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Vol. 5/Issue 48

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The Columbia

November 28, 2008

Valley

P ioneer

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Mounties with moustaches

3 real estate merger

5 happy trails, Mark Constables Matt Panzer, Brent Ayers and Dustin Burch of the Columbia Valley RCMP detachment are growing some smooth moustaches for an in-house fundraiser in aid of prostate cancer research. “Mo-vember� is a new fundraising movement sweeping Canada. Bud’s Bar & Lounge in Invermere is holding a public Moustache Challenge; winners are judged at the bar on Saturday, November 29th.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

25 If this is your idea of a savings plan, we really need to talk.

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Valley NEWS

Christmas Trees For Sale Eric’s Christmas Tree Farm 250-342-6349

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Available November 30 th – December 24 th

Welcome Babyy Beckham acey Hatt are oud to announce aited arrival of…

Beckham Gordon Hatt er 10th, 2008 in B.C. weighing 5 lbs. oving grandparents n and Linda Hatt, da Stewart and the Elwood Godlien. u to everyone who rt in the safe and rrival of Beckham. and support from s and family has appreciated.

Diane Kienitz and Mariane Comis strut their stuff at the Thrift Store’s ‘Sensational Seconds’ Fashion Show.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

‘Sensational Seconds’ show attracted 200 onlookers

Columbia Valley Otters Swim Club WINTER SESSION Wednesday, December 3rd 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Sobeys REGISTRATION FOR ALL PROGRAMS:

Competetive, Red Cross, and Adult Lane Swim .

Phone Shelly Kochorek at 250-347-9562 or visit www.columbiavalleyswimming.net

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff These ladies sure know how to put on a show!

The Invermere Ladies’ Health Care Auxiliary’s fashion show of thrift store clothing, appropriately dubbed ‘Sensational Seconds,’ was a raging success.

“For our first time I thought it went very well,” said Mariane Comis, president of the Invermere Ladies Health Care Auxiliary. “I heard nothing but positive comments – everyone loved it!”

The evening consisted of three categories of clothing and a special appearance by members of the Invermere Fire Department that had all the women

jumping to their feet.

All outfits were collected from the Invermere Ladies Health Care Auxiliary Thrift Store. After their walk down the runway, each outfit was sold.

The event, which was held on November 22nd, raised about $3,000 in ticket sales alone and an undetermined amount in clothing sales and silent auction.

The proceeds from the event go towards the emergency room at the Invermere and District Hospital.

So far this year, the Invermere Ladies Health Care Auxiliary has donated a portable ultrasound machine, hematology analyzer and a pediatric crib to the hospital and estimate their total funding for the season to be about $183,000.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

November 28, 2008

Valley NEWS

Fire department to get 10-year plan

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff After 10 years, the Invermere Fire Department will finally receive a complete review.

A proposal by Results Management Services, a Surrey firm, was accepted by Invermere council on Tuesday, November 25th.

It was the last decision made by the outgoing council before the new mayor and councillors are sworn in on Monday, December 1st.

The fire department review will cost the district $26,304. Council had previously allotted $20,000 for the review, but the additional $6,000 will be drawn from the Fire Department Reserve Fund.

When the selection of another firm fell through, the district sent out a request for proposals in September 2008. Responses were received from Results Management Services, and Advance Strategic Consulting.

“It has taken two years to find someone interested in taking the proposal,” said Chief Administrative Officer Chris Prosser.

“Even though the Results Management Services proposal is 30 percent higher, they are looking at the longer-term financial planning commitment the com-

munity needs.”

Results Management Services has conducted similar reviews of eight British Columbia municipalities, including Cranbrook, Fernie and Abbotsford.

The fire department review will “assess the current service levels for core services, such as response times, inspection frequency, replacement scheduling of vehicles, and training for staff and auxiliaries,” reads the proposal.

In addition, the firm will “provide a strategic management framework for a 10-year period and beyond for supported levels in enabling operating and capital requirements.”

It is the scope of the proposal that made the district select the successful firm.

“It will give us a much more detailed, in-depth, valuable, long-term understanding of what service levels are going to be needed over a 10-year period,” said Mr. Prosser.

Council also felt the review of Invermere fire department’s mutual aid agreements will be beneficial.

Mutual aid agreements are the contracts that ensure cooperation between the Invermere fire department and the fire departments in surrounding communities, such as Panorama, Windermere and Radium.

“It is a fundamental issue that we review in collaboration and cooperation with the other fire departments in the valley,” said Mr. Prosser.

Sarah Bennett added that it is important for Invermere’s neighbours to be brought up in every council discussion.

“Otherwise we keep reinforcing those walls,” added outgoing mayor Mark Shmigelsky.

“Hopefully this study is the first ladder truck to go over that wall,” quipped Mr. Prosser.

Mr. Shmigelsky stated the review’s importance.

“We have to buck up and pay for a higher level of service,” he said. “We have been getting away with a group of dedicated volunteers who do their job well.”

Mayor-elect Gerry Taft agreed.

“This will help us look at the situation and come up with a plan we can all work towards,” he said.

Fire chief Roger Ekman reviewed the proposal and stated his support for the chosen firm prior to the council meeting.

“This has been ongoing for quite a while so it is important that it gets done,” Mr. Ekman said. “I’m hoping it will be a good thing for the district and the fire department. It will bring to light a lot of stuff that has been on the back burner for a long time.”

Olympic torch stopping in Invermere

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The Olympic torch is coming to Invermere – and valley residents can apply to carry it.

The Vancouver Organizing Committee announced its 45,000-kilometre route last Friday, including a daytime celebration in Invermere.

The torch will travel from Golden on January 22nd, 2010, passing by but not stopping at Edgewater and Radium Hot Springs, before stopping in Invermere for a short celebration.

Then it will head south, passing but not stopping in Fairmont Hot Springs and Canal Flats be-

fore spending the night in Cranbrook.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community and the entire valley,” said Mayor Mark Shmigelsky.

“It’s a fabulous opportunity for our young people, especially. This is something they will remember for the rest of their lives.”

The torch will spend 106 days criss-crossing Canada, as far west as Old Crow in the Yukon, as far north as Ellesmere Island in Nunavut, and east to St. John’s, Newfoundland. By the time it reaches Vancouver on February 12th, 2010, it will have been within an hour’s drive of 90 percent of the Canadian population.

“The relay is an incredible opportunity to showcase the unique character of our nation and our communities, and to unite everyone in cheering on our athletes,” said British Columbia premier Gordon Campbell in a press release.

Members of the public can apply to carry the torch through programs by the relay’s “presenting partners,” Coca-Cola and Royal Bank of Canada.

Coca-Cola will select Canadians who live actively and support environmental sustainability.

The partners seek torchbearers who pledge to make Canada a better place to live.

Enter online at www.icoke.ca or www.rbc.com/ carrythetorch.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

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less than 3.5 millimetres across the surface of the tire that is in contact with the road.

So what’s a motorist to do? First, RCMP respond ensure you have proper winter tires, to firecracker questions or at least the designated “mud and snows.” Second, ensure that the winOn November 10th, the Columter/mud and snow tires you do have, bia Valley RCMP received a complaint A firecracker found at the scene. have adequate tread. For more inforof mischief. Apparently, pranksters mation, please check the Ministry of had been ringing the doorbell of an Invermere house Transport webpage for “frequently asked questions.” at all hours of the night.

The homeowner usually flies the national flag of Man steals bike, brandishes knife Greece at his house, and for some reason, activity has stepped up to the point where part of his deck had On November 15th at approximately 1.40 a.m., been burned by fireworks that have swastikas drawn an Invermere couple was walking home from a local on them.

This matter was subject of an earlier news release bar when a lone male began to walk with them. The and later the RCMP were contacted by the media for male said his name was “Scott McMillan” but RCMP further details. A question arose as to whether there have been unable to determine if it is a real name or was a Star of David also depicted on the firecrackers an alias as yet.

“McMillan” became belligerent as the couple recovered by the owner and turned into the police.

There was no Star of David; rather there were two im- entered their residence. They suddenly heard banging outside of the residence and observed the man ages of a five-pointed star within a circle.

RCMP are not treating this incident as a “hate riding away from the residence on a mountain bike crime” as the circumstances do not meet the require- belonging to the complainant. The complainant ran ments of the Criminal Code. Rather, this incident ap- after and caught “McMillan”, and a physical struggle pears to be more along the lines of a juvenile act of ensued. During the struggle “McMillan” reached into his pocket, attempting to grab a knife. However the vandalism. complainant was able to stop him from brandishing the knife, and was able to take the knife away.

All-season tires should be OK “McMillan” fled on foot and the bike was recovered. He is currently at large and RCMP are asking Our detachment has received enquiries from the anyone with information to contact 250-342-9292 or public about the signs posted along certain roadways. Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Specifically, the signs in question state that motorists are required to carry chains or have winter tires.

Encounter with drunk woman These signs are valid, and they have been authorized by the Ministry of Transport. The RCMP’s role On November 23rd at 1 a.m., an on-duty member of course is to enforce the Motor Vehicle Act. Section 208 of the Motor Vehicle Act defines what is a “winter of the RCMP who was leaving a downtown Invermere tire,” and it includes any tire “intended principally for bar saw a drunken female – let’s call her “Agnes” (not winter use, and that provides or is intended to pro- her real name) for the sake of clarity – bent over near a light pole and clutching her hand. The officer apvide, adequate traction in snow or mud . . .”

So, for those of you wondering, “all season” tires proached “Agnes” and asked if everything was all right. will apply, provided they have the “mountain and She said she had fallen on the rocks but was okay. Her snowflake” motif, or are specifically designated with speech was short and abrupt. A male who called himself “Max” was standing beside her, trying to convince “M+S” on the tire walls.

That said, section 7.162 of the Motor Vehicle Act her to calm down.

Regulations also requires that the tread depth be no Continued on Page 27 . . .

By Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack Columbia Valley Detachment

PROTECT www.valleyhawk.com

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CRANBROOK’S FOOTWEAR Buy one pair at regular price and receive a second pair of equal or lesser value, 50% off.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

November 28, 2008

Real estate businesses to merge under Royal LePage banner

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By Pioneer Staff Two local real estate companies have announced their plans to merge into what will become the largest real estate company in the Columbia Valley.

Rocky Mountain Realty, owned by Barry and Audrey Benson, and Royal LePage Rockies West Realty, owned by Wayne and Kim Collens, are in discussions to merge the two companies.

The amalgamated Barry and Audrey Benson are joining Kim and Wayne Collens in new partnership. company will be an independently owned and operated Royal LePage Barry and Pat Brown-John, also expressed his enthusifranchise carrying on business as Royal LePage Rock- asm about the new venture. ies West Realty.

He pointed to the compatibility of the skills of the The intention is to finalize due diligence and amal- four owners, saying that the blend of expertise is what gamation details by December 15th and to complete will make the company so valuable. “We wouldn’t be the transition by January 1st, 2009. having the discussion with anybody but Wayne and “It’s not a takeover by either party; we met in the Kim,” he said. middle of the street,” said Wayne Collens, who with The merged company will provide client servichis wife Kim purchased the local Royal LePage Rock- es from a single office in Invermere, at the current ies West company in 2006 from Don Slobodzian and Royal LePage office in Athalmer; and a single office Ross Newhouse. in Fairmont, at the current Rocky Mountain Realty “There is great synergy among the four owners office in the Fairmont mall. and we are going to have an awesome management The company’s 20 licensed realtors will continue team. With my technical skills, Barry’s business exper- to market real estate properties from the Golden area tise, Audrey’s administrative skills and Kim’s talent as in the north to the Kimberley area in the south. a realtor, our larger diversified team will allow us to One of the company’s goals is to implement realachieve our growth strategy, and our increased market tor training programs, resulting in more skilled realshare will promote more brand awareness for the busi- tors and increased customer satisfaction, Mr. Benson ness.” said. “An increased market share will provide more opBarry Benson, who bought Rocky Mountain Re- portunities for each realtor. We want to be customer alty with his wife Audrey in 2005 from former owners service leaders in the valley,” he said.

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective

Conservation fund welcomed

Canyon View

Don Cameron was photographed with his mother Ethel Cameron during the 1920s in Sinclair Canyon, east of Radium. The photo was dropped off at our office by an unknown woman. If you have any more information, please contact The Pioneer at 250-3416299.

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Fifty-four percent of voters in the Columbia Valley said yes last week to being taxed $20 per year for a fund that will be used to conserve our environment.

In total, 1,302 residents voted for the fund, and 1,098 against. It wasn’t an overwhelming majority, but a victory nonetheless.

The proposed fund had the endorsement of every municipality in the valley – including Canal Flats, Invermere and Radium – but the coalition of community groups promoting the fund still had a tough sales job to do prior to the November 15th municipal election.

There was some confusion over the size of the tax, as it is linked to property assessments – but by election day, most people knew that the ceiling for each owner was $20. And, of course, there are always people who vote against any tax increase, any time, anywhere.

But the biggest challenge was to overcome people’s natural reluctance to shell out for a goal that as yet remains undefined. It’s a great leap of faith to devote $230,000 in tax money without any solid information as to how the money will be spent, although there’s no shortage of ideas. For example, one suggestion is a fence along the highway near Radium to protect bighorn sheep from road traffic.

Once the fund is officially approved by the regional district board on December 12th, a committee will be established to decide how the money will be spent, and to make sure it is spread evenly over the whole of the Upper Columbia Valley.

The fact that voters were willing to support the fund is a big commitment from valley residents to promote environmental issues. It’s also a cutting-edge move, since other areas around the province have voted against the fund.

Bottom line: our environment needs all the help it can get, and the establishment of the fund is a welcome first step.

November 28, 2008

Historical Lens

Wendy Booth says thank you Dear Editor: I am grateful for my election win in Area F on November 15th. Thank you to those who believed in me. I am humbled by the result at the ballot box, as well as the support received from many people, acquaintances and friends, over the last few months. I drew upon their experience, skills and energy and I sincerely thank them for the fuel it provided. I learned with every step and I am so glad they were walking with me.

Along my journey, I have met with many constituents – that must, and will, continue. While you may not have voted for me, I extend a welcom-

ing handshake, hoping that we can move forward together.

I am now looking ahead, anxious to start shaping the Valley’s future with the help of Regional District of East Kootenay staff, my fellow directors, and you! While the campaign is over, my work is just beginning. Please feel free to contact me at wendy@columbiarafting.com or call 250-3454550 (work) 250-345-6155 (home) should you want express your views or concerns with respect to Area F. Let the work begin!

Wendy Booth, Fairmont Hot Springs

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer is independently owned and operated and 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 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

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Samantha Commons

Publisher

Reporter

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Graphic Design

Office Manager

Project Assistant

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

November 28, 2008

Set the historical record straight on Jumbo Valley Dear Editor: It used to be fun reading a Jumbo Glacier Resort statement and counting all the inaccuracies. As the seriousness of the errors has increased, it has become very annoying.

This quote: “The Jumbo Valley is scenic, but it’s not wild and hasn’t been since it was opened with roads from end to end, and resource extraction began early in the last century,” is found in both local newspapers.

The “early in the last century” is reinforced when the very next sentence talks about something that was supposed to have happened in 1916, chronological order being a natural supposition.

Just when was that valley “opened with roads from end to end”? Could it have been somewhere around 1901 to 1915? Well, the impression Jumbo Glacier Resort created here is totally false.

A report entitled “Historical Activity: Jumbo and Toby Creek Area,” found at the Windermere Valley Museum, gives us some information. At first a logging company (while there was still only trail access and no way to haul logs out) “tried to drive logs down Jumbo Creek but were unsuccessful – the logs jammed. They therefore couldn’t log the area.” The road was a long time in coming. Indeed it wasn’t until “1961-62 – Ronachers began logging the Jumbo Creek drainage.”

I phoned my dad, Jim McKay, who had the hunting territory in Jumbo Creek for many years and confirmed that it was the early 1960s when the road finally reached Ronacher’s Lumber Camp, less than half-way from Jumbo Creek’s mouth to its headwaters.

Really . . . “opened with roads from end to end, and resource extraction began early in the last century.” As usual, what Jumbo Glacier Resort states is far from the truth.

I first visited Jumbo Creek in the late 1960s when Revelstoke Sawmill was timber harvesting. However, any time then or since, contrary to the statement “roads from end to end,” I have never been able to get closer, on what one would call a road, than six kilometres from the pass at the north end of the valley. True, all-terrain vehicles have left marks further up the valley in recent years, but for my money they should be required to walk from the same place that is signed as a closure for snowmobiles – I always do.

If, as Jumbo Glacier Resort states, “(Jumbo) is being overrun by 4X4s and off-road vehicles” one couldn’t possibly condone a project that would see bulldozers roaming the upper valley and perhaps up the headwall to the summit of Glacier Dome itself for ‘tea house’ construction; could they?

The present bulldozer damage to the alpine terrain on Farnham Creek is bad enough. Kootenay citizens are outraged and the passion to protect the alpine, in areas coveted by Jumbo Glacier Resort, is no longer simmering; it is boiling!

Can we keep things from boiling over? Can we find a way for Jumbo Glacier Resort to save face while quietly closing their master plan for one last time? Should that master plan become a museum piece for younger generations to see and marvel at; lest we forget?

Sandy McKay Windermere Valley Museum

Thank you, Columere Park Dear Editor: The Morgan & Pederson Families wish to express our thanks and gratitude to all the people who gave us support and help in so many ways during Adair’s illness and since her passing on October 21, 2008.

We especially want to thank our neighbours and friends at Columere

Park who not only brought us meals but offered their support in other ways. We also want to aknowledge the great support received from so many of our church friends – your prayers and your concerns were appreciated. What a great community!

Earl and Betty Pederson Columere Park

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Chisel Peak owners dismayed

by Taft’s remarks about parking lot Dear Editor: It is with utter dismay that we read the article concerning the gravel parking lot to the south of the Chisel Peak Medical Centre.

Gerry Taft’s comments are not only painfully inaccurate, but also cast Chisel Peak unfairly in a bad light.

It is true that the original development permit had underground parking. This was later redesigned, resubmitted, and approved, with 17 off-street parking stalls, more than the original permit designated, and in more than sufficient quantity to satisfy bylaws for clinic, pharmacy, and several other businesses besides.

What is also true, and what Mr. Taft failed to mention, is that when Chisel Peak bought the property, the town expropriated a strip of land on the east side of the property to form one-half of a laneway.

They, however, failed to expropriate the matching strip of property from the neighbour, thus not leaving enough space for a laneway, and certainly not allowing realistic access to the lower floor for parking.

What the town also made impossible was the con-

struction of additional off-street parallel parking along the laneway.

You must agree that our building looks pretty silly with a loading ramp and large doors opening onto . . . a walking path.

Despite the Development Plan approval, we quickly realized that bylaw obligations were one thing, and realistic parking demands for patients, customers and staff were another.

With this in mind, and being community-minded citizens, we sought other solutions.

Contrary to Mr. Taft’s comments of record we did indeed approach the town regarding purchasing the property, and we most certainly did not ask that it be given to us!

At that time we were told it was not for sale. Imagine our shock when we later found it was to be sold without public tender or approval to a local dentist to move his practice there!

However, it seems that reason prevailed, the town remembered its original plan to develop it as parking for Pot Hole Park, and this did not go through.

Chisel Peak and the town office then came up

with a viable solution not only to provide parking for the building, but also to forward the town’s development plan. This was for Chisel Peak to develop public parking for the use of all.

As the town pleaded poverty, Chisel Peak has paid for development of the property, and continues to pay for ongoing maintenance, plowing, and insurance on the lot.

This should seem a reasonable compromise to all, but Mr. Taft has decided that he wants to have his gelato, and eat it too, by charging us a significant amount of money to lease a public parking lot!

Mr. Taft suggests that Chisel Peak “should be treated like any other business.”

We agree wholeheartedly – in fact, we would love to be treated as well as other businesses, by having the town honour its commitment to finishing a laneway we have designed our building around, and to have all our councillors see reason when it comes to solving problems.

Drs. Gooch, Louw, Ross and Walsh Chisel Peak Medical Centre

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Encore

Page 9

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

Super Sunday!

MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 10

VALLEY VOICES

PAGE 13

Out & About Cooper Archer enjoyed a visit with Santa last Saturday at Invermere’s Light Up; Santa wiill be back for Super Sunday on November 30th, both in the Santa parade and at Copper Point’s Feed the Valley event.

Call to Artists for 2009 Gallery Season

Applications available at www.ColumbiaValleyArts.com. Deadline December 15, 2008.

Public Arts Survey • Speak up about arts and culture in our community!

We want to hear your views on the past, present and future of arts in our region as part of the Columbia Valley Cultural Scan Project. Complete the survey at www.columbiavalleyarts.com

What does ART Voices Christmas Concert · Christ Church Trinity mean to you? Valley December 5 and 6. Call 342-4423 for tickets.

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

November 28, 2008

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

Movie Review: Hancock Reviewed by Cayla Gabruck

Will Smith in the title role.

Before I begin, I assure you that this film is not another "My Super-Ex Girlfriend."

An edgy twist on the classic superhero tale, Hancock is full of laughs.

The film revolves around the life of John Hancock, played by Will Smith, a perpetually drunk, sarcastic superhero who, although he has good intentions, leaves a path of destruction, literally, wherever he goes.

His luck changes after saving the life of Ray Embrey, a public relations executive played by Jason Bateman.

As a gesture of thanks, Ray attempts

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to transform the image of the previously drunk, unpopular superhero to one that is worthy of admiration.

This very public transformation begins with Ray urging Hancock to turn himself in to the police, as he is wanted for arrest.

This act is not completely selfless, as Ray is convinced that the public will appreciate his act of remorse and also come to realize how lucky they are to have a man like Hancock in their lives.

Ray's venture is much to the disappointment of his wife, Mary, played

by Charlize Theron, who sees Hancock as nothing more than a loser. This is contrasted by Ray's son's idolization of Hancock.

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The film employs a number of twists to make this film not your average superhero flick, one of them being his relationship with Mary.

Will Smith does an excellent job in this film, managing to convincingly play an unbelievably awesome superhero and still convey his tortured soul.

Bateman, whom you may recognize from the popular television series Arrested Development, can be counted on to provide comic relief.

Although rated PG-13, this film does contain coarse language and scenes of violence.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

November 28, 2008

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

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or Email us at upioneer@telus.net to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Toby Theatre: • Closed until December 26.

Claus Parade at noon featuring the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band. Catch the merchant specials, take a hay ride, visit Santa Claus and pick up your tree.

• 1– 6 p.m.: Copper Point Golf Club’s 5th Annual Feed the Town event. Free Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings at the Lions Hall at the Chamber of Commerce. Pictures with Santa. All proceeds to the Invermere Food Bank. Sponsored by Copper Point Golf Club, Nohels Group, Fairmont Vacation Properties and Pepsi. We will be accepting cash and non-perishable food donations.

Sunday, December 7th: • 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Christmas Craft Fair and Lunch at the Edgewater Hall. Door prizes, games for kids, photos with Santa, crafts, gifts, ornaments and baked goods.

Admission: $1 (children under 12 free). Tables for crafters are available for a $15 registration fee. Please call 250-347-9868 or 250-347-9860.

• 6 p.m.: Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Christmas Devotional at the Fairmont Chapel.

Recorded concert by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Orchestra at Temple Square, and Christmas messages by the Church president and councillors.

• Watch The Pioneer’s Faith page in the coming weeks for special Christmas events and services.

Monday, December 1st:

Friday, November 28th: • Gingerbread House Building Workshops at Quality Bakery every Friday from 3-4 p.m., and on Saturdays 10-11 a.m. and 2-3 p.m until December 20th. Children $19, adults $21. Registration and pre-payment required. Call 250-342-9913.

• Noon-8 p.m.: Doreen’s Avon and Ceramic Christmas Sale at 4836 Stanley Street, Radium Hot Springs. Also running on November 29th, December 5th and 6th.

Saturday, November 29th: • 9 a.m.-1 p.m.: Craft Sale at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort put on by Hoodoo Quilt Guild.

• 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Christmas Craft Fair & Tea at the Royal Canadian Legion in Invermere. (Also running on Sunday, November 30th, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Call: 250-347-9341 to book a table.

• 10 a.m. Annual Christmas Bake Sale and Silent Auction kick-off. Stock up on holiday goodies at the library. Baking donations appreciated. Silent auction bids close at 8 p.m. on December 17th. All funds raised support the library.

•10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.: Pet Photos with Santa at the Lions Hall. Call ICAN for info: 250-341-7888.

• 1-4 p.m. Columbia Garden Residents host White Elephant and Bake Sale, Invermere.

• Greek Food and Great Music with the The Halfsacks at Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House, Radium.

Tickets $20/adults and $10/kids. For info call: 250347-6567.

• Mustache Challenge judging at Bud’s Bar in Invermere. Prizes. $20 entry fee. All proceeds go to prostate cancer.

Sunday, November 30th: • 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Super Sunday Celebrations: Santa

•

• 7 p.m.: District of Invermere’s new council holds their inaugural meeting. Everyone welcome.

Wednesday, December 10th:

Tuesday, December 2nd:

• Noon: Valley Go Go Sisters Christmas Luncheon Fund-raiser at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Buffet lunch at 12:30 p.m. The menu consists of quiche, salad, dessert, tea, coffee and juice. Tickets are $20 and available from Shirley at: 250-342-6571, Kelly at: 250-342-0186 and Marilyn at: 250-342-6488.

• 7:30 p.m.: District of Invermere holds public open house to introduce the 2009 budget. Everyone welcome.

Thursday, December 4th: • 6-8 p.m.: Ladies Night Out at Summit Footwear and Tiffany’s Thredz in downtown Invermere. Hors d’oeuvres, door prizes, wine, fashion and footwear! All merchandise 25 percent off.

Friday, December 12th: • 3 p.m.: Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Christmas Party, Silent Auction and “Mini-Casino” at Radium Resort in the Palliser Room. The theme is the Roaring Twenties. Cocktails at 5:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. Dancing, entertainment, gambling, food and prizes available for best costumes. Tickets are $55/ couple or $30/person. Available at the Radium Chamber of Commerce. Perfect for Christmas staff party. Call Kent for more information: 250-347-9331.

• 4-9 p.m. David Thompson Secondary School Arts and Crafts Fair. $25 rental includes table, advertising and promotion. Call Faith to book a table: 250-3429213.

• 5:30 p.m.: Rotary Club of Invermere hosts the annual Seniors’ Christmas Dinner at Invermere Inn. For reservations call: 250-342-4242.

Friday, December 5th: • 4–8 p.m.: The 15th Original Christmas Craft Sale at the Invermere Community Hall. Also on Saturday, December 6th from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Set-up: Friday noon. Cost $50 per booth. For more info, contact Carolyn at: cbarz@telus.net or call 250-342-6818.

• 7:30 p.m.: The Valley Voices Community Choir presents their Annual Christmas Concert, with the voices of Eileen Madson Primary School at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere (also on Saturday). Adults $10; students $5; ages 6 and under $2. Tickets available at Invermere One Hour Photo, and N’Deco in Radium. Please bring Food Bank donations.

Saturday, December 13th:

Saturday, December 6th:

• 6 p.m.: Christmas “Potluck and Play” at the Brisco and District Community Hall. There will be a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. along with Santa visit for all the children. This year’s original play entitled “Trouble at Christmas” was written by Susan Stewart and will be directed by Nola Alt. For info: 250-346-3294.

• Snowflake Ball sponsored by the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce at the Lions Hall. Cocktails at 6:30 p.m., hot buffet dinner at 7:30 p.m. Dance 9 p.m.–1 a.m. with the popular band, Eragone. Tickets: $40 per person, not available at the door. Call 250342-2844. Tickets available at the Chamber office.

•

•

•

Elevate Your Dining Experience Call (877) 877-3889 or (250) 342-0562 for event reservations or visit our website www.eagleranchresort.com

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

COLLEGE OF THE ROCKIES - INVERMERE CAMPUS CONTINUING

EDUCATION

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

December Courses Dec. 6 FoodSafe Level 1 Dec. 8 Red Cross Child First Aid & CPR Dec. 8 Floral Design- Christmas Centrepiece Decoration

Dec. 9 Floral Design - Christmas Wreath Making Dec. 12 Firearms Safety (PAL) Dec. 13 Occupational First Aid Level 1

Don’t Delay - Register Today!

Watch for our new Continuing Education Guide in your mailbox early January!

Phone: 250 342-3210 •

Feed the Valley back at Copper Point

www.cotr.bc.ca/invermere

Got the urge for a turkey dinner a bit earlier this year? Don’t worry – Copper Point Resort has you covered.

The resort proudly presents the fifth annual Feed the Valley event this Sunday, complete with turkey dinner and Santa Claus.

“Copper Point puts on this event to support our community and provide a helping hand to those who are less fortunate – especially at this time of year,” said Brian Schaal, General Manager at Copper Point.

Last year the event was attended by 775 people, raising more than $7,000 and filling four hampers full of food in support of the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

“The satisfaction of knowing that a few families will have Christmas dinner; the food bank will have food on their

shelves; and people of our community will be able to come out, have dinner, take pictures with Santa and have fun during a time of year that can be very stressful financially for a lot of families in the valley – those are the highlights of the evening,” Brian said.

This year’s event will happen at the Lions Hall located at the rear of the Chamber of Commerce building from 1 p.m. till 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 30th. Those attending are urged to contribute to the Columbia Valley Food Bank, either by way of cash, cheque or non-perishable food item.

Brian said everyone is welcome to attend and enjoy.

“One, it’s a free meal; two, it supports the Food Bank; three, pictures with Santa; four, no clean-up or dishes to do; five, come meet the people who live in our community; and six – make a positive difference in someone’s life,” Brian said.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

November 28, 2008

Valley Voices plan two concerts Go Gos making Submitted by Ken Mallett Valley Voices The Valley Voices Community Choir will be presenting their annual Christmas concerts on Friday and Saturday, December 5th and 6th, and invites the public to get a rousing start to the holiday season. The venue is Christ Church Trinity in Invermere, and concert time is 7:30 p.m. both evenings.

The choir’s guest performers are The Voices of EMP, the children’s choir of Eileen Madson Primary School, conducted by the talented Leisa O’Sullivan.

They will perform their own repertoire, and will also be featured with the Valley Voices in the beautiful Frank Mills “Somewhere a Child is Sleeping� and a very moving arrangement of “Away in a Manger.�

The Valley Voices is pleased that pianist Rhonda Konchak has joined them as the accompanist for this year. She will be featured in several works, including a jolly “The Twelve Days After Christmas� and “Variations on Fa-la-la�, both guaranteed to

elicit chuckles. As well, jazz pianist Paul Carriere is featured in David Foster’s wonderful “Grown-Up Christmas Wish� and the beloved classic �White Christmas.�

As well as some strong traditional works, the choir will lead the Singalong, the chance for the audience to participate in that most soul-stirring tradition of Christmas: singing those carols and seasonal pieces.

The Valley Voices respectfully request that audience consider the fact of those less fortunate than most, especially considering the economic conditions we are facing, and bring non-perishable donations for the Columbia Valley Food Bank. Boxes will be on hand.

As in the past, tickets will sell very quickly for both concerts. Invermere One Hour Photo is the main ticket venue, with N’Deco in Radium and Smoking Water Coffee Company in Fairmont as associated venues. The choir expresses its sincere appreciation to these folks.

Prices are $10 adults, $5 students, $2 age 6 and under. Again, Friday and Saturday, December 5th and 6th at Christ Church Trinity in Invermere.

Christmas crafts

Submitted by Marilyn Kraayvanger The Valley Go Go Sisters are preparing for two fund-raising events, the first of which is the Christmas Craft Fair in the Invermere Community Hall on December 5th and 6th. The ‘Go Gos’ are busy making an amazing array of beautiful handicrafts for sale.

The second event is a Christmas luncheon, Wednesday, December 10th at Pynelogs at noon.

Delicious quiche, salad, dessert, tea, coffee or juice is the luncheon menu. Only 50 tickets will be sold. The $20 tickets are available from Shirley Swan at 250342-6571 and Kelly Stuart-Hill at 250-342-0186 or Marilyn Kraayvanger at 250-342-6488.

The focus of the Valley Go Go Sisters is to raise funds for the Stephen Lewis Foundation, but members also share friendship and satisfaction as their efforts help to fund more than 250 projects in 15 African countries. Funds raised by Canadian Go Gos (Grannies) help to buy school uniforms for orphans, provide food for grandmothers who are raising their grandchildren, and support networks of people living with HIV. The Go Go Sisters look forward to serving you at the fund-raisers.

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

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Eagle Ranch Clubhouse Location (From Hwy 93/95, turn at traffic lights. Entrance is on the right. From Invermere, turn left on Eagle Ranch Trail, off Athalmer Road)

Dinner Reservations 250-342-6560 • General Inquiries 250-342-0562

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LITTLE FACES LIGHT UP – Morgan Kessler, aged four years old, son of Mike and Nancy Kessler of Invermere, was one of the kids who loved being downtown last Saturday for Light Up Night.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

November 28, 2008

On Sunday, November 30th draw your discount of up to 50% off from…

VICTORIAN BEAUTIES – Maria Kloos and her daughter Marion LaBrie dressed in Victorian style for this year’s Light Up festivities, held in downtown Invermere last weekend. This weekend, the Santa parade kicks off Super Sunday.

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Lending a hand for the holidays

NEED HELP WITH CHRISTMAS?

Merry Christmas!

Call Embellishments by Gina Chivers

250-341-5959

Gina Chivers, owner of Embellishments, specializes in Christmas decorating and would love to help you make your home or business more festive, inside and out.

Gina not only hangs Christmas lights, but she will also decorate the inside of your home, including trimming your tree.

“All these creative things – I love doing that,” Gina said.

Prices start at $70 and increase depending on the magnitude of decorating you would like – and she also offers discounts for seniors.

If you need a hand to do your decorating during the holidays, call Gina at 250-341-5959 and set up your appointment today.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

November 28, 2008

Christmas Bureau needs gifts for adults Submitted by Sheila Bonny Columbia Valley Christmas Bureau Everyone loves to buy a child’s Christmas gift and to imagine tiny eyes shining when a gift is opened.

When Dairy Queen staff decorate their Angel Tree on November 30th, gift tags for children up to age 14 are sure to fly off the tree.

But don’t forget that adults delight in gifts, too. The application forms for Christmas Bureau food hampers provide the option of requesting a gift for each member of a needy family.

From November 22nd, Essentials will have an Angel Tree with gift tags for youth, adults and seniors.

Adults hard-pressed by the valley’s high cost of living often deny themselves year-long in order to supply growing children with new boots, jeans or skates. For them, a new sweater or shirt from an anonymous Angel would

be a rare treat.

Youth or seniors surviving on entrylevel wages or small pensions can rarely afford luxury items.

A gift of a DVD movie, new gloves or a cosy vest would brighten a lean Christmas.

To participate as an anonymous Angel, choose a gift card from one of the Angel trees, record your name and phone number on the bottom part of the card, and insert it in the box in the store.

The top part of the card specifies the age, gender and gift request of a potential recipient.

Purchase a gift in the $25 to $30 range, wrap it, tape the top portion of the gift card to it, and return it to the store by December 14th.

The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley assures you that your generosity can produce not only childish squeals of delight, but also adult tears of joy on Christmas morning.

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

SUPER SUNDAY

10% OFF Groceries Sobeys Invermere • 750 4th Street 250-342-6919

OUR HERO – Columbia Valley Rockies centre Chase Steele was one of the players who participated in a grass hockey game at Pot Hole Park, prior to Light Up Night in Invermere last Saturday. Here he is shown with some of his adoring fans, including Tyler Osborne from J. Alfred Laird School in the white shirt.

25% OFF $ 99 14 The Mercantile • 1046B 12 Street, Invermere (Behind Dave’s Book Bar) th

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

November 28, 2008

Thank You For Your Support!

• Sustainable • Livable • Collaborative Spring Hawes

Some marinas waste light by throwing it across the water all night, affecting plants, animals and people. The reflection in the water doubles the impact.

Use outdoor light timer to avoid ‘light pollution’ Submitted by Invermere Wildsight Have you read “The End of Night?”

Subtitled “Why We Need Darkness,” it is the cover story in the November National Geographic, found in the Invermere Public Library or on newsstands. It is a must-read if you care about the health of Lake Windermere, the wetlands and yourself.

Since every candidate in the recent election had Lake Windermere as a priority and most knowing citizens also show concern, the core of the National Geographic article should provide some insight, namely: “Wherever human light spills into the natural world, some aspect of life – migration, reproduction, feeding – is affected.”

Tying into the fact that we are also animals, the article states: “. . . for humans, too, light pollution may take a biological toll. At least one new study has suggested a direct correlation between higher rates of breast cancer in women and the nighttime brightness of their neighborhoods.”

A more hopeful note from National Geographic is: “Of all the pollutions we face, light pollution is perhaps the most easily remedied. Simple changes in lighting design and installation yield

immediate changes in the amount of light spilled into the atmosphere and, often, immediate energy savings.”

We may be heading into the Joyous Season and ‘lighting up’ to maintain our sanity under December’s cloud-laden sky, but Wildsight suggests that our biggest concern should be poorly shielded or directed outdoor lights that are on all night, every night of the year.

However, coming back to those holiday lights; there are few people out enjoying them during the wee hours of the morning, so if you can’t turn them off when you go to bed you could use a timer to turn them off about 11 p.m.

Not only would you be lessening light pollution, but you could save on your electric bill as well.

If you want ideas on how to limit your contribution to light pollution year-round, a 12-page booklet called “Sensible Shoreland Lighting” is available at the Lake Windermere Project office, located in the old District of Invermere office beside the Invermere Community Centre.

The words that end the National Geographic article can just as well end ours: “For all the benefits of artificial light, we shouldn’t pretend that nothing is lost.”

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TANKS SHOULD BE PUMPED EVERY 3 YEARS For More Info:

Contact Bruce of Dehart Sewer & Drain Ltd. 250-347-9803

Call Dave at 250-341-1939 to book your Christmas Greetings ad in our December 19th issue!

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

YOUR MONEY

November 28, 2008

Building an effective household budget Why you need a plan

Creating a budget sounds like a simple enough task: track the money coming in and going out of your account each month, and make spending decisions accordingly. But in reality, most people don’t pay attention to where their money goes. Instead, they just deposit their pay cheque, pay their bills and spend the remainder – all the while wondering why they can never seem to get ahead financially.

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be this way. A fairly detailed budget should only take you about an hour or two to develop. And when you follow that up with about six months of accurate income and expense tracking, you should be able to determine exactly where your money comes from and where it’s going.

What is a budget?

A budget is simply a detailed list of expected revenues and expenses over a given period of time (here we’ve stated six months). A well-constructed budget includes several parts that can be broken down into a few general categories: • Income: money coming into your household, including employment income, rental income, pension, portfolio and business income.

• Living expenses: money spent on day-to-day necessities and services, such as groceries, clothing, insurance, gasoline, medications, utility bills, haircuts, and many more. Typically, this section constitutes the

largest part of a budget and many people need to rework the section several times before they can remember all of their living expenses.

• Entertainment: money spent on fun things like going out for dinner, a movie, vacations and other expenses we don’t need but enjoy. Be realistic. Most people find out their entertainment spending is much more than they think it is.

• Debts: money spent towards paying down mortgages, loans, credit cards and other commitments.

• Investments and savings: personal savings that you set aside for retirement and a rainy day. Typical examples would include contributions to pensions and RRSPs, and allocations to an “emergency” fund.

Ideally, at the end of six months, your income should be equal to or greater than all your expenses, debts and investments. If it’s not, your budget will show you exactly where you’re spending money, making it easier to determine where you can cut back.

Step 1: Creating your budget

Create a detailed list of income, expenses, debts and investments. It makes sense to categorize expenses under subheadings that will make further analysis easier. For example, your hydro, gas, water and cable bills should be included as expenses under “utilities.” Take your time here – the more detailed you are, the better.

If you’re unclear of which items to include, or how to categorize them, there are a number of excellent books

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Now that you have your list of income and expenses, add up the appropriate columns and categories to provide you with a bottom-line statement of your monthly finances. Track income and expenses for six months to ensure you’re getting an accurate picture of your financial habits, rather than a one-off snapshot.

Be sure to calculate annual expenses (property taxes, for example, or car insurance) as a monthly amount. If expenses are higher than income, or if the amount allocated to investments is below your long-term savings goals, continue on to step three.

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Step 3: Identify areas for cutting back

Now comes the hard part: determining where, and by how much, you need to cut back. It’s usually a good idea to look at discretionary expenses first, such as that afternoon latté, before attempting more radical changes, such as refinancing your mortgage, for example. Keep in mind that a budget is a “living” document. As your income, expenses and circumstances change, your budget needs to change too. That’s why it’s a good idea to revisit your budget from time to time, and to ensure it’s a fair reflection of your current situation. As well, it should serve as a structure in which you save and invest for the long term.

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Planning Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Income Splitting, RESPs, RRIFs

Ask about our FREE consultations.

November 28, 2008

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

Retail sales up, province-wide

Great Christmas Gift

Submitted by Retail BC After two consecutive months of declines, sales in British Columbia increased one percent as September retail sales were announced this week. “This is a good news story for an industry that is often one of the first to be impacted by economic changes,” says Mark Startup, President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail BC. There has been a lot of news lately on the impact of the economic downturn on the retail industry itself.

Mr. Startup notes that “in the face of these challenging economic times and waning consumer confidence, retailers are concentrating on the fundamentals of plan execution and excellence in customer service in order to attract new customers and keep the customers they already have.”

“This is a real opportunity for the retail cream to

rise to the top, and for those astute and savvy business owners to strengthen their place within the market,” said Mr. Startup, whose association supports the success of B.C.’s retailers.

With recent reports on reduced consumer confidence in the lead-up to the busiest shopping season, public sentiment is not as strong as it was last year.

However, other factors, including the low unemployment rate, increased discretionary spending due to personal tax cuts and lower gasoline costs, and competitive pricing are all positive contributors to B.C.’s retail industry.

With that in mind, as well as strong retail sales numbers for September, Mr. Startup notes that “consumers are still spending, and people will be out shopping for the holiday season; it is up to the retailers to give their customers a compelling reason to shop in their store.”

Boost from Bighorn Meadows

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Our 2009 Calendars have finally arrived.

Stop by our office to pick up yours.

Bighorn Meadows Resort raised money for the Radium Hot Springs Rotary Club and donated it to them so the club can purchase lights and decorations for the Radium Rotary Park, at the corner of the four-way stop. Pictured is Valerie Bracken, Sales & Marketing Coordinator at Bighorn Meadows Resort presenting a cheque for $555.78 to David Pacey, President of the Rotary Club of Radium. Mr. Pacey said the club is deeply grateful for the contribution.

MaxWell Realty Invermere

Office: (250) 341-6044 • Fax: (250) 341-6046

Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!

DTSS Arts and Crafts Fair • Bedding Sand • Drain Rock • 3/4 Crush Gravel • Landscaping Rock

Valley Vox

Friday December 12th 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Lots of interesting arts, crafts and homemade food for sale. Dinner by the Chef Training Class available from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

2 door admission to support the Community Greenhouse Project. $ 000

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

I

n 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 250-342-5052 or just stop in to the Manulife Securities office and ask to see Jason.

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

Phone: 250-342-5052

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

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Starter Homes in the Columbia Valley

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

November 28, 2008

REBATES UP TO $12,500

A Day in Court

By Pioneer Staff

Wednesday, November 19th

In Invermere Criminal Court, with Judge Ron Webb presiding, Gregory Stevens was found guilty of assault.

The crown reported that Mr. Stevens had an altercation with his wife on January 6th, 2008.

Mr. Stevens pulled her out of the house, punched her, dragged her along the ground and pulled her hair.

Mr. Stevens told the judge that he had been drinking on the day in question and didn’t remember the incident.

He told the judge he is attempting to deal with his alcohol issues that are a result of childhood trauma.

Judge Webb sentenced Mr. Stevens to seven months incarceration and recommended that it be served in Manitoba for compassionate reasons.

Following the sentence Mr. Stevens must serve a two-year probation during which he must have no direct or indirect contact with his wife unless instigated by her.

Thursday, November 20th

In Invermere Criminal Court, with Judge D.C.

Hot Pepper Jelly Available at The Original Christmas Craft Fair

AND RATES AS LOW AS 0%

Carlgren presiding, Jade Shaw was found guilty of mischief $5,000 or under.

He was granted a suspended sentence by Judge Carlgren consisting of an 18-month probation order and ordered to repay $1,263.79 to the East Kootenay Traffic Services for damages caused during the incident.

Another charge, care or control of a vehicle/vessel with a blood alcohol content of over 0.08, was changed to a lesser charge under the Motor Vehicle Act, section 144 1a. He was fined $300.

In Invermere Criminal Court, before Judge Ron Webb, Allyson Lace pled guilty to possession of a controlled substance, two counts of breach of probation order, two counts of breach of undertaking or recognizance, and one count of failing to appear on recognizance or undertaking.

The court heard that while on probation on July 8th, 2008, police found Ms. Lace in Cranbrook in possession of one gram of cocaine.

She was held in custody from July until Tuesday’s court date.

Judge Webb sentenced her to time served plus a day, thus making her imminently releasable.

Christmas Gifts?

It’s easy as 1• 2 • 3

Order Just give Early to me a call,

1. Write your Christmas gift basket list. (Check it twice) 2. Call Jayne with your order.

3. Enjoy your holidays!

Call Jayne at 250-342-3160 www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.cawww.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca 250-342-3160

Duct Cleaning Services Including: Video inspection and anti-microbial fogging using the patented Rotobrush system.

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2006 Fusion SE

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2006 Toyota Tundra

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Tourtier (French Canadian Meat Pie) • Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration Call (250) 342-5089

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Royal Canadian Legion Invermere

INVERMERE (Former Lake Auto Ford Sales Location)

NEW & USED SALES ALL MAKES AND MODELS – TRADES WELCOME

OPEN DAILY MONDAY – SATURDAY CALL MIKE COOPER AT (250) 342-2995

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Revised Recycling Calendar You can also find an electronic copy on our website

www.invermere.net For further information please contact us at

250-342-9281 or info@invermere.net.

Grizzly Ridge inclusion could secure parkland

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The owner of Grizzly Ridge Properties said he welcomes the land’s inclusion into the District of Invermere.

Mark Himmelspach bought 3,000 acres, formerly known as the Hofert property, in 2004. Since then he has been negotiating on and off with the district to have the land included within Invermere’s boundaries. In November 2006, he applied and was successful in having 600 acres removed from the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Now, Mr. Himmelspach said, “Grizzly Ridge has completed the necessary works and other conditions associated with its present 12-lot subdivision of its non-Agricultural Land Reserve lands.

It is in the process of working with the Ministry of Transportation and other authorities to complete the registration of title to the associated sublots.

“We have also completed some internal roadways, viewpoints and gates.

We anticipated that future activities will be undertaken in accordance with a visioning process involving the District of Invermere residents, staff and council.”

That joint vision will be a welcome approach, as far as Grizzly Ridge is concerned. “We are very pleased with the District of Invermere’s decision to initiate annexation and to commence the consultative process with the Regional District of East Kootenay, First Nations and the voting public. We look forward to working in collaboration with the district and its residents to make this a positive for all stakeholders,” he said.

The annexation, that will come

into public consultation in February or March, will enable the District of Invermere to double its size and give it long-term access to land for commercial, public and residential use. All involved agree that the parkland it would secure would be the most important addition.

“Representatives of the District of Invermere and representatives of Grizzly Ridge have both put in a tremendous amount of time and effort to ensure that the terms of annexation achieve a mutually beneficial result and secure the key objectives enunciated by the District – which we understand to include the creation of a class-leading integrated trail and parkland system, the long-term preservation of ongoing public access, and ensuring preservation of the environment while permitting orderly and rational growth under the jurisdiction, taxation and decision making authority of the District of Invermere,” he said.

“Annexation is simply a first step in this process and we expect the public to be actively engaged throughout the annexation and future land use stages.”

At the request of the District of Invermere, Grizzly Ridge has placed a covenant on the land to ensure the terms of the border expansion.

“The covenant requires Grizzly Ridge to commit to the district that, subject to agreed upon terms, Grizzly Ridge will control the lands proposed for annexation throughout the annexation and subsequent land use process, thereby ensuring that the District needs to only deal with one landowner, and that Grizzly Ridge will preserve and dedicate to the district the agreed upon integrated trail and parkland system.”

(250) 342-0707 DISTRICT OF INVERMERE

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

November 28, 2008

Mayor Shmigelsky is signing off

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff After nine years as mayor, Mark Shmigelsky has left the District of Invermere council table.

The 38-year-old father of two is stepping down for two reasons.

“I have retired from mayor for the simple reason of family, and because it was my time to go so we can get some new people in there,” he said. “My biggest job right now is to listen to what my wife says.”

Hailing from Kelowna, Mark moved to Invermere in 1987 when he was 17 to play for the Columbia Valley Rockies. He was on the team for five years, but he realized pretty quickly that Invermere would be his new home town.

“After the second season, going back to Kelowna wasn’t like going home any more. It was more of a chore, a duty to see the family. And that’s when I felt that Invermere was going to become my home,” he said.

Funnily enough, it was during that second year that Mark met his wife Robin, who was working at Panorama Mountain Resort.

“I crashed a Panorama staff party and she said she saw me through the crowd. We met the next day and it started from there,” he said.

They married in the gardens surrounding Pynelogs in 1996. Their oldest son, Kyler, was born in 2000.

His brother, Ryder, came along in 2005.

“Both my sons have Invermere on their birth certificates, which I am extremely proud of,” Mark said.

Mark got a job at Canadian Forest Products lumber mill in Radium after high school. Nineteen years later, he still works there as a lumber grader.

He first gained a seat on council in 1993 and he can see many parallels between the issues Invermere faced in the 1990s and its issues today.

“There was the same pressure from developments,”

Mark Shmigelsky warns the new mayor not to get “cocky”. he said. “It’s always been a recreational valley, though it never came in the condo form. It came in people wanting to buy traditional single-family homes.”

That pressure led to several challenges, some of which the district is still facing today.

“One thing we decided to do back then was to look at density as a way of dealing with the recreational pressure we would continue to have,” he said.

“It was a very real realization back then that vacancy rates were low and we were going to run into challenges with affordability and housing accessibility.”

That realization spurred the Invermere Housing

Authority, a pet project of Mr. Shmigelsky’s and one that he will continue to be involved in through the coming years.

“With the current downturn, some people will get good deals. But we’re going to turn around here some day and be right back in the same situation again if we don’t do something,” he said.

Mr. Shmigelsky is quick to add that there have been many moments of joy as mayor.

The housing authority, the district’s purchase of the courthouse, the new water reservoir and the efforts to protect Lake Windermere are all projects he is proud to have been a part of.

But most of all, the discussion for a “supermunicipality” around the north of the lake pleases him.

“I’m proud of how far we have been involved in advancing the discussions of a regional government,” he said. “I honestly believe that is the single most important thing that this valley can do to come together.

It is extremely important – environmentally, economically and socially.”

Not only that, but he has only nice things to say about the residents of Invermere.

“I am proud of being involved in a community with so many great ideas across the whole political spectrum,” he said. “It was a great community before I was on council and it will still be a great community when I am not on council because of the people.”

Now he is ready to hand the mantle to Invermere’s next mayor, Gerry Taft.

“I told him not to get too cocky,” Mark said. “I told him he will learn something every day.”

Meanwhile, Mark’s message for Invermere is a reminder of unity.

“Support your council,” he said. “It’s an extremely tough job. It’s an enjoyable one, but it’s a tough one – 99.9 percent of residents respect opinions and make fantastic suggestions. Keep doing that with the new mayor and council and we’ll keep going just fine.”

Messages from those who worked with Mark “Mark has been an excellent mayor and he has always been really fair in his decisions.

“The personal sacrifices Mark has made as far as the time away from his family, while still holding a full-time job, and what he has been able to accomplish are absolutely incredible.” – Gerry Taft, mayor-elect, District of Invermere.

able to laugh at himself and at anybody else who is being a little self-righteous or pompous.

“It’s been fun to work with him, and it’s working friendships like the one we had that I will miss most about retiring myself.” – Greg Deck, outgoing mayor of Radium Hot Springs, chair of the Regional District of East Kootenay board of directors.

“Mark takes politics seriously and respects other politicians who do, whether or not he always agrees with their positions. If somebody makes a good enough case, Mark can be persuaded to change his mind, and for me, that’s the ‘mark’ of a reasonable person and a nimble intellect. But he’s not only serious: he’s a very useful member of a board or council because he is also a funny guy,

“It has been an extreme pleasure to work with such a visionary, strong leader who understands the balances necessary to build a good community.”

– Chris Prosser, chief adminstrative officer, District of Invermere.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Mark. I appreciate his honesty as well as his dedi-

cation to Invermere, the Columbia Valley and the region as a whole. I’m sure that others will mention his sense of humour, but for me it is his timing that is so great – his ability to insert a humorous comment at just the right time so as not to offend anyone, but to lighten up some tense moments.

“I will certainly miss working with Mark and wish him, Robin and their family the very, very best.” – Lee-Ann Crane, chief administrative officer, Regional District of East Kootenay.

“I would like to give the ultimate accolade to Mark Shmigelsky. If every governing body could get along as well as our council did, the world would be a much better place.” – Bob Campsall, councillor, District of Invermere.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Rotary dinner for polio Submitted by Rotary Club of Invermere S a t u r d a y, November 15th marked the Annual Foundation Dinner for the local Invermere Rotary. The Eagle Ranch Clubhouse set an amazing atmosphere as members, spouses and friends raised close to $6,000 for the Polio Plus Fund of the Foundation.

As privileged Canadians, sometimes it’s easy to take our lifestyles for granted.

With a challenge laid down by Bill and Melinda Gates for Rotary International to match their $100-million contribution to help rid our world of the polio virus, our local Rotarians wanted to do their part.

Some great items ranging from books to photographs to dinner parties to a Brian Hoffos original mirror, made it easy to raise $5,000 in the silent auction.

President Dave Penner introduced District Governor Allen Davis, who gave a short presentation on Rotary’s challenge to help countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria eradicate polio.

Since its inception in 1985, Polio Plus has immunized over 2 billion children worldwide, eliminating polio in all but these four remaining countries.

Our past District Governor Russ Daggett introduced Dave Shirk and Joan Manz who rounded out the evening with some great entertainment.

The door prize of a trip for two to Las Vegas was won by Margaret Slack, of Radium.

A big thanks to Eagle Ranch, Ida Daggett, Dave and Joan and all donors for helping to put on a great evening where everyone came away a winner, especially the Polio Plus Fund.

Dog licence fees to cost an extra $5

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Reporter Dog owners in Invermere will pay $5 more a year to purchase licenses for their canines.

At the regular council meeting on Tuesday, November 25th, Invermere council passed Dog Control and Licensing Amendment Bylaw 1390.

Director of Finance Karen Coté told councillors that the licence fee hadn’t been raised since 1997.

She added that the District of Invermere did not expect to recoup the costs it pays for dog control issues.

“This is one of those areas that does not pay for itself,” she said.

Ms. Coté told the council that eight communities in the East Kootenays were surveyed to ascertain how much they were charging residents

for dog licence fees.

Next year’s increase will make Invermere’s fees the average in the East Kootenays.

Fees will be as follows: • female dog, not spayed – $35 • female dog, spayed – $15 • male dog, not neutered – $35 • male dog, neutered – $15 It was also mentioned that during meetings to decide on the 2009 financial plan, councillors proposed a one-time tag for each dog, with annually renewable fees.

The tag would stay with the dog for its lifetime.

However, 2009 tags had already been ordered from the Union of British Columbia Municipalities when the proposal was put forward.

The District plans to consider changing the dog licensing rules for the 2010 tags.

Public Information BOARD OF DIRECTORS INVERMERE PUBLIC LIBRARY Are you an avid reader?

Are you excited about the library’s expansion?

Would you like to be a part of your library’s future?

“The Invermere Public Library is searching for an enthusiastic individual resident to fill a volunteer Trustee position. The Position will be for a length of 2 years.”

To be considered for a position, the applicant must be a resident or elector of the District of Invermere and cannot be an employee of the District of Invermere or Library Board. Those holding positions at the time of advertisement are welcome to reapply for an additional term.

Interested persons are requested to submit letters of application and brief resumes including reasons for interest and related experience to: Mayor and Council, District Of Invermere P.O. Box 339 , 914 – 8th Avenue Invermere, B.C., V0A1K0 or to kdalke@invermere.net Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. Friday, December 5th, 2008

INAUGURAL MEETING OF COUNCIL The Inaugural Meeting of Council will take place in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office on December 1st, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.

For further information please contact Kindry Dalke, Corporate Officer at 250 342-9218 ext#228.

CANCELLATION OF DISTRICT OF INVERMERE COUNCIL MEETING Please note that the Meeting of Council on December 23rd, 2008 will be cancelled.

For further information please contact Kindry Dalke, Corporate Officer at 250 342-9218 ext#228.

2009 BUDGET SURVEY

The District of Invermere mailed a 2009 Budget Survey to each resident of Invermere. If you would like to submit your thoughts please drop your survey off at the District office by November 28. If you did not receive one, please feel free to come in and pick up a copy.

If you have any questions, please contact the District office at 250-342-9281 or info@invermere.net

2009 BUDGET OPEN HOUSE Invermere Council will be presenting the proposed 2009 Budget and invites the residents and community to an Open House on the evening of December 2nd, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

November 28, 2008 . . . Continued from Page 4 The RCMP officer had started walking across the street when he heard the woman start yelling at “Max”.

“Agnes” was not making much sense and “Max” was trying to walk her home, but she was refusing. The officer watched them for a few more minutes and noticed that “Max” was having no success in convincing her to go home, and she was swearing and yelling.

The officer then told “Agnes” and “Max” to go home or “Agnes” may end up in jail. They headed down a side alley, and the police could hear “Agnes” yelling at “Max” from the front of the bar. At two points “Agnes” lightly pushed “Max”.

The RCMP member walked to the back of the alley and told “Agnes” to come with him to the street.

“Agnes” complied. They then spoke for about 10 minutes, trying to see if she had someone who could take care of her or a home to go to. “Agnes” kept saying she had nowhere to go but mentioned Kimberley several times. “Agnes” could or would not say where in the Invermere area she lived or who could take care of her.

“Agnes” finally said she had a place in Invermere she was staying and agreed to let the RCMP drive her home. But when “Agnes” got into the police car she wouldn’t say where she lived and started screaming about “Max”. With no other options the RCMP arrested “Agnes” under the Liquor Control and Licensing Act and said that she would be taken to the Columbia Valley detachment.

While being driven to the detachment “Agnes” was being extremely abusive and loud. Upon arrival at the

detachment, however, she completely changed moods and was very cooperative and polite. “Agnes” was given yet another opportunity to find a place to stay if she had someone to look after her. “Agnes” could not mention anyone. “Agnes” was lodged for the night and released without charge the following morning.

Voters must provide either: • one document issued by the Government of B.C. or Canada that contains the voter’s name, photograph and residential address, such as a B.C driver’s licence or B.C Identification card (BCID) OR • a Certificate of Indian Status OR • two documents that contain the voter’s name.

At least one of the documents must also contain the voter’s residential address.

The Chief Electoral Officer has authorized the following types of documents for this purpose.

Government-issued identity documents (e.g. health care card, birth certificate, social insurance card, passport, citizenship document/certificate, Old Age Security card, etc.)

Other government-issued documents (e.g. property tax assessment, income tax assessment notice, government cheque)

Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Invermere’s RUNNING & YOGA STORE

Grooming machine damaged

Sometime between November 7th and 10th, the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Club’s grooming machine was vandalized. The vehicle was locked and parked at the Forester Creek Landing area at the time of the incident.

The front and rear windshields were smashed (estimated replacement cost $3,500) and the exhaust system was bent. The suspects also attempted to start the machine but were unsuccessful.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-342-9292 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

oin us for our 1st Christmas Sale

OPEN SUPER SUNDAY 11-4pm

On November 22nd at 3:30 a.m., the Super 8 Motel on Highway 93/95 in Windermere contacted police regarding damage done to the first floor window of the motel.

The outer part of the window was damaged but the inner glass was not. Approximate damage is valued at about $1,000.

Anyone with information on this crime is asked to contact the RCMP at 250-342-9292 or Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

ELECTIONS BC School/college/university-issued document (e.g. admissions letter, report card, transcript, residence acceptance, tuition/fees statement, student card) Other documents • Bank/credit card or statement • Residential lease/mortgage statement • Insurance statement • Public transportation pass • Utility bill • Membership card • Hospital bracelet/document • Attestation of residence Voters without the necessary identification can be vouched for by a voter in their electoral district who does have the necessary ID, a direct family member or someone who has legal authority to make personal care decisions for the voter.

Have your identification ready for the May 12, 2009 General Election.

For further information on voter identification, contact Elections BC at www.elections.bc.ca or phone 1-800-661-8683 / TTY 1-888-456-5448.

www.elections.bc.ca

20-50% OFF

Stonewear Yoga Clothing and Sugoi Running/ XCountry Ski Apparel. We have very unique gift ideas for all the active people on your list!

We are trusted by Invermere Physiotherapy.

Call 250-342-2074 • Open Wednesday-Saturday Located next to Bavin Glassworks (Near Home Hardware)

Thank You

to all who voted in the recent municipal election. I look forward to serving as your councillor for another term.

Bob Campsall

Motel window smashed

PROVINCIAL VOTER IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS The Election Act establishes that voters must prove their identity and residential address in order to receive a ballot or register to vote in conjunction with voting in a provincial general election or by-election.

Need Blinds? Best Quality

S ol i d W o od Bl i n d s Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Columbia Garden Village Come visit us for your Christmas goodies at the…

White Elephant Bake & Craft Sale

15th Annual Original

Christmas CraftSale Friday December 5th, 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Saturday, December 6th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

INVERMERE COMMUNITY HALL Fabulous food by the DTSS Youth Action Team.

Call 250-342-6818 or 250-342-1475 or Email: cbarz@telus.net for more information.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

The Old Zone has bad karma FREE

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist

JUMBO WILD BUMPER STICKERS It’s time to show you care

342-3147 • www.jumbowild.com

SNOWFLAKE BALL

Call 250-342-2844 or email info@cvchamber.ca Advance Tickets Only – No Tickets Will be Available at the Door

Oldtimer League Standings TEAM

Karma. I’m sure you have all heard of it and I’m also sure some of you even believe in it. I was never sure if it worked or not until recently.

Last year, I gave a couple of guys a pretty hard time about being the players who had break-aways with three skaters and not being able to either get a goal or even a shot on net, for that matter. It seemed like a nobrainer that they should have scored for sure.

Anyway, a few weeks ago, I found myself in that very same situation. This time, however, it was actually a four-on-nothing and I was the puck carrier.

Should have been a simple thing to score with so many options available to me, and what do I do? Shoot the puck square into the goalie’s belly. What an idiot!

To the credit of my teammates, they didn’t hassle me too much, but they rarely pass to me any more either!

Then a few weeks after that, we went to Canal Flats to play. I mentioned in this column that The Incredible Bulk had the sniffles and couldn’t come out to play. I also stated that, as a team, we played exceptional hockey, thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and possibly didn’t miss the Bulk.

Shortly after that, I missed a week of hockey because I was out of town and then the following week, I was suffering from a touch of the flu and chose to rest rather than risk becoming sicker by playing hockey.

W

L

TIES

POINTS

Huckleberry Hawks

8

2

0

16

Inside Edge Black Smoke

8

2

0

17

Warwick Wolves

7

2

1

15

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes

6

3

1

13

Lake Auto Mustangs

4

4

1

9

Hi Heat Hustlers

3

7

0

6

Kicking Horse Coffee

3

7

0

6

Dale Christian Mudders

1

7

2

4

Valley Vision Vultures

0

8

1

1

The Wolves managed to win both games that I missed, and the day after the second win without me, I received an email from The Bulk.

It read: “After talking with most of the team last night about your devastating sickness, we have come to the conclusion that maybe you should take a few more weeks off to recoup. Let’s say five to six weeks.

I hope you have big shoulders next time you show up, because there wasn’t a lot of sympathy for you.

Winners were Petro, Kicking Horse, Inside Edge and WARWICK . . .”

Ouch!

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

2009 Columbia Valley

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Sales Now On! Contacts:

Adrienne Turner, Sales (250) 341-1201 The Columbia Valley Pioneer (250) 341-6299

N E W S PA P E R No. 8, 1008 - 8th Ave. Box 868 • Invermere BC • V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: info@columbiavalleypioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

November 28, 2008

Hockey Talk: Rockies beat dreaded Fernie

By John Helm Rockies Hockey On Thursday November, 20th the Columbia Valley Rockies hopped on the bus, bound for Fernie.

It was the first of three games in three days for the club, who went looking for their first win of the year at Fernie Memorial.

If revenge wasn’t motivation enough, bus driver J.C. Alocoque offered his hair for a Rockies win.

Columbia Valley largely controlled the first period, but trailed 1-0 after one.

Fernie took a two-goal lead, but then the Rockies scored three straight to jump out to a 3-2 advantage.

Leslie scored his first of two goals, and the American boys, Diehl and Spaan, got in on the act.

It was 3-3 after two.

The see-saw battle continued in the third with the home team regaining the lead. Karl Weberg put Fernie out front 4-3 before Leslie knotted it up for good

with a power play goal.

The Rockies were down a couple times in a very exciting game, but showed plenty of heart and intensity in battling back against the Ghostriders. The fiveminute overtime period went by without a game winner, giving way to a shoot-out.

The Rockies put the home team to bed as the first three shooters all scored costing the Ghostriders the extra point and securing J. C. a date with the clippers.

Ty Gullickson stopped three in the shoot-out to go along with 42 big stops in the first 65 minutes.

The Rockies evened the season series with the Ghostriders at three-three: final score 5-4.

The following night, Columbia Valley welcomed the Summerland Sting to Eddie Mountain for their second and final meeting of the year.

The Rockies beat up on the Sting 6-2 in September and looked to do the same, jumping out to a threegoal lead in the first.

From there the Rockies basically took the second period off, allowing the last-place Sting to even the score, albeit with a pair of goals on five-on-three power plays.

The Rockies returned to form in the third, however scoring back to back goals: Mitchell and Griffith

tallied as Columbia Valley escaped with a 5-4 win.

Mattias Schmitt had two points and was easily the player of the game.

On Saturday, the Rockies welcomed the Princeton Posse. Columbia Valley looked sluggish in this one.

They haven’t had many poor games in the first half of the season, but oddly enough, the Posse have been privy to two such games.

In what was their first shaky effort of the season the Rockies lost 5-2 in Princeton after a long bus ride.

Playing their third game in as many nights on Saturday, the club looked just plain tired.

Despite the weary performance, the Rockies were able to salvage a point, eventually losing in a shootout 4-3.

Mitchell scored twice for the home side and Gullickson had 35 saves for a tie.

The Rockies remain busy in November, hosting Creston Valley on Tuesday the 25th before a home and home with Kimberley Friday and Saturday.

A Sunday matinee rounds out the month: the Rockies welcome the league’s top team, the Nelson Leafs, at 1 p.m.

Columbia Valley are 5-0-2 in November with Diehl making a case for Player of the Month scoring 11 goals on his seven game run.

Your Local Professionals TEAMRAVEN.ca

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd.

Paul: (250) 341-5300 paul@rockymtnrealty.com

Strata, Rental & Commercial Property Management

Sean: (250) 341-5445 sean@rockymtnrealty.com

Invermere Offi ffice – 526B – 13th Street Fairmont Offi ffice – #4, Fairmont Village Mall PAUL ROGGEMAN

Phone (250) 345-4000 • www.rockymtnrealty.com

SEAN ROGGEMAN

w w w. r o g g e m a n . c a

For professional management of your strata corporation or rental property, overseen by a Certiďƒžďƒžed Property ManagerÂŽ, please contact Bill Weissig CPMÂŽ, RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES. Our property managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive qualiďƒžďƒžcations and experience, please visit our web site at http://www.mountaincreek.ca.

Phone: 250-341-6003

Email: bweissig@mountaincreek.ca

Paul Glassford Sales Consultant $FMM t

Daniel Zurgilgen www.maxwelldaniel.com

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Glenn Pomeroy glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU TRI • Snow Removal & Sanding • Trucking • Piles & Posts

Chris Wallis

250.270.0821

• All Grading • Under Slab work • Mini Track Hoe

Kari & John Mason

780.970.7040

DEL Automation

YOUR HOME AUTOMATION SPECIALISTS Don Steedman Sales

385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Ornamental steel Hand forged home accents Welding and mobile services

NEED IT PAINTED? NO PROBLEM! We Paint it all ~ Residential & Commercial • Reasonable Pricing • Seniors Discounts

• FREE Estimates • Locally Owned • Journeyman on every site

Renovations, Decks, Wood Siding, Pergolas

Farnham Construction

Commercial and Residential Installation - Maintenance - Repairs

250-341-POOL (7665)

250.688.8800 methodcontracting@live.ca www.methodcontracting.com

Chalet Painting Contractors Call Now! 250-347-9315

342-5419

D&D POOLS and SPAS Duane Huether

Simon Lichty

Cell: 250-688-1047 Ofce: 250-341-3138

Bellows Forge & Iron Works • Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration Call (250) 342-5089

Home Renovations and Completions Small Jobs Welcome

Darren Ross

Enhancing your mountain setting is our specialty.

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

250-341-SPAS (7727)

• Residential • Commercial •

(250) 347-7746

Jesse Vader – Ken Johnson

8931 Hwy 93/95 RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

Call:

poolman-911@hotmail.com

250.349.5564

Box 33 Edgewater BC V0E 1A0

Immaculate Homes

4999 Eagle Brook Court • Riverside Golf Resort 250-345-9113 • Cell: 250-270-0058

250-342-0450

Excellent Security Measure Make it look like you’re home Kirk & Karen Davis Invermere BC Local and Residential Only. when you’re not!

H O M E S

250-342-5832

JZ

PO Box 767, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

• • • • • •

ng & Ltd. i t n i Pa ting a r o c De

Jay Gebara Co-Owner

Commercial Residential Renovations Firestop Attic Upgrades Parkade Spray

Rob Smith • 250-342-5011 • 250-341-7272 • 1-866-513-9626 • www.frictioninsulation.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

November 28, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU LAMBERT-KIPP PHARMACY LTD. J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy Come in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm 1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

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

Dean Hubman

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

Certified Technician

342-3052

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

Offering Professional, Experienced and Efcient Services at Reasonable Rates.

Automotive Repairs 7 days a week

250.341.5889

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

250.688.3334

“TEMPORARY WORK AGENCY” The Columbia Valley’s Manpower Solution Centre

Freight & Passenger Depot

For all your Temporary Ofce Needs, including • Filing •Typing • Reception

Call 250.341.5260 or 250.341.6091

#7 – 1008, 8th Avenue, Invermere (right next to the Pioneer)

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

250-342-3478

Quality Hand-crafted Steel • Structural Steel • Welding • Fabricating & Machining • Custom railings and ornamental iron #117 Industrial Rd. #2, Invermere, BC Ph: 250-342-9926 • Fax 250-341-3956 e-mail: txn@telus.net

FOR ALL YOUR RENTAL NEEDS! Tampers ~ Skid Steer ~ Mini Hoe ~ Aerators ~ Material Handler ~ Scaffolding ~ Power Washers ~ and lots more!

HIGHWAY 93/95 WINDERMERE (Next to the Skookum Inn)

Telephone (250) 342-4426

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948 pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

Lambert

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

READY MIX CONCRETE RV • Truck • Car Wash Open 7 days a week

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

Lube Shop open Monday to Saturday RV Supplies open Monday to Saturday Sani-Dump

Phone 250-342-8774 1361 Industrial Rd. #4 Invermere, BC

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

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

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

HERE TO SERVE YOU House Mouse Carefree Cottages Inc. House Checking to Protect Your Property • • •

Take the worry out of second-home ownership Peace of mind while you are away from the cottage is priceless Lower the risk for your insurance provider and you could lower your cost. Ask your agent.

Call today and get us checking your property Ph: 250-341-6091 • Cell: 250-688-5260 info@housemousebc.ca • www.housemousebc.ca

• POOLS • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • FIREPLACES • BBQ’S • HEATING • VENTILATION • AIR CONDITIONING • RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmere, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

NEW

Complete Automotive Repairs

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone:

342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

Sewer/Drain Cleaning

Septic Tank Pumping Portable Toilet Rentals • 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

We aren’t the cheapest, JUST THE BEST!

• Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks

341-8501

Senior Discount

Radium Plumbing & Maintenance OPEN 24-7

Specializing in hot water tanks and large variety of plumbing repairs.

We install all Home Hardware plumbing products!

(250)

347-9237

Cell: (250) 688-0572

Call NOW:

688-0213

• Carpets dry in about 1 hour! • 100% guaranteed! • Low Moisture • No Steam • No Sticky Residue • Upholstery • Area Rugs • Wood & Tile Floors • Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates See more online at www.heavensbest.ca

SHOLINDER & MACKAY EXCAVATING Inc.

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

WINDERMERE 342-6805

CLUB TOWING

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

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

DCS Plumbing & Heating 24 hour emergency service

(250) 342-7100 (250) 342-7103

Need Blinds?

Interior World

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

250-342-5047 1-888-357-4449

• Locally Owned and Operated • Guaranteed Workmanship • Free Estimates Our Specialties‌

www.valleysolutions.ca • valleysolutions@shaw.ca

• Paving • Patching • Seal Coating • Saw Cutting • Grading • Site Prep • Road Building • Power Sweeping • Consulting • Project Management

HOUSE CHECKING

• Beverage Re-Stocking • Kitchen Re-Stocking • Clean-up • Handyman Chores • Complications • Details

Call Judy: (250) 341-1903

“Serving the Columbia Valley�

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL

• Driveways • Parking Lots

CALL 250-341-5895 or 1-888-342-7284

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

November 28, 2008

Public health nurses defend HPV vaccine Dear Editor: Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women between the ages of 20 and 44. It is the second leading cause of years of life lost in women internationally. There is now an effective HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. It is always better to prevent disease than treat it.

In the community there has been much debate over whether receiving the HPV vaccine is the wise choice. There have also been letters in the paper questioning the legitimacy of the prevention claims reported by the health care community.

While it is healthy to question the information that is given, it would be prudent not to dismiss it altogether on hearsay.

There are numerous sources, both for and against the vaccine, available on the internet. Please view these with caution and criticism. While Youtube is a decent source of entertainment, it is not a valuable

“professional” information tool. At Interior Health we believe that each choice for vaccination should be an informed decision. Therefore, we strive to allow the public access to the best research that we have available. Websites such as BC’s own www.immunizebc. ca, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada’s www.HPVinfo.ca, the BC Centre for Disease Control’s www.bccdc.org and Health Canada’s www. hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/hpv-vpheng.php provide more established information. Current research indicates that receiving the HPV vaccine is very beneficial and safe; it has been tested for five years and is used in over 100 countries. The HPV vaccine is effective against four strains of human papillomavirus, two of which cause 70 percent of all cervical cancers and two that cause 90 percent of all genital warts. Vaccines are only licensed for use in Canada if they meet very strict standards for safety and effectiveness. The vaccine contains no mercury and does not contain live virus.

While the human papillomavirus disease is usually cleared by the body within two years, there are women who remain persistently infected, not shedding the virus, potentially leading to cervical cancer. Each year in Canada approximately 1,300 new diagnoses of cervical cancer and approximately 400 deaths are directly related to cervical cancer. In B.C. alone, 150 women will be diagnosed with cervical cancer this year, 40 will die, 6,000 women will develop high risk changes to the cervix which are precancerous, and 120,000 invasive procedures will be done to stop cancer of the cervix from developing. This is what the HPV vaccine is designed to prevent.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact your local public health nurses at the Invermere Public Health Centre: 250-342-2360.

Brenda Marsman, R.N., BSc.N Jeff Quinn, R.N., BSc.N Public Health Nurses for Interior Health

HERE TO SERVE YOU Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork Structural Balance

H E L L E R W O RK Jean-Luc Cortat Certified Hellerwork Practitioner @ Renaissance Wellness Centre Box 185 / 505 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 • 342-2535

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Your Secret Weapon for Quality Construction

Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service

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

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

Construction Supervisor

Maxime Perrin Tel: 250.688.3232 Fax: 250.347.6031

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd.

Jeff Watson

• Topsoil • Sand • Gravel

Telephone: 342-3659

VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

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

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

Your Weekly Source for News and Events Serving Invermere and the Columbia Valley

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

HEAT PUMPS LICENSED

250-341-5096

N E W S PA P E R

Sales and Service

Call today 250.342.1167

Dave Sutherland Sales Associate

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Invermere, BC www.columbiavalleypioneer.com email: upioneer@telus.net

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds announcement DTSS Arts and Crafts Fair: Friday December 12th, 4:00-9:00 pm. $25.00 rental includes a 6’x2‘ table, advertising and promotion. To book your table call Faith at 250-342-9213 ext 100. Proceeds go to the community greenhouse project.

CHEERS & JEERS

D,L. JEERS: to the person or persons who stole the building materials to be used for the finishing of Frank’s Rink storage shed in Edgewater. Shame on you!!

DL.

NEW ONLINE LOCAL CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE OPENING SOON Looking for high-end ladies’ current and vintage fashions, accessories and brand name children’s clothing. Great opportunity to make yourself some extra cash, and let someone else do the work for you!! If you’re interested in consigning, please call Carmen at 250-341-5022.

Saturday, November 29th 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Fairmont Hot Springs Resort 5225 Fairmont Resort Road Put on by the Hoodoo Quilt Guild

Doreen’s Avon & ceramic Christmas sale, November 28 & 29, December 5 & 6.

12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, 4836 Stanley Street, Radium.

Omer J. St. Amour “Papa” April 26, 1940 – December 4, 2007 It’s been one year since you’ve been gone But in our hearts you still live on.

Gone are the days we used to share But in our hearts you are always there.

The gates of memory will never close We miss you more than anyone knows.

With tender love and deep regret We, who love you will never forget.

Craft Sale

DTSS Arts and Crafts Fair Friday December 12th , 4:00 pm – 9:00 pm Lots of interesting arts, crafts, and homemade food for sale.

Toonie donation at the door.

Proceeds go to the community greenhouse project.

memoriam

Love always and forever, Yvette, Dan, Carole, and Emil, Mike, Nicole DL.

storage NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637

Secure indoor storage for vehicles, boats, etc. Available immediately, $100/month, 5 month minimum, 250-3420603, 250-341-5845.

CHEERS & JEERS

Attention Contractors, Truckers, etc. Secure yard with container for rent. Call 250-346-3011 or 250-342-2100.

JEERS: to the businesses that did not have the decency or respect to close during the Remembrance Day Service, (1 hour). It is obvious where your allegiance is. Shame on you

DL. For rent or lease, office space with workshop. Highway frontage, Windermere. Rent negotiable, 250-342-9578.

Commercial for Lease

SUITE FOR RENT

SHARED ACCOMMODATION DL. Furnished room in Canal Flats.

Long-term or seasonal, N/P, available immediately, 250270-0273.

DL. CONTRACTORS: Self contained cabins by the week or month.

(250) 345-6365 Fairmont Bungalows.

Furnished room for rent n Westside Park. Available immediately. Call 250-6887787.

2 bdrm walk-out basement suite. W/D, heat, cable included.

References & DD required, N/S. Available Dec 1st , $800/month, 250-342-5313.

Roommate wanted to share 3 bdrm townhouse in Radium. $375/month, includes laundry, hydro, high speed internet.

Available immediately, 250347-7787.

2 bdrm suite in Invermere.

Bright, clean, N/S, N/P, close to schools and D/T. Fridge, stove, w/d. Available December 1st , 250-342-1588.

Invermere, 1 room. Clean, quiet, working roommate wanted. N/ S, N/P, $350/month everything included, 250-341-1667.

Invermere, 2 bdrm suite.

Available after Dec. 15th , $985/ month, includes utilities, all appliances, N/S, N/P, 250-3428679 after 6:00 pm.

Invermere, 1 bdrm for rent in 3 bdrm house. $500/month includes all utilities, W/D. Call 250-341-7248 or 403-8370032.

Radium month to month or long-term. Bright 1 bdrm lower level suite, bed, fridge, stove, couch, TV, utilities, cable included, 250-347-9582.

Obituary Jewell, Mary Elizabeth (nee Borden) July 15, 1919 – November 21, 2008 Mary passed away on November 21, 2008 in her 90th year.

She is survived by her four daughters and their spouses: Ann and Roger Belzac, Audrey and Fred Henning, Maureen and Murray Quinn, Christine and Mark Swindell, 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, George in 1995.

A memorial service will be held at the Cranbrook United Church on Friday, November 28th , at 2:00 P.M. No flowers by request. Donations may be made in Mary’s name to either the: Canadian Cancer Society, 19 9th Avenue South, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 2L9 or the: Palliative Care Unit at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, 13 – 24th Avenue North, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 3H9.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

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

SUITE FOR RENT

DL. Affordable accommodation in Radium. $425.00 and up. Call 250-341-7022.

1 bdrm bright walk-out basement suite, W/D, N/S, N/P. Available Dec 1st , $750/month, utilities included, 250-3420035.

HOUSE FOR RENT

DL. Invermere spacious 4 bdrm, 3 bath, complete with basement, double garage, large yard, all appliances, N/S, N/P, $1700/ month. Available immediately, walking distance to all amenities, 250-347-2406.

1800 sq. ft. townhouse with mountain view, 2 blocks from Sobeys. 3 bdrm, 3 bath, finished basement, single garage. Quiet area with green space, long-term only, N/S, N/P, $1200/month + utilities & DD, references required, available Dec 15th, 250-341-3131. D

HOUSE FOR RENT Radium 3 bdrm, 3 bath half duplex, in show home conditions. $1395/month plus utilities.

View photos and apply on line at www.lindenproperties.com or call toll free 1-866-999-4351.

2 bdrm house in Athalmer.

Completely furnished, N/S, $1500.00 includes utilities, 250342-3841.

2 bdrm ½ of house in Windermere. $1000/month, utilities included, 250-3429578.

3 bdrm house in Invermere.

Bright, clean, N/S, N/P, close to schools. Fridge, stove, w/d.

Available Dec. 1st , 250-3421588.

Available immediately, yearround newly renovated 2 bdrm mobile home in Windermere.

4 appliances, large lot, N/P, references, 250-342-5201.

Obituary Richard Paul Louie February 27, 1945 – November 11, 2008 It is with extreme sorrow that we announce the passing of Richard Louie. Richard was born in Enderby, British Columbia but lived in Cranbrook, British Columbia most of his life. He was a caring person and a loving father. He had many friends and he will be greatly missed.

Richard leaves to mourn his passing: brothers Gerry and Ken; children Brandon, Lee, Raven and Hannah; also many grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his mother Justine Anne Bramell and father William Charles Louie; sister Evelyn; brother Arthur; niece Leona and daughter Shannon.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 25th, 2008 from 10:00 am – 10:45 am with a service to follow at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 39 – 10th Avenue South in Cranbrook.

Richard’s interment will be held Wednesday, November 26th at 11:00 am in Westlawn Cemetery in Cranbrook. Memorial donations in honour of Richard can be made to: The Salvation Army, 533 Slater Road NW, Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 4Y5.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral home.

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

November 28, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds HOUSE FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

house for sale

RESORT PROP. FOR SALE

misc. for sale

FOR RENT

Great view, close to amenities, 2 bdrm, 1 ½ bath condo in Canal Flats, available immediately. $800/month + util, 250-4898389. Leave message.

New Invermere town house for rent. 3 bdrm, 2 ½ baths, 2 fireplaces, 5 appliances, $1375.00 + util, N/S, N/P. Available immediately, 403703-0930.

HERITAGE RANCH HOUSE, completely renovated 2600 sq. ft. house on 2.5 acres located outside of Windermere, in Elkhorn Country Estates, an exclusive private gated community, one of only 11 estates included in phase I. 4 bdrm, 2 bath, security system, working shutters, all services underground, fully furnished.

Phone Elkhorn Ranch at 250342-0617 or 250-342-1268.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden www.adlerdevelopment.ca 250-344-8447 billy@adlerdevelopment.ca

BLOW OUT SALE

Contact

250-342-5914 for seasonal or long term rentals or go online at

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Timber Ridge Phase 3, 1400 sq. ft., 3 bdrm, 2 bath, N/S, N/P, access to private beach, tennis court, $1400/month + util. + DD, references required, available immediately, 403685-3134, 403-615-3134 (cell).

Canal flats, 3 bdrm trailer, available Jan. 1st , $575/month, 250-349-5264.

condo FOR RENT 2 bdrm, 2 ½ bath condo, Canal Flats $900/month. Call 250345-0062 or 250-341-5313.

Sable Ridge, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den, granite, A/C, pool, hot tub, $1295/month. Call Roger 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503

Radium, Riverstone Townhouse.

3 bdrm, 2 ½ bath, single garage, very clean, like new, N/S, N/P, $1200/month + DD + util.

References required, 780-4755474.

Brand new executive 3 bdrm, 2 ½ bath townhouse w/attached single car garage in Invermere.

Available immediately. For more details call Al Bonneville toll free 1-800-661-6262 or 403-8625709 (cell).

Brand new 3 bdrm luxury townhouse in Invermere. Lake, town and mountain views.

Hardwood, carpet and tile floors, granite counters, fireplace, unfurnished, 2 balconies, private garage, stainless appl, W/D, lots of storage. Immediate possession available, $1,400 + utilities. N/P, N/S. Furnished rate negotiable, call 403-585-2974 or arhahn@telus.net

house for sale

FOR SALE BY OWNER

Luxury Alpine Villa at Castle Rock Estates 24 2600 Riverrock Way, Invermere

Priced to sell at $499,000 Call 403- 818-5330

2 bdrm, 2 bath + den condo at Lake Windermere Point. Lake view, upgraded appliances, insuite laundrey, underground parking, $1300/month + util, 306-934-0091.

Black Forest Village, 2 bdrm furnished condos. $1200/month + util. + DD, N/S, N/P. 250-3426818.

Like new 2500 sq. ft. bi-level house on .37 acre. Overlooking Summerland, extra lot for subdivision, $579,000.00. Call Tom 250-809-7891.

2 bdrm condo near Sobeys. N/ S, N/P, $800/month, 250-3426255.

condo for sale

Canal Flats Condo, Jade Landing Development, 2+1 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, 6 appliances, partially finished basement, 8 mins. to Fairmont, $900/month + utilities. Available December 1. Contact Mike, 403-804-6937.

VACATION RENTALS

New luxurious lake front condo, 2 bdrm + den, 2 bath, sleeps 6 adults. Faces lake, beautifully furnished, stainless appl, wood floors, granite counters, fireplace, underground parking, in-suite laundry. Perfect getaway for family or friends.

Walking distance to beach and town. Currently available for Christmas and New Years!

Pricing from $200/night or $1,200/week, N/P, N/S. Longer term monthly rate negotiable, call 403-827-1604 or arhahn@ telus.net

Affordable 2 bdrm condo in downtown Invermere. $159,900.00. Call 250-3411182.

Lake Front Condo, Akiskinook Resort. 1 bdrm, great location, renovated, stainless steel appliances, $309,000.00.

Realtors protected, 403-7038614.

ACREAGES/LOTS FOR SALE Spectacular Private Gated Acreage One of only 10 prestigious 3 plus acre estate lots in this private community. On a hill with 360 degree mountain views, minutes from Windermere beach. See welist.com Invermere. 250-3425367.

Adjoining C1 lots in Tretheway Beach subdivision, Windermere.

2 @ 60’ x100’, 1 @ 105’ x 100’.

Private beach, park, playground, marina and boat stall. Will sell all or part, 250-342-7111.

Call 250-341-6299 to place your classified.

Christmas in Panorama. 2 bdrm condo for sale, 2 years old, ¼ ownership. Asking $98,000.00, 780-962-1906, 780-719-6808

PETS Golden Retriever/German Shepherd cross for sale. Ready to go. Call 250-688-1157.

Mult-Poos, cute, cuddly, family raised, non-shedding, hypoallergenic, vet checked, first shots. Ready December 8, 2008, $350.00, 250-427-2112.

misc. for sale Support “Rockies” Hockey. Pine, fir & poplar – dry & split. To order call 250-342-6908.

Top quality Hay, Alfalfa, grass mix, round bales $140/bale. Call Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617.

Salon/ Spa Equipment Sale: 3 pedestal pedicure chairs $250 ea. Manicure table $50, cash register, MA 186-100 series $100, washer/dryer set $300, adjustable aesthetics chair $200, 3 cutting capes (2 black, 1 brown) $10 ea. Small storage cabinet $10, 3 large poster frames $20 ea. 4 hourglass shaped mirrors 4x2 ½’ $40 ea.

4 black wire wall clocks $5 ea. 3 bins of perm rods (blue/yellow, orange/peach, purple) $10 ea, Clean & Easy paraffin warmer $100, 2 Qtica sugar scrub 42oz $42 ea. 2-2lb peach paraffin cubes $7 ea, round adjustable stool $20 , 9 Rubbermaid stepping stools $1 ea. 4 wall mount hot tool brackets $5 ea.

6 packages Credo blades, $3 ea.

29 Dannyco mani/pedi brushes $.25. Call 250-342-1143

All Clothing

40-50% Off November 28th & 29th ONLY KIDZ OUTLET CONSIGNMENT (Below Lambert–Kipp) Adult Wear Too

Majestic elk head, huge rack, much below cost, $1600.00. Slip tank with pump, $150.00. 1000 gal. plastic water tank, approx.

10’ x 4’, $600.00. Call Bob, 403861-2309.

4 winter tires, P235-45HR17.

Paid $180 ea. Like new, $500.00 for all, 250-342-0772.

Half price on 4 nearly new (2000km) Toyo G02 Plus winter snow tires. Size 245/75R/16.

These are arguably the best snow tires available on the market today, $400.00 firm, 250-342-6230.

Fire Wood for sale, fir. Call 250342-9480.

Earth Stove, wood stove, good condition, $500.00. Call 250342-0035.

snowmobiles 1997 skandic 500 Skidoo. Has reverse, good shape, $2000.00 OBO. Call 250-346-3275.

VEHICLEs FOR SALE 1985 GMC 7000 single axle dump truck, 5 speed w/hi-low axle, 8’ x 16’ steel box, $5,500.00, 250342-5118.

1995 ¾ ton Chevy Diesel. New brakes, new tires, 254,000 km, $3500.00. Call 250-341-1076.

1995 Pathfinder 4x4, 5 speed SE, V6, A/C, heated seats, sunroof, cruise, tow package, running boards. Runs very well, $3500.00 OBO, 250-347-7773.

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

P ioneer C lassifieds VEHICLEs FOR SALE

1997 Saturn SL2, 4 cylinder, 4 door, auto, ABS, A/C, power windows, sun roof, 4 new tires, remote start, 6 stack CD player, 190,000 km, one owner, $2900.00 OBO, 250-235-0171.

2004 Ford Ranger, 70,000 km.

Asking $12,000.00. Phone 250342-1121.

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

Phone 250-341-8033 cell or 250-342-8474 home. Not on valley time.

COLUMBIA VALLEY ROCKIES are looking for odd jobs or part-time work.

Call the coach @ 250-688-1515.

Hauling, yard work, no job too big or too small!

REPAINT SPECIALISTS 10 years experience in high-end homes Top Quality. Professional.

Mature. References Book now for winter schedule 250-342-7352.

careers

careers

Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca

Looking for a sports-minded individual to organize sports/ games for three 8 year old boys in the afternoons at Elkhorn Ranch, 250-342-0617.

WANTED on-site handyman to coordinate project/exchange for rent. First phase to upgrade 3 – 2 bdrm cottages in remote setting near Radium. Call 780485-5166, fax 780-485-5140.

Marketing Associate. 2.5 month contract. Beginning Dec. Commission. Must have proven sales experience and know Valley businesses. Have reliable vehicle, integrity, independent and be very organized.

Training provided. Possibility of other opportunities with growing Valley marketing firm.

Resume plus references. info@ tygconnections.com

Stretch your advertising dollar FURTHER

Administrative Assistant

Progressive Marketing Firm, Windermere - part time; contract; long term local employment; fast paced; with minimum 4 years proven ability for efficient time & diverse project management; sales; solid computer skills; correct language; phone/ in-person skills; reliable transportation; & be looking for a dynamic marketing career. Wages DOE. email resume plus 2 work references to info@ tygconnections.com subject Admin Asst.

To be the best provider of ďŹ nancial services and the best place to work in the communities we serve .

We currently have two exciting career opportunities for experienced, sales and service oriented banking professionals in our Invermere Branch.

FINANCIAL SERVICE ADVISOR Invermere, BC

The Financial Service Advisor provides and promotes lending and deposit services in our Invermere Branch. The successful candidate will oer solid experience as a personal lender, along with a proven track record of exceptional communication, sales and service skills which provide the foundation for building and maintaining strong member relationships.

MANAGER: MEMBER SERVICE Invermere, BC

Call us at The Pioneer

250341-6299

The Manager: Member Service provides leadership in managing and developing a top-notch, sales-oriented member service team. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership, coaching and team building skills in order to ensure that existing and potential members receive exceptional service from knowledgeable sta.

You’ll be rewarded with a positive and challenging work environment in an organization that incorporates many leading-edge strategic initiatives with opportunities for leadership development, supported learning and career advancement.

For full details about these positions including qualiďŹ cations and information about how to apply prior to December 5th, 2008, please see the Careers Section of our website at www.kscu.com.

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NO COST SERVICES we currently offer are:

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Your Valley Employment Resource Centre

COLUMBIA VALLEY PIONEER

careers

PAYMENT OPTIONS

The Government of Canada has contributed funding to this initiative

WE ARE ACCEPTING

• Call our Office Manager, Michele at 250-341-6299 with your Visa or Mastercard number.

Do you want to grow? Both personally and professionally?

Come to Invermere, BC and join our amazing team.

Just because we are small, it doesn’t mean we think small.

Invermere, BC – the place with room to grow!

COMMUNITY CARE LPN / TEAM LEADER HOME SUPPORT SERVICES Permanent part-time – 0.90 fte INVERMERE, BC QUALIFICATIONS:

"WFOVF "CPWF 5ISJGU 4UPSF 250-341-6889 DWFD!DZCFSMJOL CD DB

Clean your flue ‘cause Santa’s due!

Call Terry at Top Hat Chimney Sweep 250-342-6890

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

Apply in person to Invermere Petro-Canada.

Kootenay Savings continues to grow as we strive to fulďŹ ll our vision:

• Pay in person at our office with credit or debit card at 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere. • E-mail us at upioneer@telus.net or visit our website for more details at‌

w w w. co l u m b i ava l l ey p i o n e e r. co m

• graduation from a recognized program for Licensed Practical Nurses and one (1) year of recent, related acute care or residential experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. • current, full practicing licensure with the College of Licensed Practical Nurses of BC • class V BC Driver’s License • certiďŹ cation in CPR and First Aid We invite you to phone or apply online at www.roomtogrowbc.ca g to EK-EK COMM-COM-08-0085651 before December 5th, 2008 or submit a detailed resume, in conďŹ dence to: Human Resources Recruitment Services 1212 Second St. N. Cranbrook, BC V1C 4T6 Phone: 250-420-2442 Fax: 250-420-2425 E-mail: debbie.mandryk@interiorhealth.ca

www.roomtogrowbc.ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

November 28, 2008

Snow Scene: local racer skis World Cup opener ers underneath. If you can get your hands on a down-filled At Lake Louise this weekcoat, you’ve got it made. end and next, the premiere Take a pack with a hot events of the ski racing season drink and hand/toe warmers. will take place, and we in the The ultimate luxury: stick-on Columbia Valley are ideally heat pads (at drugstores, adverpositioned to take advantage! tised for back pain). Place them Saturday and Sunday, anywhere you lose heat.

November 29th and 30th, The men call themselves will see the men tackle this “The Canadian Cowboys” and demanding speed course, folthe women have been dubbed lowed by the women on De“The Speed Queens.” The guys cember 5th, 6th and 7th. might appreciate seeing a few If you’ve been followcowboy hats in the crowd! ing recent press reports, you Even if you ski, the best know that speed is someplace to watch is probably the thing the Canadian Alpine finish area, where seating is Ski Team does particularly set up. It’s a long course and well, and there will be a good from the finish, you can see the chance for not just one but whole thing on the Jumbo-tron several podium finishes on and you will also see the times both weekends. and placings on the electronic Local racer Manny Osborne-Paradis will show off his world-class style in Lake Louise this weekend.

If the World Cup Seascoreboard the instant racers son Opening Speed events cross the line. The top three then proceed to Lake Louise for the big If you decide to make the trip, here were being held in Europe, must stand at the finish while event.

There are not many opportunities is our primer for first-time spectators: the crowd would number 30,000-plus. the rest of their competitors rocket The drive will take about two hours down the hill, so you will be witness At Lake Louise, a good turnout is 500. in a lifetime to see skiing of this calibre No – that’s not a typo – we didn’t miss only two hours away, so you should take in good weather. to the thrill of victory and the agony of advantage!

Plus, you will have a chance Dress for the cold!

(Not Invermere a couple of zeros. Five hundred. Surely defeat as they wait to see if someone is 30,000 Europeans can’t be wrong! Spec- to loudly cheer on Invermere resident “cold”, Lake Louise “cold”!) about to bump them off the podium!

Manny Osborne-Paradis, who will blast It will take two to 2.5 hours to run tating at the World Cup is fun!

If the world unfolds as it should and The downhill on November 29th is down the mountain in the Downhill on the field of 80-90 racers. You will be sit- there are one or more Canadians on the scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m., with Saturday. Aside from this annual event ting or standing, so wear your ski suit, podium, you will be outdoors a little the Super G on Sunday, November at Lake Louise, unless you are fortunate your warmest boots, mitts (not gloves), longer. Take your camera. Photo op30th, at 11 a.m. This gives you time to enough to get Olympic tickets, you will a toque (that’s why they invented them! portunities like this don’t come around For Canadians!), a scarf and lots of lay- every day. breakfast and dress on “Valley Time,” only see these racers on TV.

By Cheryl Willard

P ioneer C lassifieds Sales Professionals Are you a sales professional with a high closing ratio and looking for change?

We have a lead list but we need results oriented closers!

Best Product! Best Prices! Best Location!

If you have experience selling fractional/ timeshare real estate or similar type of product and are results oriented we’d like to talk to you.

Please send your resume in confidence to Jack@fairmontridge.ca or fax it to 250-345-0078 attn Jack Kilroe.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 6 International Student Program

HOMESTAYS NEEDED

School District No. 6 (Rocky Mt.) requires host families in Invermere to accommodate International students for David Thompson Secondary School immediately and also for January 2009. Placement until June 2009. Host families provide a family environment with a private bedroom, three meals a day, a study area, transportation assistance and high speed internet access.

Remuneration of $600.00 per month per child is paid for hosting a student.We need your support now! Homestays are required to submit a criminal records check.

If interested please contact Lori Sluth (Homestay Coordinator Invermere) at 250-346-3377

Construction Site Clean-up/ General Labourers Required $17/per hour. Invermere B.C. Please call 250-342-7134

•The Pioneer• The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Columbia Valley Otters swim across border

By Allison Bowen Columbia Valley Otters

HAPPY OTTERS – From left to right: Jenny Barr, Jade Bowen, Rachel Kanan, Sierra Horn and Jaime Jenkinson.

Ten of the Columbia Valley Otters attended the recent Alberta Junior Circuit Swim Meet at the Talisman Centre in Calgary. The meet was hosted by the Calgary Patriots Swim Club. The junior circuit provides a training ground for aspiring young swimmers to master the art of competitive swimming without the pressure of having to win. All recognition is based on personal best times achieved in each event.

The Talisman centre is a world-class facility and provided a quality program for our young valley swimmers. Coach Sonia Otis and assistant coach Lauren Gagatek were on deck to motivate the nervous firsttimers and the more experienced in the group.

The kids swam in backstroke, freestyle, butterfly, breaststroke and individual medley events at distances from 25 to 100 metres. There were 180 swimmerS from Southern Alberta and the East Kootenays.

All participating Otters went home with a handful of Personal Best Time ribbons and everyone had a great big grin of pride!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

November 28, 2008

Valley Churches

FAITH

Our talents are gifts from God; use them to improve the world

By Sandy Ferguson Windermere Valley Shared Ministry A couple of weeks ago, we heard in church the parable of the talents.

Talents was the name of the currency used in the time of Jesus. In this story, a master gives his slaves a lot of money.

Those who engage in risky investment and prosper are rewarded. The one who plays it safe, and buries his master’s money to keep it safe is punished, because the master is upset that this cautious slave refused to invest the money.

It’s an interesting one, and unusual because in this parable, Jesus seems to be encouraging risky investment practices. Usually the economic message from Jesus concerns the evil of the pursuit of wealth and its corrupting effects on people. Indeed, Jesus often states that it is the pursuit of material wealth that distorts humanity’s relationship with God. The reality is that with the parables of Jesus, we are dealing with many layers of meaning. In this parable, Jesus isn’t actually talking about an investment plan, but instead is sharing with us how we prepare the way for the Kingdom of God. It’s interesting to reflect that talents is the word for money, a lot of money, that we use for gifts that people have.

And I believe that the talents that Matthew is referring to, is the gift of proclaiming the Good News of the love of God for all of creation. The Good News, in which we are called to proclaim that the kingdom of God is coming; a kingdom in which the old tired ways of power and oppression will be swept away.

These are the talents that we have to spend, rather than bury in the ground. There is no purpose in keeping our Good News hidden away from the world.

And it is important to remember that the talents that we all have been blessed with are gifts of God. But too often, we have a tendency to bury them in the ground, fearful of what might happen if we reveal them to the world.

But through the parable of the talents, Jesus makes it clear that it is through spending these talents, and spreading the wealth that God has given us, the world will become a better place. It will be a better place, because the wealth we share is the wealth of God’s love.

It is a gift that shows us what is truly important in this world, the fact that we are all linked together as part of the living creation of God. It is the gift that shows us no one is truly alone in this world, because we are willing to share what we have with others to restore hope to those who have none.

It is the gift that allows us to open our hearts to all who are in need in such difficult times, and offer whatever service we can give.

So go out into the world, and invest those talents given to us by God, and make this world a better place!

Homegrown recipes

By Pioneer Staff Make your holiday menu special with recipes from “Cooking with the Foxy Red Bonnets.”

After two years of meeting as a group, the Bonnets have celebrated by creating a cookbook with the recipes that have sustained them for years.

There are favourite recipes for appetizers, soups, main courses, desserts, and sweet creations.

The Foxy Red Bonnets are a chapter of the Red Hat Society, a group for women aged over 50.

“The group is important to us because it is something to celebrate womanhood and our age, instead of being afraid of being old,” said “Queen” Denise Marie Tegart.

The cookbooks cost $15 and are available at The Pioneer’s office, 8, 1008 – 8th Avenue, Invermere or through Denise at 250-688-0198.

Lake Windermere Alliance Church November 30th – First Sunday of Advent: Worship and life instruction.

“Hark, the Herald Angels Sing.” Pastor Trevor ministering.

Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 7, during service.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-9535 Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED November 30th: 10:30 a.m. at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere Rev. Sandy Ferguson 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 250-342-6644 www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com Valley Christian Assembly Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship and Word.

Children’s Church provided during the message.

Wednesday: 7 p.m. Adult and Children’s Programs Pastor T. Scott Peterson • 4814 Highway 93/95, 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 5 p.m. at St. Anthony’s Church in Canal Flats 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere Sunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium Father Jim McHugh 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship Worship service Sunday 10 a.m.

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch 5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 250-341-5792

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

Yule love our selection of Christmas fiction and non-fiction!

INVERMERE CHRISTIAN SUPPLIES

Selkirk TV & Appliances Ltd. “Serving you since 1971” MAIN STREET • INVERMERE (250) 342-6415

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342-6415

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

rayfergusonrealty.ca

PANORAMA VILLAGE Classic ski cabin, prime location close to lifts and pools. Recent upgrades, finished basement. Furnished and ready for winter.

Recreations and activities.

$569,000 MLS# K171216

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

November 28, 2008

Rediscover the Emotion of Motion.

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