Columbia Valley Pioneer, May 14, 2020

May 14, 2020 Vol. 17/Issue 20

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley

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2 COVID-19 UPDATE

11-14 GROUP-HOME LIVING

3 ONLINE EXCLUSIVE • ‘Go back to the old way:’ First Nations return to the land during COVID-19 pandemic

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Public health nurses Megan Grant (left) and Alisha Dowling have been the main screeners at the Invermere and District Hospital for the better part of a month.

National Nursing Week runs May 11 to 17 to honour nurses – from a socially-responsible distance – for the important roles they play in caring for us all.

Photo submitted by Kerry Colonna

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020

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A socially-distant Victory in Europe 75th anniversary celebration was held by invitation only at the Invermere cenotaph on Friday, May 8.

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Above: The Stich family welcomed guests from around the world on Monday night for a virtual tour of their soonto-be-completed passive house. You can watch the tour and learn more through @stichconsultinganddesign on Instagram. ‘Passive house’ is not a brand name, but a construction concept that is energy efficient, comfortable, affordable and ecological at the same time.

Right: Pat Bavin is looking forward to warmer weather so that he can start planting his garden. No matter the scale, more local food is key to food security. The importance of food security has gained prominence since the COVID-19 pandemic started. And more people are now focused on agriculture than have been for generations. The Columbia Valley is seeing more activity on large farms and ranches, and especially in backyard gardens. If you have a farm or food business, @columbiabasintrust offers a cornucopia of food supply support programs.

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May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS Despite pandemic, resident says “life is good” at local group home

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Rolf Heer misses throwing parties and venturing out into the world. But for now – in this new COVID-19 reality – he’s reasonably content waiting out the pandemic at Columbia Garden Village.

He feels safe inside the walls and is full of praise for the staff who are working hard to protect residents and take good care of them.

(Management did not respond to a request for an interview, but a news release from Golden Life said: “We have been hearing stories of hope, laughter, and joy coming from our Villages each day and it warms our hearts.”)

Heer, 66, has cancer, a weakened immune system and pain – now managed – that had previously been severe enough for him to request Medical Assistance in Dying.

He’s well aware that he’s at a heightened risk for the virus that’s moving through the region and around the world.

If COVID-19 was to find a way into his building, Heer, 66, said: “I’d be one of the first to get it.”

But Heer isn’t worried, not with the measures staff are taking to keep those vulnerable to COVID-19 safe and well.

“They’re doing a very good job, I tell you,” he said.

“Looks like we’re going to be stuck here for another couple of months ... (but) life is good here.”

Instead of shared meals, food is now delivered to Heer’s door. Visitors aren’t allowed inside, he said, but he

can meet them outdoors. He can’t go far, though. If he wanders off the property he said he would be required to quarantine in his suite for 14 days upon his return. No matter how close he stays to the residence, Heer expects it’s only a matter of time before he’ll end up in quarantine. Eventually he’ll have to go back to the hospital and will be confined to his suite on his return.

“We don’t have the social living right now like we usually do,” he said. But those he does see spaced out in common areas “are still in really good mood and great spirits.”

Heer, who said he’s a decade or two younger than many of the other residents, doesn’t engage much in the art and exercise classes the care home offers. How he sees it, there’s nowhere to go and nothing to do.

But he’s grateful that he can sleep away his days and that his unit comes with a window that ushers the sun into his suite.

When he feels well, Heer wishes he could visit his property in Radium and landscape the ground where his iconic Home Of A Thousand Faces stood before being reduced to ash in November of 2018. On good days he dreams of wielding a chainsaw and carving wooden creations, remembering the joys of “living the hillbilly style in Radium.”

Pandemic woes aside, he figures those his age “got the good generation,” where the worries of the world – such as climate change and overconsumption – were less weighty.

GARRY PATTISON Chartered Professional Accountant ✓Financial statements ✓Audits, Review or Notice to Reader engagements ✓Tax – both corporate and personal ✓Bookkeeping, if required Box 836 7309 Banff Court Radium Hot Springs, B.C. V0A 1M0 Phone (587) 777-6881• Email: Garrypcpa@gmail.com

In order to provide our customers a safe and friendly way to enjoy your ice cream, we have installed an order window and a pick-up window.

We are walk-up only for now.

Main Street, Radium Hot Springs, B.C. Open May 15th • Hours: 1-9 p.m.

Feedback wanted on housing in Invermere Submitted by District of Invermere The district of Invermere is currently conducting a housing needs assessment, which all B.C. municipalities are now required to complete every five years. Housing needs assessment reports help communities to better understand their current and future housing needs.

These reports can help identify existing and projected gaps in the housing supply by collecting and analyzing quantitative and qualitative information about local demographics, economics, housing stock, and other factors. A housing needs report is critical to developing a housing strategy or action plan.

The district’s housing needs assessment is being funded by the B.C. government and by the district of Invermere. The Whistler Centre for Sustainability has been hired to assist the district with this project.

In order to supplement the quantitative data from

Statistics Canada Census, BC Housing, BC Assessment, etc., we are conducting an online survey to seek community input on housing needs and demands. Your input will be important to help us to better understand the specific housing needs in our community. The survey should take about 10 minutes to complete, and will close on May 22 at 12 a.m.. Respondents will have a chance to enter a draw for one of two $50 gift cards to a local business.

To learn more about housing needs assessments, visit https://bit.ly/HousingNeedsReports Take the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/DoIhousing2020 Please note, it is understood that COVID-19 may have impacted some residents’ housing situations and needs, however the survey questions are intended to understand the housing situation which existed before COVID-19.

Locally Local Loc al y Grown Grown

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We’re supporting local food producers with two new programs.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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We are now accepting your library book returns to either silver drop box outside the library.

Curbside pickup begins Tuesday, May 19th. Please check our website for details.

invermere.bc.libraries.coop

Learn to Swim Please join us for summer swim lessons. Red Cross and Life Saving Society programs. Swim lessons at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Please contact info@rockymountainswimlessons.ca

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May 14, 2020

RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Darren Kakuno Detachment Commander Columbia Valley RCMP This past week, May 4 through May 10, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 58 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the files our officers responded to.

On Monday, May 4 Columbia Valley RCMP received a report of golf carts operating on the roadways near the Lakeview Meadows subdivision in Windermere. Residents are reminded that golf carts are not permitted on public roadways.

On Tuesday, May 5 police received a report of an intoxicated male causing issues at a residence on Kootenay Number 3 Road in Windermere. Police located the male and were concerned for his ability to care for himself.

Police arrested the male for mischief and held him in cells until he was sober.

On Wednesday, May 6 Columbia Valley Search and Rescue discovered someone had stolen the skis off a snowmobile that had been parked at the Search and Rescue hall. The theft occurred sometime overnight. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP or Crimestoppers.

On Wednesday, May 6 police received a report of a male and female panhandling in Invermere. An officer

located the couple with open liquor near the arena. The liquor was seized and the couple was provided a ride home.

On Friday, May 8 at about 9 p.m. an officer stopped the driver of a silver Volvo for speeding. The officer suspected the driver had alcohol in his system and read a roadside breath demand to the driver. The driver complied with the breath demand and blew two “warns.” As a result, the driver received a 24 hour driving prohibition and a violation ticket for driving with an expired driver’s license.

On Saturday, May 9 at 3:15 a.m. police received a report of a suspicious male near Sinclair Creek Road in Radium Hot Springs. The complainant reported a male fled into the bush when he was confronted. Police responded and located clothing near the creek which the complainant identified as being similar to the clothing worn by the suspicious male. Out of an abundance of caution a police dog and Search and Rescue were requested to search the area to ensure the male did not enter the creek or require medical assistance. Later the same day an individual attended the search area to retrieve the clothing he had left near the creek several days earlier.

Police were able to rule out the clothing as belonging to the suspicious male. As a result, the search was concluded as investigators were satisfied they were no longer dealing with a potential missing person.

Conservation corner Submitted by Greg Kruger, sergeant This spring, there have been some significant changes within the Invermere Conservation Officer Service. The officer-in-charge of the Columbia-Kootenay Zone [Invermere, Golden and Revelstoke Districts], sergeant Drew Milne has transferred into the staff development, recruitment and training unit and will be moving to Vancouver Island. Field CO Greg Kruger will be taking over the duties of the CK zone supervisor. Our seasonal CO over the past year, Matt Hall, has accepted the Invermere field CO vacancy left

by Greg.

Over the past few weeks, Invermere COS has been receiving calls on a young black bear that was getting comfortable making its home territory around the intersection of Hwy 93/95 and Athalmer Road. For both the bear’s safety and public safety this bear was immobilized by COS with the assistance of Columbia Valley RCMP tasked with round-up and containment of the small bear. The bear was given a permanent yellow government ear tag and successfully relocated to more suitable habitat well away from ‘urban living.’

With bears now out of their winter solace slumber, we ask for everyone to be extra vigilant with secur-

ing all non-natural food attractants. Bears are experts in smelling out then locating food sources such as household garbage, greasy BBQs, and bird seed. Our number one complaint is black bears coming onto properties after finding a food source left available for them to get. To solve this problem, garbage needs to be contained in a bear-resistant container or stored inside a secure structure, BBQs cleaned after each use, and bird feeders taken down when bears are active.

Please note there is a $230 fine under the Provincial Wildlife Act for attracting dangerous wildlife to any premise. For good information on preventing conflicts with bears and other wildlife, go to the Wildsafe BC website. Any wildlife issue that presents a public safety concern should be reported to the 24/7 COS call centre at 1-877-952-7277 (R.A.P.P. - Report All Poachers & Polluters).

A reminder to the public as we enter the nice spring weather amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the province has closed ALL Forest Service Recreation Sites to camping at this time. The planned target date for reopening these sites to camping is June 1. COS and RCMP will be conducting patrols to ensure compliance. Please checked Recreation Sites and Trails BC website for more information.

Pynelogs at Kinsmen Beach

PYNELOGS CULTURAL CENTRE, ART GALLERY & CAFE HOURS: CALL FOR MORE INFO AT 250.342.4423

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Finding the silver lining of alone: the solitude of full-on quarantine

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Kayla and Connor Kay, enjoying their back deck post-quarantine.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht

As the self-isolation and social distancing in the Columbia Valley associated with the COVID-19 pandemic nears the two month mark, the strain it brings is becoming more pronounced for at least a few residents.

But if you think this is tough, things can easily be more difficult: just ask Kayla Kay, who spent two weeks in outright quarantine (as opposed to the normal social distancing and self-isolation) at the start of the pandemic. The Invermere resident spent those two weeks utterly alone: no trips to the grocery store, her roommate left the house for two weeks, and — most difficult for her — she couldn’t see her then-threeyear-old son Connor.

Kay works for the Lady Alliance and was travelling for work in the U.S. in mid-March, hosting a Women’s Empowerment tour in partnership with Arc’teryx, when the pandemic escalated rapidly there.

“We had travelled from Vancouver to Seattle, Seattle to San Francisco, then to Denver. I was scheduled to head to Boulder, New York, Montreal, and Kelowna but this current global pandemic had other plans for all of us,” said Kay. “Mandatory quarantine for anybody travelling outside of Canada was just being implemented when I returned home.

I saw the severity of the pandemic escalating in the U.S. and wanted to ensure I followed the proper protocol to protect our mountain village and my family.”

Her quarantine effectively began at the Calgary Airport, as soon as she got off her plane home from Denver, on March 14. With nobody to shop for her in Calgary, she promptly donned masks and gloves and headed to a nearby grocery store to stock up on two weeks’ worth of food before heading home. She was not in the store long before she noticed that people in Canada (where the pandemic was just beginning to unfold) seemed a bit more relaxed about COVID-19 compared with in the U.S. (where it was exploding).

“I was met with odd glances and even had a lady scoff at me while I was wearing my preventative gear.

There was such a different atmosphere in Canada. I felt like I was coming back from the zombie apocalypse and met with a casual awareness of COVID here, partly due to the fact that we had not been hit with the number of cases as seen in some of the bigger metropolis areas such as Seattle and New York,” said Kay. Continued on page 8. . .

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

RIVERFRONT AND FAIRWAY LOTS

May 14, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Sweetness returns

By Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. RIVER AND GOLF COURSE view lots, Fairmont Hot Springs, gated community. Prices from $99,000.

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REGISTER BY MAY 21 All public hearings will be held via video/teleconference in June.

Every day I’ve been noticing the grass outside my door as the shades change. Today it’s a florescent Kermitthe-frog green. Hedges and trees are showing signs of life/ exuberance by the moment too. As we get deeper into spring, life continues erupting around us.

Since we’ve cocooned so well during this time of COVID-19, moderate human connections are allowed to bud again too. Last week the province announced that we’re entering a new stage of the pandemic where – if all goes according to plan – hugs can be reinstated. Hugs need to stay restricted to our nearest and dearest in our ‘pandemic bubbles’ and will depend on the individuals’ judgement but it’s lovely that after staying away from our loved ones to keep them and our community safe we can now cautiously return to one another’s arms.

Virtual connections, phone calls and socially-distant yard visits are wonderful, but they’re no match for the closer connections that we can so often take for granted.

As an extrovert who lives alone and who now works from

home, I haven’t loved adapting to such a quiet life. While I’ve been very privileged to continue working throughout the pandemic and to feel safe, human contact is something I expect most of us – even our introverted friends and those at home with piles of children – have been missing these past two months.

Years ago when I was walking through Regina’s bustling downtown, I saw people holding signs that said: FREE HUGS. Their services were in high demand. Some guy took a running leap into the arms of a hugger as bystanders watched in amusement. I too collected a gigantic bear hug from a curly-haired stranger.

While it will be a long time before indiscriminate hugging will be safe again, how delightful that we may now be able to hug a loved one who has been on the other side of a screen for what feels like forever.

Enjoy your hugs, if you choose to indulge, and congratulations on earning a little more freedom during the pandemic.

Thanks for taking care of each other and having kept your distance so we can now scooch a tad closer to our most favourite folks.

Everyone has a story so be kind Dear Editor, I am saddened by recent news stories and personal encounters I have experienced around the Columbia Valley regarding our part-time residents. I wonder how many people who have been quick to judge, to criticize, and, in some sad cases, accosted our ‘visible’ part-time residents have given any thought about their actions.

By ‘visible’ I mean, the vehicle license plates that are not B.C.-issued.

Author Stephen Covey states in his bestselling book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Habit #5: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” During this ongoing COVID-19 crisis, it is becoming more apparent that each of us have our own story. Many of the valley’s part-time residents are here during these unprecedented times for their personal reason – their story. I know of the following reasons: some people are in the process of building their future-permanent home and need to be onsite; some re-located here permanently in the past

year and haven’t yet replaced their vehicle plates; some are here due to a death in their B.C.-based family; and others are using their part-time home as a safe refuge for their family while one household member remains in Alberta working in the health industry and can self-isolate at home.

What about other part-time residents in the valley who happen to have permanent homes elsewhere in B.C.? They may be more fortunate to not experience verbal or non-verbal harassment because they are not as ‘visible’ i.e. no Alberta-issued vehicle plates.

I am worried that the valley will experience negative consequences long-term, as to how we treated one another during this crisis. B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry reminds us almost every day: Be kind, be calm, and be safe. We may be safe, and perhaps calm, but are we being kind to one another?

Kathleen O’Neill Invermere

Interpretative services are available.

Additional participation options will be available in June.

For full details or to register visit our website or call the Parliamentary Committees Office.

Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services

bcleg.ca/FGSbudget Toll-free in BC 1.877.428.8337

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Friday.

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Robert W. Doull, President and Publisher, Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Amanda Nason Associate Publisher/ Sales Manager Ext. 102

Dauna Ditson Editor Ext. 106

Steve Hubrecht Magazine Editor/ Reporter Ext. 105

Phone: 250-341-6299 • Toll Free (866) 496-8047 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com The Columbia Valley Pioneer is available free of charge at more than 137 locations in the Upper Columbia Valley, limited to one copy per reader. We are funded solely through the support of our advertisers. We are published every Thursday. The Columbia Valley Pioneermay be distributed only by its authorized contractors and employees. No person may, without the prior written consent of The Pioneer or its Publisher, take more than one copy of each issue of The Pioneer. The content is protected by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with the permission of the Publisher.

Lerissa McLaughlin Sales Representative Ext. 103

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design Ext. 104

Amanda Murray Office Administrator/ Sales Ext. 101

May 14, 2020

Exchange student from Spain sent home from valley early due to COVID-19

By Inés García-Portilla Special to the Pioneer Editor’s note: Inés García-Portilla, 17, was in Invermere on a school-year exchange program from Spain when the pandemic hit. She was sent home months early without having the chance to say goodbye to those she grew to love during her time in the valley. Inés wrote the following essay about her experience for a school assignment and received a mark of 100 per cent.

“I thought it might be great for our little valley to read her experience and see how much our little town is loved and appreciated,” said her host-mom, Trudi Wells. “She has a place in my life forever.”

At first naïve, then happy, now grateful We are never satisfied with our achievements and, no matter how much we have, we aspire to a better life. Humanity seeks greatness. In my personal search for greatness and development, I applied for a scholarship that would give me the chance of studying abroad for a full year.

I was fifteen years old and my only motivation was to pursue the “American high school dream” many stereotypical movies had Photo submitted made me believe was real. Inés García-Portilla Unlucky me, I was told I would spend the 2019-20 school year in a small town lost in the mountains of British Columbia. I did not know this at the time, but later on that town would become my favourite place on earth and my mom is the one to blame. Out of wisdom, or maybe laziness, she persuaded me not to give up the scholarship. Resigning involved a lot of paperwork. Off to a fresh start, my adventure in Canada began.

Barely a month into the experience I could already feel how important that year was going to be for me. To this date I am still amazed with how something I did not even want at first changed my life. The second I got to Invermere I was fascinated by the nature it was surrounded by. The smell of fresh air invaded my lungs and my sight was delighted by the beauty of the lake and the greatness of the mountains. Deer peacefully wandered the streets and occupied the yards of many small houses that stood right next to each other but had something unique to them. Maybe it was the cool sunny afternoons of September that made me fall in love with this place, maybe it was the cold days up in the mountains skiing for hours, or maybe it was the hockey games where we would rather hang out than watch the actual game; but I for sure did. I liked that place and its people so much that I forgot it had an expiration date. Who wouldn’t have? My life had never been so full. My host-family became part of my family and I became part of theirs, I started to love playing basketball again, I met the most amazing people I will ever know, I fell in love, I partied maybe a little bit too much, but most importantly, I found myself. The road to find out who I really am that I had started that summer in Spain came to an end in Canada. I can now say, as narcissistic as it might sound, that I am proud of the person I am today in spite of the mistakes I will probably make and I have made along the way, because I know I put my heart into everything I do. Invermere made me discover it. I put my heart and soul into this experience and made the mistake of forgetting it would have to end at some point. The finish line was so far away it was not even worth thinking about it. When I fell from the tree, it was a hard hit.

On January 5, 2020, the World Health Organization published a report on a new virus outbreak in China. This new disease was unknown to scientists and as of that date, it was not given much importance. I guess the teacher was alone in class the day they taught a stitch in time saves nine. Two months later it was not nine stitches but 79,824 cases and 2,870 deaths due to this insignificant virus. If the whole world was late to respond to this pandemic, imagine how late Spain was. When every country was closing down big events, even in Canada with barely 25 cases, the Spanish government was promoting a massive protest to celebrate women’s rights. Even though this is a very important cause, health is a bigger issue. Two days later Spain went on lockdown due to the global pandemic. Despite all this craziness going on in my home country, I was safe.

Canada did not have many cases and actions were being taken by the government. I was surprised when I was told by my coordinator that I had the option to leave Invermere Continued on page 20 . . .

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

First Annual General Meeting Monday, May 18th, 2020 6:30 p.m. • Online meeting All welcome.

All board positions open.

To participate, please email us at columbiavalleypride@gmail.com

Gallery show to feature three artists

Mountain artwork will be on display at the gallery.

Photo submitted

Submitted by the Artym Gallery This Saturday the Artym Gallery is opening a new show featuring three separate mediums: paintings by David Langevin, soapstone sculpture by Vance Theoret, and fine jewellery by Bayot Heer. All three have settled with their profession in Western Canada, have gained worldwide attention, and are admired and appreciated by art lovers, collectors, and artists alike. The Artym Gallery is honoured to be the venue for this exhibition.

Theoret has been busy turning pounds of rock into adorable bears – 38 bears to be exact! Some are sitting, gazing up at the sky. Some are gazing right at you, asking if you are their person. Some are dancing, enjoying life to its fullest. Theoret has sourced his rock from all over the world, and the colours of all his pieces are amazing.

New striking landscape paintings have arrived from David Langevin. Avid hikers will recognize some of the locations immediately. Most areas that he visits and gets inspiration from are in the Canadian Rockies, but in this show he has even created one from the Bugaboos in the Purcell range. Langevin plays with light, colour and contrast in many layers of acrylic paint to create these incredible renditions of the Canadian wilderness. The paintings received for this show range from tiny up to feature-wall size, but they are all very time consuming to create.

Bayot Heer works with gold and gemstones to create one of a kind jewellery pieces. He is a craftsman, an engineer, and has an appreciation of beauty created through linear construction. Just like paintings or sculpture, his creations have an element of light and shadow. There is volume but also space left for balance. “It is the details that I see jewellery come to life,” he said.

Due to the current social considerations, artists will not be in attendance for this show. The gallery is also following health guidelines to keep everyone safe. The show will run until May 22. Please enjoy this show in person, but if you can’t make it, see it online at artymgallery.com The Artym Gallery is now open again seven days a week. Please call 250342-7566 or check their website for current hours.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020

th

Re-Opening May 19 For in-person and online appointments.

To schedule your appointment, please visit our website or call 250-342-0415

Invermere Physiotherapy

Lower Level, Chisel Peak Medical Clinic 417 – 10th Avenue

inphysio.ca

We’re open!

Agri Park

Wednesday, May 20th between 5 and 7:30 p.m.

Come and see what’s available from local producers. Food Vendors only at this time because of COVID-19.

We are now Online with LocalLine Check it out! Go to www.wdfi.ca Contact Margaret margifeldmann@gmail.com or call 250-342-1607

But the biggest challenge? Kay, a single mom, couldn’t see Connor, not even to say a quick hello be“Honestly it was a night and day difference. The U.S. fore beginning the quarantine. Since Kay had been out of was dealing with a far bigger impact and more widespread country for a week before starting quarantine, she spent a cases and people were reacting accordingly. For the most total of three weeks straight not being able to talk to her part tensions were high and President Trump was discuss- son face to face. Connor stayed in the valley with his dad, ing closing the borders while sports events, schools, and who Kay said is wonderful. It was an immense help, she other major events and many city infrastructure systems added, knowing her son was in great hands. Still three were shutting down, (and authorities were) releasing weeks without seeing your kid can be an eternity.

“We FaceTimed a lot. It was the oddest feeling knowCOVID protocols and cancellations.”

Multiple events in Kay’s tour were cancelled virtu- ing that he was a 10-minute drive away and I could not ally overnight, and with concerns over the pandemic in go see him or hold him. That was the biggest struggle,” the U.S. soaring, it was a no-brainer for her to postpone she said. “We tried our best to explain it to him and he understood the ‘germs’ the rest of the trip and concept and that mommy come home immediately, although with all the talk “It was the oddest feeling knowing that he (Kay- could make him sick and had to stay away from othabout border closures she la’s three-year old son) was a 10-minute drive concedes she was initially ers for a while, though it away and I coud not go see him or hold him.” briefly concerned about not was hard for him. He was being able to make it back missing me and frustrated Kayla Kay, across the 49th parallel.

Invermere resident who experienced full quarantine that we couldn’t see one anKay’s roommate left other in person.” their house in Invermere, Kay also found it odd staying elsewhere for the to come to terms with the two-week quarantine, before Kay drove back from Cal- need to call people anytime she ran out of eggs, needed gary, setting the stage for some serious solitude once Kay more dog food or any other of life’s daily little chores that finally made it home. suddenly she could no longer do. Having to constantly “It was a roller coaster of mixed emotions. Some days ask for help and rely on others left her feeling a bit guilty, I embraced my time alone, other days I struggled to ac- she conceded. cept the new norms and missed social interactions. I have “Luckily I was able to dive into work. As COVID a wonderful support system and I had a few friends drop progressed, the project I was working on was re-structurgroceries, dog food, wine, and other goodies off for me,” ing quickly to change with the times to provide online she said. “They were integral in keeping me sane. Even events for people during self-isolation. So having somejust a hello from the kitchen window made the world of thing to work on and creating fun activities for others a difference. I was able to stay connected and find time at home really helped lift my spirits and made me feel to reach out to old friends and re-connect. I was very connected in my state of solidarity,” she said. grateful for modern technology and the ability to video call friends and family.”

Continued on page 10. . . . . . ‘Finding’ from page 5

Hello neighbours..

We’re postponing our community engagement process.

In response to COVID-19, Columbia Basin Trust is postponing its public engagement process, including community meetings this Spring and two regional symposia this Fall. We are looking forward to future conversations about how you live, work and play in the Columbia Basin. We understand you are focused on public health right now and we will reschedule when you have the time and space to join the conversation.

We will be closing the online Thoughtexchange on March 31. Visit imagine.ourtrust.org if you wish to share your thoughts before then.

Our commitment to people, communities and partners The Trust is committed to providing support to the Basin during this challenging time. We recognize that many of our recipients and partners will experience challenges and we encourage you to reach out to your Trust contact if this is true for you. ourtrust.org | info@ourtrust.org | 1.800.505.8998

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020 . . . ‘Finding’ from page 8

The Columbia Valley Pioneer is here to help you!

We are making every effort to support our local businesses during this difficult time. Advertise here to let people know that you’re still open.

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Getting into nature by running and walking outdoors — always taking care to stick to wide open spaces and to stay at least two metres away from anybody else — was another sanity-keeping saving grace for Kay. “I also took time to embrace the quiet and stillness.

All too often we are running through our work days and personally, as a single mom and entrepreneur, my ‘to-do’ lists were never-ending. Finding that balance each day was liberating. I was able to meditate, meal-prep, walk my dog, and nap,” she said.

Work, quiet time, FaceTiming with Connor, walking and running outside, waving through the kitchen window to friends dropping off groceries — eventually the fourteen days were done. But the end of Kay’s quarantine came with mixed feelings, because just as her personal situation brightened, the pandemic was hitting full stride across Canada, with schools and businesses closing left, right and centre, and ‘normal’ life evaporated throughout the country. It was as though Kay had left behind the ‘zombie apocalypse’ scenario of tension and empty streets she described in the U.S., and come home to somewhere safer, ensconcing herself in quarantine for weeks, only to emerge and find the ‘zombie apocalypse’ had followed her to Invermere. Her quarantine was over, but as she put it: “we are all sort of quarantined right now and I couldn’t go hug a friend or spend quality time with others outside of my immediate circle.”

But that didn’t dampen her joy at being able to see Conner again, not one little bit.

“I was ecstatic,” she said. A few weeks after her quarantine was done, Connor celebrated his fourth birthday in top-notch social distancing style: a Captain America costume, cake, presents and a parade of cars full of friends and well-wishers driving by his home honking enthusiastically.

Kay has some advice for any valley residents who find themselves going through full-on quarantine: “Be present and take it day by day. Re-kindle old hobbies, learn a new skill, take a new course, practice stillness, embrace nature — being conscious of regula-

Kayla was “ecstatic” to see Connor after three weeks away - one week travelling in the U.S. for business right as the COVID-19 pandemic exploded and then another two weeks being quaratined in her house completely and totally alone.

Photo by Steve Hubrecht tions and any public closures. Reach out to your community or utilize help lines or any other resource you can find. There are so many online offerings to help people.

We are all in this together and we can help each other as a community and a society together in solidarity,” she said.

“Times are unprecedented right now. There are a lot of uncertainties but there are also so many great things to hold on to. Find the silver-lining where you can and just take it day by day. Stay educated with credible sources and take a look out the window or stroll through the trees and feel gratitude for the beautiful place we live in during these uncertain times.”

We would also like to thank all of our customers for their support at this time.

Visit us on Highway 93/95 between Invermere and Windermere

Bayot Heer, David Langevin & Vance Theoret Exhibition

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

Saturday, May 16, 10 – 5:30 pm Exhibition continues until May 22.

LONG WEEKEND HOURS Thursday 4-9 p.m. • Friday 2-10 p.m.

Saturday 2-10 p.m. • Sunday 2-10 p.m.

Monday 2-9 p.m.

The District of Invermere’s property tax due date will remain as July 2, 2020 and all property owners are encouraged to pay their property taxes, if they are able, on or before the due date. In order to assist you, District of Invermere Council has passed a bylaw delaying penalties for late payment by roughly three months due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. All taxpayers can make payments until September 30th, 2020 without penalty. A 5% penalty will be applied to any unpaid property taxes after September 30th, 2020. This includes penalty on any unclaimed Home Owner Grants. A further 5% penalty will be applied to any unpaid property taxes after October 30th, 2020.

NOW SERVING Chicken Wingrss 5 Flavou

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This allows you to make payments without penalty until September 30th, 2020. Although you may still pay your property tax before then if you are able.

pizzeriamercato.com Contact Amanda Nason for more information. Cell: 250-341-1111

2020 PROPERTY TAX IMPORTANT CHANGES DURING COVID-19

Downtown Invermere 250-342-7566 ~ info@artymgallery.com

We hope this provides some relief during these challenging times.

May 14, 2020

Columbia Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

C VID-19 UPDATE

Valley students can likely expect partial return to class Submitted by Paul Carriere, superintendent of School District 6 Many of you may have watched Premier Horgan’s address last week outlining plans for a phased re-opening of the province’s economy. BC’s Restart plan works through the steps we will be taking as a province to: • Provide people with clear information on what’s changed and what’s coming.

• Continue to build confidence in government and the PHO’s response to COVID-19.

• Reinforce the “Golden Rules” to keep people safe.

• Manage expectations about the months ahead – this won’t be over until there is a vaccine – while providing people with hope that we will get through this, together.

We know people are worried about their health and that of their families, that there is anxiety about the future and a sense of isolation, and that many people are suffering financially during this time. It is also true that the hard work of British Columbians and the sacrifices that have been made have resulted in a lot of progress toward flattening the curve, and we are now in a situation where a careful restart, while keeping our focus on safety and protecting the vulnerable, makes sense.

This isn’t a return to “normal” but a time for hopeful, careful steps in that direction.

May long weekend, we should see hospital procedures that were delayed getting back on track, as well as other health services being made available. More business will restart, and more people will be back to work. Public gatherings will still need to be kept to small groups, and all of us will need to continue to maintain the important safety protocols we have all made part of our routines especially frequent hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and staying home when sick. COVID-19 won’t be behind us until there is a vaccine, and that could be 12-18 months away. So, the protocol changes we have made are the new normal.

Partial return to class on June 1 As long as everything with COVID-19 continues to trend in the right direction, we are planning for a partial return to face to face instruction on June 1, consistent with “Phase 3” of the restart plan. This will likely mean smaller groups of students being scheduled on a part-time basis. This will be voluntary for families; while all students will be invited, it will not be required for all to attend. More specific health and safety guidelines will be forthcoming to address issues related to school settings in Phase 3. Our plans will be developed under the guidance of the PHO, BC Centre for Disease Control and WorkSafeBC. Other advance planning will need to be done regarding scheduling, logistics, and how to manage a model of learning with some learners on-site and others who may remain at home. We will keep in communication with parents as the situation develops and more information is available.

We appreciate all that you are doing to support the learning of your children at home, and look forward to providing further information about next steps for a safe expansion of learning at school.

Stay well, everyone.

Provincial reopening plan needs clarity Submitted by Doug Clovechok, MLA Like many of you, I was anxious and excited to hear the government finally announce B.C.’s reopening plan this past Wednesday. We have all been eagerly awaiting answers as to when and how businesses can reopen, when we can reconnect with our loved ones, and if we can get back to enjoying our favourite parks and activities. I must admit the government’s plan left us with less clarity and guidelines than I had hoped for.

I have heard from many constituents in Columbia River-Revelstoke regarding the unique challenges they are facing right now.

Continued online at columbiavalleypioneer.com

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Snack boxes are available to students who usually access food from school or daycare programs. If you are in need of some extra support please contact us or ask about this program through your school.

summit.centre@gmail.com • 250-342-3033

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Columbia Valley

May 14, 2020

C VID-19 UPDATE

Resource, Development & Advocacy

Are you in need of a safe home?

Call the crisis line 1-800-200-3003 for help Women’s Information and Safe Homes (WISH)

Continuing to support our seniors during the outbreak Amidst the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 outbreak, keeping ourselves and our families safe and healthy is most important. This is particularly relevant when it comes to older adults in our communities.

Seniors are more vulnerable to developing infections, due to the fact that our immune systems slow down as we age. Many seniors also live with longstanding health conditions that may increase their risk of getting very sick from this illness.

There are many steps seniors can take to protect themselves from picking up any infection. Like all of us, seniors need to be regularly washing their hands, practising good personal hygiene, and making sure that they stay at home as much as possible as well as keeping a two-meter physical distance from other people when they are out in the community. Seniors can request free help from Better at Home, Family Dynamix. We have volunteers ready to pick up and delivery groceries, prescriptions and to call and do regular check-ins. To decrease potential exposure to the virus seniors can still pick up their own groceries but it is recommended for them to consider only going to the store once every week or two and to go during the grocery stores’ early seniors’ shopping hour.

Like all of us, seniors may contract COVID-19 through a variety of ways. For seniors who are mobile, they may pick it up when they go out to public places or when they meet up with people in their community.

Loved ones may also pass on the infection when they visit.

Remember even if you don’t have symptoms it is possible to inadvertently pass the infection to seniors. It is best to visit them virtually rather than in person during the outbreak. If it is essential for you to visit, make sure

that you are washing your hands and, if you feel even slightly unwell, do not visit your aging loved ones at this time. Stay in touch by calling the seniors in your life to help them to not feel lonely or isolated.

For seniors who have special needs, such as those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, it is difficult because they may not fully appreciate the impact or the extent of COVID-19. It’s important to keep the message simple. Family members can tell them, “There’s an infection in our community and we want to protect you.”

Explain that for now family members will contact them using technology and reassure them that they are safe and loved.

For those of us who have an aging loved one, whether they’re in a care home or living independently, there are many options to stay connected. Use technology, whether it is Zoom, Skype or FaceTime to interact. Remember, physical distancing (that is, keeping two meters of physical distance between people) does not mean social isolation. It is so important to keep seniors engaged. A lot of times, a phone call is what is needed. Social isolation and loneliness can have negative impacts on seniors’ health. We all need to make sure we keep seniors mentally engaged while physically keeping them protected from the infection. If you or someone you know needs assistance, call the Better at Home Program at Family Dynamix at 250-342-5566 or Jennifer at 250-342-1110 or Tricia at 250-341-5625.

Physical distancing does not mean social isolation.

Seniors should check with their health care provider to determine if their appointment can be re-scheduled or

Beware of scams and fraudulent emails Canadians have lost more than $1.2 million in recent weeks to scammers taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has received 735 reports since March 6 of attempts to defraud Canadians with scams related to the pandemic of which 178 succeeded.

There have also been attempts to use the pandemic as cover to infect computers with malware.

One scheme sent messages telling individuals they had been exposed to COVID-19, and asked them to fill out what looks like an Excel form. When users click on form it infects their computers with a Trojan downloader that install malicious files.

With this isolation people have a heightened sense of anxiety, of fear, and sometimes of false hope. It is opportune for scammers and fraudsters to solicit for scams so beware! Cybercriminals and fraudsters now have an effective lure to encourage victims to visit fake web sites and open email attachments or text message links. These emails and websites impersonate health organizations,

government, and other companies and may threaten, harass and take your money and personal information fraudulently. Over 2,000 websites have already been taken down.

Scammers have also been connected to the CERB with a goal of duping Canadians into providing personal information to progress their claim.

There are also a variety of merchandise scams, including offers for free masks or test kits if you complete a survey, which will attempt to access your credit card, bank account and/or personal information.

Other countries including Britain and the US are also getting hit with these scams. Fraudsters have also adapted recently focusing on people working from home or looking for work, or advertising for free subscriptions.

Be diligent about protecting yourself and if in doubt ask someone you trust first.

Call the Better at Home Program at Family Dynamix at 250-342-5566 or Jennifer at 250-342-1110 or Tricia at 250-341-5625 for more information.

done virtually via technology.

Seniors play an important role supporting families during this pandemic, however at this time, the health and safety of everyone is most important. Seniors need to consider limiting their time babysitting because children may not have symptoms and could still spread the disease.

We all need to remember to: 1. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face and practice good personal hygiene 2. Continue to visit virtually not in person 3. Ensure all older adults have access to food and medications by contacting Family Dynamix.

4. Remember physical distancing does not mean social isolation. Nurture your mental health by connecting by phone or electronically to friends and family daily.

Counselling is also available at Family Dynamix, and free for those unable to pay.

5. Stimulate your mind by learning a new language, playing a new game, participating in a free course online, or learning a new hobby.

6. Maintain your physical health by doing at least three physical exercises per day, one for balance, one for leg strength and one for arm strength. Don’t forget those stretches as well, and join a fitness workout or yoga online via YouTube.

7. Practice physical distancing by: a) Staying at home. b) Grocery shopping once a week or two or by ordering for pick-up and delivery (call Family Dynamix). c) Order prescriptions by phone (call Family Dynamix to arrange pick-up and delivery).

Resources for Seniors 1) AARP for deals, discourse and articles 2) Pogo for fun and games including Scrabble, Mahjong, Sudoku 3) Bridge Base for online Bridge 4) Lots of laughs at Suddenly Senior 5) Interact at Third Age, articles, money management, health, blogs and online classes 6) Seniors’ guide to computers.com to learn more about your computers 7) Love to know ... everything! Seniors.LovetoKnow.com 8) Retirement in style, online guidance and classes at RetireWow.com 9) Exercises online via YouTube.ca 10) Socialize from your desktop at SeniorsOnly.club 11) Download books and audio tapes from library 12) And don’t forget about Facebook Call the Better at Home Program at Family Dynamix at 250-342-5566 or Jennifer at 250-342-1110 or Tricia at 250-341-5625 for more information

May 14, 2020

Columbia Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

C VID-19 UPDATE

Goalies and the pandemic Opinion piece submitted by Murray Trusler, a local retired doctor On November 1, 1959, Montreal Canadien’s goalie Jacques Plante was once again hit in the face with a puck.

After being stitched up, Jacques refused to go back on the ice without a fibreglass face mask that he had been told he couldn’t wear by head coach Toe Blake. As there were no backup goalies in 1959, Blake had no choice but to let Jacques wear his mask. Many people laughed and made fun of Jacques, questioning his bravery. But a decade later almost all NHL goalies were wearing face masks. The logic is obvious to us now. But widespread adoption took ten years. The same can be said for cloth face masks in pandemics. The logic is obvious. Adoption is the issue.

The use of face masks for protection of the general public was a topic of wide debate during the 1918 H1N1 influenza pandemic. And here we are a century later without consensus and with mixed messaging from public health officials, governments and the various press organizations across North America leading to confusion, distrust and variable compliance causing unnecessary morbidity, mortality and economic destruction.

The BC Centre for Disease Control website poses the question “Should I wear a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19?” The answer is “If you are a healthy individual, the use of a cloth mask is a personal choice.”

As we contemplate opening up the economy, the latest addition to the BCCDC guideline is “Consider using non-medical face masks when physical distancing isn’t possible: on transit, shopping.” These statements lack direction.

The province with the best performance in Canada, New Brunswick, continues to re-open its economy for business and the clear message is “anyone who cannot keep an effective physical distance during COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Some exceptions include children under two and people who can’t wear a mask because of breathing problems,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, chief medical officer for the province of New Brunswick. This statement provides the needed direction.

In the Columbia Valley, it appears that everyone is trying their best to physically distance. Hand washing and sanitizing are routine. Gloves are being worn where necessary. And thanks to the efforts of a dedicated group of sewers, cloth masks are available to everyone at no charge. Although we don’t have the exact numbers, we think that we are doing well in stopping the virus.

Around the world, front line health care professionals are wearing masks for self-protection from COVID-19. In this pandemic, we are all potentially on the “front line” facing the invisible threat of the pre-symptomatic or symptomatic patient in situations where physical distancing is compromised.

If a mask will protect a health care worker, it will protect each of us too. The differences between medical and non-medical masks is very small (Ref. BC College of Family Physicians & Alberta College of Family Physicians). Your cloth mask will do the trick. The BC CDC is leaving the choice up to us. If you are over 65 years of age or one of the vulnerable minority, wearing a mask should be a no brainer. And if you are a young person and want to help an older person or someone who is vulnerable, wear a mask in stores and places where physical distancing is compromised. But wash your mask in hot soapy water and dry thoroughly when you get home. Be like Jacques Plante, play the game, keep safe, and wear your mask.

Chamber news Pete Bourke, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director With the first major long weekend arriving tomorrow there is still a lot of uncertainty around what is open, what should be open and how do we as a community handle our re-opening. Each province has announced varying stages of re-starting and all are contingent on their COVID-19 numbers remaining flat or decreasing. With this in mind, education and knowledge are even more important than ever.

First and foremost, maintain your own best practices for you and your family, or your “COVID-19 bubble” as Dr. Bonnie Henry suggests. If you are a business and able to open, I would encourage you to do so to the point that you are comfortable managing to, while ideally exceeding any guidelines or industry recommendations you can find. Safety for yourself, your employees and your customers are the best strategies you can have for longer term success.

Some links and notes to consider: • You can find the Government of B.C.’s “restart plan” at www.gov.bc.ca, then click on “COVID-19 Provincial Support and Info.” At time of writing this, we are in Phase 1 and expect to begin Phase 2 on May 19.

• We are calling on our local network of businesses for two things: • If you can supply our local market with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other recommended measures like signage, sanitizers and other similar supplies, please reach out to me. We will include your information in a shareable document to encourage supporting local.

• If you can share any of your internal best practices or public communications, we would love to receive those as well. Many businesses are struggling with knowing where to start and I truly believe if we are all demonstrating best practices then the community as a whole will be stronger on all levels.

We have a unique community and economic eco-system in our valley and the more we can do to work and live together in harmony is critical at this time. Talk to each other, learn from each other and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. We are all in this together.

Our email communication frequency has changed this week and will now be going out Tuesdays and Thursdays. We encourage you to sign up via our website at www.cvchamber.ca If there is anything we can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to call 250-342-2844 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days per week) or email us at: • Administration & Visitor Centre – welcome@cvchamber.ca • Chamber Membership – membership@cvchamber.ca • Executive Director – executivedirector@cvchamber.ca Have a great weekend everyone. Be kind and stay healthy.

Job searching during a pandemic Submitted by WorkBC Centre Invermere A decimated job market and rising unemployment are not ringing endorsements for people hoping to find a job. You may ponder if it is worth the time and effort to send out resumes because any available jobs are temporary or not what you want. However, this is an ideal opportunity to take stock of your job search goals and focus on creating an employment plan from a new approach. Here are some suggestions.

Explore opportunities: COVID-19 has created a new demand for the essential services sector. Pharmacies, grocery stores, health care, retail, IT, restaurants and delivery are among the businesses hiring to keep up with the need. Employers are posting on job boards and social media and putting up help-wanted signs.

Refine your goals: Consider a different position, new industry or re-training. Identifying your transferable skills can help open doors to a career change.

Network: Social media such as LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter are all effective ways to connect with employers and learn of potential opportunities. Keep your profiles up to date and professional. Apply and interview for jobs and follow up with potential employers. You may be in the right place at the right time to land a job.

Fine tune your resumé, cover letter and interview skills: Become a pro at writing resumés and cover letters tailored for specific positions. Research the skills required to excel in an interview. Keep your resume up to date.

As we start re-opening businesses and lifting restrictions, there are areas of the workforce that will need replenishing. Being employment ready will give you an edge to successfully land an interview and potentially a job. WorkBC employment services can help assist and guide you through this process and continue supporting you.

To access WorkBC Services in the Columbia Valley contact: • WorkBC Centre-Invermere • Phone: 250-341-6889 • Email: centre-invermere@workbc.ca • Website: http://workbccentre-invermere.ca WorkBC is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Columbia Valley

May 14, 2020

C VID-19 UPDATE

Alone together: Singles in solitude Compiled by Dauna Ditson dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com Throughout the Pioneer’s Alone Together series, we’ve asked local families and individuals how they’re coping with COVID-19. This time we reached out to singles who live alone to ask how they’re handling this time of solitary self-isolation.

Geoff Hill, a local realtor, told us he’s visiting his refrigerator a lot more these days since it’s right beside his office now.

Signe Olynyk, a local writer and Pioneer freelancer, is grateful for these quieter days.

Both are finding positives, with Geoff enjoying the sun and Signe relishing her fire pit.

Geoff Hill I live alone and it can be tough some days for sure. My two dogs are helping me get through it.

I’m working, taking the dogs for walks, exercising and spring cleaning. Messaging and video calling was pretty normal for me before this and I’m keeping that up now, but it’s more difficult to maintain relationships since I’m so used to actually visiting and talking with people. I also had a friend visiting before the travel restrictions were on.

They stayed for a bit longer as result but are gone now. I ride my bike just about every day and make sure to get out in the sun, the glorious, glorious sunshine!

My client relationships have changed drastically since in-person meetings are standard in the real-estate business so this has been the biggest change.

Dating is exclusively online now, which is a bit different, although it’s pretty typical

Geoff Hill out adventuring.

Photo submitted

for things to start that way now any way. Getting to the next level of meeting in person is impossible so it’s kind of lame when you’re ready to meet up with someone but can’t.

Oh well. There are much bigger problems.

I hope everyone embraces the changes now as best as they can. There’s no rule about getting out of your space and enjoying the outdoors, so take the time to do that now. Hit that piece of gym equipment that’s been gathering dust, get outside and take someone with you via video. Make sure to practice the physical distancing when around others. Be kind to everyone you see and don’t let your fear become anger and judgement. We’re all in this together so act like it and take time to love one another.

Everyone love everyone.

Signe Olynyk I’m good, other than financial worries. I was just about to start a new job, but that is now up in the air. There is so much uncertainty: will I still have the job, when will I start, how will I pay my bills? All of those things weigh on me. But you have to look at the big picture. I have a home. I have plenty of food. And I have an awesome little dog.

I am also able to better keep up with friends and family because we are talking more on the phone, through Skype and Zoom meetings, and through emails.

This outbreak has created a break in my life and, although I’m sorry that people are sick and dying, I’m grateful for the time it has given me to catch up with people in my life. It’s a reminder of what really matters in our lives.

I’m online a lot more than usual. I’ve also been writing to people I had lost touch with and sending handwritten letters and cards out. I’ve talked more with neighbours than ever before, and I feel like I’ve grown closer to the people in my life because we are all worried about one another and taking more time to check in with each other. I’m a 48-year-old single woman living on my own in a somewhat remote area. I have a wealth of great friends and family who regularly reach out to make sure I’m okay. And I am. I really am. I’m grateful for a slower, more peaceful life.

I am a writer so working from home is part of my regular routine. Socially, I miss the weekly music nights at the pub and my weekly guitar lessons. I hate not being able to travel or visit the parks and hiking trails. I took for granted simple excursions such as going to the grocery store, or doing errands. Everything feels a bit unnerving now, and people are so cautious and wary of one another. But I’m actually catching up on many things that I was neglecting. I’ve wanted the world to ‘stop’ for a long time.

I am renting my place out, so I have been showing it to others via video tours. I have had a couple ‘socially distant’ dates where we met for hikes. I’ve been using the time to take some training online and practice guitar. And I’ve been enjoying my fire pit more. It’s nice to sit outside around a small fire and read a book. I enjoy my own company, so this hasn’t felt all that difficult to me. I’m also a screenwriter and have been outlining a couple new scripts.

With all due respect to those who are hurting or struggling over this, it’s been like a vacation to me and I’m very grateful for the time. I’m also sleeping more – not because I’m depressed, but because I’m catching up on an enormous sleep debt, and it feels like I’m in a recovery phase. I’m also exercising more and going on lots of long walks. I’ve found a lot of peace in this uncertain time.

Getting real about mental health: Canadians feeling worse during pandemic

by Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions The COVID-19 pandemic has changed almost every aspect of our lives. Many of us are living with isolation and loneliness, financial worries, the challenges of home-schooling our kids and working from home, and the fear of becoming sick with COVID-19.

We’re experiencing increased anxiety, stress and depression - and sometimes grief and loss. And many of the things that traditionally bring us joy have been put on hold.

Simply asking, “How are you doing?” has taken on a much deeper meaning than it did before phrases like “self-isolation” and “physical distancing” came into our lives.

Each year, one in five Canadians will experience a mental health challenge. But in the last few months, that number is much, much higher. A recent Angus Reid survey indicates that half of Canadians say their mental health has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic and 16% describe themselves as depressed.

Canadians are being asked to get real about mental health - to tell others how they are really feeling and to reach out for help and connection when they need it. If we take the time to hear what people are really saying when they reply with a simple “fine” or “okay,” we will connect in ways that make a real difference to the well-being of someone who is struggling.

Long before COVID-19 and physical distancing, our government recognized how

important it is to expand and strengthen mental health supports in British Columbia.

That’s why we launched A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap to creating a system of mental health and addictions care that works for everyone.

As we face this pandemic, we also know that people who experience social isolation are at increased risk of experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. That’s why we moved quickly to provide $5 million for virtual mental health supports for people around the province, with a focus on our heroic front-line health care workers, unsettled young people and their families, and isolated seniors who are seeking connection and help with day-to-day activities.

These unprecedented times are challenging our mental health. But where there is uncertainty and instability, there is also an opportunity to make lasting change, and to come back better and stronger.

More than ever, people are talking openly and honestly about their mental health sharing their stories, acknowledging their challenges and reaching out for help. And by talking about our mental health, we are creating the vital connections that will help us through this pandemic and beyond. I encourage everyone to do their part and get real about mental health - because the only way to get through this is together.

And remember, when someone asks you how you are, it’s okay to say, “I’m not okay.”

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

We thank our local nurses!

Save one life and you’re a hero.

Save a hundred lives and you’re a nurse.

We would like to recognize all the hard work that our front line nurses do 24/7. Thanks for being such dedicated caregivers our nurses in Invermere are the best!

Thank you!

729 12th Street, Invermere, BC • 250-341-7298

saundersfamilyfarm.ca

Real heroes don’t wear capes They wear scrubs, work in a hospital and are called Nurses.

Caring hearts, healing hands 250-342-9913 • InvermereBakery.com 1305 7th Ave • Invermere Open 7:30 am - 6

pm

International

NURSES Day 2020

“Thank you for all the ways you give such good care.”

Thank you for being our Super Heroes!

Honestly driven.

Invermere฀•฀250-342-0800 Lot 156 Industrial Road #2 (Beside NAPA Auto Parts) • Ph: 250-342-0800

Happy International Nurses Day

THANK

YOU NURSES

Thank you for putting so much heart into everything you do.

You are all appreciated!

4968 Hwy 93, Radium Hot Springs, BC Phone: 250-347-9263 • Fax: 250-347-9096 Email: wolfemininginc@telus.net

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020

We thank our local nurses!

NURSES ARE THE SUPERHEROES OF HEALTH CARE!

BARRY BROWN-JOHN

Rainbow Restoration 250-342-0090 invermere@rainbowkootenays.ca

250-342-2175 • kis.invermere@kootenayinsurance.ca

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Thank you to all the Superheros in scrubs!

Not all superheroes wear capes… some wear scrubs!

Happy International Nurses Day

Special shout out to our family nurses Amanda Maurer, Sola Dada and Peter Slade.

Rhiannon Tutty, Advisor Sun Life Financial Services Inc. & Tutty Financial

Tel: 250-342-9052 Cell: 250-341-7171

250-688-HAWK

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com

Time is the best healer; laughter is the best medicine.

Est. 2005

Invermere & Surrounding Areas

Happy International Nurses Day

Thank you…

c u h m o s g n i t i n g h t t u y r …for p e v e o a l l e t r n a i hear t u o Y ! ! o d d e t you a i c e CE N r E L p ap EXCEL T U I P U R S

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

www.valleyhawk.com

rhiannon.tutty@sunlife.com

I N

Managing Broker

We give To our

O F

Skandia Concrete

Chasse Holdings Ltd. PO Box 1025, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 #1050 Windermere Loop Road V0A 1K3 Telephone: (250) 342-0101

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

✚ Thank you for all that you do! ✚ Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-0312 • Email: ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17 Student art displayed online

We thank our local nurses!

Thank you…

Student art featured in online galleries

Arts in the valley

…to all the nurses, doctors and medical staff for keeping our community safe!

In March, we were supposed to launch our gallery season with our Submitted by Sami 15th annual Art from the Heart Wackerle , CV Arts show, ironically executive director titled Art from the Heart Goes Wild. Little did we know then that the whole world was about to go wild, and that Art from the Heart 2020 would not fully make it onto our walls. Instead, we’ve had the unexpected but not unwelcome opportunity to debut this year’s collection of artwork created by over 700 valley elementary students as the first ever digital gallery on our website.

Art from the Heart online has since been joined by a second gallery, as we’ve been hard at work on Zoom with some of our local toddlers over the last few weeks to create pieces for our annual Lil Peeps art show. While we miss the brightness and joy

of seeing all the art created in our local daycares hanging on our gallery walls at Pynelogs, we’ve been delighted to be part of the creative process as we help our young artists create gallery additions at home. This year’s Lil Peeps show certainly looks and feels a lot different than we’re used to seeing, but the love and pride we feel admiring it hasn’t changed one bit!

Going digital also means that we can extend the show length for both our Art from the Heart and Lil Peeps shows. They’ll both remain on our website throughout May so you can sit back in the comfort of your couch, computer chair, or patio swing and let all the beautiful creations from our young artists bring light into your day.

Next up on our digital gallery schedule is our Reach High School Art Show which will be launching at the start of June. All our digital galleries can be viewed at www. columbiavalleyarts.com Stay safe and stay creative!

To:

who is currently nursing at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson, BC “Thanks for all you are doing to take care of all of us, Birdie. You are the best!”

250-342-9417 • www.theblackforest.ca

LET US HAMMER OUT THE DETAILS N E W S PA P E R

Love, your family and friends

FOR ALL YOUR ADVERTISING NEEDS, CALL 250-341-6299

COLUMBIA LAKE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Hannah Bilodeau

WE’RE INVITING YOU TO PARTICIPATE IN AN ONLINE PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT PROCESS which will help create an updated Columbia Lake Management Plan.

The Columbia Lake Management Strategy adopted in 1997 is being updated. The new Columbia Lake Management Plan will help guide local government decisions related to Columbia Lake and is anticipated to be adopted by both the RDEK and Village of Canal Flats.

Plans for an in person engagement opportunity this spring have been cancelled, but by using online public engagement tools, we hope to deliver a workshop experience similar to what you would have experienced in person.

The first step in the planning process is to identify values and concerns associated with Columbia Lake. You will be able to participate in the online public engagement using the link below between May 11 and June 1.

engage.rdek.bc.ca/columbialake If you do not have access to the internet and still want to participate, please contact Kris Belanger at 250-432-9693.

1-888-478-7335 | www.rdek.bc.ca

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020

HERE TO SERVE YOU BUSINESS OF THE WEEK

SERVICES

SERVICES

HANG IN THERE COLUMBIA VALLEY!

SERVICE EXCELLENCE

North American Warranty

IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

SINCE 1991

All Makes and Models

ICBC Glass Repair Out of Province Vehicle Inspections Auto Body Repairs • Painting • Quality Parts

Tire Sales and Installation

We give all students 15% off with valid student ID

141 Industrial Rd. 2 • 250-342-9424 • Open Monday - Saturday, 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Your Chamber is here to support you during this challenging time. Stay up to date with reliable, local information by visiting

www.cvchamber.ca

COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOIN YOUR CHAMBER AND REAP THE REWARDS! P. 250-342-2844 E. membership@cvchamber.com

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

WETT Certified

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

SERVICES • Patches • Driveways • Crack Sealing • Parking Lots • Roads • And more!

WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/Interior/ Exterior • Kitchen Renovations • Window Coverings

• Bathroom Renovations • Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry • Basement Renovations

KITCHEN CABINETS & COUNTER TOPS

492 Arrow Rd., Unit 1B, Invermere • EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net • 250-342-4663

Kootenay Paving

Beat the fall rush ~ clean your Chimney this spring!

Patryk Jagiello STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

Toll Free 1-888-341-2221

patco_dev@shaw.ca

Call now for a free quote!

(250) 270-0345

Locally operated, with full-time staff to serve you better.

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Patco Developments Ltd.

1756 Hwy 93/95, Windermere, B.C. V0B 2L2 Phone: 250-342-6500 • Fax: 250-342-3484

Professional • Lawn Maintenance Serving the Valley for over 20 years!

Commercial

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS Fully Insured & WCB Covered

FREE ESTIMATES

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

Resdential

Everett Frater Enterprises Cell: 250-342-5645 • efrater@telus.net

You name it!

I’ll take care of it!

YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP for all home maintenance from raking your lawn to renovating your entire house.

• Pruning and Removal of ALL Trees and Shrubs • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured & WCB Covered

OVER

30 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Keep your local businesses alive.

Get your tree services right here in Invermere!

Please call Steve ~ a real local you can trust! 250-342-1791

East Kootenay Plumbing Services & Renovations Available 24/7 Red Seal Journeyman Plumbers/Gasfitters (B)

eastkootenayplumbing@yahoo.com 250-272-3374

Scott Postlethwaite Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

HERE TO SERVE YOU PHARMACIES

SERVICES

(Servicing the Valley since 1999)

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

LANDSCAPING

LAMBERT-KIPP P H A R M A C Y ( 2 0 1 9 ) LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

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

Irena Shepard, B.Sc. (Pharm.)., Émilie Lamoureux, Pharm D., Laura Kipp, Pharm D.

2016

Landscaping & Design • Trucking • Excavating •T • • Civil Earthworks

•

Your Compounding Pharmacy

Quality not quantity

Open Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sue Coy

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

Lloyd Wilder

250-341-5353 sdcoy@shaw.ca

250-342-6612

LANDSCAPING

250-342-5326 www.decoylandscaping.com lewilder@shaw.ca

INSURANCE

THE COLUMBIA VALLEY’S TREE CARE SPECIALISTS WINDERMERE, BC 250-341-7029

GOLDEN, BC 250-344-0188 P.O. Box 130 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Office: 250-342-2175 • Fax: 250-342-2669 Cindy.mackay@kootenayinsurance.ca

GET YOUR QUOTE AT WWW.GREENLEAFTREE.CA INFO@GREENLEAFTREE.CA

R O O T E D I N T H E C O L U M B I A VA L L E Y S I N C E 2 0 0 7

CONTRACTING

CONTRACTING

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

Specializing in all heating, electric, gas and wood.

• Fireplaces • Commercial and residential • New builds • Renovations.

A licensed, registered and bonded company

We also offer roundthe-clock service calls.

Give us a call! James, 250-688-1267 or Jerry, 250-342-5299 Email: jeffersoncontractingltd@gmail.com

Kekuli Bay Cabinetry kekulibaycabinetry.com

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

1320 Industrial Road #3 Box 159, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

BOX 2228 742 - 13th STREET INVERMERE, BC V0A 1K0 P: 250-342-3031 F: 250-342-6945 info@lambertinsurance.ca

BOX 459 7553 MAIN STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1M0 P: 250-347-9350 F: 250-347-6350 TOLL FREE: 1-866-342-3031

Here to Serve You Advertising 250-341-6299

CONCRETE • Ready Mix Concrete • Commercial concrete sealer • Concrete Pumping retarder for exposed • Over 50 colours available aggregate and in stock • DELIVERED ON TIME • Concrete stamps for rent at a fair price • Full range of coloured release • Full range of sand and agents for stamping gravel products.

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444

All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

• Authorized dealer • Designer • Installer

Dale Elliott Contracting 25 years experience installing cabinets Custom Woodwork and Finishing Serving the Columbia Valley for over 40 years.

dale@decontracting.ca • 250-341-7098 Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service, call: 250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (office)

Have an opinion? Email your letter to the editor to dauna@columbiavalleypioneer.com

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020

CHANGE OF DISTRIBUTION NOTICE

N E W S PA P E R

As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to make some changes as to where you will find your copy of the Pioneer. The decision was made to distribute to the following locations that are essential businesses.

INVERMERE:

CANAL FLATS:

Home Hardware Joe’s No Frills Invermere Liquor Store Canadian Tire Sobeys Pharmasave Lambert Kipp Pharmacy AG Valley Foods The Pioneer Office (paper stand)

Canal Flats Family Pantry

FAIRMONT: Fairmont Mountainside Market

RADIUM: Radium Mountainside Market

EDGEWATER: Post Office (paper stand)

We thank you for your understanding during this time.

Stay home. Stay safe. www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

. . . ‘Sent home to Spain’ from 7 if I wanted. It was not something that seemed reasonable for me or my family. Both my mom and host-mom agreed that it was safer for me to stay here than getting in a plane and flying to Spain where the situation was far from getting better. However, we were not the only ones with a word in this topic as I came here with a scholarship. I woke up one day and I was barely awake when the scholarship informed me through an email that it was not my decision to make, it was theirs. To this day I am still uncertain of why they did it but I was basically forced to leave. It felt like my life had been struck by lightning and burst into flames in a matter of seconds. When I had the strength to get out of my bed and go upstairs, I stood in the middle of the room crying with my face down. I did not have the courage to say the news, but no words were needed. The plans I had made and the memories I had yet to live were taken away from me in a heartbeat.

Going home was not something I would have ever expected to do. My mom did think about it though, as she asked my school’s principal in Spain to save me a spot in case I had to come back mid-way through the school year. Just like Murphy said, if anything can go bad it will. Sadly, bad was even worse than what I had imagined. The whole town went basically on lockdown, so my desire of saying goodbye to the people I still care about turned into an unachievable dream. Had I known I was leaving the last time I saw my friends, my return home would have been less painful. When I got to the airport my mind was filled with regret and disbelief. Nothing seemed real. While I drowned in tears all I could think of was waking up in my bed from this crazy nightmare. Seeing with the corner of my eye the people I love crying as I walked through security broke my heart. Sitting on a plane filled with many other internationals who seemed happy to go home broke my heart. Getting to my house and going into my room, although I felt home, broke my heart. My arrival should have been three months later, not then. To this day, I often still get surprised when I wake up, open my eyes, look around and find myself laying down in my bed in Spain and not in Canada.

To put an end to this story, I will say I did learn something from it. Now that I have had a full month filled with empty mornings and standardised afternoons to organize my thoughts, I can understand why it is so easy to get used to the good things in life.

Keeping our feet on the ground does not seem like a hard thing to do, but when it comes to reality it is one of the most difficult tasks. I, too, have learned to avoid taking things for granted, to be grateful and to enjoy every breath I take as if I was about to drown. This whole experience was a rollercoaster of emotions, but, at least, I now have another place to call home.

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

SERVICES

Your Local

Columbia Concrete Inc.

COLUMBIA VALLEY

20 years’ experience • Anything concrete!

• • • •

Basements Garage pads Driveways Patios

• • • •

Decorative Exposed Stamped concrete Acid staining

REAL ESTATE TILE AND GROUT CLEANING Business: 250-342-9692

Serving the Columbia Valley

250-688-3739 I N

P U R S U I T

RR#4 2117–13 Ave. Invermere, BC V0A 1K4

Cell: 250-342-1273 Fax: 250-342-9644

ptarmiganrugclean@gmail.com

JanK limeK

O F

EXCELLENCE Skandia Concrete • Manufacturers & suppliers of quality concrete & gravel products • Experienced, professional operators and the right equipment to get your job done • Serving the valley for over 30 years

• Environmentally responsible • Steamed aggregate beds for top quality year-round concrete supply • We stand behind our service, quality and products

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C. Office: 250-342-6500 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

Professionals 250.342.1195 janklimek@shaw.ca JanKlimek.ca

It is our deepest commitment to provide you with a clean, safe, healthy environment.

We appreciate you as a community member and client. We want to ensure you Scrubs Home Services is here to help.

Our technicians are prepared to provide your home, office or facility with deep Covid-19 cleaning following the CDC guidelines.

Call or email to book your appointment ELIN EINARSSON-DAKIN phone: 250 409 9046 • email: scrubsgrp@gmail.com

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS

• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-1312 • Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com • Web: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

S IN MEMORIAM S

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

COMMERCIAL SPACE

GUNNER ANDERSON In loving memory of Gunner Anderson who passed away May 20, 2019.

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. Due to COVID-19 and the need to slow the spread of the virus, all the AA rooms in will be closed until further notice. We have created other alternatives for meetings using “Zoom” at 7 p.m. every evening except for Monday’s.

Please call 250-342-2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting every Monday at 7 p.m. For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250-342-8255.

Cheers to the Aides and Nurse at Ivy House on Mother’s Day for making the day special for each mother; for your love and commitment, and teamwork, to make this all happen. The families appreciated all your efforts to ensure the visits took place. A Cheers for Catharina, Recreation Aide, for making the lovely Mother’s Day basket with silk flowers from our own IVY House resources.

A huge Cheers to James at Jefferson Contracting for his great after hours service to repair a leaking roof at our strata during a recent spring deluge.

We are so fortunate to have James and his guys in the valley.

Always reliable and prompt.

Always a great job.

864 sq. ft. Shop space in the Industrial Park. Electrical included, $700/mo. 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

Goodbyes are not forever Goodbyes are not the end They simply mean we miss you Until we meet again Lovingly remembered Marion, Todd, Janice and families

S OBITUARY S Lynch, Allan Thomas 1931– 2020 Born June 14, 1931 to Thomas and Kathleen Lynch of St. Catherine’s, Ont, (one of seven children). Allan Thomas Lynch slipped peacefully away on May 4, 2020, with his wife of 29 years Patricia Lynch by his side.

Al served Canada in the Korean War with the PPCLI (Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry). Following his discharge from the Canadian Forces in 1957, he spent many years in Alberta raising Morgan horses and driving for KWIKASAIR (the purple trucks) before retiring to Windermere and subsequently Invermere, B.C. Al enjoyed golfing, swimming, and curling which led to meeting Patricia. After their marriage May 10, 1991, they enjoyed 12 years as “Snowbirds” splitting the time between Mesa, Arizona and Invermere. This enlarged Al’s family from 2 children to 8.

Al continued to serve his community with many years as a member of both LIONS and the LEGION several terms in a leadership role.

“MR. WONDERFUL” is kept in the memories of his wife Patricia, sisters Kathleen, and Margaret, brother Richard and those of his children, Raymond (Jackie) Lynch, Vera (Daniel) St. Jean, Robin (Allan) Jones, Bonnie (Torstein) Landsgard, Verlie (Jim) Klap, Barbara (Steve) Bryce, Bernadette Bryce, Evelyn (Charles) Earl, the 26 grandchildren with their numerous significant others, 34 great - grandchildren, 3 great - great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Thomas Lynch, Kathleen Sheehan Lynch, sister Beverly and brothers John and Edward.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations in Allan’s honour can be made to the B.C Cancer foundation or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

Fairmont & District Lions Club is once again offering local area students scholarships based on community leadership and service.

Please note the deadline for receipt of the application is Monday, July 6th.

Information can be found at: www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/ fairmontbc/ Email: janet.dahlfreeman @sd6.bc.ca.

CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to Fuze Food owner and staff for taking all the steps necessary, individually and collectively, to keep customers and themselves safe while continuing to provide great food throughout the past trying two months. Fine example of how to manage through a pandemic. Cheers to all the local businesses who were able to do the same and helped to keep life somewhat normal.

Looking forward to better times for all. Glasses up to everyone for towing the line and keeping widespread contagion at bay.

Cheers to Bernie and Chris Raven. Selling our home was not an easy situation. But you both were full of kindness, compassion and expertise. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Brad at Home Hardware and Chris Zehnder for their never ending patience, help and goodwill no matter how busy they are. Such valuable expertise and great character is not easy to find!

Cheers to the kind gentleman who let me use his stairs to get back to the road after I twisted my ankle, and for the thoughtful bag of ice too. You eased my way home greatly! Much appreciated!

Sending a BIG Cheers to our Invermere Veterinarians for their compassionate care for our Columbia Valley creatures.

As April 25th was Veterinarian Day we just want to send our appreciation to our caring doctors Mark, Stephanie, Weston and Bruce for their service to our community and beyond.

Cheers to Eileen Vosler for helping me out with some of her supplies when I ran out, after the hardware had closed for the day.

From a grateful neighbor.

Cheers to Kari and her staff at Windermere Valley Golf Course for offering her fabulous Fish and Chips for takeout. Absolutely wonderful...much appreciated!

Weekly Featured Listing VI

EW

S

SUITE FOR RENT Renovated large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite in downtown Invermere. Private entrance and enclosed patio, five appliances, N/S, N/P, $1000/mo + utilities.

1 year lease. Call 403-874-0483.

2-bdrm apartment, May 1st, downtown Invermere, N/S, N/P, long term, 250-341-1650, invermerehomerentals@gmail. com.

Bachelor suite, available June 1st, $700/mo includes cable, internet, heat and lights.

Partially furnished, N/S, N/P, no partiers. Three blocks from downtown, 250-342-6178.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE

AFFORDABLE, CENTRAL! 0.42 acre lot, 3 bedroom manufactured home

$279,000!

1921 12a Ave, Invermere • MLS: 2451597 (Brokerage ~ Rockies West Realty)

BUYING OR SELLING

BARRY BROWN-JOHN

CALL 250-341-1202

Managing Broker

gerrytaft.ca

“Rocky Mountain Land Man”

Rockies West Realty

Cheers to the Quality Bakery for the weekly treat deliveries!

It brightens our day! Much appreciated!

Cheer to Brett, Paula, Connor and Brooklyn for the surprise gift! From a Grateful Neighbor.

NOTICE REGARDING GOLF FUN DAY Given the recent COVID-19 developments, the Fairmont & District Lions Club Golf Fun Day at Coy’s Par 3 will be cancelled for 2020.

Your health and safety is important! We wish to thank our many sponsors and patrons for your support over the past 30 years.

See you in 2021. Stay safe!

Independently owned and operated

LOST AND FOUND LOST: Hearing Aid around Groundswell near the High School. Please call 250-3456266 if found.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climatecontrolled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

250-342-5245 b.brownjohn@gmail.com FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey firewood. Contact email cvrockies.firewood@gmail.com or call 250-342-1624 for more info or to place an order.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

VEHICLES FOR SALE NOTICE of Sale Sharon Smith Under the Lien on Chattels Act 2 (2) (2 Weeks Notice) I am seizing and selling your registered vehicles for unpaid parts, repairs and customizations.

2017 VW Beetle Trendline, Custom Wheels and New Tires, Custom Paint, Sheepskin Seat Covers.

Total Cost of Unpaid Invoice Parts and Labor $7700.00.

1993 Dodge Dakota 4x4, Rebuild Engine, Rebuild Transmission, Rebuild Rear and Front Differentials, Lift Kit and many more Repairs and Customizing.

Total Cost of Unpaid Invoice Parts and Labor $15,000.

Vehicles will be sold on May 28, 2020 at 330 Blair St. Invermere BC 10 AM sharp.

SERVICES Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Our disinfectant is formulated to kill COVID-19. Call 250-688-0213 B.B.’s Home & Lawn Care Services Renovations, Handyman Repairs, Small moves, Dump runs, House Checks, House Cleaning, Spring/Yard Maintenance, Eavestroughs, Tree removal. 250-688-2897.

May 14, 2020

SERVICES LEE’S SMALL ENGINE REPAIR SHOP Specializing in chain saws, tillers, trimmers and lawn mower repairs and maintenance.

It’s time to get your tools tuned up and ready for spring!

Industrial #2 Road across from NAPA Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

250-341-2551 Offering excellent service and fair pricing!

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Lucky Strike Gas is hiring, looking to fill both F/T and P/T positions.

We are looking for someone energetic and reliable to join our team. Must be available to work weekends and evenings.

Please drop off a resume in store at 1113 Swansea Road, email to luckystrikegas@shaw.ca, or fax 1-844-651-0133.

Everett Frater Enterprises now hiring Lawn maintenance employees for Mon-Fri, weekends off. Call 250-3425645.

Wanted 2 F/T Restaurant Cooks, Rocky River Grill, 8888 Arrow Road, Invermere, B.C. Permanent, F/T shifts, overtime, weekends, days and evenings, $16/hour for 40 hours per week. Overtime after 40 hours.

Minimum several years’ experience and completion of Secondary School. DUTIES: Prepare and cook full course meals, prepare and cook individual dishes and foods, ensure quality of food portions, work with minimal supervision, prepare dishes for customers with food allergies or intolerances. Inspect Kitchens and Food service areas.

Please forward resume to Justin Atterbury by fax 250-342-8889 or email justatterbury@hotmail.com.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Safe Homes Program Support Worker

Copper Point Resort is seeking a new team member:

Pike Contracting Excavating and Skid Steer services.

Call Jason 250-342-5277.

Casual On-Call Position

Housekeeping Supervisor

LESSONS/TRAINING Rocky Mountain Swim Lessons is open for registration. Sign up now for the weeks you want. Red Cross Swim Lessons, Bronze Level Lifesaving Lessons and DIVING lessons.

Learn to swim at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Email info@ rockymountainswimlessons.ca..

HELP WANTED Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Wages starting at $15/hr. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

As a team our goal is to create unforgettable, picture-perfect experiences for our guests. We love creating comfortable, clean, and inviting spaces for our guests to enjoy and believe that first impressions make an important impact on experience. As part of our housekeeping leadership team, you will utilize your time management skills and eye for detail to ensure that all of our guest’s spaces are cleaned efficiently and thoroughly and that our products are presented with genuine care.

Some of your traits include: Housekeeping work experience; • Ability and desire to evolve with and lead a talented housekeeping team; • Work well under pressure, in a fast-paced environment; demonstrated ability to meet deadlines; • Have an eye for detail and an appetite for cleanliness; • Working knowledge of Opera, Microsoft Excel and Word, are assets; • Ability to multi-task in an energetic environment and solve problems efficiently is imperative; • Excellent time management skills and a passion for hospitality.

Do you think you’d make a good candidate? Send your resume to our Housekeeping Manager at the email below. We’d like to thank all applicants for applying; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Hours: Scheduled on-call – Weekday evenings, weekends and statutory holidays Location: Family Dynamix Association, West office Start date: Immediately Shift schedule: Flexible days, evenings and weekends as required Duties: The Safe Homes Program- Support Worker is part of a team of casual staff that agrees to carry a cellular phone and serve scheduled on-call duty for the Safe Homes Programs. When called-out, they deliver a confidential emergency service providing temporary, safe, and supportive accommodation for women and their children who have experienced or who are at risk of domestic abuse, threats or violence. Support Workers will provide transportation, information, support and when appropriate, follow-up services for women.

Qualifications: A Grade 12 diploma, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills, and some knowledge of women’s issues with a feminist perspective. A valid B.C. driver’s license and a reliable vehicle are essential. This position requires union membership. Pursuant to provincial legislation, the applicant must agree to undergo a criminal records investigation.

Email: housekeepingmanager@copperpointresort.com

Application process and deadline: Submit a resume and cover letter to Purnima Gosavi, Director of Program Management, Family Dynamix, Box 2289, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0, or email pgosavi@familydynamix.ca by 4 p.m., May 14, 2020.

View full job description and responsibilities at www.copperpointresort.com/careers

Just a reminder… The classified deadline is 12 noon Friday.

PASSION FOR CANNABIS?

Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits?

In front of Canadian Tire

In front of Canadian Tire

is opening soon and is now accepting resumes.

is accepting resumes.

We are looking for a great individual to join our team as a

We are looking for a great individual to join our team as a

CANNABIS RETAIL SPECIALIST The successful applicant will: • Assist store management and work as a team • Be able to work independently with staff • Be available to work days or evenings • Perform all duties within the store, receiving, • Have a passion for cannabis and take pride in cash and customer service great customer service • Work quickly and efficiently with attention to • Training and education available detail Must obtain BC Worker Security Verification as required to work with cannabis.

(Costs reimbursed). Must be 19 years+ to apply.

Liquor Retail Specialist The successful applicant will: • Assist Store Management, and work as a team • Have an eye for merchandising • Be able to work independently with staff • Have passion for beer,wine, spirits and take • Perform all duties within the store, receiving, pride in great customer service cash and customer service • Training and education available • Be physically fit, able to lift up to 30lbs • Work quickly, efficiently, with attention to detail Experience in retail and/or hospitality would be an asset but not necessary.

If you are interested in working in a new, fun and productive work environment, submit resume to:

We offer professional and personal growth through educational opportunities. If you are interested in working in a fun productive environment submit resume to:

Jennifer McLennan, gmjencannabis@gmail.com or hand deliver to Invermere Liquor Store (in front of Canadian Tire), Attn: Jennifer McLennan

Jennifer McLennan gmjenliquor@gmail.com or hand deliver to Invermere Liquor Store, Attn: Jennifer McLennan

May 14, 2020

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

A mother’s love, a Father’s love As I read this, I pondered on the love my mom had for me. I also ponder on God’s love.

As important as a mother’s love is, so much more important is God’s love for us. A mother’s love is for a season. God’s love is for all I would like to talk about my mom. eternity, a love so huge that words can Last Sunday was Mother’s Day. And ten not describe it; in fact the Bible tells us years ago, on Friday, May 7, 2010 – we can’t measure it. With all that is gotwo days before Mother’s Day – we laid ing on today, we should be calling out to my mom to rest, alongside dad, at the God, we should be getting in real close Windermere cemetery. to Him. With all the uncertainty going on in In these very uncertain times I hope the world these days I find some comfort that you take the time to remember and in remembering the “good old days,” to show those that are near and dear to and of course, our mothers were at the you, how much you care for and love very centre of those days. Mother’s Day them. And as Dr. Bonnie Henry says each year brings back those memories. each day in her report, be kind to one Good memories. At that time I shared Pastor Wayne Frater another, both those you know, and those a poem, on the Faith page, and I would that you don’t. like to share it with you again.

I also hope you take time to show Like all moms, my mom was very God – and I think this is something we should do each special and, as I was preparing for her funeral, I found this poem, and it kind of expresses how I feel about her. day – how much you love and appreciate Him. God has given us so much to be thankful for. When No words can ever really express the love we feel, but I we spend time with Him, and think about His goodness, thought it was pretty good. faithfulness and blessings in our life, it will change us on the inside, when we spend time, and tell Him how much My Mother Kept a Garden we love Him, when we focus on the fact that He saved author unknown us, and set us free, as we take time – as it says in Psalms My mother kept a garden 91 – to dwell in the secret place of the most high, as we A garden of the heart abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

She planted all the good things The challenges and obstacles of day to day life will that gave my life its start begin to fade away. God will make a way, if we trust Him, She turned me to the sunshine and let Him. and encouraged me to dream, God’s Word in Romans 8:38-39 tells us: “For I am Fostering and nurturing persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor the seeds of self-esteem... principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things And when the winds and rain came, to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, she protected me enough — shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is But not too much because she knew in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

I’d need to stand up strong and tough.

1 Peter 1:24-25 says: “For all flesh is as grass, and all Her constant good example the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withalways taught me right from wrong — ereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word Markers for my pathway of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which that will last a lifetime long. by the gospel is preached unto you.”

I am my mother’s garden Bless you all. Remember we are all in this together. I I am her legacy — am pulling for you.

And I hope today she feels the love Trust God, be safe, be kind, and keep smiling. reflecting back from me.

Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship

Please email office@wvsm.ca to request a link to our online services which start at 10:30 a.m., Sundays.

250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY Worship services are discontinued for the foreseeable future.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH All events canceled until further notice.

St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats., Canadian Martyrs’ – Invermere, St. Joseph’s – Radium.

Father Jojo Augustine • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6167

ST. PETER’S MISSION OF INVERMERE Due to COVID-19, we have restructured our physical Sunday worship services to be online at our YouTube channel “Hungry for Life.” For updates, inspirational resources, and prayer requests, please go to our website: www.eklutheran.ca Pastor Doug Lutz, 250-464-0100 mtzionlc@hotmail.com

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937

Three different sites will be monitored throughout the spring and summer months, every Tuesday morning.

While monitoring must begin as a solo project, we hope to include volunteer citizen scientists once social distancing rules have been lifted.

If you would like to join us for water sampling in the future, please contact Georgia Peck at 250-3416898 or info@lakeambassadors.ca Thank you to the Columbia Valley Pioneer, District of Invermere, Regional District of East Kootenay, Columbia Basin Trust, LUSH Charity Pot, Columbia Valley Local Conservation Fund and the Columbia Valley Community Foundation for their support of our lake monitoring program!

The Pioneer can

take you r do llar With 6,400 copies far in circulation each week, th er your message is resonating

!

The 2020 Lake Windermere sampling season has officially begun! As Lake Windermere Ambassador’s acting program coordinator, I had a great day collecting water quality samples now that the lake is free of ice, as of Friday, April 17, 2020.

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY ANGLICAN-UNITED

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m.

Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Rick Daniels • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs 250-421-3756

www.lakeambassadors.ca

Lake Windermere Pulse Check for April 30 Average Water Temperature: 11.5 °C Average Water Depth: 4.53m Average Turbidity: 1.89 NTU Average D.O.: 10.25 ppm Average pH: 8.13

Online Sundays at 10:30 a.m.

Visit https://lwac.online.church 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lwac.ca

CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS

Lake Windermere Pulse Check Submitted by Georgia Peck, Lake Windermere Ambassadors

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

with residents and visitors alike.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 14, 2020

GRAND OPENING OF NEW CHALETS • Great Views • Designer Kitchens • Stainless Steel Appliances • Washer/Dryer • Quartz Counter Top • Distinctive Interiors • HV/AC with Heat Pump • Double Garage • 2 and 3 Bedroom plans • 2 1/2 Baths

OPEN HOUSE WITH P.P.E. FOR YOU

S AT U R D AY 10 AM – 5 PM

See what’s new and what’s coming!

From $412,900 plus GST

One-floor villas and custom homes.

Building lots from $75,000

2588 Ledgerock Ridge Invermere $759,000 • MLS# 2451309

1850 Tretheway Rd Windermere $749,900 • MLS# 2450567

4478 Larch Bay Fairmont/Columbia Lake $719,000 • MLS# 2451238

2593 Sandstone Manor Invermere $689,000 • MLS# 2430153

2554 Sandstone Mews Invermere $619,000 • MLS# 2434895

8-640 Upper Lakeview Rd Invermere $579,900 • MLS# 2442477

4646 Rowan Street Windermere $549,000 • MLS# 2450562

D-730 9TH Avenue Invermere $539,900 • MLS# 2450871

6971 Columbia Ridge Rd Fairmont/Columbia Lake $525,000 • MLS# 2451857

202 7th Avenue Invermere $475,000 • MLS# 2451450

7-640 Upper Lakeview Rd Windermere $429,000 • MLS# 2450935

7-705 15th Street Invermere $399,900 • MLS# 2450543

5775 Osprey Rd Fairmont/Columbia Lake $399,000 • MLS# 2442119

7-4868 Riverview Drive Edgewater North $365,900 • MLS# 2442506

5-4868 Riverview Drive Edgewater North $359,000 • MLS# 2439321

18-4868 Riverview Drive Edgewater North $339,990 • MLS# 2442490

117-7599 Eaglecrest Lane Radium Hot Springs $299,900 • MLS# 2451513

1108 Industrial Rd Invermere $299,000 • MLS# 2424303

325-701 14A Crescent Invermere $289,900 • MLS# 2451579

301-905 7TH Avenue Invermere $289,000 • MLS# 2451605

311-4769 Foresters Landing • Radium Hot Springs $229,000 • MLS# 2450672

1101-205 Third Avenue Invermere $189,900 • MLS# 2450424

Lot 10 Copperview Close Windermere $179,000 • MLS# 2439916

2516 Cobblestone Trail Invermere $94,400 • MLS# 2450473

2113 Pinetree Place Invermere $89,900 • MLS# 2436897

Lot 18 Canterbury Close Invermere $69,999 • MLS# 2426418

Each office is independently owned and operated.

Cell: 250•341•1395 • paulglassford@gmail.com paulglassford@pointagent.com