Vol13issue07

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 13/Issue 7

The Columbia

February 12, 2016

Valley

P ioneer

FREE

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

SNOW ANGEL HEAVEN

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3 LEGACY GROWING

A cross-Canada attempt to break a Guinness World Record missed the mark, but the local participation at Panorama Mountain Resort exceeded all expectations. On Saturday, February 4th, the Canadian ski community had the goal of making the most simultaneous snow angels in celebration of the 75th anniversary of Canadian Ski Patrol Day. Local organizers expected 100 or so angels to show up and the actual turnout was triple that. Panorama was one of 46 ski areas to participate and contributed 233 official snow angels to the total count of 9,886, which unfortunately wasn’t enough to beat the world record of 15,851.

Panorama Mountain Resort photo

10 WOMEN IN BUSINESS

15

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Previous exPerience Microsoft certified systeMs engineer , MBA

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VALLEY VIEWS Rod and Gun Club ducks out to help

february 25th, columbia valley Pioneer’s cheers and Jeers.

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Over the last week of January, six members of the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club, with the help of two local Conservation Officers, installed 14 wood duck nesting boxes in the Columbia Wetlands just north of Fairmont Hot Springs.

The club has been actively involved in habitat and conservation work throughout the valley since 1919. Woodworking students at David Thompson Secondary School constructed the nesting boxes.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

CMH partners with Shuswap Indian Band “We’re basically forming a new relationship with the Shuswap Indian Band,” said Dave Butler, CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures A new partnership for the Shuswap Indian director of sustainability. “It’s focused on a range Band could help to ensure their cultural idenof different things through cultural community tity is secured to stand the test of time. stewardship activities and environmental stewOn Wednesday, February 3rd, Shuswap Inardship activities; so it will benefit both CMH dian Band chief Barb Cote signed a Memoranand the Shuswap Indian Band in the long-term.” dum of Understanding with Canadian MounMr. Butler added the details of the memtain Holidays (CMH) Heli-Skiing and Summer orandum will be hashed out over the coming Adventures director of mountain operations, weeks. He would like to discuss the possibility Rob Rohn, to develop a partnership that could of youth leadership, and mentoring and trainboost cross-cultural understanding and enviing Shuswap youth in tourism, as well as exronmental stewardship through tourism in the ploring ways to enrich the CMH guest experiEast Kootenay region. ence through the use of Shuswap Indian Band “We are honoured to be working with cultural information.

CMH Heli-Skiing and Summer Adventures to “The next step will be sitting down over the be able to share our unique Shuswap culture next few weeks and putting together a few of those with their guests,” said Chief Cote in a recent (ideas) together with both our company and the press release. “In our overnight experience at band,” he said. “We need to talk about the specifCMH Bugaboos, we were amongst visitors ics and roll out the actual action plans for those.” from all over the world, and it was great to see Mr. Butler anticipates a framework for the the respect illustrated by CMH staff in recog- CULTURAL EXCHANGE — On hand to witness the signing of the new part- program could be up and running in time for nizing the importance of local Aboriginal cul- nership between CMH and the Shuswap Indian Band (SIB) on February 3rd this summer. ture, in addition to seeing the care they take in were, left to right, Dolores Varga (SIB), Debra Fisher (SIB), Rob Rohn (CMH), “We’ve been talking together for a while and protecting the environment.” we came to realize that there were significant areas Dave Butler (CMH), Sierra Stump (SIB), Chief Barb Cote (SIB).

The Memorandum of Understanding aims Photo by Lyle Grisedale where we share common ground,” he said, noting to preserve history, promote cultural comprethat members of the band had visited their sites in hension, and conserve the natural environment through tourism.

September and began working on the Memorandum of Understanding shortly afterwards.

CMH operations within the Shuswap Band’s traditional territory have encouraged “I think we’ll start to see some changes this summer,” concluded Mr. Butler. “We’re both parties to pursue a meaningful relationship that could promote development for very excited about it and really honoured to be working with the Shuswap Indian Band both groups in a positive way, and offer Shuswap youth career opportunities in tour- to see where this will take us into the future. I think it’s a really exciting one for everyism as well. body involved.”

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

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Submitted by Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley RCMP Countdown continues Fifteen more working days, not that I am counting.

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Request for Proposals Deadline for submissions: February 25, 2016, noon PT/1 p.m. MT.

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• On Friday, February 5th at 7:33 p.m., a citizen reported an injured bighorn sheep on the highway just south of Radium. Cst. Myers located the sheep, which appeared to have been struck by a vehicle.

Conservation was called out and seized the injured sheep.

• On Friday, February 5th at 9:58 p.m., a concerned citizen took unique action to prevent an intoxicated male from driving away drunk at the Radium Petro Canada gas station. The caller was so concerned that he took the keys from the suspected impaired driver and drove to Invermere, leaving the keys at a phone booth and calling the police to advise of the situation and where the keys were. Police attended to the phone booth (for our young readers, a phone booth is where we can find an actual phone that is left in public, so if you don’t have a cell phone and wish to make a call, you can), retrieved the keys and attended to an intoxicated male stranded at the Radium Petro Canada gas station. The 21-year-old driver was allowed to leave his vehicle on the lot, and was issued a couple of tickets. Staff would ensure the car does not drive away.

Unique problem solving, but somewhat risky as you are dealing with an intoxicated person who you don’t know — that can turn ugly. However, as it turned out, it was a win-win situation. I am sure the parents of the 21 year old would probably thank you.

• On Saturday, February 6th at 3 a.m., police attend to a 911-abandoned call in the 2000 block of Kootenay Road #3 to find two brothers in a heated argument. Both were convinced to separate for the rest of the evening.

• On Saturday, February 6th at 8 a.m., police received a report of theft of monies from the till at Kootenay River RV Resort and gas station in Canal Flats.

Anyone with information is requested to contact the detachment.

• On Saturday, February 6th at 10:30 a.m., Southeast Traffic Service attended to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 93 in Kootenay National Park, two kilometres north of the Rockwall Lookout. A northbound pickup driven by a 29-year-old male from Calgary lost control and entered the southbound lane, colliding in Tbone fashion with another pickup truck.

The driver who lost control is charged with impaired driving and driving over .08. Traffic services advised that had the impaired driver had a passenger in his truck, it would have been fatal.

• On Saturday, February 6th at 8:30 p.m., police received a report of extensive damage done to an elevator at the Cleland Building Condos at 205 3rd Avenue. The elevator shaft was damaged.

• On Sunday, February 7th, the intrusion alarm at the high school was set off. Police attended to locate a teacher doing prep work in the chemistry lab. Staff Sgt. Shehovac reviewed the file. Sunday? Chemistry lab? Chemistry teacher? Ummm. At the end of Breaking Bad, it appeared that Walter was dead, but really no confirmation provided. You just see him lying on the floor in the lab. Could it be?

B.E.V. You recall my story of the Be Ever Vigilant situation. It’s broken. Hence my latest speeding ticket in the Park. Usually the B.E.V device is programed to keep a close eye on my speed and normally overly observant in the Park. Keeps me somewhat alert. This weekend, the B.E.V. must have accidently been put on mute, hence my latest speeding ticket. Well-deserved, but still hurts the pocket book. Took one for the boat show! Given the amount the ticket was (hurt real bad), Bev suggested my purchase of the Navionics plus chip for my Lowrance was at risk. I reminded her that this was a postChristmas gift and to deny me would be saying there is no Santa Claus. You cannot take back on a Christmas promise. I’m entitled. About every two years, I get reminded what it is like to be on the receiving end of a ticket. Keeps me grounded.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Voting on new Regional DMO ends next month

By Dorothy Isted and Pioneer Staff On January 27th at Copper Point Resort, over 80 people attended a meeting held by the Regional DMO (Destination Marketing Organization) steering committee. Moderated by Pascal van Dijk, president and CEO of Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, committee members presented a detailed picture including the background of the committee, the work that has been done since 2013, and the recommendations that have resulted.

Currently, marketing for the Columbia Valley is undertaken by individual stakeholders and two DMOs — Tourism Radium and the Invermere-Panorama DMO. Guests renting within a DMO boundary pay a Municipal Resort Development Tax of two per cent on their rooms.

The provincial government collects the tax then returns the money to a municipality, which then grants it to a DMO to spend on marketing.

As Regional District Areas F and G, and Canal Flats, do not have a DMO, the two per cent Municipal Resort Development Tax is not currently being collected by numerous accommodators. The tax that could be collected if a DMO encompassed these areas is conservatively estimated to be $168,000 a year.

Regional DMO steering committee members include current and past local politicians, and marketing experts, as well as representatives from tourism organizations, accommodators, existing DMOs, the Columbia Valley Golf Trail, the arts community and Parks Canada.

The history of the process began in December 2013 when, after public consultation, the Columbia Valley

Community Directed Funds committee created the Community Priorities Plan (CPP), which identified five top regional priorities.

Branding, marketing and promotion of the Columbia Valley was the priority considered most urgent.

Other priorities included economic development and business growth, affordable housing, recreation, and arts and culture.

The CPP concluded, “A comprehensive branding, marketing and promotional strategy is required for the Columbia Valley. A compelling narrative that captures the essence of the area and works to increase tourism and attract new residents is currently lacking.”

In January 2015, the directed funds committee called a meeting, inviting a wide variety of stakeholders. It was decided that a survey would be undertaken with a meeting scheduled in April 2015 to discuss the results.

The April 2015 meeting resulted in the formation of the Regional DMO steering committee. In addition, three models were presented, with the recommended model being a sub-regional DMO. This new sub-regional DMO would encompass the two existing DMOs as well as RDEK Areas F and G, and Canal Flats. A governance model, policy and board makeup were also discussed. Approximately 60 people were in attendance.

Now, in order to move forward with the formation of the sub-regional DMO, two thresholds need to be met. The first threshold requires that 51 per cent of the rooms within the proposed area vote in favour of a sub-regional DMO — accommodators will be given one vote per room.

Continued on page 38 . . .

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THANKS TO YOU…

The Rotary Club of Invermere can spearhead, organize and volunteer, but all the extraordinary results are because of you! Every time you donate, sponsor, register for an event or in any way support or encourage the Rotary Club, you are doing Community Service! Thanks to you, we are able to initiate many projects large and small. Follow us and see what you have done.

www.invermererotary.org

Retreats Out Amongst the Rockies

is the Yoga-themed creation of Heather Kolankowski with the goal of providing participants with a weekend of self-exploration, friendship and joy.

Your Retreat Includes: • • • •

Welcome Wine and Cheese Friday 2 Therapeutic Yoga Sessions and 3 Workshops Saturday Therapeutic Yoga and Brunch Sunday Five Star catered meals, Wine on Friday, Snacks, Private Room, use of Gym and Hot Hub in the Resort.

ROAR Retreat Value – February 26th to 28th Lake Windermere Pointe Resort, Invermere B.C. Private room with ensuite $649 Private room shared bath $599 Local Residents with own accommodation $399 All taxes and fees included. Transportation required to and from the resort.

MARKETING MAVENS — From left to right, the Steering Committee for the new Regional DMO is made up of Steve Paccagnan, John Rouse, Michael Anderson, Penny Powers, Wendy Booth, Dee Conklin, Andrea Tubbs, Pat Bavin, Pascal van Dijk, Rick Thompson and Mark Halwa (who is missing from the photograph).

Photo by Dorothy Isted

For more information, call Heather at 403-890-9646 email heather@southlandclassicpiano.com www.MyYogaBarn.ca Note: ROAR donates a portion of proceeds to a scholarship awarding one participant with financial needs a spot in the Retreat. We believe that no matter where you are in life, everyone should have the opportunity for self-fulfillment, happiness and joy.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Celebrating businesswomen

Historical Lens

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff

There are so many inspiring women in the Columbia Valley who are movers and shakers, contributing to the local economy, helping it grow, and even helping reinvent it.

The Pioneer’s annual Women in Business feature provides the public with the chance to get to know more about who some of these women are and their accomplishments, and to understand what drives their dedication as well as what motivates their business and/or entrepreneurial spirit. It’s also an opportunity for residents and visitors to identify which ones, of the services and products these Women in Business offer, they can take advantage of, ideally shifting their consumer dollars from out-of-town expenditures to supporting local businesses, ultimately contributing to the overall health and vibrancy of this lovely valley community.

Not only do local purchases act as a direct investment in the very place you choose to visit or call home, your dollars spent locally help ensure a strong local marketplace that becomes an attractive breeding ground for creativity, enticing other entrepreneurs to put down roots and grow their own unique ideas into flourishing businesses.

The ripple effect is more jobs, more residents and more customers. Despite some large-scale changes affecting the Canadian economy and beyond, a number of local businesswomen are proving change and growth are possible.

Some notable recent examples, which all have a presence on Invermere’s Main Street (7th Avenue), include Kelly Carlson’s new Mountain Om Yoga & Wellness Studio; Be Gifted owner Alita Bentley’s acquisition of a second business and combining it with her own to launch a new endeavour in a new space (Inspire Floral Boutique Ltd.); the success of Fire Vixen Tattoos, which is propelling owner and operator Sarah Eastick to open a second business — the Fire Vixen Emporium retail store; and Bird’s Eye Boutique owner Tara Morgan opening up her new downtown location. These inspirational women are proving that where there’s a will, there’s a way, and they’re paving the way for others — of both genders — to do the same.

Paradise Basin In this image dating back to 1923, an airplane lands in Paradise Basin. If you have any more information, email us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Photo (C876) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Youth soccer deadline looming Dear Editor: This is a letter to all parents who will be registering their children in either the Rep (competitive) or House (non-competitive) soccer leagues.

The Columbia Valley Youth Soccer Association is run completely by volunteers. These volunteers put in many hours organizing the teams for the start dates. In order to make creating the teams a less timeintensive process, it was decided to have firm deadlines for registration.

The deadline for Rep is Monday, February 15th and for House it is Monday, March 14th. There will be absolutely no registrations accepted after these

dates. After these dates, registration will be closed.

No exceptions! Please share this information with everyone. For information on how to register go to the website: www.cvsoccer.ca.

Thank you to everyone for registering your children early to avoid missing the deadline. All of the volunteers appreciate your understanding.

We welcome new volunteers — coaches, team managers or anyone who wants to help out in any way. Email info@cvsoccer.ca and let us know you’ll help out.

Kind Regards, The Columbia Valley Youth Soccer Association

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

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS

Keep a leash handy when letting your dog roam Dear Editor: Not all dogs play well with others!

I am a fairly new resident to Edgewater and, like many, have a family dog that I love with all my heart and enjoy walking him in this beautiful country. I am not against dogs being off leash. I personally do not allow my dog off leash in the township for a variety of reasons; others seem to feel differently. If you’re going to allow your dog to run or walk off leash in the township, please carry a leash in case you run into someone who has their dog on a leash. I can’t count the number off times I have had to modify my way home to avoid one, two and even three dogs running off leash with their owners for the safety of myself and my dog.

The law states that you must be in control of your animal at all times and, if you’re not, you can be subject to a injury

lawsuit, vet bills, etc. Not all dogs play well with others. I could be seriously injured, as well as my dog or someone else’s dog, if there is an incident. I shouldn’t have to worry about my safety and the safety of my dog while walking throughout the township.

Even the most obedient, well-trained dog can’t be trusted off leash when approaching another dog on a leash, and more than one dog constitutes a pack and they behave accordingly.

So please, if you’re going to have your dog off leash, please carry a leash to avoid the possibility of an attack and the repercussions that could follow so everyone in the township can enjoy a pleasant and uneventful walk.

Thank you,

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Continued on page 9 . . .

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Concerned about Canada Dear Editor:

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

EDGEWATER Stop paying your landlord and start paying yourself!

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

Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at #8, 1008-8th Avenue.

Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish 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. No attachments, please.

Letters may be shortened for space

requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy.

Please state your connection to the subject you’re writing about so that readers can judge your credibility and motivation. Please ensure that the facts cited in your letter are accurate. You are entitled to your own heartfelt opinion, but not to your own facts. Errors of fact mean either that we can’t run your letter or that we will have to run it with an accompanying correction.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Rushmere lands first East Kootenay FireSmart title

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff Protecting against wildfires by reducing risk factors in rural communities has set the stage for Rushmere to lead the way.

Rushmere, the community located 14 kilometres south of Invermere along Westside Road (and approximately the same distance north of Fairmont), was recently recognized as a FireSmart community — the first in the East Kootenay region to receive this designation.

“I’m responsible for the FireSmart initiative and bringing it to the community,” explained Ken MacRitchie, Rushmere Community Association director.

“We don’t have structural fire protection and we are bounded on one side by Crown land that has recreational use. We have Windermere Lake Park to the north of us, so on at least three sides, we are bounded by forests and a forest interface with our community.”

He noted that the “catastrophic events in Kelowna” last summer and the ongoing fire bans that occurred here in

the valley made it essential for Rushmere to develop a line of defense against wildfires.

“We felt it was appropriate to raise awareness for our residents about their properties and how to reduce fire hazards in and around the houses,” said Mr. MacRitchie, noting there are three zones that needed to become priorities where fire protection is concerned. “We are looking to increase our protection around the community.”

FireSmart Canada acknowledged the Rushmere Community Association’s hard work on Tuesday, February 9th with the official presentation of a Community Protection Achievement Award and the installation of a FireSmart sign at the entrance road to Rushmere.

The award presentation was attended by BC Wildfire Service staff, a provincial FireSmart Canada representative, Regional District of East Kootenay staff, the fire chief for Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Services and other guests.

Continued on page 28 . . .

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REDUCING RISK — Attending Rushmere’s formal FireSmart designation presentation on February 9th were, left to right, Columbia Valley Rural Fire and Rescue Service fire chief Jim Miller, Stewart Zarowny (FireSmart committee Rushmere), Brian Koster (Forest Protection officer Invermere), RDEK Area F director Wendy Booth, Ken MacRitchie (FireSmart committee Rushmere), Arist Eruemmer (FireSmart committee Rushmere), Steve Levitt (Forest Protection technician Invermere), Jeff Eustache (Forest Fuel Management Manager), Mike Morrow (Fuel Management specialist) and Brenden Mercer (Fuel Management Department with Finesse).

Photo by Dean Midyette

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February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Regional coffee comp coming to Coffee Fest

By Theresa Wood Invermere Events Co-ordinator The brewing method using the AeroPress is an easy, quick way of brewing that brings out the best in every bean. Its unique brewing method gives the richest coffee flavour, with less bitterness and acidity, and no grounds left in your cup!

We are looking for the very best brew this year at the Invermere Coffee Fest, which runs from March 4th to 6th. On Saturday, March 5th, brewers will compete for the Kootenay Championship. The winner will move on to the Canadian Championship in Calgary this May, courtesy of Eight Ounce Coffee Supply — they are even providing accommodation.

Each brewer will have eight minutes, from setup to extraction, to brew a 200 ml cup of coffee. They will be brewing a special Kicking Horse Coffee roast that is being roasted specifically for the competition. The finished coffees are then judged and a winner is selected from each group of three to move onto the next round. In the end, . . . ‘Concerned’ from page 7 Foreign companies pack a lot of clout in Alberta. StatsCan reports the oil sands are, at the blink of an eye, somehow, 50 per cent foreign controlled.

USA’s Koch brothers lease between one and two million acres of oil sands — about 6,000 square kilometres. The Kochs are the seventh wealthiest people on earth. They dabble in politics, donating millions to Canada’s Fraser Institute to promote their brand of free-market religion.

They’re investing nearly $1 billion to get to pick the next U.S. president.

Can you imagine what kind of mess that kind of money could do — or is doing — to Canada’s already feeble democracy? If they can buy a president, a prime minister or premier would be pocket change. Especially since Canada no longer has a func-

one champion will be standing and move onto Nationals.

We are hoping to attract people from all over the Kootenays. Professionals and home brewers are all welcome to compete. The competition is very fun, lighthearted and a good time for competitors and brewers. It will be taking place during the Expo so while they are enjoying competition, attendees can also roam around, sample new coffees and tea, and purchase them as well.

It is going to be a fantastic day filled with coffee, tea, and fun competition. For more information on the event or to register for the AeroPress Championship, visit www.InvermereCoffeeFest.com. For any questions, please contact Theresa at 250-688-9663 or events@ invermere.net.

FAIRMONT BUSINESS ASSOCIATION PRESENTS THE 7TH ANNUAL...

february 27th

Dinner & dance

saturday, february 27th from 6pm—12AM Live music by Billy Kulyk & Friends

tioning media informing its people.

Postmedia, Canada’s largest newspaper chain, just laid off 90 more reporters. Who needs reporters when you’ve got attack-dog editorial writers like Calgary’s Sun and Herald.

Canada is being invaded by a gang of super-rich trans-national corporations. Just look around, there is almost no Canadian companies left anymore.

They’ve been gobbled up. Victims of “trade-deals” like NAFTA and the TPP. U.S president Thomas Jefferson in 1802 tried to warn us: “The corporations that grow around the private banks will deprive the people of all property, until their children wake up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered.”

No one was listening.

Bryan Stawychny Edgewater

$ 40 (TAXES NOT INCLUDED)

• Silent auction

TICKETS ARE LIMITED!

Get yours at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, call 1.800.663.4979 or buy online.

tivals/fire-and-ice-festival/ fairmonthotsprings.com/events-and-fes

ENJOY OTHER GREAT ACTIVITIES AT OUR SKI AREA ON FEBRUARY 27TH

DEMONSTRATION, CAMPFIRE FROM 12-4PM INCLUDING AN ICE CARVING OF THE SKI CHALET AND MORE! S’MORES, DJ WIL C, A BBQ ON THE DECK

$99 room special CALL TO BOOK: 1.800.663.4979 ImmerseYourself

www.FairmontHotSprings.com Or Call: 1.800.663.4979

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

BUY NOW

& SAVE

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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.

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FairmontHotSprings.com/golf Or Call: 1.800.663.4979

RIVERSIDE OPENS ON MAR. 25, 2016

Legacy Trail fundraising thunders ahead

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The Greenways Trail Alliance is charging ahead with its fundraising efforts for the Westside Legacy Trail, which have been such a success so far that the group is hopeful construction on the project might begin this year.

“The fundraising has been going well. We recently had a $50,000 donation from the Panorama Foundation, which puts us at just under $1.2 million raised,” said Greenways executive director Mark Halwa. “We’re really pleased with that, especially given that we’ve only been fundraising for about seven months now; and given the economic conditions in Alberta. The economy may not be strong, but it seems the spirit of donating still is.”

The Alliance is in the process of applying for two grants — the Columbia Basin Trust’s (CBT) new recreation infrastructure grants (announced just a few weeks ago), and a Bike BC grant (Bike BC is a division of the provincial Ministry of Transportation). If both applications are successful, they would total $1.5 million in grant money for the Westside Legacy Trail. In conjunction with money already raised, that would mean $2.7 worth of funding for the trail out of an estimated total of $5 million needed for the project.

“So if we have success with these two grant programs, we’re more than halfway there, and I would say we’ll likely begin construction in 2016,” said Mr. Halwa, adding the Alliance would still need to find a bit more grant money to ensure the building begins this year.

Mr. Halwa said the Alliance will learn whether or not both grant applications are successful likely some time in April or May. More than 600 individuals or organization have made donations to the trail already, and the trail’s amenity sponsorship opportunities (in which donors have their names mentioned on items such as benches and trailhead kiosks in return for their contributions) are almost sold out.

The first part of the trail to be built, if construction does begin this year, will be the 6.3-kilometre section up to Brady Creek (heading south from Invermere), according to Mr. Halwa.

The Alliance has also recently launched a new website promoting the trail and has been holding plenty of open houses and fundraising events in the past few months.

Continued on page 28 . . .

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS FIRST 2016 SHOW

Roses are red, Safta’s is blue...

The Chisel Peak Blues Band will be performing live at Safta’s starting at 7 p.m. on Valentine’s Day with a combination of original and cover songs for families, friends and couples out celebrating.

For more details about the show, see the story featured on page 14.

Photo submitted

PAGE 12

FAIRMONT FUN

PAGE 21

Out & About Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley PAGE 13

CV Arts AGM

Tuesday February 16th at 6 pm What does ART mean to you?

Screening of film afterwards – everyone welcome! Popcorn & pizza served

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

Happy BirtHday to pynelogs!

1914 - 2014 · Celebrating 100 years

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Artym unveils 1st 2016 show

By Grey Bradatsch The Artym Gallery

Angela Morgan

Serge Dubé

Angie Rees

Angela Morgan, Serge Dubé & Angie Rees Exhibition Saturday February 13 – 19 Angela Morgan & Serge Dubé in attendance February 13, 12 – 4 pm

Angela Morgan, Angie Rees, Serge Dubé.

It’s here. The first Artym Gallery show of 2016 and it’s going to be a good one, too.

Beginning on Saturday, February 13th and running for a full seven days, this show of three painters is sure to make you laugh out loud, reminisce joyful past experiences, and also get you swept into the beauty and romance of nature. Angela Morgan and Serge Dubé will be in attendance on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Angela Morgan — so much fun, so much fashion, makes you stop and look twice. All on canvas! This internationally recognized painter gathers a crowd wherever her work is displayed. The Artym will be showing fresh works from her popular winter series: kids tobogganing, people skiing, four to a chairlift, building a snowman... just a few of the ideas that this talented artist puts on canvas in her own unique way.

Focusing on capturing an animated awkward situation or by creating a scene to a common phrase, painter Angie Rees can make the viewer burst into smiles when seeing her paintings. From a background of painting backdrops and scenery for theatre (very large format), Rees has progressed into her current works of small panels that are filled with details and FIRST SHOW OF THE YEAR — These paintings and more fun. Imagine a plump rabbit with rosy cheeks stuck in will be on display at The Artym Gallery for a full week starting a magicians hat. The title? Flabracadabra. Her works Saturday, February 13th.

Images submitted are appreciated by all ages and she will be a feature artist in the 2016 Spring issue of Arabella magazine.

Serge Dubé has become a favourite and “must have” for the new art collectors. His ability to create breathtaking landscapes composed with vibrant yet believable colours WITHOUT the use of brushes or palette knife must be seen in person. Titled with such names as “Fall in Love” or “Reaching for your Soul”, Serge’s paintings ignite our passion for art and the great Canadian outdoors.

Drop by The Artym Gallery, meet the artists, and put some enjoyment into your Saturday the 13th. If you can’t make it person during the seven-day show, check it out on line at www.artymgallery.com and yes!

Presales are available.

Art Party Watercolour An exceptional creative experience In four hours, you will create a beautiful watercolour painting.

Art Party!

Circle Café Invermere, Frater’s Landing

artymgallery.com

view online for presales and full show

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

Never painted before? No worries! Make art, have fun! We take care of everything, easy to follow demo, all supplies, pro-artist guidance and even a gourmet lunch. Just bring your creative self and friends.

Sign up for one or both!

Sunday, February 21st or March 6th 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Cost $95. Includes delicious lunch.

Limited enrollment. Call 403-519-8268 or patyesh@gmail.com

Village of Radium Hot Springs

Grant in Aid Applications The Village of Radium Hot Springs is welcoming applications for municipal grants in aid to community groups for endeavors, events or programs for the 2016 budget year. Applicants should pick up a guide to assist them in preparing a complete application. The deadline for applications will be February 26th, 2016. Guides may be obtained from the Village office, 4836 Radium Blvd. during office hours.

February 12, 2016

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, February 12th • February 12th - 14th: Men’s Spiel. For more information, contact the Invermere Curling Centre by calling 250-342-3315, emailing invermerecurling@ shaw.ca, visiting www.curlinginvermere.ca or going to “Invermere & District Curling Centre” on Facebook.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre (SYC) YCC Challenges program.

• 6 p.m.: SYC games night.

• 6 p.m. - 12 a.m.: Steamboat Mountain Music Society is hosting a fundraiser at Edgewater Legion.

Dinner from 6 - 8 p.m., live music from 8 p.m. - 12 a.m. Children welcome till 8 p.m. Membership sign up $5 also available.

• 6:30 p.m.: Chicken Parmesan Dinner at Branch 71 District Legion in Invermere. $15/person.

Reservations Recommended. Call 250-342-9517.

Meat Draw and 50/50.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Starlight Challenge evening races at Fairmont Hot Springs ski area every Friday in February.

Come as a team of 4, or race solo. Great prizes!

• 9 p.m.: Bebo Grove is playing a spectacular show at the Hoodoo Grill in Fairmont.

Saturday, February 13th • Panorama Alberta Family Day Celebrations. Family Dinner in the Great Hall, Fireworks at 9:15 p.m. and Family Dance following Fireworks.

• 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Artym Gallery shows Serge Dubé, Angela Morgan & Angie Rees exhibition. Shows last till February 19th.

• 10 a.m.: Radium Public Library Children’s Storytime with Valentine Crafts.

• 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.: Puppy Love 5 at the Invermere Community Hall. A fundraiser for GALS. Tattoo

convention with live music, face painting, magic by Jeremy Coyote and more, admission-by-donation. Call 342-8844 for information.

• 12 - 4 p.m.: Fairmont and District Lions’ Club Mid Winter Garage Sale at the “Den”.

• 12 - 4 p.m.: Alberta Family Day at Fairmont Ski Hill February 12th and 14th. Enjoy a BBQ on the deck, S’mores, face painting, cotton candy and familyfriendly games throughout the weekend. DJ WiL C plays on Sunday.

• 3 p.m.: Alliance Church. Antique auction and bake sale. Viewing of live auction items starts at noon with proceeds going to materials to be used to construct a home in Ensenada, Mexico in March. Call 250-3424454 for more information.

• 4 p.m.: Panorama Rockstar/Syndicate Rail Jam Competition. Register at Guest Services, $10. Training at 3:30 p.m.

• 6 p.m.: Branch 71 District Legion in Invermere Meat Draw and 50/50.

• 7 p.m.: Join the Summit Youth Centre in a Foosball Tournament.

• 8 p.m - 1 a.m.: Puppy Love 5 after party at the Invermere Community Hall, with live music and DJ. Call 342-8844 for information.

• 9 -11 p.m.: Live music by Dean Ray February 13th and 14th at Bear’s Paw & Grill in Fairmont. Come for some relaxing country-style jams.

Sunday, February 14th • 9 a.m - 12 p.m.: Steamboat Mountain Music Society is hosting a Valentine breakfast at the Edgewater Legion.

Eggs Benny, huckleberry pancakes and much more.

• 10 a.m.: Trek The Trail: A Guided Tour of the Westside Legacy Trail. Begins at the Hither Dither trailhead (2.7km heading south past the cattleguard, on Westside Rd), look for the Greenways warm-up tent & crew, you can’t miss it. For more information visit www.facebook.com/events/832967750182305/ • 7 p.m.: Chisel Peak Blues Band at Safta’s for Valentine’s Day. Special menu.

Monday, February 15th • Join SYC for Employment Readiness Training or Skills for Life! Program. Must pre register.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges program.

• 7 p.m.: Canal Flats Civic Centre “Good Neighbour Bingo”. Everyone goes home with Something. For information Call 250-349-5447.

Tuesday, February 16th • 4 -6 p.m.: Join SYC for Cooking night. Join us for Free Food and nutritional education.

• 6 p.m.: Columbia Valley Arts Council AGM at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. AGM will be followed by a screening of the film What We Did On Our Holiday, a comedy set in the scottish Highlands. Pizza and Popcorn served, cash bar. Everyone Welcome.

Wednesday, February 17th • 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Western Financial Place, Cranbrook. Auditions for Dragons’ Den. Online applications are available at www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/ auditions.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges program.

• 6 p.m.: SYC games and trivia night.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Trivia Night (Saskatchewan-themed) at Bear’s Paw Bar & Grill. Enjoy a night of Saskatchewanthemed trivia to help celebrate Saskatchewan Week.

Thursday, February 18th • 4 - 6 p.m.: SYC Graphics Course.

• 4 - 8 p.m.: SYC open gym. Come play sports with us. Everyone welcome.

• 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Wild Ideas at Circle Cafe, hosted by Wildsight. February’s discussion topic is Meaningful Work: www.Wildsight.ca.

• 6:30 p.m.: Texas Hold Em’ Tournament at the Invermere Legion every Thursday. $35 buy in.

• 9 p.m.: The Jordan Welbourne trio will be hosting an open mic jam at the Hoodoo Grill in Fairmont.

Friday, February 19th • 3 - 6 p.m.: Live music by Jordan Wellbourne. Head to the cozy FHSR ski chalet and enjoy Saskatoon-based blues, hard rock & southern rock musical stylings.

• 5 - 7 p.m.: SYC YCC Challenges program.

• 6 p.m.: Join the SYC in Rockband competition Night.

• 6:30 p.m.: Roast Beef Dinner at Branch 71 District Legion in Invermere. $17.50/person. Reservations Recommended. Roast Beef has Yorkies, mashed potatoes, gravy, green salad, tea/coffee. dessert Call 250-342-9517. Meat Draw and 50/50.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Starlight Challenge evening races at Fairmont Hot Springs ski area every Friday in February.

Come as a team of 4, or race solo. Great prizes!

• 9 p.m.: Jordan Wellbourne at the Hoodoo Grill.

No Cover.

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

February 12, 2016

Puppy Love 5 celebrates art and animal activism

SPREAD THE PUPPY LOVE — Fire Vixen Tattoos’ Puppy Love fundraiser is back for its fifth year this Saturday, February 13th. PL5 is open to all ages during the day, with a bake sale and barbecue to keep people fed. The adults-only party starts at 8 p.m. complete with an Arrowhead Brewing Company beer garden.

Photo by Lindsay McPherson

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff If you visit or live in the Columbia Valley, chances are you’ve seen, met or own a GALS rescue — or three.

Global Animal Lovers (GALS) is an Invermere-based no-shelter rescue organization that relies on the generosity of fosters to provide food and shelter to rescued animals (mostly dogs, but also cats, rabbits and more) waiting to find their “forever home.” Fire Vixen Tattoos’ annual Puppy Love fundraiser raised over $10,000 for GALS last year with 100 per cent of the proceeds helping cover food and veterinarian costs.

This Saturday, February 13th, starting at 11 a.m., Puppy Love 5 will take over the Invermere Community Hall, where tattoo artists will be donating their time to the GALS cause during the day (until 7 p.m.), and an after-party (admission by donation) will rock the hall all night (from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.).

Fire Vixen and GALS invite you to drop by any time during the day or night to check out the tattoo artists in action, get bedazzled by magic tricks, listen to live music, bid in the silent auction, enjoy tasty treats and beverages, and more.

For more information, contact Fire Vixen by calling 250- 342-8844.

PL5’s Live Music All Day Long 11 a.m. Chris Howse 12 p.m. Emily Rawbon 1 p.m. Jeremy Coyote (magician) 2 p.m. Kurt and Deb 3:30 p.m. Bob Benvenuti 5 p.m. Matt Shelson

6 p.m. Terez Goulet 7 p.m. Erin Porter 8 p.m. Chisel Peak Blues Band 9:30 p.m. Halfsacks 11p.m. Valley Forged 12 a.m. Shawn Ridsdale (DJ)

Celebrate love at Safta’s

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff A blues soundtrack for Valentine’s Day might not be for everyone, but a grassroots trio will be doing its best to offer a tune that delights during this year’s heartfelt festivities.

The Chisel Peak Blues Band will be performing at Safta’s for Valentine’s Day, starting around 7 p.m. on Sunday, February 14th.

“We’re probably going to do some love songs,” said Ian Wilson, Chisel Peak Blues Band guitarist and vocalist.

“We’ll be playing originals and covers, and we’ll try to follow the theme of Valentine’s Day.” Each year on February 14th, many people choose to exchange cards, candy, gifts or flowers with their special valen-

tine. The day of romance that is commonly known as Valentine’s Day was named after a Christian martyr and dates back to the fifth century.

“We just figure (performing on Valentine’s Day) is the best way to spread the love as far and wide as possible,” said Mr. Wilson.

For the band’s Valentine’s Day performance, Mr. Wilson will be joined by drummer, James Reimer, and vocalist and guitarist, Emily Rawbon. It will be the second time that the Chisel Peak Blues Band has provided the soundtrack to couples on that special day.

In addition, there will be an aphrodisiac-inspired menu served by Safta’s to couples who opt to treat themselves to a night out on the town.

To make a reservation for Valentine’s Day, call Safta’s at 778-526-2424.

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

Women in Business

VISIBILITY — Fire Vixen Tattoos owner Sarah Eastick loves the instant exposure a storefront location provides.

Photo by Nicole Trigg

FLEXIBILITY — It’s A Wrap! Speciality Gifts & Baskets owner Jayne Magri enjoys working on her own time from her home.

Photo by Angela Miller

Local women taking different approaches to business success

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The modern digital world offers no end of options when it comes to choosing where to work and, here in the valley, there are many women in business who favour working from home while many prefer operating from a storefront location.

There’s no right answer — the best option depends on the nature of the business and the owner’s personal preference, so The Pioneer talked to two local entrepreneurs, one who runs her business out of her house and another who has a shop downtown (and will soon have another), to examine the benefits of each.

It’s A Wrap! Specialty Gifts & Baskets owner Jayne Magri said it’s hard to beat the flexible hours that come with a home-based business.

“I’m a night owl, so I can be building (gift baskets) until 2 a.m. if I want. I can build the baskets in my pyjamas while listening to music and watching a movie.

Really, I can build at any point in the day or the night, whatever suits me at the time,” she explained.

That flexibility also allows Ms. Magri to use her non-work time to its best effect.

“I can pursue other passions, and it also allows me to work another job too and to be a student all at the same time,” she said. “In lull times, when work is not busy, if I want to take a nap or take my dog for a walk, I just do.”

Working from home also eliminates commuting and drastically brings down overhead, according to Ms. Magri. “And that (lower costs) means all the deals and cost savings gets passed on to my customers.”

Ms. Magri also finds that not being tied to a physical location lets her go “shop-

ping” with customers (whereby she talks with customers on her cell phone while she is in a shop), allowing her creativity to flow and be sparked by what she sees around her.

But there are just as many advantages to having a storefront, according to Fire Vixen Tattoos owner Sarah Eastick, who will soon be launching a retail business, Fire Vixen Emporium, at a location on Invermere’s main street this May, just a short walk from her tattoo parlour on 8th Avenue.

“It’s location, location, location,” said Ms. Eastick. “If you’re going to sell retail, main strip exposure is crucial. You need a high visibility spot.”

Although Ms. Eastick is new to the retail business, she’s done plenty of homework on it and says the consensus is that where you set up shop has a big impact on how well your business does.

“If you don’t have a storefront, you have to do a lot of advertising to reach the same level of exposure,” said she. “It’s about promotion and having people know you’re there.”

With a service business, such as the tattoo shop, customers often come specifically looking for you, said Ms. Eastick, but with a retail business, a storefront helps lure in those who are simply passing by.

“People will wander in just out of curiosity, without even intending to buy something,” she said. “When visitors to Invermere go shopping, they stay within the same small radius and they don’t veer off. They walk up one side of main street and then down the other.”

With more than 400 licensed business owners in Invermere, there is plenty of scope for success for both home-based and storefront-anchored business in the valley, and clearly many benefits to both approaches.

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Tara Morgan, Owner

Alita Bentley

Bird’s Eye Boutique

Owner, Inspire Floral Boutique Ltd.

Tara Morgan turned her passion into a fulltime job. Since a teen, she has been buying and reselling fashion and accessories. Six months after moving to the valley, Tara opened the store Bird’s Eye Boutique in early 2014, offering top quality and brand name resale clothing, bags, footwear and accessories. The new location between Konig Meats and Candyland opened in downtown Invermere late 2015. Bring in clothing to trade for store credit or drop by to check out the new items added to the store everyday. Check out the store online and on Facebook.

Alita has been the owner of Be Gifted, a retail gift boutique, for the past 10 years and has recently purchased Canterbury Flowers from Joanne Broadfoot and Sandra Clark. Inspire Floral Boutique Ltd. is the birth of a new company with a new brand and will be located in a new home (the former Book Bar building) in the heart of downtown Invermere.

Inspire is currently operating out of the Canterbury storefront until the end of March while the new location is being prepared, and all of the amazing gift lines that Be Gifted carried are still available. Alita is excited to bring a new gift and floral concept to Invermere and invites everyone to pop by the shop to say hello and see the new store when it opens. The Grand Opening event will be held in May.

250-342-0383

www.birdseyeboutique.com

Charlotte Streicek

Jami Scheffer

Columbia Valley Arts Council

Dragonfly Discovery Children’s Centre

I am in the business of bringing people to the arts and arts to the people; it’s what I love to do! And what better platform to deliver that message than the Columbia Valley Arts Council? With my two kids in tow, I was fortunate to arrive in the Columbia Valley from Whistler in 2003, when CV Arts was recruiting a manager for the Pynelogs Cultural Centre and Art Gallery.

Amazingly, it has been 11 years since I began working with CV Arts. The Pynelogs Cultural Centre continues to be the arts and culture venue in Invermere, and a true conduit for new and veteran valley artists (of all disciplines) to share their passion and talent. Everyday, I get to bring you closer to experiencing the valley’s unique ability to inspire creativity. So I can honestly say it’s been my pleasure doing business with you.

Charlotte Streicek founded Dragonfly Discovery Children’s Centre — a quality licensed education and childcare facility — three years ago in Radium Hot Springs. Dragonfly is a place where children Love to Be and can Discover more about themselves as Creative Unique Individuals, about each other as members of a Community, and about the environment as the Life System that supports us all.

Dragonfly has a Multi-Age Childcare License and can accept children of all ages!

Along with the ongoing community of children, Dragonfly is open for an hourly dropin. Visit the website for more information, and to see photos. For a booking, text Charlotte at the number below.

250-342-4423

www.dragonflydiscoverycentre.com

www.columbiavalleyarts.com

250-270-0058

Karen Babin

Floral Design, Horizon Ridge Ranch Naturals Since 2008, Karen has lived on a small cattle ranch with her husband Murray. This is where she finds her surroundings to be an inspiration for all that she does. Karen is available to take care of your floral needs from her design studio nestled in the mountains outside of Radium Hot Springs. Whether it be a wedding or other special event, Karen’s skill and unique experience in floral design will add to the beautxy and ambiance of any occasion. It is her inspirational surroundings at Horizon Ridge Ranch and professional floral background that sets her work apart from typical floral design. Karen pays particular attention to detail and special requests in order to create the most magical of themes, making occasions into beautiful memories by applying her qualified skill, talent and artistic touches to all that she creates. Floral design has been a major passion in Karen’s life

mkranch@xplornet.com

since graduating from the Commercial Floriculture program at Olds Agricultural College, Olds, Alta. She also graduated in the top 5 per cent of her class in advanced Floral Design from Denver, Colorado receiving another of what would become many certifications as a Professional Floral Designer. Over the decades, Karen has enjoyed a diverse and in-depth career in the floral industry, working both direct with her customers as well as instructing others personally and professionally in their pursuit of the art and skillful mechanics of floral design. Karen has brought to life floral visions for over 500 weddings as well as countless other special events and occasions with the use of her creative talents in floral design. Karen is available to consult with you and discuss adding the wow factor to your wedding or event. She can be reached by email, phone or text.

www.horizonridgeranch.com

250-688-0143

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Holly Jones

Fiona Millar

Fiona Millar Intuitive Reader As an Intuitive Reader, Fiona is a Certified Angel Empowerment Practitioner (AEP), Certified Akashic Record Reader, Certified Medium, Numerology Consultant and Intuitive Energy Healer.

On her journey of continuing to hone her skills, Fiona has embarked on another modality — Aura Soma. With the use of colour combined with Numerology, Aura Soma has provided Fiona with a link to tie together her current healing modalities.

Understanding your own personal energy is the first step to creating your reality!

www.fionapsychic.com

250-342-1713

Jackie Lysak

Manulife Securities is Invermere’s only locally licensed securities office. In Holly’s role as Investment Associate, she can help you invest your money in mutual funds, stocks, bonds, GICs and other sophisticated investment tools to maximize your portfolio.

Manulife Securities Insurance Agency in Invermere is happy to provide many insurance solutions to fit your needs and budget.

With the ability to shop 17 insurance companies, Holly is able to sell insurance for travel, life, disability, critical illness, long-term care, health care benefits, small business group health and dental plans, and more.

Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

holly.jones@manulifesecurities.ca

250-342-2112

Jayne Magri, Owner

Owner, Home Made Perfect

It’s a Wrap! Specialty Gifts & Baskets

Home Made Perfect’s mission is to help others live a life of ease and comfort… from how we clean our homes to the “stuff” we surround ourselves with.

For over 10 years, Jackie has worked on homes and offices throughout the Columbia Valley. Whether you need cleaning, decluttering or organization, she’s here to help. Jackie’s passion for non-toxic products are at the forefront of her work.

She believes you don’t have to compromise the environment, nor your health, to clean. Winter/Spring Decluttering and Organizing Special: 5-hour session: $99 plus tax (includes consultation).

www.homemadeperfect.com

Investment Associate, Manulife Securities Incorporated Insurance Advisor, Manulife Securities Insurance Agency

250-688-4219

After 11 years in business, Jayne’s home-based enterprise in Wilmer continues to grow a loyal local, national and international customer base.

Jayne creates personalized gift baskets with handpicked items from local and Canadian companies. The wide array she has in stock means the possibilities are endless — and each basket is uniquely designed to suit the recipient’s style and your budget, leaving a lasting impression. Personal likes, allergies, and food preferences are always taken into account. “I take a person’s personality and translate it into a basket!” said Jayne. “Any price, any style, any occasion, any time!” She will deliver locally or cross-country and her personal touch guarantees a photo so you know exactly what you’ve sent.

www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

250-342-3160

Cindy MacKay, Work Supervisor Kootenay Insurance Services

Cindy joined the staff of Kootenay Insurance Services after thirteen years of service at Invermere’s Westland Insurance.

“I’m excited to be at Kootenay Insurance. It gives me an opportunity to offer my clients new products with several different companies,” said Ms. MacKay. Whether it’s coverage for a house, condominium, automotive, business or travelling, they will help identify the policy that will best suit your particular insurance needs, customized to meet your requirements and tailored to reflect your budget.

This past May, Kootenay Insurance Services was happy to announce the addition of Family Insurance Solutions to its portfolio of companies. Established in 1989, Family Insurance was created to provide Home and Auto coverage to B.C. resi-

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

dents. The staff encourage you to contact any one of the KIS locations to see how Family’s Optional Vehicle Coverages compare.

Depending on the product, Kootenay Insurance Services’ competitive packages can be conveniently financed with an affordable pre-authorized monthly payment plan. Free, no-obligation quotes can be requested through the website, which also provides in-depth descriptions on Kootenay Insurance Services insurance products.

The Invermere branch is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, visit www.kootenayinsurance.ca.

250-342-2175

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Elizabeth M. Shopland

Owner, Nature Inspired Living Co. Growing in all ways, Elizabeth continues her quest to contribute both to her local and global communities. She is committed to natural, sustainable and healthy living that honors and nurtures stewardship for ourselves and for the earth.

With certifications in Horticulture, Permaculture, Coaching, Feng Shui, Healing Garden and Reiki, combined with a lifelong love for Nature, Elizabeth offers unique services in Garden & Design, The Healing Garden Coaching & Consulting and is the founder of The NatureKeepers Network.

She would like to thank the Columbia Valley community for their ongoing support and, together, making a difference every day.

www.natureinspiredlivingco.com

250-342-1124

Jolaine Undershute

Owner/Head Coach, Endeavor Fitness Jolaine is an elite level CrossFit and professional athlete. Her gym, Endeavor Fitness, offers four different programs from Monday to Friday from 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bootcamp is for students who want to tone up, lifting lighter weights. General strength and conditioning will increase your current fitness level as well as enhance one’s sport of choice, and CrossFit classes are scalable to each individual. If you want the benefits of knowledgable, experienced personal trainers, combined with a motivating and encouraging environment, call now. Email: endeavorfitness@live.com.

www.crossfitinvermere.com

250-688-0783

Emily Rawbon, Owner Yes, I am tall!

Graphic designer and guitarist/singer-songwriter Emily Rawbon aims to stand out from the crowd with her multi-faceted freelance business and musical prowess in the blues, folk and jazz traditions.

Emily is a nine-year resident of Invermere who’s offering her services to those trying to better navigate a Mac environment or requiring a creative and talented designer to pull a project together.

With almost 30 years of guitar experience under her belt, music is Emily’s true passion. She performs live in Invermere with the Chisel Peak Blues Band on a weekly basis.

emily@yesiamtall.com

250-409-4104

Kimberly Olson, Owner

Traditional Thai Massage and Yoga Through ancient Buddhist Healing Modalities, I work to balance the energetic and physical bodies of my clients to facilitate healing, providing the space needed for them to return to a natural balanced state of physical, emotional and spiritual health. In addition, I have recently returned to my roots to exercise my Bachelor of Fine Arts as the current Artist in Residence at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Drop by to see the progress for an exhibition this summer at Pynelogs with the theme: Social Construction of Gender. For more information, visit my website, call or email me at mettainmotion@gmail.com .

www.kimberlyolson.ca

250-688-1051

Linda Hatt

Owner, Linda Hatt Interiors I have lived in Invermere for many years, and have always had a passion for interior decorating and design.

I am self-taught and, for the past 15 years, have been transforming homes in and around the Columbia Valley with a total renovation or simply a refresh with paint, decor or furniture placement.

I also have made a point of incorporating individual pieces the homeowner already has, or using

new, vintage or unique items you don’t see everywhere. I will shop for clients, draw from my own collection, haul furniture, make upholstered headboards, and have bedding and draperies made by a local seamstress. I enjoy every aspect of helping people, many of whom have become friends. No matter how big or small the task, I am always thrilled with the challenge to help people feel that their space is truly a reflection of them, not me!

250-342-5325

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

Kyla Brown

kyla brown photography over the years this ad has naturally become a marker for me of what has shifted and how i have grown as a business owner. i find myself speaking more and more from the heart about being a professional photographer. the longer i am in business the more i understand that balance is truly the foundation of success and happiness. the more balanced i feel, the better i am at my job and my life. this is a job that i couldn’t do without the people who work alongside me and one that i continue to do because of the people who ask to see themselves through my lens. i continue to be deeply moved and profoundly changed by the lives i get to witness. for all of this and so much more, i am grateful.

www.kylabrownphotography.com 2015

250-688-8888

Alicia Shanks, Co-owner Invermere Pharmasave and Pharmasave Home Health Care Centre Alicia Shanks is a pharmacist and co-owner of Pharmasave. She strives to provide exceptional pharmaceutical care to all the valley residents. Some of the specialty services offered at Invermere Pharmasave include blister-packing, home delivery services, specialty compounding, vaccinations, and one-on-one medication consultations. January 2016 marked the official opening of the new Pharmasave Home Health Care Centre which is located directly below Invermere Pharmasave on the lower level of the Chisel Peak Medical Building. The new Health Care Centre specializes in home health care equipment and medical supplies. A large selection of rental medical equipment is also be available. Both stores are both located at 417-10th Avenue in Invermere.

Invermere Pharmasave on

Sue Coy, Co-owner

Shannon Gertner

DECOY LANDSCAPING & CONTRACTING

Decoy Landscaping & Contracting

Owner, Shannon’s Blinds

Shannon offers custom high-quality window coverings, blinds, shades, and Phantom retractable screen doors with lifetime warranty.

With a mobile showroom you can Experience a hassle-free complimentary in-home consultation, Shannon has you covered.

“Thank you so much! Your knowledge and eye for important details kept me from a very costly mistake. We love our blinds, a quality makeover. Your service is outstanding and so very much appreciated. We will recommend you to everyone we know.”

Sherry and Duane Huether

shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca

250-342-5749

Trina Wolfenden Bookkeeping Services

Trina has 15 years of bookkeeping experience and is now taking on new clients to expand her business. She offers a wide range of services including data entry, accounts payable and receivable, customer invoicing, payroll, bank and credit card reconciliation, and job costing. She can also help with government remittances including GST, PST, source deductions, records of employment, T4 filing and WCB. If you are looking for a trusted and qualified bookkeeper to help you with your financial grunt work, grow your business or simply keep you organized, contact Trina today.

trinawolfenden@shaw.ca

250-341-1247

250-342-8877

Sue offers what she calls “the full meal deal” – landscaping start to finish, on time and on budget, focusing on quality over quantity. “I treat each project as if I owned the property,” said Coy, adding homeowners are limited only by their imagination when it comes to redesigning the outside of their home. Decoy Landscaping incorporates digital designs into its work. “I’m now able to provide the client with virtual plans; taking their ideas and mine to create a landscape that will compliment their property.” Coy especially enjoys working with natural materials. “I love working with natural rock because I am a rockhound, creating unique layering throughout a plan while blending colour, texture and contrast using a variety of grasses, shrubs, junipers and trees,” she said.

2015

250-345-0090 or 250-341-5353

Katie Wells

Owner, Wells Business Solutions “Helping clients be more successful with less stress” is our mission. Katie and her great staff, Emily Kohorst and Jennifer Swan, are here to help. In addition to bookkeeping and admin support, Katie provides customized business coaching and consulting.

Strategic planning, facilitation, business development and project management are just a few examples of how clients have been helped to date. For individuals, we offer income tax filing, budgeting, faxing, copying and general paperwork help (like medical forms, letters and resumes). Many clients tell us “I wish I had come to you sooner!” Email, call or drop by our office at #303 - 1313 7th Ave. in Invermere.

info@wellsbusinesssolutions.ca

250-342-0056

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Paola Fedow

Owner, All These Little Things Paola has lived in the valley for the past 24 years and is the mother of three amazing children. She has worked in public service in many different areas, including owning and operating two restaurants in Golden.

After retiring from the restaurant business, she still had a love for cooking.

“Where my heart has always been in health and fitness,” said Paola. “I’m a true believer in we are what we eat.”

She has also competed professionally in fitness, so she combined her passions and created All These Little Things. She has since expanded her services to become a travelling eyelash technician, servicing from Radium to Vernon.

alltheselittlethings.ca

250-344-0492

Sue Miller

Janessa Williams

Registered Massage Therapist Janessa Williams is a Registered Massage Therapist of British Columbia and has recently started practising out of Columbia Chiropractic. After she completed a 3,000-hour diploma and attained her registration, she practiced at a multi-disciplinary clinic in New Westminster, B.C. The experience she obtained there, from working with car accident victims to people with sports injuries, was invaluable.

It was enlightening for her to witness how massage therapy can help restore the health and well-being of an individual who has been through pain and dysfunction. She is excited to be back in the valley and is looking forward to meeting more of the community!

Janessa.RMT@gmail.com

250-409-4944

Sarah Eastick

Owner, La Cabina Ristorante

Owner, Fire Vixen Tattoos

One of Radium Hot Springs’ most popular dining establishments, La Cabina Ristorante was first established by Sue Miller in Golden in 1997. In 2000, Sue made the move to Radium, where La Cabina found a new home at the Best Western Prestige Inn, located in the heart of the village.

La Cabina is a fully licensed restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Daily specials top the delicious menu known for its Italian food (including pizzas), pub food (wings and burgers) and breakfasts (like Eggs Benedict). La Cabina’s cozy lounge opens at 5 p.m., offering customers an intimate and relaxing atmosphere. Catering services are also available. Sue and her staff specialize in weddings, banquets and corporate meetings.

If you are looking for a unique piece of artwork all for yourself, Fire Vixen Tattoos is for you. Owner/ operator Sarah Eastick is an accomplished artist with an honours degree in fine arts from McMaster University and has been tattooing for over ten years. Five years ago, she opened Fire Vixen Tattoos in Invermere. A custom tattoo shop, Fire Vixen employs two full-time artists and an apprentice, and has a satellite location in Golden.

This spring, Sarah will be expanding her business once again with a new retail store in downtown Invermere — the Fire Vixen Emporium. Featuring clothing from well-known and boutique brands, this new store is sure to have the same small town, friendly atmosphere and reputation for excellence as the original Fire Vixen.

lacabina@telus.net

www.firevixentattoos.com

250-347-2340

250-342-8844

Maxine and Spring Hawes Evolve Fine Used Furnishings

If you’re the design type, you’ll love our great, unique stuff. If you’re the budget type, you’ll love our amazing, ridiculously low prices!

If you’re on the hunt for a funky footstool, a bodacious bedroom suite, a darling dresser, or a sumptuous sofa, you know where to look! But you gotta come often and you gotta act fast, because our inventory changes weekly. If you find something you love, scoop it while you can!

And, if you’re downsizing, moving, or just changing it up, we’ll take your (solid)

250-341-7051

furniture off your hands – cash money or by consignment - whatever “paints your walls!”

These ladies love to help our customers find the perfect piece! Come on by. Maxine, Spring, Courtney and Shauna will put down their paint brushes and power tools (at least for a minute) and show you what’s in store today!

Evolve Fine Used Furnishings Located in Invermere beside Subway OPEN Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Evolve.Furnishings@gmail.com

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Get your groove on in Fairmont Hot Springs

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff Live music is a big attraction in the Fairmont Hot Springs community over the Alberta Family Day long weekend and continuing into next week.

Bebo Grove showcases new EP A local venue invites you to tune into a show with an eclectic mixture of musical delights that’s suitable for people from all walks of life.

The Bebo Grove band will be performing at the Hoodoo Lounge and Grill starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, February 12th.

“I’d say it’s a little bit of folk, a little bit of rock and a little bit of world music,” said Bebo Grove vocalist Jordan Clermont, noting each musician in the four-piece band brings a unique characteristic to their shows.

Bebo Grove, which features Jason Selby (bass/ukulele/mandolin), Jeff Ragan (guitar), Anthony Heywood-Smith (drums/backup vocals) and Mr. Clermont (vocals), became united roughly a year ago. Their music is heavily defined by the idiosyncratic characteristics of each musician, ranging from Mr. Ragan’s flamenco-inspired fingerpicking style on the guitar to melodic basslines from Mr. Heywood-Smith.

“We’ll be doing all originals at the show,” Mr. Clermont said.

The band went into OCL Studios in late 2015 to begin work on their debut EP Vacant Places, which they plan to release in mid-February.

“We wanted to get something out there to create a fan base,” said Mr. Clermont.

“Our first single on there is called Good Night Moon, which is a song that our bass player wrote for his daughter based off of the book Good Night Moon.”

There is no cover charge to attend the show.

Dean Ray sets mood for Valentine’s Day The Dean Ray Band will be performing country music live at the Bear’s Paw and Grill in Fairmont between 9 and 11 p.m. on both February 13th and 14th.

Mr. Ray is an Alberta-based singer and songwriter who performs across North America and in Europe. He is inspired by country and rock bands, including Johnny Reid, Zack Brown, Colin James, Bon Jovi and the Tragically Hip. In addition to his original music, Mr. Ray will be performing some cover songs in a performance that is typically suitable for any age.

Further adding value to their weekend, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is offering two Valentine’s Day dinners this year to accommodate couples who want to treat themselves to a romantic night out.

“This is an exciting weekend at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort with live entertainment, family activities and Valentine’s dinners,” said Director of Sales & Marketing Nancy Hetherington.

Dinners for two will cost $89 on both Saturday and Sunday nights.

Welbourne Trio performs at ski hill Saskatoon-based blues and rock guitarist, Jordan Welbourne, will be hosting jam night (open mic) around 8 p.m. at the Hoodoos Lounge and Grill on Thursday, February 18th.

“I run an open mic night back in Saskatoon so I try to make it an experience that isn’t intimidating,” he explained. “It shouldn’t matter whether you’re a professional or it’s your absolute first time coming up to do something. The other thing is that my band, we have all been playing for years and know a ton of songs so we can back anyone up if someone wants to go up and jam with a band. We’re totally open to do that.”

Mr. Welbourne and his band have been influenced by musicians such as Slash, John Mayer and Gary Clark Junior.

“We’re all working musicians,” said Mr. Welbourne, adding there is no shortage of musicians who have influenced the trio’s music. “But those three are the ones that are a good representation of our sound. We’re really going for an approach between the modern electric blues and the stuff that we’re writing right now is definitely gui-

tar driven with an old school feel to it — but it has a lot of soulful melodies.”

In addition, the Jordan Welbourne Trio will be performing at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Ski Chalet between 4 and 6 p.m. on Friday, February 19th, then returning to the Hoodoo Grill at 9 p.m.

“We’ll be doing our full show,” said Mr. Welbourne about the upcoming gigS. “It will actually be our second time playing in Fairmont. We played there in November and we absolutely loved it. We hit it off with the people there. We loved the owner and we loved the venue, so we definitely wanted to come back there.”

Mr. Welbourne believes the Columbia Valley is the perfect oasis for a band on tour. He is eager to return to the area and perform.

The band’s performance will fall on the third week of the Starlight Challenge, the recreational ski race taking place every Friday night in February at the Fairmont Ski Area.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Fire and Ice Festival offers irresistible lineup

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff As the days get colder and the nights stay long, the winter blues affect some people in the valley.

But Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is teaching locals and tourists alike how to embrace the last of the winter doldrums with this year’s 7th Annual Fire and Ice Festival activities for adults and children held between Thursday, February 25th and Sunday, February 28th.

“This is another one of those events that was created as a way to fight the potential mid-winter blues that can happen in the valley and celebrate the weather that we deal with, so Fire and Ice was born,” said Peter Smith, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort executive vice-president and president of the Fairmont Business Association.

Fairmont Resort, the Fairmont Business Association and the Columbia Valley Winter in Motion Festival host the annual event, which will be uncorked this year with a series of long-standing viticulture traditions being put to the test at the Best of BC Wine Tasting in the resort lobby on Thursday, February 25th.

For $10 between 5 and 6 p.m., vintners will offer an expansive selection of B.C. wines on the menu for sommeliers and wine aficionados to sample.

“This year we’re adding another new event, which is the distillery festival,” added Mr. Smith. “We already have a wine festival and a beer festival, but this one is a distillery event that’s happening for the first time this year.”

On Friday, February 26th between 7 and 9 p.m., the first-ever East Kootenay Distillery Festival will offer up a taste of 28 spirits to sample from nine of B.C.’s best

distilleries with gourmet hors d’ oeuvres served and a selection of fine art works from local artists to view.

The $40 tickets to the 1st Annual East Kootenay Distillery Festival also include entry to the after-party at the Bear’s Paw Bar and Grill with live music by Smokin’ Ray and the Detectors between 8 p.m. and midnight.

In addition, the 33rd Annual Starlight Challenge will celebrate the February month-end finale beginning at 7 p.m. at the Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area chalet with live music from the Stereo Three band.

The festivities will continue between noon and 4 p.m. at the Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Area on Saturday, February 27th with a family-friendly day that features an ice carving demonstration

by Rusty Cox, campfire s’mores, a barbecue on the ski chalet deck, and entertainment by DJ Wil C. Later that night, the Fire and Ice Dinner and Dance will be held at the resort lodge between 6 p.m. and midnight with live music by Billy Kulyk and Friends, a silent auction, and a dinner buffet on Saturday, February 27th. Tickets to the dinner and dance are $40 and 100 per cent of the proceeds raised at the event will be paid forward to the Fairmont Hot Springs Visitor Information Centre.

The Fire and Ice Festival weekend will wrap up with a free pancake breakfast at Smoking Waters Cafe between 8 a.m. and noon on Sunday, February 28th.

“Don’t be slow about getting your tickets for the dinner and dance because they go fast,” concluded Mr. Smith, noting tickets will be sold online and at the resort’s Mountain Lodge. To book a ticket to the Fire and Ice Festival, visit www.fairmonthotsprings. com/product/fire-ice-ticket/.

Mother Nature made for all-night curling On the Button

By Stephen Lebovits Pioneer Columnist In 1974, Canadian country music singer, songwriter and master yodeler, Stew Clayton, penned a little ditty titled The Bonspiel Song that included these fun lyrics: “This curling sure is a slippery game I think I’d do better if I didn’t take aim I shoot for the broom, but I hit both sides I think I might be a bit cross-eyed!”

And had you participated in this year’s Bonspiel on the Lake, your eyes may have crossed too, especially after curling all hours of the day and night.

For the second straight year, Mother Nature decided that our annual event would take place completely indoors, rather than on Lake Windermere.

All the preparations were in place, but sloppy ice made curling outdoors not-so-nice, so our four-sheet curling centre once again rose to the occasion, hosting all 64 teams until only four were left standing,

literally, and probably a bit bleary-eyed.

I still maintain that curling around-the-clock is fun, but it becomes a different kind of Bonspiel. With the outdoor ice playing the X-Factor, any team could potentially win it all, but when it moves indoors and everyone is playing on “proper” ice, the event then takes on a more competitive edge. Faster games, shorter ends, everything-in-the-house strategy and tie-breaking rules took some of the fun out of our main event, replacing it with quasi-professionalism, where the stronger teams had a better chance of winning it all. It’s not that it wasn’t fun, just different fun.

So, congrats to all the winners: Team Bottinger (A bracket), Team Bradley (B bracket), Team Patton (C bracket) and Team Murton (D bracket). They were the belles of the ball and all walked away with some sweet swag and prizes.

Congrats also go out to all the players who curled from early morning to, well, early morning. You took it all in stride and for that we are thankful, for without you, there is no Bonspiel.

And massive shout-outs must go out to the local organizers, workers and tireless volunteers who braved the round-the-clock hours to make our premier event enjoyable for everyone. We all look for-

ward to celebrating next year’s 35th anniversary — hopefully outdoors!

But it’s only mid-February and there is still plenty of curling left to play and watch as leagues start to shift into playoff mode. So, if you have the urge, why not stop by and take a peek, or if you’re adventurous, step out on the ice and give it a go.

Open curling takes place Tuesdays from 2 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m., but call first just to confirm. Or, if you want to throw your own little shindig, call the curling centre and get your own group in there to see what it’s all about! It’s a great venue for a social event, with a full bar and lessons to boot!

Some upcoming events to keep an eye out for include: • Feb. 12th to 14th: Men’s Spiel (seriously friendly competition this weekend) • March 25th to 26th: Link to Rink (the golfcurling season finale!)

For more information or general curling inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact the Invermere & District Curling Centre! That’s it for now. Carpe Diem!

To learn more, call 250-342-3315, email invermerecurling@shaw.ca or visit www.curlinginvermere. ca or find them on Facebook at “Invermere & District

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

Looking back at the ‘Local 11’ tradition up watching the Rockies, and always had an eye on Statham and Scheffer because they wore 11 and they were both local.

“When I started getting closer to playing for the Rockies, I started to see what Among many things, great leaders inspire others. Take legendary hockey player number 11 meant. In my first year, I wore the number 10 while Greg wore 11. I Mark Messier for example. During the 1994 playoffs, Messier made a Joe Namath- realized that season that it was not just a number, but more of a torch being passed like prediction that his New York Rangers would come back from a 3-2 series deficit down from one local kid to the next,” recalls Mitchell. “When number 11 was again against New Jersey. Messier, of course, scored three times in the sixth game as the available after Greg retired, I knew that I was the right person to take that torch and Rangers won 4-2 to tie the series.

I asked his permission to wear it.”

Shortly thereafter, the team went on to eliminate the Devils in Game 7 in douScheffer agreed. ble overtime, and then defeat Vancouver in another seven-game battle. For the New However, it wasn’t until a team dinner party at the late Rockies’ president Bill York Rangers, winning the Stanley Cup that year was extra special. The last time the McIntosh’s house the following season when Mitchell realized what it truly meant to team won the Cup was 54 years prior. wear the number.

To play an integral part in an achievement like “He (McIntosh) pulled me aside from the team winning the Cup takes outstanding confidence and “I don’t know if there will be a run of 14 years in and shook my hand with his famous massive hands leadership skills. and let me know that he was proud 11 was going to a row where three locals share the same number But great leadership also requires great humility. stay in the local family,” Mitchell reminisced. “That and each having great success in the league. All When asked about being a leader, Messier replied, meant the world to me as a 17-year-old kid and is thee of us were part of something that was not “Nobody can do it on their own, nobody can win in a something that I will never forget about Bill.” forced, but rather came naturally.” team sport on their own and nobody can be a leader on After the dinner, Mitchell quickly realized an their own. And I had unbelievable help along the way.” amazing thing had happened.

Reid Mitchell There are now leadership awards that bear Messier’s “Almost a lifetime bond between Greg, Nathan Former Columbia Valley Rockies player name given to NHL players that exemplify great leadand I was realized that day,” he said. ership qualities on and off the ice.

“It’s great that Reid also wore number 11. Three Some time ago, in the Columbia Valley, there was junior hockey generations of local kids wore the same another hockey player who inspired others around him. The team of course was the number and I would like to think Messier inspired us all,” added Statham.

Columbia Valley Rockies. The player? Former captain and Columbia Valley native, After Reid retired from the Rockies in 2009, the 14-years-in-a-row “local 11” Nathan “Minnow” Statham. Statham, who idolized Messier growing up, played for tradition did not continue. the Rockies from 1996-2001, and was captain in his final season as a player.

When asked if he ever thought the tradition would be brought back, Mitchell Since the age of eight, he wore the number 11 on his jersey after Messier. thought it would be tough.

“Messier was my favourite player,” commented Statham. “I idolized Mess“Nobody told Nathan that he was to wear number 11 for five years, folier for how he played the game and the leadership he provided to so many lowed by Greg wearing it right after, followed by myself,” said Mitchell “I don’t teams over his career. I continued to wear number 11 through all my hockey know if there will be a run of 14 years (roughly) in a row where years.” three locals share the same number and each having great sucAccording to Rob Rice, who coached Statham during those years, “Nacess in the league. All three of us were part of something that than led by his actions on the ice, and was a very emotional player.” was not forced, but rather came naturally.”

And when Statham decided to hang up his skates, the impact he had Today, Nathan, Greg and Reid all find themselves in on the players around him quickly became evident. productive post-hockey careers. Nathan lives in Calgary The following season, another local hockey player, Greg Scheffer, bewith his wife and eight-month-old son and works as a came an assistant captain for the Rockies team. In the previous season, supervisor at a plumbing company. Greg lives in KamScheffer had the opportunity to play under Statham’s leadership. And loops with his wife and son and works as a mechanic at when deciding what number to wear for his first season in a leadership the Highland Valley Copper Mine. Reid lives in Calgary role, he chose number 11. and works in marketing for the NHL’s Calgary Flames.

“When I had the chance to wear it for the Rockies (he’d worn the number And to this day, the respect each of them have for one before joining the team), it was a big deal and an honour,” said Scheffer. another remains.

“The players who wore it before instilled leadership in the number,” he Just take the following story recounted by Reid added, referring to Statham.

Mitchell as proof: When it came time for Scheffer to call it quits, 11 was once again up “After we were all done playing with the Rockies, I for grabs. had an opportunity to play in some recreation league But who was to claim it? tournaments with Scheff and when we were decid“I played with (Scheffer) in 2004-05, which was his last year ing what number to wear before the game, I grabbed and my first,” recounted Invermere local and former Rockies number 11. I had that jersey in my hand for three seccaptain Reid Mitchell. “At the end of the season, I onds before Scheff tossed me another number and said remember asking him if I could wear his number, ‘I think that one still belongs to me’. Oddly enough, and after a few playful jabs from him, he said 11 I played with Minnow (Statham) in a Banff hockey LOCAL 11 — Former Rockies captain Reid Mitchell (pictured was an honour to wear for the Rockies and to be tournament three years ago and the same thing hapsure to carry the pride, which I most certainly did.” here as assistant captain) was the last of three locals in a row (all pened. Although I wore the jersey last, those boys Reid Mitchell, however, was no stranger to what who went on to become captain) to wear number 11 for the Co- will have a lifetime veto over me and I think Scheff Photo submitted would say the same with regards to Statham.” number 11 had come to mean. Mitchell had grown lumbia Valley Rockies Junior B hockey team.

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

V st ie ar w $9 tin lot 2, s 00 g a 0 t

Armstrong joins the ranks of the elite

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

2.5 km north of the 4-way stop within the Village of Radium Hot Springs, B.C., cradled in the embrace of the monumental Rocky Mountains to the east and the soaring Purcells to the west, reside 4,200 acres of rugged wilderness ready for you to call home.

Offering fully serviced single family homesites, single family homes, duplex villas and estate acreages.

Plus private ranches from 36-480 acres.

SHOW HOME HOURS Show home open 10 a.m. to 5 p .m., Friday-Sunday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday

T: 778-527-2121 • F: 778-527-2122 Email: rockiesrealty@centry21.ca

www.C21rockiesrealty.com

Ken Becker

Scott Sauermann

Owner/Realtor 250-342-1161

Owner/Realtor 250-342-5889

ken.becker@century21.ca

scott.sauermann@century21.ca

A 30-year-old Fairmont Hot Springs resident who works as the assistant golf professional at Copper Point Golf Club and Ridge at Copper Point has entered the limelight.

Bryan Armstrong recently ranked #44 in the Order of Merit recognition from the 2015 Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of BC hosted by Sunice for his efforts to learn, compete and volunteer.

“I am very honored to be recognized as a Top 100 golf professional in the PGA of BC’s Professional Development Program,” said Mr. Armstrong. “There are a lot of great professionals in B.C. and here in the Columbia Valley, so it is a privilege to be recognized. This is the second year that I have been eligible for the program, as I have only been a golf professional since May of 2014.”

But Mr. Armstrong has been golfing and perfecting his game for the last 25 years.

“For as long as I can remember, I have been hitting balls off my parents’ lawn and going to golf courses. It has always been something that I have enjoyed,” he explained when asked about the allure of the game. “There are so many different aspects of golf that I love, it’s hard to pinpoint just one.

From the feeling of the perfectly struck golf shot to the feeling of beating your best score by one shot — they’re all so satisfying but I’d say the thing that keeps me interested the most is the fact that I keep improving.”

Mr. Armstrong said that his understanding of Brian Armstrong hard work continually pays off as a golfer and ensures he will keep improving as both a teacher and a competitor.

“I think for me to continue to develop my skills as a golfer, I need to play in as many competitive rounds that I can,” said Mr. Armstrong. “I have been a fairly nervous player in tournaments and I recently have begun to break that trend. I have started to play well, and I feel with more experience, I will break through and start to place higher in the tournaments I play in.”

The is one fact that each golf professional has agreed upon as the biggest challenge of ranking in the Order of Merit.

“I think the biggest challenge to overcome with this program is that in order to generate points, you have to attend events in the other zones of the association, like the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan,” he added. “There is a lot of travel that is involved (and) every professional has a very busy schedule, so it is a challenge to make it to these events.”

However, the camaraderie of the game coupled with the team spirit at Copper Point have actively contributed to Mr. Armstrong’s success.

“I just wanted to say thank you to Brian Schaal, Scott McClain and Casey Johnson,” he concluded, “I have a great group of guys mentoring me to be a better golf professional.”

The Pioneer Get your FREE copy every Friday on newsstands near you!

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

New development breaks ground estate development have kept the shovels out of the dirt until now.

“It’s good to be at this stage.

A new Columbia Valley real estate We’ve had some great interest development that has been in the works and feedback, so it’s exciting to for more than two years has now begun be putting something tangible construction. This spring in Windermere, up,” said Mr. Goertzen. “We’ve The Trails at Windermere Lake will launch used an open design for the is first phase, comprised of single family lots, incorporating space and residences, with a showhome. have kept as many trees as pos“We are elated to be starting. It’s been sible and plotted the buildings a long time in the making and we are amongst them.” quite excited to see construction finally start on site,” development co-owner Jeb MEMORIES MADE HERE — An artist’s depiction of a two-bedroom plus den single family home Mr. Goertzen added that, Ferster told The Pioneer. in The Trails at Windermere Lake development in Windermere.

Image submitted following some fine-tuning to the plans, the development, The second phase, which consists of cottages, is set to proceed later this summer, with a cottage show home ready by fall. once completed, will have 34 customized single homes, 20 cottages and 25 cabins.

“We had to ensure our schedules allowed us to stay personally involved with all Another phase, which should begin in the fall, will feature cabins.

“We believe The Trails will appeal to both local families and those looking to retire aspects of construction, to deliver a top quality development, and one we are proud to in the valley,” said Mr. Ferster. The single family residences will start from $350,000, call our own,” he said in a press release on the development.

“We had a vision of creating a community where residents have that great feeling the cottages from $259,000, and the cabins from $189,000.

“We’re definitely trying to produce a product that is both attractive and affordable, of ‘coming home,’ whether they’ve been gone a day, or a season. With all of the feedand I think our price point is going to be an eye-opener, in a good way, for a lot of back we’ve received, we know we are on track,” said Mr. Ferster in the press release.

The real estate listing agents for The Trails at Windermere Lake are Century 21 people,” said co-owner Ed Goertzen.

Mr. Goertzen added that he and Mr. Ferster began planning The Trails at Lake Rockies Realty’s Scott Sauermann and Ken Becker, and they can be reached at 778Windermere in late 2013, but that the usual paperwork and delays associated with real 527-2121 or 250-342-5889.

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff

Kootenay AeroPress Championship Saturday March 5, 1:00pm • Copper Point Resort

Trek Trail THE

Join us for a guided trail tour on Sunday, February 14th, at 10:00 AM, at the Hither Dither trailhead* Grab your nordic skis, snowshoes, fatbikes or winter boots - whatever it takes - and join us for our first ever Trek The Trail: A Guided Tour of the Westside Legacy Trail! *2.7km heading south past the cattleguard, on Westside Rd

Winner receives free entry to the Canadian AeroPress Championship in Calgary - with hotel accommodation!

18 spots available • For rules and registration visit:

InvermereCoffeeFest.com Search ‘Trek the Trail Invermere’ on Facebook and click ‘Going’!

OurTrail.org

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Stay out of the Doghouse!

Valentine’s Day is Sunday, February 14th!

Order your beautiful customized gift baskets to suit your loved one’s desires and your budget. Hand-made baskets available at Pip’s Country Store, Radium and Fairmont Mountainside Markets and Valley Foods.

250-342-3160 • www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

Ladies ~ don’t forget your man!

Canal Flats Civic Centre

Good Neighbour

BIG E. YOUR NO SE HAIRS MAKE ME WIGG ANTICIPA LE IN TION. S.

TO L.B. YEARS AND AFTER FORTY L AMAZE ME IL T S U O Y E N O DERNESS. N E T R U O Y H WIT A.B. LOVE, FROM

Monday, February 15th at 7 p.m. $250 Bonanza Free Game • Lots of Door Prizes.

Everyone goes home with something.

For information call 250-349-5447

SOON TO A. B ON T IT’S TIM .

HE E GETT VERAND TO ROCK A. ING O LD A WE ARE FROM ND NE W. L.B.

Windermere

CANADIAN FUSION : LICENSED CASUAL DINING

VALENTINE’S DAY 3 course

“HIS & HERS” menu

3 course Valentine’s Day special Reservations recommended.

Join Us Friday Night for a live performance by

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

L., BY ASN’T W E V OUR LO UT OUR DES AS EB CHANC ONG WAIT W HE L TINY. T ORTH IT W .

LOVE D

HAPPY V ALENTIN ES DAY A .N .!

LOVE L.M .

Grocery and Liquor Store

Happy

Family Day to our Albertan friends!

Great deals on cold beer all weekend long!

Located at the four-way stop in downtown Windermere.

A HAD .

A D .

R M T A TO NE’S C FRON E I H T E T ALEN ART ON D “I LOV V T T FIRS REA D HE OU I YOUR IGHT RE N INSIDE INK OF Y . ON BR S” IO TH NICE NSCRIPT YTIME I PRINCES 50TH I THE ND EVER LIKE A “ ATE OUR ORE A M BR EL YOU E FE WE CELE VE YOU M S O E MAK ST 20TH AND I L .

R Y AUGU IVERSAR HAN EVE E’S DAY T N IN AN LENT INCESS” A V Y PR HAPP YOUR “ G.A. LOVE

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

L., T WASN’ E V O L UR OUR BUT O E C N A

BY CH STINY DE S AIT WA W G N THE LO RTH IT WO .

LOVE D

D AN …

Y ER J.S SH SW U TO GOT AN Y YO .

Y R N E I RL AR TO US PE M LE TF CA RO LL AP YT BE ’T P I WI ST DN S, AN P DI YE RD , B JO OVE L

TO MY VALE NTINE: MY LOVE FO R YOU REAC HES TO THE M OUNTAIN HEIGHTS AN D VALLEY DEPTHS BEL OW. LINDA

Which Husband is Yours?

J.L. 5 YEARS IN LOVE E ARE WE, YOUR SMIL AMAZES ME, CRAZY LOVE, MEANT TO BE. L.M.

He was a lot smarter when I married him He’s very lovable until he opens his mouth He is far too attached to his mother Won’t vacuum because it “negatively affects his masculinity”.

Does 2% of the work and wants 100% of the credit He’s still Facebook friends with his ex and thinks I don’t know His most brilliant ideas are the ones I gave him a month ago

MY LO R., IS IND VE FOR YO ETER ESCRIBA U NAL & BL PRICE E, LESS. LOVE M.

N E W S PA P E R

Sam Helmer

THA TO M.N N ING KS FOR .

TH W WITH E SUPE ATCHRB M MY P E. YOU OWL UPP ARE KEYB YMONLOVE ABY! C.S.

He thinks he’s funny but in reality he’s embarrassing His idea of a romantic weekend is ice fishing with his buddies

Happy Valentine’s Day

For Valentine’s Day, Send a message of Love

Winners Linda Pfeiffer

Brigitte Perreault

Cory Stanbury

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016 . . . ‘Rushmere’ from page 8

Annual General Meeting | February 24 | 11:30 am 625 4th Street, Service BC Building, South Annex Members are invited to stand for election, to elect 2016 Directors and to vote on special resolutions.

Please RSVP to info@lakeambassadors.ca 250-341-6898.

Selkirk Cellulars & Office Supplies

• Cell Phones • iPads & iPhones • Cellular accessories

• Office supplies • Printer ink and paper • Art supplies

www.selkirkcells.com • Store hours: 9 am – 6 pm, Monday thru Saturday Suite 110, 809 - 7th Ave. Ph: 250-342-0025 Fax: 250-342-0024 info@selkirkcells.com

ColumbiaValley Skating Club

Thank you!

The Columbia Valley Skating Club wishes to express our sincere thanks to all the businesses who supported our recent competition, the East Kootenay Invitational. A huge Thank You goes out to everyone who helped make the event a huge success.

Events for children run on the power of volunteers and support from local businesses and the Columbia Valley Skating Club are grateful to have received so much support. Happy Skating Columbia Valley!

h e Pioneer ca T n

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

!

with residents and visitors alike.

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

and to reduce factors that make homes vulnerable to fires.

To earn the Community Protection AchieveHe emphasized that the biggest challenge for ment Award, Rushmere was required to raise public rural communities that are trying to cope with wildawareness of FireSmart principles and teach private fires is response time and added that a FireSmartlandowners how to help safeguard their homes from designated community could buy firefighters extra wildfire. time before a fire spreads.

Steve Levitt, who serves as a forest protection “Rushmere doesn’t have fire protection response technician with the BC Wildfire Service and assisted in their area, other than forestry — and that’s not Mr. MacRitchie with the FireSmart program, em- 100 per cent guaranteed that they’re going to get phasized the importance of fire safety while discuss- at it right away,” he said. “The steps the commuing the steps that can nity can take to protect help reduce the spread itself from wildfires in of a fire if such an event the short term can give “It’s one thing to lose a home, but it’s a whole was to occur. firefighters a huge jump, other thing to lose an entire community.

“It’s one thing to just by FireSmart-ing lose a home, but it’s a Basically, the (FireSmart) program is to increase their entire commuawareness of the risks to the community from whole other thing to nity.” wildfires and to help them mitigate that risk...” lose an entire communiIn September 2015, ty,” said Mr. Levitt. “Bathe B.C. government Steve Levitt sically, the (FireSmart) and the Union of B.C. BC Wildfire Service program is to increase Municipalities launched awareness of the risks the $500,000 FireSmart to the community from Community Grant Prowildfires and to help then mitigate that risk — and gram to encourage more communities to participate a lot of that mitigation is done by reduction of fuels in the FireSmart program. Grants up to $10,000 within 100 metres of the houses.” each for up to 50 communities are being offered to In addition, Mr. Levitt urged the citizens of help communities receive a FireSmart designation.

Rushmere to avoid planting Juniper Bushes up For more information about FireSmart in Rushagainst the house to increase the odds of a house mere, call Mr. Levitt at 250-342-4214 or Mr. Miller surviving a wildfire, and to clean the roof and gut- at 250-342-6214. ters on a home.

The Homeowner’s FireSmart Manual was de“(These steps are) critical to reduce structural veloped to help people reduce the risk of personal loss in the event of a wildfire,” said Mr. Levitt. property damage due to wildfires. The manual is Jim Miller, the Regional District of East Koo- available online at http://bcwildfire.ca/Prevention/ tenay fire chief who serves Windermere, Fairmont, firesmart.htm.

Panorama and Edgewater, said he was pleased to Read more about FireSmart Canada at www. see Rushmere taking steps to prepare for the future firesmartcanada.ca.

. . . ‘Legacy’ from page 10 Upcoming fundraising events this spring and summer include a pig roast and barn dance at the K2 Ranch on May 21st during the Victoria Day long weekend; a golf day at Eagle Ranch on July 11th during which all greens fees will be donated to the trail; and the addition of a five-kilometre race to the Rotary Club of Invermere’s annual Loop the Lake event in August, with all proceeds from the five-kilometre race being donated to the trail.

Mr. Halwa was also delighted about the recent commitment by K2 ranch owners Bob and Barb Shaunessy to put a conservation covenant on 11,000 acres (4,500 hectares, or 45

square kilometres) of their ranch, pointing out that the section of the Westside Legacy Trail passing through the couple’s ranch will now be guaranteed to always be in a natural state.

“They’ve really been generous to the valley,” said Mr. Halwa. “They allowed the trail to run through their land and now, with this covenant, what you currently see on Westside Road in that area will be what you’ll always see from the Westside Legacy Trail. It will make it an authentic nature trail experience and that will never change. You’ll never have the trail winding through golf courses or developments.”

To learn more about the trail and to donate, visit www.ourtrail.org.

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

Silpada silver in hot demand when it works for them. Silpada allows you to shop anytime of the day or night!”

Before becoming a rep, Mrs. Warner enjoyed a If you are in the market for high quality jewelry career in multiple sales and marketing roles. and accessories, Linda Warner may be the perfect “My background is in sales and marketing, person for you to talk to. starting with 11 years with Sears and then moving After making the permanent move to the val- to the travel and hospitality industry,” she said. ley in 2014, Mrs. Warner became a Silpada DeMrs. Warner finished her career with the Unisigns Representative in the spring of 2015. “My versity of Alberta as the sales and marketing and husband and I bought our first home in Fairmont travel manager. She has been a loyal customer of in 1998 with the plan of retiring here, and we Silpada Designs for the past 13 years and was exmade it reality!” cited at the opportunity to marBased in Lenexa, Kansas, Silket their products. pada Designs creates an exclusive “I have a personalized webline of sterling .925 silver jewelry. site where customers can surf, The company also markets fine search and shop online whenever woven scarves and Italian leather it fits into their busy schedule,” accessories. Silpada was founded she explained. “If the women in 1997 by two women, who origwould like to invite their friends inally sold their designs at their and family over and host a party own parties. Demand for their in their home, there are fantastic collections propelled the company benefits for the hostess.” into a full-fledged home party Silpada’s Practical Pearls Bracelet The latest trend for helping sales company that now supports would-be hostesses are Silpada’s a network of more than 33,000 independent repre- “online parties.” sentatives worldwide. Linda Warner is one of them, “This is where I create a personal link for the and proud to be the face of the company in the Co- hostess and she sends this link out to her friends and lumbia Valley. family,” said Mrs. Warner. “Orders are all done online “(Silpada’s) focus is to empower women to and the hostess doesn’t have to worry about trying to build their home-based business and enjoy a suc- gather her friends at a designated date and time!” cessful business that offers flexibility and fun culAn advocate of no-pressure sales, she believes ture,” says Mrs. Warner. “This is what I love about the online party system is great for allowing people Silpada. I don’t have a storefront business so I don’t to shop at their leisure. For more information, visit have store hours, but I am happy to meet people her website at mysilpada.ca/linda.warner.

By James Rose Special to The Pioneer

Glacier Peaks in search of new digs

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The Glacier Peaks Gymnastic club is looking for a new home.

The club — which operates out of the gymnasium at the old Radium elementary school, as well as a garage in the Athalmer Industrial Park near Endeavor Fitness — currently has 176 kids participating in its recreational programs, and has had to turn away other youngsters wanting to join, owing to the limited space in these facilities.

“We are a not-for-profit society and we need a bigger spot.

On occasion we’ve had to cancel some classes because we simply don’t have enough space,” said Glacier Peaks Gymnastic Society president Melanie Irwin. “From an operational perspective, it would be nice to have it all under one roof.”

In addition to the recreation level programs, the club has competitive athletes in artistic gymnastics and trampoline and tumbling. To keep these gymnasts training at an increasingly higher level, the club needs to find, not only a larger space, but also with significantly higher ceilings.

“We can’t let some of our taller girls do some of the bar skills because if we do, their feet will hit the ceiling. So we have quite literally outgrown our current space,” said Ms. Irwin.

The club is hoping to find a 3,500 to 4,000 square foot (325 to 420 square metre) facility with a 20-foot (six-metre) high ceiling.

“We feel we’ve exhausted all our options and are hoping somebody can help point us to something we haven’t considered yet,” said Ms. Irwin.

Those with land to lease or a large building to rent, please contact Ms. Irwin at 250-342-5729.

Regional District of East Kootenay

FINANCIAL PLAN REVIEW We want to hear from you!

The RDEK’s Draft Five Year Financial Plan is open for public comment and we want to hear from you!

Copies of the 5-Year Financial Plan are available at our Cranbrook & Columbia Valley RDEK offices, on our website at www.rdek.bc.ca and can be mailed to you.

Get a copy of the Plan today and let us know what you think.

COMMENT PERIOD ENDS FEB 26, 2016 REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

HERE TO SERVE YOU CARPET CLEANING

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

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

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

250-342-3052

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

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

Residential & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

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

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

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

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

www.ptarmigan-invermere.com

CONTRACTING • • • •

250-341-1182

Box 424, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

Renovations Decks Finishing Interior/Exterior Painting David Gulbe Mike Bernicot

Serving the Columbia Valley

www.cabincare.ca

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

CONTRACTING

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

• •

250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.

• 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

Spray Foam InSulated ConCrete FormS

CONTRACTING

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

• • • •

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

pennerinsulation.com • 250-270-0284

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805 Invermere and East Kootenay Region

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

Phil Bibby Journeyman Carpenter

• 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

250.341.1995 philbibby@live.ca New Homes • Custom Builds • Renovations Big Or Small

New Home Construction

Scott Wilisky

stwcarpentry@live.ca • cell 250 270 0745

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

HERE TO SERVE YOU ELECTRICAL

PLUMBING/SEPTIC

Free Estimates

invermereelectric@gmail.com

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

BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

Scott Postlethwaite

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

NEW SEWER CAMERA

• • •

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

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

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

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

Call or visit online

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

SERVICES

FOOTCARE Plumbing • Heating • Electrical

Rigid Plumbing Ltd. Andy Charette

Quality you can see!

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

Darren Ross

E: rigidplumbing@hotmail.ca P: 250-341-5179

SERVICES INSURANCE

Lambert

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

LANDSCAPING

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

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

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

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

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.

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Floral Design Weddings Events

• 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

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

Karen Babin • Horizon Ridge Ranch Naturals 250.688.0143 • mkranch@xplornet.com

WETT Certified

www.horizonridgeranch.com

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

Here to Serve You Advertising

Call 250-341-6299

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,

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

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Join a Patrick Yesh painting party four hours, you will learn the medium and take home your very own beautiful painting” said Patrick.

If you are keen to tap into your creative side, the upcomCreate from scratch and make friends with other budding artists. You will acquire more learning in color, design, ing Art Party Watercolours experience at Circle Cafe is for you.

You’ll be able to enjoy a great lunch while having fun composition, brush work and art appreciation. creating your very own watercolour paintings.

Register by emailing patyesh@gmail.com or calling 403519-8268. As there is limited enrolment, please book early.

If you’ve never painted, no problem! It’s all completely stress-free — you are provided with everything you will need: The Art Party Watercolours will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, February 21st and Sunday, March 6th at the paper, paints, and brushes.

Professional artist Patrick Yesh will paint a demo that is Circle Cafe in Invermere. easy to follow and he will guide you along the way as you The cost for four hours of painting and lunch is just $95.

VALLEY VISION — A sample of Patrick Yesh’s paint your inspired masterpieces.

Bring your friends for a special group rate. landscape paintings.

Image submitted Arrive wearing painting clothes you can splash some “I’ve been an artist and art teacher for more than 50 years. I know you will love painting watercolours, and having fun in the process. In paint on, and with a good sense of humour and your explorative creativity.

Submitted by Patrick Yesh

Your Local

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Buying or selling…

Your greatest investment is worth a second opinion!

Glenn Pomeroy

MaxWell Realty Invermere 1214-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 pglassford@telus.net www.PaulGlassford.com

Cell: (250) 270-0666 Office: (250) 341-6044 Fax: 866-600-0673

Professionals

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

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

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

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS

Judy: (250) 341-1903

Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops

SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

Come visit our showroom,

FILTER - IT Serving the Columbia Valley

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

Chris Jones

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

www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca

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

• House Checking • Complications • Details

Our deadline to book advertising is Monday at noon.

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

To place an ad please call: 250-341-6299 or N E W S PA P E R

ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

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

Advertising Sales

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

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

Pioneer Classifieds

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

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to the owners of Sobeys in Invermere for working hard to keep the circulation of the Globe and Mail available for sale in their store.

Cheers to the wonderful people who supported my family when my father passed away. Most of all to Terri, Barry, Bev, Ozzy, Ted, Bieno, Marty, Dustin, Melissa, Ian, Larry, Shawn, Mel, Rob, Brian, Linda, Hennie, Dave, Kirby and Connie. As well as Christina at Palliser Printing and Bonnie at Peacock Printing.

Please excuse if I forgot anyone as we have received so much love and support. A huge Cheers to all the people who showed up and participated in celebrating my dad’s life on Saturday Jan. 23rd, you are going to be in our hearts forever. Cheers to Andy’s Crew…

You know who you are.

A grateful CHEERS to the Legion Volunteers for moving the kitchen operation from the lake to the Curling Club when the weather was too warm to curl on the lake.

Your tasty meals were very appreciated by everyone curling around the clock.

The biggest CHEERS ever to Monica, Jed, their fabulous team of volunteers, Bill C, the musicians and Panorama Resort for pulling together such a fantastic fundraiser for Tim so quickly.

Cheers to all who donated, contributed, purchased and partied. Tim will kick cancer’s ass!!

The seniors of 13th Ave. and 10th St. would like to give Miko a big Cheers for the wonderful snow removal he has done on our driveways. Very much appreciated.

Cheers to the awesome ambulance attendants and Invermere fire fighters who came to the rescue of my friend after she broke her leg in the Pineridge trail network.

What you do is so valuable and important. Your dedication is very appreciated!

Cheers to the District for bringing sand right away to the sheet of ice near our home. I love our community!

S OBITUARY S Lewis, David William 1935 – 2016

With sad hearts, we regret to announce the passing of David William Lewis, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on February 7th. David shared his life with his wife Olga for 57 years. Together they raised three children and have six wonderful grand children: Pamela Blom (Frank), Garrett and Jenna; Paige Ukass, (Gunars) Jordan and Taryn; Tom Lewis, Ruth Lewis, Brianna and Kara. He is survived by his sister Irene Kebe (Gerald), Kent and Colin; and sister Edith Gallinger (Claude), as well as extended family members and many friends.

David was born on April 12th, 1935 and lived his entire life in the valley. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting.

David was a member of many local organizations involving the preservation of wildlife and habitat. He loved spending time in his garden and cherished his time in his workshop. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and will never be forgotten.

Please join us for his celebration of life on Friday February 12th from 2pm – 4pm at the Invermere Legion.

In lieu of flowers his family asks that you please donate in his memory to the Invermere Valley Museum.

CHEERS CHEERS CHEERS to the Pixies Jane, Doug, Don - Kathryn my daughter from Stoneycreek (Niagra, Ontario) Meroni, my wonderful neighbour Bruce Peninsaula – Wiarton Ontario my daughter Bridget and my grandson Patric and my lovely friends. YOU DID IT! Total surprise 80th party. If I twigged to this I would have worn my really good toes and my jewelery. Cheers to great family, great friends and good food. Can it get any better?

Challenge on to 90.

Cheers to Shalayne at No Frills grocery store for greeting with a lovely smile and being so helpful.

You are a real asset to Joe’s No Frills.

Much appreciated.

Cheers to the two ladies who stopped and helped me across an icy patch on the road to my car on Mon. Feb. 1st near J.A Laird school.

Much appreciated.

Cheers to Rona for her wonderful housekeeping and excellent service.

Cheers to Igie for your wonderful leadership in our church choir. We sing for you and all.

A very belated CHEERS to Craig and Diane at Canadian Tire for helping The Wilmer Community Hall with the purchase of a microwave oven.

Your generous community spirit does not go unnoticed!

Cheers to my heat pump. Because of you I can no longer hear my neighbours complaining about everything.

Cheers to the 2 couples and others that helped me across the icy road at CastleRock and made sure I got home safely. Your help is greatly appreciated!

Cheers to the doctors and nurses in the ER at Invermere Hospital and the doctors and staff at Invermere Medical Centre. We are very lucky to have such wonderful people to take care of our kids. Everything you do is much appreciated.

Jeers to the people who don’t have their dogs on a leash. I don’t know you or your dog, so just because you say your dog is friendly does not make it ok. When your dog isn’t on a leash walking, heck, running down the road into my yard, don’t be surprised when you don’t get a sympathetic, friendly, or cute ‘can I pet your dog’ type response from me. It’s not ok. Keep your dogs on a leash people! Some people, and children especially, are afraid of dogs, particularly larger breeds!

Jeers to people who let their dogs run wild. There are NO DOGS ALLOWED signs posted around all the school properties for a reason! Obey the rules, no dog is an exception, especially not because they are cute. Got to love walking down the sidewalk and playground, and having to maneuver around your dogs defecation because you think it’s ok to let them poop wherever.

Clean up after them people! It’s not hard. I don’t poop in your yard, so don’t let your dogs poop in mine, or our children’s.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Alcoholics Anonymous. 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, Cheers to the wonderful staff at Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Invermere Glass. I brought my at the BC Service Building, South busted fireplace door glass to you End – 624 4th St., Invermere. on a Friday morning and you had me Radium Friendship Group: Friday fixed before lunch. The price was fair at the Catholic Church, East Side and the service was exceptional. My of Main St. With the exception of CHEERS JEERSall meetings are open. family and I appreciate it very much! &Tuesday, Sponsored by

Cheers to Dano for getting my truck unstuck from Lake Windermere on Sunday.

Cheers to the local chef who created and delivered the cooking program for Summit Youth Centre.

Cheers to the Summit Youth Centre for continuing this important life skills program.

A big Cheers to all my neighbors in Elk Park Ranch. I’m grateful to have built wonderful friendships and to have the community support in such a new area. Here is to many more gatherings this year! Luv you all!

Jeers to the District of Invermere and the RDEK for being two of only a few jurisdictions in BC and Alberta that do NOT have heat pump noise by-laws. Get with the program!

People need a good night’s sleep in order to maintain good health.

A late Cheers to Fairmont Hot Springs Ski Hill for Local’s Day. The $2 tubing was so much fun, I’m still thinking about it. It’s very encouraging and lovely to feel special as a local.

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 250-342-8255.

LOST AND FOUND Lost: Man’s gold ring with three small diamonds, on Friday Jan 29th.

At the Seniors Centre, Lambert Kipp Pharmacy or BMO location.

Sentimental value, reward offered.

250-342-0686.

Lost: Backpack with a Patagonia jacket, Nikon camera, a pair of gloves and a toque. From Nipika on Sun. Feb. 7th. Call Tim 250-3450191.

STORAGE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

STORAGE

SUITE FOR RENT

TOWNHOUSE FOR RENT

MISC FOR SALE

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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

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 Townhouse for rent, across from Tim Horton’s. $950/mo + hydro. 1-778-214-1744.

2 pair cross-country skis, used twice. 1 is size 11 198”, 2nd is size 8 190”. Salomon Elite 5. $150 each.

Please call Lynda at 250-341-5736.

Fiona Millar, AEP

Storage space for rent. Downtown, secure, heated, always accessible.

Call Sharon 250-688-1365.

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.

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

Retail/Shop for sale: Two levels total 2700 sq. ft. Please call 250270-0216 or 250-270-0405 for more details.

Second floor office space in Radium starting at $250/mo. 403-5599625

For rent: Black Forest Village Apartment, 2-bdrm, 2 bathrooms. W/D, D/W, $875/mo.

Ph. 250-342-3790.

For rent in Radium, 2-bdrm, 2 bath, lower level suite, W/D, dishwasher, N/S, N/P. $750/mo. Call 250-3423790.

Large 1-bdrm lower suite in central Invermere for a single person. All utilities and T.V. included, shared laundry. $750/mo, 250-342-9404.

Downtown Radium: Small 1-bdrm apt., $615/mo utilities included.

Available March 1st. Call 250-3476420 or 250-688-1582.

Windermere 4-plex: Bright lower level recently renovated 2-bdrm suite available immediately. All appliances. Large yard and ample parking. Two blocks from beach with lake views. Call/text 250-409-7435 or email shellimilley@gmail.com.

HOUSE FOR RENT

For Sale: Invermere Medical Clinic. Fully leased medical clinic.

Excellent central downtown location Invermere, BC. 5% Cap. Further details: please contact Sharon at 250-688-1365 or playgreen@hotmail.com.

SHARED ACCOMM. Room For Rent: Long term or short term. Fully furnished and very comfortable bedroom in the house. Westridge area, close to schools and downtown Invermere. $500/mo, includes cable, wifi, washer/dryer and full use of the house. Please call 250-342-5330.

Available March 1st, brand new 3-bdrm, 2 1/2 bath home with garage and fenced yard. N/S, N/P. Unfurnished, located off Swansea Rd. $1350/mo. Contact Paul 250341-8092.

3-bdrm upper suite Windermere, close to school, large yard, $950/ mo + utilities. Call 250-342-8662 for details.

2144-13th Avenue Invermere.

2-bdrm plus den, 1 bath, country kitchen and basement for storage.

Open parking for 2 + vehicles. Community garden close by, and large front yard. $1000/mo plus utilities.

Available immediately. Call or text Pat 250-342-1262 or email patbrownjohn@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.

Cozy 1-bdrm condo for rent in Radium. Fully furnished with 7 appliances, underground parking, pool and hot tub. $750/mo + $400 D.D. Available immediately. Call 403-880-9719 or 403-512-2168.

Akiskinook: 1-bdrm condo, recently renovated, fully furnished, cable/ Wi-Fi included, N/S, N/P, $850/mo + hydro. 403-293-3870.

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

N/P, N/S. Underground parking.

Available immediately, call 403690-7444.

2-bdrm furnished condo in the heart of Invermere. N/P. on-site laundry. Call 403-710-8994.

Nordic Track E14.5 Elliptical Machine. It is a couple years old but hasn’t been used much due to knee injury. Google for more information or come and see it.

Paid $2,800 with taxes and will take $2,000 or best offer. 250341-5313.

Intuitive Reader

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

SERVICES

Stop Smiling. [at least until your passport photo is taken]

SERVICES Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products.

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

camera classes • canvas wraps photography • photo finishing • picture framing …look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!

250-342-5102

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.

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned and Operated

492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC

Organic brain and energy supplements. Enhance your cognitive functions and over all health. 403-519-8268 or patyesh@ gmail.com to order or for a fantastic home business opportunity.

Kim Collens

Representative

toll free: 1.877.342.3427 cell: 250.342.1671

kim@rockieswest.com www.kimcollens.com

Recipe Of The Week GARLIC AND PARMESAN ROASTED ASPARAGUS

VILLA/CONDO FOR SALE

LESSONS/TRAINING

PERFECT CONDO FOR 2 FAMILIES! Loft sleeps 8! Located at the Peaks in Radium, this unit has 2-bdrm plus a loft, 3 full sized bathrooms, 2 decks, Underground Parking and Storage. Use of Outdoor Pool and Hot Tub. With or without furniture.

View Today! $230,000 Contact Greg at 780-951-4347 or greg@cookfamily.ca for more information.

Private art classes, all mediums.

403-519-8268. Soul portraits and portrait lessons.

FIREWOOD

Spur Valley Golf Course has one F/T and one P/T seasonal position.

Applicants must be physically fit, have own transportation and able to work weekends. Experience preferred but willing to train the right person. Wage depending on experience. Send resume to k_g@ shaw.ca attention Kelly or call 250347-6500.

Support Rockies Hockey firewood.

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

Pine Firewood, $200/cord. Split and delivered. 250-342-1586.

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

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.

1 bunch Asparagus Spears, trimmed 2 - 3 tbsp Olive Oil

2 cloves Garlic, minced 2 tbsp Parmesan Cheese, grated

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place asparagus on the bottom of a baking dish and pour olive oil on top; toss to coat.

Arrange asparagus in a single layer; sprinkle with garlic, parmesan.

Bake for about 15 minutes until fork tender.

Salt and pepper to taste.

See all my recipes at recipes.kimcollens.com

Home Of The Week On Top of the World!

Fall in love with the views from this top floor 2 bedroom condo in “like new” condition. Upgraded appliances, new ensuite with granite counter tops and new fixtures. Check it out!

$154,900

MLS® 2404302

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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 250342-6344.

Pioneer Classifieds

SPOT THE DEALS!

Capital Projects Accounting Assistant Located in Invermere Interior Health is hiring a permanent full time Capital/Projects Accounting Assistant for the Invermere and District Hospital.

Build a successful career with Interior Health by combining your expertise and multi-tasking talents with our dynamic and highly technological work environment. You can advance your skills with the following opportunity: Reporting to the Director Business Support, Capital Planning, the Accounting Assistant is responsible for capital equipment/projects recording, reporting and analysis; preparation of capital grant claims; preparation of period-end and year-end working papers; supporting schedules; maintenance of the fixed assets module; depreciation accounting.

The ideal candidate has: • Grade 12 • Completion of two years of a designated accounting program • Four years recent, related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training & experience We invite you to discover the rewards and career satisfaction of this key role by bringing your expertise to our unique and growing organization.

Apply Online To (Competition # 817963)

N E W S PA P E R

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

Summer Students

Administrative Support Staff The District of Invermere is accepting applications for a Summer Student to work within the Municipal Office providing frontline customer service and general administrative support.

This position is within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and is a temporary, full‐time, 35 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. VERIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED • Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Knowledge of word‐processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing, social media, graphic design and records management would be an asset.

• Consideration may be given to candidates enrolled in business administration courses or a related field or with municipal experience.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

General Hours of work: • 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Pay Rate: • $16.49 per hour Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

Jobs.InteriorHealth.ca

JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM!

IT’S NEVER TO EARLY TO START THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO DO THIS SUMMER! Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is now hiring for our busy season and we love having Valley locals work here, as we know that it’s the people that make this Valley so special. We want to hear from you, and we’ve got tons of positions available: • Front Desk Agents • Housekeeping • Golf Turfcare & Groundskeeping • Golf Shop Attendants • Guest Services • Player Assistants • Lifeguards • RV Resort Attendants • Retail Sales People • Food & Beverage Servers • Cooks • Sous Chefs • Kitchen Help & Bussers • Baristas • BC Rockies Adventures Camp Counselors • Estheticians • Night Waterers Most of our positions start in April & May, though we might have a few immediate openings if you want to check with us. We provide competitive wages, health & dental benefits after 6 months, staff pass access to amenities, and of course the best view in the Valley.

Why not send a resume over right now to the attention of: David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or you can fax it to 250-345-6616

part-time & Didja know? We hire both best for you

full-time. Let us know what works te you. and we’ll make a schedule to accommoda

FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

Summer Students Parks Labourer(s)

The District of Invermere is accepting applications for up to two (2) Summer Students to work as part of our Public Works Staff as Parks Labourers.

These positions are within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and are temporary, full‐time, 40 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. VERIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED • Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour which includes walking, lifting, and maintenance work with a shovel and rake.

• Knowledge of small engines would be an asset.

• Ability to work weekends.

General Hours of work: • 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. Weekend work and shift changes will be required.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Pay Rate: • $16.49 per hour Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

If you get lemons, make lemonade…

M

etaphysical usings

Ever wonder why some people seem to have everything go their way?

They barely seem to put any effort in and, in some cases, they put in no effort

By Tammy Stehr at all and things just land in their lap.

Pioneer Columnist Wouldn’t it be great to have that happen to you?

These people have something in common; they usually have a great attitude. They may or may not understand that their point of attraction is a place of appreciation so they get what they want, perhaps without even asking for it. By being in a state of appreciation, thankfulness and contentment, they inherently attract “only good stuff.”

I have talked about creating your own reality, how your beliefs affect your life, and being self-aware, but how does this get you what you want? It is the monumental magnetic attraction, which your thoughts and emotions put out, that brings those very things right back to you.

Like attracts like. It is HELP WANTED – CONTINUED ON PAGE 37 the law in this universe — the Law of Attraction, that is. If we understand that DISTRICT OF INVERMERE emotions and thoughts are 914 – 8th Avenue, PO Box 339 magnetic in nature then we Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Tel: 250-342-9281 • Fax: 250-342-2934 want to choose carefully

Summer Students Gardener(s)

The District of Invermere is accepting applications for up to three (3) Summer Students to work as part of our Public Works Staff as Gardeners.

These positions are within the CUPE Local 2982 bargaining unit and are temporary, full‐time, 40 hours per week position.

Minimum Qualifications: • You must be attending school, college or university during the last school term and returning to your studies in the subsequent academic year. VERIFICATION WILL BE REQUIRED • Excellent customer service skills are required.

• Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s License. Submission of a Drivers Abstract is required.

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat and rain and perform physical labour which includes walking, lifting, and maintenance work with a shovel and rake.

• Preference will be given to applicants with experience in landscaping, gardening or working towards Horticultural Certification.

• Ability to work weekends.

General Hours of work: • 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday. Weekend work and shift changes will be required.

Employment Term: • Employment will commence in early May and will terminate in late August.

Pay Rate: • $16.49 per hour Applicants are invited to submit their resumes until the position has been filled: District of Invermere Attn: Chris Prosser, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 339, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Fax: 250-342‐2934 Email: cao@invermere.net

and spend time focusing on what it is we want.

Most of us likely could not even identify what it is we really want if we were asked.

Try everything out and enjoy the journey of finding what you appreciate. Look at things with wonder and a love of life because it is a gift to be able to choose what you like and what you do not.

By doing this, clarity and focus will come naturally and easily.

Equally wonderful is the fact that everyone likes something different, so your choices are unlimited, really. You need not be bound by patterns of the past or conventional thinking. Judgement of others and their choices is misdirection. Only the focus on your choice is required.

Once your choice has been made and the focus on that thing is practised, you will likely work your way through believing you deserve such a thing. This is a glorious rite of passage that we all take, and appreciating your process will make it easier and bring it to you sooner. Free yourself in this process by allowing mistakes, even expecting them. They are necessary, for this is how you fine-tune your choice. Love your mistakes and move through them because this is extremely valuable to you.

Every experience you have, whether it is labelled “bad” or “good,” is a gem of information for you, and only you, to find your way to fulfillment and happiness.

Guaranteed.

Please feel free to comment or debate my logic (email tammystehr@gmail.com).

Tammy does spiritual counselling and healing through Reiki, Transformational and Alchemic techniques. She is finishing her Bachelor of Metaphysical Sciences and plans to do a Master’s in the near future. Contact her at tammystehr@gmail.com.

Teens and marijuana: finding facts

By Dean Nicholson East Kootenay Addiction Services Society Editor’s note: This is the third article in a fourpart series on marijuana legislation.

Here is the title of a research article published in the January edition of the journal Cerebral Cortex by researchers at Western University: Adolescent Cannabinoid Exposure Induces a Persistent Sub-Cortical Hyper-Dopaminergic State and Associated Molecular Adaptations in the Prefrontal Cortex.

Now, if you’re like me and never read the journal, Cerebral Cortex, this title probably sounds like a strange foreign language. In fact, I’m showing this as an example of the kind of research that it is trying to determine the potential positive and negative effects of marijuana use on teen brains. As the Canadian government moves towards legalizing marijuana, one of the big concerns is going to be the potential impact on adolescents. Both the previous Conservative government and the current Liberal government said they wanted to limit teens’ access to marijuana and protect them from marijuana’s risks. The two governments had very different ideas about how this could be done, but that’s the topic for a different discussion.

What is important to realize is that quality research on the risks and/or benefits of marijuana use is relatively scarce, and the research that is being done to help shed some light on how marijuana may affect teens tends to be published in obscure specialist journals with intimidating titles like the one above. Most

people don’t access this kind of information. What people might find when they look for information are sites on the web, YouTube or Blogs. Some of these sites may be very good and based on good research, while many are little more than personal opinion sites masquerading as expert testimony. For the average person, it can be very difficult to sort through.

At East Kootenay Addiction Services, we routinely hear teens talking about a website they found that says marijuana is perfectly safe, while concerned parents talk about a site they found that says marijuana is the worst drug ever used. “Seek and ye shall find” could be the catch phrase for the web, as you are bound to find a site that will affirm your beliefs. So how to sort through all of this? On our EKASS website, we provide links to Canadian and international websites that we believe provide the best balanced information on substances and substance use. Check these sites out as a good starting place for more accurate information.

As for the study I mentioned above… it found that giving heavy doses of marijuana to young rats created lasting behaviour and brain changes, which resembled those found in people with schizophrenia. They did not find these changes in adult rats exposed to marijuana. The implication being that heavy marijuana use in teens may cause more significant damage than in adults (at least if you’re a rat).

In the next article, I’ll talk more about some of the research findings of the potential impact on teens of marijuana use. Stay tuned.

Dean Nicholson is the executive director of East Kootenay Addiction Services. Visit www.ekass.com.

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

An accolade to the greats and the grands (parents)

Family Ties

By Lynsey Burke Pioneer Columnist

Last weekend, we said hello and goodbye in a matter of 24 hours. We met our brand new beautiful nephew and said a final graveside farewell to our very lovely Great Grandma.

Every end is a new beginning. While some days can feel long, the years seem to progress at a rapid rate. Often, the nostalgia catches me by surprise. I can only imagine the whimsy that our parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents feel when they take a peek into their pasts.

Because we love our predecessors so much, here’s a salute to their humble greatness.

Grandparents are a living history. Our roots and heritage live within these oldies; we can discover our origins through these historians of the family tree. Conversations that start with “When I was your age… ” are a surefire enriching experience.

Grandparents are hilarious. Great Grandma is a witty old lady. She can turn a phrase during a fierce game of Crazy 8s into a nonsensical idiom from 1952. Her cheerful demeanor and tales (some tall) are always amusing.

Grandparents tell tall tales. As mentioned previously… the tall, tall tales. Grandpa has a unique ability to send the grandkids into a tizzy. Chasing and affectionately fear mongering — the uproar is Grandpa’s primary objective. These tales, I can recall them to this day… gosh, that wicked witch was sure scary.

Grandparents possess wisdom. Some of life’s greatest mysterious have been decoded by our elders. I’m genuinely perplexed… what is the meaning of this obstacle in our lives? These wise old owls have lived, loved and lost and can put it all into perspective without hesitation.

Grandparents are the catalysts of our gene pool. You are where we all started… look at what you’ve created!

Great Grandpa’s nose can be seen three generations down the line. His name will be used and honoured and his legacy will go on, name, nose, freckles and all.

Grandparents see the good in our offspring. The pride, it spills over the top and nearly floods the basement. She hiccupped, “Oooohh, ahhhh!” The celebration of every victory, big and small, is never lackadaisical. Secretly, the parents relish in it too.

Grandparents don’t sweat the small stuff. The kids are fighting and mom is fed up. I call grandma and she finds it endearing. “Oh, that’s just what kids do.” Wait… what?

How did you manage to turn this into a positive?

Grandparents are soft.

Aw, c’mon Dad, he de-

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CALL 90 ACRES YOUR OFFICE? JOIN THE FAIRMONT HOT SPRINGS RESORT GOLF TEAM AND ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS ALL SUMMER LONG. We offer unlimited golfing for golf course staff during the 2016 season.

Join our team, apply today to the attention of David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com

Didja know?

Fairmont Hot Spring Resort allo ws all of our employees to use the Resort amenities without limitations. Play all the golf you want this summer .

serves a cookie. Grandma and Grandpa turn away in the face of discipline. It’s all fun, all the time. The grandkids can do no wrong. They are a gift, thus they feel an undeniable pull to bestow gifts onto them.

Grandparents are role models. Grandpa is a hard worker. He builds things, he fixes things, he tells jokes, he reads the coolest books, he knows everything and he cares about everyone. Being with Grandpa is always an adventure waiting to happen.

Grandparents are naturals at everything. Granny can whip up a batch of flawless cookies before you can say, “Pass the milk.” She floats about managing tasks without drudgery and her sweetness and tolerance for nonsense puts everyone at ease.

Grandparents get to have all the fun… and rightfully so. They’ve done their time; they’ve trained and formed little humans into responsible adults. Now is the time for fun. The spoiling, it’s cringeworthy, yet it’s a necessary ritual.

If we are lucky enough to become grandparents one day, I foresee many great things for these envisaged kin.

I only hope that we can hold a candle to such grandeur.

Family, adventure and the exploration of the unfamiliar is what fuels freelance writer and editor Lynsey Burke’s creativity in writing. Visit www.lynseyburke.com.

HOUSEKEEPING MANAGER

We’re currently seeking an energetic individual to provide leadership to our housekeeping team.

We have a 123 unit luxury condo resort located in Radium Hot Springs on the Springs Golf Course.

The successful candidate will possess strong organizational skills and housekeeping management experience. The ability to manage a team is necessary and experience working in a condo resort environment will be considered an asset.

Primary responsibilities will include: • Manage the day-to-day activities of the housekeeping department.

• Plan, schedule and organize resources and work to ensure proper coverage.

• Ensure policies and procedures are followed.

• Manage human resources for the housekeeping department (training, hiring and inspiring).

• Participate in the preparation of the annual departmental operating budget and financial plans which support the overall objectives of the Resort.

• Purchasing and inventory control.

• Clear and timely communication of objectives to team.

• Promote teamwork and quality service through daily communication and coordination with other departments.

• Project management.

• Perform other duties as assigned. May also serve as manager on duty.

Position Requirements: • Detail oriented, focused on customer satisfaction and able to work under pressure.

• Strong knowledge of WHIMIS. • Excellent communication and effective listening skills.

• Demonstrated ability to respond in emergency situations.

• Proficiency in Word, Outlook and Excel a MUST. Knowledge of computer accounting programs, math skills as well as budgetary analysis capabilities required.

• Individual should be flexible, dependable and punctual.

• Must possess excellent customer service skills and be able to work independently.

• At least three years in housekeeping management with progressively higher levels of responsibility.

• Candidate must be able to work a variety of shifts including weekend and holidays.

• Work shifts will ideally be Thursday to Monday.

Compensation: • Salary commensurate with experience and/ or education.

• Health benefits plan.

• Advancement opportunities available.

• Education allowance.

Interested candidates please forward resume with cover letter to:

FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979

generalmanager@bighornmeadows.com Only successful applicants will be contacted for interviews. Please DO NOT APPLY if you do not have a valid work permit for Canada as we will not obtain one for you.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 12, 2016

Snolf without snow Columere Park held its annual Snolf game (snow + golf ), which is normally played on the pond but, like last year, it was too icy for seniors to be walking on, so the holes were laid out on the grass at the Columere beach area — making it look suspiciously like golf.

This year’s game was won by Lawrie Nichol, pictured in the top right photo receiving the trophy from Shirley Aitken who won last year.

The trophy winner has to add something to the trophy each year.

This game is played only with 3 woods and tennis balls. Use of any club other than a 3 wood is a 12-stroke penalty.

Photos submitted . . . ‘Voting’ from page 5 The second threshold requires that 51 per cent of all accommodators within the proposed boundaries vote in favour of a sub-regional DMO. Each accommodator receives one vote regardless of the number of rooms they manage.

If both thresholds are met, then the committee will file an application with the province to have the DMO boundaries redrawn and an election for the DMO Board of Directors would be organized.

The current proposal calls for 12 board members with seven of the directors representing local accommodators. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and Panorama Mountain Resort would appoint two of the seven directors with the additional five accommodator directors being elected from categories based on the number of rooms they manage. The final five directors would represent Retail/Food and Beverage, Golf, Attractions/Activities/Community Recreational Assets, Real Estate/Development and Arts/Culture.

The Board would then be responsible for hiring an Executive Director, approving a budget and drafting policy.

Small business owner Deb James of Crystal Springs Motel in Radium, who has been in the business for 35 years, is in favour of the recommendation to form one DMO. She explained how once the majority of bookings were through

printed material such as BC Accommodations and BCAA ,but now her business primarily uses online booking sites. Other motel owners who don’t are falling behind.

“Most people do their research online before they leave home,” said Ms. James.

She also liked that the Regional DMO meeting at Copper Point on January 27th was very positive overall with very little negativity. “We need a vision for this valley, sustainable co-operative marketing, an identity and brand that is both recognizable and unique, one voice instead of a fragmented business community.”

Pat Bavin, speaking as a small business owner and as a part of the arts community, had this to say: “Especially you small operators — it’s always been difficult to engage in the big playing field. For me, there’s this great opportunity to participate with other stakeholders and more funding.”

From the non-profit point of view, Greenways executive director Mark Halwa encouraged people to move past the organizational curse of the “we’vealways-done-it-this-way” mentality.

“It doesn’t have a lot to do with marketing and branding,” he said. “This project is the relationships.”

He stated there has been a lot of work done on this until now and a big factor will be trust.

Accommodator voting ends on Monday, March 7th.

February 12, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

FAITH

Watching Jesus

By Pastor Trevor Hagan Lake Windermere Alliance Church We have been learning what it means to be a follower of Jesus these days.

Jesus met with some very interesting people and invited them to follow him.

His invitation meant more than just to follow him from town to town. He was asking people to be his students, to learn about God and what a life devoted to God looks like.

I love the fact that the people Jesus connected with were not the smartest on the block or the “right” kind of people. He invited the messed up, the rough, and the needy people to follow him. He chose the ones who were rejected by the other local teachers. His invitation was to follow him, not just to listen to his teachings and become better people, but to watch him and see how to treat people with love and care and make a real difference in the world.

We recently read through the gospel of Mark,

Chapter 5 where there are three stories of Jesus interacting with people around him. One was possessed by a host of evil spirits, one was wrecked because his daughter was dying and the third was a community reject because she had something wrong with her body that no one could fix. Each of these interactions was an opportunity to watch Jesus love the broken, heal the sick and care for the unloved. As we read the stories of Jesus, we have the same potential as those who were there with him. We can hear his words and we can see how he cared for people.

Jesus had a very interesting conversation in Mark 12:28-31: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

“The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’

There is no commandment greater than these.”

Watching Jesus, his followers learned these two simple commandments from his life, not just his words.

What are you seeing as you watch Jesus in our world and the scriptures?

Valley Churches LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, February 14th, 10:30 a.m.

Worship and Life Instruction “Follow Me - Practicing Disciple”

Pastor Matt Moore ministering.

KIDS Church for children Age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service.

7 p.m.: SING & CELEBRATE at LWAC. You are welcome to join us for an evening of singing the great hymns of the faith; food and fellowship.

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

Enjoying a meal at the Eagle Cafe This golden eagle was enjoying a light lunch at Hidden Bay (also known as Cemetery Cove) down from the town of Windermere on Saturday, February 6th around 10 a.m. Numerous ice shacks and fishing parties in the area have been providing eagles with regular feasts.

Photo by Jim Watt

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

February 12, 2016

YOUR MONEY Famous financial quotes

In times of market uncertainty, figuring out what to do next can be challenging. Here are some famous financial quotes and how they apply to today’s markets.

“The cure for high prices is high prices, and the cure for low prices is low prices.” — Anon.

This is one of the basic realities of supply and demand. High prices stimulate capacity expansion and more output. If long-term demand assumptions turn out to be too optimistic, however, oversupply occurs and prices come down. Lower prices mean reduced or eliminated profit margins, meaning there’s no incentive for producers to continue pumping out supply at elevated rates. Concurrently, lower prices tend to stimulate consumer demand. Over time, demand will begin to outpace supply, prices rise and the cycle is repeated.

This phenomenon is currently playing out in the oil market. After many years of increased supply due to elevated prices, production in Canada and many parts of the world has slowed. While world oil demand has been steadily climbing, it hasn’t been enough to keep up with supply increases. It might be a while before things are back to equilibrium, but prices can’t stay unsustainably low forever.

“Be fearful when others are greedy, and greedy with others are fearful.” — Warren Buffett

Mr. Buffett was referring to the practice of buying high quality stocks when they are cheap or out of favour, and selling them when their stock prices reflect the company’s true value or become overinflated. In other words, buy low and sell high.

Perhaps the most obvious opportunities to buy low and sell high in today’s markets are in the energy and mining sectors. People who are comfortable with moderate risk might want to consider investing in the stocks of large, high quality companies in these sectors and holding them until prices recover.

Another sector worth watching is Canadian financials, particularly the “Big 5” banks. In the wake of lower oil prices, the markets appear to have priced in loan losses for the banks, with many trading at just 10 times their earnings. Though conditions in these three sectors could get worse before they get better, they likely represent some of the better opportunities in the capital markets today.

“The stock market is filled with individuals who know the price of everything, but the value of nothing.”

— Phillip Fisher Many people think that investing is simply buying stocks that are popular, have done well in the past, or pay a large dividend. While these factors can make a stock look appealing, finding true value is more math-

ematical than that. A stock that doubled in value one year will not necessarily do so again. A stock that invests in trendy technology may soon find its products obsolete. And a large dividend isn’t always a sign of corporate fiscal health.

Comprehensive financial analysis is necessary to determine whether or not a stock is truly valuable.

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for.” – Robert Kiyosaki Why do people strive for financial success? Because they want their lives, and the lives of those closest to them, to be fruitful. The part that some people forget, however, is that it doesn’t matter how much money a person earns if they have nothing to show for it.

To be financially successful, one must diligently save and invest their money prudently. To ensure long-term, multi-generational success, one must also teach their children the value of money so that it may be passed along.

Warren Buffett put this well when he said: “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”

So plant your own tree today, nourish it with sound investing strategies, and the first person enjoying the shade could be you.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning GIC Rates

Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Sara Worley CIM®, FCSI®

Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Committed to our community for over 10 years

as of February 9th

1 yr 2 yr 3 yr 4 yr 5 yr

1.55% 1.77% 1.86% 1.96% 2.26%

*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