vol9issue51

December 21, 2012 Vol. 9/Issue 60

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

The Columbia

Valley

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1 December 21, 2012

P i neer

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

LAST MINUTE GIFT IDEAS? CALL DOROTHY

December 21, 2012

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Luck o’ the lake Don Steedman (right) adds a new “I Love My Lake” shirt to his wardrobe after correctly guessing Monday, December 10th, as the official freeze date for Lake Windermere. Lake Windermere Ambassadors program coordinator Kirsten Harma and Invermere mayor Gerry Taft were on hand to congratulate Mr. Steedman, who also correctly guessed the date for the lake to thaw during the Ice Out competition several years ago. When Mr. Steedman is not guessing the cycles of the lake with precision accuracy, he can be found ice cycling on — and occasionally in — the frozen lake, as he is one of four men to plunge through the surface during a span of a few weeks one year ago.

Photo by Greg Amos

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December 21, 2012

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

Valley NEWS

Invermere wraps up a year of projects

By Greg Amos Pioneer Staff It’s been a year of capital projects and upgrades for the District of Invermere, with much of the work completed using money derived from the province’s Resort Municipality Initiative.

The district and Panorama Mountain Village partner in the program to receive about $180,000 each year, an amount that contributes towards projects as well as subsidizing the shuttle bus that runs between Invermere and the ski resort. The funds are derived from the hotel taxes paid by accommodation providers in B.C. In all, the district spent 95 per cent of its slated $3.6 million for capital projects in 2012, said chief administrative officer Chris Prosser.

The new amenity building at Kinsmen Beach was 98 per cent completed this year, with a solar hot water system installed in November as the most recent work done. The building’s initial $550,000 cost escalated to $659,000 after the inclusion of additional features such as rainwater harvesting. The project drew $478,500 from

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the Resort Municipality Initiative funds, along with a $200,000 grant from the Columbia Basin Trust.

The building includes a concession stand and change rooms and solar power generation, and its operations are carbon neutral. The $550,000 cost was among the low end of bids that ranged up to $900,000 for the work, said Mayor Gerry Taft.

Resort Municipality Initiative funds also covered the $18,000 cost to build the district’s first transit shelter, which stands near the Sobeys grocery store.

The $759,000 spent to complete second phase of Pothole Park work on 7th Avenue was the district’s largest project in 2012. After a $400,000 Towns for Tomorrow provincial grant and $300,000 from federal Gas Tax funds, the district paid for the remainder of the work, taking advantage of the opportunity to put $35,000 from its water utility fund to extend a water main in the neighbourhood.

In addition to modifying the three-way stop intersection near AG Valley Foods, the project created a new streetscape that formally connects the two portions of downtown with a sidewalk and provides additional parking.

Hydro seeding and tree planting on the hill across from Pothole Park is slated to be done in 2013. There are no formal plans to develop the “pothole” depression within the park, said Mayor Taft, though the idea of making it into a disc golf course has been mentioned.

The renovation of the 1920 Canadian Pacific Railway lodge building near Rotary Park was among the district’s most discussed projects this year, and was completed in September for $150,000.

The project involved building a new foundation, adding a wraparound deck and landscaping and putting public washrooms in place at the heritage building, which was moved several blocks from a private property on Fort Point in May 2010.

Nearly $50,000 towards the building came from community donations and other sources, including two donations from CP Rail totalling $17,500, $10,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust, and a total of $21,000 from individuals and groups. In late April, the district spent an additional $50,000 to assure the project’s completion, bringing the district’s contribution to $102,000.

Continued on page 26 . . .

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4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

SECURITY

RCMP Report

Protect your property from theft and vandalism.

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Submitted by Staff Sgt. Marko Shehovac Columbia Valley RCMP Licensed & Insured

Learn from Newtown tragedy Whenever a first responder is killed on duty whether it be police, fire, or ambulance, the emergency responders huddle together to support each other, as well as receiving overwhelming support from citizens near and far.

In a small community such as ours, we get to know our teachers as our kids progress from kindergarten to Grade 12.

Our teachers are no different when a tragic event like Newtown happens.

Their profession has taken a huge hit and it must have an emotional impact with all teachers. We focus on our own teachers in the valley and we can only imagine how their weekend went. Listening to news reports, I learned what many teachers did to protect their children. It is apparent that without the actions taken by teachers who survived and those who did not, more children would have been lost.

Police rushing to the scene have numerous weapons, protective equipment and training to confront danger.

The only weapon for teachers is the instinct to protect and quick thinking on their feet. The detachment works closely with our local teachers and recognizes and acknowledges the impact this has on each of them. Let us learn what we can from this and carry on.

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Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a happy New Year.

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• On December 14th at 4 p.m., the Columbia Valley detachment received a report of theft of a necklace from a 2007 Ford F-150 pickup truck in the 4900 block of Cedar Crescent in Canal Flats.

• On December 14th at 6:37 p.m., the detachment received a report of theft of tools from a 1989 Dodge Shadow in the 4900 block of Beatty Avenue, Canal Flats.

• On December 15th at 10:40 a.m., the Columbia Valley detachment received a report of break and enter at the civic centre in Canal Flats. A number of food items were taken and decorations were taken down. Anyone with information regarding the events in Canal Flats is requested to contact the detachment.

• On December 14th, as a result of a curfew check on an adult man, charges will be recommended of breaching a court order.

RSS

RSS

Share the gift of reading Corporal Grant Simpson has requested this be passed on. The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy is involved in a program where books are donated to families through the food hamper program. Books can be dropped off at Valley Foods and Sobeys. Detachment members will be assisting with this program. We encourage everyone to get involved and unload some of your books at home.

Give your head a shake I often dig into the past to come up with some of the stories I share, but some just happen to fall into my lap, like this morning during school patrols.

I was present when a young driver with an ‘N’ displayed on the car stopped to pick up another student.

That brought the total up to three in the car. The driver failed to look in his rear view mirror. Easy pickin’s!

He didn’t have a chance to drive away before I drove up beside him to have a chat. I put it to him that my guess was he had one too many people in the car and one was going to have to walk to school.

I noticed a man in the front passenger seat and a very good looking girl in the back seat. What I observed next caused me concern for the type of leaders we are training today to make the big decisions in the future.

The male passenger climbed out to let the girl out and then got back in the car. I stared down at the driver, who had a blank look on his face and I commented, “Guy, give your head a shake. Choice between the guy or the good looking girl, and she is walking?”

I caught up to the walking girl and rolled down my window to let her know I’d had a stern chat with her friend and she should have a chat with him later. Fathers, please talk to your sons.

Merry Christmas On behalf of the detachment officers and staff I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. Enjoy your time with family over the next week. Kids coming home from college and university to meet up with friends, keep it safe.

P.S. A note to a new young friend of mine: I will compromise and say reddish pink. Your homework over the Christmas break is to learn what it means to compromise!

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5

December 21, 2012

Radium mother and son recovering after tragic accident

Happy Holidays!

The Library will be closed from December 23rd, 2012 until January 1st, 2013.

We will reopen January 2nd with regular hours.

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff A young mother and her toddler are recovering at home after a two-vehicle collision last week that claimed the life of a Radium woman.

Lindsay Jones, 27, and her son Brodie, 4, of Radium Hot Springs, were both injured in the accident, which took place shortly after 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 12th. Tragically, the second driver involved in the crash, Shirley Dian Hudson, 63, died at the scene.

“A southbound Dodge Dakota lost control and crossed the centre line and was struck by a northbound Chevy Silverado,” said Corporal Shayne Parker, of East Kootenay Traffic Services, in a media release.

Ms. Jones, the driver of the northbound, black Chevrolet pickup truck, was badly injured in the impact, which tore all the muscles in her back, chest and ribs, as well as damaging soft tissue. Her kidneys were also severely bruised, and bleeding at one point.

Meanwhile Brodie, securely strapped into his car seat, was virtually uninjured. Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac, of the Columbia Valley RCMP, credits the properly installed child seat with saving the four-year-old from being seriously hurt.

“The little boy came out of the accident with scratches on his chin,” he said. “If there ever was an argument for putting in a child seat properly, that is it.”

On the morning of December 12th, Ms. Jones had just dropped her daughter Mariah, 6, off at elementary school in Invermere, and was heading north to Edgewater to deliver her son to his early learning program.

On the stretch of the highway beside St. Paul’s Catholic Church, about three kilometres north of the Invermere crossroads, she reported seeing the tan Dodge pickup truck, driven by Ms. Hudson, lose control. After the driver attempted to correct her course, the vehicle headed sideways across the road towards Ms. Jones, she said.

The truck collided with the front of Ms. Jones’ truck, sending it off the east side of the highway. While the black Chevrolet lodged in the snow at the top of the

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HEALING — Lindsay Jones and her son Brodie are getting back on their feet after being involved in a serious twovehicle collision near Invermere last week. Photo submitted embankment, Ms. Hudson’s Dakota slid to the base of the approximately 25-foot (7.5 metre) slope.

“This probably took place in about three or four seconds and then I was in the ditch and everything went silent,” Ms. Jones said.

Fellow drivers arriving at the accident scene ran to help her, Brodie and Ms. Hudson. While Ms. Jones banged on the windshield to attract attention, another parent, Robin Peters, who had been making the same elementary school drop-off, was the first to reach the vehicle containing her and her son.

The air in the truck cab was thick with white powder from the airbag deploying, which Ms. Jones, in her disoriented state, thought to be smoke.

Continued on page 23 . . .

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6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

perspective Historical Lens

Prophesies on ice

Frozen lake fliers

By Greg Amos Pioneer Staff

Winter is finally settling in to the Columbia Valley, just in time for the arrival of holiday vacationers, the first turns of the augers for eager ice fishers, the starting strides of graceful skaters, and of course, the realization of ancient Mayan prophecies.

For those of you living under a rock, our culture is currently gripped by rampant speculation around the Mayan calendar that ends today, and what it means for humanity. Predictions range from utter doom to spiritual awakenings across the globe.

But back to the ice for a second. As of one week ago today, district staff measured an ice thickness of 2.75 inches on the lake. That’s approaching safe levels for the aforementioned activities, but before running onto the lake, take note of a few key facts, as mentioned by Danny Osbourne is his submitted article on page 14.

Lake Windermere is a large lake with many creeks feeding into it and a few upwellings of warmer water.

All these temperature gradients create some pretty dramatic differences in ice thickness, so it pays to play it safe and consult the local wisdom before making plans on the lake. Small trees or branches placed near these hot spots on the ice are one local means of conveying possible dangers lurking below.

As Mayor Gerry Taft mentioned to me, the district samples the ice thickness roughly twice each week, and won’t be setting up any hockey rinks or related Whiteway activities until it’s deemed completely safe. And the gates to Kinsmen Beach, occasionally locked by the district on the recommendation of Columbia Valley RCMP, are not an invitation to off-road it to another lake access point and tempt fate by driving on the ice.

That said, those who take this approach today may find it an especially effective means of fulfilling end-ofthe-Mayan-calendar apocalyptic predictions. Your world could end in a way the Mayans could not even fathom!

That said, I wish all valley residents a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Crew and actors set up a shoot for a flying scene in the movie “Snowblind”, filmed on Lake Windermere in 1923. If you have any information on this or any other Historical Lens photo, e-mail us at info@cv-pioneer.com .

Photo C141 courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Shopping local supports economy Dear Editor: I want to thank the participating businesses in Invermere for the annual Ladies Night Out on Monday, December 10th. I appreciate the extra work and money that this costs the businesses as they stay open late, prepare some great snacks and beverages, and give discounts. Each store also gave away a $100 gift certificate for a lucky winner.

I was disappointed that the streets were not busy with ladies taking advantage of this event because without good attendance, we will lose another opportunity to give back. The businesses give to the customers and the customers give back to the businesses. That’s how living and working in a community should go.

I believe strongly in supporting local because I see the benefit to myself and my neighbours having jobs here. I see the value in only driving a short dis-

tance to get what I need sold by people that I have relationships with.

My family is not of the wealthy variety and so we do watch where our money goes, but we are able to survive right here in the valley, buying goods and services from the valley. I heard a story about a mother who had just returned home from Cranbrook and said how exhausted she was from shopping all day in town. In the next breath, she spoke about her disappointment with the fact her son couldn’t find a job here. It’s very interesting that we don’t make the connection.

Yes, I do shop in Cranbrook, but rarely. The reality is Cranbrook does not come to Invermere to shop.

If you work in the valley, is not the valley worth your support?

Jackie Lysak, Invermere

The Columbia Valley

Pioneer

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Rose-Marie Regitnig Publisher

Greg Amos Editor

Kate Irwin Reporter/ Special Publications Editor

Kristian Rasmussen Reporter

Dean Midyette Advertising Sales

Angela Krebs Advertising Sales

Emily Rawbon Graphic Design

Amanda Diakiw Office Administrator/ Classified Sales

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7

December 21, 2012

LETTERS

Nazi thread has no place in Kain’s legacy Dear Editor: Following your interview with author Keith Powell about the “historical fiction” book he’s flogging, I felt compelled to give your readers a heads up on how some of us from the Conrad Kain Centennial Society felt about the liberties he took when fictionalizing certain parts of Kain’s life.

A good starting point is in last week’s paper with Mr. Powell’s misleading claim about Kain trying to blow up Jumbo Glacier with dynamite. In his words, “It went off early and just about killed them both.”

The true story is much better than that, and can be found in Kain’s popular biography, “Where the Clouds Can Go”.

Several of us in the Kain society read “Raising Kain” when it first appeared last winter, winced, and privately hoped it would die a quiet death. But Powell’s relentless self promotion of the book seems to be paying off — the book’s still with us.

His attempt to “cheese-up” Conrad’s life story by introducing a bizarre and distasteful link to the Nazi era that developed in Europe many years after Kain’s death have many Kain fans shaking their heads in disbelief. In places the Nazi thread is so farcical that by rubbing up against the often heroic drama of Kain’s life, some of the best parts of his true story become tainted by association and the reader is left not knowing what to believe.

Out of courtesy to the memory of Kain in the valley, his wife’s descendants, and Kain fans everywhere, if Powell had only gone to the effort of running this wacky Nazi theme by his production team, surely they would have tried to talk him out of it. And if that had been the case, why didn’t he listen?

Pat Morrow, Wilmer Chair, Conrad Kain Centennial Society

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Correction In the story titled “Toddler fights for life with each breath,” in the December 14th edition of The Pioneer it was reported that Zoey Sagar-Massie’s battle with Jeune’s Syndrome took a turn for the worse in May 2010. Zoey’s battle actually worsened in May 2011. The Pioneer regrets the error.

We want to hear from you Email your letters to info@cv-pioneer.com or visit our website at www. columbiavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at 1008-8th Avenue.

Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open letters or third-party letters.

Letters for publication should be no longer than 400 words, and must include the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please.

Letters may be shortened for space

requirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy.

Please state your connection to the subject you’re writing about so that readers can judge your credibility and motivation. Please ensure that the facts cited in your letter are accurate. You are entitled to your own heartfelt opinion, but not to your own facts. Errors of fact mean either that we can’t run your letter or that we will have to run it with an accompanying correction.

Opinions expressed are those of the writer, not The Pioneer.

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

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R DE K

Ho liday Hours CRANBROOK OFFICE Regular Hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

During the holiday season, the only change to those regular hours is as follows: December 24 8:30am-3:00pm December 25 Closed December 26 Closed December 31 8:30am-3:00pm January 1 Closed

COLUMBIA VALLEY OFFICE Regular Hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm (closed 12pm to 1pm).

During the holiday season, the only change to those regular hours is as follows: December 24 8:30am-3:30pm (closed 12pm-1pm) December 25 Closed December 26 Closed December 31 8:30am-3:00pm (closed 12pm-1pm) January 1 Closed

COLUMBIA VALLEY LANDFILL December 24 December 25 December 31 January 1

9:00am-3:30pm Closed 9:00am-3:30pm Closed

All other days through the holiday season, the Landfills will be open from 9:00am to 6:00pm.

For more information, call the RDEK at 250-342-0061 or 1-888-478-7335

Dear Editor: Most of us are aware that Friday, December 21st, 2012, is the end of one of the calendars of the Mayan culture. It has been said, prophesied, that something is going to occur on this date to change our world. Some say it is the end of the world as we know it, and others say it is the beginning of a new era of civilization.

This calendar is not an ordinary calendar based on nature’s cycles or the movement of celestial bodies or anything of a physical nature. It’s based on spiritual aspects related to consciousness and energy regarding the evolution of thought, its expression, and the experience created by humanity within the context of life.

The calendar spanned a period of 16.4 billion years and actually documented points of transition and transformation within human consciousness.

Consciousness as energy is the only thing that is, oc-

cupying all space and form as varying frequencies of vibrational substance, spiritual substance of life, light and love.

We name it spirit, or God, or the creator; it is life itself.

Human consciousness has been veiled to limit our knowledge of self and life, basically who and what we are and how we and life work.

We are here on Earth to play with thoughts and ideas and concepts that have the ability to manifest as form and circumstance and events.

December 21st, 2012 is when we as human beings come to realize the reality of who and what we are, and what we have accomplished by being human.

You can change your life by changing your mind, that which you give thought to. God blesses everyone, as itself.

Mark Pocock Invermere

Our MLA is ‘economically inept’ Dear Editor: I would like to clear up a misunderstanding posted in the Cheers and Jeers section of your newspaper. Columbia River - Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald spoke on the CBC morning show a few weeks ago regarding his opposition to Jumbo Glacier Resort.

Some very astute questions were asked by the early morning host. One question was: why are you against the approval of Jumbo Glacier Resort, considering both Mike Harcourt and Glen Clark had been vocal in their support of the project?

The other question asked of Mr. Macdonald was: would you be in favour of the possibility of hundreds of

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jobs being created by this project? In my opinion, Mr. Macdonald avoided and fumbled both questions.

I called CBC’s Talkback line and suggested he remember a political phrase coined by Bill Clinton in 1992: “It’s the economy, stupid”. I thought Mr. Harcourt and Mr. Clark had both understood this political truism.

I would never call Mr. Macdonald stupid when describing his understanding of the valley economy, and I deeply apologize for any confusion. “Economically inept” or “out of touch” would be much more accurate in describing his grasp of our situation around here.

Monroe Hunsicker Dry Gulch

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NOTICE OF HOLIDAY CLOSURE

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

N E W S PA P E R

Please note that the Pioneer office will be closed from Saturday, December 22nd until Sunday December 30th. Opening 8:30 a.m. December 31st.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9

December 21, 2012

Santa Pictures with

Santa will be available for photos at Copper Point Resort for children, dogs and parents!

December 22nd Cost: $15 with proceeds going to support the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and ICAN.

Times: 11 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 4 pm

Giving back at Copper Point Resort Copper Point Resort, along with The Christmas Bureau of the Columbia Valley, will be sponsoring a family this holiday season and will be collecting non-perishable food to go in the hamper to be delivered just before Christmas. If anyone in the community would like to support us, you can drop your food item off in our hamper located in the lobby of the resort.

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10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

Wolverine numbers investigated

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff One of the most secretive animals in the East Kootenays is finding itself in the spotlight as researchers begin to unearth the hidden world of the wolverine.

Dr. Tony Clevenger, who is a research scientist at the Western Transportation Institute at Montana State University, along with a host of citizen scientist volunteers, has set out to record populations of wolverines and the effects of the TransCanada Highway on their genetics and movements in Banff, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks.

Currently in the second and final year of the study, which began in the winter of 2010, the group has used non-invasive hair traps and remote cameras to track the whereabouts of the animals.

“We have found there are 22 individuals captured by hair trapping: 15 males and seven females,” Dr. Clevenger said.

The hair samples of the wolverines were gained by hanging 48 beaver carcasses in trees with barbed wire wrapped around the trunk. The wolverines accessed the carcasses by climbing up the tree, leaving behind small amounts of fur in the barbed wire.

The survey sites were spread out over 6,000 square kilometres and checked via cross-country skiing volunteers three times during the season, at 30-day intervals.

“They’re all exciting trips, many quite fatiguing and cold, but all quite fun in their own way,” Dr. Clevenger added. “No one saw a wolverine, but we saw hundreds of tracks, many fresh, and on a few occasions we were only minutes behind the wolverines.”

In the first year of the study, 40 volunteers signed up for the adventure of tracking down the Kootenays’ most elusive creature. Volunteer numbers have more than doubled this winter with participants hailing from as far away as Quebec and Vancouver.

“Citizen science, we realized, was critical given the large extents of our study area, our full time crew of four people, and the need for assistance in setting hair traps, covering large areas, and safety,” Dr. Clevenger said.

“There are many experienced backcountry skiers in this area, many see wolverines or their tracks while out, and we figured they would be a big asset if we could recruit them.”

Volunteers were paired with a member of the research staff and cross-country skied more than 2,000 kilometres to check various hair traps through the three national parks. During last winter’s study, 84 per cent of the hair traps were visited by a wolverine.

When all of the research is complete at the end of this winter, hair samples will be genotyped at the Forest Service Conservation Genetics lab in Missoula, Montana. To learn more, visit wolverinewatch.org/blog .

Kilimanjaro summited This trio of local climbers, featured in our November 9th edition, scaled the heights of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro at the end of November, pausing to snap a picture with The Pioneer before beginning their seven-day trek.

Ed Weins (climb coordinator), Invermere’s Brian Westley and Gayle Harris, of Radium, were part of a group of 10 from across Western Canada who achieved the summit on November 28th.

Photo submitted

15 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS December Sunday

9

Monday

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516 13th Street, Invermere • Phone: 250-342-9313

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11

December 21, 2012

Page 11

What’s Happening in the Columbia Valley

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

Strumming for a cause

MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

AS SHARP AS EVER

PAGE 15

Out & About Invermere’s Emily Rawbon belts out an intimate rendition of Van Morisson’s Into The Mystic during the Angus McToogle’s Food Bank Benefit Concert on Sunday, December 16th. The concert raised just under $900 for the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

Photo by Greg Amos

Your weekly guide to what’s happening around the Columbia Valley Page 13

Peace · Love · Happiness

What does ART From the CV Arts Board of Directors mean to you?

12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

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

Movie Review: Total Recall Reviewed by Lizzie Midyette What memory would you like to artificially create, were it possible?

It can’t be rooted in your real memories, else things will go horribly wrong, as they do in this remake of the 1990 movie by the same name.

The world in the future is largely uninhabitable after World War 3.

Thankfully, we Brits are still able to live in the United Federation of Britain (UFB), and what is now Australia will be renamed the Colony.

‘The Fall’, a gravity elevator allows the Colony’s workforce to travel through the core of the earth between the two jurisdictions so they can work in UFB factories. Nifty!

tance, Matthias (Bill Nighy), which predictably, Quaid becomes heavily involved in.

Quaid is aided by Melina (Jessica Biel) who initially appeared in Quaid’s recurring dream. The action scenes are plentiful, wonderfully choreographed, and are engaging. The created cityscapes are visually interesting, but the movie disappoints with a lack of engaging dialogue, humour, or sensitivity towards the intricacy of Quaid’s real and imposed memories.

Overall, Total Recall is worth a watch for avid fans of the sci-fi genre for crazy gadgets, futuristic cityscapes, and plenty of action.

The political climate is hostile and the United Federation of Britain is rife with terrorism, leading to the manufacture of a synthetic police force to maintain a culture of fear among residents of the Colony.

Our unsuspecting protagonist, Dennis Quaid (Colin Farrell) is employed on an assembly line making the synthetic enforcement officers in this futuristic dystopia.

He decides, against better advice, to visit Rekall, a company selling artificial memories to spice life up a little. Quaid imagines being a spy. Surprise!

He quickly finds out that his current life is a fake memory, that his wife, Lori (Kate Beckinsale), is not a paramedic but an undercover UFB agent who’s been spying on him, and seeks to find the answers he needs.

Cue the conflict between UFB chancellor Cohaagen (Bryan Cranston), and the leader of the Colony’s resis-

MAKE THIS YEAR’S FINAL MEAL

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Heures d’ouverture spéciales durant le temps des Fêtes

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503 - 7th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-0057

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

December 21, 2012

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

Out & About Please call 250-341-6299 or e-mail us at info@cv-pioneer.com to enter your event in our FREE listings.

Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may run rarely.

Toby Theatre • December 26th - 29th, 7:30 p.m.: Wreck-It Ralph.

Saturday, December 22nd

Saturday, December 29th

• 4 p.m.: Creative Wellness Workshop Series with guest speaker Fiona Wilfley at Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont Village Mall. She will talk about the current energies in our environment, developing intuition and beyond.

For more information, call Pamela at 250-409-4079.

• 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Karaoke night at the Summit Youth Centre in Invermere.

• 1:30 p.m.: The Summit Youth Centre is going snowshoeing at Panorama. Snowshoes are provided. Meet at the Summit Youth Centre by 1 p.m. dressed warmly and ready to go. Please call the Summit at 250-342-3033 to sign up in advance and for further information.

• 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.: An end of 2012 walkabout between Bavin Glassworks and Arrowhead Brewery. Park at either establishment and wander through these two unique businesses which will offer live music, beverages and snacks.

Monday, December 24th • 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.: The annual Fairmont Hot Springs Christmas Eve Torchlight Parade and fireworks. Join us at the ski area as torches blaze down the slopes, ending with a dazzling fireworks display.

• 8 p.m.: Christmas Eve Fireworks, Conrad Kain Park, Wilmer. For more information, call 250-342-9470.

Tuesday, December 25th

Friday, December 21st • 4:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.: Christmas cookie baking at the Summit Youth Centre.

• 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.: December 21st to 23rd. Invermere’s Killer Rollbots will be gift wrapping at the visitor information hut beside the Book Bar during late night shopping. Includes gift wrapping, hot chocolate and popcorn.

Saturday, December 22nd • 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Christmas Market at Columbia Ridge Community Hall (10 minutes south of Fairmont). Storytelling by local historian Colin Cartwright around the outdoor fire at noon. Featuring homemade items each week: quilts, crafts, baking, preserves, paintings, fresh Christmas arrangements, gourmet food and spices. For more information, contact Donna Rae at 250-345-6673.

• 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.: Photos with Santa at Copper Point Resort. Photos are $15 with proceeds going to the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club and the Invermere Companion Animal Network.

• 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Holiday sale at Sandpiper Studio in Windermere. Warm up by our furnace with apple cider, cookies and live glassblowing! For info, call 250342-7196 or visit www.sandpiperstudio.ca .

• 2 p.m.: Introducing Steeped Tea product line in Fairmont Village Mall at Hot Springs Studio.

• 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.: Free entry to the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort pools with a donation to the Columbia Valley Food Bank.

Thursday, December 27th • 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Effusion Art Gallery presents Winter Magic. Join us for hot apple cider and enjoy new work depicting Winter Magic. For more info, call 250-341-6877 or visit www.effusionartgallery.com .

• 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.:Wine tasting at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort lodge. Tickets $10 per person.

• 8 p.m.: Wil and Kevin Haughton perform at Panorama’s Great Hall in support of their new album Hold Me On. Show begins at 9 p.m. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Friday, December 28th • 6 p.m.: The Summit Youth Centre is going to the climbing wall, leaving the Summit at 5:45 p.m.

• 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Rossignol Demo Day at Panorama Mountain Village.

Saturday, December 29th • 10 a.m.: Purcell Rock and Ice Show at Bavin Glassworks. Multimedia art show includes paintings, jewellery, glasswork, photos, and door prizes. Call Bavin Glassworks at 250-342-6816 for more information.

Sunday, December 30th • 1 p.m.: 50th anniversary celebration at Panorama Mountain Village. Join the CEO for a 50th anniversary recognition of Panorama’s founders outside the Great Hall.

• 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Complimentary kids’ New Year party at Panorama Mountain Village. Back by popular demand! Kids between the ages of six and 12 can have their own New Year’s Party at the Copper Crown at Panorama.

Monday, December 31st • 12 p.m.: New Year’s Eve party at the T-Bar in Panorama Mountain Village. The party starts when the doors open at noon and doesn’t stop until last call at 2 a.m. This year the theme for New Year’s is going to be a blue ice dress casual. Entertainment provided by local DJ Wil C. • 3 - 6 p.m. Village of Radium Hot Springs 22nd birthday celebration at Brent’s Shack.

• 6:30 p.m. Village of Radium Hot Springs annual fireworks celebration at the Springs Driving Range.

• New Year’s Eve party at the Jackpine Pub in Panorama Mountain Village.

• 9 p.m.: Pub Jesters featuring Johnny McCuaig at Station Pub’s New Years Eve party. Snacks at 11:15 p.m.

Complimentary drink at midnight. Tickets $20. For more information, please call 250-342-5557.

• 5:30 p.m.: New Year’s Eve at Elements Grill at Copper Point Resort. Five course table d’hôte menu with a champagne toast. Reservations required. For more information, please call 250-341-4000.

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

• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

The 2013 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup!

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.

(next door to Fairmont Goldsmiths) 250-341-6044 • Fax: (250) 341-6046 MaxWell Realty Invermere/Panorama/Fairmont www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

DANIEL ZURGILGEN 250-342-1612

SCOTT WALLACE 250-342-5309

BERNIE RAVEN 250-342-7415

GLENN POMEROY 250-270-0666

GEOFF HILL 250-341-7600

CHRIS RAVEN 250-409-9323

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14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

May the closeness of friends and the comfort of home, renew your spirits this Holiday Season!

Bill & Andrea Rainbow Mortgage Brokers/Owners

301 1313 7th Ave. Box 657 Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0 p. 250.342.3453 e. bill@mawest.ca

New kids in town!

Deck your walls with canvas aRt this Christmas!

Stop by and see our gallery of canvas art or get that special picture made into a canvas!

For customer art pricing and more information call

1-855-88-IDEAL Ext 104 We are located in the mall on Fairmont Resort Road.

Look for the signs!

Ice rescue hovercraft is much needed Submitted by Danny Osborne Lake Windermere Ambassadors Have you ever worried about receiving that knock on the door by police, emergency services, the fire department or a distraught neighbour, telling you something very bad has happened? Last Boxing Day at dinner time, I received such a knock.

Dinner was ready, our guests were festive, and we were awaiting the return of our visiting son-in-law, John, from his brief allterrain vehicle ride on Lake Windermere.

Suddenly there was a loud banging on the door, which I opened to see my neighbour.

“John’s been in a bad accident,” she said. “You need to call 911 immediately he’s gone through the ice! It’s bad!”

Take a second to think about how you would feel at that particular moment. Your daughter (his wife) is happily putting on her makeup, people are laughing upstairs, the music is on, and you need to make that call. You need to tell your daughter, somehow, and you need to tell others.

‘This can’t be happening,’ I thought, as my heart began to pound, and I yelled upstairs for someone to make the call.

It’s not the only call that’s been made.

Another local resident fell through the ice last year while biking. There have been others, although luckily nobody has died.

The Windermere Fire Department, the designated first responders for Lake Windermere, receive three to five calls for such emergencies each winter. That number will grow with increased use of the Whiteway.

Last weekend, out-of-town visitors began to arrive. They and the locals will be looking at the frozen lake wondering if they should go for a cross-country ski, or a quad ride, or even a truck ride.

This has been a warm autumn. There is barely a skim coat of ice on the lake as I write. Many surfaces are still open. Tragedy is at our doorstep — trust me on this. You have a personal responsibility to yourself and to your loved ones to be informed.

Local conditions such as currents and water depths can affect ice thickness; consult knowledgeable local individuals as to where these variations occur. White ice has air or snow within it and should be considered suspect for recreational use.

According to the Lifesaving Society

of B.C. and the Yukon, if the ice is clear, but less than seven centimetres (three inches) thick, it’s not safe to be on it. For those on foot, the ice should be at least 10 centimetres (four inches) thick.

For a snowmobile or ATV, the ice should be at least 12 centimetres (five inches) thick. It takes 20 to 30 centimetres (eight to 12 inches) to support a car or small pickup, and 30 to 38 centimetres (12 to 15 inches) to support a medium truck or van.

The Windermere Fire Department does not have an approved vehicle for winter ice rescues. Their only means of access to people in trouble or lost on the lake, including the Whiteway, is on foot.

I have a great relationship with Windermere fire chief Jim Miller, whose team risked their own lives on Boxing Day to save my son-in-law’s life, although he still incurred a punctured lung, several broken ribs and a few cracked vertebrae.

Earlier this year, I defined the need with Mr. Miller and teamed with the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce to apply for grant funding for an inexpensive small hovercraft for the Windermere Fire Department. It was declined. I have recently proposed to a local service club that they take the lead on raising funds for this critical need. They declined taking it on, but are prepared to consider making a donation.

We were only looking for $55,000 for a unit of minimal but adequate capacity.

My son-in-law’s life would surely have been worth this amount. This is where you, the reader, come in. I am reaching out to the community for assistance in raising these funds before the end of this coming winter.

When I appealed to the community in August, a Calgary couple donated $5,000 towards the solution. My sonin-law ran a golf tournament and raised almost $3,000. We need to close the gap and prepare ourselves for avoiding loss of life. After all, what is a life worth anyway?

Elsewhere in B.C. this fall, a rescuer was lost on thin ice and the authorities cited that if they had a hovercraft, that rescuer would be alive today. It’s so very sad.

Help by making a substantial personal donation, obtain a donation from a business, assist me, or approach your service club. I can be reached at fromdannyo@gmail.com or 250-341-5038.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15

December 21, 2012 WELL FED - Nearly 1,000 people feasted on 23 turkeys and 6 hams at the Feed The Town event on Sunday, December 2nd, which raised $5,933 and five trucks full of food for the Columbia Valley Food Bank. Pictured, left to right: Copper Point Golf Club general manager Brian Schaal, caterer Anne Riches, and food bank vice-chairman Ron Stainthorpe.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

Edgewater educator celebrated

By Greg Amos Pioneer Staff If the turnout for her 95th birthday party was any indication, the oldest retired teacher in the Rocky Mountain school district is also one of the most popular.

Many of the nearly 40 people in attendance at the surprise party held on Friday, December 7th at Columbia Garden Village praised Irene La Rochelle for her kindness, her dedication to the Edgewater Elementary school, and her still-sharp memory.

La Rochelle worked there as the school secretary and librarian until she was 70, and was a mentor to many new teachers in the community over the course of her career. The party, thrown by the Columbia Valley Retired Teachers’ Association, featured music performed by Mike Smith and Marty Beingessner.

You will love our ideas and attention to detail – Let’s talk!

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Join us for Family New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner and Dance Party favours – Champagne – Midnight Snacks D.J. – Fireworks – Balloons Party Only – $45 Single, $80 Double Children $30, Under 5 – FREE Party and Room Package available at the Prestige.

At the Prestige Inn, Radium Phone: 250-347-2340 Taxes and gratuity not included. Children Welcome.

FRIENDLY FACES — Long-time Edgewater Elementary secretary, librarian and French teacher Irene La Rochelle is mobbed by friends and colleagues during her 95th birthday party at Columbia Garden Village on Friday, December 7th. Photo by Greg Amos

and Happy New Year!

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We hear it every day. “\ The only problem with Blundstone boots is that they last too long.” In our throw-away world wouldn’t it be nice if every product had such a “problem”? If they got better over time, not worse? Landfills are full of broken promises. But they’re not full of Blundstone boots. We’re comfortable with that.

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Join the “Walkabout” Between Arrowhead Brewery and Bavin Glass 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 29th.

MUSIC - BEVERAGES - SNACKS

ENJOY OUR PASSION FOR MOUNTAIN CULTURE! Columbia Valley Trading Co. Invermere, B.C.

• 250-342-3366 • columbiavalleytrading.ca

Ph: 250-342-6816 • Email: bavingl@telus.net www.facebook.com/bavinglass www.bavinglass.com •

16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

Rock and ice show inspired by high places Purcell Wilderness Conservancy in 1974. To celebrate those special times, we will also be showing old film footage by Art Twomey, which will rotate throughout the day on our TV monitor. Please The Bavin family has a relationship with the drop by to enjoy, and thanks to Margie Jamieson Purcell Mountains that dates back four generafor transferring these films to disc. tions, to the early 1920s. This includes a legacy of Some of Pat’s efforts have also included the creative joy, respect and environmental integrity for economic and social slant to help build mountain these high places. culture and manage recreational use of our backBavin Glassworks’ Purcell Rock and Ice Show country. Ryan, Pat’s son, has followed the famtakes place on Saturday, December 29th. It’s a dedicaily tradition with his involvement in the Columtion to our ancestors who enjoyed mountain travels, bia Valley Hut Society and work with Canadian and is also a message of sincerity relating to the slogan, Mountain Holidays (CMH) as a hiking guide. “the mountains shall bring peace to the people”.

Pat will donate a portion of his painting sale proThe understanding among the artists working to ceeds to Awakening Directions, a three-day, youth, create their art by hand for this show is that they are adventure-based leadership program for ages 15 to 18. doing so with the intent of truly bringing peace to the It operates each summer at the CMH Bobby Burns place using the theme of “mountain, ice and rock” as ARTISTIC ENDEAVORS — Bavin Glassworks is holding a Rock and Lodge, funded by CMH staff and guests. Information the symbols. Each artist has used the theme of high Ice Show on December 29th featuring works from a range of valley arton Awakening Directions will be available during the places in an enticing personal challenge using their ists. Pictured is Hounds Tooth Horizon by Pat Bavin. Photo submitted show, and we would appreciate donations. specialized medium and talent. ited-edition jewellery.

Sheenah King is creating hollow The show opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, DecemAfter three years of experimentation, Pat Bavin will unveil a new group of glacier paintings with ice falls, ice beads with gemstones and silver, and Debi Armitage ber 29th, so drop in and enter the draw for door prizes. seracs [ice blocks] and crevasses expressed with pieces of will also display new theme works for this show. Bon- Join us from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for an end of 2012 walknie Bavin will have new multimedia jewellery including about between Bavin Glassworks and Arrowhead Brewery. glass and glass beads mixed with acrylic paint.

Park at either establishment, and wander through these Ryan Bavin’s glass pieces and photos represent his crystal, metal and leather.

Pat’s commitment to sustaining the Purcell Moun- two businesses, which will offer live music, drinks and love of the mountains we live in. Leah Duperreault has created ice-themed pieces, using her torch to create lim- tains started with his involvement in the creation of the snacks. Contact 1-778-526-2739 for more details.

Submitted by Pat Bavin Bavin Glassworks

Late Night Holiday Shopping Shop until 8 p.m. in Invermere D e c e m b e r 21 - 2 3 Shop late and shop local this holiday season.

Happy Holidays

These Invermere merchants will keep their doors open until 8 p.m. to help you shop for the holidays:

Be Gifted, Black Star, The Book Bar, Essentials, her Public, Inside Edge, Summit Footwear, Three Bears Gift Shop, Tiffany’s Thredz Presented to you by Invermere merchants & the Invermere Business Committee of the CVCC

December 21, 2012

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17

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18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

YOUR MONEY Gifting while living

Each holiday season, families and friends exchange gifts with one another as a gesture of love, affection and thanks. For some Canadians, these gifts may include significant assets that usually constitute an inheritance. This process is often known as “gifting while living”.

There are many reasons why people choose to gift this way, including helping family at a time of need, avoiding probate, and the pleasure of watching family enjoy some of their inheritance.

These are all good reasons to gift while living, however, careful attention should be paid to ensure that gifting is done properly and won’t cause unintended tax consequences.

Take inventory The first step to gifting while living is to take a look at one’s own finances. Is this something he or she can afford to do? If a person has enough money to see them through the rest of their life, then gifting while living may be a realistic option.

The next consideration is the type of asset a person wants to gift. Cash, real estate and securities often top the list. While one is not necessarily better than another, these items are treated differently in the eyes of Revenue Canada.

Taxes on gifts From a tax perspective, amounts received as gifts,

that is, voluntary transfers of real or personal property, without consideration, are not subject to tax in the hands of the recipient. They may, however, carry tax consequences for the person giving the gift.

Gifting cash is the easiest and usually the most costeffective to accomplish as there are no tax consequences, provided the recipient is not a minor or the donor’s spouse. In those cases, attribution rules may apply.

In the case of a non-cash gift such as real estate or securities such as a stock, transferring the asset will likely trigger unrealized capital gains.

Capital gains are taxes that must be paid on the profit or appreciation of the asset from the moment the donor acquired the asset to the moment it becomes the property of someone else. These rules are the same whether the asset is gifted or sold.

Capital gains tax Currently, the taxable amount of capital gains in Canada is 50 per cent of the appreciated value. This value is calculated as the difference between what the person paid for the asset and what it was eventually sold for.

For instance, if the asset was acquired for $100,000 and sold for $300,000, it would have a $200,000 capital gain. 50 per cent of the capital gain would be taxable in the tax year which it was deemed to be disposed of, causing $100,000 to be added to the owner’s taxable income for the year.

Some people try to get around capital gains tax by “selling” the gift for $1, as the law states that there must be a dollar value associated with the sale of an asset. While some people might have got away with this in the past, the Canada Revenue Agency considers all assets that are given to others “at arm’s length” to be disposed of at fair market value.

This means a dollar amount representing fair market value will apply, no matter what the asset was “sold” for.

Gifting to spouses or minors In the case of gifting to spouses or minors, the donor must understand that attribution rules may apply.

Attribution rules are commonly defined as a set of rules that prevent investors from transferring assets between family members with the intention of avoiding taxes.

This can seem odd in the case of spouses for many reasons, especially since when one spouse passes away, all of their assets are permitted to transfer tax-free to the surviving spouse. In the case of minors, it’s often best to let any major gifting be taken care of with the donor’s will.

Final thoughts Gifting is meant to be a joyous, happy event and can be so with proper planning.

Before gifting assets other than cash, the donor should consult with an accountant to ensure that there are no unpleasant tax surprises.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning Brendan Donahue BCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor Insurance Agent

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TD Newcrest, Credit Suisse First Boston, First Energy Capital Corp, MFC Global Investment Management

GIC Rates*

as of December 17th.

1 year 2 year 3 year 4 year 5 year

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*Rates subject to change without notice.

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

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

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19

December 21, 2012

Special interests too specific

We have just come From under through a year where most my hat of us in Western democracies have cheered the power of special interest groups and social media for toppling one Middle Eastern Dictator after another. In such instances, we celebrate the “good” that these citizen-based groups were able to effect.

When I was elected a

By Arnold Malone Member of Parliament in 1974, we were told that there were 13 special interest groups that would try to influence our considerations. When I retired in 1993, there were over one hundred such groups. Today, that number runs in the thousands.

The problem with special interest groups is they are interested in a specific cause, isolated from all other needs. They do not need to see the nation whole. If your cause is for the extensive development of low cost housing, that group does not need to reflect upon the need to supply clean water to native reserves. Given the number of special causes that exist, not many would raise their hand to vote in favor of perfection for all areas. There isn’t a country in the world that has that kind of a tax base.

The Northern Gateway pipeline project is often opposed on the argument that it might impact on our local environment. However, from a world perspective, China is the world’s largest polluter and producer of green house gases, largely because their major energy source is burning dirty, high-sulphur coal. If they had greater access to oil they could do a great deal to improve the impact of global warming by reducing their extraordinary dependence on coal.

During the proceedings of Standing Committees, witnesses who appear in making presentations traditionally leave the committee room right after questioning by Members of Parliament. During the Committee hearings when there was an application to build a hotel near Banff, a member noticed that groups of participants lingered in the Committee room for several days as presentations were being made by various groups. After investigating, he found out they were registering the same members in to a variety of groups, giving the appearance that there was a huge groundswell of a single specific opinion.

In the case of the pipeline, the environment is important and must be cared for but so must jobs, economic development and the environmental improvements that would flow from China using oil rather than coal.

Arnold Malone is a former Member of Parliament for Alberta’s Battle River and Crowfoot ridings, and is now retired in the Columbia Valley.

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250.342.5052 | Office 877.342.5052 | Toll Free 866.719.7927 | Toll Free Fax

Suite 302, 1313 – 7th Ave. PO Box 429 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 www.cmkwealth.com

Firearms Courses & Challenges Restricted, Non-Restricted and Youth Licence.

Courses and Challenges offered Call: 403-679-8122 (Mark, Invermere) Serving the Columbia Valley in Firearms Safety

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Eric Rogers e_rogers@shaw.ca • 250-270-0164

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20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

Students reveal Christmas mysteries SAVVY STUDENTS — Pictured, back row, from left to right: Austin Charette, Kamryn Potvin, Colton Mooney, Landon Nichol, Sonny Langton, Harli Prymak, Taylor Lightfoot, Nikita Prevost, Mataya Raven. Middle Row, from left to right: Hannah Nyegaard, Ben Oliver, Matthew Nickurak, Hailey Jukes, Jackson Budenholzer, Emma Bernicot. Front Row, from left to right: Jaidin Sterling, Tristen McIntosh, Jacob Taylor, Justice Lapointe-July, Nika Louw. Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

How did Santa get his job?

How did Santa get his job?

Because he waeted to be famous and because he goos around the whole world every year.

He is SUPER joly and verry giving and trumendously talented!

Matthew Nickurak

Hannah Nyegaard

How does Santa know if you have been naughty or nice?

Santa knows if I have been naughty or nice by sending elfs all over the world to spy on kids.

Nika Louw

How does Santa know How old is Santa? if you have been good?

How old is Santa?

Why does Santa live at the North Pole?

I think Santa is 1555 years old because he has a long bear and he has wrinkles.

I think he lives in the North Pole so that nowone can see him.

I think Santa is 40,000 because he has been alive for a lot of years.

I think Santa lives at the North Pole because he has a big layer of cloths so he’s hot and that’s why.

Hailey Jukes

Nikita Prevost

Emma Bernicot

Kamryn Potvin

Landon Nichol

Will Santa retire?

What is the coolest thing about Santa?

How old is Santa?

The coolest thing about Santa is that he has a cool sled and a reindeer with a red nose.

I think he is magical so he will always stay alive. My whole extended family had him when they were young.

Jaidin Sterling

Mataya Raven

Why does Santa live What is the coolest at the North Pole?

I think that Santa thing about Santa? will retire because I think he likes it bethere will be another The coolest thing cause it is quiet and baby that will become about Santa is that knowone can see him he gives you presents and it is a good place Santa. because you can play for his reindeer. with them.

What is the coolest thing about Santa?

Why does Santa live at the North Pole?

I think Santa has a giant snow globe that he looks through to see all over the world.

Will Santa retire?

Tristen McIntosh

Christine Sherk’s Grade 4 class at J.A. Laird Elementary answered a series of questions about Santa Claus as part of an investigative feature story by staff at The Pioneer. We wanted to know everything about the big guy and were given some very interesting answers to some hard questions.

Colton Mooney

How did Santa get his job?

I think the coolest thing about Santa is his helpers. The elfs are awesome and the reindear are cool.

Santa got his job because he is really good at getting toys to kids all over the world in one nights.

Sonny Langton

Austin Charette

Harli Prymak

How does Santa know if you have been naughty or nice?

I think Santa has a magic globe that shows all the children.

Justice Lapointe-July

I think Santa will not retire because there will be no Christmas . Then everyone will think that Santa doesn’t like them anymore.

Benjamin Oliver

How did Santa get his job?

What is the coolest thing about Santa?

Well when he was born his first word was kids so his parents thought he would be prefect to give kids presents.

Taylor Lightfoot

The coolest thing about Santa is he gives free toys because it’s cool to get free stuff.

Jackson Budenholzer

Why does Santa like to live at the North Pole?

Because it’s too cold for anyone to go there and if some one finded Santa they could tell the wo rld and Santa could be come a swimsuit model an d it would become the en d of Christmas.

Jacob Taylor

December 21, 2012

Reel in some winter fishing fun

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff There is nothing more Canadian than a crisp winter day’s retreat to go ice fishing on a frozen lake.

To fulfill my patriotic duty, I teamed up with fishing guides Kris Deren and Rylan Kashuba of Reel Axe Adventures for an afternoon chasing elusive brook and rainbow trout on Wilmer’s Lake Enid on Sunday, December 16th.

Arriving at the lake, eight kilometres northwest of Invermere, I was greeted by an empty parking area and the silent, frozen shore.

The weak winter sun began to peek through the frosted tree branches as Kris and Rylan arrived in a modified off-road truck and welcomed me to a day of ice HOOK, LINE AND SINKER — Kris Deren, of Reel Axe fishing on Lake Enid.

Adventures, sets up his rod for a day of ice fishing at Lake “When the ice first Enid, near Wilmer.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen freezes over it is like [the and spruce trees tend to make the best bait, fish] almost know their food is going to run out,” Kris said. “This is the while store-bought baits can prove effective.

Trying a combination of a flashy spoon best time of year for ice fishing. The fish are hungry and loading up for the long winter.” one to two feet from a baited hook can I learned that when snow covers the get the attention of fish swimming in the ice on the lake it kills the majority of plants depths for food. The shining metal in the near the bottom. The rotting vegetation re- dark water attracts their attention, causing leases gasses that make it hard for the fish them to bite on whatever bait is being used.

The calm of the lake and beauty of the to inhabit the depths. The biggest mistake towering mountains helped distract me anglers make is fishing too deeply.

With this knowledge in mind, we from the fact that I didn’t get a single bite. loaded up a gas-powered ice auger, fishing Kris had a few nibbles on his mix of green rods, lounge chairs and special, cut-wood PowerBait and synthesized woodworm, but block rod holders into two sleds and be- no takers, which didn’t seem to bother him.

“You get a nice calm feeling when you gan a trudge out along the frozen lake.

“To be safe, I would say the minimum are out fishing and it translates smoothly thickness for walking on ice is four inches,” into winter,” he told me.

Although the only catch of the day Rylan said. “You should come in and drill were numb fingers and toes, I enjoyed a hole 12 feet offshore to start and then maybe 15 feet and keep drilling as you go.” my time learning the tips and techniques Arriving at a grass oasis growing out of of this frozen art. Reel Axe Adventures the middle of the lake, we unpacked our has four ice shacks available to rent on gear and began drilling three separate holes Lake Windermere, for those looking to at 20-foot intervals with the ice auger. I dis- give the sport a try. To learn more, visit covered that woodworms found in dead fir www.reelaxeadventures.com .

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21

RDEK Public Hearing Notices Bylaw 2417 & 2418

Bylaw Amendment - Lake Windermere The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an amendment to the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw and the Lake Windermere Official Community Plan.

Bylaw No. 2417 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 277, 2012, (LWMP Implementation / RDEK)” will include six new surface water zones and corresponding definitions and regulations for Lake Windermere.

Bylaw No. 2418 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Lake Windermere Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2061, 2008 – Amendment Bylaw No. 13, 2012, (LWMP Implementation / RDEK)” will include a new shoreline development permit area and amend the policies for Lake Windermere.

A public hearing will be held at: Windermere Community Hall 4726 North Street Windermere, BC Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 7:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the District of Invermere.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing.

All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Karen MacLeod, Planner, at 250-489-0313, or toll free at 1-888-478-7335.

Bylaw 2423

Bylaw Amendment - Columbia Lake The Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Board of Directors is considering an amendment to the Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw.

Bylaw No. 2423 cited as “Regional District of East Kootenay – Upper Columbia Valley Zoning Bylaw No. 900, 1992 – Amendment Bylaw No. 278, 2012 (Columbia Lake / RDEK)” will amend the surface water zones for Columbia Lake.

A public hearing will be held at: Columbia Ridge Community Centre 6890 Columbia Lake Road Fairmont Hot Springs, BC Thursday, December 27, 2012 at 4:00 pm The Board has delegated the holding of this hearing to the Directors for Electoral Area F, Electoral Area G and the Village of Canal Flats.

If you believe that your interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw, you may prior to the hearing: • inspect the Bylaw and supporting information at the RDEK office in Cranbrook from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays; • mail, fax or email written submissions to the addresses/numbers shown below; or • present written and/or verbal submissions at the hearing.

Submissions cannot be accepted after the public hearing.

All written submissions are public information pursuant to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. This notice is not an interpretation of the Bylaw. For more information, contact Karen MacLeod, Planner, at 250-489-0313, or toll free at 1-888-478-7335.

19 - 24th Avenue South, Cranbrook BC V1C 3H8

Phone: 250-489-2791 Toll Free: 1-888-478-7335 Email: info@rdek.bc.ca Website: www.rdek.bc.ca

22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

Swansea trails to undergo upgrades

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff An $115,000 upgrade project at Mount Swansea should be complete next autumn, including revamped cycling and biking trails, new signs and upgraded mountaintop facilities.

The Columbia Valley Cycling Society is spearheading the work, which will be undertaken thanks to collaboration between local recreation groups and volunteers.

The cycling society president, Adrian Bergles, found out at the start of the month that his group had secured the funding needed to move ahead from the federal government’s Western Economic Diversification Canada department.

“I was very pleasantly surprised when David Wilks [Kootenay-Columbia MP] called to tell me,” he said.

“We’ve been cobbling grants together to reach our total budget of $114,350.”

Half of the project funding came from the federal government, while the Columbia Basin Trust awarded another quarter of the money needed to the group.

The idea for the upgrade project first began to form in summer 2011 when representatives from the cycling society, local trail running groups and local hang-gliders and paragliders met. All three groups are regular users of the facilities at Swansea and decided to work together to ensure the mountains trails and signage are the best they can be.

While the cycling society has been carrying out annual trail maintenance since 2010, they did not have the funding available for all the upgrades members were hoping for.

“Working to develop partnerships with other groups

Join us on DECEMBER 31 as we lau Community Hall - Stanley Street • Displays / Council Interaction 3:00 - 6:00 pm • Presentation 5:00 pm • Birthday Cake 5:15 pm • Fireworks (Springs Golf Course) 6:30 pm Questions? Call the Village office at 250.347.6455

means we can improve the facilities for all users, both local and out-of-town visitors,” Mr. Bergles emphasized. “We want a really vibrant trail network within the Columbia Valley … we’re already at a higher level than ever before.”

The work to be undertaken at Mount Swansea from spring to autumn 2013 will include repairing eroded sections of trails, rerouting some trails to preserve wildlife habitats and establishing a single route from the mountain’s upper parking lot to its peak.

Improved trail signage will be installed, as well as interpretative panels detailing some of the mountain’s history and flora and fauna.

“We will have professional trail designers set the course and a sustainable, user-friendly walking route will be set,” Mr. Bergles explained.

Along with trail upgrades, work crews will also improve the hang-glider and paraglider launch sites on the mountaintop, fix up the surface atop the mountain to give pilots a safer launch, and install a weather station and wind sock to allow fliers to determine safe launching conditions.

“We’re hoping to make Swansea into a showpiece of what’s possible,” Mr. Bergles said. “We want to promote world-class trails in the valley … Hiking and biking trails are big requests at our local visitor centres.”

The Mount Swansea upgrades are just the beginning if local recreational groups can learn to collaborate on projects such as this, he added.

“The cycling society is all about creating a unified local group working together to improve overall access, safety and environmental sustainability.”

To learn more about the Columbia Valley Cycling Society or to volunteer to help with the Swansea upgrade project, visit www.columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org .

r New u o h c n

Brand

Santa working overtime Santa Claus has been busy in the run-up to Christmas, taking time out of his packed toy shopping schedule to pay a visit to Kicking Horse Coffee Company on Sunday, December 16th. There, Mr. Claus enjoyed hot chocolate and a photo call with youngsters. Pictured: Carver Kuster, 3, from Invermere gets a photo with Santa. Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23

December 21, 2012 helped,” she said. “I don’t know a lot of names, but the paramedics and police were wonderful; the docFirefighters and RCMP tors and nurses as well.” from Invermere were quick She is also calling for to arrive on-scene, and those responsible for the helped calm the mother and stretch of highway to take toddler, while also working measure to prevent any furto free Ms. Hudson. ther accidents.

Ms. Jones was trans“That area of the highported by ambulance to hospital, after receiving the dif- TRAGIC LOSS — Shirley way is dangerous, it dips ficult news that Ms. Hudson Dian Hudson, the second and bends and is slippery” motorist involved in a serious Staff Sgt. Shehovac agreed. had passed away.

“My heart dropped road collision on December “My understanding is that, [when I heard],” the young 12th, sadly passed away due in the past, road crews have looked at having that mother said. “My thoughts to her injuries.

Photo submitted straightened out.” and prayers go out to the He urges extreme caufamily for their loss.”

Ms. Jones, who is temporarily in a tion when travelling on winter roads, wheelchair and due to begin physical even when driving a four-wheel drive vetherapy, said she is extremely grateful to hicle with winter tires installed.

A celebration of life was held for Ms. every person who offered their help and support, both on the roadside and since Hudson on Sunday, December 16th in the accident.

Radium Hot Springs. Her family mem“Thank you to everyone who bers could not be contacted for comment.

Fairmont Goldsmiths

. . . ‘Accident’ continued from page 5

Don’t Miss an Issue!

N E W S PA P E R

Read us online:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Thank You

Give a timeless gift

to that special someone this holiday season.

Master Goldsmiths Fred Szott • Terry Szott • Brandon Szott 926 - 7 Ave, Invermere • 250-342-8778

Legal Notice – Snowmobile Restriction Catamount and North Star Glaciers CLOSED TO SNOWMOBILING

Catamount and North Star Glaciers in the Upper Forster Creek drainage are closed annually to recreational snowmobile use. This closure is pursuant to Section 58 (1) (b) of the Forest and Range Practices Act.

UNDER REVIEW

The Province is currently reviewing the existing closures on the Catamount and North Star Glaciers in consultation with local stakeholder groups. The existing Section 58 order will remain in effect until otherwise notified.

Enforcement patrols will focus on non-compliance.

Any forthcoming amendments to the closure area would be on a trial basis.

Tim and Laura would like to thank everyone for helping welcome our baby girl Ashley, born into our lives, June 29th, 2012.

Merry Christmas

Government Rebates • Furnace Replacements • Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems

(250) 342-1167

CURRENTLY OPEN TO SNOWMOBILING • Forster Creek Trail • Forster Meadows • Thunderwater and Whirlpool Lakes

NEARBY SNOWMOBILING

• Brewer Creek – intermediate riding south of Invermere • Rocky Point Creek - intermediate and advanced riding - Bugaboo Creek area • McMurdo Creek/Silent Pass - groomed trail west of Parson

For more information:

www.sitesandtrails.bc

24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

• Full and partial dentures • Repairs • Relines • Rebases

Invermere B.C. • 1-250-999-9191 Donald MacDonald – D e n t u r i s t

Just In The Nick Of Time– We’d like to deliver our greetings for a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all our neighbors and friends. Thanks, folks!

North Star Hardware & Building Supplies Ltd. Independently owned 410 Borden Street • Athalmer

250-342-6226

Brand new lunch and dinner menus at Copper Point Resort...

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

December 21, 2012

Cardio challenge awaits cross-country skate skiers

By Greg Amos, Pioneer Staff It’s been called the ultimate cardiovascular workout, and on Sunday, December 16th, I had a chance to find out for myself why cross-country skate skiing has become such a popular winter sport in the valley.

After a scenic drive to the Nipika Mountain Resort off Highway 93 not far from Radium Hot Springs, I found myself among more than a dozen keen skiers lined up on a flat snow-covered field, trying to figure out how it all works.

Arising from an early 1980s innovation that rocked the world of cross-country skiing, the technique is the latest development in a sport that’s almost 5,000 years old, explained our instructor, Lyle Wilson, owner of the Nipika Mountain Resort and president PICKING UP SPEED — Raija Easterbrook is focused on the of the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club. path ahead while Steve Levitt looks on, as skate skiers learn “Skiing has changed more in the last 40 years how to go downhill during a clinic at the Nipika Mountain than in the last 4,000, with innovations in equipment, Resort on Sunday, December 16th.

Photo by Greg Amos technique and training,” he said. to power their way forward, and soon we were learning how We began by learning that it’s all about balance.

Rather than keeping the skis parallel within groomed to offset ski — pushing mainly off one ski while gliding on tracks as classic nordic skiers do, skate skiers push off the other – as a hill-climbing technique.

This I was good at. What came next — learning each leg in slightly different directions.

“You’re skating the skis out just like you do on hock- how to ski downhill on the long, skinny skis — didn’t go ey skates to get your propulsion,” explained Mr. Wilson. quite as smoothly.

The technique is exactly the same as downhill skiing, “Unlike classic skiing where you have a number of distinctly different techniques, in skate skiing it’s all done which I’ve done for years, just with less rigid bindings, with a skating motion in the legs, and then different no metal edges, and far less margin for error. After many near falls and a few actual impacts on the snow, I began rythyms with the arms.”

Finding your body’s centre of gravity and aligning it to get the hang of it.

It turns out skate skiing is a ton of fun, and I know with the ski’s direction of travel is the key. It wasn’t long before most skiers were using the “drop and pop” technique I’ll be back at it over the winter.

Come try these tantalizing dishes today, such as…

Honey Soy Glazed Arctic Char Marinated char pan seared paired with sweet potato pave, parsnip chip, preserved lemons.

Located at Copper Point Resort, 760 Cooper Road 250-341-4000 • www.copperpointresort.com

Spirited The first annual Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce Christmas market drew a healthy crowd to the Invermere Lions Hall on Friday, December 14th, with the lure of pizza and beer.

Pictured, left: Jayne Magri, from It’s A Wrap! Specialty Gifts and Baskets, shows off her festive creations. Top: Brayenna Murray with her stall of Lia Sophia silver jewellery. Photos by Kate Irwin

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25

December 21, 2012

Festive spirit The valley has been abuzz with Christmas craft fairs, visits from Santa and festive markets in the run-up to the holidays. Pictured, clockwise from top left: Tracy Frederickson, George Gray, Pat Hess and Stella Gray (left to right) take a break from dancing at Smoking Water Coffee Company’s Christmas celebrations on Sunday, December 16th; Margaret Vandonselaar of the Hoodoo Quilters Group sells her colourful creations at the Columbia Ridge Christmas Market, which has its last day upcoming on Saturday, December 22nd; the staff of Smoking Water Coffee Company pose for a staff photo with Santa. Photos by Kate Irwin

We’re ready... are you?

Please email classified ads to info@cv-pioneer.com

Merry Christmas!

10–50% off

10% off

All fall and winter clothing, & footwear.

All hockey equipment.

• Boutique, sports and rentals.

• • • • • •

Did you know we have huuuuge Seniors’ discounts?

Hockey skates Figure skates Sticks and pucks Nordic skates Cross country skis Snow shoes

• Chariot joggers for kids • Chariot cross country ski polk • Headlamps • Ice claws

There is something for everyone out there on the ice and snow – get out, have some fun and exercise.

905 7 Ave., Invermere B.C. • 250-342-0402

26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012 . . . ‘Projects’ from page 3

Mountain & Valley Shuttle Service It’s FREE, it’s DAILY, and it’s EASY! Departure Time

Location

From

8:00, 8:03, 8:06, 8:10, 8:12 am

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

8:35 am

PAN

Adventure Centre Parking Lot

9:00, 9:03, 9:06, 9:10, 9:12 am

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

9:35 am

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge

10:00, 10:03, 10:06, 10:10, INV 10:12 am

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

10:35 am

Ski Tip Lodge

PAN

11:00, 11:03, 11:06, 11:10, INV 11:12 am

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

11:35 am

Ski Tip Lodge

PAN

12:00, 12:03, 12:06, 12:10, INV 12:12 pm

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

12:35 pm

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge

3:30, 3:33, 3:36, 3:40, 3:42 pm

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

4:05 pm

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge

4:30, 4:33, 4:36, 4:40, 4:42 pm

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

5:30, 5:33, 5:36, 5:40, 5:42 pm

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

6:05 pm

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge

6:30, 6:33, 6:36, 6:40, 6:42 pm

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

7:05 pm

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge

9:00, 9:03, 9:06, 9:10, 9:12Central pm Check-In

INV

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG Valley Foods

9:35, 9:37

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge, Central Check-In

10:00, 10:03, 10:06, 10:10, INV 10:12 pm Inve 10:35, rme10:37 re

Dairy Queen, Sobeys, JA Laird, CIBC /Invermere Inn, AG ValleyHeli-Plex Foods

PAN

Ski Tip Lodge, Central Check-In

Please note: All times are subject to change or cancellation without notice.

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13th St.

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10th St.

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The building will be ready for use as a public events space and historical repository in spring 2013, though it will remain unheated, aside from a fireplace within it. The landscaping done for the site also included the development of a bocce ball court area in Rotary Park, while a separate $70,000 was spent to pave 4th Avenue near the CPR lodge.

Invermere Fire Rescue benefited from the district’s purchase of a $410,000 front-line pumper truck, and $20,000 to install new heat pumps at the Invermere Fire Hall to assist in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and propane fuel costs.

A new columbarium (a repository for ashes of those cremated) and memorial wall at the Windermere Cemetery, which is managed by Invermere with funding from the regional district, cost $70,000 to complete.

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

COMMUNITY GARBAGE COLLECTION AND RECYCLING CALENDAR The District of Invermere 2013 Community Garbage Collection and Recycling Calendar will be distributed in the next couple of weeks.

For a sneak peek of January 2013, please go to our website www. invermere.net. The 2013 calendars will be mailed to each resident but if you do not receive a calendar by January 2nd, please drop by the Municipal office to pick one up.

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR MUNICIPAL OFFICE The Municipal Office will be closed for the Holidays from Monday, December 24th, 2013 to Friday, December 28th, 2012. The office will re-open on Monday, December 31st, 2012.

2012 SCHEDULE REGULAR MEETING OF COUNCIL The District of Invermere Council meets regularly throughout the year on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Office (914 – 8th Avenue, Invermere)

January 8th & 22nd

July 9th

February 12th & 26th

August 13th

March 12th & 26th

September 10th & 24th

April 9th & 23rd

October 8th & 22nd

May 14th & 28th

November 12th & 26th

June 11th & 25th

December 10th

Agendas are posted on our website www.invermere.net prior to the meetings or are available at the Municipal Office

TRAIL TEAM — Celebrating the completion of local Greenways trails are (left to right) Greenways director Gerry Wilkie, regional district area F director Wendy Booth, Greenways directors Taoya Schaefer, Mark Halwa, Sue Crowley, and Doug Clovechok, and Invermere-Panorama marketing representative Ken Wilder. Mayor Gerry Taft arrived after the picture was taken.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

Greenways phase complete

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff The Columbia Valley celebrated another step towards sustainability on Saturday, December 15th, with the completion of the last section of paved trail connecting the Castle Rock subdivision to the crossroads of Highway 93/95 and Athalmer Road.

“I think it is very important for our community to have a place to go together and be outside,” said Mark Halwa, Columbia River Greenways Trail Alliance director. “My passion is cycling, and I love to see moms out with the chariot towing the kids behind their bike; two years later, you see the kid on a little bike.”

The current phase of the project is a $38,000, onekilometre stretch that starts at the top of the Athalmer Road hill and runs east to Tim Hortons. The total length of the trail is estimated at seven kilometres and was completed through a joint partnership between the Regional District of East Kootenay, who donated $15,000 towards the cause, the Columbia River Greenways Alliance, who raised $17,000 and the Ministry of Transportation, who made up the remaining $6,000.

Land was made available for the project through the combined efforts of the Shuswap Band and the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Halwa added. The District of Invermere has taken on the task of maintaining the trails, which will also feature outdoor exercise equipment similar to that found at the Mount Nelson Athletic Park.

In addition to the recent trail completion, the Columbia River Greenways Trail Alliance learned that they have received a further $25,000 from the Columbia Basin Trust for a new Copper Point trail.

“The trail will go from the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce up to Copper Point Resort and come back around to the cemetery, then feed out on to the portion that just finished being paved,” said Mr. Halwa.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27

December 21, 2012

Windermere

Grocery and Liquor Store

Watch for our Christmas specials!

Western Budweiser/ Family 2L Pop Kokanee $ 67 $ 99 24 Pack

37

3/ 3

Gibsons Finest $ 47

25

Located kitty corner to the Windy cafe and Whitehouse downtown Windermere.

Musical stylings Pictured, from left to right: Deb Ede and Kurt Reichel bring musical harmony and witty banter to the stage at the Columbia Valley Food Bank Benefit Concert at Angus McToogle’s Restaurant on Sunday, December 16th; Pablo San Martin from Spain performs on the bagpipes accompanied by his Chilean wife Carolina (not pictured) playing a hand drum.

Photos by Greg Amos

Last minute gifts?

There’s still time to order your personalized Christmas gift baskets.

Call Jayne, 250-342-3160

www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

Christmas Pyjamas are in!

A sparkling Christmas

778-527-0027 7535 Main St W Radium Hot Springs, B.C.

The Rainbow Donkey kids clothing store’s (left) twinkling window display is among the entries in the Invermere Business Committee’s annual Window Decorating Contest, held during December. Quality Bakery’s giant pretzel (right) gets a festive makeover as part of their display.

Photos by Kristian Rasmussen

Sunday - Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

N E W S PA P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue PO Box 868, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 Dean Midyette

Advertising Sales

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1939 www.columbiavalleypioneer.com dean@cv-pioneer.com

Christmas Store Hours

We also carry jewellery, leather, books and many more great gift selections

Open seven days a week through the holiday season.

5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Great specials, great atmosphere.

Reserve for new year’s.

Call 250-347-6553 for reservations.

28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

CHRISTMAS MARKET Saturday,December 22nd 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

at Columbia Ridge Community Hall (10 minutes south of Fairmont Hot Springs)

Storytelling by local historian, Colin Cartwright, around the outdoor fire at noon.

Featuring homemade items: quilts, crafts, baking, preserves, candles, ornaments, paintings, fresh Christmas arrangements/trees, gourmet food, spices and more!

Food Bank donations welcomed at the door.

250-342-3033

summit.centre@gmail.com Upstairs, 709 10th Street Box 133, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Membership - a loonie for all youth between the ages of 12 and 18.

Upcoming Events • • • • •

Friday, December 21st - Baking Christmas cookies at the Summit Saturday, December 22nd - Karaoke Night at the Summit Thursday, December 27th - Meet your friends night at the Summit Friday, December 28th - Climbing wall leaving the Summit at 6 p.m.

Saturday, December 29th - Snowshoeing at Panorama, leaving the Summit at 1:30 p.m., snow shoes provided (a call in advance to register would be appreciated)

Hours of Operation Tuesday, 3:30 to 9 p.m.

Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Thursday 3:30 to 9 p.m.

Friday 4:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday 4:30 to 10 p.m.

See you at the Summit!

Relationship Counselling Stress Management Chronic Illness Support Life Transitions Family Resource Centre 1317-7th Avenue, Invermere (beside McToogle’s)

250-342-5566

Peppis Italian Fuel

Thank you to Peppi’s Pizza! for hosting 1st Invermere Scouts Investiture and Christmas Party 1st Invermere Beavers, Cubs and Scouts

No water fee hikes for suites

By Greg Amos Pioneer Staff

Landlords with basement suites in Invermere will avoid a double-whammy of increased water fees, after council voted to exclude secondary suites from new charges at a Tuesday, December 11th council meeting.

The basic water fee for all home and strata unit owners is set to increase from $80 to $90 bi-annually under a bylaw set to be implemented in 2013. The move would generate $100,000 annually for the district, and is being aimed primarily at multi-family strata units, which the district feels is paying too little for the water they use.

“We’ve had significant feedback from all types of owners; the majority of it is opposition, of course,” said Karen Cote, chief financial officer, who noted the consultation on the bylaw began in 2011. Along with the flat rate, usage fees will increase from $0.67 to $0.68 per cubic metre for the first hundred cu-

bic metres used, with a tiered rate structure making those who use more water pay significantly more. The average household in Invermere now uses 250 cubic metres of water each year.

There are 47 legal secondary suites in Invermere, and with the exception of Councillor Paul Denchuk, council members agreed a flat water fee applied to the suites would provide further disincentive for homeowners to register them with the municipality.

Building permits up Third-quarter financial statements for Invermere show building permit fees through the end of September totalled $98,000. If the trend continues for the final quarter, the district will see a significant increase from 2011, where the same fees totalled just $37,000.

Construction at Columbia Garden Village accounts for a significant share of the increase. Invermere’s building permit revenues peaked at nearly $500,000 in 2007.

Groomer offers Reiki relaxation

By Pioneer Staff For dogs in need of a relaxing and stress-free atmosphere for proper grooming, bathing, toenail clipping and more, Invermere’s Purcells Pampered Paw could be the solution.

“I want your pet’s experience here to be pleasant and as enjoyable as possible,” said owner Annik Souligny, who started her business seven months ago. “I will make every effort to make it a positive experience in a home-based environment with a soothing Reiki love energy practice.”

Annik is certified as a Level One Reiki practitioner, a practice originating in Japan and only brought to North America in the last three decades. It’s a combination of hands on work and visualization techniques that Annik explained she uses to improve a dog’s flow of life energy.

“Reiki practitioners are trained to treat problems in a person’s energy flow on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level, to alleviate stress and pain and improve health,” she said.

Annik has certification in pet grooming and has taken a pet first aid course through the College of the Rockies. She learned the art of grooming from Angela Rouleau at AJ’s Dogs Paw Pet Grooming at Choppers Pet Care and Supplies in Invermere.

“A.J. has been very kind to let me assist and learn the hands-on grooming,” said Annik, who was drawn to the Columbia Valley 11 years ago by the lure of mountains and skiing. “She is a mentor to me and I’m very thankful that I was able to learn from such a talented stylist.”

Her business is based on a total focus on her furry clients, which means distractions are out of the

RELAX, ROVER — Invermere pet grooming service Purcells Pampered Paw offers stress-free grooming for dogs.

Photo by Greg Amos question while grooming’s in session.

“While I am grooming your furry friend, I will not answer the phone or take people at the door, as I want the animal to have an experience like people have when they get a massage with no interruption,” she said. “It is a spa studio and it’s all about the well being and comfort of the animal.”

Purcells Pampered Paw is located at 3 First Street, at the end of 10th Avenue behind the Sobeys grocery store, and is open from Tuesday through Saturday.

Annik describes her prices as reasonable, and based upon the weight and character of the fur of any animal she’s grooming. To book an appointment, phone Annik at 250-342-0247.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29

December 21, 2012

New programs aim to reconnect kids with nature

By Kate Irwin Pioneer Staff A brand new nature school is starting up this winter in Fairmont Hot Springs, with the aim of reconnecting young people with the natural environment around them.

The BC Rockies School Jocelyn MacGregor of Nature, an initiative from Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, will offer 50 hands-on programs for school children and resort guests including outdoor survival skills, land and water-based excursions and education on local plants and animals. “It will give an easy first introduction to a lifetime of enjoying the outdoors,� said Jocelyn MacGregor, project director and head naturalist. “I don’t know where I would be today if it weren’t for field trips and activities like this. My best learning at school was done when we left the classroom.�

While the resort has been offering a small range of outdoor programs since 2007, high demand from educators for more opportunities to get their students outdoors is what prompted the founding of a nature school, Ms. MacGregor explained. “We started to get more and more requests from teachers and principals,� she said. “We decided ‘let’s go big’ and opened an outdoor education centre.�

BC Rockies School of Nature will offer both curriculum-matched learning, for school groups, and

programs to allow school children and resort guests alike the chance to pick up useful outdoor skills.

For the upcoming snowy season, the school is already booking in school groups for guided snowshoe excursions and its winter survival program, which teaches traditional bushcraft skills like cooking over a campfire and building a shelter. Come spring, the activities available will range from guided hikes to water sports to arts and crafts. Overnight excursions and evening outings, such as backcountry astronomy trips and exploring for insects, will also be on offer. “We anticipate that we will begin with the local schools and then expand from there,� Ms. MacGregor said. “There are other programs out there, but what makes ours unique is that we have 24 acres to play in, plus an indoor art component.�

The School of Nature will be staffed entirely by current Fairmont Hot Springs Resort employees, many of whom are already naturalists with BC Rockies Adventures.

Along with the expansion comes a new outdoor store and booking centre, located in the resort’s main lodge.

The resort has purchased around $40,000 of new equipment for the nature programs, including canoes and kayaks, snowshoes and camping gear. A further $20,000 cash injection will be put into additional gear and improvements to facilities over the next two years. “I honestly believe that we have an innate connection to nature,� Ms. MacGregor added. “It’s about slowing down and hooking in to our surroundings; unplugging phones and re-plugging ourselves into the natural world.�

Teachers interested in finding out more about the BC Rockies School of Nature’s winter programs should contact 250-345-6049 or bcrockies@fhsr.com .

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30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

HERE TO SERVE YOU From Framing to Finishing Al Tallman

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

Are you happy with the care, attention and number of rentals your current vacation home management company is offering you? Allow us to introduce you to our “Boutique” Vacation Rental Management services that produce results.

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

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Phone: 250-342-6452 • 250-342-3773 • Cell: 250-270-9444 All products are available at 9120, Hwy 93/95 which is five kilometres north of Tim Hortons

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December 21, 2012

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31

Interior World

HERE TO SERVE YOU window fashions

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

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Doors Windows Flooring Painting/ Interior/Exterior • Kitchen Renovations

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32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

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CONTRACT OR HOURLY MACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 33

December 21, 2012

Pioneer Classifieds

• • • •

ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNOUNCEMENT

cheers & Jeers

cheers & Jeers

cheers & Jeers

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or conflict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250-342-2424.

Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday (closed), and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group meets Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call 250-3428255.

Cheers to Cayden! You have been through so much in such a short period of time and I couldn’t be more proud of you. You have been an incredibly brave 6-year-old, and a real trooper through your surgery and the many castings and operating rooms. ~ Love always, Mommy.

Cheers to Ed and Sue for welcoming two kiwis into Invermere and their home with a home cooked meal and friendly attitudes! Canadians rock!

Jeers to those who think jobs are outsourced to people from other countries at the expense of locals who can’t get jobs. Where is your application, Homeless in Invermere? It costs companies thousands of dollars to bring in workers from other countries. Do you really think this money is spent just to make your life harder?

Narcotics Anonymous meeting now available. Thursdays at 8 p.m. Call 250-342-1071 for more info.

There are at least two things that can’t be produced overseas, boxed, and put on store shelves at Christmas. One is the spirit of peace and goodwill. The other is the real, live Christmas tree. Have a merry “Real Tree” Christmas.

s obituary s MICHAEL EDWARD WIEGERT (Mike) Decemember 22, 1968 - December 14, 2012 With deep sadness we announce· the passing of Mike Wiegert after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Mike will be forever remembered in the hearts of his two sons, Dylan and Michael, his mother Jeannette Hendricks, his stepfather Norman Hendricks, his brother Chris and family Becky, Ben and Mya, as well as his extended family in Switzerland and Australia.

There will be a celebration of Mike’s life at the Alliance Church in Invermere at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 22nd, 2012.

We would like to thank Dr. Louw of Invermere, and all of the doctors, surgeons and staff and the Foothills Tom Baker Center for the wonderful, caring treatment that Mike received during his fight with cancer.

s In Memoriam s Tracy Riches December 21st, 2011

Sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

Your wife, Faye

ANNOUNCEMENT

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS STOP The Perfect Gift!

Handmade Belt Buckles and Belts

Saturday, December 22, 2012 Open House 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. #23 1309 11 Ave., Invermere, B.C. Townhouses below the old Lee-Jay. 250-270-2999

cheers & Jeers Cheers to Grandma, Grandpa, Nana, Uncle Mike, Uncle Dan and all our friends and extended family throughout the valley. Thank you for all you have done for us and always being there when we needed help. ~ Love, Cayden and Nikki.

Cheers to Miss Colleen and Jo for volunteering their personal time and energy to J.A. Laird’s fine arts dance group! What an opportunity for our students!

Cheers to the senior boys and girls who stayed to clean up after their home tournament last weekend!

Go Lakers! Way to go!

Big cheers to Dale Hunt for his generous donations of Christmas trees, which the employment centre, and so many in the community, benefited from this year. Good on you!

s obituary s SHIRLEY DIAN HUDSON It is with great sadness that the family of Shirley Dian Hudson announces her sudden passing in Radium Hot Springs on December 12, 2012.

Shirley was born to Walter and Miriam Ryter in Golden, British Columbia, on August 29, 1949.

Shirley was well known for always being a vivacious, vibrant and cheerful lady who never failed in putting others ahead of herself. She was naturally nurturing, was loved by all she met and loved them back unconditionally. She had an all encompassing love for life and everyone and everything in it and with her passing remains a void that cannot be filled. Shirley leaves behind a legacy of dedication to work, people, and her children and grandchildren.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her sons Jason Franzen (Rhonda), Craig Franzen (Maricel), and daughter Andrea Franzen (Peter James); Grandsons Joshua Weber and Jacob Franzen; Granddaughter Caitlyn Franzen; Mother Miriam (Molly) Ryter; Sister Suzanne Roth; Brothers Gary Ryter, Gordon Ryter, David Ryter, Edgar Ryter and Greg Ryter.

She was predeceased by her husband Robert James (Jet) Hudson; and her father Walter Ryter.

A Celebration of Shirley’s life was held on Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Radium Valley Vacation Resort, 7274 Kootenay Park Drive, Radium Hot Springs, B.C. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

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

Phone: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Big Cheers to Dr. Moneo and staff for such great service. I love my new funky glasses. I can see the mountains clearly once again.

Cheers to Zack Smith who raised $200 for the Invermere branch of the Special Olympics by donating all of his birthday money to the local branch. Thank you Zack, from the entire committee. Your generous donation will go a long way to help the athletes from Invermere!

Cheers to the person who double jeered the library staff for unionizing and comparing us to volunteer-run organizations. You made our point. Double cheers to Liz the librarian for dedicating 30 years to the Invermere Public Library.

Cheers to Greg Constable for his engaging teaching style, and to the DTSS band students for their wonderful concert performance.

Cheers to the Windermere Valley Golf Course Men’s Club for generously donating the prize pot from the Veysey Youth Tournament to the band.

Cheers to Scott Frank for donating a Canadian flag and stand to the band.

Cheers to Mia from Sobeys for always having a smile on her face, and being as helpful as possible.

Thank you!

Jeers to the power outages on December 16th! It was -12 out in the morning and -9 by the time the power came back on. That should have been planned better. Not everyone has wood heat!

Cheers to the workers from other countries who move to foreign places, away from friends and family, and then have to put up with prejudices and nasty comments from people who blame them for “stealing their jobs.” Hang in there. We aren’t all like that!

Jeers to smart meters that seem to be working a little bit too well.

What about people who are on a budget? You are stealing their food!

A Mount Nelson-sized cheers to Angus McToogle’s and Mike Smith for hosting the Food Bank Benefit last Sunday. A huge cheers as well to the entertainers who performed and the patrons who donated to a wonderful cause.

Cheers to Home Hardware for their generosity and their ongoing support for Invermere Army Cadets.

Cheers to Canadian Tire for helping with supplies and equipment for ongoing FTX. Your support for the Invermere Cadet program is greatly appreciated!

Cheers to Rob at The Peak, a man who knows the true meaning of Christmas spirit. ~ G & H. Many cheers to the Edgewater Legion for the wonderful Christmas party, filled with laughter, friends and love. Thanks! ~ Anne and Gerry Holm.

Jeers to the people who missed the end of the world. If you’re reading this, that would be you.

34 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

cheers & Jeers

storage

suite for rent

suite for rent

house for rent

Cheers to Bill Cropper, A.K.A. “the blind guy” who MCs so many wonderful charitable events in our valley. You are an amazing guy with a big heart and a caring, generous spirit. Thanks Bill!

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE Various sizes available.

Now with climate-controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

Radium: 2-Bdrm, 1 bath, shared laundry/large back yard. $600/ month, D.D. + hydro. 250-3479970.

Large, renovated 2-bdrm suite close to schools. Large yard, insuite laundry. $650/month + utilities. 18thstrental@gmail.com .

CARRIAGE COURT APARTMENTS! Conveniently located behind Sobeys 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. Utilities not included. $750/month.

Available immediately. 250-2700729.

Windermere: Upper Hilltop Road.

1-bdrm walkout basement suite. $675/month, utilities included.

250- 342-3790.

Invermere: 3-bdrm house close to hospital and downtown. Quiet location suitable for families.

Available immediately until May 2013. $1,200/month. 250-3423790.

Cheers to the carolers who visited our Westridge home on Sunday evening. Your generous gift of traditional Christmas hymns was beautiful and uplifting. From our family to yours, we wish you a very merry Christmas!

Jeers to my co-workers who have never once helped me clean the bathrooms. I’m not the only employee who uses them, yet I’m the only one who cleans them.

Shame on you guys for not caring how filthy they are!

Cheers to Cathy DeGuise and the staff at the Fairmont Hot Springs pools. Thank you all for a great year!

Jeers to businesses that hire outof-towners instead of hiring and supporting locals with skills. Be better to your community.

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

commercial space For lease: 1,200 sq. ft. finished office space. Available immediately.

Call Scott at 250-342-5758.

For lease: newly renovated, beautiful office spaces. Street level. From 250 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft., air-conditioned. Available immediately. Panache Building across from the A&W. Call 250-3425805.

1,200 sq. ft. commercial space.

Excellent highway location, adjacent to Canadian Tire. 250342-3790.

shared accommodation

Cheers to businesses that hire job seekers from their community to help further their community members’ futures!

Private room with cable, phone, laundry access, internet, and all utilities included, $400/month + $200 D.D., N/P. 1-866-222-0325.

Cheers to Joanne at Canadian Tire.

It’s always a treat going through your till!

Invermere: furnished room for rent in Westside Park. Available immediately. Call 250-688-7787.

Cheers to the IBC, Justin and staff at Rocky River for the generous prize of dinner for 12 that we won. From Details by Joanne.

Downtown Invermere by the Lake: groovy 4 + bedroom, 3-bath home, fully furnished. Very healthminded roomies looking for two more to share a cozy cottage.

Master bedroom for 1 person, $550. Bunkroom available for 1 person, $450. N/S, N/P. Damage deposit required, utilities included.

Phone or text 250-342-5937.

Cheers to the culinary team of Elements Dining Room at Copper Point Resort for an outstanding meal and service. We’ll be back.

Cheers to BC Rockies Adventures for the super-fun activities and Fairmont Hot Springs Resort for the delicious dinner at our staff party! A fantastic time was had by all!

Cheers to Oso Simple and Pynelogs for the Friday Night Open Mic! It’s one thing to practise your instrument, but it’s on the stage where a musician truly learns to play.

suite for rent 2-bdrm, 2-bath near Kinsmen beach. Walk to downtown. Fully furnished, 6 appliances, $1,000/ month includes utilities. N/S, N/P. 250-342-8787.

Radium: modern 2-bdrm, lowerlevel suite. W/D, D/W. $850/month, utilities included. 250-342-3790.

2-bdrm (upper floor) deluxe apartment. Available immediately for long-term rental in Canal Flats.

Newly renovated, fridge, stove, W/D, perfect for couples or 2 roommates, N/P, N/S. $650/month + utilities + D.D. Call after 6 p.m.

250-342-3345.

Invermere: brand new 2-bdrm, 1-bath, fully-furnished basement suite with private entrance. 6 appliances, N/P, N/S. $1,250/ month, utilities included. $625 D.D. References required. Available immediately. 250-342-7323.

house for rent

FOR RENT RADIUM

2 bedroom + den, 2 bathroom Sable Ridge Condo. Furnished and equipped. $1,000 + utilities.

FAIRMONT

Beautiful executive home. Spectacular views and creek in back yard. $1,500 + utilities.

WINDERMERE

1 bedroom + den Akiskinook Resort Condo.

Seasonal rental, furnished and equipped. $750 includes utilities.

INVERMERE

3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Westside Park family home, close to schools. $1,300 + utilities.

2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhouse, Blackforest Village. $895 + utilities.

4 bedroom, 3 bathroom duplex, Blackforest Heights. $1,000 + utilities.

SEASONAL

Fully furnished and equipped 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos in Lake Windermere Pointe and Heron Point from $1,250 inclusive.

www.gdpm.ca

Beautiful, 1,200 sq. ft. luxury apartment. Must be seen! 2-bdrm, 2-bath, 5 appliances, N/S, N/P. $1,000/month + hydro and utilities. References required.

Available immediately. Email panacheinteriors@telus.net or 250342-5805.

Townhouse for rent at Cedarwood Glen Estates. 3-bdrm, 1.5 baths, garage. $1,200/month + utilities.

N/S, N/P. Available immediately.

250-341-1182.

Lovely 1-bdrm suite in Windermere.

Unfurnished, extra storage. N/P, N/S, long term. $550/month + half utilities. 250-342-2082.

Windermere: newer 2-bdrm, 2-bath with garage on 11 acres. $1,000/month. Mark, 403-5190252.

Near Invermere: 1-bdrm upperlevel suite situated on an acreage.

Private, with beautiful views overlooking the lake and Rockies.

D/W and great wood stove for cozy heat. $750 month. References please. 250-342-3790.

Fairmont: 1,200 sq. ft. bright, 3-bdrm, 1.5-bath, large yard. 6 appliances, N/P, N/S. $900/month + hydro. References required. 250345-6100 or 250-341-8177.

Upper Lakeview: 1-bdrm basement, private entrance. $500/ month, utilities included. N/S, N/P. Available January 1st. 250-6881244.

or call Ben Green at 250-688-0362 for more info.

Invermere: 4-bdrm, 2-bath newer home. Very clean and bright.

W/D, dishwasher. 1,500 sq. ft. Big yard, very close to schools. Pets negotiable. $1,200 month, utilities not included. Available January 1st.

250-342-1063.

Windermere: 1-bdrm house. Cozy and clean, $750/month + utilities.

250-342-3790.

3-bdrm house. Great location and lake views! One level, W/D, F/S, dishwasher. Available January 1st. $815/month + utilities. Jeff, 250688-1105.

Invermere: 2-bdrm house for rent.

New propane furnace and wood stove. W/D, fenced yard and great location. $1,000/month. 250-3415427.

Radium: 3-bdrm, spacious house.

N/P, N/S. $850/month + utilities.

Available immediately. For more info call 250-347-9915.

Newly renovated clean, bright, 3-bdrm, 2-bath home with attached in-law suite. Fenced back yard. Walking distance to James Chabot beach. W/D, D/W, partially furnished, or unfurnished. N/S, small pet OK. $1,100/month.

Available immediately. 250-3421597.

condo for rent Canal Flats: 2-bdrm, 1.5-bath condo with in-suite laundry.

1,000 sq. ft. of beautiful, comfortable, living space in quiet neighbourhood. $700/ month + utilities. Available immediately. Call 403-873-8158 or e-mail canalcondo@live.ca .

Serious inquiries only.

Akiskinook Resort: 1-bdrm condo, fully furnished, 6-appliances, equipped indoor pool and hot tub. $700/month includes cable. 403281-3991.

2-bdrm, 2-bath, at The Peaks in Radium. Furnished, underground parking, N/S, N/P, 7 appliances.

Swimming pool and hot tub. $940/month, all included. 403920-3664.

Condo for rent

FOR RENT INVERMERE: Lake Windermere Pointe starting at $800/month for unfurnished; $1,250 and up for furnished.

Pool, underground parking, elevator and much more.

CASTLE ROCK: Luxurious condo, 2 master suites, fantastic view, garage. $1,250 plus utilities.

RADIUM RESORT: Furnished 2 bedroom condo at $1,250 plus utilities.

FAIRMONT SOUTH: Luxury two bedroom furnished home at Spirits Reach.

Call for information.

Contact Eric Redeker 250-342-5914 FirstChoiceRentals.ca

Radium, Pinewood condo available immediately.

2-bdrm, 2 full bath, fireplace, underground parking. N/P, N/S. $900/month includes utilities. 403690-3166.

Homes for rent Manufactured mobile home situated at #2 Green Acres Mobile Home Park. 8628 Eacrett Road, Radium. 250342-6007 for details.

Condo for rent Ski to your door, fully furnished 1-bdrm condo, F/P, deck, heated parking, swimming pool, and hot tubs. Tamarack Lodge, Panorama, BC, $115,000 Firm. Call 250-3426858 after 6 p.m.

wanted Do you have a piano that is taking up space that you would like moved to a good home? If so, email amandadiakiw@hotmail.com .

1966 - 1967 Nova/Acadian 2-door coupe. Postless. Ask for Doug, 250688-1024.

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 35

December 21, 2012

MISC. FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

MISC. FOR SALE

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Exterior smart trim, factoryfinished in black. 36 pieces, 1” x 4” x 16 ft. + flashing etc.: $350.

CanExel Dutch Lap siding, factoryfinished in Granite, 525 sq. ft.: $750. Kenmore dishwasher: $50. Snowboard gear: men’s and women’s. Tons of stuff, priced to sell. Call and ask. 250-341-6287.

Hay and Greenfeed, round bales. $30 - $80/bale depending on quality. Elkhorn Ranch, 250-3420617.

Kidz Outlet Consignment

2008 Mazda B4000 truck with 4x4.

Low mileage, only 43,000 kms.

Automatic, 6-cylinder, loaded. $13,900. 250-341-5971.

Antique sideboard. 100-year-old treadle sewing machine. Lady’s saddle with gear. 250-342-2082.

LOCAL, FREE-RANGE, NATURAL, GOURMET BERKSHIRE PORK FOR SALE. Government inspected. Cut, wrapped and ready for your freezer.

Hams, roasts, sausages, bacon and more! Call 250-347-6868.

HOMES FOR SALE BLACK FOREST HEIGHTS • • • •

Southern exposure Mountain views Hourly bus service Close to many amenities • Located just above Tim Hortons • Very reasonably priced at $249,000

• 1/2 duplex, 2,700 sq. ft.

• 5 bedroom, 3 bathrooms • Self-contained walk out suite included • Open concept with some updates • Additional parking (not shown)

December sale. 20% off second hand clothing. Bring in a donation item for the local food bank and receive an additional 10% off. Open Tuesday - Saturday. Located below Lambert and Kipp.

Bowflex Xtreme. Great gift for fitness buff. We need space for grandchildren! $625 (new $1900) 250-345-0350.

Husqvarna Sapphire 875 Quilt, sewing machine. This machine was purchased a year ago and has been very lightly used. $1,250. 250-3479272 or 403-274-2822.

Phone: 250-342-4804

Regency 2100 hearth heater wood stove. 2001, EPA approved with built-in fan. Excellent shape. Takes 18” logs and heats 800-1500 sq. ft.

Contact Dave: 778-523-2503.

Rockies West Realty

Regency wood burning, airtight stove. Gold door, excellent condition, with fan kit. Over $2,000 brand new, asking $800. 250-3420554.

Independently Owned and Operated

492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC

Kim Collens

Representative

toll free: 1.877.342.3427 cell: 250.342.1671

kim@rockieswest.com www.kimcollens.com

Recipe Of The Week WINTER BIRD PUDDING (bird food)

5 cups of Water 4 cups Cereal (corn meal, rolled 1 cup Margarine oats, roman meal, and/or 1 cup Peanut Butter cream of wheat Chopped Fruit (raisins, dates, Nuts (peanuts, almonds, etc) apples) Sunflower/Bird Seed In a large kettle, bring water and margarine to a boil.

Slowly add cereals, cook stirring constantly until the mixture is fully cooked and thick. Remove from heat.

Add peanut butter and desired amount of fruit, nuts and seeds.

Serving amounts depend on how large you make your bird feeders so "yield" is a guess.

Pack the mixture into chunks of pantyhose or pine cones and hang from protected trees or spread onto a surface area, set on the ground or picnic bench (avoid aluminum pans).

Extra food can be preserved in a freezer to be used within 3 - 4 months. Your birds will love you for this!

See all my recipes at recipes.kimcollens.com

Home Of The Week Fantastic Building Lot!

One of Radium’s finest located across the street from The Springs Golf Course with unobstructed golf course views.

Fully serviced and no building time commitment.

$89,000 WOW!!

®

MLS

K212517

4 black wood counter height bar stools. Seat height, 26”. $160 for all 4. 250-342-5229.

FIREWOOD Support Rockies Hockey! Pine, fir, larch, dry and split. To order call 250-342-6908.

Fir firewood, split and delivered $200/cord. 250-342-5413.

Larch for sale. 250-341-5551.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES 2001 Yamaha Warrior. Clean, well maintained. New chain and sprockets, low hours. $2,000 O.B.O. 587-227-6609.

VEHICLES FOR SALE 2004 Cavalier. 2-door, black, 5-speed. 185,000 kms, alloy rims, winter tires, 2 extra rims with tires.

Great commuter, 40+ MPG. $3,500 O.B.O. 250-341-8578.

2001 Dodge Sport Caravan. Good condition. 250-342-3378.

2005 Chevy Cavalier VL 2-door coupe. Automatic, 152,500 km, good condition. $4,500 O.B.O. 250341-5920.

1999 Toyota Corolla. White, 4-door sedan, 269,000 kms. 2011 new winter tires, windshield and wipers new car-starter battery. Regular maintenance, in good running condition. $1,800 O.B.O. 250-3426829.

AUTOMOTIVE Autowyze Services 250-342-6614 Monday – Saturday Here for all your automotive needs!

Leaks, squeaks, or rattles?

Check engine light, running rough, or perhaps not running at all?

We’re here to help!

Autowyze2012@gmail.com .

Remote control car starters sold and/or installed at Autowyze Services, 250-342-6614. Great Christmas gift!

FITNESS LOW IMPACT EXERCISE! H20 Aquatic Bootcamp.

Monday & Wednesday @ 7:00 p.m.

Copper Point Resort indoor pool.

Monthly membership or drop-in. www.fitness4life.tv Hayley: 250-688-0024 Kate: 250-688-0221 In-home Personal Training also available.

BIKINI BOOTCAMP STARTS JANUARY 8th - GET BEACH READY FOR SPRING BREAK! 30 minutes of bodyweight resistance training to tone, 15 Minutes of HIIT to burn calories & boost metabolism.

All fitness levels welcome Tuesday & Thursday at 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Only $129 for 8 weeks Must pre-register (12 people, max) www.fitness4life.tv.

Hayley: 250-688-0024 Kate: 250-688-0221.

SERVICES CUSTOM PICTURE FRAMING

Most experienced.

Best price, period!

Gift Certificates Available 250-342-5102

www.kimberleyrae.ca Kimberley-Rae Sanderson ...look for the red door behind the Invermere Dry Cleaners!

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

Dryer Vent and Furnace Cleaning & inspections. Call AQUAIR today!

250-342-5089.

SERVICES Home Building and Renos Chuck Newhouse Builders 250-342-3637 chucknew@telus.net .

Buy a Gift Certificate & Receive 20% Off “Amazing service! I shopped around and it was the best price.

Shannon selected the perfect product and I love my new blinds.

Thank you Shannon!“ - Leslie Shannon’s Blinds & Designs 250-342-5749 Expires December 21.

Covering the Valley – One Window At A Time Guitar lessons. Available most evenings and weekends. Call Emily at 250-409-4104.

Windermere Valley Childcare has permanent spaces in the 3 - 5 year old group day care. Available immediately! Please call 250-3423168. Ask for Arlee, Silvia, or Pat.

Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-342-5089.

GIFT WRAPPING. You hate it, I do it! Contact JD Jeffery for drop off and cost at 250-3415803. Proceeds go to Windermere District Museum.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning.

Environmentally friendly products.

Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca .

HELP WANTED

Have you purchased a Mac computer and need a tutor to learn the basics? Making the move to a Mac can be an intimidating experience. I will show you the basics and show you how to get more value from your system. Basic tutoring session, $30/hour. Call Emily at 250-409-4104.

Have Fun and Earn Extra Income.

What’s better than extra money?

FREE JEWELLERY! As a Silpada Representative selling Sterling Silver Jewellery, you can earn 30% commission on your sales, expensepaid trips and free jewellery. Why not get paid to party for a living?

Call 341-5956 and start your jewellery business now.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

QI GONG AND TAI CHI • Chinese exercises to promote healing, fitness and anti-aging • Practices of moving meditation to promote good health and well being • Classes are on-going and beginners are welcome • Ask about the new year schedule and register.

For more information please contact: Betty Newton 250-342-6343 or newtonhome@shaw.ca

36 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

help wanted

HEAVY DUTY JOURNEYMAN DIESEL MECHANIC required in Invermere, B.C. Permanent full-time position.

Wage based on experience. $30 – $38.

Benefit package available.

Please fax or email resume to 250-342-0212 louise@maxhelmer.ca

Exciting employment opportunity for the right person. Do you have skill in computer, social media, fashion, health, and public relations? Are you looking to grow with a company? If so, I would like to hear from you! This is a full-time management position, located in Invermere, BC. Send resume by email to t.thredz@telus.net .

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

Black Forest is looking for a kitchen helper. Call or drop off resume. 250342-9417.

Windermere District Social Service Society is looking to hire an

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

This is a part-time position. Duties will include administrative duties. Accreditation experience would be an asset. Must have exceptional organizational skills and Microsoft computer knowledge. Hours may vary. Wages are dependant on experience. Send resume to wdsss@shaw.ca .

FINANCIAL CONTROLLER POSITION Are you ready to work for a company you can truly believe in?

Do you forge client relationships that last a lifetime?

Are you constantly learning and asking the right questions?

Do you believe in ensuring continued customer satisfaction?

Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd., a major Canadian Pole Producer of CCA treated wood poles to Western utilities and communications companies, is seeking to hire a dynamic and detail oriented individual to fill the role of Financial Controller.

Our main treating facility is located just north of Radium Hot Springs in the beautiful Columbia Valley in British Columbia. Brisco Wood Preservers’ second treating facility is located in Peers, Alberta.

In addition to our pole manufacturing and treating, Brisco also produces large engineered beams from LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) in our laminating plant Brisco Manufacturing Ltd. Brisco sells treated posts, rails, plywood and lumber and we also custom treat a variety of wood products.

General Summary: Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Controller is responsible for the accounting operations of the company.

Key Responsibilities: • Oversee all Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Manufacturing reporting and payroll functions for 3 related companies.

• Report on Cash flow • Prepare monthly departmental financial reports and Financial Statements and Forecasts • Monthly reports to Stats Canada • Prepare month end reconciliations and Journal Entries • Manage online banking and online payments • Prepare and file Monthly GST/HST returns.

• Work with other department managers to prepare annual budgets • Review Inventories and inventory reporting • Prepare Year End Account reconciliations for Accountant • Prepare yearly insurance renewals and permits • Prepare Annual Reports • Protect organization’s value by keeping information confidential • Perform efficiently under pressure in a fast paced environment Qualifications: • Outstanding attention to detail and ability to deal with constantly changing requirements • Accounting designation of CGA, CMA, CA or equivalent experience • Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word and Various accounting programs with the ability to learn a new program easily • Experience in the forest industry would be an asset • Exposure to utility poles and/or treated wood products will be considered as definite assets This is a full-time position, which offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Please address cover letter and resume to Corey Boilard, VP Operations and e-mail PDF file to: ebennett@briscowood.com. Deadline for application is 5 p.m. (MST) Friday, January 4th, 2013 .

h e Pioneer ca T n tak e yo ur d oll With triple the ar far circulation of other th e local newspapers, your advertising is really going somewhere.

r!

(4) FOOD COUNTER ATTENDANT( FOOD SERVICE ATTENDANT) 675485 BC LTD O/A DAIRY QUEEN (INVERMERE) LOCATED AT INVERMERE, BC. Permanent, full-time, some high school, will train. $10.25/hour, 40/week. Must be flexible and reliable, good communication skills and customer service. Duties: take customer orders and receive payment; prepare, heat, and finish simple food items; serve customers at counter or buffet tables; use a manual and electrical appliances to clean, peel, slice, and trim food; portion and wrap food; package take-out food; stock refrigerators and salad bars; keep records of the quantities of food used; clear and clean tables and trays; remove dishes before and after courses; other related duties. Fax resumes to 250-342-9925, Attn: Mr. Michael Richards.

December 21, 2012

Magazine editor and newspaper reporter The location The Columbia Valley Pioneer Newspaper is seeking a full-time magazine editor/ newspaper reporter.

The role This full-time, permanent position involves content gathering, writing and editing for six annual magazine publications including a local visitor guide, homes & lifestyle magazine and wedding magazine.

As the driving force behind all magazines, creative flair and the ability to self-motivate and work independently are integral.

When not working on magazines, the successful applicant will be 1/3 of a smalltown newspaper’s editorial team, working alongside a reporter and editor to take photos, write stories, and lay out and edit

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Around 50 per cent of the role is as a reporter, with occasional cover of the newspaper editor’s position. The other six months are dedicated to magazines. Some weekend and evening work is required.

Qualifications • Degree or diploma in journalism • A minimum 2 years’ newsroom experience • Proficiency with InDesign and Adobe Photoshop • Mac platform experience • A reliable vehicle and a valid driver’s licence • Strong organizational, editing and journalistic skills.

To apply, send a copy of your resume, along with writing samples, cover letter and references to Rose-Marie Regitnig, Publisher.

Phone: (250) 341-6299 Fax: (250) 341-6229 Email: info@cv-pioneer.com N E W S PA P E R

pages in InDesign. A passion for smalltown news and unearthing interesting features is key.

N E W S PA P E R

The Columbia Valley Pioneer Box 868, 8 –1008, 8th Avenue, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0 Email: rose-marie@cv-pioneer.com www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

December 21, 2012

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 37

PIONEER ON THE ROAD

Varied voyages Less than two weeks remain to submit your entires to The Pioneer’s annual Travel Contest. Send in your high resolution images to info@cv-pioneer.com by midnight on December 31st for your chance to win two tickets to a Calgary Flames game, plus overnight accommodation in Calgary, courtesy of Invermere Travel World. The winners will be announced in our January 5th edition.

Bob and Mary Kochorek at Notre Dame versus Michigan State football game in South Bend, Indiana; Christopher and Andrew Dehart visit the Haida Heritage Centre in Haida Gwaii, British Columbia; Margaret Viner, of Panorama, and her sister Rosemary Hitchcock with the captain of the Queen Mary 2, somewhere mid-Atlantic between Southampton, England and New York; Tom and Gail MacRae of Spur Valley in Venice, Italy.

38 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

Valley People

Globetrotter shares story of adventure

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff An Invermere man has lived a lifetime of excitement wilder than the subdivision he now calls home.

Andy Stuart-Hill has visited 131 countries and set foot on every continent on Earth except for Antarctica. A span in the late 1950s saw him visit 54 countries alone.

The saga of the globe trotter began in South Africa on January 28th, 1933, when a child was born in Florida near the small town of Krugersdorp.

“It was a fascinating and wonderful childhood,” said Andy, 80, who now resides in Invermere’s Wilder Subdivision. “It was great growing up in South Africa, because to us, it was just a happy, carefree and wonderful.”

Andy’s father worked in the West Rand Consolidated Gold Mine near Krugersdorp, an area that held a treasure trove of exciting adventures for a young boy during the 1930s and 1940s.

Andy’s outdoor playground was the Sterkfontein, a set of limestone caves situated near his hometown, where in 1947 archeologist retrieved the most intact and ancient human-like skull ever found, which was nicknamed Mrs. Ples.

“Even as a kid we would go and camp out and have to stand on guard at night to protect our grub tent from the baboons — and there were leopards too,” Andy said.

In 2000, the area was officially designated The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, but every playground has its perils.

While riding his bicycle one day, Andy, 12, was attacked by a spitting cobra that lunged at him and was caught in his rear spokes as he tried to ride away.

“My brother was behind me, crashed into the back of me and tried to beat me on the head saying, “You idiot, what did you fall down for?,” Andy said, laughing. “I was trying to get this thing out, but even though it was dead, the venom was there.”

A glancing puncture of his arm by the cobra meant a lightning-fast trip to the hospital for Andy and a new respect for nature, as well as a scar to show for it.

In high school, Andy planned to become a teacher.

He needed math courses to begin his teaching designation, but became side tracked by a trip to Mozambique.

“I fell in love with travel then,” he added. “I loved the language and the culture because it was Portuguese.”

Exploration and travel also appeared to embrace Andy.

The young man found himself offered the opportunity to take up one of four seats joining a party of 15 adventurers making an overland expedition from Zimbabwe to London, England. His skills as a Boy Scout fast-tracked his application to the front of 400 other applicants, which earned him a spot on the trip.

Andy had just enough time to pack his belongings, say-

RAMBLIN’ MAN — Andy Stuart-Hill displays some of the memorabilia he has collected through his travels.

Photo by Kristian Rasmussen goodbye to his family and girlfriend, and then leave.

The trip progressed from Zimbabwe through Zambia and up to Ndola through the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The group eventually made their way through Rwanda and Burundi into Uganda and eventually into the Sudan’s Sudd swamplands.

“It is a vast inland sea of elephant grass,” he added. “It grows to be about six feet tall and it is like being on the prairies with the waving wheat.”

After parting the seas of grass, the group continued their adventures through Sudan’s Nubian Desert.

“I had to navigate over six days with only an old compass,” Andy said. “At one stage there was no report from us for about two weeks.”

The June 4th, 1955, edition of the South African newspaper, Our Friend, printed the headline “Five South Africans disappear without a trace.” A search plane was dispatched and spotted a burnt out truck, which led searchers to believe that the party must have been murdered, Andy added.

After navigating out of the dessert and reassuring the press that they were still alive, the group boarded a steamship headed towards Cairo.

“They put old sheep and camels and smelly old fish onboard and all the fumes wafted up between the planks where we slept,” he said. “We were on that for eight days!”

The group made their way to Cairo and took a tour of the pyramids that would hold their spirits and bodies captive. An overboisterous tour guide challenged three

of the adventurers to a pyramid climbing race.

“At a dropping of a handkerchief, we raced up there,” Andy said. “We scraped our arms and our knees and were bloody and a real mess by the time we got up there, but we got to the top first and he was still struggling way back down.”

As part of their arrangement, the group received a free tour of the pyramids from a friend of their tour guide. Wandering through one of the ancient pyramids, the group returned to the entrance and found that they had been locked in.

“We laughed because we had come from the mines and it didn’t bother us,” he said. “I got a handkerchief out and waved and waved and finally after about an hour and a half somebody asked ‘Where are those idiots?’ So they came and let us out.”

After serving a quick sentence in their pyramid prison, the group made their way across North Africa, through the Mediterranean and finally to London, England. Andy eventually moved to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories in 1958 to work as a metallurgical accountant.

“I had to calculate how much ore went in and what chemicals took it out,” he said. “I have handled billions in gold bullion in my time.”

While on a trip home to visit his family in South Africa, Andy met his wife, Kelly, in London. The two fell in love and were eventually married in Johannesburg in 1962.

The couple moved back to Canada and had two children, Trevor and Lynneth. The family eventually moved to Invermere, where Andy was hired by the chairman of the school board at the time, J. Alfred Laird, to act as school board secretary treasurer. After a 26 year career in education administration he retired, but has worked as a marriage commissioner for the past eight years.

Although he has travelled all over the world, Andy has called Invermere home for over 45 years.

“When I first moved here I was warned of valleyitis,” he added. “If you stay here more than two years, then that’s it!”

Andy keeps himself busy by continuing to travel into his 80s, including a recent visit to South America.

“There is a big world out there; go out and experience as much of it as you can.”

A 22-year-old Andy StuartHill rests on top of King Cheops pyramid after a hard fought climb in 1955. Photo

submitted

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 39

December 21, 2012

Valley Churches

FAITH

Christmas joy

By Pastor Trevor Hagan, Lake Windermere Alliance Church The story of Christmas is told like this: Joseph and Mary, who were pledged to be married, needed to go to Bethlehem from their hometown of Nazareth to be registered for a census. The Bible says in Luke 2:6-11 “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you:

You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

The angel said, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” “To you.” “For you.”

He came for you. This is where Christmas becomes intensely personal. It’s not enough to say abstractly that you believe Christ came. Millions of people say that and are still lost in their sins. It’s not enough to say that Christ came for someone else.

You can never truly know the joy of Christmas until you say, “Christ came for me. He died for me. He rose from the dead for me.”

He came for you. Do you believe that?

In just a few days Christmas will be here. Families will gather around the tree to open their presents. Already some children are counting the hours until that glad moment arrives.

When you receive your gifts this Christmas, what will you do? Will you not open them? What use is a gift that is never opened?

Two thousand years ago God sent a gift wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. Jesus is God’s Christmas gift to you. But you will never experience Christmas joy until you personally receive God’s gift— the Lord Jesus Christ.

Joy the world, the Lord is come.

Dropping a line Panorama Mountain Village’s marketing coordinator Jamie Hurschler is caught mixing business with pleasure with this snapshot taken of him blasting through the newly gladed Stinger run in Taynton Bowl on Friday, December 14th, the first day of the season at Panorama.

Photo submitted by

Chris Elder

LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH Sunday, December 23rd, 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction, “The love of Christmas.” Pastor Trevor ministering “K.I.D.S.” Church for children age 3 to Grade 1 and Grade 2 to 5 during the morning service.

Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org Christmas Eve services: 2 p.m. Panorama service at the summit hut.

6 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Lake Windermere Alliance Church. 8:15 p.m. Panorama service in the Great Hall Windermere Valley Shared Ministry ANGLICAN-UNITED Sunday 9 a.m.: Worship at All Saints, Edgewater 9:30 a.m. God’s Breakfast Club for children and youth 10:30 a.m. Service of lessons and Carols at Christ Church Trinity.

Christmas Eve Services: 6 p.m. Christ Church Trinity, Invermere.

8 p.m. All Saints, Edgewater. 10 p.m. St. Peters, Windermere.

December 25th: 10:30 a.m. service at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere.

Reverend Laura Hermakin 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 www.wvsm.ca Valley Christian Assembly Sunday, 10 a.m.: Worship and Word Kids’ Church provided.

Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m.

Pastor Murray Wittke 4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com Roman Catholic Church Saturday: 4:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

Saturday: 7 p.m. and Sunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere.

Sunday: 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium.

Christmas Eve services: 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere. 10 p.m.: St. Joseph’s Church in Radium 10 a.m. Christmas Day service at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere Father Gabriel • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-6167 ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE Worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christmas Eve service held at 9 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564 Radium Christian Fellowship Sunday 10 a.m. Worship service • Thursday 7 p.m. Fun Night Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 No. 4, 7553 Main St. Radium • 250-347-9937 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Worship Service, Sunday, 10 a.m. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

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

40 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

December 21, 2012

The magic of Christmas!

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