Invermere Valley Echo, January 16, 2013

The Columbia Valley’s Newspaper Since 1956

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen

VALLEY ECHO T he

Wednesday, October 2012 Wednesday, January31, 16, 2013

Vol. 403 Vol.56 57Issue Issue

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Celebrating the season of the snowflake Pg A12

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NICOLE TRIGG/ECHO PHOTO (L-R) Greg Fenton, Ann McIntosh, Darcy Martin, Christine Dubois and Bruce McIntosh were just a handful of the people who made it to Panorama Mountain Village on Wednesday, January 9 for the ski resort's record snowfall of the year so far — 43 centimetres in 48 hours. For information on Panorama's Snowflake Festival this weekend, turn to page A17.

Local teachers tackle child poverty Windermere Teachers' Association urges District of Invermere to act NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Windemere Teachers’ Association (WTA) is following the lead of the British Columbia Teachers’

Federation (BCTF) and calling on municipal and provincial governments to develop a comprehensive and accountable child poverty reduction plan for the province of British Columbia.

B.C. is one of two Canadians provinces without a plan — the other being Manitoba — and the evidence can be found in teachers’ classrooms, WTA president told District of Invermere council on January 8.

After the BCTF identified child poverty as a concern,

Murray said he talked to local teachers to find out what they were seeing, and what he discovered was disturbing.

Students come to class stressed and anxious because of family issues at home related to lack of employment and other issues. One teacher told him students were regularly stealing each other’s lunches, something he’d never seen before.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

First baby of 2013!

Hali Maria Brown of Invermere is the first baby born in 2013 to residents of the Columbia Valley

Callie is 8!

Happy 50th birthday, Dave!

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Columbia Valley's first baby of 2013 is Hali Maria Brown of Invermere, who was born at Cranbrook Regional Hospital at 2:07 a.m. on Thursday, January 10 weighing eight pounds, one ounce.

"She is a really big deal," laughed Hali's proud mom, Jeanelle Reynolds, a hair stylist at Scizzor Sisters in Invermere.

Hali is the first grandchild on Jeanelle's side of the family and on her husband Randy Brown's

side too. She is welcomed into the world by her great-grandparents Ed Reynolds and Dorothy Brown, both of whom reside in Invermere, by her grandparents Kathy Emery in Trail, Eric Brown in Invermere, and Linda and Don Reynolds, also both in Invermere, and of course by her ecstatic parents, Jeanelle and Randy.

Jeanelle was scheduled to be induced on the morning of Wednesday, January 9, one week after

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nicole trigg/echo photo Dad Randy, baby Hali (pictured here at four days old) and Mom Jeanelle.

her ultrasound due date, which was New Year's Day, but by the time they made it to the hospital, she had been having minor contractions for two days and was already starting to dilate.

"They said, 'We're not inducing you, you can stay here or go home'," Randy explained. "We managed to stay away for two hours."

After a full day of major contractions, Hali "came out sunny side up," he said, with the same birthday as his aunt in Cranbrook.

"We're just glad it wasn't between Christmas and New Year's; now she gets a real birthday," he said.

"We were so lucky be-

cause everything went so well through the whole pregnancy, then with the labour and delivery," said Jeanelle.

They discovered the name Hali online, and chose the spelling because it means "sea", as in the ocean.

"It was original and simple," said Jeannelle. The name Maria has family significance, as it's Jeanelle's sister's middle name, and also the name of Randy's brother-in-law's mother who passed away from cancer.

Both sides of the family are already debating over which side of the family Hali takes after the most, which Jeanelle finds extremely amusing.

"If it's his side, they see something on their side, if it's my side, they see something on our side," she said.

Her aunt has decided Hali has the family nose, while Randy's mother has identified what she calls "the Brown chin".

"Otherwise, all in all, to me she just looks like herself," Jeanelle said. "And of course, she's awesome; she's very good, we're pretty lucky.

"It's such a funny thing," she added.

"We don't ever ever understand it until we have them; now I understand why people would hold them all the time."

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A3

Page Three

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

Eagle Ranch closes for renovations Announcement results in unexpected layoffs for resort staff

Content Opinion.......................... ...............A6-A7 Community Calendar.........................A9 A&E....................................................A15 Sports.........................................A16-A17 Brain Games......................................A18 Business Profile.................................A19 Build Your Wealth..............................A20 Classifieds..................................A21-A22 Remember When?.............................A23 Business Directory............................A24

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

One of the Columbia Valley’s world class dining experiences has unexpectedly closed down for the remainder of the winter season to the dismay of customers and employees.

Eagle Ranch Resort shut the doors of its clubhouse shortly after Christmas. The decision to close the clubhouse, which normally offers a popular fine dining option through the winter months, was made in December, Guy Turcotte told The Valley Echo. Turcotte is the president and CEO of Stone Creek Resorts, the parent company of Eagle Ranch Resort as well as Silvertip Resort in Canmore.

“What we’re going to be doing is upgrading,” he said. “We’re rebranding our restaurant a little bit to what we have up at Silvertip. We have a steakhouse and seafood concept there; we want to bring that dining experience to our clientele at Eagle Ranch.”

The new concept will require new state-of-the-art kitchen equipment, such as a high temperature grill. Reno-

Echo Index

Columns MLA Report.........................................A7 For the Love of Food...........................A7

Features Snowflake Festival.....................A12-A13 NICOLE TRIGG/ECHO PHOTO Stone Creek Resorts president and CEO Guy Turcotte says the closure will expand Eagle Ranch Resort's dining operation. The resort is expected to reopen in April.

vations will also extend to the dining room, which will be remodelled to create more of a private atmosphere.

“We’ve had very good success with this in our Canmore operation so we’re going to be doing that at Eagle Ranch,” Turcotte said.

Additionally, the patio will see the installation of a pergola with wooden beams as well as gas heaters and night lighting to allow for comfortable outdoor dining in the summer.

“Something we’ve had significant demand for,” said Turcotte. “This will help expand our dining operation.”

The unexpected announcement came as a

surprise to employees, who were informed of their impending layoff on Boxing Day. Several staff quit on the spot, leaving the resort in a lurch for its New Year’s Eve celebration, which it was forced to cancel. Clientele with reservations were informed they had to go elsewhere.

“I feel extremely badly about that for both our customers and our employees,” said Turcotte.

He admitted Stone Creek Resorts could have been more forthcoming with its employees.

“There’s never a good time to lay off anybody but this is absolutely temporary and it is

for an upgrade that we’re doing in earnest to revamp our kitchen and patio,” he said.

Turcotte also laid to rest any rumours that the layoff was orchestrated to allow the resort to start over with fresh faces. All former employees would have the opportunity to be hired back, he said. The goal is to reopen in April for the golf season.

“This wasn’t a concept of where we’re laying off people not to hire them back,” said Turcotte. “That’s not a correct rumour because we’re trying to run a very high quality operation. We always have actually and this isn’t changing; this is even going higher.”

Funding approved for urban deer relocation District of Invermere will seek a group to manage new deer program NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The District of Invermere (DOI) has set funding aside for the relocation of 100 urban deer and is looking for a group to get the job done.

On January 8, DOI council voted to authorize funding for the development and implementation of a provincially-permitted relocation program to any group, local or otherwise, that meets the necessary criteria.

“I think this is a good move, reaching out to those who have been in disagreement with the DOI,” said Coun-

cillor Paul Denchuk. the DOI’s Urban Deer Committee Conditions of the newly-approved that included the culling of up to 100 funding include a maximum of 100 deer. For budget reasons, the district deer to be removed from the com- opted to proceed with the cull in 2012, munity at a maximum cost of $300 stating that guidelines for relocation per deer before the end of 2014. The would be put in place in 2013. Comsuccessful group munity protests, must secure a “I think this is a good move, tampering with valid relocation traps, and a civil reaching out to those who have permit from the suit filed agains Province of Brit- been in disagreement with the DOI.” the district by ish Columbia as PAUL DENCHUK the Invermere well as provide DISTRICT OF INVERMERE COUNCILLOR Deer Protection liability insurSociety (IDPS) ance and a waiver to protect the dis- ensued. An injunction obtained by trict from all liability and claims. A the IDPS from the Supreme Court of final report to the district regarding B.C. also temporarily halted the cull, the outcome of the relocation is also which killed just 19 deer before the a requirement. district’s provincial permit expired. As Relocation was originally agreed to a result of the lawsuit, approximately by council in 2011 as part of the twoCONTINUES TO 'LAWSUIT' ON PAGE A3 pronged strategy recommended by

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Last week's online poll results Do you support Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence's hunger strike?

Total Votes: 25 Yes: 16% No: 84%

(4 votes) (21 votes)

This week's online poll question Should Auditor General John Doyle be reappointed for another six-year term?

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Wednesday, January 9, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Local Liberal candidate defends auditor-general decision The decision by an all-party legislative committee not to reappoint B.C.’s current

auditor general John Doyle for another term is being defended by BC Liberal candidate

for Columbia-Revelstoke Doug Clovechok as the best decision for the province.

We love our grandchildren!

The Valley Echo will be publishing this very popular section in the February 6 issue. to We would be pleased publish the photo of your grandchild(ren) in this special.

Drop off a photo along with child(ren)s’ name(s), parents’ and grandparents’ name(s) and for $40 + HST we will include them in this section.

Deadline is Friday, February 1 at 12 p.m.

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Update your Driving Skills and Knowledge Looking Ahead to 2013

“I have noticed many drivers stopping at a red light several feet behind the car in front. Having asked my daughters who had recently passed their driving exams about this and both told me that their instructor had told them, even when stopped, they must leave at least one car length distance behind the car in front. Is it really true that our young drivers are taught to stop several feet behind the car, also stopped, in front?”

I wasn’t taught to drive nearly so recently, but this is the practice that I had to follow as well. When I came to a stop if I could not see pavement between the front edge of my hood and the bottoms of the tires of the vehicle in front of me I received a black mark from my instructor. This space is a safety cushion and all drivers should make it a habit.

The cushion serves three purposes: it allows you to pass the vehicle in front, you will not be pushed into the vehicle in front if you are hit from behind and you are not as likely to be hit if the vehicle in front of you rolls backward or the driver backs up without looking.

When my daughter was learning to drive with a standard transmission, I had to exit the car and ask the driver behind to either back up and either wait or drive around. She had stopped quite close to our back bumper at a stop sign and we were worried about rolling back. The “L” sign on the rear of the vehicle might be a clue that the driver needs even more space than usual.

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience.

To comment or learn more, please visit www.drivesmartbc.ca.

101A 1028 7 Avenue PO Box 130 Invermere BC • Phone: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669

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“I think it’s important that people understand first of all the auditor general’s position is not going anywhere,” Clovechok said. “It isn’t getting eliminated.”

The move to deny Doyle a second term has drawn widespread criticism.

During his term as financial watchdog, Doyle had shaken up the B.C. government’s financial affairs, criticizing BC Hydro’s debt and the state of B.C.’s forest inventory following the pine beetle epidemic. He is also currently investigating the legal fees paid to two convicted BC Liberal insiders in the BC Rail scandal and has exposed lack of monitoring by the BC Environmental Assessment Office of mitigation requirements on holders of environmental certificates.

Doyle is getting his

Unaninimous decision best for British Columbia: Clovechok NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

walking papers from done and we believe the BC Liberals, sim- that he should conply for doing his job, tinue in his role as Columbia River–Rev- Auditor General.” elstoke MLA Norm The five-member Macdonald said in a committee is comrelease. prised of three Lib“A u d i t o r eral and two General John MLAs, and Doyle has Doyle’s reapbeen relentpointment reless in his quired unaniscrutiny of mous support, government, a fact that canfulfilling the Doug Clovechok not be overrole that he looked, acwas hired to do,” said cording to Clovechok.

Macdonald. “In the “In terms of the NDP course of his work caucus, they wanted he shone a light on him to stay, but in many examples of BC terms of the comLiberal mismanage- mittee, it had to be ment, and for that, he unanimous to reapis losing his job. point, and it wasn’t,” “The Opposition he said. “It’s a situahas complete con- tion where the NDP fidence in the work are going to blow this that John Doyle has completely out of per-

spective and try to leverage it to their best advantage.”

The BC Conservatives have also lambasted the termination of Doyle’s appointment, singling out the all-party committee’s chair — BC Liberal MLA for Vernon-Monashee Eric Foster — claiming the Auditor General’s office had reported a lack of documentation for $67,000 in taxpayer-funded renovations to his constituency office.

“I don’t know of the discrepancy first hand,” said Clovechok. “What I do know is that Eric Foster is one of the most ethical individuals I’ve met so my guess would be oversight.

"At the end of the day, that committee has to do what they think, unanimously so, is best for the province of British Columbia."

Teachers witness negative impacts of poverty in the classrooms Copp said.

A community-based poverty reduction strategy for seven municipalities — Cranbrook beAs part of the WTA presentation, David Thomp- ing one — was announced by the Province last son Secondary School teacher Werner Copp told July, with plans for each of the province’s 47 council that B.C. had the second worse child pov- municipalities to have strategies in place by erty rate in Canada at 14.3 per cent.

2014-15. The joint-initiative is between the inStatistically speaking, this means 70 students dividual municipalities, the Union of BC Muat DTSS are suffering from poverty, said Copp, nicipalities’ Healthy Communities Commitevidenced by books in tatters, grubby clothing tee, and the provincial Ministry of Child and and lack of food.

Family Development.

“We see kids who are hungry in class, we see But the BCTF wants a focus on child poverty kids that are dozing off in class, and when you specifically, said Murray. ask them it’s surprising what they say,” Copp “It’s about looking at our community, the recounted. “I’ve had kids students who we teach, tell me they have no elec- “It's about looking at our commu- and trying to make it bettricity at home, they have nity, the students who we teach, ter,” he said. no food in the fridge.”

On Murray’s recomOne student who was and trying to make it better.” mendation, the DOI dozing off in class over a DOUG MURRAY passed a motion to write number of days told Copp WTA PRESIDENT a letter to the Ministry he was afraid to sleep at of Child and Family Dehome at night because he had a family mem- velopment requesting a province-wide child ber whose trailer burned down in a fire and poverty reduction strategy. his family couldn’t afford a fire alarm.

“Not only should there be a strategy but it The WTA wants to address the juxtaposition should tie together ideas like local food and of incredible affluence and incredible poverty learning how to garden and cook,” said Mayor in the Windermere Valley, said Copp.

Taft, noting Groundswell’s contributions to the “The reality is we’re seeing it in the class- community vis a vis the DTSS greenhouse, to room; the kids have no control over their which the district already provides some finanliving situation necessarily so we’re just ask- cial support. “If there is money flowing at some ing for support in principle to encourage the point from the provincial government, it should (provincial) government to create some sort of go back to these groups… to achieve some benstrategy, a policy to deal with child poverty,” efits for the youth in the community.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE A1

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

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NICOLE TRIGG/ECHO PHOTO Kids and staff at the Sonshine Children's Centre excitedly show off their penny collection buckets for their new playground fundraiser.

Phase-out pennies being collected NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

A local day care is using Canada’s phasing out of the penny to raise money for a new outdoor playground structure — and no penny rolling is required for anyone who wants to help.

“We’ll roll them and we’ll count them, so people don’t have to,” said Sonshine Children’s Centre manager Cherie Hagen.

For the centre’s ‘Pennies Phase Out – We Play Out’ fundraiser, labelled buckets will be on display at all participating local businesses until February 29.

“They can just toss them in there,” said Hagen “It’s not something that costs anybody anything more — they just get rid of their pennies.”

The playground of choice was sourced out through Blue Imp, generally considered to be Canada’s leading playground manufacturer that specializes in custom, outdoor play products, and is priced at roughly $35,000.

“We need about $29,000 more,” said Hagen.

The children’s centre has been involved in intensive fundraising over the last six to eight months, and has successfully raised $6,312 since January 2012. The Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives Program donated $2,000 toward the project with the rest coming from a

number of different initiatives, from cookie and flower basket sales, to garage sales and Sobeys gift card orders. There has also been assistance by the Blessings Thrift Shop, which has taken any left-over items from their garage sales and donated back any sales proceeds.

“We really, really want to get a solid structure that will last for a long time and challenge the children to grow their development," Hagen said. “This particular structure is geared for two- to five- year olds — it sinks right into the ground, so children are lower to the ground; it’s specific to that age.”

Any individuals who want a bucket to bring home to fill with their unwanted pennies should contact Hagen at Sonshine Children’s Centre by calling 250-341-6224 or emailing son_shine@telus.net.

The Sonshine Children’s Centre is located at 310-10th Avenue in Invermere and cares for an average of 60 children per day with a number of programs for ages ranging from infant and toddler to 12 years old.

Businesses that have offered to take buckets for the ‘Pennies Phase Out – We Play Out’ fundraiser so far include Sobeys, Selkirk T.V. & Appliance, Lake Windermere Alliance Church, AG Valley Foods, Scrappers Cove, Lambert Kipp Pharmacy, Picture This Foto Source, Monkey’s Uncle and A&W. All participating businesses will be recognized at the close of the fundraiser.

530 - 13 Street, Invermere Ph: 250-342-9216 www.invermerevalleyecho.ca Open 9-5 - Monday to Friday

The Valley Echo's 2013 NHL Hockey Pool Rules: Choose one player from each category. Enter the answer to the three tie breaker questions.

The entry with the most points at the end of the regular season will be declared the winner. In the event of a tie in any positions, the tie breaker questions will be used to determine the winner. If it is still tied a random draw will be made. Drop off your entry to The Valley Echo office at 530 - 13 Street, Invermere, B.C. or email at customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.com. The deadline to enter is January 31, 2013. Prizes to be announced. No purchase necessary.

Group 1 • Crosby (PIT) • Giroux (PHI) • Malkin (PIT) • Sedin, D (VAN) • Sedin, H (VAN) • Stamkos (TB)

Group 2 • Kessel (TOR) • Kovalchuk (NJ) • Neal (PIT) • Ovechkin (WAS) • Parise (MIN) • St. Louis (TB)

Group 3 • Backstrom (WAS) • Kopitar (LA) • Spezza (OTT) • Staal, E (CAR) • Tavares (NYI) • Toews (CHI)

Group 4 • Eberle (EDM) • Eriksson (DAL) • Hossa (CHI) • Kane (CHI) • Nash (NYR) • Zetterberg (DET)

Group 5 • Datsyuk (DET) • Nugent-Hopkins (EDM) • Ribeiro (WAS) • Richards (NYR) • Seguin (BOS) • Thornton (SJ)

Group 6 • Hall (EDM) • Iginla (CGY) • Lupul (TOR) • Perry (ANA) • Pominville (BUF) • Sharp (CHI)

Group 7 • Benn (DAL) • Elias (NJ) • Hartnell (PHI) • Moulson (NYI) • Pacioretty (MTL) • Semin (CAR)

Group 8 • Bergeron (BOS) • Couture (SJ) • Filppula (DET) • Getzlaf (ANA) • Koivu (MIN) • Staal, J (CAR)

Group 9 • Alfredsson (OTT) • Jagr (DAL) • Marleau (SJ) • Selanne (ANA) • Tanguay (CGY) • Whitney (DAL)

Group 10 • Erat (NAS) • Lucic (BOS) • Michalek (OTT) • Purcell (TB) • Vrbata (PHO) • Wheeler (WPG)

Group 11 • Henrique (NJ) • Ennis (BUF) • Kane (WPG) • Landeskog (COL) • Oshie (STL) • Skinner (CAR)

Group 12 • Fisher (NAS) • Krejci (BOS) • Lecavalier (TB) • Pavelski, (SJ) • Ryder (DAL) • Vanek (BUF)

Group 13 • Bozak (TOR) • Callahan (NYR) • Desharnais (MTL) • O'Reilly, (COL) • Perron (STL) • Voracek (PHI)

Group 14 • Grabovski (TOR) • Marchand, (BOS) • Plekanec (MTL) • Ryan (ANA) • Stastny (COL) • Weiss (FLA)

Group 15 • Brown (LA) • Burrows (VAN) • Doan (PHO) • Heatley (MIN) • Malone (TB) • Richards (LA)

Group 16 • Baertschi (CGY) • Duchene (COL) • Hagelin (NYR) • Johansen (CBJ) • Read (PHI) • Yakupov (EDM)

Group 17 • Byfuglien (WPG) • Doughty (LA) • Karlsson (OTT) • Keith (CHI) • Letang (PIT) • Weber (NAS)

Group 18 • Campbell (FLA) • Chara (BOS) • Edler (VAN) • Phaneuf (TOR) • Suter (MIN) • Wideman (CGY)

Group 19 • Bieksa (VAN) • Boyle (SJ) • Pietrangelo(STL) • Pitkanen (CAR) • Streit (NYI) • Timonen (PHI)

Group 20 • Ehrhoff (BUF) • Enstrom (WPG) • Shattenkirk (STL) • Subban (MTL) • Wisniewski (CBJ) • Yandle (PHO)

Name of Entry

Tie Breaking Questions

Name in Full

1. Flamess win total will be?

Address

2. Canucks win total will be?

Phone

3. Who will win the Northwest division?

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Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

Opinion

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Child poverty The Windermere Teachers' Association has brought an important cause to the public's attention. Child poverty, however, is something of a misnomer. It's not the children who are poor; it's the parents. For the most part, children don't get to choose what kind of environment they're raised in. Undoubtedly if they could, a family plagued by under-employment or lack thereof, financial stress as a result, and any related addictions would likely be the first option crossed off the list. The reality is that many children, even in our own community, are the victims of exactly these types of circumstances, and B.C.'s provincial government has fallen behind the rest of the country in offering them a way out.

Who better to challenge the government in this regard than the British Columbia Teachers' Association (BCTF). Now that the union has secured contracts for its teachers, it's addressing an issue that's been slowly improving over the years, but a tangible solution has yet to be identified and the end goal of eradicating this problem is still a long way off.

According to the First Call BC Child and Youth Advocacy Coalition's 2012 Child Poverty Report Card, the child poverty rate in B.C. dropped from 16.3 percent in 2009 to 14.3 percent in 2010, using Statistics Canada’s Low Income Cut-Offs (LICOs) before tax as a measure of poverty, which measures income thresholds. However, the B.C. rate was still the second worst of any province, behind the rate of 17.6 percent in Manitoba.

Time will tell if the jump in B.C.'s minimum wage from $8 per hour to $10.25 last May after a decade-long freeze will make an even greater difference. Instead of having the lowest minimum wage in the country, British Columbians at the bottom of the pay scale can now anticipate an additional $4,000 annually, with an hourly wage rate on par with or even higher than most other Canadian provinces.

A provincial strategy aimed at reducing child poverty would have to include an educational component, such as teaching sound fiscal management in the school system from the beginning, rooting mathematics in practical applications and requiring high school students to graduate with a thorough understanding of taxes, credit, savings and loans, as well as mental health issues.

The BCTF is wasting time requesting a vague commmunity-based provincial strategy; the solution lies within the school system itself — in a revamped curriculum that directly addresses all socio-economic problems head on.

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 Thanks from the Bureau

Disgraceful dismissal

Dear Editor, On behalf of the Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley and all our friends and neighbours who received the gift of a hamper or angel gift, a big thank you to all of you in the community who sponsored a family or angel, who gave a donation in monetary funds or who volunteered to make this event once again a success so we could all have a great holiday season.

December 18 to 20 found countless volunteers coming together to help the Christmas Bureau put together 255 hampers along with gifts and add ons for 731 individuals. We had oranges, coffee, knitting, quilted stockings, toys, books, and the list goes on. We say thank you to all the individual volunteers, the students from Open Doors and their teacher, the Senior Silver Tip Hockey Club, church groups and seniors — our campaign was once again successful.

Never underestimate the time you gave to help others; it is this time that shows what a great community we come from and one I am proud to call my own. Have a wonderful new year. We will see you all in the fall.

Look out for our AGM in April. We would love to have you attend.

Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau Invermere

Dear Editor, On January 4th, the B.C. provincial government announced that it will not be renewing the six-year term of provincial auditor general John Doyle.

This is an unfortunate development for the residents/taxpayers of B.C. Over the past six years, Mr. Doyle has been very diligent and effective in the performance of his duties. He has repeatedly taken the government to task over its financial mismanagement of provincial matters.

The media in Victoria and Vancouver has very appropriately pointed out that with the provincial election campaigns starting up the 1st of April, the last thing Premier Christy Clark wants is Mr. Doyle coming out with more negative reports about how the government is doing its job.

Therefore, John Doyle must go.

He is being fired for being a competent, hard-working auditor general.

What a shame!

Jim Galloway Brisco

Chief Spence is a scam Dear Editor.

Chief Spence’s “I’ll die for my people” is a con, and it undermines credibility in legitimate claims Indi-

VALLEY ECHO T he

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530 13th Street • P.O. Box 70 Invermere, B.C., Canada V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-342-9216 invermerevalleyecho.com

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In Absentia

ans and Inuits may have for more assistance from governments.

To suggest that caving in to Chief Spence’s hunger strike would be to save her life is an insult to Canadian taxpayers, who are being taken to the cleaners again.

The Attawapiskat Band is filthy rich with millions of dollars in assets, including close to 10 million in the stock market, and about 85 million in gross income each year. Chief Spence and her close friends and councillors are living high off the hog while the children she is responsible for live in sewer infested shacks. Gambling on the stock market with the millions of dollars put in her trust, money desperately needed for basic needs, education and health care, should be good for a few years in jail. Lawyers and politicians who knowingly and willingly allow this incredible travesty to perpetuate should be tried for the same crimes, and suffer the same consequences.

Chief Spence has violated trust between the Chief and the band members who depend upon her decisions for their very existence. Chief Spence has become a national disgrace. She is a criminal, and should be in jail for conspiracy to defraud, breach of trust, and child abuse.

Andy Thomsen Summerland

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 16, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7

Word

I

MY

GREW UP ON VENISON. I DON'T SEE MUCH WRONG WITH SHOOTING DEER. —BARRY MOORE

on the Street

Do you support the relocation of 100 deer out of Invermere?

WE

THOUGHT ON RELOCATION IS THAT THEY'RE JUST GOING TO COME BACK. SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE IN TOWN HERE. —STAN PERRY

HAVE TOO MANY DEER IN INVERMERE AND WE'VE GOT TO GET THEM OUT OF HERE SOMEHOW. —FINN HALDRUP

MLA Report — Norm Macdonald

Auditor General critical to protecting public interest The public depends on institutional watchdogs to keep government accountable. Offices like the Ombudsperson or Auditor General are critical to ensuring that government behaves in the public interest regardless of the political cost.

When government actively weakens or undermines these institutional checks and balances, you can be sure that the public interest is being compromised.

One of the biggest provincial news stories of 2013 has been the removal, by the BC Liberals, of the current Auditor General. Instead of choosing to have John Doyle stay on as Auditor General, the government has taken

this opportunity to get rid of him. forest lands declaring that based on John Doyle has provided very efhis assessment the BC Liberal govfective and determined oversight of ernment failed to halt the drop in government. The Auditor General is timber supply and the loss of species responsible for condiversity. ducting independent The Auditor General “But instead of audits and advising has reported on the addressing these on how well governrecord of BC’s Environment is managing its mental Assessment Ofshortfalls, the BC responsibilities and fice stating that based Liberals fi rst tried to resources. on his investigation it discredit John Doyle.” is clear that the office is And in the course of doing his job, John not properly monitorDoyle has exposed a record of incom- ing the compliance with mitigation petence and deceit. Here are just a standards required in environmental few examples. assessment certificates.

The Auditor General has reported The Auditor General has reported on the state of British Columbia’s on the excessive use of deferral ac-

counts at BC Hydro which, according to Doyle, create an illusion of profitability where there is none.

But instead of addressing these shortfalls, the BC Liberals first tried to discredit John Doyle. And now they’ve taken the final step: they’ve gotten rid of him.

As a caucus, the Opposition has full confidence in John Doyle and we want to see him continue his work.

If you believe that firing an effective critic of government is the wrong thing to do, I would encourage you to send a message to the Premier at premier@gov.bc.ca.

Norm Macdonald MLA Columbia River - Revelstoke

Like father, like son For the Love of Food — Marc LeBlanc

A new take on classic French

NICOLE TRIGG/ECHO PHOTO Jay Lightfoot and his son Ty (3) goof around on the ice at Kinsman Beach on Friday, January 11.

When I was starting out in the restaurant business over 20 years ago, the teachers were mostly European chefs; therefore we were trained in Classical French. In French cuisine, it’s all about cooking with butter, heavy creams and thickening sauces and soups with flour.

I have grown a lot as a chef in these past years and have had the privilege to work with and learn from an array of people and chefs. With the new knowledge, I am constantly learning new tricks of the trade.

Over the past five years, I have noticed that there has been an increase in allergies, especially to wheat, soy and milk. As well, more and more people are choosing a healthier approach to eating.

Trying to cater to these dietary restrictions and allergies has required me to become more adventurous and to abandon the French

ways of cooking in which I was taught.

A great alternative that I have been applying to my cooking is new method of thickening.

As I mentioned, sauce is usually thickened with flour, but with more wheat intolerances around these days I have started thickening my sauces and soups with aborio rice. It provides the same consistency as the flour but without the wheat or gluten.

At Birchwood Restaurant, we will try our hardest to accommodate all dietary needs. Most items on the menu are gluten- and/or lactose-free as we try not to add any unnecessary ingredients.

Below is a modified version of a basic white sauce, or a béchamel sauce, that you can serve to any wheatintolerant guest with no worries.

Béchamel sauce Ingredients 2 onions, finely diced

2 cloves of garlic 1 cup of arborio rice 1 cup of white wine 1.5 litres of water 2 cups of homo milk 2.5 cups of whipped cream season to preferred taste Instructions Sweat onions and garlic until translucent , add white wine.

Bring mixture up to a simmer and add arborio rice, stir until rice is all coated.

Add remaining liquid. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Puree mixture in food processor or blender until smooth.

Pass through a fine sieve to capture all remaining pieces of rice.

To this recipe you can add any type of cheese from gruyere to cheddar for mac and cheese, to cheese fondue, or to any pasta.

Marc is the Executive Chef and a co-owner of Birchwood Restaurant in Invermere. He can be reached at birchwoodinv@gmail.com.

A8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Inveremere fire chief, firefighter honoured Longtime members of Invermere Fire Rescue next to receive Diamond Jubilee Medal NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

It comes as a great surprise to two Invermere residents that they have been selected as recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, bringing the valley’s

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call for project proposals Columbia Basin Trust Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs The Regional District of East Kootenay is accepting project proposals for funding consideration from Columbia Basin Trust’s Community Initiatives and Affected Areas Programs for the areas of: City of Cranbrook City of Fernie City of Kimberley Village of Canal Flats Village of Radium Hot Springs

District of Sparwood District of Elkford District of Invermere Electoral Area A Electoral Area B

Electoral Area C Electoral Area E Electoral Area F Electoral Area G

Application guidelines and forms are available at: • • • •

RDEK offices in Cranbrook and Invermere The municipal office in each community RDEK website at www.rdek.bc.ca CBT website at www.cbt.org

For information about preparing your project proposal or to have an application form forwarded to you, please call Nikki Bradshaw or Shannon Moskal at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 (toll-free).

Deadline for project proposals is 4:30 p.m. Monday, February 18, 2013. Late applications are not eligible for consideration.

Administered and managed by the Regional District of East Kootenay.

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total up to seven.

Invermere Fire Rescue fire chief Roger Ekman will receive the medal for exemplary leadership by example and Invermere Fire Rescue firefighter John Shaw will be receiving the medal for 32 years of service to his community.

Both men will be honoured at a special awards ceremony on Monday (January 21) at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch in Invermere when District of Invermere mayor Gerry Taft will present them with their medals.

“It was a big surprise to me,” Ekman told The Valley Echo.

In 1950, Ekman moved to the valley with his parents from Vancouver Island’s Alert Bay as a child.

After growing up in Invermere, he joined the military in 1967 and spent the next ten years in ground communications in the air force, transferring several times between Quebec, Ontario and Manitob, but never overseas.

His decision to leave the airforce after a decade of service brought Ekman back to Invermere where he went to work for his father’s heavy duty mechanic shop before getting hired on by the Ministry of Transportation as a heavy duty mechanic, a position he worked for 28 years until retirement.

In the spring of 1978 he started with the Invermere Fire Departmnet as a volunteer firefighter. In 1983, he became the volunteer chief and has been the department’s fire chief ever since. It was only last year that he finally came on as a full-time salaried employee.

Ekman said he is proud of what the Invermere Fire Rescue has accomplished

FILE PHOTO Invermere fire chief Roger Ekman

since he first joined.

“We’ve got a really super crew,” he said.

“The changes in the training have just been phenomenal.”

Bringing the fire department up to standard has meant diversifying the training to include a road rescue program, confined space entry and building collapse.

“It feels great,” Ekman said about getting recognized for his contributions to the fire department.

“It’s quite an honour.”

At 81, firefighter John Shaw is the oldest member on the Invermere Fire Rescue squad, hence his nickname of ‘Grampa

John’ among younger members of the crew.

When Shaw learned he had been chosen to receive a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, “I couldn’t believe it,” he said.

Orignally from Saskatchewan, Shaw came to the Columbia Valley in 1950 to take advantage of the local Christmas tree industry, and decided he liked the area so much he would stay.

In 1957, he took a maintenance job with the hospital, which he worked until retirement. His formal involvement with the fire department began in 1981

NICOLE TRIGG/ECHO PHOTO Invermere firefighter John Shaw

although prior to that he had spent a few years with the department before Westside joined Invermere.

"I was asked to join again because I knew all the water lines of Westside, where I was living,” said Shaw.

"We had no fire hydrants out there and when it joined Invermere, we installed them.”

As well as having served as a volunteer fire-fighter for 32 years, Shaw has endlessly contributed his maintenance expertise to the fire department in countless ways. His ingenius knack for fixing anything and everything was instrumental in renovating Invermere’s current fire hall when it was acquired over a decade ago.

Shaw acknowledges his skills have benefited the firehall but he sees the fire training he’s received as the biggest benefit of all.

Although he’s retired from going out on the trucks, preferring instead to looking after the firehall’s paint recycling program, Shaw said he’ll “still go out in a pinch.”

And now that he is a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal recipient, he can finally even an old score. Shaw and his twin sister were born on Queen Victoria’s birthday, and his sister was given Victoria as her middle name in the queen’s memory, which Shaw felt slighted by — until now.

“I phoned my twin sister and told her I was getting this award and she said, ‘I’m way ahead ya!’ ‘’ Shaw joked.

The awards ceremony on the 21st will follow dinner, which will begin at 7 p.m.

The Legion is located at 525-13th Avenue in downtown Invermere.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

NEWS

Community Lawsuit has cost district $36,000 Calendar Continued from Page A3

$36,000 in legal costs have been incurred by the DOI to date. With tentative court dates set for late January and early February, Mayor Gerry Taft hopes a decision on the district’s culling bylaw will come sooner than later.

“I think the worst case situation is that this just gets delayed and delayed and delayed,” he said. “Obviously there are two sides that have their own positions and beliefs and each side believes they’re in the right, but it would be great to have that information come before the court and to have everything dealt with and have some clarity and some decision made.”

Meanwhile, in attempting to follow through with part two of the original deer management recommendation, the district has discovered how difficult it is to secure a relocation permit.

“It was just found easier that if another group is that interested, that they should take that on,” said DOI chief administrative officer Chris Prosser.

Yet the IDPS does not support relocation as a solution either. In a report to district council, the IDPS included excerpts from a Ministry of Environment analysis to the effect that mortality following capture, transport and release can be “substantial”. A statement on urban deer by the BC SPCA also included in the report states that the stress of capture and transportation leads to both high mortality and fatal injuries, and the inability to adapt to unfamiliar territory

C C

Send your events to production@invermerevalleyecho.com WED JAN 16 • Summit Youth Centre information session for any youth interested in being on the Centre's board, 6 p.m.

nicole trigg/echo photo The average of invermere's november's deer count over three weekends was 179.

and naivety to new predators.

IDPS president Devin Kazakoff said his organization’s opposition to relocation is twofold. First, the IDPS maintains there is not an overpopulation of deer in Invermere. Second, if overpopulation is in fact legitimately determined, then management should be done using non-lethal solutions.

Relocation isn’t necessarily non-lethal, he said.

“You can take it that as you’re moving them, you’re not killing them but with the high percentage of mortality, it kind of is a lethal solution,” Kazakoff said.

The DOI has agreed to work with the IDPS and come up with positions on other options such as hazing, birth control and fencing.

“I don’t think relocation is a great option but maybe if it’s studied it can work, I’m not sure,” said Taft. “But I hope through the process that every

mpanion rner

Animal Name: STAR Age: Almost 14 months old.

Breed: Not sure, it's a mystery. Speculation is that she's some kind of Husky X. Family: Nicole Trigg is her human.

Fun fact: Star was rescued from the Northwest Territories with 14 other puppies by Canine Valley Centre in Squamish.

She's highly intelligent and affectionate, and her favourite passtime is trail running in the summer and winter.

To be featured, send in your companion’s name, age and photo, along with a fun fact or story about them!

Be sure to include your name.

Email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

single time an option is brought up it isn’t attacked, because we need to still try to work together and find some options that might have a chance of success.”

“I don’t think the cull is off the books at this point and it’s still one of the options that’s out there,” said Councillor Greg Anderson.

Three counts done by the DOI’s Urban Deer Advisory Committee on consecutive Saturdays in November recorded 185 initially, 205 a week later with 148 recorded for the final count. For each respective count, over 100 were does, roughly 50 were fawns and fewer than 30 were bucks.

At a Committee of the Whole meeting on October 2, council recommended that no referendum regarding deer take place in 2013 and that staff and Council should start the process of implementing an education program in 2013.

JANUARY 18-20 •Panorama Mountain Village presents its Avalanche Awareness Days in conjunction with Snowflake Festival. Films, demonstrations, infomation, skill stations, tobagganing, games, barbecues, a rail jam, and more!

•Invermere Curling Club's Bonspiel on the Lake, registration is at 4 p.m. at the Invermere Curling Rink.

FRI JAN 18 • Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Snowflake Festival at Kinsmen Beach, 6 - 8 p.m. Taste of the Valley, music by L8, fireworks, children's activities, crafts, face painting, curling, hockey, and more!

SAT JAN 19 •"Contents-of-home" garage sale at 1709 8 Avenue, Invermere to fundraise for Windermere Community Association • Windermere Youth Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser, 3 p.m. 6 p.m., $6, 250-3420589 •Summit Youth Centre snowshoeing excusion to Panorama Mountain Village, 1:30 p.m. Register at 250-342-3033 Sat Jan 26 • Radium Public Library "'Learn to Draw with Trudy" Session 1, 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Children all ages welcome •Kinsmen Fishing Derby

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

• Radium Seniors’ Carpet Bowling, 1:30 p.m., Seniors' Hall • Drop-in roller skating, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m., $5, Glacier Peaks Gymnastics building, 250-342-5321 2nd SUNDAY • LW Alliance Church Sing and Celebrate, 7 p.m. For more information call Clarence Stauffer, 250-3429580

games at 7 p.m.

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

1st & 3rd WED • Scrabble Night at Invermere Public Library. 6 - 8 p.m. Call 250-342-6416 • Bingo, Windermere Community Hall, opens at 6 p.m., starts at 7 p.m.

2nd & 4th WED • Seniors' Day at the Invermere Library, bus provided

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

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

1st & 3rd TUESDAY • OPT clinic, 6:308:30 p.m., Inv. Health Unit, 850-10th Ave. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing

EVERY FRIDAY • Baby Goose program for parents and babies up to 18 months. 9:30-11:30 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

1st TUESDAY • Invermere Camera Club 7 p.m. Tanya, tanyadeleeuw65@ gmail.com EVERY TUESDAY • Yoga THRIVE- Yoga for Cancer Survivors.

Hot Springs studio, Fairmont Village Mall. For info call Jan Klimek at 250-3421195 • Shuswap Bingo at the Shuswap Indian Band Office downstairs, doors open at 5:30 p.m., early bird at 6:45 p.m., regular

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

Invermere Thrift Store • Thursdays 10 a.m.

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

A10 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Columbia Basin Trust Board of Directors welcomes Deck as chair Panorama CEO Rick Jensen joins board as newest member NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Columbia Valley is sitting pretty with three high profile representatives on the Columbia Basin Trust’s 12-member board.

Jumbo Glacier Resort mayor Greg Deck has taken over the reins as CBT’s new board chair, replacing outgoing chair Garry Merkel. Deck, the first mayor of Radium Hot Springs who served for 18 years, has been on the board since CBT’s inception in 1995, serving as vice-chair from 2008 to the end of 2012.

He was also a Regional District of East Kootenay director for that period, ending with six years as chair. He continues to sit as a director of Columbia Power Corporation, a director of Columbia Basin Broadband Corporation and a director of the Nature Conservancy of Canada’s BC Board.

He and his wife Meaghan have operated a tourism business in Radium since 1980.

“Greg helped found CBT and throughout the years has provided expert guidance and leadership to CBT, as well as to other local governments and organizations,” Merkel said in a release. Merkel, a Kimberley resident, was instrumental in the formation of CBT, first as part of the committee that negotiated with the Province of BC for the establishment of CBT, and then as a founding member of CBT’s Board. He served as ViceChair from 1995 to 2006, then Chair from 2006 to 2012.

President and CEO of Panorama Mountain Village Rick Jensen,

who actually resides in Cranbrook, joins CBT’s board as its newest member. For the past 15 years, he has Greg Deck been the Board Chair of New Dawn Developments Ltd. — a large construction development company in the East KooRick Jensen tenay — and is also a director of New Dawn Restorations Ltd. and the President of the Canadian Institute of Excellence Inc., Wendy Booth an educational company that delivers management training, personal development and creative thinking skill development. In addition, he was Mayor of Cranbrook from 1983 to 1990 and for seven years served as a director of the Regional District of East Kootenay.

Regional District of East Kootenay Area F director Wendy Booth of Fairmont Hot Springs will continue her work as a CBT board member, along with Denise Birdstone (Ktunaxa Nation Council), Kim Deane (Rossland), Gord DeRosa (Trail), Cindy Gallinger (Elkford), Am Naqvi (Nelson), Andru McCracken (Valemount), Paul Peterson (Burton) and David Raven (Revelstoke).

All directors are appointed by the provincial government and must be residents of the Basin. The board meets six times a year in communities around the Basin. For more information, and to read highlights and minutes from board meetings, visit www.cbt.org/board.

Old recreation service area shoulders additional costs for Canal Flats Arena Residents will not see an increase in property taxes NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Despite having created a new recreation service area for the Columbia Valley to make property taxes more equitable across the entire region, the Columbia Valley directors are keeping the old Canal Flats service area around until upgrades to the Canal Flats arena are paid off in full.

The reason is the jump in cost of the arena’s planned upgrade project, from $1 million to an unexpected $1,305,000, which the Village of Canal Flats council approved in December.

At the time, Canal Flats Chief Administrative Officer Brian Woodward told The Valley Echo that $157,000 of that increase was due to the need to completely replace the bleachers, while a number of smaller expenditures made up the balance.

“They have it all defined now and they’ve included the bleachers, which require complete

replacement,” he said.

On January 3, the Columbia Valley directors voted that additional costs of up to $172,000 for the upgrades will be shared by the old Canal Flats Recreation Service Area. This, after voting in September 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.

But residents of the old Canal Flats Recreation service area will not actually see a cost increase, said RDEK Chief Financial Officer Shawn Tomlin. Instead, they will 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 told The Valley Echo in December.

Columbia Basin Trust to offer grant writing workshop in Invermere Learn how to take your project from idea to proposal NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) recognizes that all great ideas need money. To help people in this endeavour, CBT is offering workshops in eight locations this winter that are designed to take the intimidation out of grant writing applications.

“These workshops are ideal for people who would like to learn more about developing a project idea into a funding proposal,” CBT Director of Com-

munity Initiatives Gary Ockenden said in a release. “Not only will you come to understand the elements of developing your idea, and tips and tools for preparing an application, but you’ll also learn about building relationships and securing partnerships in order to increase your chances of success.”

The workshops, appropriate-

ly titled ‘Developing and Funding Your Community Project,’ will cover topics such as how to focus your project idea, develop a budget, write clearly and identify appropriate funders.

Participants will also receive an overview of CBT’s own granting program. In Invermere, the workshop will take place on Wednesday, January 30 at the Columbia Valley Chamber’s Lions’ Hall from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will include a light lunch. Anyone interested is asked to RSVP to 250-3442914 or khamilton@cbt.org.

Other nearby locations include Golden on Thursday, January 24 and Kimberley on Thursday, January 31. For more information, visit www.cbt.org/grantwriting or call 1-800-505-8998.

Cast your vote!

Visit our website and vote in our weekly online poll.

It’s free and you don’t need a subscription to participate.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

NEWS

New ice fishing shack catches fire NICOLE TRIGG

editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

A sudden fire in an ice fishing shack on Lake Windermere near the Invermere Bay Condos received a flood of attention by local fire departments on Sunday (January 13) night.

The newest addition to the string of enclosed fishing holes caught fire around 8 p.m. after its owner left without extinguishing the flames in the shack's small wood stove. According to Jimmy McGilvery, the owner of one of the nearby shacks who called the fire in to 911 using his cell phone, the shack had been newly set up that morning and its owner had made the mistake of

setting his stove on a wooden bench.

"He didn't have legs on the stove, the bench got hot, and caught fire," said McGilvery. "I was just ready to go home and noticed the fire.

"You’d think the guy would put his legs on."

Firefighters with the Invermere Fire Department attended to the fire with support from the Windermere Fire Department for ice safety support. The shack sits about 125 metres out from the shoreline and four lengths of firehouse were used to get close enough to extinguish the flames.

Friday, January 18th, 2013 5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Kinsmen Beach Community Family Event - Everyone Welcome

Main Stage Music by

L8 nicole trigg/echo photos

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

Taste of the Valley 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Experience menu samples from a selection of our finest restaurants in the valley!

Taste of the Valley Passports available for $10 at the Visitor Centre at the Crossroads.

Call 250-342-2844 for more information.

Fireworks! 8 p.m.

• NEW Children’s activities tent • Face painting and crafts from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

• Curling • Hockey • Skating • Firepits to warm-up by Stage sponsor: Invermere Home Hardware • Children’s tent sponsor MB7 Party Rentals

THE GATE FOR THE ICE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AT KINSMEN BEACH FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT.

A12 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

Snowflake

The Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting its Snowflake Festival at Kinsmen Beach this Friday, January 18.

There will be lots of activites to participate in between 5 and 8 p.m. on the lake!

• Crafts and face painting from 5 to 7 p.m.

• Children's activities tent • Taste of the Valley from 6 to 8 p.m.

• Invermere Curling Club's Bonspiel on the Lake • Music by L8 • Fireworks at 8 p.m.

• Hockey and Skating • Firepits to stay warm We do rentals!

• Cross country skis • Nordic Skates: get out and try this exciting new sport • Chariot joggers for skating on the lake • Chariot crosscountry ski polk to pull your children around on the lake • Snowshoes, hockey and figure skates

We also sell new and used cross country ski packages as well as snowshoes.

Help Keep the Ice Clean This Winter can affect oxygen levels and other physical characteristics that fish and other animals need to survive.

As more of us use the lake and take our dogs with us, the ecological balance and public health are further jeopardized. We need to reduce the risks to ensure the continued health of our lake.

Love your lake? Let’s work together to keep it lovely!

Photo: Shawn Raven, 2012 “I Love My Lake” photo contest honourable mention

LAKE WINDERMERE AMBASSADORS Special to The Valley Echo

Lake Windermere is a Mecca for winter recreation and may soon gain national recognition for having Canada’s longest Whiteway. Neither tourists nor locals are going to want to see waste on the lake this winter. So as you don your skis, skates or fishing gear this winter, consider these useful tips for keeping the lake clean.

Preventing Garbage on the Ice To help prevent garbage and other debris left behind on the lake from freezing into ice, make sure to pack out everything you pack on to the lake. To take yet another step, you could join forces with a few neighbours to create a citizens’ patrol to monitor the ice and speak to visitors about garbage. To help remove anything that might wash onto the beaches after the ice melts this spring, join the Lake Windermere Ambassadors on their spring shoreline clean-up.

Accessing the Lake Take care when accessing a frozen lake for skating, skiing or snowmobiling. Vegetation and banks under the snow can be damaged by winter traffic, so use summer access trails to get to the lake, rather than direct paths over snow.

Cleaning up After Your Dog There are a number of great reasons to pick up after

your dog—not the least of which is that you, or your closest friends, may be the ones who “discover” the treasure while going on a nice ski or skate. In addition to aesthetic reasons to clean behind your pooch, there are very sound health and ecological reasons.

Feces contain pathogenic (disease-causing) microbes that make people sick. Lake Windermere is a drinking water source, and our kids often ingest water while playing on the beach. Even in the winter, kids and animals find a way to get snow into their mouths.

Nutrients found in dog-waste cause imbalances in a lake’s natural ecosystem. Excess nutrients lead to degradation of lake water quality. Nutrients from fecal matter may lead to increased algae growth and

About the Lake Windermere Ambassadors: The Lake Windermere Ambassadors are a BC Society representing a cross-section of community stakeholders, including local businesses, governments, seasonal and year-round homeowners, First Nations, youth and non-government organizations who share the vision of a healthy Lake Windermere with balanced management that supports recreational and traditional uses, fish and wildlife values, and economic prosperity in the region. We have received generous financial support from the Canadian Wildlife Foundation, Columbia Basin Trust, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund, District of Invermere, Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program, Habitat Conservation Trust, Real Estate Foundation of BC and Regional District of East Kootenay.

Adapted from an article by Brian Nickurak, BC Lake Stewardship Society. Submitted by the Lake Windermere Ambassadors.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

Festival Panorama Mountain Village is hosting Avalanche Awareness Days in Avalanche Awareness

Snowflake Festival

Friday • 6:30 p.m. Free avalanche film "The Fine Line" plays at the Great Hall.

There will be information, prizes and beverages available. They will also be raising money for the CAC avalanche education through the Hugh and Helen Hinks memorial fund.

Friday • Meet and Greet with Pano Pete • Free Tobagganing

Saturday and Sunday • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Demonstrations, information, skill stations for public and staff at the Mountain Summit (near the Patrol Hut) Sunday •5:30 p.m. "The Fine Line" plays again at the Great Hall

Saturday • Snowsnake Hunt • BBQ on Great Hall Deck • Snowflake Carnival Games, Great Hall Deck and Plaza • Live Music at the Great Hall • Syndicate Rail Jam - Series Event #1 • Double Movie Feature Sunday • Pancake Breakfast • Souvenir Family Photos at the Panorama Big Chair • Snowflake Carnival Games

A14 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Lots of ducks on Christmas Bird Count LARRY HALVERSON Special to The Valley Echo

Only 19 people reported their sightings for this year’s 35th annual Lake Windermere District Christmas Bird Count. However, they recorded 2,347 individual birds and 48 species.

Some of the highlights include the following: Dean and Bill Nicholson patiently counted 1,033 Mallards in the open water around Athalmer. Then Linda Frater added one more, bringing the mallard count to an all-time high of 1,034. Dean and Bill also observed 12 Great Blue Herons, which matches their record high. A Rusty Blackbird and Green-winged Teal also made an appearance in the Athalmer sloughs, which is only the third time that these birds have made the count.

The Red-breasted Nuthatch was the most commonly seen

LARRY HALVERSON PHOTO A House Finch on a bird feeder.

bird and Doug McLaughlin still maintains the record for the greatest diversity of birds seen from his home in Wilmer — 21 species. Doug also counted one red squirrel, three coyotes, eight mule deer and 65 elk.

Trevor Kinley added one more mammal when he spotted a set of cougar tracks while counting birds on the Toby benches.

Two birds that didn’t make

the count but were seen during the week were a Chestnutbacked spotted by John Pitcher and Larry Halverson had a White-crowned Sparrow show up at his bird feeder.

The complete list of birds counted is to the right. Birds in bold indicate high counts and CW means birds seen during the count week but not on the count day.

Birds

Great Blue Heron Tundra Swan Canada Goose Green-winged Teal Mallard Northern Pintail American Widgeon Ring-necked Duck Bufflehead Common Goldeneye Hooded Merganser Common Merganser Bald Eagle Rough-Legged Hawk Ruffed Grouse Wild Turkey Killdeer Rock Pigeon Belted Kingfisher Downy Woodpecker Hairy Woodpecker Three-toed Woodpecker Northern Flicker Pileated Woodpecker Clark's Nutcracker Black-billed Magpie American Crow Common Raven Black-capped Chickadee Mountain Chickadee Chestnut-backed Chickadee Chickadee Sp. Red-breasted Nuthatch White-breasted Nuthatch Brown Creeper American Dipper Townsend's Solitaire American Robin Bohemian Waxwing European Starling Chipping Sparrow Song Sparrow White-crowned Sparrow Dark-eyed Junco Rusty Blackbird Rosy Finch Pine Grosbeak House Finch Common Redpoll Evening Grosbeak House Sparrow

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 16, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

A&E Jazz sensation to play hometown CBC Radio will feature Invermere's Morgan Child prior to his tour with award-winning musicians JOSHUA ESTABROOKS Special to The Valley Echo

International jazz drummer, Morgan Childs, will be playing Invermere’s Christ Church Trinity on Sunday, February 3. Childs grew up in Invermere and spent ten years in the Vancouver jazz scene before moving to Toronto in 2009.

“My dad taught music at J.A. Laird while I was growing up,” Childs said.

“I have had a chance to play in Invermere at least once a year since I moved away and I love coming back.

It’s a chance to play for the people who raised me, so to speak. It’s an important opportunity to reconnect with everyone.”

During his celebrated career, Childs has performed across North America as a leader and a sideman at major festivals, universities, clubs and concert venues. Some of the artists he has performed or recorded with include Ingrid Jensen, Rob Scheps, Mike Murley, Brad Turner, Bill Coon, Mike Allen, Phil Dwyer, Laila Biali, Ian Hendrickson-Smith, Brandi Disterheft, David Braid, Hugh Fraser, Robi Botos, Zach Brock, Chris Gale, Kelly Jefferson, and Don Thompson.

Childs received the Grand Prix award at the Montreal International Jazz festival in 2009, and again in 2012, which puts him in a very rare club of musicians to have achieved this level of recognition. Speaking to his writing style, Childs said that he usually composes his arrangements using a keyboard and his voice before handing the music over to a musician he trusts to interpret it further.

“I often sing melodies that come into my head when I am out and about into my iPhone and then at a later date I can go into my bank of ideas and explore them on the keyboard,” he said.

“The main thing is to get something onto a piece of paper that can be deciphered by a musician whose sound

onemorechris.co.uk photo

A visual feast 2012 London Olympics performer comes to Bud's NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO Morgan Childs grew up in Invermere and has gone on to receive international acclaim for his career as a jazz drummer. He will be performing at Christ Church Trinity on February 3.

you admire and whose interpretation which will be broadcast across the provyou feel will lend something to the ince and online at 6:05 p.m. MST on notes that you have written. The per- Saturday (January 19) so tune in to the sonality of the artist you choose to play program to learn a little bit more about your music is a really important thing.” this homegrown jazz sensation, and This time around, Childs will be trav- make sure you grab your tickets while elling with three they last for his award-winning show on Feb“The main thing is to get musicians. The ruary 3. Tickets group consists something onto a piece of paper are available of Childs on that can be deciphered by a at The Book drums, multiEssentials, musician whose sound you admire.” Bar, award winning Picture This MORGAN CHILDS saxophonist Foto Source, JAZZ MUSICIAN Kelly Jefferson Pynelogs, Raas the front dium Video and man, former Boss Brass pianist Dave Fairmont Gift Shop. Prices are $15 in Restivo and one of Toronto’s most in- advance or $20 at the door. demand bassists, Jon Maharaj.

Doors for the show open at 7:30 p.m.

As a lead-up to the tour, Childs will with the music beginning at 8 p.m. Call be featured on the CBC show, Hot Air, 250-342-4423 for more information.

Morgan Childs Quartet What does ART mean to you?

Concert on Sunday February 3rd Call for tickets 250.342.4423 Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

A superstar DJ who played a video set at the 2012 London Olympics for the opening of the Olympic BMX station is bringing his show to Invermere. England’s own JFB, a two-time DMC World DJ Champion, will play Bud’s Bar & Lounge on Friday (January 18) after playing gigs across three continents and releasing his second CD, Megamix, this past summer.

“It should be one of the best shows we've ever had,” said organizer Marc Lefebvre of Love Give’r Events.

JFB uses a new ground-breaking technique called video scratching. All his music is tied to videos that move according to how he is playing on the turntables.

Two screens will be set up for the exclusive performance – one for the visuals and one for a raised camera that will allow party goers to see JFB’s turntablism technique from above.

“It's way more entertaining than just going out dancing to some great dance music. It's a visual feast,” said Lefebvre. “If you haven't gone out this month, then this is the night to do it.”

Lefevre will open the evening with a set beginning at 10 p.m. before JFB takes to the decks at midnight. To listen to JFB’s music, visit https://soundcloud.com/jfbdj.

A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

Sports

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

Rockies out of basement with winning streak Local boys follow up win against Golden with victories against Fernie, Kimberley JOSHUA ESTABROOKS Special to The Valley Echo

Maintaining their positive momentum after their win against the Golden Rockets on January 5, the Columbia Valley Rockies put two more important games against division rivals Kimberley Dynamiters and Fernie Ghostriders over the weekend into the win column, overtaking the Creston Valley Thundercats to occupy fourth place in the Eddie Mountain Memorial Division.

“The kids are staying focused and playing really hard,” said coach Kirk Dubielewicz. “We’re coming off of two good game plans against two good teams and the players are executing them perfectly.”

The first game of the weekend home stand occurred on Friday, January 11 and set the Rockies up against the Kimberley Dynamiters, who have proven to be tough combatants in the past. The Rockies began the onslaught, with three unanswered goals in the second half of the first period from Josh Haley, Jerome Thorne and Brendan Burge. Early in the second Ryan Henderson netted a power play goal and after letting only one in against, the Rockies went up 5-1 when Racey Red Crow scored with 2:18 left in the second.

Then Stephen Pratt, Josh Haley and Ryan Henderson scored for the Rockies in the third, and with only one more goal by the Dynamiters, grabbed a much-needed win, with the final score an embarrassing 8-2 defeat for the Dynamiters.

joshua estabrooks photo Rockies Forward River Lafferty gives 110 per cent as he takes the puck up the ice in a home ice 4-1 win over the Fernie Ghostriders on Saturday, January 12.

One major moment of drama came at 3:12 left in the third period when a hit from behind by Byron Sam sent the Dynamiters into a frenzy, leading to a Team Gross Misconduct penalty as the Dynamiters’ coach threw a water bottle across the ice at the referee and was ejected from the game.

The Rockies recorded 32 shots to the Dynamiters 21, and Josh Haley, Ryan Henderson and Brendan Burger were named 1st, 2nd and 3rd stars of the game respectively.

On Saturday, January 12, the Rockies hosted division leading Fernie

Ghostriders, who pummelled goaltender Brody Nelson with 48 tough shots to the Rockies 29.

Although the Ghostriders had more shots, it was the Rockies who came away with the 4-1 victory, after two quick first period goals from Brendan Burge and an empty netter at the end of the game by Stephen Pratt.

The three stars of the game were Rockies players Brendan Burge, Brody Nelson and Ryan Henderson.

This win gives the Rockies a two-point advantage and a game in hand against the Creston Valley Thundercats, and

puts them into contention for a playoff spot, Dubielewicz said.

“We have to respect every team we play as we are in such a competitive division,” he said. “We still struggle with discipline but we are getting better. We are ahead of Creston now and it is a goal to get into the playoffs.”

The Rockies will be hitting the road for the rest of January, with two more games against Kimberley, as well as Nelson and Castlegar, before returning home for another double-header weekend on February 1 against Castlegar and February 2 against Spokane.

Columbia Valley Rockies Home Games: Friday, February 1 7:30 P.M.

VS Thank you to our major sponsors

Saturday, February 2 7:30 P.M.

VS

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 16, 2013

SPORTS

Snowflake Festival at Panorama ties in Avalanche Awareness Days

Shannonbrook Boarding Kennels Tender Loving Care for All Ages Registered Rough & Smooth Collies Obedience, Agility Training and Rally Obedience Training

250-342-6188

National celebration of avalanche safety joins first mountain festival of season

Kathy or Elizabeth 1628 Windermere Loop Road

VALLEY ECHO T he

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

asks you to....

Windermere Valley Child Care Society Licensed Program • Quality Care

echo file photo Kids-specific activities will keep youngsters entertained at Panorama's Snowflake Festival January 18 to 20.

The series, open to both skiers and snowboarders, is a freestyle challenge that will take place over all four of Panorama’s winter festivals.

Riders of all ages will be called to do two judged runs per festival, which are eligible for prizes supplied by Syndicate Boardshop.

A grand prize will also be given to the overall series winner.

The rail jam takes place in the Upper Village just above the Great Hall. With

CRAIG EVANOFF PHOTO COURTESY OF CAC Avalanche Awareness Days at Panorama will include two free showings of an avalanche safety film, demonstrations and public skill stations.

Rocky is a 1 year old husky/shepherd cross who was not doing very well in the shelter environment due to his high energy level! He is only a pup after all! Rocky is neutered, and ready for a forever home!

night lights and music pumping over loudspeakers, it’s undoubtedly going to be a spectator favourite.

Sunday, the final day of the Snowflake Festival, will start with a pancake breakfast and the carnival games will continue.

The weekend also coincides with Avalanche Awareness Days, a national Celebration of Canada’s avalanche safety expertise that will be taking place in venues across the country, including Banff, Lake Louise, Revelstoke, Whistler and more.

The public is invited to participate in backcountry education and training which, at Panorama Mountain Village, will include a free avalanche film, The Fine Line, at the Great Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Friday night and and a second showing on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., plus hill safety demonstrations, transceiver races and skill stations at the summit from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Both movie nights will also feature information on avalanche conditions, prizes and beverages, as well as fundraising for the Canadian Avalanche Centre through the Hugh and Helen Hinks memorial fund.

For more information, contact Scott McClain at avalanche@panoramaresort.com and visit www.avalanche.ca.

Looter is a people cat. Looter has a soft, almost bashful meow and she also has a beautiful plushy-soft coat. She adores being brushed. She is a talkative little girl. Once she is comfortable, she will spend time napping in your lap. Looter would do best in a home with another low-energy cat or as an only cat.

• Group Day Care (3-5 yr. olds) • Pre-School • Infant/Toddler Program • Out-of-School Program Spaces available. Book now!

Drop-ins welcome.

Annual General Meeting Wednesday, January 30 @ 7:30 p.m.

620 4th street. (Pre-school Classroom), Invermere

250-342-3168 TIRED OF PAPER CUTS? { View new flyers from your favourite retailers now at

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Winter is here but the festivals celebrating it haven’t even begun, although this is about to change.

On Friday (January 18) night, Kinsmen Beach in Invermere will be the site of the 3rd annual Snowflake Festival. The event, which runs from 6 to 8 p.m., will kick off the ever-popular curling extravaganza, Bonspiel on the Lake, and the official opening of the Whiteway — conditions permitting — as well as offer live music, outdoor fires, kids’ activities, and delicious samples from local restaurants.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Also on Friday night, Panorama Mountain Village’s own Snowflake Festival begins with free tobogganing — guests can pick up their complimentary ticket at Guest Services.

Then, over the next two days (January 19 and 20), many other activities and events can be enjoyed at the ski resort including a carnival-like atmosphere with games, a snow snake hunt, live music, a BBQ, movies and the not-to-be missed first instalment of the Syndicate Rail Jam Series.

A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

Brain Games

Columbia Valley

Weekend Weather

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Variable cloudiness

Variable cloudiness

Variable cloudiness

Temp: -2oC o Low: -7 C Precip: none

Temp: -2oC o Low: -9 C Precip: none

Temp: -1 C Low: -6oC Precip: none

January 18

Crossword January 16, 2013

January 20

January 19

1. Tooth caregiver 4. Greek counterpart of Rhea 7. A numbered mail compartment (abbr.)

10. New Zealand parrots 12. Political action committees 14. Fringe-toed lizard 15. Reposes 17. Winglike structures 18. MacMurray of “My Three Sons” 19. Oprah’s Broadway show 22. Caeser, egg and tossed 23. Oarlock 24. Agile, lively (nautical) 25. Skim or dart 26. And, Latin 27. Embodies 28. Gallivants 30. Hyperbolic

VALLEY ECHO T he

invermerevalleyecho.com

250-342-9216

o

cosecant 32. Rural delivery 33. Atomic #89 34. Opposite of wealthy 36. Imus and Knotts 39. Yellow ageratum species 41. Large tropical Am. lizard 43. Late Show star 46. Armour breastplate 47. “Death in the Family” author 48. Liquors from rice 50. Bread for a burger 51. Yeast 52. 100 = 1 tala in W. Samoa 53. Two-year-old sheep 54. Hyrax or cony 55. Engine additive CLUES DOWN 1. Danish krone

(abbr.)

2. Insect repellents 3. Move sideways 4. October’s birthstones 5. __ Alto, California city 6. Mark of healed tissue 7. Somewhat purple 8. Egg mixture cooked until just set 9. Past tense of bid 11. Ancient stone slab bearing markings 13. 9th month (abbr.)

16. Thrown into a fright 18. A playful antic 20. “Waiting for Lefty” playwright 21. Ultrahigh frequency

customerservice@ invermerevalleyecho.com

28. Cutting gun barrel spirals 29. Youth loved

by Aphrodite 30. Get by begging 31. Cleans by scrubbing vigorously 34. Bubonic calamity 35. Radioactivity unit 37. Bow (Sanskrit) 38. Legless rep-

tiles 40. Thick piece of something 41. A distinct part of a list 42. Regarding (Scottish prep.)

43. Something that is owed 44. Mild exclamation 45. River in Spain 49. Variation of 17 down

Answer to January 9:

Horoscope Third week of Januar y ARIES Aries, your domestic side will come out this week when you decide to play host or hostess to friends or family. You may reveal some surprising skills in the kitchen.

TAURUS It will take fast action for you to get something accomplished this week, Taurus. If you blink, the opportunity may pass you by, so get moving.

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 You may need to reconsider your purchasing power, Gemini. Your finances may not be what they seem at this moment, and you could need to play things conservatively.

CANCER Cancer, there are a few obstacles you will have to overcome before you can move on to something more enjoyable this week. Make the hard work a priority and the rest will follow.

LEO Maintain the status quo this week, Leo. You may be tempted to do things differently, but going with the flow and not rocking the boat is the best approach this week.

VIRGO Flexibility will be the key this week, Virgo. If you are able to bend, then you will be much more successful than if you are rigid in your opinions and actions.

LIBRA Libra, if you find you have been falling behind on things or simply cannot seem to get organized, then it’s time to reconsider your approach.

SCORPIO Scorpio, when party planning is put into your hands, you are right in your element as a natural leader. You are bound to have all of the details perfect.

SAGITTARIUS Someone could require a pep talk this week, and you are the person for the job, Sagittarius. Figure out ways to downplay any struggles and point out all that this person has accomplished.

CAPRICORN You may find a turnaround in your financial situation has finally arrived, Capricorn.

Just don’t spend all of that newfound money in one place. Put some into an account for later.

AQUARIUS Aquarius, you may need someone to light a fire under you this week.

Welcome this effort because once you get going you will be able to accomplish anything.

PISCES Pisces, it may be a challenge to balance work and home life responsibilities this week. Aim for a 60/40 split of requirements.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 16, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19

Business Profile

Windermere Valley Childcare Society expresses a huge THANK YOU to Carolyn Barzilay for the opportunity to be involved once again in the big craft fair.

Thank you to Carolyn and everyone for their support.

- The WVCCS

Did you know.....

JOSHUA ESTABROOKS PHOTO An incredible selection of ski/board goggles and sunglasses await the customer at Syndicate Board Shop.

•

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 1970s, now with 170 Community Newspapers, 90 of them operating in B.C.

A Syndicate of Success Snow junkies transform outdoor recreation dream into a business reality JOSHUA ESTABROOKS Special to The Valley Echo

Invermere’s Syndicate Board Shop has been in operation for 14 years, making it one of the valley’s true business success stories. Growing steadily every year of its existence, Syndicate is a one-stop shop for all of your outdoor recreation needs.

The store began as a dream of Jer Donald and Eric Lange, both self-admitted snow junkies, and has grown steadily, culminating with their move to their current 2,600 square foot location at 280 Laurier Street, at the Athalmer traffic lights.

“We wanted a name that reflected the community of entrepreneurs we were all friends with,” Donald said. “We all participate in the sports and use the products that

we sell so we are all very knowledgeable with what we sell and service.”

Andrew Scott came on as the store manager when the shop moved to its current location, and has been helping his customers find the perfect snowboard or set of skis ever since. Not only does the store boast a massive selection of big name gear, Scott said, but also the staff knows their stuff, setting them apart from the big box sports stores in the city.

“We service everything we sell. We can custom fit your ski boots or fix up your board no problem,” Scott said. “We really focus on knowing our products and getting people into the right gear the first time.”

Syndicate sells and

JOSHUA ESTABROOKS PHOTO Syndicate Board Shop store manager, Andrew Scott.

services all kinds of snowboards and skis (Burton, Lib Tech, Never Summer, Armada), skateboards, boots, goggles, sunglasses, outer and inner wear, as well as all the gadgets and safety equipment that help their customers get the most out of their outdoor experiences. In order to keep their competitive edge, they will match any online price from out of town, factoring in shipping and duty costs that most online shopping experiences fail to take into

account, said Scott.

So if you’re looking for that perfect pair of underwear (Scott attests that

Saxx underwear has changed his life), or want a complete set of snowboard or ski gear (full package deals are available starting at $450), look no further than Syndicate Board Shop in Invermere. You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, at www.syndicateboardshop.com or by calling 250-342-3839.

Right now, Syndicate is offering 40 per cent off outerwear, full season junior rental packages for $150 and will be unveiling some more killer deals later in the season.

Est. 1956

Discover Natural Healing Herbal Practitioner Program In class starting Mid Feb., 2013 (one weekend a month for 10 months) Online intakes: Intake every 3 months Cost $1849 Includes Manual

Herbal Practitioner for the Healthcare Professional On-line: Continuous Intakes Cost: $1489 For more information and intakes dates for Herbal Practitioner or Herbal Practitioner for the Health Care Professional, call Creston Campus at 250-428-5332 or visit www.cotr.bc.ca/herbal.

www.cotr.bc.ca/creston

Rotary of Radium Hot Springs meets at Higher Ground, 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.

Rotary International

A20 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

Building your Wealth Market Update

Weekly change

Level

Year-to-Date

12,602

0.5%

1.4%

Dow

13,488

0.4%

2.9%

NASDAQ

3,126

0.8%

3.5%

Oil US$/B

$93.56

0.5%

1.9%

CDN $ Per USD

$1.015

0.2%

0.8%

S&P/TSX

New Year! Now what?

Did that year go fast for you, too? At the time, it seemed like the busiest year ever. I suppose that’s all part of the increase in the number of possibilities we face, combined with the increased speed of events going past. Now, we are facing a difficult time of year for many – tax time. It’s a challenging process for most of us.

Of course, the number of things that affect your taxes sure hasn’t decreased. The things you and everyone in your family do may affect the size of your tax bill, possibly positively and possibility negatively. Here are a few things that may help.

A Little Knowledge Can Make Life Less Taxing It doesn’t take long after you receive your first paycheck to realize that all of your money is not your own. The Canadian government is an active and very interested partner in your earnings. In general, the more money you make, the larger its take, unless you know what to do.

Taxes are a fact of life, but you may have more control than you think over how much you pay. If you understand taxes and how they apply to you, the result may be hundreds of dollars of savings back into your pocket each year.

Tax planning is not just for the rich. That’s important to remember! The difference between ‘tax avoidance,’ which is knowing and legally applying the rules, and ‘tax evasion,’ which is illegal getting around the rules, is very important. The Canadian Tax code is full of ways the average taxpayer can make life a little less taxing, and they encourage you to make use of them. Many people can benefit from taking a little time to understand how the code applies to their situation.

Here are just a few important steps anyone can take to get in control of their taxes: Not all Income is Taxed the Same The first dollar you earn each year is taxed at the lowest rate. The last dollar is taxed at a higher rate

depending on your total net earnings. It’s important to know your marginal tax bracket, and know your deductions, so that you know how much you will pay in taxes. If you find that an earnings increase will bump you from one tax bracket to another, you might want to consider ways to reduce your taxable income for the current year. For instance, you could make a larger contribution to your RRSP, or consider making a larger contribution to charity.

Know What Income Gets Taxed

Generally, you are not taxed on your earned income. Rather, you are taxed on your Net Income.

This is your earned income less adjustments and deductions. Just because your earnings may increase, doesn’t mean your taxes will necessarily increase. Adjustments include contributions to your retirement plan, so if your earnings increase you can increase your contributions. In that way you can keep your Net Income lower.

Pay Yourself First – The Oldest Bit of Advice One of the biggest tax breaks available to you can also help ensure your retirement security. Contributions made to your RRSP are deducted from your income resulting in a lower tax bill. In effect, the Canadian government is helping you fund your retirement plan, so every effort should be made to make the highest possible contribution each year.

The contribution limit for RRSPs is 18% of your earned income up to the maximum limit which is

$22,450 for the tax year 2012. Additionally, all of your contributions and their earnings will grow tax free until they are withdrawn.

More Tax Breaks Charitable donation: If it’s time to clean house, you can also qualify for a tax credit of up to 40% for money or items donated to a certified (by CRA) charitable organization. Getting rid of $1000 worth of old furniture could put as much as $290 in your pocket. Donation receipts from as far back as five years ago are good for current deductions.

Educational pursuits: Many people are going back to school to earn advanced degrees or learn new vocations. The government is right there with you, providing you with a tax credit of 20% on your tuition and other educational expenses.

Medical Expenses: Keep your receipts for medical expenses, and use them to reduce Net Income.

There are a lot of possible medical deductions, so use them well.

Start a Business: This may be the year to start your own business, or begin an enterprise from your home. Many start-up costs are deductible as well as the expenses for operating and growing your business.

Review Your Tax Plan Each Year: Child care expenses, union and professional dues, investment expenses, are among the many that can be tax deductible. The key with all tax deductible expenses is to keep very good records with copies of receipts and an expense log to support your deductions.

A good Certified Financial Planner® will work along with your accountant to help you with the whole process of planning to use your income as well as you can. It’s not a simple process to know the possibilities and many people can find themselves paying more than they should. What combination of deductions will be most effective for you?

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 16, 2013

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

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ON THE WEB:

I<>@JK<I KF;8P 7D: H;9;?L;

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www.invermerevalleyecho.com A21

Announcements

Employment

Information

Education/Trade Schools

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 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.

Lost & Found Found: Windermere, black cat.

Provide details to ID/claim.

Tanya 250-270-9449 tanyadeleeuw65@gmail.com

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare. no Risk Program stop Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Free Consultation. Call Us now. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248

Employment

THE ONE, The Only authorized Harley-Davidson technician training program in all of Canada. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll work on all types of HD bikes. Quality instruction and state-of-the-art training aids. GPRC Fairview Campus, Fairview Alberta. 1888-999-7882.

TRAIN TO Be an Apartment/ Condominium Manager at home! We have jobs across Canada. Thousands of graduates working. 32 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1-800-6658339, 604-681-5456.

Employment Trades, Technical JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. in Hanna, Alberta needs a few more good people. Busy, modern shop. $25-$31/hour + bonus, benefits. Great community. Inquire or send resume. Fax 403-8542845; Email: Chrysler@telusplanet.net JOURNEYMAN MECHANICS required by heavy const company. Start asap, must be familiar with all heavy equipment Caterpiller, Komatsu, John Deere etc. competitive wage and superior benefit package.

Required to work in shop in rural Winnipeg, MB and on job sites. E-mail karen@hmcl.ca fax 204-224-9212.

Services

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.

NEED A CHANGE? Looking for work? In the Provost region, workers of all kinds are needed now! Visit our website today for more information: www.dreamscreatethefuture.ca PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume by fax 780-955-HIRE or hr@pyramidcorporation.com WANTED SHORT Logger and Hayrack logging truck off highway and highway hauls for work till end of March. Call 604-819-3393.

Health Products 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! 1800-854-5176.

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

Avoid bankruptcy! Free consultation. Toll Free 1 877-5563500 www.mydebtsolution.com GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed?

Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1-877987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com

Help Wanted

Drivers/Courier/ Trucking DRIVERS WANTED:

Terrific career Opportunity with outstanding growth potential to learn how to locate rail defects.

No Rail Experience Needed!!

Skills Needed - Ability to travel 3 months at a time, Valid License w/ air brake endorsement.

Extensive Paid Travel, Meal Allowance, 4 weeks Vacation and BeneďŹ ts Package.

Compensation based on prior driving experience.

Apply at www.sperryrail.com under careers, keyword Driver.

DO NOT FILL IN CITY OR STATE

Education/Trade Schools EXCLUSIVE FINNING/Caterpillar mechanic training. GPRC Fairview Campus.

High school diploma and mechanical aptitude required. $1000. entrance scholarship. Paid practicum with Finning. Write apprenticeship exams. 1-888999-7882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL. NO Simulators. In-the-seat training. Real world tasks.

Weekly start dates. Job board!

Funding options.

SignUp online! iheschool.com 1-866-399-3853 PUT POWER Into your career!

As a Fairview Power Engineer.

On-campus boiler lab.

4th Class-Part A 3rd Class. Affordable residences. GPRC Fairview Campus. 1-888-9997882; www.gprc.ab.ca/fairview TAYLOR PRO TRAINING *Heavy Equipment Operator Training *Commercial Driver Training Call today 1-877-860-7627 www.taylorprotraining.com

CAREERS AT CBT Manager, Water and Environment A detailed description can be viewed at www.cbt.org/careers or requested from Debra Stewart at 1.800.505.8998.

Please forward resumes to dstewart@cbt.org CZ OPPO 145 'FCSVBSZ GPS DPOTJEFSBUJPO XXX DCU PSH t

Join us:

Sex and the Kitty A single unspayed cat can produce 470,000 offspring in just seven years. Sadly, most of them end up abandoned at BC SPCA shelters or condemned to a grim life on the streets. Be responsible - donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t litter. www.spca.bc.ca

A22 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Services

Merchandise for Sale

Transportation

Financial Services

Misc. for Sale

Auto Financing

IF YOU own a home or real estate, Alpine Credits can lend you money: it’s that simple.

Your credit/age/income is not an issue. 1-800-587-2161.

LOAN HELP - Consolidate all your credit cards, bank loans, income tax debt and payday loans into one small interestfree monthly payment. Contact us asap toll-free 1-888-5284920.

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.

STEEL BUILDINGS / Metal Buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100; sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206. www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

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

Real Estate

Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let it block employment, travel, education, professional, certification, adoption property rental opportunities. For peace of mind & a free consultation call 1-800-347-2540.

Personal Care

Other Areas 20 ACRES Free! Buy 40-Get 60 acres. $0-Down, $168/mo.

Money back guarantee. No credit checks. Beautiful views.

Roads surveyed. Near El Paso, Texas. 1-800-843-7537 www.sunsetranches.com

Rentals

Need assistance with cleaning, cooking or grocery shopping? Affordable help call Marie 250-347-9086

Apt/Condo for Rent

Pets & Livestock

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)349-5306 or (250)489-8389, leave mess.

Pets TROPICAL FISH Sale! All the products you need for your aquarium. Order online and receive 15% off with coupon code: FISH15. Sale ends January 27. www.petland.ca 1-855-839-0555

Merchandise for Sale

Garage Sales 1709 8th St., Invermere Sat, Jan 19th & 26th from 9 am - 1pm. All proceeds go to the Windermere Community Association & Youth Centre they are developing.

Heavy Duty Machinery

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available.

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

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

1-800-961-7022

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

AKISKINOOK resort - 1 bdrm fully furnished condo, indoor pool, hot tub. $675/ month includes cable.

Call 403-281-3991

Invermere Centre Apartments 1 bdrm, 4 piece bath, central location. Laundry on site, N/P N/S 1 yr lease. Call Sharon 250-688-1365. Available Now! Radium - 405 Top unit Pinewood West building. 2 bdrm, 2 bath, underground parking, fully furnished. All inclusive. Avail immediately. $1000/mth. Call Lina @ 403-264-2782 or 403277-7898 ask for Emilio

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS Used 20’40’45’53 in stock.

SPECIAL 44’ x 40’ Container Shop w/steel trusses $13,800!

Sets up in one day!

Also Damaged 40’ $1950 Call Toll Free Also JD 544 & 644 wheel loaders JD 892D LC Excavator Ph. 1-866-528-7108 Free Delivery BC and AB www.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for Sale

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

RADIUM - downtown Reduced!

New 2 bdrm, 2 full baths in The Pinewood. 3rd floor, fireplace, N/S. $875/mth, utilities included.

Underground parking.

Available immediately.

Call Judy 250-345-0225 or 250-341-1903

Townhouses

Cars - Domestic 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

Gorgeous spacious townhome overlooking the Toby Creek.

FF or not, 1800 sq ft, 3 bdrm, 2.5 bath, heated underground parking. $1500 incl’s utilities Avail Feb 1. 403-252-1634

SAWMILLS FROM only $3997. Make money and save money with your own bandmilll. Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship.

Free info and DVD: 1-800566-6899 Ext:400OT www.NorwoodSawmills.com/ 400OT

Floor Refinishing/ Installations

No qr code reader?

Text info: 778.786.8271

Floor Refinishing/ Installations

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

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED 250-342-6644 100-7th Avenue, Invermere www.wvsm.ca Reverend Laura Hermakin

9am: All Saints, Edgewater 9:30 a.m.: God’s Breakfast Club 10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere.

(Every Sunday)

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 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Saturday at 7 p.m.

Sunday at 9 a.m.

St. Church St.Joseph’s Joseph Church Highway 93-95, Radium Hot Springs Sunday at 11 a.m.

Sacred Heart Parish 808 - 11 Street, Golden Sunday at 5 p.m.

St. Anthony’s Mission Corner of Luck and Dunn, Canal Flats

Saturday at 4:30 p.m. (served from Kimberly)

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

Bible Studies #4#4- 7553 - 7553Main MainStreet StreetW, Radium 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

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Hwy. 93/95 1 km north of Windermere Pastor: Murray Wittke

Sunday, January 20th 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Service Worship and Life Instruction 10 a.m. Worship & Word Kid’s Church Provided … “I AM: The Life” …

Pastor Trevor ministering.

“K.I.D.S.” Church, for Call the office at 250-342-9511 children Age 3 to Grade for more information.

1; and Grade 2 to Grade 5, www.valleychristianonline.com during the Morning Service.

Sharing Truth Showing Love Following the Spirit

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 16, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A23

Remember When?

Get more online! invermerevalleyecho.com articles•videos•comments•local•provincial

Who’s watching your property?

RFE provides: • Alarm Systems monitoring by internet, cellular and landline.

• Surveillance Systems, internet based • Custom home theatres • Authorized Marantz dealer • Russound sound systems

ALARMS & SOUND

250•342•6549

ICAN – Invermere Companion Animal Network

ECHO FILE PHOTO 2010 — The Bighorns' football team along with some friends stand next to just a small amount of the bottles and cans they collected as part of a recycling drive to collect money for the team's upcoming season. Residents from all over the Columbia Valley stepped up and donated to the project.

pumped into Slocan Forest Products' Radium mill to expand sawmill operations, despite market uncertainty.

15 years ago (1998): Columbia Valley Airport ceased to be operated by the Regional District of East Kootenay. Negotiations between the Shuswap Band, who owned the land, and the RDEK, which had the lease, finalized a final buy-out for the remaining ten years on the lease.

The by-out figure was $128,000.

25 years ago (1988): Russ Hendry introduced Karnak, the valley’s first ever Avalanche Rescue Dog. Before, anyone caught in an avalanche would have to wait for the avalanche dog from Cranbrook.

40 years ago (1973): The Invermere

A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years RENICE OAKS Special to The Valley Echo

5 years ago (2008): The Windermere and Fairmont Hot Springs volunteer fire departments, which responded to a motor vehicle accident that claimed the life of seven-year-old Julien Tyrrell, teamed up to start a support fund for the mother and two siblings who were also in the car.

10 years ago (2003): $3 million was

Arena Complex received a $12,000 grant under the Local Initiatives Program. This allowed the hiring of unemployed men who will maintain the rink, collect fees and other needed work. The rink was administered by the Windermere District Spoorts Society with Adolf Hromadnik as the chairman.

50 years ago (1963): Panorama Ski Hill Company announced the opening of the tow rope on the mountain each weekend. The plan was to have it manned Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m to 4:30 p.m.. The company's secretary, Karl Strobl, said plans were going ahead for the building of a ski lodge at the site but a small shack would serve as a shelter for the time being.

Invermere Companion Animal Network

Sponsored by:

4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd. 250-345-6133 Photo courtesy of Tanya De Leeuw Photography

We offer a great selection of classes

Courses in January • • • • • •

Windshields installed Rock repairs Tires Cooling system flush Performance exhaust Factory reprogramming

Scrapbooking 101 Graduated Licensing OFA 1 Snowshoe Fitness Spanish Intermediate Taking Better Photos 101 Intro to Computers Culinary Adventures Sculpting Classes & Life Drawing Sewing courses for Adults & Kids Home Beauty classes from head to toe n Intro Simply Accounting n n n n n n n n n n n

• Custom exhaust bending • New vehicle maintenance • Performance reprogramming • Nitrogen tire filling • Windshields

250-342-9424

VALLEY ECHO 342-9216

www.icanhelpapet.com • 250-341-7888 www.facebook.com/icanbc

Continuing Education Guide

Complimentary Kicking Horse Coffee

T he

Adoption Fee: $100 (to help offset spay/neuter and vet bills)

Watch your mailbox for the newest

We do rubber stamps!

Call for a quote today!

Samoa - Just look at me! Aren’t I beautiful. At 7 months old, I am a little shy at first, but then so-o-o affectionate and playful. My sister, Peru, and I are quite bonded, but, as we both need our very own families, we are willing to be separated.

Would YOU like to come visit us?

141 Industrial Rd. No. 2, Invermere walkersrepair.mechanicnet.com

@ere editvoerrm

in valleyecho.com

Got something to say?

Send your comments and letters to: editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Check your mailbox for the new CE guide!

Contact the Invermere campus today:

250.342.3210

www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

A24 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 The Valley Echo

Serving the Valley RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO • Gas • Propane • Diesel • Automotive Repairs • Tires & Batteries • Greyhound

• CAA approved automotive repair •

MECHANICAL REPAIRS AVAILABLE 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days A Week

250-347-9726

7507 Main Street West

Sholinder & MacKay

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

Sand & Gravel

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping

NEWER SEW ERA CAM

• Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years • Avoid costly repairs

Office:

Bruce Dehart 250-347-9803 or 250-342-5357

Hot Shot • Furnaces • Heat PumPs • air conditioning • FirePlaces• Hot tubs • cHemicals • service & maintenance • gas Fitting 385 Laurier Street Phone: 250-342-7100 Invermere, BC Fax: 250-342-7103 www.diamondheatingandspas.com

To advertise, call: 250-342-9216

Snow Removal Service

The WaTer & air Company!

Ph: 250-342-5024 Cell: 250-688-5594 24 hour service

RR#3, 954 Swansea Road, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K3 www.equityrepair.ca • rjennix@hotmail.com

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

DCS Plumbing & Heating Universal Doors & Exteriors Sales • Service • Installation

24-Hour Emergency Service

DOUG

250-341-8501

• Garage Doors • Passage Doors • Truck Doors • Windows • Sunrooms • Patio Covers • Vinyl Decking • Aluminum Railings • Siding • Soffit • Facia • Window Capping • Renovations

Senior Discount Invermere

Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy Ltd. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Irena Sedlakova, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Your compounding pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware!

Open Monday - Saturday • 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6612

Phone

Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

Equity Repair & Maintenance Ltd.

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Mobile Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning • Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Topsoil • Sand & Gravel

• Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks

250-342-6700

■ Lockout Service ■ Lake Recovery ■ 24 Hour Towing ■ Prompt Service

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe!

Kerry Colonna

QUALITY QUALITYAUTO AUTOSERVICE SERVICE YOU YOUCAN CANTRUST TRUST

Lake LakeAuto AutoService Service ALL ALLMAKES MAKES••ALL ALLMODELS MODELS AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVEREPAIRS REPAIRS OPEN OPENMONDAY MONDAYTO TOFRIDAY FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. 5:30 8:30 A.M. - 5:30P.M. P.M. Main MainStreet Street••Downtown DowntownInvermere Invermere 250-342-9310 250-342-9310

Cranbrook Pest Control Environmentally-friendly integrated pest management Ask about our maintenance programs All work guaranteed

Thermal Imaging PEST QUESTIONS? Visit our website: WWW.CRANBROOKPESTCONTROL.COM info@cranbrookpestcontrol.com

250-426-9586 • 1-888-371-6299

Also offering FREE year-round pickup of unwanted vehicles

Warbrick Towing & Salvage READY MIX CONCRETE

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists

Carpet System & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Guaranteed Truck Mounted • Customer Satisfaction

TruckHubman Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed Dean Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Dean Certifi ed Hubman Technician

Certified Technician 250-342-3052

250-342-3052

TollInvermere, Free: 877-342-3052 BC V0A 1K3 Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

odysseyrestoration@telus.net

• CONCRETE PUMP • SAND & GRAVEL • HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS • CRANE SERVICE

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years.

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

250-342-5089

Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

warbrick@shaw.ca • Cell: 250-342-5851

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

250-342-6452 • 250-342-3773 Cell: 250-342-5833

250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)