most ning I’d done, nothing prepared were as a solo traveller and for me for those first days in a third longer than two months at a time. world country.

Perhaps had I been travelling en masse with friends the whole time And so you can understand why things like falling into a gutter of after returning almost four months raw sewage while strolling dark Aflater from this place of hyper- rican streets one night outside my awareness, I slept 14 hours a day for hostel, might have seemed funny. two weeks and didn’t even try to get Just as we would have chuckled a job. My annoyed parents wanted good and hard once realizing I left to know why I was so tired when I’d my passport at a hostel seven spinejust had a ‘huge vacation.’ compressing hours away by bus.

(And by ‘bus’ I mean transport with OK. Vacation…? Sure–if you live chickens on your lap). call punching a guy because we were about to be robbed or hav- Travelling solo can intensify the ing to haul around a 50lb pack stupidity of travel bloopers and and keep it on my lap during 21 leave you nursing a couple $1 beers hour bus rides so thieves didn’t for your troubles. In Costa Rica, a slash it under the seats or seeing monkey came out of nowhere and my first dead guy while climbing a bit the edge of my hand before the mountain–a vacation, then yeah, chain he was anchored to snapped

Gorgeous little ladies of Timbuktu. Photo: Erik Jolken

n 1995 South America called to me like only the promise of carefree experiences can to a 21-year-old. Lonely Planet books on Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador lay beside my bed and face down, their spines already cracked and oldlooking three days after purchase. A new 80 litre backpack rested against my closet awaiting its stitch-testing load of essentials: climbing gear, a sleeping bag, journal, camera film, batteries, socks and underwear. Written in places that weren’t paper because paper dies in humidity, were notes on how not to get robbed and who to call in an emergency. I’d prebooked a hotel for arrival night in Lima, Peru and pre-cashed $50 U.S. into sol, congratulating myself on a clever hiding place under the Dr. Scholls odour reducing insoles in my boots. Then I stayed awake all night re-creating over and over my exit off the plane into the warm, breezy Lima night where palm trees swayed in time to my linen pants that managed to stay white and unwrinkled despite a 16-hour flight.

¡

EDITORIAL

I

reved quarterly

editor@reved.net reved.net

Vacation…?!

Sure–if you call punching a guy because we were about to be robbed– a vacation...

When people come back from a vacation they say things like, “Oh it was so relaxing; I read eight books in seven days and bought this great sarong.”

When people return from travelling, they say things like, “Holy shit! It's crazy out there. I'm so glad I live in him back to his stoop like a dom- (first world country). I can't wait to inatrix’s whip. In a small Peruvian see my car. I'm so excited to sleep in town that was having an earth- my bed and wear something besides quake and a street riot, I was run- these effing-itchy alpaca wool pants I ning back to my hotel to projectile bought in (third world country)." some food poisoning. In Bolivia, I got lost while hiking solo at 17,000 It’s not easy to come back from witft with a frothing lung infection, nessing poverty at its worst without delirious and turning a blind eye to feeling some sense of guilt and even the blood in my spit. OK, so these depression when returning to all are hardly Brokedown Palace or you have. I love the hero’s welcome The Hangover ‘bad’ and given an- home as much as the next gal—hugother chance I’d not only do it all ging loved ones, telling stories, beagain but I’d probably take even ing able to eat the salad greens and more chances. Travel is a court- flush the toilet paper—but it took me ship that rounds out my existence. more than a few trips to realize the There’s nothing like a good, long world hadn’t changed at home just haul of travel. because mine had abroad. In my earlier days, I accepted moving around But despite whatever righteous the world as my right, seeking it worldliness I might return home greedily like an assumed gift. Over with, I too, am a creature of habit, the years I’ve come to recognize it is a product of my environment and indeed a gift but an intangible one. am too-soon smothered by my need Like unwrapping something solid to for comforts. I’m lucky that amidst find it contains nothing inside but a the materialistic chaos and clutter hug or kind words; something imof first-world-living, I can still sum- material but, when given the proper mon a seven year old memory of two environment, can influence and little African girls smiling so happily change your life. after I’d twisted sparkles into their hair. Or of when I called to wish my This winter my sister and I are dad happy birthday from a flip-up going on ‘vacation.’ I’m curious how cell phone on a clay and manure- a traveller deals as a vacationer but hardened roof-top in Timbuktu. can’t deny the lure of somewhere Or when I stayed with a family in new that knows the universal sign for Togo only one night but they asked frosty beverage. I’ll just be sure not to me to name their newborn. (Togo call it ‘travelling.’

¡

@revednow

Publisher/editor Heather Lea editor@reved.net

Ad sales/marketing Heather Lea sales@reved.net

Design/layout Heather Lea

design@reved.net

Copy Editor Lea Storry

edit@reved.net

Distribution Emily Beaumont dist@reved.net

is a French-speaking country. I suggested Jolie and told them the English translation. They liked that better so somewhere in Togo there's a kid named Pretty. Unless they were just amusing me.)

Reved Quarterly

Staff Writers/Columnists Alison Lapshinoff Colin Titsworth Giles Shearing Imogen Whale Katie Marti Pauline Hunt Rory Luxmoore Contributors Andrew Stacey John Devitt John G. Woods Taryn Walker

Pg.2 Pg.3 Pg.4 Pg.5 Pg.6 Pg.7 Pg.8 Pg.9 Pg.10 Pg.11 Pg.12 Pg.13

Pg.14

Reved Quarterly

r e v e d . n e t

Artist in Profile Editorial Emerging What Matters From the Streets Out There The Scene Around the World What's your Biz'ness Heritage Moments Music Notes Know Your Neighbour, Health and You Sleeps, Eats n' Sips, Health and Wellness Directory

Reved Quarterly is independently owned and funded

solely by the advertising within its pages. We publish in March, June, September and December. We print between 12,000 and 14,000 copies per year and distribute to over 200 locations in Revelstoke and surrounding cities such as Golden, Nelson, Vernon, Kelowna and Vancouver.

ALL CONTENT COPYRIGHT 2013 by Reved Media and

Designs. No portion shall be reproduced in any way, digital or written, unless prior consent is given by Reved Media and Designs. Reved Quarterly is designed by Reved Media and Designs, revedmedia.com

We want YOUR AD to

POP

How many ads have we designed in

ENTER OUR CONTEST for a chance to win up to 50 % OFF your next ad.

this issue?

HINT: Look for this watermark

Celebrate Our 20 Year Anniversary With Us! Bring in this ad for

20% off one regular priced item $20 or more!

The Most Tasteful "Sex Shop" In The West

106 Orton Ave Open Tuesday - Saturday Noon - 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. 250-837-2002

RULES: go to our Facebook page or website, give us a number and we'll enter you in a random

draw to win on Sat. Feb.1.

Webernet: reved.net Facebook: Reved Quarterly

Revelstoke's Youth

EMERGING D

uring the last two years, Revelstoke has seen a sharp increase in youth driven activities and events. This is due, in part, to the community’s collaboration to develop the Youth Initiative Committee (YIC). Megan Shandro, Revelstoke’s Youth Liaison, has been part of the YIC since 2010 when the committee was formed.

“The whole youth movement came about because of the need for community collaboration when it came to youth,” Megan explains this was something Revelstoke had been lacking in the past. The YIC is comprised of a number of local service providers that pulled together to look at the issues youth are facing today.

Restoring Health Naturally Check our web site regularly for details on how to win a

FREE ACCUPUNCTURE SESSION www.jademountain.ca

250.837.3900

101 First Street West, Revelstoke, B.C.

Karen Schnieder RMT Tina Giotsalitis RMT Youth liason, Megan Shandro promotes the Youth Network. Photo Laura Kanik

Youth Initiative Committee by Imogen Whale job involves plenty of relationship-building as Megan tries to connect people who need funding to create youth programing.

Megan believes it’s about supporting youth driven activities as opposed to ‘youth-targeted’ activities.

“This isn’t a position attached to any one organization,” Megan notes. “The city was deemed the best place to administer the funds, the contract is under the city, and the Youth Action Committee oversees the liaison’s work.” 'Youth' encompasses a large age bracket.

“Anyone aged 12 to 30 is considered a youth. Additionally, there are supports out there for marginalized youth and high achievers. I’m really targeting the mainstream youth, the majority,” Megan said.

“I was a youth when I was hired,” Megan laughs, “this whole thing is really driven 'by youth for youth.'”

The creation of the Stoke Youth Network exemplifies this. In the spring of 2012 the CBT hosted a youth summit. Participating youth representatives from Revelstoke were successful in obtaining a grant for a project benefiting youth in the community. They held a logo contest and started the Stoke Youth Network brand. The Network centres around a website–a central With Okanagan College taking the lead, youth hub both driven by and focused on the YIC aided in the creation of the Youth youth engagement. The website went live in Action Plan in 2011, which focused on January 2013. strong and weak points and outlined several main issues facing youth today. “I don’t run the Stoke Youth Network,” The plan created a series of goals and ac- Megan is quick to point out. “It’s not a fortion suggestions. In 2012, funded by the mal society or not-for-profit. It’s meant to Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) Commun- connect youth with opportunities; to supity Directed Youth, the Youth Liaison port existing organizations.” position was created.

In 2012 Megan helped create the Youth “I advocate for youth and support youth Survival Guide with funding through the driven projects and ideas," Megan says, Okanagan College Youth Awareness Grant.

“It’s important to remember that I don’t The printed guide is free and can be found have 30 youth in my back pocket. My role in several locations around town. In 2013 is to help support service providers and the creation of the Youth Advisory Comorganizations to work on creating capacity mittee (YAC), a formal committee of the to engage youth. I don’t supply them.” The council, was formed. With 13 members,

the YAC represents a formalized version of the YIC, which has forty-plus members.

Megan, in her office at Revelstoke Secondary School (RSS), focuses on youth aged 12 to 19. With her help Revelstoke hosted the YES Leadership Week in RSS bringing in the Youth Excellence Society to work with the entire student body. Additionally, through acquiring funding for the Welcoming Communities Initiative supported

by Okanagan College, Megan brought 29 youth to We Day hosted in Vancouver this past October. We Day, a youth empowerment movement, is about thinking global but acting local.

“It’s about empowering youth to make change in their community,” Megan enthused. “It’s such a great event based on meaningful youth engagement.”

When asked what youth in Revelstoke really want, Megan says she believes they want places to hangout to interact with their friends, older youth and people they can look up to. Megan emphasizes integration over segregation.

“It’s about inclusion,” Megan explains, “being involved and included. That’s what anyone in any age demographic wants. It’s not about having a youth centre but instead opening up existing community spaces.”

These spaces would be youth friendly but not necessarily youth exclusive. “Hosting all-ages events and creating opportunities for youth to connect with older youth and adults is also important,” Megan says.

Good examples of community events open to youth and hosted in venues open to all ages, are the local Coffee House put on by the Folk Music Society or the Disco Funk Skate Night at the arena.

Youth in Revelstoke are empowered to make change, take chances and get involved. With committed people like Megan and organizations like the YIC and the YAC here to help, Revelstoke can be an exciting place for younger residents.

Registered Massage Therapy 250.837.3666 bodylogicmassagerevelstoke.com

revelstoke, british columbia

» FREE great start breakfast » FREE high-speed wireless internet » Great value rates toll-free: 1.877.837.4650 local phone: 250.837.4650 fax: 250.837.2485

experience

life at its peak

1101 Victoria Rd West Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0 www.swisschaletmotel.com

Ais your home favourite café, watering hole, yoga studio, gathering place, dinner party;

the stop and start of a great ride.

Looking for a

lifestyle?

Let Rich Hamilton help you find it here in Revelstoke.

P: 250-837-9544 C: 250-200-0900 revelstokehomesales.com Facebook: Revelstoke Home Sales

customized outdoor adventure experiences

UPCOMING COURSES

Wilderness First Responder - May 7-15 Wilderness Advanced First Aid - May 7-10 WFR Bridge/WFR Recert - May 12-15 Sign up by April 1, 2014

250-814-8663 flexpeditions.com • info@flexpeditions.com

Watch for our next issue!

Coming March, 2014!

TO ADVERTISE Large natural and organic selection!

We are the largest supporter of B.C. produced products with over 1,200 suppliers from right here in B.C.!

555 Victoria Rd.

250-837-4372 4

Contact: editor@reved.net 604-219-5313 Ad Reservation Deadline: Feb.15

What

Matters

Christmas Hamper Program 2013 How can you support the Hamper Program?

• Make a charitable financial donation • Organize a food drive at your office/school/church/event • Add a $2 coupon to purchases at Coopers Foods and Pharmasave • Purchase a gift bag of food at Coopers Foods • Donate Save On More points at Coopers Foods • Sponsor a family or senior or donate a gift to someone in need • Pick an angel from the Christmas tree at CIBC and buy a gift for a child

Please help us help those in need!

Christmas Hamper Depot Location

Downstairs at the Royal Canadian Legion #600 First Street West December 2nd -­ 23rd, Monday -­ Saturday, 10am -­ 3pm Community Connections (Revelstoke) Society 314 2nd St. E. 250-837-2920 Ext. 28 plarson@community_connections.ca

Are Narrow Lots Where It's At?

by Imogen Whale

R 250.837.3344

Open every evening at 5 pm

¡

If these lots are popular, why not change the bylaws?

We made them; we can change them.

For a different dining experience Local wine and beer, great atmosphere

250.837. 5500 604 2nd St. www.woolseycreekbistro.ca

revedonline Reved Quarterly @revednow Reved Quarterly

www.reved.net

27th ANNUAL

MIXED SLOW PITCH TOURNAMENT Centennial Ball Fields AUGUST 1 - 4, 2014

REVELSTOKE

GLACIER CHALLENGE LIVE MUSIC

BEER CENTRAL CAMPING GARDENS FIELDS SPOTS

GOOD TIMES

Register your team during January and February for great prizes! glacierchallenge.com

Left: construction of the Skinny House.

crashing so I decided to put the project on Right: the finished result from the back.

“I was a bit sceptical at first,” he said, “but hold for a while.”

Photos courtesy of David Rooney. it’s a legal lot and I could build on it, so why not?” He promptly set to work find- The concept of building on small lots is not ing a home designer and his search yielded new. In places with limited expansion space age. And we learned building up in height Revelstoke local Alan MacLeod, owner of or where higher density building is appro- increased cost.”

Habitech 21 Designs. priate, small lots are an affordable reality.

Peter applied for the building permit for the “Peter contacted me about designing a SH in 2013 and worked quickly to produce Single Family Dwelling (SFM) residence the final product of the SH. An open house that could work on a 25 foot wide lot,” Alan held prior to its sale brought in almost 200 explained. With city bylaws dictating 5-foot people. It sold within a week. Peter’s views setbacks from the property lines, the house align with Joey’s as far as cost is concerned. could only be a maximum of 15 feet wide.

That presented a problem.

“I wouldn’t say building a narrow threestorey was a great deal cheaper because of “We felt 17 feet was really the narrowest we There are quite a few existing non-con- the height. But if someone was happy with could go and still have the atmosphere we forming narrow lots lurking around town. two floors it’s very doable,” Peter explained. wanted,” Alan explained. Luckily in 2007 a The lure of more accessibly priced property variance—a deviation from the cities stan- has increased the interest of smaller lots be- How doable? If they already owned the dard building bylaws, adjusted a side set- ing created, either in new a subdivision or lot and had access to city sewer and water back from 5 feet to 3 feet allowing Alan to by changing subdivision rules. they could expect to pay under $250,000. design a house 17 feet wide.

Peter believes the next six years will see “You can quote me on that, for it to be comRevelstoke city bylaws allow a percentage many houses built on existing small lots. pletely finished, easily. With the SH we addof the lot be covered by structures. In the ed that extra storey so the basement could SH area it’s 40 per cent. Alan fought to have “If these lots are popular, why not change have an 800 square foot granny suite as a this increased to 45 per cent for narrow lots the bylaws?” Peter asked. “We made them; mortgage helper. The added height, with in an effort for more wiggle room for house we can change them.” another kitchen, all made it cost more.” design. His concerns went to city council and they recommended the bylaws be ad- “I think it’s something the city should con- Like Joey, Alan agrees that planning justed. Inexplicably the increase was never sider—allowing people to subdivide large out storage space is vital. “In the SH addressed. In 2007 the city was undergoing lots,” said Joey Vosburgh. Joey and his where the garage is located there’s a thirmany changes including staff turnover, in- partner Danyelle Magnan built their own teen foot ceiling. Add a mezzanine or a creased applications and exploration into skinny house back in 2008 on a lot only reverse crawl space and you have storage,” the now current bylaws and zoning regu- 23 feet wide.

Alan explained. lations. The city planning department has since finished this restructuring and has “The beauty of it was the prior owners did “When it comes down to it, good neighintegrated planning and engineering into the work to get variances on the setbacks,” bours are really what got it built,” Peter the new Engineering and Development Joey explained. “On the alley side the set- said, “because we had to encroach on their Services. During this turbulence, Peter and back is right at the property line.” land with machinery to even build. We Alan redesigned the home several times, inrestored everything but I warn people to corporating a raised basement with a one- This allowed Joey and Danyelle to build a think about that.” bedroom suite and a two storey residence home 18 feet wide—a tall three-storey timwith a garage. ber frame home with 500 square feet on The SH and others like it are a testament each floor. to creative home design and building. In “I was building a custom home; it had to a town known for its high housing prices, have appeal for potential buyers,” Peter ex- “We had to think out our storage,” Joey they provide a glimpse into a future of afplained. “At the same time the economy was said. ”We have a lot of vertical wall stor- fordable building costs.

5

¡

www.kimberlyolson.ca

evelstoke’s “Skinny House” (a.k.a. SH) is not so much a story about slim homes as a story about narrow building lots and the potential they hold. In 2007 Peter Bernacki, owner of Nu-Trend Construction, purchased a narrow lot measuring only 25 feet x 100 feet as a challenge.

everywhere

we're If you were the Revelstoke resident to win the what would you do with it?

$20 million lottery

Carly Moran “I’d buy all the art at Art First and give it to my friends and family for Christmas!”

Christal Ludge “I’d stay in Revy and fly my family over, so that they could maybe stay for a season.

Then I’d settle down in Canada.”

Amy Flexman brought her copy of Reved's spring 2013 issue all the way to Inuvik, NWT on her trip there last May.

SEND US

Drew Goodwin "I’d donate a lot of it and then save the rest for a shopping spree!”

Send pics of you or your friends reading Reved in weird and wonderful places.

We'll publish it here!

PHOTOS!

HOUSE FOR SALE

E-mail high-resolution photos saved as JPEGs to:

editor@reved.net

BR Whalen “I’d contemplate it for a long time and maybe take care of some immediate needs, for example family members in need.”

• very well maintained, large lot • made for gardening & outdoor living • centrally located wood stove • close to greenbelt, park, groceries, ski hill and downtown

For more info, please visit royallepagerevelstoke.ca

Mark Karlstrom "I’d just travel...go on a world tour; surfing, snowboarding and fishing!”

$229,000

Office: 250-837-9544 Mobile:250-200-0900

Revelstoke

6

Interviews and photos by Taryn Walker.

Libby Reddy “I would stay in Revelstoke and continue to work. Then I would travel around Canada, America and Europe. After that I would go back to Australia and buy a house…and just save it.”

James Karthein “Go visit my parents with my kid.”

Donna Peterson “I’d probably give lots of it away and maybe create a scholarship.”

sufficient but most riders will incorporate dirt bike shin guards, knee guards and chest protectors. The choice of riding boots, however, must allow for the ability to shift gears since the motorcycle transmission is unchanged.

Even though it is not capable of big hill climbs, snow bikes can still be ridden up almost any slope and safely down again by easily cutting on an angle across the face to gain or drop elevation. Snow bikes are lighter than snowmobiles and ride higher in the snow pack. When under full power they tend to not ‘dig’ as deep into the snow. This makes riding in small groups easier as the lead rider breaks trail with the others following in the track behind. Because you have to think and plan your riding with a lot more finesse, many find the sport far more engaging. Most riders Craig sees making the switch from snowmobiles to snow bikes are over 30 and have grown tired of the style of alpine riding that the extreme mountain snowmobiles dominate.

A secondary benefit with using a four-stroke motorcycle as a platform for the snow bike is a significant reduction in fuel consumption (about 50 per cent) and a reduction in high-pitched exhaust noise when compared to a typical two-stroke snowmobile.

There is the cost savings of having one ‘toy’ for year-round fun to consider as well, since it easily converts back into a dirt-bike. To become an expert rider in our hazardous mountain terrain on a performance snowmobile may take years because of the size, weight, handling characteristics and enormous power at your fingertips that many of these machines now offer. Conversely, Craig has found the learning curve for the snow bike to be very short, even without prior motorcycle riding experience.

Chris Hrabb transitions from pavement to snow with one machine.

Photo: Craig Madlung

Snowbikes: motorcycles adapted for snow riding

Local resident Chris Hraab, an avid backcountry skier and dirt-bike enthusiast, recently purchased a kit from Revy Snowbikes and echoes Craig’s

by Andrew Stacey

L

ike some bizarre mechanical marvel from a red neck reality show, the Timbersled Snowbike sits ready to launch into our snowy mountain wilderness. Timbersled Products Inc., out of Sandpoint, Idaho, produces a conversion kit to change a high performance off-road motorcycle into a snow machine for winter riding. Unlike earlier conversion kits, theirs has been specifically designed for deep snow and mountain terrain. Craig Madlung, of Revy Snowbikes, met with me to discuss this exciting new sport and the product he sells.

Craig has been riding a snow bike for four years now and for three years he has been the local Timbersled dealer. The motorcycle to snow bike conversion kit is comprised of a 12.5" wide x 120" long snowmobilestyle track frame and a 10" wide front ski. Converting the motorcycle requires the removal of the rear wheel, swing arm and rear suspension and the removal of the front wheel and front brake assembly. The manufacturer supplies model specific installation kits to mount the standard ski and track frame to a variety of different motorcycle brands, although you need at least a 450cc engine capable of 55 horsepower to drive the track.

When asked what riding the snow bike is like, Craig pauses, smiles and says, “Don’t take one for a ride if you don’t want to buy one because everyone that does falls in love–especially if you are already a dirt bike enthusiast.”

The real advantage of the snow bike is its maneuverability—snaking through tight trees, cutting across steep side hills and the ability to handle very rugged terrain makes the sport a ton of fun. According to Craig, “it can go anywhere,” and he has explored many areas previously inaccessible to even the most capable snowmobile riders. The snow bike does not need the same road access because it can be ridden through the dense lower elevation forest to get to untouched alpine riding. Craig explained that regular snowmobile gear is

Chris Hrabb’s Beta 498 with ST Timbersled kit installed.

Photo: Craig Madlung

remarks about how much fun it is. In only two outings, Chris has become very confident on his machine. The manufacturer offers three configurations to choose from. The ST or standard track as mentioned above, the LT or long track with 17” more track length to handle deeper, softer snow and the SX kit for ‘snow cross’ racing and riding in hard pack or rough terrain. Over the past four years sales have doubled every year for Timbersled from just 100 units four years ago to almost 1,000 this year and they are currently sold out. Craig ordered 20 kits this year and only has four left. One of his customers, Glacier House Resort, is putting together one snow bike as a trial in their rental fleet.

The future is looking bright with experimental turbo charged bikes on the slopes this year and future products suited to smaller displacement motorcycles are being designed in order to make the sport more appealing to female and junior riders expanding the family appeal of the sport.

Craig Madlung of Revy Snowbikes can be reached at revysnowbikes.com or on his Facebook page, Revy Snowbikes. Video footage can be seen on YouTube under Timbersled Revelstoke.

7

PLEASE

share or recycle this paper.

, XOThe Environment

TheScene

Leah Evans getting ready for the Revelstoke backcountry.

Photo: Zoya Lynch

Girls Do Ski!

Above the clouds taking in the sun and learning what's possible at Revelstoke Mountain Resort.

Photo: Zoya Lynch

by John Devitt

"If you’re passionate about something, you just have to run with it.”

Leah Evans, founder of Revelstoke-based company, Girls Do Ski.

A

nd for the past six years, Leah and her team of coaches have been doing just that. Born and raised in Rossland, B.C., Leah wasn’t always the passionate, professional skier she is today. At the age of 19, she was riding a field hockey scholarship and hadn’t given skiing a second thought in years. It wasn’t until she returned home on winter break and on a whim entered a Big Mountain competition, when she really connected with the sport. Leah kicked off her first event soon after with the first “Girls Day Out” at Red Mountain based solely on her desire to have a fun day shredding with some solid ladies. Things just kept rolling from there.

women are encouraged to achieve their best while surrounded by positive role models and friends.

What started as a very small community has blossomed into a much bigger endeavour. Girls Do Ski has a team of 11 professional female ski coaches, all living throughout the Kootenays. Leah started with resort-based camps, providing a holistic experience that goes further than just pointing your tips downhill.

“Last year I was coaching someone who said I was like ‘the yoga instructor of skiing’,” Leah laughs, “which is kind of true. A lot of people have plateaued in their ability, which is why they participate in a camp. But there is often a lot going on Thinking back to 2007 it’s hard to imagine how emotionally as well. I offer an experience that is quickly the ski industry has evolved in just a few really well-rounded.” years time. Leah recalls she felt as though there was only one make and model for women’s skis. There has been a great deal of growth in the ski She saw a need to offer a uniquely female experi- industry since the days of only the one floral ence in an industry dominated by men. With ski patterned female ski. Granted there have been camps run by Leah and the Girls Do Ski team, improvements in ski technology but Leah also re-

fers to a profound shift in perception of what females are capable of on skis; from the 55 year old woman shredding twin tips, to the girl launching her first cliff.

“One camp we had all these girls at the top of…a drop...but to them it was a massive cliff,” Leah recounts. “Everyone was sitting at the top and suddenly this one girl just screamed, ‘I can do it!’ and no hesitation, just launched and landed it.

Leah is excited to take her company towards big“It was amazing to witness,” Leah smiles. “What ger and better things. In addition to everything more can you give to the world if you’re seeing else, this year she will be offering backcountry these things happening right before you?” camps that include heli and cat skiing and skitouring. Adding a backcountry education comWhat more? Leah’s newest venture, the 20 Under ponent is something that has her really stoked; 20 program, will connect young girls hindered by that and having it all happen in Revelstoke. “The socio-economic barriers with ski days in the moun- community support here has been great,” she tains coached by leading females in the ski industry. says. “Revelstoke was our first camp to sell out and does continuously. There’s something really “I created the 20 Under 20 program because amazing going on here and so it’s really cool to be I noticed younger girls weren’t coming to our a part of it.”

Localart. Localsplendor.

Shop online at cecilialea.com

Five paintings featured at

Girls Day Out programs. So I wondered how we could connect with that younger demographic,” explains Leah. With that in mind, Leah wants to help connect young girls with female role models in the ski industry. “We’re bringing in photographers, writers, videographers and skiers to not only create connections for girls wanting to work in the industry, but also to give them someone positive to look up to,” she says.

50% off

when you 'like' Paintings by Cecilia on Facebook. Limited time offer.

C O M M I S I O N S and

A r t

On Facebook: Paintings by Cecilia For more information or to visit the gallery, call Cecilia Lea at 250-837-3347.

L e s s o n s

available

FREE Shuttle!

250.814.3333

January 2 to April 3, 2014!

Jan. 2 Mindil Beach Markets Jan. 9 Powder Legends Retro RAP Films

w/ apres Retro 80s Band Party Jan. 16 Dave Gunning

Jan. 23 Craig Cardiff Jan. 30 Shred Kelly Feb. 6 DJ Violinist Michael Fraser

w/ Voracious V's Burlesque Show Feb. 13 Good for Grapes Feb. 13 Punk Rock BINGO Feb. 16 Del Barber Feb. 20 Oh My Darling Feb. 27 Kootenanny - Music Showcase Mar. 13 Metal Mayhem

Big Eddy Pub 9 p.m.

Roxy Theatre The Last Drop RPAC* 7 p.m.

RPAC 8 p.m.

Big Eddy Pub 10 p.m.

Big Eddy Pub 9 p.m.

The Last Drop 10 p.m.

Big Eddy Pub 10 p.m.

Benoits 8 p.m.

Big Eddy Pub 9 p.m.

Big Eddy Pub 9 p.m.

Big Eddy Pub 10 p.m.

STAY TUNED! More upcoming shows in March and April!

Tickets on sale at Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store and The Village Idiot. Call 250-814-8663 for more details. * Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre

Around the

World

Canada’s Righteous Beauty Of A Backyard

by Katie Marti

P

eople travel for a variety of reasons: to escape the routine of daily life and shake things up a bit; to discover new places and learn experientially about the history and culture of other regions; to get lost and then found. One of the greatest things about living in a country as massive and diverse as Canada is we can travel and explore extensively within our own borders and return home feeling as though we’ve been to another world altogether.

Antiques and collectables, unique jewelry and handmade Canadian gifts including slippers, candles and warm buddies.

Oh and books, of course!

208 Mackenzie Ave.

250.837.6185 grizzlybook.com

GOT A GREAT TRAVEL STORY? WE'LL PAY TO HEAR IT! CAUTION TRAVEL WARNING Send us your best, worst or most heinous story from travelling ANYWHERE in the world and you could see it published here in the next issue!

Send to: editor@reved.net

The Yukon is a place that has called to me since childhood with its promise of vast expanses of tundra and tales of rugged adventure. Who wouldn’t want to track the ghost of poor old Sam Magee along mighty Lake Laberge or poke their head into the little log cabin up in Dawson City where Robert Service penned the famous poem?

Really, there are only two seasons to consider when taking a trip to the Yukon: summer and winter. One comes with the guarantee of world-class music festivals and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of frolicking under the midnight sun, while the other offers a chance to really see the North in action via sled dog races, snowy back-country adventures and, of course, the unparalleled mystical beauty of a night sky ablaze with the northern lights.

My timeline was dictated by the fact that I was conveniently unemployed between ski seasons this year but the plan to spend July through September in-and-around Whitehorse was entirely undefined. It felt appropriate, like following in the footsteps of the thousands of explorers and goldrush stampeders, who had come before with worldly belongings strapped to their backs in search of

whatever it was the Yukon was said to represent. And so it was that the dynamic lure of the North led me hither and yon, from hiking the Chilkoot Trail to attending the Atlin and Dawson City Music Festivals to working as a cook at the lodge for a pretty sizable dogsled operation.

I lived in my tent at a campground for a few weeks, rented a trailer in someone’s driveway for about 10 days and then scored a room in a little cabin at the dog yard which, despite not having electricity or running water, boasted an actual bed and a place to literally hang my hat for a few months.

One of the most striking things about the Yukon, particularly after having spent lots of time in cities and urban centres, is the lack of formality in terms of where, when and how to enjoy all the gifts it has to offer. When I first arrived and asked a local where I might go to walk my dog, they just chuckled and started pointing in all different directions saying, “Well, you could hike up that mountain over there or that one over there or that one over there...”

It’s like a giant playground with no rules and no boundaries. In the summer, every other car has either a boat or a bike on the roof and, I’m told, in the winter they simply switch to skis and dog sleds. No need for specified routes and designated trails–just park the car and get out there! Of all the things I saw and did and learn-

Live entertainment weekly Daily food and drink specials Best burgers in Revelstoke Check our Facebook page for upcoming events!

200 Third St. W. 250.837.2121 9

¡

Really, there are only two seasons to consider when taking a trip to the Yukon: summer and winter.

¡

ed this summer, from paddling the Yukon River on a sunny Saturday afternoon to fly fishing for grayling right off the Klondike Highway, one truth stands out above all others: the only planning one need make when heading to the Yukon is how to get there. The rest will take care of itself in the form of soul-filling, lifechanging, mind-blowing travel. No passport required.

NWT aurora borealis and Rober Service Cabin in Dawson City. Photos: Katie Marti

What'sYOUR Do you have a business idea and are not sure where to begin?

Call Community Futures START-UP OR EXPANSION LOANS FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS ADVICE Located at 204 Campbell Avenue Call 250-837-5345 for an appointment www.revelstokecf.com e-mail:cfdc@revelstokecf.com

Revelstoke Massage Therapy Clinic 301 First Street East

Inside the Art First gallery. Photo: Art First

Local Artists Shine at Art First

R

evelstoke offers so many things that make it a cool place to be.

The beauty and majesty of the mountains, their solitude and the thrill of play they offer us provides inspiration for numerous local artists. Art First is a community artist co-operative located at 113 First Street West.

From the outside it may appear small but inside is a collection showcasing some amazing local artists’ work that makes it definitely worth a visit.

success and has reason to believe in a prosperous future. This artist’s coop is seeing more and more repeat customers as people travel through Revelstoke and stop in to see what's new. Many people comment the artwork is well-lit, well displayed and very appealing–similar to a gallery in a larger centre. Their aim is to showcase local talent in a high-class setting, while adding value and variety to the local shopping experience.

The North Columbia Artists' Cooperative in Revelstoke was formed four years ago, after Revelstoke's only commercial art gallery closed. Local artists saw the need for a centrally located commercial space to showcase their talents and offer work for sale, so they snatched up the location of then just recently vacated Nanimahoo Gallery. The original 16 artists felt a co-op would be the best option; each artist works a few days a month at the gallery, keeping overhead costs down. More importantly, this offers a chance for the public to discuss and learn about the pieces in the gallery, whether from the artist themselves or another in the group. The group gets together regularly to share their artwork and the process and philosophies of each piece, so that all members are knowledgeable about most of the work.

“It hasn't been an easy road,” Jackie states, “the group has “It is really important having artists had thoughts about closing at working in the gallery,” says Jackie times but Art First has a growPendergast, one of the founding ing reputation for quality work.” members. “You can't underestimate the value of the artist being in the I was pleasantly surprised to learn space and being able to tell a story that about 65 per cent of the sales are about a piece; because when some- to local Revelstokians. In many cases one knows the story of the artwork, they are either buying a piece from they make a connection to the piece the same artist they have bought and have more incentive to consider from before or making a deliberate purchasing it.” Despite opening its decision to collect a piece of art from doors during a recession, Revel- every local artist, building a perstoke’s Art First gallery has been a sonal collection. Holiday times such

¡

I was pleasantly surprised to learn about 65 per cent of the sales are to local Revelstokians.

¡

by Pauline Hunt

as Christmas, Valentine's Day and then late spring to summer, is when the gallery sees a higher volume of visitors and sales. Currently there are 12 artists in the co-op and the group is actively seeking four or more new members. Artists pay a monthly fee but receive 90 per cent of the sales commissions on their artwork. One of the great things about this gallery is the diversity of mediums; currently there is jewellery, metal sculpture, wood sculpture, wood block prints, pottery, acrylic, oil and mixed media paintings. The group welcomes artists working in any other mediums as well.

Some people may be wondering what is the difference between the Art First gallery and the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre (RVAC) located in the old police station. While Art First is a commercial venture, RVAC is a public art gallery. The centre promotes individuals as artists, offering the possibility for a solo exhibition, an opportunity to display a body of work or an opportunity to create unique and experimental pieces without the pressure to produce something sale-able.

This freedom of experimentation and expression has allowed many artists, including some at Art First, to practice and hone their skills. So the two galleries actually complement each other beautifully.

What does the future hold for Art First? The co-op group is hoping to continue to build on their success; to keep going while welcoming new artists and mediums into their co-op.

If you are interested in joining or have further questions, you may contact Jackie at artfirst@gmail.com or jap139@hotmail.com. See some of the artwork and artist profiles on their website at artfirst.ca or find them on the Art First Facebook page.

10

David Walker RMT Liane Dorrius RMT Josiane Malliet RMT Fascial Release Sports Massage Deep Tissue Massage Manual Lymph Drainage Pregnacy Massage Cushioning System MSP, WCB, ICBC claims accepted

For appointment call 250-837-6677 www.revelstokemassagetherapy.com

Brew Locally!

We do all the work, you bottle it.

250-837-3911 revelstokeubrew.com wine . beer . ciders . coolers . port . icewine . champagne

tax services

Get ready to FILE • Personal/Business/Corp. Tax Returns • Financial Statements/GST Returns • Bookkeeping Services • T4S and T5S • Payroll

Call 250.837.2345 304 - 3rd St. W. Revelstoke, BC www.hrblock.ca

Heritage Moments

Rogers Pass—Birthplace of Canadian Avalanche Research by John G. Woods

W

Full breakfast and lunch menu served all day!

• ICED COFFEE DRINKS • Soups, sandwiches and salads • Home baked desserts • Coffee, lattes, cappuccinos • Assorted house specialty drinks • Outdoor patio with a breathtaking view

Archive Issues!

Check out the past

9

hen the two-man ski team of Noel Gardner and James Webb boarded the westbound passenger train at Banff in the mid-1950s, the promise of adventure coloured their dreams as the train twisted and squealed through the night bound for Rogers Pass.

Hours later they would begin their work day at Stoney Creek Warden Station near the Pass’s eastern entrance in Glacier National Park.

Fortified by hot coffee and a hearty breakfast with the district warden and his wife, Gardner and Webb began their assignment—to ski-tour between Stoney Creek and Albert Canyon observing avalanche activity along a possible route for the Trans-Canada Highway.

For the first leg of their journey, they would have been all alone in the Pass. The railway had diverted underground in 1916 and the highway was still a hopeful tracing on an engineer’s plan. Gardner was the “snow man” and field leader; Webb was the topographer plotting observed avalanche activity and using clinometer to measure slope angle on the slide paths and avalanche debris. Both loved skiing. They submitted their detailed reports to the National Park engineering office in Banff responsible for roads.

While these ski-treks provide a good marker for the start of formal avalanche studies related to Canadian highways, Gardner and Webb were following in the steps of similar avalanche studies conducted on the same route through Rogers Pass by the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1880s. As early as the winter of 1884 several

years of Reved!

Peter Schaerer uses a clinometer to measure the slope of an avalanche path in Rogers Pass in the 1950s. Photo courtesy of Revelstoke Museum and Archives.

snow survey camps were stationed in the newly cleared route for the railway. Unlike Gardner and Webb, these railway observers lived in the Pass all winter long and used snowshoes to travel up and down the line.

A time-worn notebook from one of these railway-era observers survives in the Royal British Columbia Archives in Victoria. Titled Snow Slides, West Selkirks 1885 by S. H. Sykes it details dates, locations and sizes of avalanches crossing the proposed route of the railway. While Sykes’s notes are crisp and professional, they are peppered by superlatives when describing the power of the slides as they snapped huge trees and heaved across the Illecillewaet River. The pages also record the tragedy of two men killed by snowslides as they worked along the line.

When the Rogers Pass route was formally selected for the Trans-Canada Highway, Gardner remained to spearhead avalanche related studies and was soon joined by Peter Schaerer, a Swiss-born avalanche expert employed by the National Research Council of Canada.

During the construction years leading to the opening of the highway in 1962, both Gardner and Schaerer studied avalanches in Rogers Pass and developed an avalanche safety program that featured both fixed defences such as snowsheds and active avalanche control programs using explosives delivered by long-range artillery.

In both the railway and highway eras, field data on avalanche location, frequency, size and force were essential to locate and design snowsheds that could withstand the tornado-force power generated by slides. In the years that followed other

avalanche safety pioneers joined the Rogers Pass highway team including Austrian-born Fred (V.G.) Schleiss and his brother Walter and the Pass was visited by avalanche safety experts and researchers from around the world. Today, avalanche research, safety and training programs have expanded greatly across Canada with specialized university programs such as the Applied Snow and Avalanche Research group at the University of Calgary and Avalanche Research Group at the University of British Columbia.

With so much of Canada’s rich and on-going avalanche history on Revelstoke’s doorstep and as home to both the Canadian Avalanche Centre and the Canadian Avalanche Association, it isn’t surprising the Revelstoke Museum and Archives and its partners are currently focused on a project to protect and present this history through a virtual museum exhibit. Set to launch online in the autumn of 2014, “Land of Thundering Snow—snow science and avalanche safety in Canada”, will feature photographs, oral histories, vintage videos and artifacts from across the nation.

Pioneer snow shed in Rogers Pass. The first of a suite of sheds that would defend the highway as it passed through the avalanche alley between Mounts Tupper and Macdonald in Glacier National Park.

Photo courtesy of Revelstoke Museum and Archives.

Our past issues are available online at

reved.net

Are you in this issue?

¡

Send your friends and family a link to your story or photo by going to

reved.net

[A time-worn notebook] records the tragedy of two men killed by snowslides as they worked along the line.

¡

Fastest delivery in town! Open everyday from 9a.m.-11p.m.

109 E Victoria Rd. 250.837.4550

Unique selection of B.C. wines and beers 11

Reved online: reved.net

For details on

exciting new 2014 exhibits classes, workshops and

please visit our website.

revelstokevisualarts.com 250-814-0261 320 Wilson Street

The Hidden Advantage

T

here are many activities that demand all of our focus, that challenge our wits and put our skills to the test. Skiing a gladed powder run, driving in a winter snowstorm, tackling a steep mountain bike trail. Or playing the clarinet…

Playing the clarinet? That’s right.

Your eyes are furtively moving between your music and the conductor.

Ears are straining to hear the sound of your instrument and that of others around you. Fingers are dancing up and down the clarinet while your foot is tapping, trying to keep the beat of the music. And the music you create moves and floods you with a plethora of emotions. Playing music is not easy. However, it can be magic and benefit us in many ways.

“When you are listening to music it is as if the brain is on fire,” claims Istvan Molnar-Szahacs PhD, Research Neuroscientist at UCLA. This is a good thing. Research shows playing music, especially at a young age, leads to improvements in memory, processing language, spatial intelligence and cognitive development.

It is also claimed to lead to improvements in IQ and academic success.

by Rory Luxmoore

learn in a world that seems to crave instant gratification. Bob Rogers has been inspiring young music students in Revelstoke for many years. He has also been part of many different music groups including the Kelowna Symphony Orchestra, Bob Rogers Quartet, the Maritime Kitchen Party and even Aerosmith. He remarks: “Playing music helps build resilience; it gives you the discipline and skills to stick with it.”

¡

¡

When you are listening to music it is as if the brain is on fire.

As well as building resilience, music can help you focus. Sean Lee, a grade 10 RSS student, plays more instruments than he can name. For Sean, music helps him concentrate on the day and gives him an opportunity to express his passion.

Tessa confesses, “It kept me on track.

It kept me out of trouble and gave me Tessa Davis has been teaching high something to do.” Not to mention a school band in Revelstoke for sev- fulfilling and successful career as a eral years and sees a positive benefit. music teacher.

“Those who have taken any music from a young age, whether piano or strings, are higher achieving academically,” she states. Mike Hooker, Superintendent of School District 19, agrees. “Students who are in music have a higher probability to be on the effort and achievement honor roll.”

One of music’s greatest benefits is it just feels good. John Yakielashek, a talented player of several instruments, is in his last year at RSS. He says, “Music is emotionally rewarding to play and I often find that I feel happy and calm after playing for a while.”

Aza Deschamps started singing as Music demands practice and pa- soon as she could speak. She comtience and these are good skills to ments: “The best thing about music

is that you let your feelings run wild.

When I play, sing or work on writing a song, I put my emotions into it. Music calms my mind and makes me feel happy.”

Highschool band teacher Tessa Davis surrounded by some of her talented music students.

From left: Sean Lee, Luke Yakielashek and Zack Borthwick.

Photo: Rory Luxmoore

Music also brings people together.

Tessa reflects on playing with others.

“It is its own cult. You have something in common right away and musicians are the nicest people and funny, too.”

Yet creating music together is not as easy as one might think. “It requires your commitment to a group beyond your own needs and wants,” says Mike.

Sean realizes his biggest challenge is finding the balance with everyone else. Bob concedes, “You succeed or fail as a group.” And when things do come together it is wonderful. The beautiful music emitting from our local schools, coffeehouses, Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre and other venues, is ample evidence this camaraderie and teamwork is paying off in a big way for local talents.

We are fortunate to have the facilities, programs and teachers in place to support and develop good musicians and citizens. The local school board has been supportive of providing quality music programs and the community offers many opportunities for people of all ages to bring music to their lives. Playing music may not seem as exhilarating as skiing in knee-deep powder or as gripping as maneuvering your bike down a rocky trail. However, it brings much fulfillment and can create valuable benefits that will be realized throughout your life.

Play on.

Consider a paperless GIFT CERTIFICATE for the business pro in your life.

Know an upcoming, existing or future business needing promotion?

Consider a gift certificate for advertising in Reved! We print over 14,000 copies per year and distribute to over 200 locations around Revelstoke, Vernon, Kelowna and areas of Vancouver.

So they'll get noticed. editor@reved.net 604-219-5313

No trees were cut down to produce this paper.

Reved Quarterly is printed using leftover wood chips from the lumber industry. We also spend the extra cash and use veggie-based inks. If you don't believe us, lick this paper and see if it doesn't taste a little like carrots?

Complete dealer for

and

Largest selection of cameras and accessories in town!

Open 7 days/wk. Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

307 Victoria Rd. W . 250-837-2028

pharmasaverevelstoke.com

12

Know Your

Neighbour

Healthand

It's For Your Health, Laughter All.

by Heather Lea

W Photo: Rory Luxmoore

Les Is More

by Rory Luxmoore

ou have probably seen Les around town. Perhaps Y he was drinking a hot coffee in one of our cafes, warming up in the community centre or walking the

streets of Revelstoke looking for warmth, food or company. You can’t miss his tall, thin stature or his thick layer of clothes. He has made Revelstoke his home and his home consists of warm blankets and a series of makeshift shelters. When Les walks down a street, some people step aside and some people send a smile in his direction. Whatever the reaction, few of us know his story. That is why on a cool day in November, I decided to join Les for a cup of coffee and ask him to tell me his story.

Les was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on December 6, 1946. At the age of two his parents gave him up to the Salvation Army and he was adopted by a Dutch family. He had a challenging childhood, characterized by a little too much mischief and a little too much partying. He dropped out of school by grade 10 and his adopted parents were dead by the time he reached the age of 18.

Life on his own brought Les to many areas of Canada and the U.S. He helped build a railway in Alaska, fought fire in northern B.C., washed dishes and cleaned cars in Calgary. Like many of us, he rented his own apartment, paid the bills and went to work.

He also lived as a hermit in the mountains of southern B.C. but Les has chosen to spend most of his life living on the streets. He has survived Vancouver and Halifax and, “froze [his] toes in Winnipeg.”

Today Les can be found walking the streets of Revelstoke. “I like the excitement. I never know who I am going to meet,” he says. Les knows how to survive.

“I have a spark in me that says never give up,” he beams. He shows me a key tab that states Just for Today. “Expectation and anticipation are the biggest killers of today,” he claims. He does not expect too much and tries to make the most of each day. Yet he has his challenges. “I drink too much,” he admits.

Les is not alone in that regard. Drugs and alcohol are a problem many people face. It saddens him that so many of our youth are being “sucked in” by its allure.

“It concerns me because I was young and it reminds me of myself.” He claims that many of us are bored of our lives and we find ourselves looking for entertainment—some of us in unhealthy ways.

Les calls Revelstoke home. “I love it here. I would not trade it for the world,” he states. “I love the mountains and rivers—they speak to me.” Les also appreciates the community. “I see love coming from the heart. It can be overwhelming,” he reflects. The generous donations of food, money and clothing warms his spirit and keeps him going. With a warm meal inside him Les gives me a hearty handshake and smile and heads back out into the cold to face another day.

hen was the last time you had a good laugh; a great, gasping, pants-wetting chortle? Even if it was embarrassing, did you really let yourself go? Did you crylaugh, scream-laugh or keep it all inside until it exploded in a spittle-spray of hahaha’s?

Kids seem to have laughing dialed but as we age, adults tend to associate laughing really hard as youthful and do it less–400 times less, in fact, than children, according to a few studies. Many of us are prone to stifling a good belly-laugh despite its many health benefits. Laughing dampens emotional stress, provides a muscle workout for abs, back and shoulders, relieves pain and increases immunity. It burns extra calories (about 1.3 per minute), is contagious and best of all, free and easy to use. Although maybe not easy enough, judging from recent trends. Global-wide, laughter yoga, giggle clubs, guffaw groups and chortle therapy are the next big deal in health. The first time I learned about one of these gatherings was during an afternoon at my office that happens to be above a stage in an art gallery. A cacophony of tremendous chuckling arose under my feet. It was creepy; like an unnatural laugh-track recording. As an outsider, these people sounded to me a little pathological. But it didn’t take my curious fingers long to type ‘laughter therapy’ into Google and read some surprising background.

Laughter yoga was invented in 1995 by a physician in India named Dr. Madan Kataria, who used it to treat patients suffering from stress-related illness. The activity is done in groups, while being playful and keeping eye-contact and the effect from the forced laughter usually spawns real laughter. What’s interesting is you don’t need something funny to happen in order to laugh. Try forcing yourself to laugh now. Too weird?

Dr. Kataria’s methods have been put to use internationally. Anatomy of an Illness is the testimonial of a man named Norman Cousins, who dealt with ankylosing spondylitis, a painful, chronic inflammatory disease of the axial skeleton. Just 10 minutes per day dedicated to a good belly laugh afforded Cousins two hours of pain-free sleep. Dr. William Fry, at Stanford University, claims laughing 100 times a day burns as many calories as rowing for 10 minutes. There are even claims of suicidal thoughts being thwarted by a good joke. Although I couldn’t find anything to really back this up, it does make sense. Maybe a joke can connect someone to another and help them feel less alienated.

¡

My first reaction when someone slips on ice or farts in yoga, is to laugh.

While writing this I was curious if there have ever been cases of death-by-laughter and sadly, there are. A quick search showed pages documenting people, who have “laughed themselves to death.” They actually stopped breathing while laughing. Laughing too hard can cause asphyxiation and, although I just joked about it, cardiac arrest. A Denmark man named Ole Bentzen died from watching a scene where Ken gets chips up his nose in A Fish Called Wanda. Another fatality occurred in 207 BC when a Greek philosopher, Chrysippus, got his donkey drunk on wine and laughed himself to death when the ass started eating figs.

¡

We don’t always laugh at the most opportune times.

My first reaction when someone slips on ice or farts in yoga, is to laugh. Not super loud with a pointing finger or anything but I have to work pretty hard to stifle it. It’s a nervous thing. Using humour as a coping mechanism can be helpful in all types of intense situations involving health, relationships, work and family life. Joking helps us relate. Almost everyone has a sense of humour. You might know of someone lacking in that department but it may just be your version of humour is not theirs; what you think is hilarious might be unpleasant, immature or boring to others. Laughing at just the right (or wrong) moment can make the receiver feel either inspired or insulted. And so it can be argued that laughter is critical to social interaction.

If you’re not comfortable group-guffawing in a laughter therapy class, check out Wikihow’s nine-step program How To Laugh. Don’t actually follow the steps, just read them–they’re hilarious. “Make sure that the way you laugh is acceptable to others by looking around while you laugh. (If so, good. If not, work on it.).” Just the tips alone will get you laughing in no time! (Whoops, there I go making fun of something that might be useful to someone in need–refer to above paragraph where I speak of insulting laughter.)

As we chuckle, giggle and snort our way through life, it might be good to remember what these outbursts do for us emotionally, mentally and physically. There exists in us all the impulse to laugh. For some, laughter comes as an effortless expulsion, uninhibited and raw, washing over bystanders like a river in spring melt. For others it trickles like a shy afterthought, bubbling up from an underground spring. Laughter can invoke in us embarrassment or happiness. It might come from the kindest or meanest of persons. But deep down, we all love to laugh, right?

If you think about it, laughter is odd. Like other sounds deployed from our bodies, it can be embarrassing and come without warning. Some people can't stand their laugh or the way they look laughing. On occasions where I laugh really, really hard, I appear to lose muscle control and breathing techniques. My sister once said something hilarious at the dinner table and I literally slumped off my chair onto the carpet and stayed there in a fetal pos- LOL, friends, LOL. ition, tears streaming down my face with no sound coming out. My family thought I was going into cardiac arrest. What kind of laugh are you? Visit reved.net to find out!

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine

Jade Mountain Wellness and Acupuncture Erin Potter R.TCM.P. Kim Nicholls RMT 101 1st St. W. 250-837-3900 jademountain.ca

Energy Therapy andCoaching

Guided Energy Work and Soul Counselling Frieda Livesey Classes in Soul Awareness Writing 250-837-3724 hearttohearthealing.ca

Massage Therapy and Bodywork Beth Purser Massage NHPC Best Western Plus Revelstoke 1925 Laforme Blvd.

250.814.3679 bpurser@telus.net

Bodylogic Therapeutic Massage

Karen Schneider RMT, Tina Giotsalitis RMT Suite 103 - 103 1st St. E. on the 250-837-3666 bodylogicmassagerevelstoke.com

Helios Rehabilitation & Performance 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com

Repose Massage Therapy and Day Spa Ashley Sumner BC RMT Amy Eburne BC RMT Located at the Coast Hillcrest Hotel 250-837-3322 reposedayspa.ca

1601 Victoria Rd. 250-837-4352

Hotels/B&B's

Physiotherapy

Helios Rehabilitation & Performance Amy Guidinger BScPT RCAMT CGIMA RPT Fraser Sprigins BScPT CAFCI RPT EMR Katie Kenyon BSW, MScPT RPT 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com

Red Cedar Physiotherapy

Jocelyn Kutcher BScPT RPT Prue Hicks BAppScPT RPT Naomi Gibbs, BPT RPT Suite 204, 555 Victoria Rd. (beside Coopers) 250-837-8519 redcedarphysio.ca

$ = under $60 $$ = $60 - $90 $$$ = $90 - $110 $$$$ = $110 and up

Canyon Motor Inn canyonmotorinn.ca 1911 Fraser Dr.

250-837-5221

$-$$$$

250-837-9337

$$$$

mustangbedandbreakfast.com 1221 1st St. W. 250-837-2801

$$$$

Minto Manor B&B mintomanor.com 815 Mackenzie Ave.

Mustang B&B

Ol' Frontier Motel

T'ai Chi

theolfrontier.ca 122 Hwy 23 N.

Revelstoke T'ai Chi - Qi Gong

Eve Wolters 778-252-0078 (local number) Various locations - find us on Facebook. facebook.com/RevelstokeTaiChi

250-837-5119

$-$$

250-200-0388

$$$$

Powder Pillow B&B powderpillow.ca 1103 Pine Ridge Crescent

Powder Springs Hotel

Yoga/Pilates

Balu Yoga and Wellness

Sheri Zebroff RMT and Shendra Kelly RPT Frieda Livesey - Guided Energy Therapy 414 1st St. W. 250-837-3975 baluyoga.com

Helios Rehabilitation & Performance 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com

powdersprings.ca 200 3rd St. W.

250-837-5151

$$$-$$$$

250-837-2107

$$-$$$$

Regent Hotel

regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.

Sweet View Rooms B&B bbcanada.com/12686.html 1102 Oscar St.

250-837-3569

$$

250-837-4650

$$-$$$$

Swiss Chalet Motel

Revelstoke Massage Therapy Clinic David Walker RMT, Liane Dorrius RMT Josiane Maillet RMT 301 1st St. E. 250-837-6677 revelstokemassagetherapy.com

Revelstoke Community/Aquatic Centre Kimberly Olson 600 Campbell Ave. 250-837-3344 Rec Centre: 250-837-9531 www.kimberlyolson.ca

Traditional Thai Massage

Red Cedar Physiotherapy

Kimberly Olson 250-837-3344 Suite 204, 111 2nd St. www.kimberlyolson.ca

Sleeps

Natural Health Products

Mountain Goodness Natural Foods

swisschaletmotel.com 1101 Victoria Rd. W.

Small group pilates classes Suite 204, 555 Victoria Rd. (beside Coopers) 250-837-8519 redcedarphysio.ca

Nutritionists

Helios Rehabilitation & Performance Amanda Argue RHN 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com

Want your listing on this page? $25/listing or $90/year

Pharmasave - Nutritional Counselling

E-mail: editor@reved.net Phone: 604-219-5313

Melissa Hemphill, BSc RHN 307 Victoria Rd. 250-837-2028 nathealth@pharmasaverevelstoke.com pharmasaverevelstoke.com

Restaurants/Pubs $ = under $15 $$ = $15 - 25 $$$ = $25 and up

112 Restaurant and Lounge regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.

Isabella's Ristorante 250-837-2107

$$$

Kawakubos

Benoit's Wine Bar

benoitswinebar.com 107 2nd St. E. 250-837-6606

Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store 2108 Big Eddy Rd.

Carrie's Café

204 Mackenzie Ave.

Conversations Café

205 Mackenzie Ave.

250-814-0095

109 1st. St. E. $-$$$

La Baguette Espresso Bar 607 Victoria Rd. & Garden Ave.

$-$$

250-837-7175

$

Main St. Café

317 Mackenzie Ave. 250-837-3035

$

Modern Bake Shop & Café 212 Mackenzie Ave.

250-837-5552

250-837-6743

$-$$$

theolfrontier.ca 122 Hwy 23 N.

250-837-2467

$$$

Paramjit's Kitchen

250-837-3755

$-$$

250-837-2121

$-$$

regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.

250-837-6888

$

Sangha Bean

250-837-6886

$

250-837-4211

$

paramjitskitchen.com 116 1st. St. W.

250-837-5119

$-$$

250-837-2121

$-$$

250-837-2107

$$-$$$

250-814-0080

$-$$

250-837-5500

$-$$$

River City Pub

Last Drop

201 2nd St. W.

Ginger and Spice

Facebook: Ginger & Spice Bistro 114 Mackenzie Ave.

Ol' Frontier Motel

isabellasristorante.ca 206 Mackensie Ave.

Nomad Food Co.

$-$$$ 1601 Victoria Rd. 14

111 Connaught Ave.

Woolsey Creek Bistro

woolseycreekbistro.ca 604 2nd. St. W.

parks c anada.g c .c a parc s c anada.g c .c a

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WINTER PERMIT SYSTEM NOW IN EFFECT

PARC NATIONAL DES GLACIERS LE SYSTÈME DE DÉLIVRANCE DE PERMIS D’ACCÈS HIVERNAL EST MAINTENANT EN VIGUEUR

The 2013/14 Winter Permit System is in effect from November 26, 2013 until the seasonal end of the avalanche control program. Access to all slopes in Glacier National Park that face the TransCanada Highway and Canadian Pacific railway line is either prohibited or restricted to the public.

The Winter Permit System allows backcountry users to enter Winter Restricted Areas that are part of the highway avalanche program when artillery gunfire is not anticipated in those areas. This system protects the public from avalanche control actions in the transportation corridor, but it does not render slopes safe for winter recreationists.

Le système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal pour la saison 2013-2014 est en vigueur à partir du 26 novembre 2013 jusqu’à la fin de la saison des déclenchements préventifs d’avalanches.

L’accès du public à toutes les pentes du parc national des Glaciers qui bordent la Transcanadienne et la voie ferrée du Canadien Pacifique est interdit ou restreint. Ce système permet aux randonneurs de l’arrière pays de pénétrer dans les zones d’accès hivernal restreint visées par le programme de déclenchement préventif d’avalanches lorsque des tirs d’artillerie n’y sont pas prévus. Ce système protège le public contre les déclenchements préventifs dans le couloir routier, mais il n’assure pas la sécurité des pentes pour les amateurs de loisirs d’hiver.

For the 2013/14 season: • Annual Winter Permits are available through an online Winter Permit System quiz:parkscanada. gc.ca/skirogerspass • Daily individual Winter Permits continue to be available at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre • A Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement and specific terms and conditions must still be accepted as in previous years.

Pour la saison 2013-2014 : • Il est possible de se procurer un permis d’accès hivernal d’un an en subissant un test-éclair en ligne sur le système de délivrance, au parcscanada.gc.ca/skicolrogers.

• Les particuliers peuvent obtenir leur permis d’accès hivernal d’une journée au Centre de la découverte du Col Rogers.

• Comme par le passé, il faut cette année encore accepter les modalités d’une entente d’exonération de responsabilité et d’indemnisation.

Winter recreationists are reminded that entering a closed area in the park without a permit is dangerous and an offence under the Canada National Parks Act. With an increase in violations last year, it is important to note that one hundred percent compliance with the Winter Permit System is required. Violation of restricted and prohibited areas is punishable on conviction of a fine of up to $200,000, and could result in permanent changes to the Winter Permit System.

Nous tenons à rappeler aux amateurs de loisirs d’hiver qu’il est dangereux et illégal en vertu de la Loi sur les parcs nationaux du Canada de pénétrer sans permis dans une zone fermée au public.

Compte tenu de la hausse du nombre d’infractions enregistrées l’an dernier, il est important de noter que Parcs Canada exige désormais un taux de conformité de 100% aux modalités du système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal. Ceux qui pénètrent illégalement dans des zones d’accès restreint ou interdit sont passibles d’une amende pouvant aller jusqu’à 200 000 $. De plus, les infractions pourraient entraîner des changements permanents au système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal.

For complete details on the Winter Permit System, please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/skirogerspass or call 250-837-7500. Please note that Glacier Park Lodge is closed and there is no fuel or hotel accommodation in Rogers Pass. Travellers should plan their trips accordingly and check DriveBC.ca for current road conditions.

Pour obtenir des détails complets sur le système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal, consultez le site Web parcscanada.gc.ca/skicolrogers ou composez le 250-837-7500. Veuillez noter que le Glacier Park Lodge est fermé, et qu’il n’y a ni essence ni hébergement dans le col Rogers. Les voyageurs sont priés de planifier leurs déplacements en conséquence et de consulter le site Web DriveBC.ca (en anglais seulement) pour connaître l’état des routes.

Come in for

20% OFF!

Multi day packages and in-season day skiing starting at

$380 during low season and

$460

in high season.

?

DID YOU

KNOW We offer:

• competitive rates for travel insurance • trip cancellation and trip interuption insurance • all-inclusive travel packages • private auto insurance

our backcountry packages, which include Ortovox avalanche beacons, shovels and probes.

Renting an apartment or house?

Come see us for a quote on a tenants package!

You don't need to be a member...

Buy local at Wearabouts!

Clothing and gear for the

great outdoors

...but membership has its rewards.

K3: 250-837-5100

217 Mackenzie Ave

Wearabouts: 250-837-4441

15

250.837.6291 110 2nd Street West www.revcu.com

A few great reasons to

• You've rated us in the TOP 1% for Canadian dealers • We are THE ONLY vehicle shop that can perform warranty • WE LIVE HERE. Issues are solved immediately and we're just around the corner • We guarantee the BEST PRICES AND SERVICE in BC • Two-store buying power.

If you don't see it,

WE WILL FIND IT!

THANK YOU

REVELSTOKE

for supporting us and our employees. Because of you, we grow every year!

WE WISH YOU THE BEST WINTER YET!

HUGE INVENTORY!

Reved Quarterly is designed and published by Reved Media and Design. Visit revedmedia.com or call 604.219.5313.