Apex Matters was started by 3 locals that worked, lived and played at Apex Mountain. Patti Price (LaPrairie), Chad Henderson and Myleen Mallach loved this area so much and wanted everyone else to love it too. We figured that by letting everyone know what was going on, all would feel welcomed, involved and part of the community as a whole. So, we joined our skills and published the first newsletter of its kind in December 2002. Did you ever wonder where the name “Apex Matters” came from?
paper into 4 pages. In 2006, Patti handed Apex Matters to me. I bought a photocopier
the weekly paper into 12 pages and then 16, including the entire South Okanagan in the distribution. A few years later, I changed it to biweekly and then monthly, and now we’re at 24 pages. In August 2009, I created Skaha Matters, serving Okanagan Falls and Kaleden on a monthly basis, delivered by Canada Post. The photocopier was replaced with a 18 ft commercial printer in my garage. In 2018, I took the leap into full colour printing and outsourced to a webpress company. There were two seasons that Apex Matters was not published, being 2011/2012 and 2016/2017. I found my work/life balance was a mess, but skiing definitely helped. I thought the last break was the end of Apex Matters, but the feedback from the locals was strong and clear ... Apex Matters must return! So, with much hard work and continued community support, Apex Matters has grown into what it is today ... a great way of “Keeping You in the S’know”
I feel truly honoured to work on Apex Matters and I love what I do. Thanks for all your support since December 2002!
I wish you all a warm and cozy Christmas and a New Year filled with many fresh powder blue bird days. Have a great winter everyone!
Published by Okanagan Matters PublicationsDec
Dec
Dec
Dec 17 ~ Ugly Sweater Christmas Party - Join “Je Piatelli” playing at the Gunbarrel. Starts at 7 pm. No Cover.
Dec 24 ~ Christmas Eve with Santa, Fireworks & Torchlight Parade starting at 5:45pm.
Dec 31 ~ New Year’s Eve Fireworks at 6pm and midnight - Join “Jack and Jill” playing at the Gunbarrel. Book your NYE tickets on Event Bright.
Jan 5-8 ~ 23rd Annual Shootout Hockey Tournament - Visit ApexHockey.com for more info.
Jan 12-15 ~ 20th Annual Shotgun Hockey Tournament - Visit ApexHockey.com for more info.
Jan 21 ~ Retro Day! Join in the fun on the slopes and dress up in your best retro costume!
This season every Highway 97 PILSNER sold at the Gunbarrel Saloon generates a $1 Donation to the Apex Fire Brigade Society from the good folks at Highway 97 Brewing and the Gunbarrel Saloon. So, be sure to tell your server that you would like to support the hardworking Apex Fire Department Volunteer Crew by ordering a Highway 97 PILSNER, brewed in the Czech traditional way and served crisp, clear and cold! So, from the rst snow ake to the last day of spring skiing, drink some great
“Absolutely Spectacular!”
The annual Torch Light Parade will happen on the Okanagan Run right in the heart of the Apex Village starting at 5:45 pm. If you would like to participate in the Parade this year, please sign up at the Apex Main O ce before December 23rd. Kids under legal age will need a parent or guardian to sign a waiver in order to participate in the Parade.
Santa Brings Gifts to the Children “If you don’t believe in Santa, you will after this!”
Santa and his Special Sleigh will be arriving to deliver early Christmas presents to the children following the Torch Light Parade. If you would like your children to receive a gift, please wrap, clearly mark, and drop o your gifts at the Apex Administration O ce before 4:30 pm on December 22nd. Gifts will be given out in the order they are received, so remember your number. Please keep gifts to a manageable size.
“Christmas Carols and Fireworks ... Simply Magical!”
The Fireworks follow the Torch Light Parade on the Okanagan Run. There is something to be said about standing with friends and family, cuddled around a giant bon re, enjoying a sky lled with reworks, singing Christmas Carols, and all the while celebrating together. ApexResort.com
By Kevin Dyck, Marketing & Communications Manager
Hello Apex! So, did you hear it snowed in November? In fact, it snowed so much, so early, that we skipped “rock ski” season almost completely. We were able to open for two bonus weekends, and full time operations started November 26th with mid-season conditions. Even our snowshoe trails were completely available! It’s going to be an incredible season.
December is when things really get going with our youth programs on Saturday, and many of our adult programs will have started. Our adult 3 week programs were so popular last year that we added more availability in January. Both skate and classic sessions are available, and of course, we continue to run private and semiprivate lessons throughout the season.
One exciting item this year is that we have been awarded a grant from Nordiq Canada to encourage youth who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ to become involved with Nordic Skiing. Ron Gordon of McKinney Nordic Ski Club in Oliver submitted the application in partnership with NPNC. Through this grant, we’ll be able to expand on our mandate of inclusivity and recreation for all.
Don’t forget that we have incredible Nickel Plate toques available for sale in the ticket office, if you’re still looking for gifts. We hope everyone has a fantastic holiday season and has lots of time to get out and enjoy the mountains.
And with that, my season is off! November 28th - December 4th marked the season’s debut with the first Western Canada Cup/ US Supertour races of the year. The week consisted of four races. Many American schools and teams made the drive up to participate in the jointed US Supertour races, making the field incredibly competitive.
As it is my first year in the U23 category, I was hoping to show up and throw down, and start off the season with a bang. Our first race was a classic sprint. My nerves got the best of me, and I was not able to ski to the best of my abilities. I ended up finishing 65th. It was a pretty tough start to the season, especially mentally. I, however, redeemed myself the next day in the 10km mass start skate race. Competing in that race were 128 skiers, simply a massive race. Mass starts are great, but when they’re that big they get frantic and chaotic; one must be on top of every little thing, otherwise running the risk of ending up in a snowbank or breaking a pole. I was able to ski to a 27th that day, not far off guys I was minutes behind last year. I had my redemption race.
The following day was off, to allow for a bit of rest as well as to check out the new sprint course for the following day. That next day was the skate sprint. Again, I was not content, placing 61st. Although I skied it much better than my first sprint, I was still well beyond qualifying time. This time I didn’t let it get me down, however, and tunneled my energy into the last race: a 10km classic interval start. The course was very difficult; long winding hills, with short downhills, meant for tons of effort with very minimal rest - my kind of race. The race was great. Our coaches nailed the grip and glide, making the hills almost effortless, or at least as effortless as they could be. My goal was to finish with a top 20th, but I ended up finishing 27th. Again, not quite where I had wanted to be, but 27th was still great, and besides, I had skied a killer race. Up next for me is the Alberta Cup 1 and 2 in Canmore on December 8th and 9th. Be sure to check into my blog (fredalbrechtsonblog. wordpress.com) for results, as well as a deeper recap of my weeks racing. As always, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you on the trails over the holidays.
By Colin Mottershead, aka “Cheffy”
The Edge Bistro is excited for the 2022/23 season. We look forward to seeing all of our Apex friends and families.
The Edge proudly offers homemade soups, made to order fresh panini sandwiches and wraps, along with a wide variety of specialty coffees, and of course our famous hot chocolates. The very popular “Take and Bake” pizzas are back again in a wide variety of choices, including vegan and gluten free options.
Hours of operation are 7 am - 5 pm daily and during the Christmas Holidays we are open in the evening until 9 pm everyday.
Entry to The Edge will again be through the Mountain Shop doors. Have you stopped by to see the new look at The Edge? We were busy this fall ...
We have increased our table space inside this year for you to enjoy a hot bowl of soup or a latte. The Edge Take out Window is open again this season. Order at the window or online and ski down for pick up. “Don’t stand in line ... Order on line!” Download our QR code to the right and order from your phone. It’s that simple!
The Edge is here to help you out with your Christmas shopping. Gift cards are available, as well as hoodies and colourful Edge Bistro toques.
The Edge Team wishes you all a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.
Get Your Edge Wear! T-shirts, Touques & Hoodies!
Sun - Thur 7am - 5pm Fri - Sat 7am - 9pm Holidays & Night Skiing
Online ordering & take out window open!
OPEN till 9pm when the lifts are running! Great Gift Ideas!
Specialty coffees, teas, amazing breakfasts, lunches with homemade soups, sandwiches & loads of treats.
“Artisan Take & Bake” Pizzas Made fresh to order with your favourite toppings on a delicious stone-baked crust. Gluten-free & vegan options now available.
To order your favourite pizza, drop by The Edge, scan our QR code, or simply go to ... the-edge-bistro.square.site
Located next to The Mountain Shop in the Apex Mountain Village
Best Mountain Views!
By Lesley Evans
Finally it’s here! The Apex Ski Club 2022-23 season started with a bang. A training camp in the Yukon, the chance to be on skis at Apex well ahead of schedule, and one of the best opening weekends we have ever seen has already made this year one for the record books.
Our U16 team had the unique opportunity to travel to Mount Sima in the Yukon for an early season training camp. In a combined effort with the race team from Big White, Head Coach Jorgen Anderson organized what he called a “nice transition into the start of our season with some amazing training”. Our racers were able to train in a relaxed atmosphere, while sharing the same venue as the University of Alaska’s program, thus able to experience being around high-level athletes. Anderson also said he was pleased with the experience because our skiers were able to participate in some great team building, as well as gain some valuable independence as a traveling racer.
For our other racers, Apex Mountain Resort opened for preseason training on the final weekend of November and team members who were able to attend got in some quality time on skis. U14 Coach Brent Schleppe worked with the group on body positioning skills and they were also able to have some fun in the powder that Sunday. Our sincere thanks to James Shalman and the resort staff for allowing our racers to get a head start on their season. For anyone who was up there, the opening weekend at Apex did not disappoint. Even the colder temperatures did not detract from what was a stellar few days on the hill. The atmosphere was amazing and all of the racers I talked to were so excited to be back out there with their team mates. The race teams spent some time exploring the mountain before getting down to business and reports across the board were that it was the best opening weekend ever.
This season our club is fortunate to have Jorgen Anderson and Brent Schleppe continuing in their roles, as well as Peter de la Mothe who has returned as the U12 coach. Also, we are lucky to have some great new additions coaching the Carvers Program, which starts on January 7th. There are still a few spaces left in the Carver Camps over the winter break, so please check out the Apex Ski Club website for information. As previously mentioned, these are a great value and a fun way to keep kids active during Winter Holidays.
In alumni news, we are excited to follow Reece Howden as he competes during another World Cup season and Hemming Sola is having continued success at the NorAm level with the BC Ski Team. We are also looking forward to a great season for our Okanagan Ski Team members Molly Raymond, Sienna Blaser and Hannah Droppo. Good luck everyone!
The Apex Ski Club would like to express our gratitude to our sponsors and to those who have supported our fundraisers already this year. Your support is greatly appreciated. Finally, we would like to wish Happy Holidays to the members of the Apex community and all the best for a memorable ski season!
By Reece Howden, Apex Ski Club Alumni
It’s December, finally! For most Canadians, December means cold temps, shovelling snow, skiing and Christmas Holidays. But for our Canadian Ski Cross Team and fans, it marks the start of the next World Cup season and the Cross Alps Tour. Val Thorens, France (Dec 7-8), Arosa, Switzerland (Dec 12), Innichen, Italy (Dec 21-22) are the venues making up the Cross Alps Tour this year. I for one am looking for some serious redemption after last season. So, if you’re already a Ski Cross supporter, get ready for an exciting December. If you’re not, check it out on CBC sports and get on the band wagon. Pray for snow and have a wonderful holiday.
to
the best experience for
owners and our guests.”
For The Kids, The Club and The Community Moguls, Terrain Park, Big Air, All Mountain, and NOW Featuring SNOWBOARDING Competitive & Non-Competitive Programs For ages 6 and up www.freestyleapex.com
By The AFC TeamMessage From Head Coach Rob Kober ~ After too many years spent chasing snow and living out of a suitcase, I am very excited to be staying put this winter and serving my home ski club and ski hill where my own kids and all their ski buddies grew up skiing. It has already been super fun to reconnect with old friends and meet my new team and the season has barely started, not to mention all the amazing powder skiing we’ve had while building the Mogul Course and other training venues since the middle of November! A huge shout out to mother nature and Apex Mountain operations for providing the best early season Freestyle Training in recent memory! Thanks to the extensive earth work around the air site this fall, we have a great new location for our airbag, which we hope to set up in the next few weeks. A safer and more user friendly air site which has already seen a ton of jumping. These upgrades will help make for even more fun and quality training for our membership! Conditions are great (knock on wood) and most of our training venues are already in use. It’s going to be a great year and I’m super grateful to call this place home!
Apex Classic - December 15-18, 2022 ~ Once again Apex Mountain Resort, Apex Freestyle Club and Freestyle Canada are pleased to announce the upcoming 2-day Mogul event has been filled with the top athletes from across Canada, Japan, Korea, Australia and Italy. The competition will be the first Canada Cup event of the season and will take place on our world class mogul run providing an opportunity for athletes to compete for spots on the NorAm circuit and a chance to qualify for the national team. We encourage everyone to come watch these athletes take flight as they challenge our renowned mogul course. These athletes will be judged on speed, air and their turns. There are two jumps on the course, whereby athletes will be conducting various aerial manoeuvres. If you haven’t had an opportunity to witness the athleticism required to ski down a mogul course at extremely high rates of speed, the Apex Classic is the place to be. You can access the mogul site by skiing or walking up to the site from the village. Admission is free (but a lift ticket is required to ski to the course)!
Volunteers Needed - Apex Classic ~ This event requires volunteer support. No experience required! We are looking for help chopping, running, timing, and scoring December 15-18. This event generates funds to support the Club and it is due to our fantastic volunteers that we are able to host athletes from around the world. If you are available to help out please email admin@ freestyleapex.com
Winter Break Camps - Open To Any Interested Kids - Ski & Snowboarding ~ Wanting to learn new tricks safely, but your kids do not want to commit to a full season? Have friends or family visiting for the holidays and need ideas for activities? How about signing up for our 3-Day Winter Camp, Dec 27-29, 2022. Space remains in these popular all ages camps: Jumps and Bumps, Ski, and Snowboard Camps. Anyone can sign up and membership to the club is not required! SIGN UP NOW!
Fundamentalz Coaching Course ~ We were pleased to have Tanya Callon return to AFC to instruct the next generation of freestyle coaches on December 3-4. We had 5 coaches sign up and enjoyed terrific conditions on opening weekend to teach progressions of freestyle specific skills and mechanics in mogul skiing skills, park and halfpipe skills and air skills from the very talented and experienced learning facilitator. The goal of this course is developing fundamental instructional skills for kids in Freestyle Ski programs.
Winter Registration ~ Space remains in some of our programs. To register:
• Snowboard: https://snowreg.com/#!/events/apex-freestyleclub-2022-2023-snowboard
• Skiing: https://snowreg.com/#!/events/apex-freestyle-club202223-freestyle-ski
If a program is sold out, please contact admin@freestyleapex.com to be placed on our wait list.
Apex Freestyle Snowboard Club ~ Saturdays are completely sold out! We do still have space for more little shredders on Sundays and in our Christmas and Spring Break Camps. If you’ve got a young grom, who could benefit from having a super fun crew to ride with and have fun out on the slopes in an environment that is supportive and will push them to push themselves then do not delay - get them signed up today! Our crew will have access to an awesome group of coaches and a whole cast of solid supportive parents looking to make this season as much fun as possible. Oh and did we mention, we have access to the airbag?! You betcha!! This program is NOT a learn to ride program. Kids with us will learn to SHRED!
Sponsorship Opportunities ~ We are actively looking for sponsors. As valued members of the Apex Community, we would like to give you the first opportunity to have your business associated through sponsorship. Get involved and support our community for as little as $500. To learn more about how your business can get involved in supporting us and if you would like access to our sponsorship package, please contact sarah@freestyleapex.com.
Movie Night And Club Social ~ Thank you to our sponsor, Slackwater Brewing, for hosting some exciting evenings for the Apex Freestyle Club and community. There was an excellent turn out for both movie nights in November and everybody who attended had a great time. All of our events had truly generous crowds who supported the Freestyle Club through our 50/50 and raffle draws. Thank you so much: The Mountain Shop; SportChek; Freedom Bike Shop; Freeride Boardshop; One Boardshop; Bumwrap; and the NextGen team for the kind donations to our raffles. Congratulations to all of the winners! A special shout out to Jordan Kober, one of our coaches who won a pair of Head skis and immediately donated them to a young skier - what an outstanding example of kindness and generosity! Watch for upcoming events within the club; as we aim to strengthen the freestyle community throughout the year.
Thank you to everyone who continues to support the Apex Freestyle & Snowboard Club. We are looking forward to an excellent season!
December has arrived in the Okanagan and it is exciting to see the ski season in full effect. On the first of December, I returned from a 3-week ski camp in Stubai, Austria. I started off the trip in Austria with a 10-day camp at the training facility “Banger Park”, where I got some great mileage on new skills. After training in Banger Park, we started on snow training for the Stubai Cup. It was a great opportunity to ski with the best slopestyle skiers in the world. I was not able to make finals in this World Cup, but it was a great experience. I had not expected to be competing before January this season, so any big event has been a huge bonus. The Stubai Cup was a blast and for a week after the competition, I had the chance to ski one of the best park lines in the world, known as “Prime Park”. Prime was the best skiing I have had yet and I am so happy with the progression made. Coming home, I am excited to be skiing in the Okanagan and had an incredible opening day at Apex!
I just got news that on December 11th I am travelling to Copper Mountain in Colorado for my second Big Air World Cup of the season. This World Cup is another amazing opportunity to prove myself on the world stage. Until then, I will be having fun skiing at Apex. Thanks for the continued support! I will give you another update in the New Year.
Supporting the Apex Community
By Marc Tougas, Apex Hockey Organizer
Apexhockey.com is back after a two year absence due to health regulations. We are hosting 2 outdoor hockey events at Apex Mountain Resort this season. Both tournaments are on the first two weekends in January.
The 23rd annual Shootout Hockey Tournament is January 5-8. The Shootout Tourney will have 16 teams made up of 10 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams. This tournament will host a Firefighters division of 4 teams. The six women’s teams are mostly from BC, with players that do fly in from all over Canada.
The second tournament is called the Shotgun Tourney and will be played January 12-15, being the 20th annual Shotgun Hockey Tournament. This tourney is made up of 6 men’s teams and 6 women’s teams from BC, Alberta and Washington State. Proceeds from these and past hockey tournaments go to various local and provincial charities. The Apex Ski Club and Apex Fire Brigade will benefit from donations from proceeds of these events. We all look forward to enjoying the mountain activities. Many of these participants hit the slopes 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.
25 years of real estate experience, working hard to get your place sold.
Video tours on all our properties.
Above ~ Alec on the right and teammate Charlie on the left. Below ~ Alec skiing on the Stubai glacier.
Natural Pain Solutions
Dr. Deirdre O’NeillNaturopathic Physician & Prolotherapist
250.770.1079
3373 Skaha Lake Road www.alpinenaturalhealth.ca Penticton, BC admin@alpinenaturalhealth.ca
What a fantastic start to the season! Thanks Apex for making the push and getting the hill open early. From marking up obstacles to putting up fencing to finessing the youth’s beloved obstacles in the terrain parks.
Along with Apex going full steam to make sure the mountain was safe last weekend, I too was running through my family’s gear to make sure they were safe. You may do the same ... check bindings and wax up the skis. Amongst this check over, have you thought of checking over your helmet?
For sure helmets have become a mainstay in skiing and snowboarding. Amping up the protection. Reducing the overall impact of a fall. Like most gear, helmets have a lifespan of their own - with or without a history of damage. The general consensus is to swap them out every 5 years. That lifespan of course truncates if you have had a blow whilst wearing your helmet.
Thinking of your noggin, let me tell you a few tell tale signs of a concussion. And no, you don’t need to black out or loose consciousness in order to have had a concussion. And, you can still get a concussion even if you are wearing a helmet. Helmets are made actually to prevent catastrophic injuries such as skull fractures, not so much to prevent a concussion.
A concussion is a brain injury. Symptoms of a concussion can vary from person to person. Symptoms can show up as physical, cognitive or emotional. Physical signs include; headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, blurred or changed vision, sensitivity to sound or light, ringing in the ears, and/or balance issues. Cognitive signs include; brain fog, unable to think clearly, can’t concentrate, and/or change in memory. Emotional signs include; nervousness, anxiety, change in mood, and/or easy to get upset or anger.
What to do if you get a concussion on the slopes? First, contact Ski Patrol to get you safely off the hill and to give you initial guidance. Recognizing the signs as mentioned above will help you track if your head injury has resulted in a concussion. Rest is always important in the first 48 hours. From there, the approach to recovery has shifted from staying in a dark room and resting until symptoms resolve toward engaging in light activity as long as the symptoms don’t worsen.
Recovering from a concussion takes time. Having a team on your side guiding your program is integral to optimal healing. Naturopathic treatment for concussions focuses on reducing inflammation in the brain, amping up nutrients for the brain and balancing out hormones and neurotransmitters that have become affected from the injury. If you are suffering with any post concussion symptoms, book a discovery call to see how we can help you.
Dr. Deirdre O’Neill, Naturopathic Physician, has an expertise in Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma. She practices in Penticton at Alpine Natural Health. You can also find her on the hill as part of the Volunteer Canadian Ski Patrol.
Skis are tuned, gloves and helmet are found, and pants still fit. We are off to another great season at Apex! Now, it’s time to shop:
Saturday, December 17 from 9-5 - Apex Artisan Winter Market, located in The Artisan’s Den, off the patio in the old Apex Mountain Inn. Once again it’s time for our traditional, one-day blitz of local artists sharing their talents with the Apex community. Over half of these artists are not ‘regulars’ in The Den, so you are bound to find something new when you visit. There will be beverages and snacks available while you shop, and a bonfire on the patio for you to enjoy. See you at the Market! Missed the Market? Looking for something more? The Artisan’s Den is still here. Typically, there are 18-20 artists featured in The Den, with an everchanging inventory of unique, handcrafted items to choose from. In addition to the art sales, there’s a small café, an active pottery studio to check out, and starting in midJanuary we will be offering mini sessions with guest artists in our “Everyone is an Artist” series. (Details TBA) The hours for The Den are best described as ‘flexible’. Yes, you can learn to do pottery. The Den has a three-day workshop designed for the beginner potter, which covers the basics of hand-building, trimming and glazing simple pottery projects. Classes are only offered mid-week, and can accommodate two or three adults at a time. Time must pass between each class to allow for drying and firing, so usually it takes two to three weeks from beginning to end. Once you have completed the Introduction course, you are invited to become one of our drop-in potters. If you are interested, contact Jane at j.o.clayandwood@gmail.com to work through the details.
By Simone Wyles, Director at Large
It’s been a busy month for the Penticton SnoTrackers Snowmobile Club. Mother Nature has been generous with the snow and members have been out enjoying the white stuff already!
Work has begun with our BCSF approved signage endeavour with Curtis Turchack leading the way and volunteers have been marking and installing posts along the trail systems for phase 1 of this program.
Our first priority was to install safety signage for cross country skiers and snowshoers. The club has installed 6 BCSF approved reflective cross country skier signs at both Eagle’s Nest trail crossings and the Motherlode trail intersection on Winters Creek forest service road.
To keep motorized users safe, we have installed 4 BCSF approved reflective stop signs where the Nickel Plate Trail and Gunbarrel Trail cross the Hedley Nickel Plate Road between Apex Mountain Resort and the Nickel Plate Nordic Centre. 6 BCSF approved reflective cross country skier/snowshoer signs have been installed at the Vista Connector Trail crossing, the Okanagan Vista Loop crossing, and the Burn Perimeter Trail intersection. In addition, 3 BCSF approved reflective ice crossing signs have been added to the motorized trails accessing Nickel Plate Lake at the north campsite, pump shack, and south campsite.
In the next month, additional “no snowmobiles allowed” signage will be installed along the motorized Nickel Plate Trail parallel to the Snowflake Loop to reduce the chance of user conflict. We will also be launching our new geo-referenced PDF map for use with Avenza software once the map is posted on our website. This plan would not be able to progress if not for the Penticton SnoTrackers being chosen as recipients of the Ski-Doo PASS Grant program. A big shout out goes Lacey Smith and Curtis Turchack for their hard work for attaining this benefit.
Members of the Penticton Sno-Trackers have also volunteered hundreds of hours of their time to improve the new Sno-Tracker parking lot, clean and stock the emergency shelter, clear brush, and install concrete sign bases.
The Penticton Sno-Trackers wish to thank these exceptional local businesses who continue to support our sport and the preservation of snowmobiling and snowbiking in BC’s Backcountry!
Our Sponsors: Brutus Truck Bodies; Wise Guys Car Wash; Racks Unlimited; Grizzly Excavating; Grizzly Lodge; Inland Equipment Sales & Rentals; Reicherts Sales & Service Ltd; BDM Motorsports; Pacific Rim Equipment Inc; Barry Beecroft Fuel Distributors; Dirty Diesel Customs; Auto Trim Signs & Design; Banner Recreation & Marine; The Brightening Bar; Debra Formo; EIFS Armour; Valley Moto Sport; M&M Performance; and OK Tire Penticton. Come join our team and see what we’re all about! The next meeting is on Wednesday, December 14th at 6:30 pm at Barley Mill Brew Pub. Check out our website at www.pentictonsnotrackers.ca. We are also on Facebook and Instagram.
We would like to introduce a new employee at Apex Mountain, Matt Stevens. Matt is a grade 11 student at Maggie and is a typical teenager in many ways. He has grown up skiing here at Apex since he was just a little kid. Matt’s dad, Jason Stevens, has been an active member of the Volunteer Ski Patrol for the past 20 years. Matt’s favorite run is Maverick, which his family calls the “Drop of Doom”! While he is at Apex, he also spends time snowshoeing into the many huts in the area. It’s rewarding to have a good hotdog and hot chocolate at the hut. Other interests of Matt include Kyokushin Karate in which he is a blue stripe. Free time includes playing Minecraft, solving Rubik’s cubes, reading and mountain biking. Matt is soft spoken and even though he understands everything that is said to him, he has difficulty expressing himself. This is because he has apraxia. Apraxia is a neurological speech disorder where the brain has trouble sending signals to the mouth to move the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles. This results in inconsistent and unpredictable speech errors for him. Talking for Matt can be incredibly difficult, so please be patient and kind. Matt will be working in the Tube Park and he is looking forward to seeing people there, as well as working at his favorite ski hill - Apex!
Acciona or “AIM Roads” is the road contractor for Apex Mountain Road and Green Mountain Road. Their mandate is to keep the highways safe and open for the travelling public. Their winter shift schedule is mid-October until mid-March. If you notice unsafe or dangerous road conditions, please call AIM at 1-866-222-4204.
Two months ago, in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, I wrote a column about the necessity of climate adaptation in Canada. Adaptation efforts recognize that we are experiencing the impacts of climate change now, and ensure that our communities are as safe as possible from future floods, fires, heat waves and hurricanes.
Two events last week have prompted me to revisit the subject of adaptation. First, we marked the somber anniversary of the floods that ravaged Princeton, Merritt, Abbotsford and many other communities and rural districts in southwestern British Columbia last November. Secondly, the federal government released its long-awaited National Adaptation Strategy and I’d like to comment on the actions proposed in that strategy.
The anniversary of the atmospheric river that hit BC a year ago has prompted renewed media coverage of that event and how communities and rural residents are faring one year later. It’s clear that small communities like Merritt and Princeton are still suffering. Many residents of Princeton still don’t have potable water and have to drive to a central depot to get clean water every day. Temporary housing is available for some Princeton residents who lost their homes, but others are still waiting.
The residents of Merritt still feel unsafe. They have a diking plan that would create flood protection to provide some comfort ahead of the spring freshet season, but it is estimated to cost $90 million and there is as yet no funding available for that expense.
The federal government has pledged over a billion dollars to cover some of the rebuilding costs after climate disasters across the country in the past year, but that is only a small portion of the $5 billion-plus annual cost of repairing damages from extreme weather events. And, it provides nothing for adaptation costs that would make communities safer across the country.
So, what does this new national strategy propose? Off the top, it promises $1.6 billion to help communities across the country prepare for climate change. That is indeed a good start, and I’m happy to see that it includes a top-up to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund that will be available for both disaster repairs and adaptation. The problem is that fund is already completely oversubscribed and overwhelmed, and I’m very concerned that little will be spent on adaptation when governments are faced with rising pressures to help communities that have suffered disasters.
Richard.Cannings@parl.gc.ca 250.770.4480
#202 - 301 Main Street
Penticton, BC V2A 5B7
As I said in my last column on this subject, recent analyses have showed that economic climate impacts will rise steeply in the coming years. By 2025, just three years from now, climate impacts will slow economic growth by $25 billion every year. And investments in adaptation have huge paybacks -- every dollar spent on adaptation will save $15 in future damage repair. We need to make sure that funds for adaptation are more or less on par with those for repairs, and we need to make sure that both are increased substantially to reflect ever-increasing costs.
Rebuilding a community after a flood or fire is not easy. It’s not just a matter of cleaning up houses and constructing new dikes. The human impacts are immeasurable. Grand Forks suffered disastrous floods four years ago. The rebuilding process was very difficult and painful within the community. It would have been so much better had the region been prepared for that flooding event so that no-one was affected, that no-one lost their home and had to move away, that no business had to close.
We need to plan for the future and spend the money up front to make sure our communities are safe from future climate disasters. This new strategy begins that shift, but it has a very long way to go.
The need for climate adaptation is crucial and I will keep pushing the government and sharing my work on this issue in columns until we are truly making the investments that build safer and more resilient communities.
By Roly Russell, MLA Boundary-Similkameen
As Christmas approaches and we enter the season of winter fun and time with friends and family, my mind turns to gratitude and things to be thankful for. Living in such a beautiful part of the world, with access to spectacular outdoor recreation and ski hills like Apex, sets the foundation for that gratitude. That said, living in rural BC comes with its challenges. This is why I am excited by the new initiatives introduced by new Premier David Eby and our team.
I thought I’d highlight some of the immediate decisions Premier Eby made to improve quality of life for British Columbians. In the New Year, expect to see a one-time-cost-of-living credit of $100 on your electricity bill (Fortis, Hydro, or municipal), while commercial ratepayers, including restaurants and tourism operators, will see a one-time bill credit based on prior year consumption for an average of $500.
Recognizing how foundational access to housing is for so much in our lives, we have created a standalone ministry to tackle the housing crisis (which my Parliamentary Secretary position has been moved to!) and we are expanding housing supply by getting more homes built faster, accessing vacant units, and turning more of them into homes for renters.
Childcare for families is also top of the agenda with families saving up to $550 a month per child under kindergarten age at participating licensed child care centres with no application necessary by parents.
To make our communities safer, and see fewer repeat offenders, our government is taking action to deliver stronger public safety services across BC. New funding will help ensure that police forces in urban, rural, and remote communities will have the people and resources they need to keep everyone safe. We’re also supporting specialized units that investigate complex, violent, and organized crimes, and prosecutors and probation officers who deal with high-risk offenders. We’re launching new repeat violent offender response teams, made up of police and dedicated prosecutors and probation officers. These are our next steps; we know the challenges are large, and we’ll continue to do what we can to build safer, healthier communities.
These, coupled with the new BC Health Human Resources Strategy (you can google it), focusing on retention, redesign of the system, recruitment, and training, will hopefully see more health care professionals enter into our system to bring us to the robust health care framework we all want.
Speaking of health, many children are getting sick this flu season, and the province is encouraging you to have your children vaccinated against it, not only ensure their health and resilience, but to also relieve the burden that more sick children would place on our healthcare system. One only has to look to other jurisdictions to see how poor initiatives can hurt both children and health care professionals.
With all this to digest, I encourage you, as you celebrate your holidays in whatever way you do, to reflect on what we should be thankful for: better health, safer communities, more and affordable childcare, improved housing options, and of course the glorious outdoors are on a lot of our lists, no doubt! On that note, I hope to see you on the trails and slopes in the weeks ahead. Wishing you all a Happy Holiday!
RDOS staff and elected officials have been busy working on budgeting and strategic planning.
Some of the 2023 changes for Apex include a large item pick up this spring. This is intended to reduce illegal dumping and provide a service to the community in removing unwanted household large items annually. A date will be published in Apex Matters in the New Year once it is confirmed.
There will be a community budget meeting in the New Year to review and allow for feedback prior to adoption of the Area “I” budget for 2023. Stay tuned for that date and time and be sure to come out and share your thoughts.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area ‘I’
Direct: 250.460.0723 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca
Happy December everyone! The ACA had a busy last month with our Annual General Meeting on November 13th, as well as the unveiling of our new community notice board that was mounted in the heart of the Apex village. A huge thank you to Kurtis Cullen for volunteering his time and talents into designing and building the notice board. Ash Dunsford received a $350 Small Neighbourhood Grant through the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen and was able to provide a BBQ as part of the celebration of the completion of this project. Thanks again to Apex Mountain Resort for providing us a space. This community board is here for all to use!
Our AGM resulted in some newly elected positions: President - Neil Edwardson; Vice President - Gina Lee; Secretary - Sage Staples; Treasurer - Nikki Williams; Safety Officer - Molly Raine; Grant Writer - Ash Dunsford; and Directors at Large - Cindi-Lou Baker, Erica Fletcher, Marlene Parrot, and Vanessa Fox. Thank you to everyone for supporting the ACA. We wish you all a wonderful Holiday Season surrounded by loved ones and a magical New Year!
Important tips to keep you, your family and home safe during the winter. If you have any questions regarding fire safety, please contact info@apexfirerescue.ca.
• When purchasing an artificial tree, look for the label “Fire Resistant”. Although this label does not mean the tree won’t catch fire, it does indicate the tree will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
• When purchasing a live tree, check for freshness. A fresh tree is green; needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt of a fresh tree is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
• When setting up a tree at home, place it away from fireplaces and radiators. Because heated rooms dry live trees out rapidly, be sure to keep the stand filled with water. Place the tree out of the way of foot traffic and do not block doorways.
• Keep the base of the tree watered by immersing it in a bucket and keeping the bucket full of water
• Dispose of the tree at the end of the holidays by signing up for our tree chipping day (date TBA). We will take care of your Christmas tree in exchange for a donation to the Apex Fire Brigade Society. Email info@apexfirerescue.ca to sign up!
• Indoors or outside, always use CSA approved lights. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections, and throw out damaged sets.
• Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house walls, or other firm supports to protect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples, not nails or tacks, to hold strings in place. Or, run strings of lights through hooks from a hardware store.
• Check your fire/carbon monoxide alarms and make sure they are in good working condition.
• Use only non-combustible or flame-resistant materials to trim a tree. Choose tinsel or artificial icicles instead of plastic or non-leaded metals. Leaded materials are hazardous if ingested by children.
• Never use lighted candles on a tree or near other evergreens. Always use non-flammable holders, and place candles where they will not be knocked down.
• In homes with small children, take special care to avoid decorations that are sharp or breakable, keep trimmings with small removable parts out of the reach of children to avoid the child swallowing or inhaling small pieces, and avoid trimmings that resemble candy or food that may tempt a child to eat them.
• Clean out the ashes regularly. Do not remove fireplace embers or ash while hot, or if you do, place them in a metal container with a lid and place the container away from your home and other combustibles. Do not dispose of them indoors or close to your home, another structure, or with combustibles, or on the ground.
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Never place Christmas stockings, tree branches or bows on fireplace mantles, or near heat sources.
• Use only seasoned and dried wood.
• Don’t use Christmas trees for firewood.
• It can be difficult to determine when a chimney fire begins, but there are several things you may notice: Loud, roaring noise coming from the chimney, ash and debris coming out the top of the chimney, thick, black smoke, popping and cracking noises.
• If you recognize signs of a chimney fire, close the door to your fireplace (if safe to do so) to limit oxygen intake, leave your home and call 911.
• Keep combustibles at least 3 ft away from heating equipment, like the furnace, wood stove, or portable space heater.
• Have a 3 ft “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year by a qualified professional.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
Important Tip: Ensure all entry/exits in your home are cleared from snow to ensure you can get out in case of a fire. Make sure all windows are not frozen in case you need to use these as an escape mechanism. If there is a fire hydrant near your home, you can assist the fire department by keeping the hydrant clear of snow. So, in the event it is needed, it can be located.
Registered
Physiotherapists, Certified GLA:D InstructorsSports Clinic Physiotherapy, Penticton Community Centre
Hip and knee Osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions of people across Canada, preventing them from being active and doing the things they enjoy. OA is relatively common; approximately 30% of the population between 50-70 years of age have problems related to OA, including pain, stiffness and loss of function.
Osteoarthritis is often described as ‘wear and tear’ of the joint; however, this is misleading as cartilage actually needs ongoing movement to stay healthy. In a healthy joint, there is a balance between the regeneration and degeneration (breakdown) of cartilage. Osteoarthritis occurs when there is more degeneration than regeneration of cartilage, which can cause cartilage to thin, crack, and maybe disappear. Bones can then start to rub against each other. As cartilage needs a certain amount of load to regenerate, it is important to apply healthy loads to a joint for cartilage recovery.
The GLA:D® program is an 7 week education and exercise program designed to appropriately load joints. This group-based program has helped thousands of people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) manage their symptoms, and promote independence in physical activity.
The results are impressive, with positive long-term outcomes. A study of over 10,000 participants showed improvements in pain intensity (27% reduction), reduced use of joint-related pain medications (37% reduction in knee patients, 45% reduction in hip patients), over 30% increase in physical activity levels, and reduced time off work due to hip and knee OA.
Meet Meowse
Meowse was abandoned in the country, but he is ready to leave those bad memories behind. He is still adjusting to living indoors, but is loving his scratches and treats! If you have room in your heart and your home for this handsome guy (he rocks that mustache!), please contact us at alleycatsalliance.org.
The GLA:D® program is appropriate for anyone experiencing knee or hip OA symptoms. If this sounds like you, contact Sports Clinic Physiotherapy in the Penticton Community Centre to set up an assessment with one of the certified Physiotherapists. Phone 250-487-1455. Sessions begin on January 17, 2023. Recycling the Elegance of the Past 5221 Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls 250.497.6733 www.jardinantiques.com
By Kim Palmer, Executive Director
Showtime! Community Theatre, our adult musical troupe, is pleased to present our first fully-staged production, running December 14-17 on the Cannery Stage. Join us for Another Elfing Musical, a Christmas-themed show that tells the heartwarming and hilarious tale of young snow elves looking for fame and fortune at the North Pole. Highlights include an original song written for the show, music from The Muppet Christmas Carol, and a viral pop tune that will have you singing along. Come enjoy an evening of song and humour!
Our main goal is to share a wonderful theatre experience, but if additional funds are raised, they will support the OSA’s ongoing community arts programming. Tickets are available now at www. okanaganschoolofthearts.com.
Providing creativity and connection for Penticton and surrounding communities 778-718-5757 or info@osarts.ca www.okanaganschoolofthearts.com
Do you look up at the night sky and question more than the snow conditions the next day? In this issue, we share a thought provoking article by Ken Tapping, an astronomer with NRC’s Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory in Kaleden.
The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment radio telescope (CHIME), located at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, just south of Penticton, was, as its name implies, designed to look at what was going on in the hydrogen clouds in the young universe. The instrument has achieved international prominence, but not for its intended purpose. It is known around the world as an instrument ideally suited for detecting fast radio bursts (FRB’s). These are very short (milliseconds) bursts of radio emission that turn up, usually unpredictably, somewhere in the sky. CHIME is an excellent “catcher’s mitt” for these because it has a very large field of view. Since these bursts come from great distances, millions or billions of light years, they must be transmitted with immense energy, more than the total energy output of the Sun totalled over days. The largest explosions in the universe are supernovae, the death throes of giant stars. For a month or so, these explosions make the dying stars outshine all the billions of stars in their host galaxy combined. We can envisage a huge cosmic explosion where a star or other object is destroyed. However, observations with CHIME and the Chinese Five-Hundred-Metre Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST) have observed a source that is emitting multiple FRB’s. This object, known as FRB 20201124A (FRB followed by the date of the discovery) has produced 1,863 bursts over 54 days. The object lies around 1.3 billion light years away. This observation raises some fairly serious questions. Firstly, how is the energy
accumulated for each burst. And secondly, how does the object producing them survive to repeat the process over and over again. Moreover, to radiate all that power in, say, a millisecond, the source has to be smaller than the distance light or radio waves travel in a millisecond, that is, the source cannot be larger than around 300 km. There are objects that are very small, extremely robust, and with colossal amounts of stored energy: neutron stars. These are the highly compressed cores of giant stars that have exploded. Imagine most of the mass of a star compressed into a ball a few kilometres in diameter. The gravitational pull at the surface of one of these stars would be about one hundred thousand million times the pull of gravity at the surface of the earth. With this force holding the star together, it would be hard to damage it. Just as a skater’s spin accelerates when she pulls in her arms, the shrinkage of the star accelerates the rotation. A star taking say, a month to rotate, can become a neutron star spinning many times a second. A huge amount of rotational energy is available. One of the more accepted explanations of FRB’s involves rotating neutron stars. In the universe, the favourite way in which large amounts of energy can be accumulated slowly and released extremely quickly uses magnetic fields. When they are embedded in plasma, extremely hot gas, they behave like elastic or stretchy rubber. To store the amounts of energy required to produce an FRB requires exceptionally strong magnetic fields, stronger than can be found in a typical neutron star. However, a small percentage of neutron stars, known as magnetars, have sufficiently strong magnetic fields to fit the bill. Neutron stars, including magnetars, are usually surrounded by belts of hot gas, material in the process of being pulled in and captured. Magnetic fields join the star to this material. Because the star is rotating faster than the material in the belts, these magnetic fields become wound up tighter and tighter and stretched. Finally, the stresses become too much, and then, BANG! Then, the winding up process starts over again.
By Lyndie Hill, Hoodoo Adventure Company
I have a long history at Apex. My grandfather built one of the first cabins on the mountain. I think I worked almost ten seasons in the Gunbarrel and opened a restaurant in the hotel that I managed for 3 seasons. It is a part of who I am, and I have seen many, many ski days there. Opening day this year was by far the best I have ever seen. The conditions were amazing, the snow plentiful, and as usual, the company and all the smiling faces only added to the excitement of being there on a Friday doing something I love and not sitting in my office.
Things have changed since my “bar days” and I now have 2 little rippers that follow me around the mountain, though I would say one day soon, I will be following them. While Friday was “my day” on the hill, Sunday was the day to take them up, get their passes, test their gear, and their legs, and work out all the kinks for the season. Now this is where the younger “kidless” generation may check out, but all you parents out there ... what I’m about to write will most likely touch home. What started as “we will be on the hill by noon and ski all afternoon” kind of day, quickly turned into, “if we get to the parking lot by 1pm we’ll be lucky”. The living room was scattered with boots, skis, and all the accompanying gear, as we tried to match gloves and socks and figure out what still fits and what doesn’t. From there, we departed the house with an immediate “I’m hungry”. Okay ... grab a snack and out the door. When we arrived on the hill, there was a line up to get our seasons passes. Kids are awesome at standing in line, especially two boys that like to get “handsy”, that’s the best. But eventually, we got there. On this day, I was solo skiing with the kids, and when I say skiing, I mean I was boarding, and they were skiing ... classic mistake. I also ski, and I most definitely chose wrong that day, rookie move. If you have ever tried to assist a kid stuck on the flats while on your board, you will know exactly what I’m talking about.
My kids are fairly good skiers, so they started off super stoked to go big, which is awesome! “Let’s do Sun Bowl to Hidden Gem to Maverick!” Music to a ski mom’s ears, but my spidey senses were tingling ... “Are you guys sure? Maybe we should start on an easier run to get into it.”. However, they assured me that they were ready to rip and they “got this” too. So, we took off down the Bowls ... and began my third rookie move of the weekend. Just kill’n it with this parenting thing at this point. At first, they were doing great, making their turns, making it look good ... for about 5 minutes until the little one realized his skis were a bit bigger this year and lost control and bailed, as you do. So, he’s barreling down the run face first on his stomach crying and I do the most important thing a mom can do ... take out my camera. He’s coming straight for me, and I know I can stop him, so what’s the worst that can happen? Well, maybe not the worst, but of course the most annoying thing happens, and he stops halfway up the hill, crying, telling me there is no way he can stand up. The obligatory, “I can’t mom! I can’t”, to which every parent replies, “yes you can, just try”. The sleepovers and sugar hangover are in full force at this stage, and I ask his brother to help him, as I start to try and make my way up the hill. Awesome. 20 minutes later we move on, as does the falling and the tears and the complaining, just moving right along with us. Yay! Love it. Eventually, we make it down the hill with enough time for one more run. So of course, I leave him on the Okanagan Run and take advantage of the last chair of the day with the older one, which turned out to be great, we all reunited at the end and had some fries and a beverage, and all was good in the world.
The reason for writing this is not because I promised my youngest I would never tell anyone, but then felt I should write about it for the whole community to read, another classic “of course I won’t tell anyone” (until your wedding day, or Christmas dinner) parental move. It is because all those tears and frustrations, and treks up the mountain, and picking up dead weight and convincing that they are okay, couldn’t be more worth it. Apex Mountain is a part of who I am, and I can’t be happier to be sharing that with my kids too. You take the good with the bad knowing that the good can be so epic, and the bad is nothing but a funny story you’ll tell one day. Have a great time out there everyone! Enjoy an epic season with friends and family and have a Happy Holiday Season!
Here is where I should disclose that it was my youngest’s birthday party on Friday, followed by a day of swimming and another sleepover Saturday, so he was of course about as perky as one kid operating off a few hours of sleep, and way too much sugar, could be. Another rookie parent move, but I won’t be too hard on myself, it’s the first weekend of the season and we are just getting back into it ... I got this.
By Myleen Mallach
Snow and ice push our driving skills to the limit. Do you know how to drive properly in winter conditions? Did you know you need driving skills beyond what a good set of winter tires can provide? The following tips could save you from problems when you are out on the road this winter:
• Maintain a safe following distance ~ It takes longer to stop on a slippery road. Look ahead and keep plenty of distance between you and other cars (at least four seconds).
• Drop your speed to match road conditions ~ The posted speed is the maximum speed under ideal conditions. In winter, it is safer to drive below the posted speed. No matter how much experience you have, the way your car will move on snow or ice always has an element of unpredictability. My dad always told me to stick to 60 km/hr in fresh snow for enough momentum to go and enough control to stop.
• Watch for black ice ~ Slow down when approaching possible icy spots, such as shaded areas and bridges, as these sections of road freeze sooner than others in cold weather. Watch for “black ice”, areas of the road with a thin, almost invisible coating of ice, as it can cause your vehicle to suddenly lose traction, braking and cornering control.
• Accelerate and brake slowly ~ When starting from a stop on slick roads, start slowly and accelerate gradually to maintain traction and avoid spinning your wheels. When stopping, plan well in advance, apply the brakes gently and slowly add pressure rather than braking suddenly. Pumping your brakes gently is always a good practice to follow.
• Avoid sudden moves ~ Slow down and steer smoothly and gradually to avoid skidding. Accelerate gently, turn slowly, and brake carefully and early. Avoid unexpected quick movements that could put you in a spin. Anticipate turns, stops, and lane changes well before they occur.
• Know how to handle a skid ~ A skid happens when your wheels slide out of control on a slippery surface and is a result of driving too fast for road conditions. If you start to skid, ease off the brake or accelerator, look and steer smoothly in the direction you want to go. Be careful not to over steer. If you are on ice and skidding in a straight line, step on the clutch or shift to neutral.
• See and be seen ~ It is critical for drivers to see and be seen in low light conditions, and when blowing snow impairs visibility. Always drive with your headlights on.
• Be extremely cautious when approaching highway maintenance vehicles ~ Maintain a safe following distance behind snow plows and salt or sand trucks. These vehicles throw up snow and spray, making it difficult to see.
• Pull over whenever traffic is lined up behind you ~ This is probably the single most important and respectful thing any driver can do, especially in the winter time. If you are traveling at slower speeds for your own peace of mind, but see a number of vehicles on your bumper, simply pull over and let them pass. Many times this may only need to be an indicator light and a slight deceleration. Winter conditions and vehicle performances vary ... respect your fellow drivers.
• Practice ~ Get out and drive in the snow and ice. Know what your vehicle is capable of and what you are comfortable with. The more you drive in winter conditions - the better of the winter driver you’ll be. Young or new drivers should always practice in an empty snowy parking lot or back road.
Merry Christmas Everyone! I hope the big dude with the HUGE sack makes all your holiday dreams come true. Ya’ll must have been very good girls and boys this year, because mid-January conditions came early this year! Honestly, there are no rocks (almost) in the Window! Speaking of which, isn’t it a little ironic that a run called the “Window” is notorious for rocks?! Sometimes it is even ... a pain in the glass! But for real, get out there and enjoy this blessing. Tell your friends, loved ones and even that weird uncle who is likely going to show up around the holidays, if only for the turkey dinner. It is really magical out there. Even in the valley bottom, we have not had the normal slushfest. I am referring to the way things like to warm up and get generally gross outside and not to the 90’s era rock festival held at local ski hills hosted by Much Music’s Rick the Temp. #bringbackslushfest!
I get all warm and fuzzy during this time of year (maybe I should shower more often) and it makes me want to get a fire roaring and gather round the piano for a good ole’ fashioned sing-a-long. To aid with this, I have re-penned some lyrics to a popular yule tide hymn. And by hymn, I am referring to a tune that I am sure was some kind of tavern tune with lots of innuendo. For the sake of saving a bit of space, I have just listed the lines once. If you can’t figure out how to sing it, then God Help Ye’ Merry Gentlemen. I’d Deck Your Halls if you got it wrong and call you a Ding Dong, Merrily! (on High). So, sing it loud from Up on the Housetop and be sure to Jingle those Bells! And, you can do it more than once, not on one O, Holy Night. Anyway, have a Merry Christmas everyone and many blessings in the New Year. Cheers!
On the First Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, A Hella Good day for a Ski!
On the Second Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Two planks a carving.
On the Third Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Three frozen beer cans.
On the Fourth Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Four frosty quad seats.
On the Fifth Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Five Gunbarrel coffees!
On the Sixth Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Six freestyle backflips.
On the Seventh Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Seven Edge chilies.
On the Eighth Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Eight flying boarders.
On the Ninth Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Nine cats a grooming.
On the Tenth Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Ten bumpers jumping.
On the Eleventh Day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Eleven inches of powder.
On the Twelfth day of Christmas my Liftie gave to me, Twelve red Patrollers.
Maybe it’s time for a shift ... from seeking happiness to choosing it.
In my life coaching business, I’ve met many people who have everything they need to be happy, but are NOT. They still believe happiness is a place to arrive at, when in fact it’s a way of traveling. Happiness, like all lifeskills, is important to everyone and understood by very few. Try simply deciding to be happy even if the snow isn’t perfect today or if your knee still hurts from your last wipe-out. Happiness really is just a choice and should NOT depend on outside events. CHOOSING happiness isn’t a natural act nor an easy one, but with practice can become a great lifeskill for anyone.
“Some people notice the great view through the window, while others see only the dirty glass.”
To contact the author directly, email jimongena1@gmail.com.
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New issue, new groove, new generation. Taking up the mantle of Ski DJ will be hard work, but don’t worry, dear reader; my dad taught me well. To start off this season with a piano intro, “Dreamer” by Supertramp is an excellent track. All day, all year, I dream of skiing the slopes, cruising even, through the white terrain. And when you get that air, your head literally is in the clouds. You can’t put your hands on your head, otherwise you look severely distressed. And, on a powder day no less.
Zoe is a life-long skier and daughter of Jay and Myleen Mallach. Jay was the former writer of this column for many years. The time has come to pass the torch to the eldest child. Join Zoe this season in “Zoe’s Tunes To Turn To”. Look up her tunes and join in the fun.
Dec 19 & Jan 16-18
1:30-5:30pm - Penticton Seniors Drop-in Centre, 2965 South Main St Call 1-888-2DONATE or www.blood.ca It’s in you to give!
The holidays are here! That means warm, hearty comfort food is here to stay (at least for a little while, while the clothes are thick and to outweigh the chilly weather). I must admit, pot pies are my absolute favourite dish to enjoy during the colder season. I especially love to use my leftover turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes and veggies from holiday meals, in exchange for some of the ingredients in the following recipe to utilize my leftovers. If you are questioning the Gin in the following crust recipe - I do understand your hesitation - however, by using just a splash of Gin, you ensure a flakey crust. If you do not have Gin, Vodka can be used and if you do not have any alcohol, cold water does the trick in a pinch.
For the crust: Begin by adding 2 ½ cups of flour and 1 tsp. of salt to a medium sized bowl and mix with a fork. Once mixed, add 2/3 cup of canola (or another type of vegetable) oil, 1/3 cup of cold water and 1 tbsp of Gin. Blend your crust ingredients with a wooden spoon until just incorporated. Next, remove crust from bowl, encase in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 20 minutes, while preparing the insides for your pie. Once the pie filling is complete, remove the crust from the fridge and separate into two evenly shaped balls, with one slightly larger than the other (this is for the bottom). Lightly flour a surface before rolling your crust out until it is as thin as possible. Note: the dough will normally not become thin enough for pie crust just by rolling with a pin - for the lower part of the crust - simply press the dough into a pie dish until a slight ¼ inch lip is sticking over the edge and the crust is evenly distributed over the bottom of the pan. For the top of the pie crust, gently press your (slightly smaller) rolled ball from the centre, moving in an outward motion, until your crust will adequately cover the filling and bottom crust. Once the filling is placed inside the pie plate, simply place the top crust, and pinch then roll the edges to seal your pie. For the pie: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Place 2 cups of peeled potatoes (approximately 3 russet potatoes), diced into small cubes into a large saucepan, partially filled with water. Bring potatoes to a boil before adding 2 large carrots, sliced into thin rounds. Cook potatoes and carrots, covered, for approximately 8 minutes, until tender and drain. While you wait for your veggies to boil, heat 1 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add 1 large diced onion, 1 cup of flour, 2 tsp. of salt, 2 tsp. of dried thyme and 1 tsp. of pepper and stir until just blended. Next, add 2 cups of chicken broth to your mixture and 1.5 cups of milk. Bring to a boil, constantly stirring to avoid sticking or separating, until thickened (usually around 2 minutes). Remove sauce from heat, place in a medium sized bowl, and stir in ½ cup of frozen corn. Quickly rinse out your skillet before returning to the stove top. Add 2 tbsp. of vegetable oil to your pan and allow the oil to heat up (a single drop of water should sizzle when dropped in, as a heating test) before adding 2 diced chicken breasts to the pan. Stir the chicken in the pan, to brown all sides of the cubes. Once slightly browned, add ½ a cup of each, diced broccoli and yellow peppers to your pan and cook until peppers and broccoli are soft. Once cooked, add chicken and potato mixture to your sauce and lightly fold to incorporate. Add your mixture to your prepared pie plate, once crust has been pressed into plate, and top with additional pie crust, spinning plate and pinching crust to seal your pie - don’t forget to add slits to your crust to keep the pie from exploding in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes until the crust is browned - for a caramel colour crust, top your pie with an egg-yolk wash before baking. Allow your pot pie to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving and voila, a yummy meal that everyone is sure to enjoy (and a great use of leftovers)! ApexMatters.com
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