Invermere Valley Echo, December 25, 2013

The Columbia Valley’s Newspaper Since 1956

From Canal Flats to Spillimacheen

VALLEY ECHO T he

invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Vol. 57 Issue 52

1

$ 05 INCLUDES GST PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

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

CP Holiday Train en route to Radium Pg. 4

DriveABLE tests senior's limits

Drawing on desert inspiration Pg. 5

MaxWell Realty Invermere

And to all a good break

NICOLE TRIGG nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com

One local senior is fuming about the provincial DriveABLE process even though she's retained her driver's licence and can continue to drive.

"I made a pact that if I got through this, I would like to help people," said Invermere resident Joan Birkett.

Birkett, 84, was forced to wait five months before learning she could keep her driver's license, and is up in arms about what she considers a very poorly executed program that unfairly targets seniors.

"I really was in a state from February to June; Dan Walton/Valley Echo photo I just kept writing letters," she said. "They don't Students from Windermere Elementary School surround principal Steve Bentley at the conclusion of the school's Christmas concert, where tell you anything. This is what really bugs me." students sang over piano notes played by retired teacher Mrs. Loucks, who came back to help with the performance. Mr. Bentley wished all a Since 2010, DriveABLE has been used as the safe and happy holiday season. province-wide assessment tool by the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles (OSMV) "He said he didn't see any reason why I shouldn't," flurry of complaints from seniors who lost their driving to test for cognitive impairment in drivers. A privileges based on the DCAT, the government re-introscreening test called the Simard MD helps doctors said Mrs. Birkett.

Not only was she taken aback by the artificial driving duced the road test and promised a new DriveABLE asdetermine if an office DriveABLE test is necessary. If an individual fails the DriveABLE Cognitive Assessment simulations of the DCAT, she was surprised her test sessment centre in Cranbrook as well as a peer review.

"Still, it doesn't make sense to do (the peer review) Tool (DCAT), they can take a secondary DriveABLE On results were withheld until she received another call Road Evaluation. Based on the DriveABLE results and 15 days later asking her to come in for the road test, after you've purchased the program," said Mr. Macany medical information on file, an adjudicator decides which meant another trip to Cranbrook. And though donald. "And still you have the situation where a her road test evaluator told her she had "nothing to 16-year-old can get a written and a driving test in Inif a driver can keep their licence.

Mrs. Birkett, who has 20/20 vision, works out at Val- worry about," she didn't receive her results by letter vermere, Golden or Revelstoke, but a senior has to go ley Fitness and is the secretary for her 18-unit strata, until mid-June, during which time the status of her to Kelowna or Cranbrook, and usually twice."

That the SIMARD MD was created by Dr. Bonnie was unexpectedly given the Simard MD by her physi- driver's licence still didn't change.

"Five months of uncertainty, anxiety, and stress," said Dobbs, the wife of Dr. Allen Dobbs who created Drivecian as part of her Driver Medical Examination. Poor Mrs. Birkett. "It's not clear; you get mixed messages."

ABLE, is another point of contention, he said. test results earned her a DCAT referral.

Mrs. Birkett's experience comes as no surprise to Co"The assertion was that (the Simard) was a test that "I got nervous," she said. "I just literally blanked out."

A month or so went by before she eventually received lumbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald. His pushed people into DriveABLE," said Mr. Macdonald. a call from the DriveABLE assessment centre in Cran- office has received numerous complaint calls about "Our understanding was that doctors were being directbrook. In the meantime, nothing was communicated DriveABLE since 2010. The cost and inconvenience of ed to use the Simard MD. With Simard, we weren't proto her about the status of her driver's licence. When travelling to take the test, the controversy around the vided with proof from the government that it accurately she called ahead to find out if she could drive herself Simard MD, and the lack of proof around DriveABLE's measured the cognitive abilities of the seniors involved." legitimacy are his main concerns. Last March, after a to the appointment, she was given the green light. »See A3

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A2 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Boss meets boss

Radium Hot Springs resident shops (local) until she drops DEAN MIDYETTE dean@cv-pioneer.com

COME SEE OUR NEW LOOK

Recreation Sites and Trails BC

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Irish Lake

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AREA 2 CLOSED TO MOTORIZED USE June 1st to February 14th annually.

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AREA 2 CATAMOUNT GLACIER

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Phone: 250-347-2300

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AREA 1 F FORSTER CREEK MEADOWS

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Located in the

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Motorized Use Restrictions

FO R PA STE SS R

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Catamount - North Star Motorized Use Restrictions

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Catamount – North Star Glaciers

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Photo submitted The Boss of the Stage (Bruce Springsteen) met the often-flamboyant Boss of the Ring (Invermere's Pedro Cebulka) at the Gucci Masters Paris equestrian event in mid-December. Mr. Cebulka is in the midst of another season as a ringmaster at equestrian events held around the world.

With a yelp of pure joy, Radium's Sandy Eason acknowledged her name being drawn as the winner of the inaugural Christmas Shopping Spree, organized and sponsored by The Valley Echo. Mrs. Eason then lit up the phone lines (while The Valley Echo continually tried to phone her, seeking permission to post her name Dean Midyette/Valley Echo Photo on the newspaper's Facebook page), Shopping Spree Contest winner Sandy Eason considers her cash next informing friends and family of her to Konig Meats co-owners Michael Hecken (left) and Craig McGowan. good fortune.

Knowing that she had only an hour where the winning ticket was entered. From of in-store time to make $1,500 worth of Christ- there, it was a mad dash to Essentials, Crazy mas purchases, Sandy and friend Brenda Soles, Fairmont Goldsmiths, Syndicate BoardMitchell took two and a half hours on Friday, shop, Columbia Cycle and Canadian Tire.

December 20th to pre-shop at the contest's 28 The Easons finished the shopping spree with participating businesses. Having mapped out 16:47 left on the clock (that's what good planher potential purchases, Sandy and husband ning will do!) and left with smiles on their Jamie joined our staff at the newspaper offices faces and arms laden with gifts destined to be on Saturday, December 21st at noon, primed wrapped quickly and placed under the famand ready for the sprint to the finish. ily Christmas tree. They wish to extend their After a quick trip to Fairmont Hot Springs thanks to all the businesses that participated to visit the Riverside Golf Shop and the Pool- in this year's promotion and wish everyone a side Shop, the couple returned to Invermere, very Merry Christmas. stopping at Konig's for a photo with the store An estimated 7,000 entries were received owners Craig McGowan and Michael Hecken, over the four weeks the contest ran.

KILLARNEY PEAK

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GALWAY PEAK photo: Pat Morrow

The area is served by this amended Recreation Order S.58(1)(b) FRPA as follows:

Area 1 - Forster Creek Meadows: Closed to motorized use June 1st to November 30th annually.

Area 2 - Catamount Glacier: Closed to motorized use June 1st to February 14th annually. th st

Area 3 – North Star Glacier: Closed to motorized use January 1st to December 31st annually.

Compliance, education and enforcement activities will be prominent.

The area is served by this amended Recreation Order S.58(1)(b) FRPA as follows: (No motorized use permitted past the summer roads end during these dates.)

(Open to snowmobiling Feb 15 to May 31 , strictly enforced)

(No snowmobiling permitted in this area, strictly enforced)

Area 1 Forster Creek Meadows:

Area 2 Catamount Glacier:

Area 3 North Star Glacier:

Closed to motorized use June 1st to November 30th annually.

Closed to motorized use June 1st to February 14th annually.

Closed to motorized use January 1st to December 31st annually.

(No motorized use permitted past the summer roads end during these dates)

(Open to snowmobiling February 15th to May 31st, strictly enforced)

(No snowmobiling permitted in this area, strictly enforced)

Compliance, education and enforcement activities will be prominent.

STORE

For more information visit www.SitesandtrailsBC.ca • RecInfo@gov.bc.ca • Rocky Mountain District •250-426-1766

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A3

Page Three Echoes of the past NICOLE TRIGG nicole@invermerevalleyecho.com

Top: The first official home of The Valley Echo, located across the street where Bud's Bar and Lounge is today (file photo taken in the late '50s). Middle: Fred Conduite (left) and Ron Ede stand in front of The Valley Echo's new building on 13th Street in 1968 (photo courtesy of Bob Ede). Bottom: The building received a Western-themed facelift in the early '90s (Steve Hubrecht photo).

Earlier this year, when The Valley Echo joined The Pioneer under its roof on 8th Avenue as part of the newspapers' unprecedented joint operating agreement, a nostalgic era in local media came to an end. The building on 13th Street, which was home to The Valley Echo for more than four decades until it was sold to Manulife Securities this past summer, was "quite a place," said Bob Ede, whose father built it. "I grew up in that building because I was under his feet all the time."

The Valley Echo was started in the 1950s by Fred Conduite, a Calgary businessman. Bob's parents, Ron and Isabelle, worked for him (Ron became the manager in 1957) and by the mid-70s, owned the newspaper outright. The Valley Echo moved from its original building (pictured left) to its 13th location in 1967.

"The old building was really old," said Bob. "Whenever my parents were together with Winifred Weir (The Valley Echo's original editor), they would always laugh about those days and how difficult it was to publish a newspaper because, of course, it was cold and some of that old letter press equipment didn't work very well when it was cold."

He remembers Christmastime at The Valley Echo's new building with great fondness. His parents always felt the Christmas editions were wonderful to work on.

"At this time of year, The Valley Echo would have a Christmas party and usually it went on during the night, and just about every business at one time or another in the valley would stop in," Bob said. "It would be right in the building. They were quite the whoop ups, I'll tell ya; and there was all kinds of music. If you played an instrument, you made sure you brought it."

Upon retirement, the Edes sold The Valley Echo to Bob Doull in the late '80s. He was forced to rebuild from the ground up when the town's sewer system backed up into the building in the early '90s.

"We wanted it to have a bit of a Western feeling; we tried to do a first-rate building," said Mr. Doull. "We put heating into the floor which was a big innovation at the time."

Mr. Doull sold The Valley Echo to Quebecor (owned by Sun Media) in 1998, which was in turn purchased by current owners, Black Press, in 2003. Bob Ede went on to start The Pioneer in 2004, which was purchased shortly after by Elinor Florence who then sold it to Mr. Doull in 2010. Both papers united under the same roof on February 1st, 2013.

»DRIVEABLE from A1

The assertion is false, said Bill Bland, who is the Vice president of DriveABLE Global and the president of DriveABLE USA. Mr. Bland is based in Edmonton, where DriveABLE was developed at the University of Alberta under Dr. Dobbs' direction.

"We actually endorsed and helped in the research of Simard because we don't want to have people who shouldn't be getting examined sent to us," said Mr. Bland.

"So the Simard is a tool that's supposed to cut costs, to find out if there is a red flag."

He said DriveABLE competed with up to 25 other technologies for the B.C. government contract and was the only one to meet the threshold under the Request for Proposals.

"We did 2.5 years diligence with the BC government before it was accepted," he said. "They grilled us, looked at all the data, all the information; the B.C. government did the most thorough job of any group I've seen."

A technology does not have to be peer reviewed to be used, he said, citing examples of exhaustive peer review on competing technologies with far less accurate results.

DriveABLE has been validated through what he calls "industry validation."

"All we have to show is that ours is the most accurate and predictive that there is and that's what was done," he said. "We still to date have the only scientifically evidence-based road test that looks at competence decline

and not at provincial road tests, normal errors that we would all make on the road."

In a statement to The Valley Echo, Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Suzanne Anton said it's the government's goal "to provide evidence-based, accessible and cost-effective assessments to the small number of drivers required to take functional cognitive assessments."

The statement also indicates a peer review of DriveABLE was published in the March 2013 edition of the Canadian Family Physician medical journal and concluded that physicians and the OSMV can be confident about using the in-office evaluation to make accurate, evidencebased decisions about patients’ fitness to drive.

"I have asked the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles to take a fresh look at the delivery and results of our cognitive assessment program to ensure that these criteria are still being met,” she said.

According Mr. Macdonald, the DriveABLE system is "sloppy" and disrespectful to seniors. "(Seniors are) going to become the dominant demographic so it's something we need to get right," he said.

Mrs. Birkett wants to work toward putting some solutions in place so seniors over 80 don't feel so targeted.

"I don't necessarily feel 80 should be the age; maybe we should encourage people in a younger age bracket to take refresher courses," she said. "And they should give you some indication in less than four months of where you are at and not send veiled messages."

Have a news tip? editor@invermerevalleyecho.com or 250-341-6299

Echo Index Weekly Content Opinion...................................................A6 Word on the Street..................................A7 Community Calendar............................A8 Remember When?.................................A8 Seasons greetings...................................A9 Sports.............................................A14-A15 Brain Games..........................................A18 Build Your Wealth.................................A21 Classifieds.....................................A19-A20 Serving the Valley.................................A22

Columns Rob Orchiston / Geek Zone.....................A7 Dan Walton/Off the Record.....................A7

Features Seasons Greetings/Letters to Santa......A10 Hockey Pool............................................A17 Driveway..................................................A23

Find us online InvermereValleyEcho @TheValley Echo

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Call Greg, Nicole, Steve or Dan at 250-341-6299 or email news@invermerevalleyecho.com .

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Cast your vote at www.invermerevalleyecho.com/opinion/poll/

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Valley Echo subscription rates Annual subscription rates (incl. tax) Local (Spillimacheen to Canal Flats) $45.30 Office Pick-Up $34.50 Canada $62.60/ Outside Canada $182.00 Seniors (local) $34.50/Seniors (Canada) $56.00 Six months subscription rates (incl. tax) Local (Spillimacheen to Canal Flats) $29.40 Seniors (local) $22.80

A4 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Christmas cheer in Canal Flats

Geoff Hill MaxWell Realty Invermere

250-341-7600

connect@geoffhill.ca Invermere-RealEstate.com P RO P O S E D W I N D E R M E R E WAT E R U P G R A D E

Information Meeting DECEMBER 2013

You are invited to join us for an Open House and Information Meeting regarding the proposed Windermere Water Upgrade.

The RDEK will present the options identified in the Consultant’s Report. We are holding two sessions: one in the afternoon and one in the evening. The same information will be presented at both sessions.

Windermere Water Community Meeting Monday, December 30, 2013 Windermere Community Hall 2:00 - 4:00pm

Lizzie Midyette photos Martin Morigeau Elementary school in Canal Flats got into the swing of the season with a school play on Tuesday, December 17th. Students from Ms. Habart's Grade 6/7 class performed the play, which was based on a Robert Munsch Christmas story about a girl trying to find her presents before Christmas morning. The play included the scene below where she is helped out of a gift box by friends.

About 60 people attended the play.

(Open House 2pm-3pm, followed by a presentation and Q&A from 3pm-4pm)

- and -

6:00 - 8:00pm (Open House 6pm-7pm, followed by a presentation and Q&A from 7pm-8pm) If you are unable to attend the meeting, but would like copies of the information boards and consultant’s report, join our email group by emailing lduczek@rdek. bc.ca and put Windermere Water in the subject line. If you are already on the email group, you will receive this information.

If you have questions, please call Brian DePaoli at the RDEK at 250-489-2791 or toll free at 1-888-478-7335 or email bdepaoli@rdek.bc.ca.

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Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A5

ARTS

High ridges and deep canyons

Behind the

PAT BAVIN

l

Update your Driving Skills and Knowledge

Special to The Valley Echo

Our group of work called "High Ridges and Deep Canyons" is a story of the mythology of our many high mountain landscapes and deep desert canyons which instill courage and peace as we wander among them. Whether on a high ridge in the Purcells, or tracking the Anasazi Puebloans of the Southwest, there is an adventurous spark which coincides with similarity even though the elements are so opposing.

Submitted photo This past summer, Dave Cochrane of The Four Corners area of the southwestern U.S. CMH Bugaboo Lodge invited Pat to hike the high places of the Bugaboo mounBowls” which are Bavin Glassworks’ classic tains with multiple groups of heli-hikers while being guided by his son, Ryan, a Canadi- trademark pieces.

This past fall, Pat and Bonnie loaded up their an Mountain Holidays (CMH) guide and family business partner. Ryan is the master glass trailer and headed to where the four corners meet – Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorablower of the 25-year father-son team.

The guides were great, letting Pat lag behind do. They set up a base camp in a small, homey as he sketched while walking, with the only rule RV campground in the little town of Bluff, Utah. being to stay in sight and periodically catch up. From Bluff, the Bavins went in all directions on After two tours, Pat was one happy artist with day hikes to track and record the culture of the 60 sketches, hundreds of photos and many vi- Anasazi Puebloans and their fascinating story.

Extended four to five-day trips were taken to sual cortex brain images which left him with a study and experience the big attraction sites of stack of research material.

This show will be an introduction to the Monument Valley, the National Navajo Monustunning beauty of the Bugaboo Mountains ment, Canyon de Chelly and Mesa Verde. It and the special adventure that CMH offers. always proved wealthy to hire a local Navajo These paintings are a mix of moods created by guide who gave insight and proud history of the varying methods including a glass bead and ancestral living-with-nature lifestyle of their acrylic painty soup for the glaciers, and pen and people, along with their similar practices today.

But it was the 920 square mile “Cedar Mesa”, ink details of mountain landscapes that nestle within fluid acrylic washes — all of which con- which stretches north and west of Bluff, that trast to areas that are more dramatized by lay- really became a fascination for the Bavins. On ers of golden acrylic pushed around by palette this high mesa (at 7,000 feet of altitude) there are 52,000 recorded but undeveloped sites to knife and rubber squeegee.

“Yep! – it’s really different”, says Pat. Ryan also explore. has a strong display of signature “Bugaboo »See A8

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Wh ee

How Does Laser Speed Measurement Work?

Lidar has always been my favourite speed measuring device. I could target individual vehicles with accuracy and rapidly measure their speed, even on a busy highway. Radar could not do the job nearly as well as it could not be easily relied on for a specific vehicle’s speed in a busy environment.

An officer starts their shift by checking the instrument to insure that it is operating as intended by the manufacturer. An automatic power on self test must produce the expected responses. Next a series of known fixed distances were tested by operating the laser are receiving the correct measurements.

Finally the aim point was verified by passing the sighting dot over a distant object and listening to the change in pitch of a generated tone. Once this was done the instrument was ready for use.

A safe site with a good view of traffic was selected and the lidar was put to use. The aiming dot was placed on the vehicle to be measured and the trigger pulled. A train of laser pulses was emitted, received and analyzed by the device which calculated the change in distance from the vehicle to itself over time and displayed the speed for me to see and decide whether to take enforcement action or not.

The nature of the very narrow laser beam made it precise to aim at individual vehicles. At 300 meters a spot roughly the size of an orange was reflected from the vehicle. As long as there was a clear line of sight between the vehicle and the lidar there was no doubt about who the measured speed applied to.

The author is a retired constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. To comment or learn more, please visit 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

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A6 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Opinion

Something to say? email editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

Appreciate the season of giving GREG AMOS editor@invermerevalleyecho.com

This newspaper made a blunder two weeks ago in not making it abundantly clear that the controversy surrounding the alleged abuse of foreign employees centres around a Tim Hortons restaurant in Fernie, not in Invermere.

The supposedly unscrupulous owner of that location is not at all connected with local Tim Hortons owners Kurt and Bethany Taylor, who have a glowing reputation in this community.

The pair, who've owned the store for two years, donate to almost any good cause that seeks their support, are backers of local minor hockey, and recently pitched in $500 for typhoon relief in the Philippines.

The Fernie situation is far from the first instance of a foreign worker being mistreated under the federal Temporary Foreign Worker program, which was conceived as a short-term solution to what's become a long-term issue.

Go back 20 years and imagine the surprised reaction you'd get when informing someone that in 2013, Canada would have 330,000 temporary foreign workers, here in order to fill entry-level jobs that the roughly 1.4 million jobless Canadians don't seem to want.

This paper's apparent lack of diligence stems from a problem facing 21st century media: weekly newspapers have no chance of keeping pace with online-only media when it comes to developing stories. We know that, and wrongly assumed our readers would turn to Google to find out more about this story.

A few readers mistakenly assumed we were making a veiled reference to our local restaurant, without saying so directly.

This error of omission caused quite a misunderstanding. As a newspaper that covers provincial court on a regular basis, our approach is to hold off on naming names until charges have been laid.

That said, we hope Santa still finds room in our stockings for a pound or two of coffee, a commodity that's always in high demand here at the Valley Echo.

As far as we know, Santa is a man of justice, and one who appreciates journalism that shines a light in dark places. And we'll just skip right over the question of what international labour agreements jolly old Saint Nick might be using to retain his elven North Pole workforce.

What matters, as always, is the content of one's character. So take the time this holiday season to enjoy the company of your family and friends, forget your grudges, and appreciate the bounty of life in the beautiful Columbia Valley.

VALLEY ECHO T he

The NEWSpaper in the Columbia Valley

#8, 1008 8 Avenue • P.O. Box 70 Invermere, B.C., Canada V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 invermerevalleyecho.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

NDP lights keep getting dimmer Editor's note: Mr. Clovechok is the regional director of the BC Liberal Party's zone 2, which covers four ridings in the Kootenays.

Dear Editor, Douglas Horton wrote “desperation is like stealing from the Mafia: you stand a good chance of attracting the wrong attention,” and judging from Norm Macdonald’s latest rant on BC Hydro, wrong is just what he has attracted.

It is painfully obvious that he has still not accepted the message British Columbians sent to the NDP in the May election; we did not buy what they were selling and they got their hats handed to them at the polls.

Yet Mr. Macdonald continues to publish his party-generated propaganda with his desperate dialogue about Smart Meters and energy production.

His latest attempts to tell informed people that smart meters are some kind of conspiracy is ridiculous. What he should be telling people is that almost every progressive nation on earth is de-

Angela Krebs

veloping a smart grid, which allows the utility to determine outages where they happen, no matter how geographically isolated — a benefit for those of us who live rural areas. A smart grid reduces transmission load loss and prevents theft of electricity, both of which are driving up rates. BC Hydro’s Smart Meter installations continue along with a plan that will result in cost recovery, taking pressure off rates and putting more money back into the pockets of British Columbians.

Mr. Macdonald’s power generation rhetoric demonstrates that he does not have the understanding that any newly generated power is going to cost more than any power generated by the assets built by WAC Bennett in the 1960s. The NDP have always disliked independent power producers because it is “private” and they keep arguing that it is more expensive. Any power generated with newly-constructed assets is going to cost more than power from BC’s heritage assets.

Bottom line, folks: the NDP just do not understand the economic principles associated with building a strong economy for B.C. Our hydro rates continue to be the third lowest in North America and compared to other provinces like On-

Rose-Marie Regitnig

Greg Amos

PUBLISHER

EDITOR

publisher@invermere valleyecho.com

editor@invermere valleyecho.com

nicole@invermere valleyecho.com

advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.com

Steve Hubrecht

Dan Walton

Silena Ann Ewen

Dean Midyette

Sheila Tutty

dan@invermere valleyecho.com

production@invermerevalleyecho.com

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

steve@invermere valleyecho.com

REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER

Nicole Trigg

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

PRODUCTION

Advertising

Renice Oaks

OFFICE ADMINSTRATOR

Advertising

PUBLISHER

dean@cv-pioneer. com

In Absentia

tario where rates continue to skyrocket. B.C. is doing very well.

As far as the BC Hydro file goes, Mr. Macdonald has swung the bat twice and missed the ball both times and while we are waiting for his third “pitch” we issue him a challenge: stop your partisan party-driven tirade and tell us what you are personally doing in the riding. Tell us about the files you are working on and the documented successes that you have accomplished helping the people who live here. Tell us how you are earning your salary and not to worry, we like short stories!

Doug Clovechok Fairmont Hot Springs Mr. Macdonald responds: What do failed BC Liberal candidates do after the polls have closed and the results have been announced? Let me tell you about my experience in the 2009 and 2013 elections.

In 2009, I ran against Mark McKee, the highly respected, long-serving, former Mayor of Revelstoke. Mr. McKee and I, prior to the election, worked closely on a number of files.

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.

BC PRESS COUNCIL – The Valley Echo is a member of the British Columbia Press Council, a self-regulatory body governing the province's newspaper industry. The council considers complaints from the public about the conduct of member newspapers. Directors oversee the mediation of complaints, with input from both the newspaper and the complaint holder. If talking with the editor or publisher does not resolve your complaint about coverage or story treatment, you may contact the B.C. Press Council. Your written concern, with documentation, should be sent within 45 days to B.C. Press Council, 201 Selby Street, Nanaimo, B.C., V9R 2R2. For information, phone 888-687-2213 or go to www.bcpresscouncil.org

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

»See A7

CMCA AUDITED

verifiedcirculation.ca 2009 2009 WINNER

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Word

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A7 “IT'S

CRAP

–I

THINK

THEY SHOULD HAVE

on the Street

LISTENED MORE CLOSELY TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS AND NOT

Enbridge's Northern Gateway pipeline has been recommended for conditional approval by the federal government – what's your reaction?

LISTEN DIRECTLY TO THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS.”

— BILL KAMPHUIS

“IT

SHOULDN'T HAVE

CONDITIONS WERE

“ALL IN FAVOUR. THE PROVINCE NEEDS IT – WE NEED

MET, AS OPPOSED TO

MORE PLACES FOR

APPROVING IT AND

PEOPLE TO WORK."

BEEN APPROVED UNLESS CERTAIN

HOPING FOR THE BEST."

— AMBER DRIELEN

—NEV ANDERSON

VAN

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR »MACDONALD from A6

During the election campaign, we both fought hard, but respectfully, to win.

And when the ballots were counted, the people of Columbia River – Revelstoke chose to continue to have me represent them in the Legislature.

In 2013, I ran against Doug Clovechok, a man who has never been elected to serve at any level of government.

Mr. Clovechok had no previous experience with either winning, or losing, elections in this area.

In 2009, Mr. McKee accepted the decision of the people with dignity and grace. And although Mr. McKee no longer holds elected office in Revelstoke, he has continued his service to the community in many other ways.

This is my experience with defeated candidates throughout my years as a Councillor, Mayor and MLA: those who are committed to democracy accept the election outcome and get back to serving their community in some other capacity. But Mr. Clovechok is taking a different path. It begs the question: why?

Is he simply a sore loser who doesn’t care what the voters decided? Or has he, like so many other failed BC Liberal candidates from the 2013 election, been hired by the BC Liberals? Is it his new job to constantly regurgitate the BC Liberal message box?

My job as the elected representative for Columbia River – Revelstoke is to listen to what you tell me, articulate your concerns, and hold this government to

account. And that is exactly what I will continue to do.

Norm Macdonald Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA

Santa could use our urban deer As we sat down to help our son write out his letter to Santa this year, we discussed the fact that Santa’s reindeer must be getting close to retirement. It was obvious — this is the solution to our deer problem! Santa can recruit sleighpulling replacements from our large selection of urban deer.

Our deer are ideal reindeer replace-

ments for the world Santa now has to deal with. They are lighter and have a good strength-to-weight ratio.

They are smaller, excellent at navigating urban centres and landing on smaller rooftops.

They are fit — who hasn’t seen them leaping tall fences in a single bound.

They are fearless: dogs, people, and cars don’t phase them.

They are self-sufficient; the elves won’t have to feed them since they will browse the garbage and garden.

Santa, when you come through town today, take a look at our deer. Remember, Dasher doesn’t have much dash left in him and Donner is losing his thunder.

Happy Holidays Invermere!

The Kirk Family

Geek Zone — Rob Orchiston

Off The Record — Dan Walton

The Bitcoin currency - is it a coin toss?

Pipelines and prostitutes

While many of you are still mourning the removal of the penny from circulation, a new kind of dirty money is fast gaining popularity. If you haven't heard of the Bitcoin, you're not alone, as a recent survey in U.S. found 60 per cent of people didn't know what Bitcoin was. It's a virtual "crypto currency", almost untraceable, unregulated, decentralized and tradable with minimal fees. It was formerly the domain of geeks and criminals, but is now garnering more attention from mainstream users as a legitimate way to buy and sell goods from a coffee to a Lamborghini.

Everyone from adult entertainers to internet gangsters, Wikileaks and online drug portal SilkRoad led to an increase in Bitcoin’s notoriety and value.

The somewhat confusing yet technologically revolutionary currency, created by a computer programmer who goes by the pseudonym of Satoshi Nakamoto, will by design inflate in value due to the increasing difficulty in mining them. Similar to gold, the first Bitcoins to be "mined" were low-hanging fruit. The last ones will be extremely difficult to reach and will require very powerful cooperating computer networks. However Bitcoin with its built-in inflation means it will probably never take off until the value stabilizes.

Why buy something with Bitcoin today, when that currency might be worth more tomorrow? Bitcoins started out at less than 1 cent but now they are worth about $900 per coin. Bitcoins are mathematically generated (or "mined") by a cooperating computers searching for special sequences. You can even try your luck mining a Bitcoin on your iPhone or Mac using apps like Mobile Miner and Asteroid which use your phone or computer's CPU to chew through complex

calculations while hunting for a valid coin.

In October, a Vancouver company started the world’s first Bitcoin automatic teller machine (ATM), where users can "cash in" their Bitcoins. The ATM traded over $100,000 in the first month. Other Bitcoin ATMs appeared in Finland this month also.

Other crypto currencies such as Litecoin also exist. Other providers, including a few "banksters", are scrambling to create, patent and legitimize their own types of crypto currency.

However the likes of Apple and governments of China and Norway are doing their best to stifle the adoption of Bitcoin and protect consumers from the nonregulated currency that could end up being a ponzi scheme. China's banning of Bitcoin last week caused a drop in its value overnight from $1,200 to $650.

Bitcoin startups are popping up in Vancouver and Bitcoin Brains in Calgary offers Bitcoin trading services to consumers. Whether the currency ever really becomes viable is a coin toss, as the bubble may pop as quickly as it has inflated with some predicting implosion of the “collective hallucination” in 2015.

With recent news coverage about Bitcoin and its phenomenal growth one PhD student in Norway, remembered he had purchased $27 worth of the new Bitcoin currency while studying encryption at university. He was able to sell those coins for $886,000 just four years later.

Some early trading geeks also bought a now infamous $25 pizza for just a few hundred Bitcoins which in today’s terms is an expensive, yet tasty, $11 million pizza.

Rob Orchiston is a software programmer who lives in Invermere and stays on top of the latest trends in technology.

If you want to pay for sex or build a pipeline, Canada can make it happen.

Last week, the National Energy Board's joint review panel gave the Enbridge Northern Gateway pipeline conditional approval for construction. The next day, the Supreme Court of Canada tossed out major Canadian laws pertaining to prostitution, leaving lawmakers with a year to write a new set of rules which conform to the constitution.

Those two rulings left the feds with mixed reactions. To sum it up: pipelines = good, prostitution = bad. The Conservative Party of Canada seems to cherry pick its right-wing values.

Just like Enbridge employees, sex-trade workers can be optimistic about emerging job opportunities. And with the pending legalization of their trade, the Harper Government should be happy to see crime rates drop as an industry is freed from regulation.

We can count on these stories to further unfold, as the feds have 12 months both to draft new legislation for night walkers, and choose to approve the pipeline or not.

Dan Walton is a reporter for The Valley Echo and can be reached at dan@invermerevalleyecho.com .

A8 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Community Calendar

Remember When?

Echo file photo

Send your events to production@invermerevalleyecho.com TUES DECEMBER 24 •Torch Light Parade & Fireworks at Fairmont Ski area, 5:30 - 7 p.m.

Free event.

•Carols by Candlelight on the Great Hall deck at Panorama, 6 - 6:30 p.m.

Free hot chocolate.

•Christmas Eve Fireworks in Conrad Kain Park, Wilmer, at 8 p.m.

Bonfires and free hot chocolate.

•Christmas Karaoke from 8 - 9:30 p.m. in the lobby of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

•Windermere Valley Shared Ministry (Anglican-United) Christmas Eve Services: 6:00 p.m. at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere; 8:00 p.m. at All Saints, Edgewater; and 10:00 p.m. at St. Peter’s, Windermere.

•Lake Windermere Alliance Church (L.W.A.C.) Christmas Eve Services: 2:00 p.m. Panorama service at the Summit; 6:00 p.m. Candlelight service at the L.W.A.C.; 8:15 p.m. Panorama service in the Great Hall.

•Canadian Martyrs parish Christmas Eve Services: 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. in Invermere, 10:00 p.m. in Radium.

WED DECEMBER 25 •Christmas morning service at Canadian Martyrs parish in Invermere, 10 a.m.

•Free entrance to the hot springs at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with a food bank donation, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

•Christmas morning service at Christ Church Trinity (Windermere Valley Shared Ministry), 10:30 p.m.

THURS DECEMBER 26 •Decorate a holiday cookie from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. free at Misty Waters Cafe, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Also December 27th and 28th.

FRI DECEMBER 27 •Hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre, 6 - 11 p.m.

SAT DECEMBER 28 •Bavin Glassworks presents High Ridges and Deep Canyons artist reception, 3 - 5 p.m.. The art show and sale runs Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more information, contact 250342-6816 or www.bavinglass.com.

•Hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre, 6 - 11 p.m.

TUES DECEMBER 31 •Snowshoeing up to Panorama with the Summit Youth Centre, 12:30 - 4 p.m. We have snowshoes available to borrow.

•Radium Village’s annual birthday party and New Year’s Eve celebration at Brent’s Shack, 3 - 6 p.m. Fireworks display at 6:30 p.m., Springs Driving Range, courtesy of Radium Volunteer Fire Department.

•Family New Year's Dinner and Dance at the Invermere Community Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., countdown at 10 p.m. Party favours, DJ & dance, loonie & toonie games, buffet dinner. Alcohol free. Tickets available at The Monkey's Uncle, DOI office, and Copper Point Resort.

Dance only tickets are available only until December 24. Proceeds will benefit Invermere Events and the local Beaver Club. Contact Theresa Wood for more details at events@invermere.net or 250-342-9281 ext 1227.

•Children’s New Years Eve party from 7 – 8 p.m. in the Pine Room at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

•New Year’s Eve party from 9 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill.

•Torchlight parade down Showoff at Panorama Mountain Village, 9:25 p.m., followed by a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. at the base of the Mile 1 Quad.

THURS JANUARY 2 •Hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre, 5 - 9 p.m.

FRI JANUARY 3 •Book swap at the Summit Youth Centre. Bring a book (or more than one!) if you want to participate. 6 - 11 p.m.

•Steamboat Mtn. Music Society AGM at the Edgewater Hall at 7 p.m.

An extraordinary general meeting will follow (to modify the society’s constitution as a requirement for federal charity status.) Entertainment and refreshments provided.

Call 250-3479882 for further info.

SAT JANUARY 4 • Documentary night at the Summit Youth Centre, 6 - 11 p.m.

WED JANUARY 8 •Mural night at the Summit Youth Centre,

December 1988 — Panorama's Quadzilla chair (now the Mile One quad) started running 25 years ago, on December 17th, 1988. The new chairlift carried 2,200 skiers per hour, a big upgrade over the old T-bar that carried just 1,000 people per hour. The lift cost $3.5 million at the time.

5 - 9 p.m. Let’s make a mural for the Summit!

THURS JANUARY 9 • Hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre,5 - 9 p.m.

FRI JANUARY 10 •Chain story and Exquisite Corpses at the Summit Youth Centre, 6 - 11 p.m.

SAT JANUARY 11 •Fast and Furious movie marathon at the Summit Youth Centre, 6 - 11 p.m.

TUES JANUARY 14 •Swimming at Radium Hot Springs with the Summit Youth Centre, 5 - 9 p.m. Please register by January 13th, 7:00 p.m. Leaving the Summit at 6:00 p.m.

•Cinefest movie night presents Storm Surfers, marking Australia Day (January 26th). Runnerup for the 2012 Blackberry People’s Choice Award, this awe-inspiring film follows two Aussie best mates (Tom Carroll and Ross ClarkeJones) approaching their 50’s who travel the southern hemisphere pursuing one of the world’s most deadly and exhilarating sports: big wave surfing. At Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Tickets at the door, $10. Cash bar and light refreshments. All ages.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m., film begins at 7:00 p.m.

WED JANUARY 15 •Experiment night at the Summit Youth Centre, 5 - 9 p.m.

FRI JANUARY 17 • Challenges and hang out night at the Summit Youth Centre, 6 - 11 p.m.

OTHER •The Whiteway is now open! The Whiteway is a 15km groomed track that runs all the way around Lake Windermere and connects the towns of Invermere and Windermere. The Whiteway has tracks for classic cross-country skiers, a groomed skate skiing track, and a cleared ice-skating track. There are three official entry points onto the Whiteway; one at Kinsmen beach in Invermere, one at the Invermere Bay Condos in Invermere, and one at Windermere beach.

Visit The Toby Creek Nordic Club for a map and more information.

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

10 years ago (2003): The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF) entered contract negotiations with the provincial government, and the union members were not optimistic. "Just this morning we hear [then Minister of Education] Christy Clarke announcing that there will be no salary increases for teachers," vented Neil Worboys, president of the BCTF. "Given the Liberals' history of intervening in public sector bargaining and ripping up collective agreements, we are understandably skeptical."

15 years ago (1998): Worries that municipal computer systems would become confused when the clock struck January 1st, 2000 — interpreting the year as 1900 or 1800 because of its double-digit calendar — prompted the District of Invermere to pre-emptively upgrade its system. The town administrator cautioned computer owners against artificially setting their computer

clocks ahead to December 31st, 1999, "unless the data on the hard drive is of no value."

20 years ago (1993): Washrooms in the parking lot behind Home Hardware (located next to the Valley Echo at the time) were being constantly vandalized. In response, electronic locks were installed to keep the facilities closed at night. Those locks were destroyed. Deadbolt locks replaced the electronic ones, and they too were damaged beyond repair. Also, a number of liquor bottles were found in the garbage cans. Extra lighting on the outside was a serious suggestion at a council meeting, and the idea of an armed guard was joked about.

30 years ago (1983): “My sister and I sure had fun on the hayride with you in Invermere,” read a letter to Santa written by Brennan Shaw.

"I'll tell my dad not to burn a fire in our chimney so you can come down. Sure hope you don't get stuck. Oh, how about a snack, and you can use my cup. And please don't go to Brian Hoffos' shop by mistake. We live in the house beside him. I sure would like a new dumptruck and my sister Blaisse would like something too. But not a big dollie she has lots but maybe a Barbie

»HIGH RIDGES from A5

For Pat, it provided a lot of subject material and sketching opportunities.

Along with the desert colours, the different landscapes and interesting peoples, Bonnie was inspired to make her jewelry pieces reflect the experience.

“I find it fascinating that it is the art of these ancient cultures that we are finding,” said Bonnie. “The artists' work on the walls of their dwellings telling their story, or the distinctive decorations on their vessels, and their careful construction of cliff dwellings among the canyon shelves”.

Images of pottery and landscapes were being forwarded to Ryan at the hot shop, giving him inspiration for shapes, colours and rock art petroglyphs and pictographs that he incorporated into blown glass artifacts

doll. I sure would like a ride your reindeer sometime."

40 years ago (1973): "Christmas lights will gleam and Christmas carols will resound at Pynelogs again this year and a happy atmosphere of celebration will be shared by all the guests," The Valley Echo wrote about the December 25th traditions at Pynelogs residential home. Christmas dinner was previously served to residents in their bedrooms, but for the 1973 holiday, everybody was together for the first time in the lounge.

45 years ago (1968): There was no Valley Echo printed this week in 1968, as warned oneweek in advance. "We are very interested in family reunions and important events. There will not be room for news of social gatherings other than those on a very large scale."

Taking a week off had become a tradition at the Valley Echo, and "such is the generous and understanding nature of valley people that we have never had this custom questioned."

50 years ago (1963): Local livestock were tragically lost after seeking shelter in three separate abandoned buildings during a storm. Fifteen cows and horses were found dead; the cattle had all been eaten by bears.

and pieces. Pat’s approach to translating his 45 sketches and photographs are mostly on birch wood panels (up to 24 inches by 36 inches) with subjects targeting his fascination of the canyon cliff dwellings. Again, fine detail work of dwellings is done with fluid acrylic washes under pen and ink sketching that is surrounded by heavy impasto layers of acrylic applied with palette knife and squeegee.

The “High Ridges and Deep Canyons Show” will take place at Bavin Glassworks on Saturday, December 28th and Sunday, December 29th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Ryan, Bonnie and Pat will be available during most of the show with an artist reception from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 28th. Please drop by and view the work and enjoy the books and sketches of these adventures.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

W

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A9

ITH THE YULE LOGS CRACKLING ON AN OPEN FIRE, FAMILIES GATHERING TOGETHER FOR WINTER FUN,

CHRISTMAS MORNING AND 2013 SOON TO BE IN THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR, THE VALLEY ECHO INVITED READERS TO SUBMIT THEIR PERSONAL YEAR-END MESSAGES TO THEIR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBOURS ACROSS THE COLUMBIA VALLEY. WITH THE $10 FEE FOR A SIGNATURE ON THIS PAGE, WE'VE RAISED $150 FOR THE COLUMBIA VALLEY FOOD BANK. ON THE FOLLOWING PAGES, LOCAL BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS HAVE TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO SEND GREETINGS FOR THE SEASON TO YOU. WE, TOO, WISH YOU A PRESENTS UNDER THE TREE READY FOR

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

May you enjoy the beauty, warmth and wonder of the season.

Happy holidays from your friends at Kootenay Savings

better. together.

www.kscu.com

Letters to Santa

A10 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

The Valley Echo struck a deal with a few of Santa's elves to run some of Santa's favourite letters from children in the Columbia Valley before they made their way to the North Pole. Below are some gems by local students at Eileen Madson, Edgewater and Windermere elementary schools...

The Christmas season is here...

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY

MERRY CHRISTMAS FULL OF FAMILY AND FUN.

How sweet it is to find ourselves right here at the holidays, amongst good friends and neighbours like you.

It’s been a real treat for us to serve you.

Happy Holidays to you and yours from everyone at

250.342.9913

...we hope yours runs smoothly from the front end to the back.

We wish everyone a great holiday season with miles of smiles.

1988

25

2013

INDERMERE WV ALLEY Golf Course

SPECIAL HOLIDAY HOURS: Open 7:30 - 4 on Dec. 24 Closed December 25 and 26 Open 10 - 4 on Dec. 29 Open 7:30 - 6 on Dec. 30 Open 7:30 -4 on Dec. 31 Open 10 - 4 on Jan. 1

Auto Parts, Towing & Auto Wreckers Bus: 250-342-4400 Cell: 250-342-1700

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:14

Seasons Greetings

from everyone at the Invermere Campus College of the Rockies

250-342-6293

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A11

Santa Claus is on his way, It’s going to be a bright and a happy day! So pass on the happiness to every person you meet, brighten up their day and touch their lives beneath.

Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year from the Elves at

Season’s Holiday Greetings Greetings For your loyal support,

Have a very merry

Christmas Wishing everyone

SEASON'S GREETINGS

Serving the valley since 1995

#3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C. 250-342-3659 info@invermereglass.ca www.invermereglass.ca

from the Board of Education and Staff at

Rocky Mountain School District #6

With best wishes for a Merry Christmas!

we are deeply grateful.

VALLEY ECHO !

T he

The NEWSpaper in the Columbia Valley

y Merr tmas s Chri a and y, h healt New y happ !

Year

THANK YOU for visiting us this year!

Closed fr Decembe omth r 24 at 12 p.m Re-open . in January thg 13 .

514 13 Street, Invermere

250-342-6901

Reflections of the Season

May your holidays be a time as you look back over the past year.

We wish you and yours health and happiness in 2014.

rt Stua y Tutt ial nc Fina ices Serv

Christmas Greetings to all our customers around the Globe from our staff (250) 342-6978

A12 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Recyc

That’s a Wrap Paper based wrapping paper can be recycled in any of the yellow bins in the East Kootenay and in the curbside recycling programs in Fernie and Invermere. From cards and envelopes to wrapping and tissue paper, please recycle as much as possible.

Recyclable: ✓ Paper based gift wrap ✓ Cards ✓Envelopes ✓ Gift tags ✓ Tissue paper ✓ Cardboard boxes ✓ Brown shipping/packaging paper

Not Recyclable ✕ Foil based wrapping paper ✕ Envelopes or gift tags with foil lining ✕ Bows and Ribbons

If everyone in Canada wrapped just three gifts in reused paper or gift bags, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 hockey rinks.

To find the holiday hours at RDEK transfer stations and landfills, visit

www.rdek.bc.ca

Recycling 101 The yellow bins in the RDEK and curbside programs in Fernie and Invermere take the following: ✓ Mixed paper – including Christmas cards and envelopes (as long as they’re not foil) ✓ Aluminum and tin cans – please rinse well! No aluminum foil, pie plates,etc. Only cans are accepted ✓ Cardboard – all types; boxes must be flattened. Cardboard covered with wax, foil or soiled with grease or food waste cannot be recycled ✓ Plastics – Grocery bags (garbage must be removed from grocery bags) and plastics #1 - #6 (except Styrofoam)

Plastics NOT accepted:

✕ Styrofoam (even though it's marked as a #6) ✕ Unmarked plastics – if it doesn’t have a number on it, it can’t go in the bin. Often the lids are made out of different plastics than the containers, so you have to check carefully ✕ #7 plastics

What You Need to Know About Glass The glass recycling bins in the East Kootenay are for container glass ONLY. That means only container glass that holds food and beverages. Some examples include: ✓ Jam jars ✓ Pickle jars ✓ Cheez whiz jars ✓ Olive oil jars ✓ Iced tea or wine bottles These containers must be well rinsed with lids removed.

The following are NOT accepted in the glass bins: ✕ Dishes of any kind (clear drinking glasses, pyrex dishes, corel ware, pottery, plates, etc). No dishes! ✕ Shower doors, windshields ✕ Lightbulbs ✕ Picture frame glass ✕ Glass trinkets (like candlestick holders and tree decorations)

Flip Your Lid!

Metal lids cannot be recycled in the yellow bins. Please make sure you remove the lids before putting glass containers in the recycling bin. Metal lids can be recycled for free at Columbia Recycle in Marysville.

Please Keep it Clean Our yellow recycling bins are often on private property and it is so important that we keep them clean.

Please put all recyclables in the bin.

Over the holidays, the bins see a huge increase in volume.

While our contactor will be working hard to empty the bins more frequently, sometimes they will be full. If you encounter a full bin, please look for another bin in the area or come back. Never leave recyclables on or around the bins. Thank you for helping us keep our recycling areas clean!

For m or e i n fo r mat i o n c o n t a c t t h e RD E K

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

cling Tips Electronics Recycling Expands Electronics are often a hot holiday gift item. Old electronics that are still in good working condition can be taken to an RDEK Reuse Centre; however, if they’re no longer working, they may be able to be recycled.

On December 25th alone, over 30 million bags of garbage will be thrown out of Canadian households.

Batteries Included

Electronics recycling depots are located at the Cranbrook, Invermere and Fernie Bottle Depots.

These depots are for small volumes only.

Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. Drop off locations include:

The following items can be dropped off FREE OF CHARGE for recycling: ✓Computers – desktop and laptops ✓Monitors ✓Keyboards and Computer ✓Mice ✓Printers ✓Televisions ✓Fax Machines ✓Scanners ✓DVD and VHS players ✓Stereos and MP3 docking stations ✓Radios ✓Discman, Walkman, MP3 players ✓Earphones ✓Microphones ✓Speakers ✓Cable, satellite and PVR boxes ✓Vehicle audio and video systems

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

No Styrofoam

Cranbrook: • Cranbrook Photo • Staples • The Source (in Tamarack Centre) • Kootenay Communications Kimberley: • Kimberley City Hall

Styrofoam is NOT recyclable in the East Kootenay, even though it is a type of #6. If it can't be reused, it's garbage.

The Cranbrook and Fernie Depots (not Invermere) also accept more than 120 small electrical appliances, ranging in size from electric toothbrushes to countertop microwave ovens.

Products are divided into categories including: kitchen countertop, time measurement, weight measurement, garment care, air treatment, floor care and personal care.

For details, visit electrorecycle.ca

Foiled Again

Tin pie plates and foil roasting pans cannot be recycled.

Consider non-disposable options or rinse & reuse them.

Fluorescent Light Recycling The LightRecycle program accepts compact fluorescent and tube fluorescent light bulbs free of charge. The recycling program is for residentially generated lights only.

There are currently three LightRecycle Depots in the East Kootenay: Cranbrook Home Hardware, 1901 McPhee Road Skyway Distributors, 304 Slater Road NW Fernie Home Building Centre, 300 Manitou Road

Elk Valley: • City of Fernie • Fernie Aquatic Centre Columbia Valley: • Selkirk TV & Appliance, Invermere

Reuse Comes Before Recycle Over the holidays many people will receive gifts that will replace perfectly good older items.

Instead of throwing good items away, please consider giving them away so they can be reused.

There are Reuse Centres at the Cranbrook, Kimberley, Elkford, Fernie and Sparwood Transfer Stations and Columbia Valley Landfill.

The Reuse Centres accept household items in good working condition. Everything in the Reuse Centres is available at no cost.

Some examples of items that are accepted in the Reuse Centres include: ✓ Chairs ✓ Pictures Televisions ✓ ✓ Small dishes ✓Light fixtures ✓ Tools Items that cannot be accepted include large appliances, tires, mattresses, automotive parts, scrap metal, wood and clothing.

If each person reused two feet of ribbon this Christmas it would save 61,000 kms of ribbon.

K a t 2 50-489- 2791 o r 1- 88 8 - 4 7 8 - 7 3 3 5

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Letters to Santa

A14 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

THANK YOU for helping CBAL place a Book Under Every Tree this Christmas!

Eileen Madson Primary School The Christmas Bureau Invermere Rotary Club The Book Bar Valley Foods Invermere Sobeys

...and all those who donated books.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Peace

Wishing you a season that’s merry and bright.

From Mayor, Council & Staff

Happy Holidays!

On Earth from Barb, Dayna and Maria at

z l g n A Hair & Tanning Studio 250-342-3227

IS HOME HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS WHERE THE HEART IS yours filled with peace, love and May May yours bebefilled with peace, love and contentment this holiday season. contentment this holiday season.

Management and Staff of Management and Staff of

CRESTEEL

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The beauty of the winter season reminds us of how blessed we are in so many ways, including the friendship of neighbors like you.

Happy Holidays!

COLUMBIA ROOFING Quality Roofing and Repairs

Allan Gauthier Tel: (250) 349-7586 Cell: (250) 489-8685 Fax: (250) 349-7586

columbia_roofing@hotmail.com BMO/Bank of Montreal Invermere

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Letters to Santa

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A15

celebration never goes out of style

A note of thanks to our Customers, neighbours, associates & friends

Thank you so much to all of our valued clients.

for this holiday season: We didn’t want to leave anyone out when we say,

hope you have a great holiday!

Staff and Board

Family ResouRce centRe

Celebrate, relax and enjoy this holiday season!

Valley Hair Styling 1313 7 Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6355

To all of our loyal readers and advertisers...

T HERE IS NO TIME

MORE FITTING TO SAY

Thank you

AND TO WISH YOU A

Happy Holiday Season

WISHING YOU A JOYOUS HOLIDAY SEASON AND A PROSPEROUS AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR. www.TheColumbiaValley.ca

for all your product and service needs throughout the Columbia Valley!

250-342-2844 info@cvchamber.ca

www.thecolumbiavalley.ca 651 Highway 93/95, P.O. Box 1019, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

A16 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Take charge of your health with

Sports

naturopathic medicine!

I will be accepting patients in January, 2014 at Renaissance Wellness.

For more information please see

www.facebook.com/ drmikebakernd

250-342-1457 Dr. Mike Baker, ND

Rockies aim to sweep Ghostriders While on a 4-on-3 power play, Rockdan@invermerevalleyecho.com ies captain Adam Pulliam netted the The Rockies are getting to know game-winning goal.

Four nights later, the Fernie Ghostriders well – afthe Rockies were off ter defeating their divisional rivals to end the Rockies' six-game los- to Fernie.

Like Tuesday's ing streak last week in Invermere, Dan Walton/Valley Echo photo the Columbia Valley collected anoth- competition, er win against the Ghostriders in Rockies went down Rockies forward Matt Houston is seen winding up a shot during the by a goal in the first home game against the Ghostriders on Tuesday, December 16th.

Fernie on Friday, December 20th.

In the first match on Tuesday, before using the sec- Houston contributed one goal and three assists in Columbia Valley's December 17th, Fernie took a ond period to leap- two wins over Fernie.

1 – 0 lead in the first, which they frog the Ghostridovertime. were able to hold for a period. The ers on the scoreboard and take In the 3-on-3 overtime Rockies came back in the second a 2 – 1 lead. period, Fernie was penalized for With two goals scored, Columbia tripping, resulting in one of the period to take a 3 – 1 advantage. The Ghostriders managed to catch up in Valley was able to hold Fernie to just Rockies most dangerous forwards, the third, however, forcing overtime. one marker after registering 24 shots Stephen Pratt, getting a penalty in the first 40 minutes. shot, which he capitalized on.

But the third period That allowed the Rockies to again KIJHL Standings favoured Fernie, as the defeat the Ghostriders in overtime Kootenay Conference - Eddie Mountain Division Rockies' opponents were by a score of 4 –3. able to catch up and force Team GP W L T PTS. Over the course of the two games,

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Creston Valley Thundercats

30

21

9

0

42

Fernie Ghostriders

30

14

11

0

33

Kimberley Dynamiters

32

16

15

1

33

Columbia Valley Rockies

35

11

18

3

28

Golden Rockets

34

9

22

0

21

Kootenay Conference - Neil Murdoch Division

Oldtimer Hockey Standings Regular Season Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Radium PetroCanada

15

10

3

2

22

Inside Edge

15

9

5

1

19

Team

GP

W

L

T

PTS.

Hi-Heat

15

7

7

1

15

Nelson Leafs

33

25

4

1

54

Huckleberry’s

15

7

7

1

15

Beaver Valley Nitehawks

32

23

6

1

49

Warwick Interiors

15

6

6

3

15

Castlegar Rebels

34

16

14

1

36

15

6

8

1

13

Spokane Braves

36

13

20

0

29

Arrowhead Brewsky’s

Grand Forks Border Bruins

Aquair

15

5

7

3

13

32

10

18

2

24

Kicking Horse Coffee

15

3

10

2

8

Goaltender Brody Nelson stopped 72 of the Ghostriders 78 shots.

The Rockies are in Fernie again on Tuesday, December 30th for a 7:30 p.m. game. Nelson is expected to start that match as the Rockies look to sweep the Ghostriders in their mini three-game series.

For a full version of this story, visit invermerevalleyecho. com/sports .

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES THANK EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND WISH YOU ALL A VERY

Merry Christmas

...AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR!

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS IN THE KIJHL!

We look eing to se forward r a three o you all f eekend game w y3-5!

Januar

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A17

The Valley Echo's 2013/2014

NHL Hockey Pool Standings Grand Prize

This week's winner is:

2 night stay at Copper Point Resort and $100 dining certificate for Elements Grill

Cotton Swab 4

2 rounds of golf for the Ridge at Copper Point Golf Club

Head to Echo/Pioneer office to redeem your lunch prize!

250-341-4000

250-341-3392

All prizes must be claimed before the following week's results are released.

Rank

Team

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 T15 T15 17 T18 T18 T20 T20 22 T23 T23 T25 T25 27 28 29 T30 T30 32 33 T34 T34 T34 37 38 39 T40 T40 T40 T43 T43 45 T46 T46 T48 T48 T50 T50

Ivy Craiger Puff Pastry Lis Professor 05 Ken Reid Cotton Swab 4 Kogging Toucan 01 Lawson 23 Kappdaddy26 Zman Love the B’s Hair Haven Kosty 27 Pouncy’s Pals 3 King Chris PMD Double-Duece Pullz 28 Rockies 3 Magic Mitch 25 Dirty Doan 12 an Aces N Eights “The Zach Attacks” Injured reserve 16 Major Snipes Brodes Snakitov13 Paige 13 Naho Rubicon B.the.B.B.B. DR19 JHaley11 G Rohrick 15 Crew Slut Brennan Long Rock Flames Suck MM88 MN1 Jagar 20 Rockies 18 Kimmer Stick63 Jye Plum 24 Dace 58 Dicks Pix Jake 2 Snake53

Total 606 602 598 597 594 591 589 582 578 573 571 569 568 566 565 565 564 562 562 559 559 558 557 557 556 556 554 553 550 549 549 548 547 544 544 544 543 541 540 538 538 538 537 537 536 535 535 534 534 533 533

LW 61 60 52 62 56 52 69 51 61 48 53 58 58 56 49 54 64 49 54 53 56 41 48 54 63 53 54 54 56 53 50 50 45 61 56 62 55 56 54 60 47 53 59 57 49 57 47 45 50 52 52

GM 64 60 39 54 65 71 67 89 49 81 75 98 52 97 59 85 62 100 56 77 51 76 91 74 74 66 105 95 101 82 98 65 76 103 86 86 98 73 90 77 68 72 84 63 104 79 86 97 101 99 69

P/G 0.86 0.86 0.83 0.84 0.84 0.85 0.84 0.86 0.82 0.84 0.83 0.85 0.80 0.85 0.81 0.83 0.81 0.83 0.80 0.81 0.78 0.82 0.83 0.82 0.81 0.80 0.83 0.84 0.83 0.81 0.82 0.79 0.79 0.83 0.80 0.81 0.81 0.80 0.80 0.77 0.78 0.77 0.78 0.76 0.82 0.78 0.80 0.81 0.81 0.80 0.77

If you would like to sponsor The Valley Echo’s hockey pool, contact us at 250-341-6299

mile·stone n.

B.

(mīl’stŌn’)

iadside to ind set up on a ro er t. k in ar o m p e n n 1. A sto from a give nce in miles cate the dista

er, a person’s care in as t, en ev ant cement of 2. An import , or the advan n io at n a f o int. the history a turning po ; d el fi a in e knowledg

Rank T50 T53 T53 T55 T55 T57 T57 T57 T60 T60 T60 T63 T63 T65 T65 T65 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 T76 T76 T78 T78 T78 T81 T81 T83 T83 85 86 T87 T87 89 T90 T90 T90 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102

Team Schlittsy06 Liam 10 RC31 Harley Nelly Westside Dan Dave’s Laffers Troll 6 The Goalie Guy Yolo Swagins Go Habs Go Hossa 81 Dusty 21 Rockies super fan LBO Bergeeo 7 David Chick Magnet Dylan 4 Nelson 30 R’s Rockets Van Fan Harley 10 Dumpandpump 15 Nick Bolin Hendy 17 Brennan’s Compe Matt Cable Old Rock Nicole ACF N4Cer The Boyz Mags57 Dooley Hunter 11 Love the B’s 2 lil’b Rock 50 Cian Heidi Joaks 16 Ashley Furniture Badtothe Boone 22 Ninja Chicken Skeeter 31 Ryann 7 Braden 5 Connor K Riley 14 J. Pike

Total 533 532 532 531 531 530 530 530 528 528 528 527 527 526 526 526 524 523 522 521 520 514 512 511 508 508 507 507 507 504 504 503 503 498 497 496 496 494 493 493 493 490 487 486 485 483 480 472 463 447 430

LW

GM

61 52 40 56 58 49 52 56 57 50 46 48 48 57 56 52 60 50 55 52 49 47 44 54 47 51 43 39 55 43 51 56 51 47 41 53 42 52 49 47 48 53 52 47 36 48 40 43 44 36 30

124 60 90 70 94 78 109 65 108 78 94 91 69 94 69 119 108 65 109 105 92 99 89 126 90 123 87 76 126 90 121 100 75 95 86 123 97 95 110 121 95 118 120 121 105 142 129 117 144 114 142

P/G 0.83 0.77 0.79 0.77 0.79 0.76 0.81 0.76 0.80 0.76 0.80 0.78 0.76 0.79 0.76 0.82 0.78 0.75 0.80 0.80 0.78 0.76 0.75 0.81 0.75 0.79 0.75 0.74 0.80 0.75 0.78 0.75 0.74 0.76 0.73 0.78 0.75 0.74 0.76 0.76 0.73 0.75 0.76 0.76 0.75 0.78 0.76 0.72 0.75 0.70 0.70

Sponsored by:

Milestones are meant to be celebrated!

Which is why The Valley Echo is asking readers to submit their Milestones (anniversaries, new jobs/careers, birthdays, anything that marks a ‘turning point’ in your life or the life of someone special) for FREE to production@ invermerevalleyecho.com (please put “Milestones” as the subject line). Your Milestones will appear at the start of the Classifieds section each week, and each week one Milestone will be randomly picked to WIN a FREE CUPCAKE at Quality Bakery in Invermere. Get your Milestone in today!

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A18 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

Brain Games

Columbia Valley

Weekend Weather

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Boxing Day

Cloudy with sunny breaks

Cloudy periods

Variable cloudiness

invermerevalleyecho.com

Temp: 0 C

Temp: -3oC

Temp: 0oC

250-341-6299

December 24

o

o

December 25

o

December 26

Feels like -3 C

Feels like 0 C

Low: -6oC

Low: -10oC

Low: -5oC

CLUES ACROSS 1. Lawyer disqualification 7. Filled in harbor 13. Die 14. Expected 16. As in 17. Squares puzzle 19. Of I 20. Small depressions 22. Cambridgeshire Cathedral 23. Layout and furnishings 25. Sandhill crane genus 26. Challenges 28. A widow’s self-immolation 29. Earth System Model (abbr.)

30. Sound unit 31. A teasing remark 33. Surrounded by 34. Distinctive elegance 36. Imperturbable

customerservice@ invermerevalleyecho.com

o

Feels like 0 C

Crossword December 25, 2013

VALLEY ECHO T he

38. Gulf of, in the Aegean 40. Ice mountains 41. Rubs out 43. German writer Weber 44. Tub 45. Digital audiotape 47. UC Berkeley 48. Actress Farrow 51. Epic body of poetry 53. Weight unit 55. A mild oath 56. More infrequent 58. One point N of due W 59. More rational 60. Exclamation of surprise 61. Manual soil tiller 64. 24th state 65. Surveyor 67. About ground 69. Something beyond doubt 70. Add herbs or spices

CLUES DOWN 1. Shelves 2. Max. medical unit 3. Religious orders 4. Blocks 5. Volcanic mountain in Japan 6. Close again 7. Clemens hero 8. ___-Jima 9. Rendered hog fat 10. Ocean ebbs 11. Spielberg blockbuster 12. Grade reducing 13. Shirk 15. Treats with contempt 18. Single Lens Reflex (abbr.)

21. Integer 24. Photographers 26. Lair 27. Female sibling 30. Supported a structure 32. German

socialist August 35. Angeles, Alomos or Lobos 37. Ripe tomato color 38. Indefinite small number 39. Wind River Res. peoples 42. A baglike structure 43. Flying mammal 46. In poor taste 47. Hosts film festival 49. Evansville

Hockey team 50. Ohio tire town 52. Popeye cartoonist 54. Resource Based Economy (abbr.)

55. Hates, Scot.

57. Evaluate 59. Porzana carolina 62. Decay 63. Own (Scottish) 66. Atomic #29 68. Santa says X3

Answer to December 18:

Horoscope Four th Week of December

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

Last Sudoku answer -->:

LIBRA Some added confidence is all you need to get back on the right track, Libra. Things are bound to work out in your favor, especially when you put your mind to something.

ARIES Aries, some difficulty awaits you, but you are strong and fully capable of handling what’s coming your way. Maintain your composure and stick it out a little longer.

CANCER Trust someone close to you with a few of your secrets, Cancer. Holding them in may only cause you grief in the long run. Don’t worry, your confidante will be supportive.

TAURUS Taurus, this is your week to shine and let everyone at work know just how talented and devoted you are to the team. Enjoy the fanfare while you can get it.

LEO An investment opportunity has piqued your interest. Until you sign over the funds, be sure to research everything thoroughly and call in some expert advice.

SCORPIO Scorpio, just when skepticism seems to be taking over, you will discover once in a while there are a few surprises with happy endings. Enjoy your good luck.

GEMINI Distractions are lurking, Gemini, but you will still manage to get things done. Somehow you find the focus needed to muddle through all the work.

VIRGO Virgo, you have a lot on your plate, but you can handle it on your own. If things are to get done, you will get them accomplished of your own accord, even if it takes longer.

SAGITTARIUS Sagittarius, though unusual, your behavior might seem perfectly reasonable to you. But unless you share your thoughts with others, they may wonder what is going on.

CAPRICORN Remember that words said in the heat of the moment will not soon be forgotten, Capricorn. Don’t forget to employ some tact when discussing serious matters with loved ones.

AQUARIUS Aquarius, this week you will have to be very convincing if you want plans to go your way. Brush up on your approach and give thought to exactly what it is you want to say.

PISCES Take a few days to let your mind wander, Pisces. You will probably find being a free spirit to be a refreshing break from the norm.

The Valley Echo Wednesday, December 25, 2013 Tuesday, December 24, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com A19

VALLEY ECHO T he

<our community. <our classi¿eGs.

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Christmas Shop at Caraway Pottery. Alice Hale-342-9504

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Call 24Hr. Free Recorded Message 1-888-213-2854

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FINANCE OFFICER CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL Best Rates. 1.800.663.1818 century-plaza.com

Employment Administration

7 p.m.

Friday, January 3rd Edgewater Hall Followed by dessert and music by Sheberdean

ADVERTISE in the LARGEST OUTDOOR PUBLICATION IN BC The 2014-2016 BC Hunting Regulations Synopsis

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

Two year edition- terrific presence for your business.

Please call Annemarie 1.800.661.6335 email: fish@blackpress.ca

Lost & Found Found: Two keys on a ring Dec 17. Call 250-342-9022 to identify.

LOST: Chevy Malibu hub cap in Invermere. 250-409-4204.

Lost: Trailer ramps in Columere Park. 250-342-1520

Travel

Timeshare CANCEL YOUR Timeshare.

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Help Wanted

BAND ADMINISTRATOR The Akisqnuk First Nation invites you to apply for the position of Band Administrator. The Akisqnuk First Nation is nestled in BC’s Columbia Valley, between Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs... up alongside the Purcell Mountains.

This four season playground offers something for everyone with a small town ambiance and excellent schools.

The Akisqnuk First Nation, one of four Ktunaxa Bands, is on-the-grow in terms of governance and economic development and is seeking the right person to lead that growth. As the Band Administrator you will be responsible for the successful leadership and general management of the organization according to the vision, objectives, and strategic direction set in conjunction with the Band Council.

Please visit: www.akisqnuk.org for details.

Help Wanted

The Akisqnuk First Nation (AFN) is nestled in BC’s Columbia Valley, between Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs... up alongside the Purcell Mountains.

This four season playground offers something for everyone with a small town ambiance and excellent schools. The Akisqnuk First Nation, one of four Ktunaxa Bands, is onthe-grow in terms of governance and economic development and is seeking the right person to manage the financial affairs that will support that growth. As the Finance Officer you will report directly to the Band Administrator and will be responsible for assisting in the overall management and reporting of the financial affairs of the Akisqnuk First Nation, managing the day-to-day accounting affairs, assisting in the development, administration of accounting policies and procedures, and providing overall guidance in financial aspects of the AFN including investments. ~PLEASE VISIT~ www.akisqnuk.org for details.

is currently accepting applications for full time and part time employment.

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

Malwa Motels Inc o/a Days Inn in Golden is hiring: 6 Full Time Housekeeping Room Attendants - no exp needed, duties incl. sweeping, mopping, dusting, vacuuming, making beds, cleaning bathrooms, etc. $14.00/hr, 40hrs/wk 3 Front Desk Clerks & Relief Night Auditor- exp. an asset, duties incl. taking reservations and cancellations, registering guests, assigning rooms, processing telephone calls, providing information on hotel facilities and services, calculating charges and processing payments, etc. $13.00/hr, 40hrs/wk FAX RESUMES 250-344-6673 EMAIL RESUMES info@daysinngolden.ca

Fight Back.

RUTH FLOWITT

September 9th, 1928 – December 8th, 2013

It is with great sorrow that the family of Ruth Flowitt announces her sudden passing at the tender age of 85 on Sunday, December 8th at Invermere Hospital. Ruth was born in Leeds, West Yorkshire, England on September 9, 1928.

She was a lovely person. Everyone who met her loved her lighthearted company. She was very intelligent and almost impossible to stump on any question. She was well read and ahead of her time. She was not just beautiful on the inside but also on the outside. Her husband, David, knows that he was very lucky to win her and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage together as soul mates. David may have been the prime mover in the family, but Ruth was its heart. They were a formidable and effective team. They had four children together and shared many adventures. They loved to travel and the family have fond memories of camping trips in the UK, the USA and around Europe. Later the couple enjoyed trips all around North and South America, the Antarctic and Alaska . Ruth loved her family and was a wonderful mother, grandma and great grandma. Tragically Ruth had a stroke some years ago which affected her speech. This was a great loss as she was one of the funniest ladies you’d ever meet. This did not stop her getting her message across nor did it prevent her from expressing her great love of her family. Earlier this year the couple suffered the loss of their first-born son, Richard. Mom still endured but some of her spark was extinguished. David cared for her with love until her last day.

We will all miss her happy smile and loving welcome. 85 years were not nearly long enough. We will all cherish the privilege of having this wonderful woman in our lives and who enriched them so much.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Fleet and the attending nursing staff for the wonderful care Mom received during her last day and to Dr. Dibb for her diligent and patient longterm care.

Volunteer your time, energy and skills today.

Business Opportunities TRAIN TO be an Apartment/Condominium Manager online! Graduates get access to all jobs posted with us. 33 years of success! Government certified. www.RMTI.ca or 1800-665-8339, 604-681-5456.

The eyes have it Fetch a Friend from the SPCA today!

Help Wanted Experienced parts person required immediately for James Western Star in Williams Lake.

Full time, competitive wages, benefits and signing bonus.

Fax resume to 250-398-6367 or email: nwejr@jamesws.com

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They are looking here.

Call 1-855-678-7833 today for more details.

Help Wanted

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Wednesday, Tuesday,December December25, 24,2013 2013 The The Valley Valley Echo Echo

Employment

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EVENCE Ltd is a furniture supply company and we are looking for an administrative assistant for our busy office. This position requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail and good interpersonal skills.

Duties include but are not limited to data entry, reception and production administration. The Successful candidate will: -Have strong analytical and communication skills, -Be a self-starter who is able to work with minimal supervision, -Have a sound knowledge of MS Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) Candidates with more than 2 years experience will be given preference.Salary is very attractive with other benefits attached. Please forward resume and cover letter to tass@offurntre.com for consideration.

INCOME TAX PROBLEMS? Have you been audited, reassessed or disallowed certain claims by Canada Revenue Agency? Call Bob Allen @ 250-542-0295 35yrs. Income Tax experience, 8.5yrs. with Revenue Canada. Email: r.gallen@shaw.ca C- 250-938-1944

DISCONNECTED PHONE? National Teleconnect home phone service. No one refused! Low monthly rate! Calling features and unlimited long distance available. Call National Teleconnect today! 1866-443-4408. or visit online: www.nationalteleconnect.com

Riverstone Villas Condo in downtown Radium. 3 bdrm, 5 appliances, fireplace, large soaker tub, walk in shower, garage. Priced 10% below assessment, will take quad or camper as down payment. $177,000.

250-342-7608

Executive 1,600 sq.ft. 2 bdrm, 1 bath, FF with W/D, 2 fridge’s, right down to sheets. Private and on Lake Windermere water system, huge 1st growth fir beams/wood ceilings and floors. Large private yard and space for toys. $1,000/mth + utilities with $500 of wood purchased at house for you already. DD required. Please call 587-436-8828 if interested.

Merchandise for Sale

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Trades, Technical JOURNEYMAN AUTOMOTIVE Service Technician(s) in Hanna Alberta. Hanna Chrysler Ltd. offers competitive wages, relocation allowance, negotiable depending on experience. Bright, modern shop.

Full-time permanent with benefits. Friendly town just 2 hours from major urban centres. More info at: hannachrysler.ca. Fax 403-854-2845; Or send by email to: chrysler@telusplanet.net

Legal Services

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

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

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STEEL BUILDINGS/Metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Call 1-800-4572206 or visit us online at: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca

Misc. Wanted

Services

Available immediately. 3 bdrm, 1 1/2 bath, condo conveniently located and close to schools in Invermere. $1,200/mth + hydro. Call to view. 250-341-5951

Classifieds Get Results!

Homes for Rent

Local Coin Collector Buying Collections, Olympic Gold & Silver Coins etc 778-281-0030

Help Wanted

Help Wanted

Sales Representative

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.

( 1 year maternity leave)

Help Wanted

Request for Qualified Applicants: Specialized Business Consultants Community Futures invites consultants interested in providing on-call consulting services for the Basin Business Advisors program.

This successful program helps small and medium businesses including social enterprises. We are seeking consultants with skills in, but not limited to, the following areas: · · · · · · ·

Apt/Condo for Rent

CHARMING 2 BEDROOM HOUSE! Excellent location, Valley view. W/D, DW, $850 + utilities. Available. Call Jeff 250-688-1105

Financial Services

Help Wanted

Rentals

human resources; financial; new technology; sales/marketing; social enterprise; other business related specialties; and other skills as needs arise.

Learn more at www.futures.bc.ca

The Invermere Valley Echo is seeking an Advertising Sales representative for our weekly newspapers and magazine publications in the Columbia Valley. We have an opening for a full-time, one year maternity leave fill position commencing immediately.

We are looking for someone with prior experience in a sales position, with a strong knowledge of sales and marketing and with a successful track record; someone who has strong written and verbal communications, organizational and exceptional customer relations skills; knowledge and proficiency in MS Office/MAC OS is a requirement. The ideal candidate must be motivated and take initiative to sell multiple products, work with existing customers and find ways to grow sales and income.

A valid driver’s licence and a reliable vehicle are a must.

If this describes you, please submit your resume and cover letter to the attention of: Rose-Marie Regitnig Publisher PO Box 70, #8, 108-8th Avenue Invermere, BC, V0A1K0 publisher@invermerevalleyecho.com

VALLEY ECHO T he

N E W S PA P E R

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

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 Tuesday, December 24th 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere 6 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, Saturday at 5 p.m.

Invermere Sunday at 9 a.m.

8 p.m. All Saints, Edgewater St. Joseph’s Church 10 p.m. St Peter’s, Windermere Highway 93-95, Radium Hot Springs Sunday at 11 a.m.

Wednesday, December 25th Sacred Heart Parish 10:30 a.m. Christ Church 808 - 11 Street, Golden Trinity, Invermere Saturday at 7 p.m.

Sunday at 10 a.m.

Sunday, December 29th St. Anthony’s Mission 9:30 a.m. Bacon, Friends & Faith 250-342-6644 100-7th Avenue, Invermere www.wvsm.ca Reverend Laura Hermakin

10:30 a.m. Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere.

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 www.lakewindermerealliance.org

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

Tuesday, December 24th 2:00 p.m. Panorama Service at the Summit.

6:00 p.m. Candlelight Service Sunday Service 10 a.m. Worship & Word at Lake Windermere Alliance Kid’s Church Provided Church.

8:15 p.m. Panorama Service in the Great Hall.

Call the office at 250-342-9511 for more information.

Sunday, December 29th 10:30 a.m. CELEBRATION www.valleychristianonline.com SUNDAY, “GOD Is ….. Jealous” The Lord’s Supper will be served.

Sharing Truth “K.I.D.S.” Church, for children Showing Love Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades Following the Spirit 2-5, during the Morning Service.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A21

Building your Wealth Market Update

Weekly change

Level

Year-to-Date

13,399

2.1%

7.8%

Dow

16,221

3.0%

23.8%

NASDAQ

4,105

2.6%

35.9%

$ 99.32

$2.8

8.2%

0.9403

-0.5%

-6.7%

S&P/TSX

Oil US$/B USD per $1 Cdn

CMK’s favourite holiday recipe Merry is a term we see every day around the holidays. It is taken to mean happy and/or enjoyable.

But looking a bit further into the origins of the word you get many indications that merry can have association with ‘a short time’.

So wishing someone a Merry Christmas is not simply saying ‘have a nice few weeks.’ You are also giving them the perspective that each of us is here for but a short time, so make the best of it. Bring as much happiness as you can to those around you, and you will in turn gain as much happiness as possible.

the ‘consistency’ will improve. This makes the stirring much easier.)

Once your long term goal and RRSPs have begun to rise, you can add some optional investments such as Tax Free Savings Accounts and even some sector specific equity funds.

Keep in mind that high quality ingredients and precise measurement are essential for this recipe to work. (This is where I would recommend adding the assistance of someone who specializes in this kind of cooking, like a financial planner.)

Blend all ingredients together and pour onto 8 ½” by 11” pieces of paper. No baking is necessary.

Pieces of paper must be checked regularly to ensure the ingredients have stayed fresh and the paper is still whole and fresh. Set it aside, but don’t forget where you put it.

This recipe, although not effortless, will leave you with feelings of satisfaction and security. It works best when made together with a financial planner.

Ingredients 3 cups of discipline 3 cups of patience Pinch of motivation 1 whole long term goal 1 cup of investments 1 hearty serving of insurance 1 cup of perseverance 3 tbsp. of commitment Equipment Needed Calculator, Pen, Paper (you can substitute a computer and printer) Directions Mix discipline, perseverance and a heaping tablespoon of motivation in a separate bowl.

Take your long term goal and slowly blend in RRSPs – 1 at a time

If things seem to be getting off track over time, review your recipe to ensure all ingredients are still present. When needed, add one more cup of discipline, a pinch of perseverance or another teaspoon of motivation to ensure you stick with the original recipe. As with sourdough, add whatever is needed each time you examine it.

Enjoy!

Fold in insurance carefully. Set aside and wait for this to rise.

Take the discipline, perseverance and motivation mixture in its bowl, and add commitment and patience. Stir this by hand. (Expect this mixture to get ‘tough’ but stick with the stirring and you will find

For additional recipes, or if you need help with this one, please contact www.cmkwealth. com or visit us.

Jason and Denise would like to extend their warmest wishes to all of you and to your families this holiday season!

Peace, Health and Happiness to everyone!

A22 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

ICAN – Invermere Companion Animal Network

Together in song

Available for Adoption

I’m so glad they named me BOSS when I arrived as a teeny, tiny kitten because it suits me to a T! I love bossing around my friends here in the Kitten Room and haven’t met a dog, cat or person I’ve been afraid of yet. I’m a highspirited kind of guy, but everyone who knows me will tell you I also love being snuggled and fussed over by my human admirers. Why not visit me at ICAN and see for yourself how adorable, fearless and affectionate I am!

Sponsored by:

Dan Walton/ Valley Echo photo The whole student body of Windermere Elementary School came together for a memorable closing song at the school's Christmas concert, as parents and relatives recorded the special memories to play back later.

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

4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd. 250-345-6133

250-341-7888

Photo courtesy of Tanya De Leeuw Photography

www.icanbc.com www.facebook.com/icanbc

Serving the Valley The WaTer & air Company!

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES/STOVES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street P: 250-342-7100 Invermere, BC

E: info@diamondheatingandspas.com

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

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

• CAA approved automotive repair •

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

250-347-9726 7507 Main

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

Purify the water you drink and the air you breathe!

• Over 30 years experience • 24 hour emergency service • Seniors’ Discount

250-342-5089

250-341-8501 Sholinder & MacKay Sand & Gravel

Located in the Diamond Heating & Spa building in Athalmer

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Complete line of aggregate products for construction and landscaping

Arnold Scheffer

250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca unidoorext.ca

Office:

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

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

DCS Plumbing

Water Treatment: filtration and purification Furnace and Duct cleaning

Kerry Colonna

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals NEWER SEW ERA CAM

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

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

READY MIX CONCRETE • CONCRETE PUMP • SAND & GRAVEL • HEAVY EQUIPMENT RENTALS • CRANE SERVICE Advertise your business in Serving the Valley.

Call 250-341-6299 to inquire about this space.

Proudly serving the Valley for over 50 years.

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

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

To advertise, call: 250-341-6299

(office)

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

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

drivewayBC.ca |

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A23

Welcome to the driver’s seat

Visit our photo galleries at DrivewayBC.ca

Santa looking to swap outdated ride for super economy sleigh NORTH POLE - Driveway can exclusively reveal that Santa Claus has been visiting local dealerships kicking tires—ahem, rails—in his search for a new ride.

Ever conscious of the increasing cost of gas and effect his multi-million-kilometre Christmas flight has on the environment, Santa seems to have opted for 2014 Ford Transit Connect Wagon for his next sleigh.

The wagon promises a fuel economy of 7.84 L/100 kms fuel economy,which means the sleigh will be kinder to the environment than his current means of transporting gifts to the world’s children.

As an added benefit, the EcoBoost engine – which is finely tuned for high-speed performance – would offer speeds much faster than Santa ever travelled in his former 36-hoofpowered sleigh. The expected upgrade comes as a record number of children earn spots on the “nice” list, increasing the payload weight of his bag of gifts beyond the normal tow rating of his nine-reindeer team.

Santa told me that changing his mode of transportation will not compromise his ability to remain true to his mission.

“My goal is and always has been

giving presents to good the nine reindeer look girls and boys, and a new forward to some time sleigh will make that off. Every year, the process more effective,” flying animals travel he says. “Let’s face it, 200,194,557 kms and every year there are more they’d like some time to children who earn presrest, he says, explaining ents. Things are simply there are still splinters getting out of control, embedded in his hoofs and my old sleigh just from a particular wooden My goal is and isn’t going to be able to roof in northern BC. always has been hack it much longer. With “You really can’t beat giving presents to the new sleigh, I will be this new sleigh,” says able to travel faster and good girls and boys, Goddard. “It offers carry more toys.” and a new sleigh will outstanding fuel econFord engineers develomy without sacrificing oped the Transit Connect make that process power. It even offers more effective.

Wagon sleigh concept an electric windshield weeks after hearing of defroster, making short Santa Santa’s dilemma during work of icy windshields cold weather testing in in wintry conditions. So, the North Pole. if there’s a foggy Christmas Eve, we “This is a winning situation for all,” won’t need a red-nosed reindeer to says Darren Goddard, chief engineer guide Santa around the world.” for Ford Transit Connect Wagon. “The Some extras appear to have swung increased efficiency means added time Santa in the direction of the Transit for Santa to enjoy milk and cookies at Connect. SYNC with MyFord Touch stops. His new ride will offer 100 cubic offers a touch screen display with feet of cargo space and versatility to navigation so Santa can easily find haul up to 2,000 pounds, which Santa all the good children, even in more will need.” remote areas.

Reindeer spokesperson Dasher says The child observation mirror would

‘‘

’’

allow him to keep a close eye on his gifts in the second and third row.

From its 60/40 three-passenger second-row bench seat through fold-flat second- and third-row seating with third-row independent fore-and-aft sliding capability, the wagon quickly adapts to accommodate multiple combinations of elves and presents.

The MyKey programmable ignition key restricts maximum speed should a mischievous elf get behind the wheel while Claus is down a chimney leaving gifts.

With eight cupholders, Claus and his elves would have plenty of space to take along a few glasses of milk as they continue through their busy night.

Rain-sensing wipers would keep Claus on the move, as there’s always a chance he’ll encounter nasty weather.

“As always, we are busy making toys and checking long lists,” says Santa.

“That said, Merry Christmas to all!”

Of course, Mrs. Claus will have the final say on this purchase because, as any dealership owner will tell you, women make the final decision in 80 per cent of new vehicle purchases.

Keep your eyes peeled Tuesday night to see if Santa got his Christmas wish.

Question OF THE WEEK:

Santa is looking for a new ride.

Which new vehicle would you like him to deliver to you?

?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK!

Safety Tip: If you’re travelling across our province to spend time with family this holiday season, be realistic about travel times and check out the road conditions via DriveBC.ca ahead of time so you can prepare yourself and your vehicle for any challenging weather you may encounter.

Find more online at

drivewayBC.ca

keith.morgan@drivewaybc.ca

Looking for the perfect fit?

They are looking here.

Call 1-855-678-7833 today for more details.

Go to drivewayBC.ca to submit your answer.

A24 www.invermerevalleyecho.com

Holiday Recipes

Food 'From Scratch' — Lara McCormack WISHING YOU AN ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS & FABULOUS CHRISTMAS! The Christmas hustle and bustle is coming to an end as we get ready for the feast! As the years go by, I work to make my holiday simpler so I can enjoy this time instead of running around like a chicken with no head. I am not quite there yet, but can report that I am a bit more organized this year. I also find myself getting a bit more sentimental as I ponder why we do what we do at Christmas. Why do I cook for the holidays? Here’s what I came up with….

• We celebrate with food: This is a big one for me coming from a Ukrainian family.

• Food brings us together: I don’t know about you, but we have lots of visitors this time of year!

• To carry on traditions: We have many that the kids

Incredible Gingerbread Cookies This recipe is tried and true. I let my kids munch on these if they are hungry as we are cooking Christmas dinner. (P.S. This is also the recipe for the cookies given to the kids at the Windermere Elementary Christmas Dinner that many of you asked me for!) It makes about 50 cookies using a two-inch cutter.

Dry Ingredients • 21/2 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking powder • ¼ tsp baking soda • ¼ tsp salt • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tsp ground ginger • 1 tsp ground cloves • ¼ tsp ground allspice * Sift above together Wet Ingredients • 1 egg • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 2/3 cup molasses • 90 g butter * Beat above four ingredients together Instructions Mix wet and dry ingredients together and place in fridge for one hour. Roll out on a floured surface. Cut cookies with your favorite shapes. Bake at 350 C for 8 Lara McCormack is one of the owners of From Scratch – A Mountain Kitchen in Fairmont Hot Springs, where one can savour great food and a selection of B.C. wines while enjoying our gorgeous valley landscape.

have come to love and be a part of.

• Food is comforting: We all have had our ups and downs this year; somehow food makes everyone feel better.

• To share a moment: Think back to the fond memories of your childhood and remember you are now creating memories for your family and friends.

• To WOW: I love creating a new tradition or just a dish my guests enjoy.

• To show my love: When I cook, I pour my thoughts into my actions knowing it will all taste better if cooked with love!

So when you find yourself getting flustered as you are organizing everything to be just right, remember why you are doing it and let that stress melt away. Another way to handle this dinner is to call us at From Scratch…we have a Christmas dinner that is ready for pick up and you take all the credit as we promise not to tell anyone!

One tradition we have at Christmas is a soup before turkey. It warms your belly and, for whatever reason, I find myself not as tired at the end of the meal. This soup has been the WOW factor at many dinners in our past.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013 The Valley Echo

ART

SHOW & SALE

HIGH RIDGES AND

DEEP CANYONS Join us for an artistic adventure from the high ridges of the Bugaboos to the deep canyons of the Southwest, home of the Anasazi Puebloan Culture.

Artist’s Reception Saturday, December 28th from 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.

SAT. & SUN., DEC. 28th & 29th 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

At Bavin Glassworks Gallery (by Canadian Tire) 250-342-6816 bavinglass.com

Celeriac & Hazelnut Soup * Celeriac is celery root — you can find it on our local grocery stores… looks like a muddy turnip and tastes great when cooked properly!

Ingredients • 3 cups celeriac cut into ¼-inch dice • 1 cup onions cut in ¼-inch dice • 1 cup potatoes cut in ¼-inch slice • 55 g butter

• 5 cups chicken stock • Salt & pepper to taste • 1 cup milk (optional) Garnish • 2 tbsp hazelnuts chopped • 1 or few tbsp whipped cream • Springs of chervil or flat parsley

Instructions Melt the butter in a heavy saucepan. When it foams, add the potatoes and onions. Toss them in the butter until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper.

Cover with a paper lid (I like to use the foil wrapping from a pound of butter) and sweat on gentle heat for about 10 minutes until vegetables are soft, not coloured.

Discard the paper lid. Add the celeriac and chicken stock. Cook for 8-10 minutes until celeriac is soft.

Blend the soup in a blender until smooth and feel free to add more stock or milk if it’s a bit thick.

Taste and season.

Serve soup piping hot with a small blob of whipped cream on top sprinkled with hazelnuts and fresh herb. *Soup recipe copyright from Ballymaloe Cookery School.

Seasons Greetings & Happy New Year

What does ART mean to you? From the Columbia Valley Arts Council

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

BOXING WEEK SPECIALS

20-60% off Storewide selected gift items

we pay the taxes* *all regularlypriced merchandise.

Books

Jewelry

Gifts

Crystals

“Your Catalyst for Personal Growth and More” #4 - 1206 7th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

250.341.5291

Atbworld-All-Things-Beautiful-Books-Inspiring-Gifts

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com