Apex Matters Early January 2015 Issue by Apex Matters

Apex Matters “Keeping You in the S’know”

Published by Okanagan Matters Publications

www.ApexMatters.com

January is Apex Hockey Month! Avalanche Awareness Day ~ January 17th

Volume 12 : Issue 3 Your FREE Local Snow Culture Newsletter!

Early January 2015

apexmatters@telus.net

250.490.6951

Quick Facts: 2000 copies are printed twice a month from December 2014 through March 2015. Distribution covers Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Penticton & Summerland. Full distribution details, advertising options, and link to join our Apex Matters eNewsletter all at www.ApexMatters.com

Gary Athans setting the line above "K City Rollers" Photo by Johnny Smoke

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For all your Apex Real Estate needs, including on-hill inquiries and viewings, contact Lyndi 250-809-1260 or Norm 250-809-1875.

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

"Ullr" ~ The Mythical Nordic God

By Myleen Mallach, Owner/Publisher of Apex Matters If you are a true snow enthusiast, you must know about “Ullr”. Now some of you may say, “what is she talking about?” Well, Ullr, pronounced “ooh-lar”, is a mythical Nordic god from the pre-viking era. Among this god’s many skills, such as archery and hunting, he was also a fine skier. It is said that Ullr was such a great skier that he would streak across the sky leaving the brilliant stars as his trails (they obviously had some fine powder days). Though very skilled, Ullr guarded his knowledge closely and refused to show the other gods how to ski. Luckily for us, he let the secret out of the bag and we will all be soon celebrating his glory. You know the feeling ... you are on your skis working the rhythm, enjoying the speed, and suddenly for a few turns, you feel immortal. The feeling is difficult to describe, but perhaps you sensed a little inspiration from Ullr. Ullr was also the name invoked to warrant good luck when undertaking a duel. His name, which means glorious or dazzling, clearly reflects his abilities. Myth has it that Ullr once held the seat of the highest god. So, the next time you are trying to ‘duel’ with some ‘wind crust’ or ‘plunge head first’ into fresh waist deep powder, be sure to invoke his name and remember that Ullr rules! Early in the snow season all around the world, there are many Ullr Celebrations, also known as snow dances, practiced as a way to get Ullr’s attention. These are basically social winter gatherings around a bonfire, where you tell your epic snow stories, enjoy your favourite beverage, and burn your old snow gear as a “sacrifice” to Ullr. The anticipated outcome from these gatherings is that Ullr will bless you with an abundant snowfall or a huge dump to shred. Now, I have heard and been witness to many Ullr festivities over the past couple of weeks. However, I believe further research and reporting will need to be done. In the meantime, gather your buddies and celebrate Ullr, as we can definitely use a whole lot more snow! See you on the chair on the next epic pow day ... Cheers to Ullr!

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

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The Outer Edge with the Apex Ski Patrol

Avalanche Control & Public Safety

By Myleen Mallach, Member of the Apex Ski Patrol When those big dumps of snow that we dream about hit Apex, there are serious avalanche concerns that come with it. Many of us locals thrive on our “steeps and deeps”, but that is also the terrain that can swallow us whole on a big epic day. Did you know that close to 50% of our terrain is considered avalanche terrain? Here are some statistics: - South Bowls Avalanche Area - 50.5 hectares / 21 main paths - Front Side Avalanche Area - 54.5 hectares / 12 main paths - North Side Avalanche Area - 59.8 hectares / 13 main paths - The total in-bound Apex Avalanche Area is 164.8 hectares out of 329 skiable hectares, with 46 main avalanche paths. Avalanche control is the stabilization of the snowpack by active methods (explosives, ski cutting, etc.) to ensure no avalanche danger continues. Did you know that these “active” methods take about 15 minutes per avalanche path to clear it as safe? The ski cutting technique uses a minimum of two ski patrollers who intensionally attempt to trigger a slide. This consists of a skier traversing a slope at a certain angle and speed on skis, which is often enough to weaken the bonds between snow layers starting a slide. Needless to say it requires a lot of skill. The attempt to release avalanches on selected small test slopes is done by skiing across the normal fracture zones high on the slope, giving the patrol a good indication of the measures required to ensure all slopes are safe for public access. The ski cutter keeps their momentum and moves from one safe spot to another one on the other side, which you will see as zig-zags across the slopes. A patrol partner watches and test slopes are chosen carefully with regard to potential consequences. The Apex Patrol Staff do this frequently and sometimes get caught and even buried, but they work on established routes and slopes and they travel in pairs with each person being experienced, so injuries are rare but can happen at any time. The explosive technique involves the avalanche control team skiing above the avalanche starting zone and throwing a dynamite charge of around 2.0kg - 4.0kg. This is a dangerous operation, as it involves the direct handling of explosives and the team may get caught in the avalanche. These patrollers have to be certified to handle explosives and know exactly what they are doing. Everything is recorded and safety is key. Now to get down to the scary facts ... Did you know that Apex has experienced two avalanche fatalities, which were both skier triggered? The first one was back in 1976 on Tooth Tusk (which was considered out of bounds at that time) and the second one was in 1983 on Grouse Gulch (which was inbounds and the skier ducked a closed rope line). In 1998, one of our patrol members was buried while ski cutting Essendale, but thankfully two patrollers were with him and they dug him out quickly to safety. (He still celebrates his “2nd Birthday” every year.) This season on our paid ski patrol staff of 9 members, they have a combined experience of over 160 years! All of these staff members have ski patrol experience ranging from 11 years to over 34 years. So, when one of them is uncomfortable

Apex Mountain Resort Saturday, January 17th

9:30-3:30 ~ Avy Demos in Apex Village 12-1 BBQ Burger Fundraiser ~ In Apex Village 11 am & 1 pm ~ Rescue Dog Demos at Top of Quad 3-6 pm ~ Silent & Live Auction in Gunbarrel Saloon

about the avalanche safety, you can bet they know exactly the worst case scenario and how they don’t want you to become another statistic. As for direct avalanche experience: one member was completely buried on Great Wall and has been in 5 slides in total over the years; another was in 4 slides on January 5, 2015 alone; another was 3/4 buried on Great Wall; one was buried to his chest with 3 broken ribs while cat skiing; one was in a 150’ slide on Crusher in 2010; and all members have been in surface slides over the years. As for skill sets, these staff members have taken courses on Avalanche Safety, ranging from Recreational Avalanche Courses to Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 and Level 2. The Apex Patrol also has two certified Avalanche Rescue Dogs. Avalanche control is a serious business and risk management and liability, along with prevention and mitigation, are all a part of keeping the public safe on a daily basis. We all want you out enjoying the fresh powder, just as soon as possible. On Saturday, January 17th, Apex Mountain Resort is hosting an “Avalanche Awareness Day” as part of the national Avalanche Canada Event. Funds raised from this day will go towards CARDA Dogs and Avalanche Canada, as well as our own Avalanche Safety Program. If you have an item to donate to our Silent or Live Auction, or would like to know more, please call Paul at 250-490-7024 or email patrol@apexresort.com.

Be Aware! Ride With Care!

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Early January 2015

Welcome to the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre

ApexMatters.com

Update from Nickel Plate Junior Racers Teck Okanagan Cup #3 & 4 Race Report

with Justin Odian and Walker Singleton Tired, yet exhilarated. That’s how we felt following two days of www.nickelplatenordic.org races at Larch Hills in Salmon Arm. We started the morning of Saturday, December 27th with a 5 km classic ski. The conditions 56 kms of Groomed & Track Set Ski Trails / 25 kms of Marked Snowshoe Trails were hard to prep for, with snow falling in record amounts. Our Day Lodge & Kitchen Facilities / Heated Washrooms / Change Rooms & Showers coach, Jerome, carefully prepped our skis and gave us some Ski & Snowshoe Rentals & Lessons Available last minute tips. It was a mass start race, so we lined up with the rest of our Juvenile group, ready to do our best. The race Happy New Year! course was challenging, with several hills including the Roller from the Board of Directors and Staff at Nickel Plate Nordic Coaster, Gullan’s Gulley and the Marathon Loop. We finished Our Director of Facilities needs old aluminum ski poles to build with times of 21:34.9 (Justin) and 21:38.9 (Walker). We both racks for the rental shop. If you have any that you are no longer placed fifth in our respective age groups. After a big dinner and good sleep, we headed back up to the using, please drop them off at the ticket office. Thank you. course for Sunday’s races. This day looked very different, with a series of 800 m sprints. It was a technical race, with tight Welcome to Nickel Plate Day corners, hills and drop offs. We each had three heats and we Sunday, January 11th definitely improved each time we went out on the course. We only had about 10 minutes between each heat - barely enough Lessons & rentals are included in the Trail Pass Fee: time to catch our breath, before heading out again. With one $10 for adults / $5 for children last push, we finished first (Justin) and third (Walker) in the Lunch available for sale: last heat. Now, in the truck heading home, we can say we are $5 burgers / $3 hotdogs proud of what we did this weekend.

Office Open 9-3 Daily

Hope to see you on the trails!

Upcoming Races at Nickel Plate Nordic

The Nickel Plate Nordic Club invites you to join us for the Teck Okanagan Cup #6 & #7 in the Okanagan Cup Race Series. This will be a skating event on Saturday, January 31st and a classic sprint event on Sunday, February 1st with distances of 1km for the Atoms and up to 15km for adults.

Teck OK Cup Race #6:

DATE: Saturday, January 31st START TIME: 11:00 am TECHNIQUE: Skating Mass Start

Teck OK Cup Race #7:

DATE: Sunday, February 1st START TIME: 10:30 am TECHNIQUE: Classic Sprint Start

Nickel Plate Annual 30km Classic Loppet:

Saturday, February 7th Registration is online at zone4.ca For more information, please visit: www.nickelplatenordic.org

Volunteers Needed!

Volunteers are needed for our two race events for this season: The Okanagan Teck Cup Races January 31st & February 1st Walker Singleton #124 and Justin Odian #116 of the Nickel Plate Junior Racers at the OK Cup Race in Salmon Arm the weekend of December 27-28. and the Nickel Plate Loppet February 7th. Photo courtesy of Kirsten Odian. We are looking for two specific positions to be filled as soon as possible: a Race Director for the Loppet and a Chief of Timing for the Okanagan Teck Cup Races. Volunteers are also needed For Snowshoes & Thule Roof Racks ... for both weekends. If you are able to help, please contact info@ nickelplatenordic.org.

Weather, Snow & Grooming Conditions

Wondering about Snow and Weather conditions at Nickel Plate? For daily reports on grooming, snow, and real-time weather, please visit our website at www.nickelplatenordic.org and click on “Snow Report” and “Current Weather”.

Jason Wagner 250.490.8815 dochook@shaw.ca #102 - 2595 Skaha Lake Road in Penticton

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Cold Weather Tips for Cross Country Ski Athletes

Teck Okanagan Cup #3 & 4 Race Report

with Freddy Albrechtson My name is Fred Albrechtson. This is my second year on the Nickel Plate Junior Racers Nordic Team and it is one of the best sports I’ve ever done. This weekend was my first race of the season at Larch Hills Nordic near Salmon Arm. On Saturday, I raced a 3.5 km classic mass start. We showed up on Friday to ski the course to know it for Saturday. The course was challenging with waxing conditions and weather. For me, I think that this was the best result that I’ve had so far and I feel that I have improved deeply since last year. On Sunday, it was skate sprints of 400 meters. I had to do three heats and I finished in the B final. This was the first time I’ve done sprints, so I think I did OK. Sprints are very fast-paced and you have to give it your all from the start. The better start you have, the better results you will have. The course was super fun with a couple uphills. I see myself doing this sport for years to come and I am following in my Grandmother’s Finnish racing roots.

Source: www.crosscountrybc.ca The following guidelines will help athletes deal with conditions of extreme cold weather: •

• •

•

• • • • •

At front is Freddy Albrechtson #88 at the Larch Hills OK Cup Race. Photo courtesy of Jenny Albrechtson

By Appointment Only

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•

Don’t be afraid to wear extra clothing during a competition. In cold weather conditions, vests can be an important addition and it may also be reasonable to wear two layers of synthetic (polyester) underclothing. Balaclavas, neck warmers and windproof briefs may be warranted as well. Wear a warm hat and substitute racing gloves for warmer mitts. Even older athletes at high level events may choose to compete with warm ups on, especially if there are long fast down hills and windy sections along the course. Male athletes should always consider wearing windproof underwear, if they are wearing a Lycra racing suit. Creams, lotions and jellies can reduce the direct exposure of the skin to the air. However, to be effective they must not have a water base. Many athletes have had success with petroleum jelly and Dermatone. Ski glasses/goggles can keep the wind out of your eyes, but they can also cause a “wind tunnel” effect on other parts of your face. For eye comfort, blink more often than usual. This is particularly true if you wear contact lenses. Individuals have a different tolerance to cold weather. Consider this when you make your decision on what to wear, or whether to enter the competition or not. If you are 10 years of age or younger and the temperature is going to be colder than -15°C at start time, you should seriously consider not entering the race. Take extra care that your nutritional needs are met before the morning of the race. Bring extra foods & fluids to the race site in case there is a delay. Ensure that your warm up is done correctly. If you are following a proper warm up routine, you should be physically prepared for your race and able to ski at the appropriate pace right from the start. Regardless of the temperature, the “feeling” should be the same. What changes as the temperature drops is how the warm-up is done to get and maintain this “feeling”. Typically a good warm up increases the core temperature, uses muscles and techniques at the intensity level required during the race, and sets the appropriate arousal level without your being fatigued at the start. On a cold day you may wish to cut the warm-up short, because you are afraid of becoming cold. However, your warm up should be long enough and intense enough for you to break into a sweat. To maintain this warmed-up state, you need to minimize the amount of time you are in damp or wet clothing. In these conditions a well-prepared athlete will put on dry gloves/mitts, underwear, hat (and perhaps socks) after the warm up and before the start. Due to the conditions, you should change at least your gloves and hat, and other wet clothing as well if you possibly can, as soon as you have completed your race and before you do your warm down. Keep in mind that cross-country skiers are at risk in cold weather situations, because exhaustion and dehydration are both influencing factors with respect to hypothermia. In such conditions, it is especially important to do your warm down with another skier. It is possible to be in the early stages of hypothermia, to be unaware of your condition, and to ski onto an unused part of the course. Take responsibility for your own safety.

Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is on Facebook (Nickel Plate Nordic Centre) and Twitter (@NickelPlateXC). Follow us for regular updates.

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Early January 2015

ApexMatters.com

Carvers Corner

Club Cabin Open House ~ Apex Ski Club will be having an Open House in the new club cabin on January 24 & 25 with Jorgen Anderson, from Noon - 1pm, so come by and check it out! A lot of hard Head Coach & Program Director volunteer work went into this beautiful structure. Happy New Year Skiers! Teck Zone Race on Okanagan Run ~ Our U12/U14/U16/ What a great start to the season! U18 will all be competing on the Okanagan Run on January So many memorable pow days for 10 & 11, as the club is hosting the annual Teck Zone Slalom. These kids have been hard at work over the holidays training everyone skiing at this great resort. on Okanagan Run. We are all looking forward to competing as this will be the first race of the season for many.

Apex Carver Nicole Rogers is â&#x20AC;&#x153;getting it doneâ&#x20AC;?!

Above - Noa Borg feasting on the Slalom course in training~ Below - Peter De La Mothe getting the angles!

Carver Day 1 - Enjoying the new facility!

Successful Carver Camps ~ Apex Ski Club has just finished a busy December. Our three day Carver Camps were well attended by a bunch of rippers! You can look forward to more camps at Spring Break. Register online at www.apexskiclub.com

The Apex Ski Club Snake!

Weekend Carver Program ~ This past weekend was the start of our half day Saturday and full day Sunday Carver program. It was so cool to watch the Snake again! (Sunday at 2:45pm on Okanagan Run) The kids all enjoyed the great conditions at the resort, as well as their new Club Cabin located at the bottom of Okanagan Run.

SOS Fundraising Dinner & Auction ~ Last but not least, mark your calendar and get your tickets for our annual Season Opening Social Fundraiser Dinner on Saturday, January 24th at the Gunbarrel Saloon. Tickets are $37.50 each for a beef buffet with all the fixings, silent & live auction and lots of prizes. Purchase your tickets from either The Edge Bistro or The Trading Post. Come out and support our young athletes!

See you at the NEW Apex Ski Club Cabin!

APEX SKI CLUB - WE AIM 2 WIN

Building Skills & Self Esteem to Last a Lifetime www.apexskiclub.com

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

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The Pucks Drops at Apex!

with Marc Tougas, Apex Hockey Organizer Apexhockey.com is again hosting three outdoor hockey events at Apex Mountain Resort this season. All three tournaments are back to back beginning January 8th - 11th with the 15th annual Shootout Hockey Tournament. The Shootout will have 18 teams made up of 10 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams. The following week of January 15th - 18th is the 12th annual Firefighters Hockey Tournament where 20 teams are made up of 12 Firefighter teams from BC, Alberta, Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California, along with 8 women’s teams are mostly from BC, with players that do fly in from all over Canada. The third and final tournament of the year is the weekend of January 22nd - 25th, being the 11th annual Shotgun Hockey Tournament made up of 10 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams from BC, Alberta and Washington State. Proceeds from these and past hockey tournaments go to various local and provincial charities, as well as local Apex Mountain Clubs, such as the Apex Freestyle Club, the Apex Ski Club, and the local Apex Fire Brigade. We all look forward to enjoying the mountain activities. Many of these participants ski and board during the day, play a game of hockey, and then enjoy the atmosphere Apex has to offer. For more information, please visit www.apexhockey.com.

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Snow Pass Program for Grade 4 & 5

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"Apex Mountain Ski Runs" ~ Photo by Leigh Trussler

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

News From Apex Freestyle Club by ronda barzilay

A big welcome to our new Mogul coaches, Matt Crosby & Nathalie Bazin. Bienvenue à nos deux nouveaux entraîneurs, Matt Crosby et Nathalie Bazin.

Matt is from Summerland, BC. He grew up skiing Apex and was part of AFC. He was a member of the National Mogul Team for 4 years (2005-2009). During his career, Matt had a few top 10 at North American competitions, placed 3rd in moguls, and in duals, at the Coach Matt Crosby National Championships at Apex in 2006, and participated in a few World Cups. Matt is now working in Forestry and bringing his Freestyle know how back home to work with AFC on weekends and holidays! Nathalie is from Quebec City. She moved to BC when she was named to the National Mogul Team. She skied on the National Mogul Team for 3 years (2006-2009). During her career, she podiumed in North American competitions, had a few top 10 on the World Cup tour, and went to World Coach Nathalie Bazin & her dog Hansel. A big thank you to Nathalie for being Championship in Japan. Her favorite trick to execute was our announcer for Canadian Selections! a front flip on the bottom air. After she retired from skiing, she went to school at UVIC and is now a French Immersion Teacher for the School District 67. She met Matt, her now husband, on her first year on the team, and since then, they have been inseparable. Matt and Nat (no, unfortunately, they are not the owners of that famous bag company) are excited to be part of the AFC team. Their skiing philosophy is that you should always have fun! Come join the party and learn from these amazing coaches!

A Ski Tip from Coach Mark Billups

Hello everyone, the season is underway and the snow is coming. After a long summer, the snow is on the ground and the runs are open. Good thing we’ve all maintained our ski legs throughout the summer in preparation. Oops ... I knew I forgot something. Not everyone has the time or money to train hard prior to the start of the season, so here is a nice tip you can do every time you first hit snow in the morning to keep you on your a game, get you back on your skis and create a strong foundation throughout the year. Stance is one of the most fundamental building blocks we can work on, especially those first few days on snow. We all want to get out and rip on the new gear, but try these few movements early in the day once the blood is flowing. Think of that athletic position or ready position the gym teacher always talked about. We can react and respond in a dynamic way, if we are ready. Balls of the feet. Slight bend forward on the shin pressing into the boot front. Sounds simple, but it’s amazing how we can revert to old habits to get by. Find a flat area and stand in an athletic pose over the toes with that slight forward pressure. No movement yet, just standing still. Feel the ankle in the boot and the knee slightly bent. Now on the spot try and shove your feet forward a few inches, then shove them back. This for/aft movement is key in any terrain and the ability to shimmy or shift the support under us is really important. It should never feel like sitting back or like your hanging on your tails, rather a small adjustment under our athletic position. Think you have it, try it on a slow traverse. Once you’re comfortable, try it on some turns or anywhere you can. Create the awareness of your feet below you and you’ll find yourself surprised at how long you can ski and how much better overall your position feels. Thanks and ski you on the slopes!

Welcome back to our Jumps & Bumps ... The rising stars of AFC! Welcome back to Coach Debbie and Gary!

AFC NEW SCHOOL SKIING HITTING

JUMPS AFC Competitive Team!

JIBBIN

ID SL

ILS

MOGULS

TALLY JOIN AFC FOR A SICK T IME W - TO O apexfeestyleclub.com N

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Upcoming Events

Apex Freestyle Club & BC Freestyle host the first provincial tour for mogul, big air, and slope style January 16th - 19th Timber Tour #1 a qualification event for the 2015 Canada Games, being held in Prince George from February 6th - 9th, 2015. AFC Night of Flight at the Apex Freestyle Big Air Site on Saturday, January 17th from 6-9 pm. Entry fee $25 (includes Smokie & water). Maximum - 50 registrants only. Minimum age - 10 years & NO maximum age. CFSA Insurance required. Decent prize money! 1st place male & female - $100. 2nd place male & female - $75. 3rd place male & female - $50. Bonfire, tunes, dogs & beverages are available for parents & athletes. Please register at the Competition Office in the Bag Lunch Room on January 16th & 17th from 8am til 9am. Nor Am - FIS Moguls & Dual Moguls - Apex - Jan 21st - 25th A high calibre mogul competition only one level below the World Cup with 130 plus athletes from five or more different countries, and amazing representation by BC Athletes and AFC. Provincial, National & International Competitions: a short 30 minute drive from Penticton! Volunteers are always needed & appreciated! Please contact Volunteer Team Leader Marnie at amtodd@telus.net

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On The World Cup Mogul Circuit

with Andi Naude I hope you all enjoyed the holiday season as much as I did! After returning home from the last World Cup in Ruka, Finland, I was fortunate enough to spend my two-week break up at Apex. Skiing all the fresh powder and spending time with my family and friends were definitely some of the highlights. On December 31st, I flew to Calgary for the first World Cup of 2015. The Apexâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Andi Naude, Calgary World Cup is always one of 2014 Canadian National my favourite competitions of the year. Mogul Champion It is close to home, the volunteers are amazing, and the course is challenging but very fun to ski. This was an especially exciting competition for me since it was my first time competing with my new trick on the top air. The trick, a back-full, is a backflip with an added 360 degree rotation. It was quite nerve-wracking standing in the gate for the first time knowing that I was going to do something new, but as soon as I started to ski I was in my element. In the end I managed to ski three strong, consistent runs and finished up in 4th place! One of my personal best results! I am extremely happy with this, and want to push even harder next time in hopes of reaching the podium. Now I am off to Deer Valley, Utah for the next two World Cups before heading to the 2015 World Championships held in Kreischberg, Austria. Brayden Kuroda catching air on the first jump during the Canadian Selections Event. I will keep you posted! Until next time!

AFC Highlights

Congrats to Andi Naude - 4th place at the World Cup Moguls in Calgary - Good Luck to Andi at the Deer Valley World Cup! Congrats to Jordan Kober on his first World Cup ever in Calgary! Good Luck to Jordan and Josh Kober, Mason Barzilay and Mackenzie Schwinghamer who are off to their first NorAm in Deer Valley, Utah! Congrats to all the athletes who competed in the Canadian Freestyle Ski Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection camp at Apex Mountain, December 20-21. These athletes are the best in Canada not currently on the World Cup Circuit. December 20th Results ~ Jordan Kober - New to the National Team - 5th, Josh Kober - 14th, Noah Spence - 15th, Kyle Parker - 16th, Mason Barzilay - 10th, Mackenzie Schwinghamer - 14th, Kassidy Todd - 19th, and Madison Parker - 20th. December 21st Results ~ Jordan Kober - Silver, Koleton Phipps - 12th, Kyle Parker - 13th, Noah Spence - 19th, Mason Barzilay - 14th, Mackenzie Schwinghamer - 16th, Shaina Finlayson 17th, Madison Parker - 19th, and Kassidy Todd - 20th. AFC was also represented by Hayden Pearce, Max Todd, Joe Durham, Brayden Kuroda and fore runners Anna Spence, Chloe Kober and James Naude. These events are exciting to watch, so come out to share the excitement! For more detailed information or interviews, please contact Ronda Barzilay - Media Mom - Volunteer 1.888.847.6632 or cell 250.878.4272 or rondabarzilay@shaw.ca

apexfreetyle.com

Andi Naude finishes in 4th place in 2nd World Cup Event in Calgary. (Photo by FIS)

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

New Public Access AED Installed In The Apex Mountain Inn Lobby By Grant Gichard, Registered Physical Therapist An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has recently been installed in the lobby of the Apex Mountain Inn. The placement of this AED will ensure maximum exposure in case someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest in the Apex village after the infirmary has closed. The unit is part of a widespread effort to ensure that these life saving devices are installed in public spaces across Canada. Installation of the first of 2,000 AEDs in arenas and recreation centres across Canada was announced in January 2014. The AEDs are part of a $10 million program funded by the federal government and administered by the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The program will roll out over the next three years, and will put these lifesaving AEDs into communities in every province and territory. Thanks to the fundraising efforts associated with the Elevator Adventure Race over the past two years, Penticton and surrounding areas have more AEDs in indoor AND outdoor spaces, than any other community in Canada. We are way ahead of the curve. So, why all the fuss? Approximately 40,000 people die from cardiac arrests each year in Canada - that’s about one every 12 minutes in BC. If an AED is immediately applied to a victim of cardiac arrest, particularly within the first 5 to 10 minutes, the likelihood of survival is high. Survival rates in situations where defibrillation is applied within the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest, are higher than 75 per cent. With each passing minute from the time of the arrest, the probability of survival declines about 7 to 10 per cent. Studies show that few patients survive if the time from collapse to defibrillation is greater than 12 minutes. It should be noted that if CPR is performed from the time of collapse to the time the defibrillator arrives, survival may be possible after a longer time interval. In short, keep your CPR training up to date. Hassle your employers if need be. Our Apex Village AED was purchased via donations to the Dale Charles Physiotherapy team who participated in the 2014 Elevator Adventure Race. Big ups to the team, all the people who donated, as well as Lyndie & Mike Hill for accommodating the fundraising venture within their fantastic race. So, please take the time to familiarize yourself with the location of our own village public access AED at the hotel. Let’s just hope Murphy’s law will ensure that now we have an AED, it’ll never have to be used.

There really isn’t any substitution for a two yearly CPR refresher. But, here is an on the spot reminder of how to perform Hands on CPR ... look mum no breathing!

Easy-to-follow steps: Hands-Only* CPR If you witness someone having a cardiac arrest: 1. Call 911 • If there are people around, tell someone to call 911 (or your local emergency number). 2. Get an AED (if one is available) • If there are people around, tell someone to bring you the AED. • If you are alone, get the AED yourself. • Use the AED as soon as it arrives by turning it on and following the voice prompts. 3. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest (start CPR) • Don’t hesitate. Keep pushing until the person starts to breathe or move or someone with more advanced medical training takes over.

CABIN/CONDO CLEANING For an impeccable green clean at Apex Mountain Resort!

Linda Williamson New Public Access AED in lobby of Apex Mountain Inn. Go check it out!

lwilliamson@telus.net

250-462-0658

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Page 11

The Inside Track with the Apex Ski Patrol

Local Patrol Member Helps Save Life!

Lifesaving Award ~ Larry Preston, Apex Zone - Oct 2, 2014 At the NAC held in Edmonton in May 2014, the CSP was proud to present a lifesaving award to Larry Preston of Apex Zone. On Wednesday, March 12, 2014, Larry was playing hockey at the Royal LePage Arena in West Kelowna, BC, when suddenly a team member, Dennis Savage, collapsed. Fortunately, Larry’s CPS training kicked in and he was able to help save his team member’s life. “The goalie Steve Berry was the first one doing compressions. The rest of us players were at the other end of the ice”, recalls Larry Preston. “I skated over and took over for Steve, as he tired rather quickly due to the bulk of his goalie gear. All together there were four of us that took turns doing compressions. I have no idea who called 911, as this team of old timers is very well prepared with their own AED and a cell phone on the bench. Bernie Roy applied the paddles and delivered the shocks when prompted, while I monitored and took my turns doing compressions. It was after the third shock and the AED instructed us to “resume CPR” that I instructed one of the others that I was about to start compressions again. This is when I had detected a pulse and that Dennis was breathing slightly. I then did some shouting at Dennis. I said to him, ‘If you can hear me, blink your eyes.’ At that point he came to and although appearing very drowsy, he could talk to some extent ... he doesn’t remember any of that at all. I kept monitoring him until a BC Ambulance showed up a few minutes after he’d more or less come to.” BC Ambulance arrived and took over treatment, transporting Dennis to the hospital where he received advanced medical treatment for a cardiac arrest and survived. Our CSP training teaches us how to respond to emergency situations both on and off the ski hill. But, we can never know when or where our knowledge and training will be needed. We could be called into action anywhere - at work, at home, or at a hockey game. We can only hope that if and when we are called into action as Larry was, we are able to calmly and assertively respond to save the life of another person, just as he did. Congratulations Larry! We are all very proud of you.

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Apex Volunteer Ski Patrol Member Larry Preston & his wife Patti at the top of Apex.

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Early January 2015

JAN 1ST – HAPPY NEW YEAR! HOURS: 9-3:30PM // NIGHT SKIING 4-9PM JAN 7TH – LADIES DAY 9:45AM-12PM // ALL ABILITIES WELCOME JAN 11TH & 12TH TO MAR 1ST & 2ND –HOME HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT CAMPS // 8 SATURDAYS / SUNDAYS FREERIDE RAIL JAM JAN 11TH – SUNDAY FUNDAY WITH FREERIDE BOARDSHOP // RAIL JAM WITH LOTS OF PRIZES 12:30-3PM

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Early January 2015

“Like us” on Facebook! All of our combined Facebook Friends qualify for a Free Day Pass Draw happening on January 15th. Like us both today & you could win! Winner TBA on Facebook & in Apex Matters. The Christmas Eve winner was Julie Lang Thompson!

Certified CASI Snowboard Instructors cheering after a sunny training day at Apex Mountain Resort. Photo courtesy of Caillum Smith of Preserved Light Photography.

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Skiing or Riding with Children with Alain Brunelle, Director of the Apex Ski and Board School Spending time with children on the slopes can be challenging, rewarding and a very satisfying experience. When we understand that children are complex in how they develop, both physically and cognitively, we must possess a variety of approaches to enjoy a super positive experience with them. Next time you go and spend time on the slopes with your future stars, try to set goals and work on developing specific skills ... and don’t forget that a safe and fun learning environment will help you achieving those goals. If you want your future star getting quick on their skis on boards, come and see us at the Apex Ski and Board School. We have some great programs to build confidence and have tons of fun ... Our Adopting an Instructor Program for the youngest (3-5 yrs old) can be a great solution for the first season on their skis or board. Safety on the hill - Know the Responsibility Code! Code #5: If you are involved in or witness a collision or accident, you must remain at the scene and identify yourself to the Ski Patrol. Always Ski and Ride with Care! See you on the Slopes!

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Classic Skiing or Skate Skiing

CLASSIC / SKATE / BACKCOUNTRY SKIS

SNOWSHOES

By Frank Perrier of Peach City Runners Classic skiing has been around forever. They actually have discovered skis dating back 10,000 years ago. If you can walk, then you can classic ski. And, it is easier to ski in the groomed tracks at Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. It’s like marching down the ski trails with a diagonal left/right stride rhythm. Cross country ski equipment has changed over the years, which has improved the skiing pleasure for most recreation skiers. Boots have a thermo fit for better inner retention and warmth, skis are lighter and shorter, bindings that give better stability and control, and poles that have full wrist straps for more push power to help you ski up the hills. There are waxable and non-wax skis that work in most conditions, even when waxing becomes an issue in the warmer temperatures. Waxable skis will out perform non-wax skis. But on some tricky wax days, it‘s nice to have a non-wax ski to jump on and go. Non-wax skis range from recreation to full on race skis that can cost you as much as $825.00 for the Fischer Carbonlite Zero Ski, which has a mechanical kick zone base. This ski was produced for the Vancouver Olympics, because of the wet snow conditions at Callaghan. Non-wax skis are non-wax, because you don’t have to apply kick wax in the kick zone. But, you have apply wax of some sort on the base to protect, give you glide, and to stop the snow from sticking in the kick zone. It’s an easy application with Toko Gripe and Glide Wax on recreation skis, but a little more waxing is a must on your higher-end sport to race non-wax skis. Wax your skis as much as possible, because wax only lasts for a couple of ski times on the trails. Waxable classic skis require a grip wax to be applied in the kick zone and there is a proper way to apply kick wax over your binder wax in the kick zone that was already tested and marked for your weight. Skate skiing has been around since the early eighties and I still have a pair of Fischer RCS skate skis with a thin metal edge. They thought the this metal edge would give you a better push off, but the grooming has improved over the years and metal edges were outlawed. Skate skis have a single glide camber, while classic skis have a kick and glide camber. Skate skis are shorter and poles are longer than classic skis, but the main importance when choosing a cross country ski, classic or skate, recreation or race, is make

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sure your weight matches the ski cambers. I have a Fischer camber board, which I have all my customers stand on with the skis and test the body weight to match ski cambers ratios. Skate skiing is harder to learn at first because you have to push your legs sideways and use your poles properly to give you momentum to go forward. As skate skis are waxed for glide only, there is no kick wax on skate skis. Taking a skate ski lesson is the only way to help you enjoy skate skiing and to teach you good skiing habits. A lot of triathletes will start with skate skiing and in a couples of years or so they will take up classic skiing to work different muscles. When skate skiing is too soft on the trails, then classic skiing is the other choice. Again, wax your skis as much as possible, as skate skis that are waxed will glide and perform better in all conditions. If you can’t iron in wax, then I have a good selection of liquid glides waxes with easy to do preparations, so your ski bases are protected and give your skis a good glide. Whatever snow sport you choose, cross country skiing on groomed trails, light ski touring in the back country, or snowshoeing all over the mountains, we have the equipment for you at Peach City Runners. And, most equipment is on sale! Phone or come by for more information on waxing and lessons. Neil, Tracy or myself will be here to help you. Play Safe & Ski You Later!

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Early January 2015

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moon was three quarter and high clouds were whipping past it. This gave a spotlight type effect with the cut block lighting up when the moon wasn’t covered by the clouds and dark when it was. Or, like someone turning a light on and off.)

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Dino’s Snowshoe Diaries - Part 3

By Dino Giurissevich, Snowshoe Tour Guide December 31 ~ It’s New Years Eve! Lorna and I decided to join Frank, better known as the “ski and ski waxing guru” from Peach City Runners, his friend Debbie and her two friends Sonya and Dave from Vancouver, for the last “night-time” snowshoe of 2014. After our short break, awaiting us was about 500 meters of downhill. Hooting and hollering we took off “powder running”, which proved to be quite challenging in places as there were “air pockets” here and there. These air pockets can throw one off balance resulting in interrupted momentum, or worse, face plants. Thankfully, we all made it safely to the bottom. We were now ready for the last leg of our journey. As we approached the end of our evening adventure, we would be snowshoeing along Shatford Creek back to our starting point and vehicles. Having snowshoed this route last season, I knew we were in for a bushwhack that would challenge each and every one of us as there is deadfall, snags, bushes, hidden holes and air pockets that would require careful navigation.

Our rendezvous and starting point for tonight’s snowshoe adventure would be at the 6 km mark on Apex Mountain Road. The temperature was about -8°C, which turned out to be quite bearable, thanks to there being no wind. The moon, which was near three quarter, and our headlamps, would guide our way. We would be the first ones to snowshoe this trail, which had about a metre of snow and a fairly good base. (I am told this trail use to be part of the old Apex Mountain Road. It is also a mountain bike/hiking trail in the summer. Thankfully a group of us had pruned and lopped overhanging bushes and branches this past summer making tonight’s journey a little easier.) As the first leg of this trail is about 1-1.5 km with a steady ascent, and to give everyone experience in breaking trail, we took turns up front. After about half an hour of climbing the trail, it reaches a 1520 year old cut block. We aim for the westerly edge of this cut block and then climb up another 500 meters. The shorter trees and bushes in this cut block hide numerous air pockets that make our ascent much more challenging, but nonetheless enjoyable. From the top, we head across to the easterly edge where we stop for a short snack break. (So, while we are having our snack, I must mention an interesting event that happened while snowshoeing this cut block. As I mentioned earlier, the

Frank did a superb job of safely leading us up, over, down and around all of these difficult obstacles. I certainly don’t recommend trying this kind of snowshoeing unless you are experienced and confident of your abilities. We managed to snowshoe 90% of Shatford Creek before being forced to detour uphill, to an easier trail, by deadfall that proved to be a little too dangerous to continue on. This easier trail was the one we originally started out on and would lead us back to our vehicles. Another awesome snowshoe adventure!! Snowshoe Tip ~ When snowshoeing through the trees you never know when a branch may get in the way, so wear eye protection. Keep safe and “shoe you later.”

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Early January 2015

Apex Property Owners Association News By Jeff Brown, APOA Forestry Advisory Committee APOA’s Forestry Advisory Committee is often asked, “What’s happening with the harvesting around Apex?” It helps to have a map to reference, so while you read this article we suggest you open up Google Maps in satellite view. Zoom-in until Apex Village is in the middle of your screen and Brent Mountain Protected Area is at the very top. The map’s scale should show 2 km. See those dozens and dozens of brown patches sweeping around in a C-pattern from Brent Mountain Protected Area, past the west side of Nickel Plate Lake down to the area south of Apex Mountain? Those brown patches are the areas that have been harvested in the last 10 years or so. That 5 km wide by 16 km long C-shaped area is the 80 km² vista we see each time we ski, hike, ride, or snowshoe in the Apex alpine and look south, west or north. Nickel Plate Lake, the Nordic Centre, and Apex village lie in vortex of this C. This is the area we are discussing in this article. There’s plenty of harvesting happening and planned east of Apex as well, but we do not have full details. The information we have is through our consultations with Weyerhaeuser’s Canada, and it covers this 80 km² C-shaped area: • Estimated total area clear-cut within this area in past 10 years: 1500 Ha (15 km²) • Average annual harvest planned within this area over the next 6 years: 257 Ha (2.6 km²) • Total additional area scheduled to be clear-cut over the next 6 years: 1586 Ha (16 km²) These numbers are hard to visualize aren’t they? Print your Google satellite map in colour. Positioning Nickel Plate and Apex Village in the vortex of the C, use the map’s scale to mark the outer boundaries of a C-Shape that is 5 km wide by 16 km long. Google’s map is at least 4 years out-of-date, so there are plenty of missing clear-cuts like the ones directly east and south of Apex Village, as well as numerous large ones to the south, west, and north of Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. To bring your map up-to-date use a brown marker and add about 30% more brown inside the C. There are plenty of brown patches, so just pick one-in-three and double its size. Your C-shape should now be about 20% brown. That is roughly the state of harvesting today. Given the planned rate of harvest, what will your map look like in 6 years? Trees grow less than a foot a year up here, so it will take at least two decades for any recent clear-cuts to begin to look like forest again. So, to show the impact of an additional 16 km² of clear-cutting you need to double the amount of brown inside your C. Go ahead, work that marker of yours. Take every single brown patch (including the ones you added from the previous paragraph) and create another brown patch the same size. You’ll quickly start running out of green space, so don’t be surprised if you end up with quite a few huge contiguous brown patches. That is exactly what happens under conventional forest harvesting practices. It is impossible to clear-cut nearly 40% of the trees in a small area in a 16 year period and not create a lot of moonscape.

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And what about Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, sitting there smack in the middle of this C? In the areas immediately south and west of the ski trail called Buck’s Trek there will be another 192 Ha (2 km²) clear-cut. Indeed, Weyerhaeuser’s harvest planning map shows that by 2020 the inner core of the Nordic Centre’s trails will be surrounded by 4 km long continuous clear-cuts radiating out northwest, west, and south. So, if you are hoping for a nice long ski in the forest, we really do suggest you do it now. We wish we could tell you this is the worst case scenario, but it is actually an optimistic view. There are now three harvest license holders operating in the area west of Apex, and one can imagine the race to get to the best and easiest harvesting first. We have only been discussing the harvesting plans of one of these license holders, Weyerhaeuser. We understand that the Lower Similkameen Indian Band’s forestry company harvested something like 2 km² in this area in just 2014 alone. The APOA Forestry Advisory Committee put considerable effort into commenting on the LSIB’s broadly defined Forest Stewardship Plan back in October 2013, but the license holder chose not to inform the APOA of their actual harvesting plans. Nor do we have any idea what their future plans may be for the Apex area. Sn’pink’tn Forestry, the PIB’s forest company, has several cut blocks planned in this area as well, but for the last two years they have been harvesting east of Apex. Any harvesting east of Apex is not included in the above numbers. Done drawing? Your map shows what happens when a small area is subjected to a 40% harvest over a short period of time using conventional harvesting practices. There is zero financial incentive for the industry to do selective or small patch harvesting, nor is there any meaningful regulation requiring that recreation and tourism areas like Apex are appropriately managed by scheduling the harvest over the 100 year lifecycle of our forest to minimize impact. Your map has allowed you to see the future. You decide. Are the needs and desires of Apex area’s recreation and tourism users being met? What will be the consequence of the expanded motorized recreation that always follows clearcutting? What possible future is there for sustaining, let alone expanding, non-motorized recreation in the Apex area? For several years the APOA has argued that conventional harvesting practices are inappropriate for, and incompatible with, the Apex Recreation area. The Ministry of Forests remains hands-off, suggesting we work directly with the harvest license holders. Industry representatives tell us there is no viable alternative under existing provincial regulation and forest practices. Not surprisingly, we are no closer to resolving this fundamental incompatibility than we were last year, or the year before. So, please create your map. If you do not like what you see, then write and call our MLA, Dan Ashton, and the Minister responsible, Steve Thomson. Forestry, tourism, and recreation are the provincial government’s jurisdiction. Also write and call, Ian McLellan, Recreation Officer, Okanagan District, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. Request that they immediately address the long-standing need for a binding, viable, properly funded, long-term recreation plan for the entire Apex area. Tell them you have a map that proves we can delay no longer! Government contact information is available by emailing apoaexec@gmail.com.

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Apex Fire Brigade Update

with Mike Polywkan, Apex Fire Brigade Chief Wow! This has been a great Holiday season so far. We have not gotten any calls, which means that everyone was playing safe. Our last call was in October, when we responded to a chimney fire in Beaconsfield. The weather had gotten chilly and some of the residents up for the weekend had decided to light a fire to take off the chill. The chimneys for the building had not yet been cleaned. At the report of the fire , the two residents in adjacent units were unsure whose chimney was on fire. Both residents did the exact right thing. They put water on their fires, which created the steam that rose up the chimney and put out the fire. In the meantime, another resident in a different building had also noticed the fire and called 911. Apex Fire Brigade was dispatched and we arrived on the scene in less than three minutes from the call. I remember someone saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wow! That was fast.â&#x20AC;? Flames were no longer shooting from the top of the chimney, just a lot of really black smoke lingering down the Keremeos Creek Valley. Fire fighters were allowed into both units to survey the situation and thank the residents for responding correctly to make our jobs easy, while others including myself, proceeded to the roof to inspect the space in which the group of chimneys goes through to the roof. It was determined that the brief chimney fire had not ignited any part of the structure and that the residents of the building were safe. We did determine which resident had the fire and advised them to not use their fire place again until it had been fully inspected and deemed safe to use. This upcoming week we will be having our AGM and elections. We are losing a couple of full time members, because of other job opportunities and endeavors. I would like to personally thank Bill Auld for his long term service and dedication over the years. Happy Sailing Bill! We will miss you! I would also like to thank Gord Reum, as he has accepted employment out of town. He was our deputy Training Officer and an enthusiastic member of our department. He will be fully welcomed back to our department on his return from his work endeavors. We also have some potential new prospects. If you are interested in joining our ranks, please contact any one of our members and we can gear you up.

Our Alpine Forest is in Peril ...

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As the snow continues to fall, I would like to thank all of the members of our community that have been helping with the snow removal from the hydrants. It is a lot of work and any help we get is greatly appreciated. For everyone with children, I would like to pass along the following safety tips as our greatest fear is responding to a fire where family members may be trapped inside. Have a fire drill with your family in your cabin up here at Apex and at home. Each place is different and has different exits. Knowing what to do and where to go can make all of the difference in a panic situation. Practice staying low to the ground and crawling to your predetermined exit point. The visibility and air quality will be much better at ground level. For window exits, you can purchase escape ladders to get you safely to the ground. Please take the time to do this. It is worth the time to save a life. Have a safe and fun ski season!

Gary, John, and Andy setting up for a practice session this past summer.

Gord getting ready to put on an SCBA for practice this summer on White Tail Road.

LOGGING!!! Join the APOA! Help Maintain Our Mountain Lifestyle, Our Trails, and Our Property Values! Strength in Unity! www.ApexPropertyOwners.com

Fire fighters entering a smoke filled room close to the ground during a practice.

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Early January 2015

Electoral Area “D-1” Official Community Plan Update

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Rural Agency Liquor Store and Grocery Store

The Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen (RDOS) recently launched a project to review and update the Kaleden - Apex Official Community Plan (OCP) for Electoral Area “D-1”. Originally adopted in 1999, the Area “D-1” OCP was reformatted and updated in 2008, but without any substantive changes to the original plan. Chef and Caesar Salads ~ $4.99 “It’s one of the most important planning documents for us,” says Tom Siddon, Electoral Area “D” Director; “not only does Cheese Kaiser Sandwiches ~ $4.49 it establish policies around development and land use, it will 10" Subs ~ $6.99 also give direction to other plans, including capital plans, Hot Dogs ~ $3.00 transportation strategies and the like.” The revised plan will maintain the pieces of the old OCP that Sunday - Thursday ~ 8am - 7pm have worked well, but will address the changes the area has Friday & Saturday ~ 8am - 10pm experienced since 1999 and the regional plans that have been developed since then, including the South Okanagan Regional 250.486.0354 Growth Strategy. www.ApexTradingPost.com The OCP update will be a community-driven process. “It’s a great opportunity for residents to get involved and engaged in their community,” says Siddon, “and to help shape it’s future.” The RDOS planning team will be looking to engage broadly with residents, business owners, property owners and other stakeholders. The RDOS also brought in an experienced consultant team to help support our staff with this project. The Area “D-1” OCP update will get underway in earnest in the New Year with the establishment of a Citizens’ Committee to help review materials, provide input, and reach out to the area residents. The volunteer advisory group is currently being recruited and will be made up of residents from across the electoral area representing each of the main communities (Kaleden, Twin Lakes, St. Andrews, and Apex). The project is expected to be completed by Winter 2015. The RDOS will be announcing Citizens Committee membership in the New Year and will also be announcing the date for the first project open house to be taking place in Kaleden. A group of Apex snowshoers trekked to the "Moose Hut" on Tuesday, December 30th. For more information please contact Tom Siddon, Director of They lit a fire in the hut's stove, toasted sandwiches, and are pictured on the trek back Electoral Area “D”, at tsiddon@rdos.bc.ca or 250.809.2548. to the Apex village. Always a great winter adventure to be had anywhere around Apex! You can also visit the RDOS website at www.rdos.bc.ca, visit the project website at www.D-1update.ca, or contact Evelyn Riechert at the RDOS at eriechert@rdos.bc.ca, 250.492.0237. Premier Apex Builder ~ Since 1994 What is an Official Community Plan (OCP)? An OCP is a provincially mandated regulatory document that provides policies on a broad range of topics Strata Maintenance including land-use, transportation, housing, parks and infrastructure. OCPs & All Repairs designate land for specific purposes, like commercial/retail, residential, park, industrial. Local governments use OCPs to help guide and support decisionmaking on a number of important community matters including economic development, transportation, recreation, environmental protection, and more.

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Three Actions Most People Undervalue for Lasting Happiness

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Welcome the natural beauty and texture of concrete into your home.

By Ryan Oickle, Peach City Massage This may be hard to admit, but did you know you’re likely misusing your time, all in the name of productivity? Gradually Countertops, Sinks, Outdoor Kitchens, Furniture & More start adding these suggestions into your day, then take note (literally) of the results: 250-488-2798 info@onyxcastings.com www.onyxcastings.com 1. As mentioned above, take notes! Set aside two minutes each night to structure the next day and reflect on the blessings from your current day. You’ll quickly manage your time more efficiently, while training your brain to appreciate the journey as it unfolds. 2. Re-inspire daily. You may read this and decide to take action, but tomorrow or next week that ‘spark’ might be gone. This is why you must make time to listen and read content from those who inspire and motivate you. For me, it doesn’t matter what topic I read or listen from Tony Robbins, all that matters is within 10 minutes I’m reacquainted with the spirited and cheerful personality I admire and strive for. Choose a hero or heroes and dedicate as little as three Photo courtesy of Skaha Hills minutes a morning to remind yourself of the person you’re striving to be. 3. Find a form of conscious breathing that works for you. Meditation, to many, is something that ‘others do’. “Conscious breathing” has less connotations and less The New “Clover” Coffee Table features three-tiered 17” tops. You choose the colour rules to follow. Why might you undervalue this practice? to match your décor. Actual dimensions of this coffee table are 23” h x 33” w x 31” d. Probably because your time goal was too ambitious. Start with two minutes and add a minute each day until Unique & Creative with Concrete! you get to ten. You’ll be more focused, productive and with Leann Robbins of the ONYX Team compassionate. I love pretty things! Who doesn’t? Recently, I was looking Want to keep this momentum going? Sign up for our mailing through one of my favourite design magazines and came list at www.PeachCityMassage.com to receive similar short across a section about three-tiered coffee tables. Not only were articles. You will also receive exclusive member offers, like our they gorgeous, but they were unique. Exactly what I love about membership plan: Buy 5 and get the 6th massage free! You concrete! And so, with inspiration and a local metal artisan, can even sign up from your phone! the “Clover” was born. Functional in design and beautifully contrasted with its concrete tops and metal base, our Clover coffee table is sure to make a statement in your home. In-Room: APEX, Penticton & surrounding areas. Contact ONYX Castings to find out more about this table or - Studio sessions available in Penticton to discuss your own design ideas. Call 250.488.2798 or visit Book Now! 250.870.0868 www.PeachCityMassage.com www.onyxcastings.com for more information.

Peach City Massage

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The answer key below is for the Sudoku Puzzle found on page 23.

E Q U I

Answer key to the left is for the White Kennedy crossword puzzle found on page 23.

A I

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EclipseCrossword.com

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Congratulations to the newly engaged couple, Marcus Strohmann and Jessie Barker. Photo courtesy of Sandra Shiell from Eyes Wide Open Images.

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ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

POOP By Lyndie Hill – Hoodoo Adventure Company I've said it before and I'll say it again, “Pick up your dog poo, you lazy pet owner!” Oh, I get it … it will snow over top of that big steamer that your dog just laid in the snow. But believe it or not, the snow melts. Yep, and when your dog's crap sits just a few centimeters under the snow and I step in it because I can't see it, or my kid rolls around in it because we can't see it, it's not cool. I am very blessed to use the trails as my office throughout the season. Some weeks I am there on a daily basis and when I’m there I bring visitors to the area with me. I highlight all the best the area has to offer, I show case the scenery and talk about “a lovely little community and a fantastic ski hill, great terrain ...” We teach about the life of a pine tree, we watch for Whiskey Jacks and ... we point out the dozens of piles of dog poop scattered over the trail, so that they don’t accidentally step in it. Isn’t that nice? Come on people, I love dogs too and I love seeing them out on the trail. We are blessed to have free access to such places. When you take your dog for a walk, take a bag with you, be a responsible pet owner and pick up after yourself and then take the bag and put it in the garbage can. It’s embarrassing and I know I’m not alone in feeling this way. For those of you thinking that your dog should be able to poop in the outdoors without having to clean up after him, here are some facts for you: 1. According to BioPet, "E. coli bacteria from dog droppings has been identified as a significant pollutant to our parks, rivers and regional watersheds". A mediumsize dog has twice the environmental impact on the earth as driving a luxury SUV 10,000 miles, CNN has reported. 2. Dog poo is brown and comes from a dog butt - it's gross. Snow is white and it brightens our grey winters it's pretty. Don't ruin it for those who follow you.

3. The EPA (Estuary Program Association) places dog waste in the same health category as oil and toxic chemicals. EPA researchers are tracking how unclaimed dog waste washes from green spaces to storm drains and then into our waterways. The association notes, "An average-size dog dropping produces 3 billion fecal coliform bacteria". The estuary program's website also points out: "Pet waste is a significant source of fecal coliform bacteria entering the waterways". Dog poop does not stay on the grass, but gets washed down to the closest waterway during rain events. 4. Dog poo is really hard to get out of the cramp on in a snowshoe, or to wash off your snow pants. Just because you don't go off the trail, doesn't mean no one else does.

5. Pooches for the Planet's literature states, "Rainwater can wash those little presents your pooch leaves on the ground into streams and rivers leading to our lakes. Just like human waste, dog poop poses a threat to both public health and water quality, can make people ill, as well as cause algae blooms and rob the water of oxygen needed to support fish and other aquatic life". 6. Dog waste is more than just a cosmetic issue. Stepping in it is no longer comical. Forty-nine percent of North Americans own a dog. It is estimated that 38 percent of dog owners don't clean up after their pets. Research shows that 73 million dogs pile up 6.3 billion pounds of waste annually. Shamefully, 40 percent, or 2.5 billion pounds, is never picked up by owners. From green spaces to watershed and then into our waterways, if you don’t want to recreate in or drink dog poop, take a bag and pick it up! To all those responsible pet owners out there, we all thank you and look forward to seeing you on the trail

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Page 21

Great Cabin Recipes Hummus Dip & Veggies

presents

Prep Time: 10 min Total Time: 10 min Serves: 16 servings INGREDIENTS: 1 can (19 fl oz/540 mL) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained with 2 Tbsp. liquid reserved / 1/2 cup Mayo / 4 cloves garlic, minced / 1 Tbsp. lemon juice / 1/2 tsp. ground cumin / 4 cups cut-up mixed fresh vegetables (carrots, cucumbers, red peppers, snow peas, etc/) MAKE IT: Process all ingredients except vegetables in blender until smooth. PLAN AHEAD: Dip can be made in advance. Refrigerate up to 24 hours before serving. Makes 2 cups of dip or 16 servings of 2 Tbsp dip & 1/4 cup of veggies each. Great light snack to bring to an aprés ski party! Penticton to Apex Mountain, BC

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For more information contact the Race Coordinators at: team@hoodooadventures.ca or at 250-490-6084

SATISFY YOUR TASTE FOR ADVENTURE!

Very Uninteresting & Useless Apex Facts

By Sheldon Hansen Did you know that Oregon could once be seen from Apex? I wasn’t around then, but I don’t think either sank ... maybe a wee bit of erosion. Until 1853, what is now the State of Washington was part of Oregon. Did you know the success of a lively Apex snow dance depends on the weather? Perhaps a little libation helps. Did you know that trees on Apex with multiple tops are known in the forest industry as "school marms"? Gee, there are a lot of school marms around Apex. Perhaps that is why Apex is the smart place to be during winter.

Available at Apex Trading Post

From the Heart For the Heart 989 Cellar Road, Oliver, BC 250.498.2211

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If you have a “Great Cabin Recipe” that you would like to share, please email to apexmatters@telus.net. Happy Cooking!

Tunes to Turn to ... Jay’s Pick This Issue: Artist: Cake Album: Comfort Eagle Track: “A long line of cars” Now that the season is really underway, driving up and down the hill can become challenging at times. I was taught to keep a steady pace driving up and down. Go too fast, a good chance of spinning out and then into the ditch. Go too slow, you can’t keep your traction and get stuck as well. When going down the hill, there will be drivers that aren’t as experienced as you, so please be patient. We all want to get home safe, and not be the one responsible for “a long line of cars”! Jay is a life-long skier, who has skied this great country from coast to coast. Join him this season in “Tunes To Turn To” with whatever he ﬁnds to share. YouTube his tunes and join in.

Being Free

By Vince Rabbitte, Ski School Emeritus Cynics are everywhere! Dioges, 412-323 BC, a Greek philosopher was one of them and lived surrounded by friendly dogs. In fact, the Greek word for dog is 'cynic'. Early in life, Dioges was influenced by the teaching of Antisthenes and later by Socrates. He lived in a large terracotta tub: one that big shrubs flourish in. He was sure that fear and anxiety drove people to levels of misery and depression. He believed in the simple life, a simple diet and simple living where serenity was to be enjoyed, where ever he could find it. He did enjoy the good things of life. If offered honey cake, he liked it and the same would apply to wine if offered it gratuitously. He was aware that he had to accept derision and contempt from the populace for the very natural life style he thrived in. His indifference to possessions, wealth and keeping up with the Jones' did not appeal to him. Like any good skier or competitor in the sport, he would have loved the beauty of nature, the energy of competitiveness and the magic of skiing. To be really successful, remember the Latin maxim, "aequam servare mentum" ... Preserve a calm mind. Love the mountains and the spruce trees and the sports they engender.

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ApexMatters.com

10 Ways To Stay Active This Winter By Michelle Stilwell, Parliamentary Secretary for Healthy Living

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As an elite athlete, I understand that the dark and cold winter months can take their toll on our motivation to stay active. It is tempting to stay inside and curl up, but there are plenty of things we can do indoors and out to get the recommended amount of daily activity and keep feeling our best. Here are 10 ways to keep active this season. 1. Set small, achievable goals, such as running on the spot during the commercials of your favourite TV show or committing to walking 20 minutes a day. Whatever it is, the sooner you commit to it, the sooner you will feel the benefits. 2. Create an activity calendar for a month, with daily goals such as going for a swim or playing a game of tag. If you have kids, ask them to help create the goals. 3. Keep it simple and just go for a short walk! It doesn’t have to be outdoors - find a local community centre with a running track, pop into a mall, or walk around your office building with co-workers. Any opportunity to rack up the recommended 10,000 steps a day is a good one. 4. Visiting a friend out of town? Pack your workout gear and make a point of joining them at their gym/workout class. 5. Embrace the cold and snow. Make a day of it or just take an hour. Bundle up and go tobogganing, build a snowman, try snowshoeing or hit the mountains to go skiing. 6. Involve the kids. Children need between 60 and 180 minutes of physical activity a day, so try joining them for a game in the backyard. Enjoy a family walk after dinner to check out the holiday decorations in your neighbourhood. 7. Get the whole family together and have a dance party. Crank the tunes and have fun while you do the dishes! 8. Use the Internet. While more screen time is not usually associated with active living, you can use it to learn the basics of a new dance, yoga or tai chi to find out if you like it before committing to formal instruction or classes. 9. Check out your local parks and recreation centre. They have activities to suit all ages, budgets and schedules allowing you to be active and meet new people. 10. Looking for more? Call our friends at the Physical Activity Line 1 877 725-1149, a free phone line and online resource for credible physical activity and healthy living information. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of physical activity a week in sessions of 10 minutes or more. That’s just over 20 minutes a day. It doesn’t sound like much, but those 20 minutes can help reduce the risk of premature death, heart disease and stroke among other health benefits, and be fun. Through the Healthy Families BC framework, government continues to focus on keeping British Columbians healthy by addressing health prevention issues such as chronic disease, unhealthy eating and tobacco use. For more information and tips on how to stay active visit: www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca. For an audio clip of Parliamentary Secretary Michelle Stilwell speaking about staying active in the winter months, please visit: https://soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-stilwell-stayingactive-during-the-winter-december-23-2014/s-RyhGs

ApexMatters.com

Early January 2015

Page 23

Answer key on page 19.

CatMatch

Apex Matters Sudoku Puzzle Each Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached logically and without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square. Answer on page 19.

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~ Boundary-Similkameen 6369 Main Street, Box 998, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Tel: 250.498.5122 Toll-free: 1.855.498.5122 “Your Voice in Victoria!” Linda.Larson.MLA@leg.bc.ca Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement. All authors/advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their final approval must be in place in order to be published. © 2015 Okanagan Matters Publications.

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Apex Matters Photo Gallery - Full page each issue Courtesy of Shaun Kennedy ~ 250.487.1368 ~ www.MomentsUnderFrame.com