Vol13issue19

May 6, 2016 Vol. 13/Issue 19

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 May 6, 2016

P ioneer

FREE

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

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3 HELP THE HERONS

5 WELCOME WINGS FEST The Invermere Killer Rollbots derby team celebrated its 5th birthday party at The Station Neighbourhood Pub on Saturday, April 30th. The Rollbots’ first and possibly only home game of the year is happening at the Eddie on May 7th. See page 12 for details.

18

Photo by Breanne Massey

Along The Springs Golf Course Radium Hot Springs, BC

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

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Butterfly Gala The 4th annual Hospice Butterfly Gala was presented by the Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley on Saturday, April 30th at Radium Resort. The fundraiser featured a dinner menu prepared by Chef Steve Root, a “Dessert Auction”, a Live and Silent Auction, music and dancing, and more.

Clockwise from top left: Hospice Society of the Columbia Valley executive director Maria Kliavkoff, board vice-president Karen Arif and volunteer Susan Malone; Ryan and Jenna Minnaar; guests browse the silent auction table; Wendy Cunningham (in the foreground) with Russel Prichard and Loreen Ruault.

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May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Wetlands conservation proposal incites backlash

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) board of directors recently passed a motion in support of the proposed horsepower limit on the main channel of the Columbia River, with the issue continuing to generate discussion here in the Columbia Valley.

The board voted at its Friday, April 8th meeting to send a letter to the federal Minister of Transport requesting that the proposed 20-horsepower limit on the river (excluding Lake Windermere and Columbia Lake) be approved.

“The RDEK has worked closely with the proponents of this regulation for more than 10 years and we are please to see the government of Canada moving forward with its implementation,” wrote RDEK chair Rob Gay in the letter, which was sent on Wednesday, April 13th.

Of the 15 directors on the RDEK board, only two (both from Cranbrook) were opposed to sending the letter.

The federal government recently published the proposed regulation in the Canada Gazette, allowing for a 30-day commenting period, which concluded on May 2nd. Throughout April, both proponents and opponents of the regulation attempted to rally people either for or against the 20-horsepower limit. Local environmental group Wildsight set up a webpage — https://

secure.wildsight.ca/boatingregulation — directing people to comment in favour of the limit, while opponents also set up a website — www.columbiarivervalley.com — outlining their case and directing people to comment against the proposed regulation.

Andy Stuart-Hill is one of the local residents commenting in favour of the horsepower limit, writing that “this regulation will add another layer of longterm protection for the Columbia Wetlands, one of the world’s living treasures. We must act now to ensure that this wild legacy remains intact into the future. The Columbia Wetlands are home to nesting waterfowl, (such as) the Great Blue Heron, that are extremely sensitive to disturbance and we should do everything we can to minimize the risk of damage to their ecosystem.”

Mr. Stuart-Hill wrote that in 48 years of living on Lake Windermere, he’s seen the number of sail boaters, windsurfers and paddlers decline as the number of power boats has increased, saying the number of small craft has dwindled because of safety concerns on a busy lake.

“These ‘muscle boats’ — now a couple of hundred plus on summer weekends — are just plain ‘overkill’ for the size of the main Columbia River channels,” he wrote.

Residents with the other point view have also been making their opinions known, including Dean Kupachenko, who had erected a sign on the side of the Athalmer highway near the Invermere Crossroads directing people to the www.columbiarivervalley.com site and who has been opposing a horsepower limit on the

river for quite some time.

“I’ve been involved in this for 19 years. There are few people that go up the river. Those that do, go with specialized equipment and act responsibly. The horsepower limit will actually hurt the area because to be under the limit you need an outboard propellor motor and propellors do damage to the bottom of the river bed. Small outboard motors are also notorious for leaking fuel and oil, so the environmental impact for them is worse,” said Mr. Kupachenko. “It (power boat use) should be a complete non-issue.”

Mr. Kupachenko added the noise of power boats has been cited as an issue, but at least a dozen trains pass through the wetlands every day (which works out to thousands a year). “They make way more noise than power boats,” he said.

A horsepower limit could also create safety concerns of its own, according to Mr. Kupachenko, since the stretch of river from Radium Hot Springs to Golden is remote, has few access points and a power boat makes a good rescue vehicle.

“What happens if somebody in a canoe has a heart attack? How does rescue service get to him or her?

Unless you have a helicopter, you need a power boat,” he said.

Mr. Kupachenko also attacks what he sees as the lack of scientific evidence to back up the proposed regulation.

Continued on page 29 . . .

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

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Columbia Valley RCMP responded to approximately 55 calls for service over the past week. Here are just a few of them: • On Monday, April 25th, a local 48-year-old complainant phoned the RCMP to report an ongoing issue he has been having. He explained that while checking on his logging truck, he noticed fourfoot florescent light bulbs placed between the tires as well as stovepipe and wheel rims in front and behind the tires in an attempt to cause damage. The complainant said that he has recently been having issues with a neighbour and reported a recent issue with eggs having been placed in the cab of his truck. He has no evidence to support that it is his neighbour at this time, but figures it wouldn’t be anyone else. Police advised that they would increase patrols in the area and will continue to investigate the issues he has been having with his neighbour.

• On Wednesday, April 27th at approximately 10:20 a.m., two local males, one 52 years of age the other 41, called the detachment independently to report that the other had assaulted them. The story was that the 52 year old was speeding in a rural mobile home park in Invermere, so the 41 year old went over to speak with the 52 year old. The discussion heated up and a fight broke out.

There were no witnesses to clarify who started the fight, and both claim self-defence. No charges were laid despite them wanting to. Injuries were minor for both parties. The 52 year old later attended the hospital, driven by his work supervisor. The supervisor wanted to get some information on the incident given that it happened during work hours. The 52 year old advised: “I have nothing to hide.”

• On Wednesday, April 27th, Columbia Valley RCMP received a request to assist BC Ambulance Service.

Three males had been seen near the 500 block of 13th Street in Invermere, two of which are carrying the third.

BC Ambulance requested police attendance. The police arrived and met with paramedics, who said that they saw the males but when they turned the ambulance around

on 13th Street the males vanished. They advised that the males appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Police and paramedics made patrols in the area, but were unable to locate the males. No further calls or reports were made to EHS or police. The three must have reached their destination without incident!

• On Saturday, April 30th at approximately 8 p.m., a local female called to report an erratic driver in Radium Hot Springs. She advised that two males associated to a Range Rover bearing Alberta plates had been chasing bighorn sheep with their vehicle. She stated that the males had driven their car chasing after sheep by the Mountainside Market in Radium and had also gotten out of their vehicle to chase the sheep. Police conducted patrols, however, the report came in with a time delay and the vehicle was last seen heading southbound on the highway. Police queried the vehicle and determined who the registered owner was and where he was from. Police called the phone number associated and left the registered owner a voicemail instructing him to call the detachment. The registered owner will be warned about his childish behaviour, poor decisionmaking as well as his reckless driving. Investigation is ongoing.

• On Sunday, May 1st at 2:44 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP were dispatched to a report of a disturbance in the 5000 block of Fairmont Resort Road in Fairmont Hot Springs. The complainant, a front desk employee, reported that a guest was trying to obtain the key to his room, but he wasn’t the registered guest of that room. This was causing issues as staff was unable to confirm if he could be provided with a key card to the room he was requesting. The guest got angry and threw the phone for front desk on the floor, damaging the phone. Members attended and found the guest to be calmed down. The registered guest of the room in question was located and confirmed that the male guest was welcome in her room, and that she would pay for the damaged phone.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Great Blue Herons in decline However, Ms. Machmer reported approximately 17 active sites and The Great Blue Heron 350 nests for herons in the populations are declining East and West Kootenay in the Upper Columbia region during 2002; which Valley, according to Marhas dropped to about nine lene Machmer, Pandion or 10 sites and roughly Ecological Research Ltd. 180 nests.

Nelson-based spokesperson “That’s a huge decline and Inventory for Breeding in numbers of active nests, Sightings project lead. and it’s a concern,” she She will be collecting added. “There are a numinformation about heron ber of factors that are relatnest sites, active breeded to that decline (such as) ing colonies or any large development in wetland groups of herons that freand riparian areas; human quent the area in the East disturbance around the HERON TODAY, GONE TOMORROW — A strong efand West Kootenay rebreeding sites; bald eagle fort to conserve declining populations of Great Blue Herons gions as well as the North harassment and predation; is being captured through an ongoing inventory for breeding Columbia region, which and I’ve been doing some sightings of the species across the Columbia Basin. is a sponsored breeding separate monitoring on

Photo by Phil Payne inventory and habitat asthe bald eagle populations sessment of Great Blue Herons with funding from the which are definitely increasing.”

Columbia Basin Trust and the Fish and Wildlife ComShe explained that bald eagles are competing with pensation Program (FWCP). herons for prey, while simultaneously attacking heron “We need to come up with some effective tools nests to eat their eggs as well as adult herons being killed. to deal with the predation and encroachment of bald In addition, the heron habitat is also impacted sigeagles on breeding herons and we need to identify nificantly by the construction and operation of dams; wintering areas that herons are using in the Columbia human inhabitants; extensive land developments; as Basin because we don’t have a good handle on those,” well as other competing species such as ravens and said Ms. Machmer. “During the winter months, when crows. herons are feeding up and trying to regain their energy “Bald eagles are a very opportunistic species,” she resources to breed, we need to allow them to do this added. “They eat things like roadkill. They congregate without being disturbed so that they can feed up and in areas where there’s human habitations to take advanput themselves into a better condition for breeding.” tage of the opportunistic prey that’s available — bald She has been visiting the Columbia Valley since eagles are very good at capitalizing on human impacts.”

2002 to conduct surveys for a wide variety of species Ms. Machmer believes herons are more sensitive as and has noticed both the advantages and challenges for a species to the presence of humans than bald eagles, herons in the surrounding area. which is why their habitat is shrinking.

“Wetlands are a very rich feeding site so the (envi“We’re definitely going to have to do the best job ronment) supports very abundant, dense aggregations that we can in terms of protecting the existing habiof fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and even inverte- tat that herons are using or that is suitable for herons; brates,” explained Ms. Machmer. “Herons eat all of that includes a number of wetland and riparian areas those things and because the wetlands generally have which is on private land that is not protected,” she still-water, it’s easy for the herons to hunt in that still- said. “There’s a need to improve stewardship on priwater because the prey are easier to see. The other thing vate land through conservation covenants, landowner about wetlands is you’ve got all these emergent vegeta- agreements, and Crown land needs to have protective tion communities, which conceal the herons. Their legs buffers… we need to do a better job of protecting areas are kind of like sticks if you see them from up close outside of Crown land, and there are lots of opportuniand when they’re standing in the wetlands, they’re well- ties to do that.” concealed in the vegetation because their legs almost To report a heron sighting, call Ms. Machmer at look like reeds.”

250-505-9978 or email her at mmachmer@netidea.

Great Blue Herons can stand quietly in a wetland com. She will be following up with people who report area, wait for their prey and effectively strike due to heron sightings from across the Basin with observations these condirtions. and updates about the species to help with conservation “Wetlands are great areas for herons to aggregate efforts. because many herons, large groups, can be supported Alternatively, submissions for the inventory can be by those wetlands,” she concluded. made online at www.fwcp.ca.

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

A community of friends committed to positive change in our world. www.invermererotary.org

Happy Birthday Emma Boburczak 93 years young on May 4th, 2016 Way to go, Mom! Love, Ilona & Michael and Renate & Lauren

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

PERSPECTIVE

Support relief efforts and be prepared

By Dean Midyette Pioneer Publisher

The pictures are horrifying and the stories from those forced to flee are heartwrenching. Fort MacMurray is burning with no end to the flames expected in the near future. At the time this editorial was written, over 80,000 people had evacuated the city and over 1,600 structures were confirmed burned.

Residents have described the city as “a war zone” and “apocalyptic”. Firefighters are arriving from neighbouring communities and the federal government is assessing the situation with plans to direct our Armed Services men and women to assist. We can only hope that the weather turns, bringing much needed rain and cooler temperatures.

In our community, like most others across Canada, we look after our neighbours in times of need and crisis.

Each year we are beneficiaries of thousands of visits from families who live and work in Fort MacMurray. They are our friends and neighbours and will need our support.

How can we help? We can start by making donations as relief efforts are announced. Please make sure that you are donating to a reputable charity or service organization.

We can make sure that we are obeying fire and fireworks bans. It’s been an arid spring, earlier, drier and hotter than average. If we take the necessary precautions, we can minimize the chances of wildfires threatening our communities.

We can plan for the worst and hope for the best.

Take a few minutes to drop by the Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Windermere Fire Hall this weekend. Put together a 72-hour kit and keep it handy. There was very little warning in advance of the evacuation order for Fort MacMurray residents.

Finally, when you run into a local First Responder, let them know how thankful you are for the service they provide. Many are volunteers. They train so that when terrible things occur they can provide assistance, putting themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe.

Historical Lens A group of gals In this image with no date, a group of Girl Guides appear to be sitting in a wagon. If you have any more information, email us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Photo (A295) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Deal with the dandelions properly Dear Editor: In response to recent articles in The Pioneer (April 22nd and 29th) regarding lawn spraying at Riverstone Villas in Radium, I would like to clarify some of the conflicting information.

There was more than one herbicide used to spray the grounds. The combination was Mecoprop-P and 2,4-D and Dicamba. These are all herbicides, not pesticides. If any resident wants to know more about these herbicides, information is available online.

An article appearing in the April 29th Pioneer quotes Everett Frater as saying that “he’s spraying it close to the ground and applying it to the weeds, it’s not up in the air.”

However, the picture on the front page of the April 22nd Pioneer clearly shows the worker spraying the herbicide solution into the air. This method of application continued until the job was completed, causing the air to become laden with herbicides, which lingered in the air not only around the grounds, but in the surrounding neighborhood. This work was witnessed by other residents. Mr. Frater assumed that two of us who submitted our concerns were a couple; however, we are independent witnesses.

Dandelions are not in abundance on the Riverstone Grounds. However, they are profuse in the boulevard running in front of the property. These were not sprayed.

Continued on page 8 . . .

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

Eric Elliott Reporter

Amanda Nason Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design/ Associate Publisher

Amanda Murray

Office Administrator/ Classified Sales

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS

In defence of dandelions Dear Editor: I wanted to respond to a letter last week written by Doug Tyson regarding this issue of Mecoprop being used in our community.

There was some interesting information presented in his letter that left me feeling more alarmed than ever before.

To know that this chemical treatment being applied to our weeds is tested on animals, causing death to half (the animals) and likely severe problems and prolonged suffering to the rest, makes me wish such products were never invented or certainly not used because some people don’t like a few unsightly dandelions (or other weeds growing amongst their grass).

To quote author Robert Fulghum: “Dandelions are everywhere and don’t need us and kind of do what they please.

So we call them ‘weeds’, and murder them at every opportunity. Well, I say they are flowers, and pretty fine flowers at that.

And I am honoured to have them in my yard, where I want them. Besides, in addition to every other good thing about them (including the fact that bees favour them and the result is high-class honey), they are magic. You can blow their seeds off the stem and make a wish, or twine them nicely into a wreath for your friend’s hair. I defy my neighbour to show me anything in his yard that compares with dandelions.”

Our town is so innovative and forward-thinking that surely we could come

up with a more natural way to reduce weeds and help put an end to chemical testing on animals.

I am also still not convinced that these animal-killing chemicals are as friendly as you make them out to be, Doug. Anything that can be sprayed once and have such a lasting impact to kill the weed for most of the season surely has to stick around for a while. And although, as you state, it requires very high doses of Mecoprop to kill the animals they test on, doesn’t the accumulation of chemicals used by various people throughout the valley, region, province and country all leach into the same soil, the same groundwater, the same ecosystem and lead to a cumulative toxic effect? I, for one, would rather we simply not take a chance.

One last comment before I close.

I would like to applaud the efforts of all employees at The Pioneer and Echo newspapers for working constant overtime trying to produce balanced and fair articles on the issues concerning our valley. It would appear you do a tremendous job trying to reach a variety of sources to provide us with such great newspapers and it’s no doubt that, with such tight deadlines every week, not all stories might be to the best of your abilities. Cheers, for your hard work and commitment to our community!

Kind regards, Jenny Hillman Invermere

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.

Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project

Open House and Invitation to Comment NWP Coal Canada Ltd. (Proponent) is proposing to develop an open pit metallurgical coal mine in the Elk Valley, referred to as the Crown Mountain Coking Coal Project (proposed Project). The proposed Project would be located approximately 12 km northeast of Sparwood, British Columbia, and it is estimated that it would produce 3.7 million run-of-mine tonnes per year.

The proposed Project is subject to review under British Columbia’s Environmental Assessment Act. The Proponent must obtain an Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) before work can be undertaken on the proposed Project. Prior to the submission of an Application by the Proponent for an EAC, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) must approve the Application Information Requirements for the proposed Project.

As part of the Application Information Requirements, Valued Components must be identified, which are environmental, economic, social, heritage, and health components that may experience potential effects as a result of the proposed Project. The Valued Components are outlined in the Valued Components for Environmental Assessment document, which details components to be studied and the areas in which the studies would occur.

Open House EAO invites the public to attend an Open House about the environmental assessment process, the proposed Project, and the draft Valued Components. An open house will be held: Causeway Bay Hotel Emerald Room 102A Red Cedar Drive, Sparwood, BC On: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 From: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

At:

EAO and the Proponent will be present to provide information and respond to questions about the proposed Project at the Open House.

The comment period for the submission of comments by the public in relation to the draft Valued Components document is 30 days. The comment period will begin May 13, 2016 and end June 13, 2016. All comments received NOTE:

during this comment period in relation to the draft Valued Components document will be considered.

The intention of seeking public comments is to ensure that all potential effects – environmental, economic, social, heritage and health – that might result from the proposed Project are identified for consideration as part of the assessment process. At this stage of the process, the primary intent is to receive feedback on studies or information required for a comprehensive assessment.

After taking public comments into account, the Valued Components document will be finalized.

EAO accepts public comments through the following ways: •

By Online Form at http://www.eao.gov.bc.ca

•

By Mail: Terry Pratt Project Assessment Manager 2nd Floor – 441 Columbia St. Kamloops, BC, V2C 2T3

•

By Fax: Fax: 250-387-2208

An electronic copy of the draft Valued Components document and information regarding the environmental assessment process are available at www.eao.gov.bc.ca. Copies of the draft Valued Components document are also available for viewing at the following locations: Sparwood Public Library 110 Pine Avenue, Sparwood, BC Fernie Heritage Library 492 Third Avenue, Fernie, BC Cranbrook Public Library 1212 2nd Street North, Cranbrook, BC If you are unable to participate at this time, there will be an additional comment period during the Application Review stage when you will also be able to provide comments to EAO on the proposed Project.

All submissions received by the EAO during the comment period in relation to the proposed Project are considered public and will be posted to the EAO website.

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

Au Revoir! Auf Wiedershen!

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Thank you!

After 20 years of living in this village, in one of the most beautiful valleys in the country, I am off to the West Coast.

Remembering over the years: the volunteers with the Thrift Shop, the Columbia Valley Arts Council and the Windermere Players, Rotary (because of Claude).

Also, at the Community Greenhouse, Wildsight, the Go Go Grannies, Friends of Kootenay Park and Friends of Columbia Wetlands, Jumbo Wild and the creative women of the Piecemakers Quilt Guild, volunteers with the ESL Program.

Accolades to the front of house staff and the doctors at Chisel Peak, the staff at the hospital, emergency and . . . ‘Deal’ from page 6 Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that these dandelions will spread and possibly justify the use of herbicides again.

Residents can express their views on the use of herbicides to the Strata Council. Many cities and towns ban the use of these herbicides.

public health unit and, also, front of house staff and pharmacists at Pharmasave, to the staff at Moneo’s and Dr. Moneo, the front house staff at the Bakery, Lamberts, the post office, the District of Invermere, and the owners and staff at AG Foods— and Grant’s— and, of course, the library. Kudos to Strands as well.

Last, but not least, to my good neighbours at 3rd Avenue and several friends about town… especially my co-great grandma.

My life — and Claude’s — were richer because of these good people.

Thank you, all!

Shirley Campbell Invermere With proper lawn care — thatching, reseeding, watering, fertilizing and frequent mowing, especially before the dandelions go to seed — dandelions can be kept at a minimum, which makes for a sensible compromise.

Susan Oddy Resident of Riverstone Villas, Radium

2nd ANNUAL EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FAIR We wish to thank the numerous volunteers and the more than 75 individuals and businesses who supported our Fourth Annual Butterfly Gala.

Please support those who supported us so generously. For a list of names please visit our website.

Are you Prepared?

Special thanks to our Gold Level Sponsor, and to our other event sponsors John Wolfe Construction

www.hospicesocietycv.com

Our deadline to book advertising is Monday at noon.

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

ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com

E! FRE

Saturday, May 7, 2016 10:00am - 4:00pm Windermere Fire Hall

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MEET THE FIRST RESPONDERS RCMP • AMBULANCE • ESS • FIRE DEPARTMENTS • HOLISTIC EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS • COLUMBIA VALLEY SEARCH & RESCUE • BC WILDFIRE SERVICE • CANADIAN DISASTER ANIMAL RESPONSE TEAM

Find out about the emergency plan for the Columbia Valley.

Get your plan in place.

FUN & GAMES

FOOD

GIVEAWAYS

Contact Sharon for more information at 250-347-9043

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Public tax dollars should not fund private schools Dear Editor: With the latest revelations about the corruptness of the Liberal regime and the Vancouver School Board’s refusal to present a balanced budget, it is high time to revisit the funding of private schools by public tax dollars.

If parents wish their children to go to a private school, that’s fine. But by doing so, they give up their right to any funding from the public.

There is not enough money to properly fund the public school system. How can this Liberal government

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possibly justify funding private schools? Is it just a coincidence that the Premier’s child attends a private school?

On the salary she makes (plus the top-ups from the Liberal party), her child should be receiving zero dollars from the general public.

Stop this nonsense, which has been going on for more than 30 years — ever since Pat McGeer started it in the 1980s.

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Norm Funnell Edgewater

Minor Hockey Association

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Two-year-old missing boy found near Yankee Lake

Thursday, May 19 th, 2016 7 p.m., District of Invermere Office 914 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.

Thank you!

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

his last known location, which was just within the campground.

The team searched through the A family’s worst nightmare wooded areas near the campwas put to rest after their twoground, keeping an arm’s length year-old missing son was found distance between one another in Sunday morning near Premier efforts to not miss Isaac in the Lake Provincial Campground. densely wooded area.

The boy, Isaac Leuenberger, After widening the search first went missing Saturday evebeyond the initial one-kilometre ning around 7 p.m. while on a radius, Isaac was found near walk with his mother and two Yankee Lake, three kilometres siblings through the campground. from the campground, by one of After searching for 45 minutes to the volunteers searching for the find Isaac, the family decided to family. contact the police.

“I wasn’t actually there when Columbia Valley Search he as found,” Mr. Reid said. and Rescue arrived on the scene HAPPY ENDING — Isaac Leuen- “Wendy (Heatherington, Kimaround 9 p.m., searching with berger with parents Matt and Shelly berley Search and Rescue, Search other Search and Rescue teams Leuenberger, after two-year-old Isaac Manager) and myself were out all from Kimberley, Cranbrook, Fer- was found safe Sunday morning. night and had come back down to nie and Elkford as teams from Photo by Mike Turner get some sleep, so we weren’t there.

Castlegar and Nelson were still You always hate to leave a search arriving when Isaac was found at noon on Sunday for that reason, but we are just so relieved and happy.” morning.

Although Search and Rescue teams are always Kimberley Search and Rescue member Peter searching desperately to find their subjects, Ms. Stehr Reid says that it can be emotionally difficult when says it’s especially important when it’s a small child you hear of a lost child, but there is reason for opti- because of the emotional aspect associated with it. mism if they can be found in the first 24 hours.

“Everyone is elated when we are able to find a “The survival rate for a young child is quite high small child and bring them back to their parents,” — 95 per cent if you find them within 24 hours. But she says. “Everyone thinks of their own children adding difficulty to that is that even two year olds can or grandchildren when this happens and you really travel quite a distance,” he said. want to have that positive outcome for sure.”

Tammy Stehr, a member of the Columbia ValCpl. Chris Newel of the Kimberley RCMP told ley Search and Rescue on the scene, says that they media that other than a few scratches, the boy was in initially expected to find Isaac within a kilometre of condition when he returned to his family.

Pe

The family of Joseph Howse would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You for our recent sad loss of a wonderful Husband, Dad and Papa to relatives, family, friends and neighbours for the many donations of food, cards and letters of sympathy.

Greateful thanks to everyone who attended the wake and Funeral Service. Special thanks to Reverand Robert Wright of Goodfish Lake Alberta and Pastor Wayne Frater of Invermere B.C. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Goodfish Lake Band Saddle Lake Band Shuswap Band Columbia Lake Band Louise Helmer Joe Helmer Helmer Families Arlene Paul\Lawerance Nicholas Sam & Pauline Paul Lori Charette Sandy Cooke Margo Daughtery Alex & Carol Mackay Kathy & David Murray Mary & Vince Olsen Glen Wall Carl Bull Jerry LaRose Ronnie Gladue Home Care Nurses Cpl. Brent Ayers Cst. Francois Mazerolle Cst. Michelle Joy Stephanie and Samantha Sam Lori Pascal & Family

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Invermere Library Edmonton University Hospital St. Paul Post Office Invermere Home Hardware District of Invermere Invermere Maintenance Joey & Colleen Howse Connie & Jeremy Passmore Trucking Mike Tegart Nicole Shovar Mitch Stade Palliser Printing & Publishing Inspire Flower Shop Valley Foods Kicking Horse Coffee Brent Dubois The Moore Family McPhersons Funeral Home Fort Steele Heritage Town Barb Moller Grant Howse Sophie Nicholas Blair Mooney Invermere Ambulance Attendants

Very much appreciated. From, The Howse Family.

We apologize if we missed anyone.

For the latest financial tips, see Page 19 this week in…

N E W S PA P E R

Ph: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-888-377-0312 • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

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Timeshare owners file appeal Vancouver lawyer Michael Geldert, who also represents the claimants, confirmed that JEKE has filed an appeal to The long-running Sunchaser Vaca- the March 8th ruling. tion Villas case is still a long way from its “We anticipate that appeal being final conclusion, despite a ruling against heard this October (or) November 2016,” the timeshare owners in March, with the said Mr. Geldert. owners now appealing this most recent Mr. Wankel acknowledged the apdecision. peal, but expressed confidence that In her March 8th ruling in a test case Northmont will win the appeal as well, for a class-action lawsuit involving more saying “we believe an appeal is meritthan 3,200 individual timeshare own- less and we will defend it with the same ers at the Sunchaser Villas in Fairmont vigour we have defended the resort to Hot Springs, B.C. Supreme Court judge date. We have made a fair settlement offer Shelley Fitzpatrick dismissed the claims to the delinquent owners and hope that of plaintiffs James and Elsie Belfry (rep- most will recognize it is the appropriate resented through their real estate holding resolution and an appeal will only lead to company JEKE Enterprises Ltd.) against further costs.”

Northmont Properties Ltd. The ongoing legal battle began more “The resort was victorious on all is- than three years ago, in April 2013, when sues,” said Northmont chief executive more than 1,000 timeshare owners (a figofficer Kurt ure that has Wa n k e l . since grown) “Our position throughout this process has “Our position at Sunchaser been that the resort has acted reasonably...” throughout Vacation Vilthis process has las entered Kurt Wankel been that the into a classNorthmont CEO resort has actaction lawed reasonably, suit against the contracts are clear and unambiguous, Northmont, in a dispute over a costly and the plaintiff’s claim without merit. renovation project and the associated fees This was confirmed by Justice Fitzpatrick.” charged at the villas.

Mr. Wankel pointed specifically to The claimants initially alleged that, one paragraph of the judgement, in a sec- among other things, the renovation fees tion on Northmont becoming lessor and greatly exceed the regular maintenance owner (which the company did in 2010, expenses laid out in the timeshare agreetaking over from original developer Fair- ments; that the fees had been improperly mont Resort Properties Ltd.), which read charged for expenses not incurred in the “unfortunately, the advancement of vague past three years and which may not ever allegations and the lack of any, let alone be incurred; that the fees include renovacompelling, evidence in support, coupled tion expenses for buildings that Northat times with an abandonment of certain mont has not and does not intend to renallegations only after the conclusion of ovate or that Northmont seeks to remove JEKE’s argument, was a recurring theme from the resort for its own use; and that in this trial.”

Northmont has used the fees for purposThe paragraph, according to Mr. es other than the renovation project for Wankel is “a pretty clear indictment of which they are ostensibly being charged. the plaintiffs allegations.”

Several timeshare owners have conThe Pioneer attempted to contact Cox- tacted The Pioneer in recent weeks saying Taylor law firm lawyers Lindsey Leblanc they have been receiving calls from what and Ted Hanman, who represented the they said sounded like collection agentimeshare owner claimants in court during cies, asking that their overdue Sunchaser the three-week test case hearing in Vancou- fees be paid. Northmont is a subsidiary ver in January, but was unable to reach ei- company of Northwynd Resort Properther for comment prior to press deadline. ties Ltd.

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS ER PREPAREDNESS

Reunion rock PAGE 17

POOCH PLUNGE

PAGE 17

Out & About A reunion show like no other will be taking place in Fairmont on Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 8th. The band Missing Peace will feature guitarists Cory Price and Niels Kunze, Shane Hagan on lead vocals, Ian Bornheim on bass and Chris Howse on drums at the Hoodoo Grill starting at 9 p.m.

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

Photos submitted

PAGE 13

Small Town Revival

LIVE at Pynelogs CD Release Party

Saturday May 7th at 8 pm Call for tickets 250.342.4423 Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423 · Pynelogs Cafe - Open Tuesday to Saturday 11 to 4 pm

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

The Columbia Valley Food Bank Notice of Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Columbia Valley Food Bank will be held on Wednesday May 25th, 2016 at 1:30 p.m., in the Invermere Health Centre Boardroom, 850 - 10th Avenue. All members, as well as the general public, are welcome to attend.

Board Nominations Nominations for the 2016/2017 Board of Directors will be accepted, in advance only, by the nominating committee. The deadline for receiving nominations is noon, Tuesday, May 24th at Family Dynamix.

Please pick up nomination forms at the Family Resource Centre. You must be a member in good standing in order to be nominated.

For further information call 250-342-2456

Myth: Change your ads all the time. Readers get tired of the same thing.

Reality: Develop a good campaign, or theme for your ads. Stick with that one campaign, and only make small changes of headlines or details. Call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

N E W S PA P E R

8, 1008 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. Ph: 250-341-6299 Fax: 1-855-377-0312

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

May 6, 2016

Invermere Killer Rollbots to open season this Saturday

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff The Invermere Killer Rollbots are back in action this weekend in what could be their only home game of the season at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

The Rollbots upcoming game on Saturday, May 7th will feature the Deathbridge Derby Dames out of Lethbridge, Alberta. To date, the two teams have yet to face one another but team captain Jess de Groot says she expects a closely fought game.

“According to the statistics predictions, it should be a pretty even game so it should be really tough for both teams and have really good action,” she said.

Roller derby is popular in the Columbia Valley because it combines a fun atmosphere with a high-impact, fast-paced sport.

The sport involves two teams of five players rollerskating in the same direction around a track. Gameplay consists of short matchups, called jams, in which a scoring player from both teams, called a jammer, scores points by lapping members of the opposing team.

Pooch Plunge 2nd Annual

Ms. de Groot says it’s the sport’s uniqueness that draws many within the community out to watch events like this.

“It’s the only competitive women’s sport in the valley that people can come and watch. It’s pretty gnarly to see people hitting each other and go as fast as they can on roller skates.”

Saturday’s game may be the only time residents in the valley are able to see the Rollbots as they have yet to schedule another home game this season. Ms. de Groot says the team hopes they can schedule another home game this season, but expects this event will still be popular in the area.

“Our games always do well,” she said. “We always have lots of people come out, they drink a lot of beer and they cheer really loudly so our games are really good. “ The game will start at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 7 p.m. Fans are invited to enjoy the bout in addition to the Arrowhead beer garden and half-time entertainment provided by Arabian Mountain Spice. Admission for adults is $10 while kids have free entry.

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EXPERIENCE AND INTEGRITY ADVICE YOU CAN TRUST

May 6, 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, May 6th • 5 - 7 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre (SYC) YCC Challenges program.

• 6:30 p.m.: Mexican Dinner at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $17.50. Reservations Recommended. Call 250-342-9517. Meat Draw and 50/50.

• 7 p.m.: An evening of entertaining Improv at DTSS Theatre. Watch the hilarious antics of talented students in a number of improv games. Entry by donation as a fundraiser for an upcoming theatre festival trip.

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Fresh Fridays Open Mic at Pynelogs.

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

• 7:30 p.m.: Christ Church Trinity hosts the Valley Voices Spring Concert. Tickets available at Meet on Higher Ground in Radium, Purple Cow Gift Shop in Fairmont, and Inspire Floral Boutique in Invermere.

Tickets $10/adult and $5/children.

Saturday, May 7th • 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Canal Flats Community Garage Sales.

• 10 a.m.: Fairmont and District Lions Highway Clean Up. Meet under the large Fairmont Resort sign. Hot Dogs after at the Lions Den. Volunteers welcome, call Barry at 250-345-6583.

• 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Columbia Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair at the Windermere fire hall highlights the importance of having a personal or family emergency plan. Demos, draw prizes, activities for kids and more.

• 6 – 8 p.m.: Pooch Plunge: a doggy pool party at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to raise money for GALS and ICAN. Entry $10 per dog. BBQ, prizes, treats and each pup gets a free bandana.

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

• 7:30 p.m.: Christ Church Trinity hosts the Valley Voices Spring Concert. Tickets available at Meet on Higher Ground in Radium, Purple Cow Gift Shop in Fairmont, and Inspire Floral Boutique in Invermere.

Tickets $10/adult and $5/children.

• 7:30 p.m.: Killer Rollbots host the Deathbridge Derby Dames at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, $10 entry, kids free. Live roller derby action and beer garden.

• 8 p.m.: Pynelogs Cultural Centre hosts John Jenkins, a Golden based entertainer who will be releasing his fourth album. $20 cover includes a copy of album.

Sunday, May 8th • 5 p.m. to midnite: Mothers’ Day Mayhem at the Hoodoo Grill in Fairmont. Live music by newly reformed Missing Peace begins at 9 p.m.

LA CABINA RISTORANTE

Soup or salad to start $17

Sunday

Monday

Thursday Famous Wings 10 –$9, 20 – $15. Best in the Valley

Large Pizza and a Pint or Pasta for $20

Friday Fish night

Tuesday

Saturday New York Steak Soup or Greek Salad and fries. $19

2 for 1 Pizza

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink.

Thursday, May 12th • 12 p.m.: Seniors Luncheon at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $5. Reservations Required. Please call 250342-9281 ext 1227.

• 7 p.m.: The Truth About Cancer Series, #8 Cannabis, Nature’s Epigenetic switches, Peptides & Healing with Micronutrient Therapies. DTSS Theatre. Admission by optional donation.

Friday, May 13th • 6:30 p.m.: Baked Chicken Dinner at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $17.50. Reservations recommended. Call 250-342-9517. Meat Draw and 50/50.

Saturday, May 14th

DAILY SPECIALS Wednesday Homemade Lasagna Curry Soup or salad to start

Wednesday, May 11th

• 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Spring Market at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. $15/table. Call 250-688-0640 to reserve.

Monday, May 16th • Invermere Caregiver’s Support Group meets on the 3rd Monday of each month. Contact facilitator Leanne Brooks at 250-341-5683 for more information.

Wednesday, May 18th

Best Western Prestige Inn Radium Hot Springs tel: 250-347-2340 • fax: 250-347-2342

Monday, May 9th • Join SYC for Employment Readiness Training or Skills for Life! Program. Must pre register.

• 12 p.m.: 14th Annual Turn Copper into Gold Golf Tournament at Mountainside Golf Course, FHSR. Shotgun start. Register at www.cvchamber.ca.

• Wings Over the Rockies runs May 9th to 15th.

Complete event schedule and online registration at www. wingsovertherockies.org, in person at the registration office in Pynelogs between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. or call 250-342-2473 for more information.

Tuesday, May 10th • 5:45 p.m.: Toonie Tuesday running and biking event along the Johnson Trail at Lake Lillian. Run or bike one lap or as many laps as you can complete in an hour.

Registration from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. with a cost of $2; event begins at 6:30 p.m. Come out and help the running and biking community to grow.

• 8 a.m.: Radium Hot Springs Sunrise Rotary meets for breakfast every first and third Wednesday at The Springs Golf Course. Breakfast $10. Everyone welcome.

• 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Windermere Valley Rural Range Resource Patrol AGM at CV Chamber of Commerce..

Thursday, May 19th • 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.: Wild Ideas at Circle Cafe, hosted

by Wildsight. May’s topic is Nature: Are you getting enough? www.wildsight.ca/wildideasinvermere.

• 7 p.m.: The Truth About Cancer Series, #9 Cancer Conquerors & their Powerful Stories of Victory. DTSS Theatre. Admission by optional donation.

• 7 p.m.: Thirsty Thursday Trivia at Mountainside Grille, FHSR. Come play some family-friendly trivia, hosted

by Quiz Master Matt Gillett. $2 entry per person.

• 7 p.m.: The Windermere Valley Minor Hockey AGM is being held at the District of Invermere offices, 914 8th Ave.

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

CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

BRYAN HOOKENSON 250-409-6266

DORAN CAIN 250-342-1629

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Celebrating M•ther’s Day at 102 years old

May 6, 2016

from the second story windows.

Children had to practice climbing down the rope in a fire drill, One hundred and two year something Marj recalls as a petriold Marjorie Stringer began life fying exercise. in a resort community. With few She graduated from a threeroads, holidaymakers took a train year nursing course in 1937 and to one point and boated the rest of worked at Western University the way to the Muskoka, Ontario Hospital in Toronto, earning 30 lake area. Her Irish immigrant cents an hour. During the Second great-grandfather had pioneered World War, Torontonians opened near Baysville, Ontario in 1870. their homes to servicemen at Born on May 3rd, 1914, Christmastime. Marj’s friend Marjorie (affectionately known as wanted to entertain handsome Marj) Langford had one younger blond Norwegians and made that sister, Margaret. Their father Henry request. When the guests arrived built homes, transporting the lumon the doorstep they were asked ber in his boat — the ML, named if they were Norwegians. Arthur for his daughters — to the buildStringer replied: “No, I’m a poor ing sites. He purchased a sawmill fellow from northern Alberta!” employing 10 men. His wife Rose, MATRIARCH MEMORIES — Top: Marj Stringer surrounded by her family on her 101st birthday party He and Marj were married a prior to their marriage, was a book- at Lakeshore Resort and Campground in 2015 (photo submitted). Bottom left: As a young nursing graduate year later, in 1942. The couple’s keeper and so she easily moved into (photo submitted). Bottom right: In her Columbia Garden Village apartment on her 102nd birthday, on May first four children (they had five that role for their company. in total) were born in Ontario, 3rd, 2016 (photo by Dorothy Isted).

For the birth of her first child, and attended the same school Rose took a boat and then a train to a nearby Marj had. Art enjoyed building houses Huntsville nursing home. Growing up in with Marj’s father. Then his brother called Baysville was idyllic for Marj, who was an and asked: “What are you doing down avid reader. A library was opened in the town there in all those rocks and rivers? Don’t hall on Saturday nights. Marj always took you know we’ve got oil in Edmonton?” out her allotment of two books, reading just They moved west in a van outfitted about every children’s book available. with two bunkbeds with their kids and a And back then, no matter how poor dog in 1951. people were, they always seemed to have a There was a housing crisis in Edmonpiano or organ in their homes. Marj learned ton. The booming economy, with returnto play chords despite quitting piano lesing servicemen and war refugees, created sons after just six. There was always singdifficulties. Marj recalls homes they rented ing and square dancing happening. Lots of were always being sold out from under time was spent playing outdoors as well. them. Art became a plumber, often requirShe went to a two-storey school in the ing outside work, which was a very cold town. Officials, concerned about safety endeavour in Edmonton. should there be a fire, strung a thick rope Continued on page 16 . . .

By Dorothy Isted Special to The Pioneer

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 8th Seating at 11 a.m. $24.95/Adults $20.95/Seniors $14.95/Children 12 and under

radiumgolf.ca

Reservations recommended Call 250-347-6259 or email hospitality@radiumgolf.ca

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

BriscoandGeneral Store Greenhouse

Mother’s Day AT

Brunch & Dinner Brunch

Adults

Included with your brunch are familystyle fresh-sliced fruit, fresh pastries, assorted cheese with crackers and one of the choices below.

Elements Benny, Rise and Shine Breakfast, Copper Point Quiche, Belgian Style Waffle or Classic French Style Omelet.

Open Monday – Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Green House open everyday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Mother’s Day Weekend Special

21

$

Includes Coffee or Tea

Kids ages 11 and under $10 for kid’s portion, includes juice or milk

Dinner

3 course Table d’hôte menu Amuse Bouche

First Course Warm Spinach Salad or Cauliflower Puree Second Course Pan Seared Apricot Brie Chicken or Beef Tenderloin & Shrimp or Roasted Portabella & Red Pepper

Adults

30

$

per person

ThirdCourse Trio of Dessert

25

Annual Flats $ for the home and commercial Gardener

99

per flat

❁ Flowering Shrubs ❁ Trees ❁ Evergreens ❁ Rosebushes ❁ Seeds ❁ Onion Sets ❁ Seed Potatoes ❁ Organic Fertilizer ❁ Grass Seed ❁ Potting Soils ❁ Sunshine Mix ❁ Peat Moss ❁ Pro Mix

GREAT SELECTION ❁ GREAT PRICES

Call 250-341-4002 for reservations Cooper Road, Invermere B.C. www.copperpointresort.com

PHone: (250) 346-3343

Mother’s Day Brunch Celebrate and Honor the women in your life Join us at

The View Restaurant Sunday, May 8th, 2016 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Serving our regular breakfast menu and special Mother’s Day features of French Crepes Lobster Eggs Benedict Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Mousse and a refreshing Breakfast Cocktail

Reservations recommended 250.341.3392 ext. 2

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Patty’s Greenhouse and Market Garden

Mother’s Day Special

15% OFF Perennials

We are open in Brisco, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

250-341-1087 • www.pattysgreenhouse.com

Spring Market Legion Branch #71, In Invermere

Saturday, May 14th, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

All kinds of crafts, food items, some produce, home based businesses.

Breakfast sandwiches, hotdogs and hamburgers available.

Everyone welcome!

May 6, 2016

McClain makes personal strides life, play and work.”

He added there are many reasons that visitors and residents alike are constantly Editor’s note: This is the last story in a pulled back into the game of golf. series of six featuring local golf pros who made “I think the draw for so many is that the Professional Golfers’ Association of BC while out on the course and practising, you Top 100 list for 2015. can really get away for awhile and enjoy After 15 years of residing in the Columyourself, your friends and the natural envibia Valley, a 39-year-old import has been recronment,” he explained. “If you live local, ognized in the golf world. visit only sometimes or journey to the valley Scott McClain, who serves as the head more often, you should know the PGA proprofessional at Copper Point Golf Club at fessional brand is a strong, respected resource Scott McClain the Point and Ridge courses, has recently for our valley.” ranked #75 in the Order of Merit by the 2015 Professional However, Mr. McClain had to overcome a personal Golfers’ Association (PGA) of BC. challenge to be considered for a spot in this year’s Order of “I was proud to be recognized as one of the Top 100 Merit.

PGA of BC golfers in the Professional Development Pro“The biggest challenge for me this past summer was gram, especially along with my fellow professionals and overcoming a mid-season shoulder injury,” he said. “Our friends from the East Kootenay,” said Mr. McClain. “Last bodies are the main tool we use in golf, so we need to look year, we had two pros (ranked in the Top 100) and this year after them. I had missed competing in a few tournaments, I made the list. Now, all four of Copper Point’s professionals which meant I also missed out on the associated points. I have earned this distinction that many of our guests look for am thrilled to make strides on last year’s points and look when researching lesson offerings and equipment advice.” forward to a healthy 2016.”

When asked about the driving force that got him interMoving forward, Mr. McClain has plans to continuested in the sport, Mr. McClain explained his love for the ally develop his golfing skills on the fairway in the future by game was passed down from his father. working with his peers and practicing diligently.

“I have been searching for golf balls for 35 years,” said “Quality practice is key,” he concluded. “We enjoy Mr. McClain. “But my dad got me hooked on golf from a practising and setting up challenges to keep our skills sharp young age. Who knew that what was so fun then is still so and also give each other pointers from time to time — but, fun today, so I try to maintain a healthy balance between ultimately, the only way is to play.”

By Breanne Massey Pioneer Staff

. . . ‘Celebrating’ from page 14

winderberry.ca

250-345-2166

They’d camped once in Fairmont Hot Springs and decided to return to explore the Columbia Valley. After returning to Edmonton, Art was undecided until someone from the valley he’d spoken with called and said they could really use him. They moved to Invermere in 1965. Art was the only plumber between Kimberley and Golden. Of their five children, their son Brian, born in Edmonton, became a plumber like his dad, while sons Robin and Dale and daughter Sue became teachers and daughter Marilyn became a nurse. According to Sue, her favourite memory of her mother was her love of music and her ability to play the piano.

“We have lots of memories of singsongs at home.

All you had to do was hum a song and she could play it. Many old-timers in Invermere have danced the night

away to Mom’s tunes,” Sue reminisced.

Marj worked part-time as a nurse after getting married but then did bookkeeping for their plumbing business, like her mother Rose did for her father’s sawmill.

Her advice for young couples today? “When it comes down to the nitty-gritty, you tell yourself you’ve had a good life and you’re going to keep on having it.

Everybody has problems and gets mad, but we never brought the kids in on it. We never argued or blamed each other in front of them.”

After 66 years of marriage, Art died in 2008.

Regarding the changes Marj has seen in Invermere since she first arrived, she notes people have more money now to keep the shoreline clean and give their homes curb appeal. Recalling past economic downturns, she said: “People didn’t know what to do. Invermere picked up. Calgary discovered us — and that’s a good thing!”

The PerfecT moTher’s day A stroll through our beautiful greenhouses + nursery followed by a specially prepared plate of Mother’s Day treats from Edibles Cafe.

Annual Heirloom + Speciality Tomato Sale Friday, Saturday & Sunday

hwy 93/95 Windermere

250-342-3236 • Mon -Sat 9-5 Sun 10-4

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Fun fair with emergency focus

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) will be holding its annual Columbia Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair this weekend.

The fair, which will be held on Saturday, May 7th in Windermere, is meant to highlight the importance of having a personal or family emergency plan.

“The focus of the day will be on helping people prepare for an emergency, but we will have all kinds of fun and activities as well,” said Columbia Valley emergency support services director and deputy emergency program coordinator Sharon Pasowisty in a press release. “There will be demonstrations, draw prizes, activities for the kids. It’s going to be a fantastic day and we hope to see a strong turn out.”

Those keen to meet some of the valley’s first respond-

ers and to get a peek at their rescue equipment will be delighted to know that the Invermere, Radium, Panorama, Fairmont Hot Springs, Windermere and Edgewater fire departments will all be on hand, as well as representatives from B.C. Ambulance, the RCMP, Columbia Valley Search and Rescue, the B.C. Wildfire Service, the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team, Holistic Emergency Preparedness and the RDEK Emergency Program.

“The entire day will be interactive and fun, but more importantly will help all those who attend be prepared for emergencies. From knowing what to take with you in the event of an evacuation, to learning how to prepare a 72hour kit for yourself, your family, or your pets, there will be no shortage of information,” said Pasowisty in the release.

The fair, which is free, will be held at the Windermere fire hall from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call Pasowisty at 250-347-9043.

REMEMBER MOTHER’S DAY SUNDAY, MAY 8th Call for a custom creation or pick up a beautiful basket at Pips, Valley Foods, Radium and Fairmont Mountainside Markets

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250-342-3160 • www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

Pooches take 2nd annual plunge

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff For the second time in as many years, dogs in the Columbia Valley have the opportunity to take the plunge into the warm pools of the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on Saturday afternoon.

The event originated last year when Fairmont staff developed the idea of doing a “pooch plunge” before draining their public pools as part of their annual spring maintenance. The idea was to allow dogs from around the area to come swim in the hot pools for a price of $10 per animal with the proceeds going toward local animal rescue groups Global Animal Lovers (GALS) and Invermere Companion Animal Network (ICAN).

Nancy Hetherington, director of sales at the Resort, said they selected these two charities because the bulk of the donations go directly toward the animals and not the organizations themselves.

Last year’s event was such a success, with people coming from as far as Cranbrook, that they decided to run it again this spring.

“There were about 95 dogs that came out last year with plenty of spectators coming out, too. It was just

really a lot of fun so we decided to keep hosting it because it was for a good cause,” she said.

With the dogs’ admission fees, along with a barbecue at the event, they were able to raise $2,200 for donation. Ms. Hetherington says the goal for this year will be to bring out more than last year’s 95 dogs and raise somewhere in the range of $2,500 and $3,000 to donate.

The event will start on Saturday, May 7th at 6 p.m., with all dogs invited to attend under the expectation that they be well-socialized, well-behaved, have all their shots up to date, and that owners bring leashes for their dogs.

Ms. Hetherington said all the dogs got along with no problems last year and expects it to be the same this year. Waivers must also be completed and presented to the ticket office before entry, which are available online or at the ticket office upon arrival.

Ms. Hetherington hopes people will come out again this year to support the cause.

“I think it’s a really unique event,” she said. “It’s fun for locals and their dogs and is a really great fundraiser for two great charities.”

For more information call 250-345-6070.

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

Welcome to Wings Over the Rockies participants

By Sheila Bonny Wings Over the Rockies Festival The volunteer Board of Wings Over the Rockies Festival welcomes everyone visiting the Columbia Valley for the 2016 Wings Festival, May 9th to 15th.

Along with the great array of Wings events, be sure to take advantage of the valley’s other amenities. Check local sports stores and river/adventure outfitters for advice about cycling, mountain biking, canoeing and kayaking. Enjoy spring’s arrival on the trails in Kootenay National Park, or golf a round at one of the valley’s 16 golf courses. Afterwards, relax your muscles in the pools at Radium Hot Springs or Fairmont Hot Springs and refresh yourself in our coffee shops and restaurants. Browse through sports, fashion, decorating and gift boutiques, and visit art galleries and glass studios.

Good sources of information are The Columbia Valley Map Book, available at most retail shops, and the friendly staff at the Columbia Valley Chamber and Visitor Centre, located at the turnoff to Invermere from Highway 93/95.

Be sure to also visit the Wings Over the Rockies headquarters, Pynelogs Cultural Centre and Art Gallery, in Invermere on the shore of Lake Windermere. In the gallery, you’ll find an exhibit of artwork by our local artists with the theme “Reflections on Water”. Also featured in the gallery is the annual Lil’ Peeps Art Show, a charming and entertaining exhibit from our childcare kids in the Columbia Valley. You’ll also have an opportunity to bid on the silent auction items, which culminates at the Wings Gala Banquet on Saturday night with a lively live auction component.

Check out this year’s new festival events for children and families scheduled on Saturday and Sunday. Some of these enticThe Columbia Wetlands ing events include a tromp about Photo by Pat Morrow Lake Enid and a craft with Wildsight; an adventure with “Water Monsters and Dinosaurs”; a paper mache bird sculpting workshop; experiments with water; a short, light-hearted birding hike with ornithologist Dr. David Bird; an all-ages hike to Geary Lookout above the Columbia Valley Wetlands; a family birding walk around Windermere; and a multi-media celebration of the Columbia River with an online link to participants at the river’s mouth in Astoria, Oregon. If you find openings, register your family for some outdoor fun and develop the next generation of environmentalists.

The culmination of the festival’s theme, “Reflections on Water”, is the keynote presentation by renowned scientist, Dr. David Schindler, at Saturday night’s Gala Banquet at Copper Point Resort. His topic is “Protecting Canada’s Fresh Waters in the 21st Century”. The celebration also includes a delicious meal and an entertaining live and silent auction. Adventure Canada’s spectacular trip “Heart of the Arctic” aboard the Ocean Endeavour is the highlight of the live auction.

To check availability of all events, including banquet tickets, go online at www. wingsovertherockies.org. Alternately, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., drop into the registration office in Pynelogs or phone 250-342-2473.

The 2016 Wings Over the Rockies Festival “Reflections on Water” promises a stimulating and entertaining week. Enjoy yourself!

Paddlers on the Columbia Photo courtesy of Wings Over the Rockies

1997

Wings over the Rockies

2016

Celebrating wetlands and wildlife for 20 years!

20 years of Wings Over the Rockies Festival posters

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

YOUR MONEY

Do U.S elections affect stock market returns?

In an election year marked by low oil prices, slowed global growth, and a high U.S. dollar, many people are wondering what effect the election, and the incoming president, might have on stock market returns going forward. While nobody knows for sure, here is a historical look at how presidential elections, and incumbent parties, have impacted the U.S. stock markets.

The presidential cycle According to the Stock Trader’s Almanac, presidential election cycles indeed correlate with stock market returns.

For the past 182 years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) has gained an average of 10.4 per cent in the year before a presidential election, and nearly six per cent on average in the election year. Research also suggests that, since 1928, of the eight years in a two-term presidential cycle, the final year of the second term is the only one that has averaged negative market returns. Conversely, in years when the sitting president is up for re-election, the S&P 500 has averaged returns of 12.6 per cent. In 2012, the first year of President Obama’s second term, the DJIA soared 27 per cent. Why is this? Experts surmise that incumbents seeking re-election tend to focus on issues that are highly correlated with getting re-elected, like unemployment and economic growth. These economic “warm fuzzies” make voters feel confident and keeps uncertainty at bay; and if there’s one thing markets don’t like, it’s uncertainty.

Republicans vs. Democrats Many people view Republicans as the party of business and Democrats as the party of labour. Therefore, the assumption is that a Republican president would be best for the stock markets.

Statistics disagree. Since 1900, the DJIA has experienced larger average returns under Democratic presidents — nine per cent annually as compared to less than six per cent for Republicans.

Another popular theory is that the stock markets perform better when the government is divided. This means that one party controls the White House, while the other controls both houses of Congress. Proponents of this idea surmise that when neither party is in control, things tend to be more balanced and middle of the road.

According to InvesTech, the opposite is true. Their statistics show that, since 1928, in the two years following an election, the S&P 500 gained about 16 per cent on average when one party controlled the White House and both houses of Congress, or the White House and one house of Congress, and just 5.5 per cent when one party controlled the White House and the other, both houses of Congress.

Can markets predict a presidency?

While election results may not predict stock market returns, there is some evidence that the stock market has

the ability to predict who will win the upcoming presidency. If the stock market is up in the three months preceding the election, the incumbent party usually wins the election.

Just how accurate is this assertion? In the 22 presidential elections since 1928, 14 were preceded by gains in the three months prior. In 12 of these 14 elections, the incumbent party won the election. In the eight other instances where the stock markets experienced losses during the same time frame, seven of the eight incumbent parties lost the election.

Final thoughts Though compelling, relying on theories, urban legends and even statistics to predict future outcomes is a little like consulting a crystal ball.

Many other factors such as global political and economic events, wars and natural disasters could impact results.

Even the possibility of a race between the first-ever female presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton, versus a celebrity, Donald Trump, could provide its own dynamics that extend beyond anything historically predictable.

With this in mind, investors would be wise to remain focused on their long-term goals and let the stock markets sort themselves out. They always do.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

Sara Worley CIM®, FCSI®

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

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

Tandem paragliding above Panorama: a first-timer’s first-hand account

By Nicole Trigg Pioneer Staff When I was a kid I dreamed I would one day fly Up from the swing set And into the sky… … is the beginning of a song I once wrote. As a child in a swing at the playground, I used to fantasize that at the highest point of my upswing, I could simply release my hands and be carried into the air, floating effortlessly away. With parents from two different continents, I spent a lot of time in planes growing up, and the most exciting part about a trip to Ireland or New Zealand was the sensation of the plane lifting off the runway. As a young adult, I tried bungy jumping for the first time in Switzerland — loved it. Then, soon after, had the experience of being ferried around in helicopters when treeplanting during my summers as a university student. One memorable highlight was being offered the front seat on the chopper ride home (in the Fort Mac bush in Alberta) because it was my 21st birthday and the pilot asking me if I wanted to free fall. Sure, I said. He winked conspiratorially and we immediately went into a tailspin, much to the horror of my unsuspecting friends in the back seat.

But sky diving from a plane seemed to hold too much consequence, so I shied away. And paragliding never really presented itself as an option in my earth-focused outdoor lifestyle of snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, etc. — activities all heavily reliant on the fact that the ground was firmly beneath me.

Until I moved to the Columbia Valley, that is, and met Max Fanderl of FlyingMax.com. A big, tall German guy with a penchant for spending a lot of time in the air, Max, along with his extreme-athlete wife and business partner Penny Powers, helps organize the valley’s annual Lakeside Event paragliding meet. After I reported on the event for the first time, Max offered to take me tandem paragliding. Though I felt my eyes light up, I managed to find excuse after excuse, year after year, as to why I couldn’t go. Flying through the air so high above the ground minus the security of an aircraft around me seemed really far-fetched.

It turns out Max sees this behaviour a lot: initial excitement at the idea then… turtle mode. It took almost four years for that offer to become reality. It was the old adage of “being in the right place at the right time” that finally pushed me into action.

Easter weekend, on my way to guest services at Panorama Mountain Resort, having forgotten my season’s pass at home

and needing a new one reissued, I bumped into a friend, another paraglider, who also needed a lift ticket to get to the take-off zone for the Easter Meet — what’s become the valley’s second most popular paragliding event in which pilots take off from Panorama’s Rollercoaster run and attempt to land in targets at the base of the mountain.

As we chatted in line, Max walked by, recognizing both of us. He and my friend exchanged some paragliding chit chat then Max turned to me and said: “Nicole!

You have your skis, yes? Meet me at the take-off area in 30 minutes!”

Completely taken by surprise, I looked at him and realized this was one of those “now or never” type moments. All the excuses I had been coming up with for years no longer applied. I couldn’t plead being “too busy”, I didn’t already have “other plans” — the only thing between me and flying was a chairlift ride. Swallowing nervously as a pang of anticipation hit me like an electric shock, I nodded and told him I’d be there.

When I skied up to the take-off area about half an hour later, I was warmly greeted by the group of paragliders there, including Penny, whose bright, reassuring smile helped calm the butterflies in my stomach, as did the laughter and jokes the pilots were exchanging. Some were taking a break; others were preparing for their next flight. Max was readying the wing, spreading it out across the snow and untangling all the lines that attach to the harness. Pointing to where I should wait, he shoved a GoPro selfie stick into my hand.

As I waited uneasily for him, I eyed the ski slope below me skeptically. I had no idea what to expect.

Before I knew it, I was securely in a harness with Max standing behind me, telling me to point my skis straight down the mountain. We started to move and quickly picked up speed. Not wanting to screw up by instinctively snowplowing, all my focus was on my skis and keeping them parallel. The next thing I knew, we had lift-off — and I was flying.

The entire experience didn’t last more than 10 minutes (seven minutes and 12 seconds to be exact, according to the GoPro video), but felt timeless and dream-like. I later explained it to friends as the most intense jolt of adrenalin I’d ever felt combined with the most incredible feeling of peace. As we gained elevation and the treetops below began to look like matchsticks, I hollered, “Max, this is unbelievable!” then kept repeating the word unbelievable until I finally declared: “I have nothing to say; I can’t even express how I’m feeling right now.”

Continued on next page . . .

May 6, 2016 . . . ‘Tandem’ from previous page My own incredulousness at the awesomeness of paragliding is perfectly captured in the video, which portrays me holding my hand to my heart and shaking my head, as if trying to ward off that tears-of-joy state (while the other hand is holding the GoPro extension pole). Max’s comment of “so you’re not afraid of heights” brought me back to an acute awareness of exactly where I was — in the sky above Panorama, which looked like a little toy model below me.

I suddenly realized that I wasn’t afraid of being so high up. Sitting in the harness felt so safe and free, unlike the vertigo I felt standing on the top of Mount Nelson a couple years before. Plus my feeling of safety was further buoyed by Max’s expert professionalism, as he calmly explained thermals to me and, of course, took care of all the extreme flying business.

Then, to my surprise, his next instructions were to hand him the GoPro stick and take the controls. Reaching up, I grabbed the handles and began to steer the wing, pulling on the right handle to fly right, then left... the grin on my face grew bigger and bigger. Craning my neck in every direction — directly below, up at the wing, side to side — I tried to take in everything I could from this incredible bird’s eye vantage point that I knew was about to quickly come to an end.

Following Max’s directions, I dropped the handles and took back the GoPro so he could take over control of the wing and start our descent. But first, some whoop-de -dos, he said. “Sure! Let’s do some whoop-de-doos!” I exclaimed, having no idea what a whoop-de-do was. He pulled on the right handle, and we started to spiral downwards, dropping in elevation while picking up speed — suddenly I was on an airborne rollercoaster ride, laughing hysterically.

Once Max steadied the wing and steered us over the landing area, I had one last mission: to drop the weighted plastic bag I had attached to my harness, aiming for the target below — part of participating in the Easter Meet is to drop these “eggs” onto the target. “Now!” commanded Max. Missing completely, I exclaimed in dismay but Max, amidst his laughter, explained he had to set up for landing. Fun times were over; now onto more serious business. As we swung in a circle above the landing area and began our approach, it occured to me I didn’t know what came next. “When do I stand?”

I called out to Max. “Ah, now!” was my answer and, just like that, I was back on the ground, skiing across the snow and quickly coming to a complete stop.

Just like that, my dream-come-true was over. Exhilirated and beaming ear to ear, I called to Penny who was waiting for us across the landing zone: “I’m addicted!” As I helped Max fold up the wing, I had a million questions — cost of gear, time it would take to fly solo, when his next course was scheduled — and mentally calculated that it would be a while before I could do laps of Rollercoaster in the air rather than down on skis. Now that some time has passed and the thrill has receeded in my memory, I still have the video to remind me of what’s possible and where this sport could take me if I find it in myself to aim high enough! To follow Max’s adventures in the skies above the Columbia Valley, follow his “Flyingmax.com Aviation School” page on Facebook. To learn more about paragliding in the valley, visit www.flyingmax.com.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Crazy Soles and cycling club launch Toonie Tuesdays

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Mountain bikers, trail runners or those who just want to get outdoors for a bit of fun and exercise now have a new monthly event to look forward to this summer.

Invermere’s Crazy Soles store is teaming up with the Columbia Valley Cycling Society to hold a Toonie Tuesday running and biking event next week, and is hoping other local businesses jump on board and to help organize similar events on the second Tuesday of each month right through until the fall.

“We’re trying to get people together, to grow the cycling club and to create more of a community (for both biking and trail running),” said Crazy Soles co-owner Beva Kirk.

The first Toonie Tuesday is May 10th along The Johnson trail at Lake Lillian. Participants can choose to either run or bike the short course for one lap, two laps, or as many laps as possible in a hour.

They can also opt to alternate laps of biking and laps of running, if they want.

Mrs. Kirk said the club is looking for other businesses or other people to step forward to host the event in future months — ideally having a different organizer each month.

“It’s super low-key; these are not necessarily timed events. They can be group rides or poker rides. The idea is to have some kind of hour-long event,” she said. “The only thing is that they are meant to be open to both mountain bikers and trail runners. The cycling club is already on board and will help get insurance, and we’ll use their trails.”

The emphasis for the events is on having fun. “We’re keeping it super simple,” said Mrs. Kirk. “And hopefully each event will be followed by a social, whether it’s just a barbecue right there or going out somewhere after the event.”

Mrs. Kirk said set up and take down for each event shouldn’t take more than an hour and a half.

The final Toonie Tuesday event will be held in October at Nipika Mountain Resort.

As the name suggests, the events will cost two dollars to participate in, with the money going to pay for insurance and prizes.

Participants also need to be members of the cycling club, but membership will be available for purchase at the events.

Registration for the first Toonie Tuesday will be from 5:45 to 6:15 p.m. with the event starting at 6:30 p.m. Post-race food for the first event is stll to be announced.

For more information on the schedule, the event or for those interested in organizing or sponsoring a Toonie Tuesday, contact 250-342-2074 or crazysoles@telus.net.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

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no job too big or too small

LAMBERT-KIPP

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

fs

g, decks, roo

tions, framin home renova 250-341-7204 250-342-7517

Michael Meadus paradise.invermere@gmail.com www.myparadisecabins.ca

Will Feissel

Contractor valleyframing@hotmail.ca

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

SERVICES

BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals

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

Call or visit online

• • •

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

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

Bruce Dehart 250.347.9803 or 250.342.5357

FILTER - IT Serving the Columbia Valley

• 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

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.

SERVICES

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

Come in and browse our giftware

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

Lambert

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

Kootenay Cribbing, Ltd. Established 1976

JOHN WOOD DURAFORM SYSTEM

THE FOUNDATION CONTRACTOR OF CHOICE PH: 250-345-2188 • CELL: 250-342-1289 • TOBYWOOD@SHAW.CA

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

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)

• Excavator • Mini-Excavator • Bobcats • Dump Truck • Compaction Equipment • Street Sweeping • Underground Services • Site Prep • Road Building • Land Clearing • Landscaping • Basements (Owner/Operator)

Quality cabinets manufactured locally

Kathy Broadfoot 250-342-6264 335 Third Ave, Invermere, B.C.

Visit us on Facebook and houzz.com

Kitchen cabinet & counter top SpecialiStS

Hourly or Contract Rates Available

Trevor Hayward

Visit our showroom!

Westridge Cabinets Dealer ~ Granite and Quartz Counter Tops Come visit our showroom,

250-342-5800

Patryk Jagiello STAIN/LACQUER/PAINT INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

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

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

patco_dev@shaw.ca

(250) 270-0345 (403) 870-7558

Box 2073 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

David Matheson

Darren Ross

Owner

250-342-5151

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

in Calgary since 2002 in Invermere since 2004

Patco Developments Ltd.

selkirkapplrepair@hotmail.com

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

PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

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

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca WETT Certified

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

Beat the heat.

We offer a full range of window coverings

Tammy Heisler 250-342-6264 335 Third Ave, Invermere, B.C.

Visit us on Facebook and houzz.com

LMEC SIDING LTD.

Lakes & Mountains Exterior Contracting ● Hardie Wood Vinyl Siding ● Custom Wood Work ● New Construction

● Soffits

● Fascia

● Leak Investigation

● Deck Building & Repairing

● Renovations

● New Windows

● Repairs

250.308.6595 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL

lmec@telus.net

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Visit our showroom!

INTERIORS

Selkirk Appliance Repair

Judy: (250) 341-1903

www.valleysolutions.ca valleysolutions@shaw.ca

N E W S PA P E R

SOLUTIONS FOR THE VACATION HOME OWNER SINCE 2006

• House Checking • Complications • Details

#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

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

Caregiver Network Local UFO sightings expands into the valley are documented

Ms. Brooks took over as facilitator last week after spending the last two years usB.C.’s Family Caregiver ing her certificate in gerontolWeek was marked with a new ogy and healthy aging to work development in the valley as with seniors on her own.

Leanne Brooks was named the She said her job is: “to get new facilitator for Invermere people comfortable, spread the caregiver’s support group, a word that the support group branch of the Caregiver Netis out there and to let people work for the East Kootenay know that the toll free numSenior’s Society. ber is out there and that there’s The support group’s misa place to go for help when Leanne Brooks sion is to provide support for you’re feeling hopeless and you family caregivers of elderly don’t know who to talk to.” persons in the area who are either living at The move to a new facilitator comes at a home, in the community or in a facility. The special time for B.C. family caregivers as the Society was originally created in Cranbrook province celebrates B.C. Family Caregiver in 1988 before growing to encompass com- week running from May 3rd to 9th. Across munities throughout the East Kootenay the province, there are approximately one network and became known as the Care- million family caregivers who devote their giver Network for East Kootenay Senior’s time and energy toward helping someone Society in 2009. else live a more comfortable and safe life.

In Invermere, the support group typicalMs. Brooks says it’s important to take ly meets once or twice per month at the In- this week to recognize caregivers for their vermere and District Hospital, allowing care- work and allow them to take time for themgivers to get information on different support selves whether it be getting a haircut or simsystems that exist within the community. For ply going for a walk. those who don’t want to meet one-on-one “This week it’s about taking the focus in person, a toll-free number is available for off of the loved one and putting it back onto caregivers to reach out and get help. you as a caregiver,” she said of avoiding what Ms. Brooks says information like this is she calls “caregiver burnout.” crucial for the time-consuming lifestyle of “The caregiver doesn’t want to get to an informal caregiver. a point where they’re resentful. Something “It’s just different ways to get the sup- needs to happen before that happens beport for their loved one and also find the cause once that happens it can be a long help for themselves so they can still feel like road to get back.” they are a human being and not just a careFor more information, email invermere giver because it definitely takes over your caregivers@gmail.com, call 250-341-5683 life,” she said. or visit http://caregiversupport.weebly.com.

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

Your Local

Curator’s Corner

By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator I am going to bring up last month’s article because of the topic I wrote about — Playground of the Gods —and the timing of the April Fools’ edition. Some people read the article and thought it was part of the gag topics the paper included; I wish to inform you that this article is true and it is definitely one worth reading.

I was surprised when I heard many people were fooled by the story, but there are some strange stories in our valley’s history that have some truth to them.

The article covers eight personal stories from some prominent people in the valley during the 1960s. The editor, John Magor, opens with Mrs. Dino DeHart telling her experience and other tales that were told to her when she was young.

It continues with an account from two sisters, Mrs. Janice Schneider and Mrs. Lorraine Goodwin, who were travelling from Cranbrook and had a UFO repeatedly dive at their car. Another account was described by Jim Statham from Radium Hot Springs

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

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

and concludes with other sightings that happened around Radium.

You may or may not believe in UFOs but this collection of sightings was recorded in the Canadian UFO Report, Volume 2 Number 3 (whole story in Number 11), 1971. Last year, when we first received the article, we posted it on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ WindermereValleyMuseum), and have re-posted it for those who want to read the whole article.

On another note, the museum will be opening for the summer on June 1st. We will be open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so come check out all the buildings and bring friends to share the experience. Our theme this year is “Uses of the Lake”, featuring our newest building, the Ice House.

We will also have displays on the different activities at the lake during the summer and winter months. On Saturday, June 11th, plan to attend our yearly open house at 2 p.m. There will be tea, treats and tours after our guest speaker that day.

Learn more about what’s happening at the museum by visiting www.windermerevalleymuseum.ca.

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

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

Pioneer Classifieds GARAGE SALES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

MULTI FAMILY GARAGE SALE Friday, May 13th to Sunday May 15th. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., 4880 Burns Avenue, Canal Flats. Children’s toys, fitness and recreation equipment, kitchen items and small appliances, furniture and appliances, gardening tools and garage tools.

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. and every Thursday at 1:15 a.m., at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-3428255.

Fairmont-Sidewalk Sale, Fri. May 6th and Sat. May 7th, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. All new items, 30% - 50% off!

Purple Cow Gift Shop.

Gigantic Downsizing multi family, Fri. May 6th, 12 p.m. - 7 p.m., Sat. May 7th, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Ladders, Asst tools, Furniture, beds, new bed sheets, towels, Men’s Golf equip. and clothing, New Solid Maple Kitchen cabinets, wine making supplies, asst. household and appliances, new cabinet hardware, electronics, carpet cleaner, vacuums, bar fridge, tons more. Gift Items for Mothers Day. 474 Lakeview Rd, just off Athlamer Rd, Acreage on the hill named Deere Ridge.

Yard Sale: 1610 10th Ave. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7th.

ANNOUNCEMENTS 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, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere.

Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

Windermere Valley Rural Range Resource Patrol. AGM meeting at Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. Wed. May 18th, 7 p.m.

- 9 p.m.

The Fairmont and District Lions Club is offering post-secondary scholarship(s) for students in East Kootenay district areas F, G, plus Invermere and Radium for the 2016 - 2017 school year. This is a community service based scholarship. For further details and an application form, please see the scholarship information pages on our web-site: www.e.clubhouse. org/sites/fairmont/bc/.

Applications and the information sheet can also be obtained at the DTSS office in Invermere.

CHEERS & JEERS Cheers to Slow Food Columbia Valley for hosting the National Summit: Feeding the Future. It was a spectacular effort by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

The events showcased not only the importance of agriculture in the valley but also our vibrant mountain culture from Brisco to Canal Flats. It was a boon to businesses and citizens alike. Much appreciation for making it happen.

Jeers to S.B. who used Hockey News picks in the Valley Echo Hockey Pool in order to beat me!! Oh well, at least your Night Hawks finished where they belonged.

Jeers: OK...so I understand putting the braille markings down the highway for like the blind drivers but seriously, who erased all the highway lines and markings? Come on people...the road shouldn’t be for just blind people.

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to GigglyBitz for the elusive Cheers to John Mc Robbie, Larry Eagle on the par 5 fourth hole Newman, Brian Hoffos, Deb Ede, at Eagle Ranch. It was quite a Kurt Reichle and Bruce Childs surprising accomplishment for a for sharing your musical gifts so JEERS You made our night! man of your abilities. CHEERS &graciously.

Sponsored by

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

CHEERS & JEERS

STORAGE

Jeers to the people who lick their knife then dip it back into the jam jar. Your digestive enzymes are now at work starting to digest the jam in the jar!! Nobody wants your half digested slop. GROSS

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

Cheers to Steve Kuffler, Georgina Kat, and Krista Horn for being wonderful hosts of the Hospice Butterfly gala at the Radium Resort. You made the night a huge success.

Cheers to Alison, Laura and all the volunteers who made the Slow Foods Festival a success. Cheers to everyone who promotes, supports and buys local products.

Cheers to the generosity of the valley! Thomas has his new dynamic walker! Special cheers to MCFD, Kinsmen Club of Windermere Valley, Cops for Kids, Family Dynamix and the wonderful individuals and businesses who donated through Family Dynamix.

Great big Cheers to United Dance Studio (Meesh Jensen and Melyssa Hecher) and their many talented dancers for choosing GALS (Global Animal Lovers) as the recipient of funds raised at the Dance for Dreams competition in Calgary.

Well done! Congratulations on your performances. Proud to have you as part of our community.

Cheers to Alita at Inspire Floral Boutique for her generous donation to the CGV Volunteer Brunch and the beautiful flowers for our Mother’s Day Tea. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed.

Cheers to Leah Shoemaker for adding fire to our gala night. You were enchanting!

Cheers to the person who found and turned in keys at the Windermere Landfill. There still kind people in the world.

Cheers to Dr, Mike Baker, our local naturopath! He exceeded any expectations I had and is extremely thorough, kind, competent and we are lucky to have such quality alternative health care in our community!

Jeers to lavish hair.

A huge Cheers goes out to Franz, Pat, Scott and George for donating their time to play great music at the Youth Centre fundraiser.

Cheers to the downtown landlords and business owners who have updated their buildings with new paint, signage and general repairs.

Maybe the rest of the businesses will do the same.

Cheers to AG Valley Foods and Rocky River Grill for the $7 coupons and great community spirit. We love spending $ at both of your businesses.

A HUGE Cheers to Wendy at The Rocky Mountain Pet Resort. Merlin (and his mommy) are so grateful for your kindness!

The biggest Cheers to ALL the Staff at Columbia House. All I can say is I am proud to work with you all, and This Too Shall Pass. Our Kitchen/ Housekeeping, Care Aides and LPNS are the best in the province. We are lucky to have such an amazing team in such a small town!

Cheers to all the people who have been treating me to coffee, ice tea etc. It is greatly appreciated when I walk around town. Makes me feel excellent.

Cheers to Steve and the Radium Golf Group for their great and steadfast community support year after year. It is greatly appreciated!

LOST AND FOUND Found: Windsurfer board washed up on east side shoreline. Please call or text 250-341-5038 to identify.

Found: Camera in the Barbours Rock climbing area Please call 250342-1472.

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

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

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.

Beautiful 530/330 sq. ft. room rental within Mountain Om Yoga and Wellness Studio for ANY class, energy work, workshop or retreat! 250-270-0056 or invermerewellness.ca/book-aretreat-in-our-space.

NOTICES

NOTICE OF TEMPORARY BRIDGE CLOSURE The Columbia River Bridge at the 2 km point of Horsethief Forest Service Road (Just below Radium Mill) will be closed for bridge repair.

Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Tuesday April 26th until approximately Monday May 9th.

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

COMMERCIAL SPACE

CONDO FOR RENT

Retail/Shop for sale: Two levels total 2,700 sq. ft. Please call 250-270-0216 or 250-2700405 for more details.

3-bdrm, 1.5 bathroom, w/d, dishwasher, gas fireplace, single car garage. 1 block from downtown.

N/S, N/P, $1,400/mo plus hydro.

Damage deposit and references required. Call 250-342-1557.

Commercial unit for rent access by garage door and passage door.

Location 1361 Industrial Road #4.

250-341-5352.

SUITE FOR RENT 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.

One bedroom apartment for rent including utilities $800/mo. 250341-5352.

HOUSE FOR RENT Windermere 1-bdrm house on large lot. N/P, N/S. $650/mo + hydro. Available immediately. 250342-6770.

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.

Radium 2-bdrm, 2 bathroom, 2nd floor, 1,045 sq. ft. condo for rent in a quiet and well maintained building. Appliances include fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, and in-suite washer and dryer, all like new. Suite also has air conditioning and a large balcony (8’ x 13’) with propane hook up to the building (no tanks required). BBQ is included in furnishings. Secure underground parking with storage cage. N/S, Pets Negotiable, $900/mo includes utilities. Damage Deposit and References Required. See Kijiji (Cranbrook) Ad ID 1159481787 for pictures. Available June 1st. Please call Susan at 250-422-3510 for info or to arrange a viewing.

Please email classified ads to

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

LOT/ACREAGE FOR RENT For Rent large lot for mobile home 250-342-9390

ANIMALS FOR SALE: 10 month old male bulldog puppy. Neutered, micro chipped, crate, bed, toys etc. Asking $750. Owner had surgery and can’t look after puppy properly. Contact Leslie at 778-523-4664.

WANTED Looking for a babysitter for a 20 month old Mon - Fri 8:30-5:30. Call for details 250-270-0298.

MISC. FOR SALE Quality Top Soil and Manure. $160 per dump truck load, $90 per pick-up load. Well-aged cow manure, $100 per pickup load.

Delivery extra. Call 250-342-1268.

FIREWOOD

SERVICES

kimberleyrae.ca …look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!

250-342-5102 Lawn Services: Lawn cleanup and cutting. Eaves trough cleaning.

Affordable good rates. NEW company. 250-342-1586.

HELP WANTED Fuze Food and Smoothies is Hiring F/T, P/T and seasonal, line cooks and pizza cooks. Must have minimum 2 years kitchen experience. Wage dependent on experience. Perks including food and benefits. Please email resume to Sarah at fuzefood@gmail.com.

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Always wanted to work at a golf course? Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is for you. We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals, full-time or part-time to join our Food & Beverage, Golf Shop & Golf Course Maintenance teams. Plus, enjoy free golf all season at our courses. Apply to David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or fax 250-345-6616.

LaCabina is now hiring full time Line Cook and Chef available immediately please drop off resumes in person, email lacabina@telus.net or by phone 250-347-2340.

Peppi’s Pizza is now hiring for the spring/summer season. Hiring for all positions full and part time.

Please email resumes to Laura at p.fuel@yahoo.ca or drop one off to Marty at the restaurant.

The Old Salzburg restaurant is now accepting applications for both front end and kitchen summer position. Please drop off resumes at restaurant or call 250-347-6553 ask for Scott or Ashley.

Experienced Carpenter needed for a busy residential construction/ renovation company. Must be able to work with little to no supervision.

You must have a wide range of skills! From concrete work to interior finishing. Attention to detail, reliability and own transportation is a must. Apply with resume first then call! Send to escuadra@shaw. ca, Call 250-421-7424.

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

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

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.

HOUSE FOR SALE

Acreage property in Invermere Saturday, May 14, 2016 1-3 PM

Support Rockies Hockey firewood.

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

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

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

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.

Offering bookkeeping services.

Lost in paperwork? I can help you with your general bookkeeping and financial transactions. I am trustworthy and well organized.

Good references. Call Sophie at 250-688-8448.

1536 - 10th Street, Invermere, BC This is your ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY to live on 1.52 acres in Invermere close to hospital and schools in an 1818 sq ft immaculate ranch style home. This well maintained home offers a wood burning stove, 4 bdms (1 office), 2 full bths (1 - 5pc, 1 - 4pc), large kitchen with island, walk-in pantry, dining room, living room, laundry room and foyer. For the outdoor enthusiast the back yard boasts a large concrete patio for entertaining, plenty of room for outbuildings to store your many toys and tools and a few mature trees dot the gently rolling landscape. Attached approximately 22 x 23 garage is a huge bonus.

Fairmont Pizza is looking for kitchen help and ice cream staff, F/T and P/T positions available.

Call John or Verne 250-345-6233 or stop by.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fiona Millar, AEP Intuitive Reader

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

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

Cooks and Chefs Wanted!

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for enthusiastic individuals to fill the roles of Line Cooks and Chef de Partie. We offer a competitive salary and benefit package with access to all Resort amenities. Interested applicants please forward their resume with references to Kevin Smith at ksmith@fhsr.com or fax to 250345-6515.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for a Night Waterman for Mountainside Golf Course, starting at $15/hour. Please submit your resume to hr@fhsr.com or fax it to 250-345-6616 if interested.

Radium Subway: Make up to $15 per hour depending on experience.

Drop off resume or call 250-3479988 for details.

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.

Arrowhead Brewing Company

has a F/T and P/T serving position available starting May/June. Must be able to work in a fast paced environment, have Serving It Right, be able to work weekends and above all have an A+ customer service approach. Apply within or send resume to info@abcbrew.ca.

Dragonfly Discovery Centre is looking for an Early Childhood Educator for busy summer season. This position can turn into permanent fulltime. Please send resume to dragonflydiscoverycentre@gmail. com.

Fubuki Sushi is hiring! Now accepting resumes for Full and part-time servers, dishwashers and kitchen help. Apply in person with resume at Fubuki Sushi.

Attention all kids. Are you an aspiring artist? Want to work in the Farmers Market? If so – the Golf Ball Girls need your help! Please sketch and color (on paper) your cool ideas to draw on golf balls, and mail them to 821 Lakeview Meadows Point, Invermere B.C. (don’t forget your name and phone number).

In search of casual Class 4 licensed driver for Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. Employee would be required most Saturdays beginning mid-May until mid-October.

Most shifts will end late into the evening. Please contact Laura Jenkins at ljenkins@fhsr.com or 250.345.6001.

Watershed Stewardship Program Assistant Lake Windermere Ambassadors Invermere, BC. Seasonal Full-time, $15/hr Cover letter and resume to info@ lakeambassadors.ca by May 20th.

See www.lakeambassadors.ca for more info.

GLD LANDSCAPING is hiring for summer employment. Applicants must have a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and be physically fit. Wage depending on experience. Email resumes to jordan@gldltd.com.

COLUMBIA VALLEY CLEANING IS HIRING! CLEANING ASSISTANT 2 amazing positions *Mon. - Thurs./Fri. (ONLY) 30 - 40hr per week. *1 position Starting May 2nd position Starting June. *Competitive wages *Apply if you love cleaning/ physically fit/ willingness to learn! *Extensive training provided!

Visit the Careers Page on our website for more details: www. columbiavalleycleaning.com.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Helna’s Stube is looking for a F/T or P/T evening server. Email resume to mail@helnas.com or call 250347-0047.

E. F. E. lawn maintenance is looking for hard working individuals. Wage depending on experience, must have valid drivers licence. Please contact 250-342-5645.

Myth: Change your ads all the time.

Readers get tired of the same thing.

Reality: Develop a good campaign, or theme for your ads. Stick with that one campaign, and only make small changes on headlines or details.

Call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299 to find out more.

Fairmont Vacation Villas at Mountainside We are now accepting full-time, part-time and student applications for our housekeeping in anticipation of our busy season.

Experience is not necessary but an excellent attitude is. Motivated, energetic and resourceful applicants will be considered for training regardless of experience.

Applicants for all positions must be able to work Friday to Monday as these are our check-in and check-out days.

Wage depends on experience and position. Must have own transportation.

N E W S PA P E R

JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM! Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:

BANQUET COORDINATOR Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for an enthusiastic and friendly individual with high energy and strong interpersonal skills.

Duties include but are not limited to being responsible for the management of all aspects of the Banquet Department functions in accordance with Resort standards; implementing and maintaining a service philosophy which ensures 100% guest satisfaction; perform job functions with attention to detail, speed and accuracy; clear thinking, remaining calm and solving problems using good judgement; understanding guest services needed; working with minimal supervision.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications: • High school graduate or equivalent • Minimum age to serve alcoholic beverage • Food handling certificate • Knowledge of various food service & room set-up styles • Knowledge or organizing service from information on B.E.O.’s • Knowledge of staffing guidelines/requirements for various types of banquet functions • Familiarity with food and beverage cost controls • Familiarity with sales and marketing tools for banquets • Ability to compute basic arithmetic • Ability to prioritize and organize • Ability to work cohesively as part of a team Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary and benefit package with access to all Resort amenities.

Interested candidates can contact Kevin Smith by sending a resumé with references to ksmith@fhsr.com, or faxing resumé to 250.345.6515

WE ARE A YEAR-ROUND EMPLOYER Please contact Debbie Clark Phone: 250-345-6341 ext #22 Fax: 250-345-6299 or email: debbie@mountainsidevillas.com Mountainside Villas 5247 Fairmont Creek Road Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1

JOIN OUR WINNING TEAM! Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is accepting applications for the position of:

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with strong communication skills, the ability to work well with others, knowledge of accounts payable, general accounting procedures, relevant accounting software, proficiency in data entry & management, and 1-3 years of accounts payable or general accounting experience.

Duties & responsibilities include but are not limited to invoices & cheque requests; sorting, coding & matching invoices as well as setting them up for payment; tracking & processing expense reports; preparing& performing cheque runs, e-transfers & payments; reconciling accounts payable transactions; monitoring & analyzing accounts; corresponding with vendors & maintaining files; producing monthly reports & assisting with month-end.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary & benefits package with access to all Resort amenities. Please send your resume to David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or fax to 250.345.6616.

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For all your advertising needs, call Dean or Amanda at 250-341-6299

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

Kicking Horse Coffee one of Canada’s top workplaces

By Steve Hubrecht Pioneer Staff Kicking Horse Coffee has pressed its way to national recognition as a great place to work.

The local company has made headlines for years as Canada’s top organic, fair-trade coffee brand, and last year was named the 15th best mid-sized workplace in country by the Great Place to Work Institute. This year Kicking Horse Coffee climbed higher up that list to 10th place, and was named 16th best workplace in Canada for women.

According to chief executive officer Elana Rosenfeld and employee experience manager Meghan Watson, earning this kind of recognition is all about the people behind the beans.

“It boils down to treating the people who work here right,” said Ms. Watson, adding that the company has specific employees programs, but the most important factor is an employeefirst mindset.

“In terms of priority, we put people first, coffee second and financials third,” added Ms. Rosenfeld.

Ms. Watson said that Kicking Horse Coffee’s employee programs — a generous vacation program, for instance — help the company in the long run.

“We live in a mountain playground,” she said. “If we allow people time off to recharge, they bring their best to the organization.”

Having strong company values also really brings the team together and gives staff a sense of camaraderie, said Ms. Watson.

There are many “Best Place to Work” lists that organizations can apply to be on, and Kick-

ing Horse Coffee chose the Great Place to Work Institute’s because much of an organization’s score is generated by employee feedback. A confidential survey goes to all employees of each company applying to be on the list, and the survey results account for two-thirds of the company’s overall score. The remaining one third comes from an open-ended questionnaire about the company’s employee programs, support for employees and getting employees into the community.

The Great Place to Work Institute considers any workplace with 10 to 1,000 people to be midsize. Kicking Horse Coffee has 90 employees.

“There’s a lot of excitement (about the 10th place award). We’re stoked to move up five places from last year and to be Top 10 in Canada,” said Ms. Watson.

“For us it really is the most important award we’ve received. To have the opportunity to create a great place for people to work is really humbling,” said Ms. Rosenfeld. “To be the number one organic, fair trade coffee brand, and one of the top 10 brands in Canada, would not be possible without the great people we have here, so I have a lot of gratitude to our community. The valley is such a phenomenal place, and it attracts high quality people.”

“Having a great workplace makes my job as employee experience manager fun,” said Ms. Watson, adding that people applying for jobs with Kicking Horse Coffee often cite the company’s workplace culture as one of their reasons for applying.

To see the Great Place to Work Institute’s full list of Canada’s top workplaces, see www. greatplacetowork.ca. For more on Kicking Horse Coffee, visit www.kickinghorsecoffee.com.

. . . ‘Wetlands’ from page 3 “Transport Canada and Wildsight have never done any studies in the last 19 years,” he said. “And they will not enter into a scientific debate. They are over sensationalizing the problem. There are accusations of bad activity on the river, but none of it has ever been substantiated. There are no documented cases of any wrongdoing.”

The regulation will likely not move forward, he said, since Transport Canada received about 1,000 responses on it during the public comment period and, in his estimation, about 80 per cent were against it.

“And if it does go forward, there will be a massive lawsuit. An injunction will be sought,” said Mr. Kupachenko. “This has been a tremendous farce and charade. We’ll fight it forever.”

Edgewater resident and University of Alberta biologist Suzanne Bayley pointed out that although nobody has directly studied the impacts of motor boats in the main channel, she has done a study on the fragility of the natural levees that are part of the river and wetland system between Invermere and Golden, and has spent 40 years studying similar systems around the continent, including in the Mississippi delta and Everglades.

“It is these levees that make the Columbia River system and wetlands what it is; without them, it wouldn’t exist,” said Ms. Bayley, adding that her study,

WORKPLACE WIZARD — Kicking Horse Coffee CEO Elana Rosenfield accepts the award for being ranked number 10 in the 2016 Best Workplaces in Canada list.

Photo submitted

conducted in 2009 and 2010, combined field work and examination of historical records (from the 1940s, 1970s and mid 2000s) to determine how stable 40 of these natural levees are, measuring gaps and breaks in them and looking at how changes in these breaks affect vegetation landforms.

“What we found is a high increase in the number of breaks in the levees from the 1940s to present time,” she said. “What it shows is these levees, which are made of silt, are relatively easy to break. It doesn’t take much.”

Ms. Bayley added the study found the increase in levee breaks was associated with a 40 per cent decrease in riparian zone habitat, and a 15 per cent decrease in marsh vegetation.

More breaks in the levees means more water inflow into the wetland basins behind them during spring runoff, with the water then staying in these basins longer, she said, adding this can kill vegetation.

“This process is natural, but the question is will something humans do aggravate it? I think it will,” she said. “I think it is really risky to allow boats with large wakes to pound on these levees.”

A video posted to YouTube by a Radium Hot Springs resident has been circulating online, showing a Timbersled-style snowbike (a kind of lighter, skinnier snowmobile) and a snowmobile riding across the river channel and onto the river shore south of the Athalmer bridge this spring.

To see the video, visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGTuuO6R57Q.

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

Jones recognized with Road Rescue award Mr. Ekman said of Mr. Jones winning the award. “It’s great for Ed and our department and it shows the training Firefighting can be a grueling that Jason (Roe) has kept up with so job. A normal day spending time it’s been really rewarding.” with family can be turned upside Mr. Jones says it’s been a learndown once the pager goes off, suming experience since his first day moning volunteers to put their lives with the department. For him, it’s on the line to save others from fires the training that’s prepared him the and car accidents, or to find a missmost for stressful situations on and ing person. At times, the work may off the job. even go unrecognized.

“It’s prepared me to be more preLast week, though, Invermere pared during emergency situations,” resident Edward Jones had his work Mr. Jones said. “It’s taught me how recognized when he was awarded to cope with stressful situations, situthe Public Safety Lifeline Volunteer ations where PTSD (Post Traumatic Award for his work in road rescue Stress Disorder) might be an issue.” with Invermere Fire Rescue. Once After bringing his newborn a year, British Columbia recognizes baby daughter Kathleen home from public safety lifeline volunteer workthe hospital on March 14th, he reers with an award to recognize their ceived the call that he had been contributions to emergency and dinominated for the provincial award.

HIGH HONOUR — Above: Invermere resident Edward Jones accepted his Public Safety Lifeline saster response in the province.

“They called me and told me I For Mr. Jones, the award is a Volunteer Award at the B.C. Legislature in Victoria on April 28th (photo submitted). Below: Mr. got nominated and I’m like, ‘Nomilong time in the making. After grow- Jones displays his award in front of an Invermere Fire Rescue truck on May 3rd (photo by Eric Elliott). nated for what?’ I could hear everying up in the small town of Grand thing she was saying but nothing Prairie, Alberta, he moved to Calgary where he was sinking in,” he said. worked in restaurants for a number of years beMr. Jones and his family were invited to fore moving with his wife Holly Jones to the Victoria to accept the award, which was prevalley in 2009. It was then, with more free time sented to him on April 28th at the B.C. Legaway from the bustling city life, that Mr. Jones islature after they had the opportunity to sit in looked into joining his local fire department as on Question Period. a way to give back to the community.

While Mr. Jones says he’s appreciative of “I’ve always been interested in firefighting, the award, it’s the team camaraderie that ultiwhether or not I’d pursue it as a career,” he said. mately led to him earning it.

“Every kid wants to grow up and be a fireman “I don’t even know if it’s fully sunk in yet, or policeman, something like that.” but it’s also about being a part of the team,” he In 2011, Mr. Jones did just that, joining Insaid. “Without those guys behind me, I wouldn’t vermere Fire Rescue as a volunteer dedicated to be anywhere close to where I’m at today.” learning everything there is to know about beFor him, the award is recognition of all that ing a firefighter. Invermere Fire Chief Roger Ekis Invermere Fire Rescue. man says Mr. Jones has been exceptional in his “I’m not just one guy that’s out there, I’m work since joining the force as a regular citizen. just the one guy that got lucky enough to get a “He became very proficient at what we do,” pat on the back for a job well done.”

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff

Golf club’s support for Legacy Trail continues

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Copper Point Golf Club is raising money to donate to the Westside Legacy Trail that is set to begin construction this summer.

The Westside Legacy Trail will run between Invermere and Fairmont Hot Springs, a paved path travelling 25 kilometres.

Copper Point Golf Club has decided to extend its sponsorship program, which assists in funding the project, charging $30 for a green fee with a cart on The Ridge Course for the month of May (between Monday and Thursday after 2 p.m.) and donating $5 from every green fee to the Westside Legacy Trail.

“We live here so we think that it’s going to be a great trail. It’s going to be widely used and after the incident with Cory Sarich (the former Calgary

Flames player who suffered a life-threatening bicycling accident on Windermere Loop Road on July 21st, 2014), I think it’s long overdue that we have a great trail like that,” said general manager Brian Schaal. “This is a community we live in and any time we can support an event that betters the community we want to be part of that.”

The golf club hopes to raise $10,000 in donations after already having fundraised $3,700 to date.

May 6, 2016

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

FAITH

Nature’s reminder

By Matt Moore Associate Pastor, Lake Windermere Alliance Church This week I took a drive up toward Jumbo Mountain for the very first time. I have seen the bumper stickers “Keep Jumbo Wild” in town, and I have seen the “Jumbo Wild” documentary on Netflix. I have also heard time and time again that the landscape is “to die for!” So Monday morning I headed up there with a friend and a Tim Hortons coffee with the desire to see new landscapes and hopefully catching a glimpse of some wildlife.

As we were creeping along the road, I was overwhelmed by the aroma of nature, the symphony of sounds and the overwhelming beauty of my senses all working together to help me experience the majesty of creation. We rounded a corner and we were looking carefully at all the

slides and open areas for anything that might be grazing or warming up with some morning sunshine.

We rounded a corner and I saw the biggest black bear I have ever seen. I thought: “It’s probably just another downed tree don’t get too excited.” As I drew my binoculars up to my eyes and toward the spot where I believed the bear to be, I was happily surprised that it was indeed a big black bear eating his breakfast.

As a Christian, I believe that God created this earth and everything in it and I believe that He created it for our benefit that we would enjoy and steward the earth responsibly. I ventured up to Jumbo in hopes of catching a glimpse of something spectacular, maybe a wild flower, an animal or a breathtaking landscape, and I was overwhelmed by all of those things packed into one glorious morning in the Jumbo Valley.

My encouragement for you this week is to take a few moments to enjoy what has been given to us. The lakes, rivers, endless forests and every kind of wild animal that inhabits the land around us. Cherish each moment, every animal and any landscape that you come across because God has placed each of those things on this earth for you to enjoy in hopes that it may remind you of His love for you.

Groundbreaking news The first new multi-family development project in Invermere in eight years broke ground on Friday, April 29th.

Highland Crossing, located on the hilltop overlooking Dorothy Lake and Lake Windermere at the foot of 7th Avenue, will comprise of seven homes priced from roughly $550,000 and $620,000 respectively. Visit http://highlandcrossing.ca/contact to register for more information. From the left are Larry Kerr (Urban West Projects), Invermere mayor Gerry Taft, Richard Haworth (Haworth Development Consulting) and John Newton (Urban West Projects) with Rosie the Wonder Dog and Cam Haworth in front.

Photo by Breanne Massey

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, May 8th - MOTHER’S DAY, 10:30 a.m.

Worship and Life Instruction, “BIBLE — Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth” … Associate Pastor Matt Moore ministering. K.I.D.S. Church for children age 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service.

7 p.m. “SING and CELEBRATE” ... at L.W.A.C. 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 Ave., 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 To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: #19, 19th Avenue South Cranbrook, B.C. V1C 2L9 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

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

May 6, 2016

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