Vol14issue05

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 14/Issue 5

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The Columbia

Feburary February3,3,2017 2017

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February 3, 2017 Vol. 14/Issue 5

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 February 3, 2017

P IONEER

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

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See page 33 for more.

10

Photo by Rockies volunteer Jason Nason

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

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Rick Lee (top) shows off his catch during the annual Kinsmen Ice Fishing Derby, held on Lake Windermere on Saturday, January 28th. Those out on the lake during the derby managed to land plenty of decent sized fish and the occasional whopper. The same day saw hockey players descend on the lake in droves for the annual B.C. Pond Hockey Championship, including the Old Puckers team (bottom left). For more see page 33.

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February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

Fentanyl crisis reaches the Columbia valley

By Eric Elliott, Pioneer Staff The number of illicit drug deaths in B.C. continues to increase each month with December numbers increasing to the highest ever recorded in a single month in the province, according to the latest statistics from the B.C. Coroners Service.

Provisional data show that a total 142 peopl died as a result of illicit drug use during the month of December, an average of nine every two days. The high numbers from December bring the total deaths in the year of 2016 to 914, an increase of almost 80 per cent from the year prior.

The illicit drug that is getting the most amount of attention in regards to its association with overdoses in the province is fentanyl, which the B.C. Coroners Service did not name specifically in its report due to the

ambiguity of the current data, although it hopes to have a more specific report on fentanyl available sometime in March 2017.

At Invermere council on January 24th, Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck of the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment was on hand to discuss the second and third quarter reports with council. After detailing updates on drinking and driving and personnel related matters, councilor Al Miller questioned Sgt. Vatamaniuck if the local police force is treating the rising number of fentanyl related deaths as a prime concern in the valley.

“Yes we are and I’ve personally gone to these scenes and it’s heartbreaking,” Sgt. Vatamaniuck said. “We’re asking for the community’s patience because a lot of these types of investigations can be elongated and not as overt as you may think. It’s not as easy as pulling someone over and arresting them or someone coming in and giving a rumour that they’ve heard and us kicking a door.

Obviously there’s investigative steps that need to be taken and those steps take time.”

Mayor Gerry Taft expressed additional concern about the fentanyl crisis, questioning whether council or the local Columbia Valley community is able to do anything to help prevent further deaths due to fentanyl usage.

“No matter how seasoned the people that use opiates, people that used to use percocet or oxycotin and now the fentanyl, no matter how seasoned they believe they are, we’re still losing them at an alarming rate,” Sgt. Vatamanicuk responded. “The drugs are so potent that even a couple of grains in the nostril can be fatal and so if someone has a family member in the house that uses, whether they smoke it or crush it, it can pose a real danger to the public in general.”

Continued on page 5. . .

Paramedics seek essential service status

By Eric Elliott, Pioneer Staff In British Columbia, firefighters and police are recognized as an “essential service” but paramedics too are now in the fight to add their title to the list to receive the same recognition.

Your Province Your Paramedics, an advocacy group for the rights of B.C. paramedics, has spearheaded a petition under the province’s initiative process to designate paramedics as essential.

“First of all, you can’t look at it and say that it’s not crazy,” Bram Rossman, a local paramedic, said.

How could BC Ambulance not be an essential service? Paramedics are an essential part of any emergency system and the fact that in B.C. paramedics are not

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an essential service is just nuts.”

Under current provincial legislation, B.C. Ambulance paramedics and dispatchers are combined with hospital employees such as janitors and cooks when dealing with contract negotiations and job conditions.

The proposal will move ambulance services into the same bargaining unit as other emergency services in the province, meaning that ambulance paramedics would surrender their right to strike in exchange for their employers right to lock them out during an impasse in the bargaining process.

Instead, they would be directed to an independent arbitrator who would force binding arbitration between the two sides, which Mr. Rossman said is a more fair deal for both parties.

Continued on page 9. . .

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RCMP Report Submitted by Sgt. Bob Vatamaniuck Columbia Valley RCMP Columbia Valley RCMP responded to approximately 40 calls for service over the past week. Here are just a few of them: • On Tuesday, January 24th, at approximately 1:10 p.m., Columbia Valley RCMP received a complaint that there was a two vehicle accident on the road in Fairmont Hot Springs. Police immediately attended and quickly determined that no one was injured as a result of the collision.

Upon further investigation RCMP saw a grey Toyota Sienna in the ditch and a nearby tractor.

The driver of the tractor reported that he was reversing onto the road when he saw the minivan swerve to miss the tractor and subsequently drive into the ditch and hit a tree across from a residence. The driver and owner of the Toyota was then spoken to. He reported that he was travelling south when he hit the brakes and swerved to miss the tractor which had emerged onto the road.

As a result of the swerve, he said that he ended up in the ditch and could not avoid colliding with a nearby tree; he further claimed that the tractor was across both lanes of the road when he had to swerve and brake. The roads were compact snow, covered with sand, and there were sections of exposed ice underneath the snow. The Toyota was not driveable and was subsequently towed.

No charges were laid because of the road conditions.

• During the very early morning hours of Sunday, January 29th Columbia Valley RCMP was conducting a roadblock in Invermere. During the roadblock RCMP confronted the driver of a Jeep Patriot.

The driver had glassy eyes and his breath smelled of liquor. Furthermore the driver admitted to drinking prior to driving. The driver provided two breath samples into a roadside screening device and both registered a ‘FAIL’ reading. Consequently, the driver lost his licence for 90 days while at the same time his vehicle was impounded for 30 days.

• Later that day, a resident of Radium Hot Springs contacted Columbia Valley RCMP to report that a

house had appeared to have been hit with a paintball. Given the proximity of the house to a small green space the home owner suspected someone may have been trying to hit a deer with the paint. RCMP attended to the scene and noted that only one paintball hit the house while another one ricocheted off a nearby canoe, and a few others hit the ground just shy of a garage. This does not appear to be a targeted incident.

Although a paintball gun is not considered a firearm for its intended purposes, police remind those that use the tool to be sure of your target and what lays beyond your target, since if you cause property damage you could be charged with mischief under the Criminal Code.

• During the month of February the Columbia Valley RCMP will be performing enhanced vehicle checks on snowmobiles and other off road vehicles (ORV).

Therefore, if you are hauling or towing an ORV you are susceptible to be spoken to by a member of the RCMP. We will be ensuring that each of the ORVs have proper ownership and registration documentation. In British Columbia it is incumbent on the owner to register all ORVs or prove a complete transfer of ownership at any ICBC broker. ORV registration with number plate display is mandatory if you operate it on Crown land, including resource roads.

The metal number plate or sticker must be clearly visible on the front, back or left exterior of the vehicle and securely fastened in a horizontal position. You may affix the sticker to any other material rather than being stuck directly to the ORV. The alternate material may then be securely fastened to the ORV. As well, if you operate an ORV on or across highways, you’re required to obtain ICBC’s Basic Insurance.

If you operate an ORV on forest service roads, you’ll need third party liability insurance. This may be obtained from ICBC or other insurers. On all other Crown land, liability insurance is voluntary but recommended.

If the ORV is not properly registered you could face a $230 fine under section 14(a) of the Off-Road Vehicle Act of BC.

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February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

Open house on new brand

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff It’s been six months since the unveiling of the brand they will be used for valley wide tourism marketing going forward, and local businesses are excited to see that brand start to show up in the not-too-distant future.

Members of Cult Collective, the marketing agency contracted to develop the new brand for the valley, were present at Copper Point Resort for the first town hall meeting since the brand “Columbia Valley: it’s time to unwind,” was unveiled in July of 2016.

Tricia Murray, strategist with CULT, said that their first objective after presenting the brand to business leaders in July was to create a viable website where people would be able to go to experience the valley virtually. After several months they unveiled the website focused on tranquility and relaxation found at www. travelcolumbiavalley.com.

Within the website, Ms. Murray said one of the objectives was promoting to people just how much

. . . ‘Fentanyl’ from page 3 He cautions the general public to stay away from the drug completely but recommends those who are using or know someone who is using to purchase NARCAN Nasal Spray which is designed to help bring a person who has overdosed out of a comatose state in order to get them to the hospital before the overdose becomes fatal.

Still, as Mr. Taft reminded council, one of the issues with fentanyl is that it can be found in numerous other drugs unbeknownst to drug users, which is something that can easily prove fatal.

“Fortunately we haven’t run into it here but there are people that I know of with investigations with marijuana that’s laced with fentanyl and marijuana is such a common drug that people don’t really pay attention,” Sgt. Vatamaniuck said. “For the

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there is to do within the Columbia Valley for people.

“One of the things we heard in the research was that they know where the Columbia Valley is or they know where Radium is but they don’t think they need to go back because there just wasn’t enough to do to keep them busy,” she said, noting that each community within the website (Radium Hot Springs, Invermere on the Lake, Panorama, and Fairmont Hot Springs) has a detailed page with a variety of events people can participate in with accompanying visuals.

Within the website, there is a blog space for people to contribute, Ms. Murray said, inviting anyone from the Columbia Valley to submit their stories promoting the valley as one of the greatest places to live.

Among the other updates Ms. Murray presented the audience with, she announced that they decided to “bet” on radio advertising starting on February 13th in Calgary as a potential way to hit the largest group of the audience.

Ms. Murray said they will continue to hold open houses similar to this one as they advance further with the new brand promoting the entire Columbia Valley.

most part fentanyl is odorless so you’re not going to detect it on your bud and people obviously die from it because they’re not prepared for such a hit to the body.”

Regardless of the drug, Sgt. Vatamaniuck reminded council that the RCMP needs the help of the community in order to keep everyone safe and alive in the future.

“We’re always looking for information and if people care about the community and if they care about their neighbours and what’s going on at the school, I invite them to call Crime Stoppers,” he said. “Any police force is always looking for information because we all know knowledge is power so whenever we think we have a good grasp of what’s going on in the community, something doesn’t come up out of the blue and that we didn’t see it coming.”

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

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

PERSPECTIVE Historical Lens

Short Sighted

By Dean Midyette Pioneer Staff

As most of us in the valley know, our population grows considerably during the times that families from Alberta choose to visit. At peak season our population can swell from approximately 8,000 to well over 25,000.

It’s during these busy times that our local businesses rely on our students. While getting a great work experience and earning some money for themselves, they also support businesses by making themselves available for extra shifts during the holidays. Our businesses rely on casual student labour to be fully staffed during the peak holiday times.

As an example, my son holds down a part time job at a local restaurant. During the school year he works one to two shifts per week. During the most recent Christmas break he logged a 32 hour work week. The restaurant was busy and he was extremely happy with his pay cheque.

Our business community is incredibly supportive of our students. In addition to providing an opportunity to earn some money, they provide training and experience which helps our youth grow into responsible adults familiar with the expectations in a workplace.

Many of our businesses invite students with special needs to get much needed work experience. The business community’s support is most evident at the annual graduation ceremonies where tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships and bursaries are awarded to our students to assist them with their post-secondary studies. Support is a two way street and the local school board has made a horrible mistake. While our students will be enjoying their Christmas break from December 16th through January 1st, families in Alberta will be visiting from December 22nd through January 7th.

This will leave local business that rely on the availability of their student employees extremely short handed during one of the busiest weeks of the winter.

Like all elected officials, school boards are entrusted to make decisions that support their community. In this instance they have failed miserably.

Riding along In this image with no date, F. Jones rides inside his horse and carriage on an unknown street in Wilmer. If you have any more information, e-mail us at info@columbiavalleypioneer.com.

Photo (A19) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Remembering a beloved teacher Dear Pioneer readers: My humblest apologies to all of you, but most of all to the spirit of Anne Picton, our beloved English teacher and proofreader. She practised (not practiced) what she taught. The verb form of the word is spelled with an “S”... My mistake. American spell checkers do not notice this distinction. My error was in not proofreading one more time, as she would have done, and the irony of all this is that I was trying in my article last week to honour her memory and her love of the Queen’s English.

Best regards, Anne Jardine

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

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February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

LETTERS

Candidate outlines reasons for running Editor’s note: Earlier in 2016, Liberal Columbia River Revelstoke candidate Doug Clovechok, and NDP nominee candidate Spring Hawes wrote letters to the editor introducing themselves to local constituents.

Fellow NDP nominee candidate, and now NDP candidate, Gerry Taft was extended the same opportunity, but chose to defer his letter until now.

Dear Editor: The question I get asked most often by people in the valley is why do you want to give up being mayor to become the MLA? As most of you will know, I have served on District of Invermere council since 2002; first as a councillor, starting at the age of 20, and then I was elected as mayor in 2008.

We have done some significant things together that I will always look back on with great satisfaction. I am also looking forward to seeing the successful completion of projects such as the new Columbia Valley multi-use facility/centre.

But my time in local government has also been very frustrating. I have watched, time and again, as the BC Liberal government put up unnecessary road blocks and barriers for local government, making it impossible for Invermere and other ru-

ral communities to achieve all that could have been possible.

I want to see a government that is willing to work with and support local communities. I want to see a government that will ensure proper services to rural residents.

I know that I have the experience after 14 years in elected office to speak with knowledge and conviction about what this region needs.

On May 9th the people of Columbia River Revelstoke will be asked to decide who they want to represent them in Victoria. We need a strong voice that will put the people of this region first.

As the mayor of Invermere I have always stood up for my community, even when it would have been far easier to remain quiet. That’s a political record of which I am proud.

On Election Day you’ll be asked to choose between two very different candidates with two very different backgrounds and levels of experience. Voters in this region will be provided with a very clear choice.

I’m asking for your support.

Gerry Taft BC NDP Candidate for Columbia River Revelstoke

Mountain bikers taking over Dear Editor I have many friends who support the Barbour cycling proposal. I really respect their passion, but I do not support the proposal. I have spent some weeks thinking the matter over and contemplating the issues.

As a hiker, I feel there is a conflict between the two sports. The mountain bikers want to get their workout in nature, flying up and down hills, and there’s nothing wrong with this in principle.

The hiker is thrilled with pure nature, with being in it, not flying over it. To say the Barbour trails are multi-use seems ridiculous to me, on two fronts — most hikers are not interested in hiking aimless loops that are more geared for rollercoaster-like ‘hill thrills’ than appreciating nature; and hiking on the proposed trails would be out for me. I don’t like hiking when I know at any moment, cyclists might pile into me from behind. (horses wouldn’t like that either.)

Continued on page 32. . .

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OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! THANK YOU! A simple thank you doesn’t come close to expressing our gratitude to the over 170 people who took time out of their busy schedules to attend our recent public open house to learn more about the proposed Barbour Rock Recreational Trails.

A huge shout out to the Columbia Valley Greenways Trail Alliance, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, Summit Trail Makers Society, Crazy Soles, WSP, and all the passionate volunteers who dedicated a huge amount of personal time in preparing for and participating at the open house.

We had the opportunity to share our passion, and had great conversations with an extremely wide demographic of people. Cyclists, hikers, climbers, trail runners, local government representatives, business owners, professionals, and concerned residents came out with an open mind, great questions, and insightful feedback.

Further thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out comment forms – this written feedback is extremely valuable, as it will be provided to Recreation Sites and Trails BC and used to further refine the proposal to ensure that concerns and best wishes of everyone are fully considered.

Beyond the Barbour Rock Recreational Trails, we feel that much has been learned through the public consultation process. We live in a unique valley, with unique concerns, and as such, a unique approach must be taken in consulting with the public, and stakeholders. As are most residents in the valley, we are deeply passionate about the preservation and proper management of public spaces for future generations. It is our hope the transparency of the open house shows our commitment to respecting and preserving crown land for all user groups, and will become the standard for future trail development proposals not just by the CVCS, but other groups in the valley as well. It is abundantly clear from feedback received that balanced, well-planned proposals which work in concert with multiple user groups are the only way forward in the future. Please check our website for updates on the Barbour Rock Recreational Trails Proposal as it moves through the approval process.

“Dedicated to growing the sport of cycling for the health and wealth of our community, through a sustainable trail network and respect of public and private land.”

columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Village of Radium Hot Springs

Grant in Aid Applications The Village of Radium Hot Springs is welcoming applications for municipal grants in aid to community groups for endeavors, events or programs for the 2017 budget year. Applicants should pick up a guide to assist them in preparing a complete application. The deadline for applications will be February 24th, 2017. Guides may be obtained from the Village office, 4836 Radium Blvd. during office hours.

DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

Request for Quotation Supply and Install Rip Rap Material to Toby Creek Dyke The District is seeking a firm with a strong background in Dyke repair and installations.

The District requires a contractor to deliver, place and shape Rip Rap material for approximately 425 metres along the Toby Creek dyke.

Rip Rap material shall be: Stone (Rip Rap) Class 450 Rock Gradation Percentage smaller than given Rock Mass (kg) 2.5 -15% 25-50% 75-85% Placement and shaping will require a long reach machine.

The Request for Quotation must be presented or delivered to the District of Invermere clearly marked: Request for Quotation: Supply and Install Rip Rap Toby Creek.

Cost should be separated out by: trucking, shaping, placement and material cost.

Completed quotations must be received no later than February 24, 2017 at 2 pm MT. Completed quotes must be received at: District of Invermere PO Box 339, 914 8th Ave. Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 All Inquiries related to this Request for Quotation shall be directed to: Bruce Forsyth, Manager of Public Works District of Invermere Phone: 250-342-3215 e-mail: pwshop@invermere.net

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

Province unveils new specialty license plates

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Tired of the bland license plates featuring a white background with uninspiring blue letters? Lucky for you the province has designed several new specialty license plates featuring some of the proudest landmarks British Columbia has to offer.

Environment Minister Mary Polak and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Todd Stone unveiled the three license plate designs last week in partnership with the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC).

“I encourage everyone to show their British Columbia pride and purchase a B.C. Parks licence plate to do their part to help protect these spectacular natural spaces for future generations,” Ms. Polak said. “All net proceeds go toward preserving and protecting our worldrenowned parks system.”

The legendary Kermode bear is a rare species of black bear, found only in British Columbia between the Burke Channel in the south and roughly up the Nass River in the north, is featured on one of the license plate designs, as are the local Purcell Mountains, and a stunning view from Porteau Cove overlooking Howe Sound making up the other two options for the specialty plates.

“With these new license plates, British Columbians can show just how much we love our world-class parks,”

Ric Careless, chair for B.C. Parks said. “The sales of the plates will add extra dedicated money to the enhanced funding government is investing in our parks. So now, even when stuck in traffic, looking at the parks license plate on the car ahead, you will be reminded of the beautiful natural protected places across B.C. that you can visit and escape to.”

B.C. provincial parks receive more than 23 million visitors each year, managing the third-largest parks system in North America, behind the United States’ National Park Service and Parks Canada. Over the past five years, the province has invested approximately $60 million in park facilities, delivering projects directed at attracting young families, offering new recreation opportunities and increasing attendance.

The new specialty plates are part of the B.C. Parks Future Strategy, aimed at investing $22.9 million to build 1,900 new campsites and will be allocating other future funds for recreation and conservation initiatives which will include hiring more park rangers.

Motorists can show their support through purchasing a new specialty license plate for the cost of $50 for the initial purchase and a $40 annual renewal fee. All net proceeds from the sale and from ongoing renewals of B.C. Parks license plates will then be re-invested back into the provincial parks through the Park Enhancement Fund.

New owners open Base Camp cafe year-round

By James Rose Special to the Pioneer Change is afoot in Canal Flats. As the village’s economic sands relentlessly shift from the resource industry to the tourism industry, people choosing to visit and make Canal Flats home are now finding ways to capitalize on this shift.

Kate McLean and Kelly Kask are two of those people. Just recently, they became the new owners of Base Camp Coffee Shop (the duo also own and operate the Flats RV and Campground). With the café located centrally in town, they saw a great opportunity to take over the business from the previous owner and expand upon the coffee shop’s operations.

With Canal Flats already a mecca for Alberta minor hockey tournaments (weekend tournament bookings throughout the late fall and winter are said to be booked five years in advance), having Base Camp operational year round on weekends instead of only for the summer made perfect sense to the new owners.

“Even though Base Camp was an existing business, the opportunities in Canal Flats are amazing,” said Mr. Kask. “We thought, this coffee shop should be open

twelve months of the year instead of only two months and really focus on catering to the hockey families while they are in Canal Flats.”

By further catering to hockey families, and all customers in general, the duo plan to offer free WiFi service, an adults only lounge room (to be a refuge from hockey parenting), a healthy and progressive food and beverage menu, live music, and much more.

“With the closure of the mill, the timing is right for new economic opportunities,” said Mr. Kask. “There has been considerable investment in the future of Canal Flats and now it is ripe for new entrepreneurs like us to come in and help build a new economic base.”

Base Camp’s atmosphere can best be described as that of a rustic coffee shop. “We serve coffee ranging from high end espresso drinks to good ol’ kick ass cowboy coffee,” said Mr. Kask. “Food options include breakfast sandwiches, homemade baked goods, soups, and chilis and homemade chicken pot pies to name just a few.”

Hours of operation for the winter season are Friday to Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information find Base Camp on social media or visit basecampcoffeeshop.ca.

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

Humanitarian aid blanket update

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff When it comes to international aid and development, it can often be difficult to understand where your money and donations are going.

Behind the leadership of Luana Gillies in cooperation with midwife students from UBC, the help couldn’t be more clear with Gillies collecting hundreds of blankets from around the Columbia Valley for donation before being transported to Vancouver to go with students to Nepal and Uganda to serve the less fortunate.

“People become a bit jaded about international development sometimes because you don’t know where your money is going but in this case we know that people that need them are receiving them,” she said.

Florence Raven and other groups

such as the Happy Hands knitting group at the Columbia Garden Village have donated blankets and infant hats to be picked up by Ms. Gillies to be stored and eventually transported to Vancouver.

With hundreds of items sitting in her garage, the next step for Ms. Gillies is finding people who are traveling to Vancouver who would be able to bring along a garbage bag or two that could be picked up by one of the midwife students once in Vancouver.

She is calling on members of the public to contact her if they are traveling to Vancouver or if they have extra yarn or fabric they are looking to get rid of so that she can make use of it for blankets and hats for the less fortunate to use.

Those looking to help out are encouraged to contact her at lu.gillies@ telus.net.

. . . ‘Paramedics’ from page 3 Mr. Rossman also said that such a deal would avoid a disagreement similar when the paramedics went on strike in 2009 where the job action was ended with back-to-work legislation from the provincial government with the province temporarily declaring them an essential service.

Invermere mayor and Columbia River Revelstoke NDP representative Gerry Taft supports the paramedics initiative saying, “they deserve to be treated consistently with police and fire professionals.”

“Paramedics are an under-appreciated part of our health care system and they have not received the support from the Christy Clark government that they deserve,” Mr. Taft continued. “Rural paramedics receive ridiculously low oncall wages with little prospect of full time employment, resulting in a shortage of paramedics in many communities.”

Doug Clovechok, Liberal candidate for the riding, expressed his thanks to paramedics for their service here in the

region, adding he hopes to work with local paramedics if elected as the riding’s new MLA. “I am pleased B.C. has recently added additional resources to improve our paramedics’ ability to respond to emergencies,” Mr. Clovechok said.

“I look forward to the outcome of the initiative process, and to working with first responders to make sure their service is recognized and the public well looked after. One thing for certain your voices will be heard in Victoria once I am your MLA.” Mr. Rossman said that if anyone is interested in signing the petition, they can get in touch with any of the paramedics from Invermere and they will also be setting up a booth at the Columbia Valley Rockies game on February 18th to collect any remaining signatures.

Under the provincial provisions for the initiative process, the petition has until April 10th to receive signatures from at least 10 per cent of the electorate in each electoral district to trigger either a referendum or legislative action.

OWN A completely managed Vacation Home in a Resort Community

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Half dozen of Columbia Valley golf pros manage to place in B.C. PGA’s top 100

By James Rose Special to the Pioneer The Columbia Valley is home to nine championship calibre golf courses. The valley is a golfer’s delight and is visited by people from all over the world to experience the stunning courses offering mountain views and clean crisp air. And what more could a golfer ask for, one may wonder? But not only does the valley offer an outstanding golf experience, it also is home to top tier talent in the way of golf course professionals.

The PGA of British Columbia Professional Development Program presented by Sunice and Bobby Jones is an annual Order of Merit designed to recognize members of the PGA of B.C. who have shown tremendous contributions to the BCPGA, the industry, and most importantly themselves.

This year, six of the valley’s pros placed in the BC PGA’s Top 100 Professionals of 2016 (out of close to 400 eligible individuals).

Of those six, Copper Point Golf Club claimed four. Brian Schaal placed 4th, Casey Johnson 17th, Scott McClain 22nd, and Bryan Armstrong 44th. Dale Moore of Windermere Valley Golf Course placed 83rd and Fairmont Hot Springs Golf ’s Jeremy Johnson 94th.

Through the course of the year, each demonstrated involvement in every aspect of the development program, including tournaments, education, industry engagement, and volunteerism. Since most of the events and opportunities available to B.C.’s golf pros take place in the Lower Mainland, cracking the top 100 (and top 10

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in Mr. Schaal’s case) is all the more difficult and impressive.

“Having all of [Copper Point’s] pros in the top 100 is important to me because it shows the guys want to be active in their career and continually improve their skills and community involvement,” said Mr. Schaal.

“We aim to operate a facility committed to providing a higher end of service when it comes to outreach, education and professionalism, and with our professionals placing where they did in the top 100, I think it attests to that commitment we make.”

For Fairmont’s Jeremy Johnson, the program is designed in a way that aligns nicely with goals that pros should aim for anyways. “The whole idea is if you are trying to advance yourself professionally then there is a great chance you will crack the top 100,” said Mr. Johnson. “If you don’t think of it that way it is also a good goal for a pro to set by aiming to crack the top 100 or top 50 or you name it for each year.”

“To place where I did this year,” adds Mr. Johnson, “it ultimately came down to my volunteerism. And I am glad that in awarding points to pros, volunteering in the community counts because that is a big part of the job of being a head professional in the sport of golf.”

“As challenging as it can be to attend the events and tournaments necessary for the winning of points, I think it says something about the level of professionalism and passion for the job that we have as many Columbia Valley pros in the top 100 as we do,” said Mr. Schaal.

“If I am not mistaken, it’s even more impressive that each of us improved our placing from last year as well.”

Targeted Initiative for Older Workers Job Skills Training Opportunity

Who is this for?

Participants must meet the following eligibility criteria: • Unemployed • Aged 55 – 64 (in some circumstances, unemployed workers aged 50 – 54 or 65 and up may also participate) • Be legally entitled to work in Canada • Require new or enhanced skills for successful integration into new employment • Live in an eligible community/region • Be ready and committed to returning to work

What will you get?

Participants may be eligible to receive: • • • •

Class-based skill development – including job searching and career planning Funding to access training at local educational institutions/trainers Income support for the duration of in-class training Targeted wage subsidy for on-the-job training

When is it?

• February 14 - May 19th, 2017

ImmerseYourself 250.345.6070 or FairmontHotSprings.com

Contact the Invermere campus today!

250-342-3210 • cotr.bc.ca/Invermere • invermere@cotr.bc.ca

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer 11 Page•11

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS ACCESS CHANGE

PAGE 14

CADETS ON LAKE

PAGE 19

New Year’s Baby Adorable Marshall James Dewey became the Columbia Valley’s New Year’s Baby when he was born in Invermere on January 3rd.

See story on page 12.

Photo submitted

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

Fuse Your Music Mojo at Pynelogs Dandelions & Chipko Jones Live Saturday February 4th – 7 pm Tix at the door · 250.342.4423 Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

New Year’s baby arrives in Invermere

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff On January 3rd, 2017 Amanda Thiesen and Fergus Dewey welcomed a new addition to their family with baby boy Marshall James Dewey.

Ms. Thiesen said it was hard for her and Fergus to come up with a name for their newborn but eventually decided on Marshall as a name that had a nice sound to it. His middle name however was based on his great-grandfather Roger Henry James Roberts who people referred to as “Jimmy.”

At eight pounds exactly (3.6 kilograms), Marshall is the valley’s New Year’s baby the first baby to be born to parents in the Columbia Valley in 2017 and is the second baby boy to join the family. His older brother Ethan, now six-years-old, was born at six pounds six ounces (2.9 kilograms) and has quickly fallen in love with his newest sibling.

“He was a bit nervous when I was pregnant,” Ms. Thiesen said. “He thought that maybe we wouldn’t love him as much and it was really sad. As soon as he met the baby, all he wants to do is stare at him, hold him and make him pictures.”

Being the family’s second child, Ms. Thiesen said it has been somewhat of an easier journey in their first month with a newborn than it was with Ethan years before.

“It’s easier in terms of knowing what I’m doing but it’s just a lot harder to get two kids ready in the morning you know and get out to do the regular things moms need to do,” she said.

Still, there are the everyday struggles that each parent has to deal with when raising a newborn child.

“He’s pretty good, he’s a very happy baby most of the time except he doesn’t sleep

very well,” she said. “He’s starting to get it but he’s not a very good sleeper.”

Celebrating his one-month birthday today, Marshall will have plenty of time to pick up on that.

NEWBORN BABY— Marshall James Dewey, born on January 3rd at an even eight pounds, is the first baby born in Invermere in the new year of 2017.

Photo submitted

C O LU M B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R F E AT U R E

delicious treat your special someone to a

e'’s dinrannter Valentatinin Flowers Restau at moun

LLY FEATURING OUR CHEF’S SPECIA DESIGNED VALENTINE’S MENU including entrees for two!

For Valentine’s Day, we want to hear your story.

“The Most Romantic Expression of Love” Submit a 200 to 300 word story about your partner at their most romantic for a chance to win a $50 dining certificate to one of the valley’s best restaurants. Winning stories will be published in our February 10th Valentine’s Day feature. Please include a daytime phone number which will not be printed.

Contest deadline is Monday February 6th at Noon

Reservations recommended, please call 250.345.6015

Visit FairmontHotSprings.com for menu & details

Email your submission to: ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

February 3, 2017

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.

• 10 a.m.: Valentine Crafts for all ages at the Radium Public Library.

• 10 a.m.: Lego for all ages at the Radium Public Library every Saturday.

• 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.: Drop-in LEGO Club at Invermere Public Library. All ages welcome (under 8 accompanied by an adult please). Weekly building challenges will be awaiting you! Activity is free.

Buying or selling?

Saturday, February 4th • Panorama Mountain Resort hosts the first ever Steep Dreams Ski Mountaineering Festival. Day One kicks off with a Skiduro national circuit race for both recreational and elite athletes. Day Two, February 5th, has athletes participating in either vertical or steepstyle competitions. Visit www.panoramaresort.com.

Wednesday, February 8th • 11:45 a.m.: The Rotary Club of Invermere meets every Wednesday at the Curling Rink.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors’ Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Wednesday.

• 7 p.m.: Card night at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Wednesday.

Thursday, February 9th

Friday, February 3rd • The Summit Youth Centre is holding a Valentine’s Day online auction on Facebook, accepting bids from February 1st until 8 pm on Wednesday February 8th. Bid on items such as an overnight golf package from St. Eugene Golf Resort, a gift certificate from Fusion Wellness Spa, a photo shoot with Terri Giles Photography, and more! Follow the Facebook page to access the auction: www.facebook.com/ summityouthcentre. All bids through private message (PM) will be posted with a fake name to prevent your sweetheart from finding out about their gift. All proceeds go to providing programs and services for the youth of our Valley.

• Windermere Valley Child Care New Playground Fundraiser with Little Caesars pizza! To order your pizza contact a parent of a registered child or call Pat at 250-342-3168 or wvccs@telus.net by February 14th.

Pizza pick-up is Friday February 24th between 6 - 7 p.m. at the daycare.

• 1 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Seniors Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Friday.

• 1 p.m.: Canasta at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Friday.

• 6 p.m.: Bingo at Shuswap Band Hall every Friday.

Doors open at 6 p.m., Bingo starts at 7 p.m.

• 7 - 9 p.m.: Fairmont Ski Hill 34th Annual Starlight Challenge every Friday in February (3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th); a fun recreational racing series. For more info visit www.fairmonthotsprings.com/events.

• 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 Oct. to June.

your unwanted, gently used clothing, accessories and footware by February 5th at Her Public, 901 - 7th Ave in Invermere. All proceeds will support the Killer Rollbots women’s roller derby team; unsold clothing will be donated to the Women’s Resource Centre.

Cell: 250•341•1395 Toll Free: 1•888•258•9911 • 6:30 p.m.: Meat Draw and 50/50 at Branch 71 Legion in Invermere. Every Saturday.

• 7 p.m.: Fuse Your Music Mojo at Pynelogs featuring Dandelions and Chipko Jones Live. Tickets at the door. Call 250-342-4423 for more info.

• 7 - 10 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Fresh Film Nights - newly released films or crowd favorites every Saturday.

Sunday, February 5th • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Community Hall every Sunday.

Monday, February 6th • 10 a.m.: Senior Singalong Group meets every Monday at Garden Village.

• 6:30 p.m.: Duplicate Bridge at Invermere Senior’s Hall, $2. Everyone welcome. Every Monday.

• 7 p.m.: Bingo at the Canal Flats Civic Centre, 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

Tuesday, February 7th • 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Tuesday.

• 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.: Options for Sexual Health is operating a drop in clinic in the Public Health Unit next to the Invermere Hospital the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month. Call 250 342 2360 for more information.

• 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.: The Village of Radium Hot Springs is hosting a Public Open House at the Community Hall. The new Community Hall design can be viewed with the design team and village staff on hand.

• 7:30 p.m.: Killer Rollbots and Arrowhead Brewing Company presents Ladies Clothing Swap at Arrowhead. $10 per grocery bag of clothes (cash only). Drop off

• 1 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Invermere Seniors Hall every Thursday.

• 1:15 p.m.: Play Cribbage at Canal Flats Seniors Hall every Thursday.

• 1:30 p.m.: Carpet Bowling at Radium Hot Springs Community Hall every Thursday.

• 2 p.m.: Seniors tea at the Invermere Library the 2nd and 4th Thursday of every month. Tea and a light snack is provided over friendly conversation. If you would like to attend but do not have transportation, please contact the library at 250-342-6416.

• 4:30 - 6 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre Chef-It-Up. Every Thursday. Learn to make delicious food on a budget. Call 250-342-3033 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

• 5 - 6 p.m.: Wine tasting in the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lobby every Thursday. Enjoy four B.C. wines with the in-house Sommelier. Everyone welcome. $15 per person or $25 for two.

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

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

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

• Story Time: Thurs. 10:30 a.m. Sat. 11 a.m.

• Closed Sat. Feb 11th; reopens Weds. Feb 15th.

Radium Hot Springs Library Hours • Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m.

• Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.

• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Windermere Valley Museum Hours • Tuesday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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

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

• Friday and Saturday: 12 - 4 p.m

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Access to Radium Hot Springs pools altered

By Eric Elliott Pioneer Staff Parks Canada has closed the access to its parking lot on the south side of Highway 93 to access the hot springs pools due to a recent engineering survey that revealed structural damage to the existing pedestrian access ramp.

“The engineer said that that’s in way worse condition than we believed it was and we recommend that you close it immediately,” Julian England chief operating officer for the Canadian Rockies Hot Springs. “It’s at risk of catastrophic failure. They said if there were a large load on it, it is in danger of failing with that load on it.”

Mr. England said that the engineers did not report how close the ramp was to failure if access were to continue to be permitted using it, but noted that it was an immediate concern.

For people looking to continue accessing the pools, they are able to do so through using the parking lot located on the north side of Highway 93. However, at this time there is only stair access to the pools themselves.

“If someone is trying to access the pools with a wheelchair or stroller or is unable

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to use the stairs, unfortunately we do not have a good solution for them at this time,” he said.

Fortunately Parks Canada received a mitigation strategy from the engineers working on the area and are currently in discussion with them to determine possible ways for completing construction on the existing problems.

“Obviously it’s my desire to get it open as quickly as possible but we have the challenges of, we are currently in winter and it makes construction challenging,” Mr. England said.

England mentioned that this will be one of many improvements made to the area as visitors may have noticed several areas blocked off from public access currently. For example he cited the Café Restaurant, which is expected to reopen later this year, along with a refurbishment of the roof deck that has been leaking into the building throughout the past few months.

Mr. England wanted to remind people that the hot pools will continue to be open throughout the construction phase but had no definitive timeline for when the south ramp and parking lot would be reopened again due to the restrictions on construction working in the cold weather.

“As soon as we have a plan we’ll communicate that through Parks Canada website, social media channels and the Radium Chamber of Commerce,” he said.

Mountain Hospitality Program

Job Skills Training Opportunity Who is this for?

• The unemployed • Seasonal workers • Those not attached to Employment Insurance

What will you get?

5 weeks of training including industry certifications in: • WHMIS • First Aid

ENJOY A 3-COURSE FEATURE MENU

for 2 people for only $50!

Call 250.341.4002 or e-mail elementsgrill@copperpointresort.com

760 COOPER ROAD, INVERMERE, BC | 250-341-4002 ELEMENTSGRILL@COPPERPOINTRESORT.COM

• Food Safe • Serving it Right • World Host Training and Customer Services Certificates • Computer Skills • Job Search Skills • Industry Skills • Intro to Front and Back Operations, and Leadership Fundamentals • One Week Work Placement

When is it?

• Mar 6 to Apr 14, 2017 • Work Placement Apr 10 to Apr 14, 2017

Photo Credited to Great Canadian Heli-Skiing

Contact the Invermere campus today!

250-342-3210 • www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere • invermere@cotr.bc.ca

February 3, 2017

Women in Business The Pioneer celebrates the Columbia Valley’s many successful female entrepreneurs (such as Della Gordon, pictured here), employers and employees in the annual Women in Business feature. From finance to esthetics, gift items to upholstery, landscaping to daycare, and much more besides, these women have all your business needs covered.

Photo by Amanda Nason

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Holly Jones

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

Jackie Lysak

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

holly.jones@manulifesecurities.ca

250-342-2112

Kim Stange, Owner

Villa Skein Fibre Arts Studio & Supplies

www.homemadeperfect.com

Traditional Thai Massage and Yoga Kimberly Olson

After several visits to the Columbia Valley in the 1990s, Kim and her husband decided to make the big move here. They’ve now been living in Fairmont for 24 years and haven’t looked back. Villa Skein sells yarns from around the world, as well as products for sewing, embroidery, cross stitching and quilting. Art supplies have been available since September of 2016, and they stock a wide variety of products for beginners to professionals. The company’s resident artist currently works in the store on Thursdays, and will help with any technical questions you may have with all art supplies (she’s also a pro knitter!) Villa Skein is proud to showcase locally, handcrafted art pieces (of varying mediums) that are completely one-of-a-kind. Come and experience our atmosphere and tap into your creative side! Located across from No Frills and beside Bavin Glass Studio. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

villaskein@gmail.com

604-200-2346

250-688-4219

Kimberly has a passionate heart for helping others. She uses the Ancient Healing Art of Traditional Thai Massage to facilitate balance and healing in the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies of her clients. Some of her techniques include gentle supported stretching, range of motion and acupressure alongside with neuromuscular release points, traction, percussion and options for deep channel work.

Kim’s clients report feeling lighter and more open with less pain — all of which are essential for a balanced body and Spirit.

Email: mettainmotion@gmail.com

kimberlyolson.ca

250-688-1051

Sue Miller

Cindy MacKay, Work Supervisor

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

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

Cindy joined the staff at Kootenay Insurance Services in July 2015, bringing with her more than 14 years of experience in the insurance industry. She is more than happy to help identify the policy that will best suit your particular insurance need and tailor it to your budget. Home, condo, secondary home, auto, travel and more — stop in for a no-obligation quote or request it through our website at www. kootenayinsurance.ca. Depending on the product, Kootenay Insurance Services’ competitive packages can be conveniently financed with an affordable pre-authorized monthly payment plan.The Invermere branch is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call 250-342-2175.

lacabina@telus.net

www.kootenayinsurance.ca

Owner, La Cabina Ristorante

250-347-2340

Kootenay Insurance Services

250-342-2175

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

Sue Coy, Co-owner

Decoy Landscaping & Contracting For over 15 years Sue has been landscaping in the valley focusing on “Quality over Quantity” paying attention to detail from start to finish throughout the whole project. “Homeowners are limited only by their imagination and mine when it comes to a new landscape or redesigning an existing one,” she says.

Today with us becoming more aware of water conservation and green space low maintenance with drip irrigation is becoming more popular. Together with the client and my ideas we create a landscape that will compliment their property and value, creating unique layering throughout a plan while blending colour, texture and contrast using a variety of grasses, shrubs, junipers, trees and of course rock.

“I am a rockhound and I love my passion for plants and rock, so everyday landscaping is very rewarding,” says Sue. 2016

decoylandscaping.com

250-341-5353

Jayne Magri, Owner

Linda Pattison Manual Therapist

Linda has been an Alberta Registered Massage Therapist for over 16 years and has continually added to her repertoire of healing modalities. Along with having a sympathetic ear to the aches and pains of others, Linda works with Functional and Direct (Manual) Reflexology. She is currently studying Healing Touch. While taking the best of all healing modalities and creating a wonderful healing experience, Linda is always happy to share her vast knowledge on the benefits and application of essential oils. As a Certified Aroma Touch Technique practitioner, Linda uses only certified pure therapeutic grade (CPTG) essential oils. While her permanent home is in Invermere, Linda spends her winters somewhere warm and will be taking appointments starting the end of March.

Call to book your appointment.

lmpattison@yahoo.ca

1-800-381-1749

Dragonfly Discovery Centre

It’s a Wrap! Specialty Gifts & Baskets

Charlotte Streicek - Founder, Manager, ECE

As a business owner and Health Care Assistant, Jayne enjoys the balance between both passions. Working from her home studio, she creates unique gift baskets designed to suit personal tastes and every budget. Hand-picked items from local and Canadian companies provide a wide array of luxury items, along with gourmet, sweet and savory products. From babies, birthdays, weddings, holidays and thank yous, each basket is designed to leave a lasting impression. Handmade baskets are also available at Pip’s Country Store, Radium & Fairmont Mountainside Markets and Valley Foods. Jayne delivers locally as well as cross-country and her personal touch provides a photo so you know exactly what you’ve sent. Jayne is always happy to ‘wrap up’ your personal or corporate gifting needs.

This January the Licensed Early Learning and Multi-age Childcare Facility celebrates 4 years of operation!

Dragonfly Discovery Centre offers children the opportunity to care for plants and animals, develop fine and large motor skills, think ‘out of the box’ with problem solving strategies, explore and creatively express many art forms, acquire ecological connection and awareness, and develop a foundation in literacy and numerology.

Dragonfly accepts children ages 1 to 11 years old both local and out of town visitors, for dropin hourly spots and on-going enrollment. To learn more go to www.dragonflydiscoverycentre.com.

www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

www.dragonflydiscoverycentre.com

250-342-3160

250-270-0058

Brenda Mitchell, Owner Foot Care Specialist

First Impressions

Pizzeria Mercato

Are you in need of professional foot care? Brenda specializes in providing foot care to seniors and those unable to care for their feet.

Manicure and pedicure services are available to clients of all ages at reasonable rates. Call 250-342-1678 to make an appointment today.

Cast in stone, create lasting memories of your children’s hands and feet with a First Impressions Casting. Brenda creates 3 dimensional artwork, mounted in a shadow box, preserving memories for years to come. Pet paws may be cast as well.

Visit www.firstimpressionscasting.com for more information.

Our new pizzeria opened last June at the Canadian Tire site, next to the new Invermere Liquor Store. We provide ‘eat in’ and ‘take out’ at our new licensed pizzeria.

Catering services are available for meetings, groups, teams and weddings and may be delivered from Radium to Fairmont as well as Invermere and Panorama. Large orders are our specialty! Open daily at 11:30 am.

www.firstimpressionscasting.com, 250-342-1678

View our menu at pizzeriamercato.com, 250-688-3344

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Jolaine Undershute

Alita Bentley Owner, Inspire Floral Boutique Ltd.

Owner/Head Coach, Endeavor Fitness

Alita Bentley at Inspire Floral Boutique is in her 11th year in business in Invermere. She and her husband grew up in Saskatchewan and relocated to the valley in August 2003 - realizing as they drove down into Invermere that they were “home”.

Alita owned Be Gifted for 10 years, and in 2016 purchased Canterbury Flowers, combing them to create a new store with a floral and gift boutique concept. Three certified floral designers work out of Inspire Floral with 65+ years of combined floral design experience on the team. They do all types of floral design (birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, celebrations of life) and the store also offers fantastic boutique gifts with products ranging from the Barefoot Venus Bath and Beauty line, to home and garden accents, Kameleon Jewellery and an ever changing variety of interesting gift concepts. Alita loves working with and serving the community of the Columbia Valley.

Jolaine is an elite level Crossfit and professional athlete. More than that though, she is the owner of Endeavor Fitness located in Invermere offering CrossFit instructional classes catered to meet the needs of both beginners and experts.

In class students will get the chance to work on all aspects of their fitness including strength and conditioning that will keep your time in the gym fresh and exciting but help you in all walks of life with each exercise functional fitness. The best part about it is you don’t need any athletic background to get started— the workouts are geared by Jolaine towards whoever walks through the door. If you want the benefits of knowledgeable, experienced personal trainers, combined with a motivating and encouraging environment, call now or email endeavorfitness@live.com.

250-342-0383

Julie Saunders, Owner Mom’s Upholstery

Julie Saunders has been operating Mom’s Upholstery since 1986, and serves the Columbia Valley from Golden to Creston.

Located at 455 Borden St. in Athalmer, across the street from RonA, Mom’s Upholstery is a onestop shop for all your commercial, marine, automotive and household upholstery needs. no job is too big or small, as they also repair or build motorcycle, ATV and Ski Doo seats.

If you want the job done right and on time, visit Julie and her team of dedicated employees.

Mom’s Upholstery is excited to continue to serve the valley’s needs with creative solutions for all tastes and budgets.

momsup12@gmail.com

250-342-0355

Mary Arbique Vogel, MSW, RSW Heart Center Integrated Wellness

Mary is trained as a healing practitioner and Social Worker. Though not new to the Columbia Valley she and her husband now live here full-time. As someone who deeply cares about the transitions people are making in their lives, she is humbled and honoured to be supporting each person on their path. In a non-judgemental way, through validating the human experience, she offers heart-felt hope. The seed of assisting others is to nurture a trusting relationship; when the seed is nurtured, possibilities bloom. The seed needs to be given the space to grow and once the mind gets out of the way, there’s room for the heart. The heart; where truly all the answers lay. Mary is a registered Social Worker with the BCCSW and ACSW with over 30 years’ experience, offering Life Mission coach-

www.heartcenterintegratedwellness.com

www.crossfitinvermere.com

250-688-0783

Della’s Esthetics

Della Gordon is your go-to girl for all your beauty needs. From brows to Brazilians, enjoy the beautiful and relaxing atmosphere at Della’s Esthetics.

Kick back and with a pedicure, while soaking in the Columbia Valley’s glorious mountain views. Della has advanced training with sixteen years experience in pedicures, and many other professional esthetic services, and does permanent hair removal (electrolysis). She excels in detail and also offers local clientele the best loyalty specials.

www.dellasesthetics.com

250-688-0045

ing, practices from The Way of The Heart™, and Social Work counselling.

She offers a 20 minute complimentary session so you can choose the modality that best meets your needs, as well as flexible hours; and phone or in-person sessions. “Have you longed for deeper meaning and a life that is more fulfilling; wanted to reclaim your shadow self and digest, metabolize and release the old stories, paradigms or tapes; wanted to discover better connections in relationship to self and others; longed for greater self-acceptance and self-trust; struggled with where your life is going and who you’re becoming.” She says. “People who get the most out of working with me are those that have the courage to take a peek behind the curtain, are curious about their own potential, and are longing to move through their limiting beliefs and experiences.”

For more information and to take the complimentary pre-awakening questionnaire please visit her website.

Suite #1 – 755 – 13 St. (inside Azure) Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Ph: 403-254-6095 mary@heartcenterintegratedwellness.com

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

PIONEER ON THE ROAD Enjoying the beach Travel World, our local travel agency in Invermere, has once again generously donated a night at a Calgary hotel and two tickets to a Calgary Flames game to the winner of our annual Pioneer Travel Photo Contest.

Simply take a copy of The Pioneer with you when you are away on holidays, snap a photo with it, send it in and have it published in The Pioneer. At the end of the year, we will draw the winning name.

Submit your photos online at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com, email them to info@ columbiavalleypioneer.com, or drop by our office, #8, 1008-8th Ave. Invermere. These are the last of the 2016 entries — the winner will be announced soon.

Pictured clockwise Fern Ogelstone and pals in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico; Ken Banting, Kenny Banting, Johnny Blakley, Linda Blakley, and John Blakley in Murphy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

Photos submitted

Cadets get out snowshoeing on the lake Submitted by the Invermere and Golden Army Cadets Corps A few weeks ago 26 cadets and officers from 2756 Invermere and 3066 Golden Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps took part in their annual Christmas Dinner, just before winter break. Royal Canadian Legion Branch #71 (Invermere) hosted the cadet corps with a delicious non-traditional lasagna dinner. Cadets and officers really enjoyed the Legion’s hospitality, and good food and would like to thank them for everything they do.

After sleeping overnight at parade head quarters, 16 cadets and available staff geared up and headed down to Kinsmen Beach, Invermere, for a day of snowshoeing around the lake. This mini-expedition exercise began with instruction in basic snowshoeing, cold weather preparation and survival, winter hydration, safety briefings and clear communication exercises. Together, the cadets worked on a plan for the best route to the lakeshore and back, built a fire, and set up the snack area. Taking turns, they soon realized that pulling a sled full of equipment around the lake isn’t as easy as they first thought it would be, but they never gave up.

Snowshoeing is just one of the many things that Army Cadets have opportunities to participate in. Within the Core training program, cadets attend weekly practical and theoretic lessons in various subjects such as leadership, first aid, drill, biathlon, and marksmanship. Weekend “field training exercises” allow cadets to reinforce their skills and knowledge in an outdoor setting, while also developing teamwork and comradeship. Fires, map and compass, and shelter building are just a few weekend skills cadets would practice.

Fitness and active living is a large component of the Cadet training program and at the end of January, 13 cadet corps and squadrons from the Kootenay Region will be participating in “East Meets West” Fitness Weekend, including 2756 and 3066 Corps. A total of 200 cadets, between the ages of 12 and 18, will be gathering at Selkirk College in Castlegar for a weekend of team building and fitness.

Activities include core fitness testing, orienteering, climbing wall, swimming, intramural sports, exercise room and more. Senior cadets will be leading their team through all of the stations, working on team work and time management. During multi-unit exercises, cadets develop friendships and self confidence.

Linda Warner – Warner Creations Handmade with your comfort in mind.

Sewing has been a passion of Linda’s since her first home economics class many years ago. She enjoys creating new pieces that make your life a little bit more comfortable not to mention add a little flair and fun! She has two products that she has created — golf cart seat covers and faux fur infinity scarves These golf cart seat covers fit any golf cart, and are washable and reversible. They roll up and fit in your golf bag to take anywhere. The quilted, cotton-blend fabric is designed to protect your seat and back of your legs from the chill or the heat of vinyl golf cart seats. These make great gifts; you can add your company logo or embroider names and dates to celebrate a special occasion. As a bonus

lwarner2929@gmail.com

they also fit a side-by-side ATV. Linda’s faux fur infinity scarf is handmade in two sizes — single or double infinity loop, and in assorted furs and colours. These cozy, warm and soft fashion scarves are made out of faux fur that is washable with like fabrics. They look great with a jacket or coat but can dress up a sweater or an outfit with one flip.

Linda enjoys making custom orders for people looking for special colours, unique gifts or promotional items.

Her products, which are carried in town at Inspire Floral Boutique, make great gifts for birthdays/anniversaries for the avid golfer or ATVer. For special orders, you can contact Linda by email: lwarner2929@gmail.com or text 780-995-1107.

780-995-1107

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

THANK YOU COLUMBIA VALLEY! For your wonderful support and gracious hospitality.

From the cast and crew of the feature film, “THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US”

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Temporary farewall from Valley Skies columnist

By Brian Fenerty Pioneer Columnist Our Valleys Skies has mostly focussed on night time stars and planets but our daytime skies also can have surprising, delightful elements too.

A lovely lady down by Windermere Lake drew my attention to a sundog she had photographed but I had missed seeing. Upon further looking we saw a rarer second sundog twice as far (about 45°) from the sun. But there was more!

High overhead was part of a reverse arc as well, indeed rare but possible. I hope skaters and skiers on the lake’s famous long Whiteway looked up and saw all this.

M

etaphysical usings

By Tammy Stehr Pioneer Columnist

On our journey to happiness there may be desirable looking off-ramps. They may look good at first, but after close examination we find them out for what they truly are; simple diversions from our true path. The blame game is such a diversion or off-ramp. At times we may feel helpless or like we have no control over things, and that is when those off-ramps begin to look pretty darn appealing. We can so quickly and easily use an excuse or blame someone or something for our inability to complete a task. Only trouble is, we give away our power. We create our reality, and by blaming someone

Certain smooth ice crystals usually in high, very thin cirrus clouds bend or refract the sun’s light towards our eye to create these effects. Different orientations of the crystals as they drift and descend cause the various arcs, or more often just portions of arcs, such as the most common sundogs, as the diagram shows.

At sunset a vertical band above the sun at a low horizon is sometimes seen. This is a reflection versus bending of light, and called a sun pillar.

A bright moon’s light can also be refracted by certain ice crystals high above. Halos 45° and 22° from the moon are seen, but any other effects are very faint and I have not seen them. However a lovely moon pillar once showed up and got turned into a painting.

I need to take a break for personal reasons from column writing for now, sorry. My thanks to the good staff at the newspaper, to long-helpful editor Nicole, to readers telling me their stories, and a friend who has specifically

inspired several recent columns. I will still see everyone’s eMails and keep your ideas for possible future columns.

Meanwhile keeping our eyes open daytime (e.g. sundogs) as well as night (Venus and faint Mars SW, Saturn rising late SE) is a habit with delightful surprises and rewards.

Brian Fenerty is a member of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada. Contact him at fenertyb@telus.net.

Playing the blame game or something else we feel a false sense of relief of responsibility. In essence, we place ourselves as victims of circumstance, caught in the energy that makes more of itself to sustain its existence.

The responsibility is ours to do that thing that we said we would do. However, we may feel inadequate for the job, or perhaps we feel that someone else should do it. In either case, by blaming, it seems to absolve us of the responsibility but, is that what it really does? It might be harming us. What does it sound like to the person receiving the excuse? It may sound like we did not want to do it or, were not capable of doing it. It may even sound like a lame excuse for not doing it. We have to remember that people are aware of energy, even if they cannot articulate it. They may have what is referred to as a gut feeling. They pick up the energy behind what motivates us to blame or make excuses. In other words, most people know or have a feeling that they are being duped. We know when we have not been honest with

others as well as ourselves, even if we don’t want to admit it. No one is fooled here more than ourselves. We trick ourselves by talking ourselves into the fact that the excuse or blame of another will help us. Often though, it just creates bad feelings towards us and the next time the excuse or blame might not be tolerated or accepted.

Even if it is accepted, it will not be believed and eventually may break the trust between the two parties. Trust is hard to rebuild after it has been broken. Bad feelings are damaging for all parties, and these feelings linger more than we realize. People may share this experience with others, proliferating the deed. Likely, the best practice is integrity, honesty and following through with what we said we would do.

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

Contact her at tammystehr@gmail.com.

Artwork to support the multi-use centre All about our

Ron and Rosemary Clarke found a creative way to show their support for the Columbia Valley Centre. They donated a painting that has been sold to benefit the centre. The Barter has been part of their collection for 25 years.

The painting, an oil on canvas — 24 inches by 36 inches (60 centimetres by 90 centimetres) — is by American artist Jack King (1920-1998). King’s first career was engineering but he became a full time artist in 1974. He traveled extensively throughout the Western U.S., Alberta, and British Columbia painting the scenic beauty, wildlife and ranching environments.

Many of his canvases also capture native and pioneer life on the plains during the late 1800s. The Barter falls into this category. Jack King’s paintings were accepted into the

CENTRE

annual Calgary Stampede Art Auction, a jury selection auction, for many years, often winning the Best of Show award.

Jack King did not typically give his works a title, but Mr. Clarke felt The Barter described the scene in the painting. The Barter was purchased from the Fundraising Committee for the Centre for $9,000 by an Alberta rancher who is an avid collector of fine art and is excited to add another Jack King to his collection.

When asked why he decided to donate this beautiful painting, Ron Clarke replied, “the new centre is a good cause, and at my age it is perhaps time to let other people enjoy some of our art collection.” Mr. Clarke says he is not finished donating. He’s now considering the other available donation options described on the Columbia Valley Centre website.

Thank you Ron and Rosemary for your enthusiastic support of our Columbia Valley Centre! For more information or to make a donation, visit www.columbiavalleycentre.ca.

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Panorama A-frame roofer came to valley via daring escape from former Yugoslavia

By James Rose Special to the Pioneer This past holiday season, Panorama Mountain Resort was noticeably busy. Granted, the holidays are usually the resort’s busiest time of the year, but this year the number of people skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, eating, drinking, enjoying family time, all seemed more than typical. Rumors flew that the skier visitation numbers broke all-time resort records (the previous record being set some ten years ago). Panorama’s management declined to confirm or deny the achievement, but after spending considerable time at the resort over December’s last two weeks, to me, the rumblings sure seemed plausible.

All told, it would be difficult to deny the wind in Panorama’s sails. An upward trend in popularity, visitation, international exposure, newly added skiable terrain, housing developments and the tailwinds from macroeconomic forces such as a low Canadian dollar. Each has helped Panorama stand out amongst its peers. And who can forget the award Panorama recently won, being named North America’s Resort of the Year.

The ski business is a competitive one. Each mountain, hill, resort, or area a skier can choose to visit has its advantages and disadvantages. For Panorama to make the recent mark that it has says something about the strategy, hard work, and determination of the current employees, management and ownership group.

What is easy to lose sight of however, in the midst of all the busy crowds, is the work done by a previous generation of employees, managers and owners that enabled Panorama’s current achievements to be pos-

sible. So true is the old saying that with any worthwhile achievement is made possible by standing on the shoulders of giants.

And yes, many of those shoulders did belong to figurative giants, people such as Guy Messerli, the person often regarded as the godfather of Panorama.

But those shoulders also belonged to people that made their mark on Panorama in smaller, yet more subtle ways. People such as Frank Puskeric. You would not be remiss to not know who Frank is, or that he helped roof Panorama’s original A-Frame day lodge (that has long since been torn down and replaced with the current more expansive version).

It would be a mistake to neglect the role people like Frank played in shaping today’s version of Panorama Mountain Resort. In many ways, the resort is a byproduct of the Columbia Valley region and the colourful cast of characters that have called it home for the last 70-odd years.

Before making his way to Canada, Frank was born and raised in Croatia (then a part of Yugoslavia). At the time, living conditions during and after the Second World War were nothing short of dire.

For the better part of the 20th century, Croatia operated under oppressive communist rule. Opportunities were few and far between. Not until the mid-1990s did Croatia gain independence, as Yugoslavia violently disintegrated (eventually becoming seven separate states).

When Frank was growing up in a small town south of Zagreb, a favourite pastime for kids was to run through the woods looking for freshly fallen apples from one of the many nearby apple trees. Horrifyingly, the kids would sometimes stumble across

strange objects hanging from the trees up above —village seniors hung by the neck, dead. The body simply left there to hang and decompose. At the time, this was a brutal practice the Serbians (the largest ethnic group in the former Yugoslavia) engaged in to flex their dictatorial muscle and display to Croatians what could become of them if, god-forbid, they step out of party line.

In the years before Frank turned 20, he served in the Yugoslavian military. He had no choice. Active duty was compulsory of virtually all Croatia’s young men. One of his many duties while serving was patrolling the Austrian-Yugoslavian border. Yet despite the drudgery that came with military life, that one duty turned out to be a blessing in disguise for young Frank.

Patrolling the border gave him a unique set of knowledge that would play a crucial role for him to find a better life: knowing where and how and when to escape Yugoslavia into the Austrian frontier. Doing so was tremendously risky, the stakes were high. If he were to cross and get caught while serving in the military, he would be sent to jail for years.

If he (or anyone for that matter) were to cross as a civilian and be caught, that typically would result in execution.

After finishing his compulsory two years in the military, Frank found odd jobs in Zagreb. One of those jobs was working as a steel worker. It was a relatively good job and he got it thanks to an older cousin.

But still, he was not satisfied. Upward mobility and many of the freedoms we Canadians tend to take for granted were not available in communist Yugoslavia.

Continued next page. . .

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

FANTASIC A-FRAME — Work crews composed partly of striking loggers, including Frank Puskeric, helped build the A-frame lodge at Panorama Mountain resort in the fall of 1968 (above, upper right and bottom right), under the leadership of Guy Messerli (shown bottom right). The lodge was quickly put in use (shown on opposite page at the bottom of the slope during a 1969 race), and proved a popular gathering place.

Photos submitted . . . ‘Panorama’ from previous page Meanwhile, as Frank worked the steel industry, his older brother, Miko, along with his wife already had escaped and made it to Canada. And of all places, they settled in the Columbia Valley.

In the late 1950s jobs were aplenty in the valley if you were willing to work hard in the then-thriving logging industry.

The writing was on the wall. Frank wanted badly to join his brother in Canada. Finally, he one day decided to simply up and quit his job. It was now or never he concluded, and his escape plan soon crystallized. Maximizing his odds of crossing without being caught involved doing so at night.

And so that is what he did, along with a fellow Croatian and his young family. “I met this fellow at a barbershop in Zagreb and he had already tried and failed, without getting caught, so I suggested to him that he and his kids join me in my attempt,” recalls Mr. Puskeric.

After a hair-raising midnight flight, the brave Croatians made it across under Frank’s tutelage. In Austria they now were one border crossing closer to being free. Soon they went their separate ways with Frank continuing his on his own.

“After working in Vienna for a time, I went up to Hamburg and got on an old Greek liner and made my way across the Atlantic. We docked in Montreal, and from there I got on a cross-country train to Cranbrook.” Waiting for Frank in Cranbrook was his brother Miko in a borrowed car. “We then drove to Invermere, and almost right away I had a job logging.”

Frank worked first for John Ronacher’s logging outfit. And after a couple years he then worked for the Campbell Brothers. In the late 1960s, just like today, the timber logged north of Invermere was, for the most part, refined at the Radium sawmill.

One year however, the workers of the mill went on

strike, and so people like Frank were at loose ends until the mill’s labour disputes were resolved. But a different kind of opportunity for Frank was just around the corner.

His employers, the enterprising Campbells, happened to be major shareholders in an upstart ski area up Toby Creek known as Panorama. In 1968, under Guy Messerli’s leadership, the construction of the ski area’s first day lodge was underway and help was needed. With a unique A-frame architecture, roofing the lodge proved challenging. The Campbells assigned their idle loggers to help do the roof, and one of those loggers happened to be Frank Puskeric. It only took a couple weeks for the roof to be completed and by the time Frank was finished, the strike at the sawmill was over. Back to logging he went.

In the ensuing years, the A-frame lodge was central to early Panorama. It brought people of all different backgrounds together under one roof; each with a shared passion for the outdoors, the sport of skiing, and getting together with friends old and new. For example, in the late 1970s, the A-Frame was the setting for John Cronin to meet fellow musician David “Swanee” Swanson. To this day they still perform together in front of many adoring fans.

Frank’s contribution to Panorama’s development was small, but an important one nonetheless.

Countless other people have had a similar impact on Panorama that when all added together, made possible for Panorama to become the award winning resort that it is today.

“It was fun roofing the A-frame,” chuckles Mr. Puskeric looking back. “For me, the opportunities here in Canada and in the Invermere area made me always so very grateful.

“Life in Croatia when I was growing up was so very hard, and always I tell my children that, you know, they should be kissing the ground!”

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Family Ties

February 3, 2017

When facing a struggle – Shinrin-yoku

I asked my dear Aunty, who professes to enjoy reading my colBy Lynsey Burke umns – “What should I write about this time?”

“Hormone soup and its effects on life,” she jokes of my current expectant state…

Yes, we are going for a third. Surprise!

“The ladies may enjoy it, but the men may roll their eyes,” I reply. “Maybe it’ll give them some understanding of what women go through,” she says frankly.

Amen to that. What else… “…Or, how about the benefits of Shinrin-yoku,” she replies without hesitation.

“Uhh…I may have to refer to ‘The Google’ for that one.”

It turns out, Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese term for ‘forest bathing,’ meaning, it is the medicine that is simply being in the forest. The healing therapy that connects people to nature, a connection that allows healing and calm.

My Aunty – who is the world’s toughest lady going, or at least one of, is again fighting the all too common battle that so many face. Cancer. She can be found more often than not walking along a treed, peaceful path in Kelowna with her two pups – Mick and Molly.

“It’s my salvation,” she tells me of her walks as I check in on how she’s feeling.

There is so much truth to Shinrin-yoku, for so many different struggles. There is truly no greater salvation than a walk outdoors, specifically one where you are surrounded by the sounds, smells and sensations of nature.

We all struggle and battle mental demons and physical ailments, some harsher than others. Whether it is an internal struggle or an external stressor, those tall whispering pines can almost always lift some of the fog.

There is a science behind the study of Shinrin-yoku where benefits are being studied. An excerpt from their webpage states “We have always known this intuitively [the restorative benefits]. But in the past several decades there have been many scientific studies that are demonstrating the mechanisms behind the healing effects of simply being in wild and natural areas. For example, many trees give off organic compounds that support our “NK” (natural killer) cells that are part of our immune system’s way of fighting cancer.”

It is no wonder that treed path continues to call my Aunt back; those trees are working some magic.

A hike up Swansea Mountain, along Old Coach or Juniper Heights trails, or on any one of the beautiful scenic hikes and trails that we have in the valley offer an escape, one that we are so lucky to have close by. A simple jaunt along any one of the well worn trails allow you to feel as though you’ve lowered your blood pressure, improved your current mood and increased your focus. The fresh air is a promised better sleep and the calming vibrations are a surefire increase in energy levels.

To anyone fighting a battle, meet you at the trailhead in five. Today I need a break from the demands that are young children, housework and hormones.

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

Local Judo Athletes earn Bronze Submitted by Hermann Mauthner An enjoyable regional training was held in Cranbrook on Saturday January 28th, 2017 with all Kootenay Clubs participating . Various techniques were shown by different senseis and practised, adding to the knowledge for all judokas. The Kootenay Judo Clubs are starting once-a-month regional training, alternating from club to club. Next such training will be in Fernie, after the Fernie tournament on February 25th. The Invermere Judo Club will be hosting the regional training with the new provincial coach Jeremy LaBris as guest instructor on March 25th.

The Saskatchewan Open Tournament was attended by Kaeden Rendek and Brae Booth from Creston, and Emma and Graham Norquay (shown in middle of photo at right) from the Invermere club. This was a qualifying tournament towards the Canadian Championship. All Kootenay athletes did well, Brae earned two gold (in two divisions), Kaeden silver, and both Emma and Graham competing in higher divisions, the bronze. It shows how well and determined they are training. During the Christmas break they attended a training camp in Abbotsford with provincial coach Jeremy LaBrie.

This year is also the 50th Anniversary of the Invermere Judo Club.

Whiteway Update for the first week of February Get out there! Conditions are still very good for skating on Lake Windermere and skiing on Lake Lillian.

Please remember to pay your five dollar day use fee, or purchase a ticket book (six-day uses for $20) from Crazy Soles or Columbia River Café, or purchase a club membership online ($60) for unlimited use of all of our trails throughout the winter season. http://tobycreeknordic.ca/join-club Lake Windermere Whiteway Ice depth : 14 inches Ice Skating: Conditions are generally quite good – especially on the east side of the lake from Kinsmen Beach to Windermere.

Brad will be sweeping through the week now that the wet spots have frozen. Please use caution along the section between Fort Point and Timber Ridge as it has several new rough spots.

The path from Kinsmen to Windermere on the West side is

really bad for the first two kilometres and is not recommended.

Classic Ski and Skate Ski Lake Windermere: With the new snow on Monday, January 30th, grooming is planned for this week.

Lake Lillian Whiteway Classic Ski & Skate Ski: New snow will improve the already Good x-c ski conditions. Planned grooming Tuesday, January 31st for classic and skate-ski.

Please note that a number of wet spots on Lake Lillian caused by springs created tricky track setting conditions. These springs allow water to sit on top of the ice. Ice depth checks along the ski tracks is still over 12 inches thick.

Junior Johnson Planned grooming for classic skiing this week. The new snow should make conditions great!

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

Mountain theme this year Curator’s Corner

By J.D. Jeffery Museum Curator As this month slips away into history, our mountain theme this year begins, Into Our Mountains.

I located an article from 1966 that shed light on where the Bugaboos got their name. Mountaineer Conrad Kain wrote a book called “Where the Clouds Can Go”.

In his book he mentioned an energetic prospector who staked a claim on an outcrop of galens near the summit of what is now Bugaboo Pass. After several seasons of working the claim he found the mineral wasn’t A-1 so he considered it a “Bugaboo”… and so the name stuck to the valley and the claim.

Family named mountains are common, but exactly who they are named after is where the mystery lies.

Mount Tegart is named after Walker and Arthur Tegart; brothers who settled the area in the 1880s by building the Alpine Ranch. Mount Sally is named after Mrs. Sally Welles Farnham and Farnham Peak was named, in 1911, after George Paulding Farnham.

George Farnham purchased the Ptarmigan Mine hoping it would provide silver that was used in his jewellery designs sold at Tiffany’s in New York.

People who have made an impression even had landmarks named after them.

Mount Sinclair, is named after explorer James Sinclair.

Sinclair Canyon and Sinclair Pass are also named after this man who travelled through the valley in 1841 with a group of Red River settlers headed for Oregon.

Mount Ethelbert was named after a nun who was travelling on the Ptarmigan steamboat.

Sister Ethelbert was buried in the valley and Captain Frank Armstrong named a mountain after her.

The Stanford Range is named after a London mapmaker who made all of Palliser’s maps.

An old saying goes – “Mind your Ps and Qs”.

One claim of origin is from English pubs when drinks were served in pint or quart sized jars. You had to keep track of how much you drank or you could be over charged. If you were told to mind your Pints and Quarts and you won’t get into “trouble”. The saying was shorten over time and the meaning now refers to being on your best behaviour or being careful of your language.

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

NEW COMMUNITY HALL!

PUBLIC OPEN HOUSE Tuesday, February 7, 2017 Community Hall, 4863 Stanley Street Public Open House, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

The Design Team will be holding an Open House to present the detailed design.

See where we have come so far!

All are welcome!

Babies of 2016

SUPER DEAL!

Correction Larkin Engar Armitage Hudson

Friday, Saturday & Sunday

6 Pizza Pack $8999

+ GST

1x Cheese • 1x Mushroom Pepperoni • 1x Veggie 1x Pepperoni • 1x Ham and Pineapple • 1x Meatza 12” Large Pizza’s Call for other Super Bowl Specials!

Open daily 11:30 a.m. for lunch

Eat In • Take Out • Licensed WE NOW ACCEPT DEBIT!

460 Sarah Road, Invermere

Born: Aug. 8th, 2016 Weight: 7 lbs, 8 oz Parents: Carly Mitchell & DJ Hudson Fun fact!: He’s a very happy little boy who loves laughing, playing and cuddles

250-688-3344 View our menu at

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

Your Local

COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

ROCKIES WEST REALTY

INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, BC VOA 1K2

CELL: 250-342-5935 BUS: 250-342-5599 dk@rockieswest.com www.TeamRice.ca

Professionals RE/MAX Invermere

Glenn Pomeroy

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

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

Independently Owned and Operated

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

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

February 3, 2017

HERE TO SERVE YOU CARPET CLEANING

PLUMBING

LANDSCAPING

(Formerly Dehart)

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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

Dean Hubman

NEW SEWER CAMERA

Toll Free: 877-342-3052

Certified Technician

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

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 odysseyrestoration@telus.net

250-342-3052

• • •

• Septic Tank Pumping • Portable Toilet Rentals

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

PHARMACY

LAMBERT-KIPP

Residential & Commercial Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning

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

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

Fax: 250-342-9644

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

Come in and browse our giftware

rugclean@telus.net

www.ptarmigan-invermere.com

Open Monday - Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Box 424, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

Serving the Columbia Valley

www.cabincare.ca

• • • •

Drainage Specialist

MrRooter.ca/kootenays mrrooter.kootenays@gmail.com

250-345-0216

Indpendently Owned & Operated Franchise Licensed • Insured

CONTRACTING

250-342-6612

CONTRACTING

250-341-1182

Christopher Jones

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

• • • •

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

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

Your Compounding Pharmacy

CONTRACTING

Renovations Decks Finishing Interior/Exterior Painting David Gulbe Mike Bernicot

Dale Elliott Contracting • •

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

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

250-341-7098 Invermere, B.C.

Phil Bibby

FAIRMONT RIDGE RENOVATION

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

250-342-5682

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

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

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

Journeyman Carpenter

250.341.1995 philbibby@live.ca

Scott Postlethwaite

Free Estimates

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

New Homes • Custom Builds • Renovations Big Or Small Your Weekly Source for News and Events

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 1-855-377-0312 • Email: ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com

N E W S PA P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 N E W S PA P E R

Amanda Nason

Advertising Sales

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

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

HERE TO SERVE YOU CONCRETE

CONTRACTING

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

Phone: 250-342-5833 • Cell: 250-270-9444 All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

READY MIX CONCRETE

SERVICES

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

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

• 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

Snow Removal • Lawn Maintenance Commercial

Resdential

Everett Frater Enterprises

SPECIAL OFFER

Purchase 1 metre of concrete and receive 1 metre of Birdseye aggregate (1/4”washed rock) (Used as decorative rock, backfill and bedding)

FREE!

Value $18.75/m or $12.50/tonne. Pickup at Skandia (trucking extra)

1756 Hwy 93/95 Windermere B.C.

SERVICES

THE VALLEY’S LARGEST WINDOW COVERINGS SHOWROOM

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

• Roller Shades • Roman Shades • Cellular Shades

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

• Vertical Blinds • Automation • Residential & Commercial

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

Sales ~ Service ~ Installation

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

UNIVERSAL DOORS & EXTERIORS

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential

• Pleated Shades • Horizontal Blinds • Shutters

Come visit our showroom,

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

unidoorext@live.ca • unidoorext.ca

• Manufactures & suppliers of quality • Environmentally responsible concrete & gravel products • Steamed aggregate beds for top • Experience, professional operators quality year round concrete supply and the right equipment to get your • We stand behind our service, job done quality and products • Serving the valley for over 30 years

Office: 250-342-6500 • Batch plant: 250-342-2812 • Toll Free: 1-888-341-2221

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

Arnold Scheffer 250-342-6700

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

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

Scott Wilisky

stwcarpentry@live.ca • 250-270-0745

WETT Certified

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Libraries still in style

Submitted by Jane Jones – Director Radium library An interesting newspaper article was sent to one of the libraries in the B.C. area with the following comment “With libraries becoming obsolescent, what do you see the role of your library in the future? “ From time to time, the same seemingly-logical question comes up in the media.

“Wouldn’t it be better to reduce the number of libraries given the popularity of borrowing e-books”? Yet, in fact, the patronage and the visits have increased substantially for the past few years. A statistic from a recent report from the Government of Canada noted that a new library in Halifax received double the expected numbers of visitors in their first year.

The objective is not to do with less, it is

to do more!

During a trip through B.C. on Highway 3 last summer we passed through many towns and cities. Despite the size each one had a library, many in the state of modernizing or building new structures. The building of two new libraries here in the Columbia Valley supports the concept of looking towards the future. We are very fortunate that the residents in the Columbia Valley are totally in support of libraries.

The building of the new library in Invermere and now a new library in Radium!

The new Radium Community Hall including the new Radium Library will be built in the centre of the Village, in the popular Legend Park, easily accessible to the walking public, and will have ample parking. A very special thank you to our volunteers and to the staff at the Village of Radium Hot Springs for their continued support.

This week’s column was written by Jane Jones, director of the Radium Public Library, which is located at 7585 Main Street West.

Call 250-347-2434 for more information.

Celebrating literacy week Submitted by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy Windermere Valley, BC – Last week, January 22nd to 29th, marked Family Literacy Week in B.C., (#FamilyLiteracyWeek), with the province joining the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and Decoda Literacy Solutions, BC’s provincial literacy organization, in supporting families across the province and encouraging all family members to take part in play-based literacy activities during the week.“Parents and caregivers are their children’s first and most important teachers,” said Jacqueline Taylor, Executive Director of Decoda Literacy Solutions. “The literacy experiences parents and care-givers have with their children make a very large contribution to school success!”

Recent studies show that engaging in informal family learning in the home and the community has a direct positive impact on children and parents.

“Children are active learners. When children play, they are experimenting, observing, listening, making mistakes and trying again. Parents who participate in play-based family learning directly and positively affect the language and literacy development of their children,” said Taylor.

Parents may ask: what kind of play-based literacy activities can we do every day? “Families can build literacy skills by playing games together, folding the laundry, making a shopping list, storytelling, doing crafts together or going for walks outside and talking about what they see,” Taylor said.

“This year’s Family Literacy Week theme was “Tune Into Music: Listen!

Make! Move!,” Taylor continued. “Musical activities are a form of play that encourages learning and are accessible to most families.

Continued on page 31. . .

HERE TO SERVE YOU SERVICES

SERVICES

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

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

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

UPHOLSTERY

BOUTIQUE VACATION HOME MANAGEMENT RENTAL SERVICES

Golden Upholstery

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

A family business since 1960 • Residential/Commercial • Recreational Vehicle • Custom projects and more!

Patrick Parent

Call or visit online

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

250-439-8074

goldenupholstery1960@gmail.com Box 53, Brisco, B.C. V0A 1B0

Serving the Columbia Valley and beyond.

Painting & Reno’s Covering the Columbia Valley ~ Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C.

15% Discount

James & Sylvia Harker 250-687-0044 James_JustaSplash@hotmail.com

For seniors and those living with physical disabilities.

INSURANCE

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

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS

• • • •

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

AL-ANON

The cheersiest of CHEERS to the ever lovely Noelene and Graeme Anderson! The pond hockey tournament at Kinsmen Beach was smoother than ice and organized beautifully. You two are beyond sweet. Much appreciation for all you do!!

Jeers to me and my co-worker for being complete idiots on Monday while we were working. Man the simplest things were our enemy haha. Well I guess there’s a first for everything eh. Cheers that we managed to end our day with a tired brain!

A very big Cheers to those who came to the CVCS open house for the proposed Barbour Rock Recreational Trails. Cheers for your feedback and support.

Jeers to me for bumping into a gentleman I didn’t see while backing out at the grocery store.

I cannot tell you how awful I feel and how sorry I am. I would like to remind everyone that having dirty windows and being in a rush is hazardous! As is relying too heavily on reverse beepers. I am thankful no one was hurt, and again my heartfelt apologies to the gentleman. I have learned a valuable lesson.

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.

Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m., at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital).

For information, please call 250342-8255.

CHEERS & JEERS Jeers to people who “forget their shoes”. What a weak excuse.

S OBITUARY S Pounder, Jeannie Roberta Bruce It is with great sadness that the children of Jeannie Roberta Bruce Pounder announce her passing on January 24, 2017 at the Ivy House in Invermere at the age of 73 years.

Jeannie was born in the native village Pinchi in northern British Columbia and moved to Cranbrook when she was a young girl. She remained there until she married in 1963 and moved to Canal Flats. She loved her family and friends, painting & writing poetry.

She is survived by her daughter Tricia (Jeff) MacDonald; granddaughters Jacqueline (Stephen) Schuler, great grandchildren, Saxon & Sophie; Jenna (Joey) Ray, great-grandsons Joelan & Jagger. Her oldest son Marty (Tamara) grandchildren Lindsey, Mike (Kirsten) McDonald; great-grandchildren Teddy & Clara, Alannah (Jared) Howe; great-grandchildren Kobyn, Marshall & Maxwell. She is also survived by her youngest son Mark and many other family members and friends.

Jeannie was predeceased by her only brother Roderick (2008), her father James Clarence Bruce (1982) and mother Bernice (1959).

There will be a Celebration of Jeannie’s life held at the Canal Flats Civic Centre this Saturday, February 4th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers a donation in her honour can be made to the BC Mental Health Foundation (bcmhf.ca).

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

CHEERS & JEERS

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to Jackie and Nick at The CHEERS to Dr. Bruce for always Black Forest restaurant for their caring for our furry family bending over backwards customer members. You keep them happy service! Very grateful! CHEERS &and healthy.

JEERS Sponsored by

Jeers to the mountain bikers who built trails off the Old Coach Road!

You put signs up and are wrecking the hillsides and look out Points!

IT clearly STATES, stay on the Old Coach Trail!!! Double JEERS to you bikers that also cut trails up Stodart Creek and Juniper Heights! That Land is all SHEEP Habitat! Also Wrecking SteamBoat Mountain with disgusting Trails and Jumps built everywhere!

Cheers to the guy in the blue truck who turned around, after he drove by, to help me out of the ditch.

Sorry I didn’t get your name, but you saved my afternoon and I made it to hockey!!

Huge Cheers to Don Stober and Keith Murray at H2O Well and Pump Co. Came home from skiing to find out we had no water and they were there to fix our well pump in no time at all. Fantastic customer service. These guys are the best.

Jeers to those who vocally oppose the Barbour Rock trail proposal, yet did not take time to attend the open house. I guess it’s easier to fear monger and spread misinformation when you are not educated with the facts. Huge Cheers to the CVCS, volunteers, supporters and even opposition who took the time to make the event successful.

S OBITUARY S Bourquin, Avril Ruth 1951 – 2017 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Avril Ruth Bourquin.

Born May 22, 1951 in Estevan, Saskatchewan to Henri and Esther Bourquin.

Passed away January 30, 2017 at Invermere Hospital after a long battle with many health problems.

Left to mourn her passing are her best friend and partner Val Winser, father Henri Bourquin from Winnipeg, sister Myrna King from Winnipeg, sister Judy and Kurt Hagen from Quadra Island, BC, Aunt Ruth and Uncle Lou Bourquin from Estevan and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

No service will be held by Avril’s request.

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

Cheers to Darren and the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club “waxing team” for the perfect wax job at the Nipika Loppet!

A Big Cheers to Alanna and Alexis Westergaard coming to my rescue after my accident and staying with me to help me out. You are the Best!!

Jeers to workplace criticism. Yes personalities will clash but we are all adults. Those in leadership positions set the standard for the rest to follow. You should not be yelling, swearing or showing favoritism. If there’s a problem, take the person aside and get both sides of the story before jumping to conclusions and yelling. Workers show respect for each other in speech as well as good work ethics.

Doesn’t mean you need to be friends, just friendly. Do your work, go home and relax knowing you did the best you could.

Big Cheers to Julie Parent and the awesome Zumba and Strong classes! You make working out fun for men and women and we feel great. Here’s to a rockin’ 2017!

Cheers to Norm Hendricks for speaking out in defense of our wildlife and wild spaces. Let’s keep it wild!

Jeers to Edgewater for not having anywhere to rent.

Super Big JEERS to Radium and Invermere for having too many “vacation rental homes”. Don’t you think that the people who actually live and work in this valley for years and years deserve the right of opportunity to rent long term, not seasonal. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. But seriously, it’s a little ridiculous that the only places to rent that are homes are only for “vacation rental use”.

LOST AND FOUND Lost: 36ft ladder on Saturday Jan 21st near Baltac Road. Looking for the person in the silver Chevy who picked it up, as I need it for work (250-341-7113).

STORAGE NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

For Rent: Storage space. Sizes vary, 218 - 7th Ave. Inquire at 250-3425797.

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

STORAGE

HOSUE FOR RENT

MISC. FOR SALE

HELP WANTED

HELP WANTED

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

For Rent: 1,580 sq. ft. log home on 1/2 acre in Spur Valley. 1-bdrm + loft on second floor. Additional sleeping areas can be set up in the 1000 sq. ft. unfinished basement. $1300/mo. + Hydro. Electric heat throughout, fireplace on main floor and wood burning stove in basement. Municipal treated water included. george@geocosta.com.

New full-sized 57” wide bed with bookcase headboard and three drawers for storage. Never used. $350. Call 250-688-1042.

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.

Help us with fun activities!

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is looking for someone enthusiastic to assist with fun family activities around the Resort! Afternoons Feb 12 – 19 & Feb 21 – 25. Please contact nhetherington@fhsr.com for more details if you’re interested.

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.

1,490 sq. ft. of shop/retail space in Athalmer, 2 large overhead doors!, $1272/mo, all utilities included.

Newhouse Multi Storage, 250-3423637, newmulti@telus.net.

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

For Lease: Unit 7 Fairmont Plaza, approximately 1090 sq. ft. call 250345-6654.

Industrial Shop Space, Vintage Garage and Office buildings, Sub dividable LH-1 Lot available for Truck Barn, Heavy Machine Repair Shop: Red Willow Enterprises Ltd. 250-347-9668.

For Lease: Upper unit, 218 - 7th Ave. 1629 sq. ft. commercial/office space. Inquire at 250-342-5797.

Windermere, furnished, 1-bdrm home, lovely yard, N/S, pets considered, references required. $700/mo. plus utilities. Four month lease. 403-619-1540.

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.

1-bdrm condo behind Sobeys available March 1st. $700/mo., $350 D.D. Washer/Dryer, no pets, no smoking. 250-341-5787.

LOT/ACREAGE FOR SALE 0.42 acre undeveloped treed lot on Nelles Crescent, Windermere. 403616-9659.

Please email classified ads to info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey firewood.

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

Pine Firewood for sale. Call 250342-1586.

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.

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

Local Electrical Contractor looking for 3rd or 4th year apprentice or Journeyman Electrician. Wage DOE. Email resume to ekelectric@ telus.net.

Pioneer Classifieds

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

info@columbiavalleypioneer.com

Helna’s Stube is looking for P/T dishwasher, kitchen help and an evening server. Email resume to mail@helnas.com or call 250-3415546.

Make extra $$$ delivering phonebooks The BetterBook requires a responsible and reliable person(s) to deliver phonebooks to residences in Invermere, Athalmer and Windermere. A reliable vehicle (van or covered pickup) is required and the ability to lift heavy bundles of phonebooks. This is a great way to earn extra $$$ or a great fundraiser! Contact Linda in our distribution department at linda@ kpimedia.com.

ACCOMMODATION WANTED Wanted to rent: Condo or small house in Invermere. Minimum 2-bdrm, 2 mature women with 2 small, older, well-behaved dogs and elderly de-clawed cat. Nonsmokers. Can supply references.

Contact Stacey at 250-270-0145.

SUITE FOR RENT For rent in Radium: Modern 2-bdrm, lower level suite. W/D, D/W, N/S, N/P. $850/mo., utilities included. 250-342-3790.

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

Kitchenettes available. Call 250347-9915.

Have a great Business Idea?

Self employment is the answer!!!

We can support you with:    

Business Plan Development Entrepreneur Skill Training One-To-One Coaching Funding

The Pioneer can

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

!

Find out about our free services and eligibility criteria.

with residents and visitors alike.

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

A : 2 - 1 3 1 3 7 t h A ve , I n v e r m e r e P : 2 5 0 - 3 4 1 - 6 8 8 9 W : w w w . e k e m p l o ym e n t . o r g F : E K E m p l o ym e n t C o l u m b i a

.

The Employment Program of British Columbia is funded by the Government of Canada and the

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31 . . . ‘Celebrating’ from page 28

SIDEKICK

FRONT SEAT DRIVER

We are on the hunt for a Sidekick to join our team. 15-30 hours per week to start. Must be fearless in the face of dirt, sweat and hard work.

You delight in the details. Your superhero skills include organization, prioritization and systematization - to name a few. Well, listen up!

Requirements: Valid driver’s license; self-starter, keen attention to detail and a good sense of humour.

Shuttle customers, wash cars, annihilate grime and keep the shop neat and organized. Plus other random missions as required.

We are on the hunt for a Front Seat Driver to join our rock’n customer service team! Must possess a love for cars, human beings and planet earth. You will provide genuine service to customers in our clean, green and positive-vibe workshop. We offer top wages, awesome perks and benefits and a Monday to Friday workweek.

A.K.A. SHOP ASSISTANT

A.K.A. SERVICE ADVISOR

If you possess a love for cars, human beings and planet earth, then we would like to hear from you! We offer great perks, competitive pay and a happy work environment.

Get to know us: www.cleanlineautomotive.com Email resume: aaron@cleanlineautomotive.com Thank you, we will contact successful applicants.

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

SPECIAL EVENTS COORDINATOR

Must have a knack for technical concepts. Previous automotive experience preferred but not required.

Get to know us: www.cleanlineautomotive.com Email resume: aaron@cleanlineautomotive.com Thank you, we will contact successful applicants.

Strands Old House Restaurant is accepting applications for a

Dental office in Invermere B.C. is currently accepting resumes for a full-time

Saucer Sous Chef Three to five years experience in casual fine dining preferred. Evenings and weekends.

Apply to Tony Wood at tony@strandsrestaurant.com or 250-342-6344, must have a Canadian visa.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual with high energy and strong interpersonal skills who enjoys planning and executing events.

The job entails managing budgets and developing P&L statements, planning and executing events such as Beer Festival, Wine Festival, and Retreats as well as organizing family & children oriented activities.

The successful candidate will have: • Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail • An outgoing and friendly personality • Strong communication skills • Good working knowledge of Excel Fairmont Hot Springs Resort offers a competitive salary & benefits package with access to all Resort amenities.

This is a permanent full time position. Please send your resume to David Sheedy at hr@fhsr.com or fax to 250.345.6616.

Didja know? Staff & their families receive discounts on meals, equipment, clothing & more from

25-40% off

FairmontHotSprings.com 1.800.663.4979

N E W S PA P E R

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

The Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) is a network of over 80 partner organizations working collaboratively to conserve private land throughout the Kootenay Region.

Our partners include First Nations, conservation and agricultural organizations, forestry and business, educational institutions, and all levels of government. We have a small and dedicated team of staff and contractors working from a variety of Kootenay communities.

KCP is seeking to engage a qualified contractor to provide administrative and communication support services.

Administration and Communications Coordinator This .25FTE contract position will provide ongoing administrative and communications support services to the KCP. The Coordinator will work closely with program staff and partner organizations to help improve organizational effectiveness and maintain, and enhance, KCP communications efforts.

Location: TBD - within the Kootenay Region For more detailed position descriptions http://kootenayconservation.ca/job-postings/.

please

When families engage in these kinds of activities, they build stronger bonds and parents are more likely to take an active role in their children’s learning.”

In addition to informal learning in the home, there are family literacy programs that are taking place in schools, public libraries, community centres and other locations across B.C. that people can acess.

The benefits to families who attend these programs are numerous — parents learn to support their children’s learning; they may become interested in developing their own literacy skills or pursuing further education and training; and they form social and support networks.

To learn more about family literacy programs in Windermere Valley, contact Katie Andruschuk at kandruschuk@cbal.org, 250-409-4251, or visit the website at decoda.ca.

see

Certified Dental Assistant Starting in February 2017.

If you are a motivated team player we are looking for you. Please drop off resumes to Drs. O’Sullivan and Bartoletti at 602 14th St. Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 or email to dental5lakeview@gmail.com or fax 250-342-3561.

C O LU M B I A VA L L E Y P I O N E E R F E AT U R E

For Valentine’s Day, we want to hear your story.

“The Most Romantic Expression of Love” Submit a 200 to 300 word story about your partner at their most romantic for a chance to win a $50 dining certificate to one of the valley’s best restaurants. Winning stories will be published in our February 10th Valentine’s Day feature. Please include a daytime phone number which will not be printed.

Deadline for applications: Thursday, February 9, 2017, 1 pm Mountain Time We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Kootenay Conservation Program; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Contest deadline is Monday February 6th at Noon Email your submission to: ads@columbiavalleypioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

LETTERS Defending the wildness of the Toby Benches Dear Editor, In response to the open house, Barbour Rock Trails.

Putting the cart before the horse is what the proponents have done. An open house should be at the start of the process instead of after trying to sneak the proposal through without anyone knowing and with the referrals over. We have already sent in our comments to all the ministers and the local reps of Recreation Sites and Trails B.C. (RSTBC) and any info now cannot be considered as are comments are in.

So why not go camping and fishing and enjoying ourselves. Our local RSTBC reps are so in with the proponents that they are pushing it through without any consideration of adjacent residents or wildlife.

It’s no wonder they don’t want us to write any more letters and let the public know what is going down.

No package or information was released until residents and tenure holders start. . . ‘Mountain bikers taking over’ from page 7 Along with many of my hiking friends, I think there are enough mountain bike trails already established: Swansea, Johnson Canyon, Kloosifer, Juniper Heights, Old Coach, Panorama, Paradise Mine, Steamboat Mountain, Columbia Lake and the proposed trail along the Westside Road. The cycling society even claims Brewer as ‘their trail’ which is astounding! I certainly oppose that claim.

Brewer is a nature sanctuary and should remain so.

It does seem to me and like-minded people, that the Barbour proposal is now over the top. And that is why they are getting ‘push-back’. It feels like the cycling society is ‘taking over’ everywhere.

I would say that in this small town, the cycling club is hard put to even maintain the downhill cycling trails on Swansea. The ruts and erosion are huge and ugly.

The thought that the club wants to get onto Swansea’s south ridge is very disturbing, as that is one place I have found where you can still ‘be’ with nature and visit the wild grouse that live up there.

The story is the same on the Johnson Canyon trails: huge ugly ruts mar the way, and for sure I do not hike there for fear of some biker coming out of nowhere and knocking me over. You can imagine how the animals feel, which is likely why they vacated the area.

It is ridiculous to say biking will not disturb the wildlife up at Barbour. I

ed to write letters. Secrecy is their motto, as has happened in the past here and in Kimberley. Oh yeah, that’s all a made up lie. Thanks for freedom of speech!

This is not about stopping the bikers from using this area, it is only the 40 to 50 kilometres of new trails to be built in this small area. The Toby Benches Official Community Plan (OCP) states that trails are to be of a density fit for wildlife to exist. How many hectares is in this small area, how much is cliffs and not suitable for trails, how much is south exposure and spring grazing for ungulates, where there should be no trails? Very little is left if wildlife is considered.

On the back of every envelope from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations is the following quote: “A Land Fit For Wildlife is a Land Fit For people” Norman Hendricks Toby Benches Resident agree entirely with Paul Bauman’s letter last week which claims truthfully that this area is a real piece of undisturbed wilderness, inhabited by much wildlife. It should remain so. It would be a shame to see the Barbour area all rutted up and eroded, with wildlife flying away in all directions to avoid the ‘lightning speed’ bikes, a phrase a local cyclist likes to use. Many cyclists for sure are going to go for ‘lightning speed’ because their enjoyment comes from flying like heck over the landscape.

I am of the opinion that trails like this would be better located at a place like Nipika Resort, where the land is privately owned and there is no conflict with public use. Further, fees could be charged on private land, to pay for the maintenance. Barbour is public land and should be protected as such - for humans and wildlife.

Finally I am happy to see the big turnout for the cycling society’s open house, which attests to the support of mountain biking in this valley. But I am of the opinion that the supporters were urged to show up, which is why 170 people supported it. That was like preaching to the converted.

It is good to remember that the open house was not a public hearing, where protest could be legitimately lodged with the RDEK. A referendum on the issue would settle the matter.

Mary Ann Rombach Invermere

In celebration of Jumbo Wild for future generations Dear Editor, Re: Sharon Dulong’s Jumbo poem in the Dec. 30, 2016 issue.

Dear Sharon; thank you for your intriguing and insightful JUMBO: A Poem (December 30th, 2016) in The Pioneer.

As I read into the body of the poem going through all the current events and future possibilities, I lost track of the title, concentrating on the predictions—the message of

change.

Then lo, the finale let my heart dance with the clear vision of the truth all supporting of keeping Jumbo wild hold dear . . . Jumbo is a sanctuary, without a doubt, and will be forever cherished and wild.

Rowena Eloise Argenta

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

Enjoying Lake Windermere Residents from around the Columbia Valley made their way onto Lake Windermere for the annual Rockies’ BC Pond Hockey Championship and 17th annual Kinsmen Fishing Derby.

The Pond Hockey Championship began on Friday January 27th before ending on Sunday with the Fishing Derby running on January 28th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

(Clockwise from top right) The Beer Guys who won the 35+ division; Megan Bell who caught a 29 pound fish; Arnie Gagatek and Vaessa Crowthe casting their rod hoping to catch the big one in this year’s derby.

Aunty Chris, Cedar Griffith; Bryan Gerrie holding up his fish.

Photos by Eric Elliott and Katie Watt.

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

Loppet Weekend success!

Cross-country skiers made their way out to Nipika for the annual Toby Creek Nordic Loppet weekend classic races which took place on January 28th and 29th at the Resort.

Photos by David Webster

February 3, 2017

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

FAITH

Looking in the mirror too.

By Pastor Trevor Hagan, Lake Windermere Alliance Church We all know that lots of things can go wrong with our faces! And we depend on mirrors to tell us what is wrong. A man does not want to go out in public with blood on his collar from shaving. And a woman doesn’t want to be seen with lipstick on the end of her nose.

So we look in the mirror. But what would you think about a person who looks, sees a problem and then does not fix it? You would say that there was absolutely no point in that person looking in the mirror. Looking in the mirror only works if it leads to action. Otherwise, it is useless.

James calls God’s Word (the Bible) a mirror. The mirror helps us evaluate ourselves. Once you look at a mirror, you can decide if you need to make any changes before you leave for the day. The Bible helps us do that,

You can look at the Bible in one of two ways. You can glance at the mirror or gaze into it. On the old TV show “Happy Days,” the Fonz would glance at the mirror. He’d walk past the mirror, stop, look into it, and say, “Hey!” He didn’t have to do anything else. He knew he was ‘good’. He just needed a glance.

That’s not the way you look into God’s Word. You don’t just glance at the Word of God in a rushed, hurried manner and then leave. Glancing at God’s Word won’t change your life.

Do you want a life that God blesses? It all starts with gazing into God’s Word. James 1:23-25 gives you the blueprint for how to study God’s Word in a way that he blesses.

“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.”

So, here is how we gaze at God’s Word… Read your Bible. Review the Bible. Remember the Bible, and respond to the Bible. See if your life gets better.

LE CARNAVAL D’HIVER

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, February 5th 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction, “Practical Faith – Listening And Doing” … Pastor Trevor Hagan ministering.

“K.I.D.S.” Church, for children ages 3 to Grade 1; and Grades 2-7, during the Morning Service.

Lead Pastor Trevor Hagan • Associate Pastor Matt Moore 326 - 10th Ave, Invermere • 250-342-9535 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

On January 16th, students, staff, along with parent volunteers at Windermere Elementary School celebrated le Carnaval D’Hiver complete with costume and moustache competitions, an infinity dance with Bonhomme, sledding, portage, French music, snow sculptures and la tire d’erable (Maple Syrup Candy). Students participating in the day learned a lot about French culture.

Photo Submitted

To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: #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

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

February 3, 2017

YOUR MONEY Tax numbers for 2017

It’s never too early to start your 2017 tax planning. Here are a few essential tax numbers for 2017.

RRSPs & TFSAs One’s personal RRSP contribution limit is calculated as 18 per cent of his or her earned income during the previous calendar year, as long as that number does not exceed the maximum contribution limit, which increased to $26,010 for 2017. RRSP contributions can be made anytime during the calendar year, but must be made by March 1st, 2017 to qualify for the 2016 tax year.

The TFSA contribution limit for 2017 is $5,500, which is the same for all eligible contributors. To date, the program has a maximum contribution limit of $52,000 for someone who has never contributed and has been eligible for a TFSA since 2009.

The TFSA contribution limit has not changed since 2013, when it changed from $5,000 to $5,500, with the exception of 2015 when the limit was temporarily increased to $10,000.

The TFSA contribution limit has remained relatively similar over the years because it is indexed to inflation, of which we have seen very little over the past few years.

People may deposit into their TFSAs anytime during the calendar year.

EI & CPP Maximum Pensionable Earnings under the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) were adjusted from $54,900 in 2016 to $55,300 for 2017. This means Canadians who qualify for CPP pay premiums on earnings up to $55,300 during the calendar year. Income earned thereafter does not incur CPP premiums.

Likewise, the maximum Employment Insurance (EI) insurable earnings also crept upwards, from $50,800 in 2016 to $51,300 in 2017. As with the CPP program, Canadians with earned income above this threshold do not have to pay further EI premiums.

For Retirees Canadians age 65 years or older on December 31st of the tax year are eligible to claim the Age Amount. To receive the full non-refundable Age Amount tax credit of $7,225 one’s income in 2017 must not be higher than $36,430.

Additionally, those age 65 or older may also claim the Pension Income Tax Credit to offset tax on up to $2,000 of eligible pension, annuity or superannuation income.

The Old Age Security (OAS) recovery threshold for 2017 is $74,789. Any income over this amount will be subject to a recovery tax, with full loss of OAS at $119,512.

For Everyone The Basic Personal Amount is the minimum amount of income one can earn during a calendar year without having to pay any tax. For 2017 the Basic Personal Amount is $11,635 federally, and $10,208 for the province of BC. 2016 saw the introduction of the Canada Child Benefit, which replaced the Universal Child Care Benefit. One of the benefits of the Canada Child Benefit, unlike its predecessor, is that the payments are non-taxable.

The inflation-adjusted Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption is $835,716 for 2017. The prescribed, or family loan rate for 2017 remains unchanged at one per cent.

2017 is the last year to claim the First Time Donor’s Super Credit, which allows an additional 25 per cent federal credit on donations up to $1,000 if the taxpayer is a first-time donor. To qualify as a first-time donor, the individual and their spouse have not claimed a charitable donation for any year after 2007.

The 2016 Federal Budget reduced the Children’s Fitness Tax Credit and Children’s Arts Tax Credit for the 2016 tax year, and eliminated it completely in the 2017 tax year. Parents are encouraged to claim the credit for 2016 while they still can.

Final thoughts These numbers are just a starting point, and should not be considered financial advice. For more specialized tax guidance, be sure to speak with your accountant.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning GIC Rates

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