vol4issue51

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 4/Issue 51

The Columbia

FREE

December 21, 2007

Valley

P IONEER

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

ON THE ROAD

2 GREETINGS

16 SKATER GIRL

MERRY CHRISTMAS The oldest church in the valley is St. Mark’s Anglican Church at Galena, north of Brisco, built in 1895 and surrounded by a cemetery filled with old gravestones.

19

Photo by Brian Geis

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

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VALLEY NEWS

PIONEER ON THE ROAD—These hopefully not-sotypical Pioneer readers are pursing their favourite paper while on the road in Moab, Utah. From left to right:

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Merry Christmas To All!

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Gina Chivers, Bruce McIntosh and Ann McIntosh. They are among the last entrants in our 2007 travel photo contest. For more Pioneer on the Road photos, see Page 41.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

December 21, 2007

VALLEY NEWS

Probation office moves to Cranbrook needed here,” Mayor Shmiglesky said.

MLA Macdonald said the move is a trend away from the provision of local services.

“Whenever we lose services, if we lose services,” he The probation office in Golden, which also services the Invermere area, will be closed and a half-time said, “we need to ask for an explanation.”

Ms. Lapointe said that in remote areas of the provreceptionist’s position eliminated, meaning the service will now be administered from the provincial correc- ince probation officers operate out of a hub office and visit satellite offices on a regular rotation. tions hub in Cranbrook.

“This is a model we’ve Provincial Correcemployed throughout the tions administrator Lisa province,” she said.

Lapointe promised no “Th ey talk about effi ciencies, but what The Golden office, changes to probation they are saying is that we are a drain on she said, used to be the services in Invermere as a result of the recent ad- the economy. We’re not going to accept that hub office, although the probation officer lives in ministrative shuffle. status.”

Invermere.

The Invermere-based — MLA Norm Macdonald The average number probation officer who of cases in Golden wasn’t serves the Golden and high enough to support a Invermere courts, she hub office, Ms. Lapointe said, will continue to do explained. so, but will now report to Cranbrook for administra“With only 12 clients currently in Golden,” she tive purposes.

“There will be no changes in Invermere at all,” she said, “it’s not a responsible use of our resources.”

Despite closing the Golden office, she said, the said.

Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky and Colum- probation officer who serves Invermere and Golden bia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald both will continue to maintain the same schedule of visitations, holding office hours in Invermere six days per criticized provincial leaders for the change.

“We’ve already proven that court services are month.

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

Kootenays campaigning for one of 15 new CBC radio stations

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff District of Invermere Council has added its support to a growing campaign to bring CBC radio coverage to the Kootenays.

District of Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky confirmed that one of 15 new radio stations proposed by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation would serve the full East and West Kootenay regions.

Regional issues are occasionally covered by Daybreak South host Marion Barschel on the CBC-affiliated station in Kelowna.

According to the CBC’s rationale for a new station, “demographic evolution and internal migra-

Mr. Macdonald said it is important for probation officers to live in and be a part of the community they service.

“There is a constant trend to bring things down to Cranbrook,” he said. “What the lawyers are telling me is that these services are important. It’s important to the individuals who need these services.”

Ms. Lapointe said the probation services will remain flexible and adjust to the needs of the clients.

“Probation officers are trained professionals with college degrees,” she said. “We’re not so stuck on the model that special circumstances can’t be accommodated.

“I think, at the end of the day, our responsibility is to the clients and their probation orders. That will not change.”

MLA Macdonald sees diminishing provincial services as a breach of trust between the provincial government and the rural areas it serves.

“Whenever they use the language of efficiency, what they are saying is that our communities are inefficient,” he said. “In the past we had a social contract.

We contribute a tremendous amount to the provincial economy.

“Provincial services like this one need to be dealt with on the local level. They talk about efficiencies, but what they are saying is that we are a drain on the economy. We’re not going to accept that status.” tion in Canada over the last 35 years has resulted in areas of the country underserved by existing CBC radio stations.

“These communities are emerging with distinct perspectives on issues and culture, needing their own voice in the national dialogue.”

Features would include morning and afternoon drive-time shows targeted to listeners throughout the Kootenays, raised profile in the regional noon show and network programs, local news coverage seven days a week, local cultural programming and a staff of about 16 people.

The CBC’s Local Radio Plan has been presented to the Minister of Canadian Heritage. A report of the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage was tabled in Parliament in the fall of 2007.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Wishing you all the best for a joyous Holiday Season! from 514 13th St. Invermere

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w i t h

New Canal Flats mayor takes office

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff The new mayor of Canal Flats took up his position this week.

Colin Cartwright, 56, has been on the council since the town was incorporated three and a half years ago.

He was voted in by the public and is looking forward to the challenges which lie ahead.

“We have a lot of challenges and issues here in Canal Flats which have to be dealt with.

“I hope to deal with things in an orderly fashion to accommodate as much as possible, without being autocratic about it.

“We do face some infrastructure issues, as well as water and sewer issues.

“We don’t want to discourage development, we want it to continue. But we don’t want a jumble of houses on every piece of available land. It has to be done in the proper manner,” he said.

Mr. Cartwright was born in Invermere and has lived here all his life. He is married to Kathy and the couple has three children—Leslie, Angela and Douglas—as well as four grandchildren: Dawson, Darcy, Jonah and Kayla.

Mr. Cartwright said he is excited about his new position.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of the decision-making process in Canal Flats. I’ve sat on the sidelines for a month while this whole process has been going on, and I haven’t been able to get involved in anything which has been a bit frustrating.

“I know it’s not always a bed of roses, and there’s some awkward times but that’s all part of being mayor.

Colin Cartwright

“I’ve always been very involved in the community, and I like to be at the forefront of what’s happening so I’m looking forward to proceeding with that,” he said.

Mr. Cartwright said he would be spending Christmas at home with his family in Canal Flats, although he may make a trip to Edmonton to visit his granddaughter Kayla over the festive break.

Mr. Cartwright replaced former mayor John Tilley, who died unexpectedly in September.

Canal Flats Chief Election Officer Gloria Perry said a by-election planned for January 14th will fill the council seat vacated by Mr. Cartwright when he filed for mayor.

Emile Morin, who served as the first mayor of Canal Flats, will be up against Bruce Woodbury for the seat.

Mr. Woodbury is the former Chief Administrative Officer for Canal Flats.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

December 21, 2007

CHRISTMAS HAMPER HELPERS—Once again, some familiar faces and some new ones were on hand to help turn a mountain of donated and purchased food items and gifts into Christmas hampers for the less fortunate. This band of Santa’s elves was work-

ing at the Invermere Community Hall bright and early Wednesday morning, and the hampers were distributed on Wednesday afternoon. Thank you to all the individuals, families and business that made someone else’s Christmas a little happier.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PERSPECTIVE

Historical Lens

The Greatest Story

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher At this time of the year, the Nativity Story once again takes centre stage.

Whether (like most fundamentalist Christians) you believe in the literal narrative of the Christian Bible, whether (like most other Christians) you think the tale was pieced together from several sources, or whether (like many other Canadians) you believe the entire story is a fabrication, you must admit that the tale itself is a compelling one.

This is a story that resonates throughout our culture. The Madonna and child have been reproduced thousands of times, ranging from the richest oil paintings hanging in the Vatican to a chunk of plastic hanging from a taxi driver’s rear view mirror in Bolivia.

It has been sculpted in every medium including marble, stained glass, metal, paper, clay and neon lights.

Some reproductions are tacky, others are beautiful, others are as simple and moving as the nativity scene one of my four-year-old daughters crafted one year using her Barbie dolls (one of them,

December 21, 2007

with a shorn head, represented Joseph).

The tale has also been retold many times, in books, television programs, and places of worship across the globe.

Last year the attempt was made, resulting in mixed reviews, to bring the story to the big screen for the first time in a movie simply called The Nativity Story.

It has all the elements of a fascinating human yet magical drama—the pregnant woman riding on a donkey, the husband desperately searching for a place to rest, the star rising in the east like a comet and leading the three Kings of the Orient to Bethlehem, a host of angels singing Halleleuia in the heavens.

And then the most powerful event of all times – the birth of a new infant.

Nothing could be more inspirational than a birth, no matter where or to whom. Every birth is the most optimistic of all events in human history, for every newborn infant has the potential to change the world for the better.

This Christmas, no matter what your beliefs, reflect on the ancient power and beauty of the story, and its symbolism of mankind’s yearning for a better future.

Christmas presents The five Barbour children pose with their Christmas gifts at their home in Wilmer.

George is holding a baseball bat, Ed with what looks like a toy rake, Henry with a ball and a toy hoe, Albert with a copy of The Night Before Christmas, and Mabel with what looks like a tiny baking set. Note the Christmas tree decorated with paper streamers.

Photo courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

The Pioneer’s 2007 Christmas gift list Here is our annual tongue-in-cheek wish list for our favourite people in the valley.

• Invermere Belly Dancers: Long underwear so they don’t offend anyone’s sensibilities.

• Developer Doug McIntosh: a pair of hip-waders to wear when he starts building Lake Windermere Resort.

• Invermere town planner Meredith Hamstead: A trip to India so she can study high-density housing in downtown Calcutta.

• Every RCMP member: A chance to be Judge Judy for the Day. • Invermere councillor Gerry Taft: A pair of Size 16 shoes to fill when he runs for mayor next year.

• Local letter-writer and activist Michael Meehan: A copy of the book How to Win Friends and Influence People.

• Jim Abbott, MP: A direct weekly flight from Cranbrook to Taiwan so he can continue building relationships between the two countries.

• Fundraiser extraordinaire Cam Berry: Nerves of steel to continue his push for an arts centre.

• Invermere councillor Bob Campsall: A bicycle so he can ride to his new home in Larch Point without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.

• Canal Flats mother Lea-Ann Lechman: An early labour detection system so she won’t be forced to have another baby in her home.

• Anti-light pollution activist Arnor Larsen: a sleeping mask to block out the unwanted glare.

The Columbia Valley

P IONEER is independently owned and operated and is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc. Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@ telus.net · www.columbiavalleypioneer.com The material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of The Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s responsibility, if any, for errors or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid for by the advertiser for that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.

Elinor Florence Publisher

Brian Geis Editor

Rachel Pinder Reporter

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Sarah Turk

Advertising Sales

Graphic Designer

Office Manager

Project Manager

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

December 21, 2007

Identity of cougar hunter disputed We got a handful of calls and letters about last week’s Historical Lens photo.

We didn’t have a name for the man in the photo, but a couple of our readers claimed he is Martin Morigeau, a wellknown Metis hunter and trapper who lived in the Canal Flats area and whom the school there was named after.

Mr. Morigeau was known for his taking of cougar pelts, according to Jim Ashworth of Fairmont Hot Springs. He said he believed the photograph was taken around 1935.

But two others claimed the man draped in a cougar pelt is Eneas Jimmy, also known as Little Jimmy or Little Jim. According to Mr. Jimmy’s granddaughter Mary Jimmy, Little Jimmy belonged to the Akisqnuk First Nation, then known as the Columbia Lake Indian Band.

In a message written to The Pioneer, Mary said: “I know that is my grandfather as I was given the same photo by Ron Ede (former newspaper publisher in Invermere). Ron Ede knew my father Lucien Jimmy and our family. I believe this picture was taken around 1920.”

Local historian Ray Crook also believes the photo was taken of Little Jimmy. He remembers that Little Jimmy lived on the northwest corner of the

I would like to take this opportunity and venue to publicly offer a very large THANK YOU to Linda Dickerson of Radium Hot Springs for her efforts on behalf of the Food Bank here in the Valley.

Through Linda’s efforts and in conjunction with a very large and very diverse group of people and organizations scattered from across our valley, we were able to participate and observe maybe the largest number of people to attend The Christmas Train stop in Radium this last Friday night.

The weather was cold and snowy,

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band’s reserve near Windermere.

Wayne Price of Edgewater called to say the photo was of Martin Morigeau, but later called back to say he had changed his mind. After studying the photograph again, he saw that the man was wearing moccasins.

“Martin Morigeau never wore moccasins,” he said.

Thanks for organizing the Christmas Train event Dear Editor:

“The Source” for Rural, Recreational, Resort, Development and Investment Real Estate in B.C.

although I don’t think Linda had anything to do with that, but it was perfect for the Christmas Train.

The number of kids and adults who attended, the cheers and happiness throughout the attendees, the companies and owners donating time and effort to feed and heat guests and neighbors, was absolutely spectacular.

A number of bonfires to warm the tootsies and fingers was greatly appreciated.

Linda, you done did good.

Thank you.

David Pacey Radium Hot Springs

New Location Right next to D.Q. Jason, Mike & Rachel are ready & willing to help you with all your rental needs.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Pioneer!

We would like to wish our loyal readers and advertisers the happiest of holidays and a very prosperous New Year! From left to right, standing: Office Manager Michele McGrogan, Publisher Elinor Florence, Advertising Sales Associate Dave Sutherland, Reporter Rachel Pinder and Project Manager Sarah Turk. Seated, left to right: Graphic Designer Zephyr Rawbon, Advertising Sales Associate Bob Friesen and Editor Brian Geis.

Elevate Your New Year’s Experience

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Join us for the 1st New Year’s Celebration in The Clubhouse at Eagle Ranch!

Enjoy fine dining with an exquisite 6-course Chef’s tasting menu. Local folk jazz group Combo Akimbo will add the musical delight, kicking it up on into the night. The champagne toast is on the host! We’ll even make sure you stay topped up on our Service Beyond™. 3 seating times available starting at 6:30 p.m. on December 31.

Let this be the beginning of a great 2008, tickets $100, reserve with us today!

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Call 250-342-6560 for restaurant reservations • www.eagleranchresort.com

> >>>

Encore

Page 9

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 10

LAKESIDE BENEFIT

PAGE 24

Out & About Canadian singer Melanie Doane of Halifax invited the audience to participate during the CPR Holiday Train stopover in Radium last Friday.

For more, see Page 12.

Photo by Dave Sutherland

Merry Christmas from the Columbia Valley Arts Council Board of Directors.

Pynelogs Cultural Centre

Office closed from December 22 - December 30.

What does ART mean to you?

Call To Artists · 2008 Gallery Season · Applications are available for those artists interested in showing at the Pynelogs Cultural Centre for the 2008 Gallery Season. Call 342-4423 for more information.

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

Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

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

Wilmer Community Club staging fireworks show this Christmas Eve

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff

Warmest wishes and a big thank you to you, our customers, neighbours and friends. Your support means the world to us and we hope you enjoy a truly memorable holiday season and all the best in the new year.

From the team at

The Christmas lights won't be the only thing to see in Wilmer this Christmas Eve. Famous for its festive holiday light displays, Wilmer will be adding a new attraction this year: Fireworks!

Wilmer resident Tricia Pike said an impromptu fireworks display was organized last year when $400 was donated for the event.

"We decided to just make it an annual thing," she said.

This year, additional grant money was procured, refreshments were organized, entertainers were signed and Santa himself was invited.

Ms. Pike announced this week

Movie Review: Once

Bring in the New Year at

Reviewed by Elinor Florence Pioneer Staff

BLACK LIGHT DRESS WHITE

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Party till 4 am Tickets on sale TODAY (front desk of Invermere Inn)

GREAT DRINK PARTY FAVOURS H C N U L E T A L BOTTLES OF BUBB S E SPECIALS Z I R P R O LY DO TICKETS $20 PER PERSON (MUST BE 19 YEARS OF AGE) VALID FOR ENTRY UNTIL 11PM

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

Gone

HOLLYWOOD V

I D E O

Once is a low-budget independent Irish movie—you can tell there wasn't a huge number of people working on it by the short list of credits.

It's a charming little romance with lots of music. In fact, don't even think about renting this movie unless you are in the mood to listen to some full-length solos by the two main characters.

Written and directed by John Carney, Once features Glen Hansard, an Irish musician in real life who plays another nameless Irish musician busking on the streets of Dublin. Marketa Irglova is a Czeck musician who plays a nameless Czeck musician who is cleaning houses and selling flowers to support her little daughter and her mother.

The two of them discover that they make beautiful music together, although both are suffering from broken

Gone Hollywood’s

TOP FIVE OF THE WEEK Last Week’s Top 5 Rentals 1 2 3 4 5

Bourne Ultimatum Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Super Bad Pirates of the Caribbean Live Free or Die Hard

that Mr. Claus has accepted the invitation and will take time out of his busy Christmas Eve itinerary to appear, in person, at the event.

The community, she said, is invited to the field behind Wilmer Community Hall at 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Santa is expected to arrive at 7:15 and the fireworks will begin at 8 p.m.

Attendees can expect to warm themselves by the bonfire and enjoy the hot chocolate and coffee the Community Club will be serving. Local disc jockey Shawn Murray will be spinning the Christmas tunes.

Donations will be accepted for the Wilmer Playground Project. The Community Club, Ms. Pike said, has been raising money for a new playgound.

New Releases December 18 1 The Simpsons Movie 2 Stardust 3 Underdog 4 Balls of Fury 5 Halloween

New Releases December 25 1 The Heartbreak Kid 2 Rush Hour 3 3 The Brothers Soloman 4 The Kingdom 5 Eastern Promises

hearts. The Guy's girlfriend moved away to London, while the Girl's husband is back in Czechoslovakia.

The pair decide to cut an album and with the help of some other street musicians they record an amazing collection of sad and angry love songs while helping each other heal their wounds.

The two are dating in real life, which explains the on-screen chemistry.

Many of the songs were written by the two stars themselves. Glen Hansard is the vocalist and guitarist for the Irish rock group The Frames, and appeared in the 1991 film The Commitments.

If you're tired of schlocky Christmas movies, this is a pleasant, inoffensive and heart-warming movie to watch during the holidays.

RATING: 7 OUT OF 10 HEADS

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

December 21, 2007

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

Out & About Please call 341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Toby Theatre • 7:30 pm, Dec. 26-29: Bee Movie.

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR Invermere Public Library Open Saturday, Dec. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Dec. 23 to Tuesday, Jan. 1.

Open Wednesday, Jan. 2 from noon to 8 p.m.

Panorama Mountain Village Dec. 22: Santa’s Workshop Dec. 23: Christmas Movie, Great Hall Dec. 24: Pictures with Santa and Pano Pete Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Service and Carolling Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Dinner Dec. 25: Christmas Movie Dec. 27: Syndicate Rail Jam Dec. 29: Winter Wonderland Dec. 31: New Year’s Live Entertainment with Paul Issaks and Penelope the Clown Dec. 31: New Year’s Buffet Dinner Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Dec. 24: Torch Light Parade and Fireworks Dec. 25: 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ski Hill Open Dec. 26: 7 a.m. to noon, Boxing Day Buffet Dec. 26: Kids’ Adventure Ski School Dec. 30: 7 a.m. to noon: Sunday Brunch Dec. 31: 7 p.m. New Year’s Gala Jan. 1: New Year’s Day Breakfast Buffet Fairmont Hot Springs Pool Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Christmas Eve: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Christmas Day: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free!

January 1: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Call 345-6030 for info.

Invermere Thrift Store: Closed until January 9th.

CHRISTMAS CALENDAR

CHRISTMAS CHURCH SERVICES

Radium Hot Springs Pool Dec. 21 and Dec. 22: Noon to 10 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 23: Noon to 9 p.m.

Christmas Eve: Noon to 9 p.m.

Christmas Day: Noon to 9 p.m.

Dec. 26 to Jan. 6: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Fo info, call 347-9485.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 23: • 8:30 a.m. Morning Worship, All Saints, Edgewater • 10 am: Christmas message and carols at the new Prayer Centre, Radium Christian Fellowship • 10:30 a.m. Communion, Christ Church Trinity, Invermere • 10:30 a.m. Regular church service at Lake Windermere Alliance Church • 7 pm: Service at Brisco Community Church, Radium Christian Fellowship

Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena Public Skating Schedule $2/each December 23rd, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th: 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Columbia Valley Pioneer Newspaper: Office closed Saturday, Dec. 22 to Sunday, Dec. 30.

Open Dec. 31, closed New Year’s Day. For info: 341-6299.

Invermere Post Office Christmas Eve: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 25 & 26: Closed Dec. 29: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Dec. 31: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

January 1st: Closed Radium Rotary Dec. 21: 7 pm Christmas carolling, meet at the Prestige Inn in Radium and dress warmly. Song sheets provided. Money raised will go to the Food Bank. For info: Sharlene, 347-9625.

Rockies Hockey December 21st: 7:30 pm C.V. Rockies vs. Sicamous Eagles, Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Invermere Business Committee December 21st: Late night shopping in downtown Invermere until 8 p.m. tonight, more than 35 businesses open.

Wilmer December 24th: 7:15 pm Santa arrives in the field behind the Wilmer Community Hall, and fireworks will begin at 8 pm. The Wilmer Community Club will service hot chocolate and coffee around a bonfire, with Shawn Murray acting as disc jockey.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24: • 2:30 p.m. Christmas Eve service at the summit of Panorama Mountain Village, Lake Windermere Alliance Church • 4 p.m. Family Christmas Service, Christ Church Trinity, Invermere • 5 p.m. Canadian Martyrs’ Church, Invermere • 6 p.m. Christmas Eve service at Lake Windermere Alliance Church • 7 p.m. Canadian Martyrs’ Church, Invermere • 8 p.m. Christmas Eve service in the Great Hall at Panorama Mountain Village, Lake Windermere Alliance Church • 8 p.m. Service at All Saints, Edgewater • 10 p.m. Service at St. Peter’s Church, Windermere • 11 p.m. Carols, St. Joseph’s Church, Radium • 11:30 p.m. Mass, St. Joseph’s Church, Radium • 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion, Christ Church Trinity, Invermere TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25: • 9 a.m. Canadian Martyrs’ Church, Invermere • 11 a.m. St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29: • 7 p.m. Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30: • 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship, Christ Church Trinity • 10:30 a.m. Celebration Sunday and Communion, Lake Windermere Alliance Church MONDAY, DECEMBER 31: • 7 p.m. Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere TUESDAY, JANUARY 1: • 10 a.m. St. Joseph’s Church, Radium • Noon: St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats For a complete listing of church addresses and phone numbers, please see Page 47.

Warmest Wishes for a Happy Holiday Season!

Everyone at Eagle Ranch extends wishes for a happy holiday season to our community and our friends.

Wishing that everyone will enjoy family, friends, laughter and good cheer throughout this holiday season.

And for a New Year filled with hope, happiness, health and prosperity!

Merry Christmas and best wishes for a wonderful 2008!

Elevate Your New Year’s Experience Call (250) 342-6560 for restaurant reservations • www.eagleranchresort.com

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Computer Pros

341-1114

Merry Christmas to all of you from all of us here at

Radium Hot Springs Esso

We hope your holidays are a gas!

7507 Main St. West

347-9726

Whistle Stop The annual CPR Holiday Train stopped in Radium last Friday so hundreds could enjoy music and contribute to the Food Bank. A host of entertainers kept the crowd amused, with performers including Wide Mouth Mason, a trio of musicians from Saskatoon; and Juno award-winning pop singer Melanie Doan, as well as the man in red himself—Santa Claus. Local organizer Linda Dickerson said all donations to the Food Bank will stay right here in the valley. Pictured here are local businessmen Steve Kuffler, left, and Dan Emms, right, who flipped burgers in Radium during the Holiday Train visit, while Ray Taft of Invermere looked on from the background.

(250) 688-5105

www.envirocustomhomes.ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

December 21, 2007

Warmest Wishes from “Locally serving the Kootenays”

Invermere 341-3206

Brightest and Best Wishes from

DECK ELECTRIC 109 Industrial Road #2 TRAIN SPOTTING—Bundled up against the cold, several hundred spectators turned out to see the CPR Holiday Train including a busload of seniors from Invermere. It was a great family evening for the holiday season, and raised much-needed food funds for the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

Photo by Dave Sutherland

The management & staff of Skandia Concrete & Kootenay Paving would like to wish all of their friends and neighbours a wonderful holiday season.

Merry Christmas!

––––

Skandia Concrete

Kootenay Paving

1756 Highway 93/95 Windermere

342-6500

342-9918

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Brendan Donahue Investment Advisor Phone: 342-2112

GIC Rates cashable 90 days 1 yr 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

as of December 18th 4.50% 4.75% 4.75% 4.75% 4.90% 4.95% 5.00%

New USD High Interest Savings Accounts No minimum balances 4.30% No fees Interest calculated daily, paid monthly Redeemable at any time RRSP and RRIF eligible

Investments

GICs, Stocks, Bonds, Preferred Shares, Income Trusts, Mutual Funds, High Interest Savings, RRSPs Rates subject to change without notice.

Subject to availability.

Brendan Donahue, BCOMM, CIM, FMA Investment Advisor, Berkshire Securities Inc. 342-2112 Jason Elford, CFP Investment Advisor, Berkshire Investment Group Inc. 342-5052

The Columbia Valley’s Premiere Wealth Management Firm Planning Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Retirement Projections, Income Splitting, Registered Educational Savings Plans

December 21, 2007

YOUR MONEY How to withdraw funds after your retirement

Most Canadians spend considerable time thinking about how they can save for retirement. But how many of us know what to actually do with our portfolios when it comes time to retire? How many of us have a plan for making withdrawals from our retirement portfolio?

Unfortunately, many Canadians do not have a clear understanding of how they will utilize their savings to supplement their retirement nor do they understand how the monies will be taxed.

A carefully-managed systematic withdrawal plan may be the answer.

The importance of growth Obviously, to stay on top of the spread, investors need to invest some portion of the SWP portfolio for growth. In practical terms, that means investing in equities, equity mutual funds, etc. That’s a little different than the conventional wisdom that advises retirees to stick to bonds and other guaranteed investments, but think about the barrel: to ensure there’s always water in the barrel, you need to keep water coming in as fast as it’s going out. Equities are the asset class that offers you the best chance of keeping up with your withdrawals (and inflation) over the long term.

The Systematic Withdrawal Plan A Systematic Withdrawal Plan allows you to make a regular series of withdrawals (every month, for example) from an investment portfolio that’s still growing.

Ideally, portfolio growth compensates for the amount you’re taking out every month, allowing you to keep up the withdrawals indefinitely. Think of the plan as a rain barrel: you take water out from the bottom at the same time that water is coming in from the top (assuming it rains once in a while).

A new twist on withdrawal plans In response to the increased interest retirees are showing in Systematic withdrawal plans, several mutual fund companies have built customized systematic withdrawal plan funds that allow investors to make withdrawals in a tax-efficient way. The fund works much like a normal systematic withdrawal plan, with one distinct difference: the special structure of these funds allows those monthly withdrawals to consist primarily of “return of capital,” which is not normally subject to tax.

As an added bonus, return of capital is not considered income for the purposes of calculating old age security and other government benefits, potentially leaving retirees with even more income.

Managing the spread The critical element of every systematic withdrawal plan is the difference between the money coming out of the portfolio and the money going in. At first glance, it seems that as long as withdrawals equal growth, the withdrawal plan can continue indefinitely.

In the real world, however, there are market corrections, inflation, and taxes to worry about. Which is why it’s best to build in some breathing room when implementing a systematic withdrawal plan.

A tax-efficient systematic withdrawal plan isn’t a strategy you just throw together—it requires detailed planning. If you’re considering a systematic withdrawal plan, talk to your financial advisor and make sure it’s set up to meet your specific needs.

Market Action S&P/TSX Composite Index Dow Jones Industrial Average Nikkei Oil (New York) Gold (New York) Canadian Dollar (in US dollars)

As of December 17th, 2007

13,387 13,167 15,249 $90.63 $799.30 $0.9943

Weekly Gain/Loss

-552.89 -558.80 -674.21 2.77 -14.20 -0.0002

YTD

3.71% 5.65% -11.95% 48.46% 24.89% 18.82%

Services RSP Loans, Mortgage Referrals, Pension Transfers, Group RRSPs.

Ask us about our free consultations and no fee accounts.

Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!

When was the last time you reviewed your Life Insurance Portfolio?

In our ever changing world it is important that your insurance is reviewed constantly to ensure that it is the best and most appropriate coverage available.

As one of the valley’s only truly independent Life Insurance brokers, I have access to most of the major carriers and can help you to ensure that you have the best products to suit your needs.

For a complimentary review and to see if we can lower your cost or improve the quality of your existing coverage call me at 342-5052 or just stop in to the Berkshire office and ask to see Jason.

Jason Elford has been a wealth management specialist in Calgary for more than 9 years. Now a full time resident of Invermere, Jason recently joined the Berkshire office with Brendan Donahue.

Jason Elford Certified Financial Planner Insurance Advisor 712 - 10th Street, Invermere

Phone: 342-5052

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

December 21, 2007

Nollaig Chridheil dhuibh (A hearty Christmas to you) from all of us at

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year From the friendly staff at Palliser Printing

WONDERLAND—The old stagecoach stop on the Mountainside Golf Course at Fairmont Hot Springs is overlooked by a majestic mountain swathed in mist.

Photo by Wayne Collens

Merry Christmas from Brendan, Jason, Sarah and Denise at the

BERKSHIRE OFFICE Phone: (250) 342-2112

Christmas Greetings

to all our customers around the Globe

Christmas Greetings

from our family to yours.

from the staff at

Invermere 342-3575 (250) 342-6978 Invermere

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Greetings from the past

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Every picture tells a story, so the saying goes.

That’s just as true for postcards, as Barry Jonas found out when he started collecting them more than 20 years ago.

Barry has increased his collection after picking up postcards at auctions and rummaging around at garage sales, and says each one has a story to tell.

“Like many people, I had a collection of stamps when I was younger. Then I went away from it for a number of years. Before I retired, I used to work in Edmonton where there was a flourishing stamp club and I got hooked.

“Most philanthropists begin to specialize after a while, and I chose to get into collecting Alberta postmarks,” he said.

Barry grew up in Calgary and spent his working life in Alberta. He and his wife Sharon bought a cottage in Columere Park in the 1970s and retired out here in 2000.

They have two daughters.

After a career in education, Barry was a high school history teacher who was then hired by the province to develop the social studies exam for the high school diploma.

And Barry is still an avid collector of Alberta postmarks even today, and says he has several hundred at least.

So does he have a favourite?

“I don’t have a particular favourite, I just enjoy the challenge of collecting,” Barry smiles.

“I’ve got a bunch of Calgary and Edmonton letters and I could spend hours and hours on presentation, as I like to keep them all displayed in a binder,” he said.

Barry is still a member of Edmonton Stamp Club, and reckons he’s been building his collection since the early 1980s.

And what is it that keeps his interest going after all these years?

Well, Barry just puts it down to his fascination with history.

“I think it’s just the attraction of trying to build up a postal history. It’s tough to get a lot of this material, and I often go into antique stores and garage sales to see what I can find.

“A lot of people throw this material away because they don’t think it’s valuable, but it’s so historically valuable.”

Continued on Page 17

Picture Perfect Barry Jonas with his Christmas postcards, just part of his collection of Alberta postmarks that he has built up since the early 1980s.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

December 21, 2007 Continued from Page 16

Barry’s collection reveals a rich tapestry of colours, designs and lettering on these beautiful historic postcards from Christmasses past.

“Postcards tell all different kinds of stories, where you can really read between the lines. The things that aren’t said can sometimes be quite revealing and the hardship people faced in the early part of the century is very apparent.

“Here, we’re dealing with the earliest pioneers in Canada. Mail was very important to homesteaders, and people would faithfully go to the postbox every day to get their mail.

“Collecting postmarks is a hobby which not only gives me hours of time well spent, but I also think the use of stamps is declining, so now I’m working against time to present something that’s a very strong part of our culture.

“More and more people are corresponding now by email, but a thank you note which has been handwritten and mailed shows so much more thought than an email, which can be deleted. A letter or a postcard can be read again and again.

“I think it’s a hobby which will gain ground once the baby boomers begin to retire, but a lot of children are not so into it.

“I knew that when I was contemplating retirement I could spend hours each day organizing my collection if I wanted to. I’ve hoarded so much material on the postal history of Alberta, I hope I can salvage something that’s long since disappeared for future generations to enjoy,” Barry said.

Every historic postcard tells a little story

By Barry Jonas Even in 1908 Christmas was overwhelming— here’s an interesting postcard in which the front nicely sums up a common concern for the Christmas season!

Seibertville, a post office which opened in 1908 and closed in 1917 (likely a lonely homestead just east of Carstairs on the prairie, long since vanished) was named after the first and only post-

master, a certain L. Siebert. Our postcard inviting the family to come for Christmas is addressed to a relation “Ezra Siebert,” who was likely also homesteading nearby. It reads: “I see you feel good so do I we got fine weather at present will have a Christmas tree Dec 25/08 all come AJL.” The American postmark is partly indistinct but is most likely from a border state given the time frame. It is dated Canada, Dec. 22/08.

The receiving postmark is quite late, Jan. 09/09. Why the delay? The card may have been mis-delivered.

A very indistinct transit mark hints at Elkton, Alta Dec. 28/08—quite a long way away.

Ezra and family may have missed the invitation but much appreciated the thought.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Best of the Season to all our Customers from

WATER CO. LTD. • Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

Call (250) 342-5089 385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

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342-9824

Best of the Season to our valued customers from Melissa, Cindy, Deb and Rose Marie

1225B 7th Ave. Invermere

342-8604

Clip this out for 20% off anything in the store!

3 floors of antiques and collectibles

1525 Cranbrook St. N., Cranbrook

(250) 489-2106

Open 7 days a week

expires Dec. 31st ‘07

Home For The Holidays There’s no place we’d rather be at Christmas than right here with all our good friends and neighbours.

We wish you all a beautiful holiday and a happy and prosperous new year.

Fairmont Village Mall, Fairmont

Phone: 345-4000

th St. , Invermere 526 B – 13th

Phone: 342-6911

#5, 7553 Main St. W. , Radium

Phone: 347-0003

www.rockymtnrealty.com www.rockymtnrealty.com

Santa on Vacation Ice Carnival skating success

100 Spokane St., Kimberley

Phone: 427-7755

THE PIONEER The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

The Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena was packed to the rafters on Sunday as a huge crowd watched the spectacular figure skating at the Santa on Vacation Ice Carnival event.

It was a fantastic afternoon organised by the Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club, and close to 80 skaters of all ages took part. It was also the first time for skaters from Canal Flats.

Skaters performed routines in various groups, as well as duets and soloists, and there were several guest skaters who showed off their skills as well.

The event has been going for at least the past 25 years, and club president Kelly Geiger said it was definitely the biggest crowd they’d seen in five years.

Kelly has been involved with the skating club for the past nine years since her daughter Kirsten was four years old, and she said it’s the one big fundraiser of the year.

“It’s a fun way of raising money for the club, and we raise all our money through events like this. Our coaches helped work out the routines, with help from a couple of the older girls. It was an excellent afternoon and I think everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“The kids have improved immensely and are a joy to watch. Our enrolment is way up this year and we are going to have a very successful season. And thanks to all the parents who bring their kids to the arena every week to enjoy the sport of skating.

“I need to give a big thank you to our coaching staff this year. Without their dedication it would not be possible to give children this opportunity to try this great sport. And a huge thank you to Denise Reid who dedicates so many hours to this club and has now started sessions in Canal Flats, giving those kids an opportunity to skate.

“Also, a thank you to Danielle and Jason Elford for finding the time to help out our club within their busy schedule and a new baby,” Kelly said.

She explained the coaches are also assisted by amateur coaches and pre-school class assistants from the Columbia Valley Rockies.

“To all the skaters who have practised so hard this year and are here to show us what they have achieved, Way To Go! Watching you improve every session makes all the work worthwhile. And thanks to all the parents who helped me out to make this carnival a success. And we’re grateful too for the support from all the businesses in the valley,” Kelly added.

Registration for the next session will be held on January 7th, from 3.30 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the arena.

Anyone who is interested in getting their child involved should call Kelly at 342-3213.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

December 21, 2007

STATION PUB

New Year’s Eve Supper One Sitting • 6:30 pm

8oz Prime Rib $28.50 Wishing you a Happy New Year from the management & staff Reservations Please 342-8346

Invermere Barbers would like to wish their friends and customers a

MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! 507B 7th Ave. Invermere

341-3240

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and thank you for showing such great support for the Angel Tree initiative

FUTURE SKATING STAR—Cianna Verge, age 3, took to her blades like a duck to water, complete with water wings to protect her elbows from the ice, when she performed at the arena on Sunday.

Photo by Rachel Pinder

Wishing you all the best in this holiday season and the coming year!

1222 7th Ave. Invermere

342-9237

350 Laurier, Athalmer 342-9933

Wishing you Health & Wellness in 2008 from Massage & Wellness

DEANNA EMPEY (AB) RMT For an appointment call

342-5890

dempey1@telus.net

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Sending our thoughts and prayers to you this Christmas!

Pip’s Country Store 4806 Selkirk, Edgewater

347-9519

Invermere Dental Clinic.... Family Dentistry including Orthodontics and Cosmetics

Wendy, Ashley, Tami, Chris, Cyndee, Kristine, Mary, Richard and Sherry.

Tidings of Comfort & Joy from all of us at (250) 342-9713

“It was a pleasure serving you”

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Avion

Construction Ltd.

Columbia Valley District Office INVERMERE

Phone: (250) 342-9866

DISHING UP—(Left: front to back:) Grade 4 students Matty Helmer, age 9, and Samuel Guignard, age 9, along with teacher Maggie Milligen, received their Christmas turkey dinners from servers Jill Logan (back) and Nancy Nester (front), who are both members of the Parent Advisory Council.

Early turkey dinner at Laird School

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Students from J. A. Laird School had an early Christmas dinner on Friday when more than 300 meals were served up by parents and members of the Parent Advisory Council.

And it was all thanks to the generosity of Sobeys supermarket, who donated all the food, which included 11 turkeys, potatoes, peas, carrots, corn, along with candy canes and oranges for dessert and cranberry-flavoured pop.

Principal David Gee said the annual Christmas dinner had been going on at the school for at least the past 10 years.

“The children really look forward to it, especially the ones who have been

year after year. And it’s all thanks to Sobeys and all the parents who volunteered to prepare the food and serve up on the day,’ he said.

The preparations were organised

by Parent Advisory Council member Cheryl Maybuck. “We were up at the high school kitchen the night before to peel all the potatoes and do the turkey preparation.

“And Quality Bakery helped us out by cooking the turkeys in their ovens and making the gravy.

“There were about 20 parents helping out. It’s been awesome, a real community effort,” she said.

The parents received two standing ovations from pupils to thank them for their sterling efforts.

Merry Christmas

Valley Hair Styling from the management and staff of

342-6355

(phone for appointment)

1313 7th Ave., Invermere, BC

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

December 21, 2007

How to help your grieving friends during the holidays Submitted by Donna Power and Beth Noel RCMP Victim Services Family Resource Centre of Invermere For most people, the holiday season is time for celebrating and spending time with family and friends. For those who have lost a loved one during the past year, the holidays can be an especially difficult time.

Here are some ideas to help someone you care about deal with their grief in the festive holiday time.

• Give a gift of memories. A scrapbook filled with photos of the departed loved one can be a treasured gift.

• Help your friend think about which holiday traditions they want to keep or change. Sometimes a change lessens the pain of the loss.

• Plan an outing to the grave site or memorial location. Bring holly, pine or any evergreen to decorate the site for the season.

• Volunteer at a food bank, the Christmas Bureau, or activities related to the season. Have your grieving friend go with you.

• Take your friend shopping for food, clothing and toys to give to a charity.

• Send a living plant or fresh flowers to your friend to let them know that you are thinking of them in this season.

Grieving lasts for a very long time and in some ways, never ends. Such a gift will let your friend know that you have

not forgotten their loss.

• Don’t be afraid to mention the name of the departed loved one. It’s important that your friend know you will not forget their loved one who has died. Send your friend a note or make a phone call letting them know that your remember this may be a difficult time for them.

• Bring some of the season indoors.

Your friend may not put up a tree or decorate their home. Bring them a small tree or evergreen arrangement to help warm their home with the season.

• You might want to attend a religious service with your friend if this is their usual custom. Faith can be great solace in difficult times.

• Invite your friend over for a holiday dinner with your family. If they are not comfortable leaving their home, bring the dinner to theirs.

Happy Holiday Season from Columbia Valley RCMP Victim Services.

We have been heartened and warmed by the generosity and kindness that neighbours and friends of the Columbia Valley have for each other in time of need.

May we be ever vigilant of the need of those around us during the holiday season and in all of the seasons. A few words of kindness, a helping hand, or company during a meal, can make all the difference to someone in need.

May we all have a wonderful holiday season full of peace, blessings, and hope in the coming year.

Season’s Greetings to the

Citizens, Services and Businesses of the Upper Columbia Valley Wishing you a warm, cheerful Holiday Season filled with love and joy. May you enjoy peace, happiness, good health and good fortune throughout the coming year.

Irene, Anne, Shizu, Jean & Justin Futa

Welcome in the New Year at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

New Year’s Eve Gala

Join us in the Cedar Ballroom for a New Years party you won’t soon forget! Live entertainment, party favours and a glass of bubbly at midnight. Casual elegant dress; this party is for those 16 years and older. *Advance tickets are required. $52.95 per person plus GST. Available at the Front Desk For tickets 250.345.6311 info@fairmonthotsprings.com

from

1241 7th Ave. Invermere 342-9268

OUR BIGGEST ONE DAY SALE OF THE YEAR! BOXING DAY SALE One Day Only!

December 26th 12 - 4 pm 7th Ave. Invermere

342-7171

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

December 21, 2007

A Day in Court The following people were found guilty in Adult Criminal Court in Invermere on Tuesday, December 18th.

Presiding was Judge Ron Webb.

• Basil Stevens was jailed for 14 days, which he will serve on consecutive weekends; and banned from driving for two years. Mr. Stevens was also given a one-year probation order.

He was caught driving while nearly three times over the legal alcohol limit, and registered 290 mg in a breath sample. The car he was driving on June 17th was seen swerving all over the road without headlights.

Mr. Stevens parked the car just after 1 a.m., and was accused of sleeping and drooling at the wheel.

He had an open can of beer between his legs and there was a strong smell of liquor in the vehicle.

Mr. Stevens pleaded guilty to both charges: driving without care or control of the vehicle while impaired, and driving while over the legal limit of 80 mg.

• Clayton Liscombe pleaded guilty to causing actual bodily harm to his girlfriend Deborah Hill in Agassiz, B.C. on February 23rd.

Mr. Liscombe assaulted Miss Hill, punched her in the head, gave her a black eye and caused her to lose consciousness.

The court heard this was the first time Mr. Liscombe had assaulted Miss Hill, and she stood up in court to speak in his defence to say she was standing by him.

Mr. Liscombe also had a previous conviction for assault on a partner in 1999. He admitted he had an alcohol problem and told the court he has been sober since May. He publicly apologized to Miss Hill and said he didn’t want to drink any more.

Judge Ron Webb said despite Miss Hill’s tolerance and patience, this type of behaviour should not be taken lightly. He sentenced Mr. Liscombe to 18 days in jail, which he will serve on consecutive weekends.

He also gave Mr Liscombe an 18month probation order to keep the peace and abstain from alcohol, and to have no contact with Miss Hill if he had been drinking.

Seasons Greetings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

800.663.4979 fairmonthotsprings.com

. . . Continued on Page 40

Friday, December 21st & Saturday December 22nd

3

$ 75 giveaways!

Monday, December 31st Funky Beats from DJ Lefty & Guests Midnight Snacks • Open til 4:00 a.m.!

Bud’s is where it’s at! • 342-2965

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

When the going gets tough

PLAYING THEIR PART—Local musicians Fraser Smith, Mike Smith and Bruce Childs, regular performers at Angus McToogle’s Restaurant & Pub, belt it out during the Lakeside Pub’s Food Bank Benefit Concert last Sunday.

Columbia Valley Trading Co.

Lakeside Pub concert raises $2,000 for food bank

Outdoor Clothing & Gear Invermere, BC

342-3366 COLUMBIA VALLEY TRADING COMPANY

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff

20% OFF

SUGGESTED RETAIL

Due to circumstances beyond our control EXCHANGE RATES between CANADA and the USA have changed dramatically, prompting many of our potential customers to shop in the USA. By offering…

20% OFF

we hope you will shop with us instead.

Our suppliers have offered us absolutely NO SUPPORT and NO DISCOUNTS. The cost of doing business has increased i.e. shipping, heating, accounting, insurance, electricity, wages and taxes, etc., etc. We strive to bring great products at better prices to this community. We hope this incentive will help you support us in these troubling times for Canadian retailers.

NEVER STOP EXPLORING™

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

It was a packed house on Sunday night at the Lakeside Pub, as the cream of local talent sang and played their hearts out in a fundraising effort to raise a staggering $2,175 for the Food Bank.

This seventh annual event kicked off at 6 p.m. and people quickly filled the seats as they sat back to enjoy a meal and a night of great entertainment.

Compere Bill Cropper kept everyone involved, and encouraged folks to make a cash donation, although many had already brought non-perishable food items.

Among the musicians performing were John Cronin, Mike and Fraser Smith, Pat Hess, Franz Grasegger, Gord Askey, Bruce Childs, Bill Cropper, Stacey DeCosse, Bud DeCosse, Paul Carriere, Deb Ede and Kurt Reichel.

Bruce Childs played a toe-tapping set alongside father-and-son team Mike and Fraser Smith.

Bruce said it was great that everyone got together to do something for the Food Bank. Anya Milligan, 13, and her sister Katie, 14, two talented girls he taught at J. A. Laird School, did an awesome job in captivating the crowd with their magical singing. They sang a song Bruce composed, I Never Knew That Magic Could Be Real.

“When the girls were singing, ev-

eryone on the stage was crying, and some people in the audience were too.

I’d practised with them that afternoon but even I wasn’t ready for how amazing they sounded.

“It was an awesome night and I’ve played every year except one when I was away. It’s pretty much a tradition amongst local musicians and I’m so glad we raised so much money for the Food Bank,” Bruce said.

Accordian player Franz Grasegger played a fantastic set with Pat Hess, and said it was his first time playing for the Lakeside’s Food Bank fundraiser.

“I’ve been coming here for five years but it’s the first time I’ve actually played.

I’ve had lots of fun and I’m really keen to do it again next year,” Franz said.

Franz also sang Silent Night in German with Barbara Konig, co-owner of Konig Meat and Sausage Company.

Barbara said Franz called her at 5 p.m. that day to ask her to sing.

“It was a first for me, but I really enjoyed it and it was great to see so many local musicians there,” she said.

The Food Bank benefit concert was started years ago as a way of doing something for the community at Christmas.

Lakeside pub owner Guido Hochheiden said he was delighted the event had raised so much money for the Food Bank, which was up on last year’s total.

“I’m really pleased with how it went.

It was pretty much a full house and everyone had a fantastic time,” he said.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

December 21, 2007

Wishing all our friends and clients a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2008!

Bernie Raven

Sarah Osterlund

(250) 342-7415

HITTING THE RIGHT NOTES—(Left to right:) Pat Hess and Franz Grasegger, both sales consultants at Fairmont Resort Properties, did their bit for the Lakeside Food Bank fundraising event on Sunday. The pair have been performing together for many years, and are well known in the valley.

Library Silent Auction raffled 84 items

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff The annual Silent Auction held at the Invermere Public Library has been hailed a huge success, after raising more than $2,600.

The Silent Auction ran from November 24th until December 15th. The auction kicked off in conjunction with annual Christmas Bake Sale which is held at the library every year.

The Friends of the Library support library activities by helping to fund various library projects. Through creative fundraising and partnering with the community, they focus public attention on the library’s needs and receive gifts donated on the library’s behalf.

The auction has been running for about four years, and each year continues to improve through generous donations and participation from the community.

A total of 84 items was donated, ranging from jewellery, clothing, pottery and paintings to smaller items such as homemade mincemeat, books and candles.

The most paid for an item was $400 for a painting by Wilmer resident Se-

bastien Bell called “Fall.” Two golf passes were donated by The Springs Golf Course, which went for $200; and four golf passes by Windermere Valley Golf Course brought in another $200.

Friends of the Library secretary Sheryl Thomas organized this year’s auction for the first time, taking over from board member Mike Bradford.

“The auction closed at noon on December 15th and when we opened the library at 10 a.m. we had eight people waiting on the steps to make sure they had the highest bid in place.

“I’m really pleased with how it went.

It was lots of fun and it’s a real community event which gets lots of people involved.

“I’d really like to thank all the people and businesses who donated prizes because none of this would be possible without their generous help.

“And all $2600 we raised will go back to the library so it’s great that it stays right here in the community.

“We have passed on the money to library manager Liz Robinson who will use it at her discretion to buy books and tapes for the library’s collection, so that’s great news for everyone in the valley who uses the library,” Sheryl said.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from

We are paying the taxes for the month of December!

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 11 am – 4 pm • Closed for Christmas Day Open for Boxing Day, Wednesday, 11 am – 4 pm

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26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

December 21, 2007

GETTING FESTIVE—Left to right, Lila Fodchuk, Nestor Fodchuk and Barb Kester, Stan Rokosh, Bernice Stone and Dot Forster enjoy their annual Seniors’ Christmas dinner at the Best Western Invermere Inn on Friday.

Rotary Club serves 125 seniors

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff One hundred and twenty-five seniors turned out for this year’s annual Christmas dinner organized by Invermere’s Rotary Club and the Best Western Inn. This was the 18th year Best Western Invermere Inn owners Bryce and Margaret Mitchell hosted the annual event, which was hailed a great success.

“When we took over the hotel we were told this event was held every Christmas, and we love having the seniors here. It had been going for a few years before we arrived, and I believe this is the 23rd time it’s been held,” Mr. Mitchell said.

Entertainment was provided by husband and wife team Glenys Snow-Dymond and Joseph Lehman of Radium. A selection of music including Christmas songs and original compositions written by Joseph

were played on a hammer dulcimer, which Glenys explained is the predecessor of the piano.

Rotary president Yvonne Redeker said it was a wonderful evening.

“This is one of the most delightful and rewarding events we put on. It’s a pleasure to give something back to the seniors who have given all their lives.

“The hotel staff here have been fantastic, and their contribution, including all the food, is huge. We’re now at the point where more seniors request a spot than we are able to seat,” said.

Stan Rokosh and his table of six enjoyed soaking up the festive atmosphere.

“We had a lovely time. I used to get up and tell a few yarns but I’ve run out of jokes,” he said.

Lila Fodchuk, who was also at Stan’s table, said it was her second time at the annual event. “We really appreciate the Rotary Club for doing this for the seniors. It has been a fantastic night,” she said.

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CARS

1997 Mercury Sable V6, Auto, Loaded Stk#T07276B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,995 SOLD TO VERY NICE 1999 Chrysler Concorde LX V6,SOME Auto, Loaded Stk#T08152A . . . . . . .PEOPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,995 2002 Ford Focus SE 4 cyl, Auto, Loaded Stk#U1114A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995 2002 Acura I-7 4 cyl, Auto, Loaded Stk#T08073A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,995 2002 Pontiac Grand Am V6, Auto Loaded Stk#T07492A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,995 TOAuto SOME 2004 Chrysler SOLD Intrepid V6, LoadedVERY Stk#U1158ANICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PEOPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT 4cyl, 6 spd, loaded Stk#C08003A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,995 2005 Dodge SX2.0 4cyl, Auto, A/C Stk#U1083A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,995 2005 Nissan Altima SE V6, Auto, Leather, Loaded Stk#C07193A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,995 2006 Chevy Aveo 4cyl, 5spd, A/C Stk#U1048A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,995 2006 Chrysler 300 Ltd V6, Auto, Leather, Loaded Stk#T07507C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,995 2007 Chrysler Sebring Touring V6, Auto, Loaded Stk#U1132 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,900

TRUCKS

2007 Dodge Ram 3500 QC Diesel, Auto, Loaded, 4x4 Stk#U1163 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,900 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab Diesel, 6 spd, Loaded, 4x4 Stk#T07458A . . . . . . . $35,995 2003 Ford F350 Ext Cab Diesel, 6 spd, Loaded, 4x4 Stk#T07542A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$19,995 2003 Dodge 3500 QC Diesel, Auto, Loaded, 4x4 Stk#T07557A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,995 SOLD VERY 2006 GMC 1500 Ext CabTOV8,SOME Auto, Loaded, 4x4NICE Stk#U1130 . PEOPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,995

VANS

1999 Dodge Caravan V6, Auto, AWD Stk#C07372B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,995 2002 Pontiac Montana V6, Auto, Loaded Stk#T07119A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,995 2002 Dodge Caravan V6, Auto, Loaded Stk#T07360A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9,995 2007 Dodge Grand Caravan, V6, Stow’n’Go, Auto, Loaded Stk#U1151 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,995 2002 Pontiac Montana V6, Loaded Stk#T071255 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$11,495

SUV’S

SOLD4TO SOME NICE 2007 Jeep Compass cyl, Auto, A/C,VERY 4x4 Stk#C07285A . . . . . . . . .PEOPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,995 2007 Jeep Patriot 4 cyl, Auto, 4x4, Loaded Stk#T07550A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,995 2006 Pontiac Torrent V6, Auto, Loaded Stk#T07363A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,995 2005 Hyundai Tucson V6, Auto, Leather, AWD Stk#T07425C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20,995 1991 Chevy Blazer V6, Auto, 4x4 Stk#T08108A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,995

To view our full line-up visit www.cranbrookdodge.com 1-800-663-2268 1725 Cranbrook St. (250) 426-6614

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Mike returns to Africa to start his own charity

By Mike Baker Invermere Last year I spent three months, from November 2006 to January 2007, volunteering in Malawi, Africa.

My experience in Africa was unforgettable. I was quick to embrace the culture in which busy, stressful schedules do not exist and kindness to friends and family are top priorities.

Unfortunately, I also witnessed the extreme poverty and disease in Malawi. As a volunteer, I assisted at a clinic where I helped feed a severely malnourished three-year-old boy who weighedfive kilograms (12 pounds).

During my visits to the hospital, I saw children with malaria lying on beds next to adults with tuberculosis who were beside people dying of AIDS. In Malawi, approximately one in three people are infected with HIV. The effects of HIV/AIDS are made worse by the poor diets, impoverished living and the unfortunate stigma associated with the disease.

During my stay I also worked closely with an HIV/AIDS support group

to establish a vegetable garden. The goal was to provide the members with a renewable source of immune boosting vegetables in order to keep them as healthy as possible.

Before I left Malawi to begin my travelling, I hosted a dinner for the group in which all the meals were prepared from the vegetables that would soon be harvested from the garden.

I taught the group how to make healthy dishes such as salsa, guacamole, and salad.

On January 17, 2008, I will be returning to the town of Chintheche, Malawi for three weeks of volunteering.

Funds permitting, I hope to set up another project for the same HIV/AIDS victims’ support group I assisted previously.

The group would like to start an income generating project in which chickens will be raised and sold for meat.

The majority of the group members are unable to work due to multiple reasons such as physical weakness caused by the disease itself or the side-effects of the anti-retroviral medication.

Stigma associated with HIV/AIDS

may result in victims being fired by their employers or rejected by family members.

Without an income or family support, medicine and food cannot be purchased during times of need.

Funds raised for the project will be used to purchase chicks and all equipment (shelter, charcoal heaters, etc.) necessary to start the chicken business.

Once started, the group will have complete ownership of the business and will be responsible for its sustainability.

When completed and fully operational, the group will see a profit of approximately $2-3 Canadian per chicken.

The profit earned will be put into a group bank account. The savings may be used to buy food and medicine in times of need and fund other projects for the group.

For $5 one chick can be purchased for this group. The cost covers immunizations, feed, vitamins, and shelter for each chick.

The ultimate goal is to raise enough money to purchase 300 chicks.

A contribution towards this project

Mike Baker will not only provide the group members with a small income with which to buy food and medicine, but also empowerment and hope for the future.

Individuals or groups interested in donating money to this project can contact me at 688-0165 or (250) 342-3651 (evenings).

Thank you for your consideration!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

December 21, 2007

Merry CHRISTMAS from our Member of Parliament!

Canada is a deeply religious country but those who make and shape its politics and culture not only refuse to acknowledge this but, in many cases genuinely have no idea that it is true.

So-called opinion leaders promote a “secular fundamentalist approach” that attempts to eliminate faith-based opinion from public comments, unless of course the particular opinion is judged to be politically accommodating.

For example, if a church expresses profound reservations about Third World debt and the war in Iraq, it is welcomed as a pure voice of moderation and balance.

However, if the church rejects euthanasia it is told by the same people to keep quiet because of the neces-

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While it’s important to practise separation between church and state, we must remember that this separation exists not to silence the views of religious people, but to instead protect religious followers and institutions from the oppressive powers of the state.

Canadian society must be a place where individual Canadians are free to express their most closely held personal beliefs; otherwise they are being coerced by prejudice within the arena of public comment.

The last acceptable prejudice in polite North American society is a display of uneasiness toward Christians – unless they’ve eliminated Christ from their vocabulary.

But, things are changing!

It has been interesting to note that WalMart stores are returning Christmas to their advertising this year.

Happy holidays doesn’t cut it any more. Why? Because Canadians, just like you and I, have spoken up! We have assured them that as for us, our winter holiday season includes CHRISTmas.

There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, and traditions.

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30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Budding firefighters Chiron Verge, age 7, and his fiveyear-old brother Gabriel Verge clutch the green teddies that Santa Claus gave them at the Invermere Firefighters Christmas potluck dinner on Tuesday. The special event is held every year for all the firefighters’ children and families at the Invermere Fire Hall.

Photo by Rachel Pinder

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

December 21, 2007

Hockey tournament raises funds for Africa Submitted by Spela Grasic David Thompson Secondary School A group of David Thompson Secondary students will host a “Build a School” Hockey Tournament on Windermere Lake at Kinsmen Beach on February 16, 2008.

This event will raise the money needed to build a school in Sierra Leone (one of the world’s most difficult places to live) through the Adopt a Village campaign of Free the Children, the largest network of children helping children through education.

The hockey tournament is the first event of many. Between now and June, the students plan to raise $10,500. This money will go into building a one-room school house, providing it with the necessary supplies and a teacher for one year. The goal of this campaign is not only to build a school but also to raise awareness of poverty, lack of education, child labour, and child soldiers.

After 11 years of civil war ended in 2002, Sierra Leone’s 5,866,000 residents are working to rebuild their lives.

The school will provide education for some of the 70 percent of the children presumed to be without formal education, as well as helping the child soldiers reclaim some of the education of their lost childhoods.

The hockey tournament will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If there is a weather issue, the event will be rescheduled to the following day. It is open to teams of all ages, genders, shapes and sizes. Teams are to be made up of three players and one goalie each (they may be mixed). Register your team by February 8th by calling (250) 341-1339.

The cost for each team will be $60. You may also enter as an individual at a cost of $15 and we will put you on a team.

There will be prizes (eg. best costume) and free food for the participants.

For more, contact Spela 341-1339 or spelagrasic@hotmail.com.

Season’s Greetings from Dayna and Maria at z l g n A Hair & Tanning Studio • 342-3227

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32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Mom’s final Hockey Moments for 2007

By Cheryl Bachinski Pioneer Columnist It is hard to believe that 2007 is quickly drawing to a close. The year seemed to sneak by me so quickly.

While enjoying games at the rink this past week, I saw how much the kids have improved this year and are really starting to gel with their teammates.

It is exciting to see. A true result of the time and commitment from their coaches: the teachers behind the bench.

Our Midget girls rounded out 2007 playing their last league game of the year in Cochrane.

The girls came out flying in the first, scoring three early goals, two from Hannah Macklin and one from Katie Milligen. Gracy Jones put one in the net during the third, to secure a 4 – 2 victory for Invermere.

The Midget girls end the year sitting in first place in the Central Alberta League with a record of 10 wins, 2 losses.

The Bantam girls traveled to Olds to compete in the Female Bantam Tournament. They faced off against Lethbridge in game one, and jumped to a 3 -1 lead going in to the third.

They struggled in the third, allowing Lethbridge to tie the game up, with

the game ending in a tie. Their second game was against a very strong team from Olds, and Invermere fell to a 7 – 2 defeat.

They bounced back in their third game, which was their best game of the tournament.

With some strong defensive play by Lindsay Torma and unselfish team play

by Mary Smith, the girls came away with a decisive 5 – 1 victory. They finished the tournament with a record of 1-1-1.

Our Pee Wee Avalanche team hosted a league game against Golden, putting on a solid team effort performance and securing an awesome 16 – 4 win.

The boys played well from the drop of the puck, and carried that work ethic through out the game.

Trystan Hart was on fire, sinking a total of five goals and two assists. Hat tricks all around for both Justin Byers and Blake Gillam, and single goals coming from Alexis Westergaard, Kellan Moore and Carson Tomalty.

Our Jake Persson played another incredible game, despite having had his fingers caught in a door earlier in the day, scoring twice and assisting on two others.

Jake’s Dad was quoted as saying “Maybe Jake should catch his fingers in the door more often.”

Jordan Bachinski was kept on his toes with a few breakaways, but managed to keep the scoring down to a minimum. Excellent work all around, a solid team performance.

The time-keepers for this game were Kelly Tomalty and Kim Westergaard, who seemed to need several reminders to start the clock and put the goals up on the board.

As they ignored the Avalanche coach, the ladies continued on with their visit, occasionally looking up and giving everyone the “thumbs up.” Thank you Kelly and Kim, we know you were all over it!

Happy Holidays! See you next year for more hockey action.

Your Local

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

December 21, 2007

The Old Zone: current executive re-elected

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist So it seems that our current OldTimers executive has been sentenced to another two-year stint as no one from our ranks wanted to replace us.

Dave Oaks, Brent Raven and myself are elated with the obvious fact that everyone loves us!

We are, however, giving official notice that our retirement party is definitely set in stone for March 2010.

Over the past ten years of my OldTimers career, I have consistently been amazed at the people who show up each week without all of their hockey gear.

Then, they usually blame their kids for it not being in their hockey bag. How does that work? Or we get the lame, ”My wife must have been washing it” story. I doubt it! Anyway, I could rattle off a bunch of names of guys that this happens to—like Dave Tomalty, Greg Dubois or Rory Hromadnik—but I’d rather tell you about the best one yet: Rick Kubian shows up for his

game, gets dressed and then pulls out his skates, only to find one of his and one of his wife’s figure skates!

What is that all about and will we ever actually hear the truth?

Another career moment happened recently that is worth sharing with you. Joe Evanoff plays defense but somehow manages to find himself on a breakaway from center ice. Gets to the blue line and trips over it! Obviously, big guys fall hard because he just lay there for what seemed like minutes while his teammates struggled without him in their own end until they gained control of the puck and blasted it down the ice, only to find Joe wide open by himself again at the blue line. This time he managed to not only stay on his feet, but also get the puck past The Incredible Bulk. No small feat for two large men!

I would like to take a moment to thank all of my readers for sticking with me throughout the year while I babble about golf or hockey. I trust you enjoy this column because you are still reading. I hope you have been able to smile a few times over the years over something I have written. If not, maybe you need to lighten up! Anyway, I hope you have a very joyous holiday season and keeping reading when the Old Zone returns early in the New Year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. And fi-

nally, just in case you care ... Dec.12 results: Petro-Can over Da’ Mudders, Warwick over Lake Auto, Inside Edge over Hi Heat and Huckleberry’s over Valley Vision.

CVOHA League Standings Team

W L

T Points

Warwick Wolves

10

2

0

20

Lake Auto Mustangs

8

4

1

17

Huckleberry Hawks

8

4

1

17

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes

7

5

1

15

Hi Heat Hustlers

6

4

2

14

Inside Edge Black Smoke

5

8

0

10

Valley Vision Vultures

4

7

1

9

Kicking Horse Coffee

3

8

1

7

Dale Christian Mudders

1

10

1

3

Make the FULL-TIME move to Radium Hot Springs Full Ownership Condos • 1,200 sq. ft. for only

257,900

$

Inc NET GST

Heated Underground Parking, Insuite Laundry, Storage Locker, Gas Fireplace.

Call us today at

250-347-6557

for a personal tour of The Pinewood Show Suite and Development.

Or visit us at … www.thepinewood.ca

Living in a condo in Radium has made life easier for us to pursue our interests of traveling, golfing, skiing and hiking. When we want to go we just lock the door! Radium has a lot to offer because of its location and of course the national park hiking trails and hot springs are within walking distance. The library right across the street from The Pinewood has a great selection of books and all the latest best sellers to read in your leisure time. Condo living is worry free as far a outside maintenance is concerned.

The inside has all the features that make everyday living in a condo a delight. We have also met many neighbours in the condo who have become friends. We have lived in two condo developments by Instautor Group and couldn’t be happier in our choice to live full-time here!

Rob & Karen Bedford Full-time residents in Radium

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

The staff of BMO invites you to celebrate the retirement of

N E W S PA P E R

Don’t Miss an Issue!

ANITA ELLIOTT

from BMO Bank of Montreal after 35 years of distinguished service!

Join us for light snacks and refreshments on Friday, December 28th from 1 - 4 pm at

Read The Pioneer online: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

1241 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

•

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2008 Pontiac Wave Sedan

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•

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1142 - 304th St., Kimberley, BC V1A 3E1

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Your Wish & Win Headquarters • Your Wish & Win Headquarters • Your Wish & Win Headquarters

Roberta Hall, left, and Deborah Fischer.

Decorators join forces in Radium

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Two business women in Radium have put their heads together to create a one-stop decorating shop.

Deborah Fischer, who opened N’Deco Interiors last February, decided to team up with her neighbour Roberta Hall, who started her business Full View Curtains in April.

Deborah had already realized she had no idea her business would expand so quickly, so when the Radium Plaza space next to N’Deco Interiors became vacant, she was thrilled when Roberta Hall opened Full View Curtains right next door.

Roberta, who has been in the custom sewing and drapery business for the past 21 years, needed more space to show off her creations. Deborah and Roberta quickly realized it would be a great benefit to the community if they put their ideas together to create a one stop shop with all decorating needs under one roof.

Furniture to finishing, this includes furniture, linens, blinds, drapes and all the small items that make a house a home. They also carry a selection of giftware for those last minute shoppers.

Deborah works with clients helping them select furniture, while Roberta finishes it all off with blinds and drapes. They will even visit clients in their home to give advice on colours and interior design ideas.

The pair say they work well together and always keep the client’s budget in mind.

“Having fun and meeting people are the best part of the job. We have been overwhelmed by the support of the local people and of course the second home owners who have a place in the valley.

“And we have some exciting new ideas for the store which we’ll be revealing in the New Year,’ Deborah said.

So whether you’re decorating a room or an entire home, drop by the Radium Plaza and see what they have to offer. For more information, call 347-9009.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

December 21, 2007

Columbia House residents do their shopping without leaving home

By Rachel Pinder Pioneer Staff Residents at Columbia House got a chance to do their Christmas shopping last Thursday without even stepping out of the front door.

It was all thanks to the many valley businesses and individuals who generously donated their time by bringing their stores to them.

The 10th annual Shop at Home event for the residents and clients of the adult day program was a huge success.

It provided a chance for residents to have a little independence to shop for themselves, and browse through the many items for sale.

There was a fantastic choice of shopping, including jewellery, books, clothing, toys, toiletries, confectionery, home baking, hats, gloves, candles and gift items, to name but a few.

Many stores and individuals took part including All Things Beautiful, Windermere Auxiliary, Kountry Kitchen, Candyland, Invermere Companion Animal Network, Finn and Judy Haldrup’s handicrafts and Pat Lynch’s Quillows from Invermere.

There were also handcrafted items from Co Ho Elves, which was set up by Leo Marchand at Columbia House.

June Monfee-Smith travelled all the way from Jaffray to set up her Avon stall, with lots of toiletries and gift items.

“I’ve been coming here every year for the past 10 years and I love to see

how happy the residents are to do their shopping. Everyone seems to really enjoy it,” she said.

Radium resident Doreen Persson, whose mum Margaret Kellough is a resident at Columbia House, only found out about the event that morning, but decided to rush back home and filled some boxes with her ceramics, so she could set up a stall.

Terry Pal, who owns Kountry Kitchen in Windermere, brought a mouth-watering range of sweets and cookies to sample, as well as a selection of her fruit jams.

“This is the third year I’ve done it, and I just think it’s really great for the residents as they get so much out of it,” she said.

Shelley Smith brought seven girls from David Thompson Secondary School’s Youth Action Team to help out by wrapping presents the residents had bought.

Some of the pupils even delivered the presents to their rooms afterwards.

Laurie Lesmeister, activities and volunteer coordinator, said everyone had really enjoyed themselves.

“I’m really pleased with how it’s gone. The staff here have been a huge help, and everybody who brings items to sell doesn’t expect to make a lot of sales, they just do it out of the goodness of their hearts. And some of them, like All Things Beautiful, have been coming to our Shop at Home event from the very start which is fantastic,” she said.

Make anyone’s holiday bright with a gift certificate from Natural Springs Spa. Gift baskets now available!

Choose from a variety of sizes.

Warm Buddies make for a great stocking stuffer.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 5225 Fairmont Resort Road Call for details: 250.345.6007 info@fairmonthotsprings.com

Merry Christmas from us and all the best for 2008!

Factory Year-end Blowout ‘07 prices on ‘08 models until December 21stst. Spa baskets make great gifts.

• SALES • SERVICE • CHEMICALS • WATER MAINTENANCE VISITS Check out our showroom in the former Place Furniture location.

Phone: 250-342-3922

www.dynastyspas.com ecosmartspas.com 503B - 7th Avenue • Invermere All spas are U.S. Made – Take advantage of the strong Canadian Dollar!

Mountainside Pro Shop Have a golfer on your shopping list?

Get your Christmas gifts here!

Up to 50% OFF all clothing, merchandise and equipment Golf clubs starting at $25.00 2008 Book of 10 Golf Passes on sale now for only $449.00 *Tax not included

Open Saturdays and Sundays in December 10.00am - 4.00pm Fairmont Hot Springs Resort For more information: Call: 250.345.6311 info@fairmonthotsprings.com

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

HERE TO SERVE YOU NEW

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & Flooring Residential & Commercial Interiors

• Complete sewer/drain repair • Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount • Speedy service - 7 days a week • A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years • Avoid costly repairs

Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer For appointment call

(403) 861-8782

brenda@soledecornmore.com

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

CLUB TOWING

Specializing in ‘One of a Kind’ ART YOU WEAR

)&"7: "/% -*()5 508*/( "/% 3&$07&3: :FBST 4FSWJOH UIF 7BMMFZ

Specializing in Single Family Homes, Multi-Residential and Additions.

Located in INVERMERE, BC Across from the AIRPORT, next to Tex’s Coffee & BAVIN GLASS for store hours Phone: (250) 342-5043 or 342-5347

Contact: Paul Aubrecht Invermere (250) 342-0482 Calgary (403) 874-0483

www.deannagauthier.com

Loretto Keenan MCPA, CBTBC chartered physiotherapist

1st Anniversary Specials • 3 rooms (500 sq. ft.) Reg. $145.00 Now $120.00 • Couch Reg. $89.00 Now $60.00 • Love Seat Reg. $69.00 Now $50.00 • Comfy Chair Reg. $49.00 Now $30.00

by Leanne

For appointments call Loretto at 345-0094

• Manicures • Pedicures • Gel Nails

5020 Mountain View Place Fairmont, BC

+ GST

By Appointment Only

Fairmont Sports Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Clinic

14A Wolfe Cr., RR#2 Invermere, B.C.

Located behind Tim Hor tons • Ph: 341-3314

Need Blinds? window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

0F%ULGH 5HDOW\ &HQWHU /WG $IILOLDWHG %URNHU IRU &DEHODÂśV 7URSK\ 3URSHUWLHV //&

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Lambert

Interior World

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Custom Home Design

Excellent Security Measure Make it look like you’re home when you’re not!

342-0450 Kirk & Karen Davis Invermere BC

December & January See more online at www.heavenbest.ca

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

BOX 459 BOX 2228 7559 MAIN STREET 742 - 13th STREET RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC INVERMERE, BC. V0A 1M0 V0A 1K0 PHONE: 347-9350 PHONE: 342-3031 FAX: 347-6350 FAX: 342-6945 Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

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

%HYDQ 2OVRQ 6DOHV 5HSUHVHQWDWLYH .RRRWHQD\ &ROXPELD

THE CENTER OF REAL ESTATE ACTION IN THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

342-3268 (plant) 342-6767 (office)

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

December 21, 2007

HERE TO SERVE YOU Lawn and Yard Maintenance Sunrise To Sunset Service

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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

Dean Hubman

Certified Technician

342-3052

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

Valley Wide

Pine Ridge Cutters Wouldn’t it be nice to have a reliable contact person for your BC home?

• • • • •

Home and property inspections Irrigation system start-up and blow-out, head replacement and timing Snow plowing driveway and walkways Mowing, pruning, planting, weeding and mulching Hauling.

(250) 341-1012

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL Freight & Passenger Depot

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

SCRUBS

Executive Housekeeping Service Professional Service Now Taking New Clients Call today for your FREE Cleaning Consultation References Available

Elin (250) 342-0050 or John (250) 342-5832 email: scrubgrp@gmail.com

The only place t’s w he re i 30 minute circuit training for women only.

HEAT PUMPS, DUCT WORK & FURNACES Sales and Service

Call today 342.1167

cool to be a loser!

Great Selection of:

•Wood Blinds•Sunscreens •Woven Woods•Pleated Shades•Roller Shades and more!

Now Open 24/7 What are you weighting for?

Women’sPACE

Verna Jones • pacegal@ telus.net • Tel: 342-6010

For all your interior decorating needs.

#1 Kootenay Block Main St., Radium BC

347-7734

orat iv ec D e a C i b m u l oC • Acid Staining •oncrete • Stamping •Exposed • Eric J. Friesen

342-1775

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd. Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service

• POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQ·S • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

Structural Integration Deep Tissue Bodywork Movement Education – Dialogue

H E L L E R W O RK Jean-Luc Cortat Certified Hellerwork Practioner

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC PO Box 117, Windermere, BC V0B 2L0 Phone: (250) 342-7100 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: (250) 342-7103 www.diamondheatingandspas.com

LAMBERT-KIPP PHARMACY LTD. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 342-2535

O B J E C T I V E , C R E AT I V E ,

I N F O R M AT I V E !

Read us online at:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Phone: 342-6610 • 507A - 7th Ave., Invermere

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

N E W S PA P E R

E-mail: upioneer@telus.net Phone: (250) 341-6299

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

Pick up new phone books at Chamber, The Source

Dear Friends: On behalf of the Executive and Board of Directors, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your sta and your families the very best of the Holiday Season.

Our oďŹƒce will be closed to the public from December 24th to January 6th inclusive. The email will be checked regularly throughout the holidays, so if you have a matter that requires our attention, please feel free

to contact us at info@cvchamber.ca.

Please be advised that Telus Telephone Books for Invermere businesses and residences can be picked up at Selkirk TV & Appliances (1229 - 7th Avenue, Invermere) during our Christmas/New Years oďŹƒce closure.

Thank you for your continued support - we look forward to working with you in the New Year.

Heather Overy and Marie Birney Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce

HERE TO SERVE YOU Vivid Contracting

Avion

Construction Clean-up • General Labour

Kim Baker • Cell: 688-8355 • Work 342-0637 • Email kbbaker@hotmail.com

Hi - Heat

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS - GENERAL CONTRACTORS

HEAD OFFICE

INVERMERE

Phone: (250) 342-9866 Fax: (250) 342-9869 www.avionconstruction.com

%POOB )B[FMBBS

50-- '3&& )&"5

888 )*)&"5*/46-"5*/( $0.

Phone: (403) 287-0144 Fax: (403) 287-2193 #200, 6125 - 11 Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 2L6

Sunday, 12 noon – 10 p.m.

Monday – Wednesday, 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Thursday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4 a.m.

TAXI

250-342-5262 Serving Golden to Cranbrook, Banff and Lake Louise

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Auto • Home • Commercial • Mirrors • Shower Doors • 27 years glass experience

4JODF

1)0/& '"9

Hours:

DESIGN/BUILD CUSTOM HOMES • MULTI-FAMILY & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

*/46-"5*/( -5%

t .BDIJOF #MPXO 8BMMT "UUJDT t 8BMM#BS *OTVMBUJPO 4ZTUFN t 'SJDUJPO 'JU #BUUT t $PNNFSDJBM 3FTJEFOUJBM t 'SFF -PDBM &TUJNBUFT 10 #09 8*/%&3.&3& #$ 7 # - &."*- 4"-&4Ę´)*)&"5*/46-"5*/( $0.

COLUMBIA VALLEY

Construction Ltd.

Invermere, BC

Jeff Watson

Telephone: 342-3659

Serving the Valley for over 11 years • #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805

• Topsoil • Sand • Gravel VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd. Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Bus: (250) 342-6336 Fax: (250) 342-3578 Email: isr@telus.net Website: www.is-r.ca 403 - 7th Avenue Invermere, BC

9OUR 7EEKLY 3OURCE FOR .EWS AND %VENTS

ɧF $

Bob Mashford, President Phone: (250) 341-7188 or (403) 923-2427 Fax: (403) 720-5789 mrbibsinsulating@hotmail.com

PMVNCJB 7BMMFZ

/ & 8 4 1" 1 & 3

TH !VENUE )NVERMERE "# $AVE 3UTHERLAND 3ALES !SSOCIATE

WWW COLUMBIAVALLEYPIONEER COM EMAIL UPIONEER TELUS NET

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

December 21, 2007

HIT A HOLE-IN-ONE with these

Christmas Specials Men’s & Ladies Clothing Shoes Hats, Gloves, Bags & Balls

30% off 30% off 25% off

All clubs at clear-out prices!

Great Stocking Stuffers!

Open ‘til Dec. 22nd from 9 am - 5:30 pm

(250) 342-3004

INDERMERE WV ALLEY (PMG $PVSTF

Lake Windermere residents invited to formulate plan A third newsletter is being circulated to property owners in the Lake Windermere area providing an update on the status of the Lake Windermere Area Official Community Plan.

The initial draft of the plan has been completed and the next step in the planning process, which began in January of this year, is the presentation of the draft to the public.

The intent of the planning process, estimated to take about 18 months in total, is to develop a long-term strategic planning document that establishes a collective vision for land use preservation and change. The plan will contain a policy framework and guidelines to provide direction to land use decisionmaking by the regional district board of directors.

“Residents and property owners in the Windermere area are encouraged to attend one of the open houses,” says

Electoral Area F Director Lillian Rose.

“They are designed to provide information and will give residents an opportunity to review and comment on the policy directions contained within the OCP,” adds Ms. Rose.

Five participatory workshops were held between May and July and were attended by about 175 residents.

Two open houses will be held at the Windermere Community Hall on Monday, January 21st and Thursday, January 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Copies of the draft plan and comment forms will be available for pick-up at the open houses.

The draft plan will also be posted on the Regional District of East Kootenay website starting January 21, 2008 for those individuals who are not able to attend either of the open houses.

For more information, visit the RDEK website at www.rdek.bc.ca.

Happy Holidays

there’s no place like home for the holidays! the natural home wishes you the best of the season. come in, browse and experience our warm sense of home

492 arrow road invermere bc v0a 1k0 250 342 8668 1 877 342 8668 info@thenaturalhome.ca

formerly panache furniture

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

A Day in Court Continued from Page 23 • Joshua McLelland was fined $500 plus a $75 victim surcharge after he pleaded guilty to driving on a highway at Canal Flats on June 4th while disqualified from driving.

He was also charged with driving while prohibited and failing to appear in court.

• Adam Downing was fined $600 with a $90 victim surcharge for driving in Windermere without care or control of the vehicle while impaired,

driving while over the legal limit of 80 mg, and refusing to provide a sample. His breath registered at 200 mg in a sample.

• Jessie Coy pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm. The court heard he punched and kicked his victim, who suffered concussion, a bruised forehead and soreness to the neck.

Mr. Coy has worked as a bouncer and does not have a record for violence. He is now an apprentice carpenter with a four-year-old son.

Buffy Blakley, defending Mr. Coy, said he real-

ized he should not have got involved in a fight at Copper City Saloon bar in Invermere on February 25th this year.

He is very sorry that it happened, and it was out of character.

Judge Ron Webb said he had taken Mr. Coy’s early guilty plea into account, but sentenced him to a $1,000 fine. He was also given a six-month probation order which includes having no contact with the assault victim.

“I think it’s time for our community to accept that gratuitous violence should stop before someone gets killed.

“There’s been too much violence and it’s gone on long enough,” he said.

Public Information

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

TID BITS:

DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS:

Housing Needs Assessment

• Holiday Schedule for GARBAGE COLLECTION

Please be advised that regularly scheduled garbage collection, within the District of Invermere, for Tuesday, December 25th, 2007 has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 27th, 2007 and garbage collection for Tuesday, January 1st, 2008 has been rescheduled to Thursday, January 3rd, 2008.

• Cancellation of December 25th, 2007 Regular Meeting of Council • Holiday Schedule for Municipal Office

The Municipal Office will be closed for the Holidays from Monday, December 24th to Friday, December 28th, 2007 and Tuesday, January 1st, 2008. The office will be open on Monday, December 31st, 2007

• 2008 Regular Meeting of Council Schedule

The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere).

March 11th & 25th August 12th & 26th

April 8th & 22nd September 9th & 23rd

May 13th & 27th October 14th & 28th

SNOW REMOVAL

District of Invermere bylaw number 306 “Regulation of traffic within the Village of Invermere” which states in Article VII 9: “It shall be unlawful for any person to permit any accumulation of snow or ice to remain upon any cement sidewalk in front or abutting any premises owned or occupied by him after noon in any day except Sunday in the village as described by by-law from time to time in that behalf passed by the Council of the Village”.

Here’s how you can help...

• • • • •

• • •

Financial Plan

Council has adopted the 2008 – 2012 Financial Plan copies can picked up at the municipal office or on our website at www.invermere.net

Broadband

The regularly scheduled Meeting of Council for Tuesday, December 25th, 2007 has been cancelled.

January 8th & 23rd February 12th & 26th June 10th & 24th July 8th & 22nd November 12th & 25th December 9th & 23rd

The Housing Needs Assessment was formally adopted at the December 11th, 2007 Council Meeting.

Be a good neighbour. Clear snow and ice from sidewalks as soon as possible after a snowfall to ensure that they are safe for all residents. Lend a hand to those who may not be physically able to shovel.

Do not park on the street during a snowstorm of while snow clearing operations are underway. Parked cars make plowing difficult, and sometimes impossible. With your help, winter maintenance crews can plow snow faster and more efficiently and you will reduce the chances of having to dig your car out of a snow drift.

Pleasxe make sure that your car is parked within your driveway. Please do not let it extend onto the street or sidewalk.

Keep children safe - don’t let them play in snow piles, or build snow forts in the snow banks at the side of the road.

Snow plows have no place to push the snow except to the curb or shoulder of the road. Sometimes this happens just after you have finished shovelling. We appreciate this can be frustrating; however we ask your cooperation in clearing this snow without placing it on the roadway. If you hire a private contractor to clear your driveway, make sure the contractor does not push snow into the travelled portion of the roadway, or fill in sidewalks.

Pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shoveling. This helps reduce the amount of snow created by the snowplow at the end of your driveway.

Remove snow from around fire hydrants on or near your property to enable quick access by emergency personnel if the need arises.

Do not place your garbage cans on top of snow banks. If possible place them on your driveway near the edge of the road.

Council put forward a motion to reconsider contributing toward the “backbone” for broadband services to Invermere. Staff has been tasked with reviewing options and costs to bring services to businesses and residents of Invermere.

Grizzly Ridge Properties Ltd. – Boundary Expansion

Grizzly Ridge Properties Ltd. has put forth a proposal for boundary expansion to become part of the District. Council has agreed to initiate the Boundary Extension Process and continue with further discussions with the property owner to review the application and parkland dedication.

Library Board Appointment

Congratulations to Jill Unger who will be the District’s representative on the Invermere Library Board for the next two years.

LOOKING FOR A GREAT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY? Invermere Council is looking for citizens with a history of community involvement and a desire to participate within the community development process. Ten excellent opportunities are available to serve your community for up to a three year term, to run concurrent with the Council term.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

Be part of the Advisory Planning Committee that will advise Council on matters referred to it by Council regarding land use, community planning or proposed bylaws and permits, and to advise on other general policy matters respecting land use in the District. Or …

The Advisory Design Panel that will review development permit applications for new development or redevelopment submitted under the Official Community Plan for the District.

HOW TO APPLY:

Citizens interested in participating on either of these Committees are invited to obtain an application form from the municipal office and forward the completed application form to: Colleen Goodey, Corporate Officer , District of Invermere PO Box 339 , 914 8th Avenue Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 cgoodey@invermere.net

The District thanks you for your co-operation!

The deadline for the submission of all applications to the municipal office is January 15th, 2008. Application forms are also available on the District of Invermere website at www.invermere.net

NOTICE OF OFFICE CLOSURE

The Municipal Office will be closed for the Holidays from Monday, December 24th to Friday, December 28th, 2007 and Tuesday, January 1st, 2008. The office will be open on Monday, December 31st, 2007

December 21, 2007

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 41

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

Top left: Rob and Karen Bedford of Radium in Hamilton, Bermuda; centre left: Kemp Hastewell of Invermere in Australia; bottom left: Crisanna MacLeod of Windermere kayaking in Shediac, New Brunswick.

Top right: Kathy Sutherland in Antigua.

Bottom right: the Kloos family in Maui—Steve and Maria and their granddaughter Sarah Kloos.

Grandson Blair Kloos is in the front page hockey photo dating back to 2005.

The 2007 Travel Photo contest was a great success.

The remaining photos will be published in next week’s issue, and the winner announced as soon as we make the draw and track him or her down for a photo.

42 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS

THANK YOU

SUITE FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR SALE

Have A Real Tree Christmas!

Yes it was a surprise! I want to thank my old friends and my new friends, and especially my family for making my 80th birthday special. The cards and gifts were overwhelming. To Leanne and staff, thank you for letting us meet at “Meet on Higher Ground Coffee”, and providing us with coffee and tasty treats!

My many thanks, Micky Hess

Monthly or weekly units available for working couples or individuals with or without kitchens. Call Motel Bavaria in Radium, 347-9915.

FOR RENT

NEW LISTING

A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICE will be held in Brisco Community Church ( across from the General Store) at 7:00 pm. On December 23, 2007. Officiating the service will be Pastor Wayne Frater from Radium Christian Fellowship.

ARE YOU FEELING STRESSED OR WEARY and just need some one to talk to or want us to pray for you? Stop in at Radium Christian Fellowship’s New Prayer Center now open at #4–7443 Main Street West, (between the two totem poles) in Radium Hot Springs. We are open most Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10:30 am.

– 2:30 pm. Phone 250-3479937.

Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department New Years Eve Dance $20 / Person Monday, December 31st , 2007.

8:30 pm – 1:00 am.

Edgewater Community Hall Buffet Dinner and Prizes.

Tickets available at Pips or call 347-6981.

Visitors please join Radium Christian Fellowship 10:00 am. On Sunday December 23rd , 2007 as we gather together for a time of singing carols along with Pastor Wayne Frater sharing a Christmas message, at our new Prayer Center, #4-7553 main Street West, Radium Hot Springs. (Between the totem poles).

NOTICE To the lady whose dog was in a dog fight across from the Saan store on Nov. 28th . Please call 341-5996.

STORAGE

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 342-3637

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE

2 bdrm apartment for mature couple. N/S, N/P, $725.00, downtown near hospital, 3426912.

1 bdrm, 2bdrm & studio apartments available immediately in Radium. Contact Don or Susan Miller 342-6908 or 342-3709 (evenings). Kootenay Rentals.

4693 COLUMERE RD., FAIRMONT Black Forest Heights 2 bedroom suite, unfurnished long term, couple or single preferred, available January 1. $1,200 incl. heating

Valley’s Edge Resort in Edgewater Only minutes from Radium Hot Springs, Seasonal Rental, Furnished, References required, No pets, No smoking. $1,100/month plus utilities.

230 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K3 Bus: 250.342.5599 • Fax: 250.342.5559 Luxurious living at the Riverside Golfcourse in Fairmont Hot Springs 3 bdrm., furnished, seasonal, no pets, no smoking: $1,800/month plus utilities.

Call Eric Redeker Rocky Mountain Realty • 342-5914 www.ericredeker.com

ACREAGE FOR SALE Beautiful treed R1 lot in the new gated Estates at Copper Point. ½ acre with panoramic views of mountains and “the Ridge” golf course. Available May 2008. $275,000.00, 342-9841.

Condo for rent in Invermere. 2 bdrm, close to amenities, N/S, N/P, $900.00 plus utilities and DD, mature individuals, 3426255.

SHARED ACCOMMADATION

HOUSE FOR RENT

Hay for sale, round bales. Phone Elkhorn Ranch 342-0617.

Jan. 1st $600.00, including utilities, internet, cable, W/D. Room in big, clean, shared house. Call 342-0420.

Townhouse for rent in Black Forest Village. N/P, N/S. Available immediately. $1,150.00 plus utilities, 341-1400.

Support “Rockies” Hockey. Pine, Fir & Poplar – dry & split order 342-6908.

SUITE FOR RENT CONTRACTORS: Self contained cabins by the week or month.

(250) 345-6365 Fairmont Bungalows.

HOUSE FOR SALE

Rockies West Realty Ken Becker Sales Consultant

Office or Storage 2 units approx. 10’ x 12’ Each $125.00/month 342-0603, 341-5845.

Roommate wanted to share house. Female, N/S, N/P, in Fairmont, 345-2155.

699,000

$

CONDO FOR RENT Canal Flats: Brand new condo in Jade Landing. Kitchen, nook, and living room, deck, 2 bdrms & bath upstairs, unfinished basement. Fridge, stove, dishwasher, microwave. N/S, N/P, prefer mature individuals.

Rent is $1000/month plus utilities and damage deposit of $1000. Call owner at 1-403251-5996.

A View to dream of! You will think you’re in Heaven as you take in the stunning views of the emerald green waters of Columbia Lake. The whole family will love being a minute stroll to the beach, marina, park and tennis court. This 3 year cottage has the whole family enjoying the good life. Make it your life. MLS # NEW #08797

MISC. FOR SALE

Used hot tub for sale $2,500.00.

Call 341-7665 or 341-7727.

Mobile Home for Sale in Edgewater. Large lot, 2 decks, close to school, $265,000.00, 780-728-0121.

Top soil, call Elkhorn Ranch at 342-0617.

Edgewater house and garage on .75 acre corner lot. 4 bdrm, 2.5 bath, call 250-347-9321.

Cattle guard, heavy duty, 16’x 8’, $1,800.00, call Elkhorn Ranch at 342-0617.

Have A Real Tree Christmas!

MISC. FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

Round Table, 4 chairs and hutch, white and grey, call 345-6134.

Burton snowboard 153 cm, K2 bindings $225.00. Avalanche board, bindings 133cm, $100.00. Volkl skis, bindings, boots, $150.00, 342-0554.

4’x 8’ utility trailer with 4 foot sides, tilt and top cover, call 342-8848.

Office furniture, desks, chairs, tables. Reasonable offers accepted, call 342-1177.

All in great working order!

Maytag white stove $150.00, Kenmore white dishwasher $125.00, Kenmore white microwave $75.00, almond refrigerator $75.00, Kenmore Elite stainless all-fridge I year old ($1,199.00 new) $650.00, stainless Kenmore microwave/ convection oven 1 year old ($599.00 new) $250.00. Call Theresa 342-7324.

1 year old, gentle male guinea pig. New cage and all supplies included, $40.00. Call Erin 6886108.

200 cm Morotto Nomex skate skis, never used, ($600 new) $250.00. 150 cm Swix skate poles $50.00, 342-1354.

SNOWMOBILES FOR SALE 2005 Polaris RMK 800, brand new rebuilt motor, bumper to bumper warranty valid until February 24, 2008. Low mileage, all paperwork avail. $8,500.00 OBO, 342-1527.

2006 Summit X 151 track, electric start, cover, less than 800 miles. Asking $9,800.00, 250-347-2250.

2007 Yamaha Phazer Mtn. Lt. 600 km. $7,500.00 OBO. Call 342-8332.

VEHICLE FOR SALE 2000 Ford S250 4x4 crew cab, short box, Lariat diesel, new winter and summer tires. $12,000.00 in upgrades, excellent condition, $21,000.00 OBO, 341-2553.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 43

December 21, 2007

P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS VEHICLE FOR SALE

2002 Jeep Liberty Limited Edition V6, fully loaded, 4x4, 85,000 kms

$16,500

250-432-5211

$10,000,000 in vehicle inventory.

Go to

www.cranbrookdodge.com

to view complete inventory.

SERVICES

CAREERS

CAREERS

TOTAL HEATING SYSTEMS Heat Pumps Furnaces Duct work 342-1167

Store Clerks needed. Must be enthusiastic and enjoy people. $13/hour, store discounts and advancement opportunities.

Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada.

Valley Hawk Security is seeking full-time and part-time security guards. Night/day shifts in Invermere and Panorama area.

Call 250-688-4295 or email resume to valleyhawksecurity@ shaw.ca.

Phil’s Carpentry – Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms.

Phone 341-8033 cell or 3428474 home. Not on valley time.

PAINTING – Interior and Exterior (spring). Reliable, excellent service. Call Bill for an appointment, 342-7329.

Need a night/day off and don’t have a sitter?

Call Phoebe, 250-306-4953.

Experienced in working with all ages and capabilities.

CAREER WANTED Project Construction Manager 20 years experience Seeking Permanent Position Within Invermere District Available mid January 250-341-7325

CAREERS Dining room servers and kitchen help required. Competitive wages and benefits. Great benefit package and work schedule. Call 489.0667.

VEHICLE FOR SALE

We supply part and service FOR ALL MAKES of: • snowmobiles • motorcycles • quads

Residential Care Worker.

Temporary, full time position.

RCA or PCA or HSW or equivalent.

Union membership, HEU. See posting, Mt. Nelson Place.

Manager: Donna Jefferson 3423699.

Trims and Treasures Esthetics Studio Is looking to expand its already amazing team of professionals!

We are looking for an energetic, self motivated Stylist to start immediately. Health benefits available. Stop by and ask for France or email resume to info@ trimsandtreasures.ca

Framers/Finishing Carpenters required in Edgewater.

Permanent work, $20.00 $30.00 per hour or piece work.

Call Cliff, 403-617-9402 or email loglife@telusplanet.net.

Full / part – time positions available at Horsethief Creek Pub / Radium Liquor Store. Apply in person, or by fax 347-9987, or email horsethiefcreekpub@ telus.net.

is now accepting applicants for:

FIRST COOKS AND BREAKFAST COOKS Positions are opening at our various Food and Beverage outlets at the Resort including Mountainside and Riverside. Year round employment is available.

We are a four season, 4.5 star Resort with FREE Golfing, Swimming, Skiing among other benefits for our staff. Staff accommodation is available.

Applicants interested in a fantastic Resort work opportunity where you will gain valuable experience as well as enjoy our great recreational benefits, please forward your resume to: Human Resources Fax: 250-345-6616 Email: magdye@fhsr.com

NATURAL SPRINGS SPA Is now accepting applications for the position of:

Employment Resources for the Valley 1313 – 7th Ave • 250.341.6889 • cvec@cyberlink.bc.ca The Government of Canada has contributed funding for this initiative.

Grizzly Mountain Grill in Radium

Requires Experienced Cooks and Servers Call 342-1666 Fax: 341-3453

or send resume to: PO Box 1079, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

ESTHETICIANS Seasonal and Full-time positions available for qualified candidates with a passion for client service excellence.

The successful candidates will possess the relevant certification for facials, manicures and pedicures. Preference will be give to those with esthetics experience however newly-certified applicants may apply. Our Estheticians will also have reception duties and must be able to multi-task in a busy environment. Applicants must have excellent written and communication skills. Professionalism and good grooming are a must. Various shifts and weekends would be required. Hiring both immediately, and for our spring season (April).

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

Please visit our website for more information on the Resort’s facilities at: www.fairmonthotsprings.com Interested applicants please send resume with references to the attention of: David Sheedy – Human Resources Manager Fax: 250-345-6616 or Email: hr@fhsr.com While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted personally.

44 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007 • private • semi-private • reformer • cadillac • stability chairs

NEW 2008 SESSIONS

Pilates (VFC) & Water Fitness (Radium) Start week of January 7th

RCMP urging snowmobilers to ride legally and safely

www.parrypilates.ca • parrypilates@yahoo.ca (250) 342.5979 or Valley Fitness Centre (VFC) 342-2131

By Cpl. Brent Ayers RCMP Columbia Valley Detachment

World Totems

Every winter, the RCMP responds to complaints about a small group of snowmobile riders who are driving carelessly in and around public areas and/or riding in “out-of-bounds” wilderness areas.

For a few, riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs seems to go hand-and-hand with their recreational vehicle experiences. It is hoped that this yearly news release will assist in educating the residents of the Columbia Valley and vacationers who visit this area.

All snowmobiles in the Province of British Columbia are required to be registered under the Motor Vehicle (All Terrain) Act. This has been a requirement since the early 1970’s. At the time of registration, the owner of the snowmobile must place the two yellow decals on either side of the tunnel. These decals are not transferable from machine to machine.

A copy of the registration must be on the machine at all times. Failure to provide proof of registration or failure to provide the supporting documents are separate ticket-able offences. If your snowmobile has never been registered before, or has been modified with an aftermarket tunnel, or is from out-of-province, a mandatory check of your motor and chassis serial numbers are required for registration.

Any RCMP member is willing to attend in person, time permitting, to verify your serial numbers.

If you have just recently purchased a new snowmobile, write down the serial numbers of your motor as it will be different from the one on your chassis. If your snowmobile is stolen, the chances of finding it increases by 50 percent if you also provide the motor serial number. Rotax of Austria supplies engines to Bombardier, Fuji supplies Polaris, and Suzuki powers the Arctic Cat. Yamaha supplies its own engines; however, since the early 1990s the serial numbers are different.

Registration is up to $15 for the life of the snowmobile. Of course, the province also requires P.S.T. on all machines and this is a sore point for most snowmobile owners.

All registered snowmobiles are allowed to utilize non-maintained Forest Service roads without I.C.B.C. insurance. The maximum speed on a non-maintained forest service roads for a snowmobile is 80 km/hr.

Once a grader makes a swipe of the road it becomes maintained. If you wish to use the snowmobile on a public road, even just to cross, by law, you need to have your machine licensed and insured, just like a car. Third party liability insurance is available from your ICBC broker. Once insured, you need to obtain a permit from your local RCMP, which will outline where you can cross or utilize a road way.

For the most part, in the Columbia Valley, this might not be granted or feasible depending on the

Unique Aboriginal Philippine Carvings & Gift Ideas

See us in time for Xmas at the Invermere Barber

(250) 341-3240

COMMUNITY COUNSELLING SERVICES • • • •

Counselling topics include: Marriage Counselling • Anger Management Personal Growth • Life Transitions Grief Counselling • Work Related Historical Abuse Concerns Issues for Men • Fertility Issues Counselling Fees may apply Family Resource Centre, 625 – 4th Street Invermere, B.C. • 342-4242

Congratulations!

W

e are so very proud to announce that 2007 was a milestone year for Sean Roggeman. In June of this year Sean graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Operations from the DeVry Institute of Technology.

Immediately upon completion of his degree Sean immersed himself into the world of Real Estate and successfully completed and passed his BC Real Estate Exam.

As a licensed Realtor, Sean will develop his career with Rocky Mountain Realty.

Outstanding effort Sean!

Thank you to all the terrific educators in the valley who contributed to Sean’s achievements.

Paul, Judy and Kevin Roggeman

Call 341-6299 to place your classified.

community, traffic volume, or lack of snow. In theory, ditch riding is prohibited as liability insurance is required within 30 metres from the center of roadway.

Insurance obtained through the B.C. Snowmobile Federation or obtained privately is liability insurance for off-road use only. The insurance is void once the operator drives on or crosses a public road.

For driving on a non-maintained forest service road, including public roads and crown land, the snowmobile must be in good mechanical condition with an operative headlight, rear light, and working brakes. There is no enforceable helmet law while riding on Crown Land, but your are only tempting fate if you decide not to wear one.

Those who wish to mix recreational riding with recreational drugs, including alcohol, be advised that the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits the impaired operation of any motor vehicle, including snowmobiles, on any public road or public access area, including the mountains. Every year, this detachment responds to incidents involving snowmobiles where alcohol was a contributing factor to poor decisionmaking by the rider.

If a back country adventure is planned, plan ahead and be prepared. An avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, warm clothing, survival kit, first aid kit, and basic tool kit should all be considered. Leave an itinerary with someone and don’t go alone. These considerations will ensure a safe experience. Never rely on other snowmobilers to bale you out. Ride within your limits and ride with respect to the area in which you are riding.

Join your local snowmobile club. You will be amazed by the people and the wealth of experience that the club has to offer. The Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society is this area’s local organized club and have cabins available in a few back country areas.

If you ride, or have a family member who rides, please take the time to become informed. This detachment has two snowmobiles and all members are trained operators. Time permitting, enforcement patrols will be made in many of the snowmobiling areas.

Snowmobile thefts have risen dramatically in Calgary and noticeably in the Columbia Valley as stolen sleds can be stripped and parted out for cash or sold to unsuspecting buyers. If it’s too good to be true, then it probably is. In my 17-plus years of experience, random checks of sleds either on the trail or being transported, curbs thefts within a community. All snowmobile operators are required by law to stop when directed by an enforcement officer, a designation which includes Police, with Auxiliary, Conservation, B.C. and National Parks Wardens.

Ultimately snowmobiling is a great way to enjoy the winter months and can be surprisingly affordable compared to other activities. We want you to have fun, safe fun! If you have any questions, speak with any member of this detachment including me.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 45

December 21, 2007

Drive safely!

Local motorists must be prepared for poor weather and icy roads by slowing down, according to ICBC. Slowing down is still one of the single most effective ways to save lives and prevent injuries when driving, ICBC says. Recent provincial statistics show that, on average, about 930 people were injured and 16 people were killed in incidents where speed and weather were contributing factors.

“In poor weather, your visibility is limited and weather creates conditions where stopping and manoeuvring is more difficult,” says Dave Dickson, ICBC regional loss prevention manager. “It can take up to 10 times longer to stop in icy conditions.”

Drivers are reminded to: • Outfit your vehicle with a full set of snow tires if you live in an area that regularly receives snow, or you’re required to drive in areas with winter conditions.

• Plan well in advance of a trip, by checking travel and weather conditions on TV, radio, and internet. Be realistic about travel times, especially in bad weather.

• Slow down and keep your distance, particularly while driving in snow or on icy roadways.

• Do not use cruise control in wet or slippery conditions. An activated cruise control in wet conditions gives you less control of being able to stop your vehicle.

• In snow and ice conditions, if you begin to lose control, don’t slam on your brakes. Simply ease off on the accelerator, then gently apply brake pressure and steer in the direction you want to go.

• Make sure your tires have good tire tread and are inflated correctly, including your spare tire.

If you live in an area that regularly receives snow or are required to drive in areas with winter conditions, your vehicle should be outfitted with a set of winter tires.

To check road conditions and traveller’s tips, visit http://www. icbc.com/road_safety/travel.asp.

The new cost of breaking traffic laws will make these really handy.

Bad driving habits will soon cost you more.

Starting January 1, ICBC introduces the Driver Risk Premium. It makes drivers with bad habits pay more. For very bad habits — a lot more. The decisions you make, including whether or not to speed, drive recklessly, or drink and drive, are all within your control. Whether you pay more to drive is now up to you as well. For more information visit ICBC.com.

icbc.com

IF

YOU’RE LOCAL , YOU GET IT !

The Columbia Valley Pioneer

46 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

HOLIDAY GREETINGS to our valued customers from Arnold, Donna and the staff from

December 21, 2007

Give the gift of sight with your old glasses The highlight for me was putting a pair of glasses on an old man who’d had poor vision for years.

A huge smile crossed his face and he exclaimed Have you ever wondered what happens to those old eyeglasses you drop off in the cardboard collection over and over: “I can see! I can see!” It was a beautiful moment. box at the optometrist’s office?

Another old man told me he’d had to give up sellLet me tell you where some of them have ended up. My coworkers and I in Niger, West Africa, recently ing mats in the market because he could no longer see spent two weeks hosting six people from Calgary who to count money. He was one of many folks we saw were here to distribute eyeglasses. They trained us to whose eyes were clouded with cataracts.

I knew our help do simple eye examinawould be limited, since tions and fit glasses, and we could do nothing off we went to some of about the cataracts. But my favourite villages to we could offer glasses to share the gift of sight. improve what vision reIn two of the villages mained. we had the use of school I was working with buildings with cement a young Fulani woman walls on which to hang who happened to be our eye charts. In anothwalking in front of this er village, we “built” our man when I held differown eye clinic, lining up ent lenses in front of his three vehicles to which eyes. When I asked him we tied tarpaulins to give which was better for him, us some shade from the he replied quickly, “Your relentless sun.

Lisa Rohrick with a recipient of donated glasses. friend is much prettier Patients sat on foldwith these ones.” ing chairs and pointed in So we left behind the the direction of the ‘tumbling E’ on charts held to truck windows with duct “A or B?” question and had him look at her and tell me tape. In yet another village, the people had put up a when she was most pretty. He laughed with joy when circle of woven grass walls under the shade of a cluster he could see her eyes. Then I pulled out a handful of of trees. This shelter served as eye clinic by day and coins to see if he could distinguish between them. He leaned over my hand and with great concentration hotel by night.

My job was a fun one. I had people reading eye proceeded to correctly identify each coin.

While that man left our clinic with far from perfect charts, then we played the game played by all people who need corrective lenses: “Which lens is better, A or vision, he thanked us over and over for his new glasses.

He can now see to go back to selling mats in the marB? And again, A or B?” When I was satisfied that I’d found the best lens ket. We couldn’t help him as much as we would have that I could, I then dug into two suitcases of do- liked to, but we made a difference in his life.

When we left that windswept and dusty village, nated eyeglasses to find ones with a prescription that matched as closely as possible what I’d written on the the chief and elders (many of them sporting their new glasses!) gathered to thank us. patient’s chart.

And they presented us with gifts of hand-carved The team brought with them about 1,100 pairs of glasses, most of them used (“previously-appreciated” stools and colourful, hand-woven mats, as well as two would be a more politically-correct term, wouldn’t it?) chickens and two guinea hens, which one of the local The glasses are gathered from collection boxes around school teachers cooked for us for lunch (school was cancelled since we had taken over the classroom!)

Canada and shipped to Calgary by the Lions Club.

They thanked us again and again for coming and They are taken to a Calgary correctional facility where inmates take on the job of sterilizing them all, helping their village.

So, let me encourage you to dig out those old reading them with an instrument called a lensometer to determine the prescription, labelling them, and glasses from the back of your junk drawer and get putting each pair in a small bag and sorting them ac- them to a Lions Club drop box.

They may be of no value to you, but they could cording to prescription.

From there the glasses are delivered to the orga- make a dramatic difference in the life of someone who nizations who distribute them. The batch we received will never be able to afford new eyeglasses. came via Samaritan’s Purse (the same organization that Lisa Rohrick, formerly of Invermere, works as a does Operation Christmas Child, distributing gift missionary in Niger, West Africa. shoeboxes to needy children around the world).

By Lisa M. Rohrick

Invermere (250) 342-6700

No more searching for the lowest mortgage rates…

Great rates, products and service www.meridianmortgagesolutions.com

Bill Rainbow Mortgage Broker (250) 342-3453

Happy Holidays to all our customers from

1210 7th Ave Invermere 342-9661

Lions Think Tank Project Deadline Dec. 31, 2007

A happy healthy holiday from the staff at Invermere Physiotherapy Clinic 1317 - 7th Ave. Invermere

342-0415

The Columbia Valley Pioneer •47

December 21, 2007

FAITH

Christmas presence, not presents

By Jared Enns Lake Windermere Alliance Church Christmas is nearly here. Lights have been strung. Trees have been decorated.

Christmas parties and school programs have added to the festivity of the season.

We all have our rituals when it comes to Christmas. Some people start celebrating Christmas in July, and others wait for the last minute rush to get prepared.

There are even those for whom Christmas season is a taxing time of year. “Bah, Humbug,” best expresses their desire to celebrate. No matter how you interact with Christmas, you cannot help but recognize that it is taking place.

By now, I am sure that many of you have a gift wrapped under the tree and, if not, you know that,

by Christmas morning, there will be. Someone who knows you and cares about you has taken the time to track down a gift for you. You can tell it is yours because your name is on it.

We enjoy receiving gifts. We like being cared for, and made to feel special and loved. One aspect of gift giving that needs special recognition is the giver. Have you ever given a gift and as you watched someone open it, you were anticipating their surprise and joy.

The giving was almost as exciting as the receiving.

Take a little journey with me to the perspective of the first Giver of Gifts at Christmas. Try to picture the following story from His eyes.

It all started with . . . In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.

The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus (Luke 1:26-31).

God had presented Mary with a gift—a life to grow inside of her—and the ensuing events truly reveal how much thought went into the giving of the gift. The story continues . . . In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world and everyone went to his own town to register.

Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David,

because he belonged to the house and line of David.

He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7) The gift of Jesus was not only to be for Mary and Joseph, but was given for others as well ... And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.

I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:8-12) God wasn’t finished displaying all that He had prepared . . . Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

The shepherds returned, praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. (Luke 2:13-20) Now that’s the way to present a gift. God prepared everything to take place with a purpose. He wanted us to recognize His presence. His desire is the same for this Christmas as it was for the first one so many years ago.

Whether we are gathering with friends, singing Christmas Carols or giving gifts, we need to recognize God’s “Presence” in all of our Christmas Festivities.

When you think about Christmas this year, remember to spell it the way Jenny Lou Carson did in the song: “C” is for the Christ Child born upon this day, “H” for herald angels in the night, “R” means our Redeemer, “I” means Israel, “S” is for the star that shone so bright, “T” is for three wise men, they who traveled far, “M” is for the manger where He lay, “A” for all He stands for, “S” means shepherds came.

And that’s why there’s a Christmas Day! May God bless you richly this Christmas, remembering His “Presence” is the greatest gift of all!!

Valley Churches LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, Dec. 23rd, Fourth Sunday of Advent, 10:30 a.m.

Worship and Life Instruction: “Glorify God in His House and Your Heart” with Pastor Jared Enns ministering.

Sunday School, age 3 to Grade 7, during morning service.

Monday, Dec. 24th: 2:30 p.m. service at the Summit, Panorama; 6 p.m. service at Lake Windermere Alliance Church; 8 p.m. service at the Great Hall, Panorama.

326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY Sunday, Dec. 23, 8:30 a.m. at All Saints, Edgewater 10:30 a.m. - Communion at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Monday, Dec. 24th: 4 p.m. Family Christmas Service, Invermere Monday, Dec. 24th: 8 p.m. Service at All Saints, Edgewater Monday, Dec. 24th: 10 p.m. Service at St. Peter’s Church, Windermere Monday, Dec. 24th: 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Communion, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644 VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY 10 a.m. Sunday: Children’s Church during the message part of the service.

Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511 ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere • Father Jim McHugh Monday, Dec. 24th Mass • Invermere 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 24th Radium - Carols 11 p.m., Mass 11:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 25th: Invermere 9 a.m., Canal Flats 11 a.m.

712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 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. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Every Sunday 10 a.m., Sunday School 10 a.m.

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633 THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTS Sunday Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

President Grant Watkins • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 345-0079

Selkirk TV & Appliance • Kitchenaid • Inglis • Whirlpool • Roper

Panasonic Pioneer Cell Phones Electronics & Service Christian Books, Music & Misc.

1229-7th Ave., Invermere

WE SELL REAL ESTATE

• Radium • Invermere • Panorama • Windermere • Fairmont

342-6415

Call 341-6151 or 1-888-341-6155

rayfergusonrealty.ca

WINDERMERE’S BEST VALUE Warm, cozy & enjoyment ready. Large open lot on quiet cul-de-sac. Expansive windows frame the exceptional lake/mountain views.

$599,000 MLS# K166790

48 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2007

www.ReMaxInvermere.com

Invermere

Toll Free: 1-888-258-9911

Independently Owned and Operated

250-342-6505

Wende Brash 342-1300

Bernie Raven 342-7415

Ed English 342-1194

Amazing Starter Home

Jan Klimek 342-1195

John McCarthy 342-1758

Andy Smith

Bryan Hookenson

342-1709

341-1266

Fantastic Location

Well maintained, 3 bedroom home in Juniper Heights with stunning mountain views could be just what you are looking for. This is a great home for anyone just starting out, as it is in move-in condition. Close to all amenities. MLS#K166912

Fantastic location for hobby farm/getaway. Almost 10 acres, mostly fenced with very livable home. Only 5 minutes to Premier Lake and only 35 to 40 minutes south of Fairmont on paved road. MLS#K166908

$150,000

$449,900

Take in the Views

Wait Until You Are Ready!

Lots of parking, wide open spaces and miles of hiking with the golf course and national park at your doorstep. Tons of room for all your guests and is in move-in condition.

Includes three bedrooms plus huge bonus loft with wonderful balcony. MLS#K165989

To build on this Fairmont Mountainside lot which has no building commitment and no GST. Lovely southwest views of the Columbia Valley and wetlands and centrally located in one of the favorite areas of the valley. MLS#K166086

$315,000

$199,000

Rob Rice 341-5935

Deborah-Kim Rice 342-5935

Paul Glassford 341-1395

Black Forest Village

Jill Hall 688-5675

Let a tenant pay the mortgage on this affordable, two bedroom townhome at the Invermere crossroads. Nearly new, vacant and ready for you; with garage, deck with privacy tree screen and close to town. Great investment for recreational, revenue or starter home MLS#K166972

$220,000 Wonderful Panorama Town Home!

Fabulous opportunity to own this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Aurora town home. Ski to you door in winter from the world famous Panorama Ski Hill or enjoy hiking, biking or swimming in summer. Walk to all of the amenities that Panorama has to offer and only minutes to Invermere. MLS#K166091

$549,900

Cosy Home

Carpenter’s Lane

See Yourself Owning Here

Subdividable 100 x 132 foot lot, complete with cosy 1600 sq foot rental home.

Great holding property or first time purchase. Must see inside, as home shows quite well. House next door also available. MLS#K165825

The true craftsmanship of Quiniscoe Homes lends a classic, older feel to this neighbourhood. Wonderful views, central to schools, and walking distance to downtown core. The lots are ready to go, so come put your name on one! MLS#K165848

$350,000

$134,900 +GST

The views go on and on from this 2nd floor 2 bedroom 2 bath condo unit. Situated away from the road, this condo offers majestic views, spacious living, eating bar with maple cabinets, black appliances, river rock fireplace and is close to all the amenities of Radium Hot Springs. MLS#K165212

Let Your Dreams Come True!

Open concept living, including a large kitchen with oak cabinets and living room with vaulted cedar ceilings and large windows. Enjoy the views from your deck or landscaped yard.

Walking distance to school, park and country store. Perfect for the full time or recreational homeowner. MLS#K163862

$739,000

$299,900

One of a Kind

This beautifully crafted home awaits just the right owner. Already developed as an Inn, it can remain as such or simply use it as your elegant home with lots of rooms and plenty of privacy. Come enjoy our beautiful climate! MLS#K165384

$2,670,000