Columbia Valley Pioneer, December 8, 2022

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Photo by Ryan Watmough

Photos by Cam Gillies

VALLEY NEWS

Canal Flats daycare to open in the new year

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Canal Flats daycare centre is finally set to open first thing in the new year.

The project has been in the works for years, held up by COVID-19 pandemic-re lated delays and, on the construction side, by the same labour shortages plaguing the rest of the Columbia Valley. But with the building now virtually finished, several staff members hired, and with local parents already expressing strong interest, the village-run daycare is set to open Tuesday, January 3.

“It’s super exciting. It’s been a long project,” daycare centre manager, Ashley Niel sen, told the Pioneer. “Canal Flats has had the need (for a daycare centre) forever. The community been watching and waiting for a long time now, and we’re almost there.”

When the Pioneer spoke with Nielsen on Thursday, December 1, news of the cen tre’s imminent opening had been public for just two days, but parents had already requested pre-registration for 34 kids.

Once the centre is fully operational it will have space for 40 kids: 16 in an ag es-three to five program; eight in an infant-and-toddler program (for kids under age three) and; 16 in an after-school program (for kids age 5 and older).

“There’s a lot of interest,” said Nielsen. She added that most of the demand so far has been for the ages-3-to-5 program. “That’s where the greatest need is,” explained Nielsen.

Although the daycare will open on Jan. 3, not all the centre’s programs will start right away. Initially it will be just the ages three to five program.

“We need more staff (for the other programs). Everything is dependent on staff,” said Nielsen.

Canal Flats chief administrative officer (CAO), Richard Wayken, told the Pioneer that the daycare will open with a phased approach. The village hopes to start the in fant-toddler program later on in the spring, and then from there, to add the after-school program as well as its planned summer programs.

“We’re still in the process of staffing. We’ve got some staff, and we’ve been lucky to secure some great employees locally (from Canal Flats), but we’re still recruiting more,” explained Wayken.

So far there are four employees at the daycare, and all will be involved with the ages three to five program. When the centre starts its infant-toddler program, it will need another three or four early childhood educators.

Wayken outlined that the valley’s ongoing labour shortage played a role in the delays, saying, “there were challenges with construction in just trying to find enough bodies to complete the work.”

But at last the building is now nearly finished. “The inside is absolutely beautiful. The exterior is not completely finished - there’s a little bit left to do - but you’d never know looking at it,” said Wayken. “It’s probably the best childcare space you’ll see in the Columbia Valley.”

The rush of parents for pre-registration (which Wayken pointed out came without the village doing any advertising whatsoever) is evidence of the need for daycare in Ca nal Flats, he said, adding that if the demand remains high and the daycare is full, Canal Flats will look at expanding the centre in the future.

“This is a very important project. It is a key part of resident and business attrac tion,” said Wayken.

The village will own and operate the daycare at first, but “as it matures, we (the village) will look at an exit (from running the daycare), probably by having a nonprofit society manage it. But we want to make sure it is stable before we do that.”

On Friday, Dec. 16 the village will hold an official public open house and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new daycare centre.

In the meantime, daycare staff such as Nielsen can’t wait to welcome the first kids

Canal Flats looks at idea of outdoor skating rink

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Village of Canal Flats is going to look at the possibility of an outdoor skating rink this winter.

The idea was sparked during last week’s Canal Flats council meeting, when Canal Flats Community Society member, Shawn Doherty appeared before council, outlin ing potential new recreation opportunities in the village including a simple outdoor ice rink, a skatepark and a splash park.

The possibility of an outdoor rink intrigued council members, who directed vil lage staff to investigate the matter and report back to council about what it would cost and about the liability associated with such a rink.

in the new year. Nielsen was hired as the daycare centre manager back in May, and has plenty of firsthand experience with the childcare crunch in Canal Flats. She grew up in the village, then later left as an adult. Nielsen moved back when she had her own kids, and quickly realized the lack of childcare options available to Canal Flats parents. She starting caring for the kids of friends who couldn’t secure daycare.

“Things grew from there,” Nielsen explained, and soon she was running a fullblown home-based daycare. She did so for 11 years, until she was forced to close down when the COVID-19 pandemic arrived. When the opportunity to work for the new village run daycare arose, she jumped at the chance.

Members of the public are welcome at Dec. 16 open house, where they will have an opportunity to tour the facility.

The Canal Flats daycare centre — which has been years in the making — is at last slated to open this winter. Earlier plans called for the centre (shown here in September 2022) to open in fall 2021, but various delays pushed the project back by more than a year. It is now set to open in the new year, on Jan. 3.

Photo by Ryan Watmough

December 9th &

aturday, December 10th

10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

RCMP Report

Released by: Cpl. Jeff Witzke Columbia Valley RCMP

This past week, November 28 through December 5, the Columbia Valley RCMP responded to 48 calls for service. The following is a summary of some of the file our officers responded to.

On Monday November 28, the RCMP were made aware of an 18-wheeler transport truck that had been parked at a pullout just off Highway 95 near Brisco for the last 48 hours. Members attended the location where they located the vehicle still parked. The driver was inside and informed members that he became ill and was wait ing until he felt better before carrying on.

On Tuesday November 29, the RCMP received a re port from a person who fell victim to a fraudulent phone scam. The victim received a call from someone pretending to be with FIDO and was wanting personal information; date of birth, drivers license, social insurance number etc.

On December 1, the RCMP were made aware of

a mischief to a vehicle in Invermere. The vehicle was parked in an underground parkade where someone cut out the catalytic converter. It is unknown when the theft occurred as the vehicle had been parked for the last six months.

On December 1, the RCMP received a report of a fraudulent scam that occurred over Facebook. The com plainant put a deposit down for a piece of equipment that was being sold on Facebook and located in Cran brook. When the complainant went to pick up the item, the address in Cranbrook was real, however the owner had no idea what was going on and had not posted any items on Facebook for sale.

The RCMP receive numerous complaints regarding fraudulent scams every week. A lot of these scams are very convincing and it can be difficult to differentiate be tween a real company and a fraudulent caller. If interested in learning more about the recent scams and frauds, you can go online and visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Santa will be on the town this Friday

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Santa will be back in Invermere, making a tour of the town once again this year.

Wilder subdivision at about 4:30 p.m. From there he’ll swing back along 7th Avenue (Invermere’s main street), through other parts of the downtown, and then into Athalmer not long after 5 p.m.

times,

addition of ‘live streaming’ procedures, public

late items and additions to the agenda and the addition of a section on Committee of the Whole meetings and Standing and Select Committees

A copy of the Bylaw is available for inspection at the Municipal Office 4836 Radium Boulevard, Radium Hot Springs, BC during regular office hours (8:30 a m 4:30 p m), Monday to Friday, excepting Statutor y Holidays

It’s a tradition that started two years ago, during the first COVID-19 pandemic-altered Christmas. At that point, pandemic restrictions had put most normal visits to sit on Santa’s knee on ice, so the District of Invermere and several other entities teamed up, and put the big jolly red fellow on the back of a semi trailer and hauled him through the streets of the community.

The ‘Santa on the Town’ tour was a hit, and so the district did it again last December. This year, COVID-19 restrictions have been completely lifted, but the event is so popular that it will be running once again this coming Friday, Dec. 9.

Local kids can catch Saint Nick from the end of their driveways, from their front lawns or (if they wish to stay extra toasty warm during the currently frigid temperatures) through the window of their homes.

Santa and his elfish helpers will begin cruising around town at 4 p.m., starting at the Invermere Le gion and will wind their way all over Invermere for more than three hours. The timeline is very rough, and subject to plenty of change, but the plan is to have San ta pass by Kinsmen Beach and then loop through the

Next, Father Christmas will make his way along the northern part of 10th Avenue, then down 13th Ave nue with a stop near J.A. Laird Elementary School at about 6 p.m. After that he’ll continue south down 13th Avenue, circle into the Westside Park neighbourhood at about 6:20 p.m., then U-turn back north on 15th Avenue and head into the Westridge subdivision shortly after 7 p.m.

Old Kris Kringle will then circumnavigate around the Mount Nelson Athletic Park fields, pass back by J.A. Laird Elementary School once more (around 7:20 p.m. or so) and then finish off back at the Legion.

If you’re wondering if Pere Noel is getting close to your house or not, watch out for the flashing lights of the vehicles of the Invermere Fire Rescue Department, who will be escorting Santa and his crew. The district is asking people to stay on the sidewalk or their lawns to keep the roads clear.

‘Santa on the Town’ is joint effort by the District of Invermere, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 Wind ermere District, Invermere Fire Rescue and Invermere Home Hardware.

Jill Logan Corporate Officer

Lake Windermere Pointe’s first annual Pic tures with S anta fundraiser Lake Windermere Pointe Condos Pool House Ac tivity Room behind A&W.

Invermere downtown clock goes up

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypio neer.com

There’s a new landmark in Invermere: the District of Invermere (DOI) now has a freestanding downtown clock.

The stately black-andwhite analog timepiece, with hours marked in Roman nu merals, went up a few weeks ago and is now draped in a festive garland and laden with snow — prompting many locals (and a few visi tors) to post photos on social media.

That kind of buzz is exactly what the district was hoping for, explained Invermere mayor, Al Miller.

“It will become a meeting place. People will say ‘Let’s meet up at the clock’,” Miller told the Pioneer.

For those who haven’t seen it yet, picture something akin to cross between Vancou ver’s huffing Gastown steam clock and the gleaming, round opal glass Grand Central terminal clock in New York, but, of course, smaller in scale.

Invermere’s new downtown clock has been placed along 7th Avenue (Invermere’s main street), on the northwest corner of the four-way intersection by the banks (com monly known as Disfunction Junction because of the way the streets meet in disjointed fashion) where it makes a great southerly counterpoint to Invermere’s other local land mark, Rusty the Moose (which stands a few block north of the new clock, outside the Artym Gallery, on corner of 7th Avenue and 10th Street).

“I think it looks really nice. I really like that it’s analog. It brings some old-fash ioned charm to Invermere and adds to our downtown core. I also like that we now have the clock at one end of the downtown and Rusty at the other,” said Miller.

The clock may have only gone up recently, but it has been almost a year in the mak ing. It was proposed in late 2021 by Columbia Valley dentist, Jim Guild, his partner Robin Britton, and Doug Kipp, in memory of former Invermere resident Kris Scamen (Anderson). The residents had offered to buy the timepiece and donate it to the district.

Guild has worked all over western Canada, and had been struck by the aesthetical ly pleasing nature of several other municipal freestanding clocks he had encountered, particularly one in Whitehorse, Yukon, that was decorative but also functional, since it made sure that everybody in downtown Whitehorse always knew what time it was.

The value of the clock, including decorative details and shipping, is around $10,000, making it a generous gift indeed, and Miller expressed gratitude to Guild, Britton and Kipp.

“We’ve asked staff to do a survey and look into it a bit more,” Canal Flats mayor, Mark Doherty, told the Pioneer “The idea would be to have a small rink for families to use. On weekends, our arena is al ways booked right up. So this would be something for local kids to be able to just walk to, right in town, instead of having to walk to the beach (at Tilley Memorial Park) to go skating.”

Currently the park at Tilley, on Columbia Lake, is the only decent spot for unscheduled outdoor skating in the village, but it is a fairly long walk (more than three kilometres round trip) for most residents in the downtown core of Canal Flats to get to the park in winter.

The outdoor skating rink idea included perhaps having a fire pit or two near by, so skaters can warm up.

“Council has asked staff to evaluate it,” Cana Flats chief administrative officer (CAO), Richard Wayken told the Pioneer. “We’ll certainly look at it, look at the costs and maintenance.”

Wayken explained that although there is a lot of open space within the village that could suit an outdoor skating rink, the best spot is out by the main hall (the Canal Flats Civic Centre) and the arena.

The new freestanding clock in downtown Invermere has be come the district’s latest landmark, and is already generating some social media buzz.

Photo by Cortney Pitts

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

‘Canal Flats ourdoor skating rink’ from 3

PERSPECTIVE

Snowmen: a great exercise in art

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Snow can present a number of conditions and this time around, the focus is on the fun side of this amazing collection of ice crystals.

A cover of snow in the area highlights the beautiful shapes of the mountains, hills and trees. Skiing is hugely popular in the area. You can make an interesting trail of tracks in snow. Or follow an interesting trail of tracksdepending on the tracks of course. Some tracks are reason to head back to the safety of your vehicle. Snow angels are loads of fun - as long as your jacket and scarf and toque are securely snug around your neck and head!

How about blending creativity and exercise? That’s where snowmen come into the scene. A typical snowman is a stack of three large snowballs and items to decorate it with.

Snowmen have an interesting history. Wikipedia outlines that in 1511, the city of Brussels held a snow man festival in hopes of appeasing its hungry and poor citizens. Other incidents happened over the years.

Snowmen became more mainstream when the ‘Frosty the Snowman’ cartoon aired in 1969, which orig inated from a song of the same name, from 1950. In the cartoon, Frosty was magically brought to life by the old silk hat used on his head.

A number of strips in the ‘Peanuts’ comic strip fea tured the characters building snowmen. One memorable serial has the characters forbidden to build snowman be cause they don’t have the necessary government permits. Charlie Brown defiantly builds an unauthorized snow man in the middle of the night as a test case.

In the American cartoon, Calvin and Hobbes, Cal vin builds snowmen, sometimes unusually-shaped, of ten used to poke fun at the art world. And there’s Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Snowman’, a winter fairy story. ‘Oswald’ features a snowman, Johnny, who runs an ice cream shop.

Consider making your own snowman history. Scoop a bunch of snow together and roll it into snowballs and stack them. Gather a few branches, a carrot, a few stones - or coal if you have some on hand, a scarf, a hat/toque, put it all together and voila - there’s your snowman. If you don’t have items that are commonly used to adorn a snowman, visit the Invermere Thrift Shop - you’ll be helping your snow art come together and you’ll contrib ute to a valuable resource for the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary Society too! Happy creating!

Correction

In the Dec. 1 edition the Pioneer reported that local author Maureen Thorpe would be having an author book signing at Four Point Books on Sunday, Dec. 8. Astute readers will already have realized that there is no such date as Sunday, Dec. 8 this year. In fact the book signing was always scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 18. from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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Columbia Valley Food Bank celebrates dedicated volunteer core

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The hard work of 45 volunteers with the Columbia Valley Food Bank (CVFB) was celebrated onsite on November 26. The dedicated group gathered at the food bank to enjoy a bite to eat and visit.

“The heart of the food bank is the incredible core of…vol unteers who give unstintingly of their time, dedication and com mitment to serve those in need,” said food bank chairman, Nesta Becker.

“A celebration of their contributions held on (Nov. 26) show cased all the tasks that are necessary to prepare a hamper for a client,” she said. “The CVFB wanted to recognize and celebrate these individuals for their commitment. Special thanks to Eileen, Janel and Dawn for planning this event.”

Becker listed the steps involved in preparing a hamper and it’s a long list: “Meeting with clients; packing hampers; organiz ing; scheduling and pick-up of food donations and food recovery from grocery stores; date-checking; sorting and shelving items; procurement from local producers; repackaging of staples; kids’ snacks bag packaging; facility and inventory management; AG weekly grocery ordering and receiv ing; picking up milk order(s); phone monitoring; volunteer liaison/orientation; cleaning; collecting boxes used for hampers; recycling; social media; special events and; contributions from the board members including adminis tration, community connections and (overseeing) finances.”

“The organization and operation has been run entirely on the efforts of 45 volunteers who put in between 150 and 200 hours per month,” Becker continued. “It’s continually evolving but our team rolls with it and even has fun doing it!

“New volunteers (are) always welcome!”

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Paradise Mine circa 1920’s. 3 stiff leg derricks with men standing on payloads Courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Over 40 volunteers with the Columbia Valley Food Bank got together at the food bank on No vember 26 for a visit and delicious food. The dedicated bunch work hard regularly to orga nize hampers for individuals and families in the area.

Invermere moves to Energy Step Code level 3

Provincial government will require Step 3 across B.C. starting in new year

By Steve Hubrecht steve@columbiavalleypioneer.com

The District of Invermere (DOI) will move to Step 3 of the B.C. Energy Step Code for all new builds starting in the new year.

Invermere council voted to adopt Step 3 standards during a recent council meeting, but there was never any doubt about the move, since the provincial government is widely expected to make Step 3 standards mandatory across B.C. starting January 1 or very soon thereafter.

A district staff report to council on the matter noted that Step 3 is commonly considered the baseline standard

for builders today and is equivalent to being 20 per cent more energy efficient than a home built to code in 2018.

Invermere’s new building official, Wayne Gambor ski, who is also a trained energy advisor and has previ ous experience with the step code, spoke to council at the meeting, saying, “We have good builders doing good things. We’re in a good place here in Invermere.”

Invermere councillor, Gerry Taft, asked why the step code only considers energy efficiency and does not also factor in the lifecycle (and relatively longevity or lack thereof) of building materials.

“It’s weird, in a sense, that that’s not included,” com mented Taft.

A sashing success

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Columbia Valley Métis Association’s (CVMA) Louis Riel Day celebration and election at its annual general meeting (AGM) were a sashing success on Novem ber 28 with a record-breaking turnout of 54 members.

“It was absolutely phenomenal, it was powerful, it was emotional,” said CVMA president, Monica Fisher. “It was incredible to see the sense of pride and connection that it bought to our community.”

Twenty three Métis citizens were sashed, some who have become recent mem bers and some who have been longstanding like Christina Boucher, a CVMA mem ber for over 15 years.

“It was an emotional and moving experience,” said Boucher. “Even more so be cause my sister and I were sashed at the same time. I’m proud of my heritage. I feel a sense of belonging.”

Rosanna Gillard is also proud of her heritage and her father’s, who was French Cree Métis and from Saskatchewan. She received her citizenship in 2020 during COVID.

“When my father passed away in 2018, it especially became important for me to receive my membership to honour him and his rich heritage,” said Gillard. “I also felt very honoured to have received my sash from our local elder, Ev McGilvery, on Saturday night. It feels good to be a part of the Columbia Valley Métis Association.”

With such a beautiful and rich heritage, it is tragic to think that many Indige nous Peoples have grown up ashamed of it. That was the case for the grandmother of Jamie Demmon, a CVMA member of five years who was also one of the 23 sashed.

“For me the sashing signifies the pride I feel, the pride I wish my gramma was allowed to feel,” said Demmon. “I’m very proud to be Métis, and I’m the first in my family to be sashed. Change starts with one person, and I hope that my gramma is proud of me for making that change.”

After the celebration, the CVMA had its election at the annual general meeting (AGM). Walter Mineault, vice president, Métis Nation British Columbia, chaired the meeting. Fisher will remain as president.

“I’m excited, I’m relieved, and I am looking forward to continuing developing and learning, and growing as a president,” said Fisher. “I’m very excited about our new board. We have people that are very involved in our community already who are proud and passionate Métis individuals that want to build our community and support our citizens in the right way.”

Elected as directors are Pheb Goulet, and Kalista Pruden. Cherrie Burke was elected treasurer and said, “I was very impressed with the turn-out and how orga nized the AGM was.”

Former vice president, Val Bracken, will remain with the board as a non-voting member and its women’s representative. Vice-president is Topher Burke, who recent ly returned home to Invermere after being away for nearly 20 years and has been very involved with CVMA ever since his return.

“Topher moved back here last year and has been at every Métis event that we have hosted since,” said Fisher. “He is passionate, proud, and I think he is going to add so many incredible things to our team.”

Topher said he was inspired by this opportunity to give back to his community

Gamborski answered that the lifecycle of materials is destined to become part of the standards in the future, saying, “provincially and nationally — it’s coming.”

Councillor, Theresa Wood, asked if there was any reason for Invermere not to go straight to Step 4.

“There are additional costs associated with going to Step 4,” replied Invermere chief administrative officer (CAO), Andrew Young, adding those would raise the purchase costs of new homes and could work against housing affordability.

The DOI, and indeed the rest of the Columbia Val ley, has been wracked by an acute affordable housing cri sis for several years.

and help steward his beautiful Métis culture that was nearly erased due to colonialism. “Coming back into our culture has immense personal value to me and I’m grateful to the people of the CVMA for this opportunity to learn, share, help and guide us for ward,” said Topher. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work on things such as housing, mental health, life promotion and reclaiming the traditional roles of Two Spirit people in Métis culture.”

Fisher said one of the first short-term orders of business for that CVMA team will be board fundamentals. “We are looking at doing a financial audit as well and will look at building committees for things education, elders, youth, culture, heritage, and housing.”

A community dinner was provided by Kootenay Coffee Works to celebrate Louis Riel Day, which is held annually on November 16.

“The reason we hosted the sashing on this night was also to celebrate Louis Riel Day,” said Fisher. “The sashing was the highlight of the evening. It was special to be able to honour our new citizens as well as celebrate Louis Riel and all he worked for and fought for, and ultimately gave his life for. It’s this recognition that when you look at the sash there’s this understanding that you are connected not only to the ancestors, but also the community and that you are never alone.”

Rockies split home and home series, remain in first place

Submitted by Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies jour neyed down to the Johnny Bucyk Arena in Creston on December 2. Your Rockies would open scoring early in the first but the home town team would respond late in the first and the period would conclude with both teams notching one.

The Rockies jumped up with two quick goals in the second, taking a 3-1 lead. However the tide would change dra matically as Creston answered back with

five goals, taking a 6-3 lead into the dress ing room as the siren sounded, closing out the second period.

The Rockies dug deep and battled back but come up short in a 7-6 final game in favour of the home town Thundercats.

On Dec. 3 both teams met again at the Eddie Mountain Memorial arena which Rockies fans are calling the ‘Yeti Den’! Your Rockies and the Yeti were in a mood this night….. #YallYetiForThis

New staff from Panorama were wel comed with festivities provided by the Rockies, ULLR bar and Syndicate Board shop at the annual Panorama meet and greet game. Before the game began, Eric Lange from Syndicate Boardshop award ed the October Player of the Month to #13, Anthony Domina, and the Novem ber Player of the Month to #9, Keenan Ingram. Both players received a gift bag sponsored by Syndicate Boardshop.

As the puck was dropped your Rock ies were determined to make a statement and punish the visitors both physically and on the scoreboard in front of a mas sive home town crowd, ensuring the Yeti Den would live up to its reputation of not being a place any visiting team wants to enter…

At 1:10 Kayde Kinaschuk would notch his 11th goal of the season with as sists from Domina and Lucas De La Salle. On this night, in front of this crowd, the Rockies and the Yeti would not look back.

Twenty five seconds, later newly-acquired Blake Hiltermann did serious damage to his old team’s confidence with a beauty goal set up from de la Salle. Keenan In gram added to the tally to close out the first period action. The crowd was thrilled with the play and the Yeti Den was echo ing with chants from the fans cheering on the home town Rockies.

The Rockies and the Yeti added to the domination in the second as the ice was tilted towards the visitors end, as announcer, Cable, called it, “ not much snow down at the Rockies end as all the action is in front of the Tcats”. Teo Fath got his second goal of the year on a shot from Hiltermann twelve minutes in. Then Kayde Kinaschuk added to his season tally setup again from Domina and de la Sal le. To close out the second period, Kobe Mason notched one from Sparrow and Ingram. Rockies lead 6-1 after two.

The Den was rocking with Richard and his ULLR team providing beverage service for the Panorama Meet and Greet event, as the Pano staff were eager to rock the roof at the start of the third. Ten min utes in Kayde Kinaschuk would bring the fans to their feet with, as announcer, Ca ble, called it, ‘a filthy goal and slick hands’! This would be a hat trick for Kayde – his first of the year! Normand got the assist. Less than a minute later Ingram undressed the TCats goalie and pocketed his 21st goal of the season from Sparrow and Hil

termann. The crowd erupted when local talent and hard hitting Jonah Fournier tipped in his first of the year on a shot by Harrison Aldridge.

Rockies got their revenge and put on a show in the Yeti Den 9–1 to close out the weekend and remain in first place.

The Rockies play in Fernie on Tues day, Dec. 6 and then host at home Friday Dec. 9 against Revelstoke and Saturday, Dec. 10 against Nelson. Come on out and experience the Yeti! #YallYetiForThis

Christine’s Hair Design provides a wide range of services

By Joanne McQuarrie editor@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Longtime hairstylist , Christine Johansen, of Chris tine’s Hair Design, loves her new space.

Johansen set up shop at 240, 3rd Ave, Suite 4 (the

former Panache building) in September and said, “I couldn’t be happier.”

Johansen has worked in various salons throughout the valley over the years. “I had all the perks of being my own boss but didn’t have to deal with all that goes with running a physical salon,” she said. Yet, a change was in the (h)air.

“It was just time to have my own salon,” Johansen said. “This amazing spot was available, and it worked for me. The pieces all fell into place; it came together, felt right. I can do my own pricing, my own scheduling, my own services and the difference now, is I have 100 per cent control of my business.”

Johansen has been a licensed cosmetologist since 1987. She specializes in mature women’s hair care, and also provides a wide range of services beyond that in hair cutting, colour, perms, ear piercing, facial waxing, eye brow and eyelash tinting.

Johansen tailored the salon to her style. The interi or is grey and white with a touch of black and lavender accents. Items that are connected to her family are part of the decor. And , considering the season, Johansen in

corporated a ‘Christmasy’ feel too; she collects Christmas trees of many designs and shapes, and a few from her collection adorn shelves and counters in the salon.

Getting into the profession of hairstyling, Johansen said, “was a fluke. When I was 16, I had the opportuni ty to do some training. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. A family friends’ daughter was attending hairdressing school - so I thought that would be interesting. I went to Burnaby to the Moller School of Hairdressing; I graduat ed in 1986. Then I went back to Golden and did a year’s apprenticeship. I stayed at that salon for years after that.”

Johansen moved to Invermere and for the next 31 years worked in various salons. For over 20 of those years, after opening her own business, she rented space at the salons.

When Johansen knew she’d be moving in to her own space, she “contacted every single client, then advertised, handed cards out, bought advertising at the Eddie Moun tain Memorial Arena above the players’ benches”.

“I find it’s fun here. There’s less stress; it’s way more work, but less stress. I love it!”

Eric Lange with Syndicate Boardshop, pre sented a gift bag to Keenan Ingram, Rock ies forward, as the November Player of the Month. Photo submitted

Eric Lange with Syndicate Boardshop, pre sented a gift bag to Anthony Domina, Rock ies rightwing, as the October Player of the Month. Photo submitted

WHAT’S HAPPENING? cvevents.ca

POWERED BY THE COLUMBIA VALLEY CHAMBER

ursday, December 8

● 8 p.m.: Moontricks Tour: Live at Ullr. Some tickets left at the door!

• 9- 11:30 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary, free drop-in for children 0-5 and caregivers.

• 10-11:30 a.m.: Free Parent and Tot Connect for kids 0-6 at the Early Years Center; 926 7th Ave, Invermere.

• 10:15 a.m. - 1p.m.: Tech Time at the Invermere Public Library. Free tech assistance and support.

• 10:30 a.m.: Rhyme Time at Radium Library. Children 0-2, register: wvcoordinator@cbal.org

• 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at Columbia Valley Centre. $2 Drop In.

• 12 p.m.: Senior’s Lunch at the Invermere Legion, $5 every second Thursday.

• 2 p.m.: Senior’s Tea at the Invermere Public Library (Second and 4th Thursdays of each month)

• 2 p.m.: Tech Time at the Radium Public Library (free tech assistance and support drop-in)

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Youth Hub

• 3:30 p.m.: Thursday Fundays at the Invermere Library. STEAM and Crafternoons on alternating weeks.

• 6:30 p.m.: Darts, cards and Cribbage at the Invermere Legion every Thursday.

• 6:45 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Invermere Legion for members and Guests. $30 buy in.

• 7:30 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere. $3/ per person, ages 19+.

• 9 p.m.: Karaoke at the Station Pub. Every second Thursday, 19+.

Friday, December 9

● 6:30 p.m.: NOISE NOISE NOISE: Christmas Concert. Tickets are $28, fees included. At the Canal Flats Events Centre (4957 Burns Ave). Dec 9 & 10.

● 7:30 p.m.: The Light of Christmas: Valley Voices Concert. December 9 & 10 at the Windermere Valley Shared Ministry (110- 7th Ave, Invermere). Tickets $10.

● 7:30 p.m.: Rockies vs. The Revelstoke Grizzlies.

• 9-10:30 a.m.: Mom t and preschool group at the Columbia Valley Centre.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson.

scan me!

• 10:30 a.m.: Family Story Time at the Invermere Public Library. Stories, songs and crafts.

• 12 & 5 p.m.: Edgewater Legion wing day! 12 p.m.: Takeout, 5 p.m. dine-in, call 250-347-9725.

• 1 p.m.: Seniors’ duplicate bridge: Costs $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 2 p.m.: Free Youth Drop-in Fun at the Youth Hub.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub grub at the Invermere Legion every Friday and Saturday.

• 5:30 p.m.: Magic the Gathering. Play in the tournament at 5:30. Age 10+, $20.

• 6 p.m.: Rotary Community Bingo: Must be 19+ to play. Join us to raise money, give back, have fun, and support local. Visit us on Facebook to purchase your bingo card.

• 9 p.m: Karaoke Night at the Windermere Whitehouse Pub. Must be 19+, come have fun!

Saturday, December 10

● 6:30 p.m.: NOISE NOISE NOISE: Christmas Concert. Tickets are $28, fees included.

At the Canal Flats Events Centre (4957 Burns Ave). Dec 9 & 10.

● 7:30 p.m.: The Light of Christmas: Valley Voices Concert. December 9 & 10 at the Windermere Valley Shared Ministry (110- 7th Ave, Invermere). Tickets $10

● 7 p.m. Rockies vs. the Nelson Leafs

• 10:30 a.m.: LEGO/Duplo at the Invermere Library, drop-in fun.

• 10:30 a.m.: Pokemon Club at Main Street Fun and Games. Reading pro ciency required, ages 7+.

• 4-8 p.m.: Pub Grub at the Invermere Legion, Fridays and Saturdays.

Sunday, December 11

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 7 p.m. Live Music at Horsethief Pub.

Monday, December 12

• 9 a.m.: Bottle drive - Rotary Fundraiser. The Rotary Club collects refundable bottles at the Invermere Transfer Station. Raised funds are used for the community.

• 9:15 a.m.: StrongStart at Eileen Madson Primary.

• 10-11 a.m.: Seniors Yoga: Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2).

• 1:30 p.m.: Seniors Carpet Bowling. Join us for $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 4 p.m.: LGBTQ+ & Allies Drop-In & Hangout at the Youth Centre Hub.

• 5 p.m.: Industry night at the Whitehouse. Pool and drinks for resort and restaurant sta .

Tuesday, December 13

● 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Make a Rustic Wreath Workshop. Groundswell Network Society will be at Pynelogs to get crafty with wreaths with you! Refreshments provided.

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart/ CAP-C at Edgewater Elementary (children 0-5 and caregivers).

• 10 a.m.: Parent & Tot Connect at the Early Years Centre.

• 10:30 a.m.: Seniors Fitness at the Columbia Valley Centre ($2 drop in).

• 10:30 a.m.: Homeschool meetup at the Invermere Public Library.

• 1- 3:30 p.m.: Afternoon events for artists at the Radium Public Library. Weekly get-together for budding artists. Sketch, paint, knit, carve crochet, or anything else. Bring your own supplies.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in fun at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 6-8:30 p.m.: Second Winds Community Band Rehearsal. Tuesdays at the Invermere Catholic Hall. BYO Instrument, Contact Ian at 250-342-9733.

Wednesday, December 14

● 5-8 p.m.: Christmas Bu et at the Invermere Legion. $20/person, reserve your table by calling 250-342-9517. Deadline to reserve is the 10th

• 9 a.m.: StrongStart Drop-in for kids 0-6 & Caregivers in Canal Flats at Martin Morigeau.

• 10 a.m.: Parent and Tot Connect at the Early Years Centre.

• 10-11 a.m.: Senior’s Yoga at the Columbia Valley Community Centre ($2 drop in).

• 12:30 p.m.: Senior’s Duplicate Bridge. $2 at the Invermere Senior’s Hall.

• 12-8 p.m.: Wear Wednesdays. Come to Arrowhead Brewery wearing our swag for $1 o your pint.

• 3 p.m.: Free youth drop-in at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 3:45 p.m.: Teen Library Drop-in at the Invermere Library.

• 5 p.m.: Dinner at the Legion. Reserve your table by the Saturday prior. 250-342-9517.

• 7 p.m.: Trivia Night at the Station Pub. $5/ person, max 6/ team.

THANK YOU

to all who generously donated items to the Friends of the Invemere Public Library annual Christmas Auction raising funds for the Invermere Public Library.

• BOB HAHN

• CATHY HOWARD

CHOPPERS PET SUPPLIES

• CIRCLE HEALTH

• COLUMBIA RIDGE POTTERY- GERRY GEORGE

• COLUMBIA RIVER PADDLE

COPPER POINT GOLF RESORT

• DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

• EAGLE RANCH GOLF RESORT

• FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT

• FLOURISHING HEALTH

GREYWOLF GOLF RESORT

• INSPIRE FLORAL BOUTIQUE

• INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY STAFF

• KINSMEN CLUB

KOOTENAY COFFEE WORKS

• KRS PHOTOGRAPHY & FRAMING

• LA GALERIA II

• MAIN STREET FUN & GAMES

• MOUNTAIN HOME YOGA NIPIKA MOUNTAIN RESORT

• NORM FUNELL

• PURPLE COW GIFT SHOP

• RADIUM BREWING

• RADIUM GOLF GROUP

SAUNDERS FAMILY FARM

• SELKIRK CELLULAR & OFFICE SUPPLIES

• SERENITY FARM

• STATION PUB – HEATHER McLEOD TEA etc

• THE TRADING CO.

• THREE BEARS GIFT SHOP

• TIM HORTONS

• WILD WONDERS INSECTARIUM WINDERMERE VALLEY GOLF COURSE

AND A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO : COLUMBIA BASIN TRUST, TRACY CONNERY – FUNDABLES FOR ONLINE HOSTING THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO DONATED ITEMS TO MAKE THE AUCTION SO SUCCESSFUL

A BIG THANKS TO THE BIDDERS. THROUGH YOUR PURCHASES THE AUCTION RAISED OVER $6,000. MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS. SEE YOU AT THE BIG BOOK SALE IN AUGUST.

Banff Mountain Film Festival world tour comes back to Invermere

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club encourages the young to get out skiing

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Film lovers unite. After a virtual event last year, the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club (TCNSC) will host the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour on January 8 at the Columbia Valley Community Centre in Inver mere. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. while the movie magic gets underway at 6 p.m.

“This event is a community favourite so be sure to grab your tickets quickly. They also make great stocking stuffers,” said Dallas Husar, TCNSC director of commu nications. “The world tour is one of our two main fund raisers for the club, the second being the Nipika Panora ma Loppet. We love that we get to bring a piece of this incredible event to our town and that our community gets to view the inspiring and jaw-dropping feats being accomplished throughout the world.”

The Banff Mountain Film Festival started in 1976 and has been travelling across the globe for over 30 years. TCNSC has hosted the world tour as one of their main fundraisers for the last 12 years. Before they officially took over as hosts, RK Heliskiing hosted the festival, and donated all proceeds to the Nordic Ski Club.

“This evening of films is an annual sellout and tickets always go very quickly. We know that community mem bers look forward to this event all year,” Husar said. “Not only is it an opportunity to enjoy world class cinematog raphy and a great chance to mix and mingle with friends and fellow adventure enthusiasts, it helps to support ev erything the TCNSC has to offer our community.

“Everyone views these films from different lenses. Some find them inspiring and are motivated to go and seek new thrills and adventures. Others are impressed and applaud the extreme skills of those in the films. Regard less of their takeaway, they are always well entertained.”

TCNSC is proud of their youth programming, which encourages kids of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors.

reationally. Living in the Columbia Valley, we have so many great places to ski, which is a huge benefit.”

For kids those ages three to five is the Bunnies which teaches the basics of skiing like balance and movement. Kids ages six to nine get to be Jackrabbits; that focuses more on skiing fundamentals and building off the exist ing skills they learned in the Bunnies program. Children nine or older who successfully completed Jackrabbits or at a comparable level of skiing, are eligible for their Track Attack program. This encourages the students to further refine their skills. Finally for youth, TCNSC offers a skill development program for those who want to compete regionally or provincially. Husar said through working with their amazing, dedicated head coach, youth will have the chance to race, train and travel with athletes their own age.

“Our coaches are all enthusiastic about making sure children in the programs have fun,” said Husar. “Our head coach sums it up wonderfully that our main goal is to provide a lot of fun while providing the best skills to enjoy great winters here with us.”

FASHION SHOW, SMASHING SUCCESS

The Hospice Society held its second Fashion Show on November 24th to a sold-out crowd.

To our sponsor : Royal Lepage Rockies West Realty

To the clothing stores: Avenue Ladies Boutique, Inside Edge Boutique and Sports, La Galeria II and the wonder ful models

To our amazing restaurants: Old Salzburg Restaurant, Invermere Tim Hortons, Horsethief Creek Pub an Eater y, The Station Neighbourhood Pub, Rocky River Grill, Smokehouse 93, Pizzeria Mercato and Kalamata Grill.

To those who donated gifts, prizes, decorations and setup: Circle Market + Cafe, Kicking Horse Coffee, Rhiannon Tutty Advisor, Sun Life, Inside EDGE Boutique and Sports, Pampered Chef, Wild Mountain Chocolate, Saunders Family Farm, Avenue Ladies Boutique, Eagle Ranch Golf Course, La Galeria II, Home Hardware, Inspire Floral Boutique, Brenda Mitchell First Impressions, and Linda Warner

And to all the volunteers that dedicated their time to make this event a great success.

THANK YOU!

“Our main goal is to get kids outside, enjoying nor dic skiing and having a great time while doing so,” said Husar. “Everyone in the club is passionate about nordic skiing and the lifelong benefits. It’s a sport you can en joy solo or with friends and family, competitively or rec

Tickets went on sale on December 3 and are avail able at Crazy Soles in downtown Invermere. For TCNSC members, tickets are $30 and for non-members, $35.

Programming began on Dec. 3. Those registered in any of TCNSC’s programs may rent their gear through the club for the season. For more information on the festival or programming email bmff@tobycreeknordic.ca

Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club not only brings people together for the annual Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, but all winter long with their ski programming for kids and youth of ages. Photo by Cam Gillies

proceeds to Christmas Bureau

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

‘Tis the season to give, so why not give yourself an afternoon of entertain ment at the Windermere District Legion in downtown Invermere on December 18 as they host their first Christmas play, San ta’s New Sleigh, presented by The Hodge podge Players? Tickets are available at the door at $10 apiece. It’s the gift that keeps on giving: as all proceeds from the play will be donated to the Christmas Bureau.

“I think that the Christmas Bureau is, in many ways, a lifesaving organization,” said Juanita Rose Violini, founder of The Hodgepodge Players. “The joy they bring to many people of all ages, can lighten their hearts and help restore faith in oth ers. This effect can continue far beyond the time of a single Christmas. The work the Christmas Bureau does is a priceless gift to us all. The Hodgepodge Players hopes to raise as much money as possible to help support them.”

The Hodgepodge Players was creat ed only two months ago, when Violini inquired about the interest of live theatre on the Invermere Community Share Face book page.

“I received over 40 responses. I wasn’t really looking to start a theatre group but with 40 responses I figured that it would be worth having a meeting,” said Violini.

Violini has a long history of writing scripts and producing live murder mystery entertainment. She owned her own mur

der mystery company in Vancouver and has been in the business nearly 35 years. She currently does mystery plot consult ing and sells her scripts and expertise on line ar https://mysteryfactory.com/.

Last summer, Marius Hoofd, presi dent of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #71 Windermere District, expressed an interest in seeing more live entertainment and dinner theatre in the valley and this was the start of act one.

“After the abundant response from Invermere Community Share, I contacted Marius and asked if he was interested in a theatre group and if we could meet at the Legion and he responded with an enthusi astic yes,” said Violini. “The Hodgepodge Players is a team! Everyone contributes to the production, and everyone is responsi ble for their part. My interest in sourcing a theatre group is very specific, and I was clear from the beginning about what I had to contribute and what was expected oth er people would contribute.” Like the the saying goes, ‘All the world’s a stage and ev eryone plays their part.’ All the actors are responsible for their own lines, costumes and props. An eight-year-old member of the group is writing a song for the show, and another volunteer committed to the making of the sleigh.

“We wrote Santa’s New Sleigh togeth er. The idea for the play and having it be a fundraiser came out of our brainstorm ing sessions,” said Violini. “We are thrilled with how the production is coming along.

One of our props-savvy players is creating a nose for Rudolph that lights up and a fantastic community member has volun teered to make us a sleigh that flies! We have every age group imaginable from the valley, as well as some adventurous inter national students. Violini said the play is coming together because of the support of the Invermere Legion and Marius Hoofd. Without a budget, having the Legion as a space to rehearse and perform the play is invaluable. There is no monetary goal, just one to raise the spirits of both the audience members and the community with all proceeds being donated to the Invermere Christmas Bureau. These pro ceeds will help the Christmas Bureau pur chase grocery gift cards, gifts for children, including teen and senior gift bags with some small gifts and goodies for people who may need a little extra TLC over what for some can be a hard holiday season. “It means a great deal to the Christmas Bu reau to receive the proceeds from the play

Santa’s New Sleigh,” said Carrie Rickards, Christmas Bureau chair. “Every dona tion helps us to make sure that families in need will get some support during the holiday season. The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley’s goal is to help make Christmas brighter and cheerier for fam ilies from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats. Everyone from time to time has needs a helping hand.” The Christmas Bureau raises enough funds to support over 250 families a year, allowing these families to have a holiday meal and some gifts under a tree that otherwise would be bare or not standing at all. “I feel that it is always im portant to care for each other and act with kindness and generosity every day of the year,” said Violini. “A community’s real strength comes from accepting each oth er and helping each other to the best of our ability. Fundraisers during the holiday season is a valuable part of the strength of our community.”

The newly-formed theatre group, The Hodgepodge Players, will present the collaborated play ‘Santa’s New Sleigh’ at the Legion in downtown Invermere on December 18. All proceeds will go to the Christmas Bureau. Submitted photo.

leading the charge for women in groundwater monitoring

Submitted by Nicole Trigg Communications Director, Living Lakes Canada

With the growing climate crisis, sur face water supplies are becoming less reli able. We need a greater understanding of our groundwater systems. Invermere resi dent, Carol Luttmer, has been growing this understanding through the Living Lakes Canada Columbia Basin Groundwater Monitoring Program. And her efforts re cently received nation wide attention.

The latest edition of Ground Water Canada’s magazine recognized key wom en who are leaving their mark in the male-dominated groundwater industry. For their inaugural ‘Women in Ground water’ program, there was an overwhelm ing response as nominations poured in from coast to coast. Living Lakes Canada was excited to learn that Carol was selected as one of four honourees.

Luttmer regards her work with Living Lakes Canada as an opportunity to, “work on understanding scientifically difficult questions while also working with community members at the grassroots level”. During her four years as program manager, she’s successfully grown the groundwater monitoring program from seven volunteer observation wells in 2018 to 29 in 2022.

The program partners with well owners to establish volunteer observation wells. Water level sensors and data loggers are installed and maintained in the wells to col

lect hourly water level measurements. All the data are made publicly available on the Columbia Basin Water Hub (www.cbwaterhub.ca) and the BC real-time water data tool. Luttmer, on behalf of Living Lakes Canada’s groundwater program, has successfully collaborated with First Nations, municipalities, water supply system op erators, ranchers, land trusts, post-secondary education institutions and private landowners to collect and share groundwater level data.

“It was an honour to be recognized by Ground Water Canada, alongside wom en leaders in the well drilling industry, for my work with our non-profit Living Lakes Canada,” Luttmer continues. “Our groundwater program facilitates commu nity engagement by partnering with oth er organizations and well owners to track changes in groundwater levels over time, to generate long-term records about our groundwater resources. Being recognized by Ground Water Canada allows us to share the community-based work we’re doing here in the Columbia Basin with a national audience.”

The expansion of groundwater mon itoring is needed to meet the demand for sustainable water management. As Lutt mer told Ground Water Canada, “There is a growing interest among the public who wish to know if their water supply is se cure, and how climate change is impacting water supplies.”

Although groundwater is out of sight, Luttmer agrees that it certainly shouldn’t be out of mind. “We need all hands on deck to figure out how to manage water in perpetuity for future gen erations, both for human needs and for the ecological services it provides,” she said.

Living Lakes Canada is a national non-profit orga nization based in the B.C. Columbia Basin working to wards the long-term protection of Canada’s freshwater. Visit https://livinglakescanada.ca/ for more information.

HERE TO SERVE YOU

Carol Luttmer, with Living Lakes Canada’s Columbia Basin groundwater monitoring program, has been nationally recognized as one of four top ‘Women in Groundwater’ by Ground Water Canada. LLC Photo

Al Anon Are you concerned about or affec ted by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us on a “ZOOM” meeting ever y Monday at 7 p m For more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship, please call 250 342 8392

Alcoholics Anonymous If alcohol is causing problems or conic t in your life, AA can help All meetings are at 8 p m Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday at the BC Ser vice Building, South End 624 4th St., Invermere. Please call 250 342 2424 for more information or to speak with someone from our fellowship

A grateful cheers to Dr Stephanie and staff at the Invermere Vet Clinic for their loving care of our dear Jessy in her nal care We are grateful for ever ything you did for all of us in making that nal decision.

Cheers to Dr Brown for your wonder ful bedside manner I feel for tunate to have you as my doc tor

Cheers to Mark Chadney. You are a kind generous soul who puts other peoples needs ahead of your own The world needs more seless people like you!

VILLA FOR RENT

Cheers to Steve and Audrey at

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GENERAL CONTRAC TOR

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Wily wild wolverines-American wolverine

THE WILD FILES

It’s our nature

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

While at first glance a wolverine may look like a mixture between a skunk and a mini bear, they are the biggest members of the weasel family. There are two dif ferent subspecies of the wolverine: the Eurasian and the American wolverine. The latter is the one we see across North America and throughout the unceded territories of the Secwépemc and Ktunaxa Peoples and the land chosen as home by the Métis Peoples of B.C.

Elongated, wolverines are low to the ground with strong limbs and a round head and ears, and small beady eyes. They have large, five-toed paws. Adult wolverines are an average of 113 cm in length. Males weigh nearly 30 kg; females average 19 kg. Their paws and posture make it ideal to trek through snow and up mountains and steep cliffs. Their dark, oily fur is resistant to frost, which has made their fur a popular lining for winter coats.

Wooing in the winter

Male wolverines, known as hobbs, are polygamous and will woo many females, known as jills, during the winter months. In the spring, jills will birth a litter of one to four babies, called kits, in tunnels or basins that are highly elevated. Kits are born fully furred and with eyes closed and with their teeth not yet protruding.

Gluttons for punishment

Wolverines are called gluttons because of their scav enging traits, or a quickhatch which is borrowed from the East Cree word, kwiihkwahaacheew. Wolverines are known to be ferocious, extremely muscular with strength beyond their size, and tend to be loners. They are fearless when facing some of their predators such as mountain lions, wolves, bears and of course, people. Being om nivores, wolverines will feast on both meat and vegeta tion; they prefer the former. They like large game such as moose, caribou, and mountain goats and will go af ter smaller animals such as foxes, ground squirrels and rodents. They are not known to attack humans unpro voked. Highly adaptable, wolverines will travel treacher ous terrain up to 24 kilometres (km) a day in search of small game or carrion, whether they slay or scavenge it. They’re known for their jaws of steel and tough teeth.

Making a pack

A group of wolverines is known as a pack. Young male wolverines like to hang out near their dad in their later years. The average life span of a wolverine in the wild is 13 years, however females in captivity live an average of 17 years. Wolverines are currently on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) (list) in Canada, which ensures their protection and that of their habitats such as the Colum bia Lake North wetlands near Fairmont, B.C. Research ers at Wolverinewatch.org, an informal organization, strive to educate while protecting the wolverine popula tion and their dens. Currently, researchers are looking at their reproduction, connectivity and distribution habits throughout the East Kootenays and along the upper Co

lumbia River.

Wise Wolverines

Wolverines are known to be very clever when it comes to their survival. Some speed up travel times when on missions for dinner or refuge; they’ll take the road more travelled such as highways and other paved paths. They have been drawn to play with toys and objects. In Indigenous cultures they symbolize strength, courage, and endurance. This wise weasel not afraid to stand its ground.

White sturgeon-Columbia River’s largest anadromous fish

By Chadd Cawson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Sturgeon have been around for over 200 million years, working their way through the waters while dinosaurs roamed the earth. Like salmon, they are an anadromous fish with 27 species worldwide and are the primary source for the delicacy, caviar. White sturgeon are the largest anadromous fish in Canada and are only found in B.C.

They can be easily identified from the dual rows of four to eight ganoid bony plates and despite their name, are often a grey or brownish shade on their dorsal side. They have barbels which are located near the snout anterior to their mouths.

They have been seen swimming in many of the Columbia Valley waterways such as the upper Columbia River, and some of its tributaries like Arrow, Slocan, and Kootenay Lake to name a few. White sturgeon is native to the Pacific coast which is why they are only found throughout B.C., but unlike their swimming buddies, Pacific salmon white sturgeon do not die upon spawning and often live to be over years 100 old.

When it comes to their own diet, they feed on shellfish, crustaceans, small fish like herring and shad, insects, and gastropods. But aside from humans they can also make a tasty dinner for sharks, sea lions and other marine mammals. In the sturgeon world, males mature faster sexually than females and are ready to spawn between the age of 12 and 18 years old. Female white sturgeon don’t reach their full maturity to spawn until they reach between 25 and 30 years old.

Female sturgeon have many suitors and will have their eggs fertilized by many males during spawning season, between May and July. When a female releases her eggs, they develop an adhesive coat and are negatively buoyant upon contact with water.

Dependent on the water’s temperature, hatching of these eggs can take anywhere from three to 13 days. After the egg incubates, they go through the larvae and fry stage before becoming a juvenile sturgeon, which, at that time, can become more independent with it swimming and feeding. This is their last stage before maturing into full adults; when first becoming juveniles, they are typically only 10 cm long.

Quite a catch

White sturgeon have a reputation for being a challenge to catch. They can reach lengths of up to 610 cm with an average mass weighing over 500 kg. White sturgeon are considered quite rare, with data showing they have seen a population decline over the last 30 years. Schools, or groups of white sturgeon are made up of seniors these days, rounding the age of a century as they navigate the waters. One could say they are old school. When one does reel one of these remarkable ancient beauties in on the Co lumbia River, it is intended to be recreational with an expectation to catch and release. The Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) has assessed white sturgeon in B.C. as threatened, with declines particularly in the Fraser and Columbia River.

Fish tales

All fish are vital to Indigenous Peoples for their survival and sustainability. While sturgeon may not be considered as sacred as salmon, they still certainly hold their place. In some cultures, and folklore, the ‘sturgeon moon’ is connected to how abundant stur geon once were, and easy to catch come the end of summer. Because of the sheer size of sturgeon, a single catch would feed many. On record the largest white sturgeon ever caught dates to the 1800’s and weighed just over 680 kg, and needed the aid of horses to reel it in.

The Wolverine lives throughout the Columbia Valley espe cially in habitats crucial to their survival such as the Colum bia Lake north wetlands. Getty Image

Increase the

Decrease the waste

While you are busy wrapping yourself up in the holiday spirit and enjoying this wonderful time of year, take a moment to think about the waste that may be generated and how to best to deal with it.

Below we have some tips for helping keep products out of the landfill. Whether you are getting rid of something old and worn out or receiving a dazzling new piece of tech, there is often a way to recycle the item that is being replaced.

HOLIDAY RECYCLING TIPS

SMALL APPLIANCE RECYCLING

More than 120 small electrical appliances, ranging in size from electric toothbrushes to countertop microwave ovens are accepted at Return-it depots around the East Kootenay.

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

For drop-off locations and more information visit www.return-it.ca.

ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Electronics are often a hot holiday gift item. Any electronics that are in good working condition can be donated to a local thrift store. If your old electronics are no longer working, they may be able to be recycled.

There are drop-off locations for electronics through the RDEK.

For drop-off locations and more information visit www.return-it.ca

HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Christmas light strings are included in the Product Care program and can be dropped off for free at participating light fixture recycling depots. The Product Care program also accepts compact fluorescent and tube fluorescent light bulbs , LED and incandescent lights free of charge

Lighting fixtures are also accepted in several locations as are strings of Christmas lights.

For drop-off locations and more information visit www.productcare.org.

BATTERIES

Don’t forget the batteries. Both your alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. There are numerous drop off locations in all major centres in the RDEK.

Visit www.call2recycle.ca to find a location near you.

GIFT WRAP

Paper based wrapping paper can be recycled at the Recycle BC Depots in Invermere, Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford Transfer Stations, in municipal curbside pick-up or any of the Yellow Bins in the East Kootenay. From cards and envelopes to wrapping and tissue paper, please recycle as much as possible. Foil based wrapping paper, bows and ribbons are not recyclable, try to reuse them whenever possible.

learn more

engage.rdek.bc.ca/recycle

Together let’s increase the holiday spirit and decrease the holiday waste.

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Now open for in person ser vices

Sundays at 10:30 a.m. 326 10th Avenue, Invermere 250 342 9535 • www.lwac.ca

W I N D E R M E R E V A L L E Y S H A R E D

M I N I S T R Y A N G L I C A N U N I T E D

Minister: Brent Woodard

Sundays at 10:30 a.m In-person or on zoom For the zoom link, please visit our website ( Windermere Valley Shared Ministr y). 110 7th Ave. in Invermere.

V A L L E Y C H R I S T I A N A S

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship ser vice 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250 342 9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

R O M A N C A T H O L I C C H U R C H

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

Canal Flats: Saturday, 4 p.m.

Canadian Martyrs, Invermere: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. St. Joseph, Radium: Sunday 11 a.m.

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

Sunday 1:30 p.m Worship Ser vice at Valley Christian 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere lutheranstpeter@gmail.com

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

Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m Relief Society, 11:15 a.m

President Kendyn Mackensie • Columbia Valley Branch • 5014 Fair way, Fairmont Hot Springs 250 439 9041

CHURCH OF CHRIST (Iglesia ni Cristo)

Worship Ser vice: Sunday 9 a.m., Thursday 7:45 p.m Chamber of Commerce (Lions Hall) For inquiries: 250 688 1643 250 270 2208 or 250 688 0629

For more info about the church, you can Google online at incmedia.org or pasugo.com.ph

BC RECYCLING HOTLINE 604-732-9253 1-800-667-4321

FAITH

The appropriation of Christmas

By Brent Woodard, Anglican/United Church

In the lead-up to Christmas last year, two congressional members in the United States, Thomas Massie and Lauren Boe bert, posted family Christ mas pictures with each one of their family members, including young children, holding assault weapons, with the cheery greeting ‘Merry Christmas’.

Just to pause on that… what is going on in people’s minds and in segments of society when this, in any way, seems like a good idea, or seems to be congruent with Christmas or the message of Jesus? Don’t we know in our gut that this is wrong? How strong is ideology that it can cause people to seek to steal a noble symbol to legitimize their ignoble agenda? This is an appropriation of Christmas.

For many, the Canadian flag was appropriated last winter when some people used the flag to represent their cause instead of what the flag had/has come to mean for most Canadians. An online dictionary defines appropri ation as “The action of taking something for one’s own use, typically without the owner’s permission.” In the ap propriation of a virtuous symbol, we claim a virtue and a legitimacy that we didn’t earn and that we don’t have.

Thomas Massie and Lauren Boebert strongly identi

fy themselves as Christians in the United States. Lauren Boebert is seen as a proponent for what is called ‘Chris tian Nationalism’. This is an ideology that wants to make the United States an overtly, exclusively, Christian na tion. Rep. Boebert has said she is “tired of this separa tion of church and state junk.” She said to a gathering of Christians with a certain mindset this past September, “It’s time for us to position ourselves and rise up and take our place in Christ and influence this nation as we were called to do.”

Philip Gorski, a sociologist and co-director of Yale’s Center for Comparative Research, writes about Boebert’s speech, “This is new and worrisome. There’s an increas ing number of people saying, ‘We’re in this battle for the soul of America. We’re on the side of good and maybe democracy is getting in the way. Maybe we need to take power and if that means minority rule in order to impose our vision on everybody else then that’s what we’re going to do.’”

For me, the message of Christmas is the opposite of ‘imperialism’, ‘nationalism’ and ‘exclusivism’. The story of the birth of Jesus was written to be in direct contrast to the story of the birth of the emperor. The emperor was worshipped in the world of Jesus. The emperor ruled with fear and violence. Jesus’ way was one of inclusive love, justice and service. The power of which Jesus spoke was not power over, but power within and with.

Christmas has already been appropriated by con sumerism. May we not let it be appropriated by violent ideologies. May it continue to be about ‘peace on earth and goodwill to all people’.

Valley Voices together again

Submitted by Valley Voices Choir

Our community choir, Valley Voices, has been rehearsing again since September 19, 2022 after having suspended oper ations due to the pandemic as of March, 2020. As outlined in the ad in this issue of the Pioneer, the group is excited to offer concerts to the community this coming weekend, to be held on December 9 and 10 at 7:30 p.m. at Christ Church Trinity.

The concerts will include a wide variety of seasonal favourites and will continue the long-held tradition of having a Christmas carol singalong built right into the program! Special guests will include Spring Burke, a local violinist who will both accompany the choir on some numbers and do a solo feature in the middle of the program. As well, Jane Fearing, a wonderful vocalist from Golden will once again join the program as a featured artist.

The choir is made up of community members from all over the Columbia Valley and is led by Paul Carriere. He studied music education at Western Washington University and holds a masters degree in jazz studies from the University of Victoria. Carriere brings to the choir his background as a secondary school music teacher, experience working with a number of communi ty groups over the years, and playing and singing with various bands and ensembles. Also, the choir is very fortunate to have a skilled accompanist, Jana Van Urk, who is a local pianist and private teacher.

Check out the ad in this issue of the Pioneer for information about concert tickets. Come and join Valley Voic es and guests for a great evening of music to usher in the Christmas season!

Valley Voices gratefully acknowledges the support of the Columbia Valley Arts Council.

S E M B L Y

S T. P E T E R’S L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

R A D I U M C H R I S T I A N F E L L O W S H I P

C H U R C H O F J E S U S C H R I S T O F L A T T E R - D A Y S A I N T S