Vol12issue52

Vol. 12/Issue 52

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

December 25, 2015

P i neer

FREE

Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

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3 NEW YEAR’S EVE

10 HOST RESUMES POST Dylan Edwards, Ally Hatalcik and Barbie Vinson show off their festive finery outside Parkside Place on Friday, December 18th for the Ugly and Bright Parkside Challenge, for which people were asked to don their ugliest Christmas sweater in the spirit of Christmas.

27

Photo by Dean Midyette

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

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Valley views

Bureau bolsters Christmas cheer

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley presented hundreds of gift packages to lowincome families in the Upper Columbia Valley this month.

“We were quite successful this year,” said Helen Wynder, Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley chair. “We helped about 257 families ranging from singles to families of seven, HOLIDAY HELP — Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley volunteers on distribution day at the Photo by Steve Hubrecht eight and nine. We Invermere Community Hall on December 17th. had people from Brisquilters were provided to everyone and books were given to co down to Canal Flats apply for help.” every child under the age of 17. Any items bought for the The packages were distributed to those in need on gift packages were purchased in the valley.

December 17th, but the Christmas Bureau will continue “So what we collect here in the valley, we spend in the to collect sponsorships and donations to prepare for the valley,” said Ms. Wynder. next year.

If anybody would like to donate or sign up for a spon“We’re always collecting sponsorships, mainly because sorship, please contact Angie Smith at cvcb@shaw.ca to that’s how we start the following year,” Ms. Wynder said. discuss your options and ideas. Alternatively, contribu“Anything we have left over automatically goes into our tions to the program can always be mailed to Box 2595 supplies for next year, and that means we can start buying year-round, and there is no set amount for donations. for the gift boxes as early as September.”

“Every dime helps, and everything helps us spread it The gift packages that were distributed at the Inver- around as best as we can,” concluded Ms. Wynder. “Any mere Community Hall to the Columbia Valley this holiday donation helps, but anything over $20, I will send out a season included items such as gift certificates, toys, stuffies, tax receipt for.” colouring books and Kicking Horse Coffee (the company “Thanks to everybody, we’ve had a great year with chipped in to provide a package of coffee in everybody’s great people sponsoring,” she added. “We just wish everyparcel this year). Also, toiletries bags sewn by the Fairmont body a Merry Christmas.”

Eric, Yvonne, Dave, Barry and Pat are very happy to welcome

Jan Klimek to our team.

Well known and respected as a Realtor in the valley for many years, Jan will be a valuable addition to the office.

Come visit the office, 1005-7th Avenue, or connect with her by email janklimek@shaw.ca or phone 250-342-1195.

3-1005 7th Avenue, Downtown Invermere

250-342-4040 • www.1stChoiceRealty.ca

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Valley NEWS

Weather Network gets firsthand look at valley

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The Weather Network was in the Columbia Valley just before the holidays, enjoying everything the valley has to offer in the winter.

Calgary network correspondent Deb Matejicka and Vancouver correspondent Krissy Vann were joined by outdoor photographer and writer Dax Justin and public relations consultant Noelle Aune, from Thursday, December 17th to Sunday, December 20th.

“Everything has been a fresh experience for me, since I’ve never really been in the mountains before, and what an experience it is. Magical is the word to describe

Krissy Vann and Deb Matejicka it,” said Ms. Vann. “I’ve also now realized I actually need to take some lessons before skiing.”

“It’s gorgeous here — beautiful, laid back, breathtaking. It’s just such as different vibe here — in a good way — from Banff, Lake Louise and Sunshine,” said Ms. Matejicka.

Ms. Vann said she was so enthusiastic about her first trip to the mountains that she walked onto the patio of her room at Copper Point Resort barefoot in the snow first thing in the morning, to catch a glimpse of the mountains in the daylight, having arrived the night before.

In their time here, the crew managed to squeeze in some skiing at Panorama Mountain Resort, some winter paragliding with Flying Max, a snowmobile trip with Toby Creek Adventures, soaks in both the Radium Hot Continued on page 37 . . .

Kicking Horse Coffee captures attention of BBC

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff The bold flavour at Kicking Horse Coffee has been widely praised in the Columbia Valley for decades, but now, the brand is gaining popularity worldwide.

Elana Rosenfeld, co-founder and CEO at Kicking Horse Coffee, made a home in Invermere and then built a career that has captured the attention of Canadian, American and British audiences — the kick-ass company was recently featured in a business profile on the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

“It’s amazing that we created something so exceptional from a small place,”

said Ms. Rosenfeld. “I think that’s very intriguing for people. In fact, I was just sitting in the café a couple of days ago and there was a couple from Lethbridge sitting here and the first words out of his mouth were, ‘I find it so amazing that you’ve created this (culture) in such a small place’ and I think that intrigues people from both walks of life — urban centres and rural areas.”

Ms. Rosenfeld believes that her passion for the Columbia Valley has been one of the driving forces behind the career she built in the East Kootenay region many years ago with Leo Johnson.

“It’s such a special place and so are the people out here,” said Ms. Rosenfeld.

Continued on page 37 . . .

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

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of intoxicated males got into a confrontation. Police received numerous versions of the truth as interpreted by the combatants. One adult male attended to the hospital to check out a swollen eye. The group dispersed.

• On Monday, December 21st at 4:50 a.m., as a result of a driving complaint in the Industrial Park, police attended and located a 27-year-old male operating a 2005 GMC Sierra. The driver displayed signs of having consumed alcohol. An ASD demand resulted in a fail at which time the vehicle was impounded for 30 days and the driver’s license prohibited for 90 days.

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Wishing you and yours a

Merry Christmas Enjoy some Holiday Cheer and Beer Enter to win our BUD-EFridge Located kitty corner to the Windy Cafe and Whitehouse downtown Windermere.

Holiday Train results Cram the Cruiser along with Columbia Valley Food Bank volunteers set up at the location of the Holiday Train event in Radium. Thanks to everyone who donated to the food bank. We trucked away three vehicle loads of food and raised over $1,300 in cash.

Christmas CounterAttack Road checks will continue over the holiday season. Should your gatherings involve any drinking, ensure you have a plan to stay safe.

• On Friday, December 18th at 2:30 a.m., police attended to a single vehicle accident on Earcrett Road.

A 2015 jeep drove off an embankment damaging a private fence. The driver had left the scene and was later located. The 35-yearold female driver from Edgewater was charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident.

• On Friday, December 18th at 9:58 p.m., police responded to an assault complaint in the 4000 block of McGrath Avenue in Canal Flats. The investigation resulted in a 63-year-old female charged with assault.

• On Saturday, December 19th at 8:20 a.m., police attended to a single vehicle accident on Highway 93/95 south of the Akisqnuk Band Office. A 2000 Chrysler driven by a 32-year-old female from Invermere swerved to avoid an elk, ending up in the ditch and damaging a barbed wire fence. No injuries to the driver.

• On Sunday, December 20th at 2:17 a.m., police attended to a disturbance/fight on 13th Street. A group

Now Christmas World Peace: I do my best to get Bev what she would like for Christmas, but I don’t get much help or suggestions. This year, she simply wanted me to give her World Peace. I searched high and low and, to my surprise, I found it. I told Bev that I found World Peace, however, it is located at the end of Sullivan Arm on Kinbasket Lake. In order for me to take her there, I would require a Navionics chip for my fish finder to guide her there safely. World Peace will come with a cost. The response I received is there may be no World Peace for the remainder of 2015. I assured her that there is a journey one can take in the pursuit of World Peace and that journey would come in February at the Calgary Boat Show. We may luck out and find a discount for World Peace. It is my hope that in 2016 I can share some of that World Peace with friends.

Until that happens, on behalf of the detachment members, staff and volunteers at Columbia Valley Detachment, we wish everyone a Merry Christmas.

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December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

EcoSociety’s Jumbo case closed GET

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The deadline for the West Kootenay EcoSociety to appeal the dismissal of its legal petition against the creation of Jumbo Glacier Mountain Resort Municipality has passed and no appeal has been made, bringing an end to the long-running legal case.

Jumbo mayor Greg Deck reiterated in views on the matter to The Pioneer, saying he’s not surprised with the end result.

“I think the point of the legal challenge was just to create uncertainty in the investment community for the proponent,” said Mr. Deck. “I regret court time was taken up with so weak a case.”

The case began more than two and half years ago, when the EcoSociety filed a petition for judicial review of the provincial government’s decision to create Jumbo municipality. The petition maintained that the provincial Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development and the Lieutenant Governor in Council, by deciding to incorporate the mountain resort municipality, had contravened the Local Government Act and Community Charter.

After amendments and delays, the case was eventually heard in court this past July. A decision on it, rendered by Judge Grace Choi, was delivered on Tues-

day, November 10th. In her decision, Ms. Choi rejected the EcoSociety’s argument, ruling that, in her view, the provincial Local Government Act clearly intends to aid ski resort development — particularly the 2012 amendments to the act, which allowed for the incorporation of Jumbo.

The EcoSociety then had 30 days in which to decide to appeal the ruling, but the Tuesday, December 10th deadline to do so has come and gone with no appeal filed.

“It’s over,” said Nelson-based EcoSociety lawyer Judah Harrison last week. “But obviously the larger issue is still ongoing.”

Mr. Harrison reiterated that he feels it was worth taking the matter to court.

“We’re disappointed in the result and we still believe this (Jumbo municipality) is an affront to democracy. We’re happy somebody had the wherewithal to at least challenge this decision,” he said.

“The issue seems to have been resolved outside the court (with the non-substantial start decision and the subsequent loss of the project’s environmental certificate) and yet the absurdity continues,” said Mr. Harrison.

Jumbo resort proponents have indicated plans to proceed with a scaled-back resort plan (with fewer than 2,000 beds) and Jumbo Glacier Resort Municipality remains in place in the meantime.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

perspective Historical Lens

A tie tradition

By Dean Midyette Pioneer Publisher

In this week’s Echo, I wrote about our family’s traditional Christmas. What was omitted were some Christmas shenanigans that became a part of my family’s traditions over 70 years ago.

In 1954, one of my uncles gave his brother-in-law a tie. Adorning the tie was a green and gold satellite tie pin (Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite to orbit the Earth, was launched three years later).

The following year, the tie was re-gifted back to its original owner at Christmas, much to the glee of the family members who had congregated for Christmas dinner. Back and forth the tie went, ping-ponging between the two brothers until, in 1960, it arrived, beautifully wrapped, in front of my grandfather.

Suddenly, there had to be rules. The tie could be exchanged between the menfolk only (after my aunt received it), those who were Plaxtons or those who married into the clan. In the early 70s: a new rule — only adult males could receive the tie after my young cousin received it.

It has been gifted inside a loaf of baked bread, woven into a tapestry, placed inside an unbroken light bulb, sealed in a can of nuts and even wrapped in an iPhone box (weighted to feel like an iPhone) so that the recipient would ride a roller coaster of emotions, first with the excitement that comes with a new phone and the disappointment of being pranked with a decades-old tie.

I hope that you enjoy a very Merry Christmas with your own unique traditions.

Correction In the Out & About in the November 18th Pioneer, the email address provided as contact information for the Christmas Bird Count was listed incorrectly. The correct email address is inv-cbc@outlook.

Happy birthday Mr. Prime Minister To mark the birthday of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 42 years ago on December 25th, 1972, we at The Pioneer thought it fitting, in our December 25th issue, to include a photograph of Mr. Trudeau taken here in the valley when he was passing through on Sunday, August 13th, 2013. Mr. Trudeau is pictured in Steve’s Place in Canal Flats with his son Xavier and owner Steve Fowler. Mr. Trudeau and his family were the last paying customers before the café was shut down.

Photo submitted

More history in response to hospital photo Dear Editor: (Re: The Pioneer’s November 27th Historical Lens.) I was raised in Radium and graduated from David Thompson Secondary School in 1958. My mother was the chairman of the hospital board when the Windermere District Hospital was built in 1957. Before that, the hospital was Pynelogs and then they built the new one. Back then, women were rarely on the board, let alone as chairman. Eileen Madson Primary School was named after her.

I remember many of the people in this photograph.

From left to right (question marks mean I’m not sure or don’t know): Roy Lake, Dr. George Duthie?, Jim Chabot, ?, Audrey Thornton, Mrs. Barb Duthie, Larry and Mary Root, ?, ?, Dr. and Mrs. Coy, (maybe) Eugene Seel?, Wanda Seel, and the last three I don’t recognize.

Diane Madson Lee Kamloops

The Columbia Valley

CANADIAN COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER AWARD 2013

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1.855.377.0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Dean Midyette Publisher/ Sales Manager

Nicole Trigg Editor

Steve Hubrecht Reporter

Breanne Massey Reporter

Amanda Nason Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design/ Associate Publisher

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Classified Sales

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS

presents

2015 NEW YEAR’S EVENT

with Thursday, December 31st Edgewater Community Hall 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

FUN FACT — When shown this photograph of the first hospital in Invermere (which was submitted to The Pioneer by Ray Crook), Diane Madson (author of the letter to editor on page 6) was also able to identify the building as the Madson Apartments, as her father had converted it into apartments long after it served as the community’s hospital. Photo submitted

Hospital history continues Dear Editor: Thank you for printing a picture of the opening of an addition to Invermere’s Hospital. Perhaps you would like to print a picture of the first hospital in Invermere. I don’t know when it was taken, but I was born there in September of 1918.

Show starts at 10 p.m. sharp, dance afterwards.

Tickets: $20 in advance; includes New Year bling, Midnight hors d’oeuvres, Champagne Sold at: Brisco Store, Pip’s Store, Simple Pleasures and Little Treasures (Radium), Invermere Home Hardware and The Trading Post (Invermere) *****TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE***** Sponsored by John Wolfe Construction Pick up starts at CIBC/Invermere at 8:30 p.m., Radium Best Western 8:50 p.m.

Return trip to same locations leaving the hall at 1:45 a.m.

Info: www.facebook.com/ERSevents or call 250-270-0340

VE

The Invermere

Ray Crook Invermere

Sawmill days fondly recalled

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff

Pick up the Pioneer’s sister paper ~ The Invermere Valley Echo ~ every Wednesday.

{Subscriptions also available}

More is better.

There’s more to the valley than meets the eye…

See this week's December 23th Invermere Valley Echo for:

The Historical Lens in the Friday, December 11th edition of The Pioneer featured an old photograph, taken in 1945, of three workers — Bill Durham, Bill Fry and Harold Bearham — taking a break at Continued on page 9 . . .

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com or visit our website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8 10088th Avenue. Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish

ALLEY CHO

open letters or third-party letters. Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. Letters may be shortened for space requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy. Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

• Fairmont, Dutch Creek and Ogilvy Wills water systems merge (page 1) • Resident retention plan grows (page 1) • Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy 'postcard' day at Winter Celebration (page 2) • Lake Ambassadors seek funding (page 3) • Have a Zamboni, Edgewater (page 4) • New regulations help B.C. residents get debt-free (page 4) • Jensen steps in as new CBT board chair, Deck retires (page 5) • Rundown of Radium's accomplishments (page 6)

• How much is my house worth? (page 7) • Invermere residents are helping change lives (page 10) • A Christmas message from the B.C. Legislature (page 11) • Christmas came early for four Columbia Valley non-profits (page 12) • Historical reads on wheels (page 13) • Valley's mining history inspires a historical novel (page 14) • Winter holiday breakfast with a twist (page 22) • Radium parking bylaw approved (page 23)

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Community Centre hopes to raise $1.5 million held at the Invermere Community Hall.

He has been busy working in conjunction with the Multi-Use Facility Advisory Committee to help build a framework for the recreational activities and events that will take place within the planned centre.

“The exciting part of the fundraising is that it is not for the base building, but rather for ‘nice-to-haves’ and for equipment and furnishings that can take the facility to the next level in performance and enjoyment capabilities,” said DOI mayor Gerry Taft. “For people who donate, they will see the direct impact of their contribution in very visible and functional components, like lighting and sound systems and retractable theater seating, et cetera.

“The construction of the facility is occurring with or without the fundraising component being successful, but we are very confident that the community will take ownership over the project and a substantial amount of money will be raised by the time the building is ready to open in the fall of 2017.”

There is still hope that the final cost of the project could decrease once the tenders are submitted by general contractors.

“We remain hopeful that the price will decline to allow for funding to be directed to other initiatives within the building,” explained Mr. Prosser.

She’ll dance Shrip-shrap ~ For more informacircles around she finds you ~ her tion about the events, the treasure pleasure. project or fundraiser, visit www.columbia Happy 60th Birthday – Dance on! valleycentre.ca.

Love from your wacky family.

a sound system and items for the kitchen.

“The district has secured the following funding $5.6 million from our borrow, The community is being encouraged to $625,000 over five years from the RDEK, help secure $1.5 million in funding over the and $800,000 from other miscellaneous sources, including internal revenue and next two years to help house a reserves,” said Chris string of community groups and Prosser, DOI chief adnon-profits under one roof in The 3-D model of the ministrative officer. “The the highly anticipated ColumCommunity Centre. fundraising is a key combia Valley Community Centre. ponent to increase the The District of Invermere functionality and to meet (DOI) has secured $7 milthe needs of specific user lion for the base building and groups including CV Arts landscaping costs of the projand the library and to proect through internal revenue vide for potential conferand reserves as well as the ence services as well.”

Regional District East KooThe Columbia Valley tenay (RDEK), but it’s only Community Centre will be one part of the process. constructed at the old locaThe Fundraising Committee for the Columbia tion of the David Thompson Secondary School, which was Valley Multi-Use Facility will be working towards reaching the $8.5 million total cost of knocked down roughly a year ago. Shape the project through a series of fundraisers to Architecture principal architect, Alec Smith, acquire items such as tenant improvements unveiled a 3-D model of the approved defor the library, theatre-style seating, curtains sign, and colour-coded plans and images, for and lighting, AV equipment, room partitions, roughly 70 people at a June 16th open house

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

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December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Upcoming fundraisers for the Columbia Valley Community Centre Shred-a-Thon A race to see how many laps individuals and teams of four can complete off the Mile One Express chairlift over the span of 12 hours has been announced for this winter.

The Shred-a-Thon will be a fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Community Centre and requires a minimum pledge of $80 per person or $300 for a team of four to compete in the race held at Panorama Mountain Resort between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 16th, 2016. The entry cost includes a lift ticket for the Mile One Express chairlift, a $10 meal voucher, prizes and day-long entertainment.

“There’s going to be games and entertainment happening Duelling Pianos The Burn ‘N’ Mahn Piano Experience will be performing an interactive, on-request fundraiser for the Columbia Valley Community Centre at Invermere Community Hall at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd, 2016.

“It’s going to be a great community event,” said Ms. Wood.

Tickets are now on sale online and will be for sale in stores shortly.

This fundraiser will only be open to people over the age of 19. There will be live music, a wine brag, a 50/50 draw, a silent auction and a cash bar. There will not be an ATM on site, however, and credit cards and cheques will be accepted for auction prizes. One of the highlights of the fundraiser will be a live auction that allows guests to bid on their favourite local politician to serve their table for the evening.

at the Mile One chairlift,” explained DOI event planner Theresa Wood. “There will also be incentives for raising more money.

It’s important that we come together as a community because we’re building a new community centre to replace the one that was built 70 years ago so that we can leave a legacy for the next generation of Invermere.”

To participate, you can download a pledge sheet from the Columbia Valley Community Centre website at www.columbiavalleycentre.ca, or pick one up at the Panorama Mountain Resort Guest Services Desk or at the Syndicate Boardshop. It is required that participants come equipped with their completed entry forms to the registration tent on the Great Hall Deck at Panorama Mountain Resort at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race.

“It’s really important that people understand we have enough money to build this facility,” said DOI Coun. Justin Atterbury. “It’s just a matter of obtaining some of the interior finishings to make it a lot more viable for community groups.”

The next two years will be critical to raise the additional $1.5 million, he added.

All of the money raised at the Duelling Pianos event will be put towards the new Invermere Public Library location, which will be housed in the Columbia Valley Community Centre.

“If anybody is interested in donating silent auction items to the Duelling Pianos evening, they can contact myself by email at events@invermere.net,” said Ms. Wood.

For more information on Burn ‘N’ Mahn, visit their website www.burnnmahn.com. To purchase a ticket for the event online, visit the Columbia Valley Community Centre website at www.columbiavalleycentre.ca.

. . . ‘Sawmill’ from page 7 the Futa Tie mill, west of Invermere.

The feature asked if anybody knew any more information, and by happenstance, a friend of Mr. Durham cut the photo out of the newspaper and mailed it to him and his wife Helen in Grand Forks, where the couple now lives.

“And it is me there, certainly,” said Mr. Durham, speaking to The Pioneer on Wednesday, December 16th, adding he still remembers the other two men in the photo, particularly since Mr. Fry was his cousin.

Mr. Durham was able to identify which man is which in the photo — Mr. Bearham is in a dark shirt, sitting on the logs in the foreground. Mr. Durham is sitting atop a tie pile in the background, and Mr. Fry is standing beside the tie pile, behind the logs in the midground, wearing a white shirt.

“I’m the only one in that photo that’s alive today,” said Mr. Durham, adding his cousins (including Mr. Fry) came to the valley in 1945 to work, not long after returning from overseas during the Second World War, and then later left for Edmonton to be officially discharged from the military.

Mr. Durham continued to work at the sawmill after his cousins left, while Mrs. Durham was a teacher in Wilmer.

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Canapés To whet your appetite

Goats Cheese Terrine With arugula salad, pomegranate glaze

Beef Wellington Locally raised Wagyu tenderloin roasted in our wood fired oven, topped with morel mushrooms, wrapped in puff pastry. With glazed parsnips, carrots, béarnaise sauce

Spinach Salad With candied pecans, Nostrala cheese, balsamic vinaigrette

Mont Blanc Macaroon Gateau Just trust us…it’s hard to pronounce, but it tastes amazing!

Winter Sorbet Just enough to cleanse your palette!

Petit Fours With your choice of tea or coffee

Oysters West coast oysters baked with bacon

Mon, Dec 28 .............. 10am-6pm ...................evening private event Tue, Dec 29 ............... 10am-8pm Wed, Dec 30 .............. 10am-8pm Thu, Dec 31 ............... 10am-3pm Kitchen Party ...................6:30pm Fri, Jan 1 .................... 10am-8pm Sat, Jan 2 .................. 10am-8pm Sun, Jan 3 ................. 10am-5pm Jan 4-27 ........................... closed

We thank you for your continued support and wish you a fabulous 2016!

Unit 8, 5019 Fairmont Resort Road | 250.345.0008 | www.fromscratchfood.com

“NEW” Paintings, Prints and Cards by Pat Bavin FULL Gallery of Local Handmade Gifts 250-342-6816 www.bavinglass.com

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

New Year’s Eve Events!

Edgewater • 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.: Edgewater Recreation Society presents a New Year’s Eve event with Jaydee Hypnotist. Tickets $20 in advance includes New Year’s bling, midnight hors d’oeuvres and champagne, sold at Brisco Store, Pip’s Store, Simple Pleasures and Little Treasures, Home Hardware and the Trading Post.

Radium Hot Springs • 3 p.m.: Village of Radium’s 25th Birthday Celebration and New Year’s Eve Party at Brent’s Shack, Legends Field and Radium Hot Springs Seniors Hall. Hot chocolate, hot dogs, chili and birthday cake. Visit www.radiumhotsprings.com for details.

• 6:30 p.m.: Radium Hot Springs New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Springs Driving Range. Visit www.radiumhotsprings.com for details.

Fairmont Hot Springs • 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. From Scratch - A Mountain Kitchen. Join our New Year’s Eve Kitchen Party for the last night to 2015 with a fabulous 8 course meal surrounded by jolly company!

Phone 250-345-0008 or email info@fromscratchfood.com.

Menu viewed on www.fromscratchfood.com. Cost $79.95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Fairmont Hot Springs Summer pool party.

• 8 p.m. Join us for dinner at the Hoodoo Grill on New Year’s Eve. Music and shenanigans to follow.

• 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. No cover charge. A New Year’s Eve Glow Party with festive drink specials, champagne at midnight, music by DJ Wild Bill and a selfie booth in the lobby. For more information email ptolchard@fhsr.com or call 250-345-6063.

• 10 p.m.: Fairmont New Year’s Eve Fireworks at the Historic Indian Baths.

• 11 p.m.- 2 a.m. New Year’s Eve Party at the Far Side Inn with a DJ (no cover charge).

Invermere • 8 p.m. New Year’s Eve Music Trivia at The Station Neighbourhood Pub. Great prizes, drink specials. $5 per person. Special dancing questions. Call 250-342-5557 for more information.

• 8 p.m. – 2 a.m. Enjoy your New Year’s Eve at Copper Point Resort. $40 per person. Ticket price includes DJ, Party Favours, Snacks and Cash Bar. Enjoy NY’s Dinner in Elements and receive free entry into the party. While tickets are available. NY’s Eve shuttle amd accommodation rates Available. Contact 250-341-4000 or email info@copperpointresort.com for more information.

Panorama

• 7:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve Dinner at Panorama Great Hall.

Dinner pricing is $54.95 for those 15+ years old, $19.95 for those 5-14 years old, children 4 and under free. Gratuity included, GST extra. Reservations recommended call 1-800-663-2929. Visit www.panoramaresort.com/events for menu details.

• 11 p.m.: Family Neon Nye Party at Panorama Mountain Resort. Prizes for Best Neon Costume, Best Glowing Lip Sync Artist, and Best Neon Guitarist. Free handouts like kids’ pop, glow sticks and glow jewelry, appy bites and jello shots (non-alcoholic). Full bar open for adults.

Canal Flats • 8 p.m. The Columbia Inn is having kamakazi karaoke on New Year’s Eve. We pick it and you sing it, plus DJ music all night. There will be a champagne toast at midnight and food.

Cover is $10.

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Translucent totems

RADIUM PARTY

PAGE 12

WINTER LOOP

PAGE 14

Out & About A series of stunning glass-blown totem poles will be showcased at the annual Bavin Glassworks Christmas Show taking place on Monday, December 28th in addition to original paintings celebrating ancient cultures and mountain waterways. Turn to page 16 to learn more.

Photo by Ryan Bavin

What does ART mean to you?

Cinefest @ Pynelogs Astrix

Sunday December 27 at 2 pm & 7 pm

Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley Page 13

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

th

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

1914 - 2014 · Celebrating 100 years

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Radium celebrating 25th birthday

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer

SILVER STATUS — Radium Hot Springs’ first Village Council in 1990: (Back row, left to right) Coun. Kent Kebe, Mayor Greg Deck, Coun.

Brent Frederickson, (front row) Ron Verboom and Phyllis Jackson.

Photo courtesy of the

Village of Radium Hot Springs

On January 1st, 2016, the Village of Radium Hot Springs is officially turning twenty-five!

That’s right, twenty-five years ago, community leaders came together to create the Village municipality in hopes of making Radium a more livable and prosperous area.

Every year since then, there has been a fantastic celebration that takes place on New Year’s Eve to commemorate the passing of one year and a welcoming of the next. Since 25 years is quite the milestone, this year’s celebration will be one to remember.

“Anytime you reach a landmark, it’s special and important. The Village has come a long way in the last 25 years!” commented mayor Clara Reinhardt.

The event begins at 3 p.m. on Thursday, December 31st and culminates with one of the East Kootenay’s best firework shows starting at 6:30 p.m. The fireworks are organized by Radium’s volunteer fire

department, which spends all year fundraising to put on the show.

“They are spectacular. Lots of cars line up on Radium’s lookout roads to get a view and it is quite a sight!” said Mrs. Reinhardt.

The festivities all take place at Brent’s Shack near the Radium baseball diamond, while the fireworks are launched from The Springs golf course driving range. The firework launch location allows for close proximity, but still promises to be perfectly safe.

Village staff members and councillors will serve hot chocolate, chili, hot dogs throughout the evening. Capping off the provisions will be a huge birthday cake to be enjoyed by all.

There will be fire pits lit, DJ music in the air, skating and tobogganing (weather permitting). Village senior administrative assistant Jill Logan, one of the event’s primary organizers, expects upwards of 500 people to attend.

For more information, check out the Village website at www.radiumhotsprings.ca or call 250-347-6455.

Far Out offers rentals

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff FAR OUT Gear Rentals owners Phil and Jenn Gorman are excited to help liven up the party at this year’s 25th Birthday Celebration on New Year’s Eve in Radium Hot Springs.

The new business will be offering sleds, ice skates, hockey sticks and helmets to rent out to party-goers during the festivities on Thursday, December 31st.

“One of the many things that attracted our family to Radium Hot Springs is the winter fun that can be had right in the heart of the village and what better an example of this than the annual New Year’s and birthday celebrations that take place on December 31st,” stated a letter from the Gormans to Radium’s council.

Continued on page 22 . . .

Babies 2015 of

Did you welcome a new addition to your family in 2015? Show off your little bundle of joy in the January 22nd edition of The Columbia Valley Pioneer! Simply submit a high resolution photo of your baby (or grandbaby, niece, nephew...) along with the child’s full name, date of birth, weight at birth, parents’ names and a fun fact about the child.

The cost is $35+tax, deadline for submissions is Friday, January 15th.

For more information or to book your space, contact Amanda at 250-341-6299 or advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com.

N E W S PA P E R

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may only run occasionally.

Friday, December 25th • Legion Closed till December 29.

• 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: The 8th annual Christmas Day Soak at Fairmont Hot Springs. Free entry with donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: Radium Feastival, a village Christmas dinner at LaCabina Ristorante in Radium Hot Springs Best Western Plus Prestige Inn. Visit www.radiumhotsprings. com for details.

Saturday, December 26th • 39th Annual Invermere-Radium Christmas Bird Count. For more Information call Randy at 250-6886694 or email at inc-bc@outlook.com.

• 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.: Hockey Day at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill. Canada vs USA.

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Elf Cookie Decorating. Come decorate cookies with our Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Christmas Elf at Misty Waters Café.

• 10 a.m.: Bavin Glassworks show and sale, next to Canadian Tire, The Spirit of Totems featuring artwork by renowned local artists Pat and Ryan Bavin.

Tuesday, December 29th • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened hours Dec. 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2.

• 12 - 2 p.m.: Skating party at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort rink (weather permitting).

• 6 - 8 p.m.: Lego Club every Tuesday at Radium Public Library.

Wednesday, December 30th • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened hours Dec. 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2.

• 7 p.m.: Texas Hold ‘em Tournament moved to Wednesday 30th at Invermere Legion. $35 buy in.

Thursday, December 31st • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened hours Dec. 29, 30, 31 and Jan. 2 • 11:15 a.m.: Invermere Library Pre-school Storytime.

Drop in for stories and a craft.

• 12:30 - 3:30 p.m.: Invermere Library Lego Club. Drop in to build something great.

Friday, January 1st • 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic at Pynelogs.

Showcasing young talent from the valley. All ages, licensed bar. First Friday of every month.

Saturday, January 2nd • 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Library on shortened hours Dec. 29,30,31 and Jan. 2.

• 11:15 a.m.: Invermere Library Pre-school Storytime.

Drop-in for stories and a craft.

Friday, January 8th • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Blues, R n B and more.

Saturday, January 9th • 9 p.m.: Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Join us for live music by Smokin’ Ray & The Detectors. Blues, R n B and more.

Tuesday, January 12th • 6:30 p.m.: Westside Legacy Trail Open House at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Pine Room. Come and experience what the WLT is, how it will impact the valley, and show your support. Snacks and refreshments will be served.

Invermere Library Hours • Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday, December 27th

Radium Hot Springs Library Hours

• 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Elf Cookie Decorating. Come decorate cookies with our Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Christmas Elf at Misty Waters Café.

• 2 p.m.: Bishop’s Book Store and Coffee Lounge, Local author Scott Hay will be showcasing his memoir Bleeding Hearts.

• 2 - 7 p.m.: Screening of Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. $5 for children, $12 for adults. A feature length film based on the long running cartoon series Asterix.

• 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Skating party at our rink (weather permitting).

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

See Page 10 for New Year’s Events

Windermere Valley Museum Hours • Tuesday: 12 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Research: 7 - 9 p.m.

Invermere Thrift Store Hours • Thursday - Saturday: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Radium Thrift Store Hours • Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m.

Monday, December 28th • 9 :30 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Snow Snake Hunt on Fairmont Ski Hill.

The 2016 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup!

1214 -7th Ave., Invermere, B.C. Box 2280, Invermere V0A 1K0

Ph: 250-341-6044 Fax: 250-341-6046

www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666

GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600

danielzurgilgen@gmail.com

scott@scottwallace.ca

bernieraven@gmail.com

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

connect@geoffhill.ca

CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

BRYAN HOOKENSON 250-409-6266

chrisraven09@gmail.com bhookenson@gmail.com

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

NOTICE TO VENDORS IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY: The administration of the Akisqnuk First Nation will not pay the costs of any unauthorized products or services purchased by individual Band members of the Akisqnuk First Nation. Only products and services purchased by authorized Band personnel will be paid for.

and Happy Holidays to all!

fro

m

RE-OPENING AT OUR NEW LOCATION SPRING 2016! at the Canadian Tire site

• pizzeriamercato.com

It’s the BIG ONE! December 26th 11 am – 5 pm

CLOTHING Except Sympli

December 25, 2015

Students and Rotary team up to plan winter Whiteway event

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A pair of David Thompson Secondary School students plan to use the Whiteway to create a winter version of the popular Loop the Lake summertime event.

Amira El Wakeel and Anna Arif have been working with the Rotary Club of Invermere to put together a family-friendly skating, Nordic skiing and running event on the lake, as a fundraiser for the planned Westside Legacy Trial.

“We just thought it would be a really fun idea to have a community event or a race on the Whiteway,” said Amira. “So we talked to TIP TOP TRAIL — It’s precisely these Whiteway conditions that a pair of local high school Rotary and it turns out this students are hoping for so they can proceed with their plans to hold the first winter version is an idea that has come up of the Rotary’s Loop the Lake community race.

File photo by Nicole Trigg frequently, but that nobody munity and there are already many great events on the has ever followed through lake, such as the bonspiel,” said Amira. “We think this on. We’re going to be the ones to finally take it on.”

“The idea is to have it as more of a community will be a really positive addition to that.”

The pair are seeking sponsors for the event to doevent, rather than a competitive race,” said Anna. “It’s nate items for a raffle, help cover costs, or provide food mostly about having a fun day out.”

The event will be held on Saturday, January 23rd items for the aid stations.

The race is tentatively scheduled for noon on Januand will have two routes — a three-kilometre loop and a 10-kilometre loop — for each mode of transportation ary 23rd. Cost to participate is $35 per adults and $25 (skiing, skating, running), and there will be aid stations per kid. All participants will receive commemorative on both loops. In addition, there will be plenty of fun hats and will be entered in the raffle.

All proceeds from the event will be given to the Grechallenges and fun activities set up on the routes.

“The Whiteway is a really big part of our com- enways Trail Alliance to help build the Westside Legacy Trail, which will be a paved path run along Westside Road from Invermere to Fairmont Hot Springs for phase one.

Those interested in learning more should contact Amira and Anna at ae.events@outlook.com.

Fairmont Hot Springs, BC

Thank you to all who participated in Friday Night Shopping in Fairmont.

Fun wasPick up your Begin at the Lion’s Den behind the mall. had by all. Congratulations to the winners.

Renaissance Wellness Centre passport and have it stamped at all merchants while 1st place x $25 giftspecials certificates) you (10 enjoy their and samples.

Jen Judin, Fort Saskatchewan

Shelley Shoemaker will be available from December 18th – January 10th For Relaxation massage

PARTICIPATING VENDORS

901 - 7th Avenue, Invermere B.C. Boxing Week Sale continues until January 4th.

2nd - Norma Omichinski, - Fran Lapinske, Fairmont WIN Gift Brewers Market6th • The Purple Cow • La Galeria II • Tranquille Escapes Calgary 7th - Christine Versnick, Calgary Baskets 3rd - Morley Dougall, Fairmont 8th - Steve Smith, Fairmont

from participating Mountainside Market • From Scratch A Mountain Kitchen 4th vendors - Linda Buch, Fairmont 9th - Elaine Edmonton Fairmont Trading Co. •Baram, Fairmont Creek Property Rentals

5th - Darren Dilyk, Edmonton

10th - Laurie Nichol, Fairmont

* $250 cash value “Fairmont Dollars” to be spent at participating vendors.

505 7th Avenue, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 • 250-342-2535

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

International food event coming to the valley Submitted by Lara McCormack Slow Food Columbia Valley Slow Food Columbia Valley is thrilled to announce that Slow Food Canada’s 2016 National Meeting will be hosted in Invermere from April 6th to 10th, 2016.

Hosting delegates from across the country, the U.S., Mexico and Europe, we will be showcasing the ranchlands, farms and artisanal food producers within the amazing backdrop of the Purcell Mountains on beautiful Lake Windermere. Invermere offers the perfect setting to welcome delegates to this annual meeting that has been themed “Feeding the Future.”

Slow Food Columbia Valley is busy working on an exciting slate of meetings, gatherings, tours and events, so save the date!

Details will be shared in the coming weeks.

For information on Slow Food Canada, please visit www.slowfood.ca or visit Slow Food Columbia Valley on Facebook at www.facebook.com/slowfoodcolumbiavalley. New members and volunteers for the event are welcome!

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

NOTICE TO ALL DOG OWNERS All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require an annual dog license, from January 1st to December 31st. Licensing allows Animal Control Services to contact you as soon as possible if your animal has been impounded or if the animal has been injured as a result of traffic or as a result of other causes.

If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag.

Fees are as follows:

UNSPAYED FEMALE DOG ............................$35 UNNEUTERED MALE DOG ...........................$35 SPAYED FEMALE DOG .................................$15 NEUTERED MALE DOG ................................$15 Spaying / Neutering We encourage all pet owners to have their dogs spayed or neutered to assist in promoting the health of your animal and to minimize the potential for unwanted pups in the community. As an incentive to spay or neuter your dog, the various license and impound fees for spayed or neutered animals are less than if your animal is not spayed or neutered.

For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our Dog Control Officer at 250-342-1707.

FOODIES UNITE — It’s against this backdrop that the 2016 National Meeting for Slow Food Canada will be taking place in April 2016.

Photo submitted

Jo in u s o v e r th e h o li d ay s e a s o n a t

As we now know, plastic is not so fantastic. Up to a trillion plastic bags per year are used around the world. While most of them go to landfill sites where, scientists estimate, takes up to 1,000 years to break down, millions still end up in waterways, trees, and in our oceans where it eventually ends up in stomachs of fish and birds. We encourage you to use biodegradable dog waste bags, which are available at various sites throughout town.

THE PERFECT GIFT FOR GOLFERS GOLF BOOKS OF 10 FOR ONLY $499

*

Brewer’s Magical Christmas Workshop will be open daily this holiday season until January 4th between 11:00am4:30pm daily.

ImmerseYourself

FairmontHotSprings.com Or Call: 1.800.663.4979

our 2016 season at both This great offer can be used for 10 rounds of golf at any time during and are fully transferable, Riverside and Mountainside Golf Courses. Plus, they never expire so you can share this gift with your friends and family.

Please visit our website for additional rates and information.

CALL 1.800.663.4979 TO GET YOURS TODAY Make sure you buy your book of 5 carts too, for just $139.95!

ImmerseYourself

FairmontHotSprings.com/golf Or Call: 250.345.6000

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Ancient cultures influence family’s art Submitted by Bavin Glassworks The glassblowing team at Bavin Glassworks has finally finished a year-long project of creating a series of blown-glass totem poles. This is a new collaboration between Pat Bavin as “designer and interpreter of indigenous mythology,” his son, Ryan, and Ryan’s “hot shop team” as builders.

The techniques developed by Ryan and his team have taken their work to a new dimension and also elevated the muscle and technical abilities of assistant Leah Allison.

The totems are lit internally with LED strip lighting, which offers a startling presentation of symbols and primitive, animistic shapes. A video has been produced

by Ryan and Pat to display the complexity of blowing techniques.

The team at Bavin Glassworks are artistic messengers who express the importance of a mindful attitude for artists doing research on Indigenous lands, promoting others to ask for permission to record subject matter that may expose cultural or sacred beliefs or sites.

Each totem design is unique to the Bavin team’s own visual interpretation and not a copy of any specific crest of a native tribe or clan depicting a private story.

Commonality of history and use of mythology among many cultures offers a cohesive message of ancient stories and symbols to help us see each day of our modern lifestyle in a more simple, fundamental way.

This perspective seemed to resonate through us in a unified way, whether looking at a cliff-dwelling hanging high in a canyon wall in the southwest or listening to the waves crashing on the shore while sitting speechless, looking at a cluster of totem poles standing proudly, full of feelings of ancient spirituality among the cedars and tall grasses of Haida Gwaii.

The show has eight totems standing on a variety of bases made of metal or sand-

Copper Point Christmas Countdown

Sunday

6

13

7

20% DISCOUNT

Build-your-own Bear at Coppermine Winter 20 Cocktails $7

Photos w/Santa 10am-12pm/1-2pm Support local charity Winter Cocktails $7 Fireside Hot Chocolate Opal Patio 4:30-6:30pm Breakfast with a Snow Princess 9-10 am Reservations required

27

Monday

14

20% DISCOUNT

21

Winter Cocktails $7 Breakfast with a Snow Princess 9-10 am Movie in the Amber Ballroom 8 pm Winter Cocktails $7 Fireside Hot Chocolate Opal Patio 4:30-6:30pm

760 Cooper Road 1-250-341-4000 copperpointresort.com

Tuesday

8

Lazy One Onsies – Infant to Adult at Coppermine

28

casted glass. They display themselves powerfully with internal LED lighting. They are in varying sizes, from one to three feet tall and have been blown in shorter cylinder shapes, which have been hand-sculpted in hot glass (no moulding or casting) to form each bird or animal shape.

A considerable amount of diamond drilling is required to accommodate the LED lighting to be internally installed, which really enriches the glass presentation. The cylinders are then specifically selected and shaped to stack in an order to acknowledge the protocol of the mythological stories of the Raven and Eagle Clans.

Each glass totem has been given a specific name and will include an interpretation by the Bavin Glassworks Team.

Each totem is an original one-of-a-kind collectible art piece.

Along with the totems for sale, Pat will be exhibiting a new group of original paintings, prints and cards, which display the travel path he has taken to study, paint, sketch and script the five Indigenous cultures of the Inuit, Haida, Navajo, Mayan and Inca peoples.

Pat also has on display a new series of paintings dedicated to water in high places. In each painting, the background has an iconic local mountain reflected in a larger foreground of water reflection. This is a new mix of squeegee application along with rice paper collage.

This dramatic series of simple, colourful classics of Bavin’s style is named “Mountain Reflections.”

The Bavin Glassworks Team welcomes you to join them on December 28th between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the opening of the show to celebrate their interpretation of ancient cultures.

For more information, please see our website www.bavinglass.com and also view our “Bavin Glassworks” Facebook page.

Wednesday

9

15

HOLIDAY IDEA

Drive around to Look at the Lights in town

22

Winter Cocktails $7 Breakfast with a Snow Princess 9-10 am Movie in the Amber Ballroom 8 pm

29

Winter Cocktails $7 Fireside Hot Chocolate Opal Patio 4:30-6:30pm

Open for Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

7 DAYS A WEEK

Thursday

10

16 HOLIDAY IDEA 17 Build a Snowman with the family Complimentary Family Swim 12 pm-10 pm

23

Winter Cocktails $7 Breakfast with a Snow Princess 9-10 am Complimentary Family Swim 12 pm-10 pm

Winter Cocktails $7 Complimentary Family Swim 12pm – 10 pm Fireside Hot Chocolate Opal Patio 4:30-6:30pm

30

HOLIDAY IDEA

Read your favorite Holiday Story

24

Winter Cocktails $7 Breakfast with a Snow Princess 9-10 am Elements - 3 Course Christmas Dinner $27

3 Course 31 Dinner $60 (reservations required) includes ticket to New Years Eve Party only $40

TAXI

250-409-4696

Friday

Saturday

11

12

3rd Annual Small Business, Big Party at Copper Point Resort

Photos 19 w/Santa

20% Discount on Gloves, Hats & Scarves at Coppermine

18

25

Winter Cocktails $7

MERRY CHRISTMAS 3 Course Christmas Dinner $27 5:30-Close

1 Happy

New Year!

10 am-12 pm/ 1-2 pm

Support local Charity Winter Cocktails $7 3 Course Christmas Dinner $27, 5:30-Close Breakfast with a Snow Princess 9-10 am

26

2

Elements Feature Winter Cocktails $7

Call for the Copper Point Resort Coach valley wide up to 23 passengers.

Wine and dine worry free! 2 dine for 1 when purchasing a return trip on the coach. 1 dinner entrée is complimentary when one of greater value is purchased.

Valid until 03/31/16. Excluding 12/23/15 to 01/02/16

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Leave your legacy: donate to the trail Submitted by Greenways Trail Alliance

and Greenways has discovered a new cash matching grant opportunity where donations will be doubled for funds received before the end of January.

“Please consider the generosity of the landowners, who became land donors.

Without their generosity, we would never have this trail,” said Mr. Halwa. “Fulltime and part-time residents can come together to build and use this trail for all

‘Tis the season of giving and the Westside Legacy Trail is a great example of a gift to the valley. Mark Halwa of the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance explains how the land for the trail was gifted.

“We went door knocking down Westside Road and the conversation went something like this: “Knock-knock. Who’s there?

It’s the Greenways Trail Alliance and we have this great idea for a new valley trail. We were wondering if you would like to provide your land for everyone to use, and if you wouldn’t mind signing a legal document, it will guarantee the trail will be available for all time. And here’s the good part, thousands of people will use this in increasing numbers — can we count you in?”

Mr. Halwa notes that the generosity of the valley has been demonstrated many times, but points out that giving land is quite different than volunteering time or donating cash.

“A land donation is very personal and not a single landowner asked for any compensation,” he said. “Everyone thought it would be a welcome addition to our already active community.”

TRAIL TIP — A sign on the SRL trail alongside The Westside Legacy Trail Westside Road reminds trail users that community was given a large boost by Bob donations are needed to help make the Westside Legand Barb Shaunessy of SRL acy Trail a reality.

Photo by Nicole Trigg Ranches who donated the largest amount of land, followed by a cash time, adding another multi-million doldonation to get the planning underway. lar recreational asset to make our valley an “The Shaunessys are huge supporters even better and more unique place.” of the community, the local environment In addition to the Shaunessys’ gift, and their leadership brought an incredible the other land donors are: CastleRock amount of momentum,” Mr. Halwa said. Estates, Grizzly Ridge Properties, Shane, Greenways has now launched a capi- Sandy and Janice McKay, Melvin and tal campaign to raise the funds to begin Jean Hemmelgarn, Al and Lucia Merlo trail construction, and people can donate and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. The directly on the new website located at BC Ministry of Transportation also prowww.OurTrail.org. vided land, and has issued a permit for Any amount can be given, and char- construction to begin. itable tax receipts are issued. Over 40 Greenways would like to wish everygrant applications have been submitted one happy holidays on the trails, shared — or are currently being worked on — with their families and friends.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

YOUR MONEY

The Feds hiked the rate – now what?

In an event not witnessed since 2006, the US Federal Reserve hiked their overnight lending rate by 25 basis points (bps), bringing the range from 0-.25 to .25-.50 per cent. The move came as no surprise to markets, but the expected frequency of hikes in 2016 and 2017 did.

Calculations from the Fed’s dot-plot indicate that, based on how the economy, labour market and inflation develop, there may be up to four rate hikes by the end of 2016. The markets, on the other hand, expected less rate tightening. Based on Fed funds futures, markets expect a rate of about 80 bps by December 2016, compared to Fed projections of about 140 bps.

Now, the million-dollar question is, how will the economy be affected? Here are a few possibilities.

Equities First and foremost, the overnight rate is just one component of the outlook for equities. Other considerations include company-specific issues and constraints, their earnings outlook, commodity prices and growth in the global markets.

Historically, interest rate cuts tend to pinch bank stocks, while slow, gradual increases cause banks to fare well. Higher base interest rates mean banks can lend at higher rates. A 1970s-style interest rate growth, on the other hand, could spell disaster as asset values are written down and defaults become more common.

So-called “bond proxies” like utility and telecom-

munication stocks tend to suffer during times of rising interest rates. History shows that these companies simply can’t raise prices fast enough to increase dividends in step with rate increases, a fact that most consumers who pay hydro bills or own cell phones would likely disagree with.

High quality companies and dividend growers tend to outperform in rising rate environments, as well as companies with revenue tied to U.S. growth, or denominated in U.S. dollars.

Bonds The old adage “when bond yields go up, prices fall” will certainly play a role in the years to come, as investor’s yield expectations evolve with progressively higher interest rates. Long-dated and low quality bonds will be affected, as their prices tend to be impacted significantly by changing interest rates.

This will be just one part of the equation, however.

As rising interest rates increase borrowing costs for companies, defaults become more common.

Indeed, it has already been reported that investors have been pulling out of junk bonds amidst worries about defaults in the sector. When investors do this, junk bond ETFs and mutual funds have to sell to cover redemptions, further forcing bond prices downwards.

On a positive note, floating rate debt will benefit, as these obligations are renegotiated at progressively higher interest rates. Further, investors who hold investment-

grade bonds until maturity should fare well, but those who sell before maturity could suffer capital losses.

Currency At its most basic level, a strengthening U.S. dollar means a falling loonie, and if U.S. inflation continues to improve, the loonie could fall further. As of December 17th, the Canadian dollar closed at its lowest level since May 2004.

Additionally, more central bank stimulus is expected in other major world economies including China, Japan and Europe, likely weakening their respective currencies.

The monetary policy divergence between the Fed and other countries, combined with stronger growth in the U.S., suggests the greenback will still have this upward bias.

Final thoughts With an economy barely limping along and oil prices under $40 per barrel, the thought of higher interest rates is a sobering one in Canada. It’s important to remember that overall, this is a small, token rate hike and the economic proof will have to be in the pudding for further increases to occur.

Major shifts in economic policy can signal a good time to reposition one’s investment portfolio. Speak with your financial advisor, and he or she can advise you if any changes should be made.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning GIC Rates

Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Sara Worley CIM®

Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Committed to our community for over 10 years

as of December 21st

1 yr 2 yr 3 yr 4 yr 5 yr

1.61% 1.91% 2.00% 2.11% 2.35%

*Rates subject to change without notice.

Holly’s Financial Tips “Access $25,000 tax-free from your RRSP for your home purchase” Holly Jones BA,

Investment Associate, Insurance Agent

Please visit our website to find out more: invermereadvisors.com

Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manulife Securities logo and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.

Free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 530 13th Street , Invermere • www.invermereadvisors.com

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Holiday Hours Ser

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

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e Co lumbia Va

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

The library will be closed December 24th, 25th, 26th , and January 1st

lle y

Open 11 am - 4 pm December 29th, 30th, 31st, & Jan. 2nd Story Times on Dec. 31 & Jan. 2 will start at 11:15 a.m.

invermere.bclibrary.ca

N E W S PA P E R

PASSION FOR PIZZA — Brenda and Todd Mitchell, pictured with their two daughters at the future site of Pizzeria Mercato, are excited to be opening in the new location along Athalmer Road in early 2016.

Photo by Amanda Nason

Mercato moving to Crossroads

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer Todd and Brenda Mitchell are reopening their much-beloved Pizzeria Mercato next May in a new location in front of Canadian Tire and next to the building that features Bavin Glassworks.

A recent graduate of Tony Gemignani’s International School of Pizza in San Francisco, Mr. Mitchell previously spent more than two decades in hospitality as the general manager and co-owner of Best Western Invermere Inn. The pizzeria’s new location will fill half of a new and currently-under-construction building’s tenancy. The other tenancy will be leased by the brand new Invermere Liquor Store (see page 20).

Customers will soon be able to enjoy Mercato’s Greek-style panned pizzas, known for their high quality ingredients that are sourced from major food suppliers and Calgary’s Scarpone’s Italian food

store. As well, Brenda will continue making her signature fresh dough on a daily basis just like when the pizzeria was located in Windermere.

“It will be a licensed, fast, casual-style pizzeria with 26 seats inside and 24 seats outside on our patio,” said Mr. Mitchell.

“The pizzeria will be open for lunch and close in the late evening, and customers will be able to eat in or take out.”

Pizzeria Mercato will also offer an expanded line of food in the new location.

New additions to the menu will include hot and cold sandwiches, various soups, salads, and delectable desserts.

“We’re working on even more fantastic new products that will complement our pizza very well!” Mr. Mitchell added.

The pizzeria will be accepting resumes for a variety of positions soon.

Applicants are encouraged to send their resumes to pizzeriawindermere@gmail. com with Todd’s name referenced or call 250-341-1966.

WARM WISHES MEILLEURS VOEUX Special holiday hours – 2015 Hot pool Dec 24 Dec 25 Dec 26 to Jan 3

Noon to 9 pm Noon to 5 pm 10 am to 10 pm

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Closed Noon to 9 pm

Annual pass sale Enjoy unlimited entries to Radium, Miette and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

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Piscine chaude Le 24 déc.

De midi à 21 h Le 25 déc.

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Offre de laissezpasser annuel Profitez d’un nombre illimité d’entrées aux sources thermales Radium, Miette et Upper Hot Springs de Banff.

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Extra bonus: Annual pass holders receive 10% off spa services at Pleiades Spa and Wellness in Radium Hot Springs.

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En prime : Les titulaires de laissez-passer annuel profitent d’un rabais de 10 % sur les services offerts à l’établissement thermal Pleiades Spa and Wellness aux sources thermales Radium.

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COMING SOON —An artist’s rendering of the building currently under construction in front of Canadian Tire that will house Pizzeria Mercato and the new Invermere Liquor Store when it’s completed in the spring of 2016.

Image submitted

Heures d’ouverture spéciales du temps des Fêtes 2015

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

New liquor store at Crossroads readying to open

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer At this time of year, there is lots to be excited about.

A new year ahead, spending time with family and friends, and enjoying quality time in the Columbia Valley’s great outdoors are but a few of the many reasons why. And if you find the holidays going by far too quickly, the light at the end of the tunnel for many is the thought of the forthcoming spring season. “Spring forward!” as the expression goes.

For one valley business in particular, Spring 2016 will be an especially exciting time. Ryan Haynes will be opening the Columbia Valley’s newest full service liquor store at the start of April, called the Invermere Liquor Store of which he will be the general manager. The business will be located across the parking lot from Canadian Tire on Athalmer Road and will be neighbours in the

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

new building with Todd and Brenda Mitchell’s delicious Pizzeria Mercato.

“The store will offer the valley’s widest selection on beer, wine and spirits,” said Mr. Haynes.

The layout will feature a “simple design to highlight the product offered,” he added. The store will be 3,000 square feet including a 500 square foot walk-in retail cooler.

For Mr. Haynes, the time was finally right to open a new business at the Invermere Crossroads.

“I was working on market research for quite some time in the area, and finally I knew the timing was right with the recent business expansion.”

The products offered at the new retail location will include regular domestic beer, unique craft beers, B.C. and international wines, and hard-to-find spirits. The selection of beers will also include many local favourites such as Arrowhead, Fernie Brewing Co, and Nelson Brewing Company. Of particular note, a large part of the store’s business platform will be a highly knowledgeable and outgoing staff.

IMAGINE INVERMERE COMMUNITY SUSTAINABILITY PLAN

Seeking Members for The Imagine Invermere Implementation Committee The District of Invermere is looking for up to three (3) members of the public to volunteer for a two (2) year term to guide the implementation of the Imagine Invermere Integrated Community Sustainability Plan, (ICSP).

“We have had several staff members over the last few months take the WSET (Wine and Spirit Educational Trust),” Mr. Haynes said. WSET is a highly regarded curriculum taught around the world, and is required by many employers in the trade. The course goes into significant detail about tasting, grape growing, winemaking, maturation, and regional specifics for all the various wines of the world.

But while the store represents a new endeavor for Mr. Haynes, he is in fact no stranger to the liquor and grocery retail business.

He also manages Radium Mountainside Market, and is involved in a private liquor store in Radium and the Mountainside Market in Fairmont. “I’m excited to add another location in the Invermere area as there will be greater efficiencies for the three locations with this store’s opening” he commented.

Great value will be offered throughout the store and will be advertised in a flyer distributed through the Columbia Valley Pioneer at the start of each month. The store’s hours of operation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week.

German Spatzle

Made fresh here in the Columbia Valley!

Get yours at Valley Foods, Sobeys, Fairmont and Radium Mountainside Markets, Grants Foods, Hopkins Farmers Market and Pips Country Store.

For recipe ideas or orders call Jurgen at 250-342-5650

Pioneer Classifieds

SPOT THE DEALS! N E W S PA P E R

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Imagine Invermere (II) is the District of Invermere’s Integrated Community Sustainability Plan that was developed to provide guidance towards a sustainable and resilient future for our community. The II ICSP identifies community priorities and strategies which guide decisions and actions towards the sustainability goals.

Membership on the committee will be for a two (2) year term from the date of appointment.

To be eligible, you must be a resident of the District of Invermere.

Successful candidates must possess a strong sense of community service, willingness to work respectfully as part of a team and have good communication skills.

The Imagine Invermere ICSP Implementation Committee duties shall include: • • • • • •

Recruiting community partners for Imagine Invermere and for meeting with existing partners to communicate success stories and to look for ways to move Invermere closer to its vision of sustainability; Reviewing the action inventory priority list (a component of Imagine Invermere ICSP) and making recommendations for action implementation Organizing local activities and actions that promote sustainability and or move Invermere closer to its vision of sustainability contained within the ICSP Liaising with residents who wish to discuss Imagine Invermere and its constituent parts including its sustainability objectives, community priorities, strategy areas and associated descriptions of success statements, action inventory implementation and monitoring Planning the monitoring and annual reporting on Imagine Invermere Considering sustainability issues or concerns referred to it by Council

Detailed terms of reference are available for review at the District office or at www.invermere.net The Imagine Invermere ICSP policy document is also available for review on the Districts web site or can be made available at the DOI office.

Interested persons are invited to submit written applications on or before December 31, 2015 at 4:30 p.m. to: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer 914 – 8th Avenue Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Email: cao@invermere.net • Phone: 250-342-9281 ext 1225

A COLLECTION OF N EW TOW N HOMES AT THE FOOT OF M A I N STR EET OV ER LOOK I NG LA K E W I N DER MER E. A place where life happens. In a small town. On a lake. In the mountains.

Where homes are inspired by Invermere’s local context.

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Winter world cup skiing, skating and cross country touring.

EXPAND YOUR EXPERIENCE.

CONTACT Y VONNE AT 250.615.734 4

HIGHLANDCROSSING.CA

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Season’s Greetings~ 1

December 25, 2015

Season’s Greetings

From our offices in Invermere and Fairmont…

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS...

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS...

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS...

AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! With glad tidings to you and yours at this joyous time of year.

We really appreciate your business and loyalty.

MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214 7th Avenue 250-341-6044

Fairmont #4, 4992 Fairmont Frontage Rd. 250-345-6080

2 ~ Season’s Greetings • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Season’s Greetings

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone who has supported the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary this year.

With warm regards....

We may provide the heat for your home, but nothing warms our hearts more than thoughts of the many good folks we’ve had the privilege to serve this past year. Happy Holidays!

Jerry, Marvin, Delphine, Rich and Chad

250-341-3206

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

Happy Holidays!

BMO/Bank of Montreal Invermere

Tony’s Greek Grill Merry Christmas In Fairmont & Happy new year

Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday From the Mayor, Council & Staff at the District of Invermere.

914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Ph: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934 E-mail: info@invermere.net

Everett Frater Enterprises Snow Removal Residential & Commercial Phone: 250-347-9228 Cell: 250-342-5645

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Season’s Greetings~ 3

Season’s Greetings

Seasons Greetings

from everyone at the Invermere Campus College of the Rockies

4 ~ Season’s Greetings • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Season’s Greetings

Merry Christmas &

from everyone at

Unit 4, 108 Industrial Road #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-2999 • www.palliserprinting.com

Have a very merry

Christmas This year we are closed December 24th at 12 p.m. until January 4th Serving the valley since 1995

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

www.invermereglass.ca

Now recycling electronics.

Invermere Bottle Depot & Recycle Centre Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere B.C. • Ph: 250-342-7272

CANADIAN FUSION : LICENSED CASUAL DINING

Hoodoo Grill wishes you all a happy holiday season!

Hwy 93/95 south of Fairmont Hot Springs 250-345-2166 • thehoodoo.com

Happy New Year

arb

ayna & B

From D

778-526-5020 Unit A 712 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C.

Season’s Greetings From the Village of Radium Hot Springs Council and Staff Please join us on New Year’s Eve as the Village is celebrating 25 years as a municipality.

Festivities begin at 3 p.m. at the skating rink on Stanley Street and will end with a fireworks display at the Springs Driving Range, 6:30 p.m.

Free hot dogs, hot chocolate, chili and birthday cake provided.

Donations to the fire department are gratefully accepted.

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Season’s Greetings~ 5

Season’s Greetings

Christmas Greetings

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

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace,

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

good willLuke toward2:14 men.

Luke 2:14

Luke 2:14

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

250-342-6293

250-342-6293

250-342-6293

6 ~ Season’s Greetings • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Season’s Greetings NORTH STAR HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES

To our loyal customers and friends, a very Merry Christmas and all the best in the coming year.

NORTHSTAR HARDWARE & BUILDING SUPPLIES LTD.

• Casual dining • Licensed • Patio dining • Warm and friendly atmosphere

Leave your impression

4935 Highway 93/95 , Radium Hot Springs • 250-347-9848 Formerly known as Melting Pot Eatery

Independently owned • 410 Borden Street • Athalmer

250-342-6226 • www.nstarhw.ca

Season’s Greetings

We wish you a

and a happy New Year!

With thanks for your valued business this past year.

514 13 St | Invermere | 250-342-6901

VE

The Invermere

Have a great holiday!

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

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Ph: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-0312• Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

ALLEY CHO

250-341-6299

advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

N E W S PA P E R

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • Season’s Greetings~ 7

December 25, 2015

Season’s Greetings DCS Plumbing & Heating Wishing a safe and happy season www.invermererotary.org

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FULL OF FAMILY AND FUN.

25

Happy Holidays!

24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501

WE HOPE YOU HAVE A VERY

1988

From Our Family to Yours ...

2013

INDERMERE WV ALLEY Golf Course

Merry Christmas from your friends at

celebration never goes out of style Thank you so much to all of our valued clients.

Celebrate, relax and enjoy this holiday season!

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

Happiness Peace Hope Love Our heartfelt wishes for all of the valley!

Closed Christmas Day to celebrate with our families.

Open Boxing Day through January 4th at both locations to meet all your Christmas needs.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Stuart and Rhiannon Tutty Stuart Tutty Financial Services Ltd.

Christmas Greetings

from our family to yours.

We’d like to wish all of our friends and neighbours a Happy & Healthy Holiday Season! From all of us here at…

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518 13th St. • Downtown Invermere • 250.341.3511 Fusion at Copper Point Resort • 250-341-3522 fusionwellnessspa.com

417 - 10th Ave. Invermere • 250-342-8877

8 ~ Season’s Greetings • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

FR

2016

ay to 7 Eat Your W e a Longer Lif e Wave 10 Catch th to Peace

EE

othing 19 Do-ing N lts u Delivers Res on 21 Focusing llness Financial We

Feeling unbalanced?

Looking for Vitality?

Look no further!

The Columbia Valley's first health and wellness magazine, Vitality, will be available starting December 30th at select locations from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats.

Packed with information and advice from local experts, Vitality is the valley's go-to guide for getting healthy and staying healthy.

Pick up a copy and turn over a new leaf for the new year!

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Wonders of the winter lake Watershed Wanderings

By Megan Peloso Pioneer Columnist The Purcells are getting plenty of snow this holiday season, but some skaters, skiers and ice fishing folk are waiting patiently. Winter season recreation on Lake Windermere is delayed by remaining open spaces and thin ice left by a mild December. Dropping temperatures and thickening ice will be good news for those whose true holiday wish is for the Whiteway to open and cue winter play on the lake.

If you have the impression that the lake is freezing later and thawing earlier, it may not be your imagination.

According to recent studies, shorter winters and overall reduced ice cover appears to be a common experience on lakes across the northern hemisphere (more to come on how this could affect lake ecology in an upcoming edition of The Valley Echo).

So while you may be experiencing some symptoms of ice fever (a playful though risky affliction where one’s eagerness for ice may be so mighty that it outweighs one’s carefulness), please take extra care over your holidays around frozen lakes. Remember that ice is dynamic — it can move, contract and expand with changing tempera-

WARNING! ICE THICKNESS!

tures — and regardless of how cold it gets, it is never 100 per cent safe.

As Lake Windermere transforms into ice paradise and the Whiteway garners greater recognition and popularity, the frozen lake will continue to attract new excited patrons in winter. The Ambassadors see this as a great opportunity to model some simple best practices for winter use of the lake!

Leave No Trace: Pack out everything you pack on to your Whiteway adventure.

• This prevents garbage, dog waste, and other debris from freezing into the ice and later thawing into the lake.

• It also maintains the beautiful, natural aesthetic and landscape we are seeking when we escape into the Rocky Mountain outdoors.

Follow a general code of conduct when ice fishing on the lake.

• Make use of a contained vessel for fires, like a pit or wood stove. Open fires on the lake leave ash and debris behind. “Depositing material” on public lands, including those covered with water or ice, is an offence under the Public Lands Act. • Remove huts and all associated materials well before the ice melts, or by March 15th, to prevent debris from entering the waterway.

Drive slowly and respect shared use.

• Take extra control of your driving speed while on the lake and keep leaky vehicles off the ice.

Continued on page 22 . . .

This has been a warm autumn.

THERE IS UNSEASONABLY THIN ICE ON THE LAKE. Many surfaces are still open.

You have a personal responsibility to yourself and to your loved ones to be informed.

Local conditions such as currents and water depths can affect ice thickness; consult knowledgeable local individuals as to where these variations occur. White ice has air or snow within it and should be considered suspect for recreational use.

According to the Lifesaving Society of B.C. and the Yukon (www.lifesaving.bc.ca): • If the ice is clear, but less than seven centimetres (three inches) thick, it’s not safe to be on it.

• For ice fishing, walking, or cross-country skiing, the ice should be at least 10 centimetres (four inches) thick.

• For riding a snowmobile or ATV, the ice should be at least 12 centimetres (five inches) thick.

• It takes 20 to 30 centimetres (eight to 12 inches) to support a car or small pickup truck • It takes 30 to 38 centimetres (12 to 15 inches) to support a medium-sized truck or van.

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Performance pizzazz

. . . ‘Far Out’ from page 12 The couple submitted the letter to the Village of Radium Hot Springs at the Wednesday, December 16th regular meeting to obtain permission (which was granted) to add to the experience by providing affordable gear rentals (sleds, ice skates, hockey sticks, skating helmets, snow sport helmets and fat tire bikes) ranging from $3 to $7 during the annual event.

“Our intent is to make winter fun a little more accessible by being on site,” the couple’s letter stated. “We have no intention of selling merchandise, food or beverages of any type while on site. We would accept cash or credit cards during the event… and our operations will be clean, organized and have two staff members present during the event.”

The Gormans have also offered to carry $2 million liability insurance coverage and will require participants to complete a waiver to participate in the family-friendly events and activities.

For more information, visit www.rentfarout.com or call 1-844376-0632.

. . . ‘Wonders’ from page 21 • Do not drive on the Whiteway: when crossing be sure to stop and look for traffic.

• Respect closed gates and signs.

Many of the above tips are sourced directly from the Lake Windermere Management Plan. The plan recognizes that the frozen lake has the potential to be a community asset, and recommends a Code of Conduct be created to guide responsible winter use. A co-ordinated effort between users is a natural next step in ensuring our activities preserve the health of our lake and watershed during the winter, and enhance well-being and safety while recreating on the ice.

Megan Peloso is the Program Coordinator for the Lake Windermere Ambassadors.Email her at info@ lakeambassadors.ca or call the office at 250-341-6898.

On Friday, December 11th, United Dance held its very first Christmas Show, which showcased 60 dancers from the ages of four to 17. It was held at the Windermere Community Hall and it was a full house. Top photo: The Junior Dancers perform their competitive program. Below: All the dancers in the show.

Photos submitted

The Christmas Jam returned to the Station Pub on December 19th as a fundraiser for the Windermere Valley Musicians Who Care. The venue was packed with music-lovers who listened to (clockwise from bottom left) the Halfsacks, motherdaughter duo Ally Candy and Ella Swan, and local Celtic group Sofri, among many others.

Photos by Emily Rawbon

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

Windermere Elementary

David Thompson Secondary (DTSS)

Eileen Madson Primary

DTSS

Eileen Madson Primary

The sound of music....

Edgewater Elementary

Martin Morigeau Elementary

J.A. Laird Elementary

From December 8th through to December 17th, you may have possibly heard the sweet strains of students’ music echo across the valley as all five schools in the region held their annual Christmas Concerts. It’s impossible to feature all the wonderful talent these performances showcased but here’s a smattering of photos to give you an idea of how the valley’s youth set about to entertain their friends and families in their yearend show. Photos by Dean and Lizzie Midyette, Breanne Massey and submitted, for which we are grateful!

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

The man and the history behind the failed canal

By Dorothy Isted Special to The Pioneer

There was a pioneer in the Columbia Valley who, like the famed mountain climber Conrad Kain, was born in Austria. But unlike Conrad Kain, he is not a household name throughout the valley, when perhaps he ought to be. William Adolf Ballie-Grohman was, after all, the man who put Canal Flats on the map and built the canal that gave the community its name.

The man Like Pynelogs’ Lady Elizabeth Bruce, William came from a wealthy European family. His mother was a cousin to the Duke of Wellington. His wife received the Gold Medal of the Republic of Austria from the Austrian government. His son became a Vice Admiral in the British navy. His daughter was the second woman elected to Kenya’s legislature. He regularly hunted and corresponded with U.S. president Theodore Roosevelt. He is even credited for being the first to climb the tallest mountain in Austria in the winter. Yet little is known locally about this man.

William Adolf Grohmann was born in Gmunden, Austria on April 1st, 1851. His father, Adolf Grohmann, was the son of a merchant banker who became enriched through the coffee trade. His mother, Fanny, was the daughter of an impoverished Irish widow who, when Fanny was 15, was evicted from her home during the Irish Famine. Fanny was placed as a companion to a wealthy cousin. Fanny grew into a ravishing beauty

William Ballie-Grohman in his study at Schloss Matzen, Austria. Photo submitted

A young William Ballie-Grohman, likely how he looked when he arrived in the Columbia Valley. Ancestry.com photo and was pursued and enmeshed, against her better judgement, into marriage at the age of 16.

William was the oldest of five children born. While his fraternal grandparents were alive, Fanny was shielded, but when they died, the uglier forms of her husband’s mental illness became apparent. His terrible rages, once directed at his parents, now found a new target. In 1861, Fanny had her husband committed to an insane asylum after 10 years of marriage. The law in Austria prevented her from emancipation in her own right, so she and her children became wards of the court. She had to apply to the guardians of her estate regarding details as small as which school to send her children to and where she could live.

To make matters worse, the guardians were careless and allowed the family’s wealth to diminish. They refused to allow Fanny and the children to live in the country and Fanny was forced to live in rented rooms in town after their home, Schloss von St Wolfgang, was sold for much less than it was worth. Finally, she rebelled. She sold off her valuables, including jewelry, and purchased a ruined castle in Austria’s Tyrol region — Schloss Matzen.

Over time, she restored the building. William was given a suite of his own.

Known to the family as Willie, the boy had a glorious life in the remote Tyrolean Mountains. He shot his first stag at the age of nine. Much of his time was spent mountain climbing, hunting and wandering the wilderness, where he was in his element. He was privately tutored until the age of 14 when he entered college in Guernsey, England. At 18, he tried working in a lawyer’s, and then a merchant’s, office, but found it stifling.

Because William’s mother was a British subject, it enabled him to take out British citizenship at the age of 21. Still angry at the way the Austrian government had treated his mother, he Anglicized his name, dropped the second “n” in Grohmann, and added Baillie, which was the surname of a Scottish friend of his (this is the story of

how his surname changed, according to his great grandson, Roderic Baillie-Grohman of Somerset, England).

At 24, after spending several years travelling, climbing and hunting throughout Europe, William published his first book, Tyrol and the Tyrolese, which was an immediate success. He crossed the Atlantic Ocean to explore the Wild West, the first of 30 crossings in his lifetime. At some point, he met and became good friends with Theodore Roosevelt, future United States president.

His future wife, Florence Nickalls, was the oldest of the 14 children of self-made London stockbroker Tom Nickalls. He had firsthand knowledge of transportation needs in America, having spent 10 years there until the age of 15. He invested in American railway shares and was dubbed the Erie King due to his success.

Flo was not a typical Victorian lady. At 10, when the son of Emperor Louis Napoleon arrived to see the family’s showpiece stables and livestock, Flo refused to let him in as he was a stranger. As a young woman, she secretly attended art college in collusion with her mother, against her father’s wishes, since it was considered unladylike. Though she was presented at court (a crowning achievement for a family considered nouveau riche), she did not follow the fashions of the day, opting to instead design and sew her own clothing.

At 24, Florence, along with two siblings, accompanied her father Tom on a trip to America. While standing at the ship’s railing in New York for their return home, watching passengers embark, Flo and her sister noticed

Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to William A. BaillieGrohman. n.d. Theodore Roosevelt Collection. MS Am 1454.50 (16). Harvard College Library. http://www.theodorerooseveltcenter.org/Research/Digital-Library/Record. aspx?libID=o285278.

Photo courtesy of the Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library at Dickinson State University

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

a handsome tall man who was dressed wealthy outdoorsman would turn his hand unconventionally. They eavesdropped to to building a canal. hear his accent, which was English with a He had first arrived into the Kootenays brogue. The sisters laid a bet as to whether in pursuit of the elusive Rocky Mountain this man was English or Austrian. They goat. At his first sighting in 1882, not one discovered they were both correct — he settler was present. was half-Irish, half-Austrian and educated Upon seeing the area (now Creston) in England. around Kootenay Lake, he was reminded of The girls were further intrigued when where he’d grown up and how diversion of their brother (who they commissioned to water had created agricultural land. He realfind out, as it was socially improper for ized if he could control the Kootenay River, young women to approach a stranger) rehe could lower the water levels of Kootenay ported the man had just completed a deLake, create fertile farmland and eager imcade in America, was an author and held migrants would buy it. the record for shooting the largest wapiti A year after seeing Kootenay Lake, he in North America. came into the Columbia Valley and his inWhile onboard ship, William gave terest was piqued by McGillivray’s Portage, a talk about the Kootenay Valley and named by explorer David Thompson, where showed pictures he had taken.

Columbia Lake lay only one and a half miles He likely would have enthusiasti- The family home of Florence Nickalls, Patterson Court, Nufield, Surrey in 1885. Her father from the Kootenay River, adjacent to prescally spoken, too, of his idea to divert the Tom Nickalls is on the left; Florence is in the dark hat.

Photo submitted ent-day Canal Flats. If he could cut a canal Kootenay River into Columbia Lake in through this short passage and divert all or order to reclaim rich farm land in the Creston area; and of his plans to raise the capital part of the Kootenay River’s water into Columbia Lake, he would achieve his goal. in England, form a company, return and build. It was reportedly then that Flo fell in William knew that, at the height of the gold rush in 1864, a group of 25 men had love with him. started to dig a canal in the same spot. Their intention was to divert the waters entirely After arriving in Liverpool, England, the siblings discovered William had nowhere from the Kootenay River so they could pan for gold in a dry riverbed. The project was to spend Christmas as his mother lived in Austria, so they invited him home to Pat- abandoned when they ran out of money and provisions in the first year. teson Court.

William applied to British Columbia’s provincial government in Victoria for land William proposed to Flo on New Year’s Eve in 1885. The proposal was not well-re- concessions. In exchange for 48,000 acres at the south end of Kootenay Lake, he was to ceived by her father. The 10 years he’d spent in North America were as an impoverished build a canal to divert the Kootenay River waters within two years or the deal was off. child to pioneers in Illinois before being returned to England to live with relatives. He A 10-year lease was granted in December 1883. Contrary to some beliefs concerning understood William Baillie-Grohman’s plans. He believed them ill-advised. He knew the deal, the provincial government did add a caveat that the water plans needed to be the hard scrabble and unpredictable life of pioneers in the wilderness. However, Flo’s approved by the government of the Dominion of Canada. Baillie-Grohman later stated mother sided with her once more and the marriage took place in 1886. Florence re- he and his lawyers missed that pertinent fact. fused the society wedding her father wanted to give, but he gave a large gift of money, He travelled to England and formed the Kootenay Lake Syndicate to raise funds. placing legal requirements on it so the funds could not go down the drain of a canal.

The B.C. government agreement required him to spend a considerable amount of The couple arrived in Victoria where son Harold Tom was born in February 1888. money during his ten-year lease. He estimated the project would cost 32,000 British Flo later discovered the doctor who attended the birth was responsible for the recent pounds (which equals £2,878,000 today), and the profit was estimated at £248,000 deaths of five women due to childbed fever. She herself contracted the illness and (or 22,310,000 today). was fortunate to survive. Florence remained in Victoria while Willie took the train to The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) influenced the federal government to alter Golden to commence his building project in Canal Flat — as it was then called.

William’s plans for fear the railway tracks would be flooded. A group of 30 citizens in That summer, Flo left the baby with a nurse in Victoria and joined Willie at the Golden also petitioned both the provincial and federal government in 1886 to prevent work camp. The camp cook left suddenly and Florence took over, feeding up to 10 the diversion of waters. Their concern was that the Columbia Valley would be flooded people three meals a day. One day she and farming/ranching and forestry would looked up and saw three riders on horsebe irreversibly damaged, deterring future back in the distance. She said to Willie, “I settlers. have just seen someone who looks exactly The original agreement with the prolike my father!” vincial government was scrapped. A naviIt was. He’d heard about her illness gable lock had to be added to the canal and wanted to ensure she was being looked to prevent floodwaters from the Kooteafter properly. His reservations about the nay River from disturbing the Columbia project were somewhat allayed when he Lake and Columbia River water levels. saw what was being accomplished and Four years passed before all the negotiahe agreed to financially back his son-intions culminated in an agreement that allaw. But he also insisted that Flo, who was lowed Baillie-Grohman to proceed. pregnant once again, return to England to Before he could commence building deliver her second child. the canal, he had to construct a sawmill in the midst of raw wilderness. He was The history 100 miles from the nearest rail station in Anyone who knew Baillie-Grohman Golden and no one would agree to deand his interests would have been surliver the necessary equipment.

Lock construction at Canal Flats, 1888.

Wikipedia photo prised that this successful author and Continued on page 26 . . .

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

trying to acquire the land he’d been promised) as well as petitions by William and even the There was a long delay by the CPR in getting the equip- same aforementioned settlers requesting that ment to Golden and William had no choice but to bring it permission be granted to William to now have upriver himself. It was August and low water; the sawmill the lock-gates left open year round to improve boiler weighed 5,000 pounds. The only transport avail- navigation on the Columbia River. able was a patched-together square barge with a steam enOn and on it went… the government gine made from parts. The “ship” was changing its mind, new offers being made, named the Cline, whose capdecisions being argued in court. The work tain conceded it did “sit on Kootenay Flats began and about kinder heavy in the wa$16,000 was spent in clearing ter.” The boiler had to timber and rock, and building be placed on a raft housing for the workmen. and towed while By this time, there was the Cline persistfriction within the Kooteed in going upnay Lake Syndicate comriver broadside. pany so William resorted The men had to to using his own funds to repeatedly imcarry on with the project. The sign in Canal Flats honouring W.A. Baillie-Grohman’s endeavour. merse themselves When he returned to Lon- Photo submitted up to their waists don, England to request reUnited States (which is still in print). William authored 11 into the river to proimbursement of his funds, the pel the boat and cargo company refused to pay him and notified the books and contributed magazine articles for nearly 50 years, forward. Constantly being B.C. government that William was no longer the making something of a living as an author. He also acted as snagged on mud, sand bars managing director. He took the case to B.C.’s Su- a guide to hunting parties in the Tyrolean Mountains.

The couple spent the majority of the First World War and tree snags, it took Lock of the Baillie-Grohman Canal, in 1890. preme Court. Important legal documents 23 tortuous days to were sent to him with insufficient postage, in England, but returned to Austria after the war and Wikipedia photo make the trip. so ended up at the Dead Letter Office and found the Tyrolean people were starving. They plunged William disapproved of the lock plans imposed by the destroyed. William then learned that his lawyer in Victo- into relief work, which was exhausting. William, with a federal government, arguing that if it was constructed as de- ria absconded with the $500 retainer. That was the final weakened heart, died suddenly on November 27th, 1921. signed, it would not allow for easy navigation. He tried to straw. He’d spent nine years and a fortune without a single Thirty years later, Flo was awarded the Gold Medal of the Republic of Austria for their work in setting up childcare get the plans changed, but his objections fell on deaf ears. acre of land being reclaimed.

He believed he had to go forward in order to prevent Bankrupt, William, with Flo and their children Tom centres to save children from the famine. She was the first financial ruin, having backers who wanted results. Fur- and Olga, departed from Victoria by train, travelling foreigner and first woman to receive this medal.

Of his time building the canal, William once wrote: ther difficulties arose when water started to seep into the through the United States on their way home to William’s “By dint of hard work, I completed the canal within the canal when the digging mother Fanny in Austria. At one point, William got below the level of the was so low on funds that he had to sell his treasured prescribed time limit; it was a job I can honestly recommend to those desirous of committing suicide in a decent, Kootenay River. Steam firearms to pay expenses. pumps had to be brought In 1901, Theodore Roosevelt visited his old gentlemanly manner. As a test of temper and of perseverin from the coast. He friend in Austria at the Schloss Matzen castle. Will- ance against the forces of nature, the malignity of man, and stated in his notes: “This liam described to him the shooting reserves in Aus- the cussedness of fate, there is nothing like building in a of course, cost thousands tria as a way of preventing the extinction of game. wild uninhabited country, far removed from civilized means of pounds… in defiance Roosevelt became known as the “conservationist of transportation, a canal according to plans imposed upon of reason and common president,” enacting laws that protected 230 mil- you by people who have never been to the spot, and who have no conception of what is really required.” sense, the works had to lion acres of public land. be completed at the cost His father-in-law Tom of sums which might as Nickalls visited too, expressing well have been thrown disappointment to his daughinto the sea.” ter of the husband “who could The hard labour of not even give her a home of building the canal was her own.” done by Chinese immiShe responded, “Life is grant laborers, which was An older William. Creston & District what you make it, you can make common for construc- Historical and Museum Society photo something worthwhile of any tion projects in western situation!”

North America at that time. On July 29th, 1889, barely In 1904, William produced his within the two years agreed upon, the canal works were best-known work, with Flo as a co-edicompleted. Only two ships ever went through it. The age tor. The Master of Game was a modern of steamship was over. The railroad had arrived. translation of the 15th century classic William could now turn his attention to the real reason (the oldest English language book on he’d begun the project: reclaiming the land on Kootenay hunting) with an introduction by TheoPhoto submitted Flats. There was a lot of crafty scheming going on (settlers dore Roosevelt, then-president of the Today, the Schloss Matzen is a hotel. . . . Continued from page 25

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

Halik returns to Trail Host post

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff Tania Halik will be greeting backcountry travellers at the Forster Creek trailhead to offer up safety information and weather conditions to prepare visitors for avalanches this winter with her trusty canine companion, Summit.

“The challenge of it attracted me to the contract this year,” explained Ms. Halik. “I am very safety-oriented. I used to work as an avalanche forecaster at Panorama and I noticed that the snowmobiling community is in need of avalanche education. I thought that I could use my experience from the ski hill and my skills for educating this group of people.”

Ms. Halik will be patrolling the Forster Creek area and providing information about avalanche conditions, trail conditions, closure details and general information for the second year in a row.

“This year in particular, a change in road use and parking locations will be important to share with users,” said Aina Cernenoks, recreation officer for the Rocky Mountain District at Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations. “Active logging in the Forster Creek drainage means that recreationists will share the road with industrial traffic.”

A new parking lot located at the 27.7-kilometre mark on Forster Creek Forest Service Road will require snowmobilers to drive an extra 9 kilometres further up the road. There will be zero tolerance for parking permitted in the areas used during the previous year, according to Ms. Cernenoks.

Drivers with two-way radios will benefit from tuning into the appropriate frequency to communicate with other road users, she added.

“Forest Service Roads have signs at their entrances indicating the name of the road and the appropriate radio frequency to tune in to. If you are a user of a two-way radio, you should tune in to the appropriate

frequency and then call in your location and direction.

Other users will do the same, so you will know if there is a need for you to pull out at some point to allow loaded trucks to pass. Keep in mind that not all road users will have radios,” Ms. Cernenoks warned.

It is illegal to operate a snowmobile on snowplowed Forest Service Roads in B.C. Regular rules of travelling on industrial roads apply in the area, and signage will be distributed throughout the popular trail network this winter.

Ms. Halik reminds snowmobilers that the Catamount and Northstar Glaciers are closed to snowmobiles at this time. The Northstar Glacier remains closed all year, whereas the Catamount Glacier opens for snowmobile use after February 14th.

“I can also warn people if the conditions are not that great,” said Ms. Halik.

In addition, Ms. Halik is hoping to offer three avalanche awareness courses, just as she did last year during the program’s pilot year, to help inform people about staying safe in the backcountry.

“I was teaching people mostly about how to conduct a proper search… proper probing techniques and shoveling techniques,” she explained. “A lot of people, even people who took awareness courses, learn the proper techniques but because they do not practice, they are very rusty so it made people realize that everybody needs to practice these skills regularly.”

She is hoping to recruit volunteers to run the programming again this winter.

Ms. Halik noted that her hours of operation as trail host will vary over the winter as she also works as a paramedic. “Summit always comes with me, too.”

Along with her dog Summit, she became certified through the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association in January 2015 — a process that took two years, and now allows the duo to respond to avalanche disasters. Before earning their certification last month, Ms. Halik and Sum-

DEDICATED DUO — Forster Trail Host Tania Halik and her avalanche dog Summit on a field day in February.

Photo by Martina Halik/Raven Eye Photography mit could only assist in an emergency.

“We can respond really fast when we’re together,” said Ms. Halik.

Financial support for the Trail Host program comes from Regional District Areas F and G, the Columbia Basin Trust, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society, and the Village of Radium Hot Springs. All involved stakeholders, including Canfor, the Columbia Valley Hut Society, Toby Creek Adventures and RK Heliski, support the Forster Trail Host and other Forster area initiatives to promote safe and co-operative use of the backcountry.

The daily sledding fees for the Forster Creek area are $20 and annual memberships are available online through the BC Snowmobile Federation at www.wvss-bcsf.silkstart. com/join. Day tickets can be purchased at the Radium Visitor Information Centre and at the trailhead.

For more information about staying safe, visit www. bcforestsafe.org/files/tk_pdfs/gde_resrd.pdf.

—With files from Dan Walton

Christmas Star sets out on a winning Shopping Spree

By Dean Midyette Pioneer Staff

STARSTRUCK — Bill Wittman, the winner of the 2015 Christmas Star Shopping Spree (pictured with Susan Clovechok of the CVCC), gestures at his pile of new possessions just in time for Christmas thanks to the $1,000 he won by shopping local in this year’s contest.

Photo by Dean Midyette

Bill Wittman of Juniper Heights, the first person to be hired at Canadian Tire, is the winner of this year’s Christmas Star Shopping Spree.

The contest was supported by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC), Imagine Invermere, the Columbia Valley Pioneer and 32 participating retailers from Fairmont to Radium.

Said Eden Yesh of Imagine Invermere: “Imagine Invermere is proud to support our local economy with residents supporting our local businesses.”

First on Bill’s itinerary was Windermere with stops at the Family Pantry for some Christmas and New Year’s libations and at the Windermere Valley Golf Course for green fee passes for 2016.

Turning north, Bill visited the Radium PetroCan for some gas cards before heading back to Invermere to purchase new tires at Canadian Tire, a wine kit at the Back Door Wine Cellar, groceries from Sobeys and Valley Foods, with bedding and some other smaller items being purchased at Red Apple. Over 5,200 entries were received over the five weeks the contest ran.

“This is the most fun I’ve had all year!” said Bill.

The Shopping Spree is part of the annual Shop Local initiative championed by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, which encourages people to support local business throughout the year. “Congratulations to all the winners and thank you to all participating retailers,” said CVCC executive director Susan Clovechok.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - it all adds up!

Holiday Recycling

Recycling Basics

Batteries

Wrapping Paper - all paper based wrapping paper can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. Foil based papers cannot be recycled and should be thrown in the garbage if they can’t be saved and reused. Please consider paper based paper when purchasing gift wrap.

Ribbons & Bows - cannot be recycled. They can be reused or put in the garbage.

Aluminum Pie Plates & Roasters - cannot be recycled in the Columbia Valley. The only recycling depot for tin roasters, foil etc is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Cardboard Boxes - all cardboard and boxboard (like cracker and cereal boxes) are recyclable. Please flatten them to conserve space in the bin or blue bag.

Tin Cans - all tin food and beverage cans can be recycled. They must be rinsed out. Labels can be left on if they are difficult to remove.

Styrofoam - Even though Styrofoam is marked with a #6, it is NOT recyclable in our program. The only place in the East Kootenay that Styrofoam can be recycled is the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Plastics - all plastics with the triangular recycling symbol and number between 1 and 6 (except Styrofoam) can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. They must be clean and every piece of plastic must be numbered. Lids often are a different type of plastic, and if there is no number on the item, it goes in the garbage if it can’t be reused.

Plastics Not Accepted: • #7 plastics, dirty plastics, plastics with no number. They go in the garbage if they can’t be reused.

Holiday Hours COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL December 24 9:00am-3:00pm December 25 Closed December 26 9:00am-6:00pm December 31 9:00am-3:00pm January 1 Closed All other days, the Landfill will be open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

COLUMBIA VALLEY RDEK OFFICE The RDEK Columbia Valley Office is open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed 12pm to 1pm). During the holiday season, the only change to those regular hours is as follows: December 24 December 25 December 26 December 31 January 1

8:30am-3:00pm (closed 12pm-1pm) Closed Closed 8:30am-3:00pm (closed 12pm-1pm) Closed

One of the items people seem to stock up on at this time of year is batteries. Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable. The following locations in Invermere accept batteries: Home Hardware, Rona - Northstar Hardware, Selkirk Cellular & Office Supplies, and The Source

Glass Recycling Glass goes in the yellow bins marked GLASS ONLY. The ONLY glass accepted for recycling is container glass.

That means jam jars, salsa jars, wine bottles, olive oil bottles, etc.

NO other glass (including dishes or drinking glasses) is accepted. If in doubt, please leave it out.

Glass bins are located at the Columbia Valley Landfill, Edgewater Post Office, Fairmont Transfer Station, Invermere Industrial Park, Invemere Bottle Depot, and Radium Liquor Store

Electronics Recycling The electronics recycling depot for the Columbia Valley is: Invermere Bottle Depot 133 Industrial Rd. #2 Phone: 250-342-7272 Hours: Tues-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm Sat 10:00am-4:00pm

They accept • Televisions • Computers & peripherals (keyboard, mouse) • Monitors • Fax machines • DVD/VHS players • Scanners • Stereos, MP3 players Discman

• • • • • • •

Earphones Microphones Telephones Speakers Radios Cable, satellite and PVR boxes Vehicle audio and video systems

For more information, contact the RDEK at 1-888-478-7335

December 25, 2015

Test driving a Tesla 90D and quicker than a Porsche 911. Despite the aluminum chassis, this outwardly petite 4,600-pound behemoth carries its weight well. That’s heavier than a minivan. The eight-year unlimited mileage batteries, which sit in the floor, are heavy, but they also give the Model S a very low

By Rob Orchiston centre of gravity, which hopefully Autopilot won’t test out Pioneer Columnist today by attempting a rollover.

With at least one local owner, you might very likely I’ve just taken a new see a Model S driving itself around Windermere, hope$140,000 Tesla 90D luxury fully with someone at the helm. sports sedan for a drive. ActuTesla’s boutique showroom in Calgary’s Chinook ally, it took me for a drive, with the Autopilot feature that Mall opened three weeks ago. It just fits a luxury Model was released in October 2015. Driving 40,000 kilometres S and a cutaway chassis showing the two electric motors per year myself — a task I don’t love — I was quite ready and floor-mounted batteries. There are five Model Ss beto hand my life to another computer programmer and say, low in the mall car park that you can reserve for a spin.

“Let’s see if you can drive me up Deerfoot in winter condi- Unlike traditional automobile dealerships, which make tions approaching rush hour and not crash yourself.” their money by selling you servicing for those hundreds I anxiously engaged the of moving parts in your gasoline Autopilot. The last time I let engine, Tesla will send a techsomeone else drive my car, she nician to your house at your wrote the car off after just a convenience to have the car serfew minutes while I slept in the viced. Yes, there have been a few passenger seat, but I had a lot problems with the early Teslas more confidence in billionaire and all 90,000 Model Ss are curElon Musk’s teams of engineers, rently under a voluntary recall plus I still had my hands near for a minor seatbelt issue. While the steering wheel and my foot the performance is without near the brake should this laser, question, the reliability of some The view from the driver’s seat of a Tesla 90D. camera, radar guidance try a early Teslas is under scrutiny, alTerminator move. though 97 per cent of owners say they would buy another Actually, while the car doesn’t have artificial intelligence, Tesla. Elon Musk’s Tesla motor company is named after it does have “fleet learning,” so, over time, all your very granu- Nikola Tesla, the Serb futurist inventor who was one of lar driving movements are stored so that Tesla can better teach the greatest geeks and electrical engineers of all time. the car to mimic humanoid driving styles and “learn” how to So despite the snow, which might have confused tackle things that currently stump the Autopilot. the Autopilot, we continued up Deerfoot, the computer This car isn’t your $40,000 tiny Nissan Leaf electric lurching us a little more erratically than I would like, from car. This is a luxury AWD electric performance sports car left to right within the lane with a digital jerkiness rather with a 430-kilometre range and recessed door handles! If than smooth analogue driving that one might expect. you’re feeling the need to repent from all those years driving However, the Tesla was no more intoxicated than your mere 400HP Hummer, you too might want to consid- most other drivers on the Deerfoot. Just like your iPhone er trading up to a 532HP six-seater Model S sedan, which gets smarter, this car will too. Several times a year, software you can fill up at home for around $11 of electricity. And in updates are pushed to your car via its LTE network.

“Ludicrous” mode, you’ll zip to 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds.

Even though the navigation console sports a It’s the fastest four-door sedan on (and off) the planet Continued on page 36 . . .

Your Local

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914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934

COMMON CHRISTMAS RECYCLING MISTAKES It is a busy time of year for recycling and garbage and everyone wants to help by doing the right thing, so here are some hints to help make that happen.

Items that are NOT permitted in the yellow bins: NO foil wrapping paper NO plastic without the symbol #1-6 NO styrofoam NO batteries NO glass (place in provided glass containers) NO pizza boxes The recycling bins are going to get to fill up fast! So don’t forget that the landfill in Windermere will be open. The info is below.

Columbia Valley Landfill Open 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Closed Christmas Day Our Bylaw Officer will be helping around the transfer station on Boxing Day to ensure everything runs smoothly and to answer any questions.

Have a great holiday season!

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COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

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

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

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Renovations Decks Finishing Interior/Exterior Painting

www.cabincare.ca

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

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• • •

Complete sewer/drain repairs • Reasonable rates – Seniors’ discount • Speedy service – 7 days a week

A well maintained septic system should be pumped every 2-3 years Avoid costly repairs

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

• 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

Call or visit online

PH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca

Dale Elliott Contracting • •

Interior Finishing Kitchen and Vanity Cabinets • Countertops • Small Renovations • Decks and Interior Railings

250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.

ENHA M “Everything I do is driven by you”

Gord Wilken

Sales Consultant gord@denhamfordbc.com

250-919-8842

• • • •

FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

250-342-5682

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

5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BC EMAIL: fairmontridge@telus.net

Free Estimates

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, B.C.

Phone: 250-342-7100 Email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

2417 Cranbrook St. N. Cranbrook B.C. V1C 3T3

Scott Postlethwaite

design@gldlandscaping.com • 250-688-0757 w w w. g l d l a n d s c a p i n g . c o m

“Proven and successful Management and Marketing Services for your Vacation Home” “Trip Advisor Vacation Rental of the Year 2011, 2012 and 2013”

David Gulbe Mike Bernicot

Serving the Columbia Valley

• 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.

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES

Residential, Commercial Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service For All Your Electrical Needs invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

GlacierMountain Homes.com New Homes/Renovations Call Matt Roberts 250-342-1517

Your Local Pest Control Professionals

250-688-1235 www.invermerepc.com

Insured-Bonded-Licensed

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

HERE TO SERVE YOU Lambert

READY MIX CONCRETE Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 2228 BOX 459 742 - 13th STREET 7553 MAIN STREET INVERMERE, BC. RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC V0A 1K0 V0A 1M0 PHONE: 250-342-3031 PHONE: 250-347-9350 FAX: 250-342-6945 FAX: 250-347-6350 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

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

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

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

Your Compounding Pharmacy Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dean Hubman

Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Certified Technician

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

250-342-3052

F or all your prin�ng & copying needs in Invermere, BC www.palliserprin�ng.com 250‐342‐2999

ROSS‛S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

Spray Foam InSulated ConCrete FormS pennerinsulation.com • 250-270-0284

Bus: 250-342-9692 Cell: 250-342-5241

Box 802 | 422 – 14th Street | Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired Prefab Cement Tanks Installed Water Lines Dug and Installed Basements Dug

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805

• Air Conditioning/Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Darren Ross

Residential & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

RR#4 2117 - 13 Avenue Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K4

Box 72, Canal Flats, B.C. V0B 1B0

Fax: 250-342-9644 rugclean@telus.net

Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 1-778-523-2426 • poolman-911@hotmail.com

www.ptarmigan-invermere.com

Invermere and East Kootenay Region

Skandia I N P U R S U I T O F Concrete EXCELLENCE

New Home Construction

• Journeyman Carpenter • Contracting • Framing/Siding/Finishing • Timberframe • Custom Log Railing & Decks

• Manufactures & suppliers of quality • Environmentally responsible concrete & gravel products • Steamed aggregate beds for top • Experience, professional operators quality year round concrete supply and the right equipment to get your • We stand behind our service, job done quality and products • Serving the valley for over 30 years • Office: 250-342-6500 • Batch plant: 250-342-2812 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

Scott Wilisky

stwcarpentry@live.ca • cell 250 270 0745

THE VALLEY’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM • Roller Shades • Roman Shades • Cellular Shades

• Pleated Shades • Horizontal Blinds • Shutters

• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial

Come visit our showroom, WETT Certified

492 ARROW RD., UNIT 1B 250-342-HOME (4663)

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Safe homes needed

Canal Flats Arena Ice Schedule

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

Ice Schedule From December 24th to December 30th Time

Thursday, 24

Friday, 25

Saturday, 26

Sunday, 27

Monday, 28

Tuesday, 29

Wednesday, 30

12:30 1:00-2:30 Free Skate

12:45 1:00 1:15

1:00-2:30 Free Skate

1:00-2:15 Public Skate

1:30 1:45 2:00 2:15 2:30 2:45 3:00 3:15

Hot Chocolate And Cookies

12:30-1:30 Public Skate

Arena Closed

Arena Closed

Merry Christmas

Boxing Day

1:00-2:15 Public Skate

1:45-2:45 Youth Shinny

2:45-3:45 Adult Shinny

1:45-2:45 Youth Shinny 2:15-3:30 Youth Shinny

2:15-3:30 Youth Shinny

3:45-5:00 Adult Shinny

3:45-5:00 Adult Shinny

2:45-3:45 Adult Shinny

3:30 3:45 4:00 4:00-5:00 Private Booking

4:15 4:30

4:00-5:00 Private Booking

Schedule is subject to change. Any bookings will change this schedule. If you are coming from out-of-town call to confirm the posted schedule. Arena # is 250-349-5617

RATeS

4:45

Youth $3 Adult $5 Family $12

Women and children who are fleeing domestic violence often need a safe space to rest.

The Women’s Resource Centre, which serves the Columbia Valley community with the help and support of Family Dynamix, is looking for homeowners and hotels to sign-up to become Safe Home Operators to offer domestic abuse survivors temporary room and board for up to three days.

“The ideal number of operators and hotels, at a minimum, is two per community so that we can place women away from the community where the issues arise so that we can ensure their safety while they’re using services from our program,” said Pat Cope, Family Dynamix executive director.

“From my perspective, that means having between eight to 10 Safe Home Operators and six hotels.”

Mrs. Cope explained that willing participants in the program should have characteristics such as empathy for women and children leaving a domestic dispute, being open-minded to the individual needs of

prospective guests, and acceptance.

“If someone were to sign up for this (honorarium) program, they would be agreeing to offer up enough space for someone to stay in a spare room with a bathroom that a woman and her children can use for up to three days in a private operator home,” she stated. “Also, if they could be prepared to offer meals and snacks for that family while they’re staying with them. But, they’re not expected to be transition house workers, that’s done by our Family Dynamix staff in the Safe Home Program. We’re just looking for empathy and compassion for people who are in this situation.”

There will be a Criminal Record Check (CRC) required for applicants who are willing to participate in the Safe Home Operators program.

For more information, contact Mrs. Cope or Michele Neider at 250-342-5566 or by email at info@familydynamix.ca.

Alternatively, you could call 250-3413963 or email wrc@familydynamix.ca.

For women in distress, please call the 24-Hour Safe Home Help Line at 1-800200-3003.

HERE TO SERVE YOU Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops Come visit our showroom,

492 arrow rd., unit 1b 250-342-hoMe (4663)

Judy: (250) 341-1903

www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

• House Checking • Complications • Details

FILTER - IT

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Serving the Columbia Valley

Registered with the Canadian Water Quality Association Filtration• Purification • Reverse Osmosis • UV

N E W S PA P E R

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

Chris Jones

Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. 250-345-6231 or 250-688-1325 chris.filterit@hotmail.com • www.filterit.ca

Amanda Nason

Advertising Sales

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1111 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com advertising@invermerevalleyecho.com

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

Pioneer Classifieds s obituary s Sky, Kreg Orr 1942 - 2015

With deep regret, we inform you that Kreg O. Sky passed away on December 9th, 2015 near Fairmont Hot Springs, BC. A traffic accident brought his life to an untimely end. Nonetheless, at the age of 73, Kreg had done his share of living life to the fullest.

Kreg, born Brian Joseph Paul Kregosky, was born in Lethbridge, AB on April 29, 1942. Formative years were spent cavorting in the wide open spaces of Southern Alberta. His secondary education ended when he completed his MA from the University of Calgary in 1975. This as a Geographer with a thesis entitled ‘Recreation and Scenic Analysis of a Rocky Mountain Wilderness’. He always maintained a close connection to wilderness in his capacities as Canwest Recreational Consultants, parks planner with Parks Canada and many years in different locales with the BC Ministry of Forests. He worked on many diverse research projects but mainly Kreg was an avid outdoor mountain man as defined by his Alpine Club of Canada’s centennial expedition to the icefield ranges in the Yukon in 1967. First and second ascents of several peaks cemented his enjoyment of all things natural.

Our friend and brother was a supporter of numerous causes including the BCSPCA, STARS Ambulance, Royal Canadian Legion, Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, Nature Trust of BC, Western Canada Wilderness Committee amongst others. He was very active in the community and took great interest and joy when expounding on varied subjects with friends and strangers alike.

Kreg is predeceased by his mother Kathleen, father Bill “Greggy”, survived by his daughter Anita Marlys Proom, two brothers, Allan of Penticton and Roy (Fran) of Qualicum Beach, BC. Other relatives include nephews and nieces on Vancouver Island and cousins in Calgary, Red Deer, Vernon, Whitehorse, and Missoula, MT. In lieu of flowers we suggest a donation be made in Kreg’s name to one of the aforementioned charitable organizations.

A celebration of Kreg’s life will be held on Sunday, April 10, 2016 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71 in Invermere from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm. A light lunch will be provided; a cash bar will be available.

“Do something ‘grander than yourself ” – Krego.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

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

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

Alcoholics Anonymous

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking?

If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital).

For information, please call 250342-8255.

If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m.

For more information, please call 250-342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

• • • •

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

Cheers & Jeers

Cheers & Jeers

Cheers for showing me the value Cheers to From Scratch Restaurant of patience, sincerity and respect for preparing and cooking such in this profession. The knowledge a wonderful Christmas lunch for and wisdom you have imparted the students, staff and guests of upon me has been a great help and Windermere Elementary School. It CHEERS &was JEERS support through the years. delicious.

Sponsored by

Cheers & Jeers Jeers to the local business that is renovating and using out of town contractors. Whatever happened to “shopping local”?

s obituary s Valentine, Anthony August 17th,1931 – December 13th, 2015 Tony died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family at age 84. Born and raised in Toronto, he completed his education at Ryerson Institute of Technology and the University of Toronto and went on to a successful career in construction project management.

Tony was dedicated to family and friends and enjoyed nothing better than sharing good food, drink and time with them. During their lives and wherever they lived, Tony and Ruth gathered around them a network of friends and community beyond compare. Your friendship, love and support is cherished.

Tony loved the outdoors, either capturing it on canvas or being active.

Earlier days included canoe trips in Algonquin Park with his great friends and life on Healey Lake. To the end he was an avid golfer, fisherman, skier and artist.

Tony is survived by Ruth, his loving and devoted wife of 61 years; children Karen Valentine (Ted Braun), Kathy Valentine (John Frazer), Ken Valentine; grandchildren Caitlin Braun, Thea Braun, Brandon Best, Casey Best, Sara Valentine, Alexis Valentine, Samuel Valentine, and Emily Frazer; his sister Shirley Robinson (Paul Robinson) and nephews Michael Robinson (Shannon Robinson) and Tim Robinson (Elizabeth Plowright). Tony was predeceased by his granddaughter Rhiannon Valentine.

As per his wishes a send-off and celebration golf tournament will take place in Spring 2016, once the greens thaw out.

In lieu of flowers and in keeping with Tony’s involvement in the community, donations of remembrance may be made either to the charity of your choice or to the Invermere Health Care Auxiliary, Box 571, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0 to support ongoing improvement of health care services in the valley.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

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

Cheers to Fairmont Bigway, Valley Foods, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, From Scratch Restaurant, Sysco Foods and Gordon Food Services for their generous donations to the Windermere Elementary School for the annual Christmas lunch. Your community support is amazing!

Cheers to all the moms and dads who volunteered their time preparing food for the WES Christmas lunch, and to those who helped decorate, serve and clean up. We couldn’t enjoy a wonderful “school family” lunch together without all your help.

Cheers to Dr. Maslowska for being a wonderful compassionate, patient and thorough doctor. We are so fortunate to have you.

Jeers to drivers who don’t know how to use the merge lane at the crossroads! If you are in the right lane, YOU are the one that has to signal and ask to merge into the left lane! Get a grip and read the drivers manual again on merging instead of racing ahead to cut other law-abiding drivers off!

A big Cheers to the person who picked up my wallet in the parking lot of No Frills. Left it with Lynn the cashier. Then seen my truck parked at Home Hardware and told me. I wish you and your family the best Christmas ever!

A heartfelt Cheers to Mrs O’Sullivan for her incredible creating, coaching and production of the EMPS Holiday Music production. The best!

Cheers to the neighbors along 15th Ave. What a festive street we have this Christmas! You make the drive home each evening so cheerful and bright. Merry Christmas!

Jeers to night drivers who do not dim their lights or do not know how signal lights for turning or passing work. Learn where they are and use them. Wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas.

Cheers to the two handsome Elves from the District of Invermere that made three trips up to CastleRock to pick up and deliver Christmas Bureau Angel gifts to the Community Centre. Terrific!

Cheers to the anonymous gentleman at Fields who made a generous cash donation to the Christmas Bureau. Much appreciated!

Cheers to Bad Santa. An honourable thief and a great drunk! Ho, ho.

LOST AND FOUND Found: Ladies diamond ring in a small plastic Ziploc bag on Nov. 28th or 29th in the Valley Foods parking lot. Call 250-342-6397 to claim.

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

LOST AND FOUND

suite for rent

condo for rent

services

Health & wellness

Found: Cat in Dry Gulch, came to ICAN’s attention in late Oct. Beautiful silver grey short haired tabby. Intact adult male, very friendly. Call ICAN 250-341-7888.

Radium: Fully furnished units for rent. Bedsitting, 1-bdrms, 2-bdrms.

N/S, pets negotiable. Call Joan at 250-342-7517 to view and check availability. Rent includes heat, hydro, cable and all linens.

STARTING AT $500/mo.

Fully furnished in Pinewood. 2 bdrm, 2 bathroom, laundry, 2 parking stalls underground. $900/ mo starting Jan 1st. Call 403-2642782 or 403-239-6389

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Thank you for your votes Best of Business Awards!

We are grateful and appreciative of your support and loyalty “Blinds, Drapery, retractable screen doors and more.” 250-342-5749.

Fiona Millar, AEP

storage NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park: 250-342-3166.

COMMERCIAL SPACE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE 24 x 36 shop power included, propane heat at tenant’s expense, $650/mo first and last D.D. required. Contact Newhouse Multi Storage 250-342-3637.

Character Heritage Building (Canterbury Flowers) 7th Ave. with access from 6th Ave. (Farmers Market) Prime retail ie Book store, Flower Shop. Call Tim 250-3411408.

Retail/Shop for sale: Two levels total 2,700 sq. ft. Please call 250270-0216 or 250-270-0405 for more details.

For lease: 2,000 sq. ft. office and warehouse space. Located at #5 108 Industrial Road #2. Presently occupied by the Invermere Vet. Available Jan. 1st, 2016. Phone Leo at 250-342-1177.

shared accommodation Room for rent, shared kitchen and bathroom. $400/mo includes cable and internet. N/S, no partying, N/P. 250-342-6178.

suite for rent For rent: Black Forest Village Apartment, 2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms.

W/D, D/W, $875/mo. Ph. 250-3423790.

Radium: Motel Bavaria, low low rates, daily, weekly, monthly.

Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915.

Bachelor suite, $620/mo includes cable, internet, heat and lights.

Furnished, N/S, N/P, no partiers.

Suited for one person only. Three blocks from downtown, 250-3426178.

Furnished 2-bdrm, basement suite.

Utilities, internet included. N/S, N/P, D.D. 250-342-6534.

Must see, 3 bdrm, modern new suite for rent. W/D, dishwasher, N/S. $1,500/mo utilities included.

250-688-0708.

House for rent Duplex for rent, 2,090 sq. ft., at Copperhorn Drive, unfurnished, 3-bdrm, 3-bath, $1,000/mo, no utilities. Photos http://goo.gl/ yz1QVZ. Contact Erick 587-2164426, ecosierragolf@gmail.com.

condo for rent For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 4 bath, ground level condo. Beautiful views, backs on to The Springs golf course. All appliances, fireplace, fully furnished. 2 car garage. N/S, N/P, references please. $1650/mo, call 250-342-3790.

BEAUTIFUL 1-bdrm luxury condo for long term rent in Sable Ridge Resort. Fully furnished and stocked with amenities. Just move in. Furnished with Penthouse furnishings, gourmet kitchen, ensuite laundry, queen bed, 3rd floor view, fireplace, B.B.Q., underground parking, outdoor hot tubs, clubhouse and seasonal pool. Move in: Jan 1st/16, $925/mo including utilities. Please contact JOE at 403-909-5544.

2-bdrm condo near Sobeys, N/S, N/P. $750/mo, call 250-342-6255.

Black Forest Heights, 1100 sq ft, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, attached garage. 6 appliances. $1,050/mo includes utilities. 250-347-9629.

2 bedroom condo. 1.5 baths, garage, 6 appliances, patio with BBQ, discussion for pets, N/S. BFV Unfurnished. $975/month. 250 342-1475 Condo for rent in Aspen building in Radium, 2-bdrm, 2 bath, $850/ mo includes utilities. N/P, N/S. Underground parking. Availble Feb 1st, call 403-690-7444.

Condo for rent in Pinewood building in Radium, 2-bdrm, 2 bath, $825/mo includes utilities.

N/P, N/S. Underground parking.

Available Jan. 1st, call 403-690-7444.

MOBILE HOME Mobile home for rent on fenced lot in Edgewater. 250-347-9883

firewood Dry/split firewood for sale. Big or small volumes. Free local delivery.

403-404-1577, 250-342-3040 or aranwood@hotmail.com.

Support Rockies Hockey firewood.

Larch, fir, and pine split and delivered. Call 250-342-6908.

FIR FIREWOOD: Dry, split and delivered. $220/cord, call or text 250-270-0366.

Pine and larch, please call 250-3415551.

Pine or Fir Firewood, $200/cord for Pine. Split and delivered. 250-3421586.

FIREWOOD: Birch, fir, larch and pine. Www.horizonridgeranch.com 250-688-0143.

services Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Environmentally friendly products.

Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca .

Intuitive Reader

250-342-1713 fiona@fionapsychic.com • www.fionapsychic.com

Services

Triple J Services * Window Cleaning * Gutter Cleaning * Residential snow plowing * Weekly insurance inspections * Work Safe and fully insured Call Jim Detta 250-349-7546.

Stop Smiling.

VOLUNTEER/DONATION

camera classes • canvas wraps photography • photo finishing • picture framing

The Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society is in need of volunteers to collect trail fees at Forster Creek for 2015/16 season.

Please contact Spencer at 250-6881555 or Mark at 250-341-7169.

[at least until your passport photo is taken]

…look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!

250-342-5102

help wanted Invermere Petro-Can is currently accepting resumes for F/T and P/T employment. Apply in person to 185 Laurier Street, Invermere between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

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.

Strands Old House Restaurant is accepting applications for a cook/chef two to three years experience in casual fine dining preferred. Evenings and weekends.

Apply to Tony Wood at tony@ strandsrestaurant.com or 250-3426344.

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned and Operated

492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC

toll free: 1.877.342.3427 cell: 250.342.1671

Kim Collens

kim@rockieswest.com www.kimcollens.com

Representative

Recipe Of The Week TURTLES

50 caramels, unwrapped 2 tbsp Half & Half Cream

1½ lbs quality Milk Chocolate 150 Pecans, whole

Melt caramels over low heat and add cream.

In a double boiler, melt chocolate to a smooth consistency.

To make each turtle, place 3 pecans on a cookie sheet in a "Y" shape or if the pecans are large, 2 on the bottom and 1 sitting on top.

Spoon 1 tsp of caramel mixture over the top of the pecans.

Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Pick up a turtle with a fork, submerge in melted chocolate.

Hold above pan until it stops dripping and replace on the cookie sheet.

Let turtles set in the refrigerator.

Store in an air-tight container and keep in a cool place.

See all my recipes at recipes.kimcollens.com

Home Of The Week Simply Stunning!

1/8 share of a 2 bedroom + loft condo gives you 6 weeks of vacation time annually. Enjoy fantastic views overlooking The Springs Golf Course at Bighorn Meadows Resort.

$49,900

MLS® 2405804

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

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35 Passion or interest for Beer, Wine and Spirits?

help wanted Help Wanted: Swimming Pool Operator in Fairmont area. P/T contact position from mid-June to mid-September. Apply via email to csfoote@shaw.ca.

MGM Industries is looking for a Welder/Fabricator. Wage based on experience. Drop off resumes in person or email: mgm_industries@ telus.net.

Pioneer Classifieds

SPOT THE DEALS!

0911611 BC LTD o/a Tim Hortons 496 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K2

is now accepting resumes.

We are looking for great people for our NEW store opening in front of Canadian Tire April 2016!

Supervisory and Sales Associate positions available. We are looking for people who will: • Maintain a high level of customer service • Maintain a high level of product and service knowledge • Generate sales • Participate in merchandising and promotional activities • Ensure accuracy in all transactions, inventory, and procedures • Participate in all manners of store maintenance

• Stock shelves with product • Work in partnership with Store Managers and other employees to maximize store sales and in-store presence • Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor, and attitude at all times • Rate established based on position and experience

Experience in retail and/or hospitality would be an asset but not necessary.

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

N E W S PA P E R

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Jennifer McLennan invermereliquorstore@gmail.com or hand deliver to Radium Liquor Store attn Jennifer McLennan

Join our winning team!

Join our winning team!

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:

SPA ESTHETICIAN - FULL-TIME

BC REGISTERED MASSAGE THERAPIST - F/T

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for an enthusiastic and friendly individual to administer professional facials, waxing services, nail services and body treatments as assigned. They must possess a thorough knowledge of the skin, have excellent facial massage and skin extraction techniques, possess excellent cleanliness and sanitation skill and be willing to train in our spa’s specific facial and body treatment offerings.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for a BC Registered Massage Therapist to administer professional massage and body treatments to our guests. They must have a thorough knowledge of numerous massage modalities, possess a general understanding of body treatments and be willing to train in our spa’s specific body treatment offerings. They must also hold and maintain a current registration number and be willing to maintain their registration.

This position reports directly to the Spa Manager and the successful candidate will have the following qualifications: • • • • • • •

Must enjoy working with people Excellent communication and listening skills Basic computer knowledge Minimum of 2 years’ experience in this field Must hold a certification and diploma for your field Must be a team player Must possess problem solving skills, critical thinking and significant use of memory

This position reports directly to the Spa Manager and the successful candidate will have the following qualifications: • Must have enthusiasm and possess excellent customer service skills • Excellent communication and listening skills • Basic computer knowledge • Must be a BC Registered Massage Therapist • Must be a team player • Must have a desire for continuous learning • Must possess problem solving skills, critical thinking and significant use of memory

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary and benefits package with access to all Resort amenities.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary and benefits package with access to all Resort amenities.

This is a permanent full-time position. Interested applicants please forward their resume with references to the attention of: Human Resources - David Sheedy Fax: 250-345-6616 or email to: hr@fhsr.com

This is a permanent full-time position. Interested applicants please forward their resume with references to the attention of: Human Resources - David Sheedy Fax: 250-345-6616 or email to: hr@fhsr.com

fairmonthotsprings.com 1.800.663.4979

fairmonthotsprings.com 1.800.663.4979

Part and Full-time Positions Available Start date – ASAP Year-round Employment Excellent Medical/Dental Benefits

Food Service Supervisor Permanent, Shift

No education required One to two years experience required.

Nights/early mornings/weekends $12.40/hour + medical/ dental/group benefits.

Apply in person or via email (timhortons.invermere@gmail.com) for both positions.

HOLIDAY OFFICE HOURS The Pioneer and Valley Echo office hours over the holiday are as follow: December 24th *& 25th CLOSED December 28th Open regular hours December 29th Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

December 30th Open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

December 31st CLOSED January 1st CLOSED January 4th Open regular hours

N E W S PA P E R

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

VEALLEY CHO

The Invermere

SHOP LOCAL and don’t forget to pick up your copy of the

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312 info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

The healing power of water Natural Health

pack, and when we have tight, tense muscles, we tend to grab a hot pack. Research indicates that both hot and cold applications can reduce pain and inflammation.

By Dr. Mike Baker The therapeutic effect of hydrotherapy revolves Pioneer Columnist around its ability to stimulate blood circulation. It does Hydrotherapy is essenthis by means of vasodilation (blood vessels expand causing more blood flow) and vasoconstriction (blood vessels tially any treatment that uses water to provide a beneficial tighten, decreasing blood flow). In general, applying heat causes vasodilation, meaning more blood flow to tight effect. In this article, I use it to refer to the topical apmuscles, and applying cold water leads to vasoconstricplication of hot and/or cold tion. Alternating cold and warm water applications causes a blood pumping effect that not only improves blood cirwater on the body.

Throughout history, hydrotherapy has been used as culation, but also stimulates and mobilizes the cells of the a form of therapy for curing various ailments. Think Ro- immune system. Once the immune system is stimulated, man baths, for example. It was a very popular form of al- it may be useful for fighting and preventing colds. ternative medicine during the late 1800s and is still used Today, sports teams use it for physical therapy, as commonly in Europe for many different conditions. You it improves recovery from heavy exercise. The theory is probably even use hydrotherapy daily in your life — a that cold water causes the blood vessels near the surface hot shower or bath is a form of hydrotherapy. of the skin to constrict, pumping the blood full of lacHydrotherapy comes in many different forms: steam tic acid and other wastes out of the muscles. It is then inhalation, hot bath or a hot shower, ice packs, and hot moved to the core of the body where it can be processed packs. When we sprain an ankle, we reach for an ice and filtered by our organs. Once the cold application is removed, fresh blood is pumped back to the surWe are always looking for face, delivering nutrients and oxygen to the sore great people to join us.

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muscles. Many athletes swear by this technique and new research is beginning to agree. Although hydrotherapy has many benefits, there are some health conditions that may not be suitable for this form of therapy. Talk to your doctor first before trying hydrotherapy.

A simple way to try hydrotherapy is to finish your morning shower with 10 to 30 seconds of cold water.

This may not be tempting on a cold winter day, but give it a try and you’ll experience an invigorating start to your day! Due to the immune stimulation, you may also experience fewer colds throughout the winter months.

Dr. Mike Baker is a naturopathic physician practicing in Invermere. For more information, call 250-342-1457 or visit www.drmikebaker.ca. . . . ‘Test driving’ from page 29 massive 17-inch display, we missed a couple of exits and ended up back in Chinook Mall in one piece, except someone had stolen our parking spot.

“Oh Autopilot, didn’t you think to phone ahead and reserve yourself a stall?”

“I’m sorry Rob, I’m afraid I can’t do that… yet.”

Questions or corrections? Email geek.zone.echo@ gmail.com.

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December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

. . . ‘Weather’ from page 3 Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs, a few lattes at Kicking Horse Coffee, fat tire winter mountain biking at Panorama, ice fishing, and a look at location of the Whiteway. The entourage had planned to skate or ski on the Whiteway, but the ice on Lake Windermere is not yet thick enough for it to be up and running.

The tandem paragliding had the group members particularly enthralled, especially Mr. Justin — the only member of the team who opted to take off using skis.

“You just ski right off, it’s such a great feeling — you slide down and then just kind of get picked up and carried into the air,” he said.

“I actually didn’t feel nervous at all, it’s really quite peaceful,” said Ms. Vann. “It’s not a fast rush to the bottom, so you get to really appreciate everything on the way down.”

The group was pleasantly surprised to learn that outdoor activities are not the valley’s only winter attraction.

“The food has been excellent,” said Ms. Matejicka. “We ate at Birchwood and the Hoodooo Lounge the other day. Oh my gosh — it was phenomenal. And there’s so much more we want to try while we’re here.

You’d expect maybe one good restaurant in a town this size, but there are a lot in this valley.”

The crew also said they have found the local residents to be friendly and welcoming. “Everybody who lives here seems to have a real passion for what they do, and it seems everybody has a neat story about why they are here and why they love this place,” said Mr. Justin.

Several segments from the group’s visit are currently being broadcast on the Weather Network in B.C. . . . ‘Kicking’ from page 3

come here and be a part of the story.”

In addition, the new Smart Ass coffee blend (which was inspired by David The perks of building a career in Thompson Secondary School (DTSS)’s the Rockies have included many triumphs with a supportive network withgraduating students who worked as staff at the café) has become a priority that has in the Columbia Valley. garnered popularity in North America.

“Certainly, I can tell you the feed“It started off as a specialized gift back, the energy and the support of peofor all the grads because we did Smart ple locally from the very, very beginning Ass travel mugs and coffee for all of our has just been mindblowing,” said Ms. graduates over the last three years, and Rosenfeld. “People have really rooted us that idea came from all of our great, little on, and they’ve really supported us. We Elana Rosenfeld Smart Asses that come from DTSS and even have kick-ass Ambassadors locally that either have people coming to visit now it’s one of our fastest growing blends us locally and they support us, or when they go home across Canada,” said Ms. Rosenfeld. “People have reto Ontario or Vancouver for Christmas, they’re always ally grabbed onto it and we had quite a few lovely inbringing our coffee and always being super proud of dividuals that were working in the café and we wanted to do something special for them, and that’s where it us. We’re super proud of our community.”

Ms. Rosenfeld was pleased to see how Kicking all started. Now, it’s this awesome blend that people Horse Coffee has always influenced tourism numbers love, which is pretty cool.”

Kicking Horse Coffee has widely been recognized in the Columbia Valley.

“People make a pilgrimage to come here and buy by the community for being “cheeky” in the barista our coffee all across the U.S. and all across Canada,” playground and for having a “stubborn commitment” she said. “I can see people from my window taking to quality products, according to Rosenfeld.

“We’ve been in the United States for the last pictures of themselves beside the Kicking Horse Café and they come in to buy branded goods from us, two years now,” she said. “In some regions, we’re in whether it’s a travel mug or a T-shirt. They want to the natural settings, we’re number one — like in the

HAPPY CREW — Clockwise from top left: Krissy Vann, Noelle Aune, Dax Justin and Deb Matejicka at Kicking Horse Coffee; Krissy interviews Amanda Robinson at Copper Point Resort; Amanda hams it up for the camera with her dog Rundle; the crew at Kinsmen Beach.

Photos by Steve Hubrecht

Colorado area. We’re the number one coffee in some regions now, and we’ll be hitting the Top 3 in the U.S. in terms of the natural category, which are specialty stores in the natural stores that are quite small but very significant in building our branding awareness.”

Ms. Rosenfeld added that the Kicking Horse Coffee is stocked in over 2,500 stores and employs five salespersons in the United States at present.

But when asked if the Kicking Horse Coffee brand would be expanding into international markets, Ms. Rosenfeld replied “not at that this point, but it’s interesting. I think the BBC really took interest (in our story) because we have a unique piece of something so exceptional coming from a small place, and I think that’s of interest.”

Moving forward, her plans for the Kicking Horse Coffee will focus on E-Commerce through Amazon and will be marked as a priority.

“Our largest U.S. account is Amazon, so there’s a lot of E-Commerce business developing so that’s a big area of focus for us, but we still have a ton of work to do in Canada,” she said. “We still have so much opportunity in Canada, especially in the eastern markets… and we’re only two years into the U.S. and there’s lots of work to do there over the next couple of years.”

To learn more, visit www.kickinghorsecoffee.com.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

Whiteway users waiting patiently for more ice

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff

with the track setter, 12 inches of ice to drive his small truck and plow, and 16 inches to run the Whiteway Kabota tractor, which, last year, replaced the sled and truck to create world-class skating and skiing condiVisitors and second homeowners who have just recently arrived in the valley for the holidays should tions. If the Whiteway wait is feeling interminably long, head up to Lake Lillian along Toby Creek Road be forewarned that up until recently, there have been on the way to Panorama. As of December 20th, Lake large areas of open water on the lake.

Lillian had eight inches of ice and enough snow that Many are anticipating the opening of the WhiteMr. Kitching set a ski track on December 21st. way — which, as of last year, holds the Guinness World Record for the world’s longest outdoor skat“More snow will make it better, obviously but I wanted to get something for people to enjoy,” he said. ing trail. Maintained by the Tony Creek Nordic Club, the Whiteway, when in full operation, boasts an ice If you’re a regular Whiteway or Lake Lillian track user, remember to support the Nordic club’s Whiteskating trail alongside Nordic tracks for classic and skate cross country skiers. But the wait is going to be way maintenance by buying your season’s pass for unLATE FREEZE — This picture of Lake Windermere was a little while longer, according to Whiteway maintelimited use. taken on December 14th from Timber Ridge looking at TaynNew for this winter, the Nordic club has prepared nace guru and track setter Brad Kitching. ton Bay. It depicts one of two huge holes that went across the Whiteway Day Use passes that can be purchased four In ice checks he performed on December 14th, entire lake at that time.

Photo by Brad Kitching for $20 — great for visitors and locals not sure if they he measured four to six inches of ice. On December 20th, where there had previously been open water, two inches of ice had formed. will be able to get value out of a season’s pass. Visit www.tobycreeknordic.ca to buy the passes online as well as for the most up-to-date conditions or visit “Toby Creek “The rest of the lake was six inches,” he said. “We still need a lot more ice!”

Mr. Kitching needs eight inches of ice before he can drive the snowmobile Nordic Ski Club” on Facebook.

Model rail collector lights up mini holiday train

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff A valley resident with a penchant for model railroads is marking the festive season by lighting up the G-scale model train outside his Fairmont Hot Springs home.

Doug Thorne has been collecting model trains for seven decades (“pretty much my entire life,” he said) ever since he was four years old, and has one of his prized model trains set up in his outdoor garden. Several years ago, he decided to make it a little more Christmas-like by stringing it up with some lights.

“I picked up a bunch of mini-Christmas lights at a post-Christmas sale in one of the big Canadian Tire stores in Calgary one year. They’re the lights that are made for people who do those miniature villages decorations, so I just grabbed them,” said Mr. Thorne. “I kind of throw them on the G-scale with Scotch tape for a giggle. It looks nice at Christmas, but I don’t run that train in the winter, since it’s outdoors. I’m not that crazy yet.”

Mr. Thorne’s interest in railroads was sparked at a young age because many of his relatives were professionally involved with trains.

“All the men in my family — my grandfather, my father, my brothers-in-law — all worked for the railway.

But I was colour-blind, so it wasn’t an option for me, and I guess it kind of became my hobby instead,” he said.

He went on to work for an architect, and was involved with projects all over Canada.

So far, Mr. Thorne has amassed 80 engines, 100 passengers cars and 300 freight cars in his collection, but his real passion is duplicating real-life rail scenes. A model rail

TWINKLING TRAIN — Top: Doug Thorn decorates his model train with seasonal lights. Below: a photo of his open air observation car just pulling out of Morants curve westbound.

Photos submitted in his house replicates Morant’s curve, a spot along the Canadian Pacific Rail line near Lake Louise initially made famous by Canadian Pacific Railway staff photographer Nicholas Morant.

“It’s a double reverse S-curve. If you’ve seen a photo of a Canadian Pacific Rail train in the mountains, then you’ve probably seen Morant’s curve,” said Mr. Thorne.

“I’ve got the track layout done (for his Morant’s curve model), but the scenery is only half-done and probably will never be completely finished, because there are about a million model trees I need to put in there.”

Another famous Canadian railway scene that Mr. Thorne has been creating a model of is the famous Spi-

ral Tunnels, near Field, B.C., a stretch of track that includes a double loop, each drilled into the surrounding mountainside.

“I’ve pretty much duplicated the lower loop by now.

It is selectively compressed, otherwise it would fill two or three houses,” he said. “But many model railroad builders uses short model cars that can turn more sharply when they do this kind of model, but I’ve got full length model cars and I can run them through the loop no problem.”

Since semi-retiring a few years ago, Mr. Thorne has had a lot more time for his hobby. He is the only one in his family with a passion for model rails. “My kids and wife, they stay out of it. But my wife is happy because it keeps me from going out to the bar,” he added.

Perhaps one of the most memorable moments of Mr. Thorne’s life occurred in 2005, when he and his wife had a chance to ride a real-life restored Canadian Pacific Rail steam engine from Fort Steele to the Environ station (just outside Columere Park) here in the valley.

December 25, 2015

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

FAITH

Treasured memories

By Pastor Murray Wittke Valley Christian Assembly Some memories are treasures. I ponder them, amazed at what’s happened and the grace I’ve received, like meeting an angel while planning my wedding and hearing him say, “Mary, God is pleased with you: you’re going to be the mother of a son and call him Jesus.

He’ll be great and be known as the Son of the most high. The Lord God will make him a king, give him the throne of his forefather David, and he’ll rule over the house of Jacob forever, His reign shall never end!” Catching myself wondering out loud “How can this be, I’m still a virgin?” the Angel assures me, “Nothing’s impossible with God” and I hear myself say, “I am the Lord’s servant! Let it happen as you’ve said.”

Then the Angel is gone and I’m alone wondering

what’s next.

Or, discovering I’m pregnant: the surprise, the joy and the amazement of carrying God’s miracle inside me.

And the songs — I can’t stop singing, I can’t stop praising God! But as my belly swells suspicion and rumours also spread, nobody believes my story. “Impossible” they say, and I have to leave town.

Or, how unbelievably loyal and understanding Joseph has been, even after discovering his bride to be was expecting and he wasn’t the father!

He was disappointed, but loved me and refused to do anything that would hurt me.

And then an angel came to him too, in a dream! And told him my child was the Holy Spirit conceived, and now he believes. Or, the long and uncomfortable trip to Bethlehem with my child due to arrive, only to discover we’d be staying in this barn.

And here, alone with Joseph, giving birth to my son, God’s Son, seeing him, holding him, listening to him, loving him, wrapping him and laying him in a bed of straw.

And then having these shepherds arrive, sent by angels no less, to witness the arrival of a Saviour, Christ the Lord!

Gazing at such a tiny mystery, I smile. It seems impossible yet here you are, Immanuel, God with us.

Valley Churches LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, December 27th, 10:30 a.m.

Celebration Sunday “A New Year”

Pastor Trevor Hagan ministering. The Lord’s Supper will be served.

No KIDS Church for children today.

Lead Pastor Trevor Hagan • Associate Pastor Matt Moore 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Worship every Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

Children & Youth Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere 1st and 3rd Sunday, March - Dec. 9 a.m.: All Saint’s, Edgewater 2nd Sunday, 7 p.m.: June - October at St. Peter’s Windermere Reverend Laura Hermakin 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.ca Valley Christian Assembly Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship Services.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway Drive, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday, 4:30 p.m.: at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 9 a.m.: at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere.

Sunday, 11 a.m.: at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium.

Father Gabriel • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. David Morton • 250-417-5017 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 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Adam Pasowisty • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society

Complete cast The Lake Windermere Players would like to include mention of Marla Oliver, who played the part of the stage manager, Leslie Banter, in the Players’ production of Bob’s Your Elf, which took place at the Windermere Community Hall from December 4th to 6th.

Several photos of the cast appeared in the December 18th Pioneer but unfortunately none featured Marla. Here is a photo of the full cast: (from left to right) Trevor Adams, Tony Berryman, Jayme Renaud, Nicole Pawlak, Melissa Weber and Marla Oliver. In the foreground are some of the choir.

Photo submitted

To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: P. O. Box 102 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Please include: Your name and address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to

Let’s Make Cancer History

www.cancer.ca

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 25, 2015

join us for a

HOLIDAY

CELEBRATION ENJOY THIS MAGICAL TIME AT FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT 30TH ANNUAL CHRISTMAS EVE TORCHLIGHT PARADE AT THE SKI HILL PARADE & FIREWORKS AT 6:00PM FREE CAKE FOR EVERYONE

PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA ON CHRISTMAS EVE AT 10:00AM IN MOUNTAIN FLOWERS RESTAURANT FOR $5 PER PERSON

CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH FROM 9:00AM-1:00PM

IN MOUNTAIN FLOWERS RESTAURANT $30 FOR ADULTS, $24 FOR SENIORS & $15 FOR KIDS

CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER FEAST FROM 5:00PM-9:00PM

SWIM FREE AT OUR LEGENDARY NATURAL MINERAL HOT SPRINGS ON CHRISTMAS DAY WITH A FOOD BANK DONATION

COOKIE DECORATING IN MISTY WATERS CAFE DEC 26, 27 & 28 FROM 10:00AM-12:00PM

IN MOUNTAIN FLOWERS RESTAURANT $40 FOR ADULTS, $34 FOR SENIORS & $20 FOR KIDS

NEW YEARS EVE FIREWORKS AT 10:00PM SHARP

Make Fairmont Hot Springs Resort your new holiday tradition, we can’t wait to see you here for the festivities!

FairmontHotSprings.com | 250.345.6000