Route 3, Spring 2011 issue

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P e o p l e A rts H o m e s F o o d c u lt u r e r e c r e at i o n H i s to ry Spring 2011

Life in the West Kootenay/Boundary Region

Interior Design Fine tune your style with fabulous fashions from local designers

Concrete Transformations

Melon Durand creates unique sculptures in her Christina Lake studio

Ship to Shore

At home in the lovingly restored paddlewheeler — The Nasookin

Centre for Peace

The Mir Centre brings peace studies to the region


BC’s Best Kept Secret ...the view is only the beginning! Call any of our realtors for information On properties in our area.

250-442-2711

Toll Free: 1-800-567-3199

272 Central Avenue, Grand Forks, B.C.

www.grandforksrealestate.ca


contents Publisher Chuck Bennett chuckbennett@ blackpress.ca Account Manager Chris Hammett route3@ grandforksgazette.ca Editor & Art Director Shelley Ackerman sackerman@telus.net

Photo courtesy Endless Harvest

Route 3 is published quarterly by Black Press Telephone: 250-442-2191 or 1-877-443-2191 Courier and mail: Box 700, 7255 Riverside Dr. Grand Forks, B.C. V0H 1H0

Fresh spring asparagus shoots are ready to be shipped out to Endless Harvest customers. See story on page 15.

arts & Culture

community

Concrete Transformations

Centre for Peace

Melon Durand’s quirky and unique sculptures add character to gardens and homes, page 7

The Mire Centre at Selkirk College in Castlegar brings peace studies to the region, page 25

Fashion

History

Interior Design Get into 100-mile garb with fabulous fashions from Kootenay designers, page 10 Food & Drink

Organically Ours Endless Harvest helps people eat their fruits and veggies, page 15 Homes

Ship to Shore

Route 3 is distributed through the following newspapers, and on racks throughout the West Kootenay and Boundary regions.

Printed in Canada on recyclable paper. Copyright 2010 by Black Press. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any article, photograph, or artwork without written permission of the publisher is strictly forbidden. The publisher can assume no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Ryckman’s Kootenay Cure A patent medicine to call our own, page 28 Q&A

FSC LOGO HERE

Kootenay Kilties

An interview with David Hogg, pipe major, page 28 Cover photo by David R. Gluns: Special Places

Photo by Chris Hammett, page 30

Camille and bike with Nelson millinery design company Lillie & Cohoe’s Lady Ascot hat.

The Coles are at home with history in their lovingly resorted paddlewheeler — The Nasookin, page 18

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Tidbits – a taste of what’s happening in the West Kootenay/Boundary Dummy Downhill / End of Season Party

Red Mountain, Rossland Sun. Apr. 3 Celebrate the end of the ski season with fellow snow enthusiasts, music and great food. Come experience the deck party that everyone talks about. Festival Nelson

Fri. Apr. 29 – Sat. Apr. 30 The 24th Annual High School Music Festival hosted by LV Rogers, Trafalgar Jr Secondary Schools and the Nelson United Church. The two-day event includes evening concerts. http://festivalnelson.sd8.bc.ca/ index.htm Silver City Days

Various locations In Trail Mon. May 2 – Sun. May 8 The annual celebration commences with a mid-week Citizen of the Year Award, continuing with five days and nights of fun, food and entertainment. Festivities conclude on the Sunday with a family day celebration.

Nelson Garden Festival

200 block Baker Street, Nelson Sat. May 7 Celebrate Mother's Day weekend at the tenth annual Nelson Garden Festival, a showcase for gardening vendors in the region. Annuals, perennials, early vegetable starts, trees, shrubs, furniture and all kinds of accessories will line the 200 block of Baker Street from 10 am to 3 pm. Music and fun for the whole family! SS Moyie Open House

324 Front St, Kaslo Sun. May 8 Step back in time onboard the SS Moyie. Open house is from 11am4 pm; admission is by donation. Meet this year's members of the Moyie crew in a meet and greet and enjoy an interpretive tour of the ship and site.

Springtastic 2011

Freeman’s Farm Supply, Rock Creek Sat. May 14 An educational, informative, funfilled day for the whole family. Presentations on landscaping, gardening, zero waste, composting, food security and more. Draw prizes, Rock Creek Farmer’s Market, children’s games and activities, live entertainment. Sunfest

Various locations throughout Castlegar Fri. June 3 – Sun. June 5 This event includes the Miss Castlegar Queen Pageant, slow-pitch tournament and entertainment garden, parade, talent show, family BBQ, vintage car club show and shine and much more.

We’re everywhere you are. mobile web banking

online banking

The Kootenay Festival

Heritage Way (across the highway from the West Kootenay Regional Airport), Castlegar Sat. July 16, 11am to 7pm Inclusive, multi-faceted arts and culture festival that celebrates and showcases cultural diversity and artistic excellence within our community and across the region Two stages, food vendors, interactive displays, workshops and more. castlegarculture.com. Raid the North Extreme

West Kootenay region July 23 – 31 Over six days, four-person co-ed teams will navigate a 500km+ expedition over an unmarked route by paddling, trekking, trail running, mountain biking, and using fixed ropes through the wild and historic West Kootenay of British Columbia. www.RaidTheNorthExtreme.com

better. together. telephone banking

ATMs

e-statements

Spring is almost here and who wants to be indoors? With Kootenay Savings, you can get out there, enjoy life and still get your banking done. Our electronic services let you bank 24/7 from anywhere in the world where you have a dial tone or web access. Check balances, compare rates, pay bills, transfer funds... whatever you need to do, we make it easy. You and Kootenay Savings. Better. Together.

www.kscu.com

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Route 3 Spring 2011


Picture this... Beautiful. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Natural. Affordable. Fresh. Credible. Personal. Stimulating.

contributors Tyler Austin Bradley lives in an old corner store in Rossland. He divides his time between reading, writing, eating, sleeping, producing films and managing the waste stream of residents in the greater Trail area. He is originally from Vancouver. Nelson-based photographer David R. Gluns has captured moments in many special places in the world, creating images for numerous magazines, books and commercial clients, but “nothing beats the Kootenays as a place to live and photograph. I love the challenge of getting a great image whether it be flying in my plane, making food look great for the latest cookbook, or just hiking in the backcountry!” He can be reached at david@gluns.ca

exceeding expectations |

selkirk.ca

Located in the spectacular West Kootenay and Boundary regions.

After numerous years as a camera store and photo lab owner/operator at the coast, and 30 years’ experience as a professional photographer, Chris Hammett decided it was time for a change, so she moved to Grand Forks to enjoy the slower-paced, rural lifestyle. It was a chance to unwind and be inspired in a region of spectacular scenery. Exploring the backcountry in her Jeep, she still shoots professionally while being true to her own creative vision. Nelson Star reporter Greg Nesteroff believes everything he reads. Arne Petryshen recently found his way to Grand Forks, where he works as reporter at the Gazette. Originally from Cranbrook, he spent a brief stint in Lethbridge for school, all the while longing for the elevation changes of B.C. He’s now waiting for summer, to go hiking and fishing in the sun. Doug Pyper is a freelance photojournalist based out of Nelson, British Columbia. doug@pyperphoto.com Amy Robillard is a freelance writer based out of Nelson. She is a regular contributor to local papers and publications as well as a business writer for Rising Women magazine, based out of Calgary. When not playing in the mountains or writing, Amy can be found in her kitchen mixing up a batch of gelato for the company she founded and manages, Little Miss Gelato, a local ice cream manufacturing company based in Nelson. Trail freelancer Lana Rodlie spent 16 years as a reporter with the Trail Daily Times. She’s also written for The Province, BC Business and a variety of travel magazines. Besides writing, she spends a great deal of time volunteering (Rotary, Community in Bloom, and Japanese Twinning) and also dabbles in genealogy, local history and travel.

1000 Business Cards, Full Colour, Full Bleed, Double Sided, Varnish Front Side Delivery every second Friday. Camera ready artwork must be submitted the Tuesday before delivery date.

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Trail . 815 Victoria Street Phone . 250.364.2300 Nelson . 511 Front Street Phone . 250.352.6900 Toll Free: 1.800.663.7820

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Aug 13 - 14, 2011

10:00am - 5:00pm

Aug 15,

Explore artists’ studios, museums, art galleries and heritage sites through this free, self-guided tour within the Columbia Basin. Meet the artists, shop for demonstrations, special exhibitions, interpretive displays or chat with local historians during this cultural celebration! For further information visit 250-505-5505 our website or call.

toll free 1-877-505-7355 www.cbculturetour.com Funded by

www.cbculturetour.com

250-505-5505 • 1-877-505-7355 Lunch Break Lunch Break

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rdKB area d director irene PerePolKin

Come for the Adventure www.investkootenay.com www.boundarycf.com Route 3 Spring 2011

rdKB area C director graCe MCgregor


arts & culture story by Arne Petryshen PHotos by Chris Hammett

Concrete Transformations Melon Durand’s quirky and unique sculptures add character to gardens and homes

I

f you happen to wonder into Durand’s Nursery in Christina Lake B.C. and make it past Hortus the cat’s watchful eye, you will probably notice a unique sculpture in the midst of the beautiful plants for sale. The piece of art is a woman. The unique thing about this woman is the playful variety of kitchen implements positioned on her body. The sculpture, called “Homage to the Little Woman,” has a colander in her hand, a frying pan on her belt and a rusty grater for a neck. The woman welcomes you to the nursery and to the sculptural world of Melon Durand. The nursery, though, is only a forum to show her art. The real work goes on in her workshop up the hill at the Durands’ home. Here you start to get an idea of the process and skill that goes into creating the sculptures. The process begins with Melon constructing the bones of the sculpture. “It just starts out with anything that’ll take some shape,” she says. “I build bones first using wire, wire mesh, old pieces of metal.”

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Opening page: Melon likes to work with wire mesh, polymer modified cement and wax on some of her busts. Here she adds the finishing touches to one of her current projects. This rosebud-like piece will actually become a planter. From left: "Heron" composed of metal, wire mesh and cement. "Tony": This bust, which took on the likeness of Melon's father, is made of metal covered with cement and a top layer of hand modelled wax. "Guard Dog", made from wire mesh, polymer modified cement and glass. A statue of one of Melon's late pets greets you at the gate as you enter the driveway of the Durand home. "Homage to the Little Woman" poses between two greenhouses at the nursery. "Little Sister" bust, overlaid with wax and coloured with powdered pigment, resembles one of Melon's sisters.

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Melon then covers the wire or mesh with a layer of burlap and cement. When that sets it becomes strong and she adds another layer. The process can take a while, especially when she is forced to work inside due to the weather. The time it takes to make a sculpture also depends a lot on what the sculpture will be. “In the summer it’s easier, because you can be outside and it dries a little bit faster — you can’t let it dry too fast,” she says. “You have to take care.” Melon has been learning as she goes along to deal with the problems she encounters. “The first ones I did, I had overkill on the inside, way more (metal support) than I needed. The more I’ve been making, the lighter they’re actually getting.” Melon has been working with ceramic cement with a polymer added so it is strong and doesn’t weigh as much as regular cement. She uses other materials as well. “I like working in plaster, wax, cement, any kind of metal; anything I can work with on my own.” Melon also enjoys working in plaster because of its versatility. She can sand it down, gouge it out with tools and just add on another layer of plaster if it doesn’t work out the way she hoped.

She got inspired to start making sculptures after seeing a friend, who along with her husband built a cement house and used leftover cement to make pots and other objects. Finding some free time from the nursery, Melon started experimenting with cement, having her friend to help her and answer her questions. Talking of her past, Melon says: “I took two years of fine arts at UVIC. I was involved in art, but then we moved here and got involved with the nursery and kids. There just wasn’t time for art.” What Melon did find working with the colours and textures of plants, was that Bonsai and landscape design was just another form of art. So though she had to put sculpting on hold for more than two decades, she found the years of experience with plants had a positive effect on the sculpting. She also credits some of her favourite artists from the past, such as sculptors Marino Marini and Medardo Rosso. She’s inspired by the way these sculptors are able to use minimal forms to make interesting sculptures of faces and animals. The other inspiration she names is Amedeo Modigliani, because of his interesting portrait paintings. Many of the sculptures in her workshop are portrait busts, and Melon


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says that she likes to focus on people because of her interest in If we don’t have it, we can order it. expression. A small tilt of the head or neck can be the difference in whether the sculpture is interesting or not. Some of her works are turning out to be people she knows. One ferrarofoods.ca of them, a plaster bust overlaid with wax and coloured with powdered pigment, looks like one of her sisters, while another, of a man, turned out to look a lot like her father. “It just happened. When I make them I don’t have a picture. I don’t say, ‘I have to make this.’ I just start bending wire and making shapes and whatever happens, happens,” she says. She also likes to do sculptures of dogs and birds. “I’ve done a lot of dogs, and some birds. I like animals.” In the workshop, there’s only one dog sculpture, the first she did, but Melon says that she’s done many more. She tries to keep the works simple and without too many extra details. A large rooster sculpture sits in her workshop, but she says it is too busy and could use a bit of simplicity. Melon is currently working on large tree trunk-like flowerpots. The sculptures are more than a metre tall. One of them is almost finished, but the other is still in the wire stage. Melon also makes pots for the Bonsai trees she raises at the nursery, and says that these pots are one of the things she’s interested in focusing on for future projects. She’s been working with Bonsai for as long as they have had the nursery. “I’ve done Bonsai here for over 20 years. I just did a few and then the last six or seven years I’ve gotten more into it,” she says. For Melon the sculptures and the pots are just an outlet, one she says that she needs or she get restless. THISTLE POT GIFTS “If I’m not making something, a hanging basket or a loaf of bread, T G 337 MARKET AVE. • GRAND FORKS, BC I get really antsy. I need to do something. I need to make some250.442.1214 THISTLE POT GIFTS THISTLE thing.” 337 MARKET • GRAND FORKS, BC “Your Home &AVE. Garden Decor Store” 337 MARKET AVE. • GRAND She calls the work of sculpting exhilarating. 337 Market avenue, Grand250.442.1214 Forks 25 “It’s hard but satisfying. It makes me feel complete and content,” 250-442-1214 she says. “There’s this incredible transformation from whatever raw MKTG12158_THISTLE.indd 1 2/28/2011 2:42:09 PM materials are used to the finished form.”

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MKTG12158_THISTLE.indd 1 MKTG12158_THISTLE.indd 1

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2/28/2011 2:42:0


T Get into 100-mile garb with fabulous fashions from Kootenay designers Page 10

Route 3 Spring 2011

Though we Kootenay gals do have our own sense of style, the interior of British Columbia doesn’t necessarily come to mind when we think of fashion-forward design. However, the combination of entrepreneurial spirit, creative institutions and signature styles are transforming our sidewalks into catwalks, featuring hipster style without all that city ‘tude. Locally inspired designs are not new to the region, but the sheer volume and creative interpretation of designers results in signature lines that breathe new life into the trend. With a little help from local boutiques and little more help from the worldwide web, three companies have made a considerable dent on the national and international design scene. For us Kootenay kids, we just have to stroll down the street to take a peek.


fashion

story by

Amy Robillard

Interior Design Think sugary whimsy accented with designer punk-rock. This recipe is what has put Punkin — a hip children’s clothing line that offers, “Edgy, confident styles for that awesome little person in your life” — on shelves across Canada. Mom, businesswoman and designer Katie Tabor is the brains, hands and heart behind this sweet line. “My son Sage was the catalyst behind Punkin,” says Tabor explaining the journey that brought her from the field of social work to clothing design. “Typical children’s clothing never seemed to suit him,” says Tabor. Tabor took things into her own hands — literally — and made Sage an adorable little cap. That was four years ago and kiddies have never had it so good. Handcrafted apparel with interesting accents is what makes Punkin a line of walking art. Hats, tees, halters and dresses are comfortable, well made and are all produced in Tabor’s home studio in Crescent Valley. Inspired by fabrics and the wee ones that frolic in the region, Punkin has a vintage feel with a modern flare. Organic cottons and bamboo fabric, silkscreened images and little smiling faces have made Punkin a big success story with just the right amount of small-town humility. “Punkin is a proud reflection of local women in business; from the design and creation of the clothing, to the photography, graphic design, suppliers, retailers and other local designers that inspire.” To get your own piece of this sweet (punkin) pie, please visit Punkin’s website at www.punkin.ca, or for the real thing head to Global Underground, 532 Ward Street, Nelson.

Alison Watt

David R. Gluns

Punkin

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Dear Pony

Though not exactly edible, Dear Pony is a feast — for the eyes. Playful and luxurious, Nelson designer Tracy Fillion brings a romantic fluidity to her designs giving them a sense of romanticism and subtle sex appeal. Focusing on women’s design, Fillion admits that her creations are more about design than fashion, “Everything is design focused — I look to design over fashion for inspiration.” Dear Pony’s modest beginning in 2004 at the Nelson markets soon became a coveted line with a loyal following. With a natural talent for combining interesting patterns, cozy fabrics, hand-made buttons and up-cycled materials, Fillion made a name for herself with her adorable mobile airstream boutique, Very Hush Hush. A self-taught fibre artist, Fillion credits local fibre guru, Angelika Werth, who is not only her mentor but also her inspiration. “Angelika taught me about pattern drafting as well as the concept of art in clothing. I aspire to have the talent she brings to the art of fibre,” Fillion explains. The idea of wearable and useable art has made Dear Pony’s designfocused clients flock to experience the clothes that can easily transport you from a gray day on Baker Street to an afternoon skating party with friends Check out dearpony.etsy.com — the vibrant online boutique for everything beautiful, or for the real thing stop by Global Underground, 532 Ward Street, Nelson.

David R. Gluns

Lillie & Cohoe

For darling details on your noggin, look no further than millinery design company Lillie & Cohoe. Designing under the name Lillie & Cohoe since the company’s inception in 1992, Liz Cohoe has seamlessly infused elegance with playful warmth in all of her heady creations. Bustling with a handful of employees patterning, creating and sewing, Lillie & Cohoe produces high-end hats for distributors in Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Chicago and Seoul, Korea. Producing over 11,000 hats annually, her clientele expects a little something special from the hats that are born and bred in their Nelson-back-alley production house. “Our hats are classic with a side of whimsy. Women love to see what happens when they put on one of our hats,” Cohoe explains. A graduate from Fashion Design at Ryerson University in Toronto, Cohoe has been designing with some of the country’s most prestigious companies. Over the last 40 years, Cohoe has worked on lines for Richard Robinson Haute Couture of Ottawa, and Ruth Fredric Couture of Calgary. Her experience is visible in every intricate morsel she brings to the market. Supple hats made from wool, alpaca, cashmere, silk and linen are wearable options that are so scrumptious, putting one on makes you walk a little taller. For your own handmade luxury, visit www.lillieandcohoe. com, or for the real thing head to Streetclothes Named Desire, 498 Baker Street, Nelson. Of course, there are dozens of local designers that are creating fabulous wearable art, and just as many boutiques that are lovingly giving up shelf space to display these Kootenay-inspired goodies.


The Goods on Local Goodies www.etsy.com The site for everything beautiful

The Cellar Local boutique carrying Canadian gifts and apparel. 2067 Columbia Avenue, Rossland 250-362-7600 www.rosslandcellar.com Lilikoi Barbara Boswell - Designer Women’s apparel focusing on hand-printed clothing on 100 per cent natural fabrics. 358 Baker Street, Nelson 250-352-3382 info@lilikoiclothing.com

David R. Gluns

Global Underground Nelson boutique carrying a large selection of locally designed women’s and men’s clothing and accessories. 532 Ward Street, Nelson 250-352-1878 www.global-underground.net

Tara Davis Studio Boutique Tara Davis - Designer Jewelry and Fiber Art 566 Baker Street, Nelson 250-352-5358 www.taradavis.ca

David R. Gluns

Moja Designs Alina Skiba – Designer Ready-to-wear and custom made clothing for men and women. Nelson http://mojadesigns.ca/

Alison Watt

Bea & Glad Studio Lori Prest – Designer Versatile and colourful women’s clothing customized with hand dyeing and silk-screened prints. Trail (Available at Global Underground) http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ BeaGlad-Studio/301033860439

Opening spread, left: Robin in a Prairie Jacket by Dear Pony. Right: A little cutie in her Eco Bamboo Tunic from Punkin. Left: Robin wearing a Dear Pony design — the Audrey dress. This page, top: Adrienne in a corduroy Mao Now hat and Sandra in a Pop Art Nora, both from Lillie & Cohoe. Left: The Pirate Raglan T-shirt from Punkin. Right: Baby Petra and mom Melissa, who is wearing Lillie & Cohoe Charlize Hat.

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Restaurant, Banquet & Catering Co.

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Dinner: 4:30–8:30 daily lunch: 11:30–2 weekdays Reservations: 250-364-1816

1475 Cedar ave, trail Colander express – located in Waneta Plaza Mall

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Casual pub fare, family and fine dining 651-18th St., CaStlegar • 250-365-7779 blackroosterbarandgrill.com • blackrooster@shaw.ca

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Route 3 Spring 2011

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food & drink story by

Tyler Austin Bradley

Organicly ours Endless Harvest helps people eat their fruits and veggies

Photo: courtesy Endless harvest

A

seed-change is taking place across the Kootenay landscape. Seedsaving workshops, community gardens, canning and preserving threaten to topple mountain-biking and hiking as the spring thing-to-do — a focus on healthy eating, food security and the like matching our usual adrenaline pursuits pace for pace. Amidst the locavore furore and renewed interest in macrobiotic eating is a whirling, thriving little business based in “wild and woolly” Ymir (pronounced Why-mer), between Salmo and Nelson. Located on Ymir’s main drag, Endless Harvest Organic Food Delivery is a bustling, burstingat-the-seams venture undertaken by “organic goddess” Velvet Kavanagh, and staffed by a small but committed team dedicated to bringing their customers the best in organic produce and healthy grocery options.

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Tyler Bradley Photo: courtesy Endless harvest

Opening page: A typical box of fresh organic produce delivered from Endless Harvest. Top: Shannon Ross, Meghan Luxton, Amy Brewster, Velvet Kavanagh at the Endless Harvest HQ in Ymir. Above: Velvet with a fresh batch of peas, ready to divvy up. Right page: From green onions, basil and rainbow chard, to heirloom tomatoes and an assortment of hot peppers, it’s always a treat to see what arrives in your box. Page 16

Route 3 Spring 2011

Established in 1998, Endless Harvest was inspired by Kavanagh’s extensive experience working in health food stores and herbal mail-order distribution, and came about largely due to Kavanagh’s desire to relocate to the Kootenays. “I was in Kelowna, and then Vancouver for a while. I knew I wanted to live here, but I needed to figure out a way to make that possible.” Indeed, in the Kootenays a BYOB acronym and attitude is indispensable, in Kavanagh’s case the latter and letter B being her Business; Bring Your Own Business goes a long way to gaining a foothold in the ‘Koots, and Kavanagh saw an opportunity in establishing a door-to-door delivery service for products locals were already clamouring for. “I did several research trips, arrived with my business plan in hand in May, and by July we were making our first deliveries.” While a market for Endless Harvest’s service was relatively easy to corner, logistics and organization proved to be of the utmost importance, particularly where navigating bumps and corners in the road mid-winter were concerned. Seated in her office in Endless Harvest headquarters, Kavanagh points to a photograph of the first Endless Harvest delivery truck, a burgundy van of indeterminate make and model rolled in a snowy ditch.

A chunky 4x4 has long since replaced the minivan of yore, Endless Harvest logo emblazoned on the canopy, delivery driver carefully stacking bins for the Slocan Valley to Castlegar run. No need to chain up with this tricked-out truck, a storm-front on the horizon not cause for alarm. Still, weather is a challenge, whether it makes for treacherous road conditions or the occasional speed bump in the supply chain. On the particular Friday I paid a visit to the combined Endless Harvest market, postal outlet, distribution centre and packing house, Velvet was busy finalizing the contents of outgoing bins for the following week, spoke in depth with local farmers/suppliers and larger distributors on the coast per possible bin additions, produce availability and, if needed, substitutions. “Occasionally we need to substitute one item for another, but our customers understand the nature of farming. Usually it’s just a matter of waiting another week for a crop to be ready to harvest, and then adding that produce back into the bin. We work closely with our suppliers, and have really good relationships with them.” While Kavanagh emphasizes the importance of being adaptive on the business end, she notes that a similar approach has been adopted


Photos: courtesy Endless harvest

by many of Endless Harvest’s customers, too. “Unusual” produce and varieties of produce that many are initially unfamiliar with necessitate adventurous eating and a willingness to try new things. Recipes and recipe suggestions are included with many of the outgoing bins/items in the form of the Endless Harvest newsletter, and glowing feedback and comments typically flow in on the heels of a new product introduction. “Our service helps people get out of their vegetable rut,” Kavanagh laughs. Healthful frugality is a match made and at home in the Kootenays. Where chocolate and peanut butter assuage the masses in vending machine land, out here it’s all about nurturing the body and mind… on a budget. The service, with three routes (Nelson to Harrop-Procter, Salmo-Beaver Valley-Trail-Rossland, and Castlegar to Slocan City) is surprisingly affordable, a good many of the customers and fan-base for Endless Harvest self-described hyper-frugal ski-bums and mountain bikers (my peer group). To hear some tell it, the choice to go organic is a simple one; the healthier the body/temple, then the more abuse it can take on the mountain. Kavanagh understands the sentiment. When she’s “not glued to her computer,” she can be

found “scooping up powder in the trees at Whitewater,” or volunteer ski patrolling at Red Mountain. Sensing my opportunity, I posit that my being an Endless Harvest customer would also help address my somewhat reluctant (and incredibly lazy) shopping habits. Not missing a beat (and presumably pinning me as an omnivore in the process), Velvet notes that Endless Harvest also offers a variety of meat products for delivery, too, and that a recent partnership with Au Soleil Levant (a terrific Nelson-based bakery) ensures availability of bready goodness for any interested parties. Nice! Meat, veggies, AND bread? Sign me up. Endless Harvest makes it easy, too. With highspeed internet access (no small feat in the rural Kootenays), accessing their services is simplified via the E.H web portal at www.endlessharvest.com. A new and improved site is currently in development, and will be sure to impress. Additionally, a facelift for the Endless Harvest physical HQ is also on the agenda — to better match the frontier heritage town appeal of Ymir, Velvet is having the warehouse and market building re-clad and resided in stained, distressed cedar. The heritage profile promises to augment the appeal of Endless Harvest that much more… it’s organic.

Local growers and suppliers Endless Harvest gets much of their produce and groceries from: Aurora Farms, Nelson Caledonia Farms, Creston Canyon City Farm, Creston Elderbee Greens, Winlaw Forest House Mushrooms, Salmo Glade Mountain Farms, Glade Kettle River Farm, Grand Forks Kootenay Sprouts, Nelson Mad Dog Farm, Tarrys McIntyre Farm, Argenta Meadowbrook Farm, Salmo Pleasant Peasant Farms, Creston Roots 'n Spears, Shoreacres Soil Matters, Tarrys Spicer Farms, Nakusp Willowbrook Farm, Creston Wild Roots, Krestova Oso Negro Coffee, Nelson Silverking Tofu, Nelson Jerseyland Organic Dairy, Grand Forks Kootenay Bakery, Nelson Au Soleil Levant Bakery, Nelson Kootenay Alpine Cheese, Creston Kootenay Natural Meat, Creston Spring 2011 Route 3

Page 17


homes story and photos by

Doug Pyper

The Coles are at home with history in their lovingly restored paddlewheeler — The Nasookin Page 18

Route 3 Spring 2011


Ship to Shore

I

t was a seemingly unlikely endeavour for a couple whose life work had revolved around dairy farms not boats. But surprisingly, 28 years ago Merv and Mae Coles began building a home from the remnants of an historic West Kootenay paddlewheeler — and it turned out to be more of a passion than a project.

The couple met and married in the mid fifties in Ontario. Soon after they relocated to New Zealand purchasing a dairy farm there. In 1971 they returned to Canada and again pursued dairy farming, this time in the north Okanagan. It was ten years later they bought some property in the Slocan Valley near Nelson. By mere chance, while driving one day they spotted what remained of the magnificent S.S. Nasookin, Canada’s largest sternwheeler, sitting untouched at its present location on the shores of Kootenay Lake two miles east of Nelson. Mae became instantly fascinated, so they made an offer and bought what had been the Pilot House and Ladies Salon of this legendary ship.

Spring 2011 Route 3

Page 19


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Route 3 Spring 2011

“It’s not so improbable as you might think”, says Merv. “Mae had been interested in ships and seafaring collectibles since childhood. Her great great grandfather was a Norwegian sailor. It was in her blood.” The interior of their once floating residence displays an infinite array of all things nautical — old world maps and charts, ships in bottles, model ships, tiny lighthouses, paintings and photographs of sailing vessels and countless ocean-going and mariner artifacts. The décor is interesting and abundant to say the least. It was originally planned as a summer cottage, but Mae’s philosophy became steadfast. “We won’t realize the full potential of this unless we develop it entirely,” she suggested to her husband. And so they did. In 1982 they hired a contractor to lift the boat, so they could begin framing an “addition” which was to become the main floor beneath. A little assistance from a family member with finishing work on the back bedrooms some years later was the only outside help they ever asked for. They did it all themselves. It was an impressive accomplishment — even more so that in 1984 they moved to Victoria to secure permanent employment (they had gotten it to lock-up stage by this time). Merv worked as a sales rep for an Agricultural Coop on the Island until 1992 and during those years, amazingly, they completed the bulk of the building and renovations. Using all their holidays combined with weekends, tenacity and constant travel eventually saw their dream nearing completion. However, when they finally returned to the area and moved in, they still had a great deal of finishing work to do as well as installation of the main spiral staircase. “It was an enormous project right from the outset. You can’t imagine” says Merv. “For starters, all the strength points of the Ladies Observation Deck (now the second floor) had been connected to the support system of the lower deck of the original boat. So the lower addition had to be constructed as an exact copy in order to replicate the support system. The visual concept was kept intact as well. Many local people still believe that the built-on lower portion is original — part of the actual boat.” The support beams required were a monumental challenge. “We built two beams that were placed between the lower addition and the boat. One was five 2x10’s laminated (22 feet long); the other was four 2x10’s laminated (20 feet long). We lifted


Touchstones Nelson Archives

History of the Nasookin

T Opening spread, left: Front end of the Nasookin home. The small upper level was the pilot house and the middle level was ladies salon. The bottom level is the living room, which the Coles constructed themselves as an exact replica. Right: The middle level, looking back toward the chamber rooms from the top of the stairs. Left: Merv and Mae love and collect many nautical artifacts — their house is absolutely full of them. Above: The middle level, or former ladies salon, looking forward toward circular front of the boat. Left: A semi-circular staircase brought from Vancouver IsIand.

he S.S. Nasookin was the biggest sternwheeler that ever plied the inland waters of British Columbia. Built in Ontario and assembled and launched in Nelson in 1913, it was the largest lake boat operating west of the Mississippi. This 200-foot by 40-foot vessel was the pride of the CPR fleet, carrying people and goods on Kootenay Lake in southeastern BC for 33 years. 1931 – taken out of service by CPR. 1933 – purchased by the Province of British Columbia and converted for use as a ferry across Kootenay Lake from Gray Creek to near Balfour (The roads along the lake were now in place). For operation in Ferry service, the upper level (Texas) deck just below the wheelhouse and three-quarters of the deck below that were removed and scrapped. Kootenay Bay (just north of Gray Creek) to Balfour is still the longest free ferry ride in the world. 1947 – S.S. Nasookin was retired from service and sold to the Sea Cadets of Canada. Permanently docked at Nelson, its back was broken in the low water of 1949 when it heaved on pilings beneath. 1950 – Sold as scrap to one Mr. Cutler. Two enterprising couples bought the Wheelhouse and the Ladies Observation Lounge, which was moved to its’ present location two miles east of Nelson. The water was higher then, enabling the structure to be floated on a barge up the lake and skidded onto its’ present day site. It was operated as a craft and rock shop for some time to pay taxes on the land, where it sat empty and for sale the last five or six years before purchase by the Coles. 1981 – This “piece of history” was acquired by Merv and Mae Coles who added to and renovated it, finally moving into their unique home in 1992. It has become a landmark, and although the Coles are very private people it has gained publicity worldwide. — Doug Pyper

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Merv and Mae Coles relaxing in the lower level — their living room.

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Route 3 Spring 2011

them into place with nothing but a jackall — and just the two of us” says Merv. “You can’t imagine how heavy they were — some job!” The plumbing and electrical work was a “learn as you go” undertaking for the couple. “You can guess how much knowledge we had of these trades. We were farmers,” they joked. “We did bring an electrician in to look things over before the inspection though.” The entire enterprise would have been commendable for a team of professional contractors, but an inexperienced couple working alone? Sure speaks for determination. But as Mae said “We were “My philosophy farmers and I guess no strangers to hard work. My philosophy was simple — I never was simple — visited dress shops. If we had some extra money we bought a chunk of wood.” I never visited The interior of the dwelling is beautiful to behold. All the historic components of dress shops. If the original boat have been kept intact to preserve the integrity. They wanted to we had some keep the flavour, but it still had to function as a home. The finishing work and renovations were done with style — all extra money natural and in keeping with the character of the boat. we bought a All the doors are constructed from two-inch by six-inch tongue-and-groove chunk of wood.” fir. Every single bedroom (and there are four) has double swinging doors opening onto the deck. All rooms are fire-escapable. Floors are tongue and groove fir and the living room and bedroom walls are finished in cedar. The main living area has fir on the ceiling as well. You won’t find any drywall in this extraordinary home. “The spiral staircase was purchased from a building supply company in Nanaimo. It was the only place they could find the left hand curve we needed,” says Merv. “We brought it home on the back of a pickup truck (yes, that’s true),” he


Marketplace

laughs. “We got some pretty strange looks driving that onto the ferry I’ll tell you. Installing the staircase was no easy chore either, especially since it rises from the center of the living area and we were living there then. Two stairs had to be removed from the bottom and added to the top to provide a proper fit. This resulted in the curvature straightening out near the top, which was desirable as well,” Merv commented. There are two full bathrooms and when searching for porcelain fixtures they had to reflect the heritage of the boat. Both bathrooms have cast iron clawfoot tubs, which came from Victoria. The washbasin in the downstairs bathroom came from a hotel in Kelowna (built in the 1800’s). The basin actually had spring-loaded taps— the kind designed to save hot water. The old pedestal sink upstairs came from a home demolition in Victoria (early 1900’s vintage) Altogether it’s 2400-square-feet combined living space on the main floor and the Ladies Salon portion. The wheelhouse is a not a living

space, but is an enthralling feature of the home The wheel itself is masTo Advertise contact Chris at 1-877-443-2191 sive with a circumference the full height of the pilothouse. In rough waters it could take three men to steer it. One must go out on the deck to enter by an external stairway In keeping with the theme, the garden shed is in shape of a lighthouse. “Mae insisted that was the only way to build it.” says Merv. “The light on top comes on at dusk and goes off at dawn. The home has become part of the landscape, and often taken for granted by locals now. But the spirit of the Nasookin must be at peace as the vessel now sits on the shores above the waters where it traveled so diligently and claimed its place in history. Footnote: Merv and Mae Coles are currently planning to sell their home, to which they devoted so many years in a labour of love. They cite health problems as the primary reason.

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201 1

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community by

Lana Rodlie

Centre for peace

Photo courtesy the Mir centre

D

escribing all the aspects that make up the Mir Centre for Peace in Castlegar — building, classroom, speakers program, workshops, course of study — is about as difficult as finding it. “Go to Selkirk College, turn left, turn left again, and follow a dirt trail that looks like it goes nowhere,” said Mir chair and Peace Studies instructor Randy Janzen. The site is fitting because it was once occupied by peaceful First Nations peoples, followed by members of a Russian Christian pacifist sect who came to the Kootenays over one hundred years ago to enjoy “toil and peaceful life.” Set on a quiet bluff, away from the busy-ness of the college, is an immaculately restored Doukhobor communal home. The grounds also include an

aboriginal smokehouse and outdoor arbour with a central fire pit where there is seating for up to 100 people. Also fitting is the name. Mir is a Russian word meaning peace, community and world. The interior of the building incorporates an inviting space with two large, open classrooms, both with mini-kitchens, plus a reception room and lovely sunroom at the back. The first thing you’ll want to do is take off your shoes so as not to scratch the immaculately polished hardwood floorings, but more importantly, not to disturb the tranquility that exudes from every corner. But the building itself is only a small part of what Mir really is. As well as Mir’s symposiums, workshops and peace

Lana Rodlie

The Mir Centre at Selkirk College in Castlegar brings peace studies to the Kootenays

Top: The Mir Centre for Peace. Above: Mir chair and Peace Studies instructor Randy Janzen.

Spring 2011 Route 3

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Route 3 Spring 2011

PHotos: Lana Rodlie

cafés, Selkirk College introduced a two-year Associate of Arts Degree in Peace Studies and a two-year Liberal Arts Diploma in Peace Studies. “About 20 students take Peace Studies as an elective for degrees in arts or sciences,” said Janzen, who is one of the course’s six instructors. The college is populated with people of all ages, from students just out of high school to mature students returning to college. Peace Studies is a popular elective which falls into dozens of programs. “We try to promote Peace Studies, not just as a discipline but to complement everything from nursing to forestry.” Janzen said the course often influences which direction a student may head, such as counselling, mediation or international development. “Some transform into lifelong advocates for peace, some don’t.” The Mir Centre alternates its exhibits every few months. The most recent was PeaceWomen Across the Globe featuring photos and quotes from 1,000 women who were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005. “We tend to celebrate powerful men in our society,” Janzen said. “But real peace comes from women around the world.” Exhibits are open to the public on Thursday afternoons. The Mir Centre for Peace also hosts a popular lecture series every year. When the centre first opened in 2007, Mir’s first guest speaker was Stephen Lewis, Canada’s former Ambassador to the UN, and Envoy for AIDS in Africa. Having such a champion of social justice set the pace for future speakers which included high-powered environmentalists like Maude Barlow and David Suzuki, journalist Gwynne Dyer, and Medicin Sans Frontieres founder Dr. James Orbinski. While some lectures are held in summer on the grounds of the centre or at the college, others are held at the nearby Brilliant Cultural Centre (seating capacity 1,100). Two lectures are left in this year’s spring series and the college is already promoting the fall series. Ted Kuntz, a Vancouver-based psychotherapist and author of the best seller Peace Begins With Me, will talk about his inspiring journey with a disabled child. It takes place April 8 at the Mir Centre. Sharon McIvor is a well-known B.C. feminist, activist, law professor and Aboriginal leader. She will speak on her struggle to correct discrimination against Aboriginal women. The Long Hard Road will be presented at Selkirk College, room 113 on April 19 at 7 p.m. The Fall Lecture series kicks off with Dr. Izzeldin Abuelaish, “the Gaza doctor” who captured hearts and headlines in the aftermath of a horrific tragedy when Israeli shells took the lives of his three daughters and a niece. Instead of seeking revenge, Abuelaish chose to call for the people of the Middle East to engage in peaceful dialogue. He has since won accolades from around the world. His presentation, “I Shall Not Hate” will be featured at the Brilliant Cultural Centre on Sept. 21. The last in the series is Greg Mortenson, co-founder of the non-profit Central Asia Institute (www.ikat.org), Pennies For Peace (www.penniesforpeace.org), and co-author of the bestseller Three Cups of Tea. Mortensen established over 165 schools and 60 temporary refugee schools in rural and volatile regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, providing education for more than 58,000 girls and 10,000 boys. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in both 2009 and 2010. His presentation will be held at the Brilliant Cultural Centre on Nov. 2. For tickets or more information, check the website at Selkirk.ca/mircentre-for-peace/mirlectureseries/

From Top: Wall of faces – a 1000 PeaceWomen Across the Globe. For more information on this exhibit, see www.1000peacewomen. org; Grade 10 and 11 students from Castlegar’s Stanley Humphries Secondary School browsed through one of the exhibits at Mir which featured photos taken by young people in Afghanistan depicting their lives and surroundings; Stanley Humprhies Secondary School students learned about women who are activists for peace, at Mir Centre for Peace.


history by

Greg Nesteroff

Ryckman’s Kootenay Cure A patent medicine to call our own

“M

mending it as a iracles performed!” screamed the ad. “Mrs. Donald Patterwonderful medicine son, 91 Vine Street, Hamilton, was paralyzed for two years, lost the use of the left side of her body, sight in one eye and for rheumatism, a disease which has hearing completely gone. Four medical men said she could not recover. baffled medical After taking two bottles of Ryckman’s Kootenay Cure, she has completescience for so many ly recovered her sight, hearing and the use of her body. This is one case years.” in hundreds. Miracles are being wrought by this medicine.” What was in this Not only did this miracle-wroughting potion work magic on paralysis, amazing stuff? blindness, and deafness, it also promised to heal rheumatism, indiges“It is, I understand, tion, gout, eczema, skin disease, hives, sores, liver and kidney disorders, largely composed of and virtually any and every other ailment, real or imagined. the root of the devil’s Although just one of hundreds of dubious patent medicines peddled club,” A.O. Wheeler in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ryckman’s Kootenay Cure was wrote some years later in The Selkirk Range. unique for its connection to this area and the fact it was manufactured Ryckman sold it for $1 per bottle, or six bottles for $5. (Although in by a Member of Parliament. an embarrassing turn, one of his salesmen, J.W. Zimmerman, died of Only the deepest cynic would suggest there is not much difference bepneumonia and typhoid fever. “Three weeks ago he was one of the most tween a politician and a snake oil salesman, but the fact is Samuel Shobal robust looking men in the city,” the Hamilton Herald reported.) Ryckman (1849-1929) was the Conservative member for Hamilton. He Although Ryckman didn’t run for re-election in 1896, he used his parwas among several MPs drawn to the Kootenay in 1892 by mining activity, liamentary mail privileges to distribute 350,000 copies of a tract titled A specifically in the Illecillewaet district southeast of Revelstoke. Political Review. He bought several claims near the headwaters of the “Three pages are taken up with excellent campaign stuff Incomappleux River, including the Elizabeth, which he held for the Conservatives,” the Victoria Colonist wrote. “The other in partnership with Walter Scott — an honest man, who page is devoted to glorifying the virtues of Kootenay Cure.” became mining recorder and police officer in Nakusp. The postmaster general declared it illegal, but Ryckman The Kootenay Star wrote: “Mr. Ryckman is on the spot, appears to have emerged unscathed. and does not spare himself in the least. He employs 17 While his Kootenay Cure vanished from the market within men at $4.50 per day, and he deserves the highest coma few years, he didn’t give up the patent medicine racket. He mendations for the manner in which he has invested played a role in one of the more notorious scams of the 20th both time and money in opening up Fish Creek claims. century as president of the Umckaloabo Company, which Thanks to his foresight and perseverance, a splendid Samuel Shobal Ryckman. had the U.S. rights to a tuberculosis remedy called Stevens’ result is assured.” Consumption Cure. Hucksterism was endemic to both mining promotion and miracle It was thoroughly discredited and infamous enough to earn its own cures, and Ryckman found a way to combine them. He claimed that on entry in Nostrums & Quackery, the American Medical Association’s almaa visit to his property, an old miner gave him a recipe for a rheumatism nac of fraud. Yet subsequent studies suggested there may have been cure, which he tried on some of his Hamilton constituents. something to it after all. Evidently pleased with the result, he started the S.S. Ryckman Medicine Several embossed square amber bottles of the Kootenay Cure apparCo., and in choosing a name for his product, adopted Kootenay — which ently still exist, one of which even has its four-sided labels — providing sounded exotic and had a prosperous connotation. Beginning in 1895, he instructions in English, French, and German. Reportedly, another was filled newspapers with testimonials about his elixir’s remarkable properties. discovered in a river in Guyana. “I have had eczema all over my body, hands, arms, legs, face, and head,” Ryckman also issued a booklet on phrenology, the crackpot science said Jean Hudson of Ottawa. “After taking the medicine for four days I that linked bumps on your head to personality traits. Ryckman (or Rykbegan to feel better, and have continued to get better every day since.” man) Creek in Glacier National Park is named for him. “I am one of those who have conscientiously tested it,” said Sister As a hobby pharmacist, Ryckman made a fine con artist. Therese of the Sacred Heart Convent. “I have no hesitation in recomSpring 2011 Route 3

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Q&A

Robillard

Photo courtesy Kootenay Kilties

by Amy

Kootenay Kilties David Hogg – respected Pipe Major – gives us the low down on the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band and their role in local celebrations. The distinguished bagpiper has been with the pipe band for decades and took time out of his practice schedule to have a chat about the Kilties and their fascinating history. Q. What is the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band (KKPB)? The KKPB is a Nelson-based Scottish pipe band featuring the highland bagpipe, snare drum, bass drum, and tenor drums. The band was first formed in 1919, which would make us 91 years old! Where does the KKPB perform? The KKPB generally performs in the greater Page 28

Route 3 Spring 2011

Nelson area. We play at the Remembrance Day ceremonies in Nelson, Kaslo May Day parade, Nelson cadet inspections, and other parades and functions in the Nelson area. We also present the annual Burns Supper in Nelson, in celebration of the Scottish poet, Robert Burns’ birthday, which took place January 22nd this year. This year, the Spring Fling is being hosted in

The Kootenay Kilties pipe band are based out of Nelson.

Trail on Friday, May 6th and 7th. This event is a great opportunity to see pipe bands from all over western North America. What is the history behind pipe bands? Traditionally, pipe bands were used to lead military troops and fulfill all the musical needs of associated ceremonies in a regiment. Pipe bands have since evolved into ensembles playing sophisticated arrangements of music with a Scottish and Irish flavour. What is the Kootenay Kiltie Pipe Band Tartan (and why was it chosen)? The band wears the MacPherson tartan and has done so for over 50 years. In the very early years, the band wore several tartans, including a time when the drummers wore the Royal Stuart tartan and the pipers wore the MacPherson tartan. Uniforms have change over the years. The KKPB began wearing military-style tunics with full plaids and lots of belts. We now wear vests with a sweater or rain cape when necessary.


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Page 29

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As far as the choice of the MacPherson tartan goes, it is an attractive tartan and is worn by many pipe bands around the world. What advice do you have for any musicians that would like to join? Playing in a pipe band is fun. If anyone is interested in playing a bagpipe, snare drum, bass, or tenor drum, then we are the band for you. Though many of our members are very capable, we love to introduce new people with minimal musical experience to this style of music. Do you have to be of Scottish decent to join the kilties? No, we have many nationalities represented. In the early days, it was predominately people of Scottish decent. But, in my 40-year career as a bagpiper, no one has ever needed Scottish lineage to be part of the KKPB. In the 90s, we were lucky enough to travel to Japan because two of our members were of Japanese descent. When and how did you learn to play the bagpipes? I began my playing career in Nelson at the age of 10. My first teacher was Keith Langhorn, a long-time member and pipe major of the KKPB. I had other tutors over the years including James Munro and Bill Thompson as well as others. Like any instrument, Playing in a pipe quality instruction creates good players and good music. band is fun. If Because the bagpipes are such a physical instrument, children usually learn on a anyone is interchanter. A chanter is similar to a flute, but doesn’t have the bags (or drones). I curested in playing rently teach three students – two teenage boys and one adult woman. a Power. bagpipe, snare Reward your self with How many members does the KKPB Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore have? magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo drum, bass, or The band currentlyconsequat. hasDuisabout 25 memaute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sintrange occaecat cupidatat non proident, in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. bers. Our members’ ages from 15suntto 71. We actually have four Americans who tenor drum, then drive all the way from Idaho every week to attend our Tuesday practices – now, that’s we are the band dedication! How do you recruit new members? Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consecteturfor you. New members most oftenadipisicing find elit, ussedwhen do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna alithey hear us play. Hopefully,qua.this article Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut will generate some interest and newaliquip members ex ea commodo. will be forthcoming! We would love to draw in more young people. We are a family-oriented group that plays because we like the music -- though we do have loads of fun in the process! Are there any other Pipe Bands in the Kootenays? Yes, there are pipe bands in Trail, Kimberley and Grand Forks. For more information about joining the KKPB or a pipe band, please contact: Nelson: David Hogg DEALER STAMP AREA dfhogg@telus.net Kimberley: David Ekskog ekskog@shaw.ca Trail: Murray McKenzie Murray_McKenzie@telus.net Grand Forks: Steve McGibbon s&bmcgibbon@explorenet.ca


special places photo by

Chris Hammett

M

y travels through this beautiful region often lend me the opportunity to experience and enjoy the vast array of wildlife that cohabitates with us. Over the past couple of years I've taken an interest in a particular colony of Yellow-bellied Marmots that reside in the mountains around my Grand Forks home. With a certain amount of patience on my part and familiarity and trust on theirs, these usually shy little creatures allowed me to sit on the rocks of their home and observe and take photos. Marmots keep their newborns underground for the first three weeks of life and on this particular day I was fortunate enough to see these curious young pups venturing out of the safety of their burrow for what I think was the very first time. —Chris Hammett

Page 30

Route 3 Spring 2011


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Finance Your Future Receive a $2,000 Thinking about going back to school, but need some help financially? If you’re active in your community, you may qualify for a College Community Service Award.

Columbia Basin Trust is offering $2,000 for up to 22 Basin residents planning on attending college full time. Study must be in a recognized undergraduate program leading to a degree, diploma or certificate at College of the Rockies, Selkirk College, the Valemount Campus of College of New Caledonia or the Revelstoke Centre of Okanagan College.

CBT College Community Service Awards are delivered in partnership with:

This award is based on community volunteer service, not on academic achievement, and is designed to assist residents who have been out of high school for at least one year with post-secondary education or training. Full award eligibility criteria, the application form and guidelines can be found at

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College Community Service Award DeaDline June 17, 2011

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