vol7issue2

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Vol. 7/Issue 2

The Columbia

January 8, 2010

Valley

P ioneer

FREE

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

ASSESSMENTS FALL

New Year’s baby

3 truck trashed

5 travel winnerS

Dave and Amanda Hoekstra of Invermere welcomed their first child into the world at 7:41 p.m. on January 3rd. Avery Sara is the first Columbia Valley baby of 2010. For more, see Page 3.

9

Photo by Sally Waddington

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

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

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Valley NEWS

Lorne and Doris Hansen and Bob and Jill Plotycia would like to announce the engagement of their children

Darrin Michael Hansen to

Lesia Dawn Plotycia Wedding will be on September 4th, 2010.

We wish them much love and happiness.

Vision To encourage and teach participants how to improve their quality of life through walking, running and other life sports.

Snowshoe Fitness Classes and Pole Walking Clinics • NEW! Snowshoe Fitness Class Starts January 16th.

Two class times Tuesday and Saturday mornings.

• Nordic Pole Walking Clinics start January 17th Class time Sundays 12:30 p.m.

Call Michelle Taylor at 250-342-8737 or go to columbiavalleylifesports.com

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CLOSE CALL – Braden Schager’s car was destroyed after careening down a steep slope off Castlestone Boulevard.

Driver miraculously unhurt after car plunges off road to CastleRock

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff An Invermere teen studying aircraft mechanics had a flying lesson on Tuesday after his outof-control car went airborne off a cliff and rocketed down a near-vertical mountainside.

Braden Schager Braden Schager, 18, son of Bino Schager and Mia Ciona, was leaving his home at CastleRock about 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5th, heading for his grandmother’s house to shovel snow.

As he rounded the corner on Castlestone Boulevard – one of the steepest streets in Invermere – the

vehicle’s back end slid out and it careened straight over the edge. The car practically flew down the mountain, bouncing in a zig-zag manner off three or four trees on the way down.

“I had no control,” Braden said. “I just held on for dear life.”

Amazingly, the vehicle made it all the way to Westside Road, before coming to rest in the ditch.

Braden stepped out of the vehicle, his only injury a black eye from striking the door.

“It was pretty unreal,” he said. “I’m thanking my lucky stars.”

A passerby stopped to lend a hand, and Braden called his parents to pick him up.

An hour later, the battered vehicle was towed from the site. Braden bought the vehicle when he started school in Calgary last year, but he fears it is now a write-off.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

January 8, 2010

Valley NEWS

Property assessments show decline

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff The Columbia Valley’s sawmill towns of Radium and Canal Flats — which are still reeling from the downturn in the forestry sector — saw the largest declines in property assessments this year.

The numbers released this week by B.C. Assessment offer the first glimpse of local property values since the global economic downturn took hold and the results show the Columbia Valley suffered more than the rest of the East Kootenay and the rest of B.C. Property assessments were frozen last year at 2008 levels in response to the global recession.

This year, property assessments in the Columbia Valley — which are an estimate of a property’s market value as of July 1st, 2009 — declined on average about 8.5 percent.

“The results were not surprising, considering how tied the area is to the Calgary recreational home market,” said Cranbrook-based area assessor Jim Norton.

While the total value of the 2010 assessment roll

2010 ASSESSMENT ROLL Area Change Canal Flats -20.9% Radiium Hot Springs -14.5% Invermere -11.% Invermere Fort Point -10.5% Columbia Lake -8.1% Timber Ridge -6.9% Panorama -4.5% Windermere -4.% Windermere Lakefront -1.7% Fairmont -1.3% in B.C. increased by 1.7 percent, in Calgary the value of the typical home dropped by 13 percent.

“Most homes in the Invermere area have lower values on this year’s assessment roll than on the 2009 assessment roll,” Mr. Norton commented.

For example, he said, a typical single-family home

in the District of Invermere that was previously assessed at $454,000, was valued at $410,000 in the summer of 2009, a 9.7-percent decrease.

Mr. Norton noted that the Columbia Valley was the only area in the East Kootenay that saw a decline.

“Cranbrook is actually up,” he said. “Most of the East Kootenay held their own or increased a little.”

Property assessment and taxation is a two-part process in B.C.. First, BC Assessment estimates the market value of property.

Then, in the spring, the local and provincial government set tax rates that are applied to the property’s assessed value to generate a property tax notice.

However, Invermere Mayor Gerry Taft explained, the decline in property values do not lead to a decline in property taxes.

Property taxes are driven budgetary requirements and the District of Invermere is comtemplating a 2.5percent increase this year.

As long as the value of your home rises or falls with the average, he said, the amount you pay is not affected by the change in assessment.

New Year’s Baby happy, healthy and loved

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Avery Sara Hoekstra was born at 7:41 p.m. on Sunday, January 3rd, making her the Columbia Valley’s first baby of 2010.

Her parents, Dave and Amanda Hoekstra of Invermere, said she arrived late, but at a healthy eight pounds, 13 ounces and 21 inches long, they were glad to see her.

Amanda’s due date was Christmas Day. When New Year’s Day came and went, her doctors decided to induce her and set Sunday as the day.

On Saturday morning, though, Amanda went into labour and the couple headed to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook.

A day later, progress was slow and nurses broke Amanda’s water. Just a few hours later, they had their healthy little girl.

“I had a feeling it would be a girl, but of course Dave thought it would be a boy. I proved him wrong!” Amanda joked.

So far, Avery has been feeding and sleeping well.

Mother and baby were discharged from hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Dad Dave Hoekstra, 23, is an RCMP officer at

the Columbia Valley detachment. Dave was posted to Invermere in July 2007 and the couple married in June 2008.

Amanda, 24, worked at Quality Bakery before her maternity leave.

“We wanted to wait 12 months after the wedding before trying to have a baby, but we knew we were ready,” Amanda said.

The couple met at church in Vernon. Amanda is the youngest of six siblings and Dave is the youngest of nine, so they have a lot in common. Amanda’s two sisters are also expecting children this year, so baby Avery is expected to have many cousins.

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

SECURITY

RCMP Report

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• December 27th: At 3:40 p.m., a 49-year-old male from Sparwood was arrested and charged with assault at a condominium in Fairmont. The assault stemmed from a domestic dispute. There were minor injuries to the victim. The male was lodged in cells due to his intoxication.

The same male, on December 28th at about 12:30 a.m., was arrested in Sparwood for breaching his conditions not to contact the victim. Charges will be forwarded to the Crown with the additional charge of a breach of undertaking.

• December 27th: At about 2 a.m., a vehicle was damaged on Luck Avenue in Canal Flats.

• December 27th: At 1:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a two-vehicle accident one kilometre north of Kootenay Crossing. A 2005 Honda Civic was northbound towards Banff, being driven by a 45-year-old male from Calgary, when it crossed the centre line and hit a 2003 GMC pick-up. The driver of the Honda and his 17-year-old female passenger were airlifted to Foothills Hospital, while a 14-year-old female passenger was taken to hospital in Banff. All injuries were non-life-threatening.

• December 28th: At 2:44 p.m., as a result of a complaint made to the detachment, a 2002 Chevrolet from Alberta, abandoned on Columbia Avenue, was determined to have been reported stolen from Canmore.

• December 28th: At 1:26 a.m., RCMP responded to a single-vehicle accident on Westside Road one kilometre south of Invermere. The 2005 Pontiac driven by a 30-year-old female from Invermere over-corrected on a curve and ended up in the ditch. There were minor injuries to the driver.

• December 30th: At 4:30 p.m., RCMP responded to a two-vehicle accident on Highway 93/95 near the Radium Resort turnoff south of Radium.

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A 1988 Chrysler driven by a 40-year-old male from Kamloops was northbound when it lost control.

The vehicle entered the southbound lane and struck an Invermere fire rescue truck, a 1990 Ford that was returning to Invermere from a previous call. There were no injuries to the firefighters in the truck.

The driver and a 30-year-old female passenger in the car had to be extracted from the vehicle and taken to the Invermere hospital. Injuries were non-lifethreatening. Both were released the next day.

• December 30th: At 3:54 a.m., RCMP responded to a break-and-enter at the Fairmont Mountainside Market. A glass window was smashed and four 30packs of beer were stolen.

Police at the scene were able to follow two sets of footprints, then follow fresh tire marks and further footprints to a residence. Police attended to the residence and arrested an adult male and a young offender.

The property was later recovered hidden in the bush.

• December 31st: New Year’s Eve and into the night of January 1st resulted in 24 complaints, 13 of them no doubt a result of the festivities.

There were four liquor charges, one accident, three 24-hour driver’s licence suspensions, two disturbance calls, two property damage calls and one assault.

• January 1st: RCMP received a complaint of break, enter and theft in the 300 block of Borden Street, Invermere. A TV and kitchen table were stolen. Anyone with information is requested to call 250342-9292.

• January 2nd: RCMP received a complaint of an assault that happened during a New Year’s Eve party in Wilmer. Injuries were minor. This investigation is continuing.

• January 2nd: A set of keys were found in the parking lot of Quality Bakery, with a Millenium Ford key tag.

• January 3rd: A excavator stolen from Canmore on December 30th was recovered in Canal Flats on vacant property on Dunn Street.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

January 8, 2010

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RESCUE – Firefighters help a man injured when his car collided with the rescue truck.

Photo by Cayla Gabruck

Invermere’s rescue truck totalled in collision

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Two volunteer firefighters are being called heroes after their rescue vehicle was rammed by an out-ofcontrol car on Highway 93/95 north of Invermere.

Jake Jacobsen and Erik McLaughlin, both of Invermere, were returning to the fire hall after responding to an accident in Kootenay National Park about 4:30 p.m. on December 30th.

Suddenly, their rescue truck was struck by a vehicle that hit an icy patch and spun counterclockwise into the right side of the rescue vehicle.

“There was this loud crunch, glass shattering and the screech of metal on metal. I remember watching our window spiderweb as we hit the ditch,” Erik said.

As soon as the truck came to rest in a snowbank, instinct kicked in.

“We didn’t have time to be scared,” he said. “I knew I was okay and that I had a job to do.”

Jake scrambled out of the truck and ran to the car, which had come to rest about 50 metres north of the truck.

Eric followed, after kicking his way out of the jammed passenger door of the truck.

They found an unconscious male driver and his female passenger trapped inside the wreckage of the car.

“As soon as I saw the twisted doors, I knew we

were going to have to extricate them,” Eric said.

“I could see the driver – his seat had broken and he was lying in a reclined position, his head in the back seat and his feet still by the pedals.”

Using the Jaws of Life from their own rescue truck, it took the men nearly an hour to cut the roof off the car and free the two victims inside.

Then all four – the two firefighters and the two victims from the car – were taken by ambulance to Invermere and District Hospital.

Three of them were examined and released, but the driver of the car was taken to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook with minor head injuries and released the next day.

Long-time Fire Chief Roger Ekman commended his men for their efforts.

“I think they did a super thing,” he said.

Deputy Fire Chief Tom McNeil agreed.

“What they did was within the finest traditions of the fire service,” he said. “The boys did good work.”

The loss of the rescue vehicle is a huge blow to the Columbia Valley. For nearly two years the community has been raising funds to replace the 19-year-old rescue truck, which was totalled in the crash.

Dubbed the “Road to Rescue Campaign,” the drive has raised $325,000 – still more than $100,000 short of the amount needed to purchase a new truck.

Meanwhile, a replacement rescue truck has been rented from a a Calgary company.

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DISTRICT OF INVERMERE Tel: (250) 342-9281 • Fax: (250) 342-2934

NOTICE TO ALL DOG OWNERS All dogs over the age of four months residing in the District of Invermere require an annual dog license, from January 1st to December 31st. Licensing allows Animal Control Services to contact you as soon as possible if your animal has been impounded of if the animal has been injured as a result of traffic or as a result of other causes.

If you live within the District of Invermere and own a dog, please drop by the municipal office at your earliest convenience to pick up a dog tag. Fees are as follows:

Unspayed Female Dog ..............................$35 Unneutered Male Dog ..............................$35 Spayed Female Dog..................................$15 Neutered Male Dog ..................................$15 Spaying/Neutering We encourage all pet owners to have their dogs spayed or neutered to assist in promoting the health of your animal and to minimize the potential for unwanted pups in the community. As an incentive to spay or neuter your dog, the various license and impound fees for spayed or neutered animals are less than if your animal is not spayed or neutered.

For dog control issues within the municipality, please contact our Dog Control Office at 250-342-1707.

6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

perspective Historical Lens

Why can’t Canadians drive in snow?

By Brian Geis Pioneer Editor

I’m not sure if it’s my imagination or a side effect of listening to the police scanner all day, but it seems like a worse-than-usual winter for weather-related car crashes. Not a day goes by without someone sliding into a ditch, rolling off an embankment, or worse.

Impassioned pleas from police and emergency responders to please, be careful, have led me to ask the question: Why can’t Canadians drive in snow?

When I moved from the Carolinas to Canada three years ago, it was snowing, and I distinctly remember thinking Canadians must be experts at driving on snow and ice. Apparently, I was wrong.

I have since learned that winter driving in Canada is rich in situational irony – such as the fact that snow and ice are more slippery at zero degrees than at minus 20 or colder. Who would have guessed?

That irony peaked this week when two Invermere firefighters, returning from an accident, had to rescue themselves by kicking open the doors of their rescue vehicle before plucking the Jaws of Life from their own wreckage in order to rescue the occupants of the car that crashed into them. Whew!

I know some of us are careful or skillful drivers. I am a careful driver and my wife, an Alberta native, is a skillful driver. To her irritation, I drive so slowly that the car never loses an inch of traction.

To my horror, she drives like she’s jockeying for position on Calgary’s Deerfoot Trail, but she can also steer her way out of a fishtail slide with the car going sideways in both directions.

Even if you can drive like her, I hope more of you will drive like me.

CHANGING TIMES – This log shack, pictured in 1920, is the original changing room at the Radium Hot Springs Pool.

It must have been a fairly chilly spot to disrobe in the winter. If you have more information about this image, please e-mail us at upioneer@telus.net.

Photo (C1850) is provided courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Thanks for anonymous gift Dear Editor: How wonderful the valley is!

My family and I went to the Portabella Restaurant in Invermere following the Santa Parade on Saturday, November 21st, 2009.

We have not eaten there before, but were made very welcome and were provided with a wonderful meal.

After asking for the bill, the waitress explained that she had been sworn to secrecy, but a “friend”

had paid for our meal. We looked around the restaurant to see who our friend was, but there was no one there we recognized.

To our utter delight and amazement, we had been the recipients of a random act of kindness and generosity.

This act capped off an excellent evening and we would like to thank our anonymous “friend.”

The Hart family Radium Hot Springs

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, 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

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

January 8, 2010

Vandals, your actions are not unnoticed Dear Editor: Feeling somewhat despondent over the loss of our family truck off the edges of Mount Swansea, I headed out New Year’s Day onto the Whiteway for a skate around Lake Windermere.

During a season where we focus on hope for mankind – the wishes for peace and prosperity and the dream of a better tomorrow in a troubled world – I was disappointed by my recent experience.

Yet, as I skated from our community just south of Windermere Public Beach and joined the many who were enjoying the fine winter day, my heart was lifted as I reflected on the metaphor of what the Whiteway represents.

You see, many people, whether by shovel or plow, link themselves to the recreational pathway and form a network – a network that builds community for us all.

So, to those who clear the ice, purchase and leave hockey nets out for others, build warming fires, organize a “milk-jug” bonspiel, construct huts and take pleasure in ice fishing, pull an errant car from the lake, steady a loved one learning to skate, give a friendly greeting to those who build community, who restore hope, who in no matter what small way try to make their world by default the broader one, a better place; to you I wish all the best that the

new year has to offer.

But others, those who would tear down, destroy, deface, hinder, hamper and pull apart; those who would take the trouble to drive their ATVs up and take advantage of a truck stranded high on Swansea after showing a visitor from Switzerland the grand view of the blessings that are ours in the Columbia Valley, by first trying to steal it, then thwarted, put it over the edge; to you, my pity.

You are on a path that is ultimately self-destructive and you are by far, far in the minority. For shame. In many ways you are very much alone. The valley is not that big. Your actions are not hidden, do not go unnoticed, whether by our community or our Creator.

And so as I rounded Kinsmen Beach and skated back south, leaving the many families behind and into a strong head wind, I thought of the railway that for over a hundred years has tied Canadians together, the people of the valley, who had to face adversity and difficult times, but through it all have built all that we have today and made this my home away from home for over 45 years; to you a toast from 2 Peter 3:17-18.

Bruce Parkin, Vice-President Tretheway Beach Society Windermere

New Year’s party mess irks Windermere resident Dear Editor: Jeers to the morons who had themselves a bonfire New Year’s Eve party on the south side of Windermere Island. You left a burned wood mess about one metre in diameter, noisemakers, beer cans, a broken wine bottle and an unexploded Roman

candle – all this a few feet away from one of the the signs that say “Ecologically Sensitive Area.”

Did you leave your brains at home, or are you always that stupid and inconsiderate?

Anne Picton Windermere

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www.nanofibre.ca • (250) 347.2424

8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

PIONEER ON THE ROAD Final Pioneer Travel Photos of 2009 Clockwise from top right: Jan Desrosier and Wendi Ede visiting their mom Anita Traverse in Yuma, Arizona; Dawn Sommerville and Patty Nickisch of Brisco at the Abu Simbel Temple near Aswan, Egypt; Sherry Lee and Jeremy Goldsmith at the Statue of Liberty in New York City; and Michael O’Neill at the Kauai All-Girls Rodeo in Kauai, Hawaii.

Thank you to everyone who entered our Pioneer Travel Contest in 2009. When planning your trips and holidays in 2010, don’t forget to pack your Pioneer!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

January 8, 2010

Pioneer Travel Contest Winners

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff

BIG WINNERS – Travel Contest winners Oris and Ron Hanson in Bratislavia, Slovakia, pictured with a statue of Napoleon looking over their shoulder at The Pioneer.

After 365 days, hundreds of thousands of kilometres and more than 200 submissions, a winner has finally been drawn for the 2009 Pioneer Travel Contest.

Ron and Oris Hanson of Calgary have owned a home in Windermere for more than 25 years, and they were ecstatic to hear of their big win!

“Oh, we were very excited,” Ron said. “I was downstairs watching the news when Oris came down the stairs and said we had won.”

Ron and Oris will receive two tickets to a Calgary Flames game and a onenight stay in a Calgary hotel, courtesy of Invermere Travel World.

Ron, a retired accountant, and Oris, a retired nurse, try to spend at least half the year in the Columbia Valley. Both are avid golfers, skiers and former volunteer Mountain Friends at Panorama Mountain Resort.

“When we are not golfing or skiing

we are travelling,” Ron said.

The Hansons have travelled all over the world, including New Zealand, Australia, the Baltic countries, the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

They are pictured in their winning entry in Bratislavia, Slovakia, with a statue of Napoleon looking at The Pioneer over their shoulders.

The photo was taken while the couple was on their very first river cruise, which took them from Vienna, Austria to Bucharest, Romania.

“We also came across a bronze figure of a city worker climbing out of a manhole, right in the middle of the street,” he said. “They do dress up their stuff quite well over there.”

The Hansons are devoted Calgary Flames fans, and Ron said they are looking forward to attending the game.

The contest is open to all valley residents and second homeowners. All submitted photos were published. You, too, could qualify for next year’s prize – to be announced – in the 2010 Pioneer Travel Photo Contest.

We can’t stop now – it’s a valley tradition!

By Elinor Florence Pioneer Publisher This year’s Travel Photo Contest finished its third year with more than 200 submissions from valley folks who took The Pioneer on their travels.

Once again, we were amazed at where people travel! Obviously holidays are a top priority for people around here, in spite of the recession.

There were a flood of entries from Mexico, the Caribbean and Hawaii, reflecting the all-Canadian pursuit of warmer weather. South America was also hot, hot, hot with photographs from Brazil, Panama, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Colombia and cruising down the Amazon River.

Europe and the United States also draw their fair share of valley visitors, along with New Zealand and Australia.

We love the way many travellers take along a copy of The Pioneer that has special meaning. David and Sue Statham chose to be photographed with the

copy featuring their grandson Carter Digney on the cover. Judy Smith went to Venice, Italy with a Pioneer bearing a photograph of her grandson Murray Campbell on the front cover. Rhianda Armstrong remembered the third anniversary of the death of Carly Jones in November 2006 by being photographed with her memorial issue of that sad event.

There were two wedding photographs – Krystle and Brady Chasse in Los Cabos, Mexico; and Carl and Brittany Kinsey in Las Vegas. Two couples – Rob and Mary Beth Galant, and Brock and June Smith, celebrated their 25th anniversaries with The Pioneer, both in Hawaii on separate occasions.

There were many other memorable destinations, too numerous to mention. Dianne and Lorne Kochorek took their Pioneer from Windermere, B.C. to Windermere, England. Jeff Blake had his photograph taken at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway after completing 18 laps around the track at a speed of 136 miles per hour.

Mike and Olivia Cope took their Pioneer to a

U2 concert in Dublin, Ireland. Ken Fisher had his Pioneer photographed with the Canadian Ambassador to Japan on a trip to Tokyo.

Leslie and Dan Hecher and their family had Homer Simpson hold their Pioneer at the Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

Inveterate traveller Andy Stuart-Hill had his photograph taken with a Kalahari bushman in Botswana. In Canada, The Pioneer travelled as far north as Tuktoyaktuk on the Arctic Ocean with Lorna Joy and Geo Reiss.

We’re not sure, but we think the most remote destination was the South Georgia Islands, 1,500 kilometres south of the Falkland Islands, visited by John van der Walle.

Of course, we’ve started a tradition that many people have come to know and love. So Russ Daggett, owner of Travel World in Invermere, is prepared to pony up a new prize for the Fourth Annual Pioneer Travel Photo Contest in 2010. Don’t forget to pack your Pioneer!

10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

LETTERS

Life Time Warranty on all Blinds Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406

Mild to Wild Adventures in the Columbia Valley Jan. 11 – Fernie ski trip

Feb. 19

Make the Most of your Winter with a Guided Snowshoeing Tour Put your name on the list for upcoming Navigation or Avalanche courses.

Phone: 250-341-1552 • info@rockymtnsafaris.com

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FUBUKI SUSHI NOW OPEN IN PANORAMA Adjacent to the Sunbird Chairlift in the Greywolf Golf Parking Lot

Open at 9:00 a.m., Lunch & Dinner 7 Days a week; gourmet Japanese cuisine and Full Sushi Menu Room Service Available for all of Panorama after 5:00 p.m.

250-341-4102

Drivers claim road conditions were poor on day of accident Dear Editor: The results of the investigation conducted by the Ministry of Transportation – following the accident on Peter’s Hill on the morning of October 14th, 2009, that resulted in the death Barney Weismiller – seem too neat and tidy.

According to ministry spokesperson Dave Crebo, “Road maintenance was not a factor,” and, “Mainroad Contracting had done everything they should have.”

I talked to the people who use this road every day, including that morning. My results were shockingly different.

The accident occurred at about 9:45 a.m. Two sand trucks were reported that morning: one two hours before the accident and a second, 40 minutes before the accident. The first sand truck should have sanded and salted around 7:45 a.m.

At 7:48 a.m., Frankie, the school bus driver who went up Peter’s Hill to pick up kids, said: “I noticed icing on the road and it was slippery.”

At 7:50 a.m., Stan Starke said he spun his wheels going up Peter’s Hill and shifted to four-wheel-drive to make the grade.

At 8:09 a.m., Frankie came down the hill and said she “still noticed icing and the road was still slippery.”

At 8:10 a.m., Judy Burns came down the road.

She said: “I was afraid for my life. I edged to the right shoulder looking for some grit, some sand . . . there was nothing.” With just enough control to get down the hill, she arrived at work shaking. “It was one of the worst drives down that hill I have ever had and I drive it almost every day. I slowed right down and went down into second gear at the top and still barely stayed on the road.”

At 8:10 a.m., Dan Tutte and co-worker Will Clarke Feissel, who were working at Lake Lillian, reported nearly having a head-on collision going up the hill with an out-of-control pickup coming down.

At 8:10 a.m., Wendy Colter reported spinning in four-wheel-drive all the way to the top of hill.

At 8:35 a.m., Tyler Dow just missed having a head-on collision while going up the hill with a black sport utility vehicle coming down.

At 8:45 a.m., Wendy Colter lost control of her pick-up truck coming down the hill, but was able to make it to the ditch. “That was the only place there was any traction to get stopped,” she said. “When I

got out of my truck, I could hardly stand up on the road. It was that icy! There was no sand whatsoever!”

At 9:05 a.m., 40 minutes before the accident, the Ministry of Transportation and Mainroad Contracting reported sanding and salting Peter’s Hill.

At 9:07 a.m., Barney Weismiller left Coyote Concrete plant with a load of concrete. He arrived on Peter’s Hill 11 or 12 minutes later, losing momentum and spinning out because a Coca-Cola truck had already spun out.

At 9:19 a.m., Barney called his employer, Dale MacKay, on his cell phone and talked for about one minute. He then called me, Peter Howard, on the radio requesting chains.

At 9:22 a.m., there was still no sign of a sand truck. Barney called his wife Kathy looking for the phone number of the manager of Mainroad Contracting and talked for two minutes and 31 seconds. Kathy said: “He was furious. He said the road is a mess and a truck and horse trailer just missed him as well as other cars sliding out of control.”

At 9:25 a.m., Barney called Mainroad Contracting and complained about the poor road conditions.

At 9:30 a.m., I arrived at the bottom of Peter’s Hill with the chains for Barney Weismiller and met the Coca-Cola truck which was slowly backing down the road. Spinning in four-wheel-drive, I parked above and slightly to the left of Barney Weismiller’s spun-out concrete truck and turned my emergency flashers on to alert oncoming traffic of the obvious hazard below.

There was no sand whatsoever!

At approximately 9:45 a.m., the chains were half on when the accident occurred.

Does it sound like there could have been two sand trucks that morning? Does this sound like proper road maintenance to you? This is a disgrace, and the people of this valley deserve better!

We are still waiting for the town hall meeting Mainroad promised us in November (Pioneer, October 23rd issue). There are still dozens of questions that demand answers!

With two sand trucks on standby just 2.2 kilometres from the accident site, what were you waiting for?

If anyone has anything to add, please do.

In regard to the ministry’s investigation — and I don’t think I speak alone — I’d love to see it!

Peter Howard, Brisco

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

EAST MEETS WEST Tibetan political refugee and musician Jamyang Yeshi will perform live in Invermere at a special screening of a documentary about his unique effort to reconnect with his family in Tibet.

See Page 14 for more.

PAGE 12

RITA CHIARELLI

PAGE 12

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

Cinefest @ Pynelogs • Pynelogs Cultural Centre Cinefest @ Pynelogs Film Series “Goodbye Solo”, Tuesday, January 19th.

Doors open at 6 pm - film starts at 7 pm.

Check out our website for upcoming events: What does ART mean to you? www.columbiavalleyarts.com

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

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

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

Movie Review: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs adventures of Flint Lockwood (voice of Bill Hader), a goofy inventor with a heart of gold; and his love interest, brainy weather girl Sam Sparks (voice of Anna Faris).

Flint is determined to make a name for himself and save his hometown of Swallow Falls, a town that survived on sardine fishing until outsiders decided sardines are gross and the cannery closed. Ever since, the town has been doomed to eat only the surplus sardines.

That is, until Flint invents a machine that can turn water into food. Cheeseburgers, pizza, ice cream and T-bone steaks simply fall from the sky, instead of rain.

It seems that things couldn’t get better for Swallow Falls, until its people are brainwashed by the evil

Reviewed by Cayla Gabruck Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a quirky animation inspired

by Ron and Judi Barrett’s beloved children’s book of the same name.

But don’t be mistaken – it is not reserved for children. Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is chock-full of subtle humour even adults will love.

The movie follows the

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SNOWED IN COMEDY TOUR Tuesday, January 19th “Better than Just For Laughs Tour.”

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DAN QUINN

CRAIG CAMPBELL

ED BYRNE

Tickets can be bought at buds or online at www.snowedincomedytour.com

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— and now incredibly obese from eating all the falling food — Mayor Shelbourne (voice of Bruce Campbell). The greedy townspeople cause the machine to overload and destroy the town.

My favourite character in the film is the by-thebook, back-flipping black cop, Earl Devereaux, who is voiced by none other than Mr. T. But it is also graced with well-known comic actor Neil Patrick Harris, who is my second fave.

Peopled with bright and delightful animations, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is a film sure to sate your appetite for entertainment, but not for food!

Rita Chiarelli: a gift from the music gods

By Pioneer Staff Award-winning blues singer Rita Chiarelli will play just one club gig on her upcoming tour of larger venues in bigger cities. That club is Bud’s Bar and Lounge in Invermere.

Dubbed the goddess of Canadian blues by CBC’s Shelagh Rogers, Chiarelli is equally comfortable belting out the blues, delivering her original material, crooning an Italian folk song or wailing R&B or an Elvis Presley cover tune.

“This show is a treasure,” said Debbie Fenton of On Top Productions, “a great way to kick off 2010.”

An accomplished entertainer, Rita has been performing since the age of 15. To date, she has released eight albums and has had her music featured on several soundtracks in-

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

The Hangover District 9 Inglorious g Bastards Julie & Julia Angels & Demons

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RATING: 9 OUT OF 10 HEADS

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cluding Roadkill and Highway 61.

But beyond the blues arena, Rita creates her own unique sound that is a blend of musical influences. Her songs shimmer with blues-based rock undertones, jazz riffs, Cajun and country-tinged melodies blended with a folk-roots flavour.

Rita’s talents have not gone without recognition. In 2009, she was honoured by winning The Canadian Folk Music Award for the best solo world artist of the year for her recording, Cuore . . . the Italian Sessions.

The highly-anticipated show will begin at 8 p.m. at Bud’s Bar and Lounge in Invermere on Thursday, January 21st.

Tickets aren’t available in advance but will be sold for $20 at the door.

For more information please contact 250-342-5873.

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The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

January 8, 2010

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

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

Wednesday, January 13th: • Registration and first session of winter junior curling, $20 fee for six sessions. Up to Grade 5 starts at 3:30 p.m., Grade 6 and up starts at 4:30 p.m.

Please arrive early to register. All levels welcome.

Bring care-card number. For info: 250-341-7700.

• 7 p.m.: Goodbye Solo screens in the Cinefest at Pynelogs Winter Film Series by Columbia Valley Arts. For info: 250-342-4423.

• 7 p.m.: Regional District of East Kootenay town hall meeting at Brisco Community Hall. For info: 1-888-478-7335.

• Snowed In Comedy Tour at Bud’s Bar & Lounge, featuring Glen Wool, Craig Campbell, Dan Quinn and Ed Byrne. For info: 250-342-2965.

Toby Theatre

Thursday, January 14th:

• January 6th-9th, 7:30 p.m.: The Twilight Saga: New Moon • January 13th-16th, 7:30 p.m.: Old Dogs

• 1-4 p.m.: Combined H1N1 and seasonal flu clinic at Invermere Public Health Unit. By appointment only. For info: 250-342-2360.

Friday, January 8th:

Friday, January 15th:

• 7 p.m.: Regional District of East Kootenay town hall meeting at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort. For info: 1-888-478-7335.

• 7 p.m.: Folk/pop duo The Human Statues performs at David Thompson Secondary School for Columbia Valley Arts Council. Tickets $20 for adults, $10 for students. For info: 250-342-4423.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey team plays Princeton at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey team plays Spokane at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Thursday, January 21st:

Saturday, January 16th:

• 8 p.m.: Rita Chiarelli performs at Bud’s Bar & Lounge. Tickets $20. For info: 250-342-5873.

Saturday, January 9th: • January 9th-10th: Columbia Valley Bighorns football team are holding a bottle drive in Invermere.

For early pick-up, call Darla at 250-688-0256 or Joe at 250-341-1032.

Sunday, January 10th: • 7 p.m.: Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at Invermere Community Hall. Tickets $20. All proceeds for the Lake Windermere Whiteway.

Monday, January 11th: • 4 p.m.: Winter session of Columbia Valley Otters swimming lessons starts. For info: 250-347-9562.

• 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Making Connections, a free program for parents with children in kindergarten to Grade 6 begins. Learn how to build your child’s school success. Run by the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy until March 1st. To register: 250-3429576.

• Eight-week session of aquajogging begins at Radium Hot Springs pools. To register, call Jill at Kutenai Aquatics at 250-342-5979.

• 10:30-11:45 a.m.: Six-week snowshoeing fitness class begins. All levels. Cost: $60. To register, contact Columbia Valley Life Sports at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• 7:30 p.m.: College of the Rockies presents film Shining Spirit: The Musical Journey of Jamyang Yeshi at the David Thompson Secondary School auditorium, with a live performance by Jamyang himself. Tickets $10. For info: 250-342-3210.

• 7:30 p.m.: Rockies Hockey team plays Kimberley at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Sunday, January 17th: • 12:30-1:45 p.m.: Eight-week Nordic pole walking clinic with Can-Pro certified coach begins. All levels. Cost: $70. Poles included. To register, contact Columbia Valley Life Sports at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

• January 17th-24th: Nordic Ski Festival at Nipika Mountain Resort. For info: 250-342-6516.

Tuesday, January 19th: • 10-11 a.m.: Six-week snowshoeing fitness class begins. All levels. Cost: $60. To register, contact Columbia Valley Life Sports at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

Open daily 9am to 5pm Visit Panorama’s snow report online for current trail conditions

Panoramaresort.com

250-341-4101 or ext 4101

Wednesday, January 20th:

Friday, January 22nd: • The Olympic Torch Relay passes through the Columbia Valley. Celebrations will be held in Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats.

• January 22nd-24th: Bonspiel on the Lake at Kinsmen Beach and Invermere Curling Club. For info: 250-342-3315.

• January 22nd-24th: Fairmont Hot Springs Fire and Ice Festival. Free BBQ, ice-carving competition, fun ski races, live entertainment, Canadian-themed dinner gala at Hoodoo Grill, and local artists’ display at Smoking Waters Cafe.

Saturday, January 23rd: • 9 a.m.: Winterfest in Radium. Pancake breakfast, snowman-building contest, ice-sculpting contest, fire pits, potato cook-off and entertainment. Fireworks finale at 5:30 p.m. For info: 250-347-9331.

• 6:30-9:30 p.m.: Cooking in the Mountains culinary experience with Canadian expert Gail Hall at the Residences at Fairmont Ridge. Tickets $67, include all food and wine. For info: 1-877-646-5890.

• Nipika 30-kilometre Classic Loppet at Nipika Mountain Resort. For info: 250-342-6504.

TRAIL FEE

Present this coupon to receive one free Nordic or snowshoe trail fee with the purchase of a second (of equal or greater value).

Valid until Mar 28, 2009. Not valid with any other promotions.

14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

Filmmakers bring Tibetan political refugee to Invermere for a night of music and film

By Brian Geis Pioneer Staff Politics, mountain culture, music and film — not always mutually exclusive — will collide head-on in Invermere next Saturday night, bridging the Tibetan Himalayas and the Canadian Rockies.

Kicking off his Adventure Video Workshop at the College of the Rockies, adventurer, renowned filmmaker and Wilmer resident Pat Morrow — along with his wife Baiba, his partner in documenting mountain culture around the world ­— is hosting a presentation

by Banff first-time filmmaker Karen McDiarmid and Jamyang Yeshi, the subject of her documentary, Shining Spirit. “For me,� Baiba Morrow said, “the evening combines some of my passions that I am sure will resonate with valley folks: music, mountains, and an inspiring documentary.�

Shining Spirit, filmed in Canada, India and Tibet between 2006 and 2009, documents a recording project that unites Tibetan exile Jamyang Yeshi with his

family in Tibet, through music and the use of digital, multi-track recording technology.

With the help of western friends, Jamyang and his brother Tsundue – in exile in the United States – join voices with the family they left behind.

According to Baiba, Ms. McDiarmid, the filmmaker, will be present to introduce her film and talk briefly about the current situation in Tibet which continues to suffer under heavy-handed Chinese rule.

For the first time in over a decade, Ms. McDiarmid commented, the Yeshi family sings together once again. “Shining Spirit,� she said, “is a testament to the power of music, the resilience of the Tibetan culture and the enduring bond of a family separated by politics and geography.�

In 1998, Mr. Yeshi, a talented singer and musician from the Amdo region of Tibet, fled his Chinese-occupied country and settled in Dharamsala, India. Over eight years in India, he performed widely, and released several CDs, until his life took a different course in 2005. Jamyang was invited to Canada to perform at

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The Banff Centre’s Cultures at Risk Summit and was granted refugee status in Canada. This brought him closer to his brother, Tsundue. However, their freedom kept them continents away from the rest of their close-knit family in Tibet.

Following the presentation, Jamyang, who now resides in Duncan, B.C., will perform live. “To hear Jamyang sing live on stage inside the David Thompson Secondary School auditorium will be very special,� Baiba said. “The power of his voice which once rang out across the Tibetan Plateau where his nomad family still lives actually gives me goosebumps.�

As an added bonus, local musicians Joe Hildes and Patrick O’Sullivan, who make cameo appearances in the documentary, will join Jamyang on stage for one song.

Shining Spirit, the Musical Journey of Jamyang Yeshi, presented by filmmaker Karen McDiarmid, including a live performance by Jamyang Yeshi, will take place on Saturday, January 16th, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $10.

The 2010 Calendar will be delivered to each home in the first couple of weeks of January.

In the meantime you may consult our website for the entire year calendar at www.invermere.net.

For More Information Call:

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January 8, 2010

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

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At Shaw, we are constantly investing in our network to continue to deliver best-in-class services to you. A new Internet modem is now available in Invermere and Radium Hot Springs designed to deliver improved performance and enhanced services, this means faster Internet speeds for you. Plus, if you’re a Shaw High-Speed Internet customer already, upgrading your modem means that you’ll now get Powerboost,™* an extra 5-20 second burst of download speed, for FREE!

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16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

Forest closer

By Pioneer Staff The move to create a community forest in the Columbia Valley is gaining ground.

Last fall, a group representing the proposed community forest wrote to Minister

January 8, 2010 of Forests and Range Pat Bell requesting permission to create the forest on Crown land stretching from Canal Flats to Radium.

In October, Area G director Gerry Wilkie met with Minister Bell to discuss

the request.

“They were receptive to the idea and said they would look forward to reading the letter,” said Rick Hoar, a member of the community forest task force. An open house is planned for early spring.

A Day in Court

By Pioneer Staff

Making BC’s roads safer was an easy call.

An overwhelming majority of British Columbians support restricting cellphone use by drivers.

Beginning January 1, talking, typing, texting or dialing on a handheld cellphone or any handheld portable electronic device while driving is against the law. The fine is $167. Texting or emailing while driving gets you an extra 3 penalty points. For new drivers, there will be a full ban on all cellphone and electronic devices including hands-free. This will help keep them focused and make the roads safer for everyone.

To learn more visit DriveCellSafe.ca

On Tuesday, December 5th in Invermere Provincial Court, the following people pled guilty with Judge D. Carlgren presiding: • Karry L. R. Constable pled guilty to driving without due care and attention.

The court heard that RCMP were advised of a bush party and were patrolling Canal Flats when they stopped Mr. Constable coming off the Forest Service Road onto Grainger Road.

After noting signs of impairment, RCMP conducted an impaired driving investigation.

Mr. Constable was given a $500 fine and a 30-day driving prohibition.

• Charles A. S. Taggart pled guilty to driving without due care and attention.

The court heard that East Kootenay Traffic Services was conducting a road check on Panorama Drive in Invermere.

After stopping Mr. Taggart, he admitted consuming alcohol.

Mr. Taggart was given a 90-day driving prohibition and a $500 fine.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

January 8, 2010

Stranded vehicle pushed off Swansea

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff A long-time second homeowner in Windermere is reeling after his family vehicle was destroyed by vandals over the holidays.

Bruce Parkin’s 1989 Ford Ranger 4x4 with Alberta plates and a brand new engine was demolished when vandals pushed it off a cliff about two-thirds of the way up to the top of Mount Swansea.

The Parkin family of Calgary has owned property in the valley since 1964.

“You feel safe in the valley and to have this happen – it just makes us, unfortunately, feel like we have to look over our shoulders and lock our doors,” Bruce said.

“It’s too bad we have to be more guarded now.”

In late November, Bruce, a teacher at Webber Academy in Calgary, made his regular monthly visit to his cabin at Tretheway Beach.

He was accompanied by an exchange student visiting from Switzerland. The two took a drive up Swansea to admire the lovely valley views.

“At this point there was no snow in the valley and only a skiff – about one centimetre – heading up the

road,” Bruce said. “We had no issues until we got to certain spot, about two-thirds of the way out, and we started to slip.”

Bruce pulled his truck off to the side of the road, and the two completed their hike up the mountain.

A few hours later, they returned and attempted to drive the truck down.

They got about 100 metres before deciding the road was too icy to drive on, and hiked about eight kilometres back to the cabin to retrieve a set of tire chains.

“With chains on the tires, I went a bit further down and then I got to a switchback,” he said. “It was still too icy – I was just not comfortable driving it down.”

So Bruce backed the truck up to a level area about 20 feet off the road and left it there. During December, his brother-in-law Ken Mitchell of Invermere periodically checked on the vehicle.

“I was waiting for a big dump of snow, so the tires could get some grip and I could drive it down,” Bruce explained.

“But a week or two later, it rained and made the ice even worse!”

When Bruce returned to Windermere over the

holidays, during which a plentiful heap of snow had fallen, he hiked up to Mount Swansea with his brother Don to fetch the truck.

When he arrived at the spot where he’d parked it, the vehicle was nowhere to be seen although the area was covered with all-terrain vehicle tracks.

“I thought I had the wrong spot at first,” he said.

“That’s when I saw the truck down in the ditch.”

Bruce said he was overwhelmed with disappointment when he saw the truck, lying on its side at the bottom of a 15-foot embankment.

The brothers examined the truck and found the driver’s window broken. The locks and ignition had also been tampered with.

“Perhaps because they were unable to steal it, they sent it over the edge,” he said.

The vehicle is beyond repair. What makes the situation even worse is that the insurance on the truck ran out at the end of November.

“I really didn’t think someone would try to steal it – it’s such a shame,” Bruce said. “So many people I know are surprised by it.”

The Columbia Valley RCMP are conducting an investigation. So far they have no leads. If you have information, please call 250-342-9292.

18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

YOUR MONEY

Canadian personal debt hits new high Canadian personal debt levels hit an all-time record high in 2009. The Bank of Canada’s Mark Carney warned about the dangers of taking on too much debt, but it seems that Canadians just aren’t listening.

Rather than save money and pay down debt over the past year, Canadians have increased their personal debt levels for the first time ever during a post-war recession. This has economists worried, as our personal debt-to-income levels hit 145 percent in 2009. That means for every $100 of disposable income in Canada, we owe $145 of debt in the form of mortgages, credit cards, line of credits and personal loans.

To put the figure in perspective, in 1990 Canadians only had $88 of debt for every $100 of disposable income.

Why is it happening?

It appears that mortgage credit is the fastest-growing source of credit in Canada. According to the Bank of Canada, Canadians borrowed seven percent more money to either buy houses or to access credit against their houses versus last year. This isn’t surprising, with record low mortgage rates and a much more stable housing market in Canada than other parts of the world.

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Why are economists worried?

Economists such as Benjamin Tal at CIBC World Markets are concerned because while debt levels as high as they are for Canadians may be affordable now, they will much harder when interest rates go up. Mr. Tal refers to today’s interest rates as “emergency level interest rates.”

“Interest rates will rise – it’s just a question of time, it’s not a question of if. And if that’s the case, we have to make sure that when we borrow this money we can afford the same mortgage 200 or 300 basis points higher. That’s the key responsibility now of borrowers and lenders, to make sure that what we do, we do it in a prudent way.”

Other economists agree with Mr. Tal on the direction of rates. Rates will definitely rise next year, says Sal Guatieri of BMO Capital Markets.

“We expect the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate target to climb from 0.25 percent beginning in July 2010 to a more neutral 4.25 percent in mid-2012. In turn, consumers can also expect mortgage rates to increase,” says Mr. Guatieri.

What happens when rates rise?

When interest rates rise, families with high debt

Brendan Donahue BCOMM, FMA, CIM

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Stocks, Bonds, GIC’s, Income Trusts, Preferred Shares, EFT’s, Mutual Funds and more.

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Estate Planning Financial Planning Insurance Planning Retirement Planning

Protecting your family Families with large debt levels should consider locking in their mortgage for a long term such as five to 10 years if they have salaried positions and relatively safe jobs. Families who have salaried wages will unlikely see their wages rise as fast as the cost of borrowing if rates rise quicker than expected and could see themselves with much less disposable income.

Those who have wages that ebb and flow with the economy, such as sales positions or construction-type jobs, might consider keeping their debt variable and focus on paying it down quickly or stockpiling some cash. If interest rates do rise quite sharply in the future, they will either have less debt or have the cash set aside to pay their debt levels down in the future.

Seek professional help There are places to go for help, including financial advisors, debt consolidators, accountants and government agencies.

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levels have to pay more interest on their debt each month. This can slow the economy down as they have less money to spend on goods and services such as holidays, restaurants, clothes and non-essential items.

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MFC Global Investment Management This material is not to be construed as an offer or solicitation. The securities mentioned may not necessarily be considered suitable investments for all clients. Contact your Investment Advisor to discuss your individual investment needs.

GIC Rates* as of January 5h

Cashable 90 Days 1 year 2 yrs 3 yrs 4 yrs 5 yrs

1.00% 0.65% 1.50% 2.00% 2.57% 3.00% 3.35%

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Insurance products and services are offered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and affiliate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the sole issuer of the Manulife GIF Select insurance contract which offers the IncomePlus benefit and the guarantor of any guarantee provision therein. Manulife Securities Incorporated is a member CIPF.

Call us for local, friendly, professional free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 712-10th Street, Invermere

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

January 8, 2010

Holidays make up for slow sales in December

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff Christmas shoppers were on the hunt for bargains in December. The Bargain! Shop reported an increase in sales. “We were extremely busy the whole time, busier than last year,� said Leslie Hecher, manager of The Bargain! Shop in Invermere. “People are shopping for bargains. They are looking for quality gifts at good prices, and that’s what we offer.�

Essentials Department Store also had a great month, thanks to its 14 Days of Christmas sale. “We saw an increase across the whole store, before and after Christmas,� said owner Carrie Rickards. “The sale really helped. We offered more to our customers.�

Surprisingly, the store also noticed an increase in sewing machine sales. “People see it as more of an investment,� Carrie said. “About half were gifts, and half their own.�

Those stores were the exception, however, as most valley businesses said that pre-Christmas shoppers were more cautious than usual. “Prior to Christmas, business was down,� said Al Miller, owner of Home Hardware. “With so much uncertainty, people are being very cautious, and personally, I don’t blame them.�

The toy store Monkey’s Uncle also saw a dip in Christmas gift sales. “It was different to the regular pattern,� said owner Paul Christy. “Before Christmas we were down a little. We expected that, but sometimes it’s not nice to be right.�

At Fusion Wellness Spa, retail sales were down, but services were up, ultimately making December a strong month. “People are watching what they spend in retail but they are still valuing services like massages and facials.

They consider that more special,� said owner Jeanette Riches.

Come Christmas, however, caution gave way to

KiDs sKi & snowboaRD pRogRaMs

celebration as the valley was crowded with visitors. “In between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s a zoo!�

Jeanette said. “This is our surge. It was comparable to last year, we were just more prepared.�

Home Hardware reported the same trend. “As soon as Christmas hit and during the holiday from Christmas to New Year, we were very busy,� Al Miller said. “Visitors were here and they spent a lot of money.�

Toys were hot property starting Boxing Day, too. “The week after Christmas was surprisingly busy.

There were more out this year than last year,� Paul Christy said.

The valley’s shopping trends went against the national average. Retail analysts estimate the nation will see an increase of 1.5 to two percent in sales over the holiday season, compared to last Christmas. “I think we are feeling the unfortunate effects of the Radium mill shutdown,� Paul Christy said. “You can analyze it to death and come up with a million different reasons, but you take what you get.�

INVESTMENTS | RETIREMENT PLANNING | INSURANCE

Jason A. Elford, CFP

Certified Financial Planner

RegisteR now—space still available! Most Children’s Programs at the Family Ski Area at Fairmont Hot Springs start this weekend. All courses are taught by our friendly and fully-certified professional instructors. Novice learners will love the new Magic Carpet ski lift—learning to ski & snowboard is now even easier!

250.342.5052 877.342.5052 877.719.7927 250.270.0270

| | | |

buildingwealth@cmkwealth.com 526B – 13th Street PO Box 429 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 www.cmkwealth.com

Office Toll Free Toll Free Fax Cell

snowbiRDs (Ages 4 to 8) t 5 weeks from only $144* t Sundays First 5-week session starts January 10th. Second 5-week session starts February 21st. Register by February 15th. Price per 5-week session includes ALL lessons, rentals and lift tickets!

boaRD wilD (Ages 6 to 12) t 5 weeks only $189* t Sundays First 5-week session starts January 10th. Second 5-week session starts Sunday, February 21st. Register by February 15th. $189* per 5-week session, including ALL lessons, rentals and lift tickets!

nancY gReene sKi leagUe (Ages 6 to 10) 10 weeks only $325* t Saturdays Join our popular NGSL 10-week skill development program for children with a minimum ability to ski green runs. This program teaches safety and skill development in a fun environment. 10-weeks starting Saturday, January 9th. $325* (lift pass not included). NGSL members qualify for a specially-priced Season’s Lift Pass for only $110*..

Rbc RiDeRs "HFT t XFFLT POMZ * t Saturdays Similar to the Nancy Greene program, RBC Riders is a 10-week snowboard freeride program for children with a minimum ability to ride green runs.

10-weeks starting Saturday January 9th. $325* (lift pass not included).

RBC Riders members qualify for a specially-priced Season’s Lift Pass for only $110*/ages 8-12 or $135*/ages 13-14. *GST is not included in above pricing.

Aquajogging

8 Week Session Radium Hot Springs Pools th

January 11th – March 12

For more information and to register call Jill @ 250-342-5979

Tamela’s Yoga Classes y 9 week session

Mindfulness Meditation

For Beginners • 5 week COURSE Tuesdays – 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Please email tamela@xplornet.com Or phone 250 342 5136 for information on classes and times

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

20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

Need Blinds? Best Quality Call The Blind Guy!

Interior World

(250) 342 4406 AC CO RENT MM AL OD ATI ON S

Your KEYS To FairmonT HoT SpringS

250.345.6116 1.877.646.5890 on-line reservations: www.fairmontcreek.ca

Pioneer Classified Advertising 250-341-6299

Snowmobile club supports back country lodge plan

By Sally Waddington Pioneer Staff The Windermere Valley Snowmobile Club has expressed support for a back country proposal by Toby Creek Adventures.

Currently, the Integrated Land Management Bureau is considering an application by Toby Creek Adventures to build four lodges and launch multi-day snowmobile, dog-sled, mountain bike and all-terrain vehicle tours in the back country north of Panorama.

In November, Rachel Darvill of Wildsight wrote a letter of opposition to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts, stating that the local snowmobile club is opposed to the proposal. The Pioneer published Wildsight’s comments in the December 18th edition.

Since then, Barry Lightfoot, president of the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Club, said they are trying to promote snowmobiling in the Columbia Valley. “We are a snowmobile club and we would be in

favour of it. We are definitely in favour of any kind of tourism in the valley,� Mr. Lightfoot said.

He added that the snowmobile club has groomed trails in Toby Creek Adventures’ proposed area for more than 15 years.

Ms. Darvill told The Pioneer that she received word of the snowmobile club’s opposition from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts. “The name of the woman who told me about the club’s opposition was Aina Cernenoks with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture,� Ms. Darvill said.

When contacted, Ms. Cernenoks — a Rocky Mountain District recreation technician in the ministry’s Recreation, Sites and Trails Branch — referred questions to the ministry’s public affairs department.

Senior Public Affairs Officer Victoria Klassen declined to comment. “The Ministry declines participation in your follow-up story. Unfortunately, I cannot confirm the content of any conversations Ministry staff may have had with stakeholders,� she said.

Your Local Bernie Raven

Professionals

MaxWell Realty Invermere 926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

www.teamraven.ca

Paul Glassford Strata, Apartment & Commercial Property Management

For professional management of your strata corporation, overseen by a Certiďƒžed Property ManagerÂŽ, with the accounting done by a Certiďƒžed Management Accountant, please contact Bill Weissig CPMÂŽ, RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES.

Sales Consultant $FMM t

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

Our six Strata Managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive qualiďƒžcations and experience, please visit our website at www.mountaincreek.ca.

Phone: 250-341-6003

Email: bweissig@mountaincreek.ca

RE/MAX Invermere

Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue Box 459 Invermere BC V0A 1K0

E-mail: remaxbilly@telus.net Website: www.remaxbilly.com EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Billy Thompson 250-341-5168

Wende Brash Broker/Owner

Daniel Zurgilgen www.maxwelldaniel.com

Glenn Pomeroy

MaxWell Realty Invermere 926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

glennpomeroy@shaw.ca

RE/MAX Invermere Independently Owned and Operated 1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459 Invermere BC V0A 1K0 E-mail: wendebrash@telus.net Fax: 250-342-9611

Office: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

January 8, 2010

HERE TO SERVE YOU Serving The Valley for over 15 Years

Scott Postlethwaite

CVCC Contractor// Trade Builder of the Year 2008 0

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

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

You’re invited to see our

• Drinking Water Systems • Duct Cleaning Service • Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration including iron lters that really work!

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

24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501

250-346-6886

Senior Discount

pwallace@confederationloghomes.com

Fine Homeservices Sales • Repairs • Warranty

ph/fax 250-347-2144 glenfireplaceandwoodstove@gmail.com

LAMBERT-KIPP

Acupuncture Clinic

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Invermere • Panorama

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

250.349.5564

INVERMERE GLASS LTD. •Shower Doors•Mirrors •Auto•Home•Commercial

Telephone: 250-342-3659

Jeff Watson

invermereglass@cyberlink.bc.ca

Serving the Valley since 1995• #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

Acupuncture, Fire Cupping and Authentic Chinese Acupressure

Konrad Burek

Come in and browse our giftware

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

250.270.0821

Specializing in ALL types of stone!

15 YEARS EXPERIENCE

Phone: 250-342-9207

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

Laura Kipp, Pharm D. Your Compounding Pharmacy

Kari & John Mason

Fireplace and Woodstove WETT Certified Inspection and Technician Licenced and Bonded Gas Contractor

P H A R M A C Y LT D .

• SNOW REMOVAL • Trucking • Property • All Grading Maintenance • Mini Track Hoe

DCS Plumbing & Heating • Plumbing, Repair and Installation • Drain Lines • Hot Water Tanks

VACUUM CENTRE

• Sanding/ Sweeping • Landscaping

#106, 901 7th Ave. Parkside Place Downtown Invermere V0A 1K0

Registered Acupuncturist Phone : 250 342-6347 Mobile : 250 688-0364 Fully Licensed in BC

Trained at Kunming’s Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yunnan, China

250.342.4426

Cell: 250.341.7227 Toll Free: 1.877.342.4426 Fax: 250.342.4427 redeye48@shawbiz.ca 1484 Hwy 93/95 Windermere, BC V0B 2L1 next to Skookum Inn

FREE ESTIMATES

Please call Steve for a free estimate • 250-342-1791

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

HERE TO SERVE YOU SHOLINDER & MACKAY ACK A CK CKA EXCAVATING A ATING TIN TING ING G IInc. n nc. nc

Septic Systems ste t ms Installed Installe nss d ~ Pumped Pum P Pu ump ped d ~ Repaired Re ire Repair i ed ired Prefab P Pr reffab refa fab Cement Cementt Tanks Installed IIns In nssta alle W Wa Water Lines nes Dug Dugg IIn Insta Inst Installed allled d Basements B nts ts Dug D

WINDERMERE 250-342-6805

LIFE’S BRIGHTER under the sun.

NEW AND USED ARCTIC CAT SNOWMOBILES AND ATVS

Pierre E. Trudel Bus 250-270-0363 Fax 250-347-6948

REPAIRS, PARTS, SALES, WARRANTY, FINANCING

pierre.trudel@sunlife.ca 4798 Selkirk Ave. Box 108 Edgewater BC V0A 1E0

250-342-5047 • 1-888-357-4449 Q Q

Q Q

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential • Garage Doors • Passage Doors • Truck Doors • Sun Rooms • Patio Covers • Vinyl Decking • Aluminum Railings • Gutters • Siding • Soffit • Fascia • Window Capping • Renovations

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

Phone: 250-342-6700

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

ROSS’S POOLS & SPAS Commercial – Residential Installation – Maintenance – Repairs Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Darren Ross

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

4890 Stoddart Creek RR#2 Invermere, BC V0A 1K2

Dean Hubman

Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 250-347-6363 • poolman-911@hotmail.com

Certified Technician

250-342-3052

We’re back at our old location in the Industrial park!

Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

Need Blinds?

Lambert

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

Interior World

window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

VJ (Butch) Bishop Owner/Operator

• • • •

Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

250-342-5682

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

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

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

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats • Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment • Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck • Mobile pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning • Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition • Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning • Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel

CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

January 8, 2010

HERE TO SERVE YOU Cranbrook Pest Control We use the most successful products available.

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE 385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC Phone: (250) 342-7100 PO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0 email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com Fax: (250) 342-7103

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

Environmentally-friendly ironmentally-fr ronmentally-fr onm nm nm men me ennnt y eent integrated pest est m ma management.

Asskk about As Ask aabbboou out ut our o r mai maintenance mainte m ce programs program prrrogram ograms gram am ms PESTT QUESTIONS? PEST QUUE UES ESTIIOON ES EST OONS NS? Vis Visit our website website: eebsite: bbsite: bsite ite:

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT CERTIFIED & LICENSED

ALL WORK

GUARANTEED

www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com info@cranbrookpestcontrol com

250-426-9586

Al Tallman

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

Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357

• Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall Panels

Complete your renos NOW before the Tax Credit runs out in February. Call for estimates.

Tel: 250.341.6075 Fax: 250.341.3427 Email: info@duskbuildingsystems.com www.duskbuildingsystems.com

From Framing to Finishing – We do it all!

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

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO Automotive Repairs

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

Located behind Tim Hor tons • Ph: 250-688-0787

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

• KD Bevel & Channel Sidings • Radius Edge Cedar Decking 5/4 and 2” • Wide Plank F/L Flooring

Box 80 SKOOKUMCHUCK, BC V0B 2E0 PHONE (250) 422-9229 FAX (250 422-9227) Email: mardis@cyberlink.ca

7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL Freight & Passenger

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

(250) 347-9726

• Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems Hand Crafted Log , Timber and Conventional Frame Homes.

Crane Service, Septic Systems, Rent or Hire Excavator, Compact Excavator, Dump Truck, Flat & Dump Trailers, Scaffold, Foundation Forms, Tools.

Call for your FREE conultation and estimate

Call Tim Anderson • 250-341-7260 tim@westernloghomes.net• www.westernloghomes.net

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

(250) 341-6888

www.cordnerarchitect.com

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

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

Old Zone: rare 1-0 game

By Harold Hazelaar Pioneer Columnist On December 30th, the Junkies played the Wolves in a game that will turn out to be the only time I get to play against the Incredible Bulk this season. Having played with Brent Raven most of the years that I have been playing OldTimers hockey, the occasions that we play against each other have been minimal but memorable. This time was no exception.

Early in the game, I was stunned to see the Bulk stop a shot of mine that was destined for the net.

Somehow, the four-leaf clover, the lucky penny and all three wishes from the genie in a bottle showed up in an instant to rob me of a goal and give Brent another opportunity to bestow his funny little giggle upon myself and the rest of the Junkies.

Quite often, this type of misfortune creates a multitude of excuses and reasons for the game to be ultimately lost, but this time was different. The Junkies pressed harder, out-working the Wolves at every turn and, eventually, did score a goal against the Bulk. It wasn’t a pretty goal, but, as you can tell, there are no video replays to watch so who cares: We Scored!

Remember, this was early in the game. You would normally think that this being OldTimers, many more goals would be scored and the first one would be for-

gotten by the start of the next period.

Wrong. That one pathetic, cheap, ugly goal turned out to be the only goal. Can you believe it? A 1-0 OldTimers’game. A shutout is rare in our league, but a 1-0 game is virtually unheard of.

• December 23rd results: the Phantoms beat the Junkies, the Waterboys beat the Wolves, the Mustangs beat the Hawks, and the Black Smoke annihilated Hi Heat.

• December 30th results: the Junkies pummeled the Wolves, the Hustlers beat the Hawks, Lake Auto punished the Waterboys and the Black Smoke squashed the Killer Tomatoes.

CVOHA League Standings Team

W L

T Points

Aquair Waterboys

9

4

2

20

Lake Auto Mustangs

9

4

2

20

Finish Line Phantoms

8

6

1

17

Kicking Horse Coffee Junkies

6

6

3

15

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes

5

5

4

14

Inside Edge Black Smoke

6

8

2

14

Hi Heat Hustlers

6

8

1

13

Huckleberry Hawks

4

7

4

12

Warwick Wolves

5

9

1

11

New year for Rockies

Submitted by Steve Mantyka Columbia Valley Rockies

The Columbia Valley Rockies travelled to Creston to play the Thundercats on January 2nd and the Cats attacked with a vengeance, leading to an 8-1 victory at the Johnny Bucyk Arena.

The Rockies host the Princeton Posse on Friday, January 8th at 7:30 p.m. at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena, and travel to Revelstoke on January 9th to take on the Grizzlies.

The January schedule puts them in Kimberley on the 12th and then back-to-back home games on the 15th and 16th – against Spokane on Friday the 16th, and Kimberley on Saturday the 17th. This game will feature a huge 50/50 draw, so come on out and cheer on the Rockies!

Rockies fans will see more minor hockey intermission games, beginning on January 15th – the Initiation Team will be taking to the ice in the first intermission; on the 16th, the Novice Team will play; and on the 24th, the Atoms will skate before the Rockies faithful fans.

For more, visit www.RockiesHockey.com.

HERE TO SERVE YOU RENOVATIONS

Complete Automotive Repairs REFERENCES AVAILABLE

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Phone: 250-342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

LICENSED

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere B.C.

attheshop@live.ca

250-341-5096

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

N E W S PA P E R

Dave Sutherland Sales Associate

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue Invermere, BC 250-341-6299 • upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Commercial and Hospitality IT Computer Consulting, Service and Support 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

250-342-6008

info@mountaincreektech.ca @ With four service Technicians and two support staff we have the resources to solve your computer problems.

Computer Networks Remote Backup Services Custom Programming

Data Protection Computer Repair IT Consulting

3D Modeling and Virtual Rendering Home Automation and Green Technology Computer Sales and Support

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

January 8, 2010

Request for Proposals Operational Fuel Management

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, in partnership with the Regional Districts of East Kootenay and Central Kootenay, is accepting proposals on the planning, administration, coordination and supervision of a $5,000,000 fuel reduction program to be conducted throughout the three regional districts.

For more information and to access the request for proposal documents, please visit: www.rdkb.com (look under Hot Topics) or, www.rdck.bc.ca or, www.rdek.bc.ca (look under Tender/RFP) For more information, please contact: John MacLean, CAO Regional District of Kootenay Boundary 1-800-355-7352 jmaclean@rdkb.com Closing Date: January 15, 2010

Hot wheels Calgary resident Stephen Aston — whose family owns a home in Timber Ridge — snapped this image of a car on fire along Highway 93 South on his way back to Calgary last weekend. According to Tania Peters of Parks Canada, the incident was reported at 3:47 p.m. on Saturday, January 2nd, just south of the Mt. Harkin viewpoint in Kootenay National Park about 17 kilometres from Radium. No one was injured in the incident. RCMP Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac said the driver of the vehicle reported that his engine went dead, so he pulled to the side of the road and discovered the flames.

Mr. Aston said the plume of smoke rising from the fire could be seen for 10 kilometres.

Parks personnel stopped traffic in both directions until the fire burned out.

Photo submitted by Stephen Aston

“Making Connections” Presented by the CBAL, Windermere Valley

Learn how to build your children’s school success with “How-to-Help” strategies for parents.

A free program for parents with school-aged children (Kindergarten to Grade 6) Mondays, Jan. 11th to March 1st from 5:30 to 7:30 PM in Invermere.

Child care and a light supper will be provided each week. Program is free of charge but preregistration is required. Space is limited so register early. Contact Nicole Pawlak at 250-342-9576 or npawlak@cbal.org for more information and to register.

Ministry of Advanced Education Windermere Valley

RDEK TOWN HALL MEETINGS The Regional District of East Kootenay invites you to attend an upcoming Town Hall Meeting in your area.

The Town Hall Meetings will include an overview of the RDEK’s 5-Year Financial Plan. Meet your Electoral Area Director, learn about the services the RDEK provides, and find out how your tax dollars are being spent!

The 2010 Town Hall Meetings in the Columbia Valley will be held as follows:

Electoral Area F: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 7:00pm - Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Thursday, January 28, 2010 7:00pm - Windermere Community Hall Electoral Area G: Tuesday, January 19, 2010 7:00pm - Brisco Community Hall Wednesday, January 27, 2010 7:00pm - Edgewater Community Hall For more information, contact the RDEK’s Cranbrook Office at 1-888-478-7335 or 250-489-2791.

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

Wade Dubielewicz represents Canada at the 2009 Spengler Cup in Switzerland

By Cayla Gabruck Pioneer Staff Despite a disappointing finish for the National Men’s Team at the 2009 Spengler Cup – a hockey tournament held annually from Christmas to New Year’s Day in Davos, Switzerland – local boy Wade Dubielewicz said he is grateful for the chance to represent his country.

Wade, son of Roger and Phyllis Dubielewicz of Invermere, is known for his goal-tending experience with the New York Islanders and the Minnesota Wild.

Wade was a late addition to the Team Canada roster being asked to play, less than two weeks before the tournament started.

“The Spengler Cup was a tournament I always wondered how you got to play in it,” Wade said.

“When I was asked, I was really excited – any time you can wear your country’s colours it’s really special.”

The Canadians finished with a 2-2 record, pulling out a 6-2 win over host team HC Davos and winning

Invermere hockey hero Wade Dubielewicz was chosen to represent Canada in the Spengler Cup. Photo courtesy of Hockey Canada an exciting shootout against Czechoslovakia-based team Energie Karlovy Vary.

Wade was credited with clinching the victory when he turned away the Czech final shot in the

shootout, edging the team past Energie Karlovy Vary with a score of 7-6.

“I was really proud of myself,” Wade said.

“Shootouts are tough, but I try to force the player to go into a position that puts me in a better spot to save the puck, and that’s what I was did.”

Canada missed out on a chance at the championship game, after losing their final two games to German club Adler Mannheim and Belarusian club Dynamo Minsk.

“We had a really disappointing showing,” Wade said. “We played the Russians in the final round robin game – personally, I thought we had a better team than them, but tactically they played very well.”

Despite the losses, Wade said he thinks the Canadian team was the most talented team in the tournament.

“Knowing we were the best team in the tournament overall and then losing – it’s pretty disappointing – but the experience was pretty special,” he said.

Wade is currently netminder for the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League.

LAST CHANCE to book your advertisement in the

FFINAL INAL DEADLINE: January 15, 2010 January

2010 Columbia VAlley

Map Book

FOR THE FIRST TIME, the Columbia Valley Map Book will appear on-line in full with a DIRECT LINK TO YOUR WEBSITE!

N E W S PA P E R

Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net • www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

January 8, 2010

Pioneer Classifieds CHEERS & JEERS

ANNOUNCEMENT

Cheers to the Wilmer boys for making Christmas Eve so special!

The fireworks were awesome!!

Cheers to all the RCMP, ambulance person’s, Doctor’s, & health care person’s...!! Keep up the great work everyone!!

Health is wealth!!! Bonnie-Lou. Jeers to the morons who enjoy their fast food lunch in Chabot Park and leave the bag of garbage for the ravens to spread out. We really enjoyed picking it up after our ski. Moms.

Jeers to pet owners that let their pets run out of their yards unattended, and then complain about the mischief they get into.

Take some responsibility; no one is purposely poisoning puppies.

ANNOUNCEMENT

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. Call 250-342-2424 for more info.

Bonnie-Lou will be welcoming clients for massage, waxing, facials, tinting…on a p/t, by appointment only basis. Any person’s needing space? I may be willing to share even if it is p/t also??? Excellent location & space avail! Massage therapists, all therapists, fitness/health experts, Doctor’s. I am very open to ideas!!! Must be the master of your profession.

Outgoing, positive, happy & are passionate to help others. www.sunsationsdayspa.com.

250-342-6899.

Windy Cafe is offering 10% off all take out and eat in orders for all of January. Now open for lunch, 250-342-6001.

Storage

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637

s obituary s Delores Rose Nicholas

• • • •

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Storage

SUITE FOR RENT

SUITE FOR RENT

House FOR RENT

STORAGE SPACE

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS! One or two bdrm bungalows, by the week or month! Call 250-3456365, Fairmont Bungalows.

Invermere, 2 bdrm apartment, separate entrance, W/D, N/S, N/P, $750/month + utilities, references required, 250-3423245.

Fairmont bungalow, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 1150 sq.ft. Beautiful wood/laminate, private, fruit trees, $1250 including utilities, available immediately, 250345-6226.

Assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, longterm or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park, 250-342-3166.

You own it, we can store it!

Secure, fenced compounds any size up to one acre. Secure containers available. Would also build building to suit for long term tenant. Zoned Heavy Industrial. Invermere Industrial Park. Phone 250-342-5297, 250346-3011 or 250-342-2100.

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.

Panache Building, Invermere, B.C. 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.

1350 sq.ft. store front property, 7549 Main Street West, Radium, 250-342-6633.

864 sq.ft. warehouse space with loading dock, unheated, $656.25/month includes GST, available immediately. Call 250342-3637.

February 2, 1952 – December 23, 2009

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

The family of Delores would like to thank everyone who helped during our difficult time. We greatly appreciate all your support.

2 rooms in Westside Park, $400 + shared utilities, 250-3423399.

CARRIAGE COURT APARTMENTS. Conveniently located behind Sobey’s within walking distance to downtown. 2 bdrm townhouse units, outside entrance. Sliding glass doors open onto balcony, overlooking private courtyard.

Fireplace and W/D included in each unit. Long term preferred, N/P, $750 - $850/month + DD. Utilities not included. Available immediately, 250-342-8781.

Hillcrest furnished apartments, utilities included. 1 bdrm units, $600/month, 2 bdrm units, $800/month. 250-341-1182.

Affordable accommodation in Invermere, $550 and up.

Furnished, utilities, phone, cable, and some housekeeping/ laundry service included, 250342-6618.

2 bdrm, lower level apartment, stove, fridge, W/D, $800/month, includes power and heat, N/P, N/S, 250-342-6349, 250-3423418.

2 bdrm lower walk-out suite in Invermere. Very bright, clean, large lot, N/S, N/P, $875/month, includes utilities, available Jan. 1st. 2 bdrm, 2 bath upper suite, large decks and lot, very clean, N/S, N/P, $1000/month, includes utilities, available immediately, 250-342-9770.

Furnished bachelor suite available Jan. 1st, $550/month + DD, N/S, non partier, includes cable & utilities, 250-342-6178.

Wilmer, bright 1 bdrm walk-out basement suite, $700 includes utilities, cable, private entrance, W/D, available immediately, 250-342-0035.

Invermere, 2 bdrm, newly renovated upper suite, close to hospital, D/W, W/D, $950/month including utilities, available Feb. 1st, N/S, N/P, 250-341-6080.

Radium, 1 bdrm apartment, $650 including cable & utilities.

2 bdrm apartment, $800, including cable and utilities.

Bachelor efficiency, $550, available immediately. DD, N/S, N/P, references required. Call Don or Susan, 250-342-6908 or 250-347-7775.

Wilmer, clean cozy, 2 bdrm log home, 1 ½ bath, 2 fireplaces, wrap-around deck, fenced yard, mature persons only, N/S, N/P, no partiers, $1100/month + utilities + $550 DD, 250-3429470.

Invermere, 3 bdrm semi, near schools, $850 + utilities, DD, N/S, N/P, references required, available immediately. Call Don or Susan, 250-342-6908 or 250347-7775 (home).

Radium duplex, 2 or 4 bdrm, all appliances included, N/S, N/P, new building. Call 403-2576253 or email bradyh@telus. net.

2 bdrm, bright, close to downtown, cable, internet, heat all inclusive, available Feb. 1st, 250-342-1617 or 250-3421555.

Downtown Radium large 3 bdrm, all appliances, $800 + hydro + DD. References required, available immediately, 250-3476420 or 250-341-1577.

House FOR RENT

Exclusive Timber Ridge Phase III, 1400 sq.ft. bungalow on ½ acre, 3 bdrm, 2 bath, N/P, N/S, DD required, $1350 includes propane and water, private beach and tennis courts, 403685-3134 or 403-615-3134.

Invermere, charming 4 bdrm, 2 bath home, next to Kinsmen Beach, N/S, N/P, available immediately, $1600/month + utilities, references and DD required, 403-246-6680.

Radium, 2 bdrm trailer with addition, partially furnished, fenced yard/outbuildings, $900/ month + util, 250-342-3841.

Radium cabin, $600, utilities included, 250-347-6420 or 250341-1577.

Pioneer Classifieds

SPOT THE DEALS!

N E W S PA P E R

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

Pioneer Classifieds House FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

condo FOR RENT

FOR RENT

2 bdrm condo, D/T Invermere, furnished. N/S, N/P, available immediately, $900/month, utilities included, 250-341-1182

1 bdrm condo on Radium Golf Course. Fully furnished, including all utilities & cable, $800/month, 250-427-4997.

Radium, 2 bdrm ground floor with patio, all appliances, $950/month includes utilities, available immediately. Call Richard, 250-341-6888 or 403613-6815 (cell).

Sable Ridge Resort, Radium, 3rd floor, 1 bdrm luxury condo.

Fully furnished and stocked with amenities, just move in!

Penthouse furnishings, gourmet kitchen, ensuite laundry, Queen bed, flat screen TV, fireplace, BBQ, underground parking, outdoor hot tubs, clubhouse, seasonal pool.

Long-term rental, $795/month including utilities. JOE, 403-830-0799.

Contact

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

www.EricRedeker.com “Available Now” Beautiful newer A-frame home in Fairmont, 5 bdrm, 3 bath, 2 fireplaces, large deck, walkout basement, perfect for large family or singles, available immediately, $1400/month + utilities, 403-239-7037 or 403836-9701, email cleawhite@ shaw.ca.

2 bdrm older home with garage.

Very reasonable rent to include utilities, references, DD, available soon. Reply to, Landlord, Box 362, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0.

condo FOR RENT

FIRST MONTH

FREE!!!

PET FRIENDLY CONDO! 2 bdrm townhouse in Black Forest Village $1000/month.

Call 250-342-0838.

3 bdrm, 2 bath + garage, N/P, N/ S, available now, $1350/month, 250-341-1182.

Radium, Stanley Street, 2 bdrm, 2 bath + den, insuite laundry, laminate flooring, fireplace, A/C, 2 underground parking stalls, N/ P, N/S, available November 1st, $1100/month + DD, utilities included, 403-472-8992.

Invermere, beautiful condo close to downtown, 3 bdrms, 3 bath, 5 appliances, large storage room and attached garage. Will go fast @ $1150/month + utilities!

Call Kevin for evening showings, 780-982-1140.

2 bdrm + den condo in Radium.

Fully furnished, 6 appliances, granite, cast iron fireplace, hot tub, pool, underground parking, long or short term rental, 403861-7754.

Invermere Townhouse with lots of upgrades, 3 bdrm, 3 bath, developed basement, single garage and large communal yard, 5 min. walk to downtown.

Furnished or unfurnished, $1400/month + util, N/S, N/P, references required, 403-6056717.

Top floor Radium condo, unfurnished, 2 bdrm, 2 bath, in suite laundry, underground parking, available immediately, $950/month utilities included, 780-903-0900.

Invermere, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, behind hospital, next to playground, newly renovated, clean, N/S, N/P, laundry, secure building, $800 + DD, includes utilities but not electricity, 250342-7547.

Akiskinook Resort 1 bdrm furnished condo, $700/month.

3 bdrm furnished condo, $1100/ month. Radium Resort 1 bdrm furnished villa, $700/month plus hydro, cable included, N/S, N/P for all condos, 403-2935659.

HOUSE FOR SALE Peaceful creekside 2.5 acres, $639,000. 4950 Stoddard Creek Road, 5 bdrm, 4 bath. See WeList.com, #40848 for details and pictures, 250-347-6532.

condo FOR SALE Brand new 1600 sq.ft. D/T Invermere, 3 bdrm, 2 bath + garage. Reduced to $299,900 + GST, www.cedarwoodglen.com, 250-341-1182.

Affordable condo, downtown Invermere, fully furnished, 2 bdrm, 1 bath, $139,900, 250341-1182.

Misc. For Sale Larch firewood, ½ or full cord, 250-342-5790.

• • • •

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Misc. For Sale

Vehicles FOR SALE

services

Firewood

Free 1994 Dodge Colt Mitsubishi.

New transmission required, the rest in great shape, 250-3456284.

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

Cut, split and delivered. Fir & pine mix, $180/half cord, $275/full cord. Birch $275/half cord, $400/full cord. Larch now available, 250-688-0143.

1998 Honda Foreman Quad, $3500. Bunk beds, $200.

Princess toddler bed w/mattress and sheet set, $75. Call Angela, 250-347-9671.

Firewood for sale Pine/fir mix $225/cord. Larch $300/cord, pine also available.

Delivered anywhere in the valley, 250-341-5551.

Full sized 8 person hot tub with cover. Excellent working condition, only $1000. Call Todd, 250-341-1966.

Electric bed, twin, CSA approved with remote control. $400 OBO, can deliver, 403-239-1175.

Architectural Shingles, 3000 sq.ft. dark green, used 16”x36” panels, $5500 OBO. 2’ x 8’ x 10” white Styrofoam insulation panels, best offer. Call Bob, 250345-6668 Fairmont.

Upright piano, late 1800’s, lovely, rich sound, asking $900, 250-342-5136.

Dry, split, birch wood bundles, $5. Call 250-346-3275.

Kenmore Fridge, white, good condition, $100.00 OBO. 4 snow tires, used only 3 months, P205/ 75R 14 – 950, $200.00 OBO, 250-347-2347.

1998 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4, 213,000 km, 3.0L, V6, manual transmission, $4000, 250-3416287.

2002 Subaru Outback Ltd. Wagon, 179,000 kms, black, AWD, auto, leather, $8950, 250342-4808.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE Yamaha 360 Enduro, runs, comes with parts, bike $500, 250-6881270.

BUSINESS FOR SALE BE YOUR OWN BOSS Anglz Hair &Tanning studio is for sale. This well established family hair salon has been in business for 11 ½ years.

It is a well known salon located in Invermere, BC, in the Windermere Valley. Anglz has friendly staff and a constant flow of regular clients. Anglz provides all hair services 4 stations, a tanning room, waxing/massage room, and a pedicure/manicure area. Seller would stay on part-time as a stylist, under a chair rental agreement.

Call Maria, 250-342-3227.

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

Phone 250-341-8033 (cell) – 24/7. Not on valley time.

Furnace & duct cleaning services using the patented rotobrush system. Call AQUAIR for free estimates, 250-342-5089.

Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-3425089 Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. Dry in one hour! Call 250-688-0213.

DK Woodworks Kitchen refurbishing, furniture repair/refinishing, custom cabinets, mantles, bookcases, benches…etc. for all your woodworking needs, 250-6881335.

Flooring installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood.

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

ACT NOW! TAKE ADVANTAGE OF 2009 PRICING. OFFER EXPIRES JANUARY 31ST, 2010.

Blinds, Drapery, Bedding Customized...plus a savings!

High quality & lifetime warranty Commercial or residential Shannon’s Blinds & Designs Call a professional today; for a free consultation 250-349-7507 or 250-342-5749 shannonsblinds@yahoo.ca

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

January 8, 2010

Pioneer Classifieds services

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net www.columbiavalleypioneer.com CAREERS

CAREERS

services

Join us for coffee and conversational Spanish at Meet on Higher Ground Coffee House in Radium. Beginner and intermediate speakers welcome.

Starts January 4th. $60 for six classes or $12 drop in. To register and info contact Jessica, 250346-3363 or 250-341-1799.

• • • •

Fairmont Creek Property Management

Dog Grooming.

Call now to make your appointment 250-342-6178.

is accepting applications for a Head Housekeeper responsible for the overall management of the housekeeping department.

For detailed job description or to submit resume contact: info@fairmontcreek.ca.

Looking for a job or career?

The Trades Industry Wants You!

SOUTHERN INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

CAREERS

Check out one of our upcoming sessions to get information on specific trades.

Next information session: Thursday, January 20th, 7-9 p.m.

College of the Rockies 2-1535 14th Street, Invermere

Call Today!

Roy Cimolai, Trades Assistance Program Ph: 250-421-9212 • E-mail: rcimolai@sica.bc.ca

FULL-TIME ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER We are looking for a mature, motivated, professional individual. The Assistant Manager will assist with maximizing sales and ensure the effective operation of store activity. The position further provides sales leadership to employees and serves to protect Summit Footwear’s philosophy and image through excellent customer service and product knowledge. Qualifications: 2 years retail or sales experience, proficient at Microsoft Office, and proven track record for successfully training and motivating staff. Successful candidate must be able to work weekends.

If you are positive, passionate about sales, and enjoy working in a retail environment please apply by emailing your cover letter and resume to summitfootwear@shaw.ca

PO Box 790, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 342-6361 Fax: (250) 342-2948

Request for Proposals

Funded in whole or part through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement

FOOD GURU (P/T) Working independently in the mornings 1-2 days per week, your creation of delectable baked goods and pastries, fresh prepared lunch items and seasonal specialties will be showcased daily in the Kicking Horse Café. Formal cooking/baking training is not a requirement; fast and efficient food production experience is essential – as are fastidious organization and kitchen cleanliness. Additional hours may be available, providing coverage over holidays or in other departments.

We provide work/life balance, a good wage, a steady paycheck, stability, and the opportunity to work with one of the finest teams in the country! Email us at jobs@ kickinghorsecoffee.com or fax 250-342-4450. We will contact successful applicants.

GREEN BEAN TACTICAL TRANSPORT SPECIALIST (a.k.a. Material Handler) As a MATERIAL HANDLER in our legendary Roasting Department, your daily mission will be to do whatever it takes to maintain a steady supply of green beans to the Roasters.

Additional priorities include ongoing room up-keep and cleaning, end of day staging and assisting with the loading and unloading of trucks as required.

Despite having extensive tactical military planning experience and international proficiency driving exotic heavy equipment, the ideal Specialist will maintain a positive attitude in a fast-paced environment, moving pallets of green beans around on a ‘63 Toyota forklift. They must be physically fit (lifting required), organized, efficient, and have previous forklift and material handling/warehouse experience. Start the New Year off right, with a new job, a new vice, a new lease on life. Kicking Horse Coffee is now accepting applications.

Fax 250-342-4450 or jobs@kickinghorsecoffee.com

Kinbasket Group of Companies PO Box 2847, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Phone: (250) 341-3678 • Fax: (250) 341-3683

(Positions Available) The Shuswap Band First Nations is now accepting resumes for an Ecological Resoration project underway within the Reserve Lands.

Successful applicants must demonstrate eperience with Wildland/ urban interface management, ecological restoration and associated treatments, and all aspects of the specific position requirement being applied for (>5 years).

The following positions are now being recruited: • • • •

Overall Project Managers Forester (RPF) Wildlife Biologist Fisheries Biologist

• •

Forestry slashing/thinning crews Owner/operators – Bobcat, Excavator, Harvester/Forwarder equipment and/or operators.

All interested parties can send resumes to: Robert Martin, Woodlands Manager Kinbasket Group of Companies PO Box 2847 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 – #492, Unit 3A, Arrow Rd. or e-mail to robert.h@shawcable.com ~ No Phone Calls

For the latest financial tips, see Page 18 this week in…

N E W S PA P E R

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

SERVING SMALL BUSINESSES IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY Call 250-341-6299 to discuss your advertising needs.

N E W S PA P E R

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • E-mail: upioneer@telus.net

30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010

Get fit with snowshoeing classes Submitted by Michelle Taylor Columbia Valley Life Sports Crunch, crunch, crunch. This is the only sound beneath each step as I explore another peaceful trail.

The sun shines through snow-covered trees and sets off a cascade of sparkles against a white blanket that lies in front of me. I can’t think of anything better to revitalize the mind, body and spirit than to venture out in nature at wintertime. Although the air is fresh on my face, I am toasty warm. This exhilarating yet simple activity I embrace is snowshoeing.

Columbia Valley Life Sports will be introducing a

six-week Fitness Snowshoe Class this January. Prerequisite: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Each week participants will explore different locations, including lake hikes and trails between Windermere and Radium. A half-day expedition will finish off the season.

Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity, which is safer for the joints, yet gives you an incredible cardiovascular workout. Add Nordic walking poles with proper instruction from a certified coach, and it’s a full body endeavour, strengthening legs, lower back, hips, abdominals and upper body muscles. The average person snowshoeing with poles can burn a whopping 750 calories per hour.

Equipment has come a long way in recent years.

Snowshoes are lightweight with narrower frames, allowing people to walk with a more natural gait. Newer models provide maximum traction, flotation and some come with heel-lifting bars for challenging climbs.

Classes will be held Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. starting January 19th, and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. starting January 16th. The sixweek program is just $60. If you don’t have your own snowshoes, rentals are available. Nordic poles are included in the cost of the program. For more information, contact Michelle Taylor at 250-342-8737 or visit www.columbiavalleylifesports.com.

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

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

January 8, 2010

FAITH

The right target in 2010

By Pastor Scott Peterson Valley Christian Assembly Sure as the changes of the seasons, another year has come and gone.

Now comes the time for the proverbial new year’s resolutions, when we commit to lose weight, control bad habits, read more books, or plant more trees. All of that is well and good, but how can we keep our commitments?

To begin with, we need to determine what it is we are committed to! Have we discovered the things that really matter in life?

When I was a kid, I understood my father’s priorities: faith, family, and the family car. This became all too clear one summer on a family vacation, when I was playing lawn darts by myself.

The basic premise is to throw the darts about 30 feet into a hoop on the ground — like sliding a curling rock into the centre of the button. The difference is, of course, that the lawn darts (circa 1970s) were sharp and dangerous, a perfect tool for an active boy.

I decided to make up my own game, hurling the heavy darts high into the sky, and watching them stick into the ground.

After a couple of good tosses, I heaved a dart with great strength and enthusiasm high above my head, only this time the dart dropped back behind me, away from the rings.

Suddenly, I heard a thump. I turned around and, to my horror, saw the lawn dart stuck in the roof of my father’s car! My father is a big man (6 feet, 4 inches)

Radium, Invermere, Windermere fall short in GamesTown contest

but moved like a gazelle from the inside of our travel trailer to where I was standing, grabbed my leg and suspended me upside-down in order to render swift justice for my foolish action.

The moral of the story ­ — beside being careful with sharp objects — is to watch what you are doing, and aim for the right target! If you don’t want to repeat the poor choices you may have made in 2009, then recognize the areas of weakness which led you to make those mistakes, and change your course of action.

The very best choice any of us can make is to put our faith in Jesus Christ and His Word.

In 1 Timothy, Chapter 6, the Apostle Paul encourages us to stay away from the entrapments of sin (bad behaviour), and in the book of Romans he admonishes us to remove stumbling blocks. What is it that makes you stumble in life? Make the hard choices and, with God’s help, remove the things which cause you to fall.

Everybody makes mistakes and our loving God promises to forgive (I John 1:9), but it is up to us to learn from our mistakes and choose to follow a better plan and path for our life. In Jeremiah 2, 9:11, the Lord tells us, “I know the thoughts I have for you; plans to bless you, not to harm you; to give you a hope and a future.” Isn’t is good to know that there really is a God who loves you, has plans for you, and sent His son Jesus to save you?

This can be the very best year you have ever known, if only you will accept the truth and love that God wants to give. Each year I live, it is my desire to know God more, love Him more, and serve Him better. I know I am far from perfect, but as I aim for my target I have confidence that I am not moving aimlessly through life.

If you don’t have a target, you’ll hit it every time!

What are you aiming for in 2010?

By Pioneer Staff GamesTown 2010 will not be located in the Columbia Valley.

Until January 4th, Radium, Invermere and Windermere were vying to win the GamesTown title ahead of the 2010 Olympic Games.

But on Tuesday, January 5th, the province announced the 10 finalists that will be whittled down to three

winners in three population categories and receive cash prizes. The finalists were chosen by online voting.

All three valley communities were in the under-5,000 population category. The two finalists in this category are Houston, with 318 entries of support, and Princeton, with 540.

By comparison, Radium had 20 entries, Invermere, 14 and Windermere, 13.

Valley Churches

Lake Windermere Alliance Church Sunday, January 10th, 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Life Instruction.

“Jesus on Treasure.” Pastor Trevor ministering.

K.I.D.S. Church, for children ages 3 to 12, during the service.

7 p.m.: Sing and Celebrate Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Sunday 10:30 a.m.: Worship 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 Sharing Truth, Showing Love Sunday 10 a.m.: Worship and Word Kids’ Church provided.

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 Sunday 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, Sunday 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.

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

• Books • Music • Stationary • Children • Educational

INVERMERE CHRISTIAN SUPPLIES

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

WHAT GOES INTO the h MIND TM COMES OUT in a LIFE

INVESTMENTS GOING DOWNHILL?

This is the perfect time to buy and enjoy this wonderful fully furnished studio unit in the downhill skiier friendly, Taynton Lodge in Panorama Mountain, four-season resort.

$129,500 & GST MLS #K183819

• Radium • Invermere • Panorama • Windermere • Fairmont Call 250-341-6151 or 1-888-341-6155

www.rayfergusonrealty.ca

32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

January 8, 2010