DECEMBER 2015 | ISSUE 108
THE GRATITUDE ISSUE LEARN ABOUT FEATURE RESIDENT MAJOR JAMES HAGGLUND AND THE SALVATION ARMY | SHELBY CAIN REFLECTS ON WHAT GRATITUDE MEANS FOR HER | THE FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE THANKS THE INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THEM ALONG THE WAY | DR. TAINA TURCASSO ON WHY GRATITUDE IS GOOD FOR OUR HEALTH FERNIEFIX.COM
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Hearth 5
POTTERY, LEATHER GOODS PAINTINGS, LETTERPRESS PRINTS, JEWELRY, AND BLOWN GLASS! Sarah Pike invites you in to her home for her 5TH annual Christmas Sale. Featuring the finely crafted work of these local artists; Sarah Pike Pottery Leanne Stothert Painting Janet McIntyre Jewelry Holly Kimola Leather Michael Hepher Printmaking Katherine Russell Glass
December 4th and 5th
K
4-8pm
Join us for mulled wine, tasty nibblies and excellent Shopping.
1480 McDonald Ave., West Fernie. Public welcome!
open december 12th to january 3rd 11am to 5:30pm daily closed christmas day
441C 2nd avenue, downtown fernie
DECEMBER 2015 ISSUE 108 THE GRATITUDE ISSUE
EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS | 7
OUTDOOR LIFE | 36
Business News/New Business
Never Have I Ever – Firefighter For a Day by Jesse Bell In the Tracks: Grateful for the Birkebieners by Jeff Williams Hitting the Trails with the Fernie Trails Alliance – Feelin’ Gratitude by Terry Nelson
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 16 Feature Artist – Wendy Hamilton Fernie Reads with Courtney Baker – Ru by Kim Thuy Rental Fix – Being Erica by Andrew Vallance Musical Notes – Na-na-na-na-na-naaaa by Carolyn Nikodym
COMMUNITY & EVENTS | 25 Feature Resident – Major James Hagglund by Krista Turcasso Walking in My Shoes – The Little Things by Micah Morris You’ve Got Male: I’m Thankful For… by Adam K MacDonald Family Stoke – Gratitude by Shelby Cain FernieFix.com Events Calendar / December at the Arts Station
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 43 Fit to Play – Pain Free Muscles by Sarah Ingram, Practicing Kinesiologist Health Naturally – Five Ways Gratitude Improves Health by Dr. Taina Turcasso, N.D., R.M. Nourish Through Nature by Krissi Hyland, RHN – GrateFULL Around the World with Rebecca Hall – 12 Months of Gratitude Beauty and Fashion in a Fix – Short Days and Long Night by Solange and Zoe
BITS AND BYTES | 53 The Answer Guy – Online Shopping by Kevin McIsaac
FERNIE FUN | 54 Fix Trivia
COVER: Winter Fun in Mt. Fernie Provincial Park. Photo by Raven Eye Photography www.raveneyephotography.com THIS PAGE: Tree of Light, Fernie Wilderness Adventures. Photo by Olivier Gosselin www.oliviergosselin.com
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
All Things Fernie and Customer Service Training Seminar UPCOMING PROGRAM DATES: November 30, 2015: 8:30 am December 9, 2015: 8:30 am December 15, 2015: 12:30 pm December 18, 2015: 8:30 am 4-hour session, includes light lunch Call COTR to register 250.423.4691
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FernieNATURE C E N T R E
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FernieCHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Happy Holidays We wish everyone in the Elk Valley and Crowsnest Pass a safe and happy holiday season.
250-423-7317 or 250-423-1542
Cabinets Plus Inc.
Editor’s Fix WITH THE GRATITUDE EDITION coming up, I set a goal to meditate daily on something I was grateful for to see the effects it had on my life. When I had a moment and it crossed my mind, typically in the evening when everything was “calm and quiet” (or supposed to be) and I could be with my thoughts, I closed my eyes and let the games begin. On the good days, the feeling would immediately bubble up in the pit of my stomach. My mind would overflow with little images from the day that would envelop me with warmth and love. Little feet and giggles. Hugs and alphabets. Silent snowflakes glowing in the streetlights. Feeling the cold air fill my lungs on the first wintery runs of the year. A good tune coming up on shuffle while working at the desk.
On the hard days, it took more effort. My mind was busy, my energy low, and my patience non-existent. A lot of the time, I forgot all together. But on the days I remembered, the bigger picture always came through. Food, shelter, clothing, family, friends, the magazine. While this made me acutely aware of the too vast dichotomy that currently exists, it also instantly put any difficult task or experience into perspective. My little experiment has had more impact than I could have anticipated. Sure, I thought I would feel happier but I didn’t realize that it would have such a positive effect on my relationships, on how I do my job, on my energy level and the energy levels of those around me. Most importantly, by consciously doing this exercise for a solid period of time, feelings of gratitude are more prevalent in my dayto-day life.
As this edition came together, and I interviewed individuals and read and edited columns, the positive energy and generosity of spirit of the people in our community inspired me and helped to shed a restorative light on recent world events. In Fernie, we have much to be grateful for, and much to offer. We hope this edition heals and inspires you as well. That it helps you to acknowledge all that you are grateful for in life. And that you and yours have a holiday season full of love and light. Krista Turcasso, Editor FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 841 7th Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 www.clarismedia.com Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Carolyn Nikodym All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.
Contributors ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinophile nerd who currently lives on the wet coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting. CAROLYN NIKODYM is grateful for everyone who donates to the Fernie Food Bank. A fan of all things mid-century modern from architecture to furniture to pop art, COURTNEY BAKER is always ready to hold discussions on how Warhol would depict a Plath poem and how Bukowski would be illustrated by Lichtenstein. SHELBY CAIN was raised in the East Kootenays. After spending a decade wandering the prairies - she’s back, baby. Writing and mothering and enjoying her daily dose of #ferniestoke. Her first novel, Mountain Girl, comes out with Oolichan Press in the spring of 2016. Tweet her @ ShelbyCainWrote JESSE BELL crawls on her hands and knees in a smoky sea can and learns that while she may not be fit for firefighting, the City of Fernie firefighters most definitely are.
MICAH MORRIS is a Fernie teen that is living life to the fullest in this incredible mountain town. Depending on the season you will find her shredding the ski hill, mountain biking on the trails, at the soccer pitch, or swimming at the creek. She invites you to walk in a teenager’s shoes. KRISSI HYLAND is a holistic nutritionist and whole food chef stoked to be writing for the Fix and inspiring the community to eat not only healthy but tasty foods. Visit NourishThroughNature.com or call 250531-3553 for a nutritional consult or cooking class. JEFF WILLIAMS has been a coach for the Fernie Nordic Society Track Attack program for four years and is head coach for the race team. This winter his column focuses on technique and training to help you enjoy the sport of Nordic skiing. The Fernie Trails Alliance is a non-profit organization that works with outdoor recreation groups, government and private land owners to enhance and maintain the Fernie trail network.This winter, their column shares information to help us enjoy and explore these trails.
DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching gorgeous babies, and is slowly inching her way back to Fernie. HEATHER IVANY has relocated to the new studio located at The Castle on First (461 1st Ave). To sign up for classes, purchase a pass, or look into upcoming retreats and workshops visit www.heatherivanyyoga.com REBECCA HALL loves to hear and write about the places that Fernieites travel to. If you’d like to share your travel story, write to her at hall.rebecca.j@gmail.com. Operators and sisters of No.3, SOLANGE and ZOE have a passion for fashion and beauty combining their expertise into their salon and boutique. ADAM K. MACDONALD is thankful he found someone who puts up with (and occasionally enjoys) his constant punning. KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material.
SARAH INGRAM, practicing kinesiologist is hoping you are all pain free out there and feeling grateful about it. If you need help with your exercise program, call 250-4239167 or visit www.sarahsactiverehab.com.
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How would you like to become a
REAL LIFE SUPERHERO this winter season? Join Fernie Adaptive Snow Program as a volunteer instructor today! Contact Grace through www.fernieadaptiveski.ca
CALL FOR FILM SUBMISSIONS
TENTH ANNUAL • February 18-19-20 2016
VISIT THE FESTIVAL WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS
SUBMIT YOUR FILM FOR A CHANCE TO WIN CASH PRIZES NOMINATE A HARDWORKING LOCAL FOR THE ‘FERNIE MOUNTAIN CULTURE’ AWARD
FREE KIDS MATINEE SATURDAY 5PM COME EARLY FOR THE FERNIE MOUNTAIN SOCIAL SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Dedicated to filmmakers who spark awareness of mountain cultures, fragile environments and the passion and perseverance of global explorers
www.ferniefilmfestival.com Box 1770, 342 3rd Ave., Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 • info@ferniefilmfestival.com
Annual
Food Drive Fernie’s Emergency Services are proud to participate in the Annual Christmas Food Drive for the Fernie Food Bank Door-to-door collection. Non-perishable foods, spices and toiletries are appreciated.
Thursday, December 3 5pm - 9pm
Business
HELP FILL THE SHELVES AT THE FOOD BANK | V. CROOME PHOTO
Annual Emergency Services Food Drive ON THE EVENING OF THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3 (5-9pm), you’ll be hearing a lot of sirens around town as BC Ambulance, Fernie Fire Department and Fernie Search and Rescue travel from door-to-door, collecting donations for the Fernie Food Bank. They’ll be accepting
non-perishable food items, spices and toiletries. If you’re not going to be home that night, you can leave donations at your door, or bring it directly to the Salvation Army on 2nd Avenue. This annual event is a wonderful way to give back to the community that gives us so much. They thank you for your donations, and look forward to seeing you on December 3.
Elevation Showcase 598 2nd Ave 250-423-3328 IT’S EXCITING TIMES AT ELEVATION SHOWCASE! This month they are moving to a beautiful new location on the corner of 2nd Ave and 6th Street, in the heart of downtown Fernie. This new space features street-front windows so they can see the mountains all day long, they’ll also offer passers-by a preview of the products available inside. Aside from the great location and inspiring views, Elevation is in need of a little more space. In addition to key brands KAVU, tasc, ENO and LOKI, they are excited to introduce two new mountain lifestyle brands, Rab and Bridgedale, to Fernie.
Rab provides high quality technical outerwear and Bridgedale is well known for its technical socks, great for walking / hiking, mountaineering, running, skiing and everyday! The crew at Elevation is extremely thankful for the amazing support they’ve received from the community and looks forward to sharing the adventure with you this winter!
BUSINESS NEWS
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The Castle on First 461 1st Ave 250-278-8478 THIS MONTH THE CASTLE ON FIRST is having a Christmas Celebration and the whole town is invited! On Saturday December 5 from 2-6pm, they are opening their doors for a fun-filled afternoon of food by Chef Barrie, music, art show, Castle tours, dance demos, draws and door prizes. The new Yoga and Spin Punch Pass will be on sale for $25 off and there will be lots of great stocking stuffers and Christmas gift ideas on sale in the Castle boutique. Also in December is the Castle’s 12 Days of Castle Christmas, featuring classes celebrating giving and gratitude with proceeds from each attendee being donated to a local charity. The Moon studio now has the same beautiful floor as in the Sun studio, creating a warm and soft surface to practice on. For more information please visit www. thecastleonfirst.com.
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January 15 - 17
The Raging Elk Adventure Lodge
Vogue Theatre Fernie’s 8th Annual
2 0 1 6
2 0 1 6
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at the Arts Station until Dec. 24
Celebrating the best of Canadian film-making, from shorts to full length independent feature films.
5 Feature Films Shorts Program Opening & Closing Receptions
ReelFilmFest.ca
FREE PANCAKES AND COFFEE DAILY
www.ragingelk.com
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Get your Film Festival Passes at the special Early Bird price of just $30!
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FREE WiFI
892 6th Avenue, Fernie BC • ph: 250-423-6811
Kodiak Lounge
$4
+TAX
PINTS
892 6th Avenue Fernie BC 250-423-6811
Best drink prices all season long
Hours: 7 days a week 4pm till late
“Fernie starts here!”
TM
on tap
Business
BUSINESS NEWS
Fernie Athletic Therapy and Rehabilitation 901 5th Ave 250-423-4800 SINCE 2006, FERNIE ATHLETIC THERAPY has been proudly providing the Elk Valley with one-on-one sport injury rehabilitation and custom foot orthotics partnered with PeakOrthotics.com. They are pleased to announce that they are expanding services! Firstly, they have partnered with DJO global to offer DonJoy bracing. DonJoy is well known for their Custom Knee Ligament Bracing and “Clinically Proven Brace and Hinge Technology.” Visit djoglobal.com for more information. Second of all, after attending a continuing education course titled “Assessment and Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries and Associated Spinal Dysfunction,” Kayla Neufeld, BSc(Kin), BAHSc, CAT(C) is now offering Concussion Evaluation and Treatment. Yes, concussions are treatable. To book an appointment or ask a question, visit FernieAthleticTherapy.com. Find them on Facebook, or call 250-423-4800 or Toll Free 1-888-423-9006.
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FIRE: Fernie Adaptive Snow Program www.fernieadaptiveski.ca 250-423-3901 FIRE: FERNIE ADAPTIVE SNOW PROGRAM is an organization that allows individuals with all kinds of differing abilities the opportunity to enjoy snow sports at Fernie Alpine Resort. With the support of their certified volunteer instructors, Fernie Adaptive’s
mission is to give their students the freedom to ski and snowboard, as well as provide the opportunity to see the ability. Thanks to their wonderful sponsors, including Highline 100 and Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Adaptive is able to provide their amazing services for as little as $20 per lesson, making their program easily accessible to all. Those wishing to get involved with Fernie Adaptive, either as a student or a volunteer instructor, can visit their website, www.fernieadaptiveski.ca for more information.
Grow Children’s Boutique 482 2nd Ave 250-423-4769 JUST IN TIME FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING, Grow Children’s Boutique is excited to announce that their new online store is up and running, with new products being added daily! You can create a wish list for any occasion, so family and friends near and far can see what you are dreaming of. Grow offers free local pickup or great shipping rates if you prefer to have your goodies brought directly to you. This is a great way for those of you with family living out of town to get great gifts on budget and save the postage! www.growfernie.com
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elkrivermountainhomes.com Fernie, BC 250.423.9127
Business
BUSINESS NEWS
Fernie School Aged Care www.fernieschoolagedcare.com FERNIE SCHOOLAGED CARE (FSAC) has a few updates for the new school year! First off, they have welcomed two new managers. Jamie is running the after-school club at the Max Turyk (for IDES and ESM students) and Tasha is in charge at the second after-school club that is located in the Academy. Both staff members come highly experienced and trained for the position. Update for parents needing after-school care at The Fernie Academy – FSAC is now open to drop-in and part-time schedules, the program is located in the kindergarten room every afternoon, including early dismissals until 6:30pm. All parents interested are encouraged to have a visit for a free trial and to fill out a registration form. Lastly, the full-day and vacation care at the Max Turyk has extended its hours to suit working parents better (now 8:30am-5:30pm). Visit www. fernieschoolagedcare.com for more info.
Lashed 1622 7th Ave 250-430-7950 FORMERLY KNOW AS AMORE ESTHETICS, Lashed has moved locations and is now located at the Best Western Mountain Lodge. Amore Tolfree, owner and operator at Lashed, has call Fernie her home since 2009 and has been in business since 2010. She is a licensed Esthetician, and continually works to expand her knowledge. Recently, Amore joined with Lash Empire as a certified Lash
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IGS Building 441 2nd Ave GOING BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL ROOTS as the Trites Wood Co., the IGS Building has served as one of Fernie’s primary retail hubs for over 100 years. The Sombrowski family, owners of the building, recently completed extensive interior renovations this fall in order to make room for its two newest tenants: Interior Envy and Angela Morgan Artist.
The reconfigured space offers an open, airy feel, full of natural light, which is a perfect complement to the unique products each new tenant offers. The space also provides a smart natural flow, allowing for easy access to the original tenant, IGS Value Drugmart. Whether you are searching for some stocking stuffer treats, a new throw for the living room or a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork, be sure to shop local and visit the IGS building this holiday season.
Technician Educator. She travels for classes and is also available for one-onone education when needed. Amore is very driven and dedicated to her workmanship. She is very professional and sincere at filling your needs. Although she specializes in lashes, she also offers waxing, pedicures and wedding makeup. Feel free to call or stop by if you are ever in the neighbourhood or check out her Facebook page. V. CROOME PHOTO
Business
BUSINESS NEWS
Spa 901 901 2nd Ave 250-423-7722 SPA 901 WELCOMES new RMT’s to their team!
MONTANE BREAKS GROUND LEAH SCHEITEL PHOTO
Parastone Developments www.montanefernie.ca PARASTONE DEVELOPMENTS has broken ground on the first home in Montane, Fernie. Parastone partners Tony Dennis and Jason Smith were on-site for the groundbreaking with hard hats and shovels, and were joined by deputy mayor Jon Levesque and homeowner Jeremiah Macgregor with wife, Terry. “We’re excited to begin construction on the closest new community to downtown Fernie,” says Tony Dennis, developer and investor in Montane, Fernie. “Now that we’ve reached this milestone, we’re going to start to see our vision turn into a reality.” While construction has begun on the first home in The Terraces, there are only 12 homes sites left in the first phase of 45 homes and many homeowners will start building in 2016. Montane’s newest option for homebuyers is an innovative cottage design that maximizes mountain views and offers minimal maintenance. The Cottages at Montane are priced to sell in the high $300,000s.
Marlaina moved to Fernie in 2012 for a winter of snowboarding, after graduating from university and many seasons of tree planting. SUBMITTED PHOTO She immediately fell in love. An avid snowboarder, biker, and outdoor enthusiast, she knew Fernie was the place to be! Rebecca is from a small town on the Sunshine Coast of BC: hiking, exploring and skiing are some of her favourite things! Clinically, whether it is a new assessment or massage technique, she is dedicated to learning new things to better help her clients. Their techniques vary from gentle, allowing clients to relax and breathe easily, to deeper techniques aiming to release knotted muscles. They work passionately to assist clients in maintaining and restoring functional abilities, with the focus that their clients are able to continue to enjoy their daily and favourite activities, unrestricted. Appointments can be made by contacting Spa 901. www.spa901.ca
Straight Line Bicycle and Ski 461 2nd Ave 250-423-3532 BELIEVE IT OR NOT, in Fernie over the holidays numerous adults and kids will go hungry. Anyone that can should already be donating to the Fernie Food Bank, but to sweeten the deal, Straight Line has a great offer running until December 19. Drop off five non-perishable food items at Straight Line, and they will hot wax your skis for free. All donations provided will go directly to the Fernie Food Bank. For those looking to donate additional items, visit the Salvation Army at 741 2nd Ave or call directly at 250-423-4661. For more information on what’s on offer at Straight Line, visit www.straightlinefernie.com.
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print@lilacmedia.ca 542D 2nd Avenue, Fernie BC • 250.430.1330
250-423-0007 Take-out or Delivery!
Happy Holidays
592 8th Ave. Fernie
Looking for a gift for someone who has everything?
We’re open for Lunch & Dinner.
Give the gift of eye health! Consider a Gift Certificate for exams or glasses. Stop in and ask about your options.
FERNIE 250-423-4467 BLAIRMORE 403-562-7144 ELKFORD 250-865-2022
Hours:
Wed. & Thurs. 11:30am - 10pm Fri. & Sat.: 11:30am - 11pm Sun. to Tues.: 4pm - 10pm Facebook.com/ElkValleyPizzaShoppe
Order online at:
ElkValleyPizza.com
Business
NEW BUSINESS
Cirque Restaurant 5346 Highline Dr. 250-423-2057 WELCOME TO THE NEW CIRQUE RESTAURANT! Following a large renovation, the Cirque Restaurant is excited to open its doors this month. Located in the newly renovated Great Room at Lizard Creek Lodge, the Cirque Restaurant offers a creative, mountain chic dining experience. A new sit-up bar with mountain views, along with the restaurant’s expansive ceilings, large windows and two beautiful river rock fireplaces, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Enjoy unwinding after a day on the mountain with casual après ski cocktails and snacks, or sit back and indulge in a fine meal from their brand new Italian-inspired menu. Menu highlights include elk ribeye, rainbow trout, risotto, pastas, caprese salad, flatbreads and more!
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Cirque Restaurant manager Aileen Shipley and her staff look forward to welcoming the local community and Fernie guests to the Cirque Restaurant. Also new to Lizard Creek Lodge this winter – the Ice Bar! Look for the addition of this chilly tasting experience this December!
Coal Town Goods 591 B 2nd Ave 778-519-5262 NICOLE LECKENBY AND DEANNA PEAKE are excited to announce the opening of Coal Town Goods in downtown Fernie. After many years of scouring (and working) the market scene, online shops, and travelling, Nick and Dee put their crazy, creative heads together to create a shop that feels unexpected and personal. Coal Town offers handpicked, often handcrafted, unique high-quality pieces from mostly locally sourced makers. You will find jewelry, ceramics, apparel, leather goods, art and textiles in their small but awesome shop.
HANDPICKED • MOUNTAIN • GOODS
Coal Town Goods is located beside Fernie Stationers and is open everyday except Monday until the New Year. They are also on Instagram @coaltowngoods and on Facebook. Nick and Dee can’t wait to see you! FERNIEFIX.COM
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Arts and Entertainment
F E AT U R E A R T I S T
Wendy Hamilton Gratitude… that’s what I feel when I’m in my studio! Thankful for the moment at hand, whether I’m covered from head to toe in paint, the music cranked and my dog Oakley laying nearby, or sitting quietly, listening to music and working on a pet portrait for a customer. Without question, I’m always grateful that I can express myself through art. I’ve always loved art and creating. From a very young age, I was always painting, drawing and creating “stuff.” I would spend hours drawing at the kitchen table and never lack for inspiration. I was fortunate to have been born and raised in Fernie and therefore exposed
to not only its natural beauty, but also the beauty of the community. Inspiration was everywhere! My creativity really started flourishing in my high school years. My art teacher, Mr. Gigilotti shared an insight with me, “Be you,” he said. “Create what comes naturally.” I still create with that thought in mind. I was never consistent with my art in the years following school. College, getting married and starting a family kept me busy. Then one day, as a way to give back to one of my favourite animal rescues, I decided to offer charcoal pet portraits and donate a large portion of the proceeds to them. Afterwards,
people continued requesting the pet portraits and so my art journey began again. Out came the canvases, paints and easels and art was back in my life. I continue to contribute my artwork to numerous charitable events and worthwhile causes, as I have a strong belief in giving back to the communities we work and play in. I’ve tried various mediums throughout the years and love something about all of them, but I prefer acrylics. Their ability to give a soft or vibrant colour, as well as drying quickly, is a good fit for me. As for drawing and sketching I use mostly charcoal, chalk and pastels, but I am always up for trying something new!
I am eclectic in my art, just like I am in my life. I let my work evolve as I go along. Unless it is a commissioned piece, I start each piece without any subject or intent in mind. Eventually the colour will trigger an idea, or an outline of a bird or something appears, and I go from there. If I had to describe my work, I would say it’s raw. I feel the Kootenays in general have such a great art vibe to them, both East and West, but Fernie really tops it! The community of Fernie embraces artists of all kinds regardless of the genre. So many talented people live in Fernie or are from Fernie… it’s one of the things I love most about this amazing town!
As for where I hope to see my work in the future; I will always continue to create “stuff” and I will always give back somehow. Being able to pursue my passion and touch people in some way with my art is what it’s all about for me. If you would like to see more of my work, please visit No.3 at 522 2nd Ave, downtown Fernie. Currently, I have a new website under construction, but in the meantime you can go to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ wendyhamiltonart1 or contact me via email at wfhamilton@telus.net.
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Booked!
250.423.1665 Info@MowAndSnow.ca
Fernie Writers’ Series 2016 Presented by the Fernie Heritage Library
Raziel Reid
2014 GG Winner
Canada Reads Finalist
2 2 2 2 2 Friday January 15th, 7:00 pm
Fernie Heritage Library An edgy and non-sugarcoated novel, full of gender-bending teen glamour, mischief and melodrama. ~BC Booklook
Landscape Design and Installation Lawn Care • Snow Removal
WI N TE R I S TH E N E W PA I N T I N G S E AS O N . B U Y YO U R HOME A C H R I STM AS P R E S E N T. + 2 50 4 3 0 1 872
+ 2 5 0 4 2 3 4314
Arts and Entertainment
Ru by Kim Thuy
personal story of being a Vietnamese refugee in Canada, although Thuy does not consider Ru autobiographical. To appreciate Ru as prose poetry was very easy to do, though, as poetry, even in long form, does not necessarily require the same components that novels do. There does not have to be the same adherence to plot structure, the rise and fall of action or character development that traditionally a novel requires in order to develop the storyline.
COURTNEY BAKER
I AM FORTUNATE to be a part of the fantastic Accidental Book Club, and recently, Ru by Kim Thuy was one of the books selected. I was excited to read Ru, as it was the 2015 Canada Reads winner as well as the 2013 winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Fiction (French language). The story also seemed especially timely as it deals with a refugee family relocating to Quebec and the challenges they face; in short, Ru had potential for many of the things I like in a book – family history, cultural challenges, political drama, and firstperson narration. Ru tells the story of the Nguyen family and specifically that of the narrator An Tinh, a ten-year-old who fled Vietnam with her family during the Tet Offensive in the 1970s. The Nguyen family is a wealthy and large family that escapes Vietnam and finds themselves in a Malaysian refugee camp, eventually settling in Granby, Quebec. An Tinh’s story covers decades of her life, eventually finding her as a mother and wife who can never quite get over the disconnect she feels to Canada. This story shows the two worlds that refugees live in simultaneously; that of their past and that of their future. Our narrator seeks to come to terms with the way that the future, and its accompanying challenges, is navigated while still reconciling the role of the past. The novel begins with the definition of “ru,” which in French means a small stream and, figuratively, a flow or discharge of tears, blood or money. In Vietnamese, “ru” means a lullaby, to lull. This novel is both of these definitions. Although successful in fulfilling the notion and consequences of movement, Ru unfortunately fails as a novel per se. Ru is definitely very capable as prose poetry, and is beautifully accomplished as such,
FERNIE READS
but due to its structure and fragmented chapters, it leaves a reader questioning the writer rather than the story. Ru is a brief 141 pages long and consists of roughly 110 vignettes, the shortest being a single brief paragraph and the longest a page and a half. Ru is a series of memories and the structure actually is very appropriate for the story, but the issue with this is that the details are as sparse as the page count and the memories are disjointed with no logical chronology. After the Nguyen family leaves Malaysia, the story becomes confusing, much as life is to a refugee in a new country I imagine. But within the 141 pages the reader suddenly has random vignettes on sex tourism, relating to children, marriage, return trips to Saigon, numerous one-off mentions of family members, thoughts on communism, the loss of culture and identity. In reality that is how memories work; they are brief, disjointed glimpses into the past, but to make them successful in a novel, a reader needs help in interpreting them. And jumping between decades, countries, languages, and the numerous unnamed characters lead the reader to feel a lack of connection to the story in general. The strange thing is that I actually very much enjoyed the book, but then again I am the strange breed of people who not only reads poetry but actually purchases books of poetry. However, to appreciate Ru as a novel required me to do some research on the author and her own
Ru is beautifully written as poetry. The language is fluid, syntax is dynamic, images are rich and the vignettes are lush, even sensual, in their ambition. An Tinh’s mother often recites the Vietnamese proverb: Doi la chien tran, neutral buon la thua or Life is a struggle in which sorrow leads to defeat. In this case Thuy, may have been defeated by the novel, but the struggle created stunning poetry, rich in dichotomies and the power of lullabies.
An Independent Book Store A unique selection of books, gifts, award-winning toys, guide books & maps, stationery and special treasures.
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New patients welcome Dental insurance accepted For all your orthodontic needs
Dr. Peach
292 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC
250-423-6838
dentist@kahane.ca • www.kahane.ca
Your One-Stop Shop for: 4 Christmas Stocking Stuffers 4 Gifts & Souvenirs 4 Books & Magazines 4 Postcards & Cards 4 Puzzles, Games & Toys 4 Lottery Ticket Centre 4 Full-Service Pharmacy 441- 2nd Ave. Downtown Fernie Tel: 250.423.4511
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Kristen Miller
BC Registered Massage Therapist STICKERS
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Arts and Entertainment
T H E R E N TA L F I X
Being Erica ANDREW VALLANCE
The Best BANG for your Buck!
• Handmade bagels baked daily in house • Open 7am-5pm EVERYDAY • Voted ‘Best Quick Food Fix’ Fernie Fix Awards, 2013 502 2nd Avenue, Fernie BC 250-423-7778 www.bigbangbagels.com
CBC television was founded on September 6, 1952. Its role, much like that of CBC radio, was to create a conduit through which Canadian culture could be disseminated to a broad Canadian audience and resist American cultural imperialism. To a certain extent it has succeeded in its mission, but recently with budget cuts and hamfisted attempts to bring in a younger audience, the quality of some of its programming has been reduced. A case in point is the show Being Erica, which was created by Jana Sinyor. It stars Erin Karpluk as the title character, Erica Strange, a put-upon administrative assistant at a Toronto-based publishing company. With the assistance of her magical therapist, Doctor Tom, she is able to go back in time to address the major regrets in her life, thereby attempting to give herself a better present. Erin Karpluk has appeared in Rookie Blue, The Republic of Doyle and Supernatural. In Being Erica, Karpluk plays a woman so immersed in a sea of neuroticism that she verges on annoying. At the same time Erica is so conventional in her outlook that the character becomes incredibly bland. The entire show suffers from this same blandness. The show sends its main character back in time, but dealing with those issues does not shift the time space continuum at all. At the end of each episode Erica goes back to the same boring static present.
Proud member of
FernieCHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The one bright spot in the show is Michael Riley who plays Doctor Tom. Riley was in Mr. Nobody, Murdoch, This is Wonderland and French Kiss, and his performance in Being Erica is excellent. At first glance, he is staid and unexciting like the other characters in the show. However,
ERIN KARPLUK...PLAYS A WOMAN SO IMMERSED IN A SEA OF NEUROTICISM THAT SHE VERGES ON ANNOYING. AT THE SAME TIME ERICA IS SO CONVENTIONAL IN HER OUTLOOK THAT THE CHARACTER BECOMES INCREDIBLY BLAND. THE ENTIRE SHOW SUFFERS FROM THIS SAME BLANDNESS. we must consider that Doctor Tom is supposed to be a therapist, someone whose role is to calm the turbulent seas of Erica’s neuroticism. He has a comforting presence with a maturity that invites our admiration. He is in fact the best actor in the show. FERNIEFIX.COM
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COMMUNITY
CHRISTMAS
2 5 0. 4 2 3 . 4 4 5 8 f h l p ro g ra m m e r @ g m a i l . c o m h t t p : / / f e r n i e . b c l i b ra r y. c o m
Spin Spin-Fit Spin-HiiT
CELEBRATION
2:00-4:00pm JOIN US FOR THIS ALL AGES EVENT WITH TREATS, CRAFTS, STORIES, HOT CIDER, LIVE STRING BAND WITH CAROLS & A WONDERFUL CHANCE TO ENJOY SOME CHRISTMAS CHEER WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS.
Sat, DECEMBER 19, 2015
250.423.4458 fhlprogramm2 e r5@0g. 4 m 2a 3i l. .4c 4o 5m8 h ft ht lpp: r/ /o fger ranmi em. eb rc@l igbmr a ri ly. .ccoomm h t t p : / / f
Fernie, BC
The Chopstick Truck is a modern Vietnamese food truck based out of Fernie B.C. Follow us on Twitter for daily location updates
Hatha Vinyasa Power Flow Yoga Core Prop Stretch Balance & Play
evolutionhealth.ca
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Arts and Entertainment
Na-na-na-na-nanaaaa
Much better than the original
CAROLYN NIKODYM
MUSIC IS THE WAY that we count our memories. Certain songs remind us of “that time when…” Some songs reminisce about love. Some songs encourage us to truly live. And others remind us to be kinder to one another. The ringing in of a new year has a similar effect. It’s the time of year when we recount our last 365 days circling the sun: our friends, our family, our triumphs and sorrows. It’s the time when we concoct ways to live better. Remember, reminisce and renew. “Auld Lang Syne” is really the New Year’s song. In spite of its popularity, it has been described as “the song that nobody knows.” It’s the familiar tune many of us bumble our way through after we’ve blown our noisemakers and tipped a glass of champagne back. “Should auld acquaintance be forgot, na-na-na-na-nanaaaa!” The people who can pull out random facts and delight a cocktail party may already know enough about this old Scottish song, but for the rest of us, here are some interesting tidbits about one of the world’s most famous tunes. What does it all mean? “Auld Lang Syne” roughly translates to “for the sake of old times.” Or more literally to “old long since.” The song exhorts its listeners to cherish old friends and old times – over a drink, of course. It is also a toast to the year ahead, to health and good will. Will the real Robbie Burns please stand up? Although attributed to the Scottish poet, “Auld Lang Syne” wasn’t, in fact, totally written by Robbie Burns. Instead, Burns had the foresight to record history and
MUSICAL NOTES
FIREWORKS AT FAR | VINCE MO PHOTO
be the first to write the traditional folk song down. In the very late 1700s, he sent the song to the Scots Musical Museum, a major publication that had a key role in preserving the traditional music of Scotland. In a letter to the Museum, Burns said, “…the following song – the old song of the olden times, and which has never been in print, nor even in manuscript, until I took it down from an old man’s singing…” According to historians, the version of the song he sent seems to be an amalgamation of much older verses and Burns’ own. I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony “Auld Lang Syne” is shared in many countries, especially English-speaking ones, in bidding farewell to the old year. But the song also has an immense history outside of both the New Year’s tradition and the English-speaking world. It has been translated into many other languages, including a northern Danish dialect, Maldivian, Dutch, Thai and Japanese. In South Korea, the song is known as Jakpyeol” (“Farewell”), and the melody was used as the country’s national anthem from 1918-1943. Around the world, the song is sung for many different occasions, like funerals, farewells, graduations, and, of course, on Robbie Burns Day.
Although it’s difficult to get historians and musicologists to agree, it is thought that the tune Burns originally heard is different from the tune we sing today. “Auld Lang Syne” is also set to another melody – which is reportedly more traditional. Some say it is the version played in the 2008 Sex and the City movie, where Carrie is rushing over to the lonely Miranda’s, trying to get to her apartment before midnight on New Year’s Eve. (Yes, I did just talk about Robbie Burns and Sex and the City in the same paragraph.) This version is achingly beautiful. Beyond “Auld Lang Syne”, there are other songs that might be right for a New Year’s playlist. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but here are some tunes that embrace the remembrance, reminiscing and renewal of a new year. Happy New Year, everyone! Play safe, and thanks for reading! “1999” – Prince “Ding Dong, Ding Dong” – George Harrison (this has a great video) “New Year’s Eve” – Snoop Dogg featuring Marty James “Maybe Baby (New Year’s Day)” – Sugarland “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” – Ella Fitzgerald “Let’s Start the New Year Right (One Minute to Midnight)” – Bing Crosby “Funky New Year” – The Eagles “Happy New Year” – Abba “New Year’s Day” – U2 “This is the New Year” – A Great Big World “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” – Barry Manilow “Celtic New Year” – Van Morrison
FERNIEFIX.COM
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'kitchen always open'
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Infinitea this Month tea lounge/restaurant
Dec 3 Dec 10 Dec 11 Dec 15
0pen noon-late every day except Tuesday
Ben Caldwell & Sam Buckingham play live from 8pm Beautea night 6-9pm $10 Massage/manicures/facials Tori Anderson plays live from 8pm Christmas Gift making Workshop $40 Bodyscrubs, lipbalms, decorative bag 2-5pm Dec 18 Alexanne Oke plays live from 8pm Dec 20 Infinitea Orphan Christmas Dinner 5-9pm $15 Dec 23 Hark Raving Sirens play live from 8pm Dec 31 Free New Years Eve Night with drink specials & DJ Jayray from 7pm Book your Christmas party at infinitea
Located on 5th St downtown
Community & Events
F E AT U R E R E S I D E N T
Major James Hagglund KRISTA TURCASSO
THIS YEAR MARKS THE 150-YEAR ANNIVERSARY of the Salvation Army, and the 115-year anniversary of the Fernie Salvation Army. While first and foremost the Salvation Army is a Church, it is also here to offer community and family services and a thrift store. The Christmas season is the most important time of the year for the Fernie Salvation Army, as it’s when it raises 95% of the income it needs to operate for the entire year, through monetary and nonperishable food donation. “The funds we raise this time of the year go directly to the social work that we do,” Major James Hagglund says, as he goes through what his role and the role of the Salvation Army is in our community. He is passionate about his job, and in the short two-anda-half years he and his wife Major Gwen have been in Fernie running the Salvation Army they have accomplished much. Fernie is the smallest community the duo have been appointed to, but they were excited for the challenge and were happy to be in such a welcoming community. “It’s a great place with a lot of fantastic people,” he says. “We’re enjoying it.” Immediately, they set a goal to become a self-sufficient operation and to be able to support the community more efficiently. Previously, the operation depended on funds from headquarters every month to keep the place alive. “We’ve been making progress,” he says. I would agree. The building is much more prevalent in our community, through new signage and lighting, the Thrift Store has grown and become an even bigger staple, and there are plans to continue expanding in the next year for a space to be used strictly for family services to meet the needs of the local population.
KRISTA TURCASSO PHOTO
“Currently, 90% of this entails the food bank operation. But, we can support kids interested in attending camps, help with emergencies that might come up for families within the community. We want the funding to expand to other things.” So, with their busiest time of the year upon us, how can we help? “People in the community can get involved by making financial contributions, they can volunteer through the thrift store or family services, and of course at Christmas time they can help with the Christmas Kettles!” Major James says enthusiastically, telling me stories of some of the energetic Christmas Kettlers he’s met in the past. I swiftly sign up for two days in December, at the Liquor Store, of course. If you too are keen, you can call Major James directly, and he will place you on the ‘master schedule.’ “Hopefully we get some new individuals to come alongside others. Even one or two or three shifts over the season would be extremely beneficial.”
Additionally, individuals can pick up a tag from the Angel Tree at Save On Foods and purchase a gift for a child in need, donate to the Christmas Kettles, or donate non-perishable items. “It’s important to look at the best before dates on the canned goods,” Major James reminds us all. Throughout our conversation, the Major continuously comments on the generosity of the individuals within our community, and the support he and his wife have received since moving here. “We could never do it on our own; it’s because we have friends that come along side us. Because of these people, we are able to offer this support to the community.” Well, Major James. I think you hit the nail on the head. Thank you, Major James and Gwen for becoming a part of our community, and helping so many people along the way. And thank you, Fernie community for supporting important organizations such as the Salvation Army. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Active Healthy Modern Living... Starting at $163,900 K
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LEGEND LIMITED HOMESITES REMAINING
MONTANE PARK
WAY
THE COTTAGES LIMITED RELEASE PHASE 1,2,3 SOLD OUT
Final Homesites Now Selling
FUTURE PROPOSED LOTS
Photo by Henry Georgi
www.montanefernie.com DAN MCSKIMMING Managing Broker Elk Valley Realty Limited
DEB TRAND Agent Elk Valley Realty Limited
ALAN YOUNG Agent Elk Valley Realty Limited
ferniedano@gmail.com (250) 423 1921
debtrand@gmail.com (250) 423 1471
alan@fernielistings.com (250) 430 1245
1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here?
6. What is your favourite time of the year in Fernie and why?
to start with whatever is required of the day.
We arrived two-and-a-half years ago, by being appointed by the Salvation Army.
Probably the Christmas season. Even though it’s heavy work, because between now and Christmas we will be working ten to 12 hours a day seven days a week. But during that time we also meet numerous people. At the Christmas Kettles, I just stand and ring my bell, and talk to people. It’s a fun time.
9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.
2. Where did you first live in town? Mount Proctor, in the Airport. 3. What was your first impression? It’s a nice community. Actually, when we first came in we noticed that the creek was really high. We got here a week or two after the last flood. 4. What keeps you in Fernie? Well, certainly we’re here because we have been appointed but also it’s a good community with lots of good people. 5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory? Ya, I think when the Christmas train came through the first year we were here. And it’s coming through again this year!
7. Where do you see Fernie in 5 to 10 years? I hope to see it growing. I have seen the community changing, and being more open and accepting of people. Fernie residents seem to be survivors, rolling with whatever comes their way.
I met my wife when we were young and I told her she was going to marry me. Life happened, and we hadn’t seen each other for a while. So, I wrote her a letter and asked her to marry me, and that I would send her a plane ticket if she said yes. We’ve been married for 42 years, and she is the best lady in the world. 10. Quote to live by: Love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And Love thy neighbour as thyself. You gotta have both.
8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals? We start the day with a cup of coffee and our own personal devotions at home, and then arrive to the Salvation Army at 9am
Georgi
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December 2015 Monthly Events TUESDAY 1.12.2015 Learn to Crochet a Hat @ Heaven Boutique, 7pm. Call 250-4236652 to register. Ladies Wine and Cheese Night @ Infinitea, featuring four wines from Dirty Laundry and cheese from Le Grand Fromage. $35/ person
WEDNESDAY 2.12.2015
First Nations, conservationists, backcountry skiers and snowboarders have fought a proposed large-scale ski resort deep in the Purcell Mountains of British Columbia. After 24 years of opposition, what more will it take to keep Jumbo wild for good? Funk Hunters with Mertz @ The Northern
Jingle Jams with Bass, Strings and Violins: Virginia Robinos, Heather McDonald, Kerri Holmes @ The Fernie Heritage Library, 2-4pm Infinitea Orphan Christmas Dinner @ Infinitea, 5-9pm for $15
FRIDAY 11.12.2015
Shred Movie and Gang Wars @ The Royal
Emergency Services Food Drive @ Fernie, 5-9pm. Be ready with your non perishable goods as the BC Ambulance, Fernie Fire Department and Fernie Search and Rescue travel door to door to collect donations for the Fernie Food Bank.
Fernie Ghostriders vs. Spokane @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Fernie Friends of Opera: Amahi and the Night Visitors and Gianni Schicci @ The Arts Station, 7pm Tori Anderson Live @ Infinitea, 8pm Big Shake Presents Wallis, Ash and Charlie the Messenger @ The Royal The GoatBoys @ The Northern
FRIDAY 4.12.2015 - 5.12.2015
SATURDAY 12.12.2015
Featurecast @ The Northern
THURSDAY 3.12.2015
Hearth 5 @ 1480 McDonald Ave, 4-8pm. Enjoy mulled wine, tasty nibbles and excellent shopping hand made by local artisans.
FRIDAY 4.12.2015 Opening Day @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 9am Wine and Wheel Pottery with Michelle Senior @ The Arts Station, 8-10pm. $35/person advance registration. Karl Schomann and Friends Live @ Infinitea, 8pm 4th Anniversary Weekend @ The Royal: Band Night Food for Fashion Show @ The Northern, all proceeds benefit the Salvation Army Food Bank
SATURDAY 5.12.2015 Christmas Celebration @ The Castle on First, 2-6pm. Food by Chef Barrie, music, art show, castle tours, dance demos, draws and door prizes and $25 off their new Yoga & Spin punch pass. The Hillties Live @ Kodiak Lounge, 9pm Fernie Ghostriders vs Castlegar @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm 4th Anniversary Weekend @ The Royal: DJ Night Neon Steve with Aurora @ The Nothern
SUNDAY 6.12.2015 Santa Pancake Breakfast @ Park Place Lodge, 9am. Enjoy a fantastic breakfast with the family, and photos with Santa by donation – all funds benefiting the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre. 250-423-6871 Christmas Wreath Making for Kids @ The Arts Station, 1-3pm hosted by the Green Petal. For ages 5-9, maximum of ten participants. Fernie Wine Club Event @ The Northern, 6:30pm. Enjoy the new wine list and a glimpse at their winter fare! Jingle James with Shiva @ Loaf Bakery, 2-4pm
MONDAY 7.12.2015 Indie Films Fernie: Remember @ The Vogue Theatre, 7pm
TUESDAY 8.12.2015 Ladies Night Wine ‘N Cheese @ The Guide’s Hut, 7-9pm. Enjoy wine, snacks, draw prizes, specials, and early Christmas shopping. Paint n’ Sip with Sara Funk @ The Arts Station, 7-9pm maximum of ten participants.
WEDNESDAY 9.12.2015 Jumbo Wild – Fernie @ Fernie Arts Station, 7pm. For decades,
Gallery Deck the Walls Gallery: Until Dec 24 Everything under $100. Nov 27: Free movie: TBA 3pm in the Theatre. Gallery open from 4-9pm for Black Friday Gallery Walk
What the Dickens All What the Dickens programming is free. Some events require pre-registration, so please watch for details. Dec 4: Wine and Wheel Pottery with Michelle Senior 8-10pm $35 Register at The Arts Station
CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT WWW.FERNIEFIX.COM
Fernie Ghostriders vs. Golden @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Bison Brothers @ The Royal, folk and roots rock Stickybunds @ The Northern
SUNDAY 13.12.2015 Card Ornaments for Kids @ The Arts Station, 12-1:30pm or 2-3:30pm. Hosted by Clawhammer for kids ages 6-12, eight kids for session. Jingle Jams with Emilie and Kate: Fiddle Duo @ Infinitea, 2-4pm Elf - Movie Fundraiser for the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre @ Vogue Theatre, 12pm CP Holiday Train @ CP Station, 5:15pm. Check out the Holiday Train as it makes its way through Fernie this December. Live music, lights, and so much more. Local DJ Party @ The Northern
TUESDAY 15.12.2015
MONDAY 21.12.2015 WEDNESDAY 23.12.2015 Ski and Photos with Santa @ Fernie Alpine Resort Hark Raving Sirens Live @ Infinitea, 8pm
THURSDAY 24.12.2015 Ski and Photos with Santa @ Fernie Alpine Resort Ugly Sweater Party @ The Royal
SATURDAY 26.12.2015 Boxing Day Party @ The Northern
TUESDAY 29.12.2015 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Kimberley @ Fernie Memorial Arena
WEDNESDAY 30.12.2015 Mat the Alien with The Gaf @ The Northern
THURSDAY 31.12.2015 Family New Year’s Party @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 6-9pm.Kids activities, night skiing on the Mighty Moose, and fireworks. New Year’s Eve Party @ The Griz Bar, 8pm to 2am. A sell out event with live music and dancing, tickets available at Fernie Alpine Resort. www.skifernie.com New Year’s: Fozzyfest “Shipwrecked NYE” @ The Royal New Year’s Eve Party with the Fernie Yacht Club @ The Northern New Year’s with DJ Jayray @ Infinitea. Free, open to all ages.
Gift Making Workshop @ Infinitea, 2pm. Bodyscrubs, lip balm and decorative bag.
THURSDAY 17.12.2015 A Christmas Carole reading by Lindsay Vallance @ The Arts Station, 6:30pm. Free Fernie Ghostriders vs. Creston @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm SkiTour Whistler BC with Aurora @ The Northern
FRIDAY 18.12.2015 Alexanne Oke Live @ Infinitea, 8pm Wildlife Party @ The Royal Chron Goblin Band @ The NOrthern
SATURDAY19.12.2015 In the Saint Nick of Time Craft Fair @ Fernie Community Centre, 10am-4pm Fernie Ghostriders vs. Beaver Valley @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Pidgen Hole @ The Royal, Vancouver Hip-Hop Local DJ Party @ The Northern
SUNDAY 20.12.2015 Felted Ornament Making with Jodie @ The Arts Station, 1-3pm for ages 5-12. Connect with God @ Fernie Anglican Church
Dec 6: Christmas Wreath Making 1-3pm Upstairs at the Arts Station Ages 5-9 hosted by Green Petal. Max 10: must pre-register at The Arts Station Dec 6: Jingle Jam at Loaf Bakery 2-4pm Dec 7: IFF Film 7pm Vogue Theatre. Dec 8: Paint n’ Sip with Sara Funk 7-9pm. Free, but must pre-register Dec 11: Friends of the Opera 7pm Dec 13: Cardmaking at Clawhammer Letterpress. Ages 6-12. Two sessions: 12-1:30 & 2-3:30pm. Must pre-register at Clawhammer Letterpress
Dec 13: Jingle Jam at Infinitea 2-4pm Dec 17: “A Christmas Carole” read by Linsday Vallance 6:30pm All-ages show. Free, but please pick up tickets at the Station Dec 20: Felted Ornaments with Jodie Parker. 1-3pm Upstairs at the Arts Station Ages 5-12 hosted by Green Petal. Max 10: must pre-register at The Arts Station Dec 20: Bass, Strings & Violin Jingle Jam at The Fernie Heritage Library 2-4pm
DECEMBER PROGRAMMING: Storytime (Ages 3-5 years). Tuesdays 11:15am-noon Toddlertime (Ages 0-2 years) Wednesdays 11:15am. Friday December 4, 11, 18th: 11:15am. NO TODDLERTIME: Dec 25, 31 Plaid Christmas Party: Dec. 11, 11-12:30pm. Storytime for parents, caregivers and children 0-5, followed by a big pot of soup. Dec. 1, 2 3:30-4:45pm: Make you Own Advent Calendar, Age 7+, Drop In Dec. 8, 9 3:30-4:45pm: Christmas Cards and Letters, Age 7 +, Drop In Dec. 3, 10th Lego Club (age 7+) Registration required Dec. 15, 16, 17 3:30-4:45pm: Presents and Puzzles, Age 7 +, Drop In Dec. 18: 3:30-4:40pm Christmas Fun just for Kindergarteners, parents must attend with children Dec. 22, 23 Christmas at the Castle, Age 7 +, Registration required, Limited spaces available Dec. 29, 30 Winter at the Castle, Age 7 +, Registration required, Limited spaces available Red Cedar Book Club: Friday Dec. 4, 3:45-4:30pm Grades 4-6 FUN Friday, Dec. 4 Tis the Season: Decorate our Kids Space 1:00-2:30pm (age 7+) Drop-In Teenspace: Thursday Dec. 3rd and 17th 6:30-8:00pm Tea and Talk Book Club: “At the Water’s Edge” by Sara Gruen, Friday December 18 at 1:00pm. Christmas Card Making for all ages: Thursday, December 10th, 6:00-7:45pm. Enjoy an evening of crafting cards to send. Community Christmas Celebration: December 19th 2-4pm. A wonderful celebration with crafts, snacks, stories and carols with a full string band. A great opportunity to catch up with your neighbours. Everyone welcome!
CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!
December 2015 Weekly Events
DINING, NIGHTLIFE & SPECIALS MONDAYS Burger and Bud $14.99 @ Boston Pizza Fernie Jugs of Beer on Special @ The Brickhouse Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Wing Night @ The Fernie Hotel Movie Night from 7pm and $6 Meals @ Infinitea $15 Steak Sandwich Night @ Parkplace Pub Mani Monday Special @ Spa 901 Massage Mondays @ Trillium Day Spa, $60 for 60 min, $90 for 90 min Ladies Night: $4 House Red or White Wine, $5 Pints of Cider, $10 Appies @ The Northern Local Jam Night @ The Kodiak Lounge Monday Beats @ The Royal, 10pm Locals Day: Burger and Fernie Beer $10 @ Rusty Edge Buck a Shuck: $1 Oysters and $5 Prosecco @ Cirque Restaurant, Lizard Creek Lodge TUESDAYS Pasta Specials @ Boston Pizza Kokanee Bottle on Special @ The Brickhouse Wing Night @ Parkplace Pub $12 Pizza Night @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Two for Tuesdays @ Trillium Day Spa, 2 pedicures for $100, 2 manicures for $70, 2 facials for $130, all three for $275 $10 Beer, Burger and Bingo Night @ The Northern Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort Tuesday: Shot gun Karaoke with TOpo @ The Royal Pizza Day: $5 off All Pizzas @ Rusty Edge
Buck a Shuck: $1 Oysters and $5 Prosecco @ Cirque Restaurant, Lizard Creek Lodge WEDNESDAYS $7 Single or $14 Double Wings @ Boston Pizza Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Karaoke Night @ The Fernie Pint night @ Kodiak Lounge Zack’s Jam Night @ The Royal $10 Smokie, Beer and Fries @ Parkplace Pub Locals Night @ Loaf, 5-9pm Tarot Card Readings w/ Miss Janeil @ Infinitea Crochet Collective & Sweater Club Knitting @ Infinitea, 7-9pm Waxing Wednesday @ Trillium Day Spa, free underam wax with any other hair removal $8 Wings, Beat the Clock Draft & Highballs and Karaoke @ The Northern $10 Vietnamese Sub and Beer @ Pho Locoal Buck a Shuck: $1 Oysters and $5 Prosecco @ Cirque Restaurant, Lizard Creek Lodge Wing Day: $0.50/wing with beverage order @ Rusty Edge THURSDAYS Tacos for $12.95 @ Boston Pizza Jam Night @ The Brickhouse Spiced Rum Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Featured Pub Burgers @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Burger and Beer Special @ The Fernie 2 Medium Pizza Special @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe RileyJ+Ash / Flatspin+Friends @ The Royal
Choice of Pizza or Pasta with Wine or Beer for $15 @ Loaf Bakery and Restaurant House Gun Doubles $7, $5 Fernie Pints, $3 Sliders @ The Northern $8 Martini Night @ Infinitea $15 Feature Burger and Team Trivia for $100 Tab @ Parkplace Pub Ladies Day: Buy On Starter, Second One Half Off/$5 off Bottles of Wine @ Rusty Edge Buck a Shuck: $1 Oysters and $5 Prosecco @ Cirque Restaurant, Lizard Creek Lodge FRIDAYS Full Rack of Ribs $19.95 @ Boston Pizza Tastings at The Tipple @ The Tipple. 1st Friday of the month only. Live Music Fridays @ Infinitea 8pm TGIF & Chicken dinner draw @ Kodiak Lounge $12 Fish and Chips or Baby Back Ribs @ Parkplace Pub $11 Fish and Chips, Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Live Music @ The Central Live bands and DJs @ The Royal Date Night Special @ Spa 901 Domestic Bottles $5 and $12 Fish and Chips @ The Northern Oyster Day: $5 Prosecco and Oyster Specials @ Rusty Edge
OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS •Dominoes @ The Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Mahjong @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Special Olympics Athletes Bowling @ Sparwood. 4pm •Duplicate Bridge Game @ The Seniors Drop-in Centre •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •ActiveFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 8:30-9:15am •Swimming Lessons @ Aquatic Centre, kids under 3 from 10:30-11am •Celebrate Recovery @ Mountainside Church, 7pm, open to everyone •Community Climb Night @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 7pm •Ladies Night Boxing @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Parent Tot Fun Times @ Knox United Church, 9:30-noon •StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-noon •Adult Shinny @ Memorial Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Public Swim and Lane Swim @ Aquatic Centre, 7am – 1pm and 3pm – 8pm. Waterslide 4-6pm TUESDAYS •Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre. $6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D •Crib/Whist @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Storytime @ Library, 11:15-12pm for ages 3–5. •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Ladies Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6:30pm •Public Drop in Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-9pm •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Gentle Fit @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 10:30-11:15am •Born to Sing and Dance @ Fernie Arts Station •Drop-in Climbing @ College of the Rockies Climbing Wall, 7-9pm •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-noon •Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am •Public Swim and Lane Swim @ Aquatic Centre, 7am – 1pm and 3pm – 8pm. Waterslide 4-6pm •Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:30-10:30am •Adult Shinny @ Memorial Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Free Public Skate @ Memorial Arena, 10:30-11:15am •Old School Board Games @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm ages 7 + drop in
Skate WEDNESDAYS •Crib @ Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Drop in Workshop @ Clawhammer Press. 6-9pm, $30 •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Adult Badminton @ The Community Centre. Drop in for $5 •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •ActiveFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 8:30-9:15am •Womens Drop in Climbing @ COTR, 7-9pm •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Water Flow Yoga & Tea @ Infinitea, 10:30am •Mixed Boxing Recreational @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am for ages 0-2. •StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-noon •Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am •Charadians Drama Club @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45 ages 9+. •Public Swim and Lane Swim @ Aquatic Centre, 7am – 1pm and 3pm – 8pm. Waterslide 4-6pm •Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:30-10:30am •Adult Shinny @ Memorial Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Free Parent & Tot Skate @ Memorial Arena, 10:30-11:15am •Skate & Shoot @ Memorial Arena, 11:45am-1pm THURSDAYS •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •RC Club @ Fernie Community Centre. 7-9pm. Flying and practice •Community Basketball @ Fernie Secondary School, 8:30-10:30pm •Mixed Boxing Competitive @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, 7:30-9pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Youth Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6pm •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Gentle Fit @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 10:30-11:15am •MOMs Group @ Fernie Heritage Library, 9:30-11:30am •Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre, 1-3pm every 2nd Thursday. •Open Roller Skating Evening @ Max Turyk Gym, $2 drop-in fee. 6-7pm •Kids Boxing Boot Camp @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, ages 8-16 5pm. •Beautea Night @ Infinitea with Trillium 6-8pm $10 manicure/massage/ reiki (2nd & 4th Thursdays)
SATURDAYS Any Large Pizza for Medium Charge @ Boston Pizza Meat Draw & Bar Quiz @ The Legion Tequila Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Pizza Night @ Loaf Bakery, 5pm – close. Rib Night @ Max Restaurant & The Pub $5 Glass of House Wine, $5 Off Bottles of Wine @ The Fernie Live Music @ The Central Live bands and DJs@ The Royal Domestic Bottles $5, Jager Bombs $6, Steak Sandwich $12 @ The Northern Rib Night: $19 Half/$24 Full @ Parkplace Pub Wine by the Glass Specials @ Infinitea Lagers and Jagers for $5 @ Rusty Edge SUNDAYS Kids Sunday $4.99 @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse Brunch @ Nevados, 10am – 2pm All day brunch starting at $10 @ The Fernie Orphan Night: $3.50 highballs and draft, warm dinner and ski/snow boarding videos @ The Northern $10 Roast @ Infinitea Sunday Roast Dinners and Happy Hour All Day @ Rusty Edge Party Tunes with GOFFles waffles @ The Royal Dinner & Swim Special @ Fernie Stanford Resort $18 Sausage and Mash @ Parkplace Pub
Swim
Library Program
Other
•StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-noon •Lego Club @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45 ages 7+. •Public Swim and Lane Swim @ Aquatic Centre, 7am – 1pm and 3pm – 8pm. Waterslide 4-6pm •Indoor Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 8:30-10:30am •Adult Shinny @ Memorial Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Free Public Skate @ Memorial Arena, 10:30-11:15am FRIDAYS •Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion, 7:30pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library Ages 0-2 11:15am •Red Cross Swim @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9-11am and 3:30-5:30pm •Women’s Writing Group @ Fernie Women’s Resource Centre, 2-4pm. •Kindergym @ Fernie Family Centre, 10-11am •StrongStart @ Isabella Dicken Elementary School, 9am-noon •Breastfeeding Mammas @ Fernie Heritage Library, first Friday of the month. •AFRoS @ Fernie Heritage Library, 10-11am. Sing and play in French. •Red Cedar Book Club: First Friday of Each Month @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm, Grades 4-6 •Public Swim and Lane Swim @ Aquatic Centre, 7am – 1pm and 3pm – 8pm. Waterslide 4-6pm •Youth Shinny @ Memorial Arena, 10:45-11:45am •Public Skate @ Memorial Arena, noon to 12:45pm and 7:15-8:15pm SATURDAYS •Family French Fun @ The Arts Station, 10:30-11:30am. $12/person or $5 per family member (maximum $20/family). •Teen Wheel Pottery @ The Fernie Arts Station 10am-Noon $125/month $30/drop in •Karma Meditation Class @ Essential Yoga Studio 8:00am-8:45am •Historical Walking Tour @ Fernie Museum, 11am. SUNDAYS •Fernie Pets Society Group Walk @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9am. •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •First Sunday of the Month Family Climb Time @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 2-4pm
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Majic, Purdy Law Corporation
Trusted Legal Advice for over 25 years
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Community & Events
WALKING IN MY SHOES
The Little Things MICAH MORRIS
THINKING BACK TO WHEN WE TEENAGERS were children, I can remember moments and objects that would literally make my day. For example, my mom hiring a babysitter on the weekend, being allowed to watch cartoons on Saturday morning, dad taking us for slushies when he got home from work, or our parents organizing a play date on a school night. These things were so special to us as. As I grow older, it seems it takes more than dessert after dinner to feel grateful and it’s strange to realize that such little things used to make me so happy. Walking down Main Street one day, I saw an elderly man perched peacefully on a bench, simply taking in the town’s rush that surrounded him. As I passed him, I said hello and asked him how he was doing. He looked at me smiling and replied “I am well. Thank you so much for asking. You can be nice if you want to!” I remember that moment very clearly. It was a good reminder to allow myself to feel gratitude and to give happiness. Not everything you do must be a grand gesture of gifts or praises, complimenting a stranger in the street or greeting an elderly man on a bench is grand and fulfilling enough. I found myself last summer in the middle of a cool, drizzly day feeling grateful that the smoke filled valley was starting to clear out, the rain dousing the blazing fires that swept through the forests and plains surrounding Fernie and many other towns and cities alike. The fires filled our bowl-like valley with a grey smoke tainted by the glow of the sun, and a stale, still standing haze that left us feeling a little claustrophobic. This was all replaced with thick, cold clouds that blew over the ridges and mountains in the seemingly unfamiliar wind. The clear sky
SUBMITTED PHOTO
was a recognizable relief. The rain was a hopeful sign that held responses such as, “Maybe the fire ban will lift and we can have a camp fire soon!” or “Now I can go biking and running and actually be able to breath!” I felt grateful to have the view back. I had missed seeing the tops of the mountains with clarity. We had to go without campfires, our beautiful view, and clean air to realize how good we have it. Ironically, when the smoke lifted, I already missed the sun sets that the smoke heightened in colour, projecting it across the sky in a beauty that could be compared to little. Reminiscing of
those sweet summer days, I realized that in almost every situation and every experience we can pull out strands of gratitude that may not be noticeable in the moment. Although the month of December is dedicated to gratitude, where we allow ourselves to feel extra grateful and thankful for our friends and family, and for other things like when the snow falls blanket the valley, feeling gratitude should not be something we feel only on special occasions or in grand gesture. With this forward thinking attitude, we can strive to create a positive atmosphere for ourselves and others. FERNIEFIX.COM
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(Formally Alpine Spa and Leisure)
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Community & Events
YOU’VE GOT MALE
I’m Thankful For… ADAM K MACDONALD
I AM THANKFUL. I am thankful for the typical things – an amazing wife and family, strong health, great friends, comfortable home, desirable job. I have a lot to be grateful for. My wife and I have been together for 13 years. We met as camp counsellors at the same summer camp. Fast forward 13 years, my wife and I have a routine that we fall in and out of. At supper, we each share something we are thankful for. Sometimes, we name something typical, like those I just listed. Other times, we are inspired by what is in front of us – vegetables from our garden, or a supper we prepared together. Other times, we will highlight some quirky, obscure thing that happened during the day. Perhaps, we found a ten-dollar bill in a coat pocket on the first winter coat day of the year, or perhaps earlier that day our infant had a good case of the giggles. Sometimes, life gets busy and our family has supper on the road or a rushed supper at home. We fall out of the family rhythm and we lose the one-thing-we’re-thankfulfor routine. But we always seem to find our way back to it. Each night, I look forward to hearing what thing my wife will choose to mention. I enjoy reflecting back on my own day, sorting through all the cool things that happened, big and small, and choosing something I’m thankful for. As our kids get older, they will be able to participate more in this little family ritual. (Currently, my toddler would answer “airplane” every night. He answers, “airplane” when I ask him what he wants to eat for supper. He even answered, “airplane” when someone asked him what he wanted to be when he grows up.) Each day holds countless reasons to be thankful and to be happy. Too often, I look at the gap between where I am and where I want to be, instead of looking at the gap
CAMP COUNCELLORS 13 YEARS AGO | SUBMITTED PHOTO
SOMETHING AS SIMPLE AS TAKING TWO MINUTES TO REFLECT AND TO SHARE SOMETHING I AM GRATEFUL FOR HELPS ME TO VIEW THE WORLD AROUND ME THROUGH A MORE POSITIVE LENS. between where I was and where I am. Too often, I let my happiness depend on how I think my life is going in comparison to other people. Something as simple as taking two minutes to reflect and to share something I am grateful for helps me to view the world around me through a more positive lens. Even some of the difficult things happening for others cause me to be thankful.
I am amazed at how my gratitude changes my attitude. The other day, my sister-inlaw had a stroke. She is 33 years old. She is a healthy mother of two. She is in good shape and is a positive person. She doesn’t smoke. She is not a drinker. And she eats well. The fact that she had a stroke sucks. I was shocked and sad. Still, I am thankful that she is okay. I am thankful for our Canadian healthcare system and the wonderful nurses and doctors who are working with her. I am thankful that my brother has her in his life (they are a great match). I am thankful that my wife and I can communicate with my brother and his wife so easily despite living so far away. There is so much to be thankful for. Just looking up from my computer, I see so many reasons to be thankful: our dog, my kids’ toys, our cluttered but cozy living room, my guitar… and a photo from 13 years ago of two PFD-clad camp counsellors smiling at a camera. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Y A M A G O Y A
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This December at 1602 7th Ave. Fernie - 250.423.2634
Happy Holidays from Boston Pizza Fernie!
Feb. 28, 2016
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Open to adults and kids. Great prizes!
When you spend $50 on Gift Cards.
New this year Snow Biking!
Updated routes, fun for all ages and levels, enjoy a day on the trails at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre and Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Refreshments, snacks, great prizes, and more. This is a non-profit event supporting the Fernie Trails Alliance and Fernie Nordic Centre.
Visit www.fernietearsandgears.com
Call today to learn the locals secret..... When you need a mortgage, you call Zonya!
December Dine-In Special
Try any of our feature pastas, plus a starter or dessert.
Helping Those in Need
Zonya Knooihuizen mortgage broker 250.423.1864 zonya@shaw.ca www.eastkootenaymortgage.ca
This holiday season, bring in a hat, mitts, socks or scarf or 2 non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army or a gift for someone on our Angel Tree and receive a Free Pizza Bread with Bolognese Dip.
photo: Robin Siggers
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Community & Events
Gratitude SHELBY CAIN
IT TOOK ME SEVERAL YEARS OF TRYING before I could have kids. It was a long, bumpy road. During that whole ordeal I felt a lot of things. Ripped off. Pissed off. Sorry for myself. One thing I didn’t feel a lot of was gratitude. Besides the struggle I was facing, I had a pretty great life. Awesome, supportive husband and family. Friends who knew what to say, what not to say, and when to just pour. Challenging career, hobbies, pets. My health. My freedom. I had a lot to be thankful for, but I had a one-track mind. Baby. In a blurry sea of people who were also facing obstacles, all I could take in were pregnant women and strollers. They seemed to be everywhere. Even the dogs seemed to be popping out puppies on every corner. When I did have rare glimpses outside my pity-fog, I would realize that life isn’t about having all your eggs in one basket. It’s not an all-or-nothing deal. You’ll never have everything you’ve ever desired. The moment you do, you’ll probably remember a pair of shoes you’d forgotten about, and have to have. The point is that if you’re waiting to achieve something in your life before you can feel grateful, and therefore happy, it might never happen. There’s always something else. But if you break it right down to the simple things – your next deep breath. How good it feels to smile. If you start feeling grateful right there, then you’re on to something. Because with gratefulness comes joy. Waiting for it to work the other way around can leave you resenting puppies, and that’s never a good place to be. Believe me. Eventually I was lucky enough to have two beautiful little girls. But I often wonder if the story had ended differently, would I have been able to crawl out of my own
FA M I LY S T O K E
head long enough to take a look at all the things I did have, and all the ways I could still live a full, important, joyful life. I hope so.
I
I’ve tried very hard to instill gratefulness in my children. It’s not easy. I hear a lot of, “My friend has the new life-sized Barbie Ferris wheel, and I don’t. It’s not fair!” And my blood boils. We discuss how lucky we are to have SUBMITTED
WE DISCUSS HOW LUCKY WE ARE TO HAVE WHAT WE HAVE, STARTING WITH HEALTH, AND LOVE, FOOD AND SHELTER. BARBIE ACCESSORIES ARE A LONG WAY DOWN THE LIST FROM THERE. what we have, starting with health, and love, food and shelter. Barbie accessories are a long way down the list from there. I’m just not sure they’re getting it. While they are very thankful for the unexpected, like a random stop at Happy Cow or an extra twenty minutes of TV time, they seem to just roll along with the rest. Like the effort it takes at nine every night to make their lunches, or when you run home after you drop them off at school because they forgot to bring their reader. These things seem to fall in the realm of expectation.
guess kids are born with the ability to adapt to their surroundings, and whatever they get used to becomes the status quo. Why would they thank us for just being alive? Just breathing? Just getting delicious meals and hand-delivered readers? This is normal, and it seems you have to get new things, or lose things and then get them back again, to be grateful. So maybe this is an enlightenment that comes with the wisdom of age. We have to get something as a trade-off for all these wrinkles. Which I know I’m supposed to be grateful for, because they show how much I’ve laughed in my life or some crap like that. I’m still working on that one. But I think that’s the key to it all. Teach it to them. Teach it to yourself. Be grateful for just being here, and joy will follow. Want what you have. Teach your kids to do the same. If they don’t get it now, they will eventually. That’s it, in a wrinkly nutshell.
FERNIEFIX.COM
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Outdoor Life
N E V E R H AV E I E V E R
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Firefighter For a Day JESSE BELL
IT IS MID-MORNING AT THE END OF OCTOBER and I’m crawling on my hands and knees in the pitch black, holding tight to auxiliary firefighter Mike Lennox’s ankle. There is smoke everywhere and except for a small light that shines from Mike’s helmet, I can’t see a thing. I have no idea where I am or what’s in front of me, let alone where Randy the dummy – who we are supposed to rescue – is waiting for us. The smoke isn’t real; a smoke-machine pumps at the back of the sea can meant to simulate a real-life scenario. But the heavy-duty firefighting suit and breathing apparatus I wear is real, as is the enormous axe I drag alongside me.
Today I am a firefighter with the City of Fernie. I head to the Fernie Fire Hall at 9am where career firefighters Bruce Nelson and Brett Uphill, auxiliary firefighters Cory Robinson, Trevor Fairweather and Lennox, and Chief Ted Ruiter wait to deliver to me a crash course on firefighting. City Councillor Ange Qualizza is also there and after a tour of the hall, an explanation of the trucks (each truck is cleaned and inspected weekly) and a run-through of daily jobs, Ange and I are fitted for gear. I slip into a big pair of steel-toed boots and wiggle my way into a heavy-duty fire suit. I find it hard to imagine that firefighters wear all of this gear, carry hoses and other equipment and still manage to help people. It is an incredible feat.
“You’re a firefighter now,” says Bruce. We laugh and I do a little jig, assurance that I am not. After becoming familiarized with helmets and gloves we hop into Engine 5 and head to the City Yards. Engine 5, the epitome of a shiny red firetruck, is always the first out to fires and carries 1000 gallons of water. I sit shotgun and realize I’m living every five-year-old’s dream. After the air cylinder is turned on and I begin to sound like Darth Vader, we crawl into the sea can and rescue 200-pound Randy (or, Mike rescues him while I stumble behind deliriously). I discover I do not have a knack for fast-paced crawling in the smoky darkness. When Ange comes out from the sea can she expresses similar disorientation. “I felt instantly that the environment had changed,” she said. “I know I’m in a sea can but I don’t really know where I am.”
Soon we set up firehoses and destroy a pretend fire – an orange pylon. I quickly lose balance thanks to the high water pressure that comes shooting out of the hose. The auxiliary firefighters then clean up, first draining and then rolling up the hoses and packing away equipment, all of which will go through a thorough cleaning once back at the fire hall in preparation for the next call. We head to an old abandoned car, break windows and then use the Jaws of Life (a hydraulic tool that cuts through metal) to cut off the driver’s side door. The machine is heavy, incredibly strong and saves lives. Soon we are back at the fire hall for lunch. Black-and-white photographs of Fernie’s firefighters decorate the walls; a newspaper clipping of a child hugging Sparky the Fire Dog sits in a frame. I ask if there is an oldschool fire pole in the station and suddenly
one of the firefighters slides down from the ceiling on a pole and into the lunch room. The Fernie Fire Hall receives roughly 430 emergency calls each year, half of which are medically related. They respond to motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), fires (including natural gas and fire alarms) and are trained in swift-water rescue. Their level of responsibility is enormous, and they are incredibly good at what they do. I head home and lie on my couch for the rest of the day, exhausted. In a few short hours I’ve found a deep appreciation and gratitude for what it truly means to be a firefighter. I rest easy knowing that, in case of an emergency, these are the people that would be there to help me. To everyone who is involved in firefighting, thank you. Remember to check that your fire/smoke alarms are in working order on a regular basis. If you have an emergency call 9-1-1.
Brunch, Lunch, Appetizers, Dinner and Desserts, or just meet up for drinks.
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Enjoy a 10% discount on your food order if you bring in a nonperishable food item for the food bank until Tuesday, December 15th.
Winter Lunch Special Monday - Friday, just $9.95 A different special each day! by The Bridge Bistro
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Call Marilyn Brock for all your Real Estate needs! (250) 423-8650 Toll Free: 1-877-423-8650
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Outdoor Life
Grateful for the Birkebieners JEFF WILLIAMS
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING is the oldest form of skiing, developed in Scandinavia as a way to travel crosscountry over snow to hunt and gather wood. While skiing began as a utilitarian means of transport, it has evolved into a world-wide recreational activity and sport. One of the largest crosscountry skiing events in the world is the Birkebeinerrennet, a 55-kilometre race in Norway. The birth of the race in 1932 was inspired by the Birkebeiners (the birch legs), who were a faction in the Norwegian civil war in 1200. The Birkebeiners were said to have been so poor that all they had was the bark of birch trees to wear on their legs and feet. When the Birkebeiner leader died in 1204 the rival faction saw a dangerous rival in the Birkebeiner leader’s son, Prince Haakon. In an effort to protect the Prince, two Birkebeiner warriors took the two-year-old boy on a nine-day journey across 7000-foot mountains in sub-zero temperatures from Lillehammer to Trondheim. Prince Haakon went on to become King and united Norway after 1,000 years of civil war. Today the Birkebeinerrennet is skied between Rena and Lillehammer and the race requires that each participant wear a backpack with a minimum weight of 7.7 pounds to represent the young Prince Haakon. American and Canadian Birkebeiner events held in Wisconsin and Edmonton attract thousand of skiers annually to commemorate the journey of the Birkebeiners. The classical cross-country movement was the technique of choice for the Birkebeiners and the only technique allowed in the Canadian Birkebeiner. Classic skiing involves having wax or some sort of grip on your skis to help push off
IN THE TRACKS
to propel you down the trail. Classic skiing has three primary techniques, each of which is used on different terrain and act as different gears in the skiing transmission. Diagonal Stride is the first gear in the classical transmission and despite what many think, it is primarily used when climbing steeper hills. Kick Double Pole is the second gear in the KNUD BERGSLIEN [PUBLIC DOMAIN], VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS transmission, and is used on gradual uphills. with the snow delivering power directly Double Poling is the third gear and, to the snow. unfortunately, is not utilized enough by most recreational skiers. Double poling • Return the upper body and arms – should be used on gradual uphill and Use forward arm swing along with the downhill terrain where kick double pole return of the upper-body to the high and diagonal stride will over-rev the hands position in order to gain forward engine. momentum. Think of the movements in a standing broad jump. The first skiers only used one pole or spear in addition to the skis but today we use A great drill to practice at the start of two poles so you should take advantage of any ski session is called Locked ‘n them and add more double poling to your Loaded. The purpose of the drill is to skiing. Double poling uses the upper-body feel the proper initiation of power, feel the to apply power onto the poles to move the engagement of the core, and feel the body skier down the trail. The key to double weight falling forward from the ankles. poling is in the quick application of power Envision that your upper body is fixed in to the poles, which results from the body cement. The only flex point is in the core weight falling on top of the poles as the and in a slight bend in the knees. Keeping core contracts in a crunching motion. your hands high and arms locked at 90 degrees you will be forced to rely on the Some things to think about when double core crunching onto the poles to move the poling: skis forward. Practicing this even for the first five minutes of your ski will ensure • High Hands – Your hands should be you are engaging your core properly and level with your eyes and your arms reinforce the correct body position. should be bent at 90 degrees or less. No straight arms. Next time you go out skiing try adding in some double poling on flat or slight uphills. • Fall Forward – You should lean forward You will improve your efficiency by going from the ankles and crash down on to faster and using less energy. And as you the poles. Do not lean forward at the are climbing that last steep hill on your waist. If you did not have poles in front ski, think of the Birkebeiners with their you would fall on your face. birch bark leggings, one pole and wooden • Crunch – As you fall forward you initiate skis carrying Prince Haakon through the a core crunch. Your poles will connect mountains to safety.
Outdoor Life
HITTING THE TRAILS WITH THE FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE
Feelin’ Gratitude TERRY NELSON
SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 2008, the Fernie Trails Alliance has depended on selfless volunteers, who graciously share their time, expertise and passion building and maintaining a trail system that provides recreational access to our magnificent Fernie surroundings. With well organized membership clubs of the Fernie Mountain Bike Club, Fernie Nordic Society, Island Lake Lodge and the Fernie Trails and Ski Touring Association, and our contributing corporate members the Super 8 and Parastone, the Fernie Trails Alliance is bolstered on all sides by groups who share this common goal. These goals are achieved through cooperation with land owners, on whose land most of our trails reside. We all need to thank our government partners BC Crown Lands, BC Parks, and the City of Fernie and business sector partners Jemi Fibre, Island Lake Resort Group, Fernie Alpine Resort. Please say a special thanks to individuals such as Chuck Shoesmith (Lower Red Sonja), Pat Cherak (Swine Flu access), Phil Daks - CRE Brickers LP (Fairy Creek and Dairy Run Trail), Bud Nelson - Galloway Lumber (Nordic and Summer Trails), Simon Howse (Montane Trails). Yes, you can actually say a personal Thank You to any of these individuals next time you see them for their the support of your trails. The Fernie Trails Alliance is, of course, also dependent upon, and much appreciative of our many funding partners. Significant financial contributions come from the Resort Municipality Fund (City of Fernie), Columbia Basin Trust, Teck, Bike BC, Fernie Brewing Company, Park Place Pub, Claris Media, Western Financial Group, RDEK, Snow Valley Industries, Fernie Hotel, Province of BC,
TERRY NELSON PHOTO
Zinc Ventures, Western Mine Maintenance and Roast, The High Roller, Dirt Diggler, Association as well as major contributions TransRockies, Tears & Gears and relative and support from our Member Clubs. newcomers such as BC Enduro, the Fernie 3 and the upcoming SingleTrack 6 all Other complementary participants in the provide sustenance to our massive diet, and FTA’s funding strategy are the trail users build community around our trail culture. themselves, whether dropping some cash in our trailside collection boxes, or making Volunteers, who give countless hours donations on our website; this element for trail construction projects, and/or adds to the “thanks bank” operating organizing the growing crew of trail capital. maintenance workers, must be thanked for their hard work and dedication to the Fundraising has taken on a happy new cause. Primary dirt and paper movers are face, in the form of the recently conceived Pat Gilmar, Bob (Mitchy), Mitchell, Megan Trail Razor, a silent auction social Lohmann, Ian Stokie, Johnny Shaw, and organized by Troy and Tara Nixon. This Angela Etheridge. A sincere thankful salute event was made possible with the support goes out to this crew, and to all of those of many local and Calgary businesses and, like them for their ongoing efforts. of course, the attending trail supporters. The next smile is shared with the Thunder As trail users we all appreciate Fernie’s Ridge group of friends who held a Rocky Mountain surroundings that fundraiser party up at the ski hill to show provide fulfilling days of exercise, solace, their appreciation for the FTA’s efforts. exploration, vistas and exhilaration, and (We’ll get that trail to the ski hill built shapes the supportive community, that eventually.) makes it all happen. Event organization and participation are also an integral component required to raise the funds and fun necessary to keep the FTA functioning. Longstanding traditional events like Porky Blue Ride
Lots to be grateful for indeed. Keep sharing the trails, and the gratitude. Happy Trails.
Destination of the Month by Julie Kelly – Pete’s Bench Distance: Approx. 6 km Time: 1.5+ (weather dependent) Difficulty: Blue Living in the mountains it is easy to take for granted the beauty that surrounds us. I really make an effort to be grateful for our wonderful trails and fantastic views when enjoying any outdoor activity. Biking is an activity that carries on in Fernie even during the winter months. One of my favourite trails in the summer and winter is Mushroom Head. You can access it a couple of different ways but I like to start from Phat Bastard. From West Fernie ride up Burma Road until you spot a small parking lot on your left, approximately 100m beyond Stewart Avenue. Signage is at the trailhead; follow the signs to Phat Bastard. If you like a challenge, Phat Bastard is a good one with lots of roots and a few punchy sections. You come out on the powerline, cross it and continue straight ahead to Mushroom Head, another good climb but worth the stellar views. Take a moment as you sit on Pete’s Bench, a memorial for a local resident who passed, breath in the clean mountain air and think about what you are grateful for. Now get back on that bike and enjoy the flow as you descend Mushroom Head. Hook up with Dem Bones for some more fun, which brings you out in the Provincal Park.
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An invitation to participate in the
Fernie Business Retention and Expansion Survey
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Volunteer to sit on the BR&E Advisory committee or make an appointment for a survey interview.
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Health and Lifestyle
Pain Free Muscles SARAH INGRAM, BSC.HONS.KINESIOLOGY, BCAK PRACTICING KINESIOLOGIST
NOW THAT SKI SEASON is upon us and Christmas holidays are here, it is definitely time to give your muscles some TLC! The foam roller, as fantastic as it is, isn’t the only piece of equipment that can roll away the soreness. Sometimes you need something smaller to pack in your bag, tuck into your desk drawer or get to those hard to reach places. Introducing the rubber lacrosse ball. This is a small, very dense ball that can be purchased for less than $5 and can provide a world of relief on tense muscles. Used for self-myofascial release, the ball can help activate trigger points in muscles and relax stressed areas.
Glutes. Place the ball on the wall just behind your glutes. Find a spot on your glute that is sensitive and circle the ball around it until the pain subsides. Then press against the ball on the spot for approximately 30 seconds.
F I T T O P L AY
Glutes
Feet. Place the ball under your feet and roll along the arches of your foot until you feel relief. You may find keeping your ball in the freezer an added relief. You can pretty much roll out any part of your body, but these five are great for getting your early ski season kinks out. Make sure it is not too painful; you can always take pressure off by not pressing as hard!
Calves
As for gratitude, I have to say after working with injured clients for the last 16 years, we should all be grateful for our functional healthy bodies. If you are not functional or healthy you may be surprised how much exercise helps.
Perform each of the following exercises for up to 60 seconds. There is no wrong way to do this, explore with the ball along your muscles until you find a tender point. Your goal with the ball is to break up adhesions (knots) in your muscles. This can be done at any time through the day or your workout: Mid back. Place the ball behind your back between your shoulder blades against the wall. If you are having trouble getting it there, you may want to put it in a sock or stocking to help you find the stressed area. Press your back into the ball and either hold this position or perform small circles until the discomfort subsides.
Feet
Chest
Chest. Face the wall or use a doorway and place the ball between your chest and the wall. Lean into the ball until you find your stressed area and perform small circles. Calves. Sitting on the ground, place the lacrosse ball under your calf. Find any tense areas and roll them out.
Mid back FERNIEFIX.COM
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PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
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Health and Lifestyle
Five Ways Gratitude Improves Health
both psychologically and physiologically. Less perceived stress means better sleep, and better sleep results in a whole myriad of health benefits. • Healthy Mind: Practicing mindfulness and gratitude leads to less depression, less anxiety, and a higher perceived level of overall happiness and satisfaction. Further, gratitude following a significant loss can actually decrease the level of stress and depression during the period of grieving. We always have something to be grateful for, and altering the focus, or rather broadening the focus to include those things will lessen the pain of the loss.
BY DR. TAINA TURCASSO, N.D., R.M.
AS WE MOVE INTO this month that, though bursting at the seams with the most dazzling holidays of the year, is dark for so many, it is essential for us to stop for a moment and let the gratitude wash over us. Gratitude for our lives, our health, our freedom, our safety, our family – for so much of what we have in our lives. Why? Because it’s always a much-needed dose of perspective, especially when we begin to compare our lives with those in other countries, or even in other times, but more importantly, because it’s good for us. Gratitude, be it a part of a mindfulness practice, or simply stopping and saying thank you to someone for something they have done, enriches us and betters our lives. Here are five ways in which practicing gratitude will benefit your health: • Healthy Heart: A practice of mindfulness and gratitude, where you become more in tune with the world around you on a daily basis, appears to improve cardiovascular health across four different markers. Researchers have discovered that people who engage in these practices are less likely to smoke, less likely to be obese, more likely to participate in regular physical activity, and had better controlled blood glucose, all of which are significant risk factors of cardiovascular disease. • Longer Life: Longevity specialists have been conducting a lot research in the area of telomeres, which are DNA sequences at the end of each chromosome. Telomeres shorten as cells divide, and scientists can measure the length of telomeres to determine how many more times cells can divide, which relates to the “age” of that particular
H E A LT H N AT U R A L LY
LESLIE PRENTICE PHOTO
PRACTICING GRATITUDE WILL NOT ONLY CHANGE YOUR LIFE ON A DAYTO-DAY BASIS, IT WILL ACTUALLY IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH IN WAYS THAT WILL IMPACT YOU... cell. Why is this relevant? Well, some of their research indicates that they see lengthening of telomeres occur with regular physical exercise that is accompanied by a mindfulness practice, including yoga or meditation. Of course, telomere research is relatively young, but it is clear that mindfulness practices (of which gratitude is a major component) have an effect at the cellular level.
• Better Immunity: Practicing gratitude results in a higher level of optimism, which improves immunity. These effects are protective, and also reactive, so optimism actually improves the immune system’s ability to function in the face of compromised health. What is the overall message here? Practicing gratitude will not only change your life on a day-to-day basis, it will actually improve your health in ways that will impact you (and those around you, undoubtedly) long-term. It sounds like an overwhelming idea, when you aren’t used to practicing small acts of gratitude, but that is exactly how it starts. Take time each day, and think of one thing you are grateful for. Write it down, if you want, so when you need it, you have an ongoing list of things you are grateful for. Eventually, turn this practice into something more; practice yoga and dedicate each practice to one thing you are grateful for, or do a daily gratitude meditation. The benefits of these practices are only augmented as they develop into something more. Eventually, you won’t have to work to be grateful – it is just there. There truly is something to be grateful for, even when things are so dark that we need a little extra light to see it.
• Stress Management: People who practice mindfulness and gratitude daily experience less stress. Period. Clearly, we can’t impact what is going to get thrown at us on a daily basis (well, we can to a Have a Happy, Healthy, and Grateful point, but that is beyond the scope of Holiday! this article), but we can certainly have an effect on how external stressors impact us
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Health and Lifestyle
N O U R I S H T H R O U G H N AT U R E
GrateFULL KRISSI HYLAND, RHN
THE LAST MONTH HAS BEEN A FULL-ON WHIRLWIND FOR ME. Out of the blue, my husband and I decided to pack a suitcase, leave the cat with family and go on an adventure! We are extremely excited and grateful we made the decision to move to Japan for the winter of 2015/16. In fact, as you are reading this we will already be nestled in the town of Hakuba! Although this is our second time living and working in Japan, this only makes us more excited to go back and fall in love with the culture, massive amounts of powder and, of course (if you know me by now), the food! A perfect day in Japan for me is skiing bottomless powder to the point of wobbly legs, then heading into the lodge for a steaming hot bowl of ramen… I am stoked to share with you the tastiest and downright bizarre foods Japan has to offer within the next six months!
KRISSI HYLAND PHOTOS
One thing that I remember from the last Christmas I spent in Niseko, a small ski town in Hokkaido (the northernmost of Japan’s main islands) is that Christmas is not a national holiday. In fact, it’s more like Valentine’s day where Christmas eve is a date night for couples. Being a very festive person, I missed the gatherings with flavours and foods of the west. So, this time around I was extremely excited to make these recipes for my column so I could give the holiday’s some homage. The western Christmas holidays, in fact all of December, is a time when the calendar is full and with that, a full mind and belly. Instead of more heavy meals and snacks, I wanted to keep it light so I chose to showcase the humble cranberry for its tart-sweetness, affordability and antioxidant packed punch. These recipes are potluck approved, orphan-Christmas
approved and, of course, family approved. They not only taste great but bring so much holiday colour to the table. Your plate is not the only thing I want to keep light this Christmas. The most important thing to do this busy western holiday season is to slow down and breathe. Stop, collaborate and glisten! Take a moment, and be with it. A practice
in our house when we sit down to eat together is to take three slow, deep breaths. This brings us into this moment, away from cell phones, things we need to do and expectations we need to meet. I call it a practice because it is something I constantly have to work on in order to make it a habit. These three little breaths are a powerful tool to signal your body that it’s time to rest and digest. Digest food or the moment, whatever it may be. Take in all that is going on around you and be grateful that you are (hopefully) in the beautiful city of Fernie surrounded by family, friends and if none of those… then the mountains. From the mountains of Japan, Happy Holidays and bring the breath of gratitude to your table.
Festive Salad
Cranberry Salsa
8 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
Yields approximately 3 cups
4-5 leaves lacinato kale, chopped very finely
1 bag cranberries
¼ cup pumpkin seeds
¼ large green pepper
½ cup pomegranate seeds
1 granny smith apple
Slivered toasted almonds
1/8 medium red onion
Holiday Cranberry Vinaigrette
¼ jalapeno, deseeded
½ large red pepper
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3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
Holiday Cranberry Vinaigrette
1/3 cup raw cane sugar
Saturday, Jan. 9th, 9 - 10pm
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Yields approximately ¾ cup
1/3 cup fresh or bottled orange juice
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Heaping ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries
¼ jalapeno, deseeded (optional – great if you love spice)
3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Roughly chop the apple, red onion, peppers, and jalapeno into large pieces and place in the food processor.
1/3 cup fresh or bottled orange juice
Add the whole bag of cranberries to the food processor.
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Pulse until salsa-like consistency is reached, do not over process.
2 Tbsp maple syrup, or adjust to taste
¼ tsp kosher salt, or to taste Freshly ground black pepper Place cranberries, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar in a pot over medium heat until the cranberries burst, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat. Add remaining ingredients to a high-powered blender and pour in cranberry mixture. Blend until smooth. Pour into air-tight, glass jar and place in the fridge to cool. Double recipe for a dinner party. Keeps in fridge for up to 5-7 days.
Transfer salsa to a bowl and add the sugar, lemon juice, orange juice, and cilantro and toss to combine.
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Health and Lifestyle
AROUND THE WORLD
12 Months of Gratitude REBECCA HALL
THIS ISSUE MARKS TWO YEARS OF TRAVEL COLUMNS for me, and I have much to be grateful for. In the past 23 months I’ve shared stories of my own travel adventures, visited beautiful places with friends, and discovered some great travel tips along the way. Here is my list of travel gratitude this December. • My thanks to families who travel. To the Tessler/McNairs, Gorecki/Zukiwskys and Robinson/Shaws, thank you for sharing your adventures in France and Costa Rica. Exploring artists’ inspiration on the northern French coast, surfing and rafting in the jungle, and biking through the countryside of southern France with you, opened my eyes to some wonderful destinations. It is my entirely biased opinion that kids who travel are awesome. • My awe of this spectacular country grows daily. I have shared travel stories from Ottawa and the Maritimes, but haven’t even touched on other adventures. From discovering an incredible story about my Scottish hometown in Pictou, Nova Scotia, to remote hot springs on the Alaska Highway, my adopted homeland never fails to amaze me. I hope I will never stop exploring here. • Music! Every good trip has a soundtrack. Hearing a song years later can transport me back to a favourite place. • To Sandra, Margie, Lynn, Kevin, Ruth, Chris and Natascha; thank you for your tales and photos of nighttime encounters with Lions in Tanzania, Moai and wild horses on Easter Island, cheeky sea lions and gentle tortoises in the Galapagos, ancient history
SUBMITTED PHOTO
and modern life in Thessaloniki and ballooning and cave villages in Turkey. It’s been a trip! • For the travel opportunities that have come to me over the last 20 years, I could not be more humbled or thankful. I took my first flight aged 20, from London, England, to Auckland, New Zealand and feel as though I didn’t stop until I landed in Fernie 13 years ago. It was an amazing eight years of major cities and mountain villages, working with underprivileged kids in Michigan and serving royals in Australia; rafting pitch black caves, hiking glaciers and skiing on three continents. I have much more to see. • To Dee and Amy, thank you for your invaluable travel advice and flight quotes. Contact your friendly travel professionals at dee.hatina@fcatravel.ca or amy.hare@fcatravel.ca. • To my wonderful sisters, with whom I have spent the last week planning a special trip. We’ve never taken a real holiday together so I can’t wait for our Spanish adventure next summer! • To the drivers, tour guides, hotel staff, hosts, lifties, pilots, servers, trail builders, curators, and many, many others who work in the travel and tourism industry.
Your smiles, hard work and assistance do not go unnoticed. Have you thanked a tourism worker today? • My regular travel buddies Sara and Carmen – thanks for the good times, the memories and the inspiration. From road trips and music festivals to Vegas luxury, there has been some fantastic locations over the years. May the good times long continue! • To my editors here at the Fernie Fix – thank you for letting me share my stories and especially to Krista for so enthusiastically allowing me switch from events to travel two years ago. • I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to travel alone. Not because I don’t love to travel with people, but because it allows me to immerse myself in my surroundings, experience things I wouldn’t see in a group, and choose my own itinerary. Hiking, camping and even just sitting on a plane or a bus alone can bring amazing conversations or sights that wouldn’t otherwise be encountered. Everyone should travel alone at least once. • Future contributors; I can’t wait to meet you and hear all your travel tales! Please email me at hall.rebecca.j@gmail.com. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Loralee Thomas Your Fernie Realtor. Working with you, for you. Helping you make your dreams come true!
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Health and Lifestyle
B E A U T Y A N D FA S H I O N I N A F I X
SHORT DAYS AND LONG NIGHT SOLANGE AND ZOE
This month, work the look and switch to party mode!
FASHION Layering a denim top and a long chunky knit sweater gives an outfit texture. Pair that with shiny black denim and some cute short boots – DONE! It’s a great outfit for work or dinner with some friends.
GLAM IT UP FOR THOSE HOLIDAY PARTIES! You can never go wrong with a simple black dress. Add a statement necklace and a heel boot and you are ready for a fun night out.
MAKEUP – THE SUBTLE SMOKEY EYE Five simple steps to creating a day to night smokey eye. • Apply skin coloured shadow all over lid up to the brow • Add shimmer to the corner of the eye and under the brow • Add medium to dark shadow from the outer corner into the crease in a V shape • Blend with a large eye brush, line the top of the lid and bottom for night
TRENDING CUT – THE LOB OR LONG BOB This cut is flattering on any face shape. Add some fun texture and layers or leave it long and classic. It’s an easy to do look for the woman on the go.
• Finish with mascara FERNIEFIX.COM
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On The Path To Winter!
Stratton PLUMBING, HEATING AND SHEET METAL
Industrial • Commercial • Residential
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The change of seasons is both exciting and challenging. New snow means new activities, as well as a change in routine. We can help you transition into an exciting new season with one of our many fun recreational opportunities. Swimming, skating, indoor walking, snowshoeing or cross county skiing on our trails to name a few! For more information on these and many other programs visit www.fernie.ca Fernie Aquatic Centre 250.423.4466 Facility Inquiries 250.423.2245 www.fernie.ca
Bits and Bytes
Online Shopping KEVIN MCISAAC
THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS APPROACHING FAST and for better or worse that means shopping. Regardless of the reason, or the season, shopping is both easier and harder than ever. Easier because of the ability to purchase almost anything from the comfort of your couch. More difficult because depending on anonymous Internet users to provide you with unbiased and useful information regarding your purchase is difficult at best and downright misleading at worst. I’m going to start with some basic information about buying online. It is generally pretty safe to shop online – or at least as safe as giving your Visa number to someone you’ve never met over the phone to order pizza – but there are measures you can take to minimize your risk. One, you must have a unique password for any online banking you do. Even if, and I hope you don’t, use the same password everywhere else, do use a unique password for banking. Two, get yourself a Paypal account. Using Paypal puts a layer between you and the purchaser. Should the shop you’re purchasing from be compromised, they only have your Paypal account information, not your password, and so have limited ability to purchase things on your behalf. Three, pay attention to your statement. Note any small purchases of a couple of dollars that you don’t recognize. Thieves will often do a test purchase of something small to confirm that the credit card information they have is valid before selling the information online. Fourth, don’t be casual with your information. Stick to reputable sites from known retailers. They are motivated to protect their online reputation and have the wherewithal to do it. Finally, your personal information can’t be stolen from local shops that don’t collect it. Whenever possible shop local.
...CONSUMERREPORTS. ORG IS STILL A GREAT PLACE TO CHECK FOR REVIEWS, ESPECIALLY OF LARGER TICKET ITEMS. THEY DO INDEPENDENT TESTING AND PERHAPS MORE IMPORTANTLY POST REVIEWS OF THE LIFECYCLE OF ITEMS... So, you’re forearmed now and want to make a purchase online. Now’s the time for a little research. I use a number of online sites to research things. Some of these may be useful to you others are more specialized. TheWireCutters.com is a great site for searching for “best in class” items. It has a pretty broad range of things it does comparison testing and reviews of. There’s also a sister site called TheSweetHome. com, which as you might imagine focuses more specifically on things you might want for your home rather than for yourself. You can think of both of these sites as younger, hipper versions of the venerable Consumer Reports. Speaking of ConsumerReports.org is still a great place to check for reviews, especially of larger ticket items. They do independent testing and perhaps more importantly post reviews of the lifecycle of items including the responsiveness of companies to problems, repairability, and durability. ConsumerReports.org has a subscription ($6.95/mnth, $30/ yr US) that gives you full access. Pretty inexpensive when you compare it to the cost of buying a deep freeze or car with and without the extra information. I wanted to include decide.com, but they were recently acquired by ebay. com and to date it is unknown how their excellent product comparison site will be incorporated.
THE ANSWER GUY
I can’t leave out research on amazon. com, of course, it being one of the most popular places for shopping online. First a few words of warning; be wary of reviews on amazon.com. There are many genuine and useful reviews of products on amazon.com, but some are neither genuine nor useful. Sock Puppets (which are fake personas used for promoting or undermining products and services) exist, as do shills (persons promoting products without revealing their professional relationship with the companies selling the products.) It can be difficult to sift the good from the bad, but you can mitigate the negative effects by following a few simple rules. Trust the larger body of reviews rather than the ones that are most critical or most congratulatory. Ignore the one and five star reviews and look at the middle of the road reviews. Look at the other items that a reviewer you’re curious about has reviewed. Many unrelated items reviewed in a short period of time may suggest a paid promoter. Look at what the reviewer is saying. Complaining about delivery times or difficulty with a website is probably not helpful if you want to know if a dishwasher is quiet or energy efficient. Look for the orange “verified purchase” on the review. This indicates that they purchased and received the product from amazon.com. If you pay attention to those tips you’ll find amazon.com is a pretty safe environment for shopping and researching. Last, but not least, is Kevin Kelly’s Cool Tools kk.org/cooltools/. Kevin Kelly, former editor of Wired magazine, has been around as long as the web. He curates a list of products and services that people write in about as “best in class.” Products range from soup pots to nutcrackers and everything in between. A great place to start looking if you’ve only got a general idea of what you want and need a nudge in the right direction. Happy Computing. FERNIEFIX.COM
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Fernie Fun
ferniefix
FernieFixMag
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE There are seven differences between these two pictures. See if you can find them.
DECEMBER WORD SCRAMBLE
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Somewhere in this issue is a little snowman. Can you find it?
n A
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n A SPOT THE DIFFERENCE ANSWERS OCTOBER
n A
n A
n F
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n S OCTOBER WORD SCRAMBLE ANSWERS pumpkin, witch, candy, spooky, ghost, goblin, haunted house
For
Pho
CE Continuing
Education
BACKCOUNTRY SKIING EDUCATIONAL ADVENTURES
Continuing Education Courses are Now in Full Swing!
Learning begins with the basics of ski touring and progresses through important aspects of decision making, hazard recognition, terrain analysis and powder skiing techniques. Classroom time is spent learning avalanche theory, refining map reading, menu planning, mountain weather and transceiver practice. Students must be very strong intermediate to expert skiers. Students need no previous backcountry skills but are required to be self-reliant, physically fit and prepared for an intense schedule of dynamic learning.
n Avalanche Skills Training 1
Dec 7
n OFA Level 3 Recertification
Dec 7
n Teck Hazard Energy Isolation
Dec 10
n Occupational First Aid-Level 1
Dec 10
n Avalanche Skills Training 1
Dec 14
n St John Standard for Industry
Dec 14
n FOODSAFE Level 1
Dec 14
n Transportation Endorsement
Dec 16
n Avalanche Training Snowmobiler
Dec 19
n Haul Truck Operator
Jan 4
• Expedition Preparation, Navigation, Mountain Weather
n Astrology Level 1
Jan7
• 6 day Glacier Mountaineering Course
n Astrology Level 2
Jan 8
Mon – Fri / Feb 22 – Apr 3 / $4985
n Avalanche Skills Training 1
Jan 11
Note:
n FOODSAFE Level 1
Jan 11
n Wills, Powers of Attorneys
Jan 12
Includes: Transportation, group equipment, accommodations while on field trip
n St John Standard for Industry
Jan 13
• Ski or Snowboard Instructors Cert. (CSIA/CASI), Map, Compass and Navigation • Ski Tour Day Trips, Winter Shelter Exercise, Companion Rescue Cert. (CAA Curriculum) • Avalanche Skills Cert. 1 & 2 (CAA Curriculum) • 5 days of local Backcountry Ski Touring
Does not include: personal equipment, expenses, food, or accommodation while in Fernie
For full information on upcoming courses or to register: Phone: 250.423.4691 or Visit: www.cotr.bc.ca/Fernie
FERNIEFIX.COM
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