Invermere Valley Echo, January 30, 2013

The Columbia Valley’s Newspaper Since 1956

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen

VALLEY ECHO T he

Vol. 405 Vol.56 57Issue Issue

invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, October 2012 Wednesday, January31, 30, 2013

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

B.C. pond hockey event returns Pg A12

Strand's welcomes Bocephus King Pg A15

MaxWell Realty Invermere

Fishing family

DAN WALTON/ECHO PHOTO The Kinsmen Ice Fishing Derby in Invermere on Saturday (January 28) lured dozens of participants who spent the day out on the ice of Lake Windermere in hopes of catching the big one. For more images from events that took place throughout the valley this past weekend, turn to pages A10 and A11.

Pushing for a pump track in Invermere May long weekend is target day for completion if approval is granted DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

Cyclists in Invermere may soon be in for a treat.

Becca Wright of the Purcell Mountain Bike Club is

advocating to the District of Invermere (DOI) and the Rocky Mountain School District #6 the implementation of a pump track in an empty space at Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

Similar to the pump track built in Radium Hot Springs last spring, the track would be a dirt circuit that would require cyclists to use strength and momentum to ride through a series of rolls and jumps.

Speaking with The Echo, Becca Wright explained why

she decided to spearhead the communal cycling course.

“My husband [Byron Grey of Bicycle Works) and I have been running kids’ mountain bike programs since 2001, and especially for the young kids; the ones that are under ten,” she said. “Pump tracks are something that friends of ours in other communities have had, and we’ve ridden them and thought that they were

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Suicide claims life of arson suspect Deceased 20-year-old female discovered near Riverside golf course alongside rifle DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

The 20-year-old female from Fairmont Hot Springs who was charged with arson alongside a 25-yearold Invermere male as of January 17 was

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found dead behind a building in the 5000 block of Riverview Road that backs onto the Riverside golf course in Fairmont Hot Springs on Thursday, January 24.

On Monday (January 28), the BC Coroners Office confirmed the identity of the deceased as Cheyenne Michelle Mason-Lalonde, aged 20, was a resident of Fairmont Hot Springs and an employee of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Mason-Lalonde was found by a friend late in the evening of January 24. She was deceased at the scene, her death the

result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Columbia Valley RCMP had been notified of a female making threats to harm herself on the Fairmont premises around 10:30 p.m. on Thursday. Upon arrival, police were notified that a female body alongside a rifle

Springs Resort chief operating officer Dean Prentic told The Echo on Monday (January 28). “We had sessions on Friday, offered services on Saturday, Sunday, there’s another one [Monday] and [Tuesday]. We’ve been identifying individuals in particular, and

“It's a tragic event to lose a life, and there's a lot of staff who were close.”

DEAN PRENTIC FHSR CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

had been discovered by a roommate.

It was unclear at press deadline whether drugs and/or alcohol were a factor.

Friends and coworkers have since been given access to grief support.

“We’ve been doing counselling since Friday afternoon just after the incident,” Fairmont Hot

the circle gets bigger as you talk to people and understand who’s affected, and whose been affected in different ways. Everybody reacts differently to this.”

Prentic says the resort will continue to monitor each employee and ensure that appropriate counselling is being provided for their needs.

A celebration of life will take place at 4 p.m. in Cranbrook.

“It’s a tragic event to lose a life, and there’s a lot of staff who were close,” Prentic said.

“Certainly in any type of work environment, you’re closest to the people you work with. You work with them every day; to lose a friend and a colleague is challenging — there’s no question. Everyone’s coping and coping in their own way. We’re just trying to help them through that period of time as best we can.”

The BC Coroners Service and RCMP continue to investigate this death.

The young woman’s death should not affect the outcome of the arson charges laid against the 25 year-old male, Staff Sargeant Marko Shehovak told The Echo.

Clark's bold deal for teachers dumped New bargaining framework arranged DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

The provincial Liberals are hoping to reach an agreement with the BC Teachers Federation before the current contract expires. On January 24, Christy Clarke proposed a ten-year collective agreement which would tie teachers' pay raises in with the public sector and give them back the power to strike.

The province hopes to end reoccurring conflicts with BCTF by imposing the longterm contract. The deal also addresses two major concerns; teachers had their

right to strike removed last year during contract disputes; meanwhile they’ve been earning pay raises at a lower rate than the average public-sector employee.

Doug Murray, president of Windermere Teacher’s Association, is in tandem with the BC Teachers Federation and has bluntly rejected the offer.

“My initial thought is, ‘How convenient right before an election; election games.’ It doesn’t seem like something that is going to benefit kids in the classroom... They’re just not addressing the funding issues that are here,” Murray told The Echo.

Aside from the terms of the deal, Murray is also dissatisfied with the length.

“I don’t think it’s good for

anybody because it doesn’t allow for any flexibility with what can happen with things.

What’s going to be locked in for ten years? Who’s to know?

Look at Luongo. What I heard is that it’s a non-starter for ten years. Everybody wants stability, but that’s why you go to the table willing to negotiate.”

Regarding the proposal to tie pay increases in with other BC public workers, Murray isn’t convinced of any benefit.

“It doesn’t mean anything to me. You don’t tie [teachers pay] to anything else; tie it to other teachers in Canada.”

The proposal was considered a non-starter by BCTF president Susan Lambert.

CONTINUES TO 'MEETINGS' ON PAGE A3

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

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Page Three

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

EZ Rock in Golden eyes Invermere as location for FM antenna New signal would encompass entire Columbia Valley, extend almost to Kimberley NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

EZ Rock in Golden is looking at bringing an FM antenna to Invermere, and news of the radio station’s potential plan is already making waves in the community.

“We had a meeting with some of the businesses in town just to see if there was interest in advertising,” said EZ Rock morning host and sales consultant Chris Cameron. “(It was) tremendous; we had a packed house.”

The station currently broadcasts an AM radio wave to the Columbia Valley, which can be heard as far south as Fairmont Hot Springs. An FM antenna in Invermere would allow a clearer signal to travel further south, past Canal Flats almost to Kimberley.

“It would encompass the whole valley, which would be great,” said Cameron.

An FM signal already extends to the

Radium Hot vermere at Springs area 870 on the thanks to the AM dial, FM antenna has served that was inboth the troduced to Golden and Golden last Invermere year, which Chris Cameron c o m m u n i also broadties since it casts the station as started up in the late far north as the top of 1970s.

Rogers Pass.

“I do a lot of inter“FM is a very clear views with people

“We really want to be involved in Invermere, to give Invermere a voice... " CHRIS CAMERON EZ ROCK GOLDEN HOST

signal, AM isn’t as clear,” said Cameron.

“Sometimes if there’s a tin roof you can’t hear the AM signal, whereas the FM you can.”

EZ Rock, which can be heard in In-

from Invermere and bring both communities together,” said Cameron. “It’s difficult being in Golden, (but) we bring as much Invermere content on as we can.”

An FM antenna in Invermere would give businesses another advertising option that would be heard throughout the entire region, he said.

“We really want to be involved in Invermere, to give Invermere a voice — which we have been — but an even better one, and a clear one,” said Cameron.

He said an EZ Rock studio in Invermere, though costly, is also an option that also may be looked at in the future.

Bell Canada is in negations to buy Astral Media, the Montreal-based company that currently owns the EZ Rock brand of radio stations.

Meetings begin February 4

Content Opinion..........................................A6-A7 Community Calendar.........................A9 Monthly Calendar.............................A14 A&E............................................A15-A16 Sports.........................................A17-A19 Classifieds..................................A20-A21 Build Your Wealth..............................A22 Serving the Valley......................A23-A24 Remember When?.............................A24

Columns MLA Report.........................................A7 B.C. Views............................................A7 For the Love of Food...........................A8 Blast Off...............................................A9

Features Valley Life Photo Gallery...........A10-A11 BC Pond Hockey........................A12-A13

Find us online invermerevalleyecho.com InvermereValleyEcho @TheValley Echo

Got news?

Call Nicole or Dan at 250-342-9216 or email news@invermerevalleyecho.com.

Last week's online poll results

CONTD. FROM PAGE A2

While Clark’s proposal last Thursday was not well received by the BCTF, the BC Public Employers Association and the BCTF came to an agreement on Saturday on a bargaining frame.

Both sides will begin meeting on February 4 and must come up with a proposal by March 1st; a facilitator will be assisting with communication. If a deal is not reached by June 1st, the facilitator will report on his/ her findings and offer practical suggestions for continued negotiations.

The deal is considered an improvement from negotiations in 2011/12, Lambert says.

Echo Index

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

NEWS

Track would be located at the Mount Nelson Athletic Park Continued from Page A1

fun. As a high school teacher, I see the Mount Nelson Athletic Park every day, and there is that space that isn’t being used right by the

tennis courts, and I thought, ‘That would be a great spot to have a pump track.’ “ A meeting was held in November of 2011 to determine if there

was enough interest in the community to push forward.

“I thought, ‘Well hey — that’s something I can do as an individual if the clubs aren’t able to’,” Wright said.

That same month,

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Wright began making phone calls to draw support. Upon contacting the Columbia Valley Cycling Association at that time, she learned of the pump track that was underway in Radium, which was consuming all of the organization’s resources.

“I thought that was fantastic, but I still wanted one here, so I thought, ‘Okay, their time is kind of committed there, why don’t I spend my time trying to get one going here and then they can help us once it’s all up and going’.”

Her next step was to make presentations to councils, but due to time constraints of both parties, it was nearly a year before Wright arranged meetings with the DOI and school board.

Wright finally brought forward her idea at the January 22 DOI council meeting, and although the presentation was well-received, final approval could be granted until approval is issued by the school board and insurance is purchased.

Wright is optimis-

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2013 GENERAL LOCAL BY-ELECTION NOTICE OF NOMINATION Public Notice is given to the electors of the VILLAGE OF CANAL FLATS that nominations for the office of: Councillor (one) for a 20-month term April 2013 , to November 2014, will be received by the Chief Election Officer or Deputy Chief Election Officer, at the following location: VILLAGE OF CANAL FLATS MUNICIPAL OFFICE 8853 GRAINGER ROAD 9:00 a.m. February 12th, 2013 to 4:00 p.m. February 22nd, 2013 (excluding weekends) Nomination documents are available at the Canal Flats Village Office during regular office hours.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE A person is qualified to be nominated, elected, and to hold office as a member of local government if they meet the following criteria: • Canadian Citizen • 18 years of age of older; • resident of British Columbia for at least 6 months immediately before the day nomination papers are filed; and • not disqualified by the Local Government Act or any other enactment from voting in an election in British Columbia or from being nominated for, being elected to, or holding office.

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tic the red tape will clear; similar success was achieved by the organization responsible for the implementation of the skate park.

“Our community, though we’re tight money wise, I think that we have entrepreneurial spirit here in town and I think we do have a strong community.”

Should the pump track receive approval, volunteers will be sought as well as equipment, tools and “good dirt”.

program would look like,” she said. “So we would take that responsibility for the first year to get it off the ground.”

Wright is determined to have the track built in 2013, possibly as early as the May long weekend. “We’d like to tie it into something that’s already going on,” she said. “For example, if it’s Valley Appreciation Day or the July long weekend, for more of a grand opening festival.”

The track that

“I think that we have entrepreneurial spirit here in town and I think we do have a strong community.” becca wright invermere pump track co-ordinator

Once it’s complete, volunteers will also be needed to maintain the track throughout the first season, as the first year is when it requires most care.

Arranging volunteer maintenance duty is also part of Wright’s proposal.

“After this year, we would sit down with council and determine what a longer term maintenance

Wright currently has in mind will occupy 500 to 600 feet of interwoven track.

The course chosen was the one considered the most ideal for Invermere, however “it’s subject to change — once you get in there you start seeing your workable space,” Wright said.

During Wright’s presentation to the DOI, Councillor Anderson

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asked if the pump track’s location would interfere with plans to build a middle school in the long term future. Wright acknowledges the pump track will lie where a middle school would be built, but mentioned that the tennis courts already interfere with the proposed site.

Wright also pointed out that the dirt track could easily be levelled if need be.

“They are quite cost efficient,” she said.

“And because it’s dirt, it can be modified — it doesn’t have to be permanent. It can go with whatever trend is happening. You establish the pump track area, but maybe every five years you look at the design and think, ‘Okay, is it time for a change?’ “ But for now, Wright says the biggest hurdle to overcome is approval.

Should total approval be granted, cyclists and handypeople who would like to help out can do so by contacting Bicycle Works in Invermere at 250342-7231 or bicycle works@live.com.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A5

NEWS

Columbia Valley RCMP year-end review for 2012 Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac pleased with local officers' involvement in community DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

During the January 22 District of Invermere council meeting, Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac presented the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment’s year-end review for 2012.

The detachment is currently at full strength with two new recruits, who are expected to complete field training in February and April respectively.

The total number of service calls were substantially greater last year than in 2011 — 3,252 in 2012 compared to 2,136 the year before. However, Marko reminded council about technical difficulties which accounted for the difference.

Throughout the District of Invermere, 773 calls for service were made last year compared to 611 in 2011.

Residents of Invermere have communicated to RCMP that they would like police to pay more attention to Kinsmen Beach after complaints of drug and alcohol use, while residents of Area G and F have requested more police visibility and patrolling.

And since the mill opened in Radium, complaints have been received about drivers speeding to and from the mill.

Shehovac spoke about his appreciation for feedback, thanking those who have helped the RCMP identify the community’s priorities, and mentioned the detachment is currently seeking input for next year.

Extra funding is normally allocated to the local detachment

for seasonal policing, providing extra patrols throughout the summer and winter months. Invermere RCMP have $2,500 to spend this winter, which will be spent on hiring local officers to patrol the valley during their days off.

Shehovac said that local RCMP members have been pro-active in the community through minor hockey, junior hockey, Cadets and the volunteer fire department.

He also mentioned the changing dynamics of the police force, stating that a lot more members now have children compared to recent years.

The top priorities for the 2012/13 year (April ‘12 to March ‘13), in order, are: education and enforcement against drug and alcohol abuse, visibility in the community, and traffic safety in the South East District and the “E” Division (British Columbia).

Regarding the number one goal of reducing drug and alcohol abuse in the community, the detachment had set a goal of charging ten prolific offenders and have since laid 25, Shehovac said. The detachment is also ensuring proper training in the Immediate Roadside Provision program to allow all members to fully enforce the law against impaired drivers.

Junior members are also being brought up to speed on carrying out search warrants; the detachment has seen a number of successes in “quality” charges resulting

from search warrants.

Two DARE Program classes were completed last year and three are planned for this year. The detachment also plans to instruct 15 educational sessions throughout the valley before the end of March and have managed to complete four so far.

To increase its visibility in the valley, the detachment had

set the goal of attending 90 meetings — 63 had been attended by the end of December, while more officers will be conducting patrols through the winter thanks to the aforementioned seasonal policing funds.

Also, the detachment encourages its members to be active in the community during their time off and is inviting the commu-

nity to attend its open house in May. Furthermore, Shehovac mentioned local media as an effective method of keeping in contact with citizens who don’t regularly meet with the RCMP. To combat traffic safety and roadside enforcement, the detachment had set a goal of charging 50 impaired drivers; 24 charges had been

laid as of the date of Shehovac’s report.

The detachment also plans on laying 800 traffic traffics in Invermere this year.

The legal problems facing the valley are common among B.C. communities, Shehovac said. He believes the local detachment’s priorities should remain in place for the 2013/14 year.

“Regardless of the

size of the community, from Vancouver to Canal Flats, these three are often the main focus of the police,” he said in his report.

Shehovac also stated that the detachment would like to identify one priority in each community that police officers could help improve, in addition to tackling the crimes common throughout the province.

Last chance to get in!

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. Flames' 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 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

Opinion

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Slippery slope It's such a tragedy when a young person loses his or her life, whether it's to illness, an accident or natural causes. But when the cause is suicide, the grief is particularly heartbreaking.

Those left behind wonder how it could have been prevented, if it could have been. But the mindset of someone who is suicidal is not something that develops overnight.

It's the outcome of a prolonged period of inner pain and suffering, a sense of isolation that may not be apparent to even close friends and family, and a despair so profound that a positive outcome to life's hardships seems impossible.

That Cheyenne Michelle Mason-Lalonde felt she had no other choice but to end her life will have an impact on her community for some time to come.

There needs to be more public education around suicide, so more people can learn about the warning signals and how to help if someone they know is exhibiting suicidal behaviour.

And a smaller community, with its tightly-knit groups and cozy familiarity, should have better odds identifying someone who is headed down this path. Teachers, employers, co-workers, family members, friends, neighbours... all are in a position to notice whether or not something is wrong and take action.

There is likely speculation that Mason-Lalonde, in having been arrested and charged with arson in relation to the fire at Columbia Eagle Resort in Fairmont Hot Springs this past December, succumbed to the stress of an impending conviction and the resulting impact this may have had on her future, in terms of travel, being accepted into schools, being considered for jobs, etc. A looming criminal record may have proved to be too much for a young woman caught in a chain reaction of poor decisions, which unfortunately led her to make the poorest decision of all.

Mason-Lalonde will be mourned by those who loved her. And according to Fairmont Hot Springs Resort chief operating officer Dean Prentic who is managing grief counselling services for MasonLalonde's former co-workers, the circle of those affected by her death continues to grow. Despite her problems, it appears she was an individual who touched the lives of many people while she was alive.

And she will continue to touch the lives of many more people as long as her unforunate death creates more awareness and public support for troubled youth, ultimately helping others avoid the slippery slope she found herself 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 Aggravated by errors Dear Editor, I have several pet peeves frequently seen in newspapers, or heard on radio or television: I wonder if any other people in the valley have similar misuse of words that they find irritating?

1. “To continue on” – the “on” is not needed.

2. Something being “different to” or “different than” – correct use being “different from”.

3. Using “me” or “I” incorrectly when writing or talking about yourself with another person.

4. Use of “iconic” – now almost an epidemic use – should only apply to something of unique religious status.

Shirley Campbell Invermere

Dialysis unit needed Dear Editor, I have been a resident of Invermere for 24 years. Due to a genetic illness, Polycystic Kidney Disease, my kidneys failed and I started dialysis in September 2011. When I started, there were also two other patients receiving this essential service in

this long-established unit. When the nurse went off on medical leave in June 2012, Interior Health didn’t have proper resources to address the service gap and patients were directed to travel to Cranbrook for treatments (three times per week at four hours per treatment run plus travel time).

Note that this isn’t like cancer treatment — there is no cure short of a transplant. Then after seven months and currently down to just one patient — me — Interior Health announces they are permanently closing the Invermere Dialysis Unit.

I would like to share my story and concerns for other Invermere area citizens.

Kirt Sellers Invermere

Dialysis decision disputed Dear Editor, I am responding to your article concerning the closing of the dialysis unit at the Invermere & District Hospital.

It is interesting that Interior Health Authority (IHA) says they are closing it due to lack of staff. I know of two nurses who were interested in work-

VALLEY ECHO T he

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ing in the unit, at least one of whom applied for the posted position.

There are three satellite dialysis units in the East Kootenay and their patient numbers vary from time to time so being down to one patient is not finite but merely a temporary situation.

The unit in Invermere is also used by non-residents who come on vacation and this actually adds to the viability as the money they pay does not come from B.C.’s health system.

I have talked to nurses in the dialysis units around the East Kootenays and they agree with me that a pool of nurses who would be willing to do some travelling around the region would allow for increased patient numbers and the flexibility to provide quality health care to patients who require dialysis.

I think it’s about time that IHA began looking outside the box to try to provide services like dialysis instead of just closing programs and denying access to the taxpayers of rural B.C. communities.

Patt Shuttleworth, RN MA East Kootenay Regional Chair BC Nurses Union Cranbrook

Notice of Copyright: Reproduction of any or all editorial and advertising materials in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher. It is agreed by the advertiser requesting space that the liability of The Valley Echo, owned by Black Press Ltd. in the event of failure to publish an advertisement or in the event of an error appearing in the advertisement as published, shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for only the one incorrect insertion for the portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect or omitted items only and that there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for such advertising.

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7

Word on the Street

ANY

IDEA FOR BUILDING MORE STUFF IS AWESOME. ANYTHING TO GET MORE PEOPLE HERE WOULD BE GREAT. —DREW ROBINSON

IF

How do you feel about the possible installation of a pump track for cyclists in Invermere?

THEY HAVE SPACE AND WANT TO LET THEM DO IT, THEN WHY NOT? —CARL HYNES

I

THINK IT WOULD BE AWESOME. —JEN ABRA

MLA Report — Norm Macdonald

Getting to know the new Provincial Sales Tax On February 12, we will finally return to the B.C. legislature where we will be expected to sit for only five weeks. This means that the legislature will have been in operation for only 19 days in the year leading up to the May 14th election.

One piece of legislation, which must be introduced — and presumably passed — is the Provincial Sales Tax Act. This legislation will bring to a close the final chapters in the BC Liberal’s Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) debacle which began within weeks of their reelection in 2009.

The BC Liberals promised that this

legislation would be tabled in Octowould move back to the pre-existing ber 2012 but the government failed Provincial Sales Tax. But a reading of in that commitment. They have now, the bill indicates that the new PST is however, released a copy of the draft actually quite different. It is up to you legislation ahead to decide whether “It's up to you to decide of the legislative or not the changes sitting, and it is well whether or not the changes that have been worth studying, made are consisthat have been made are particularly if you tent with the intent own or operate a consistent with the intent of of the referendum business. result. the referendum result.”

If you would like a When the BC Libcopy of the draft bill, please email my erals first broke their election comoffice at norm.macdonald.mla@leg. mitment in 2009 and imposed the bc.ca or call 1-866-870-4188.

HST on British Columbians, it was The BC Liberals promised that if constituents who shared with me just they lost the HST referendum they how deeply your businesses and your

budgets were affected by the HST. Heli-ski operators, hair dressers, real estate professionals, and restaurant owners all provided detailed and informed views, and with that information we were able to successfully campaign to overturn the BC Liberal imposition of the HST. In order to thoroughly debate the new PST legislation in the House, it is important that I hear from you how this version of the PST will affect your specific business. I thank you in advance for taking the time to share any concerns.

Norm Macdonald is the NDP MLA for Columbia River-Revelstoke.

B.C. Views — Tom Fletcher

New season for 'School Wars' has begun Like a bad reality show about a dysfunctional family, B.C. School Wars has lurched to life again for the 2013 election.

Coming soon to billboards and buses across the province: staged pictures of sad-faced kids crammed into dirty classrooms by a heartless government.

It doesn’t even matter which government. This ritual combat went on through Social Credit and NDP governments too.

Premier Christy Clark opened the new season with her promised pitch to restructure bargaining. It suggested splitting up bargaining into traditional wage and benefit talks, and a separate table and fund for classroom size and support.

Cast in her familiar role of the sullen, rebellious teenager, BCTF president Susan Lambert staged a news conference to distort and mock the government’s offer.

A 10-year deal if we give up

bargaining wages and classroom conditions? “Ludicrous.”

What’s ludicrous is her characterization of a formula to link teacher pay to nurses, post-secondary faculty and other government workers.

Nurses are renowned for getting raises when no one else does, so this should be an opportunity for these powerful unions to co-ordinate. But the BCTF can’t get along with

BCTF executive and the school district bargaining agent had just settled on a mutual costing model. What this means is the school districts, which have to make payroll and balance budgets, have convinced the BCTF to stop misrepresenting costs.

I’ll believe that when I see it.

Before Education Minister Don McRae had even spoken, BCTF vice-president

Bill Vander Zalm decided an industrial union bargaining structure was just the ticket for public schools.

Students are taught by example, if not by blatant propaganda in classrooms, that all problems are solved by demanding more money from the government. After this conditioning, older students are sometimes pressed into service as union pickets.

“... so this should be an opportunity for these powerful unions to co-ordinate. But the BCTF can't get along with other unions any more than it can negotiate with any discernible competence.” other unions any more than it can negotiate with any discernible competence.

Lambert falsely claimed there was no consultation on the proposal. This reminded me how she low-balled the costs of her union’s demands by hundreds of millions during what passed for negotiations in last year’s strike season.

Behind the scenes, the

Glen Hansman was growling his reply on Twitter: See you in court. That message presumably also goes for premier-in-waiting Adrian Dix, unless he replaces the hated B.C. Liberals in May, then quickly kneels before the BCTF and extends the key to the provincial treasury.

Two generations of British Columbians have been bullied by this bad drama, since

There’s your Social Justice class, kids. Sorry about those sports teams and field trips, but we need those as bargaining chips to get more paid leave time.

To state the obvious, Clark and McRae staged this as a pre-election event to frame the issue. They knew their effort would be greeted as a declaration of war.

The main reason the BCTF

agreed to a contract extension with a wage freeze last year? It wasn’t the blindingly obvious fact that every other public sector union had already taken two zeroes. It was strictly tactics.

The delay sets up the latest rematch of these old warriors in the spring election.

The plan is to get the dreaded B.C. Liberals out and then start working over the weaker, more union-dependent NDP. That’s who caved in earlier and gave the BCTF broad control over staffing levels, the proverbial key to the treasury.

Along with basic math and economics, a point the BCTF seems unable to grasp is that its strategy is self-defeating.

Those sad kids are making more and more parents seek a better deal.

Tom Fletcher is legislative reporter and columnist for Black Press and BCLocalnews.com, and can be reached at tfletcher@blackpress.ca.

A8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

For the Love of Food — Marc LeBlanc

Simplicity at its best Being in the hospitality industry is some- picked and cooked. times really challenging. Trying to keep up I think that is what makes great food ,fresh with the new trends and having a good vari- items that are prepared properly. Fresh fruit ety of items on a menu can be difficult. and vegetables are abundant in flavours To try to get inspiration in my cooking I’ve and do not need to be masked with overhave done a lot of traveling. I spent time powering and unnecessary ingredients. in Central America, Egypt, South East Asia Putting delicious dishes together does not and Europe learning the culture, studying have to be complex: the palette enjoys the the history and, of course, eating. simplicity of pure flavor brought on by a One thing that really stood out was that few tastes. almost every culture took time to prepare A great dish that comes to mind is a the food and every thing roasted chicken with fresh was either grown or was thyme.

“Fresh fruit and sourced out locally.

Roasted chicken with During my travels, I spent vegetables are abundant fresh thyme a month in Vietnama and Ingredients in flavours and do not I was fortunate to go up 1 2-3 lb whole chicken north and spend a week need to be masked with kosher salt and pepper with a hill tribe. These overpowering and 2 tsp fresh thyme people grew everything Instructions unnecessary ingredients.” from rice and vegetables, Preheat oven 450. Leave also raising pigs and chickthe chicken trussed. Seaens. I think one of the best meals I had was son chicken with about 1 tbsp of salt and a slowly braised chicken in a simple broth 3 pinches of ground black pepper. Place with steamed vegetables. chicken in roasting pan and cook for 50 to What amazed me the most was that ev- 60 minutes. Remove from oven and add erything we ate was grown and raised in the fresh thyme and add 1 tbsp of butter, baste land that surrounded us. No quick run to chicken with juices and thyme. Let rest for the local supermarket that day.

15 minutes. Makes 2 to 4 servings.

Most of the time these people would make Marc is the Executive Chef and a co-owner amazing dishes with not much more than a of Birchwood Restaurant in Invermere. He few simple items that they planted, grew, can be reached at birchwoodinv@gmail.com.

In Timbits Hockey, kids learn that there’s more to hockey than just playing the game. It’s also a fun way to make new friends and discover a love for the game. Tim Hortons is proud to support the boys and girls who play Timbits Hockey in Invermere.

© Tim Hortons, 2007

Behind the

Wh ee

l

Update your Driving Skills and Knowledge Looking Ahead to 2013

“Recently I was coming back from the ski hill and got a rock chip in my windshield that has started to crack and spider. I know there is a violation ticket that may be written for a cracked windshield. I plan on getting it changed in the spring after the roads are swept.”

This reader is correct, there are a number of ways for police to deal with a broken windshield ranging from a notice and order to repair to a ticket or even an order removing the vehicle from the roadway if the damage is serious enough. Since about 80% of the information that you need comes from your eyes, being able to see properly is a must.

So, when is a windshield damaged sufficiently to require replacement? There are regulations that describe damage that is considered to be vision obstructing. Conditions include a crack over 300 mm long in any part, more than 2 cracks over 150 mm long in any one piece of glass, stone or shot injuries more than 40 mm in diameter, two or more stone or shot injuries over 20 mm in diameter in any one piece of glass and broken glass showing sharp edge.

I understand the balance of risk to the budget against the risk of replacing the windshield only to have it damaged again. Being able to see is important but you must also take into account that the glass is a structural component of the vehicle these days and also plays a part in body integrity and proper air bag deployment. Failing to replace it when needed could have significant consequences.

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

Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 – 12:30 and 1:00 – 5:00 • Saturday: 9:00 – 2:30

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Shaking the family tree GINNY WALKER Special to The Valley Echo

Shaking the family tree by Buzzy Jackson tells a wonderful story of a woman’s search to find out if her family stories were true. A historian and skilled storyteller, she makes her genealogical quest into a delightful read.

Beyond Belfast is author Will Ferguson’s story of his two-month hike along the Ulster Way in Northern Ireland. He says, “I was on one of those ill-advised ancestral homeland treks of which we North Americans are so inexplicably fond. My grandfather was a Belfast orphan, you see, and I thought that somehow I could reconnect with my past by walking through muddy fields for two months on feet so blistered they had come to resemble bubble-wrap.”

Genealogy makes history come alive. I knew that my grandfather was born in Belfast and

that he never wanted to go back.

I never thought to ask him why when he was alive, but a decade later it was all I could think about. I found myself reading everything that I could get my hands on about Northern Ireland, fiction and non.

I discovered and was able to meet distant relatives of my grandfather. I visited the graves of his father, mother, and brother in Belfast.

I was taken to the home where he spent four years as a boy, and met the most amazing people.

The Invermere Public Library now has Ancestry.com — the Ancestry Library Edition — for use in the library.

If you have ever thought about delving into your family history, now is the time. Tonight (January 30) at 6 p.m., we are hosting an entertaining and informative talk about how to get started.

Please give us a call 250-342-6416 and let us help you get started!

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 23, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

Blast Off — Hayley Wilson and Kate Atkinson

Living a balanced life While most people are familiar with the concept of living a balanced life, few actually put this into practice. We live in a world that is always on the go, and it can be a challenge to pause during a busy day, take a deep breath and reset. But by continuing on this path, other important aspects of your life are neglected, and this can ultimately lead to the deterioration of your health. The search for balance between the head, heart, and hands is the ultimate goal, and although attaining this may seem easier said than done, with discipline it is possible to achieve.

Ever wonder why you just don’t seem to have any energy? Take a look at your typical day. Are you someone who once your alarm goes off in the morning doesn't stop until it’s time for bed again? If this pattern sounds familiar and big breaks throughout your day are out of the question, consider taking several smaller breaks. Even stopping for five minutes at a time to clear your thoughts can be a simple yet effective way of reducing stress. Once you are able to allow your mind to relax, you may find that your daily stresses are much more manageable and over time, fewer and farther between.

Consuming a balanced diet and enjoying a wide variety of foods will ensure your body is receiving all of the different nutri-

ents required to function properly. When we consume too much of the same foods, we will end up with a surplus of some nutrients but will be deficient in many others.

If we expect our bodies to function optimally, then we need to provide the proper fuel, preferably on a daily basis. Preparing balanced, healthy meals can be time consuming, but is imperative if we want to feel our best.

“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating”, says Edward Stanley, “will sooner or later have to find time for illness.”

Ideally, balance would transcend into every facet of our lives. From work to play, rest to activity, companionship to solitude; all of these require an active, conscious effort in order to achieve evenness. Most of us strive to lead a healthy lifestyle and if we are able to find balance, it will in turn lead to health. Start off small by choosing an area of your life that is noticeably out of sync, and figure out a way of tipping the scales. Once you have that specific area of your life sorted, move on to the next. This can take time but is worth the effort if it means your quality of life will improve.

Hayley (250-688-0024) and Kate (250688-0221) are certified personal trainers with Fitness 4 Life. Visit their website at www.fitness4life.tv for current rates and specials.

Seeking history of valley schools CVRTA Special to The Valley Echo

The Columbia Valley Retired Teachers’ Association (CVRTA) has been encouraged by the provincial retired teachers’ organization to compile the history of past and present valley schools and have it available for pres-

C C

ent and future generations.

This material will be housed in the Windermere Valley Museum. It will be available for research, displays, school use and to the public.

The committee that is working on this project is looking for pictures, materials, memories and stories from staff, parents, students and former students.

The group is particularly in-

mpanion rner

Animal Name: BUTTON Age: Seven years old Breed: Shih Tzu/Poodle Family: Marilyn and Lauren Fun fact: Born on Christmas Day, Button loves to run in figure 8s through the yard or even the dining-living room. She lets her human family know when it is time for them — and her — go to bed.

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

terested in the early history of schools predating 1980. The committee wishes to contact both local people and people who have left the valley but are potential resources.

Any memories from any school are welcome. Please contact the museum at 250342-9769 and leave your name and number, or email wvschoolhistory@gmail.com.

Community Calendar Send your events to production@invermerevalleyecho.com WED JAN 30 • Windermere Valley Child Care Society AGM, 7:30 p.m., 250342-3168 THURS JAN 31 • Columbia Valley of Commerce Chamber General Meeting and RCMP Update, 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

FEB 1-3 • BC Pond Hockey tournament, Kinsmen Beach FEB 2-3 • Nipika Mountain Resort Nordic Loppet, info@nipika.com FRI FEB 1 • Invermere Fire Rescue's kids night at the Rockies game. Kids 12 and under get free admission, a pop and a hot dog, courtesy of the IFR's social fund. 7:30 p.m., Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena • Lego-palooza for students kindgarten to grade 4, Invermere Public Library, 2 3:30 p.m. Register at 250-342-6416 •30th Starlight Chalenge, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, teams of four ski race, runs every Friday in February. Most consistent team wins.

SAT FEB 2 • Kinsmen Club's 12th Annual Snow Golf on the Lake, $35, registration from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Station Pub SUN FEB 3 • CV Arts presents Morgan Childs at Christ Church Trinity, doors at 7:30 p.m., concert at 8 p.m. $15 before, $20 at the door TUES FEB 5 • Wildsight's "Green Drinks", upstairs at Angus McToogles, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., call 250-341-3554 for info

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

• Duplicate Bridge, 6:30 p.m., Invermere Seniors’ Hall, $2/ person. Visitors welcome • EK Brain Injury Support Group, 1-3 p.m., Family Resource Centre. Info: 250-344-5674 1st & 3rd TUESDAY • OPT clinic, 6:308:30 p.m., Inv. Health Unit, 850-10th Ave. Confidential service: low-cost birth control, and STI testing 1st TUESDAY • Invermere Camera Club 7 p.m. Tanya, tanyadeleeuw65@ gmail.com EVERY TUESDAY • Yoga 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 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 WEDNESDAY • Indoor soccer, DTSS gym. Drop-in, $2, 8:30-10:00 p.m.

EVERY THURSDAY • Cadets, 6:30-9 p.m. for boys and girls, ages 12-17. Cost: FREE (includes uniform). Info: Rick Dendy 250-341-1509 • Children's Air Rifle Program, with the LWDRGC, Inv. Community Hall, 7 - 8:30 p.m., free of charge, ages 6-15. Learn safety, marksmanship, equipment provided EVERY FRIDAY • Baby Goose program for parents and babies up to 18 months. 9:30-11:30 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 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 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

Valley Life

echo photos Between pond hockey, ice hockey and ice fishing, residents in Invermere made the most of their last weekend in January; all the while the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort was hosting its 4th annual Fire and Ice Festival.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

Valley Life

A12 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

BC POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT 2013

BC Pond Hockey Tournament Schedule

Good Luck to all POnd hockey players!

VALLEY ECHO T he

The NEWSpaper for sports in the Columbia Valley

Friday, February 1 • Burger and Band at the Station Neighbourhood Pub, just up from Kinsmen Beach

Welcome to all teams!

Good luck in the BC Pond Hockey Tournament!

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 - 8 Avenue • Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250.342.9281 • Fax: 250.342.2934 info@invermere.net www.invermere.net

Saturday, February 2 • Games will be played from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Sunday, February 3 • Games will be played from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Play-offs will be after 1 p.m.

Have a fun-filled weekend!

Spectators and fans welcome!

*All games take place on the lake by Kinsmen Beach *Please note, times are subject to change

Call 250-342-2175 or fax 250-342-2669 www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Welcome to Invermere, Pond Hockey players!

We proudly support...

...BC Pond Hockey Eastern Championships!

North Star Hardware & Building Supplies Ltd. Independently owned 410 Borden Street • Athalmer

250-342-6226

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

BC POND HOCKEY TOURNAMENT 2013 BC Pond Hockey Tournament returns DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

After a strong turnout during its first year, the BC Pond Hockey Tournament is back in Invermere. On February 1, 2 and 3, Kinsmen Beach will be host to dozens of hockey teams for the second annual BC Eastern Regional Pond Hockey Championships.

Teams will be divided by age, gender and competitiveness, and there will be no goalies in play and no enforcement of icing or offside.

"It's spectacular," John Reed, Tournament Director, told The Echo. "It's an iconic Canadiana setting and there are few, if any, that are better. It's fun."

Teams up to six will skate four players who will compete in five games consisting of 30 minutes each.

Semi-finals and a final playoff round will occur on Sunday (February 3) for teams that qualify.

There will be no contact and breaking the rules will hurt the team's score. Rather than penalizing players

with a time out, the number of penalties between the two teams cancel each other out until one team is left with a surplus. The team with more penalties will see the difference deducted from their score.

"When it comes down to the wire, as refs we always hear about it," Reed said.

Before its debut in Invermere last winter, BC Pond Hockey was in the market to expand, he said. "[Invermere] seemed like the right fit, and as it turned out it definitely is the right fit."

Asked what's unique about the tournament, Reed replied, "It's playing hockey outside in a great venue. the fresh air, the adrenaline you get when you step on the ice… it's a completely different feel to playing hockey inside."

The event begins on Friday ( February 1) night at the Station Pub with burgers and live music by the band Willhorse from Golden.

Reed thanked the many sponsors and said, "We're as excited as the players, and the players are super excited."

For more information, visit www.bcpondhockey.com.

Welcome

to Invermere and the Columbia Valley!

Welcome to the Valley and good luck to all the teams in the BC Pond Hockey tournament!

1-877-873-7467 www.superiorpropane.com

The Book Bar est. 1965

BOOKS • MAGAZINES • GIFTS

Giant boxing week sale!

Good luck We ordered WAAAAAY too much to all Pond Hockey players!10 to 50 % off

inventory! And it all MUST go...

everything* in the store

Bring this coupon in *some restrictions apply Sale runs Monday Dec 26 through Saturday Dec 31. to at Avenue • 250-342-6511 1046 7th The Book Bar!

save 10% Some exceptions apply.

Good luck, Teams!

Fractional Real Estate Resort The most practical way to own your vacation home. www.bighornmeadows.ca

s Civic

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A14

Each month, The Valley Echo will print a calendar for the following month's community events. To add your community event to the page, email the date, time and location to production@invermerevalleyecho.com by the third Sunday in each month. For additional information about the calendar or to advertise, please call 250-342-9216.

Photo by Barrie Hawes

Sunday

February 2013

Monday

Tuesday Wednesday Thursday

Friday

Fresh Fridays Open Mic Nite @ Pynelogs, 7 p.m.

Saturday

Loppet 1 Nipika Kinsmen Snow Golf

2

30th Starlight Challenge, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

Toby Creek Loppet Morgan Childs Concert at Christ Church Trinity

4

3

10 17

Wildsight Green Drinks, Angus McToogles, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

5

Scrabble Night at Inv. Library, 6 - 8 p.m.

6

7

Family Day (Alberta)

11 18

12

WV Minor Hockey Valentine’s Pasta Dinner, 4-8 p.m., Eddie Mtn. Mem. Arena, $5 or $20/family Cinefest @ Pynelogs, 7 p.m., “To Rome With Love”

19

8

30th Starlight Challenge, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

WCA General Meeting, 7 p.m.

Family Day (B.C.)

B.C. Pond Hockey Tournament Preschool story time at Inv. Library, 10:30 a.m.

13

Seniors’ Day at Inv. Library, 1 - 2:15 p.m.

Bus provided

20

Scrabble Night at Inv. Library, 6 - 8 p.m.

Valentine’s Day

14 21

15

Preschool story time Inv. Library, 10:30 a.m.

Adventure Club Gr. 5-7, 2-4 p.m. Inv. Public Library 30th Starlight Challenge, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

22

Preschool story time Inv. Library, 10:30 a.m.

Panorama Mardi Gras

16

Serge Dubé & Dietje Hagedoorn Exhibition at Artym Gallery. 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Tourism Radium’s Winterfest, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Radium Seniors’ Hall WCA Farmers’ Market, 1 p.m.

30th Starlight Challenge, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

24

25

26

27

Seniors’ Day at Inv. Library, 1 - 2:15 p.m.

Bus provided

9

Edgewater Radium Hospital Auxiliary Valentine Tea and Bake Sale, 2 p.m. Radium Seniors’ Hall

28

WCA Local Art & Wine Show, 7 p.m.

530 13 Street, Box 70, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 250-342-9216 • invermerevalleyecho.com

23

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

A&E

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250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF BOCEPHUS KING Bocephus King is back on tour with a new album after a six-year recording hiatus and brings the new music to Strand's Old House Restaurant in Invermere on Saturday (February 2).

Kelly Jefferson – Saxophones David Restivo – Piano Jon Maharaj – Bass Morgan Childs – Drums

Bocephus King ready to rock Strand’s Band's new music conveys the life and times of great blues musician Willie Dixon DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

You’re invited to Strand’s to dance the winter blues away.

As part of the Willie Dixon God Damn! tour, psychedelic blues-folk rocker Bocephus King will be performing at Strand’s in Invermere with his band this Saturday (February 2).

“Willie Dixon God Damn! is about a series of things,” said Jamie Perry, who goes by the stage name Bocephus King, also the name of his band.

“It’s like Hallelujah.”

Perry spoke with The Echo from Black Diamond, during the Alberta stretch of the band’s western Canadian tour.

After a gap of more than six years between releasing albums, “everything’s different” for Boce-

phus King.

“The last album I toured was so many years before,” he said.

During his hiatus, Perry became a father and told The Echo that he didn’t want to rush his work.

“I didn’t want to make a record just to make a record,” he said. “I waited for the songs and I dealt with a lot of stuff in my life that I hadn’t really dealt with up until that point — I was a dad.”

While several folk musicians influence Bocephus King, he said his greatest inspiration comes from movies.

However his latest album,Willie Dixon God Damn!, is about the Grammy-award winning blues musician who overcame great adversity.

“The tunes are sort of talking about the spirit, if you will, of Willie Dixon and all of his accomplishments during his time,” said Perry. “He was touring around, a black man in southern United States, at a pretty crazy time but he still managed to do so much so I figure he’s this really brave, interesting guy who came from really strange times.”

Willie Dixon is most famous for his work as a blues musician and record producer in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Some of his music reverberated through Led Zeppelin, who settled outof-court after Dixon claimed his song You Need Love (1962) was plagiarized though Led Zeppelin’s first hit single, Whole Lotta Love.

Perry guarantees fans will have a lot of fun and can expect to hear the band improvise between songs.

Saturday’s show won’t offer a definitive sound, he said,

rather a “blues… psychedelic folk show,” which by the end of the night will become “a hootenanny of a dance party.”

"Stick with [Bocephus King]," his website states, "and he takes you on an evocative trip down strange memory lane, pouring out his heart like a bottle."

Bocephus King has a European tour on its

horizon with Italy, Holland and Belgium in mind, and has recorded a new album entirely composed of cover songs which King said is nearly complete.

The show is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased at the door.

Strand’s Old House Restaurant in Invermere can be contacted at 250-342-6344.

COME OUT AND SUPPORT

MINOR HOCKEY!

Tuesday, February 12th 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

FEATURED SPLENDED CUISINE • Non-alcoholic beverages • Fresh Caesar Salad • Warmed garlic bread • Selections of pasta • Delectable assorted desserts Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Mezzanine Level $5/person or $20/family Cash only | Pay at door

HOSTED BY THE PEEWEE TEAM

Performing live at Christ Church Trinity Sunday, February 3rd Concert at 8 p.m.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Morgan Childs has been a fixture on the Toronto music scene since making the move from his native Vancouver in 2009, and before that, his hometown of Invermere B.C. In constant demand as a frequent collaborator with a number of national and international jazz artists of distinction, Childs has cemented his reputation as one of Canada’s foremost jazz musicians.

Peer and elders alike have expressed admiration for Childs’ unique blend of forward-looking, contemporary instincts with his warm, vintage sound aesthetic and thorough understanding of the jazz tradition.

For more information call CV Arts at 250-342-4423. Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Friday, January 18th, 2013

Thank you!

5 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Kinsmen Beach

On behalf ofFamily the 2013 Snowfl ake FestivalWelcome Committee, Community Event - Everyone we would like to thank everyone for a very successful 4th Annual Snowflake Festival. Taste of the Valley 6 p.m.

8 p.m.

A bigMusic thankby you to the volunteers who-gave up their menu samples from a selection of time to make sure the eventExperience was a great success! our finest restaurants in the valley!

Any event would not be successful theforinterest Taste of the Valleywithout Passports available $10 at the Visitor Centre at the Crossroads. and participation from the community, thank Call 250-342-2844 for more you! information.

The committee would also like to thank the following organizations: NEWand Children’s Levine Electric • Bears Paw •Bar Grill activities• tent • Face painting and crafts from 5•p.m.

- 7 p.m.

Killer Rollbots • Copper City Saloon • Curling • Hockey • Skating • Firepits to warm-up by • Max Helmer • District of Invermere Stage sponsor: Invermere Home Hardware Construction • DOI Public Works Staff • Children’s tent sponsor MB7 Party Rentals • Quality Bakery • Elements at Copper • Ross Goodwin Point Resort (fireworks!)

• Family Resource Centre • Station Neighborhood • Glacier Peak Gymnastics THE GATE FOR THE ICE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED AT KPub INSMEN BEACH FOR THE DURATION OF THE EVENT. • Valley Foods • Invermere Fire • Wildfire Rustic Department Grillhouse • Invermere Home Hardware • WVECD Team • L8 (the Band)

Main Stage

L8

Fireworks! 8 p.m.

Watch for information for the 5th Snowflake Festival!

A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Red Sky experience

photo courtesy of gentlemenofgolden.org This year's Golden Film Festival is just one night and takes place at the Mount 7 Rec Plex on Saturday (February 2).

Golden showcases global films in a small town setting dan walton/echo photo On Monday (January 28), JA Laird Elementary School in Invermere hosted a performance of 'The Great Mountain' by Red Sky, the Toronto-based award-winning theatre group internationally renowned for its artistry and innovation. The show was based on a First Nations legend and conveyed the message that children had the power to protect and save the environment.

The Windermere Valley Museum and Archives The Windermere Valley Museum and Archives is managed by a dedicated group of volunteers belonging to the Windermere District Historical Society.

Hours Winter hours Tuesdays only, noon until 4 p.m. and then again, 7 - 9 p.m.

Or by appointment, please contact us Admission by donation

250.342.9769 wvmuseum@cyberlink.bc.ca

Annual film festival returns with new category, entries from around the world NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

The filmmaking talents of a few Invermere locals will be on display this Saturday (February 2) at Mount 7 Rec Plex for the 5th annual Golden Film Festival. And this year’s festival, organized for the second year in a row by the Gentlemen’s Leisure Club of Golden, will feature films not only from the East Kootenay, but also from further afield in Canada and beyond.

“We have received entries in our Short Film class from countries as far away as Serbia, Spain, Slovenia and Israel,” said club member Brian Coles. “These will compliment the mix of Canadian films we have received, from amateur films from Golden, Invermere and all the way from Halifax to a yet-to-be-released Salomon FreeskiTV production out of Whistler, the films will appeal to everyone.”

The all-ages festival is comprised of two categories: under 10-minute Short Films and a new category called The Pure Golden Award.

“Our sponsor, Golden Area Initiatives, was looking for a tourism promotion video

Morgan Childs Quartet Concert on Sunday February 3rd

Fresh Fridays Open Mic Night What does ART mean to you? Friday February 1st · Call for more info 250.342.4423 Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

so we created another category, 90 seconds or less, about why you love Golden, to essentially create that commercial,” said Coles.

The total run time of the evening will be roughly 2.5 hours with an intermission, and at the end of the night, prizes will be given out for the best films in different genres such as action and comedy, with $500 cash going to first place for The Pure Golden Award.

“It’s not just mountain; it’s anything, any genre,” said Coles. “It’s not just the winning ones that get played; it’s everything that’s worthy.”

In the past, the festival has attracted upwards of 600 people and Coles said the club is hoping to achieve a similar turnout again.

The Gentlemen’s Leisure Club of Golden is a non-profit organized by a group of friends with the mandate of animating Golden and the surrounding area. Each event goes into subsidizing the next, said Coles. Any surplus at the end of the year is donated to various community groups.

“We’ve made donations to the local women’s centre, the Avalanche Centre, to different organizations around town that will have some sort of effect on kids and recreation,” Coles said.

The club also distributes donated skis to children in the community.

Admission is $10, doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the Golden Film Festival, visit www. gentlemenofgolden.org/filmfestival.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17

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

Sports

Firefighters to hold Kids' Night Children are invited to enjoy a hockey night out courtesy of Invermere's fire department DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

submitted photo Invermere's Ben Thomsen stays on his edges in a Downhill training run in Kitzbuhel, Austria on January 22.

Thomsen takes 17th in Austria Invermere's World Cup alpine skier Ben Thomsen shines in Hahnenkamm DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

Local alpine ski racer Ben Thomsen found himself again competing in the most prestigious race of FIS Alpine Ski World Cup circuit in Kitzbuhel, Austria.

The 73th Hahnenkamm race took

place last weekend, with the Super G on Friday (January 25), Downhill on Saturday (January 26) and Slalom on Sunday (January 27). Thomsen skied to 17th place overall, with his strengths most notable during Saturday’s Downhill event. His crowdpleasing pole waving after one of his runs didn't go unnoticed by local fans who were following his performance at the Fairmont ski chalet.

"That's Ben!" quipped one of his fans watching the race on the chalet's flat-screen TV.

Thomsen’s teammate, Eric Guay of Mont-Tremblant, Que, placed second, the first Hahnenkamm podium of his career, while Manuel OsborneParadis of Vancouver finished 10th and Jan Hudec of Calgary placed 18th.

The top finisher after the weekend races was Norwegian Aksel Lund Swindel. A Canadian hasn’t won the tournament since 1983. The Hahnenkamm Races began in 1931 and were incorporated as a World Cup event in 1967.

For more information on the race, visit www.hahnenkamm.com.

The Invermere Fire Department has chosen to demonstrate its appreciation for the generousity it has received from the community.

On Friday (February 1) when the Invermere Rockies host the Castledar Rebels at 7:30 p.m. at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, Invermere's firefighters are inviting local families to a hockey night out.

"Every time we've gone out recently, we've always been either asking for donations for the Fireman's Ball or we're responding to an emergency," captain Erik McLaughlin told The Echo. "We just want to be involved a little bit more with the community."

Children 12 and under will be granted free admission to Friday's game as well as a complimentary pop and hot dog. The Invermere Fire Department's social/coffee fund will cover the cost.

"Each member of the department pays a certain amount and it covers whatever we decide to spend it on — none of it is taxpayers' money," fireman Billy Robideau explained.

The Columbia Valley Rockies are in full support of the firefighters' proposal.

"Because it can be challenging to entertain your family without breaking the bank, Kids' Night allows for families to take their kids on a night out without spending X amount of dollars," McLaughlin said.

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

A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

SPORTS

Columbia Valley Rockies playoff hopes still alive Team is just one point behind Creston rivals and a playoff spot JOSHUA ESTABROOKS Special to The Valley Echo

The NHL may be back on, but the hockey excitement in the Columbia Valley is all about hometown Junior B team, the Columbia Valley Rockies, as they sit on

the cusp of a playoff spot for the first time in years.

“Right now we’re there but we need a better effort from the players to stay there for sure,” said Ross

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Bidinger, GM of the Rockies. “The goal is to get into the playoffs for sure, and we think we can win our division. But the players just need to want it.”

The Rockies came away from a game against the Kimberley Dynamiters on Friday, January 25th with only one point for forcing the game into overtime. The Rockies got off to a slow start, said Bidinger, at one point trailing 4-1 near the end of the second period.

Jake Fardoe scored the first of his two goals that game with 36 seconds left in the second period, and the Rockies scored two more unanswered goals in the third to force overtime. Fardoe’s two goals now bring him to third place on the team in points, which is a huge achievement for the offensive defenceman.

The Dynamiters’ Eric Buckley scored the overtime winner, earning him the first star of the game. Dynamiters’ Dylan Sibbald and the Rockies’ Jake Fardoe were second and third star respectively.

The single point finds the Rockies one

photo courtesy of noelene anderson Rockies forward Brendan Burge prepares for a face off against the Kimberley Dynamiters on January 25.

point behind the Creston Valley Thunder Cats and the coveted playoff spot, but Bidinger thinks the team has what it takes to make a run and succeed, as long as the team keeps up their competitive levels.

“For some of the players success might mean just being where we are right now, when comparing us to last year’s team, but we need to get them prepared for the last eight games,” he said.

JOSHUA ESTABROOKS Special to The Valley Echo

This weekend Invermere will see an influx of female curlers as the In-

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“The goal is to get into the playoffs for sure, and we think we can win our division. But the players just need to want it.” ross bidinger rockies GM

Rebels on Friday and the Spokane Braves on Saturday — is to get at least two of four possible points, if not

Thunder Cats, which includes their last home game of the regular season occurring on Saturday,

February 16.

Bidinger said he hopes to see the arena packed with fans, as their energy really helps the team as they try to extend their season for the first time in recent memory.

“It all boils down to how the players perform. We are holding all the cards so we need to win as many games as Creston does to get in. The more the fans get into the game, the more we feel it on the ice,” Bidinger said.

a minimum of three games.

BUY,playing SHOP, RENT...

Games and events will be occurring

vermere and District Curling Club's Ladies' Bonspiel kicks off on Friday (February 1).

One of the organizers, Theresa Wood, said the annual tournament has been in existence for decades, and this year will host 13 teams of four, with half of the teams coming from out of town.

The bracket style curling competition goes all weekend, running until Sunday (February 3) with each team

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all four. Both games are at home.

Two of the team’s last eight games will be against the

Hurry hard this weekend, ladies Women's curling competition returns, attracts many out-of-town players

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The goal for this weekend, which sees the Rockies playing two tough customers — the Castlegar

throughout the weekend, said Wood, and a main event dinner will take place on Saturday (February 2).

The public is invited to come and watch the curling, and any ladies — regardless if they curled or not — interested in attending the dinner are encouraged to buy their tickets ahead of time.

For more information, call the curling Club at 250-342-3315.

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The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19

SPORTS

Race against yourself in the Starlight Challenge Annual competition at Fairmont Hot Springs ski hill based on consistency, not speed

telemarkers of any level. Nightly drop-in racers are welcome too if they’re unable to race all four nights, and will be eligible for the individual awards but not the team awards presented at the final banquet.

The event will start each Friday night at 7:15 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. at which time the awards will be presented. Registration can be done

NICOLE TRIGG editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

It’s time to get competitive — with yourself.

Fairmont Hot Springs is bringing back its annual Starlight Challenge where winning isn’t based on speed but on consistency.

“Thirty years ago the event started as a competition between local ski schools,” said Fairmont Hot Springs Resort marketing manager Colleen McKee. “The strategy is based on consistency between runs rather than fastest time, so it creates a fun atmosphere for a range of ability levels.”

For the next four consecutive Friday nights of February, recreational racing teams will converge

on the slopes of Fairmont Hot Springs ski hill. Teams of four will compete based on the smallest time difference between two runs per night on a dual slalom-style race course, down which racers will go two at a time. Racers will be properly timed and must cross a finish line.

The winning team will be chosen based on overall consistency over the four-night series with nightly awards also going to the most consistent as well as the fastest individual racer.

All award parties will take place at the ski chalet with the overall team award presented at a banquet

in advance by calling the snow school at 250-345-6037 or email snowschool@ fhsr.com. The cost is $89 per person and

event like it!’ said McKee. “A healthy competitive spirit and friendly competition haev created an event that we’re proud to

“There's no event like it!”

COLLEEN MCKEE FHSR MARKETING MANAGER

includes four Friday night lift tickets, entry to the races, nightly prizes and the banquet dinner.

“There’s no other

host and have a lot of fun while doing so.”

Fore more information, visit www. fairmonthotsprings. com/racing-events.

Box 159, 8853 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 Fax: 250-349-5460 village@canalflats.ca

LIST OF REGISTERED ELECTORS Beginning February 6th, 2013 until the close of general voting for the election on March 30th, 2013 a copy of the list of registered electors will, upon signature, be available for public inspection, at the Village Office in Canal Flats, during regular office hours, Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays. An elector may request that their address or other information about them be omitted from or obscured on the list of electors.

OBJECTION TO REGISTRATION OF AN ELECTOR ECHO FILE PHOTO The Starlight Challenge is open to snowboarders, skiers and telemarkers of all levels.

dinner at the chalet on the last night.

Teams can include skiers, boarders and

Snow Golf hits Lake Windermere Leave your white golf balls at home for this one-of-a-kind event

An objection to the registration of a person whose name appears on the list of registered electors may be made in accordance with the Local Government Act until 4:00 pm on February 22nd, 2013 , which is the 36th day before general voting day. An objection must be in writing and may only be made by a person entitled to be registered as an elector of the Village of Canal Flats and can only be made on the basis that the person whose name appears has died or is not qualified to be registered as an elector of the Village of Canal Flats.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on these matters, the following persons may be contacted: Gloria Perry, Chief Election Officer at 250-349-5462 Sylvie Hoobanoff , Deputy Chief Election Officer at 250-349-5462 Chief Election Officer Gloria Perry

JOSHUA ESTABROOKS

We love our grandchildren!

Special to The Valley Echo

If you’re looking for a unique way to spend your Saturday (February 2) this weekend, how about heading out to Lake Windermere for some frosty “fours” during the Kinsmen Club of Invermere’s 12th annual Snow Golf Tournament.

The event kicks off at The Station Pub with registration beginning at 11 a.m. The golf gets under way at noon and costs only $35 for four hours of the most interesting golfing you will ever experience.

Approximately 20 teams of four are expected to take part, said organizer Steve Kuffler, adding that participants must be 19 years of age or older to take part.

“It’s just like summer golf but it’s on the lake.

In the morning we go around the lake and set up 18 different holes and they range from 70 yards to 190 yards in length,” he said.

Kuffler highly recommends golfers bring coloured balls, as the traditional white ball is pretty hard to find in the snow. All the money raised goes to the Kinsmen Club, which in turn gives back to deserving projects and groups throughout the community.

The Station Neighbourhood Pub will act as the clubhouse during the event, which is

ECHO FILE PHOTO Mark Brough hits a long drive down the lake in last year's Snow Golf Tournament.

where all the prizes will be handed out at the end of the tournament.

Kuffler urges anyone interested to sign up early, as they have a cap on the amount of teams that can take part. For more information please call 250-342- 5557.

The Valley Echo will be publishing this very popular section in the February 6 issue.

We would be pleased to 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.

VALLEY ECHO T he

The NEWSpaper in the Columbia Valley 530 - 13 Street, Invermere • 250-342-9216 advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

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Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

Announcements

Announcements

Employment

Employment

Cards of Thanks

Information

THANK YOU! To the Invermere Fire Department and the District of Invermere for hosting the special Medal Presentation Dinner at the Legion. It was a memorable evening. Thank you also to all of my family and friends for their support, warm wishes and congratulatory messages. Sincerely, John Shaw (Grandpa John)

Research Participants Needed!

Business Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

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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.

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Career Opportunities

Career Opportunities

MOUNT MILLIGAN THOMPSON CREEK METALS COMPANY Located 150km northwest of Prince George BC, Mount Milligan will be British Columbia’s first major metal mine of this century. Construction began in mid-2010 with commercial production projected for the latter part of 2013. Mount Milligan is owned by Thompson Creek Metals and is currently recruiting for the following positions: t Chief Mine Engineer & Mine Engineer t Senior Surveyor t Chief Geologist t Construction Superintendent t Civil Supervisor t HD Mechanics t Health & Safety Advisor t Electricians & E&I Mechanics t Mine Maintenance Superintendent t Flotation & Control Room Operators / Supervisors t Millwrights t Many, many more.

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SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 (ROCKY MOUNTAIN) School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) Invermere Zone invites applications from persons interested in being on our Casual Employment List for the following classifications: School Bus Drivers – This is bus driving work in the operation of school buses used to transport students on prescribed routes within the School District; the employee may also participate in the busing of students on curricular and extracurricular field trips both inside and outside the district. Applicants must have completion of the 12th school grade, or equivalent, minimum 5 years driving experience and an acceptable driving abstract; valid Class 2 Drivers license for the Province of British Columbia with an air brake endorsement (may be required); First Aid training would be an asset.

Custodians – This is manual work involving the cleanliness and security of district buildings. The work may include dealing with public use of school facilities. Once an employee becomes familiar with a clearly defined work schedule, the work is performed with minimal supervision. Usually, this job is performed after regular school hours and generally alone. Applicants must have completion of the 12th school grade, or equivalent is required as well as completion of the Board provided training program.

If you are interested in being considered for the above casual position(s), please send a complete resume, including three references, by Friday, February 8, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. to: Meghan O’Neill Human Resources Coordinator PO Box 430 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 250-342-9243 (tel) - e-mail: hr@sd6.bc.ca We would like to thank all applicants for their interest, but only those under consideration will be contacted. All successful applicants will be subject to a criminal record search.

ME Y O FIND NT NEMPLOYMENT L T T T E P N N M M E E E IN CLASSIFIEDS E M M M OY OTHE Y Y Y L O O T PL T PL P PL N N E E EM OYM EM OYM EM NT T L L ENT YME N P P E T EM YM PLO EM YM N O O E T L EEMN L M P P Y M EM LO ENT EM O Y P T T L,re looking N N M EMEverything you for is P T T E E Y N YM NEM YM O inMEthe E L classifieds!

P LO ENLTOYMPLO P EM PLOY M YMMP EM E M E LO E

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A21

Employment

Merchandise for Sale

Rentals

Rentals

Income Opportunity

Heavy Duty Machinery

Apt/Condo for Rent

Suites, Lower

EARN EXTRA cash! - P/T, F/T Immediate Openings For Men & Women. Easy Computer Work, Other Positions Are Available. Can Be Done From Home. No Experience Needed. www.BCJobLinks.com

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

Trades, Technical LOUISIANA-PACIFIC Canada Ltd. requires an experienced Industrial Mechanic (Millwright) for our EWP Operation in Golden B.C. Email resume to: Audra.Stanton@LPCorp.com or fax to 250-344-8859.

PYRAMID CORPORATION is now hiring! Instrument Technicians and Electricians for various sites across Alberta. Send resume by email to: hr@pyramidcorporation.com or fax 780-955-HIRE.

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

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

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

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

SAWMILLS FROM only $3997 - Make money & save money with your own bandmill - Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. Free Info & DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com /400OT 1-800-566-6899 Ext:400OT. STEEL BUILDINGS/ Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Misc. Wanted

www.dawcon.com/

Services

Financial Services DROWNING IN Debts? 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 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.

M O N E Y P ROV I D E R . C O M $500 Loan and +. No Credit Refused. Fast, Easy, 100% Secure. 1-877-776-1660.

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

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

Sporting Goods For Sale: 2007 Skidoo 1000 Summit High Mark 150 one track. Great shape, well maintained. $5900 OBO. Call Jye 250-342-5887

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.

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

Call 403-281-3991

Invermere - 1 block from downtown. Fully Furnished, 2 bdm, 2 bath, 2 levels. Avail March 1. $1000/mth includes utilities. N/S, N/P. References please 403-978-4559 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

Apt/Condos for Sale

Townhouses 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

Transportation

Auto Financing

No wonder so many people with CF stop breathing in their early 30s.

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

Homes for Rent 3 BEDROOM condo, top floor, lake view, heated parking. Executive furnishings included for $1395, unfurnished for $1295. Includes water, gas and condo fees. cbaum@2toyota.com 3 BR HOUSE - Great location & lake views! One level, W/D, F/S, DW. Avail Jan 1st. $815 + Utilities. Jeff 250-688-1105

Property Management

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

Senior teacher artist avail for house care and sitting in early Feb in Invermere & area. 403519-8268. Have references.

www.iDreamAuto.com DL# 7557

Floor ReďŹ nishing/ Installations

Floor ReďŹ nishing/ Installations

Real Estate LUXURY Condo in Abbotsford..14th Floor. Wrap around South E/W view spans 270*. 3 BR. 3 Bath. 3 Balc 2475 Sq.Ft. spacious Beauty PH style.

CM78CM78@gmail.com, 604-807-5341- $589,000

Breathe through a straw for 60 seconds.

That’s what breathing is like with cystic fibrosis.

LOWER LEVEL 2 bdrm suite available immediately in Windermere 4 plex, w/d, fridge/ stove/dw/microw. Large yard and driveway only few blocks from beach with lake views.

Pets considered, $825/month.

Call or text 250-409-7435 or email Shellimilley@gmail.com.

1-800-961-7022

Please help us.

Mobile Homes & Parks Trailers for sale 12 kms of Golden. New park.

14x66 2 bdrm 2 bath Harbour. NEW 24x52 3 2 bath Palm Harbour.

14x48 1 bdrm 1 Moduline. Vendor will 780-718-8243.

south NEW Palm bdrm 2010 bath carry.

Rentals Apt/Condo for Rent

The eyes have it

2 bdrm, quiet location near Sobey’s, N/S, N/P. Includes W/D. $650/mth. 250-342-6255

Lets You Live Life.

Fetch a Friend from the SPCA today! spca.bc.ca

!

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

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. Joseph’s 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 For more information call 250-342-6633 or 250-347-6334 Loving God, Loving People #4 - 7553 Main Street W, Radium Sundays at 10 a.m.

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

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

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

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

Sunday, February 3rd

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

10:30 a.m.

10 a.m. Worship & Word Kid’s Church Provided International Workers, Paul and Chantelle McIver, from Niger, West Africa Call the office at 250-342-9511 will be our guest speakers. for more information. “K.I.D.S.� Church, for www.valleychristianonline.com children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-5, during the Sharing Truth Morning Service.

Showing Love Following the Spirit

A22 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 30, 2013 The Valley Echo

Building your Wealth Market Update

Weekly change

Level

Year-to-Date

12,817

0.7%

3.1%

Dow

13,896

1.8%

6.0%

NASDAQ

3,150

0.5%

4.3%

Oil US$/B

$95.38

-0.2%

3.9%

CDN $ Per USD

$0.994

-1.4%

-1.4%

S&P/TSX

Pay debt and pay yourself first - the First Step Someone asked me recently why we keep ‘harping’ – that was the word he used – on getting rid of personal debt.

It seems a difficult concept to explain, yet it’s a simple idea. No matter who you are or how much you have, if it’s tied up there is absolutely nothing you can do. You have no options. And it’s having options that allows you to decide a path. No options, no opportunities. That’s why we ‘harp’ about the great importance of paying off debt. That’s why Pay Yourself First is so useful. It’s simple, too, but it’s difficult to do unless you get rid of debt.

In Canada we’ve been fortunate. We were positioned well when the economy went into the tank.

We had laws in place that prevented us from following our neighbors. We made some good choices and supported Canadian businesses when they were struggling. We went along for several years, slowly recovering. Now, we are seeing some cracks in that recovery - cracks that have the possibility of doing serious damage, and could even pull back some of the gains we have made.

Our government, whether you agree with its decisions or differ entirely, is trying to hold the nation together financially. They’re finding it hard going.

If they solve the ethical issues, they might have more credibility, but they’re losing it right now, and the recovery is slowing.

In the meantime, it’s our job to manage our own debt, and we aren’t doing so very well with the task. In a way, it’s almost more temptation than should ever be expected of us. Interest rates have been kept so low for so long we have fallen into the trap of buying on credit. The problem is this: what will we be able to pay when interest rates go up?

There is one sure thing, we are overdue for a rise.

The challenge is that credit card debt is so hugely expensive. You have to pay it off. The higher the base rate, the higher the amount credit cards are

able to charge. So, when the base rate goes up, so does our credit card debt, and it all happens immediately. There is no time for us to adjust our behavior. The only opportunity you have is to prepare yourself in advance by getting better at managing your credit expenditures.

A lot of what we have been saying in these pages has been focused on encouraging people to explore their personal and family values, and use them to make decisions. We have done this for more than one reason, but high among those reasons, has been the concern about what a rise in interest rate will mean to so many. Just think of the effect on yourself, and the problem becomes obvious.

What is not so obvious is the effect this will have on your values. If you have been spending on things outside your core values, and putting things on a credit card, higher interest rates may mean some of your values will not be achievable. De-

pending on what they are and whether they can be postponed without any damage, this could be serious for you.

Tiff Macklem, Senior Deputy Governor of the Bank of Canada, and most likely candidate to be next governor of the bank when Mark Carney leaves, said in a recent speech that keeping rates low for so long – the longest period of low rates since the mid-50s – was the right thing to do. But the debate now is not if, but when, rates will increase.

So paying personal debt is the best thing you can do now, especially if they’re high-interest credit cards. It’s probably the best of all possible routes through the rise of interest rates. Once that’s done, you need to save money – Pay Yourself First.

Paying Yourself First is the second simple concept. It says the first thing anyone should do with their money after high–interest debt is paid is set some aside to handle future needs. These two ideas together become the first step to successful financial management. They may be simple in concept, but you will find they’re more difficult to do in practice. Think of it this way – pay yourself rather than pay interest.

It is easy to find ways to avoid paying yourself.

Sometimes, it may even seem to be the right thing to do. It’s not.

This is the reason for discovering your deepest values. Your grandparents did this, mainly because they had little actual money and no credit at all. They had to think about how they spent their money, using it only for things that counted. Since the coming of easy credit we have forgotten that.

We need to get back to it and use our money more carefully, and we’ll have more of it.

Get started on paying down your debt and then add paying yourself first. Together, these become the first step.

We can help you put the correct strategy in place.

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A23

The Valley Echo Wednesday, January 30, 2013

ICAN – Invermere Companion Animal Network

Truck trouble

ELSA - At almost 2 years of age, I really, really need a new home.

I’m a quiet lady, shy at first, but then reward playtime, cuddle time, and tummy rubs with lots of purring. I get along well with other cats, but am afraid of children, dogs, and loud noises. Is there room in YOUR heart & home for me?

NICOLE TRIGG/ ECHO PHOTO This truck was one of two vehicles that were discovered half-submerged in Lake Windermere near Windermere Creek on Saturday (January 26).

"It's just not safe, people should not be driving there," said District of Invermere mayor Gerry Taft.

By Sunday, both vehicles had been removed without the assistance of local towing companies.

Speculation is that the drivers of the vehicles had been out joyriding the night before and as a result didn't see where they were going.

Invermere Companion Animal Network

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

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

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

Serving the Valley RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

• Gas • Propane • Diesel • Automotive Repairs • Tires & Batteries • Greyhound

NEWER SEW ERA CAM

• CAA approved automotive repair •

• 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

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

250-347-9726

7507 Main Street West

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

Hot Shot

To advertise, call: 250-342-9216

Sholinder & MacKay

Sand & Gravel

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping Office:

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

Snow Removal

Equity Repair & Maintenance Ltd. 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 • 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

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

If you saw this ad, imagine how many others did as well.

Call 250-342-9216 for more information.

QUALITY AUTO SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST

Lake Auto Service ALL MAKES • ALL MODELS AUTOMOTIVE REPAIRS OPEN MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Main Street • Downtown Invermere 250-342-9310

The WaTer & air Company!

Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

to give your business maximum exposure for your advertising dollar?

• 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

Call 250-342-9216 for more information.

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe!

Kerry Colonna

250-342-5089

Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

A24 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, January 23, 2013 The Valley Echo

Remember When?

A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 50 years DAN WALTON reporter@invermerevalleyecho.com

5 years ago (2008): When a young girl was shot in Cranbrook in December, her friend had a lengthy wait after dialling 911. Since Cranbrook's 911 call centre had been centralized to Kelowna four years earlier, the victim's friend found herself waiting in line with 700 other callers. The friend of the victim started a petition to re-localize the 911 service — 3,000 signatures had been collected.

10 years ago (2003): The IHO reported that there were 601 children between ages one and five in the Windermere Health District, and that the East Kootenay life expectancy was six months greater than the nation average at 78.8.

Average incomes in the Kootenay's were about five to seven per cent lower than the provincial average, while heavy drinking was practised by 20 to 23 per cent of the Kootenay population, compared to 16 per cent throughout Canada.

20 years ago (1993): BC Premier Mike Harcourt announced in Switzerland to international investors that he's "confident" that the Jumbo Glacier Ski Resort project will be underway "within the next couple of years."

25 years ago (1988): Off-sale liquor can no longer be sold after 11 p.m. following new policies implemented by the provincial government. The aim is to minimize the social costs of alcohol and to promote moderation and responsibility in its use. One local tavern owner feels as though it's an attack on businesses, while another is in favour "if it works", but foresees an increase in thefts of alcohol.

35 years ago (1978): The Vernon Thunderbirds were in town last weekend for the Elks Native Hockey Tournament.

During a match on Saturday against the Windermere Elks, tensions were high.

During a third-period fight, a frustrated Vernon player took a slapshot into the stands, sending an Invermere man to the Calgary hospital with a shattered cheek bone which required surgery. A subsequent fight saw a Vernon player ejected, at which point he began another fight with a fan. The Vernon team was disqualified from the tournament and went home the next morning.

Echo archive 40 years ago: This advertisement appeared in the February 1, 1973 issue of 'The Valley Echo'.

45 years ago (1968): From a Letter to the Editor by Aubrey L. Young: " 'The automobile is a necessity, not a luxury, in Canada today.' How easily the phrase rolls off the tongue, and how little it means. Means more in some cases than others, of course. More in a rural area than in a city. Very nearly true to one

Serving the Valley

To advertise, call: 250-342-9216

DCS Plumbing & Heating Universal Doors & Exteriors

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

Sales • Service • Installation

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

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

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

250-426-9586 • 1-888-371-6299

250-342-6700

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

Also offering FREE year-round pickup of unwanted vehicles

Warbrick Towing & Salvage warbrick@shaw.ca • Cell: 250-342-5851

READY MIX CONCRETE Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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:

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

whose job depends on it, quite untrue for most of those who use the car only for pleasure and leisure. If you care to say instead: 'Owning a car gives me independence, mobility at all times, chances to see the country and visit friends, the rural dweller has the chance to go to the city easily, and the city dweller the chance to go to the country easily. Its value to my way of life is so great and genuine that I do not grudge what it costs me,' that may well be true and honest. It may be equally true of all the other luxuries with which most of us are able to surround ourselves in this opulent era. Including me."

50 years ago (1963): "Every year young Canadian girls will have an opportunity to display their baking skills in friendly competition with other teenagers from around Canada," said the organizer for The Young Canadian Baking Champion.

Teenage girls will first be required to fill out a quiz to qualify only those with baking know-how. Each province will hold competitions to determine their best young baker, who will be awarded with $100 Canada Savings Bond and new luggage. The provincial champs will then all compete in Toronto for a $1,500 educational grant.

(office)