Invermere Valley Echo, December 12, 2012

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$ 15 INCLUDES HST PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Vol. 56 Issue 50

BERNIE RAVEN CHRIS RAVEN 1-866-598-7415 TEAMRAVEN.CA Offices in Panorama, Invermere & Fairmont

More funding needed for Canal Flats arena Page A3

Fairmont resort opens School of Nature Page A4

MaxWell Realty Invermere

Candle vigilantes

PHOTO BY NICOLE TRIGG/THE ECHO David Thompson Secondary School student student Ella Swan was one of approximately 50 people to gather at the Invermere cenotaph on Thursday, December 6 for the candlelight vigil that marked both the end of the Family Resource Centre's Purple Light Campaign against domestic violence and the anniversary of the 1989 Montreal Massacre when 14 women were killed at Ecole Polytechnique for their gender.

Changes considered for transfer station Three potential options are being looked at by District of Invermere STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

It's been over a month since the Invermere Transfer Station reopened, and the future of the facility is still

cloudy as the district considers big changes.

“I think manning the site… is something that needs to be thought of,” District of Invermere Chief Administrative Officer Chris Prosser told the regular council meeting on Tuesday, November 27.

The transfer station was closed from September 11 until October 31 after a family of bears was sighted rummaging through the bins at the station. The district was also seeing an increase of improper dumping at

the site at around the same time.

Over the time that the station was closed, district staff worked with their existing contractor to look at future options and a final three were recommended.

Option one would see the district purchase wildlife resistant containers, which would deal with the issue of wildlife accessing waste inside the containers.

TO 'USER' ON PAGE A5

A2 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

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Do you want to open your own business at the right price?

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Serious inquiries only please.

Call Elizabeth or Joe at 403-615-6595 or 250-342-0707

Visit us online! invermerevalleyecho.com and find us on Facebook!

PHOTOS BY STEVE JESSEL/THE ECHO Students and teachers at Eileen Madson (top left), Windermere Elementary (top right) and J.A. Laird (bottom) were treated to some delectable turkey lunches this past week, courtesy of a number of donors. At Eileen Madson, Sobeys provided the food; at J.A. Laird, AG Valley Foods donated the foodstuffs; and in Windermere the food was donated by Radium Mountainside Market. Ann Riches Catering helped out at all three.

All Angles is now

Christmas Bureau reminder COLUMBIA VALLEY CHRISTMAS BUREAU Special to The Valley Echo

With the same great service you’ve come to expect!

Call us for your heavy duty towing We also offer: • Towing • Flat deck service • Locksmith • Boat recovery • Off road recovery • Free recycling of scrap cars

Submit your request for a hamper by calling 250342-6752 or 250-342-6789

by Wednesday, December 12.

Phone or email to register your hamper sponsorship

by Wednesday, December 12. Call 250-342-6752, or email hghoff@telus.net or

hw6789@telus.net.

Donate an Angel Gift for a child (0-12) at Dairy Queen, or a gift for a child (0-12) or senior (65+) at Essentials by Saturday, December 15.

Sponsors, please remember to deliver your hampers to the Invermere Community

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Hall on Thursday, December 20 from 8 a.m. to noon.

Applicants, pick up your hampers and gifts on Thursday, December 20 from 3 to 6 p.m.

Remember, if you are unable to come to the Community Hall, write a note to authorize someone else to pick up your hamper.

Volunteers will not be available for next day pick up.

Moved: Ken and agnes Bell New Address: 96 Royal Road NW, Calgary, AB T3G 5G9 Phone: 403-457-0168

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A3

Page Three

Have a news tip? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-342-9216

Taking the time to practice avalanche safety Canadian Avalanche Centre provides daily updates on regional conditions

avoid avalanche terrain and effectively rescue a member of the group buried by an avalanche. The course goes over basics like ensuring you have the proper equipment — a shovel, transceiver and a probe — and knowing how to use it, watching for an increase of precipitation or a sudden rise in temperature, and avoiding having multiple people on the same run at the same time.

“It covers everything from interpreting the bulletins and understanding the language used, to recognizing safe terrain,” Lammers said. “It has to be intuitive because under stressful situations you don’t want to be doing the stuff for the first time.”

All of this information, including where to find local AST courses, can be found on the CAC website at www.avalanche.ca.

“If you’re witnessing avalanche activity, that’s the most obvious clue that Mother Nature can possibly give you,” Lammers said. “She’s telling you straight up that you have have an instability in the snowpack.”

Additionally, anyone headed into the backcountry is advised to leave a trip plan with a responsible individual and stick to that trip plan. For a printable copy of a trip plan and to learn more about being safe when getting outdoors, visit www.adventuresmart.ca.

STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

For those who love to get out into the backcountry over the winter, avalanche safety is a very real and present concern and it’s important to always be prepared.

“When there’s enough snow to ride, there’s enough snow to slide,” said Canadian Avalanche Centre (CAC) Public Avalanche Forecaster Joe Lammers.

“We’re definitely into avalanche season and our bulletins are in full fling.”

The CAC is a non-government, not-forprofit organization that provides one of the most comprehensive resources for anyone looking for up-to-date information on avalanche and snowpack conditions in their area. By visiting their website at www.avalanche.ca, users can find daily bulletins for each of the 16 regions across British Columbia that the CAC keeps track of.

However, Lammers cautions that while these bulletins are updated daily,

photo courtesy of Canadian Avalanche Centre The Canadian Avalanche Centre is warning backcountry users to exercise extreme caution in case of an avalanche, like this one in Bow Valley, AB.

it’s also important to know local conditions as the bulletins only give a broad overview of a region.

“The snowpack is a dynamic process, it’s constantly changing,” he said. “One thing I can say about the Purcells is that there is not a lot of data coming from that region this time of year, but we can tell you that the snowpack structure in the Purcells varies dramatically from

region to region. Because of that, we strongly urge you to be a bit of a detective and make your own observations as you travel through the mountains.”

Avalanche Skills Training (AST) courses are strongly encouraged for anyone going into the mountains. These courses offer both classroom and in-the-field training sessions that give outdoors enthusiasts the ability to recognize and

Canal Flats arena seeks further funding for upgrades STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

Increased costs for the upgrade of the Canal Flats arena are forcing the Village of Canal Flats to seek additional funding options for their million-dollar project.

In consultation with Fairbank Architects, the project building

committee has determined the total cost will reach $1.305 million, up from an original estimate of $1 million.

Canal Flats Chief Administrative Officer Brian Woodward said $157,000 of that increase is due to the need to completely replace the bleachers, while a number of smaller expenditures make up the balance.

“They have it all defined now and they’ve included the bleachers, which require complete replacement,” Woodward said.

Already $945,000 of the

project’s funding is secured — $800,000 of which came from the province of British Columbia, and the remaining from the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) arena reserve fund and the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT). An additional $360,000 will now need to be secured.

The village is applying for $385,000 from the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund (CIIF), and is also seeking an increase of funding from the CBT in the amount of $157,500.

Should both of those applications prove to be unsuccessful, there are two remaining options — both involving taxation.

In September, the Columbia Valley Board of Directors voted to eliminate the Canal Flats recreation service area — which included the Village of Canal Flats and a portion of RDEK Electoral Area F with residents of Fairmont Hot Springs — and replace it by extending the larger Columbia Valley Recreation recreation service area.

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nancial Officer Shawn Tomlin, this decision is likely to be finalized on Thursday (December 6) at the Columbia Valley Board of Directors meeting.

Following that, the newly expanded Columbia Valley Recreation Service Area could take on the increased cost of the Canal Flats arena through increased tax levies across the entirety of the service area. Should the directors decline, the final option would require the to 'upgrades' on Page A8 WISE BUYERS READ THE LEGAL COPY: Vehicle(s) may be shown with optional equipment. Dealer may sell or lease for less. Limited time offers. Offers may be cancelled at any time without notice. Dealer order or transfer may be required as inventory may vary by dealer. See your Ford Dealer for complete details or call the Ford Customer Relationship Centre at 1-800-565-3673. *Purchase a new 2013 F-150 XLT Super Cab 4x4 with 5.0L engine/2013 F-150 XLT Super Crew 4X4 with 5.0L engine for $36,499/$38,499. Taxes payable on full amount of purchase price after Manufacturer Rebate of $2,500 has been deducted. 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Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Fairmont Resort opens BC Rockies School of Nature New program will allow local schools to utilize resort in the off-season STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

Educators across the valley will be able to take advantage of a different resource next year as Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is holding a kickoff celebration this week for its brand new BC Rockies School of Nature.

“Our real mission is just to get more kids outside,” said BC Rockies School of Nature Outdoor Education Co-ordinator and Curriculum Director Kristen Idiens.

Based out of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the BC Rockies School of Nature aims to generate healthy lives by providing first and lifelong connections to the natural environment.

The school will provide a wide range of programs including bushcraft re-skilling, survival skills, cooking in the outdoors, geocaching, animal tracking, orienteering and much more alongside curriculum matched programs for educators and classes that provide a more concrete educational aspect.

Curriculum matched programs are also tailored to individual age groups from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Idiens said it was their goal to have a good mix of curriculum-

Photo courtesy of BC Rockies School of Nature Fairmont Hot Springs Resort BC Rockies Adventures staff ­­— pictured here on Farnham Glacier earlier this year ­— will double as BC Rockies School of Nature staff ­when the school opens next year.

based educational programs and outdoor programs, and that they recommend combining the two to offer a full-day experience.

“I’m really looking forward to being able to give teachers and students opportunities to get out in a safe environment and learn a little bit about what this area has to offer,” Idiens said.

“I feel like with all the indoor activities and video games and things like that, kids are

forgetting to appreciate what’s around them, and so it’s a great opportunity to share our enthusiasm and excitement and passion for the outdoors.”

The School of Nature will run during the school year to avoid any conflicts with guests at the resort and to allow the program to take advantage of a greater range of facilities and services.

The school will be staffed by current employees of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort BC Rockies

Adventures, however Idiens said teachers will have the option of leading a program by themselves.

Either way, students will have 2,400 acres of resort property to explore including mountains, the headwaters of the Columbia River, wetlands, and Canada’s largest hot mineral pools.

Indoors, students will be able to take advantage of a full range of facilities including the

historic Wolf’s Den, a number of resort convention rooms, and a new facility that is opening in spring of 2013 — a smaller more intimate indoor space named the Turtle Shell. “(We don’t) even necessarily have to run the programs ourselves, which we love to do,” Idiens said. “If teachers want to be able to take their kids somewhere, then they have somewhere to take them.”

To celebrate the new School of Nature, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and the BC Rockies School of Nature will host a Outdoor Education Celebration Day. Taking place on Saturday (December 15) from 1 to 4 p.m. at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, the celebration day will feature a host of activities for young and old. Snowshoeing, a fireside cookout and a handson ‘Animals in Winter’ presentation are just a few of the activities at the event, weather permitting. More than 100 educators from across the valley from as far north as Golden and as far south as Kimberley have been invited to attend. It’s an opportunity for them to truly take in the environment and facilities, said Idiens, and staff will be available to answer any and all questions the teachers might have. The event is also open to the public, and those interested are asked to register ahead by calling 250-345-6049 to help ensure enough food is prepared.

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Ho l i d a y A d ve r t i s i n g D e a d l i n e s Please taken note that our advertising deadlines will change due to Christmas and New Year holidays.

December 26 issue Thursday, December 20 at 12 p.m.

January 2 issue Friday, December 21 at 12 p.m.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A5

NEWS

Minister of Seniors gives presentation in Invermere Seniors consume roughly one quarter of entire provincial budget: Sultan NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Demographics are changing significantly in the province of British Columbia and the Honourable Ralph Sultan, the Minister of State for Seniors, was in Invermere on Wednesday, December 5 to speak to local seniors about the provincial government's strategy for B.C.'s aging population and gather feedback.

"In my riding, we have 25 per cent of the population 65 or older and that will be fairly soon characteristic of the province as a whole within a dozen years or so," Sultan told The Valley Echo, "so we have to adjust all sorts of things; the health

system, the housing system, the entire society has to cope with older people, many of whom will continue in the work force."

Sultan, 79, is the longtime Liberal MLA for the riding of West Vancouver-Capilano and was appointed Minister of State for Seniors on September 5. He has been travelling the province answering questions on everything from housing and health to transportation issues.

His presentation at the Invermere Seniors' Hall to roughly 15 people stressed three strategic elements: better at home, support services and planning.

PHOTO BY NICOLE TRIGG/THE ECHO Minister of Seniors Ralph Sultan discussed the provincial government's strategy for seniors at the Invermere Seniors Hall on December 7.

"As seniors age, they invariably want to stay living in their existing home rather than being housed in some apartment type complex and the government agrees heartily with that," Sultan said, noting that putting seniors in subsidized or owned and operated residen-

tial facilities is a very expensive operation.

"About half of the entire health budget is being consumed by seniors at the present time, and the health budget itself is half of all government spending," Sultan said, "so seniors are scooping up about one quarter of

the entire provincial budget right now."

Demographics also suggest that not enough young people are moving into positions to provide seniors with the health care they need, in terms of support services, care aids and attendants for seniors as they become older and more frail.

"While you can import these care workers from abroad, that has its limitations as well so at the end of the day I think the common solution is that seniors are going to have to look after themselves," Sultan said, "and they already do in small towns but that's a more radical thought in the big city so you have to recreate the communities in the large cities that probably replicate what happens here."

Leading into his third point, that any

planning for seniors will have to happen at the local level and not be masterminded centrally from Victoria, Sultan said the slogan the government has adopted is: Planning with seniors, but not for them.

"Every community is so different, and their needs and existing institutions are so different, so you really have to do a grassroots effort to listen and find out what's appropriate in every different part of B.C.," he said.

Other issues that have been brought to his attention include dementia and alzheimers, elder abuse and issues within the health system itself.

Doug Clovechok, the BC Liberal candidate for the Columbia River-Revelstoke riding who facilitated the meeting, said that locally, in the Columbia Valley, transportation for seniors was a pressing issue.

"We live in a rural community, so when we chose to leave in these areas we're not going to have access to the health and hospital facilities like you would have in Cranbrook," said Clovechok, " but what we have to ensure is that our ground transportation is adequate enough to meet the needs of seniors who need to travel to those centres."

User issues at station forcing council to act CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

However, the new bins would not curtail illegal dumping, and could in fact increase it, as the bins are more difficult to use than the existing containers.

This option would also require set operating hours of the facility and the hiring of staff to operate the facility. In total, this option would cost the district $280,000 in the first year and $207,000 annually each year following — roughly double the current annual cost.

Option two would see the creation of a proper transfer station with rollaway bins. For this option to work, the transfer station would need to be relocated on a larger piece of property. The facility would also need to be staffed to ensure that proper garbage was being collected, and to direct people to the Columbia Valley landfill as needed. The existing contractor provided estimates of $165,000 per annum for provision of one bin and staffing, and $350,000 per annum for additional bins and a re-use centre.

The third and final option is outright closure of the facility. Councillors Greg Anderson and Paul Denchuk took the chance to voice their opposition to this option, as said it would only increase illegal dumping in the community.

Mayor Gerry Taft said since so many

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PHOTO BY STEVE JESSEL/THE ECHO Staffing the Invermere Transfer Station and introducing set hours would double its annual operating cost.

people from outside Invermere use the transfer station, a cost-sharing solution with the RDEK could also be an option. Taft also said that since the majority of illegal dumping takes place at night, locking the facility after dark is another option to consider.

Prosser noted that the district received ongoing complaints about the closure, although mostly from people who do not have garbage service provided, and commercial operators or residents who live outside of the community.

Following the closure, district staff found that some residents of the area

would leave their garbage at the gates of the transfer station, lying outside of locked dumpsters, and at garbage cans throughout the community, especially at Kinsmen Beach. Private garbage containers were also used and the RCMP reported instances of illegal dumping outside municipal boundaries along the Toby Creek cut-off road.

A new illegal dumping bylaw is currently under construction whereby anyone caught illegally dumping, or proven to have done so, could be ticketed $250. Pending further research, the bylaw will be voted on at a future council meeting.

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Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

Opinion & Letters

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The powder call NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Avalanche season is upon us — no pun intended — which means it's time to sit down and have a conversation with those adrenalin junkies we know and love to let them know we need them to be responsible in the backcountry this winter.

The allure of untouched pow — champagne powder snow, that is ­— is tremendous.

It's a temptation that many folk who find endless comfort in between the four walls of their cozy living room on a below zero day can hardly understand.

It's a call that demands money be spent, skill training be had and expensive gear be purchased — all simply to ski or ride or sled, whatever your form of transportation, down steep slopes of frozen water.

As if that wasn't enough; it's also a call that appeals to the passions, beyond the logical, practical thinking that is so characteristic of the daily grind. As a result, it puts people in danger and lives at risk.

This December 28, it will be four years ago to the day that 8 snowmobilers were killed by a back-to-back series of avalanches in Elk Valley, near Sparwood approximately three hours from the Columbia Valley.

The men who died were all locals and experienced outdoorsmen as well as best friends, husbands, boyfriends, brothers and sons.

On December 29 last year, in 2011, an experienced Whistler Blackcomb ski patroller was killed in a backcountry avalanche near Pemberton.

These are just two examples. The province, on average, sees 14 avalanche deaths each winter season.

And then there was the Class 3 avalanche that ripped through an out-of-bounds area up at Panorama in April earlier this year, although thankfully there were no victims.

Avalanches are just one of the inherent risks associated to spending time in the mountains, but the risk can be mitigated through careful planning, forethought and increased awareness.

Mother Nature is a powerful, unpredictable force that doesn't discriminate, so the next time you see your favourite outdoor adventurer gearing up in Gore-Tex, revving up their sleds or waxing their skis and snowboards, remind them to — at all costs — err on the side of caution.

Something on your mind?

The Valley Echo welcomes all letters to the editor and submissions from community and sports groups, as well as special community columns. Please keep your signed, legible submissions under 500 words. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, taste, legal reasons and brevity. Each submission must contain a daytime phone number and place of residence. Send email submissions to editor@invermerevalleyecho.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Streamlining explained Dear Editor, Toba Beta told us that “misinformation is tricking” and judging from Norm Macdonald’s last MLA Report it would seem that he is trying his best to do some tricking. He told us that our provincial government has removed the ability for local governments to be participants in local decision making by passing acts like the Significant Projects Streamlining Act and simply he is wrong. Allow me to clear up this misinformation. The Significant Projects Streamlining Act legislation was passed to remove unnecessary and costly delays from the review process for projects deemed to be of significant provincial importance; delays that had been created by the NDP in the '90s.

Under the NDP, British Columbia had garnered a reputation as having one of the most difficult and lengthy approval processes for major projects in North America and to compete successfully with other jurisdictions, the government had to improve review processes for significant projects.

The Significant Projects Streamlining Act provided a clear signal to potential investors that B.C. had a framework to ensure projects were dealt with in a timely, responsible and

disciplined way. The act allowed cabinet to assign special status to a project deemed to be important to the economic, social or environmental wellbeing of British Columbia.

The act received a great deal of support from people like then-Mayor of Surrey Doug McCallum who publicly stated that he wanted to see governments work together while being held accountable for delivering decisions in a timely manner and that the Significant Projects Streamlining Act would ensure that approval authorities would work together to expedite the decisions needed in an increasingly competitive world.

Jerry Lambert, then-President and CEO of the Business Council of British Columbia, felt that the Significant Streamlining Act was a very important tool for potential investors wishing to invest in British Columbia and that it would send a clear signal to the investment community that process and red tape would not get in the way of investment, jobs or opportunities that were significant to British Columbians.

Then Mayor of Prince George, Colin Kinsley felt that the Significant Projects Streamlining Act would encourage the provincial and local governments to work together to ensure projects would move forward and would help

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stimulate the economy and provide more employment opportunities for all British Columbians.

Overall, the act was designed to respect the autonomy of local government by creating an innovative framework for dialogue and cooperation on projects that were in the best interest of all British Columbians. Where necessary, the act provides for the appointment of a facilitator to assist in these efforts and overall was part of the government’s commitment to cut red tape and revitalize an economy that had been ravaged by the NDP. It is, also for the record, an act that has never been used.

In 2003 and today, your BC Liberal government was and is always cognizant of the importance of putting public interest at the forefront of policy decisions.

Doug Clovechok BC Liberal Candidate Columbia River-Revelstoke Riding

Mayor responds Dear Editor, Re: "Mayor scores hat trick", Valley Echo, November 28, 2012 This District of Invermere (DOI) drinking water sources are safe Continues to 'letters' on Page A7

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7

MLA Report — Norm Macdonald

Time has proven you right As someone who has lived in a part of the world where the government was not chosen democratically, I have a particular perspective on just how precious democracy is. And having seen first-hand how it is to live in a country where citizens cannot make decisions for themselves, I feel passionately that British Columbians must fight every time their opportunity to participate is diminished.

Free and fair elections are the most obvious instrument of participation in a democracy, and it is certainly the responsibility of citizens to vote, but the process between elections cannot be taken for granted.

Citizens must continue to engage with their elected representatives, and they

must take every opportunity to be involved.

But citizen engagement falls on deaf ears without elected representatives who understand their role as servants to the people they represent. It is not acceptable for elected representatives to behave as if their only responsibility is to get the majority of votes on election day.

Democracy does not mean handing over decision making to a small group of individuals far away from the place where those decisions will have the greatest impact. A democratic system is based on the idea that the best decisions are made by citizens. And my experience as both a mayor and MLA bears that out.

You told me that the HST was not the best thing the

government could do to improve the economy. You told me that private riverdiversion projects (IPPs) would put the economic viability of BC Hydro at risk.

And time has proven you right. The HST has been a failure and IPPs have resulted in massive debt for BC Hydro.

Ignoring what the people of British Columbia clearly stated will have long-term negative consequences for all of us. The BC Liberals would not listen.

British Columbians are saying clearly that they want a government that respects the role of citizens in decision-making. They want a government that believes the people should have the final say.

Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River-Revelstoke

LETTERS (continued from page A6) and exceed the Canadian drinking water standards and our surface water source consistently has turbidity levels much lower than other water systems within the Columbia Valley. One of our two water sources, the Paddy Ryan lakes, does not meet the full treatment requirement mandated by IHA. Of the 1,778 drinking water systems (some of these are groundwater and do not require the same level of treatment) within the IHA boundaries, only 175 (2007 statistics) systems have both disinfection and filtration. The exact statistic of how many water systems do not meet the multiple barriers to treatment requirement, but provide exceptional quality water is not known — but it is a very high number of the water systems within the IHA boundaries and throughout the province. Invermere is not alone in this challenge and we are working proactively on our water protection plans and investigations of UV disinfection so that we can meet what many feel are excessive requirements.

The suggestion that DOI wastewater contaminates shallow groundwater is false. We monitor groundwater near our sewer treatment

system regularly and operate under a valid permit from the Ministry of Environment.

In my mind, the concept of a town with no people is silly, and a council being appointed instead of elected is not democratic. When the Province tells the people they appoint to a council what they must and must not do in their Official Community Plan and around land zoning, I consider them to be puppets acting out what they were instructed to do. If you want to use other less colourful terms like unaccountable and non-autonomous, then that is fine.

The DOI is working with all of the local governments in Columbia Valley, the Columbia Basin Trust and citizens on a socio-economic plan with implementation dollars, to try to improve some of the bigger long term challenges in the area. The DOI also has a number of infrastructure renewal projects and economic development projects planned for 2013.

A healthy community not only supports and encourages a healthy environment for nonprofit groups, but also relies on them to make CONTINUES TO 'LETTERS' ON PAGE A8

Rotary of Radium Hot Springs meets at Radium Resort, Wednesdays at 7 a.m. Ongoing fundraising is going towards the Bicycle Pump Track.

Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Thursday at 11:45 a.m. in the mezzanine at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. The meeting on December 13 will be a club assembly.

Inbound exchange student Yurema presents at a recent meeting.

Rotary International

Community Calendar Submit your events: production@invermerevalleyecho.com

TUES DEC 13 • DTSS Bands in Concert, 7 p.m. Silver collection at door WED DEC 15 • Radium Public Library Christmas Crafts for children and adults, 10:30 a.m.

DEC 1415 • Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Holiday market, 5:30 - 8 p.m. on Fri, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sat, Lions' Hall SUN DEC 16 • Tim Hortons Free Skate, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.

• Smoking Waters Cafe 5th Annual Santa in Fairmont, 1 - 4 p.m.

• Live Nativity Program, Catholic Church on 12 Ave, 6:30 p.m., live farm animals and musical performance MON DEC 17 • Canal Flats Civic Centre Christmas Bingo, 7 p.m.

SUN DEC 23 • Tim Hortons Free Skate, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, 5:45 - 6:45 p.m.

MON DEC 24 • Christmas Eve Fireworks, Conrad Kain Park, Wilmer.

Bonfires and hot chocolate, 8 p.m.

THURS DEC 27 • Tim Hortons Free Skate, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

MON DEC 31 • Village of Radium Hot Springs 22nd Birthday Celebration at Brent’s Shack, 3 - 6 p.m.

• Village of Radium Hot Springs Annual Fire Works Celebration, Springs Driving Range, 6:30 p.m.

CORRECTION • "A Water Conversation" on December 10 was presented by the Lake Windermere Ambassadors, not the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

Band Office downstairs, doors open at 5:30 p.m., early bird at 6:45 p.m., regular games at 7 p.m.

• Cubs (8-10 year olds) and Beavers (5-7 year olds), JA Laird, 6 - 7 p.m.

EVERY SUNDAY • Public Indoor Rock Climbing, Laird School, 5-8 p.m., $5.

• Radium Seniors’ Carpet Bowling, 1:30 p.m., Seniors' Hall

1st & 3rd WED • Scrabble Night at Invermere Public Library. 6 - 8 p.m.

Call 250-342-6416

2nd SUNDAY • LW Alliance Church Sing and Celebrate, 7 p.m.

For more information call Clarence Stauffer, 250-3429580 EVERY MONDAY • Gentle drop-in carpet bowling, 1:30 p.m., Seniors' Centre • Cadets, 6:30-9 p.m. for boys and girls, ages 12-17. Cost: FREE (includes uniform). Info: Rick Dendy 250-341-1509.

• Duplicate Bridge, 6:30 p.m., Invermere Seniors’ Hall, $2/ person. Visitors welcome • EK Brain Injury Support Group, 1-3 p.m., Family Resource Centre. Info: 250-344-5674 1st & 3rd TUESDAY • OPT clinic, 6:308:30 p.m., Inv. Health Unit, 85010th Ave. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing 1st TUESDAY • Invermere Camera Club 7 p.m. Tanya, tanyadeleeuw65@ gmail.com EVERY TUESDAY • Yoga THRIVEYoga for Cancer Survivors. Hot springs studio, Fairmont Village Mall. For info call Jan Klimek at 250-342-1195 • Shuswap Bingo at the Shuswap Indian

2nd & 4th WED • Seniors' Day at the Invermere Library.

Bus provided EVERY WEDNESDAY • Indoor soccer, DTSS gym. Drop-in, $2, 8:30-10:00 p.m.

EVERY THURSDAY • Cadets, 6:30-9 p.m. for boys and girls, ages 12-17. Cost: FREE (includes uniform). Info: Rick Dendy 250-341-1509 • Children's Air Rifle Program, with the LWDRGC, Inv. Community Hall, 7 - 8:30 p.m., free of charge, ages 6-15. Learn safety, marksmanship, equipment provided EVERY FRIDAY • Baby Goose program for parents and babies up to 18 months. 9:3011:30 a.m. at Eileen Madson Primary. kandruschuk@cbal. org • Public Indoor Rock Climbing, Laird School, 5-8 p.m., $5.

• Preschool Story Time at the Invermere Public Library, 10:30 a.m. For info visit invermere.bclibrary.ca EVERY SATURDAY • Public Indoor Rock Climbing, Laird School, 5-8 p.m., $5.

THRIFT STORE • Thursdays 10 a.m.

- 4 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 1 - 4 p.m.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A8

LETTERS (continued from page A7) the community a better place. Not everything can or should be done with tax dollars and paid staff. Despite what Mr. Berzins may believe, it is unlikely that all of the problems are caused by the mayor; it may even be possible that he is working with his council to make the present realities in Invermere better while still standing up for basic principles like democracy and proper process in land zoning.

Gerry Taft Mayor, District of Invermere

Park protection Dear Editor, I wish to say that the Union of Na-

tional Employees is opposed to commercialization of the hot pools, or any kind of privatization of a portion of Parks Canada, which is pretty much a break even not-for-profit activity.

The discovery of a thermal hot spring in Banff, led to the creation of a national park reserve, which became the genesis of our national parks and historic sites, and indeed, emblematic of our national treasures. The pools have been managed and staffed by enthusiastic staff and management over many years.

To think that the hot pools can go out to be leased to high flying interests, perhaps interests that

are not even based in Canada, would be disingenuous to Parks Canada and its mandate. Moreover, should a commercial interest be successful in such a bid, they will make the pool experience affordable for only the elite; taking away the notion of a quality visitor experience within a National Park setting, with jacked up prices for profit competing with the small business communities within and immediately adjacent to Banff, Jasper and Kootenay National Parks.

It’s time to stop this business of commercialization, and restore the security of employment to Parks employees, so that

they can continue providing this service now and for future generations.

Respectfully, Kevin King Regional Vice President, Alberta Northwest Territories and Nunavut Union of National Employees PSAC

Trash talker Dear Editor, I had some trash from the office to put into the Invermere/ Athalmer dump today.

What a mess as usual.

Seems the town had all kinds of money to beautify Pot Hole Park, which was very nice, but maybe they could have cut back a bit and spent some money on the garbage site.

notice of poWer interruption Windermere AreA

First of all, a few loads of gravel would help to cut down the mud. Then hire (sure you have enough staff now) to go over every day and clean up the mess. Never mind bears, how about rats, etc. Not a healthy place for sure; never mind the look of it.

You could close the gate and just have set hours. You could make it bear proof.

You could haul it away more often. You could have better bins. You could build a place for those who just cannot go to Windermere with their big stuff (mattresses, chairs or whatever).

Cannot believe if you got it that far, you could not have gone to the big dump in Windermere.

We live in a beautiful place, let’s try to keep it that way. Anyway, these are some of my suggestions.

Ida Daggett Invermere

Jumbo jinxed

Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon When: Sunday, Dec 16th We will be making electrical system improvements in the Windermere area on Dec 16th.

To ensure the safety of our work crews, it will be necessary to interrupt electrical service for approximately 3 hours, from 9:00 am - 12:00 Noon.

The area affected is from Hwy 93/95 S of North Street to Windermere Road, West to Wilmai Place, Nelles Crescent & Indian Beach. East on Windermere Loop Road to the end of the Windermere Golf Course. Kootenay #3 South to the intersection of Hwy 93/95

Dear Editor, It looks to me like Christy Clark’s so called Liberals have decided to go against the will of the majority and implement the plans for the Jumbo Glacier ski resort with its appointed resort municipality council because they have little chance of forming

the next government anyway.

I worked as a surveyor for twenty years and as a planner for eighteen, thereby gaining experience in the construction of highways and industrial roads. So when I, as an RDEK Director, drove the road to the base of the Jumbo area with a few other RDEK Directors and from there helicoptered to the top of the glacier in order to get a mental picture of the proposed area, I got a good look at the route the access road would have to take.

Most of the way from Panorama to Jumbo is in a valley with steep sides coming down to a small creek. It is a narrow V-shaped valley with no flat land.

The construction of a road suitable for access to a major resort will be expensive, requiring major blasting and earth moving that will have a traumatic effect on the creek and whatever life it supports.

Are B.C. taxpayers happy to pay for the construction and maintenance of an expensive and environmentally damaging road to a project that is also jeopardizing wildlife and the environment but has no certain economic benefits? A study prepared

for the RDEK, in conjunction with Cranbrook upgrading their airport to international status, revealed there had not been a global increase in the number of skiers for several years. I heard a news report, sometime during 2012, that indicated the number is now decreasing.

Given the global economic situation and the obvious determination of various right wing governments in Canada to keep wages down while prices keep rising, it is certain that middle class disposable income will not be enough to go skiing unless the resort is next door.

So, unless global warming bankrupts lower level ski resorts and multitudes of rich Saudis want something more challenging than their 100 foothigh indoor ski hill, the economics of Jumbo is at least improbable. In this time of multi crises, we need neither an expensive white elephant to absorb our tax money nor an appointed mayor and council being paid to guide it into the red.

The free market system doesn’t use taxpayers’ money as venture capital. At least it shouldn’t.

Respectfully, Peter Ross Creston

Upgrades to begin in 2013

To prepare for this interruption and protect your equipment from damage, please unplug all electronics, such as TVs, PVRs, DVD players and computers. Please also turn off all lights, electric heaters and major appliances, such as your clothes or dishwasher, dryer or oven.

For the first hour after the power comes back on, please plug in or turn on only what you really need. This will help ensure the electrical system does not get overloaded.

We are sorry for the inconvenience. We will restore your power as soon as we can.

Prepare for outages and stay informed by visiting bchydro.com/outages or bchydro.com/mobile from your handheld device. Please call 1 888 POWERON

AD # 3766

(1 888 769 3766) if you experience any electrical difficulties or for more information.

Continued from Page A3

residents of the old Canal Flats Recreation service area to pay for the arena upgrade, also through tax levies; however, they would not actually see a cost increase.

Instead, they would simply continue to pay an amount equitable to their current recreation service fees and not see the decrease promised by the new larger Columbia Valley Recreation Service Area until such time that the arena is paid off in full.

“In order to pay for the upgrade… the properties in the Canal Flats service area would pay approximately the same as they are paying now,” Tomlin said.

The Village of Canal Flats ex-

Echo file photo The arena in Canal Flats.

pects to hear back from the CIIF in January, and are currently aiming for an April 1, 2013 start date for construction.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

NEWS

Sewer line problem solved at long last STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

After an Invermere resident paid into the district’s sewer line for 24 years only to discover this past summer she was never even connect-

ed, District of Invermere (DOI) council voted unanimously to grant her request that the DOI pay for connecting the sewer line to her property,

provided she doesn’t pursue the district to recover any costs.

The issue was first brought to council’s attention at a November 13 council meeting, and on November 27 council voted to connect Burdette Coates Storey’s property, located at 1A Avenue in Invermere, to the town sewer line and remove her nearby septic system.

Storey had petitioned council to connect her and cover the costs, and in exchange she promised not to seek recovery of the fees she had paid over the previous 24 years.

After gathering further information following the November 13 council meeting, DOI Chief Administrative Officer Chris Prosser determined

Booth new RDEK vice chair Electoral Area F director narrowly defeats District of Invermere mayor Taft in 8-7 vote STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

The votes are in, and the Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) has elected a new vice chair for the upcoming year. Electoral Area F director Wendy Booth narrowly defeated incumbent and District of Invermere mayor Gerry Taft by an 8-7 vote at a RDEK board meeting on December 7 and has been named vice chair for 2013.

“I am honoured to be elected vice chair,” Booth said in a release. “I am eager to continue to work together with the Board to achieve our priorities and keep the best interests of the organization and this region at the forefront,” Rob Gay will return for a second term as RDEK chair after running unchallenged, and said he was optimistic about the up-

coming year.

“I really enjoyed my first year as chair, I think we’ve got a really good team for the most part,” Gay said.

“I think in a bigger sense, it forms a culture of trust amongst the directors; we don’t agree on all issues but it’s probably good that we never do, because that’s the whole point — having different points of view.”

Gay faced a particularly tumultuous first term as chair after provincial states of emergency had to be called for two separate occurrences over the summer. First, a state of emergency

was declared after Shadybrook Resort in Windermere was flooded by Windermere Creek in June, and then again when Fairmont Resort was hit by a mudslide in late July.

“We’re here to protect our citizens, that’s the bottom line,” Gay said. “So we were I think more than prepared to [respond], and as it turns out staff was available really quickly, as were some of the other ministries and organizations.”

The RDEK Board Chair and Vice Chair are elected annually at the December RDEK board meeting.

View from the Hill — MP David Wilks

National day of action Canadians will always remember the tragic events of December 6, 1989, when 14 young women were killed — targeted because of their gender. Reaction was swift and determined, as our nation resolved to end violence against women and girls in all its forms.

Today, this important work continues. It involves all Canadians, across all communities and jurisdictions, in every part of Canada. Why? Because violence against women affects us all, destroying families, tearing apart communities and placing an incredible burden on our economy.

That is why the Government of Canada remains absolutely committed to eliminating gender-based violence. Recently, for example, the Government of Canada made investments in initiatives that engage men and boys in ending violence, and that support community-based projects to help students be safe and secure during their post-secondary studies. In fact, since 2007, more than $54 million in federal funding has been approved for projects that seek to address violence against women and girls.

As a retired member of the RCMP, I have had been in-

volved in numerous incidents involving violence against women and it is something that cannot be tolerated. Beyond the criminal elements, there must be a change in attitude in society in general and it must start at home and then expand. We must make every effort to bring added awareness to a serious problem.

As we work toward a more peaceful, more equitable society, we will succeed only if we work together.

On December 6, may we pause to reflect and remember the women who have died, then resume our work for change.

she had paid $6,581.01 over the 24 years, and that the solution of connecting her to the system would cost about $5,000.

Mayor Gerry Taft and councillors Greg Anderson and Paul

Denchuk all mentioned an element of “fairness” in reaching their decision, while councillor Spring Hawes noted she felt it was a reasonable request on Storey’s behalf.

VENICE POOL TABLE

Coats For Kids

Coat drop off locations until December 20th at 12 p.m. are: •

CIBC, Mondays to Fridays 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Monkeys Uncle Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. 4 p.m.

•

•

•

443 Fourth Avenue near RONA, There will be a box outside for dropping off coats.

Please drop off coats in good condition and clean, thank you.

MANHATTAN POOL TABLE

BRISTOL POOL TABLE

• The new Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont Distribution will be on December 23rd, 2 p.m. 7 p.m. at the Invermere Legion and December 27th 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. at the Hot Springs Studio.

Contact Kristine Tan at 250-342-2033 for more information. Volunteers needed to help sort and distribute the coats.

Christmas

Canal Flats Civic Centre Monday, December 17th at 7 p.m.

500 Bonanza • $500 Free Game

$

LONDON POOL TABLE

NOTHING OVER

2699

$

AN

Door Prizes • Call 250-349-5447 for information

FR

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Give and Save Until December 21, 2012 bring an item for the Columbia Valley Food Bank into the Valley Echo, and you will save 30% on your classified ad running in the same week.

Columbia Valley Food Bank

In FR sta E HE llat E RE io IN n

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BC

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www.bcleisure.com

Invermere council votes to connect woman who paid 24 years of fees to sewer system

Where Family and Fun Come Together

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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS

• Solid Maple • 1 Inch Slate •Leather Pockets 6 Models •Available

19950 88th Avenue, Langley 1-877-368-6899

A10 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Coats for Kids program needs your donations The long-running Coats for Kids program is back this December, and while there won’t be as

much time to collect donations as usual, new co-ordinator Kristine Tan is determined to try and make

as much as she can of the time she has.

“I think it’s a good program, and I think it helps a lot of peo-

RDEK Public Hearing Notices Bylaw 2417 & 2418

Bylaw Amendment - Lake Windermere The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an amendment to the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw and the Lake Windermere Official Community Plan.

Bylaw No. 2417 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 277, 2012, (LWMP Implementation / RDEK)” will include six new surface water zones and corresponding definitions and regulations for Lake Windermere.

Bylaw No. 2418 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 13, 2012, (LWMP Implementation / RDEK)” will include a new shoreline development permit area and amend the policies for Lake Windermere.

A public hearing will be held at: Windermere Community Hall 4726 North Street Windermere, BC Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing.

All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Karen MacLeod, Planner, at 250-489-0313, toll free at 1-888-478-7335.

ple,” Tan said. “I just want to help others.”

Each winter, Coats for Kids takes donations of old winter gear, including coats, hats and mittens, and redistributes them to needy families. Donated items are asked to be in decent condition and as clean as possible to avoid making extra work for volunteers.

“It’s not a garbage collection, it’s to help people,” Tan said.

Earlier this month,

Secondhand coats, hats and mittens will help families stay warm this winter STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

Tan heard the program wasn’t going to be running so decided to take it over. Anyone looking to donate can drop off their items at either the Monkey’s Uncle Toy Shop or the CIBC Bank, both in Invermere, and at the

Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont Hot Springs.

Tan said she would also set up a box outside her house, at 443 4th Avenue in Invermere. The deadline for donations ins Thursday, December 20.

Tan is also looking

for a few more volunteers to help sort and redistribute the coats later on, and asks anyone who might be interested in donating some of their time to call her at 250-342-2033.

Donated items will be distributed on Sunday, December 23 at the Invermere Legion from 2 to 7 p.m., and at the Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont on Thursday, December 27 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Feeding frenzy

PHOTO BY STEVE JESSEL/THE ECHO The numbers are in from Copper Point gGolf Club's Feed The Town that took place on December 1: 800 people were served 26 large turkeys, 4 large hams and over 200 pounds of potatoes while four truckloads of non-perishable food items were donated and $5,900 dollars were raised.

A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers, and to the sponsors — Sysco Foods, Gordon Foods, AG Valley Foods and Pepsi.

Bylaw 2423

Bylaw Amendment - Columbia Lake The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an amendment to the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw.

Bylaw No. 2423 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 278, 2012 (Columbia Lake / RDEK)” will amend the surface water zones for Columbia Lake.

A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Ridge Community Centre 6890 Columbia Lake Road Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 4:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the Village of Canal Flats.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing.

All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Karen MacLeod, Planner, at 250-489-0313, toll free at 1-888-478-7335.

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8

Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

Blast Off — Hayley Wilson & Kate Atkinson

Give the gift of health!

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about which gifts you plan on giving your loved ones.

Why not try something different this year? Give your loved ones the gift of health!

There are many ways to do this and you don’t have to dish out a fortune in order to encourage that special someone to get moving.

As personal trainers, we’ve put our heads together and come up with what we would ask Santa for this holiday season.

Most, if not all of these gift ideas can be found right

here in town.

If you are unable to find them locally, try looking online.

Gifts $15 and under: • Yoga mat • BPA-free water bottle or canteen • Resistance Tubing • Stability Ball • Loose Leaf Tea (try steeped tea) Gifts $30 and under: • Magazine subscription to Clean Eating Magazine • Magazine subscription to any fitness magazine • Foam roller (check

Crazy Soles in town) iTunes gift card Interval timer (try Gymboss) Gifts $75 and under • Workout clothing • A blender (for smoothies and much more!)

• Hand weights • Running sneakers Of course, at the very top of your wish list should be a gift certificate for a session with a personal trainer!

Happy holiday shopping!

Hayley (250-688-0024) and Kate (250-688-0221) are certified personal trainers with Fitness 4 Life. Visit their website at www.fitness4life.tv.

• •

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

Home and small business How to start a small business and do what you love CONTRIBUTED Special to The Valley Echo

Starting their own a business is a dream for many men and women. Instead of reporting to a boss and following the particular hierarchy of a company, entrepreneurs can set their own rules and hours.

But starting a business does not just involve putting an open-for-business sign in the window. It involves preparation to ensure the business succeeds and is in accordance with laws and guidelines set by the local government.

The first step in starting a business is to figure out what the business hopes to accomplish. It is a wise idea to draft a business plan that clearly states your goals and what you hope to accomplish on a daily basis. A business plan should include a listing of how the business will be marketed, who your expected competition will be, the names of your expected personnel, and the amount of available start-up capital at your disposal. A business plan is a good document to have and one that is often necessary for prospective owners who hope to secure a small-business loan from a bank or private investors.

Once the business plan has been developed, take advantage of any free training and counseling services that might be available. Such services offers strategies for a successful business, and established business owners might even participate by offering advice and answering questions. Learn from their successes and failures and when establishing your own business.

It's also imperative that prospective business owners decide which type of legal entity their business will be. These include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), corporation, S corporation, nonprofit, or cooperative. An attorney who specializes in business law can help you establish the legal structure that will be the most beneficial to you.

You also will have to find a business location. While there are brick-and-mortar businesses opening every day, a large number of new businesses begin on the Internet. It is very difficult to determine just how many online businesses there are since the reach of the Internet is so vast. However, the low overhead of an online business and the increasing propensity for individuals and shoppers to spend time online makes the Internet an attractive venue for a business start-up.

Small business owners also must register their businesses with their local governments. To do so, you will first need to apply for an identification number. In Canada, you would apply for a business number from the The Canada Revenue Agency. This identification number is a 15 character identifier of your business.

Much like a social security number identifies an individual, it identifies a particular business. Once you have this number, you will be able to open up bank accounts in the business' name as well as register with your local government to pay payroll taxes and any sales tax necessary. If permits or licenses are necessary for your business, you will have to apply for those as well.

Prospective small business owners can also apply for a business credit card and open up a business bank account. These accounts will help you keep your business funds separate from your personal funds. They are necessary to establish business credit as well as to purchase supplies and make payroll payments.

Starting a business can be a rewarding venture and help individuals become their own boss. Not every business will become a success, but starting out on the right foot can help.

The many benefits of buying locally Buying locally is a great way for consumers to find the products and services they're looking for and help their local economy along the way. The small businesses in your community may be owned by your next door neighbor, who relies on his or her fellow townspeople to keep the business going strong. Buying locally benefits consumers and members of the community in a number of ways.

• Buying locally creates jobs. The number of unemployed men and women has gradually declined in recent years, but those figures

are still high in many communities. Buying locally creates jobs in your community.

• Buying within your community reduces the amount of fuel you're likely to use for a weekend shopping trip while also reducing pollution. In addition, many local store owners use local materials and ingredients, reducing the amount of fuel consumed to get products into the store.

• Juggling a career and a family can make it hard for men and women to get to know their neighbors and other members of their community. Buying locally

AVOID THE STRESS!

is an opportunity to strengthen that bond with your neighbors, creating a close knit community in which residents may feel safer and more comfortable.

• Convenience is paramount to many consumers, and buying locally saves both time and money.

Driving to a faraway mall or shopping center or paying costly online shipping fees is not nearly as quick or convenient as shopping within your community, where you can purchase and take home items on the same day without using a full tank of gas or

Make this your Office •

•

Call Rhiannon and her team

paying for shipping.

• In 2004, the consultancy Civic Economics examined the economic impact of 10 local businesses against that of chain businesses. The study found that of every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 remained in the local economy, while only $43 of every $100 spent at chain stores remained in the local economy. That's a significant boost to your local economy, and all it requires is shopping at local retailers.

• Buying locally can increase your property value. Homeowners might be able to increase the value of

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their homes by buying locally. A joint study from Independent We Stand and Civic Economics found that municipalities with a strong centralized small business district had a 54% greater increase in property values than communities that did not have such a district.

The reasons for shopping locally are many. In addition to helping local business owners, consumers who shop locally are also helping themselves.

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Holiday Open House

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A12 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Christmas Pyjamas are in!

We also carry jewellery, leather, books and many more great gift selections

778-527-0027 7535 Main St W, Radium Hot Springs, B.C. Christmas Store Hours

Sunday - Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Christmas Sale INDERMERE WV ALLEY

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

's Santaares k Squ d by Lila Fodchu

ps e chi t a l o tch choc cup uttersco itte 1 m b u S b fer ts 1 cup ps m wa a i walnu h a h d r c e g p s p cup cho cup rand 1 1/2 umbs 1 B e l pan. ag cr x9" an E milk " c 9 . d z . ease 1 14.o ndensed ell-gr minutes w co a into out 30 pat ab d n a s for uares e ell e r w g Eve. Mix t 325 de into sq Year's ried by w a e N t f Bake and cu llenGrace De Grouottch homeensaondn thenstdewepay to ennojtoy a b l e o i o l D y e C ul in O itted b om The b caref he w ition

Golf Course

All clothing

50% off All golf equipment

30% off

2012 Adams rental sets. Reg. $899, now

$399

Book of 10 tickets 18 holes (anytime)

$299

Book of 10 tickets 9 holes (anytime)

$199

Closed November Open November 27 – December 22nd 14th – 26th Tuesday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.windermerevalleygolfcourse.com • 250-342-3004

A huge THANK YOU to AG Valley Foods and Invermere Sobeys for sponsoring the EMP and Laird schools’ turkey lunches.

MacStevens Fresh Foods cooked up quite the delicious feast!

Both events were amazingly successful, because of all the volunteer parents and community members.

THANK YOU ALL FOR SUPPORTING YOUR SCHOOLS!

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in Concert

Thursday December 13th DTSS Gym 7 p.m.

Band 9, Band 8, Sr. Concert Band, Sr. Stage Band.

Silver collection at door.

Thank you for your support!

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flour wder cups po 2 1/4 sp baking hino t c s s m 2 e a b e r h 1 1/ up Ma Su eam c ans 3/4 c es ge cr a k c a d pec i p . z e cherr p choppe 1 8 o margarin u r cream 1/2 c 1 cup ups suga tened time, f o c s a a nd 1 1/2 sp vanill ur ne at ly ble t ough dd eggs o cups flo r 1 1/2 o h T A 2 h s . . d t g a s i d g l w nil ree y a 4 e nd va flour 5 deg duall undt to 32 e, sugar a ition. Gra remaining ns or a b ne n e v o n d a o Heat e, margari r each ad . Combine 2 loaf p rees for s e p g r e chees well aft ng powde ns. Greas at 325 de f 1 1/2 cu ith i g a o k e n w i c a k e e x a b i r sh m h p p s and b mixtu Garni d wit 2 cu sifte es and 1/ into pan ze with a ns milk. i r o cherr our batte utes. Gla tablespo . o in s pan. P and 20 m ar and tw s 2 loave e g r k u a u s o M g h cans. d icin sifte es and pe i r cher awfo

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Merry Christmas from EMP PAC and J.A.Laird PAC.

DTSS Bands

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ubm ! for s e n cipes o ery ay re d i l to ev o ite h s avour f r i istma e th y Chr r r e ear!

M ew Y N y p ap and H

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

Letters to Santa

The Valley Echo managed to intercept the flow of Santa letters from Eileen Madson Primary and Windermere Elementary schools to give our readers a peek at some Christmas wish lists before they're sent to the North Pole.

The letters above are from Eileen Madson Primary students.

The three letters below are from students at Windermere Elementary.

We do rubber stamps!

December 14 & 15 at Lions Hall (651 Hwy 93/95)

Fairmont Goldsmiths Give a timeless gift

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to that special someone this holiday season.

VALLEY ECHO T he

342-9216

Food bank donations accepted at the door as admission!

Gift wrapping services available!

Master Goldsmiths Fred Szott • Terry Szott • Brandon Szott 926 - 7 Ave, Invermere • 250-342-8778

A14 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

Valley Life Photo (RIGHT) by Steve Jessel/The Echo There was some holiday cheer at Copper Point Resort on December 8, as ICAN held their annual Photos with Santa fundraiser event. Here, 5-month-old Madison Steinke can't quite manage a smile, desPite the best efforts of mother Krista Steinke (not pictured).

Photo (LEFT) courtesy of DNS Photography A.J. Patterson's dog Shadow was just one of a number of pets who had their photos taken with Santa as part of the Global Animal Lovers fundraiser at Home Hardware on December 8 and 9. The GALs raised roughly $700 at the event.

Submitted photo (RIGHT) Kootenay Savings Invermere Branch Manager, Janice McGregor (left), presents Jenny Richardson, of the Columbia Valley Community Foundation with a donation of $5,626 on behalf the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation.

Photo (ABOVE) by Steve Jessel/The Echo The Invermere branch of the Royal Canadian Legion received a record number of entries into their annual Remembrance Day poster contest this year. Students from across the valley submitted better than 300 entries into the contest, which were judged at the Legion on Sunday December 2.

Submitted photo (LEFT) Recently, the Lake Windermere District Lions Club had the opportunity to host a visit from Pam Ison Reilander, who holds the position of Development Officer — Major Gifts for STARS. The Lions' Club had begun fundraising for the new helipad at the Invermere hospital in 2011 prior to a commitment from Interior health to fund the construction. With the Lions' funds not required, STARS became the obvious choice recipient for these funds. A cheque for $13,821 was presented to Pam by President Harold Hazelaar and club members. For more information on Lions' projects and how you can become involved, visit their website www.lwlions.com

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

COMMUNITY

ICAN would like to thank all the volunteers, guests and following businesses and individuals who made our 1st Annual Raise the Woof Comedy Show & Dinner an overwhelming success. Special thanks to our Master of Ceremonies Bill Cropper, Best Western Invermere Inn for lodging the comedians, Anne Riches for the lovely meal and The Valley Echo for its sponsorship.

Smiling through Menkes Three-year-old Max Warbrick is an inspiration to his family KATE GIBBS Special to The Valley Echo

David Thompson Secondary School Grade 12 student Chantel Borho is trying to raise as much awareness as she possibly can for Menkes disease, a rare but terminal illness where children can’t absorb copper through food. Copper is essential in all areas of development, especially the brain, so without it a person’s life is shortened and they face some tough challenges.

The reason Chantel wants to raise awareness for Menkes is because of her three-year-old cousin Max Warbrick who was diagnosed with it when he was a baby. When he was just a couple months old, Max’s family noticed he wasn’t hitting the milestones that he was supposed to. He wasn’t able to do the things that other babies could do and if he was able to, he would only be able to do them for a short period of time. He also began to have seizures. It was confirmed that Max had Menkes disease when doctors took a sample of his hair — it was very thick, which is very common for kids with Menkes.

Max is unable to walk, talk, or swallow properly. On a daily basis, he will choke on his saliva and it has to be suctioned out or else he will breathe in his phlegm, which

Submitted photo Max Warbrick has shown his family what it means to be strong despite living with Menkes disease.

causes pneumonia.

He also gets fed through a tube that goes to his stomach. “(Food) is all strictly tube fed,” said Max’s mother, Laura Palmer. “Max can’t swallow food properly; everything would just go into his lungs.”

His two cousins, Chantel and her older sister Shanay, are a big help when it comes to feeding him, as well as getting him his medication and entertaining him.

There are challenges that Max and his family face every day — his illness has changed his family’s life forever.

“It’s a hard thing to accept,” Laura said. “There are lots of struggles along the way. It’s hard because it’s a terminal disease and there is no cure.”

“On a more positive not though, we don’t take anything for granted anymore.

Every moment is precious.”

Already, in his three years of life, Max has almost passed away twice. The first time was when he first lost the ability to

swallow, and the second time was when he had a massive seizure and went through respiratory distress.

“We didn’t think he was going to make it through, but he did,” said his proud cousin Chantel. “He’s a real trooper.”

Max has to keep fighting to stay strong, emotionally and physically as well. To keep his muscles strong, the family does exercises with him, which help him keep his head up.

Having a terminal illness like Menkes is very difficult, especially when you’re only three. However, Max has overcome each challenge that life has presented him with a smile on his face.

“He inspires us everyday because he is so strong. He goes through so many terrible things everyday and is still able to smile and giggle,” said Chantel. “Many horrible things can happen, but you can always find a reason to be happy.

“Max teaches you to be strong. He goes through so much, but fights through it every day.”

Chantel and her family want to use their experiences with Max to help raise awareness about Menkes disease.

One in every 100,000 babies has Menkes. Being such a rare disease, not many people know about it, but with more awareness and research being done, little boys like Max can continue living life to the fullest for as long as they can.

Kate Gibbs is a DTSS student writing a series of stories about local residents with diversabilities for The Valley Echo.

Together we will Raise the Roof for a new rescue and adoption facility. We look forward to seeing you at this event next year!

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

•

2nd hand & collectibles 91Sheep.ca All Things Beautiful Anne Riches Catering Anonymous Arly Franson Arrowhead Brewing Company Avon, Anita Zehnder Babin Air Balanced Health Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Be Gifted Best Western Invermere Inn Bicycle Works Bill Cropper, The Blind Guy Blue Dog Cafe BMO - Bank of Montreal Brisco General Store Canadian Tire Candyland Canterbury Flowers Chopper’s Pet Supplies CIBC Columbia Valley Taxi Columbia Valley Trading Company Copper Point Golf Course Copper Point Resort Cutloose Hair Salon & Boutique Darlene McDonald Donna Deschenes, Deschenes Regnier Communication Design Marketing Debbie Haugen

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

District of Invermere Dr. Mark Moneo, Optometrist EZ Rock 106.3 Fat Boyz Pizza Fifth Avenue Collection, JD Jeffery Fresh Fidos Fubuki Sushi Furry Companions Pet Boutique Grant’s Food High Country Properties Horizon Ridge Ranch Inside Edge Boutique & Sport Interior World Invermere District Curling Club Invermere Dry Cleaners Invermere Family Chiropractic Invermere Home Hardware Invermere Veterinary Hospital It’s A Wrap! Jayne Magri Jobkat Excavating John Ashby Joyce Nixon & Whitney Nielsen Jubilee Mountain Apiary/ Beeland Justin Futa KerBam Concrete Finishing Kicking Horse Coffee König Meat & Sausage Company

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Kootenay Bough and Cone Kootenay Savings Credit Union Lakeside Pub Lambert Insurance Agencies Ltd. Lastinghouse Carpentry Inc. Lordco Auto Parts Lulu and Fritz Innovations Inc. MacDonald Thomas Barristers and Solicitors Max Helmer Construction Ltd. Mei Mei’s Nature’s Floors Nipika Mountain Resort Palliser Printing & Publishing Ltd. Peacock Embroidery Petcurean Pet Nutrition Peter Pankovitch Picture This foto source (formerly One Hour Photo) Pip’s Gas Bar & Store Prestige Inn Pynelogs Cafe Quality Bakery (1981) Ltd. Radermacher Chiropractic Radium Hot Springs Pools Rainbow Donkey Rainbow International Restoration & Cleaning River Gems Jewellery & Fossil Gallery

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

We have endeavoured to make this list as accurate as possible. If your name is incorrect or has been omitted please accept our apologies and let us know at 250-341-7888.

invermerevalleyecho.com

Did you know.....

•

•

The Valley Echo has won many provincial and national awards including most recently 2012 Best Ad Design in two categories for both B.C. and the Yukon.

The Valley Echo has donated over a $100,000 in sponsorship to non-profit groups in the Columbia Valley in 2011 and plans to do more in 2012.

•

We deliver to 2,000 homes and businesses across the Columbia Valley from Canal Flats to Spillimacheen every week.

•

The Valley Echo has been the Columbia Valley’s first choice for community news since 1956.

•

Black Press is B.C. owned and operated, and started its first newspaper in Williams Lake in the late 1970’s, now with 170 Community Newspapers, 90 of them operating in B.C.

Est. 1956

The Advisor provides FREE professional business counselling and in-depth business assessment services for established businesses in the Columbia Basin on issues such as: • Financial Management • Human Resources Management • Marketing, Sales and Distribution Strategies • Inventory Control

250.427.2783 wjnixon@xplornet.com www.cbt.org/bba Funded by Columbia Basin Trust Managed by Steele O’Neil

Will Nixon

provides BBA program services to businesses in the East Kootenay region.

Will brings solid business management experience to the program in retail, food service and small business ownership, and has successfully supported businesses in all sectors of the region’s economy.

The BBA Team has a combined forty years in supporting businesses to achieve their full potential.

RK Heli Ski Rocky Metals & Machining Ltd. Rocky River Grill Schoni Artisan Wood Oven Bread Scizzor Sisters Scrappers’ Cove Selkirk TV & Appliance Ltd. Shani Allen Sherry Stober Smoking Waters Coffee Co. Sobeys SORS Construction Soulage Massage Strand’s Old House Restaurant Sue Wells Sunrise Connections Haircare & Design Sunsations Day Spa Suzanna Woodley Syndicate Board Shop Tanya De Leeuw Te Papa Nui The Back Door Wine Cellar The Book Bar The Columbia Valley Pioneer The Valley Echo The Valley Peak Three Bears Gift Shop Tiffany’s Thredz Valley Christian Assembly Valley Fitness Centre Valley Foods Valley Spas

Report road hazards to our 24 hr. hotline 1-800-665-4929

A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

Arts & Entertainment Getting in touch with your creative process Invermere artist offering watercolour painting classes at Pynelogs this January STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

For watercolour artist and painting teacher Carol Gordon of Invermere, the end result isn't always the most important thing.

Rather, Gordon believes in producing art as an expression of a person's creative process, and is aiming to help people find their own with her watercolour classes at Pynelogs this winter.

"What I'm realizing is that it is the creative process that I'm interested in,

and supporting people learning about theirs, as opposed to teaching them about something objectively," Gordon said.

Gordon is running a winter watercolour painting session over five Fridays, beginning on January 11.

Each session is roughly an hour and a half, and will take place at Pynelogs, although Gordon said she is flexible should someone be unable to attend a regular class.

photo by steve jessel/the echo Invermere artist Carol Gordon enjoys creating abstract paintings of landscapes and nature. Her first session of classes begins on January 11.

There are two classes — one for children

A reminder from The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley

Food Hampers & Angel Gifts for Christmas 2012

Submit your request for a hamper by calling 250-342-6752 or 250-342-6789 by Wednesday, December 12.

Phone or email to register your hamper sponsorship by Wednesday, December 12: 250-342-6752 or 250-342-6789; hghoff@telus.net or hw6789@telus.net.

Donate an Angel gift for a child (0-12) at Dairy Queen or a gift for a child (0-12) or senior (65+) at Essentials by Saturday, December 15.

Sponsors: please remember to deliver your hampers to the Invermere Community Hall on Thursday, December 20, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Applicants, pick up hampers and gifts on Thursday, December 20, 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Remember, if you are unable to come to the Community Hall, write a note to authorize someone else to pick up your hamper.

Volunteers will not be available for next day pick-up.

ages 8 and up and one for adults, each running at different times. Adult classes run from 10 to 11:30 a.m. while the children's classes run from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

"Teaching is something that I've always

done; as a little girl I used to teach my dolls and stuffed animals," Gordon said.

Gordon began her relationship with her own creative process at the age of 10, when she started to keep a journal. She

COLUMBIA VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL

Call to Artists for 2013 Gallery Season at Pynelogs Art Gallery For Applications/Guidelines call or email:

250.342.4423 info@columbiavalleyarts.com The deadline is January 17, 2013.

Be part of bringing ARTS to the Columbia Valley

Like us on

What does ART mean to you?

Facebook/pynelogs Current info on all CV Arts events.

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

describes journaling as a relationship with herself and with her own feelings. When she began photography at age 14 she began to find interest in learning more about other people that became subjects for her photography.

"My interest was capturing their essence so I could show it to them," Gordon said.

Gordon began studying watercolour painting in 1975, partly thanks to a need to expand on her photography and explore a new medium. Gordon would go on to have her work shown at numerous shows and galleries throughout the 1980s and 1990s, including the Canmore Artists

and Artisans Guild (an organization she helped form), the Peter Whyte Museum and at Pynelogs after moving to the valley full time in 1999.

"It's been so important in my life to have my creative process alive and well, and I kind of have a belief about it that if more of us did have a healthy relationship with our creative process, we would have a better relationship with ourselves."

As part of her classes at Pynelogs, Gordon will focus on allowing her students to express themselves freely by giving them guidelines as opposed to objective lectures.

She said she wants to create a studio environment for her classes where no judgement is passed, and her students can feel free to explore their own creative processes.

"It just seemed that this approach to watercolours just kind of emerged, because I was looking for a way to express it that went beyond words," Gordon said.

Classes are $100 with an early bird price of $90.

For more information, or to register for a class, call Gordon at 250-341-6114, email her at artworks@carolgordon.ca, or visit her website at www. carolgordon.ca.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17

Sports

Have a sports tip? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-342-9216

Thunder Cats squeeze by CV Rockies

KIJHL Standings-Dec. 10 Kootenay Conference - Eddie Mountain Division

Rockies fall short in bid to overtake Creston for fourth in Eddie Mountain division reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

and forth affair, with Rockies forward Racey Red Crow scoring two goals and assisting on a third as the Rockies took a 3-2 lead into the locker room. Grand Forks turned up the offensive pressure by recording 15 shots to the Rockies eight in the second period, but each team would score and the Border Bruins faced just a one-goal deficit heading into the final stanza. That's when Red Crow would carry the team on his back, first assisting on a goal by team-leading scorer Ryan Henderson and then completing his hat trick just a few minutes later. Grand Froks would get a goal back before the end of the game, but it wasn't enough as

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Fernie Ghostriders

27

17

7

1

37

Kimberley Dynamiters

32

18

14

0

36

Golden Rockets

28

16

10

0

34

Creston Valley

29

10

15

0

24

Columbia Valley Rockies

31

10

19

0

22

Kootenay Conference - Neil Murdoch Division

STEVE JESSEL The Columbia Valley Rockies had a huge chance to overtake the Creston Valley Thunder Cats in the standings when the two teams faced off on Saturday, December 8, and while the Rockies fell by a score of 3-1, head coach Ross Bidinger isn't letting his team get discouraged.

"They were obviously upset (to lose), but we fought 60 minutes and we didn't give up," Bidinger said.

The Rockies opened their weekend slate of games when they hosted the hapless Grand Forks Border Bruins on Friday, December 7. The Bruins lay claim to the KIJHL's worst record having won just four games this season.

Despite that, the first period was a back

Team

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Nelson Leafs

30

22

6

1

46

Castlegar Rebels

30

19

6

4

43

Beaver Valley

30

17

11

1

36

Spokane Braves

29

11

16

1

24

Grand Forks Border Bruins

32

5

25

0

12

Oldtimer Hockey Standings Regular Season photo by steve jessel/the echo Rockies defenceman Jake Fardoe (#20) makes his way around a Creston player December 8 at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

the Rockies claimed a 6-4 victory. Red Crow recorded five points, three goals and two assists, and was named the game's first star.

"He definitely had the offensive touch for sure, everything was going right," Bidinger said.

With the win over Grand Forks, the Rockies found themselves tied with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats for fourth

place in the division heading into their game against the Thunder Cats on December 8. While Creston was mired in the depths of a sevengame losing streak entering this one, they would manage to draw first blood just over two minutes into the game to put the Rockies into an early hole. Creston added to their lead on the powerplay before the period was

up, and headed into intermission with a 2-0 advantage.

Creston controlled the pace of play as the second period opened, however neither team were able to find a chink in the opposing goaltender's armour for much of the frame.

Not much was going right for the Rockies on the offensive end as they had several shots clang off the uprights, and Cres-

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Inside Edge

13

9

4

0

16

Warwick Interiors

13

7

3

3

17

Huckleberry's

13

7

4

2

14

Radium Petro

13

5

5

3

13

Kicking Horse

13

5

7

1

11

Finish Line

13

5

8

0

10

Aquair

13

5

8

0

8

Hi-Heat

13

4

8

1

7

ton would take advantage by scoring a shorthanded goal, and the Thunder Cats held a 3-0 lead as the two teams prepared for the final frame.

The Rockies managed to get a goal back in the third, but it was as close as they

would come, and they lost 3-1.

Next for the Rockies was a tilt against the Golden Rockets on Tuesday, December 11. The score was not available by press time. The Rockies next host Kimberley on December 14.

Columbia Valley Rockies Home Game:

Friday, December 14 7:30 P.M. Thank you to our major sponsors

VS

A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Brain Games

Columbia Valley

Weekend Weather

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Scattered flurries

Scattered flurries

Light snow

Temp: -3oC o Low: -7 C Precip: 1 cm

Temp: -3oC o Low: -7 C Precip: 1 - 3 cm

Temp: -3oC Low: -7oC Precip: 5 - 10 cm

December 14

Crossword December 12, 2012

December 16

December 15

CLUES ACROSS 1. Afraid 7. Love grass 11. Hepburn/ Grant movie 12. Opposite of good 13. Whale ship captain 14. A major U.S. political party 15. Rate of walking 16. A ceremonial procession 18. Unfolded 20. More pretentious 21. Ribbon belts 23. Himalayan wild goats 24. 100 =1 kwanza 25. Japanese wrestling 26. ___asty: family of rulers 27. Luteinizing hormone 29. British Air Aces

VALLEY ECHO T he

30. Being a single unit 31. Opposite of gee 33. National Guard 34. A stratum of rock 35. Have a yen for 37. Cornell tennis center 39. Iranian monetary units 41. Settings in a play 43. Olfactory properties 44. AKA platyfish 46. Free from deceit 47. Ireland 48. 007’s Flemming 51. & & & 52. Kidney, fava or broad 53. W. African country

55. __ Frank’s diary 56. Induces vomiting CLUES DOWN 1. Jame’s “Fifty _____” 2. Scottish game pole 3. Atomic #18 4. Tattered cloth 5. Tokyo 6. Force from office 7. Wigwam 8. Dynasty actress Linda 9. Small mongrel 10. Rapidly departed 11. A corporate leader 13. King of Camelot 16. Mrs. Nixon 17. Macaws 19. Symphony orchestra 21. Cunning

invermerevalleyecho.com

250-342-9216 customerservice@ invermerevalleyecho.com

22. Wheatgrass adjective 26. U. of Texas residential center 28. Estate (Spanish) 32. Pilots and Blues 36. Right angle building wings 38. Store fodder 40. Supersonic transport

41. Brand of plastic wrap 42. Comb-plate 43. Puppeteer Lewis 44. Tatouhou 45. Security interest in a property 49. Direct a weapon 50. One point E of due N 54. Latin for “and”

Answer to December 5:

Horoscope Third week of December ARIES Aries, you may need to take a leap of faith when someone close to you asks for your assistance. Act first and ask questions later. It will be worth it.

TAURUS Taurus, there is bound to be a learning curve when you begin a new job or a new task. Do not be hard on yourself if it takes you a little longer.

Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

Last week’s Sudoku answer -->:

GEMINI Gemini, thoughtful reflection certainly may provide some of the answers you seek. But another way is to simply get out there and ask other people what they think.

CANCER Cancer, sad situations may come up, but you have a way of deflecting the situation and showcasing the bright side of things. You may find you are a person providing support this week.

LEO Leo, many opportunities to entertain family and friends are on the horizon. Honor all of your commitments and enjoy all of the festivities.

VIRGO Virgo, while you aspire to have many friends, you just may find that there are only a few special people who hold the strings to your heart. It is okay to keep them close.

LIBRA Libra, sit down and enjoy some peace and quiet. You may enjoy the break from the frenetic pace you have been keeping the last few months.

SCORPIO Ever an ideas person, Scorpio, now you have to put some follow-through into those plans. You can likely find a few friends to join you on your next adventure.

SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius, things certainly go on when you’re not around, but others may notice they just may not be as fun. You often lend joviality to anything you attend so spread your cheer.

CAPRICORN Capricorn, bide your time and you just may end the year on a bang. Don’t be afraid to add other things to your last-minute wish list because your goals just may be met.

AQUARIUS Aquarius, you enjoy social situations but that doesn’t mean you have to be the life of the party. Keep this in mind as you attend holiday gatherings.

PISCES Pisces, while others are thinking about what presents they want under the tree, you may be thinking of how to give back to others.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE MARINE

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition. bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisment and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisment and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, color, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT

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Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form whatsoever, particularly by a photographic or offset process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

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Announcements

Employment

Information

Career Opportunities

ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2013-2015 BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations Synopsis

The most effective way to reach an incredible number of BC Sportsmen & women.

Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: ďŹ sh@blackpress.ca Al-Anon - Are you con-

cerned about or affected by someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 PM at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 - 12th Ave, (behind the Invermere hospital).

For information, please call 250-342-8255

ALCOHOLICS Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. Call 250-342-2424 for more information. All meetings are at 8 p.m. Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday groups - Columbia United AA at the BC Services building, south end, 625 4th Street Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday, Catholic Church. All meetings are open.

FREE pick up and delivery for Christmas hampers Dec 20th.

Call 250-347-9982

Lost & Found LOST: IPhone 5, black with lime-green case between Home Hardware & Canadian Tire. Reward will be given 341-5703

Travel

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Weekly/Monthly Rates, Free Local Calls, Free Local Beach Transportation.

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HAWAII ON the Mainland, healthy low-cost living can be yours. Modern Arenal Maleku Condominiums, 24/7 secured Community, Costa Rica â&#x20AC;&#x153;friendliest country on earthâ&#x20AC;?!

1-780-952-0709; www.CanTico.ca.

Christmas Corner

LEARN FROM home. Earn from home. Medical Transcriptionists are in demand. Lots of jobs! Enrol today for less than $95 a month. 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com admissions@canscribe.com

Services

Services

Health Products

Misc Services

Misc. Wanted

Homes Wanted

GET 50% off - Join Herbal Magic this week and get 50% Off. Lose weight quickly, safely and keep it off, proven results! Call Herbal Magic today!

1-800-854-5176.

CRESTEEL HVAC (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;81) LIMITED

Looking for heavy duty bandsaw & Wood- Mizer bandsaw.

Call Peter 250-342-1073

TRADE my home in Calgary (MLS C 354 2937) plus prime lot in Bella Vista for your home in Panorama or Columbia Valley. Call Ray @ 403-473-3359 or 403-890-4950

250-342-6312

Education/Trade Schools TAYLOR PRO TRAINING *Heavy Equipment Operator Training *Commercial Driver Training Call today 1-877-860-7627 www.taylorprotraining.com

Help Wanted An Alberta Construction Company is hiring Dozer and Excavator Operators. Preference will be given to operators that are experienced in oilfield road and lease construction. Lodging and meals provided. The work is in the vicinity of Edson, Alberta. Alcohol & Drug testing required. Call Contour Construction at 780-723-5051.

INVERMERE PETRO CANADA is currently accepting applications for full time and part time employment.

Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Passionate about print

Commercial print company seeking experienced team members. All positions considered; top compensation for top performance.

Email: don@RMPrint.com Required for an Alberta Trucking Company. One Class 1 Driver. Must have a minimum of 5 years experience pulling low boys and driving off road. Candidate must be able to pass a drug test and be willing to relocate to Edson, Alberta. Fax resumes to: 780725-4430

Financial Services DROWNING IN debts? Helping Canadians 25 years. Lower payments by 30%, or cut debts 70% thru Settlements.

Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. www.mydebtsolution.com or Toll Free 1-877-556-3500 IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s That Simple.

Your Credit / Age / Income is not an issue. 1.800.587.2161.

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca M O N E Y P R OV I D E R . C O M . $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

Legal Services

Trades, Technical HINO CENTRAL Fraser Valley is seeking a Commercial Vehicle Technician (Senior Apprentice or Journeyman) to add to our growing team in Langley. We offer a competitive salary and full benefits in a fully-equipped ultra-modern facility.

Visit www.hinocentral.com Apply to: hr@hinocentral.com; fax: 780-6384867.

NORTHERN ALBERTA clearing contractor seeks experienced Buncher and Skidder Operators for work in Northern Alberta. Subsistence and accommodations provided; email jobs@commandequipment.com Fax 780-488-3002.

WARWICK Cabinets in Invermere currently seeking experienced lacquer sprayer/ finisher. Job entails prep, sanding, staining and lacquer spraying of cabinets, cabinet doors and custom wood projects manufactured in our modern cabinet shop. Ph: 250-342-6264, Fax: 250-342-3546 or e-mail: info@warwick-interiors.com

Work Wanted Clean, class 2 with air nonsmoker, call Dave 250-3413541

Christmas Corner

There are at least two things that cannot be produced and boxed overseas and put on our store shelves at christmas. One is the spirit of peace and goodwill, the other is a real Christmas tree.

Have a merry â&#x20AC;&#x153;Real Treeâ&#x20AC;? Christmas.

Furnace and Heat Pump Installation Service and Repair

In Memoriam

Merchandise for Sale

Private Coin Collector Buying Collections, Accumulations, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins + Chad: 250-863-3082 in Town

Merchandise for Sale

Real Estate

Heavy Duty Machinery

Acreage for Sale

A- STEEL SHIPPING STORAGE CONTAINERS / Bridges / Equipment Wheel loaders JD 644E & 544A / 63â&#x20AC;&#x2122; & 90â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Stiff boom 5th wheel crane trucks/Excavators EX200-5 & 892D-LC / Small forklifts / F350 C/C â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cabsâ&#x20AC;?20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;45â&#x20AC;&#x2122;53â&#x20AC;&#x2122; New/ Used/ Damaged /Containers Semi Trailers for Hiway & StorageCall 24 Hrs 1-866-528-7108 Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for Sale AT LAST! An iron filter that works. IronEater! Fully patented Canada/U.S.A. Removes iron, hardness, smell, manganese. Since 1957. Visit our 29 innovative inventions online at: www.bigirondrilling.com Phone 1-800-BIG-IRON. BIG BUILDING sale... â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;?This is a clearance sale you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss!â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;? 20x20 $3,985.

25x24 $4,595. 30x36 $6,859.

35x48 $11,200.

40x52 $13,100. 47x76 $18,265. One End wall included. Call Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422. www.pioneersteel.ca FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey.

Fir,Pine, & Larch.

Phone 250-342-6908 GREAT GIFT IDEA! ChillSpot is The COOLEST Dog Bed-A new and innovative, thermodynamically cooled dog bed, that enhances the cool tile surfaces our pets rely on during the warm weather months. Use promo code COOLGIFT For 10 % off! www.chillspot.biz HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

In Memoriam Gerald (Gerry) Wayne Miller

June 3, 1940 - December 14, 2010 Cherished always and loved forever.

It has been two years since our dear Ger passed away. We know that he is our guardian angel giving us strength to deal with the sad times and bringing the joy to celebrate the happy times.

Our Ger is ever present in our hearts and his legacy of love continues to guide us.

With deep love and fond memories, Bendina, Barb, Mike, Cole and Adam, Pam, Chris and Sam, along with our extended family.

By shopping local you support local people.

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Floor ReďŹ nishing/ Installations

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Help Wanted

Help Wanted Reporter/Photographer The Valley Echo Location: Invermere, B.C.

The Valley Echo, a weekly newspaper in southeastern B.C. with a circulation of 2,100, has an opening for a reporter/ photographer in its busy two-person newsroom.

Applicants will have a keen sense for news and be motivated to generate story ideas, and able to write scintillating stories that keep readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest. An interest in community sports reporting is also ideal.

The Valley Echo is a Black Press publication.

As the largest independently owned newspaper company in Canada, with more than 150 titles in print and online, Black Press has operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Washington, Hawaii, California and Ohio. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and opportunity for advancement within the chain.

The Valley Echo is based in Invermere, a popular tourist destination located in the heart of the Columbia Valley between the Purcell and Rocky Mountains. News coverage extends north to include Radium Hot Springs and its surrounding communities and south to include Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal Flats.

Qualifications t " QPTU TFDPOEBSZ KPVSOBMJTN EJQMPNB PS EFHSFF t " WBMJE ESJWFS T MJDFOTF BOE SFMJBCMF WFIJDMF t " EJHJUBM DBNFSB t &YQFSJFODF XJUI "EPCF 1IPUPTIPQ BOE *O%FTJHO t &YDFMMFOU DPNQVUFS TLJMMT t &YDFMMFOU QIPUPHSBQIZ TLJMMT t &YDFMMFOU XSJUJOH BOE JOUFSWJFXJOH TLJMMT t "WBJMBCMF UP DPWFS FWFOJOH BOE weekend events on an as-needed basis t $PNGPSUBCMF DPWFSJOH B XJEF WBSJFUZ PG UPQJDT t 5FBN PSJFOUFE BOE BCMF UP UBLF EJSFDUJPO XFMM Interested candidates should send cover letter, resumĂŠ, writing and photography samples to: Nicole Trigg, Editor The Valley Echo Box 70 530 13th Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Email: editor@invermerevalleyecho.com Web: www.invermerevalleyecho.com 1MFBTF BMTP TUBUF XIFSF ZPV GPVOE UIJT KPC

A20 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Rentals

Transportation

Apt/Condo for Rent

Auto Financing

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

2BDRM, 1 1/2 BATH Willow View apartment for rent, in Canal Flats. Great view, 2 parking stalls, F/S, D/W. Walking distance to arena, park and store. $850 + utilities & D.D., references required. Available immediately. Call (250)3495306 or (250)489-8389, leave mess.

PINEWOOD 1200 sq foot condo for rent. 2 bdrms, 2 baths, underground parking, N/S, N/P, all appliances inc laundry; unfurnished $875, furnished $1000. Ph. 403-804-7166 RADIUM - Cozy 1 bdrm, 1 bath condo over 800 sq ft for rent at the Peaks available Jan 1. 7 appliances, underground parking, pool, indoor and outdoor hot tub. NS, Deposit required. Asking $800/ month.

403-285-4759, 403-291-4804, 403880-9719

RADIUM - downtown

New 2 bdrm, 2 full baths in The Pinewood. 3rd floor, fireplace, N/S. $1000/mth, utilities included.

Underground parking.

Available Dec 1.

Call Judy 250-345-0225 or 250-341-1903 Radium: Furnished 2 bdm condo for rent. Newer, attractive, 1 block from hwy. All appliances incl. Underground parking, N/S, N/P. Avail now. $900/mth. Long term lease available call 403-860-1740

Homes for Rent 3 BR HOUSE - Great location & lake views! One level, W/D, F/S, DW. Avail Jan 1st. $815 + Utilities. Jeff 250-688-1105

Cars - Domestic 2005 CHEV Cavalier VL 2D Coupe. Automatic, 152,500km good condition $4,500 OBO 250-341-5920 LOOKING FOR A DEAL ON A NEW VEHICLE? Save up to 40% OFF your next new vehicle...

No games or gimmicks, deal direct with local dealerships. www.newcarselloff.com

Suites, Lower RADIUM - Spacious bright 2-bdrm, 1 bath, shared laundry, shared large back yard. $600/mth + D/D + hydro.

250-347-9970.

No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

Suites, Upper 2 bedrm, newly renovated, fridge, stove, D/W, W/D, N/P, N/S. $850 + DD, utilities included. 250-342-3335

Transportation

Auto Financing

Off Road Vehicles ATV’S, UTV’s, Dirt Bikes & Golf Buggies. Kamloops Cartsplus. www.cartsplusbc.com 1-888-371-3946. kamloopscartsplus@shawbiz.ca

DreamTeam Auto Financing “0” Down, Bankruptcy OK Cash Back ! 15 min Approvals

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

Trucks & Vans 2001 Dodge Sport Caravan $3000 250-342-3378

CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION Of OF INVERMERE Worship Services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere Pastor Rev. fraser Fraser Coltman Pastor Rev. David Morton 1-866-426-7564

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

CANADIAN MARTYRS CATHOLIC CHURCH

Roman Catholic Parish Pastor: Father Gabriel 250-342-6167 Invermere 250-344-6328 Golden Confession: 1/2 hour before Mass Canadian Martyrs Church Sautrday, December 15thth 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Sunday, December 16 Saturday at 7 p.m.

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

9 a.m.

Sunday at 9 a.m.

Advent Quiet Day, All Saints, Edgewater St. Joseph Church Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Highway 93-95, Radium Hot Springs 9:30 a.m.

Sunday at 11 a.m.

Sunday, December 16th God’s Breakfast Club Sacred Heart Parish 9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

808 - 11 Street, Golden AllSunday Saints, School Edgewater Sunday at 5 p.m.

10:30 Pageant, a.m.

Christmas St. Anthony’s Mission Sunday School 250-342-6644 250-342-6644 100-7th 100-7th Avenue, Avenue, Invermere Invermere www.wvsm.ca www.wvsm.ca Reverend Reverend Laura Laura Hermakin Hermakin

Christ Church Trinity, Corner of Luck and Dunn, Canal Flats Christmas Pageant, Invermere Saturday at 4:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, Invermere (served from Kimberly)

RADIUM CHRISTIAN fELLOWSHIP FELLOWSHIP For more information call 250-342-6633 or 250-347-6334 Loving God, Loving People #4 - 7553 Main Street West, Radium Sundays at 10 a.m.

Bible Studies #4 - 7553 Main Street West, Radium Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Kids’ Church Edgewater Hall Thursday 6:30 p.m.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

326 - 10th Ave. 250-342-9535 REV. TREVOR HAGAN Senior Pastor www.lakewindermerealliance.org

Sunday, December 16th 10:30 a.m.

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Hwy. 93/95 1 km north of Windermere Pastor: Murray Wittke Sunday Service 10 a.m. Worship & Word Kid’s Church Provided

Worship and Life Instruction, Call the office at 250-342-9511 “The Joy Of Christmas” … for more information.

Pastor Trevor ministering. www.valleychristianonline.com “K.I.D.S.” Church, for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grade 2 Sharing Truth to Grade 5, during the Morning Showing Love Service.

Following the Spirit

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A21

Business profile A hidden gem Family-owned Fairmont Goldsmith has operated in the Columbia Valley for over 15 years STEVE JESSEL reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

The art of the goldsmith is one that takes patience and attention to detail, but for Terry Szott of Fairmont Goldsmiths seeing the final result makes it all worthwhile. “(What I enjoy) more than anything, it’s to see the final product,” Terry said.

“That gives you that satisfaction at the end of the day that it turned out, and the customer is happy.”

Fairmont Goldsmiths is a familyowned and operated business that had its start in Fairmont Hot Springs in 1997. The shop was started by Fred and Maureen Szott, who previously had their own goldsmith shop in St. Albert, Alberta for 37 years before semiretiring to Fairmont Hot Springs, their favourite vacation spot. Their son Terry decided to sell his dental practice and

take over the family goldsmith location in St. Albert, but after 20 years joined his parents in Invermere. Grandson Brandon Szott had already joined Fred and Maureen during that time, and today the four family members all work together at their location at #5 Frater Landing in Invermere. The advantages of having many skilled goldsmiths in one location pays dividends for customers.

“The totally unique thing about us compared to a lot of jewelry stores now is that we do the work right here,” Fred said. “Nothing gets sent out.”

Fairmont Goldsmiths specializes in designing custom pieces made of white and yellow gold, ranging from rings, pendants, and earrings, to neck pieces and brooches. Each custom-designed piece is completely one of

photo by steve jessel/the echo Family members (l-r) Fred, Maureen, Brandon and Terry Szott of Fairmont Goldsmith are renowned for their custom jewelry.

a kind, and so the amount of time each piece takes varies.

Generally, the process begins in one of two ways — either someone brings a custom jewelry design of their own to the shop, or they come requesting that the goldsmiths design something themselves. A few different designs are created and shown to the customer, and once the final design is approved, the process of creating the jewelry begins.

First, a wax model of the design is created to exact specifications, either by hand or with the aid of of a computerized mill system using a CAD program. After the

Thanks to the Columbia Valley Rockies hockey players who showed up to the Skate with Santa event at the arena on Saturday, December 8.

VALLEY ECHO T he

from such well known companies as Bulova, Celebrity and Seiko.

They also have a large variety of precious stones and diamonds on hand to help personalize any piece they create. They also do repairs and ap-

praisals on site, and often take old gold on trade as part payment for any work.

Terry said that their business relies on a lot of return customers, and that they come from all over the world. Fred has

even had the honour of creating a gold ring for the late Pope John Paul II in the past. “(I love) the people,” he said. “You’re always meeting very interesting people, and their ideas are always unique.”

WE

Very classy!

The kids loved it and so did I!

initial wax model is created, it’s cast into gold. The wax piece is baked in a specialty oven at 1,200 degrees Celsius to remove the wax and then placed in a spin casting machine. Then either the yellow or white gold is melted and shot into the mould in a process called the lost wax casting technique. Lastly, the filing, polishing and setting stones takes place and a piece is created.

“It’s always original, because the mould is broken apart to get the gold out,” Terry said.

Fairmont Goldsmiths also offers retail jewelry from finished gold and silver items to watches

WE USE

-Santa Claus

:

A cold web offset printing process which creates no emissions 100% canola based inks

The NEWSpaper in the Columbia Valley

REDUCE Our Newsprint is made from

over 50%

recycled paper

REUSE • Share with a friend • Train the puppy • Use as packing •Arts & Crafts paper

RECYLCE Please be responsible and

Spend time with friends and family.

Your local Tim Hortons invites you to a Free Skate. It’s our way of saying thank you. Please join us at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena on Dec. 16th from 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm, Dec. 23rd from 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm and Dec. 27th from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm.

recycle your paper!

VALLEY ECHO T he

© Tim Hortons, 2007

A22 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

Building your Wealth Market Update

Level

Weekly change

Year-to-Date

12,160

-0.7%

1.7%

Dow

13,155

1.0%

7.7%

NASDAQ

2,978

-1.1%

14.3%

Oil US$/B

$85.93

-3.4%

-13.1%

CDN $ Per USD

$0.988

-0.6%

-3.2%

S&P/TSX

Planning Can See You Through I was thinking the other day about a small business owner I wanted to have as a client. He was not at all happy with the direction in which his business or his life seemed to be heading, and I thought I could help. When I talked to him about planning his direction and his future, however, he was even unhappier.

Many people seem to react this way when they think too far down the road.

I can’t remember anyone who was right on the first attempt. Why is that? We all want to see the path before us, at least to watch out for danger. We want to see clearly and correctly. People I knew sometimes looked ahead and were unhappy, so they blamed the process. It’s like when we were kids and covered our eyes, honestly believing that either we wouldn’t be seen, or that trouble would go away when we looked again. It didn’t work then any better than it does now.

I haven’t yet got my small business owner to think ahead. If you asked him he would say something like – planning is never worth the effort because it’s always wrong. It’s hard to persuade someone to plan ahead when they’ve had a bad experience. But this is no reason to stop planning.

For starters, the earlier you know where you’re going, the longer you have to think it through. The longer you give yourself to think the more likely you are to anticipate both success and failure.

Another advantage of deciding what direction you’re going well in advance is that time allows you to think about the conditions you need in place to get where you want to go - and what to do if things change. You may go somewhere other than where you expected. However, much of the planning you did will still be worthwhile.

There are two errors that people make when they attempt to plan. One of the most common errors is to expect that a plan will work as it was supposed to. An old military thought says, ‘no plan survives the first

instant of combat.’ Dwight D. Eisenhower once said “In preparing for battle, I have found that planning is essential, but plans are useless.” Why should our own plan be any different? One of the things they teach military leaders is to assess what is needed after that first moment of combat, and then decide what to do.

Is there any difference in planning your business or your life? The soldier plans, then modifies according to what they need. Shouldn’t we?

Even more important, the soldier knows where he wants to go. If this plan doesn’t survive combat, he decides from there what will get him to his goal. You, too, know a lot about where you want to go. You know what kind of person you want to be, what kind of husband or wife; what kind of father and business person. It’s not what you earned, or where you lived, or the toys you had. It’s who you have been that counts.

Another common reason for dissatisfaction with planning is that we have a desire for something solid and permanent that we can count on. Here, change

is hitting hard. Nothing is certain because of constant change in everything. Yet in both our lives and our history nothing has ever been certain, or solid. We just thought there was.

Every generation has experienced disruption. There have been floods, wars, cold weather and drought that caused massive migrations, social change and death. Our past has only appeared more stable because it is more distant than our present. The planning of our ancestors was no more certain than ours.

Wanting to be right often gets in the way. We want to say our plans were ‘right.’ We don’t want to keep them up to date. But that we always have to. Can you imagine what your ancestor thought when, in the midst of planning for spring sowing, he was drafted into an army and made to fight? Talk about disruption of planned activity!

Rather than focusing on permanent and unwavering plans, we would be better off if we spoke of the planning we need as ‘growth’. We can’t ever have something permanent, but we can grow from where we are to where we will become. It’s a progressive thing that has risen from a shift of perceptions of what we hold dear within the changing world around us. That portion of us that wants to have permanence, rightness and solidity can be harnessed to keep us focused, and actively work toward achievement.

Have you ever raised or trained a puppy? Our thinking, demanding mind is like the puppy. It wants what is right now, close and satisfying. In order to settle down and obey our commands, it must be trained and disciplined. Like our planning, training and discipline involves setbacks and aggravations. Eventually, though, the puppy turns into a genuine companion and gives a lot of satisfaction. The puppy comes to feel a desire to please its human.

So, too, our planning can come to be a great companion that helps us see our way forward.

The Valley Echo Wednesday,December 12, 2012

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A23

PHOTOS BY STEVE JESSEL & NICOLE TRIGG

STAND-OUT STOREFRONTS PART II: Last week The Valley Echo made an effort to showcase two of the entries in this year's Invermere Business Committee window decorating contest as part of an ongoing series but failed miserably with two very dark photographs that didn't do either store justice.

Here they are again — Inside Edge Boutique (bottom left) and The Bistro Family Restaurant (top left) — with two more entries... Her Public Boutique (bottom right) and River Gems Gallery (top right).

The The Christmas The Rotary Club of Christmas Bureau Invermere Bureau Windermere Valley

Rotary Club of Invermere

A Book Under Every Tree The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy will be collec8ng new and gently used books to place in Christmas hampers. Books are needed for children, youth and adult readers.

Please place your dona?on of new or gently used books in collec?on bins at AG Valley Foods or Invermere Sobey’s un?l December 17, 2012 For more informa?on, please contact Ka?e Andruschuk at kandruschuk@cbal.org

We’re ready... are you?

Land Awards Finalist nd 2012 Awards Finalist 2012 Land Awards Finalist

The Real Foundation The Real Estate Estate Foundation of BC congratulates ofBC BC congratulates state Foundation The of congratulates Community Greenhouse The Community Greenhouse The Real Estate Foundation of BC congratulates A project of Groundswell Network Society

Community Greenhouse forA demonstrating leadership, innovation, projectoutstanding of Groundswell The Community Greenhouse and collaboration in sustainable land use in British f Groundswell Network Society Network Society Columbia.

Your initiative contributes to a resilient, healthy community and natural of environment, and for demonstrating outstanding leadership, A project Groundswell Network Society ting outstanding leadership, innovation, a better place toin live. innovation,makes and BC collaboration sustainable

ation in sustainable use in British forindemonstrating outstanding leadership, innovation, land land use British Columbia. our initiative contributes to acollaboration resilient, and in sustainable land use in British Your initiative contributes to a resilient, healthy community and natural environment, andcontributes to a resilient, mmunity and natural environment, and initiative Columbia.

Your makes a better place to be. akes BC a better placeB.C. tohealthy live. community and natural environment, and makes BC a better place to live.

Did you know we have huuuuge Seniors' discounts?

A24 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 The Valley Echo

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