Apex Matters “Keeping You in the S’know”
Published by Okanagan Matters Publications
www.ApexMatters.com
Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games ~ February 25-28 4 Days | 1225 Athletes | 17 Sports | 333 Coaches | 1800 Volunteers FREE to Attend Opening & Closing Ceremonies! See page 2.
Volume 13 : Issue 6 Your FREE Local Snow Culture Newsletter!
Late February 2016
apexmatters@telus.net
250.490.6951
Quick Facts: 2000 copies are printed twice a month from December 2015 through March 2016. Distribution covers Oliver, Okanagan Falls, Kaleden, Penticton & Summerland. Full advertising options, read past issues online, and link to join our Apex Matters eNews all at www.ApexMatters.com
A HUGE Congratulations to Apex Ski Club’s REECE HOWDEN GOLD MEDALIST in Skier Cross at the Youth Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway!
Photo by Youth Olympic Games
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ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Let The Celebrations Begin! Join the BC Winter Games Celebrations for FREE! Submitted News Release
The Opening Ceremony will kick off the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games on Thursday, February 25th - featuring a jampacked evening of entertainment and sports inspiration. The entire community is invited to welcome the 1,738 participants descending on the city from across the province. Olympian and BC Games alumna Kristi Richards will share her experience of how competition in the BC Winter Games was a milestone in her athletic career, which included competing in the 2006 Olympic Games in Torino and 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver. Richards, who grew up in Summerland, has competed in three World Championships, including being crowned the 2007 World Champion in moguls. She has earned nine medals and 22 top-10 finishes in World Cups, as well as being a two-time National Moguls Champion. “Kristi’s story is an excellent example of the significance of the BC Winter Games. These multi-sport events are incredible opportunities for athletes to compete at a high level early in their athletic careers, inspiring them to move on to even higher levels,” said Bill Bidlake, President of the 2016 BC Winter Games. “We would love for the SOEC stands to be packed with people as competitors mark the beginning of the Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games.” The ceremony starts at 7:00 pm and will be jam-packed with entertainment. Global BC sports reporter Shanel Pratap will MC the event. The Beamer Wigley Band will warm up the crowd at 6:30 pm and Gypsy and the Rose join the Queens Park Elementary School Choir in the ceremony to sing the Games song, "Do You Believe". Also performing are Okanagan Dance Studio and Balance School of Arts. Tickets are FREE and available to the public as of Monday, February 15th. Drop by the Valley First Box Office at the SOEC or order online at www.valleyfirsttix.com. Please note that service fees do apply to online orders. Award-winning Hip Hop artist K.A.S.P. will MC the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 28th at 1:30 pm. He will be joined by an incredible lineup of artists including Cosmic Brew, Black Widow Rope Spinners, Nikita Afonso and Rylan Wheeler. This event is also FREE, no ticket required, and is rush seating. The Penticton 2016 BC Winter Games will prove to be a memorable event for BC’s best developing athletes, coaches, and officials. Competition will take place over 4 days in 17 sports with 1225 athletes competing from every corner of the province. These athletes have trained to earn a place to represent their zone at the Games. The athletes are an average of 14 years old and for most, this will be their first experience at a multi-sport Games. Along with up to 1800 community volunteers, these athletes will be supported by 333 coaches and 180 officials who have earned their certification in order to provide the best knowledge and expertise to the athletes and the competition. This will be the 4th time Penticton has hosted the BC Games. The city was the host of the inaugural BC Summer Games in 1978, the 1990 BC Winter Games and the 1995 BC Summer Games. For more information, please visit www.bcgames.org.
For daily specials, fresh updates & current weather!
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Check Out Our Tasty Pizza Menu!
Sun - Thur 7am - 5pm Fri - Sat 7am - 9pm Holidays & Night Skiing
Specialty coffees, teas, amazing breakfasts, lunches with homemade soups, sandwiches & loads of treats.
“Take & Bake” Pizzas made fresh to order with your favourite toppings on a delicious stone baked crust. Simply throw it in your oven and dinner is ready in 12 minutes.
Located next to The Mountain Shop in the Apex Mountain Village
To order “Take & Bake” Pizza, or book a Group Function: Colin: 250.488.2400 Chad: 250.490.6585
PIZZA ... PIZZA ... PIZZA
After a wicked day on the slopes, some may be too tired to cook! If you have had an awesome day skiing with friends, family or both, and your legs are too pooped to go out or cook a big meal. Keep it easy and try The Edge “Take and Bake” pizza menu. Its easy, its fast, and they are delicious! Simply text your order to Colin at 250-488-2400 or to Chad at 250490-6585, or stop by and order from the friendly and helpful gang at The Edge Bistro. Open Daily - 7 days/week at 7 am Sunday - Thursday until 5 pm Friday, Saturday, Holidays (when the lifts run) until 9 pm
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
February & March 2016 Special Events:
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1.877.777.2739 | ApexResort.com
Ladies Day ~ Wednesdays from January 6 to March 9. Details below.
Day Lift Operations ~ Daily 9am - 3:30pm
Home Hardware Camps ~ Saturdays / Sundays started January 9 &10. Details below. U16/U18 Speed Camp & Teck Open Super G & GS Race ~ February 18-21
Tube Park ~ Friday 4-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, and Sunday / Holidays 10am-3:30pm. Open for group bookings.
Sponsored by Sun FM & EZ Rock
Business After Business Event ~ On February 21st, Apex Mountain Resort is hosting
their first “Business after Business” event with the Penticton Chamber of Commerce. Over 100 Chamber members are expected to participate, there is still room to sign up with the Penticton Chamber for $30, includes an all-day lift ticket, rentals, two beer tickets and appies in the Gunbarrel Saloon.
Dual Slalom Event ~ February 21st - Slalom Race on the Okanagan at 6:15pm. The finish line will be right in front of the Gunbarrel with live announcing. Come watch some of the best racers in BC.
Ullr’s Winter Triathlon ~ February 21st marks the return of this popular Winter Triathlon. BC Winter Games ~ February 25-28 - Freestyle Skiing | Alpine Skiing | Cross-country Skiing
Night Lift Operations ~ Friday & Saturday 4-9pm
Skating Loop & Hockey Rink ~ Open daily and night lit until 11pm. Watch for group booking closures. Snow Bus ~ Runs Saturdays / Sundays / Holidays Arrives at Apex at 9:15am & Departs from Apex at 3:30pm Featuring ~ 77 Runs | 3 Terrain Parks 2000 Vertical Feet | 1112 Skiable Acres 16% Novice | 48% Intermediate | 36% Advanced/Expert | 20 Feet of Cumulative Annual Snowfall
Okanagan Freestyle Regionals ~ March 5 - Come watch the Okanagan athletes compete. Vertical & Vintages ~ March 5 - 4th Annual Wine Festival presented by Apex Mountain Resort and The Naramata Bench Wineries Association hosted in the Gunbarrel Saloon. Tickets are $45 + fees.
Keg Cup ~ March 7-9 - Apex Mountain Resort welcomes all Keggers for this annual event.
Sponsored by Apex Matters
For more event information or any questions, call 1.877.777.2739 or email events@apexresort.com.
The Mountain Shop
COUPON
$5 off Edge & Wax $10 off Major Tune Must be accompanied with this coupon to be valid for discount. Valid until February 29, 2016
The Mountain Shop at Apex: Apex Logo Apparel | Souvenir Items Outerwear | Accessories | Snow Gear Demo Fleet ~ Try before you buy! Equipment Tuning | Custom Boot Fitting
Apex Snow School Programs:
Photo by Caillum Smith of www.preservedlight.com
Group Lessons & Private Lessons ~ We offer a full range of group lessons, from children’s and adults’ first-turns, to honing up on your double-black diamond skills. If you are looking for a lesson tailored to you, then a private lesson is the way to go. Our Certified Ski and Snowboard Instructors will focus on your individual needs, while getting you the mileage you need to solidify your new found skills and improve your confidence in the process. Ask about booking your instructor for ”lift-line priority” and get the most vertical possible, which caters up to 3 people in a 2 hour private lessons for one flat rate. Stay tuned for possible new programs coming soon! Ladies Day ~ One of our most popular programs for the fun active lady that skis or boards. This program runs every Wednesday from January 6th to March 9th. Come
join us for a skill improvement session, a great buffet style lunch at the Gunbarrel Saloon, and a complimentary glass of wine from Peller Estates. Lesson Time is 9:45am. 5 Wednesdays (*does not include lift ticket) ~ $175* / Drop in - Lift Ticket, Lesson, Lunch & Wine ~ $79 / Drop in - Lesson, Lunch & Wine ~ $39
Home Hardware Camps ~ For those aged 6-15 years. This super popular program for kids and teens will teach them the skills needed to be able to explore the entire mountain! They will be exposed to new terrain, tactics, as well as mountain safety. There are numerous options to choose from to suit any family’s needs: Saturday or Sunday starting January 9 or 10; half day or full day; 5 days or 8 days; lesson only, lift and lesson, or the complete package of lift, lesson, rentals and bus transportation to and from Penticton. Registration forms for the Home Hardware Camps are conveniently available at Home Hardware, located at 150 Fairview Place in Penticton. Rippin Rascals ~ We love kids and we want make sure they have a great time on the hill. That’s why we created Rippin Rascals for those aged 18 months - 5 years. This is their own special place where they can learn from pro’s who specialize in teaching kids. If they need a lesson, daycare, or a combination thereof, we can do it!
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Late February 2016
ApexMatters.com
Welcome to the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre Office Open 9-3 Daily www.nickelplatenordic.org
56 kms of Groomed & Track Set Ski Trails / 25 kms of Marked Snowshoe Trails Day Lodge & Kitchen Facilities / Heated Washrooms / Change Rooms & Showers Ski & Snowshoe Rentals & Lessons Available
Nickel Plate Nordic News
Congratulations to all of those that competed in the annual Nickel Plate Nordic Loppet! An even bigger thank you must go out to Geoff Waterman, our event organizer. Countless hours behind the scenes are spent in an effort to put this initiative together for all the racers. Without organizers like Geoff this Loppet would cease to exist. Keep up the great work Geoff - we all appreciate it ... from the bottom of our klister-loving hearts! We would like to thank all of the volunteers for making the annual Nickel Plate Loppet such a great event!
Many Thanks To Our Loppet Sponsors:
Artus Bottling, The Bench Market, Brodo, The Bike Barn, Peach City Runners, Swagman, Upper Bench Winery and Creamery, Cordillera Consulting, Bad Tattoo Brewery & Bartier Bros Wine.
Top Finishers In Their Categories:
30km classic men 18-29: Thomas Hardy (time of 1:40:24) 30km classic women 30-39: Sarah Purslow (time of 2:12:25) 30km classic men 30-39: Tim Musselman Bell (time of 1:47:04) Nickel Plate would like to thank all of our volunteers who helped with the 2016 Loppet! (Photo by Kathryn Golbeck) 30km classic women 40-49: Franzika Plummer (time of 1:57:00) 30km classic men 40-49: Tom Evans (time of 1:46:13) 30km classic women 50-59: Marg Fedyna (time of 2:00:30) 30km classic men 50-59: George Jackson (time of 1:50:21) 30km classic women 60-69: Laurie Murray (time of 2:36:22) 30km classic men 60-69: Jeff Clarke (time of 1:56:40) 30km classic men 70+: Alan Vyse (time of 2:39:35) 15km classic 16+ women: Amanda Kosmerly (time of 1:03:24) 15km classic 16+ men: Justin Odian (time of 0:59:12) 7.5km classic 14-17 women: Zoe Plummer (time of 0:38:31) 7.5km classic 14-17 men: Sol Jacques (time of 0:35:18) 3km 13 & under girls: Caitlyn Michael (time of 0:18:09.2) 3km 13 & under boys: Rowan Musselman Bell (time of 0:18:15.2)
Nickel Plate Loppet (Photo by Kathryn Golbeck)
Post race fuel! (Photo by Kathryn Golbeck)
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Nickel Plate Loppet Youth Race (Photo by Kathryn Golbeck)
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Apex Mountain Resort and Nickel Plate Nordic Centre Sanctioned by Tri BC
Snow Shoe Rentals ~ Snowshoe rentals must be returned
by 3 pm. There will not be any snowshoe rentals going out after 1 pm. Novice trails only should be attempted after 1 pm with food, safety gear and a headlamp recommended.
Volunteers Needed! We are looking for volunteers the BC Winter Games (February 25-28) Cross Country Ski events. If you can help out, please send your contact info to Jerome Jang at jang.jerome@gmail.com. If you have a preference as to what you’d like to help with, please indicate this in your email to Jerome. Thanks for your support!
Thank you to our sponsors: For more info Contact Event Coordinators at: 250 490 6084 team@hoodooadventures.ca
Treasurer ~ Nickel Plate is looking for a volunteer treasurer to sit on the board starting in the 2016-2017 season. The current treasurer will help with the transition and training. We are looking for someone with bookkeeping and/or accounting experience. Nickel Plate is a non-profit organization and depends on volunteers - this is an essential role for operation of our club! Please contact info@nickelplatenordic.org if you are interested in this volunteer position. Nickel Plate Snowshoe Group ~ The snowshoe group meets Tuesdays and Sundays at 10 am at the ticket office. An informal carpool meets daily at 9 am in the day lot across from Home Hardware in Penticton.
Nickel Plate Ski Clothing ~ Nickel Plate ski clothing for 2015/16 is now available through Hayman Sport and Jakroo. Group pricing if 6 or more order the same piece. Jackets, training pants, and race suits are available, and hats will be available soon. Sample sizes are available to try on in back of ticket office. Please go to: http://shop.jakroo.ca/NickelplateNordic-2016.
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”.
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is on Facebook (Nickel Plate Nordic Centre) and Twitter (@NickelPlateXC). Follow us for regular updates.
Great Food. Great Service. Great Times. Check Out Our Weekday Specials! gunbarrel@shaw.ca
250.292.8515
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Late February 2016
ApexMatters.com
Apex Freestyle Club Update by Ronda Barzilay 250.878.4272 | rondabarzilay@shaw.ca Congratulations to AFC & AFC Alumni who competed in Canada Cup held at Apex - February 6 & 7th - Mason Barzilay, Brayden Kuroda, Anna and Noah Spence, Mackenzie Schwinghamer, Jesse Howden, Alec Henderson, Jamie Rykuiter, Ethan Phillips, James Naude, Koleton Phipps, Chloe Kober, Max and Kassidy Todd, Shania Finlayson, Joe Durham, Hayden Person and Kyle Parker. Results - Single Moguls: Mackenzie winning a Silver on home turf! Mason close behind with 4th and Jamie Rykuiter in 5th! Noah Spence coming 13th and Brayden Kuroda in 15th! Results - Dual Moguls: Mackenzie - 4th, Mason - 5th, Kassidy - 7th, Anna - 9th, Chloe 10th, Jamie - 11th, Shaina - 12th, Brayden - 7th, Hayden - 12th, Koleton - 14th and Kyle - 15th. Big course at COP for the NorAm - Very exciting time to have so many AFC & AFC Alumni competing! (Photo by Ronda Barzilay)
Mackenzie wins a Silver Medal at Apex Canada Cup! (Photo by Ronda Barzilay)
Congratulations to AFC & AFC Alumni who competed in the Calgary NorAm - February 13 & 14th - Mason Barzilay, Noah Shaina & Kassidy at Nor Am at COP (Photo by Ronda Barzilay) and Anna Spence, Hayden Person, Koleton Phipps, Mackenzie Schwinghamer, Kassidy Todd, Shania Finlayson and Brayden Congratulations and big shout out to the athletes of Junior Kuroda. Comp and Jumps & Bumps who competed this past weekend in the Regional AFC Comp and big thank you to the parents, coaches and special thank you to Berva Kuroda for making this happen! Sorry - No pictures, as I was in Calgary at the NorAm. Good luck to the AFC athletes who will compete in the upcoming BC Winter Games - February 25-28 hosted at Apex Mountain Resort in moguls | slope style | big air - Brayden Kuroda, Max Todd, Jesse Howden, Anna Spence, Alec Henderson, Ethan Phillips, Andrew Carlow and Courtney MacDonald. Big thank you to all the volunteers and fans that make these events possible!
Anna & Joe at Nor Am at COP (Photo by Ronda Barzilay)
Freestyle 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 250.878.4272 or rondabarzilay@shaw.ca
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
AFC NEW SCHOOL SKIING
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On The World Cup Mogul Circuit
with Andi Naude My last update left off with my JIBBIN ILS G HITTING RA teammates and I travelling to Deer NG I Valley, Utah to compete in the next ID MOGULS SL two World Cup events. Deer Valley is a venue that every skier on the circuit TALLY JOIN AFC FOR A SICK T O T looks forward to. It is a fun night event IME W apexfeestyleclub.com NO held on the 2002 Olympic mogul course. It brings in the largest crowds we see all year! In fact, this year on the evening of the dual moguls event, there were thousands of spectators! The energy and atmosphere is electric; Apex’s Andi Naude, everyone is super psyched to be there! Ranked 7th in the World The course in Deer Valley is the one of For Women’s Mogul Skiing the longest and hardest in the world. It puts every skier’s skills to the test. After the qualification round in single moguls, I was in 4th place. I was very happy with how I skied and the result. Unfortunately, I made a mistake in the middle section of my finals run, and ended up in 13th place. On duals day, I won a dual and then lost a dual. The difficult course got the better of me. I was forced to pull into a different line to finish my run, which automatically lowered my score. I ended up in 10th place. Overall, the results were not quite what I was aiming for; however, I was happy to walk away from the event ranked 7th in the world. Apex Freestyle Club Annual Fundraiser Raffle After Deer Valley, I flew home for an amazing week of rest, before Support these aspiring athletes as the soar to new heights on heading off again to Japan on February 17th. I absolutely love visiting Japan. It is one of my favourite countries in the world. their skis and with personal growth! The people are always so welcoming, the food is delicious, and Tickets are only $5 each! the culture is fascinating. 1st Prize ~ This amazing & fun wrapped - 18 cu ft fridge, plus Stay tuned for some pictures, videos, updates, and more! Just $500 to stock it with your personal tastes! visit my website andinaude.com for the latest. Thank you all for 2nd Prize ~ Apex Mountain Inn & Apex Mountain Resort the ongoing support and kind words. Bye for now! package for two, which includes 3 days of amazing skiing and a 2 night stay mountain side! When you are kicking back at the end of the day, you will be able to enjoy a bottle of wine compliments of Covert Estate Winery!
JUMPS
3rd Prize ~ Men’s Spyne or Lady’s Spyre - K2 All Mountain Performance Boots complete with custom intuition heat moldable liners - courtesy of Sun Valley Source for Sports. WIN WIN WIN Tickets are available by talking to any member of the Apex Freestyle Club! Draw to take place on February 27th! For more information on AFC, please contact Kenni Kuroda, Head Coach & GM | afckenni@gmail.com | 250.490.1762
www.apexfreestyleclub.com
Andi Naude competing in the World Cup in Deer Valley, Utah. (Photo by AUSMSA)
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Late February 2016
Dino’s Snowshoe Diaries - Part 6
ApexMatters.com
Dino’s Snowshoe tours
By Dino Giurissevich of Dino’s Snowshoe Tours & Adventures tours rentals sales Tuesday, February 2nd ~ Frank and I started today’s Check out my website for snowshoe just below 6 km on the Apex Road. We usually snowshoe a route which has a steady grade uphill with about Full Moon Tour Dates! 4 switchbacks. But we wanted a challenge today, so straight Contact me for available up we went aiming for a logging road about 400m away. We fat bike and snowshoe tours. took turns breaking trail in conditions that were ideal basewise, which made the steep climb a little easier except for a www.dinostours.com 250-809-1165 few hidden air pockets which challenged our abilities. But, a Upon reaching the logging road, we headed downhill for a few challenge is what we wanted. minutes. A steep powdery slope on our left caught our attention begging to be snowshoed, we obliged! Hooting, hollering and powder running for about 5 minutes until we reached another logging road known as “Mach 10.” Up Mach 10 to join back up with the main logging road to an older cut block. From here, as planned, we dropped down into “Shatford Creek.” This route is a fun and challenging snowshoe, which we like to do 3-4 times a year and one I have written about in the past. We always try to stay as close to the creek as we can, often crossing it many times before the end. Because of the great snow base, we reached the Apex Road in record time, about 30 minutes, 45-60 being the usual time it takes. Following just above the Apex road we were back at our starting point in 10 minutes. An awesome and eventful adventure! Saturday, February 13th ~ Today was Freedom the Bike Frank during our challenging snowshoe climb. Shop’s “Fat Bike Demo and Fun Ride” event. For 20 bucks On our snowshoe up we encountered some older moose tracks you got a burger, a beer, a demo bike to ride and a chance to and some moose beds. Then a little higher up more moose win some swag. Profits went to help fund youth cycling. Great tracks, but these seemed quite fresh. Then, to our delight, cat value for 20 bucks! tracks which to us looked to be cougar. Observing both moose and cat tracks our best guess as to what may have transpired was this; the moose was being stalked and pursued by the cougar. The moose was high-tailing-it diagonally downhill with the cougar in hot pursuit and weaving back and forth, left to right. Then, at one point the cougar must have been close enough to take a swipe at the moose and had made contact with either the moose’s hind leg or other back part. In the snow, we noticed what appeared to be a leg drag which is why we thought that is what the cougar made contact with. Also, in the snow was a spot of blood. As we were snowshoeing uphill and the action was headed downhill the outcome is a mystery. Though the thought of investigating the outcome crossed our minds, we thought it best to stay away. It sure would have been a unique and exciting site if we had actually witnessed the action as it happened. Freedom the Bike Shop held a very successful Fat Bike Demo & Fun Ride Event on Saturday, February 13th at Apex Mountain Resort.
Our snowshoe tracks on a logging road.
One had a choice to ride around the village or parking lot and for the more adventurous a loop that was about 4-5 km situated down and just above Keremeos Creek Forestry Road. If one knew where to look, short sections of single track were there to enjoy as well. Today, I would be riding with Matt who had his own bike and Linnette and Shaun who both had electric fat bike demos. The electric fat bikes are awesome for climbing, especially steeper sections, but because they are quite heavy aren’t much fun when one has to push them through loose and deep snow.
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Starting off from the village, we rode down to the dumpster, turned right and then enjoyed a super fun downhill single track to Keremeos Creek. Joining back up with Keremeos Forestry Road, we turned left and then right and up towards the plateau below the settling ponds. Here we enjoyed the groomed trails and bits of single track. What I found especially fun and exhilarating, on the wider groomed downhill sections, is that I could “slide” or “drift” around the corners. Way too much fun!
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S E K I B
OF G N I O B LECTI
T A F
SE
STOCK IN S E IK B T A F IC R ELECT RENT R O F E L B A IL A V A AND Fat Bike Demo Day & Fun Ride with Matt, Linnette, Shaun and myself (on the right).
Eventually, we made our way over to the ‘Moose Hut” intersection, but could go no further as the trail here was not groomed and the loose snow was too difficult to ride. We decided to push the bikes for about 200m to join up with a groomed trail. This is where the electric bikes were a pain in the –ss to push. Sorry Shaun! From here we climbed uphill retracing our route back to the village. An awesome time had by all, so awesome that Linnette and Shaun came back for more riding the next day! According to Kurt, the owner of Freedom the Bike Shop, approximately 35-40 people rode the bike course and another 15-20 rode around the parking lot/village. A huge success for the first ever Fat Bike event at Apex! In my opinion, the fat bike course was awesome and has the potential to be much, much better! Fat biking is not just a fad, it is a growing sport that is here to stay, which is why more and more ski areas are embracing the sport. My hope is that Apex Resort will do the same and perhaps even become a leader in the sport by allowing lift access. A pipedream perhaps, but a good pipedream! In conclusion, I would like to thank all those at Freedom the Bike Shop for putting on the event, the Gunbarrel for an awesome burger, and a vegetarian burger choice to boot, and a “craft” beer choice (who gives you that these days?), those at Apex Resort for grooming and allowing the event and all the swag donators. And of course, all of us that participated and anyone I may have missed. Looking forward to an even bigger and better event next year! Remember, Fat Bike Tours are available, so give me a call. Until next time ... “Shoe You Later!” #102A-351 Westminster Avenue, Penticton
H2O STOP! Across from The Bike Barn
MADE BY REVERSE OSMOSIS FREE OZONE BOTTLE WASHER FREE BOTTLE CAPS WITH FILL $2.00 FOR 18.9 LITRES OPEN 24 HOURS 7 DAYS A WEEK
nge of sizes We have a full ra d 24” wheels from kids 20” an ult bikes... up to full size ad -between! and everything in
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et 533 Main Stre op.com sh ke bi www.freedom 250.493.0686
CABIN/CONDO CLEANING For an impeccable green clean at Apex Mountain Resort!
Linda Williamson
lwilliamson@telus.net
250-462-0658
Rural Agency Liquor Store and Grocery Store
NEED BEER?
We have Bud, Kokanee, Canadian, Sol, Miller, Old Milwaukee, Okanagan Spring, Pabst, Granville Island & Alexander Keiths. Available in 12 or 15 packs.
Hours of Operation:
Sunday - Thursday ~ 8 am - 7 pm Friday - Saturday ~ 8 am - 10 pm info@apextradingpost.com www.ApexTradingPost.com
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Late February 2016
ApexMatters.com
Returning an injured worker back to work vs. returning an athlete back to sport? Same Difference? By Grant Gichard, Treating Physiotherapist at Sports Clinic Physiotherapy (and strictly amateur Sports Psychologist)
There is no simple answer to this question really, given all the different variables that might be involved with various jobs, sports and injuries. However, I believe the two scenarios share a few things in common, especially in situations where the injury in question is potentially a career ending one, or one which threatens a person’s ongoing sports participation. It comes down to motivation and confidence. What motivates people? Where does that motivation come from and does someone have the confidence to back themselves in a return to the arena? I treat patients at Sports Clinic Physiotherapy in the Community Centre. As a team of therapists, we see a good proportion of the sporting injuries in this region. The clinic also serves as a centre of excellence in the region for treating injured workers, and I see a fair number of those as well at the clinic. This puts me in a unique position, whereby my caseload is divided between treating sports injuries and work injuries. Maybe I’m personally involved in the question as well, given that I’ve been faced with the prospect of dealing with a potentially work ending and sports ending injury myself. It follows then, that the two most commonly asked questions I’m asked to consider, would have to be: 1. ”If I go boarding this weekend, is my injured ‘whatever’ going to get re-injured?” 2. “If I go back to my job, is this surgically repaired ‘whatsit’ going to hold up?” This is essentially a judgment call, but there are definite similarities in the principles that guide us therapists when advising patients on return to activity. Of course, no one knows the answer to these questions with certainty as no one has a crystal ball. But if a team of doctors, surgeons and physios, progress an individual through a series of increasingly challenging activities, then we know the statistics heavily favour a successful and durable return to work and sport. At first glance, making this decision might seem like an educated guess. In reality, these decisions are based on very reliable time lines that describe how long it takes a given tissue to repair such that it can withstand the forces that go along with an action or activity. I always laugh when I read a media release heralding some elite athlete as being a superhuman healing machine because they returned to XYZ in half the normal time. Tissues heal at a surprisingly reliable rate when age is taken into account. It’s a bit like a biological clock. Mr. Superhuman’s tissue heals at just the same rate as the rest of us mere mortals. He no doubt has a team of people working around the clock to optimize his recovery, Strengthening, say his knee, close - but not too close - to the point where the tissue fails. They make sure he does his exercises reliably and correctly for several hours each day. He would have been progressed through increasingly challenging drills, first simulating training, then training and then competing. His injured still tissue heals at a predictable rate, but he can progress faster as an
individual because a rehab team optimizes every aspect of his return to sport. I wouldn’t go as far as to call the rehab team superhuman, but you get my drift. When you think about it, this is a similar process an injured worker might go through. It is a very structured approach in which he or she is put through a series of increasingly challenging tasks that mimic the kinds of stresses a (insert body part) is going to have to withstand at work. It is carefully planned and prescribed in much the same way an athlete is returned to sport. But, let’s question what motivates someone to get back to the race course, or back to work. Remember, for the purposes of this discussion, we’re not talking about the short term work injury which is mostly covered by insurance premiums. We are considering those injuries that force us to consider whether or not we’re even able to continue working in the same capacity. The motivation can be internally generated or externally generated. External influences might include coaches or parents for sport, an employer for work, possibly even an insurance provider. Internally, we’re talking about someone’s drive and passion to want to participate and compete. Don’t forget that for the vast majority of people, work is extremely important for their sense of identity - for their mental well being if you will. This is especially the case once work or sport is in danger of being taken away. I don’t know about you, but if someone tells me I can’t play rugby or I might never be able to work as a physiotherapist again, suddenly I really start to miss those things. Like everything, balance is important. If external influences outweigh the internal ones, people are generally less confident
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
about the chance of re-injuring themselves. If someone forces you to return earlier than you think you should, in my experience that’s when things go sideways. I am a self proclaimed ‘strictly amateur sports psychologist’. As a therapist, the best way for me to improve someone’s confidence, is to put them through sports and work specific drills where one can feel a measure of improvement themselves. It’s much better feeling like we’re making the decision ourselves, than feeling like someone is making it for us. This often means tempering the expectations of coaches, parents, employers, not to mention insurance providers. It also involves setting reasonable goals for athletes and workers whose drive is equally compelling. Perhaps it’s worth mentioning, that this structured approach works well for injured workers and competitive athletes/coaches. Things go a bit south, when recreational snow hounds like most of us are confronted with a big powder day. Structuring, monitoring and rational decisions go out the window. We’ve all seen and heard it before. It’s a big powder day. “I’m just going to have to suck it up.” I have to admit, I might have been guilty of this myself. Left to our own devices, do we progress through skiing-like drills first? Do we stick to a gradual return to light duties with modified hours? Maybe. Occasionally? In my experience as a treating therapist, (and me - as one of my own worst patients), I can testify that the process tends to be hit and miss at best. We are motivated by the desire to ski. This “want” is subconsciously translated into a need to ski ... we must join the mad rush for fresh tracks when it’s knee deep. Maybe, the hardest thing is acknowledging that we are never the best ones to judge ourselves whether or not it’s a good decision to ski this weekend, or return to full work shifts next week. Of all the interested parties, we are generally too emotionally invested in the outcome to make rational decisions about a safe return to activity. I’ll have my detractors, and I know I’m biased - but I remain truly convinced that a doctor + physiotherapist team is the best professional combination to take all these variables into account when deciding when the time is right to return to activity. Work, skiing, being active, it’s all the same to me really. Identifying what motivates us is important. Having the right people around to manage and balance these expectations, that’s what really makes the difference.
Olympic athletes wear a helmet, what’s your excuse?
South Okanagan Similkameen Brain Injury Society #2 - 996 Main Street, Penticton, BC V2A 5E4 Ph: 250-490-0613 Fax: 250-490-3912 Email: info@sosbis.com
Page 11
The Outer Edge with the Apex Ski Patrol
Read Signage & Follow T-Bar Rules The next time you ride the T-Bar at Apex please pay attention to all the signage in place. The lift attendants, along with the ski patrol, are informing all those that use this lift to follow the correct method of use to ensure everyone’s safety is met. Here is what you need to know: • Please DO NOT straddle the T-bar. • You MUST RIDE TO THE TOP. • Please STAY IN TOW PATH LINE. • Please DO NOT swerve whatsoever. • You MUST HOLD THE T-BAR until it goes around the bull wheel and while it winds back up inside, then release it. • Passes and/or Tickets WILL BE REVOKED, if you do not stay in track or follow these guidelines of use listed above.
Unfortunately, this season we have experienced a number of derails on this lift due to riders failing to use this lift properly. These derails were all completely avoidable! Many riders were getting off the lift half way up to access the terrain park quicker, causing the T-bar to wrap around a tower and thus derail. Others were swerving sharp and wide, back and forth in the path as they went up the lift, again causing the cable to derail. New riders would simply drop the T-bar at the top unknowingly causing it to once again wrap around a tower and derail. Needless to say, these derails cause the lift to be inoperable for a period of time while the maintenance staff repairs the problem. No one gets to ride the lift then! The biggest concern is that many dangers can also result. Imagine what could happen if that heavy cable were to land on you or your child! Because of the inherent risk and safety concerns involved, any riders found NOT following proper lift use, will have their LIFT TICKET REVOKED ... meaning your lift ticket will be taken from you and you will not be allowed to ride any of the lifts until senior management decides it is safe to return your pass. This could be for the rest of the day or night, perhaps even the rest of the season depending on the offense and/or attitude from the offender given to the staff. Best to not tempt fate and simply follow the safety rules set forth. We want everyone to have the best time possible here at Apex! Thank you for adhering to the proper use of the T-bar.
Be aware! Ride with care!
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ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
A HUGE Congratulations To Reece Howden! “Reece has been with the Apex Ski Club since about 6 years of age. We were all thrilled with his two recent downhill wins in Kimberly. But, this GOLD Medal at the Youth Olympic Games in Skier Cross ... Beyond Proud!”, says Apex Head Coach Jorgen Anderson. You can watch Reece Howden compete and receive his Gold Medal on YouTube. Go to https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pD5_BzLVDiY. Way to go Reece! Above - Reece catching air in the Kimberly Downhill. Below - Reece going for Gold.
Above - Reece Howden. Below - Reece in the lead during Skier Cross qualifier race. BC Winter Games ~ The Apex Ski Club U14 racers secured 8
of the 20 spots on Team Okanagan for the upcoming BC Winter Games. The talented bunch will represent the Okanagan from February 25-28 at Apex Mountain Resort. Congratulations goes out to Ana Large, Aubree Lawlor, Noa Rogers, Isaac Athans, Devin Blaser, Peter De La Mothe, Hemming Sola and Nick Tonogai members of the Okanagan Alpine Ski Team for BC Winter Games 2016. Good Luck Apex Racers!
APEX SKI CLUB - WE AIM 2 WIN
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ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Page 13
Apex Ski Club’s Reece Howden, 17 years of age, has won GOLD in Skier Cross in Lillehammer, Norway at the Youth Olympic Games! (Photos by Youth Olympic Games)
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Is There An Apex Community?
Late February 2016
with Suzie Anderson, APOA Board Member Years ago I bought a card that in bold print said, “HOW TO BUILD COMMUNITY”. Under that title are listed 33 actions. Here are some of my favorites, which is almost all the them: turn off your TV; know your neighbours; greet people; take children to the park; look up when you’re walking; buy from local merchants; read a story out loud; fix it, even if you didn’t break it; have pot lucks; pick up litter; dance in the street; start a tradition; ask a question; barter for goods; hire young people for odd jobs; organize a block party; ask for help when you need it; sing together; share your skills; meditate a conflict; honour elders; listen to the birds; put up a swing; seek to understand; learn from new and uncomfortable angles; turn up the music; turn down the music; and listen before you react to anger. On the back of the card is a quote by Theodore Roszak from his “Where the Wasteland Ends”. It says, “Communities exist for the health and enjoyment of those who live in them, not for the convenience of those who drive through them, fly over them, or exploit their real estate for profit.” I just love that card, as it highlights so many values that most of us forget to be mindful of. Some are just small actions that can make a huge difference in someone’s life or in how we feel about where we are and who we are. That card inspired me to think about community, my own community, other communities whether formed by people, geese or meerkats. What makes a community? I know that a community that is bonded can survive to become more whole, healthy and vibrant. Apex is a community whether we know it or not. Thank heavens we even have our own Volunteer Fire Department! We have pride and appreciation for our playground. We share many values and passions for interacting with and upon nature. We just don’t always think of it as a community until something threatens it and brings us together. Strong communities have survived the tough times by individuals coming together and working cooperatively. A crisis brings community together and reminds it’s members of what they cherish, what it’s privileges are and what is worth defending and preserving. The community of Cordova, Alaska came together after the Exon Valdez oil spill disaster to survive economically and psychologically. The community of Leavenworth, Washington came together after the logging industry disappeared to create a really successful theme for the village that enhanced it’s location and topography; most importantly reinvented for themselves a new economy. During my time at Apex as a cabin owner, we’ve seen the threat of an open pit mine twice, a road blockade to coexist with, clear cut logging on our sight lines, clear cut logging planned that leaves no buffer zones next to our properties and trails that we and the general public have used historically and are still using year round. The APOA was formed as a result of one of those crises. Not wanting to model Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” line, “That you don’t know what cha got till it’s gone”, we became pro-active and formed a group so we didn’t have to sing that song! I think that’s when Apex began to form a conscious community. Communities have traditions. Lots of traditions have been started at Apex and live on. Some have been short lived, but they bind us together with our memories. Picnics on the hill, “Shoot the Chute” (long gone now), torchlight parades, retro
ApexMatters.com
The APOA ...
Cares About Our Quality of Life Here! APOA is active in keeping communications open with the RDOS governing body. APOA is active in communicating with road maintenance contractor, ARGO. APOA spearheaded a Provincial conference addressing forest harvest practices and their effects on our prime recreation areas in BC ... More to come! We are community builders, outdoor lovers & guardians of our beautiful playground. If you like the idea of being a community builder, then join APOA as a Friend (15$) or Property Owner ($30)
Send membership cheque to: APOA, PO Box 23016, Penticton, BC V2A 8L7 or by Paypal at www.ApexPropertyOwners.com IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER:
March 5 ~ RDOS Open House @ Rock Oven Room March 19 ~ APOA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING March 19 ~ Joint APOA & Volunteer Fire Department “Members Only” Social @ Rock Oven Room
days, ice sculpture contests, wine tasting events, club ski racing and freestyle competitions, gatherings in “The Heavens”, “gorilla groomers” who clear and create new runs winter and summer, to name just a few. Some have been sponsored by the Apex Mountain Resort management and some were just spontaneously created by the “Apex community members” or buddies. To me, they paint a picture of a community emerging, or already emerged. APOA members even met on a July day in 2014 volunteering a day of their time to give a boost to the annual summer clean-up by Apex Mountain Resort on the grounds around the parking lots, lodges, and even around the old Gunbarrel area. The APOA packed out truckloads! A community invents it’s own fun and identity; we the people create our own enjoyment - we really don’t need to have it done for us. Wouldn’t it be great if some new traditions were started at Apex? On Lopez Island in Washington state, all the locals wave to you with a simple raising of the hand while driving. That gesture creates such a warm and unique atmosphere! Wouldn’t it be fun if we all sang a song or two together while downing beers at the Gunbarrel Saloon? What about an Apex high sign of greeting? Can you think of an idea you’d love to see happen that points to the uniqueness of our Apex Community? If you can, start doing it! That’s how traditions are born ... good ideas are contagious! APOA’s members are an important part of the core of the Apex Community. We care a whole lot about the quality of life here. We seed funded a province wide conference last Fall that addressed the effects of forestry practices on prime recreation areas, which has broadened the conversation to a larger scale and hopefully will lead to forest harvesting practices that don’t have such negative impacts on our recreation areas. We have a lot of fun too ... hosting at least one “Members Only” social gathering each year to bring us together. This year for the first time ever, there will be a joint “Members Only Social” for the APOA and the Volunteer Fire Department. This will be directly following the APOA’s Annual General Meeting on Saturday, March 19th in the Rock Oven Room. We welcome your membership as a “Friend” (non owner) or as a property owning member. Remember, there is strength in numbers, so grab that membership and be a voice! If you’re not a member, just be glad that we are here!
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Apex Fire Brigade Update
Page 15
everyone. I think the hard part of this is getting it set up. We have been very financially responsible to our community, so the amount we would request would definitely be less painful than the taxes we pay for our Apex properties that we see going to the general revenue of the regional district. For this week’s safety tip, I challenge everyone reading this to pick up their phones and search and read the following link to the FireSmart BC program. Bcwildfire.ca>prevention>firesmart. FireSmart your cabin and property this summer, because skiing in the winter won’t be as much fun if you don’t have a cozy cabin to have a glass of wine in when you are done. Ski Hard! Play Safe! Till next issue!
with Mike Polywkan, Apex Fire Brigade Chief As part of our last meeting, we discussed the fact that we were not in the position to make any big changes to the structure of our department. For example, the lack of available and suitable land at Apex for a future fire hall makes it unattainable at this time. Therefore, we will keep focusing on adding to our equipment inventory to help us deal with specific incidences better, as we strive to continuously improve our capabilities. We have a newly appointed equipment manager to help us maintain what we have and identify and acquire what we need. There is a consensus within the group to obtain equipment and safety gear for the purpose of interface fires in Mike Polywkan’s Helmet the summer when the forests dry out and become a major hazard to our community. Again, the Spring Seminar Training has been very helpful in determining what gear/equipment is potentially available for this purpose and how to use it. There is nothing more unnerving for a firefighter than standing at the edge of your community and seeing the sky blacken out from a towering column of smoke due to an approaching forest fire. There are preventative things that can be done. In previous articles, I have talked about the “FireSmart” New member Xavier Wargniez (on right) is doing a training exercise called “benching”, information link that Deb Vollet keeps posted on our Facebook where he describes everything he knows about an SCBA and how to don and doff it. page for residents to use to make their own properties less We then ask him questions about the apparatus until there is nothing left unknown. of a hazard. The community of Rushmere, BC was recently presented a Community Protection Achievement Award in recognition of their efforts to become “FireSmart”. I have seen some of our residents doing this at Apex, but we need more property owners to participate for Firefighters observing an approaching forest fire. this to work effectively. We, as a fire department, would like to assemble an “interface attack unit”, which would be an enclosed trailer containing forestry hoses, adapters, and sprinklers, so that we can link our hydrants along the interface (the forest) with hoses dug into the Water & Fire Insurance Work Carpet Repair ground and many sprinklers coming off of the adapters along Damage Restoration Handled Promptly Bonded Wind Damage Asbestos/Mold Insured the way. We will also need Nomex coveralls, shovels, polaskis, Remediation Odour Control WCB Wajax pumps, and maybe a high pressure compressed air foam unit. This requires help from the community. All but a couple of our fundraisers have been very efficient. The amount of work that it takes to organize such an event has left people burnt out and on the verge of quitting the department. There is also the risk. It takes a considerable amount of money to front such an event and if it flops we are now at a loss. This has never We handle residential and commercial disasters with expertise and happened to us, but we have squeaked just past the breakexceptional customer service, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. even point a couple of times. We have talked about a voluntary community per owner annual fee in lieu of a tax to help the fire department. I have talked to many departments like ours that www.myABK.com do this. Our community is very good to us, but there are those that are overly generous and those that aren’t around at the Serving APEX Mountain and Area for over 24 years! right time or just don’t realize the need. Remember, we protect
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ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Copper Creek Townhome on Skating Loop $288,500 3 bdrms, 3 baths. Furnished. Double garage + storage in high crawl space. Hot tub on deck, with steps to skating loop. Check out floorplan & photos: TinyURL.com/20-156Clearview
Call Craig Henderson, 250-486-3560, craig@vip.net Team Bloomfield
Simplicity of Zen
By Vince Rabbitte, Apex Ski School Emeritus Zen requires freshness, adventure, enthusiasm and warmth in your thinking and skiing. William Blake stated it very succinctly when he wrote, ”If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is infinite“. The Greek philosopher Empedocles stated, “The nature of God is a circle of which the centre is everywhere.” Zen is all about keeping the mind energized, clear and receptive. This freshness of mind and the intellect is so important in all aspects of skiing, mogul competition and aerials. Some Zen statements may help to make this clearer. Between the idea and the reality Between the motion and the act Falls the shadow. ~ T.S. Eliott “The Hollow Men” To see the world in a grain of sand And heaven in a wild flower Hold infinity in the palm of your hand An eternity in an hour. ~ Wm Blake “Auguries of Innocence” To raise my hand I take a book from the other side of the desk I hear the boys playing ball outside my window I see the clouds blown away beyond the neighboring woods. In all of these I am practicing Zen. No wordy discussion is necessary, nor any explanation. ~ D.T. Suzuki. Nothing exists all things are becoming. ~ Reiko Masunaga “The Soto Approach”
Vacation Property at Apex is renting all year round!
"Path to Distant Lake" by Leigh Trusler Photography For more information about Leigh's work, please visit www. leightruslerphotography.com or head over to the Apex Mountain Inn where you can see a selection of her photography in the lobby and hallways. Good luck to all participants of the BC Winter Games!
Exceptional General Implant & Cosmetic Dentistry Dr. Sylvain Marino 185 Front Street
BC Vacation Property Management John Redenback 250-498-0942 Krista Redenback 250-498-1750
Actively renting Apex since 2015
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Answer key below is for the Apex Matters Sudoku Puzzle found on page 21.
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Answer key to the left is for the White Kennedy Crossword Puzzle found on page 23.
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Page 17
ELEC TO R
Electoral Area “D” Governance Study
ATTENTION RESIDENTS & PROPERY OWNERS OF: Kaleden, Okanagan Falls, Twin Lakes, Lakeshore Highlands, Heritage Hills, Vintage Views, Upper Carmi, Skaha Estates, Vaseux Lake, St. Andrews, Apex and surrounding areas.
Get Informed. Get Involved. Have Your Say! 1. Read The Fact Sheets ~ Online at www.rdos.bc.ca or pick up a paper copy. (See below) Volume 1 (#1-6) ~ Regional District Governance | Solid Waste Management | Fire Protection & Emergency Services Library Services | Transit | Parks, Trails and Recreation Volume 2 (#7-13) ~ Economic Development Services | Administration | Sewer & Waste Water Services | Water Service Planning & Building Services | Bylaw Enforcement & Animal Control | Invasive Plants & Pest Control
2. Fill Out Survey #1 ~ Online at www.rdos.bc.ca or pick up a paper copy.
(See below)
We want to hear from YOU! A major concern in one community of Area “D” may not be of significance in another. The more we understand the issues, the better we can develop options to address them. What are your views about Area “D” governance and local services? Fill out Survey #1 online or pick up a paper copy (see below). You can drop off your survey in the box.
3. Attend A Governance Study Open House Forum
Map of Area “D”
Come and discuss your ideas and concerns. Ask questions, learn about the study, discuss your views on services and governance. Okanagan Falls Community Centre ~ March 2nd 6-8 pm Kaleden Community Hall ~ March 3rd 6-8 pm Apex Mountain Inn - Rock Oven Room ~ March 5th 3-5 pm
What is a Governance Study? The purpose of the study is to review and consider methods of improvement with local governance. Who provides services and at what cost? What do the residents think about this? How could we make it better? How could this affect us? Please note, incorporation is not a consideration.
250.492.0237 areadgovernance@rdos.bc.ca www.rdos.bc.ca
Paper Copies of Fact Sheets & Surveys at: Apex ~ Apex Administrative Office & The Edge Bistro Twin Lakes ~ Twin Lakes Store St. Andrews ~ St. Andrews by the Lake Office Kaleden ~ Kaleden Irrigation District Office & Kaleden Library Okanagan Falls & East Skaha Communities ~ Pharmasave, Library, 3 Winds Hair Design, Dr. Browne’s Office, Dr. Robertson’s Office, Royal Lepage Realty, Interior Savings Credit Union, Seniors Centre, The Bear Bean Café, Johnston Meier Insurance, H&M Thriftee Shop, Noble Ridge Winery, & the RDOS Rural Services Office. Upper Carmi ~ Penticton RDOS Office
Water - Sewer - Garbage & Recycling - Bylaw Enforcement - Permits - Transit - Parks & Recreation - Regional Growth Strategy - Bear Aware
Regional Heritage Strategic Plan - Official Community Plans - Building Inspection - Library - Invasive Species - Regional Trails - Volunteer Fire Protection - Emergency Planning & Services
Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen
“D” GOVER NA REA A N AL
UDY ST CE
Regional Heritage Strategic Plan - Official Community Plans - Building Inspection - Library - Invasive Species - Regional Trails - Volunteer Fire Protection - Emergency Planning & Services
Water - Sewer - Garbage & Recycling - Bylaw Enforcement - Permits - Transit - Parks & Recreation - Regional Growth Strategy - Bear Aware
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ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Building a Dream Hoodoo Adventure Company Ltd. Just a few short months ago we saw an opportunity. The journey has been quite the ride so it's a good thing that we enjoy a good adventure! We look forward to welcoming the community through our doors in a very short period of time!
First ascent done by 4yr old Thomas!
131 Ellis Street, Penticton 250 490 6084 team@hoodooadventures.ca 131
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Page 19
Secrets Of The Snow
This regular column looks for little known stories that will enhance your riding experience at Apex. If you have any ideas for ‘Secrets of the Snow’, email apexmatters@telus.net.
The Perfect Piste
Apex is well known for its challenging terrain. Thrill seekers love to go off trail on the gun runs, into the bowls and in the trees. For the rest of us, happiness is a wide open ribbon of corduroy on Sluice Box, Wild Bill or Chute. In this edition of Secrets of the Snow, we talk to Shawn Whitty, Apex’s Operations Manager, about Grooming and the program at Apex. 1. It’s All About The Piste ~ Piste is the word used to describe a marked path or groomed run down a mountain for snow skiing, snowboarding, or other mountain sports. It’s French for trail or track and is more commonly used at European hills. 2. Release The BEAST ~ The jewel in Apex’s grooming program crown is the newly purchased Prinoth Beast. The Beast is the largest snow groomer built in North America and can cover 40% more than the regular grooming machines. Apex scored a demo model this season. Brand new the Beast is valued at $500,000. 3. Grooming Smarter ~ The addition of the Beast is expected to help the grooming team actually “groom smarter”. The grooming crew has two shifts of 4 pm - 12 am and 12 am - 8 am. During the weekends, it’s all hand on deck with four grooming machines getting the hill ready. The Beast makes it possible to complete the grooming program within a normal shift, reducing the need for overtime and the burden on the small but mighty crew. The team is already seeing the benefits. It now only takes 9 passes to groom the Okanagan Run where before it required 15. 4. Top Talent ~ Ski hills are known for their transient workforce, but not in Apex’s grooming shop. The crew of five includes; two groomers who have each been with Apex for 28 seasons, one with 16 seasons of experience, one who has been with Apex for 30 seasons (and is about to retire), and the new guy who has only been with Apex for two seasons thus far. 5. Strange Sightings ~ You might think snow grooming can get a bit monotonous as you travel up and down the hill in the dead of night. Not so says Shawn. From moose to the occasional car, there’s lots of ‘wildlife’ to see at night that keeps things interesting. 6. Stay On The Safe Side ~ The grooming team is out on the hill getting it ready for the guests each night, BUT more often than not they have to deal with people on GT snow racers, bikes, sleds, or even cars out on the closed mountain slopes. This is completely unsafe, as these machines turn on a dime and aren’t expecting to see anyone in their path. Please stay off the mountain when it is closed!
Meet The BEAST! Apex’s newest addition to the grooming fleet covering 40% more than the regular grooming machines, thus saving time and money at the end of the day.
Snow Hacks
Life Hacks are shortcuts or tricks that make life a little easier. Each edition, we will share a new ‘snow hack’ to make life a little easier at the hill. Email apexmatters@telus.net, if you have any suggestions for ski or snowboard hacks.
The Base Layer is Key
Wear a thermal layer under everything else. When it comes down to it, that extra warm ski coat won’t do anything helpful for you if you are not properly insulated. Sweating inside your cotton tee will just freeze you from the inside out. Make your first layer thin and lightweight. It should fit tight to help keep you dry. A synthetic fabric is recommended. It dries fast and is easy to move around in. An alternative to synthetic material is wool. Wool is a good moisture-manager. It also never stinks which is a bonus for your après-ski reputation. Remember, the bottom layer is recommended to be long-sleeved too. Thank you to http://evolvesnowcamps.com/snow-hacks-tipsA close up of “perfect corduroy” on the Okanagan Run. Thanks to the grooming crew. to-have-the-ultimate-day-out-there-on-the-slopes/ for the hack.
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Late February 2016
Does Your Doctor Prescribe Volunteering? Wendy Weisner, Ph.D, Director, South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre On a visit to your doctor, some typical questions inevitably come up: Do you exercise? Do you smoke? How much do you drink alcoholic beverages? But, perhaps another medical question should also be asked by your health professional: Do you volunteer? Measuring volunteer engagement in your life is just as important as assessing and evaluating one’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature. Why? Research shows that giving back to the community helps improve one’s health. Volunteering may also lead to fewer hospital stays and build greater awareness of preventative health measures. Dr. John W. Rowe, co-author of the best seller Successful Aging and founding director of the division on Aging at Harvard Medical School, says he’s seen the evidence. The engagement effect can be very significant in the volunteer’s life. While volunteers are good at taking care of others, it appears volunteers are also good at taking care of themselves. Volunteers are less likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors and more likely to take better care of themselves, including getting flu shots, mammograms, and/or having their cholesterol tested. Researchers are also finding that when volunteers take better care of themselves, they experience more positive emotions, psychological well-being, and less depression, and immune systems are strengthened by positive emotions. A sense of purpose in life and connections with others are also linked to
positive health outcomes which are often experienced through volunteering. Life may take on more meaning and lead to a greater willingness to take better care of oneself. Yes, volunteering goes hand-in-hand with successful aging, and employee volunteering can also lead to a healthier workforce, which translates into longer term financial benefits for both the employer and employee. Healthy life-time habits should begin at a young age. Youth and students will gain valuable experiences and skills through volunteer work and many organizations the Volunteer Centre works with welcome youth volunteers. Studies show that altruism can be fostered through volunteering. Empathy for others, passion for a cause, and a positive mental state of mind all contribute to becoming an effective volunteer ... young or old. The SOS Volunteer Centre (www.volunteercentre.info) has over 70 Volunteer Opportunities posted with 30+ non-profit agencies. If you cannot find something you like and would like more help, make an appointment to discuss your interests and experience. Call 1-888-576-5661. Visit the Volunteer Centre booth at the Okanagan Healthy Living Fair on Saturday, March 12 from 9-4 to pick up your copy of: 1) Is it time for doctors to prescribe Volunteering? by Claudia Cahalane, The Guardian; 2) Volunteers take better care of themselves than non-volunteers, study says, by Allison Vuchnich, Global News; and 3) The Surprising Health Tip that Doctors and Bosses Should Recommend by Eleanor Goldberg, Hoffington Post. Register with the Volunteer Centre on March 12th to receive updates on Volunteer Opportunities and receive a draw entry for a Gift Basket, compliments of Knights Pharmacy.
Accent Fireplace Gallery Our service will not be beat!
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Visit Our Show Room Today! Proud to carry these fine product lines: Weber | Napoleon | Jackson | Delta | Twin Eagles | Broil King | Traeger | Primo 1295 Fairview Road, Penticton
250.770.2903
www.accentfireplacegallery.ca
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
Great Cabin Recipes
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Vertical & Vintages
Slow-Cooker BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Apex Mountain Resort Wine Festival Presented by Apex Mountain Resort and The Naramata Bench Wineries Association
March 5th, 2016
Prep Time: 10 min Total Time: 8 hr Serves: 8 (1 bun each) Smoky & Sweet - the smell alone will get them to the table.
INGREDIENTS: 1 boneless pork shoulder (2 lb./900 g) / 3 onions,
sliced, separated into rings / 1/2 cup Bull's-Eye Bold Original Barbecue Sauce / 8 kaiser buns, split / 8 Kraft Singles Cheese Slices
MAKE IT: Place meat in slow cooker; top with onions and BBQ sauce.
Cover with lid. Cook on LOW 8-10 hours or on HIGH 4-5 hours. Remove meat from slow cooker; cut off and discard excess fat. Chop meat into small pieces or shred with fork. Return to slow cooker; stir until evenly coated with BBQ sauce. Fill buns with meat mixture & Kraft Singles just before serving. If you have a “Great Cabin Recipe” that you would like to share, please email to apexmatters@telus.net. Happy Cooking!
Vertical & Vintages Wine Tasting Event Hosted by the Gunbarrel Restaurant Saturday, March 5th from 7-9pm - Tickets $45 + fees per person
Join the Gunbarrel as they create a variety of small plates to tantalize your taste buds. We will have a selection of hot and cold bites, a cheese and charcuterie board and other chef specialties to compliment the wine tastings from 18 Naramata Bench Wineries. To complete your evening of Vertical & Vintages at the Gunbarrel Saloon, enjoy the musical talents of Naramata’s favourite party band “ UnCorked” as they play the night away. For Tickets go to www.eventbrite.ca For information about Vertical & Vintages, please call 1-877-777-2739 Or email emily@apexresort.com
Make it a weekend full of wine, friends and skiing. With the purchase of your V&V ticket receive 25% off of a 1 day lift ticket. Valid March 4th 5th 6th & 7th only. Vertical & Vintages Ski & Stay Packages available at www.apexresort.com
Blood Donor Clinics February 22 & 23
1:30-5:30 pm - Penticton Seniors Drop-in Centre 2965 South Main Street in Penticton
Call 1-888-2DONATE or www.blood.ca It’s in you to give!
CatMatch My Name is Peek-A-Boo
Jardin Estate Jewelry & Antiques Recycling the Elegance of the Past 5221 Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls
250.497.6733
www.jardinantiques.com
As seen in Skaha Matters.
I am a young man just starting to seek out a mature and permanent relationship. I did have one live together relationship, but I woke up one morning literally on the street. I had been kicked out! I guess one too many late nights out prowling with the boys! I am in AA now and want to settle down into a lifetime commitment with one lovely lady only. I am fine with other adults living in the home, but to be honest not much experience with kids or pets, so we may have to take that slow if they are part of the package. www.AlleyCATSAlliance.org
www.MomentsUnderFrame.com
Be a Responsible Pet Owner Pets must be kept on leash in the Apex village and parking lot at all times. Please respect the roadways and paths and always clean up after your pet.
Bench 1775 Winery | Black Widow Winery | D’Angelo Estate Winery | Deep Roots Winery | Hillside Winery Lake Breeze Vineyards | Lang Vineyards | Monster Vineyards | Perseus Winery | Poplar Grove Winery Quidni Estate Winery | Red Rooster Winery | Serendipity Winery | Terravista Vineyards Therapy Vineyards | Tightrope Winery | Upper Bench Estate Winery | Van Westen Vineyard
www.apexresort.com | www.naramatabench.com
Linda Larson, MLA
~ 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
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 16.
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Late February 2016
Fresh BC Talent Quest - SEASON 4
Semi-finals ~ Sat, March 5th Show Finals ~ Sat, March 12th Presenting Group A, B, and C Performers
Orchard House Hall - Martin St., Penticton Door by donation. Open to public at 11am. Show starts at 1pm. Domino’s Pizza Food Concession
www.cmeliveproductions.com // 250.460.2221
Tunes to Turn to ... Jay’s Pick This Issue: Artist: Deli 2 Dublin Album: Planet Electric Track: “The Happy Track”
With such great conditions at Apex, there are so many tracks to ride. Every local has their favourite track at Apex. Some share, some don’t, and that’s okay, because if you wait a day or two those tracks will fill in and be fresh and waiting for you. I have many, many happy tracks at this great little mountain we call Apex. Next time you are up, I’m sure your favorite track will make you happy! 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.
Available at Apex Trading Post
From the Heart For the Heart 989 Cellar Road, Oliver, BC 250.498.2211
www.fairviewcellars.ca
John Davis Contracting Premier Apex Custom Home Builder ~ Since 1994
Penticton Snowmobile Club
with Sylvain Gagnon, Club President Do you own a snowmobile? Do you like to ride on our local trails? Well, then the Penticton Snowmobile Club would like to invite you to our regular monthly meetings held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month in the Kiwanis House on Hastings Street in Penticton. We meet at 6pm, have a little dinner together and social time, followed by our regular meeting. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15th. See you there! The Penticton Snowmobile Club organizes group outings and over night trips every winter. We share our passion for the sport and welcome any newcomers to join us on the trails for an adventure this winter. Come on out and join in the fun! If you have any questions or would like to know more about joining our snowmobile club, please contact Sylvain Gagnon, Club President, at 250-809-2851 or email sdonatg@gmail.com.
Photos above courtesy of the Penticton Snowmobile Club’s Facebook page.
ICBC Insurance Out-of-Province Insurance Claims Windshield Replacement ICBC Lifetime/Nation Wide Warranty Computerized Free Estimates
250.276.6257 1450 Clark Avenue in Penticton THE BODY SHOP NETWORK FIX AUTO PENTICTON www.pentictoncollisioncentre.com
“Like us” on Facebook! All of our combined Facebook Friends qualify for a Free Day Pass Draw happening on February 26th. Like us both today & you could win! Winner TBA on Facebook & in Apex Matters. The February 12th winner was Sharon Nickolson !
Skidsteer Service ~ Excavation, Backfill, Site Prep & Driveway Grading
John (Diesel) Davis ~ 250.490.7952 johndaviscontracting@gmail.com
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. © 2016 Okanagan Matters Publications.
ApexMatters.com
Late February 2016
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“BC WINTER GAMES” 1
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ACROSS
DOWN
1. 4. 6. 7.
Good luck to all the athletes competing in the BC Winter Games especially all our local participants!
10. 12. 17. 18. 19. 20.
2 words - site for x-country & para skiing (12) a game resembling ice hockey (8) site for alpine & freestyle skiing (4) the action of undertaking a course of exercise and diet in preparation for a sporting event (8) exercises developing or displaying physical agility and coordination (10) a person who teaches and trains an athlete (5) one of a set of explicit or understood regulations (4) the act or process of trying to get or win something (11) to donate one’s time (9) host city for very first BC summer games (9)
2. 3. 5. 8. 9. 11. 13. 14. 15. 16.
a game played on ice with a broom and a large, round, flat stone (7) country of origin for curling (8) a person or organization that provides funds for a project or activity (7) an athletic contest combining two events, especially cross country skiing and rifle shooting (8) former BC Summer Games particpant and gold medalist at 2010 Olympic Games (6) former premier who established the BC Winter Games (7) the sport or skill of shooting with a bow and arrows (7) city for very first BC Winter Games (8) the place where something happens (5) a person who competes in the games (7) Answer Key on Page 16
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Late February 2016
ApexMatters.com
Apex Matters Photo Gallery - Full page each issue Courtesy of Shaun Kennedy ~ 250.487.1368 ~ www.MomentsUnderFrame.com