Invermere Valley Echo, May 20, 2015

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The Invermere

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May 20 2015

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Bill for Addictions Recovery Week

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Windermere Elementary School principal Steve Bentley grins while wearing a delicious mix of raspberry, blueberry and apple pies on his face on Thursday, May 14. The students who raised the most money in Terry Fox Run did the honours. See page 10 for more.

PHOTO BY KEVIN NIMMOCK

PUBLICATIONS MAIL REGISTRATION NO. 7856

Local First Nations chief cannot get seat at RDEK board BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Akisqnuk First Nation chief Lorne Shovar wants change to start with a seat at the Regional District of East Kootenay’s (RDEK) board of directors table.

However, there is still provincially controlled legislation included in the Local Government Act that does not allow First Nations to participate at regional district board meetings until the relevant treaty process has been completed.

RDEK vice chair and Area G director Wendy Booth and RDEK chair Rob Gay met up with Shovar at Kicking Horse Coffee on May 7 to discuss how the Akisqnuk First Nation could be involved in making decisions on a regional level without having a seat on the RDEK board — until the Ktunaxa First Nation, which includes the Akis-

qnuk, completes the treaty process.

However, Shovar was unavailable to “This only becomes an option comment before the Valley Echo went through the treaty process,” said to press.

Booth. “Because of this, (board rep“As a result of the letter received by resentatives) decided (to) meet with Chief Shovar, the RDEK board passed First Nations chiefs in the region to a resolution at our April meeting that discuss options for them to provide we write a letter to the Akisqnuk First input to the board on items of mutual Nation advising them that the Local interest.”

Government Act This (a seat for local While the board does not allow First Nations chiefs on hasn’t received for non-treaty direct requests to the RDEK board) only First Nations have a seat at the (to have) full becomes an option through table from the othmembership on the treaty process er First Nations in regional district WENDY BOOTH the region, Booth boards, and that RDEK VICE CHAIR/AREA G DIRECTOR added, the board we look forward felt it would be to their partic“prudent” to meet ipation upon with all of the chiefs.” completion of the treaty process,” The decision to discuss First Nation said Booth. “In addition, (Chair Gay) involvement at RDEK stems from a and (I, myself) met with the First Nawritten request Shovar submitted tions chiefs in the region to explore back in March. options that would allow them to pro-

vide meaningful input into RDEK decisions.”

Booth has offered Shovar an invitation to be included on the advisory planning commission and has provided background information about the RDEK’s offer, including an agenda package.

“I’m waiting to hear from him,” said Booth. “If he has any questions once he receives the agenda package, I can go through those with him.”

There is no deadline to the offer, Booth added, noting the invitation remains open to Shovar.

“I feel we have a good relationship with both of the First Nations in the (Upper) Columbia Valley,” concluded Booth. “It’s (built around) open communication and sharing areas of mutual concern.”

The other First Nation in the valley is the Shuswap Indian Band, and its chief is Barb Cote.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

LIGHT SHOW...

The Northern Lights dance above the low-lying fog in Invermere in this Look Outside contest winning shot (for the month of April) taken by Marlene Chabot at 4:30 a.m. from Pine Ridge subdivision. The other April Look Outside winner was Bonnie Lou Ferris (see page 7).

PHOTO BY MARLENE CHABOT

Y E ALL

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Snapshot LOCAL NEWS

Scammers posing as Valley Echo call resident

BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Debra Fisher has potentially bounced back from the brink of becoming a scam victim.

She decided to take a stand to prevent others from falling prey by informing the Columbia Valley about a suspicious call, supposedly from the

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“I got a phone call (at 8:43 p.m. on May 14) from somebody who said they were from Microsoft Windows saying that somebody was accessing my computer,” said Fisher. “I told them that my computer tech would look at it tomorrow and they said, ‘OK, we’ll phone you back tomorrow to make sure.’

“I keep getting them and it seems to go in cycles, but when I opened up my computer this morning, first thing — I wasn’t even on there for more 10 minutes and my home phone number rang with a Connecticut phone number that read 203651-6544.”

The caller promptly requested Fisher’s e-mail at 10:33 a.m. on May 15 and she questioned them to get more information. “(The caller) said, ‘I’m sorry, it’s in regards to the article in the Valley Echo and we wanted to get your e-mail so we could

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Debra Fisher PHOTO BY BREANNE MASSEY send you a PDF copy of it,’” said Fisher. “And so, of course, I gave her my e-mail and then I thought this was weird… why are you calling from Connecticut if this is the Valley Echo?”

After being featured as the newly elected Columbia Valley Metis Association (CVMA) president in the May

13 edition of the Invermere Valley Echo, Fisher had received many congratulatory calls and was still reeling from the excitement of her new post which has been recognized by the Metis Nation of British Columbia (MNBC).

“I thought Holy Cow, my story has gone all the way to Connecticut,” said Fisher with a chuckle. “I’m big news.

Boy, oh boy, that Valley Echo sure can spread it around.”

However the call was not from the Valley Echo at all, and was in all likelihood a scam.

“Because those are the kinds of things going through your head when you’re trying to process and I hadn’t had my chai tea yet, so I wasn’t wide awake. Usually, I’m pretty cautious about giving my information away,” said Fisher.

Invermere Valley Echo publisher Dean Midyette apologized for the inconvenience and explained the Black Press newspaper has no ties to ConnectiSee A15 cut.

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LOCAL NEWS

Local MP tries to set up addictions recovery week steve hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com

“It’s a mainstay... you need that support group, where you’re speaking to others who are also in recovery,” he said, adding before he began his recovery and even during the first several years of it, it was hard to see beyond his own problems, but Kootenay-Columbia MP David Wilks is attempting to establish a national Addic- that gradually he became aware of the large number of others in similar distress.

He pointed out that addictions affect the lives of hundreds of thousands if not tions Recovery Week, after recently introducing a private member’s bill to that end millions of Canadians, and added he hopes the Addictions Recovery in Parliament.

Week can help at least some of them.

“Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and honoured to stand in this place today to introduce an act to establish Addiction Recovery Week,” said “It (Addictions Recovery Week) would empower those in long-term Wilks on Thursday, May 7, in the House of Commons. “This bill would recovery and give hope to those just starting. There is life after addicrecognize the week commencing on the fourth Saturday of Septemtion, and it is better,” he said. “If you can change the mind of just one ber as Addiction Recovery Week.” person, I think it’s worth it.”

Wilks went on to reference his own past battle with alcohol addicEven if you’ve recovered from addiction, it can be tough to pubtion, saying “as a person in long-term recovery, I say we must remove licly come clean about your past, according to Wilks. “Some people the stigma that is attached to addiction recovery and celebrate those will see it as a weakness, that you succumbed to addiction, others who have taken the long road back to prosperity and a healthy life. will see it as a strength, that you were able to recover. But there is This bill would be a significant step forward in doing just that.” a stigma in society,” he said, adding he knows of people who have When speaking to the Valley Echo about the bill on Monday, May 11, recovered from addiction and gone on to prominent roles in society.

Wilks drove home his points about wanting to shake the stigma those “But they remain silent about it (their addictions) for fear of people recovering from addictions — of whatever nature — face. thinking of them differently,” said Wilks.

Local MP David Wilks “What I’m hoping it (the Addictions Recovery Week) will do is allow Wilks said that he feels he was given a second chance at life, and those in recovery to be proud of what they have become instead of that as his recovery progressed he felt a growing desire to give back, reflecting on what they were,” he said. something that he said was part of his desire to get into politics.

Wilks had earlier in March mentioned his recovery from alcohol addiction in the “I am trying to serve the public, to the best of my ability,” he said, adding as he has House of Commons, and he touched on it again while speaking with the Valley Echo. had support during his recovery, so to does he want to offer support, in the form of “I had come to the point in my life where alcohol was ruling my day to day activi- the Addictions Recovery Week bill, to those going through a similar process. ties.” Although it has been more than 26 years since that point (Wilks has been soIt’s unlikely that the bill will get passed during this sitting of parliament (a federal ber since January 1989), he uses the phrase “in long-term recovery” to describe his election is looming later this year), but Wilks said that if re-elected, he’ll continue to current point in his own path away from alcohol addiction. push strongly for it in the next parliament.

The process of recovery, for Wilks, was greatly aided by what he termed a “spiriTo read a copy of the bill, see http://www.david-wilks.ca/media/2015.05.08%20-%20 tual awakening,” and a strongly supportive family, as well as an organized support Bill%2C674-Copy%20of%20bill.pdf. group.

COUNCILBRIEFS

Groundswell gets fee-for-service

Steve hubrecht steve@invermerevalleyecho.com Invermere council adopted several tax bylaws and approved a fee-for-service contract for the Groundswell Network Society at its most recent council meeting.

Council members voted at their Tuesday, May 12 meeting in favour of a one-year $17,500 fee-for-service contract for Groundswell. Councillor Greg Anderson asked Invermere chief administrative officer Chris Prosser if he knew when the group’s community garden would be finished.

“They are progressing on that. I think we will see it completed this year,” replied Prosser.

“To be honest I find the deliverables (from Groundswell) vague compared with deliverables from other groups with fee-forservice agreements with the district,” said Invermere mayor Gerry Taft, adding he’d like some more specifics and to see some of the group’s ongoing projects completed in the near future.

Councillor Justin Atterbury, attending the meeting through speaker phone, said he agreed there should be more specifics, but pointed out that the district can only be so demanding with Groundswell, since the lion’s share of the group’s funding comes from other sources. He added that many Invermere residents use the group’s green-

house.

“It is good bang for our buck,” he said.

“They’re doing great work.”

Prosser added that the group has been good about accommodating district requests, such as more prominently advertising its hours and its programs. “There is a sandwich board out there every day, letting people know there are vegetable for sale (from the greenhouse),” he said.

The Groundswell fee-for-service contract was approved unanimously.

Tax bylaws Also at the May 12 meting council members formally adopted three separate parcel tax bylaw amendments; one for water improvements (setting the 2015 rate at $79.44 per parcel); one for water system upgrades ($38.24 per parcel); and one for sewage treatment works ($38.87 per parcel).

The 2015 tax rates bylaw was officially adopted as well, and council formally accepted the district’s audited financial statements for 2014. In discussion at a previous council meeting (Tuesday, April 28) Invermere chief financial officer Karen Cote had said that in the 2015 tax rates bylaw, the average increase per residence in Invermere works out to roughly $50, although she pointed out the actual amount will vary from residence to residence depending on the house.

Box 159, 8866 Grainger Rd., Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0 Phone: 250-349-5462 Fax: 250-349-5460 village@canalflats.ca

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE – BENNY BOYZ VENTURES LTD BYLAW AMENDMENT – CANAL FLATS The Council of the Village of Canal Flats is considering an application by Benny Boyz Ventures Ltd to amend the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw # 900, 1992. If approved, the amendment will rezone the property. The subject property is located at Lot 1, District Lot 110, Kootenay District Plan 6728 Except Plans 6892, 7316, 9038, 14609 and NEP87168, Grainger Road as shown in the shaded area.

Bylaw No. 168 cited as “Village of Canal Flats Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 168, 2014 (Benny Boyz Ventures Ltd)” will rezone the property from A-2 (Rural Residential Country) Zone to RECD-1.

The Public Hearing will be held at:

Village of Canal Flats Columbia Discovery Centre 8866 Grainger Road Canal Flats, BC Monday, June 1, 2015 at 6:30pm

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

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw.

For more information, contact the Village of Canal Flats office.

Brian Woodward, Chief Administrative Officer May 2015

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

FEDERALELECTION

Green candidate responds to federal budget Kevin Nimmock kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com

Kootenay-Columbia Green Party candidate Bill Green is calling the federal budget tabled last month is a misguided list of promises that have little to do with Canada’s future economic and social health.

The Conservative Party balanced the budget, released on April 21, but not without receiving heavy criticism from members of the opposing party. Green said that considering the budget’s provision of an additional three per cent increase per year in defence spending and $379.1 million to be spent on other security-related issues, he was disappointed that there was hardly any mention of support for green economic practices.

“That is the economy we need to have in the future, in the Kootenay (region) as well as across Canada,” Green said. “We Bill Green have to do more to build a low carbon, sustainable and equitable economy now.”

Green said he is most concerned about the government’s decision to open up a new category of accelerated tax write offs to promote fracking and liquefied natural gas. He said the write offs violate the Prime Minister’s own pledge to the G-20 to stop subsidizing fossil fuels.

“The phrase ‘climate change’ isn’t even mentioned in the federal budget,” Green said. “Why do we need to subsidize the liquified natural gas industry with a 30 per cent capital cost allowance for equipment? We really need to level the playing field for low carbon, renewable sources of energy.”

Green took issue with the fact that the budget makes very few references to First Nations education.

“For First Nations, this is very much a status quo budget,” Green said. “The sta-

tus quo for First Nations is unacceptable, particularly when it comes to education and health care in remote and rural communities.”

While much of the budget was directed at creating jobs, Green said the Conservative Party is pursuing the wrong industries. He said jobs using green technologies, such as conservation retrofits in homes and commercial buildings, cost much less to the government than traditional oil and gas jobs.

“The cost of creating jobs in the oil sands and the fossil fuel pipeline sector is incredibly expensive,” Green said. “(Each job) requires a million dollars plus of investment. For the renewable sector, study after study has shown that with the same amount of money we could create ten jobs.”

In the budget, funds were allocated to promote pipelines to the United States. Green said the focus should instead be on promoting tourism to the international market, which leads FILE PHOTO to many jobs in the Columbia Valley.

“Instead of investing in things where the payoff is many jobs, we are investing in something that may not even happen,” Green said.

The most significant cut in the budget was suffered by the contingency fund.

The fund, which is meant to be used during emergencies, was reduced from $3 billion to $1 billion.

“Looking back a few years to the 2008 recession, through hard years the contingency fund has largely remained in place at the $3 billion level,” Green said. “Now, we are entering an era where there are significant threats to our budget situation, and I think one would want to be more cautious, rather than less cautious.”

The federal election will occur on Oct. 19. Green will look to better his performance of receiving 6.4 per cent of the vote, which he earned in the last federal election in 2011.

COUNCILBRIEFS

Canal Flats council debates logos and RV resorts Kevin Nimmock kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com

Consultant Tracey Connery presented four new logo options for the Village of Canal Flats rebranding efforts to council, during last week’s Canal Flats council meeting. Connery and fellow consultant Karen Nickurak were contracted to develop new logos Council is set to review the logo options before presenting them to the public. A public hearing on the village’s rebranding will occur sometime in June. During the hearing, community members will be invited to share their ideas for how Canal Flats should be presented to the broader community.

“This is a community in transition,” Connery said at the Monday, May 11 council meeting. “We had to present a sense of neutrality because this brand will have to stand the test of time.”

Nickurak and Connery spent the winter doing surveys, engaging schools and meeting with individual

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community members to try to get a sense of how the village sees itself. Some of the ideas they got back were that Canal Flats is peaceful, quiet and open for exploration.

Nickurak and Connery decided to go with the tagline “your adventure,” which refers both to the variety of outdoor activities available in the area and the idea of Canal Flats being a place to move to to create a new life.

Westside Trail Councillors expressed their concern about Canal Flats helping to fund the Westside Legacy Trail.

The plan is for the trail to connect with the village, but initially it will only come as far south as Fairmont.

Councillor Paul Marcil called the agreement a “slippery slope.”

An RV resort in Canal Flats A full house packed into the meeting to hear council

debate the proposed 250-unit RV resort, which would be part of Bighorn Estates. Council held its second reading on the related bylaw, amending key issues.

Councillor Marie Delorme proposed an amendment to remove the ability for tenants in the estate to erect fences around their lots. Councillor Karl Sterzer seconded the amendment, which carried.

Councillor Marcil proposed that the greenspace around the estate must have a two to three metre berm. Councillor Sterzer seconded the amendment, which carried.

Councillor Delorme proposed that the fence around the resort in the sketch provided by the developer must be removed. Councillor Marcil seconded this amendment, which carried.

With a second reading now complete, there will be a public hearing in the next few weeks. Community members have until the public hearing to submit opinions in writing to the council.

The council will meet next on May 25.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

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Time for something different in Alberta

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O

n May 5, Alberta overwhelming made the decision to carve a new path when 53 NDP MLAs were elected to form the majority government in a province that had known Progressive Conservative (PC) leadership for 44 years.

Alberta’s 29th Legislature will be vastly different from years past, but not for simply the conventional reasons.

Sure, a new party is nice for a province that has grown sick of monotony. However, it is not just the party that is new to leadership in Alberta, it is what many of Alberta’s

new MLAs represent.

Diversity is the word that best defines Alberta’s newest crop of MLAs. Gone, for now at least, is the mould of respected politicians being uniquely older lawyers, doctors and businessmen. Further, gone is the mould of our politicians being primarily caucasian and male. Finally, gone is the mould of Alberta’s politicians being uniquely heterosexual.

Alberta’s newly elected elite are different for more reasons than the political views of their party. They represent the diversity that has always existed in the province.

Leaders can come from anywhere, but the political machine in Edmonton has tradi-

tionally been repressive to those who do not fit a certain mould.

Hopefully, Alberta’s 29th Legislature has permanently set the precedent that race, gender, sexual orientation, age and employment do not determine a candidate’s legitimacy.

Michael Connolly, a 21-year-old University of Ottawa student from Calgary, won a seat in Edmonton over incumbent Jason Luan.

Connolly is the second youngest person to ever be elected to the provincial government in Alberta. He is also one of the three first openly gay MLAs in Alberta’s long political history.

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2009 2009 WINNER

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Radium dedicated to ‘Smart Growth’

n May 11, the Regional project. This is a $470,000 projRegional District of East Kootenay ect that is nearly complete on UNDOWN U (RDEK) hosted a town hall Fairmont Creek. The purpose meeting in Fairmont. There of the project was to widen were more than 70 people in the creek, to about three times attendance to listen to presenits size, so that it can handle futations on items of interest to ture debris events. The section the community. of the creek is from Marble We heard about the five-year Canyon to the pond on the ENDY financial plan that was adopt12th hole on the Mountained in March of this year. side golf course. In addition, Fire chief Jim Miller gave a geotechnical report was a presentation with stats for both the fire completed for Cold Spring Creek. While department in Winderemere and the one it was determined that there is a low risk in Fairmont. The overwhelming number of of a high-debris event, there is a high risk call outs continues to be for motor vehicle of lower-debris events. The report suggests incidents. Currentl, there are 16 volunteer several recommendations to mitigate the firefighters in Fairmont, 19 in Windermere, risk, which the RDEK will consider in future 18 at Panorama and 12 in Edgewater. They planning. are always looking for more recruits and There was a presentation on the Ecologiprovide all the training. cal Goods and Services Project. This project An update was provided in regards to was one of several in the Columbia Valley the Farimont Creek debris flow mitigation that are supported by the Columbia Valley

R

W BOOTH

Local Conversation Fund. This fund has been in place since 2008 and is a $20 tax on each property in the Columbia Valley.

We had a guest presentation regarding the Fairmont Hot Springs Utilities Groundwater Source Development Project, which is currently underway in the Community. This is a 5.5 million dollar project that will provide the community with drinking water which meets Interior Health water quality objectives and ensures a secure source of water for the community.

A highlight of the evening was a presentation for the Volunteer of the Year recipients, Terry and Shirley White. Through the years they have volunteered countless hours for many different community organizations.

Congratulations to both of you.

Be sure to keep your eyes open for the next town hall meeting, which will be in Windermere during the summer.

Wendy Booth is the Regional District of East Kootenay director for Area F.

A6 invermerevalleyecho.com

THE

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

S

TREET

How do you feel about the young NDP MPs elected recently in Alberta?

“I’m actually a conservative, but I realize that it is time to change.

The young people have some good ideas but they are going to have to listen to advice.”

“It will be interesting to watch as they grow into their positions, which might take a little time and patience on all of our parts.”

Ed Scovill

Margaret Pigeon

LETTERS

Volunteerism pays off

Dear Editor: On behalf of East Kootenay Foundation for Health (EKFH), we would like to recognize and congratulate the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary (IHCA) for the recent and very significant donation of $50,000 for health care equipment associated with EKFH’s ICU Redevelopment fundraising campaign.

The IHCA has an outstanding history of funding medical equipment, patient comforts, and of providing scholarships in the Columbia Valley and for also making substantial contributions through EKFH for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

It is amazing to realize that these funds are only made possible thanks to the work and outstanding effort by the volunteer members of the IHCA who work at the IHCA Thrift Shop.

We hope the community will join us in celebrating the IHCA volunteers and the organization for yet another significant contribution to the health care offered at the regional hospital.

Yours truly, BRIAN CLIFFORD, EKFH CHAIR DONNA GRAINGER, EKFH EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

“Change is interesting. There is a lot of conversation right now in regards to the enviornment and a lot of oil and gas executives are really nervous. Only time will tell what the new NDP MLAs will do.”

Dean Peter

Resident wary of Interior Health request

result in far better measurable results both in public education and in improved population services.

Currently the observed efforts to reduce demand on health services (by Kerri Wall) and the comment about cowboy skiers in Golden (by Deborah Austin) do not reassure me.

Reduction of staff hours and the number of staff in Columbia House and Home care, as is the current effort is managed from a Cranbrook office, and sending Invermere laundry to Nelson, may well be considered self defeating.

Also there are now only three staff members on duty at night in Columbia House, since probably six to eight residents there might be capable of self evacuating in case of an emergency or fire, which would probably take about one and half to two hours for 36 residents.Again not reassuring.

Dear Editor:

A recent Valley Echo story mentioned Invermere council members being “wary” of Interior Health’s request for partnership. Several of the residents are also wary.

A referendum might be considered, or else council could do some research with those East Kootenay communities that have already formally partnered with Interior Health (Headquarters is in Kelowna, Okanagan Valley), finding out which communities these are, and how much it has cost them per capita, as well as what objective benefits have resulted from the partnerships. This would be imperative whether or not we had a referendum.

More funding, autonomy and support for our local Public Health Unit would probably

TIME from A6

During the election period, Luan stated that he had always supported LGBTQ+ people in the province during his term as MLA. While Luan did rise in the legislature to speak out against Bill 10, the bill that was meant to permit schools to restrict the ability of their students to create GSAs, he decided not to show up the day the bill was being voted on.

Alberta needs MLAs who represent the diversity of this population and are able to stand up and act on what they believe. Premier Rachel Notley has said that she will allow NDP MLAs to act freely, instead of being bound by party lines.

Connolly may be scary to some. He is a young, somewhat inexperienced stu-

SHIRLEY M. CAMPBELL, INVERMERE

dent who must now represent thousands of people. However, remember that political experience and age do not necessarily equate to competency.

On May 5, 72% of Alberta decided that they did not believe in the competency of PC candidates, many of whom had plenty of experience and age. Instead, they decided to go with something new.

Connolly and the other young MLAs will have many things to learn, but that is not a bad thing. Alberta needs a group of representatives who care and are willing to work their proverbial butts off to make a difference.

Alberta wanted something different. What they got is a group of 53 NDP leaders who better represent the diversity of the province and are eager to prove that they belong.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

��

Do you think the East Kootenay will see an improvement in highway maintenance as a result of the petition submitted to the Legislature?

NEXT WEEK’S QUESTION:

Should local First Nations chiefs have a seat at the RDEK board, even if their First Nations haven’t finished treaty negotiations?

INVERMEREVALLEYECHO.com

No

100%

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A7

LOCAL NEWS

Ferris finishes first

BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Bonnie-Lou Ferris took a shot at the Wild Look Outside contest hosted by Wildsight.

The Windermere inhabitant was proud to announce that she won a free night in an Alpine Club of Canada hut for a photograph of grey herons in the Columbia Valley wetlands in April — her second triumph in the monthly Wild Look Outside photography competition in two months.

She initially slid into the limelight during the March competition after submitting a photograph of eagles rebuilding their nest.

“It’s all about being outside and living in the moment every day,” said Ferris.

The desire to feel close to Mother Nature is a sentiment that Ferris has embraced wholeheartedly.

She has been trying to complete the 30x30 challenge hosted by the David Suzuki Foundation by using photography as the driving force to spend time outdoors for the month of May — an initiative that began four years ago.

The David Suzuki Foundation has continually invited Canadians to join the 30×30 Nature Challenge by urging people to spend a minimum of 30 minutes outside every day for 30 days.

There were more than 15,000 participants involved with the 30x30 Nature Challenge in 2014.

“I’m almost done that now,” Ferris added with a smile.

But the journey to get behind the camera lens was factored into Ferris’ life early.

Ferris has a knack for photographing wildlife. Whether it soars like an eagle (above) or crawls like a bear, she can take the picture.

The photo of the Great Grey herons (below) sitting in the Columbia Wetlands was an April winner in the Wild Look Outside contest.

PHOTOS BY BONNIE-LOU FERRIS “My father worked next door to Cover Girl modelling agency in Edmonton,” said Ferris, “so I started modelling school and I finished my TV advance modelling school. The camera was always on me in these courses and then I got jobs, but then I realized my passion meant taking pictures of nature and wildlife after all that training… I started taking pictures in Grade 7 and I’ve always been into it.”

Ferris believes the key to being happy in life is derived from spending time outdoors in the elements and following her artistic endeavours.

“I started taking photography in Grade 7 and I’ve always kept up with it,” said Ferris. “That’s my one huge passion.”

Now, Ferris divides her time between exploring the surroundings, editing and uploading photographs.

She contributes imagery to the Your Shot submission section for National Geographic’s website for amateur and professional photographers and most recently to the Fine Art America online gallery.

To view some of Ferris’ photography, visit http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/profile/819640/ or http://fineartamerica.com/art/ all/bonnie-lou+ferris/all.

N E W S PA P E R

LOCAL NEWS

Quinn tracks wildlife crossings

KEVIN NIMMOCK kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com

Community members from around the Columbia Valley curious to learn more about the wildlife crossing in Kootenay National Park will able to do just that during a park manager’s presentation that will coincide with the Friends of Kootenay National Park’s upcoming annual general meeting.

The meeting will occur at 7 p.m. on May 21 at Prestige Inn in Radium.

At the meeting, board members will report about their year to the general public and Darren

Quinn will give a presentation entitled Building on Success: Wildlife Crossings in Kootenay National Park. Quinn is the wildlife project manager for the park.

Friends of Kootenay National Park is a charitable, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection, appreciation, education and understanding of the cultural and natural history of Kootenay National Park. The organization runs Nature’s Gifts and a Junior Naturalist Program, in addition to helping and supporting many other community events.

For more information about the meeting, check out www.friendsofkootenay.ca.

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A8 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

ALLEY IFE

VL

Cracking the curber code…

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He means, “…there’s a $10,000 accident.”

(45% have damage or an accident)

Get a vehicle history report! Buy from a licensed dealer!

Find out how at WatchoutforWalt.com

WEEK OF WINGS Residents and visitors alike enjoyed a standout week of wildlife and nature-centred activites throughout the valley at the 19th annual Wings Over the Rockies festival, held earlier this month. Shown here are scenes from several of the paddling excursions during the festival as well as the orchid walk (Photos by Kristin McCauley)

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A9

Summer Gardening

SUBMITTED BY LIN EGAN AND THE WINDERBERRY/EDIBLES TEAM

winderberry.ca

These are ‘drying’ times...

We are experiencing drier than normal gardening conditions in the Columbia Valley this spring and so we thought we would share a few ‘dry ideas’ with you.

If your garden seems like a dust bowl this spring its probably because it is. With very little moisture last fall and less than normal amounts of snowfall this winter the top layers of soil have dried out considerably, making it even more difficult to get good amounts of moisture to the root area of plants. People have reported losing many different trees, shrubs and perennials over the winter. If this is going to continue to be a weather trend, than we should start gardening a little smarter and be prepared for it.

It certainly wouldn’t hurt if we all used a little less water, anyways One way to help established plantings is to aerate (poke holes into the ground) around the root area and work in a layer of compost or aged manures at the base of trees and shrubs. Hand water deeply once a week if dry conditions persist. If you have an irrigation system in place it is still a good idea to hand water every two to three weeks to ensure that water is getting to the root area. A light layer of bark mulch will also provide good moisture re-

tention and keep the weeds at bay. At the end of the gardening season we all seem anxious to roll up the hoses and put the gardens to bed, but with these drier conditions it is essential to water deeply in the fall so the root area of plants go dormant w i t h g o o d hydration.

At Winderberry, we have always advised our customers to invest in the soil before plant material.

One of the our mantra’s has been to spend $2.00 underground for every $1.00 on top. When you have the pleasure of start-

Greenhouses are bloomin’ awesome

ing with a new landscaping or gardening project, preparing a good soil base to start your plants will save you time and money in the long run. A proper soil mix will retain moisture (up to 3X as much), conduct fertilizers and nutrients to the root area and give you a healthier and more disease resistant plant. This will equate to a garden that, instead of just trying to stay alive, will reward you with good annual growth, abundant flowers, and shade. When starting ‘fresh’ or adding plants to your garden, you also have the luxury of choosing the right plant for the pre~existing conditions.

There are many choices of drought tolerant trees, shrubs and perennials, that, once established, can be the backbone of your landscape. This will give your garden some microclimates, some spaces where you can be even more creative.

You can transform a difficult area that just won’t seem to grow anything by cleaning it up, mulching it and placing some containers with trees, shrubs or colourful annuals around. Containers c a n be a pleasant way to enjoy having plants around, using a lot less water than a landscape, but still providing the sensory pleasures that plants provide. And gardening in a container gives you the opportunity to change it up every year, follow current trends or start your own.

Annual Heirloom & Specialty Tomato Sale

Friday, Saturday & Sunday - 25 different varieties

with home-grown quality plants

l Nursery is fully stocked with Ornamental Trees & Shrubs, Evergreens & Perennials l OMRI Certified Organic Soil, Bulk compost & bark mulches l Edibles Cafe smells delicious + Edibles Farm has fresh organic lettuce this week!

Hwy 93/95 Windermere 250-342-3236 Mon to Sat 9-6 Sunday 10-4

A10 invermerevalleyecho.com

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

COMMUNITY

Student fundraiser results in pieloads of fun

KEVIN NIMMOCK kevin@invermerevalleyecho.com

Children from Windermere Elementary School got to pie their favourite teachers on Thursday, May 14 as a reward for record-setting Terry Fox Run fundraising.

Blueberry, raspberry and apple pies were wielded by the top 10 fundraisers. In total, the school raised $4,500 this year for the Terry Fox Foundation.

“We are a small school, so I was totally shocked,” principal Steve Bentley said. “They really impressed me.”

Bentley said the money was raised in large part due to a Grade 6 class. He added that the

class was determined to raise as much as possible, yielding a very high total.

The whole school sat on the grass in front of the main doors to watch their peers pie teachers. Students cheered their favorite teachers on, gasping when the pies were launched. Seven teachers in total received pies to the face.

In addition to being pied, Bentley also agreed to arrive at the school dressed as the ‘Good Faerie’, a tradition in the area to reward kids for raising high totals for the Terry Fox Foundation. He took to the faerie costume on Friday, May 15, donning his best set of wings.

Windermere Elementary School teachers sharing a laugh after get“The top two fundraisers will also get to duct ting pied by students who raised large amounts of money during the tape me to a wall and take the chairs away to annual Terry Fox Run. PHOTO BY KEVIN NIMMOCK see if I will fall,” Bentley said.

EMEMBER WHEN? R A look back through The Valley Echo's archives over the last 55 years

2005 — Six-year-old Kory Campbell snags himself an apple during a carnival held at J.A Laird Elementary School. The school’s gym was packed with students, parents and teachers.

ECHO FILE PHOTO

55

years ago (1960): A World Refugee Benefit Dance was held by the World Refugee Committee. The event occured at the National Park Hotel in Radium. Joe LaRochelle’s orchestra from Ed gewate provided music.

concerns with the quality of roads. The Highways Department committed to spending $3.2 million on highways in the East Kootenay region.

which was to maintain and stock the machines at a cost of $200 a year.

15

years ago (1965): A group of grade 12 students from David Thompson Secondary School visited the Valley Echo under the supervision of Vice-principal Tom Hutchison. They saw the linotype and flatbed press for the newspaper, and the smaller job press working.

years ago (1985): Stan Graham, Member of Parliament for Kootenay East-Revelstoke announced details of applications approved for wage-subsidy funding under the Challenge ‘85 summer student employment program. $429,000 in federal subsidies were approved in Kootenay East-Revelstoke for the creation of 231 summer jobs for students.

years ago (2000): RCMP officers and customs officers prepared to bike 2000 km around B.C for the Millennium 2000 Bike Ride. The ride was to raise awareness for the growing problem of missing and abducted children. The riders were also set to raise funds for Child Find B.C. They were to visit 18 communities, including Invermere, inviting local cyclists along the way to join in for short stretches of the ride.

45

20

10

50

years ago (1970): 204 people from the valley donated blood at the Windermere District Blood Donor Clinic Tuesday. Martin Lechschas gave her 36th donation and was congratulated by Scott McIvor, the clinic’s convenor.

40

years ago (1975): B.C. Minister of Highways Graham Lea payed a visit to Invermere to talk about local

30

years ago (1995): The Windermere District Board of School Trustees decided on the signs to be posted around David Thompson Secondary School’s new condom machines.

The signs shared four cautionary messages, including information on sexually transmitted diseases and abstinence. In addtion, the board struck a deal with a Cranbrook company,

years ago (2005): The Lake Windermere District Lions Club distributed $30,000 to four community organizations. The funds were generated from the land lease to Copper Point.

The projects supported were the Windermere Valley Youth Centre Society, the Windermere District Historical Society, Canadian Legion (Edgewater branch) and the Columbia Valley Rockies.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A11

THE

WEEKLY Beat Have an event you’d like listed? Email it to: production@ invermerevalleyecho. com

MAY 20th - 26th 20TH : WEDNESDAY

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre (SYC) Graphic Design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: SYC Drop-in Girls Only Group.

21ST : THURSDAY

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym.

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic Design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Every Thursday evening, enjoy the Wine Tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby. Learn about BC wines from our in-house sommelier, $10 per person.

• 7 p.m: Friends of Kootenay National Park AGM at Prestige Inn in Radium Hot Springs.

Presentation: Building on Success - Wildlife Crossings in Kootenay National Park by Darren Quinn, Wildlife Crossing Project Manager.

• 7 p.m.: Texas Hold‘em Tournament every Thursday at Invermere Legion.

22ND : FRIDAY

• 5 p.m.: May 22 - May 24, Wetlandkeepers Course is 2½ days of workshops that educate participants about wetland conservation. This is a hands-on, free fieldwork course that provides participants with technical skills to steward their own wetland.

For more information contact wetlands_assistant@bcwf.bc.ca or visit wetlandkeeperswindermere. eventbrite.ca • 6 p.m.: SYC Karaoke Night.

23RD : SATURDAY

groundswellnetwork.ca or phone 250-342-3337.

• 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Garage Sale at Akisqnuk First Nation Arbor.

Food and items for sale as well as breakfast.

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Plant Sale and Open House at Groundswell Community Greenhouse • 10 a.m.: Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run at Nipika Resort. Register prior to event at new.zone4.ca for more information visit nipika.com/ crazy-soles-nipika-trail-run • 10 a.m.: Windermere Community Association AGM at Windermere Community Hall, followed by Potluck luncheon.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Purcell Mountain Painters Art Sale at 503 7th Ave. Invermere, next to Grant’s Foods.

Local artists at work.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Movie and popcorn night.

• 7:30 p.m.: Killer Rollbots Roller Derby game at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Beer garden, concession, and half time entertainment! All ages welcome. $10 for Adults, $5 for kids.

25TH : MONDAY

• 4 - 5:30 p.m.: SYC Employment Readiness program. Must preregister. Email summit.centre@ gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 7:30 p.m.: SYC Skills for life program.

26TH : TUESDAY

May 30th at Groundswell Community Greenhouse, 15th Ave. and Westridge Dr. The #1 request of our PDC graduates is to practice their new design skills on real-life projects before they go out and take on their own clients.

For more information email info@ groundswellnetwork.ca or call 250-342-3337.

• 12 p.m.: Edgewater Seniors soup day at the Edgewater Legion, $6.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Movie and popcorn night.

vendors, demonstrations on site, door prizes and surprises.

Donation in support of ICAN. Pet food or a twoonie welcome at the door.

• 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m.: Artym Gallery shows Angela Morgan exhibition til June 12.

• 7:30 p.m.: Killer Rollbots Roller Derby game at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. Beer garden, concession, and half time entertainment! All ages welcome. $10 for Adults, $5 for kids.

30TH : SATURDAY

JUNE

9TH : TUESDAY

JUNE

12TH : FRIDAY

JUNE

13TH : SATURDAY

•12:30 p.m.: Windermere Health Care Auxiliary Charity Golf Tournament at Windermere Valley Golf Course. $80 per golfer 4 man best ball format. Registration at 12:30 p.m. and Tee off at 1:30 p.m.

Silent auction also happening. Call 250-345-0171 to book your team.

• 7 p.m.: SYC Pool Tournament night.

27TH : WEDNESDAY

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic Design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• 6 - 8 p.m.: SYC Drop-in Boys Only Group.

28TH : THURSDAY

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Every Thursday evening, enjoy the Wine Tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Lobby. Learn about BC wines from our in-house sommelier. $10 per person.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym.

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphic Design program. Must pre-register. Email summit.centre@gmail.com or call 250-342-3033.

• May 23rd & Sunday May 24th Radium Car Rally. Visit radiumhotsprings.com for details.

• 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.: Plant Sale and Open House at Groundswell TH : FRIDAY Community Greenhouse, 15th 29 Ave. and Westridge Dr. For • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Permaculture more information email info@ Design Practicum May 29th and

• 5 - 9 p.m.: Reach Art show, artist opening event at Pynelogs Art Gallery.

• 8 p.m.: Locarno at Bud’s Bar & Lounge in Invermere. A groove • 1 - 4 p.m.: Free Invasive Weed heavy mix of Mexican folk, management workshop at Cuban son and Latin soul. Visit Lakeshore Campground. Learn columbiavalleyarts.com for details. the impacts of invasive plants, integrated management options, JUNE 15TH : MONDAY reporting weed locations, application techniques, and how • 9 a.m.: Ram into Summer Golf to find resources. To register email Tournament, at Radium Golf coordinator@ekipc.com or call Course. 10 a.m. shotgun start.

Dinner, prizes and more. Visit 250-919-7826. radiumhotsprings.com for details.

JUNE

2ND : TUESDAY

COMING SOON…

• 5 - 6 p.m.: SYC Trivia Night.

MAY 27th - June 2nd

• 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Reach: David Thompson Secondary School art show from June 9th to 21st.

JUNE

3RD : WEDNESDAY

• Fairmont Lions Family Fun Day at Coys Par 3 course. Call Coys at 250345-6504 for details.

• June 3rd–6th.:Canal Days. in the village of Canal Flats. Visit thecolumbiavalley.ca for more information.

HOURS INVERMERE LIBRARY

• Tuesday - Saturday: 10 a.m - 5 p.m.

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

RADIUM LIBRARY

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m • Wednesday - Thursday: • 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open 1 - 4 p.m.

Mic at Pynelogs. Showcasing young • Saturday: 10 a.m - 1p.m. talent from the valley. All ages, licensed bar. First Friday of every WINDERMERE VALLEY MUSEUM month.

• June – August Everyday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

JUNE

5TH : FRIDAY

JUNE

6TH : SATURDAY

• Kootenay Krusher Mountain Bike Race, at Nipika Mountain Resort with kids distances and team relay option. Visit nipika.com/events, register at zone4.ca • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Invermere Vendor Bendor, at the Invermere Community Hall. Variety of

INVVERMERE THRIFT STORE • Thursday – Saturday : 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

RADIUM THRIFT STORE

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

B

A12 invermerevalleyecho.com

CROSSWORD

RAIN AIN

SUDOKU

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. Figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers named, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle!

HOROSCOPES

S

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

GAME

CLUES ACROSS 1. Library furnishings 10. A major N. Am. river 12. Music for a narrative poem 13. A set of steps 15. Shooting stars 16. Keenly perceptive 18. -__, denotes past 19. “3:10 to Yuma” actress Gretchen 20. Old English 21. Sami 24. Brake horsepower 27. Interlocks 30. Twofold 31. Green, iced and Earl Grey 33. Maddie and ___, singers 34. Bridge-building degree 35. Flat-topped flower cluster 37. A waterproof raincoat 39. A way to ingest 41. Tayra genus 42. Birds 44. 3.26 light years 47. Confederate soldier 48. Body fluids 49. Atomic #35 50. Seize 52. In event that 53. Grassy plain 56. Enzyme in milk 61. Rags 62. Actress May 63. In a way, aided 65. Humilities

26. Bura 28. Languages of Sulu islands 29. Raise with great force 32. Dried-up 36. Scientific research workplace 38. Purplish red 40. NYSE symbol TEN 43. Secure 44. Commercial-free TV station 45. Macaws 46. Open and sincere 51. Oldest Swiss Un. (alt. sp.)

54. Very high frequency 55. Name for ancient Syria 56. NFL’s “The Big Cat” Leon 57. Jai __, sport 58. Actress Blanchett 59. Cords 60. Not or 64. Constitutes

W eekend WEATHER Friday

May 22

Mainly Sunny Temp: 23oC o

Feels like 24 C

Low: 6oC

Saturday May 23 Answers to last week

CLUES DOWN 1. Digestive fluid 2. Capital of Norway 3. Plural of os 4. Young goats 5. “Peanuts” creator’s initials 6. State in NE India 7. Type of TV program 8. Shoulder adornment 9. Meat-roasting rod 10. Protective floor pad 11. Anger 12. Spread over 14. Blackthorn fruit 15. Commingle 17. Affirmative 22. Horse used to set the pace 23. Appeals 24. British thermal unit 25. Complex red organic pigment containing iron

Mainly Sunny Temp: 20oC o

Feels like 21 C

Low: 7oC

Sunday

May 24

Mainly sunny Temp: 20oC o

Feels like 20 C

Low: 8oC

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your sign pulls back this week and you may focus more on the artistic or spiritual. It can be a highly intuitive time of self-reflection for you.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23 Beauty and balance are brought into your life, Leo. Use the opportunity to brighten up your space with some decorating or a welcome change of scenery.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21 You are beyond magnetic this week, Sagittarius.

If someone didn’t want to be your friend before, they certainly do now. Expect to be swarmed with attention.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, if you have been backtracking over past decisions, it’s time to look at things again with a clear perspective -- even if that means you need some advice from a third party.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may have more energy than you know what to do with this week. Find a way to funnel it into a creative or worthwhile endeavor, like volunteer work.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20 Capricorn, others describe you as feisty and fun this week. With boundless energy, you bring your own party to each and every situation. Enjoy the rush.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you achieve some financial stability this week and enjoy the opportunity to breathe easy.

Don’t go overboard, but reward yourself for your financial discipline.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23 Relationships will be a major high point for you this week, Libra. Every friendship or romance you have is irresistible and compelling at the present time.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18 Communication doesn’t seem to be coming easily for you, Aquarius. You know what you want and can’t voice it successfully. Take some time to plan what you want to say.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 There is much career energy coming your way, Cancer. You may find yourself with more job offers than you ever thought to entertain. This is not a time to sit back and let things slide.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, your health and career continue to be your top priorities. You have a sense of urgency to get in better shape. It may be possible to combine your goals.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, a major financial event is on the horizon, but you’re not sure if it is a windfall or a burden. Only time will tell.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015May The20, Valley The Valley Echo Wednesday, 2015 Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A13

www.invermerevalleyecho.com A13

<our community. <our classi¿eGs.

250.341.6299 email customerservice@invermerevalleyecho.com INDEX IN BRIEF FAMILY ANNOUNCEMENTS COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS TRAVEL CHILDREN EMPLOYMENT BUSINESS SERVICES PETS & LIVESTOCK MERCHANDISE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE RENTALS AUTOMOTIVE MARINE

AGREEMENT

It is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

Announcements

Announcements

Employment

Employment

Employment

Employment

Information

Personals

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

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COPD or Arthritic Conditions?

The Disability Tax Credit. $1,500 Yearly Tax Credit. $15,000 Lump Sum Refund (on avg) Apply Today! 1-844453-5372.

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION! In-demand career! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get online training you need from an employertrusted program. Visit online: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-855768-3362 to start training for your work-at-home career today!

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION

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

COPYRIGHT

Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com.

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

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Missing: From Windermere Lake, one 20 ft by 5 ft dock. If found please call 250-342-5740.

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APPLY NOW: A $2,500 Penny Wise scholarship is available for a woman entering the Journalism Certificate Program at Langara College in Vancouver. Application deadline May 31, 2015. Email to fbula@langara.bc.ca. More information: www.bccommunity news.com/our-programs/ scholarship.

Obituaries

Obituaries

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THOMAS THOMAS CHARLES CHARLES SPETA SPETA March March 9, 9, 19531953April April 16, 16, 2015 2015 In In the the early earlyhours hours of ofApril April16, 16,Thomas Thomas passed passed away away peacefully peacefullyafter after aa short short but but bitter bitter battle battle with cancer cancer in in St. St. Albert, Albert, AB. AB. He He took took his his last last breaths breaths with surrounded by by many of those loved him. surrounded many of those who who loved him. He He is is predeceased by and predeceased by his his father father and and mother, mother, William William and Johanna as as well well as as his his brother brother Kurt, Kurt, but but leaves leaves behind behind Johanna his brothers and sisters Kelly, Jannie, Ernie, Bill, his brothers and sisters Kelly, Jannie, Ernie, Bill, Rose, Rose, Bob, Ron Ron and and Carol, Bob, Carol, his his children children Jodie, Jodie, Stacey Stacey (Kevin), (Kevin), Susan, Shamus grandchildren Noel Susan, Shamus (Shawna), (Shawna), and and grandchildren Noel and and Kieryn as as well well as as another another grandson grandson due September.

Kieryn due this this September.

Thomas was was born born in in Germany, Germany, and Thomas and immigrated immigrated to to Wilmer, BC with his family at age one, David Wilmer, BC with his family at age one, attending attending David Thompson Secondary Secondary until Thompson until leaving leaving the the valley valley in in his his teens. teens.

He resided resided in Ontario, Alberta British He in Ontario, Alberta and and several several different different British Columbia locales BC for for the the Columbia locales before before settling settling in in Chilliwack, Chilliwack, BC past 10 10 years. years. Those Tom will will remember remember the the past Those who who knew knew Tom strength of spirit, his his deep, deep, rich rich laughter, laughter, his his heartfelt heartfelt strength of his his spirit, advice (however (however unsolicited), and above above all, the fervent fervent advice unsolicited), and all, the way he he loved loved his and friends of the the love love way his family family and friends and and all all of and adoration he received from them in return.

You can and adoration he received from them in return. You can rest easy rest easy now now Dad, Dad, it’s it’s always always 1973 1973 where where you you are. are.

We love love you. you.

We

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CHURCH SERVICES DIRECTORY ST. PETER’S WINDERMERE ROMAN CATHOLIC RADIUM CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF JESUS FELLOWSHIP CHRIST OF LATTER LUTHERAN MISSION VALLEY SHARED CHURCH DAY SAINTS OF INVERMERE MINISTRY #4 - 7553 Main Street W, 250-342-6167 ANGLICAN-UNITED Radium 5014 Fairway, 100 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor: Father Gabriel 250-342-6633 Fairmont Hot Springs 250-426-7564 100-7th Ave., Invermere Confession: 1/2 hr. before Mass 250-347-6334 250-341-5792 250-342-6644 Pastor: Rev. Fraser Coltman Canadian Martyrs Church Pastor Rev. David Morton Reverend Laura Hermakin President: Adam Pasowisty 712 - 12 Ave, Invermere Worship Service wvsm.ca Columbia Valley Branch Saturdays, 5 p.m.

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Worship Services Every Sunday: Bacon, Friends Sundays, 9 a.m.

Sundays Worship Services Bible Studies & Faith, 9:30 a.m Worship, 1:30 p.m.

Sundays St. Joseph’s Church Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

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Christ Church Trinity, 10 a.m.

- 1 p.m.

Hwy. 93-95, Radium Hot Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Kids’ Church Invermere Springs Edgewater Hall 1st and 3rd Sunday, 9 a.m.: All Sundays, 11 a.m.

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LAKE WINDERMERE VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY ALLIANCE CHURCH 326 - 10th Ave., Invermere Hwy. 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere 250-342-9535 250-342-9511 Pastor: Trevor Hagan Pastor: Murray Wittke lakewindermerealliance.org valleychristianonline.com Celebration Sunday May 24th Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.

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A14 A14 invermerevalleyecho.com www.invermerevalleyecho.com Employment

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Misc. Wanted Private Collector Looking to Buy Coin Collections, Silver, Antique Native Art, Estates + Chad: 778-281-0030 in town.

Real Estate For Sale By Owner

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1993 Toyota Corolla FOR PARTS,

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Legal

Legal Notices Lein Act Notice Notice to: Logstrup, Lisa The following Vehicle: a 1996 Dodge 1500, red/silver extended cab VIN # 3B7HF13Y0TM126997 BC Licence plate DT1499 The landlord of 7361 Prospector Avenue, Radium Hot Springs will sell this vehicle for $1,000.00. Also will be selling Citation Travel trailer Model number GKL21CSG00001, Licence plate # UJA 48E for $600.00 (250-347-9498)

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

invermerevalleyecho.com A15

LOCAL NEWS

SCAMMERS from A2

Police push cyber safety to seniors BREANNE MASSEY breanne@invermerevalleyecho.com Police are urging seniors and families alike to be cautious of scams in the digital age.

Columbia Valley RCMP Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac has made it clear protecting personal information and learning how to navigate social media safely are key elements to staying safe because their is no shortage of scams.

“There’s no limit to how low some people will go to make money,” said Shehovac.

He explained that some con artists use social media websites to learn details about a victim’s life and family, then pose as a grandson or granddaughter to turn a profit.

Shehovac added that it’s not uncommon to hear about scammers asking for money to get out of prison from someone who is pretending to be related but doesn’t want their immediate families to find out.

“If you get any type of calls like that, you give us a call and we’ll confirm the details,” said Shehovac.

The Invermere RCMP estimates there are a minimum of three scams being reported every month.

“And that’s only the people who are phoning it in or dropping off their letters,” said Shehovac.

But the oldest scam in the book, he added, is the 419 Scam.

The 419 Scam is a con where victims are targeted by being informed that someone beloved has passed away and the inheritance money is available if bank account information can be provided.

Alternatively, there are scams where a friend or family

member allegedly writes a letter asking for help after experiencing hardships overseas.

The latest scam has been when developers call somebody to warn them about a virus and asks for their personal information to repair it. However, Shehovac explained this is usually a tactic to gain access to a victim’s computer and results in stolen information or money.

“They’re tugging on people’s heart strings,” said Shehovac, noting the Police Foundation has fallen prey to fraud.

In addition, there are pyramid schemes and cons to collect money for a cause that doesn’t actually go toward making repairs during a natural disaster or treatment for an illness. Due to the popularity of social media, the scams are constantly changing and Shehovac urges people to be cautious.

“If it’s too good to be true, odds are that it probably isn’t (true),” said Shehovac. “But, amazingly, people fall for it and unfortunately a lot of times that I see it, it’s the elderly.”

Shehovac says it’s rare to get your money back after it’s been sent and that it’s tough to press charges because a lot of scams are run internationally.

“I’ve seen elderly people spend thousands of dollars and even when we tell them it’s a scam, it’s almost like they think we’re trying to stop them from getting their prize,” said Shehovac. “But once the money goes through and gets to whatever destination it goes to, you’ll never see it again and it’s very hard to investigate because it’s worldwide.

“They can be anywhere so it’s hard to investigate and get charges.”

However, Black Press is home to some of the oldest newspapers in North America with Canadian operations in B.C. and Alberta as well as American operations in Washington, Hawaii, California and Ohio.

There are 3,500 employees working from Black Press newspapers.

“Neither Black Press nor the Valley Echo has any affiliation with the the persons that contacted Ms. Fisher,” said Midyette. “I advise everyone to be vigilant and suspicious when requests for personal information are made online or by phone.”

She reported the call to the RCMP and was surprised to learn that there are several scams circulating through the area right now.

“There are numerous scams happening all the time,” said Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac, while urging the community to stay safe.

Fisher was eager to raise awareness about the problem and help prevent others from being at risk.

“The first call said they were from Microsoft Office and the second one said they were from the Valley Echo,” explained Fisher. “It was strange because I went hook, line and sinker because she said that she worked at the Valley Echo.”

To advertise, call: To advertise, call: 250-341-6299 250-341-6299

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DrivewayCanada.ca |

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Valley Echo

Welcome to the driver’s seat Driving through spectacular spec Spanish scenery shows the capability the Touareg SUV

Visit the Touareg “Driving Experience” gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

Taking a Touareg of the Sierra Nevada mountains Malaga Spain Granada, an hour away.

Southern Spain isn’t a place one gets to The group was excited to visit the World quickly, especially from the west coast of Heritage Site of the Alhambra (The Red Canada.

Castle). This stunning site dates back to Trekking across the Atlantic Ocean, arrivroughly 800 BC but the structure seen ing late in Frankfurt with only 40 minutes today has roots in the 14th century. It to connect to our flight to Malaga, resulthas been used as a fortress and palace ed in a dash though the airport. Slumping and several different religions have into my seat, sweaty and tired I awoke a called this home. The architecture is The TDI version half hour before landing looking out the stunning from the inside but even more delivers amazing window at the Sierra Nevada mountain fascinating from across the valley floor, range, the location of our off-road experi- power; it uses up to as we had dinner and watched the casence the following day. tle glow under the clear moonlit sky.

25 percent less fuel Volkswagen has what they call “Driving and has amazing The next day was the business day, with Experiences” in far-flung places like 290 km of off-road driving, making resale value.

Spain, Morocco, Switzerland, Norway our way through the Sierra Nevada and Sweden, getting to drive the Touareg Zack Spencer Mountains, back to Malaga. The eight SUV through spectacular scenery and identically equipped Touareg SUVs were experience the true capability of this quite a sight travelling through the vehicle. The two-day adventure our group was on small villages and towns carved into the mountainside. was a condensed version of the four-day experience The forested section was similar to driving in British the public can book. The cost is 2,300 Euros ($3,115), Columbia, even the pine trees looked similar to the which includes the vehicle, fuel, food and transfers ones found around Lillooet and the dusty roads covfor the full four days but not airfare. When you break ered the once clean SUVs in a matter of minutes. it down by the day, it’s rather good value and would The driving was slow. Not because of the Touareg but be a wonderful side excursion for anyone already on because there were three TV crews on this adventure, holiday in one of these locations. including myself from Driving Television. Having to stop and take video held the whole group up, but it Our TDI clean diesel Touareg featured a leather interior made for some stunning shots. and navigation, almost identical to our Canadian The Touareg TDI is the perfect choice for this challenge spec versions with one difference. This vehicle had an or any average commute. The 3.0L turbocharged adjustable air suspension to raise or lower the vehicle engine has 240hp but a whopping 406 lb.-ft. of torque. depending on the road surface. Since we don’t get this And torque is what you need for crawling over rocks feature in Canada, all the off road driving was done and splashing through rivers, but it also makes driving as close to the ride-height of the passive springs and this large five-passenger SUV a breeze even in city sitshocks used in the Canadian spec trucks. uations. On the short highway stages we experienced, For the first leg, we drove on the highway to the city of

‘‘

’’

the TDI cruised effortlessly at over 120 km/h.

After a lunch break of traditional paella, the group headed out again into the canyons and rugged landscape – very similar to Utah – with carved cliffs. The most memorable part was the smell of wild Rosemary bushes and the wild Jasmine filling the air. Not just a hint, rather a wonderful aroma that occupied the entire valley floor.

As we pulled into Malaga after 12 hours behind the wheel of the 2015 Touareg, I have come to appreciate it all over again. This is a premium VW offering, starting at $53,965. The TDI is the one to get. Not that the regular gasoline is a bad choice; rather, the TDI diesel is a better choice. The TDI version delivers amazing power; it uses up to 25 per cent less fuel and has amazing resale value. The 2015 model gets a slight facelift, so slight I’d have a hard time pointing out the changes, but this SUV is about what it can do, not how flashy it is.

If you would like to find out more about taking part in your own VW adventure, go to www-volkswagen-driving-adventure.de to find out more. Next time, Morocco sounds like fun…

Write to zack.spencer@drivewaybc.ca

Question of the Week If you were able to introduce a new driving rule, what would it be?

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?

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Safety Tip: Police across the province are targeting high-risk driving behaviours in May. Speeding and following too closely are high-risk driving behaviours that increase your risk of a crash. If you’re taking a road trip with family or friends this weekend, drive safely.

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