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Vol. 6/Issue 12

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The Columbia

Valley

P ioneer

March 20, 2009

TEE TIMES

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Three-year-old Hannah Kendler, daughter of Helmut and Natascha Kendler of Radium, shows off the colourful shamrock she made at Radium Public Library last weekend.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

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

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Valley NEWS Blushing brides

Flea Market Saturday, March 28th Invermere Legion Hall • 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Lunch: Chili, bun, beverage and dessert.

Nicole Gionette of Edgewater wears a beautiful strapless wedding gown from Tara’s Boutique in Cranbrook at the third annual Blushing Bride Wedding Expo, held last Sunday at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

More than 20 vendors were on hand, displaying everything from cakes to photographs to weddingday makeup and jewellery.

The event was attended by about 100 people, including brides-to-be, their happy families, vendors and even a few grooms!

Call Sylvia 250-342-6559 or Edna 250-342-6126 Book tables by Tuesday, March 24 4th.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

March 20, 2009

Valley NEWS

RCMP head moving from Golden

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The head of the RCMP in the Columbia Valley will soon be handing over his hat to a new detachment commander.

Staff-Sergeant Marko Shehovac, currently heading the Golden detachment, will take over from StaffSergeant Doug Pack at the end of April.

After 13 years in Golden, Staff-Sergeant Shehovac was promoted last December, but his replacement doesn’t arrive until the beginning of April. He expects to assume command here by the end of April.

However, he plans to commute from Golden for a short time, until he, his wife Bev and son Tero, 19, can purchase an investment property in Radium.

“Our plan is to eventually purchase in the area,” Staff-Sergeant Shehovac said. “I believe it is important to be a part of the community.”

In Golden, he is a member of the Rotary and Masonic clubs, active with the cadet program, and a keen supporter of the Golden Rockets hockey club.

“I plan to get involved in the community in Invermere in the same way,” he said.

After joining the force in 1975, Staff-Sergeant Shehovac’s first posting was to provide security at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. From there, he moved to

Marko Shehovac

Doug Pack

Agassiz until 1977, when he was transferred to Ridge Meadows until 1987. He was then posted to Rossland until 1991, when he moved to Salmon Arm. In 1995 he came to Golden, ad has now been in the force for 33 years.

Small communities are the best place to be, according to Staff-Sergeant Shehovac.

“Small-town policing has always been my interest,” he said. “You get to deal with people and use common-sense ways of dealing with problems.”

The Golden detachment has been the subject of

media attention since the tragic death in February of a skier lost from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Marie-Josee Fortin died of hypothermia on February 22nd. She and her husband, Gilles Blackburn, became lost on February 15th and drew several SOS signs in the snow. Those signs were spotted three times before Golden RCMP ordered a search and rescue mission, and recovered Mr. Blackburn.

Last Tuesday, Staff-Sergeant Shehovac addressed the Town of Golden council, accepting responsibility for the mistakes at that time.

“I am accountable for this error in judgement on February 21st and will accept the consequences,” he told council. “As part of my own healing process I take ownership of my mistake.”

Speaking to The Pioneer, Staff-Sergeant Shehovac explained why he chose to be so upfront and candid with council. “In a small community, I’m their chief of police and they have high expectations of me. So I have to act in the way that I would want the community to act,” he said.

The RCMP in B.C. has ordered an independent review of the incident to determine whether procedures, policies and protocols were followed, lacking or non-existent at the detachment.

Continued on Page 38 . . .

Valley restaurants scrap trans fats

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff The province’s new trans-fat ban has many restaurant owners in British Columbia shaking in their boots, but not those in the Columbia Valley.

On March 7th, the government announced new restrictions to limit trans fats in all food prepared and served in B.C. restaurants, cafeterias, bakeries, delicatessens, schools and health-care and educational institutes – effective September 30th of this year.

According to Health Canada, fats in foods are made up of four different types – polyunsaturated, monounsaturated, saturated and trans.

Trans fats are found naturally in some animalbased foods, but are also formed when liquid oils are made into semi-solid fats like shortening and hard margarine. Scientific evidence has shown that dietary saturated and trans fats can increase your risk of developing heart disease.

Although many businesses are not pleased with the announcement, Eric Vanderkruk, owner of the Invermere A&W, is in full support of the movement – his restaurant has been trans fat-free for more than two years.

“It’s far more expensive,” he said, speaking of the non-hydrogenated oil the restaurant now uses.

“But it’s much better quality and it’s better for customers – that’s the bottom line.”

Although in the beginning, Eric admits the price change was daunting – jumping 12 percent at first and inflating even farther after that – but he said the increase is something restaurant owners are going to have to eat.

“Anything we can do to improve the quality of our product and present a healthier product to our customers is a cost we have to absorb,” he said.

Since A&W made the switch, Eric said he has received virtually no complaints from customers.

Many haven’t even noticed the difference.

“The taste has improved in my estimation,” he said. “Our fries are better than ever!”

Continued on Page 38 . . .

ROCKIES AT RIVERSIDE NOW OPEN! Rockies at Riverside (formerly The Sportsman’s Lounge) is the Valley’s new gastro-pub destination. Come celebrate good cheer in a new ambience. See you soon! fairmonthotsprings.com

4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

Skimmers hit Invermere bank again

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff An automatic teller machine outside the Bank of Montreal branch in Invermere was violated last month by a “skimming” operation.

On January 17th, thieves installed a device on one of the two ATMs at the bank, which read the magnetic strip on the debit cards of customers using the machine. At the same time, a camera recorded the customer inputting their PIN number. The thieves came back several days later and removed the device with the information it now contained.

As a result, 34 customers had unauthorised withdrawals taken from their accounts by the thieves, and a total of $20,000 was stolen.

BMO Invermere branch manager Jordan Kulicki confirmed they are working with the RCMP, who are investigating the incident.

“At our branch, the RCMP are involved and investigating an occurence,” he said.

“Banks are considered the victim of fraud just as much as the customers.”

Two years ago, the same Bank of Montreal branch was the subject of another skimming operation. On January 23rd and 25th, 2006, an unknown number of customers had their card information copied and their PIN numbers stolen.

SKIMMING—These photos show an individual installing a skimming device on an ATM in the lobby of BMO Invermere branch.

Provided by RCMP This time around, customers who used the ABM between January 17th and 22nd, 2009, are at risk.

Pioneer Graphic Designer Zephyr Rawbon, of Invermere, was one of the customers who noticed unauthorized debits on an account.

“I tried to make a withdrawal on Saturday, February 14th, only to discover that I had insufficient funds when I knew I should have had more than enough to cover my purchase.”

Zephyr went to the BMO Invermere branch the next Monday to find out what had happened to the funds.

“They told me that there had been a security breach and that I was not alone on this. After reviewing the

transactions, we figured out which ones were unauthorized and the bank refunded me for that amount.”

The branch took the old card and immediately provided a new, micro-chip card. The bank teller gave Zephyr a new pin number at the same time.

In all, roughly $1,000 was stolen from Zephyr’s account.

Mr. Kulicki confirmed that victims of the fraud will be reimbursed.

“If an unauthorized deduction has come out of your account, you are not liable and will be fully reimbursed,” he said. “If you are using a bank machine or your debit card at the grocery store, make sure you cover the PIN pad.”

The Columbia Valley RCMP have released surveillance photos of the device being installed on the automated teller outside the Bank of Montreal. StaffSergeant Doug Pack said those photos could provide the key to solving the crime.

“These unknown culprits have been spotted in other banks in nearby towns attaching more skimming devices and compromising more cards. Surveillance photographs, although poor quality, might be able to provide a break in the case,” he said.

“Anyone with information, or who recognizes the person in the photographs, is asked to contact the Columbia Valley RCMP at 250-342-9292 or CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-800-222-8477.”

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

March 20, 2009

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Windermere’s only licensed establishment is often the centre of community events.

Whitehouse Pub closed after police raid

By Pioneer Staff The Whitehouse Pub in Windermere was forced to close for 24 hours on the weekend after RCMP found six underage drinkers there.

“On March 14th, RCMP learned from sources in the community that there were underaged youths at the Whitehouse Pub in Windermere,” Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack said in a press release on Tuesday.

When the police got to the pub, the officers counted six vehicles in the parking lot that had “N” stickers displayed, signifying the driver was new.

“The premises’ rear door was wide open and a heavily intoxicated female was stumbling around the rear door calling for a girlfriend. There were beer cans scattered around the parking lot,” Staff-Sergeant Pack said.

Local teen band Infected were performing at the pub on Saturday, but Staff-Sergeant Pack said the band wasn’t the problem.

“Some of the musicians were under 19 years of

age, which is legal – as long as they do not consume alcohol and are restricted to the band’s playing area,” he said. “However, the issue was with the number of underage spectators.”

Inside the pub, police asked a girl for her identification and found she was 15 years old. At that point, Staff-Sergeant Pack said, “RCMP ordered the bar closed for public safety reasons and all patrons were asked for identification.”

The officers checked 15 identification cards and found that six people were under 19.

“And most of them had been drinking alcohol,” Staff-Sergeant Pack added.

“The bartender told RCMP that they did not know there were under aged persons drinking liquor.”

The Whitehouse Pub had its liquor license suspended for 24 hours, and it is being investigated by RCMP and the B.C. Liquor Branch Inspector.

“We are working with the owner of the pub to ensure future compliance with the law,” Staff-Sergeant Pack said.

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Monita is back Wednesday, March 18th

Open daily 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.

To book an appointment please call Lyn’s cell at 250-341-5668

The valley’s only locally owned, locally operated newspaper

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 • Email: upioneer@telus.net

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

perspective

May the best man win

March 20, 2009

Historical Lens

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher Both Liberal candidate Mark McKee of Revelstoke and NDP candidate and current MLA Norm Macdonald of Golden have kicked off their campaigns in the Columbia Valley.

Elections are always tough to call in this vast provincial riding, stretching all the way from Revelstoke in the north to Kimberley in the south, and especially so this year.

Will the current financial instability affect the provincial Liberals as much as it is hurting the federal Conservatives? Probably, but the economic picture continues to be dictated by forces out of their control.

Nevertheless, when things are booming, the party in power always takes the credit, so it’s appropriate that they should also shoulder the blame.

Will the news about executives at U.S. financial corporations awarding themselves million-dollar bonuses after being bailed out by the taxpayers have any effect on how people vote in this province?

How about the unreasonable stand taken by the automobile workers’ union, who continue to defy logic by demanding wages and benefits far beyond those enjoyed by the average Canadian employee?

Locally, the issues remain the same all across the province: unemployment, health care, senior care, forestry, education, tourism and the environment, not necessarily in that order.

Over the next eight weeks, we’ll try to help you reach a decision about which candidate to vote for by running a weekly page of questions and answers from McKee and Macdonald, plus the little-known B.C. Conservatives leader Wilf Hanni, who is also trying to win a few votes in this riding.

I’m certainly no political pundit. I gave up trying to predict election results years ago, after falling off my chair laughing when I heard that second-rate cowboy actor Ronald Reagan was going to run for office.

Save this structure: $20,000 reward!

Snapped in 1922 by B.M. DeCou of East Orange, New Jersey, this image shows a view of the lodge at CPR’s Lake Windermere Camp. In recent years, the historic structure—now surrounded by million-dollar homes on Invermere’s Fort Point—served as the Weir family’s humble home. Now in danger of being lost to demolition, both

the Windermere District Historical Society and the District of Invermere have declined the Weir family’s generous offer to donate the home and contribute $20,000 to anyone who will move it off the site.

Photo courtesy of Windermere District Historical Society

Redstreak fires causing red eyes Dear Editor: I believe that whoever arranged to slash and burn the area east of the highway leading south out of Radium should ensure that it doesn’t happen again.

For the purpose of creating sheep habitat, the fires burned

month after month through every type of weather, including inversions, causing very smoky conditions up and down the valley.

This in turn caused many respiratory discomforts for residents and visitors . . . and probably the bighorn sheep, too!

I expect the folks responsible for this project used many loopholes to dodge the regulations that were put in place to avoid this very problem.

I say, “shame on them.”

Chris Lynde Edgewater

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

Brian Geis

Sally Waddington

Cayla Gabruck

Dave Sutherland

Zephyr Rawbon

Michele McGrogan

Publisher

Editor

Reporter

Reporter

Advertising Sales

Graphic Design

Office Manager

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

March 20, 2009

Civil servants are now our masters Dear Editor: In response to the outstanding letters from Gunner Jorgensen and George Guimont: gentlemen, while your points are well articulated, you have completely missed the changing times.

The shameful incident at the Vancouver airport is a symptom of a much larger problem – our civil “servants” are now our masters. The roles have been reversed!

Think about this: • We spend millions protecting politicians and dignitaries, but cannot afford to protect the aged from home invasions.

• We spend hundreds of millions paying Canadian Security Intelligence Service to protect us from terrorists, but we cannot afford to protect local citizens from gang warfare.

• We pay hundreds of thousands for politicians to visit warm countries, stay in expensive resorts and eat delicious meals, but we cannot afford to feed the homeless and the poor in our own country.

• If someone threatened the prime minister, we would mobilize the police, army, navy, air force and coast guard, but if a deranged husband threatened his ex-wife, the police can do nothing until he beats her to a pulp.

• We can deport law-abiding illegal immigrants who have added value to our society, but we cannot get rid of alien criminals who re-offend time after time.

• We cannot control crime, but Passport Canada has time to implement a “watch list” for crime victims who had their passport stolen more than once.

• We implement “market value” home assessments to make municipal

taxation more fairly distributed but, when “market value” begins to drop, we freeze the assessments at higher levels to cushion taxpayers from devaluation.

• We pay our representatives exorbitant salaries, but they cannot be bothered to answer our mail, e-mail or telephone calls. They have “assistants” so they won’t be bothered with the “great unwashed.” Have you noticed, when you write to Jim Abbott, it’s always Wendy or Krissy who responds? I assume Jim is attending too many Senators games to respond personally.

The role of government and our civil servants is avoiding the difficult and dealing only with the easy! The more senior members are now required to be tri-lingual in English, French and Gobbledygook.

In this third language, raised arms of surrender become “aggressive stances.” Turning away to follow pointed instructions becomes “a defiant act.” The creation of an international SOS sign becomes a reason to do a cursory telephone inquiry. Lack of foresight and planning at major corporations becomes a reason for massive bailouts to support multi-millionaires.

Re-read Staff Sgt. Doug Pack’s quotations about Search and Rescue protocols. Why didn’t he just say, ‘Here in my jurisdiction, an SOS means an SOS. If one is spotted, we will institute a search’? It would have been a clear commitment to the community. Gobbledygook allows them to avoid commitment to those “served”.

Gunner and George, just shut up and pay your taxes. I’m pretty sure that Mr. Abbott is due for another taxpayerfunded trip to Taiwan soon.

Michael Meehan, Invermere

We welcome your letters!

Please email your letters to upioneer@telus.net. If you can’t remember our address, simply go to our website at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com and follow directions.

You may also mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0 or drop

them at our office, 1008-8th Avenue, Invermere.

Please remember all letters are limited to 500 words or less. If time permits, you will be asked to edit your own letters; otherwise we will cut them to length. Thank you!

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

Blaze destroys Windermere home

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff A house fire in Windermere has ravaged the home of long-time seasonal residents Emil and Ruth Krein.

Their 12-year home on Fairmont Street, Windermere, caught fire in the middle of the day on Saturday.

The couple were at their second home in Palm Desert, California at the time of the fire, so thankfully there were no injuries.

But Windermere fire chief Jim Miller said the damage to the home is extensive.

“My suspicion is that the home will have to be taken to the foundation,” he said.

“The upstairs is a total write-off and the roof is totally gone. The downstairs is fully intact but there is a lot of water damage and debris.”

It’s just as well the Kreins have insurance, Jim Miller added.

“It would have been a substantial loss,” he said.

“I’m guessing $400,000 for the house and contents.”

Bill and Donna Thompson, whose home backs onto the Kreins’, called 911 at noon on Saturday.

Donna noticed thick, white smoke coming from the house’s top storey when she went to her window to tilt

her blinds. Bill called 911 while Donna ran outside to see if she could do anything. But it was too late.

“In no time at all it had spread to the roof,” Bill said.

Seven Windermere firefighters arrived minutes later, and Invermere Fire Department followed with backup 10 minutes after that. In total, 13 firefighters battled the blaze for four hours.

“A good 30 percent of the home was engulfed when we got there,” Jim Miller said.

“At that rate, we’re not going inside. We surrounded the house and did as much as we could to extinguish the fire before we could go in.”

Bill Thompson said the flames must have been 30 feet high and, since there was a strong wind from the south, they were blowing almost horizontal at times.

“I ran a hose out to our next-door neighbours’ yard to check the perimeter but the fire was far enough away,” Bill said.

It took an hour for the fire crew to make the home safe to enter, and another three to check the fire was completely out and mop up some of the damage.

Emil Krein said his neighbours Gerry and Georgina Baresco called him at 12:45 p.m. on Saturday to tell him the house was ablaze.

“The fire was quite severe,” Emil said. “I’m not

sure what will happen. We are making plans to come home.

“It’s devastating. As soon as we have more details and we are allowed near, we’ll be there. It’s our home and we are very distraught about it.”

The Kreins have been involved in the community of Windermere since they bought their home there.

Emil is a member of Citizens on Patrol, and he and wife Ruth are involved with the Windermere Community Association.

Their three children and four grandchildren also vacation at the Windermere home. In fact, one daughter is planning a wedding at St. Peter’s, the Stolen Church, in Windermere this summer.

Emil says the community will be a big help as they deal with the loss of their home.

“We have great and very helpful neighbours who will give us lots of support through this,” he said.

The Kreins’ friend and neighbour Bob Kochorek checked the house late on Thursday, March 12th – two days before the fire. Nothing was amiss.

Fire chief Jim Miller said the cause of the fire will be made known on Friday after Windermere Fire Department, B.C. Fire Safety and the Kreins’ insurance company has completed its inspections. Check next week’s Pioneer for more information.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

March 20, 2009

Copeland applies for Canal Flats job

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff

WRECKAGE OF WINDERMERE HOME – Saturday’s fire on Fairmont Street started in the upstairs bedroom and raced through the home,

destroying the roof before firefighters could halt its progress.

Photo by Sally Waddington

Canal Flats’ interim chief administrative officer Ruth Copeland has applied for the permanent position as head of staff for the municipality.

Applications closed on February 13th and Ms. Copeland said she got hers in just before deadline. “I realized that even though I’ve been out of it for two years, I should be getting back into it,” she said.

Before moving to Fairmont in 2006, Ms. Copeland spent 10 years as the chief administrative officer of the Village of Beiseker, Alberta, population 800. “There are the same types of challenges here because of the size of the municipality,” she

said. “But there is a fair difference between B.C. and Alberta local government laws. I am not quite up to speed on that.”

Ms. Copeland stepped into the interim role on January 26th after former chief administrator Rob Sabine resigned at Christmas time. She said the three-month trial has given her a good idea of what the role would involve.

“It has been great to trial the job. I have definitely got a feel for what’s going on and a sense of the issues,” she said.

“Everyone is really great and I have a good feeling that I belong here.”

Mayor Bruce Woodbury said council has received other applications, but will make its decision by the end of March.

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

Snow pack in valley slightly down

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Snow pack conditions in the Columbia Valley have been lower than normal this year, but officials say the area is not in danger of water shortages this summer or floods this spring.

According to Bill Kuhnke, manager of the forecasting and information group with the B.C. Ministry of Environment, the snow pack in the Columbia Valley is currently measured at only 90 percent of its normal amount – a number that could mean good news for the Columbia Valley.

“When the snow pack is on the downside of normal, the probability of spring flooding is lessened,” he said.

Although there is no current cause for concern about water shortages, Mr. Kuhnke said, the numbers are “day-to-day weather-dependent.”

Brian Nickurak, manager of utilities with the District of Invermere, couldn’t agree more.

“It’s hard to say right now. We usually get a fair bit of snow in March,” he said, noting that his annual snow pack and water supply conditions report will be presented at a mid-April meeting of Invermere council.

Mr. Nickurak admits he has not begun his research into the snow pack conditions and the effect they will have on the area. But he said he has heard that there is less snow at Panorama this year, which is near the town’s watershed at Paddy Ryan Lakes.

“I expect there could be less run-off, but that all depends on how quickly warmer temperatures come, how much water is in the snow and how dense the snow accumulating in the mountains is,” he said.

“There are a number of factors that could make a significant difference.”

Darren Burt, an avalanche technician at Panorama Mountain Resort, confirmed that Panorama is indeed experiencing lower-than-normal snow pack conditions.

Right now, he said, there is only about one metre of snow at the summit. Under normal conditions, there would be around a metre and a half of snow at the summit.

“Last year at this time we had almost twice as much snow at the summit,” he said. “This is one of our worst years on record.”

Snow pack is defined by the Ministry of Environment as the amount of snow on the ground in the mountains at any given time.

The snow pack is monitored monthly by the prov-

ince in two ways – by a network of snow courses, and by an automated machine called a snow pillow.

The snow course is completed by a provincial employee who treks out into the wilderness near the beginning of each month with a device called a snow sampler.

At designated points along the course, the technician takes a core sample of snow, measuring its depth and weighing it to see how much water is in the snow.

This is one way of determining how much water will be seen in lakes and rivers in the coming months.

The second device, a snow pillow, is like a big water bed, made out of a flat, rubber material. The pillow is full of fluid, which is connected to a pressure sensor.

As weight increases on the pillow surface, the pressure sensor is able to effectively measure the snow pack.

According to Mr. Kuhnke, this is a way to get the measurements on a near real-time basis – “hour to hour, day to day” – as opposed to the monthly readings gathered by the technicians on the snow course.

Snow pack conditions in the rest of the province currently vary from 120 percent of normal in the north, to well below normal in the Okanagan and Vancouver Island. For more information, visit www. env.gov.bc.ca/rfc/river_forecast/bulletin.htm.

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Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

LADIES OF THE CANYON

MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

GUITAR VIRTUOSO

PAGE 14

Out & About Montreal’s Ladies of the Canyon bring their rootsy melodies and rockin’ love songs to Invermere’s Copper City Saloon for a free concert on Thursday, March 25th. See Page 15.

Cinefest@Pynelogs • Pynelogs Cultural Centre Outsourced · Wednesday March 25.

Doors open at 6 pm - show at 7 pm. Refreshments available.

Marc Atkinson Trio Concert • Christ Church Trinity What does ART mean to you? Thursday March 26 at 7 pm. Call for tickets 250-342-4423.

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

Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley Page 13

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

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

Irish tea and ceilidh at Edgewater Hall Submitted by Barry Moore Columbia Valley Music, in its ongoing program of performing arts, invites all music lovers to its St. Patrick’s Day Tea and Ceilidh – a celebration of the warmth and brightness of the Irish way of life.

Come and hear dramatic recitals of Irish lore from well-loved local readers, Sharon, Anne and Margaret; the sweet strains of David Shirk, tenor; a fine tenor-soprano duet as Sylvia joins the ensemble; choral music from the SteamBoat (Celtic) Minstrels; poetic license with music from our local bard; recorder and

baritone with Barry and Chizuko; a Celtic Church backgrounder by Sandy; perhaps a visiting troubadour or two; and a singalong for all.

Come enjoy the show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 22nd, and the savoury Irish Stone Soup (from local vegetables) and those fabulous Edgewater flour scones.

In honour of the tightened times, we have lowered our admission to the remarkable figure of: adults $15, seniors $10 and children free. The funds are dedicated to insurance for the piano and rehearsal time at the hall. For info, call 250-347-9668, or 250-347-9860.

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Gone

I D E O

Reviewed by Elinor Florence Elegy is a modern take on the classic May-December romance. Ben Kingsley plays David Kepesh, a New York college professor who deserted his wife and child years ago to pursue the life of a libertine with his female students.

Now the aging Casanova is coming to terms with his own fading physicality. He is still giving it the old college try when he meets beautiful graduate student Consuela Castillo, played by Penelope Cruz, and falls deeply in love for the first time in his life.

Kepesh becomes obsessed with the intelligent, strong-minded beauty, and the two form a genuine bond. However, after a year-long affair, his jealous fantasies and fear of losing her to a younger

Submitted by Cathy Howard Cinefest Co-ordinator “We’ve been Outsourced,” laughed Cathy Howard, Cinefest Co-ordinator, when remarking on the second screening of the March Cinefest selection.

“The mandate of Columbia Valley Arts Council is to foster the growth, awareness, and appreciation of the arts in the valley. Some of that mandate will be fulfilled by our regular screening of Outsourced at Pynelogs in Invermere and a second showing in Edgewater,” she said.

Outsourced is a note-perfect comedy that follows a Seattle call-centre manager who discovers life and love in India. Thirty-two-year-old Todd Anderson (Josh Hamilton) manages Western Novelty’s order-filling call centre. Told that his department is being outsourced

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man finally drive Consuela away.

He shares his feelings with his fellow philanderer George, brilliantly played by an also-aging, gray-haired Dennis Hopper.

Ultimately the professor must face up to his mortality and come to terms with the choices he has made. The ending is surprisingly ironic.

Although the subject matter is dark – the story is based on a Philip Roth novel called The Dying Animal – compelling performances by Oscar winners Ben Kingsley and Penelope Cruz keep the viewer fully engaged.

This restricted movie will appeal to mature adults.

RATING: 8 OUT OF 10 HEADS

Cinefest ‘Outsourced’ in Invermere, Edgewater

Gone Hollywood’s

D 23 WOOD YWO LY HOLLY V

Movie Review: Elegy

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to India, Todd staves off unemployment by accepting a contract to travel there and train his replacement. When Todd lands at his company’s half-built office in Mumbai, he meets a young Indian mystified by the American desire to buy such products as Burger Branders and Cheeseheads. Through the business skill, friendship and eventual love of employee Asha (Ayesha Dharker), Todd learns to embrace his new surroundings.

“This is the last film in the Cinefest Winter Series and I want to especially thank AG Valley Foods for sponsoring the series. Thanks also to the Cinefest volunteers, whose contribution made my job very easy,” Cathy said.

Outsourced will play at Pynelogs at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 25th, and at the Edgewater Hall on Friday, March 27th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Limited seating, so come early.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

March 20, 2009

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar Scene • entertainment • performance ARTS Monday, March 23rd:

Out & About

• Starting today, three-day Spring Break Sport and Recreation Camps for kids, Kindergarten to Grade 5. Held at J. A. Laird Elementary School. Cost $100 plus GST. For info: 250-342-8737 or www. columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.: Starting today, four-day performing arts and ecology camp for kids aged five to 12, $120 or family rate. Held at Windermere Hall. For info: email charsweb@telus.net.

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

Toby Theatre • 7:30 p.m.: March 20th-21st: New in Town • 7:30 p.m.: March 25th-28th: Tale of Despereaux

Tuesday, March 24th: • Super Stack performing at the Hoodoo Lounge and Grill. For info: 250-345-2166.

Friday, March 20th: • Deadline for applications from non-profit groups wanting to run the silent auction at the annual Kinsmen Home and Recreation Show at Eddie Mountain Arena on May 8th and 9th. Mail proposals to Kinsmen Club, Box 2039, Invermere, V0A 1K0.

• Grass Roots perform at Copper City Saloon. For info: 250-342-9246.

Saturday, March 21st: • 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.: Two seatings for Supper and Sounds evening at Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House, Radium. Asian fusion menu with the house band featuring Kathleen and Scott, and guest singer and songwriter Paige. Tickets $20. Reservations recommended. For info: 250-347-6567.

• 7 p.m.: Hart to Heart Ministries at Radium Christian Fellowship. Mike, Denise and Michelle Hartmann-Echterling from Chickasaw, Alabama.

Also speaking on Sunday at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. For info: 250-347-9937.

• Canterbury Flowers first anniversary celebration.

Enter to win a 4-foot tropical plant. Cookies and refreshments, plus 20 percent off storewide at 10217th Avenue, Invermere. For info: 250-342-0383.

Sunday, March 22nd: • 2 p.m. St. Patrick’s Day Tea and Ceilidh at the Edgewater Hall. Adults $15, seniors $10 and children free. The funds are dedicated to insurance for the piano and rehearsal time at the hall. For info, call 250-347-9668 or 250-347-9860.

• Noon: Rachel Mari Kimber plays her acoustic guitar at Smoking Water Cafe in Fairmont. For info: 250-345-4008.

Wednesday, March 25th: • 7 p.m: Outsourced will show at Pynelogs Cultural Centre for Cinefest. For info: 250-342-4423.

• Ladies of the Canyon performing at Copper City Saloon. For info: 250-342-9246.

Thursday, March 26th: • 5 p.m.: Join 10,000 voices across B.C. calling for a moratorium on the privatization of B.C. rivers to corporations. Meet with your sign in front of Hippi Chic Boutique at Parkside Place, main street Invermere. For info: charsweb@telus.net.

• 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Cycling Society Annual General Meeting at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce. For info: www. columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org.

• 7 p.m.: Marc Atkinson Trio at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere, in Columbia Valley Arts’ Performing Arts Winter Series. For info: 250-342-4423.

• 6 p.m.: Brisco Riding Club Spaghetti Dinner at Brisco Hall. For info: wee@winkwireless.ca.

• Last day to view the amazing multimedia group exhibit called Columbia Wetlands Natural Inspiration, at the Art Gallery of Golden, 516-9th Avenue North, Golden.

Monday, March 30th: • Spring running clinics, triathlon clinic and pole walking clinics start. Beginner to advanced levels.

Certified coach. For info: 250-342-8737 or www. columbiavalleylifesports.com

Tuesday, March 31st: • 9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Metis Nation Columbia River Society Youth Grant presents a pine-needle basket workshop at the school board office. For info: Deb Fisher at 250-342-9213.

Saturday, April 4th: • 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Community garage sale at Wilmer Hall, rain or shine. For info: shemmelgarn@shaw.ca.

Tuesday, April 7th to Thursday, April 9th: • Screening mammography program mobile service will be at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce in Invermere. Free mammogram for women aged 40 to 79. Call 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment.

For info: www.smpbc.ca.

• Art From the Heart: Part 5 art show at Pynelogs Cultural Centre. Opening event on April 15th. Runs until April 26th.

Wednesday, April 8th: • Dirty Penney at the Hoodoo Lounge, Fairmont.

Friday, March 27th: • 7:30 p.m. Outsourced will show at Edgewater Hall for Cinefest. For info: 250-342-4423.

• 7:30 p.m. Brisco Social and Brisco Community Aid Meeting. For info: wee@winkwireless.ca.

Saturday, March 28th: • 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Flea Market at the Invermere Legion Hall. Chili, bun, beverage and dessert. For info: Sylvia at 250-342-6559 or Edna at 250-3426126. Book tables by March 24th.

Friday, April 10th: • Three-day Paragliding Easter Meet at Panorama starts today. For info: fly@flyingmax.com.

• 6-9 p.m.: Pauline Paquin exhibition opens at the Artym Gallery. Runs until April 23rd.

Tuesday, April 14th to Wednesday, April 15th: • Screening mammography program mobile service at the Radium Seniors’ Centre. Free mammogram for women aged 40 to 79. Call 1-800-663-9203 to book an appointment. For info: www.smpbc.ca.

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

The Marc Atkinson Trio

Jazz guitar trio coming to town The Marc Atkinson Trio IV pushes the boundaries of this instrumental Coming this Thursday, March 26th, group even further than the first two Columbia Valley Arts is bringing the CDs. It is a technically demanding, meMarc Atkinson Trio to Christ Church lodic and rhythmically pulsing 50 minTrinity, the next in their Performing utes of music. The new CD includes 11 Arts Winter Concert Series.

Marc Atkinson original compositions Marc Atkinson is one of West- and one impressive rearrangement of ern Canada’s finest Juno-nominated, Russian Rag. The compositions glide award-winning musicians. He is the seamlessly from unusual beauty, to rauleader and composer of the internation- cous rhythm. If you are a lover of the ally renowned Marc Atkinson Trio (and guitar, instrumental music or just muco-founder, composer and performer in sic, you will love this new recording. the acclaimed The lead The Bills).

Marc Atkinson, The music a multi-instruof this virtuosic mentalist/comgroup is meposer/arranglodically caper/producer, is tivating, senone of Canada’s sually charged most talented and ferociousmusicians. His ly, technically catchy compoawe-inspiring. sitions, found Embracing a on the self-tilifetime of mutled CDs I, II, sical influences, III and now IV, Marc and the take guitar beTrio have just yond the usual released their repertoire and fourth CD, sound.

The Marc AtThe tunes kinson Trio IV, have a fiery but praised as the Mark Atkinson at the 2006 Hornby Festival. elegant guitar finest yet. The Photo by Barbara Pedrick, courtesy of style, infused compositions www.marcatkinson.com with a catchy on this CD are blend of influpunchy, driving and rhythmically in- ences, while still maintaining the laidventive. The Trio, formed in 2000, has back humour and casual ‘good time toured North America, England and feel’ of Canada’s West Coast. Atkinson’s Europe, and has received standing ova- picking has been described as flawless, tions everywhere they perform from the surprise-filled, sizzling and supremely Montreal Jazz Festival and the Vancou- melodic. His music is original, comver International Folk Festival to Djan- plex and challenging in its conception goFest Northwest. and delivery but remains accessible and The many original Marc Atkinson absorbing. The music of the Marc Atcompositions are jewels in the Cana- kinson Trio good-naturedly welcomes dian guitar repertoire. The first three all listeners aboard for an intriguing, exCDs are still garnering international at- hilarating and unforgettable ride. tention for their stunning compositions Check out www.marcatkinson.com and guitar dexterity. The Marc Atkin- for more information and music samson Trio II was voted one of the top five ples. albums in North America by Acoustic Tickets, $20 ($10 for students), are Guitar Magazine. The Marc Atkinson available at Essentials and One-Hour Trio III was nominated in 2006 for an Photo in Invermere, Full View CurOutstanding Album Award at the West- tains/N’Deco in Radium, and at Smokern Canadian Music Awards. ing Water Café in Fairmont.

By Pioneer Staff

CV Arts acknowledges the financial assistance of the Province of British Columbia

APPEARING LIVE AT THE… Tuesday, March 24

From Toronto

Wednesday, March 25th • Live Jam with Super Stack Wednesday, April 8th • from Santa Cruz

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

March 20, 2009

Ladies of the Canyon coming to the Copper City Saloon new friends soon got together each week to sip wine and make music. These deliriously fun “meetings” soon became songwriting sessions and resulted in the Built of four of the strongest musical voices in formation of what is now Ladies of the Canyon.

Montreal’s thriving scene, Ladies of The Canyon sing Since transforming their “girls night out” into a candy-sweet folk pop one minute and heart-wrench- full-force musical project, Ladies of the Canyon have ing soul the next. been playing their hearts out, from showcasing at “I have the great pleasure of bringing this amazing Canadian Music Week to joining the stage with artgroup to Copper City ists like Patrick Watson, on March 25th,” show Danny Michel and Black promoter Debbie Fenton Diamond Bay. commented. “There is no One of their most cover to catch the ladies buzzed-about moments and if you miss them . . . last year was an opportuyou will regret it!” nity to work with indusTheir music always try legend George Masfollows the spirit of the senburg, who produced a moment – ethereal folkie live session for the quarguitar licks, pounding tet, bringing his seasoned rock drums and bass, knowledge of Nashvilleheavy grooves or lush vostyle playing. The unique cal harmonies that soar experience was captured The ladies bring classical, folk, jazz and rock together. over a simple piano melin a short documentary ody. The undercurrent maintained throughout, how- film, excerpts of which are available on their Myspace ever, is more than a little bit country. page.

The group’s fresh take on folk/pop music derives While putting the finishing touches on their defrom the dissimilar backgrounds of the musicians: clas- but album, their live presence has already attracted atsical, folk, jazz and rock. The all-female quartet, con- tention both from the media and from their growing sisting of Senja Sargeant, Maïa Davies, Jasmine Bleile audience; the Montreal Mirror has featured the group and Anna Ruddick, met while gigging as members of in its readers’ poll as one of the city’s top 10 favorite other bands on their local bar circuit. The eccentric bands this year.

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

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ELECTION 09—MLA Norm Macdonald rallies a crowd of 50 supporters in the Akisqnuk Band Hall to kick off his re-election bid.

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Submitted by Adrian Bergles Campaign Communications Director Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald vowed to remain a strong representative for the Columbia Valley in Victoria during a successful campaign kick-off rally on Saturday, March 14th.

In a speech to approximately 50 supporters at the Akisqnuk First Nation Band Hall, Macdonald told the audience he was motivated to run in 2005 to serve as a strong voice on local matters, and that is a position he intends to keep after re-election in the upcoming May 12th general election.

“At least one person will speak for the people here,” said Macdonald.

“That’s a promise that I’ve kept.”

Macdonald highlighted election issues like the need for improved seniors’ care, the Liberal government’s consciously poor record on child poverty, and the need for local decision making on the future of the Jumbo Glacier Resort.

“What you’ve seen over the last number of years is law after law that has removed our local decision making,” said Macdonald. “We cannot have decisions made for us by others outside our area.”

Members of the Columbia Valley community from Spillimacheen to Canal Flats, including several members of the First Nations, packed the hall.

Before Macdonald spoke, many local dignitaries, including Akisqnuk Band Councillor Jesse Nicholas, Canal Flats Councillor Ute Juras, Regional District Area G Director Gerry Wilkie, former Regional District Area F Director Lillian Rose, District of Invermere Councillor Spring Hawes, and East Kootenay MLA candidate Troy Sebastian spoke on Macdonald’s behalf.

All spoke about Macdonald’s integrity, humility, and his availability.

“I’ve gotten a response every time,” said Councillor Hawes of her phone calls to Macdonald’s constituency office before she was elected to Invermere council last year.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

March 20, 2009

Wildsight seeks 10,000 voices to protect rivers Submitted by Wildsight The environmental group Wildsight Invermere, in collaboration with organizations across the province, has announced efforts to protect British Columbia’s rivers.

Whether you like to swim in them, look at them, drink from them or float down them, B.C.’s many wild rivers and streams are a natural heritage that we all enjoy.

On Thursday, March 26th, Wildsight urges our communities to join thousands of citizens throughout the province to let our premier and local MLA know how much you want to keep our rivers wild.

Wildsight Invermere President Ron Clarke stated: “We are asking our communities to join in the effort and phone or email your local MLA and Premier Gordon Campbell. Let them know that you want B.C.’s rivers to remain wild.”

The Invermere initiative is a result of a recent proposed independent power project in the Glacier and Howser Creek watersheds. The projected 125-megawatt river-diversion project bordering the East and West Kootenays will result in habitat destruction through old growth and endangered forests relied upon by grizzly bear and wolverines, massive flow diversions impacting species of special concern, bull trout, and permanent

infrastructure including transmission lines and road systems.

In 2002, the B.C. government effectively banned our public utility, BC Hydro, from developing new sources of green power, decreeing that all new hydropower must come from private companies.

This has led to a gold-rush mentality, with private operators staking over 600 creeks and rivers throughout B.C. for the purposes of hydropower production.

The government’s rush to develop private power has resulted in a chaotic situation where cumulative environmental impacts are ignored, regional planning is non-existent and local governments have been silenced.

Wildsight has joined in calling for a moratorium on independent power projects until they meet the following criteria: • regionally planned; • environmentally appropriate; and • acceptable to First Nations.

On March 26th, join us and thousands of like-minded citizens from around the province. Visit www.10000voices.org to register.

Locally, meet with your sign in front of Hippi Chic Boutique at Parkside Place, main street Invermere. For info: charsweb@telus.net.

Contact: Norm Macdonald, 1-866870-4188; email norm.macdonald. mla@leg.bc.ca.

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

March 20, 2009 EIGHT

WEEKS

•

EIGHT

EDITIONS

•

EIGHT

ISSUES

•

THE

C A N D I D AT E S

RESPOND

Candidates respond to the issues Editor’s note: As part of our coverage of the upcoming election, the editorial staff at the Columbia Valley Pioneer have identified eight issues to which we’d like the candidates to respond in the next eight weeks leading up to the election in May. To strike a balance and fit in the space available for this weekly feature, we asked the candidates to respond in 300 words or less.

Question #1 Last week, responding to widespread concern among First Nations and business and industry leaders, the provincial government announced it would delay introduction of the controversial Recognition and Reconciliation Act until after the upcoming elec-

tion. According to reports, the groundbreaking legislation would represent a seismic shift in relations between government and aboriginal nations by granting blanket recognition that aboriginal rights and title exist in BC throughout the territory of each indigenous nation without requirement of proof or strength of claim. It would provide a framework for shared decision-making in regard to tenuring decisions over lands and resources and establish revenue and benefit sharing agreements between Indigenous Nations and the province. Furthermore, it has been proposed to reconstitute the 30 indigenous nations that existed at the time the Europeans arrived from the 200 First Nations

currently recognized by the provincial and federal government.

If elected, you will be called on to either push this legislation forward or join the growing chorus calling for more discussions. Aboriginal leaders worry the legislation will create another layer of government bureaucracy. Industry leaders worry it will give First Nations a veto over what happens on crown land. Where do you draw the line on who controls crown land if and when negotiating parties can’t reach an agreement? How do you implement the legislation so that it meets the needs of the local bands and doesn’t discourage investment?

Wilf Hanni, Yahk, Conservative Party

receive special treatment that relegates the rest of the population to second-class status.

Why didn’t Campbell consult business, get a legal opinion, hold public hearings, or even hint this was coming to his own MLAs? Doesn’t he think British Columbia deserves representative government? Is this kind of unilateral decision making on one man’s whim what we are to continue to expect if the Campbelites are re-elected?

without the transparency that is needed. Even BC Liberal MLAs were entirely unaware of this legislation, proving once again that this Liberal government is a one-man show. Clearly, legislation of this import needs to be developed in a clear, open and well-thought-out manner, through a process that meets the legitimate needs of all British Columbians.

Most British Columbians, especially those in rural areas, do not trust Gordon Campbell, and certainly would not trust his involvement in such a complex matter with his record of flip-flopping and secrecy.

People tell me that they want to have a clear and transparent process for settling this and other important land-based issues.

The Gordon Campbell Liberals’ latest legislative stunt has business leaders and ordinary citizens alike scratching their heads, wondering why he wants to hand over title to the entire province to a small percentage of the people.

In a complete turnabout from his previously stated positions Campbell has introduced the so-called “Recognition Act”, unilaterally enshrining in law aboriginal rights and title (which the Supreme Court has already said must be taken to mean land title). Since BC’s natives claim all of British Columbia, much of it several times over by competing bands, this would appear to give away the entire province to one minority group without any consultation or debate on the wisdom or practicality of such a move.

This move is really bad for British Columbia because it virtually ensures that all economic growth will cease. In the subsequent uncertainty, businesses will not be able to acquire rights to extract natural resources or even obtain from government the right to operate in British Columbia without potential court challenge.

Not even existing title to private property, including your own home, is safe under this act. Virtually the entire population of British Columbia could become tenants instead of homeowners, without even receiving compensation for the loss of their property.

Granting such sweeping special privileges based on ethnicity is morally wrong.

BC Conservatives believe in the founding principle of the equality of all citizens. We recognize that aboriginal British Columbians have not always received equal treatment but that does not entitle them to now

Norm Macdonald, Golden New Democratic Party There are legal and moral reasons to settle First Nations land claims fairly and in a timely manner, but with all issues of this magnitude and importance, we must proceed with openness and wisdom.

Unfortunately, Gordon Campbell’s record on this file is not a good one. It is hard to trust that this government has taken the time to address in a thorough manner all the issues that must be resolved to ensure that this legislation achieves the correct result.

Prior to forming government in 2001, the Campbell Liberals began a court case against the Nisga’a treaty. After 2001 Campbell held a highly divisive referendum on treaty issues which delayed negotiations and stirred up unnecessary controversy. Then in 2005, there was a wild swing in the other direction followed by a whole host of confusing moves. For instance, last spring, with only 30 minutes to go, expected legislation was pulled, even though many First Nations leaders had gathered from around the province for the presentation of the new legislation.

And now again this government announced a piece of legislation, withdrew it within days, and all

Mark McKee, Revelstoke Liberal Party It is premature to ask this particular question as the proposed legislation has not even been presented in the Legislature. This particular issue is still evolving and has gone back for more discussion and consultation.

I would like to say that I am proud of the BC Liberals for working towards the goal of recognition and reconciliation. For far too many years, our First Nations have been living in uncertainty when it comes to aboriginal rights and title.

I have no doubt that, when it is presented to the Legislature, this bill will address the concerns of all stakeholders, whether they be municipalities, landowners, businesses or, of course, the First Nations people themselves.

All British Columbians need confidence in their ability to live and work together in mutual understanding and harmony.

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

YOUR MONEY

How to check your own credit rating Have you ever leased a car? Applied for a mortgage? Filled out a credit card application?

If so, you’re probably already aware that you have a credit rating. But if you’re like most consumers, you don’t know how good your credit rating actually is, much less how to check up on it.

And that’s too bad. Because what you don’t know about your credit rating could be costing you. If you’re planning a large purchase in the next year or two, or you plan to borrow money, it makes sense to check your credit rating now.

You’ll be able to correct any errors, and you’ll be able to take steps to make yourself more attractive to a future lender. And the more attractive you are, the more willing a lender will be to make you a loan, and at a low interest rate.

How credit ratings work Before you check your credit rating, it’s important to understand how credit ratings work. Very simply, your credit rating is a measure of how well you’ve paid back money in the past. Businesses and lending institutions report credit events (repayment or default of loans, for example) to a credit reporting agency. These agencies then compile the information into an ongoing credit report. This report is available to member lending institutions to view before they give you a loan, a mortgage or a credit card.

How to check your credit rating In the past, it was difficult to check on your credit rating—credit agencies weren’t in the habit of sharing information with consumers.

That’s changed. You can write or fax to the three main credit rating agencies in Canada for a free report on your credit rating.

• Equifax Canada: 1-800-465-7166; www.equifax. ca • Northern Credit Bureaus Inc.: 1-800-532-8784; www.creditbureau.ca • TransUnion Canada: 1-800-663-9980; www.transunion.ca They will also ask you for proof of your identity.

You can also download request forms online, and some agencies will also, for a fee, allow you to view your report online. Either way, the agency is required by law to fulfill your request.

If you find inaccurate information in your credit report, you will need to work with the credit bureau to correct it.

If you are unable to resolve the issue, you can still add a short statement to your file.

How to improve your credit rating Good question! Thankfully, improving your credit rating is relatively easy. Try the following tips:

1. Pay bills on time. This one is common sense.

While regular payment of bills such as phone, cable and hydro isn’t usually recorded, problems may be.

2. Pay bills in full by the due date. This is another common sense tip. If you’re short of cash one month, not to worry – pay at least the required minimum shown on your bill.

3. Pay debts as quickly as possible. Many loans allow you to make extra payments to pay off the loan faster. Doing so can improve your credit rating.

4. Stay below your credit limit. The higher the balance, the more impact it has on your credit score, even if the balance is high for only a limited time.

5. Limit the number of times you apply for credit.

The goal here is to limit the number of lenders asking about your credit history. Too many requests over a short time may have a negative impact on your score.

Keep in mind, however, that asking about your own credit history has no impact on your credit score.

6. Build a credit history. If you’ve never borrowed money before—either with a loan or a credit card— you’ll probably be seen as a higher risk. You can build up a credit history by using a credit card.

A good credit rating is worth its weight in gold.

Over time, consumers with good credit can secure loans more easily, more quickly, and less expensively than those who don’t have good credit.

So take care of your credit rating—it’s an investment that will more than pay you back over time!

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

March 20, 2009

New chefs bring culinary expertise to Fairmont

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By Pioneer Staff A new gastro pub has opened at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, in the former location of The Sportsman’s Lounge.

Rockies at Riverside opened for business on Tuesday, March 17th at the Riverside Golf Course clubhouse.

Marion Garden, marketing coordinator at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, said Rockies at Riverside will offer “a tasty, new menu and warm, friendly service.”

And this restaurant is just the first of the resort’s eateries to receive an overhaul.

Casual dining establishment Dapper’s Landing will open on April 10th, also at Riverside’s clubhouse. Located in the former home of The Atrium, Dapper’s Landing “offers a cozy fireplace and lounge area, along with superb dining facilities and an innovative new menu,” Marion said.

Lastly, the Mountainside Golf Course will open its refurbished clubhouse in April.

Behind this host of changes are Adrian and Lara McCormack, a

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Lara and Adrian McCormack will take charge of the new Rockies at Riverside pub, formerly the Sportsman’s Lounge. husband and wife team who have overseen the resort’s refurbishment program this winter.

Formerly the head chef at Strand’s Old House Restaurant in Invermere, Adrian studied under British celebrity chef Antony Worrall Thompson.

Lara has worked at St. Andrew’s Golf Course in Scotland and J. Sheekey’s in London, before

working as a restaurant consultant in Canada.

“Our menu philosophy brings you a fresh, seasonal menu created by chefs with a passion to bring simple, flavourful dishes to satisfy all palates,” Adrian and Lara said.

“We believe in supporting local producers in British Columbia and Alberta to bring the best value and quality to the table.”

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Adventure race bound for Pano

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff This June, adventure racers from across Canada will be heading to Invermere.

In this year’s Full Moon in June, racers will self navigate a top-secret route that starts and finishes at Panorama Mountain Resort – and is rumoured to pass through Kinsmen Beach.

The race is conducted by Full Moon Adventures, a business owned by friends Brian Gallant and Andrew Fairhurst and based in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.

This is the 11th year that adventurers have gathered on the June weekend closest to the full moon to participate in a 140-kilo-

metre, multi-leg race, combining mountain biking, trekking and paddling.

“We base the race on the first full moon of June, when racers will get the most daylight hours and the most moonlight at night,” explained Brian Gallant.

The Full Moon starts at midnight on Saturday, June 6th.

Competitors then have 36 hours to complete the course. Teams are groups of four, and they must be co-ed to qualify for a podium position.

The location of the Full Moon changes every year. Last year, it was held in Nordegg, Alberta, but previous courses have been from Kimberley to Fernie, and around Sundre, Alberta.

“The format doesn’t change but the course and its location changes,” Brian explained. “So much of the race is strategy and navigation so you don’t want teams that have competed in previous years to have an advantage.”

Each team has a support crew that goes from checkpoint to checkpoint, transferring gear and providing much-needed back-up.

“It is a very intense event and at the same time a very rewarding one,” Brian said. “Whether you finish or not, it is very challenging and rewarding. You see people struggling and overcoming – it is a very encouraging community of people.”

For more information, visit www.fullmoonadventure.com.

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22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20,, 2009

NORTH VALLEY Rockies Pizzeria set to reopen this spring

By Pioneer Staff

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Rockies Pizzeria in Radium Hot Springs has risen from the ashes, and new owner Sue Kelly is determined to resurrect the restaurant’s popular image.

“I have very high standards, which will be good for this place,” Sue said, adding that she is committed to serving not only the best pizza, but also the best burgers.

Sue moved to Radium from Edmonton with her husband of 26 years, Bill Kelly.

Bill works for Electric Motor Service in Fort McMurray, Alberta, where they also own an apartment.

Sue was employed managing Gino’s Pub in Fort McMurray.

The couple has two grown sons – Trevor, 23, and Tyson, 25.

Born in the Okanagan, Sue moved to northern Ontario with Bill at the age of 22. There they made their home for 20 years.

During that time Sue was employed in various restaurants; she was also a member of the Billiards Congress of America.

In 2002 the family of four moved to Fort McMurray when Bill was offered his current job.

Sue first got wind of the opportunity to take over the restaurant last summer, while in the valley visiting relatives.

“It sounded like a great deal,” she said, “so I went for it.”

With 15 years of experience in the service industry under her belt, Sue is convinced she has what it takes to make Rockies a hit again.

“This place has a huge reputation,” she said.

“There have already been a lot of people stopping by and I am hoping that when we open, all of those people who uses to come here will come back and see that it is as good as they

Radium Hot Springs Briefs “Jack Days” looking for home in Radium

New pizzeria owner Sue Kelly remember, if not better!”

Customers who walk through the doors of the pizzeria are in for a shock. Sue has made huge changes to the interior of the restaurant, including new carpeting, new tables and a new paint job. She also plans to renovate the exterior in the future.

Rockies will now be offering breakfast, along with lunch and dinner. Customers can expect a basic menu at first, with new items being added as the year proceeds.

Sue said she has a few other changes in mind, including using the top floor of the restaurant as a lounge, and she intends to make full use of the existing patio.

“I think we have the best view in town,” she said. “The mountains do it. I can’t wait to get the deck open so people can come have coffee in the morning before work.”

Customers can expect the official opening of Rockies Pizzeria to occur within the next few weeks.

Rockies Pizzeria is currently seeking resumes for cooks and servers. If you are interested, email suekelly_5@ hotmail.com.

Bocce, beer and potato-sack races – Jack Days is guaranteed fun for all ages.

The event, which is scheduled to take place May 1st to 3rd, was approved

by Radium council last week.

“I look forward to hosting the event and getting everyone in the community involved,” organizer Jennifer Roberts wrote to council. “It will be a great way for us to kick off our tourist season and, if all goes well, we will be able to host this event annually.”

The event is called “Jack Days” because Jennifer’s parents, Brenda and Neil Roberts – who own Back Country Jacks restaurant in Radium – have agreed to fund the event. The profit will be going back to the restaurant, although Jennifer said that the family would like to donate part of the funds raised to a local charity, which is yet to be determined.

The main focus of the event is a bocce ball tournament. Jennifer is also inviting members of the Radium Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce to join in a parade on Saturday afternoon.

The event will also boast local performers, beer gardens and entertainment for children. “We would like this to be a family event,” she told council.

Council unanimously agreed that the event was a great idea. Brent Frederickson remarked that the event reminded him of “Radium Days,” which were held in the Village more than 15 years ago.

For more information call Jennifer at 250-347-9818.

Radium council revamps noise bylaw

Noise complaints lodged against the Tuk Inn in Radium have prompted a review of the village’s noise bylaw.

According to Chief Administrative

Officer Mark Read, the village has received a number of noise complaints from neighbours of the Tuk Inn. The bylaw was reviewed and adopted by council last week; changes include improved definitions and more concise legal wording.

There has also been one new section added to the bylaw. It states that: “No person shall play or use any musical instrument in the downtown core, defined to include Main Street East and Main Street West, without prior approval from Council.”

The bylaw also specifies a $100 fine for each violation.

Last year, Radium Hot Springs did not issue a single citation for noise bylaw violations, according to Mr. Read.

All issues were resolved voluntarily through discussions with the bylaw enforcement officer, Gary Burford.

Greg Deck back on Columbia Basin Trust board

The province has reappointed Greg Deck to Columbia Basin Trust’s board of directors for another two years.

The Ministry of Community Development announced on Saturday that it is honouring the nomination of Mr. Deck, made by the Regional District of East Kootenay in December.

Greg Deck was the mayor of Radium from 1990-2008, and the regional district’s board chair from 2002-2008.

He was also a founding director of the Columbia Basin Trust in 1995, when it was established to create a legacy of social, economic, and environmental well-being to the residents of the Columbia Basin. The trust is endowed with $295 million from the province of B.C. to achieve that mandate.

“I am very pleased to still be part of an organization I have been involved with since its founding,” Mr. Deck said of the province’s decision.

Joining him on the board are Mike Berg, Jim Miller, Paul Peterson, William Trewhella and Richard (Kim) Deane.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

March 20, 2009

SOUTH VALLEY

Canal Flats arena needs $1-million fix

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Canal Flats’ ailing arena could receive a boost from the provincial government.

Last Monday, council voted to apply for a $665,000 grant from the Building Canada fund.

“Given the structural assessment report that was carried out in 2008, the arena has been identified as a facility that is in need of some major work in the immediate future,” explained Mayor Bruce Woodbury.

The arena, built in the early 1970s, was one of three buildings studied by the Red Deer firm of Bearden Engineering Consultants last July. The civic centre and curling rink were also assessed.

The Bearden Report identified $1,096,000 worth of repairs that the arena needs over the next three years.

The list includes: • foundation repair to damaged concrete; • the installation of eavestroughs along all down slope edges; • repairs to a support beam and post that had been notched to allow a high

The Village of Canal Flats is seeking provincial funding to upgrade the building. door to open; • the resurfacing of dressing room shower stalls.

Most of all, the ice slab needs attention, the report said.

“The rink slab has reached the end of its service life and it is very important to replace this component in the near future. Boards need replacing and a dehumidifier should be installed.”

The arena in Canal Flats is partly paid for by the Regional District of East Kootenay’s Canal Flats Recreation Service. In light of the repairs needed, the regional district has included additional

expenditures in its five-year financial plan.

The recreation service will receive $155,597 in 2009, rising to $425,275 in 2010 and $442,275 in 2011.

Mayor Woodbury explained that while those amounts indicate the total operating costs of the recreation service, the regional district has also allotted $400,000 to the arena capital project before 2012.

“These funds would be transferred to the Village to undertake the project,” he added.

But in its examination of the vil-

lage’s curling rink, the Bearden Report is even more damning. It found major deterioration of the concrete foundation, walls and doors.

“Left unattended the building will become increasingly deteriorated, a target for vandalism, an eyesore in the community, and a liability risk,” the report stated.

The curling rink needs to be demolished, or converted to a cold storage space at a cost of at least $72,500.

“Council will soon be turning its mind to the future of this building but have not done so yet,” Mayor Woodbury said.

A community meeting will be conducted in the spring so council can get an idea of what residents would like to see happen to the building.

Meanwhile, the report found the civic centre is in reasonably good condition, but it still needs $34,700 worth of improvements.

In all, Mayor Woodbury said repairs and action to the Village of Canal Flats’ recreation buildings will give the community “cleaner, safer, improved accessibility, more energy efficient and more attractive public facilities.”

Fairmont trail system back on the ballot

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff A group of Fairmont residents has put community trails back on the regional district’s agenda.

The Fairmont Area Recreation and Trails Society was formed in 2006 to organize the proposal for a parks and trail system in Fairmont Hot Springs and south along the highway.

However, public consultation in the fall of 2006 halted the plans, after more than 20 percent of eligible Fairmont voters registered dissent to the idea.

“It was defeated because of a perceived lack of a plan,” said Andrew McLeod, manager of planning and development services at the Regional District of East Kootenay.

“Since that time, we have been working on more specific proposals. We will put that together and go to the public in spring,” Mr. McLeod added.

In collaboration with the regional district, the trails society has been working with Fairmont Hot Springs Resort to construct a plan.

Richard Haworth, vice-president of development at the resort, said he met with the trail society to discuss linking the resort’s trails to community trails.

“The resort was in the process of coming up with its own trail plan, and I said we would be happy for our consultant to do the community’s trails, as well,” he said. The Calgary firm Land Architecture Studio has produced several options that will now be considered by the regional district and Fairmont residents.

“The plan covers everything from sidewalks in the core of Fairmont, all the way up to hiking trails and pathways linking the community of Fairmont to Dutch Creek, Columere Park and Columbia Ridge,” said Wendy Booth, regional director of Area F.

Dave Rae, a member of the Fairmont Area Recreation and Trails Society, explained why the trail system would be so valuable for the community.

“So often you see people walking on the highway and it’s not safe,” he said. “We are trying to get people off the highway and come up with a way for people to walk around Fairmont.”

Ms. Booth said the plan now needs the cooperation of the community. “The next step is to take that to the community for input.”

Mr. McLeod explained that the community will be asked to vote on whether they will support a parks and trails service in Fairmont Hot Springs.

“We would establish a service area and tax the residents of the Fairmont Hot Springs area to maintain the park and trail system as it is developed,” he said.

Residents of Area F should look for regional district announcements in The Pioneer this spring.

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

HOW MUCH DID YOUR INVESTMENTS DROP LAST YEAR ?

–20% –30% –40% OUR RECORD LAST YEAR: DOWN 8.5% ON AVERAGE If you are interested in capital preservation as well as income call us to discuss your financial needs. (Sorry, $1 million minimum) Your money will be held at a major Canadian bank where it will be overseen by a certified financial planner.

VICTOR HOGG (MBA)

AUTCO MANAGEMENT INC. #303, 1313 – 7th AVENUE, INVERMERE 250-341-5996 (PLEASE CALL FIRST)

It’s time for Daffodil Days Submitted by Canadian Cancer Society Columbia Valley Unit Daffodil month is one of the Canadian Cancer Society’s largest fundraising campaigns.

Every spring Daffodil Days kicks off our annual door-to-door canvassing campaign held during the month of April.

This year Daffodil Days will be held from March 19th to 21st inclusive.

Volunteers from our membership will be selling the daffodils in Invermere at Sobeys, AG Foods,

and the Petro-Can station, at the Mountainside Market in Fairmont, at the Family Pantry in Windermere and Canal Flats, at the Mountainside Market, the Esso station and the Radium Hot Springs pool in Radium, at Pip’s General Store in Edgewater, and at the Brisco General Store.

The cost is $4 per bunch, with 10 daffodils in each bunch.

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY

REGIONAL DISTRICT OF EAST KOOTENAY

19 – 24th Avenue South Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Phone: (250) 489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 Fax: (250) 489-1287 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW AMENDMENT – WINDERMERE The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an application by S & M Food Service Co. Ltd. to amend the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw.

If approved, the amendment will change the zoning designation of the subject property to accommodate a three-lot subdivision for rural residential use. The property is located at 4734 Mercury Street in Windermere as shown on the attached map.

Bylaw No. 2138 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 229, 2009 (Windermere / S & M Food Service Co. Ltd.)” will change the designation of Lot 17, District Lot 8, Kootenay District, Plan 5278 from A-2, Rural Residential (Country) Zone to SH-1, Small Holding Residential Zone.

The public hearing will be held at:

WINDERMERE COMMUNITY HALL 4726 North Street Windermere BC TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009 at 7:00 pm

Purchasing these bright, cheerful blooms makes a big difference in the lives of people living with cancer in your community. You will be helping us fight cancer by funding leading-edge research, providing information and support services, promoting healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer risk and advocating for healthy public policy.

Today, 62 percent of people diagnosed with cancer will survive the disease, compared with one in three in the 1960s.

Brighten up your home with yellow blooms in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

19 – 24th Avenue South Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8 Phone: (250) 489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335 Fax: (250) 489-1287 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE BYLAW AMENDMENT – LAKE WINDERMERE OCP The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an amendment to the Lake Windermere Official Community Plan. If approved, the amendment will amend the following: • the conditions where a development permit is not required; • the designation category for when a development permit is required within Development Permit Area #1 – Commercial and Light Industrial Development; • when and why Development Approval Information may be required; • the legend of Schedule G – Badger Habitat and Connectivity.

Bylaw No. 2141 is cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 3, 2009 (Miscellaneous Amendments / RDEK).”

The public hearing will be held at:

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G, and the District of Invermere.

WINDERMERE COMMUNITY HALL 4726 North Street Windermere BC TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009 at 7:00 pm

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing:

The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G, and the District of Invermere.

• inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown above; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing:

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For further information, contact Jean Terpsma, Planning Technician, at 250.489.0314 or toll free at 1.888.478.7335.

Andrew McLeod, Manager Planning & Development Services March 6, 2009

• inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown above; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

SUBMISSIONS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PUBLIC HEARING All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For further information, contact Karen MacLeod, Planner, at 250.489.0313 or toll free at 1.888.478.7335.

Andrew McLeod, Manager Planning & Development Services March 6, 2009

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

March 20, 2009

Invermere band planning Annual Shuswap Gathering Submitted by Audrey Eugene Seventeen Shuswap Bands will gather in Invermere from July 24th to 26th, 2009.

The Annual Shuswap Gathering originated from the Shuswap Declaration signed by all 17 Shuswap Band Chiefs and/or representatives on August 20th, 1982, with a Audrey Eugene mandate to work in unity to preserve the Shuswap language, history and culture.

The gathering is an opportunity for the stories and legends of the elders to be heard and to hear the Secwepemc (Shuswap) language spoken.

A gathering is held annually in B.C. in traditional Shuswap territory. As part of this gathering, a Stick game tournament will be held along with other activities such as a powwow, golf tournament, slo-pitch,

bingo, traditional games, dance and many more.

There will also be aboriginal-based vendors and information booths at this event. There will be fundraising events planned for the Shuswap Gathering throughout different communities.

It is expected that between 500 to 800 people from the Shuswap Nation will attend, and participants from other First Nations will also be attending.

The participating First Nations are Adams Lake (Chase), Bonaparte (Cache Creek), Kamloops Indian Band (Kamloops), Little Shuswap (Chase), Neskonlith (Chase), Simpc’w First Nation (Barrier), Skeetchestn (Savona), Splats’ in First Nation (Enderby), Whispering Pines/Clinton (Kamloops), Canim Lake (100 Mile House), Canoe Creek Indian Band (Dog Creek), Esketemc First Nation (Williams Lake), High Bar First Nation (Clinton), Pavilion (Cache Creek), Soda Creek Government Office (Williams Lake), Williams Lake (Williams Lake) and the host for the first time is the Shuswap/T’kenpsk’et First Nation (Invermere).

The public will be invited to attend these activities. For further information, please call the Shuswap Band Office at 250-342-6361 Monday to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Your Local

COMMUNITY COUNSELLING SERVICES • • • •

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

You can remember someone special with your gift to the Canadian Cancer Society (also known as the BC Cancer Society) To donate In Memory or In Honour: www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916 or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426 or mail to: P. O. Box 102 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Please include: Your name an address for tax receipt Name of the person being remembered Name and address to send card to

Let’s Make Cancer History

www.cancer.ca

Professionals TEAMRAVEN.ca

Mountain Creek Properties Ltd.

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

Strata, Rental & Commercial Property Management

Sean: (250) 341-5445

sean@rockieswest.com Invermere Offi ffice – 230 Laurier Street Fairmont Offi ffice – #4, Fairmont Village Mall PAUL ROGGEMAN

Phone (250)342-5599 • www.rockieswest.com

SEAN ROGGEMAN

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned & Operated

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

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

ON THE ROAD

The Pioneer continues to make its way around the globe The Travel Contest entries keep pouring in.

Clockwise from right: Lawrie and Diane Mack of Lake Lillian in Joshua Tree National Park in California; Frank and Susanna and son Nico Walker of Indian Beach on top of the Empire State Building in New York City; Shelby Ingram in Veradero, Cuba; David and Sue Statham of Wilmer in Sayulita, Mexico, holding a Pioneer with a photo of their grandson Carter Digney on the cover; Elaine and Scott Wallace in Ronda, Spain.

March 20, 2009

March 20, 2009

The Columbia Valley Pioneer โ ข 27

ON THE ROAD

Clockwise from top left: Matt and Linda Kazakoff in Mazatlan; Judy Moore and Mary Thackray in San Blas, Mexico; Helga Boker and Denise Tegart at Lake Havasu, Arizona; Mark Renzetti at Iguazu Falls in the northeast part of Argentina; Paul Stalgary, Roland Homburg and Rob Friend (Paul and Rob are Canadian National Soccer players) in Mรถnchengladbach, Germany.

These lucky travellers will have their names entered to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and a onenight stay at a Calgary hotel, courtesy of your friendly neighbourhood travel agency, Travel World in Invermere.

Email your photo to upioneer@telus.net or drop it off at 1008-8th Avenue, Invermere.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

valley SPORTS

March 20, 2009

Huckleberry Hawks are the champions!

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist The 2008-2009 league champions are the Huckleberry Hawks. They deserve to win because no one could beat them.

However, only hours after their victory, rumblings amongst the team started.

Larry Ballard is already negotiating with another team for more ice time and no conditioning standards.

Greg Dubois stated that: “My mom used to make me play with Mike and I’m tired of it now and don’t want to do it any more.”

Brian Schaal wants to play on a team full of scratch golfers, so that guarantees he will be gone next season.

Pete Nicholas wants to play on any team Bobby Stewart plays on, so they may be the only two who return next year. Kerry Ellingboe thinks he should play for the team that he sponsors (Radium Petro-Can), so he will not renew his contract, either.

Doc Walsh is a rookie who said: “I will play on any team that will win it all.” We will have to wait and see, but it sure sounds like the Hawks are imploding!

Lastly, the entire group of Oldtimer players wants to say “thanks” to Lance Prymak and Jim Villeneuve for putting up with our nonsense all season long! Half our fun is in giving the refs a hard time, so we really need you guys to make our night complete!

OldTimer League Final Standings Team

W L

T Points

Huckleberry Hawks

8

0

0

16

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes

7

1

0

14

Warwick Wolves

5

3

0

10

Lake Auto Mustangs

5

3

0

10

Inside Edge Black Smoke

4

4

0

8

Kicking Horse Coffee

2

5

1

5

Valley Vision Vultures

2

6

0

4

Dale Christian Mudders

1

6

1

3

Hi Heat Hustlers

1

6

1

3

www.leaguelineup.com Referees Jim Villeneuve, left, and Lance Prymak, right, kept the Oldtimers in line this season.

Hey, guys, our next game is in 173 days. See you then.

And finally, just in case you care . . . March 11th results: Hi Heat over Da’Mudders, Huckleberry’s over Lake Auto, Petro-Can over the Vultures and Kicking Horse over Warwick.

March 13th results: Warwick wins the rubber

match against Inside Edge, Valley Vision beat Kicking Horse, Huckleberry’s stopped Petro-Can and Lake Auto punished Hi Heat.

March 14th results: Lake Auto beat Da’Mudders, Petro-Can pulverized Hi Heat, Huckleberry’s pounded Kicking Horse, and Inside Edge beat Valley Vision.

Editor’s Note: Thank you, Harold, for writing this column for another season. We look forward to your popular golf column, Green Zone, once the courses actually turn green.

Gnarly!

Huge air and ‘sick’ tricks were the name of the game at this year’s Showoff Big Air competition at Panorama Mountain Resort last weekend.

More than 10 skiers and snowboarders competed for best trick on the extra-large table-top jump at the base of the Showoff Terrain Park. The prize – $500 in cold, hard cash.

The competition was by invitation only, and three local boys – Mike Brush, Stu Bilodeau and Seamus White – were among those chosen to participate. Seamus finished in the top four.

The event was part of Panorama’s Showoff Freestyle weekend sponsored by Coca-Cola, Calgary 97.7 FM, Kokanee, Rip Curl, Syndicate Snowboards, and Showcase Snowboards.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

March 20, 2009

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

valley SPORTS

Local boys claim silver, bronze in B.C. Submitted by coach Tricia Phillips After an amazing finish at the East Kootenay championship at Panorama that left both the boys’ ski team and girls’ snowboard team victorious, 22 students from David Thompson Secondary School headed to Whistler to conquer the slopes at last week’s provincial championship.

All four teams – the girls’ ski team, boys’ ski team, girls’ snowboard team and boys’ snowboard team – qualified for the provincial finals, a feat that hasn’t been accomplished by the school in three years.

The students raced Whistler on three blue-bird days; everyone performed well and we had some amazing results. Just as important, we all got to check out the site of the 2010 Olympics first-hand.

The boys’ snowboard team, made up of Faro Burgoyne, Ben Bootsma, Colton Weaver, Liam O’Sullivan, Casey Tazelaar and Trisdain Bracken, claimed the bronze medal. Faro Burgoyne was also awarded sixth place out of all the male snowboarders.

The boys’ ski team, made up of Dane Petersen, James Rose, Gavin Crowley, Blaine Wilker and Kai Rasmussen, was narrowly beaten by St. George’s School in Vancouver to place second in the province.

Dane was awarded the fastest individual male and James placed third overall.

A big thank you to Lainey Wilson and Graham Kerslake for all their help throughout the week. I would also like to thank coach Joanne Bragg for all her help organizing the team this year. Finally, I would like to thank Mike Meadus for his coaching and support throughout the season.

Top: The David Thompson Secondary School Ski Team – top, left to right: Dane Petersen, James Rose. Bottom: Blaine Wilker, Kai Rasmussen, Dan Rae and Gavin Crowley.

Bottom: The David Thompson Secondary School Snowboard Team – left to right: Liam O’Sullivan, Colton Weaver, Ben Bootsma, Casey Tazelaar, Faro Burgoyne, and Trisdain Bracken.

THE STATION PUB & GRILL Open till midnight every night! tchen open late. Daily food & drink specials.

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU Custom Home Design Specializing in Single Family Homes, Additions and Renovations, Drafting Services.

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

Lambert

Home Renovation Tax Credit Expires Feb 1, 2010

• Drinking Water Systems • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration NEW Duct Cleaning Service Call (250) 342-5089

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Call Dale @ 250-804-6868

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E-mail us at dale.contractor@telus.net @ for a FREE no obligation quotation OR

• Insurance Repairs • Any size job!

Renovate now! Take advantage of the “Home Renovation Tax Credit” finish that basement and get $$$ back from Canada Revenue Agency as a refundable tax credit in 2009!

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Drywall Services: Board Tape & Texture

Q Q

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

(250) 688-0790 • Email: scrubgrp@gmail.com g

• Structural Timbers and Posts • KD Tongue & Groove (Pine, Cedar and Fir)

y

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

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

March 20, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU 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

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next to Skookum Inn

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342-3052

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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

Gary Hogarth Renovation Specialist at Large

Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations Repair • Bachelor Service

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

Gel Nails, Gel Toes, Eye Lash Perming, Lash & Brow Tinting.

• Kitchens • Bathrooms • Basement Development • Additions (Start to Finish) • Excavating also available.

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Deep Connective Tissue/Fascia Bodywork Structural Balance

H E L L E R W O RK

• • • •

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• Residential • Commercial • Jesse Vader – Ken Johnson Call:

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Commercial Residential Renovations Firestop Attic Upgrades Parkade Spray

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

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

HERE TO SERVE YOU NEW

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

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CLUB TOWING

• Snow Removal & Sanding • Trucking • Piles & Posts

Kari & John Mason

• All Grading • Under Slab work • Mini Track Hoe

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Complete Automotive Repairs

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

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Over 20 Years Experience

CALL 250-349-7550 • CELL 250-572-7983

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

For competitive prices and prompt service call:

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

March 20, 2009

Efficient Lifestyles will clear the clutter

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff “Here to clear the path of clutter to a healthy, inspiring lifestyle.”

That is the motto of Brayenna Murray, the owner of Efficient Lifestyles, a business providing virtual and personal assistance.

Brayenna and her mother Denice Bigelow of Victoria started the business in December. Currently the women are operating in two locations – Brayenna from Radium Hot Springs, and Denice from Victoria.

“I was looking for something to do from home,” Brayenna said. “The personal assistant part, which is only offered from the Radium location, came because I am organized and I like to help people, and I’m always do-

ing these things anyway, so I thought: ‘Why not make it a part of the business?’”

Brayenna recently moved to Radium from Invermere with husband Jeff and their two children: Harley, 2, and Alyas, 5. Jeff is the owner of Murray Brothers Drywall Ltd. Originally from Ladysmith, Brayenna obtained a diploma in social work from Malaspina University College in Nanaimo.

In 2003, she met Jeff while playing softball.

Efficient Lifestyles is Brayenna’s first business venture and she said that she is looking forward to getting started.

“I am hoping to be the go-to person for busy individuals, families, seniors, and small businesses,” she said.

She will offer her services as a virtual assistant – that is, providing on-line profes-

sional administration, creative, technical, business office and personal support services.

Brayenna said that her virtual services may prove a benefit to small businesses during the current economic climate.

“Lots of small businesses don’t want to start up because of the cost of office space and other expenses,” she said. “I already have all of that, so they don’t have to worry.”

Brayenna will also work as a personal assistant. This includes tasks such as grocery shopping, running errands, event planning, cooking and meal preparation.

“I will help with anything, as long as it is legal and I am comfortable with it,” she laughed. Rates for services vary from $20 to $50 per hour. For more information, call Brayenna at 250-688-1500.

Brayenna Murray

HERE TO SERVE YOU Christine Voss

BSc RMT

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax:

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

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

DCS Plumbing & Heating REFERENCES AVAILABLE

LICENSED

• Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks 24 hour emergency service

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

250-341-5096

250-341-8501 Senior Discount

HAPPY FEET

Specializing in Pedicures & Massage

Shonese Hogarth Licensed Hairstylist Licensed Esthetician Licensed Massage Therapist Ask about Pedicure Parties 250-347-2244 shonese_hogarth@yahoo.com

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

Telephone: 342-3659

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

RV • Truck • Car Wash Open 7 days a week

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

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

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds ANNOUNCEMENT

storage

SUITE FOR RENT

SUITE FOR RENT

house FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

Rocky Mountain Buffalo Now available at Grant’s Foods 503 – 7th Avenue

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637

One or two bdrm bungalows, by the week or month, (250) 3456365 Fairmont Bungalows.

Hillcrest Apartments, 1 bdrm $700. 2 bdrm $900, fully furnished, all utilities included.

Call 250-341-1182.

FOR RENT

Radium Condo for sale or rent, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den. Open to offers, 250-347-2252.

Alcoholics Anonymous. Open to all. Regular meetings of the Columbia Valley A.A. are held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at the Valley Connection, far end of the Service B.C. building, 625-4th Street, Invermere. The Radium Friendship Group meets at 8 p.m. Friday at the Catholic Church, east side of main street, Radium.

Come to Columbia Valley Music’s St. Patrick’s Day Tea and Ceilidh and hear dramatic recitals, choral music, poetry and a singalong. Enjoy Irish Stone Soup (from local vegetables) and those fabulous Edgewater flour scones. Adults $15, Seniors $10 and children FREE! Sunday at 2:00 pm, March 22nd at the Edgewater Hall. Info at 250347-9668, 250-347-9860.

thank you The family of Kim Gagatek would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Invermere District Hospital, the Foothills Hospital (Calgary), and Cranbrook Regional Hospital for the great care. Thanks to all our family and friends for their care and support. Kim is doing well now.

cheers & jeers Cheers: to the person who found and returned my keys.

Jim McKay CHEERS: to all the people who kindly enjoyed Lake Lillian this winter. The skiing, skating, hiking and fishing were great!

lost & Found Lost: Stihl blower fell out of truck on hwy 93/95, if found call 342-0808

380-square-foot garage available immediately. Great contractor location. Reduced to $300/month. Call Mom’s Upholstery, 250-342-0355.

commercial space Financial professional looking for other professionals to share space with. I have a great location with excess room.

Please call 250-270-0270.

Attention Contractors! Secure 20-foot storage container in fenced yard. Larger lots also available. Invermere Industrial Park. Call 250-342-2100 or 250346-3011.

Panache Building, Invermere, BC. Beautiful building near public beach and walking distance to hundreds of condos in Canada’s most perfect fourseason town! 2400 feet on main, with two 1200-foot world-class apartments up. Perfect location for restaurant or retail. For info, call 250-342-5525.

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

Available immediately, 250347-7787.

Furnished room, Canal Flats.

N/P. Avail. Immediately. First and last months rent needed.

Call to view. 250-270-0273.

Room for rent, separate bathroom and living room, shared kitchen, utilities included, $500/month. 250-347-7724.

Affordable accommodation in Radium. $425 and up. Call 250341-7022.

Invermere, must see, 1 bdrm, large, bright upper suite.

Half-block walk to beach and downtown, own entrance & parking, very private upper deck with amazing lake views, $800, all utilities included, 250-3421056.

2 bdrm, partially furnished, close to everything, 129-11th Avenue, Invermere. N/S, N/P. Avail. immediately. $800/month includes cable and utilities. 250341-6287.

1 bdrm apartment in Radium, $575/month includes utilities.

N/S, N/P. 250-342-5159.

Invermere, 2 bdrm fully furnished ground floor apartment at 1309-11th Avenue.

Utilities, cable, laundry facilities and storage locker included, $950/month plus DD. N/S, long term preferred, 1.5 blocks from downtown! Call 250-342-9712.

Bright 1 bdrm basement suite in Invermere. Great location, recently renovated, laundry available, separate entrance, N/S, N/P, $650.00 including utilities, 250-342-5785.

Canal flats, 1 bdrm apartment, utilities included, $600/month + DD. Available April 1st , 250341-1030.

Downtown Invermere basement suite, $1100 includes util.

Available April 1st , 250-6881224.

Radium 2 bdrm suite, W/D, fridge, stove, N/S, $800 + util, 250-347-9345.

WALK TO DOWNTOWN & KINSMEN BEACH. Spacious, clean 2 bdrm basement suite, separate entrance, 4 appliances, backyard amenities, N/P, N/S, references/deposit required.

Rent negotiable, utilities included. Available Apr 1st , 250-342-7590.

2 bdrm + den/3rd bdrm, all appliances, 5 mins. from D/T Invermere, N/S, N/P, $1250/ month + util, references required, 403-874-0483.

2 bdrm basement suite w/ private entrance, all appliances, 5 mins from D/T Invermere, N/S, N/P, $950/month + util.

References required, available April 1st , 403-874-0483.

house FOR RENT New 4 bdrm, 3 bath home. Walk to school, D/T, 2 story, 2 car garage, hardwood floor, 5 appl, N/S, N/P, $1250/month + util.

Available April 1st , 403-6190336 (cell), 403-240-4170.

Radium, 2 bdrm trailer, fenced yard with out buildings, partially furnished, N/S, $1200/month, includes utilities, 250-3423841.

Athalmer, 2 bdrm house, completely furnished, N/S, $1250/month includes utilities, 250-342-3841.

New 2 bdrm w/garage on Windermere acreage, 2 bath, furnished, $1050/month. Call Linda, 403-244-8402.

Invermere, 2 bdrm, petfriendly house near schools and downtown, with large yard, avail. April 1. $1,250/month plus DD. 250-347-7724.

Contact

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

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Rockies West Realty Independently Owned & Operated

Windermere, Timber Ridge 1, 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath, fully furnished & stocked, N/S, N/P, available Sept. 1st , $1400/month +util on 12 month lease. Call 403287-9968.

Blackforest Heights, 3 bdrm, 3 bath, N/S, pets negotiable, $1,300.00 + utilities +DD. Available April 1st , references required, 250-342-1322.

Balckforest Heights, 2 bdrm duplex. W/D, fridge, stove, D/ W, large yard, storage building, no dogs. $900/month includes utilities, 250-347-9629 1 bdrm cabin downtown Radium, $650 utilities included, DD required, available April 1st.

Call 250-341-1577 or 250-3476420.

condo FOR RENT Sable Ridge, Radium, 2 bdrm, 2 bath w/den, fireplace, A/C, granite, pool, 2 hot tubs, heated underground parking, $1,195/ month includes utilities, 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503.

Lakeview Meadows ‘Cottages’ 3 bdrm, fully-furnished unit, stone fireplace, golf cart, beach access and recreation centre. Available April 1. $1,500/month + utilities. Contact heidilp2005@ gmail.com Radium, 2 bdrm, fully furnished condo, W/D, BBQ, wood fireplace, $1400/month. Call Mardi, 403522-3669.

Radium­-FULLY FURNISHED. Large windows & large deck, backs onto 13th hole of The Springs Golf Course. Available now, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, bungalow style in Eagle Crest Villas. Single car garage, 6-month minimum lease. $1,250 (includes condo fees) + utilities + DD, N/P, N/S. References required. 403-5192216 or 403-981-1551.

Canal Flats, 2 bdrm, 1.5 bath, 9foot ceilings, front facing entry suite in very classy four-plex, partly furnished, $900/month + utilities + DD, N/S, N/P, 403802-4053.

Windermere Point, 2 bdrm plus den, 2 bath, facing lake, fully furnished, underground parking.

Avail. May 1. Weekly, monthly or seasonal. Call 403-561-0111.

Radium: 2 bdrm condo at The Peaks, furnished, utilities included, available April 1, $1,100/month. Call 250-3417022.

2 bedroom furnished & unfurnished condos, 5 appliances, garage, NS, NP. Were $1200 now $1000 + util, 250342-1475.

Beautiful new 1 bdrm fully furnished cond, Sable Ridge, Radium, 250-347-9915 or 403861-5656.

2 bdrm luxury condo, 5 min drive from Invermere in Akiskinook. Would suit single or couple. Newly renovated, fully furnished, W/D, cable, N/S, N/P. Access to rec centre with pool, hot tub & internet. Avail immediately, short-term until June 20th . Rent negotiable.

250-342-7513.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

March 20, 2009

P ioneer C lassifieds condo FOR RENT Invermere, fully furnished 2 bdrm condo. 2 Queen beds, includes bedding, towels, dishes and cooking utensils. 2 blocks to D/T and beach. Available April 15th , $950/month + hydro + DD, free cable, 1-250-833-0196, 250-341-5855 (cell).

Radium, 3 bdrm fully furnished villa, sleeps 10. Includes linens, dishes and free long distance.

Available for short or long term lease starting @ $149/night, $1600/month long-term. 1403-617-1122 Pinewood Radium, 1 bdrm, 1 bath, new, main floor, underground parking, storage, $695/month includes utilities, mature, N/S, N/P, 403-2399279.

Akiskinook Resort, 1 bdrm condo, fully furnished, indoor pool, hot tub. Long or short term, $750/month includes cable, 403-281-3991.

Downtown Invermere, 2 Bdrm, 2 bath executive condo. $1600/ month, utilities Included, avail. imm. Call 416-709-4590.

VACATION RENTAL Sled Heads/ Skiers Special, furnished house, rent by the night or week. 20 mins. from your paradise, N/S, 250-3423841.

house for sale Searching through MLS® listings can be tedious & time consuming. Sign up to receive up to date, detailed MLS® listings, delivered to your inbox. No obligations & completely confidential. www.bcrealestatesearch. com Jenny Bueckert, Maxwell Realty Invermere.

Reduced! 137, 10th Ave. Invermere, BC. 4 bdrm, 3 bath, office, finished walkout basement, large fenced backyard, walking distance to all amenities. Asking $460,000.00, 250-342-3100, cell 250-3421092.

BEAUTIFUL FAIRMONT HOME WITH REVENUE SUITE. This 6 year old, 3300 sq.ft., 6 bdrm. home is located on Riverside Golf Course. Main floor: 4 bdrm, 2 bath, 5 appl. All stainless, beautiful views. Downstairs: 2 bdrm private entry suite, new kitchen,5 appl. Walk out to golf course. Double car garage, underground sprinklers, large driveway, a must see, $629,000.

Call 250-342-7682 or email for photo’s bruce_terri@hotmail. com Brisco, 1 year lease or lease to purchase. Older trailer, w/large addition on approx. 5 acres.

Parcel is on west side, 3 km off Hwy 95, 250-346-3395, 250688-0268.

mobile home for sale

condo for sale

vehicle for sale

vehicle for sale

services

Must sell! Condo in Sable Ridge, Radium, 2 bdrm, 2 bath w/den, fireplace, A/C, granite, pool, 2 hot tubs, heated underground parking, $279,900 OBO, 403256-0694 or 403-650-5503.

2002 Pontiac Sunfire, 2.2 L, 5 speed, manual, 121,000 km, 2 door. Asking $5200 OBO, 250342-6918.

2005 Toyota Echo Hatchback, 5 door, manual, silver, excellent condition, 100,000 km. 4 winter tires, custom stereo, roof rack, $10,200. Call 250-342-8631.

Flooring Installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood.

30 years experience. Call 250347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

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

RESORT PROP. FOR SALE

boat for sale

Vacuums

services

Parts, repairs & accessories, All makes & models Central Vacuums – sales and installations Bonded & licensed Fine Homeservices 250-342-9207, fhs@telus.net

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.

We will pick up all recyclable cans and bottles at your location, between Radium and Fairmont.

Call K&C Pickup at 250-3429503.

14 ft Traveller fiberglass boat, 40hp Mercury outboard. Explorer tilt trailer, runs great, $800 OBO, 250-341-1667.

CAREERS

wanted Does anyone out there have a Besson Prestige or a Besson Sovereign 3 or 4 valve B flat Euphonium for sale? Phone Ray 250-342-0580 or email rapicton@telus.net.

misc. for sale CATS EYE WOOD PRODUCTS 2018 Mitchell Rd. Golden, V0A 1H4 250-348-2000 Jim Dodich 3000 ft. KD fir/larch, 1” x 4” trim 2 eased edges, STK 80 cents/ft.

Cedar and fir siding from $1.00/ sq.ft.

3 person Jacuzzi tub complete with pump, all fittings and cover, new condition, $600, 250-342-0320.

Call for more details call Cassandra

Macintosh G4 733 mhz tower.

OSX 10.4, 30 gig HD and 125 gig HD, DVD burner, ZIP Drive.

Monitor, printer, scanner. $600 firm. Call 250-342-9438

403.678.5111

2003 Acura EL. Original owner, 4-door, 5-speed, 40+mpg, low mileage, one-year extended warranty, A/C, AM/FM/CD, security system, extra set tires, all maintenance records, excellent condition, $14,900.

250-347-6584.

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

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE Developing land (Canmore, AB).

Must go quickly.

Ranging from $3K - $12K!

2003 Chevy Trail Blazer SLT, mint condition, leather interior, heated seats, black, tinted windows. Paid $15,000 only 8 months ago, asking $9000. Call 250-342-5440.

Administrative Assistant – BC Region – Canadian Rocky Mountains The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is a private, non-profit organization that prides itself on its entrepreneurial, science-based, non-confrontational approach to achieving conservation success. Since its establishment in 1962, NCC and its supporters have protected more than 1.9 million acres of natural habitat across Canada. NCC has seven regional offices across the country with a national office in Toronto.

This dynamic organization has an opening for a Full Time (1.0 FTE) Administrative Assistant, based in our Invermere office. Reporting to the Program Manager, Canadian Rocky Mountains, the incumbent will assume a lead role in the coordination and delivery of administrative services for NCC’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Program and supports the administrative function of three project areas and managers.

Secondary and Tertiary responsibilities include general Program Support, Special Projects and Communications support.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential Functions: 1 Administration 2 Program Support 3 Communications 4 Special Projects The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day administration and coordination of office activities for the Canadian Rocky Mountains Program, and provides varied support services for project areas/managers within the Program Area. Receive public, staff, partners, donors, and Board members in person and on the telephone. Coordinate such activities as maintaining office supplies, general purchasing, office maintenance, filing, reporting, mail and courier delivery, scheduling meetings and appointments, drafting correspondence for signature, preparing presentation materials, and preparing grant applications. Support and enhance the effectiveness of both the Program Manager and Project Managers by creating organizational efficiencies. Execute logistics for travel and field trips (donor tours) that include transportation, food, lodging, and other support needs. Create and distribute communications materials as needed. Data Base Management including use of Raisers Edge.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 1. Demonstrated ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet deadlines; 2. Excellent verbal and written communication skills; 3. Exceptional computer skills in MS office, MSWord, MSExcel, MS PowerPoint, and internet research; 4. Highly organized and detail oriented; 5. Ability to create, organize and maintain effective and efficient record keeping systems; 6. Creativity and Flexibility Salary Range: $19.50 – $21.50 per hour – 1 year term position with possibility of renewal. If you have a keen interest in nature and conservation and are interested in joining our team, please forward your resume and cover letter, by March 31, 2009 to: The Nature Conservancy of Canada, Attn: Dave E. Hillary Program Manager – Canadian Rocky Mountains PO Box 2767, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 E-mail: dave.hillary@natureconservancy.ca Please visit our website at www.natureconservancy.ca We thank everyone who applies for their interest in the Nature Conservancy of Canada; however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

A Day in Court The following persons were found guilty on Friday, March 13th in Invermere Criminal Court, with Judge Ron Webb presiding: • Mathew Derrien was found guilty of Driving a Motor Vehicle Without Due Care and Attention under the Motor Vehicle Act. The court heard that on

August 7th, 2008, he was involved in a severe crash in Invermere that resulted in serious head, hand and back injuries. He was fined $1,000 and given a three-month driving prohibition.

• Mandeep Nijjar pled not guilty to Care or Control of a Vehicle or Vessel While Impaired. RCMP Constable Luke Johnston testified that on July 14th, 2007, he observed a driver swerving on the highway at Dry Gulch, pulled the driver over and noticed signs of impairment. The driver, Mr. Nijjar,

was taken to the detachment, where a second officer administered two breath tests. The results were 230 mg for the first sample, and 240 mg for the second, three times over the 80 mg legal limit.

However, due to procedural problems, crown counsel agreed to reduce the charge to the lesser Driving a Motor Vehicle Without Due Care and Attention under the Motor Vehicle Act. Mr. Nijjar pled guilty and was fined $500 with no driving prohibition.

P ioneer C lassifieds services

careers

careers

careers

Dirty Blinds, blind cleaning & repair. Now taking bookings for spring cleaning 2009. Call Cathy, 250-345-2164.

Eagle Canada Inc.. Seismic Company based in Calgary is currently seeking the following for its winter season: Line Truck Drivers, Line Helpers, Shooters/ Blasters. Excellent physical condition, meals & hotel included, valid Class 5 drivers licence is a must, DRUG TESTING is required. Up to $5000/month.

Please send your resume with references and phone numbers to rsmith@eaglegeo.ab.ca , fax, 403-263-7776.

Looking for a positive, upbeat, ‘Yes, we have no bananas’ personality to provide customer service. Must be willing to work afternoon/evening shift including weekends. This is a full time seasonal position. Please send resume to Radium Valley Vacation Resort by fax 250-3479808 or email radval@shaw.ca

Invermere Electric is looking for 2nd or 3rd year apprentice electrician. Must have valid drivers license and vehicle. Wage $19.00 - $24.00/hour depending on experience. Fax resume to 1-866-673-5175 or email invermereelectric@gmail.com

Full-time or part-time hair stylist required at Anglz Hair Studio.

Contact Maria, 250-342-3227.

We are looking for assistance in maintaining our well-manicured lawns. This is a part-time seasonal position (15-25 hours/ week). Please send resume to Radium Valley Vacation Resort by fax 250-347-9808 or email radval@shaw.ca

careers Housekeeper required. Fulltime, part-time at Fairmont Bungalows. Call 250-345-6365, fax 250-345-6348, or email bungalows@shaw.ca Helna’s Stube is now accepting applications for kitchen help/ dishwashers and servers. F/T or P/T, evenings. Call 250 347 0047 or mail@helnas.com Experienced cooks and servers for La Cabina Restaurant.

Call 250-347-2340 or email lacabina@nanonow.ca

Permanent part-time needed, flexible hours. Drop off resume at River Gems, 612 – 12th Street, Invermere.

Is grass your passion?

Sears Invermere requires parttime help 2 -3 days/week.

Wages DOE, drop off resume or call 250-342-6901.

Attention Hairstylists! Chair rental opportunity. Be your own boss, book your own clients, be 100% in control. Must be professional, reliable, keen, established, happy, and positive.

Excellent Invermere location. www.sunsationsdayspa.com, 250-342-6899.

ep·i·cu·re·an [ep-i-kyoo-ree-uhn] Adjective:: “Devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially to the enjoyment of good food and comfort.”

BARISTA (Full-time) As a Kicking Horse Café BARISTA, pulling the perfect shot, sharing your latte art with the masses, and providing a level of service that is second to none, will not so much be a job as it will be a vocation. The only requirement… ya gotta be crazy about coffee; think it, drink it, love it, dream it!

BAKER, SHAKER, SANDWICH MAKER (Part-time) As one of our resident Kicking Horse Café Food Gurus, your creation of exceptional baked goods and pastries, lunch items and seasonal specialties will be showcased daily in the Kicking Horse Café. Ideally, you will have some formal food preparation/baking training and or experience.

For both these opportunities, a passion for great food and coffee, as well as a devotion to quality will be what separate you from the crowd; we will supply the tools and training – you will work the magic.

In addition to teaching you more than you could ever imagine about coffee, we provide a steady paycheck, extended health and wellness benefits (Full Time), competitive wages, staff fun days, paid day-off birthdays, and the opportunity to work with one of the finest teams in the country!

If you’ve what it tastes…, fire us off your resume to jobs@kickinghorsecoffee.com or fax 250-342-4450. We will contact successful applicants.

Housekeepers / Room Attendants Bighorn Meadows Resort is currently seeking detail oriented, energetic, room attendants and laundry personnel. Related experience will be considered an asset. Full or part time hours are available. Eligible candidates must have the ability to work weekends. Bighorn Meadows Resort is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive salary/health benefit package and is committed to providing a superior employee experience. Interested applicants please forward your confidential resume to: pbusch@bighornmeadows.ca or by fax to (250)-347-2311 attention Pearl.

On the Springs Golf Course Bighorn Meadows Resort, #10 Bighorn Blvd, Radium Hot Springs, V0A 1M0

careers

careers

Resume me De Design Interview iew Co Coaching

Kari’s Kitchen is currently looking for qualified individuals to join our Food and Beverage team. Positions are seasonal and range from part-time to full-time starting April 1st and ending October 15th. Contact Kari @ 250 342-3004 or submit resumes by fax to 250 342-0119 or by email to kdawsonwv@shaw.ca

250-688-0707

SHINERESUME@GMAIL.COM

Serving treats to the Valley since 1981

Administrative Coordinator We have a position available for a part-time (2 – 3 days per week) Administrative Coordinator in the office of a very busy retail and wholesale Bakery in Invermere, BC. Daily duties include routine office tasks such as telephone reception, email and mail correspondence, and computer tasks using Microsoft office package and Simply Accounting. Must be very comfortable in a computerized office environment.

Ongoing duties include weekly, monthly and annual financial tracking and summarizing, bank deposits, staff recruitment and retention, creating brochures and other print promotional and marketing materials using Microsoft Publisher and Coreldraw, and periodic special projects in the interest of improving or expanding Quality Bakery business.

Personal traits must include the ability to work independently, and also toLogos: work Trade well as a member of the Sub QBLogos team; to Corporate Name + Dealership multi-task and prioritize; and to work in an organized, timely and efficient manner.349 Colour: PANTONE Position available immediately. Wage to be negotiated.

English Apply: Email: qbakery@telus.net Fax: (250) 342-4439 3/16" MinimumBox size to519 be usedInvermere, on business cardsBC V0A 1K0

Worried about providing income in your retirement?

1/4" Minimum size to be used on the standard sized brochures

MANULIFE SECURITIES INSURANCE AGENCY

See our ad on Page 20 for more details.

Manulife Se Manulife Se Manulife Se French

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

March 20, 2009

To place your Community Classified call The Pioneer at 250-341-6299 or toll free 1-866-669-9222 classifieds@bccommunitynews.com www.communityclassifieds.ca

Auto Financing

Business Opportunities

Credit Counsellors

Personals

For Sale Misc.

Services

EAGLE AUTO LOANS. Easy financing.

Good credit, poor credit, divorced, first time buyers, self employed, bankrupt. We finance in-house OAC. Call our credit specialist 1-800-916-1723. www. secondchancefinance.ca.

REACH YOUR TARGET MARKET. Community Classifieds are printed in over 600 newspapers across Canada each week. Book now at www.communityclassifieds. ca or contact ads@ bccommunitynews.com. Phone 1-866-669-9222.

BECOME 100% DEBT FREE!!

One easy monthly payment.

Free Consultation. Member of BBB. Check us out at www. iamdebtfree.com 1-800-5654595.

DATING SERVICE. Long-term/ short-term relationships, FREE CALLS. 1-877-297-9883.

Exchange voice messages, voice mailboxes.1-888-534-6984.

Live adult casual conversations1on1, 1-866-311-9640, Meet on chat-lines. Local single ladies.1877-804-5381(18+).

ADD AND SAVE on home phone reconnection. Bad credit - no problem! Up to $30. off for new customers, plus lower monthly rates! Call Tembo 1-877-2666398 or sign up online www. tembo.ca.

NOUVEAU CONSTRUCTION & Cabinets we do rock walls, laneways, shallow servicing, bush clearing, septic, weeping tile, renos, new construction, cabinets, counter tops. Phone Al, 250-306-7502; www. nouveaugroup.ca.

AUTO LOANS GUARANTEED! BC’s best auto finance company 1,000’s with credit problems have bought vehicles and Reestablished credit. Best rates, Best prices guaranteed. No payments for 90 days, ‘0’ down.

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38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

Cinderella at Windermere School Brooklynne Agnew, far left, played the handsome prince, while Jade Bowen acted as Cinderella in a play held at Windermere Elementary School last week. The play was performed in the French language by members of the Grade 6 Intensive French program.

Above, Jade is shown again with Lacey Blain, the prince’s courtier who is bringing her the glass slipper. Windermere is the first school in the valley to offer the French program, and Principal Jill Jensen said the program’s first year has been a great success.

Photos by Cayla Gabruck . . . RCMP continued from Page 3 The review will look at whether the incident will be pursued civilly, and whether a coronor’s inquest or inquiry should be held. Expected to be complete before Staff-Sergeant Shehovac’s transfer, the review, he said, will change public perception.

“Once that review is finished, people will have a better picture of how the communication broke down as badly as it did,” he told The Pioneer.

When Staff-Sergeant Shehovac arrives in the Columbia Valley, it will mean an uncertain future for current Staff-Sergeant Doug Pack.

Although he insists he “was not looking to get out,” Staff-Sergeant Pack was offered a transfer to his home province of Newfoundland last year, after three years as commander in the Columbia Valley.

Consequently, he put his house on the market – where it has stayed ever since. Now his transfer position in Newfoundland has been given to someone else, but the wheels are already in motion in B.C. as well.

“I don’t know where I will be transferred now,” he said, adding that there’s a possibility he will be given an advisory role, mentoring detachment commanders across the South East District.

Staff-Sergeant Pack has nothing but praise for the officers of the Columbia Valley.

“The people at this detachment are among the best people I’ve worked with,” he said.

“They are young, enthusiastic and they have their hearts in the right place. I would have no hesitation working with any of them again.

“Ours guys do the best they can under trying circumstances and they remain professional about it. Mistakes of the mind are acceptable, mistakes of the heart never are. And I have never seen that here,” he added.

But the Columbia Valley can expect a similar management style with Staff-Sergeant Pack’s replacement.

“I don’t think Doug and I are that much different in thinking,” Staff-Sergeant Shehovac said. “I think Golden and Invermere are virtually the same and the issues in the communities are identical.

“People [in small towns] want a safe community. They want to have drug education as well as enforcement. High visibility is also important,” he explained.

And those readers who head straight to the RCMP Report in the Pioneer each Friday should fear not: Staff-Sergeant Pack has convinced his replacement to take over the task.

“It gives me a chance to get stuck into the files,” Staff-Sergeant Pack said. “It keeps my finger in the pie and gives me an understanding of the trends. That helps us develop tactics to deal with recurring issues and helps me in the long run ensure we are staying on track.”

. . . TRANS FATS continued from Page 3 Shelley Ferguson, owner of Bud’s Bar and Lounge in Invermere, is also in full support of the trans-fat ban.

She said being a “holistic” eater herself, she chose to serve Mexican cuisine because of the healthy cooking alternatives.

“I don’t have a deep fryer in my bar,” Shelley said.

“People can have a salad, soup or tortillas with their meal, all trans-fat free.

“We do serve a lot of baked items, like our wings – people love our wings and I don’t think half of them know they aren’t deep-fried!

Further south, the conclusion remains the same.

All three restaurants at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort will also be unaffected by the new regulations.

“The majority of our foods are already trans-fat free,” said Harrison McKay, marketing manager at the resort.

“This is the direction we were wanting to move anyway, so to meet the deadline is no issue whatsoever.”

In Radium, Helmut Kendler, who co-owns Helna’s Stube with his wife Natascha, voiced his approval of the new regulations.

“We have been trans-fat free since last year,” he said.

“I think it’s a good idea!”

The new regulations will be closely monitored by Health Canada’s Trans Fat Monitoring Program to ensure the industry is meeting the new requirement: two to five percent of total fat content for industrially-produced trans fat.

Fore more information, visit www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnan/nutrition/gras-trans-fats/index-eng.php.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

March 20, 2009

Valley Churches

FAITH

His banner is love – open your heart and give him a chance

By Pastor Wayne Frater Radium Christian Fellowship “His Banner Over Me is Love.” This is a line from a praise song we used to sing often.

It is taken from the book of Song of Solomon, Chapter 2, verse 4, where it says, out of the amplified, “He brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love (for love waved as a protecting and comforting banner over my head when I was near Him).”

The love talked about here is the same love that is talked about in the New Testament, the love talked about in 1 Cor., Chapter 13, the love chapter.

This love is the love God has for each of us. This love is the love God has for all of creation. It is God’s will, as it says in 2 Peter 3:9, “not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance.”

How do we come into repentance? This is acutally quite simple. Romans, 10:9-10, tells us, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess

and are saved.”

Not only does God want us to come into repentance, He also wants us to carry on in that love. And as we do, His Love—His banner—is there protecting and comforting us.

Today, I would like to speak, just for a moment, to those who have come into repentance but aren’t sensing that protection, that comfort, that love — those who feel that they are just drifting through life, with no goals, no plans, and no direction.

Could it be that you have, because of any number of different things, drifted away from that love, that first love?

I feel God is saying to you, in Revelation 3:20 (and read it out loud, so your heart hears it): “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.

“If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come into him and dine with him, and he with Me.” God is asking you to open the door of your heart, and give Him a chance, let His banner, His love, His comfort, His protection, His direction fill your life. ********** This weekend, starting Saturday, March 21st, we have some special guests in Radium. Hart to Heart ministeries are back! The theme this year is, “Your First Love”. I know that you will be blessed. There is no charge, so come as you are. I believe God has something special for you.

HART to HEART MINISTRIES from Chickasaw Alabama

Mike, Denise & Michelle Hartmann-Echterling

Lake Windermere Alliance Church March 22nd: 10.30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction.

Elders leading.

Sunday School, pre-school to Grade 6, during service.

For sermons online: www.sermon.net/lwac Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 -10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED March 22nd: 8:30 a.m. at All Saints, Edgewater 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, Windermere 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 10 a.m. Worship service 7 p.m. Special Praise, Special Prayer and Especially the Love of God 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.

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40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

March 20, 2009

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