Fernie Fix December 2014

DECEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 96

Happy Holidays IN THIS ISSUE: HEATHER BOYD ON THE FERNIE COMMUNITY CHOIR | FEATURE RESIDENT ELIZABETH BAILEY DISCUSSES THE ELK VALLEY HOSPICE | WHAT’S NEW WITH THE NORDIC SOCIETY BY MEGAN LOHMANN KRISSI HYLAND’S HEALTHY TAKE ON A FAVOURITE HOLIDAY DRINK | KEVIN MCISAAC’S FREE GAME GUIDE FERNIEFIX.COM

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Conserving the land

DECEMBER 2014

Teck is committed to responsible, sustainable resource development that enhances biodiversity and creates benefits for our local communities.

ISSUE 96

That’s why we purchased approximately 7,150 hectares of private lands in the Elk Valley and Flathead River Valley for wildlife and habitat conservation.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2015.

EDITOR’S FIX | 5 BUSINESS | 7 Getting to Work - Skills Training

by Amy Boeckner Business News/New Business

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | 20 Feature Artist – The Fernie Community Choir by Heather Boyd Abdou’s LitPicks – Down to Earth: ColdClimate Gardens and Their Keepers

by Jennifer Heath & Helen McAllister

by Angie Abdou Rental Fix – Guardians of the Galaxy

by Andrew Vallance Musical Notes – Deck the Halls with boughs of Blackberry Wood

by Carolyn Nikodym

COMMUNITY & EVENTS | 28 FernieFix.com Events Calendar / December at the Arts Station Feature Resident – Elizabeth Bailey

by Krista Turcasso

OUTDOOR LIFE | 32 Never Have I Ever – Wood Chopping

by Jesse Bell Hitting the Trails with the Fernie Trails Alliance – Nordic News

by Megan Lohmann Women of the Mountains by Hannah Griffin – Shannon Galpin

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE | 39 Fit to Play – Roll Away Sore Muscles

by Sarah Ingram, Practicing Kinesiologist Health Naturally by Dr. Taina Turcasso, N.D., R.M. - Enhancing Your Holiday Health Nourish Through Nature

by Krissi Hyland, RHN - Holiday Nut Nog Tales From An Unexpected Yogi – Symbolism in Yoga by Heather Ivany Around the World with Rebecca Hall – Home for the Holidays You’ve Got Male: Don on Christmas Morning by Adam K. MacDonald

BITS AND BYTES | 51 The Answer Guy – Free Fun

by Kevin McIsaac Monthly Horoscopes by Claire Simmons

FERNIE FUN | 54 Fix Trivia

COVER: Surface Hoar, it sure looks pretty… Photo by Todd Weselake www.raveneyephotography.com THIS PAGE: Alyx taking advantage of the first snow, in the James White Park Photo by Todd Weselake, www.raveneyephotography.com

Editor’s Fix

WHEN WRITING, it is difficult to avoid aspects of your life from dripping onto the page. I sometimes try to avoid writing about being a mom or about my daughter, but find it nearly impossible. Especially when writing about Christmas.

In October I had the opportunity of introducing my daughter, Aila (which means “bringer of light” in Finnish) to her Finnish family. Four generations, 90, 64, 34 and 1 years of age, together for the first and probably last time in Helsinki. It was such an amazing experience, one that I will remember always and share with my kids often. What was most astonishing was how Aila and Mummu (grandma) were immediately drawn to one another.

It was as though there was some unspoken knowledge they shared, or a club that they belonged to that we did not. I feel the same connection between Aila and

my Nana, but as they see one another regularly it isn’t quite as pronounced as this introduction was.

I’ve always been intrigued by the connection between the youth and the elderly, and the happiness that they enjoy when together. While I wish I could visit my Mummu regularly, and that she could be a bigger part of our life, I feel fortunate that Aila has the opportunity of growing up with her Italian great-grandmother in Fernie and that she will hopefully retain some memories of this time together.

What a gift to her, and to my Nana whom seems more youthful the minute Aila is within sight.

grandmothers to learn from, to lean on, and to share with my daughter, Aila.

Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Fernie is my most favourite place to enjoy this special time of the year, but if you’re with those you love, Christmas can happen anywhere.

Krista Turcasso, Editor

FERNIE FIX | FERNIEFIX.COM Published monthly by Claris Media. To advertise and for general inquiries: info@clarismedia.com Box 1124, 841 7th Ave. Fernie, BC V0B 1M0 p: 250-423-4062 www.clarismedia.com

To me, the holiday season has always and will always be about family and tradition. And this season, I am thankful to have two very strong and independent

Editor | Krista Turcasso Creative Director | Vanessa Croome Associate Editor | Carolyn Nikodym

might hurt a little to start but in the end this technique is truly a gift! If you need help with an exercise program, call 250-423-9167 or visit www.sarahsactiverehab.com.

If the dialogue of yoga being more than a mat experience interests you, join HEATHER IVANY for her workshop “Mindful Journey” beginning Nov 2. Details at www. heatherivanyyoga.com.

All content copyright Claris Media. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher.

Contributors AMY BOECKNER works with a great team at EK Employment Elk Valley (WorkBC) to help connect job seekers with employers. Whether you are looking for work or looking to hire, they are your one stop shop for all your employment related needs (www. ekemployment.org)!

ANGIE ABDOU is a local fiction writer. Her new novel Between, a satire of contemporary family life, makes a wonderful Christmas present. Pick it up at Polar Peek and feel free to contact her if you want it signed.

ANDREW VALLANCE is a cinophile nerd who currently lives on the wet coast. Girlfriendless, he spends his time going to movies, buying DVDs and flirting.

CAROLYN NIKODYM feels the rejuvenating power of music every single day.

SARAH INGRAM, kinesiologist, is getting into the holiday spirit by introducing you to the (almost) magical foam roller. It

KRISSI HYLAND is a holistic nutritionist and whole food chef stoked to be writing for the Fix and inspiring the community to eat not only healthy but tasty foods. Visit NourishThroughNature.com or call 250-531-3553 for a nutritional consult or cooking class.

JESSE BELL gets in touch with her inner lumberjack and chops down a tree for firewood on this cold winter month.

HANNAH GRIFFIN is excited to come back to Fernie and looking forward to a winter full of snow and good times.

DR. TAINA TURCASSO is a naturopathic doctor and midwife practicing in Calgary, Alberta. She spends most of her time catching gorgeous babies, and is slowly inching her way back to Fernie.

REBECCA HALL loves to hear and write about the places that Fernieites travel to. If you’d like to share your travel story, write to her at hall.rebecca.j@gmail.com.

ADAM K. MACDONALD would like to wish everyone all the best this holiday season.

KEVIN MCISAAC haunts the coffee shops and streets of Fernie to find his column source material.

CLAIRE SIMMONS is an intuitive Reiki Master living on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia who spent last winter in Fernie. Stay tuned for a link to her blog where she’ll be writing about the intuitive process and posting tips.

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Business

Skills Training AMY BOECKNER

Happy Holidays from all the staff at The Livery. Now booking wine tasting events and holiday season parties. We will be closed on December 24th & 25th.

New Years Eve Dinner, 4 Courses 5:00-5:30pm seating $150/ couple 8:00-8:30pm seating $200/ couple

SUNDAY

$20 Pasta Night with 3 Selections

MONDAY

Prosecco Specials $12 Mussels

WEDNESDAY Wine Specials Charcuterie $20

Visit www.liveryrestaurant.com or call 250-423-7666 for reservations.

1541 9th Ave. Fernie, B.C. 250-423-3370 ferniehottubs.com alpinespa@shaw.ca

Fill a hot tub with toys!

Donate a toy or food item and help decorate the HUGE Christmas tree at the Alpine Spa and Leisure showroom!

All donations will go to the Salvation Army for distribution.

FEELING THE NEED TO GO back to school can happen for a lot of different reasons from a new understanding of who you are, to workplace pressure, injury, or financial demand. For example, the decline of an industry can force your hand or a significant change within your household can mean the stability or security you once had no longer feels so strong.

If getting a job requires skills you do not already have, you can get the required skills through schooling, through work, or through a combination of both. The route you choose will depend on both personal factors as well as those related to the occupation you desire.

Before I get too far along, I must implore you to think twice and with a strong backbone. That is my way of saying – be positive. You have something to offer.

You may already have the required skills.

Perhaps you need only one course and not a whole program. As well, some occupations care more about what you have done and can offer, meaning they want and need to see your work history.

In these scenarios, refreshing your resume with the help of a new set of eyes or gaining skills through a work setting (e.g. volunteering or wage subsidy placement) can be excellent options.

Going back to school is a big decision that does not need to be intimidating.

There are three big areas to explore and the very first is you. A little (well a lot) of both introspection and practical planning are required. What occupation fits with you? How much can you afford? How will you balance schooling with the rest of your life? Are you prepared for a lifestyle change? What will happen if you struggle to find a job after school? Some of these questions can be answered through various

GETTING TO WORK

assessments and tools. Others can only be answered by you and it will be important to get input from the people who are part of your life.

Second, and what most people seem to avoid, is labour market information. You want to make sure the costs don’t outweigh the benefits. Is the industry you are training for in demand or decline? What are the mandatory requirements for entry or promotion? What are the wages? Are there job openings where you are willing to be located? Will these job openings be there after you finish school? To begin answering these questions talk to people in the field, your local employment centre, and research job markets (e.g. through work search engines or government websites).

Finally, you will need to explore your education options. Education options have expanded over the years from content, to delivery methods and pacing. Find the option that works for you. Colleges have education advisors who can help you examine entry requirements and assist you in determining your strengths. They can walk you through the various courses available and make recommendations based on your history and goals. A good starting point is often your local college.

Retraining as an adult is a difficult decision and, like most other things related to finding a job, can be a scary process that challenges your confidence and decision making skills. This is normal and, for even the most brazen, it will push you outside of your comfort zone at some point. Be realistic, creative, and committed.

Resident Feature Name: Carolyn Doyle Business: Big Bang Bagels What was your first job in the Valley?

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at the old Central building. Very close to the same time I started coaching for FAST. Why is Fernie a great place to work?

No traffic!

What is it about your job that you love?

Of course it’s the people. I love, love, love the people I work with and the people who come into my shop. I am so lucky to be surrounded by great people.

If you could relay one piece of advice to someone working toward their “dream” job, what would that be?

Start small and grow. This eliminates financial burden and more importantly you learn so much this way about what people want from your business.

I served for Claude and Lillis at the Corner Pocket when it was downtown FERNIEFIX.COM

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VMTravel December Ad 2015.qxp_Layout 1 2014-11

Business

BUSINESS NEWS

Big Bang Bagels 502 2nd Ave 250-423-7778 BIG BANG BAGELS and riding, together again! The rumours are true; Big Bang Bagels is once again operating a location at Fernie Alpine Resort throughout the ski season.

Big Bang Bagels’ second location is located in the Griz Inn at the bottom of the Mighty Moose. Look for the Big Bang Bagels signs, and stop by this winter to grab a quick coffee and bagel before rippin up Fernie pow. It’s also an ideal location to stop and sit down for lunch. Big Bang Bagels will be open daily from 8am-5pm at the ski hill and as always 7am-5pm in downtown Fernie. Bang ON!

The Real Morocco

Up Close and Personal April 17 - May 2, 2015 16 days includes Casablanca,Essaouira, Marrakech & Sahara

Option to hike Mt.Toubkal 4167m

$5299 CDN

Land & Air Montreal - Casablanca

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The Livery Restaurant 571b (upstairs) 2nd Ave.

Greek Island Adventure

May 15 - 25, 2015

10 days includes Athens Acropolis & Islands of Mykonos and Santorini $3750 CDN

land package

Only 6 spots open Sign up by January 15

vmtraveladventures.com info@customwinetours.com

1 877 423 5007 1 877 423 5007

Dr. Karley Denoon, ND believes you deserve to feel better, and get more out of your day to day experience.

Think of her for: Naturopathic Medicine IV & Injection Therapies Holistic Counselling Acupuncture For more information or to Lab Testing make a booking, please visit: Pediatric Care House Calls or call 250-531-0154

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Fernie Stanford Resort NOW OFFERING GOURMET CATERING, the Stanford Resort has become a great venue for weddings and special events in Fernie. Its two spacious reception areas and attractive outdoor terrace offer space for gatherings of up to 100 guests amid the idyllic backdrop of the Elk River and the Lizard Range.

Executive chef Keshab Sapka heads Stanford’s culinary team, who prepare some of the finest food this side of the Rockies. Clients can customize a meal plan to suit their event, or choose from

Keshab’s wide repertoire of Indian delicacies.

Well known for its warmth and hospitality, Stanford Resort distinguishes itself from other local event venues by providing highly personalized service.

The event staff works closely with clients to ensure every detail is in place.

Mention this article to receive a special discount when booking your special event at Stanford Resort, and visit www. ferniestanfordresort.com for more details.

THE STAFF AT THE LIVERY RESTAURANT would like to wish everyone a happy holiday season. While the restaurant will be closed December 24 and 25, they are hosting a spectacular New Year’s Eve Dinner to help bring in 2015. This four-course dinner has two seatings, one at 5:30pm for $150/couple and a second at 8:30pm at $200/couple.

Located in a beautifully renovated historic building in downtown Fernie, The Livery is a fantastic place to celebrate this holiday season and throughout the winter. They also offer private parties, celebrations and weddings. For more information, visit www.liveryrestaurant.com.

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Business

Mountain High Shuttle

Healing Hollow essential oils, blends and products are blended and created on site in Fernie, BC. Sold in more than 30 retailers across Canada, we offer natural solutions for teething, snoring, insomnia, eczema, bladder infections, natural sun protection and much more.

Healing

With a large selection of Aromatherapy diffusers you are sure to find one that helps your home with mood, calming or boosting immunity.

Hollow

We also offer a great selection of handmade soaps by Soco Soaps, Canadian jewelry from Silver Suspensions, Orange Avocado, Native Silver and Warm Buddy animals.

571A-2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC 250.423.6800 www.healinghollow.com Facebook.com/healinghollow

Come check out our meaningful, easy baskets and packages for all ages.

BUSINESS NEWS

www.mountainhighshuttle.com NEED TO GET TO THE SKI HILL but you don’t have a car? The Powder Chaser is Fernie’s fast, friendly and reliable option!

The shuttle does pick-ups from downtown Fernie and a number of lodges in town, as well as a couple of express runs. There is also an evening shuttle so you can get back home after your après session! For the full schedule go to mountainhighshuttle.com

MORNING Fernie to Ski Hill Gear Hub Overwaitea @ 2nd Ave Best Western Red Tree Lodge Raging Elk Hostel Park Place Lodge Super 8 Stanford Resort Fernie Alpine Resort Lot 1

8:15 8:18 8:23 8:25 8:28 8:30 8:35 8:38 8:45

EXPRESS

EXPRESS

Mon-Fri

Mon-Fri

8:45 ↓

8:55

9:15 ↓

9:25

9:15 9:18 9:23 9:25 9:28 9:30 9:35 9:38 9:45

10:15 10:18 10:23 10:25 10:28 10:30 10:35 10:38 10:45

AFTERNOON Ski Hill to Fernie

EXPRESS

EXPRESS

Drop off

Mon-Fri

Mon-Fri

by request

Fernie Alpine Resort Stanford Resort Super 8 (by request)

2:15 2:22 2:25

3:15 3:22 3:25

Park Place Lodge (rear) Raging Elk Hostel Red Tree Lodge Best Western Gear Hub

2:30 2:32 2:35 2:37 2:45

3:30 3:32 3:35 3:37 3:45

4:15

6:00 6:02 6:05 6:10 6:15 6:17 6:20 6:22 6:30

7:00 7:02 7:05 7:10 7:15 7:17 7:20 7:22 7:30

6:30 6:33 6:35 6:40 6:43 6:45 7:00

7:30 8:30 9:30 7:33 8:33 9:33 7:35 8:35 9:35 7:40 8:40 9:40 7:43 8:43 9:43 7:45 8:45 9:45 8:00 9:00 10:00 Daytime Start Dec 20 to April 12 Express Starts Dec 29 to April 10 Evening Starts Dec 20 to March 28

4:05 ↓

4:15 4:22 4:25 4:30 4:32 4:35 4:37 4:45

4:30 ↓

5:00

Fare is $3.50, RCR Staff/Youth $3 one way, while a Season Shuttle Pass is $300 (on sale for $199 until Dec 5.).

If you have friends flying in from Calgary, Mountain High also operates a shuttle from Calgary YYC to Fernie three times a week, or they can arrange private charters for ski resort transfers, corporate groups, staff parties and weddings. Call 1-877-423-4555 or local 250-423-5008 of visit their website for a quote.

4:45 downtown

EVENING Ski Hill to Fernie Snow Creek Lodge Lizard Creek Lodge Mountain Pantry Timberline Lodge Stanford Resort Super 8 Gear Hub Overwaitea @ 2nd Ave Best Western Fernie to Ski Hill Best Western Red Tree Lodge Park Place Pub Gear Hub Super 8 Stanford Resort Snow Creek Lodge

and

Snow Removal Landscape Construction Landscape Maintenance

yes, we can help! info@mowandsnow.ca

250.423.1665

open daily: 9am - 3pm closed: tuesday + wed.

250 423 4637 - 601 1st Ave

One Way Fare $3.50 RCR Staff / Youth $3 10 Ride Punch Card $30 Season Pass $300

8:00 8:02 8:05 8:10 8:15 8:17 8:20 8:22 8:30

9:00 9:02 9:05 9:10 9:15 9:17 9:20 9:22 9:30

10:00 10:02 10:05 10:10 10:15 10:17 10:20 10:22 10:30 10:30 10:33 10:35 10:40 10:43 10:45 ↓

Delivering first class Mobile Massage in the comfort of your home or vacation rental

Julie Gallant, BC RMT 250-946-8982 julie.gallant@hotmail.com

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Business

NEW BUSINESSES

Montane www.montanefernie.ca LOCAL FERNIE INVESTOR AND DEVELOPER, Parastone, is celebrating the response to its first release of the 20 home sites in Fernie’s newest community Montane. Almost 50 per cent of Stage One home sites sold on the first day. The majority of buyers were local Fernie residents who have been anticipating the release of Montane for months.

Fernie, BC

Starting at $138,000, the Montane community will initially be comprised of single family homes including cottages, townhomes and estate properties.

Seventy per cent of the Montane lands will be set aside as green space for parks, a soccer field, community farm and courtyards. Catering to an active community, Montane residents will have direct access to Fernie’s downtown via pedestrian walking trails and bike paths, within 100 metres of every home.

HENRY GEORGI PHOTO/MONTANE

Montane is actively promoting the remaining Stage One home sites, anticipating that these will sell before the end of 2014. Register for more information at www. montainfernie.ca.

evolutionhealth.ca Health. Beauty.

Happiness. Confidence.

Specializing in natural food & gear for your pet SUBMITTED PHOTO

Property Guys

791A 2nd Avenue, Downtown Fernie 250-423-4332

1-866-237-8281

contest on their Facebook page https:// www.facebook.com/EKPGuys by January 31 and you will be entered.

THE PROPERTYGUYS.COM East Kootenay and Crowsnest Pass franchise has welcomed new owners Lisa Christopher and Amber Biberdorf, seen here with Administrative Assistant Sally Sansom, and owner Laura Clark.

With over 200 properties for sale in the area, the East Kootenay franchise is locally owned and operated. To celebrate they are giving away a property listing package worth $999! Just “like” the

Fifteen years ago, PropertyGuys.com pioneered the assisted private sale concept. Today PropertyGuys.com is known for its successful system for selling homes privately. They are North America’s largest, most respected, and fastest growing network for the private sale of real estate. The local franchise provides service to the entire East Kootenay, Columbia Valley, and Crowsnest Pass.

New patients welcome Dental insurance accepted For all your orthodontic needs

Dr. Peach

292 - 2nd Avenue, Fernie, BC

250-423-6838

dentist@kahane.ca • www.kahane.ca

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Business

BUSINESS NEWS

CRAFT BEERS. CHRISTMAS CHEERS.

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS WITH FBC'S "12 DAYS OF GIVEAWAYS", CHRISTMAS BEERS AND NEW MERCH IN-STORE!

Follow us on

Urban Settler Late Breakfast, Lunch Dinner, Dessert and Drinks DECEMBER RELEASE!

Black Mammoth Winter Ale

VISIT US IN FERNIE.

26 Manitou Road Fernie BC, V0B 1M5

WINTER OPENING HOURS.

7 days a week: 10am-6pm Weekly Tours: Fri @ 3pm

A Fresh New Winter Menu

BOOK YOUR BREWERY TOUR.

Call 250.423.7797 or visit www.ferniebrewing.com

In House Rotisserie Chicken & Ribs

Full Lunch & Dinner Menu

561 Hwy #3 250-423-0820 AFTER 16 YEARS OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS in North Vancouver, the Urban Settler has relocated its woodworking shop to Fernie, BC. Founded in 1998, The Urban Settler is a leading producer of reclaimed wood furniture and millwork for residential clients and the commercial design sector. The company serves designers, architects, business owners, and homeowners in Vancouver, Calgary and across North America.

The move of the manufacturing operations coincides with the first anniversary of the opening of the Urban Settler’s Furniture and Interior Design shop in Fernie. The shop features custom reclaimed wood tables, flooring and furniture made by the Urban Settler, SUBMITTED PHOTO as well as upholstered furniture and home décor from select suppliers with an emphasis Happy Holidays from the staff at on craftsmanship, design, heritage, and origin. Interior decorating services, and custom ReMax Resort Office window coverings round out the offerings at Fernie’s go to source for home décor. Fernie Mountain Spirits!

Visit www.urbansettler.com or find them on facebook for further details.

Happy Holidays

HIGH PERFORMANCE

SKI RENTALS & SALES

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from the staff at Fernie Mountain Spirits!

anywhere in the Elk Valley

Come in and pick up a Holiday Gift Pack SKI SNOWBOARD WINTER BIKES X-COUNTRY

ERLEND HAUGEN PHOTO

SNOWSHOES

Looking for a great caterer to host your Christmas Party or Staff Event? From 40 - 1200 guests, we have you covered.

Small Business Christmas Parties

LOCATED AT SNOW CREEK LODGE ON THE SKI HILL 5258 Highline Drive • 250-423-9252 • www.fernieskirentals.com Open Daily 8:30am - 4:30pm

with Dinner & Dance at the Fernie Golf & Country Club. December 6th and 13th. Reservations Required.

250.423.7367 - events@enjoyfernie.com

• COLD BEER • WINE • LIQUOR

Ask us about our Rewards Points! Earn points and redeem for merchandise.

250-423-6522 / 1641 7th Avenue Conveniently located on Highway 3, beside Boston Pizza

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

9am-11pm, including holidays

5369 Fernie Ski Hill Road 250-423-1471/ 250-531-0303

REMAX SALES PROFESSIONALS, Ryan Frazer and Deb Trand have officially opened their doors at the Griz Inn at Fernie Alpine Resort. This location allows buyers and sellers to visit Fernie’s only ski in/ ski out Real Estate brokerage. Deb and Ryan have a unique, refreshing “out of the box” approach to Real Estate and cater to those in search of that unique property.

Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a Fernie dream home, first home, vacation retreat or rental property, Deb and Ryan have the local knowledge and expertise to assist you. Explore their website at www.fernieresortproperties. com including the blog for up to date ski/bike reports and market information.

Contact Deb or Ryan to start your next great adventure in or around Fernie!

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Business

$5 CITY OF FERNIE

LEISURE SERVICES

NEW BUSINESSES

ASD Interiors by Design ashipleydesign@gmail.com AS THE PREVIOUS OWNER of the successful retail and design store, Livery Home, Aileen Shipley now offers a personalized, professional experience, one on one.

She will share her passion and design knowledge (as well as a long list of suppliers), to assist you in creating not just a look, but a cohesive and thoughtful interior design for your space.

First in Holiday Fun!

If you have ever considered remodeling, building or simply changing a room, Aileen Shipley Design (ASD) offers you the services you require. With each client she addresses your concerns, vision and your desire for a personalized touch. Offering custom digital mood boards, consultation, purchasing as well as a complete interior design concept.

Among the aesthetic benefits are also supplier discounts and increased property value.

Choose to let ASD guide you through the process with ease and confidence.

LEISURE SERVICES

Balanced Sole Reflexology 901 2nd Ave 250-423-7722

Visit the Fernie Arena & Aquatic Centre for great programming geared toward family fun all season long!

Check online at www.fernie.ca for schedules and events.

Fernie Aquatic Centre 250.423.4466 Facility Inquires 250.423.2245 www.fernie.ca

Your One-Stop Shop for: 4 Christmas Stocking Stuffers 4 Gifts & Souvenirs 4 Books & Magazines 4 Postcards & Cards 4 Puzzles, Games & Toys 4 Lottery Ticket Centre 4 Full-Service Pharmacy 441- 2nd Ave. Downtown Fernie Tel: 250.423.4511

T-SHIRTS

STICKERS

BALL CAPS

TANYA THURMEIER OF BALANCED SOLE REFLEXOLOGY is pleased to announce she is now operating at Fernie’s Spa 901. She is registered with the Reflexology Association of Canada and offers Foot Reflexology to those who seek relaxation and renewal. If you are a little stressed and feeling knotty, you’ve had a hard day riding single-track or enjoying the snowy slopes, reflexology can help ease your mind and stiff muscles. With Christmas SUBMITTED PHOTO and the New Year approaching you and your loved ones deserve to feel great, and you can provide the perfect gift by purchasing a gift card when booking online at www.spa901.ca.

Experience the tranquil halls of the Old School and call Spa 901 to book a Foot Reflexology appointment with Tanya today.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of reflexology please visit RAC BC Chapter website www.racbcreflexology.com.

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Business

This December at

NEW BUSINESSES

Enchanted Esthetics 571B 2nd Ave

1602 7th Ave. Fernie - 250.423.2634

Happy Holidays from the Staff & Management at Boston Pizza Fernie!

REFLECTION ESTHETICS & MASSAGE THERAPY is going through a business shift. Renee Brunel has relocated to Victoria, BC. “We wish her well and thank her for her contributions to Reflection Esthetics & Massage Therapy and to the community of Fernie,” says Leah Hill, whom will be continuing to work as an esthetician under a new business name – Enchanted Esthetics. Details about Leah’s new adventure will be posted on her new website, along with online booking at www.enchantedestheticsfernie.com.

All existing Reflection gift certificates will still be honoured, as well as new Enchanted Esthetics gift certificates ready to go for the Christmas season!

Helping Those in Need This holiday season, bring in a hat, mitts or scarf or 2 nonperishable food items for the Salvation Army or a gift for someone on our Angel Tree and receive a Free Pizza Bread with Bolognese Dip.

Leah and Renee would like to thank you for your past and continuing support. To contact Leah or to book an appointment call or text Leah at 240-430-1289, email enchantedesthetics@gmail.com or visit the online booking system.

Stephanie Hansen, BC Registered Massage Therapist 901 5th Ave 250-423-3423 STEPHANIE HANSEN, BC Registered Massage Therapist, is happy to announce that she will now be operating out of a newly renovated, spacious room at Fernie Physiotherapy Clinic. Come and get yourself tuned up for ski season! To book a SUBMITTED PHOTO massage treatment call Fernie Physiotherapy directly, or visit their website at www.ferniephysio.com to learn more.

Book Your Christmas Party Here!

Boston Pizza Fernie is the perfect place to have your Christmas party. Contact us at bp@shawlink.ca or call 250-423-2634 to find out more info or to book today.

UFC December Fight Sat. Dec. 6 UFC 181: Hendricks vs.

Lawler II

Visit BostonPizza.com

Christina Warmenbol 571B 2nd Ave 250-429-3333 CHRISTINA WARMENBOL is a Foot Reflexologist with 25+ years experience.

Massaging the foot reflexes helps your body find balance and health.

Next to being a postpartum doula and childbirth educator, passionate about pregnancy and birth, she also offers sessions of Therapy of Intra-Uterine Life to reprogram negative prenatal experiences we might have had as an unborn baby into positive ones.

Be reborn to your prenatal roots.

Christina works out of Inside Out Fernie Wellness in downtown Fernie. Please contact her at 250-429-3333.

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Arts and Entertainment

F E AT U R E A R T I S T

The Fernie Community Choir

BY HEATHER BOYD The hills are alive, with the sound of music… Julie Andrews sure had it right! She must have known about Fernie and the amazing community choir we are so lucky to have. Now, how many of you didn’t even know we had such a thing? Well, the Fernie Community Choir has actually been around off and on for years, but the last one dispersed in 2000 due to the departure of the choir director. Small little singing groups popped up over the past few years but there was not a bigger, more diverse group with rich four-part harmonies. Fernie is full of very talented singers and musicians and although keen to get something started, we just needed someone to step in as the director. Someone who was willing to make the commitment.

Then along came David Pasivirta, the incredibly talented band teacher who

announced at the first band concert that although he loved directing a band, his first love was choir. Before he knew it, our beloved Anne Majic cornered him and within a year, the Fernie Community Choir came to life.

January 2014 marks the historic revival of the choir and let me tell you, we came out with a bang! Our concert this past June was well attended with the crowd bursting at the seams of the Arts Station… and we even received a standing ovation! Our membership sits at around 30 and we always welcome new members at the start of each semester. It has been a great way to reconnect with old friends and make new ones as well. I absolutely love it and even filled in for David a few times when he was out of town last spring.

I feel very fortunate as I come from an extremely musical family. My parents, 78 and 80, are still in a band called The Chilly Creakers. Growing up, my two brothers, two sisters and myself all played a variety of instruments including piano, drums, trombone, trumpet, bagpipes, flute, piccolo, mandolin and of course I think we all played recorder… I mean, who didn’t? We sang in various choirs, singing groups and even ventured into a few solo competitions. Most of us play guitar and still sing, and when our family gets together for reunions around a firepit, including nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many extra family friends on Mum and Dad’s 80-acre ranch, we sing until the cows come home… literally!

I moved to Fernie just over three years ago and to be honest it is the best move I’ve ever made. This little hidden gem of a ski town welcomed me with open arms and within the first year and a half I was on stage at the Arts Station in the production of Steel Magnolias.

I really wanted to start a choir but felt that at this point I was not able to offer the commitment of a director that a choir deserved. However, if someone else took the leap, I would join and sing my heart out which is exactly what happened. The bonus? My sister joined as well and it means the world to me that I am singing with her again.

adjectives that floated through the Arts Station:

At a recent rehearsal, I asked a few songsters to give me a word that best describes their experience in this gifted little choir. Here are a few

~joyous~

~community~ ~dynamic~ ~entertaining~ ~cohesive~ ~fun~ ~friendly~ ~focussed~ ~warm~ ~therapeutic~

Please join us at our upcoming Christmas Concert on December 19, 7pm, at the Arts Station. We have been rehearsing diligently some fabulous Christmas music including a couple of traditional carols – “Lo How a Rose E’re Blooming” and “Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella.” We hope to surprise you, delight you, and help to make your Christmas spirit soar! T’is the season!

For more information on the Fernie Community Choir, find us on Facebook.

~de-stressing~ ~a blast~

V. CROOME PHOTOS

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Arts and Entertainment

Y A M A G O Y A

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Down to Earth: Cold-Climate Gardens and Their Keepers by Jennifer Heath & Helen McAllister

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ABDOU’S LITPICKS

was a labour of love,” Helen explained, “and we promised each other that if it ever became simply a labour … abort project!!”

The love of cold-climate gardening kept Helen and Jennifer going right through to completion, and that love shows in the pages of Down to Earth. It is a beautiful book, filled with gorgeous photos. Inside my own copy, Helen and Jennifer have written “We hope we inspire you.” Above all else, the book is an inspiration. With success stories of gardeners throughout our region, the book proves we cannot use our wintery climate as an excuse not to garden.

The vibrant pictures of fresh vegetables, herbs and flowers stand as testament to the rewards of such labour. Helen’s recipe for beet humus had me racing to the store in search of fresh beets and promising I’d grow my own next year.

THINK LOCAL. BUY LOCAL. READ LOCAL. While we’re releasing stacks of our hard-earned dollars into the world this Christmas season, it’s important to be conscientious of doing so in a way that supports local businesses and workers.

Book owners tell me stories of customers browsing the independent store’s stacks, thumbing the books, and then pulling out their iPhones to photo-capture the ISBNs or even to order the book(s) on Amazon right there in the store. If we in Fernie do Yes, I am inspired. not support our bookstore, we will not have I imagine finding this book under my a bookstore.

Christmas tree – and with it the promise of I love Polar Peek even more than usual spring, the smell of damp dirt, the taste of this time of year. It’s packed to the rafters just-dug baby carrots, the mouth-watering with the most recent masterworks of all my memory of fresh dill clippings, the multifavourite Canadian writers, some of whom coloured miracle of a new harvest. Down make their homes right here in Fernie. Like to Earth would make a lovely present, for most independent bookstores, Polar Peek anyone. boasts an extraordinary staff. The wellread and intelligent Polar Peek women are While you’re making your Christmas lists and planning your trip to Polar Peek, I happy to put the right gift book into your hands. To support Fernie artists, simply ask cannot sign off on my Christmas column without putting in a small plug for my what local book would best suit your giftown new novel. Between – a satirical look giving needs, and the Polar Peek folks will at contemporary family life – also makes steer you in the right direction. a great Christmas present. No matter how For my December LitPick, I recommend off-the-rails things go during this year’s the most recent Fernie book: a love-letter family holiday, Between’s Christmas dinner to the gardens (and gardeners) of Fernie. will make your family look fully functional.

In front of a packed Fernie Heritage Once you read it, you’ll know what I mean Library, authors Helen McAllister and when I wish you all a very happy Speedo Jennifer Heath talked about the intense Navidad! project that resulted in Down to Earth. “It FERNIEFIX.COM

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1 OUT E G D

!

Arts and Entertainment

A OL T S S ST

Guardians of the Galaxy

O

M AL

Super in 2010 (a film previously reviewed by yours truly) and a horror movie called Slither, directs Guardians of the Galaxy and brings a great deal of heart to a genre (superhero movies) that has recently churned out some very grim movies (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Thor: the Dark World).

ANDREW VALLANCE

MODERN. MOUNTAIN. LIVING. Purchases starting at $138,000 plus applicable taxes

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For purchasing information, please contact: 250-423-4136 or email info@montanefernie.com www.montanefernie.com

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AS OF OCTOBER 5, 2014, Guardians of the Galaxy has earned $323.3 million in North America and $330.4 million in other countries for a worldwide total of $653.7 million. It became the fourteenth movie of 2014 to gross over $300 million, which it did in just ten days.

It is a film about a ragtag band of intergalactic mercenaries who do battle with a genocidal madman in order to prevent him from destroying the admirable and civilized planet of Xander. The group is led by Peter Quill, a sneak thief played

by Chris Pratt. Pratt is best known for his role as Andy Dwyer in Parks and Recreation, a television series that began in 2009 and is currently still running. He also provided the voice for Emmet the master builder in The Lego Movie.

A second member of the group is Gamorra, a green-skinned master assassin played by Zoe Saldana who has previously been seen as Lieutenant Uhura in the latest Star Trek movie. She might not be recognized for her role as Neytiri, one of the Na’vi, in Avatar. Her features were heavily altered with CGI in that movie.

Two of the more interesting team members are Rocket, a psychotic, guntoting raccoon and Groot, a talking tree with a three-word vocabulary. Bradley Cooper does the voice of Rocket. His role in The Hangover brought him to prominence, but he is probably most famous for his roles as Eddie Morra in Limitless and Pat, the lovestruck manicdepressive, in Silver Linings Playbook.

Vin Diesel portrays the voice of Groot, a role that doesn’t require much acting ability, but he still manages to make the character extremely likable.

T H E R E N TA L F I X

Guardians is essentially a movie about teamwork. It extolls the virtues of friendship, caring for each other, and fighting to preserve life in the universe.

These values shine through regardless of the fact that Rocket is a foul-mouthed gun-nut, Groot is a tree person who throws things, and the fact that Dave Bautista, who is one of the most famous Cage Fighters in UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships), is cast as Drax the Destroyer. Bautista isn’t much of an actor but he doesn’t do a bad job in this role.

Two thumbs up for a very entertaining block buster.

[GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY] EXTOLLS THE VIRTUES OF FRIENDSHIP, CARING FOR EACH OTHER, AND FIGHTING TO PRESERVE LIFE IN THE UNIVERSE. This is further proof that Marvel can smack its brand on anything it chooses and make it into a hit. This is not to say that Guardians of the Galaxy is not a good movie.

All of the actors playing the major roles in the film are wonderful and Lee Pace who plays the movie’s chief antagonist, is suitably frightening. Pace, who is currently in the American Movie Channel hit series Halt and Catch Fire, is also recognizable for his role as the Wood Elf King in The Hobbit: an Unexpected Journey and as the American politician Fernando Wood in Lincoln.

James Gunn, who previously directed the low-budget, dark superhero comedy

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'kitchen always open'

Arts and Entertainment

Deck the halls with boughs of Blackberry Wood CAROLYN NIKODYM

Infinitea This Month • Mondays – Free Movie night & $6 meal 7pm • Wednesdays – Spoken Word/French Group/Crochet Club • Thursdays – Hula Hoop Workshop/Beautea night with Trillium/Tarot Readings • Fridays – Local Live Music from 7pm • Saturdays - $4 wines & 25% off Tapas • Sundays - $10 Roast Dinner 6-8pm Book infinitea for your Christmas Party

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Book early for all your Christmas party needs Come in for gift certificates, great stocking stuffers and Christmas packs!

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THE TEMPERATURES DROP, the snow falls and party season is upon us. It’s the time of year where we gather with our families, both factual and found. If there was ever a band that could bring out the jolly feeling in us, it is Blackberry Wood.

Hailing from Vancouver, this carnivalesque group of ruffians demands that we don our craziest festive frocks, tip a glass of cheer and dance a jig or two.

Blending stand-up bass, banjo, accordion, sax and guitar, along with drums and Theremin, Blackberry Wood delivers a lively brand of music that nods to the roving circuses of yore. Cabaret. Gypsy punk. Alt country. The band’s album names like Travelling Horse Opry (2010) and Strong Man vs Russian Bear (2012) gives a strong indication of what to expect if you’ve never experienced Blackberry Wood before. Touring incessantly, the band has played all kinds of venues, once playing an after-school program and then a bar later that night.

“When we played the kid’s show, all of the kids were running around the gym and girls were chasing the boys and the boys were chasing the girls,” Wood says, “and then later on that night we played a club show, and it was almost exactly the same, but they were running around the dance floor, but the girls were chasing the boys and the boys were chasing the girls. It was very similar. I am hoping it’s inspired by the music we play, but I am hoping that it’s inspired by a few drinks as well. They’re both sugars.”

Blackberry Wood has also performed Glastonbury Festival three times since its first album in 2007, an experience that informs its live performance for the better.

FRANKIE PANKY PHOTO

IF THERE WAS EVER A BAND THAT COULD BRING OUT THE JOLLY FEELING IN US, IT IS BLACKBERRY WOOD. HAILING FROM VANCOUVER, THIS CARNIVAL-ESQUE GROUP OF RUFFIANS DEMANDS THAT WE DON OUR CRAZIEST FESTIVE FROCKS, TIP A GLASS OF CHEER AND DANCE A JIG OR TWO. “You just take home certain things as well, especially going to England,” Kris Wood explains. “We’ve been there quite a bit, and just experiencing a party like Glastonbury Festival, being inspired by all of the other artists and performers – because it’s full, jam packed full of all kinds of different performances all of the time. It’s not just music – even though there’s gotta be a hundred music stages – there’s circus tents, full on circus tents, and all kinds of spoken word, and all kinds of strange things going on. And there’s roving theatre all of the time. Constantly. So it’s

just being in that environment, so you bring back a lot.”

The band is currently working on another recording – due out early in the New Year. For this fourth album, Blackberry Wood is trying to capture a more personal experience for its listeners. Strong Man really focused on the live show, but as Wood explains, that means that the album doesn’t translate as well when played for an audience of one through a set of headphones.

“The new album is more like a recording that is a great private, personal experience of the band,” Wood says, “I am thinking more about that, about the personal experience, rather than just trying to capture the live show. Just trying of making it more of a personal experience and capture those parts, more melodic parts of our band in the recording that we’re working on now. It’s a different approach and it’s a different thought process, which is amazing.”

Dress in your finest and dance on down to the Royal for Blackberry Wood on December 12.

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December 2014 Monthly Events MONDAY 1.12.2014 Days for Girls Sewing Session @ Christ Church basement. Come and see what this amazing charity is all about. Sewing skills not necessary, 1-8pm.

Indie Films Fernie: Tracks @ The Vogue Theatre, 7pm. A young woman embarks on a 1700 mile trek across the deserts of West Australia with four camels and her faithful dog.

TUESDAY 2.12.2014 Jingle Jam with SHEVA @ The Beanpod, 2-4pm

WEDNESDAY 3.12.2014 Intro to Letterpress Printing Workshop @ Clawhammer Press, 5-9pm $50 Plump DJs with Riley J @ The Central

FRIDAY 5.12.2014 Twilight & Holiday Craft Fair @ The Fernie Community Centre, Friday from 5-9pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm. Shop for the holiday season at this local artisan market.

Hearth 4 – Art Sale @ 1480 MacDonald Ave, featuring local artists Sarah Pike, Leanne Stothert, Kerri Holmes, Janet McIntyre, Clawhammer Press and Bisaro Woodworking. 4-8pm Tentative Opening Day @ Fernie Alpine Resort First Friday Art, Food and Beer Showcase @ Parkplace Lodge, 6:30pm featuring Max Restaurant’s winter wine list and local artist Karen Sims paintings.

Zachary Luck & Trio @ Clawhammer Press, live concert at 8pm.

Ari Been Jammin & Riley J Reggae Jungle Party @ The Central Third Anniversary Band Night @ The Royal

SATURDAY 6.12.2014 Hearth 4 – Art Sale @ 1480 MacDonald Ave, featuring local artists Sarah Pike, Leanne Stothert, Kerri Holmes, Janet McIntyre, Clawhammer Press and Bisaro Woodworking. 4-8pm Michael Bernard Fitzgerald @ The Northern, live at 8pm.

Full Moon Party with Mat B & Das Booty @ The Central Third Anniversary DJ Night @ The Royal Avalanche City Roller Girls Third Annual Christmas Gala: The Freak Show @ The Parkplace Pub, 9pm. Enjoy entertainment, DJ, Games, and Prizes including catskiing for two at Fernie Wilderness and a necklace from Jay’s Jewellers. $10 at the door.

SUNDAY 7.12.2014 Santa Claus Pancake Breakfast @ Parkplace Lodge Fernie Pets Society Black Tie for Paws @ Nevados, 7pm. Enjoy live music by the Hark Raving Sirens, door prizes, and a raffle featuring local artists. $20 for tickets include your first drink and a one year membership to Fernie Pets. Tickets available at Barkside Pets.

TUESDAY 9.12.2014 Learn to Crochet @ Heaven Boutique, 7-9pm

WEDNESDAY 10.12.2014 What the Dickens: Elf @ The Arts Station, 7pm free family event.

Fernie Wine Club @ The Livery, 6:30pm. 30 tickets available at $40, includes wine and appies.

Featurecast with Riley J @ The Central

Pigeon Hole and Sweatshop Union @ The Royal Nemkae Dubs & Saucebucket DJ Party @ The Central

SUNDAY 14.12.2014 Kids Card-making Workshop @ Clawhammer Press, free but must sign up in advance. 6-8 year olds at 12-1:30pm, 9-11 year olds 2-3:30pm.

Community Day @ Fernie Alpine Resort A Glow in Our Heart: A Christmas Concert by Children & Vera Choirs @ Fernie Knox United Church, 4pm. Presented by IDEAL Society and IMAGE School, $15 admission.

Fernie Ghostriders vs. Columbia Valley Rockies @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm

WEDNESDAY 17.12.2014 Intro to Letterpress Printing Workshop @ Clawhammer Press, 5-9pm $50 Night Bright with Riley J and Special Guest Colt 45 @ The Central

FRIDAY 19.12.2014 Community Choir Christmas Concert @ The Arts Station.

Enjoy festive music and beverages. A free event, but tickets are required!

Country Night with Barny Bumpkins & DJ Ango @ The Royal Local DJ Party @ The Central

SATURDAY 20.12.2914 Jingle Jam: Kerri Holmes & Friends @ Loaf, 2-4pm.

Community Christmas Celebration @ The Fernie Heritage Library, 2-4pm. An afternoon of mingling and catch-up with neighbours with crafts, treats, stories and carols.

The Neil & Bob Experience @ The Central The Bison Brothers @ The Royal, whiskey-folk fun.

SUNDAY 21.12.2014 Annual Shortbread Showdown @ The Arts Station, 1-3pm. Come on down to try and vote for your favourite recipe with your nickel and dimes. Free to enter.

Whisperers on a Quest Winter Solstice Concert @ The Arts Station, 7pm. Free event, but tickets required.

MONDAY 22.12.2014 Felted Christmas Ornament Making with Jodie @ The Arts Station, 10am-noon. Free event for kids, register early.

WEDNESDAY 24.12.2014 Deck the Walls Art Show and Sale Closes @ The Arts Station.

Last chance to buy gifts from the exhibit!

Xmas Eve Party with Freebooter @ The Royal Night Bright with Riley J @ The Central

FRIDAY 26.12.2014 Super Natural Boxing Day @ The Royal White Out Party with FlatSpin @ The Central

SATURDAY 27.12.2014 Ollie Hanson @ The Royal, from Perth, Australia Local DJ Party @ The Central

FRIDAY 12.12.2014

MONDAY 29.12.2014

Serial Killaz with FlatSpin @ The Central A Glow in Our Heart: A Christmas Concert by Children & Vera Choirs @ Jaffray Community Hall, 7pm. Presented by IDEAL Society and IMAGE School, $15 admission.

Blackberry Wood @ The Royal, alternative gypsy circus

WEDNESDAY 31.12.2014

SATURDAY 13.12.2014 Jingle Jam: CUKE Christmas Fa-la-la @ Freshies, 2pm. Enjoy festive music by Fernie’s Ukulele Orchestra.

Fernie Ghostriders vs Beaver Valley @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm

Fernie Ghostriders vs. Kimberley Dynamite @ Fernie Memorial Arena, 7:30pm New Year’s Three-Course Dinner @ Max Restaurant New Year's Four-Course Dinner @ The Livery. Two seating times available.

New Year’s Eve Black & White Masquerade Party with DJ Johnny English @ Parkplace Pub NY Bash Fozzy Style @ The Royal Griz Bar New Years Eve Party @ Fernie Alpine Resort, 8pm

CHECK OUT THE FERNIE FIX EVENTS CALENDAR ONLINE AT WWW.FERNIEFIX.COM

WHAT THE DICKENS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Thursday, November 27 Deck the Walls. Deck the Walls is The Arts Station’s 6th Annual year-end art show and sale. Each and every item for sale is under $100! This show offers an opportunity for people to purchase local, high quality artwork at a very reasonable price. The gallery will be open 7 days a week from 9am-3pm for the month of December.

Monday, December 1 Indie Films Fernie Presents Tracks (2013).

7pm at The Vogue Theatre on 2nd Ave. Tuesday, December 2 Jazz - Elizabeth Shepherd. 8pm at the Arts Station on 1st Ave. Tickets available at The Arts Station, Freshies and online. ww.elizabethshepherd.com Saturday, December 6 Jingle Jam at The Beanpod with SHEVA: Van and Shelagh Redecopp. From 2pm-4pm.

Wednesday, December 10 Elf (PG 2003). 7pm, get your FREE tickets at The Arts Station. Free Family Friendly Fun! Come along dressed as Elves to this fun interactive Will Ferrell movie. Enjoy some light festive refreshments, and have a few laughs! Think Rocky Horror Picture Show, but G-rated interactive fun!

Saturday, December 13 Jingle Jam at Freshies with Mary Groeneweg & The Fernie Children’s Uke Orchestra From 2pm-4pm.

Sunday, December 14 Kids (ages 6-8) Card Making Workshop at Clawhammer Press. From Noon-1:30pm. Be sure to register in advance at The Clawhammer Letterpress and Gallery. Free.

Kids (ages 9-11) Card Making Workshop at Clawhammer Press. From 2pm-3:30pm.

Friday, December 19 Community Choir Christmas Concert. At The Arts Station on 1st Ave. Join us for a festive beverage and get into the Christmas Spirit with carols from the Fernie Community Choir. This is a FREE event, but tickets are required, so make sure you get yours early!

Saturday 20th December Jingle Jam at The Loaf with Kerri Holmes & Friends.

From 2pm-4pm at The Loaf on 2nd Ave Sunday, December 21 Annual Shortbread Showdown. 1pm-3pm at The Arts Station on 1st Ave. Think you’ve got the best shortbread recipe!? Come out and show us what you’ve got at the Shortbread Showdown at The Arts Station! Bring your nickels and dimes out to vote for your favourite recipe, and raise money for The Arts Station at the same time!

Sunday, December 21 Whisperers on a Quest. FREE Winter Solstice Concert 7pm at The Arts Station on 1st Ave. Bring the kids down for an evening of family friendly entertainment to celebrate the winter solstice. Make sure you get your FREE tickets early.

Monday, December 22 Felted Christmas Ornament Making with Jodie.

10am-noon at The Arts Station on 1st Ave. This FREE event is popular, so make sure you register early at The Arts Station!

Wednesday, December 24 Last opportunity to buy your gifts at the Deck the Walls Exhibition! 9am-3pm at The Arts Station.

The Arts Station’s last opening day before the Christmas holidays, we’ll be closed until Friday 2nd January

CONTACT INFO@CLARISMEDIA.COM TO SHARE YOUR EVENTS, BOTH ONLINE AND IN PRINT. IT’S FREE!

December 2014 Weekly Events

DINING, NIGHTLIFE & SPECIALS MONDAYS Wings Night @ Boston Pizza Fernie Jugs of Beer on Special @ The Brickhouse Lasagna Specials @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Pitcher and Poutine for $20 @ The Fernie Movie Night @ Infinitea, 7pm Mix and Match Pasta @ Pub Bar & Grill Karaoke with Topo & Special Guest @ The Royal Mani Monday Special @ Spa 901 Mussel Mondays @ The Livery with $6 glass of Proseco Massage Mondays @ Trillium Day Spa, $60 for 60 min, $90 for 90 min Ladies Night: $4 House Red or White Wine, $5 Pints of Cider, $10 Appies @ The Northern TUESDAYS Feature Pasta and Wine Night @ Boston Pizza and Sports Bar Kokanee Bottle on Special @ The Brickhouse Wing Night @ The Pub Bar & Grill Want to throw a Party? @ The Royal, contact jcomete@hotmail.com $12 Pizza Night @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe Two for Tuesdays @ Trillium Day Spa, 2 pedicures for $100, 2 manicures for $70, 2 facials for $130, all three for $275

$10 Beer, Burger and Bingo Night @ The Northern WEDNESDAYS $7 Off Large Pizzas @ Boston Pizza Wine Evenings @ The Brickhouse Karaoke Night @ The Fernie Pint night @ Kodiak Lounge Wine Wednesday @ Max Restaurant with 50% off Select Wines Zak’s Jam Night @ The Royal Featured Pub Burgers on Special @ The Pub Bar & Grill $12 Organic Roasted & Chicken and Beer @ The Bridge Bistro Locals Night @ Loaf, 5-9pm Tarot Readings @ Infinitea,7pm Crochet Collective & Sweater Club Knitting @ Infinitea, 7-9pm Wine Wednesday @ The Livery Waxing Wednesday @ Trillium Day Spa, free underam wax with any other hair removal $8 Wings, Beat the Clock Draft & Highballs and Karaoke @ The Northern THURSDAYS $3 Off Tacos @ Boston Pizza Acoustic Jam @ The Brickhouse Spiced Rum Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Rib Night @ Max Restaurant & The Pub Bar & Grill

OUTDOOR & FAMILY MONDAYS •Dominoes @ The Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Mahjong @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7pm •Special Olympics Athletes Bowling @ Sparwood. 4pm •Duplicate Bridge Game @ The Seniors Drop-in Centre •Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Women’s Night @ Old School Boxing, 7:30-9pm •ActiveFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 8:30-9:15am •StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Parent Tot Fun Times @ Community Centre, 9:30am-12pm •Swimming Lessons @ Aquatic Centre, kids under 3 from 10:30-11am •Celebrate Recovery @ Mountainside Church, 7pm, open to everyone •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Community Climb Night @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 7pm TUESDAYS •Cheap Night @ The Vogue Theatre. $6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D •Crib/Whist @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Storytime @ Library, 11:15-12pm for ages 3–5.

•Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Ladies Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6:30pm •AquaBlast @ The Aquatic Centre, 9-9:45am •GentleFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 10:30-11:15am •Public Drop in Climbing @ College of the Rockies, 7-9pm •Fernie Book Bike Roving Book Bomb @ Fernie, 4pm.

•StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Holy Family Centre, 10-11am. $6 •Lego Club Grades 1 + @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Public Skating @ Fernie Arena, 10:30am – 11:15am (Free) •Born to Sing and Dance @ Fernie Arts Station •Little Sports @ Max Turyk Recreation Room, ages 3-6 years old $40 per day. charlottecwillis@me.com •Drop-in Climbing @ College of the Rockies Climbing Wall, 7-9pm

Free Samples @ Sweet Shop with any purchase over $5. $2 Off Appies @ The Fernie, 6-9pm 2 Medium Pizza Special @ Elk Valley Pizza Shoppe RileyJ+Ash / Flatspin+Friends @ The Royal BeauTEA Night with Trillium @ Infinitea, 6-8pm $12 Pizza or Pasta and Wine or Beer for $12 @ Loaf Bakery and Restaurant Spring Clean Spa Day Special @ Spa 901 Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub Bar & Grill House Gun Doubles $7, $5 Fernie Pints, $3 Sliders @ The Northern FRIDAYS Full Rack of Ribs for $19.95 @ Boston Pizza Brewery Tour @ Fernie Brewing Co. 3pm Tastings at The Tipple @ The Tipple. 1st Friday of the month only.

Live Music @ Infinitea, 8pm TGIF & Chicken dinner draw @ Kodiak Lounge Prime Rib and Corona Buckets @ The Pub Bar & Grill $10 Fish and Chips, Meat Draw and Members Draw @ The Fernie Live Music @ The Central Live Bands & DJs @ The Royal, check facebook page for details Date Night Special @ Spa 901

Skate WEDNESDAYS •Toddlertime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 11:15am - noon Ages 6 months-2 years •Crib @ Seniors Drop in Centre 1pm •Drop in Workshop @ Clawhammer Press. 6-9pm, $30 •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •Adult Badminton @ The Community Centre. All levels welcome, drop in for $5 •Introduction to Letterpress Printing Workshop @ Clawhammer Press, $30 6-9pm •AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •ActiveFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 8:30-9:15am •Womens Drop in Climbing @ COTR, 7-9pm •Fernie Book Bike Book Bomb @ Aquatic Centre, 4pm.

•StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Holy Family Centre, 10-11am. $6 •Puzzlers Grades 4 + @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm •Swimming Lessons @ Aquatic Centre, kids under 3 from 10:30-11am •Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Little Sports @ Max Turyk Recreation Room, ages 3-6 years old $40 per day. charlottecwillis@me.com •Skate & Shoot @ Fernie Arena, 1:15-2:30pm THURSDAYS •Better Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre. 1pm-3pm, every 2nd week.

•Seniors Drop in @ Senior’s Centre, 9am-2pm •Indoor Walking @ The Community Centre, 9-10:30am •RC Club @ Fernie Community Centre. From 7-9pm come enjoy indoor flying and practice •Community Basketball @ Fernie Secondary School, 8:3010:30pm •Women & Men’s Night @ Old School Boxing, 7:30-9pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Youth Archery @ The Elks Hall, 6pm •AquaBlast @ The Aquatic Centre, 9-9:45am •GentleFit @ The Aquatic Centre, 10:30-11:15am •Fernie Book Bike Book Bomb @ Max Turyk, 4pm.

•StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •MOMs Group @ Fernie Heritage Library, 9:30-11:30am

Domestic Bottles $5 and $12 Fish and Chips @ The Northern SATURDAYS Large Gourmet Pizza for Medium Price @ Boston Pizza Meat Draw & Bar Quiz @ The Legion Tequila Specials @ Kodiak Lounge Pizza Night @ Loaf Bakery, 5pm – close.

Prime Rib Special @ Max Restaurant & Pub Bar & Grill $5 Glass of House Wine, $5 Off Bottles of Wine @ The Fernie Live Music @ The Central Live Bands & DJs @ The Royal 25% off Tapas and $4 Wine @ Infinitea Domestic Bottles $5, Jager Bombs $6, Steak Sandwich $12 @ The Northern SUNDAYS Kids Eat for $4.99 @ Boston Pizza Caesars on Special @ The Brickhouse Fish & Chips plus Caesars and Pints on Special @ The Pub Bar & Grill Steak & Eggs & Build Your Own Caesar Bar @ The Fernie $10 BBQ and $5 TEAsars @ Infinitea Orphan Night: $3.50 highballs and draft, warm dinner and ski/snow boarding videos @ The Northern Big Bender with Goffles @ The Royal

Swim

Library Program

Other

•Bellies to Babies @ Fernie Women’s Centre, 1-3pm every 2nd Thursday.

•Rainbow Loom Club Grades 2 + @ Fernie Heritage Library, 3:30-4:45pm •Red Cedar Book Club Grades 4-6 @ Fernie Heritage Library, 6:30pm – Last Thursday of the Month •Kids Boxing Boot Camp @ Fernie Old School Boxing Club, ages 8-16 5pm.

•Adult Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 8:45-10:15am •Public Skating @ Fernie Arena, 10:30am – 11:15am (Free) •Little Sports @ Max Turyk Recreation Room, ages 3-6 years old $40 per day. charlottecwillis@me.com FRIDAYS •Cribbage @ Seniors Drop in Centre 7:30pm •Jitney Darts @ Fernie Legion, 7:30pm •Kids Sing Along & Play Group @ Infinitea, 11:30am •Fernie Book Bike Book Bomb @ Senior’s Centre (changes weekly), 4pm.

•StrongStart @ IDES, 9am-12pm •Kindergym @ Holy Family Centre, 10-11am. $6 •Makers’ Space @ Fernie Heritage Library, 12:15-1:30pm Grades 2+ •Storytime @ Fernie Heritage Library, 2-2:45pm ages 3-5 years •No School Fridays Kids Climbing @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 9:30-11am *registration required •Public Skate @ Fernie Arena, 7-8:15pm and 2:15-4pm on No School Fridays •Youth Shinny @ Fernie Arena, 10:45-11:45am on No School Fridays SATURDAYS •Women & Men’s Night @ Old School Boxing, 6:30-8pm •Family French Fun @ The Arts Station, 10:30-11:30am. $12/person or $5 per family member (maximum $20/family).

•Public Skate @ Fernie Arena, 2-3:45pm and 6:45-8:15pm SUNDAYS •Fernie Pets Society Group Walk @ Fernie Aquatic Centre, 9am.

•AA Meetings @ The Anglican Church Basement, 7:30pm •First Sunday of the Month Family Climb Time @ Evolution Climbing Gym, 2-4pm •Public Skate @ Fernie Arena, 2:15-4pm

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Community & Events

F E AT U R E R E S I D E N T

her family’s store, she met Oz Parsons, treasurer and a trained volunteer with Elk Valley Hospice and author of Dying to be Born. They talked a lot about death and dying, and her experience with Cole’s dad and she realized she had a passion for it.

Elizabeth Bailey KRISTA TURCASSO

DEATH IS NOT A TOPIC many feel comfortable with. Having grown up in an Italian family myself, it is one heavily avoided. But with the holidays before us, aging family members, and loved ones passed, it is a topic that often comes up this time of year. Which is why I found it fitting to feature a volunteer with Elk Valley Hospice in this issue of the magazine.

“Our experience at Foothills was so great, I wanted to bring some of that back to Fernie. Losing someone can be a sad experience in someone’s life, and it is hard on the family and on the person that is ill and dying. But there is a lot of good that can come out of it, and it is a privilege to be a part of someone’s life at the end,” she says.

Elizabeth didn’t want to see hospice leave Fernie and wanted to help bring awareness to this non-profit organization, so she decided to get involved and became a member of the board. It’s such an amazing service, but a service that is definitely underutilized and that many are unaware of. Fernie is fortunate to have hospice available, working alongside and complementing the health care available here. Individuals interested in learning more or in need of support can talk to their doctor or ask at the Elk Valley Hospital. There is also a kiosk located at the hospital, which provides information on Elk Valley Hospice. For those interested in volunteering, the College of the Rockies provides a $30 Hospice Volunteer Training course, which is eight three-hour sessions.

I met Elizabeth Bailey for the first time over coffee in Freshies one busy Saturday afternoon this fall. Bright eyed with a smile that would light up any room, I immediately feel at ease with her, chatting about growing up in Fernie and our kids while waiting in line to order. I have to say I was a little surprised by her youth, while at the same time admired her commitment to an organization that “provides understanding and friendship by helping people live with dignity and hope while coping with grief and end of life issues.”

As we sat down, I was very interested in learning more about Elizabeth and why she was drawn to Elk Valley Hospice.

After graduating from Fernie Secondary School, Elizabeth went travelling to Australia and throughout Europe before attending University in Lethbridge, AB where she studied Child and Youth Care. Elizabeth was enticed by a job in Longview at a ranch once finished, which is where she met her partner. The two moved to Cranbrook, where they became a family after the birth of their son, Cole.

While pregnant, Cole’s dad began experiencing symptoms, which led to the discovery that he had pancreatic cancer.

He was given just weeks to live, but he made it his goal to live until his son’s first birthday. The trio moved to Calgary for treatment at Foothills Hospital, which is where Elizabeth was first exposed to

RED.FLANNEL PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO

hospice first hand. “The support we were given was so great. They played with Cole and made him a blanket, and they offered to help make a video for Cole, as well as counselling for us – any kind of comfort care that they could offer,” she remembers.

“While we felt like we were taking care of ourselves and doing an okay job, you don’t realize little things like having someone to watch your kid while running an errand, or being able to ask someone questions you want to know but don’t feel comfortable discussing with the doctor or with the person passing away.”

After treatment, Elizabeth, Cole and Cole’s dad moved back to Cranbrook.

“He wanted to die at home, but that wasn’t available,” says Elizabeth. “It felt really cold going through it at the hospital.” There is no hospice available in Cranbrook, and Elizabeth really noticed how much of a support system it had provided and how it had helped her entire family.

After Cole’s dad passed, Elizabeth moved back to Fernie to be with family and become part of the community again.

Through working at Fernie Stationers,

“Sometimes you aren’t sleeping at the hospital, and to have someone there to sit with you for awhile means a lot. People don’t want to be alone,” says Elizabeth.

“We have such a nice community, with so many generational families, but in the cases where that is not available hospice can really help.”

Elizabeth admits that she has always had an attitude of death being the next stage, and not an ending, which she thinks has helped her a lot on this journey. But she also recognizes the importance of being prepared. “People don’t want to talk about death until it’s here, but it’s easier to be

proactive about it and learning about the services available is super helpful.”

7. Where do you see Fernie in 5 to 10 years?

Take the time this holiday season to learn more about this amazing organization in Fernie, and the many individuals that volunteer their time and so much more.

Thank you, Elizabeth for sharing your story and for shedding light on such an important service.

I hope we stay small. I see it growing the way it currently is, the arts and culture are so vibrant and there is more and more outdoor recreation available. I hope we grow sustainably and keep our small town feel, because that is why people come and stay.

1. When did you first arrive in Fernie and what brought you here?

8. How do you start your day or what is one of your daily rituals?

I was born here, and my family has been here awhile.

2. Where did you first live in town?

I start my day when my little son wakes up and we usually have breakfast and play Lego. And then he goes to preschool and I go to work.

The big white house at the end of Main Street.

9. Tell us something people might be surprised to learn about you.

3. What was your first impression?

I barrel race and team rope a little bit.

I loved growing up in Fernie, we had an awesome neighbourhood. Tons of kids out on the street at night playing Cops and Robbers and Kick the Can. Everyone knew you in town. It was great.

10. Quote to live by: I have always lived by the poem “Disiderata” by Max Ehrmann. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

4. What keeps you in Fernie?

Family and the outdoor recreation, you can do anything here. I love our four seasons.

5. Do you have a favourite Fernie memory?

Growing up as a kid, my grandparents lived next door. We would go to K&J all the time for soft ice cream. I couldn’t wait to get outside and play with the kids – just hop on your bike and away you go. We live back there, so now we have that again with new families that have moved in, and also have some old neighbours still in the area.

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Summer, just because we have so many lakes to go to and we have a place at Rosen Lake. Our summers used to be so quiet around here, but now the summers seem to rival the winters.

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31

Outdoor Life

N E V E R H AV E I E V E R

Wood Chopping JESSE BELL

IF I WERE A TRUE LUMBERJACK tree-felling lass, I’d be wearing a flannel jacket and could chop an entire tree by myself. I’d be able to split a block of wood with a single swing of my axe because I’d be strong and burley.

“It’s the best part about being out here, after you shut the saw off and you get to see what you’ve accomplished,” says Gord.

We start a fire and Donna Lee pulls out her picnic basket filled with fresh biscuits, chili, creamy hot chocolate and apple crisp. Everything is delicious. We then make our way home to unload.

My little woodpile is stacked in the backyard and I look at it with the pride of a true lumberjack lass. I’m looking forward to having a campfire on Christmas Eve.

DONNA LEE CLUSIAULT PHOTO

The sun is shining but the condensation of my breath crystallizes in the air.

Before long a silence envelops the forest; the tree hangs in the air, sways and then

In just over two hours we’ve fell, chopped and stacked an entire tree, providing enough firewood to warm a house for the better part of the winter.

Thunk. The axe makes a barely-there wedge in the wood and comes to an abrupt stop. Donna Lee and I begin to laugh. She takes a swing and the same

In recent days the temperature has dropped significantly and around town those with a wood-burning stove in their home have stacked their woodpiles in preparation. I, on the other hand, have turned on my furnace and am terrified to see what the cost of my next heating bill will be.

He saws the base of the tree while Donna Lee and I stand back, making an undercut and then wedging the tree.

We create an assembly line of sorts and Gord starts chopping the blocks of wood with an axe. Donna Lee hops in the truck and I pass her fresh chunks of wood to stack. The smell of the natural wood, combined with the fresh morning air leaves me feeling refreshed.

Gord begins sawing again and I figure I’ll take a swing at chopping a couple of blocks. I grab the axe and swing down as hard as I can.

I’m out in the South Country with Gord Anderson, whom I’ve deemed a sort of wood-chopping wizard, and today he is going to show me how to chop a tree and collect firewood for the winter.

Gord, who has a free use permit for firewood from the Ministry of Forests, explains the steps and then we walk towards a tall, 80-year-old dead Douglas Fur he has been scoping out for some time.

thing happens. We collectively decide that we’ll leave the chopping portion of the job to Gord.

“When you cut your own wood it warms you twice,” says Gord, laughing as I remove my jacket. Things are heating up.

But here I am, clad in a fluorescent orange helmet rocking a pair of earmuffs and holding a chainsaw as the feeble muscles in my arms burn.

With us is Donna Lee Clusiault, a good friend who arranged this wood-chopping venture. She has a wood-burning stove and will take most of the wood from today home.

time I’ve created three chunks of wood.

It’s just like driving a hot knife into a stick of butter.

JESSE BELL PHOTO

THERE’S SOMETHING ABOUT HOLDING AN OBNOXIOUSLY LOUD PIECE OF MACHINERY THAT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE A MAN’S MAN. I IMAGINE MY FACE COVERED IN DIRT AND A SLIGHT SNARL ESCAPING MY MOUTH. collides with the snow-covered ground in a loud crash.

“It takes some effort,” Gord says, wearing – true to lumberjack form – a flannel

jacket and a well-worn pair of Carhartts.

“People think they can grab a saw and just cut down a tree but it’s important to know what you’re doing.”

I hand saw notches into the tree trunk to help measure the length of our cuts as Gord begins taking off branches. Before long I’m rocking the orange helmet and Gord hands me the chainsaw.

There’s something about holding an obnoxiously loud piece of machinery that makes me feel like a man’s man. I imagine my face covered in dirt and a slight snarl escaping my mouth. Of course, I don’t look like this at all, but a girl can dream.

I start up the saw and dig into the trunk.

It’s much easier than I imagined and in no FERNIEFIX.COM

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33

Outdoor Life

HITTING THE TRAILS WITH THE FERNIE TRAILS ALLIANCE

Nordic News MEGAN LOHMANN

WHAT AN EXCITING COUPLE OF YEARS for nordic skiing in the Elk Valley!

Our trail developments at the Elk Valley Nordic Centre, located adjacent to the Mount Fernie Provincial Park, have been a focal point of fundraising and volunteer efforts. Last year we saw the completion of Phase 1: just over 3 kilometres of crosscountry skiing on rolling, picturesque trails. Over the summer and fall, trail work was focused on widening, flattening and mellowing out some of the steep hills on the Phase 1 trails. The trails are now the appropriate width to be double trackset with a Piston Bully groomer.

This fall and early winter have focused on completion of Phase 2, which expands the trail network across Lizard Creek and towards Fernie Alpine Resort. October saw the delivery and installation of a 60 foot timber bridge across Lizard Creek.

The bridge connects to old logging and skid roads, now brushed out and widened to accommodate the groomer. A long uphill will provide a rewarding challenge – the views at the top are unbeatable. A loop provides the option to connect to Fernie Alpine Resort, or continue around to enjoy the downhill back to the bridge.

Evidence of old logging activities can be seen along the trail. Our agreement with Galloway Lumber permitting the building and maintenance of these trails is a testament to the balance that can be achieved between recreation and industrial practices.

Both Phase 1 and 2 sections will be groomed regularly by Piston Bully, using a double tracksetter with ample space to skate ski. The connector to Fernie Alpine Resort will join the Phase 2 loop to the bottom of Hobbit Trail. Improved facilities will include a warming hut, expected to be completed by early winter at the newly widened staging area near Mount Fernie Provincial Park. This hut

HENRY GEORGI PHOTO/FERNIE NORDIC SOCIETY

will become a meeting spot, information centre and a place to warm your toes.

Future goals for the Elk Valley Nordic Centre include more multi use trails, a larger permanent warming hut, night lighting, and additional loops to add alternate routes to the main Phase 1 and 2 trails.

In addition to the development of the ski trails, the Skills Development Program has been growing rapidly. Fernie now has the only Nordic Race Team in the Elk Valley.

Watch for head coach Jeff Williams on the trails this year with his Fernie Nordic Racers, and his upcoming column in the Fernie Fix. See if you can pick up some tips from these talented kids! They will be training several times a week, including work outs at CrossFit, on-snow, and dryland training to prepare them for seven Kootenay Cup races throughout the East and West Kootenays.

There is a lot to discover this winter with the Fernie Nordic Society. Try out a family friendly ski: Phase 1 offers lots of amazing views of the Lizard Range, Morrissey Range and Mount Fernie. Be sure to look for huge cottonwoods, burnt out Cedar snags and wild life tracks.

Looking for a good work out? Try some intervals on the hill starting from the Lizard Creek bridge. Several flat sections allow for a natural turn-around point.

As always, the trails at the beautiful Fernie Golf and Country Club will be maintained. The dike will also be maintained directly behind the golf course, providing dog-friendly options for cross-country skiers. The Golf Course offers flat and undulating trails, perfect for a post-alpine ski day cool down!

Many individuals, organizations and funding partners have been critical to the growth of the Fernie Nordic Society. We would like to thank the City of Fernie, Resort Municipality Initiative, Columbia Basin Trust, Teck, MEC, Canfor, Fernie Alpine Resort, RDEK, The Cedars, Martin Vale, Bud Nelson of Galloway Lumber, CrossFit Fernie, and of course our many volunteers and members. If you would like to be involved please see www. fernienordic.com for details. Check out our Facebook and Twitter feed for details on grooming and other important news.

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CE

Health and Lifestyle

We have a course for that!

Continuing

Education

Availabilities:

Fall Courses are Now in Full Swing! n OFA 3

Dec 1

n OFA 1

Dec 13

n Preventing & Investigating MSI

Dec 1

n MS Access II

Dec 15

n Personal Productivity

Dec 1

n Teen Climb

Jan 6

n Heat Stress and Cold Stress

Dec 2

n Business Bookkeeping

Jan 6

n Quickbooks

Dec 2

n Clean Eating

Jan 6

n Health / Safety for Supervisor

Dec 3

n Tracking Wildlife

Jan 7

n St. John Standard for Industry

Dec 4

n Kids Climb

Jan 7

n Avalanche Training-Snowmobiler (FULL)

Dec 6

n Basic Fall Protection

Jan 8

n OFA 3 Recertification

Dec 8

n Windows 8.1

Jan 12

n Avalanche Skills Training 1

Dec 8

n FoodSafe

Jan 12

n MS Access I

Dec 8

n Fibromyalgia

Jan 12

n Toxicity

Dec 8

n Avalanche Skills Training 1

Jan 12

n Companion Rescue Skills (AST)

Dec 9

n Companion Rescue Skills (AST)

Jan 12

Would you like to Teach for us? Then we want to hear from you!

We are always looking for new instructors and new classes.

Tell us about yourself in an email to fernie@cotr.bc.ca

For full information on upcoming courses or to register: Phone: 250.423.4691 or Visit: www.cotr.bc.ca/Fernie

W O M E N O F T H E M O U N TA I N S

Shannon Galpin HANNAH GRIFFIN

LIVING AT THE FEET OF BIG MOUNTAINS means that skiing, snowboarding, and biking are unquestionably part of Fernie life. Lots of people here couldn’t imagine what it would be like without those activities that represent a major part of mountain culture. A lot of family bonding time and friendships form through going for a ride or a killer powder day. Being told you were no longer allowed to strap your skis on or go for a bike ride would probably result in some pretty angry Fernie folks.

Shannon Galpin lives in Breckenridge, Colorado, a mountain town the same size as Fernie with a similar vibe. Shannon is an activist, author, humanitarian and National Geographic Adventurer who has used the attachment people feel to their mountain towns to connect communities in the western world with those in Afghanistan, bringing attention to women’s rights issues.

In addition to founding non-profit Mountain2Mountain and working on a variety of projects, in 2009 Shannon became the first woman to mountain bike in Afghanistan, a country where it is both culturally prohibited and very dangerous for women to ride bikes. Women biking along the side of a road in Afghanistan can face death threats and harassment.

She is currently working on normalizing biking there and supporting the Afghan Women’s Cycling Team, including bringing 350 pounds of donated cycling gear and six racing bikes across the world to them.

Reached by phone in Colorado, Shannon explains that when she talks to people at home about why they should care about the women of Afghanistan, she tries to bring it back to the random chance that dictates where people are born. “I look

BAMIYAN, AFGHANISTAN | DENI BECHARD PHOTO

at those women in Afghanistan and that could easily be me – and my daughter. It’s really just a matter of geography and the fact that I happened to be born through absolutely no control of my own, in America.” Explaining it to her daughter and her friends who are nine and ten years old requires getting them to imagine what their life would be like if they couldn’t do their day to day things; walking to school, biking, and dreaming of working with snow leopards.

One of the most exciting things Shannon has seen is that women outside of the national team are teaching each other to bike and are standing up for themselves, no small feat in a country that consistently ranks as one of the worst places in the world to be a woman. She explains that she eventually wants to use the bike as an empowerment tool not only in conflict zones in other countries, but urban conflict zones in the US. “Girls that I have met with and talked with in Southside Chicago are dealing with a lot of the same issues that girls do in Kabul.”

Six years in, with a book (Mountain to Mountain) under her belt and a documentary about the Afghan Women’s team in the works, Shannon still feels she has to work hard to bring her non-profit over the hump to financial sustainability.

Despite her successes, there are always challenges working in a conflict zone, but Shannon takes them in stride. “There’s always a curveball in Afghanistan – every single day there’s another curveball.”

Consistent trips and the constant work of running a non-profit brings the challenge of finding balance, something that many people in mountain communities and elsewhere may struggle with when pursuing things they are really passionate about. She says that she recently realized that although her work in Afghanistan is extremely important, she also needs to find time to mountain bike, focus on friendships, and enjoy time with her daughter. “The more you do the more you want to do.”

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37

Health and Lifestyle

F I T T O P L AY

Roll Away Sore Muscles SARAH INGRAM, BSC.HONS.KINESIOLOGY, BCAK PRACTICING KINESIOLOGIST

MY GO-TO RECOMMENDATION for après-almost-any-activity is the foam roller. Often referred to as the almost-magic tube or torture tube (depending on how sore your muscles are), foam rolling is a self-myofascial release (SMR) technique and fantastic way to relax tense muscles. Any elite athlete will back me up!

Goldstar

A foam roller is a cylinder of varying densities. For those newer to the technique, a softer roll is more forgiving. You can also get the rolls in a variety of sizes and I have known many to travel with a shorter version on ski trips.

CLEANING SERVICES

I like to recommend rolling through the full length of the muscle five times. When you are rolling, try to stop at the tender point of the muscle and maintain pressure on the spot (trigger point) for 30-60 seconds. Make sure you take long, slow breaths.

While you can roll just about anywhere your body is sore, here are five of my favourites to help keep you injury free.

The more consistently you roll, the less painful it becomes, so get on a roll with these exercises to keep your injuries at bay.

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IT band (outer thigh): Place your hands on the floor and cross your top leg in front of your lower leg. Roll the outside of your lower leg from hip to knee, stopping at any spots that feel sore. If it is too much pressure, use your hands and other foot to lighten your load.

Quads: Lay on top of the roller and roll your thighs, from hip to kneecaps.

Glutes: Sit on top of the roller with one foot crossed to your opposite knee. Roll from the top of your hip to the top of your leg.

Upper back: Position your upper back along the foam roller and your hips on the floor. Slowly lift your hips and roll your upper back towards your neck.

Chest stretch and shoulder mobility: Lay lengthwise on the foam roller. This position can be a great way to passively stretch your chest.

To add some mobility to your shoulders do big slow arm circles, five per direction staying in a pain free range. You can also roll shoulder to shoulder in this position.

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39

Health and Lifestyle

Happy Holidays from the Staff & Management at the Fernie Hotel 691 1st Ave. 250-423-6444 and Pub

Take a break from cooking during the holidays! Don’t forget our great Daily Specials:

Skin Rejuvenation Special On Now

1/2 Price Appys (5 - 10pm) Buy 1 Entree; 2nd 1/2 Price $10 Burger and Beer $10 Fish and Chips All Day Breakfast for $10 and $10 All You Can Eat Pasta (5 - 10pm)

$8.99 4 - 5pm + 8 - 10pm Daily $3 Highballs, $3.50 Btls of Beer + $4.75 Pints

The spirit of generosity that I witness is one of my favourite parts of the season.

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THE HOLIDAYS ARE SUCH A wildly busy time for most of us and during these busy times, the first things that we tend to eliminate from our schedules are those that do the most to keep us healthy and strong. December poses many challenges to both our mental and physical health but there are strategies that you can put in place early on that will help you and your family enjoy what the season has to offer, while coming out of it even healthier and happier than before. Here are four things you can do to enhance your health during this holiday season: 1) Move - Exercise is so valuable, and for so many different purposes.

Cardiovascular activity is good for the heart, for weight management, for stress reduction, and for emotional well-being.

It is one of the most effective treatments for mild to moderate depression, and it is extremely versatile. Strength training is good for your bone health, and exercises that promote mindfulness, such as yoga, help to support emotional health. I would recommend doing a variety of different activities, and incorporating them into your enjoyment of the season. Plan social events around activity so it will be easier to fit into your busy schedule. Reduce the length of your run/walk/bike; 30 minutes might feel more manageable than an hour.

2) Eat - The holidays are full of delicious treats, and you should enjoy them!

Unfortunately, when confronted with tasty treats we tend to graze indiscriminately and endlessly. Pick the things you like the most and eat a small portion of those.

Drink water while you are eating so you will feel fuller. Eat healthily during the day, prior to these events so the treats will have a smaller impact. Most importantly, don’t feel guilty about what you eat. Enjoy it!

H E A LT H , N AT U R A L LY

RAVEN EYE PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTO

3) Drink - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.

Drink at least two litres of clean, fresh water daily, and drink more if you are particularly active, or indulging in alcohol and/or caffeinated beverages. Enjoy your favourite holiday cocktails or wine, but try to balance each drink with a glass of water, and be aware that alcohol may reduce your resolve when it comes to not overeating. Of course, be safe when consuming alcohol, and find a sober ride home, or dress appropriately to walk home.

4) Give - Perhaps the best thing you can do for your health this holiday season is to give. Give time, give food, give money, give clothing. Winter is a difficult time of year for those in need, and the holidays only augment their challenges. Find some way for you and your family to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. It is such a valuable lesson to teach your family that there is always someone who is less fortunate, and that no gift is too small. Altruism not only benefits the recipient, but also holds health benefits for the giver. It increases life expectancy, as well as one’s overall sense of well-being, while improving depression. Practice altruism any way you see fit - there are always opportunities to give, not only in December but throughout the year.

Donate money to a family, donate time to an organization or individual who needs it, buy dinner anonymously for someone.

One final recommendation I would make may have less to do with your own wellbeing and more with the well-being of those around you, but December is such a challenging time for many people and it may be difficult, or even impossible for them to express it to us. Depression and anxiety worsens, loneliness is magnified, and the rest of us may not notice because we are so busy with our own lives and activities. Please have some awareness of those in your life who may be more sensitive to the potentially isolating effects of the season and make time to spend with them, particularly the elderly. In the spirit of giving, give a little more of your time to these loved ones than you typically would.

In summary, look after your body, look after your mind, and look after the people around you. Have a happy and healthy holiday!!

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Health and Lifestyle

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KRISSI HYLAND, RHN

CHRISTMAS IS MY FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR! You know in the cartoon version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas where the Grinch’s heart grew three sizes? I truly feel my heart grow and glow this time of year. Perhaps it is because since childhood this season has been about family, food, gift giving and skiing. What I love is when the house smells like good soul food and pine needles. Let’s not forget the ugly sweaters, putting up bright coloured decorations, Christmas movies, friends and family coming together, filling your belly with nostalgic foods all with Bing Crosby playing in the background.

For the sanity of my friends and family I’m not allowed to start playing Christmas music in the house until December 1 (yes I love Christmas music) so when December 1 hits on goes the music and I start watching all the classic Christmas movies.

My family’s favourite (and probably yours too) is Christmas Vacation. Watching Clark and Eddie drink eggnog out of those ridiculously awesome moose mugs brings me to this month’s recipe: Holiday Nut Nog! I wanted to make a healthier version of this holiday treat, however you can make this with an organic milk too. Traditional eggnog is a milk and raw egg (ew! –say that like Jimmy Fallon’s character Sara, YouTube it) beverage full of sneaky chemical ingredients. Three of the worst contenders are high-fructose corn syrup (or any high processed white sugar), caramel colouring and carrageenan.

1. There are so many mineral rich sweeteners out there to replace white sugar like local raw honeys, maple syrup and low glycemic coconut sugar and sap.

We all want a white Christmas but let’s avoid the white sugar.

Holiday Nut Nog KRISSI HYLAND PHOTOS

3 cups carrageenan free almond milk* or organic milk

2. Caramel colouring is a man-made emulsifying agent. It is pretty much burnt high fructose corn syrup involving ammonia and is the world’s most widely consumed (by weight) food coloring ingredient. Ew! The Journal of the American Medical Association conducted a study and found that it was the caramel coloring that may be responsible for the increased risk of hypertension!

2 Tbsp ground chia seeds or ¼ cup cashews (to thicken)

3. Commercial carrageenan, a concentrated extract from red algae can cause inflammation and damage to the intestinal tract. It is found in a lot of products to thicken, including dairy-free milk alternatives.

¼ tsp cinnamon

These three ingredients make eggnog a chemical cocktail, and not the kind of cocktail you want. This nut nog recipe is a perfect replacement made with fah la la la LOVE! Clark: [Finally revealing his Christmas Bonus] It’s a membership to the Jelly of the Month Club.

Eddie: [Overwhelmed, almost choking on his eggnog] Clark, that’s the gift that keeps on giving throughout the entire year.

2 Tbsp local honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste) 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ tsp turmeric (optional for colour) ½ tsp nutmeg, plus more for dusting

1 Christmas song playing in the background Press play to start your Christmas song.

Add all ingredients to your blender and blend on high until smooth and creamy.

Pour into a 1L mason jar and secure lid.

Chill for fridge at least 30-60 minutes to thicken.

Shake before serving.

Pour into glass and dust with nutmeg. * Carrageenan and dairy free is available in Fernie at Overwaitea, The Good Earth and Cottenwood Tree.

You can double the recipe, fill an ice cube tray with the Nut Nog and freeze this for Nut Nog ice for your Nut Nog! Happy Holidays!

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Health and Lifestyle

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Symbolism in Yoga

and structure of animals and nature we can begin to embody the wisdom of their teachings.

In many parts of the world the symbolic meaning of animals is widely reflected in mythological beliefs. All of the symbolic images are pregnant with power within our lives. By engaging in their symbolism we are also engaging in the great unknown. This is done through the creation of a symbolic gesture of body, mind and breath, which then can build a bridge between the aspects of self and the source of energy, which creates and sustains them.

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WHEN MOST PEOPLE THINK OF YOGA, what comes to mind is the physical practice of asanas or postures as a form of exercise. Too often, even with experienced students, the asanas are practiced with this singular thought in mind. Asanas have the potential to expand into a devotional practice, which, like all spiritual practices, bring us closer to an understanding of truth.

The most common reason students give for taking a yoga class is that they are seeking a relief from some musculoskeletal problem, or that they want to learn how to relax. However, those who stay with they practice inevitably begin to make certain discoveries. First they often do feel better physically. They begin to breathe and move more freely. Their state of mind changes, their concentration improves, and they become more alert, more fully alive. Gradually the student begins to get a glimpse of an aspect of self beyond the physical, mental, emotional levels – a glimpse of the truth about this entity called “myself.”

Each asana affords certain physical, physiological, and psychological benefits.

Beyond this there also lies a mystical or spiritual meaning. Each asana creates a certain meditative state of mind. But why specific positions and names?

The positions, when properly practiced, utilize the full and natural range of movement of the human body. They promote efficient functioning of the internal organs, balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and create an optimum state of health and well-being. Asanas are based on a sound knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Yogis knew that placing the

JUDY MCMAHON PHOTO

POSTURES NAMED AFTER ANIMALS (FISH, PEACOCK, CROW, EAGLE, TORTOISE, ETC.) AND NATURE (TREE, MOUNTAIN, ETC.) REMIND US THAT WE ARE CONNECTED TO ALL CREATION. body in certain positions would stimulate specific nerves, organs and glands. For example, the shoulder-stand posture causes the blood to be directed by gravity to the thyroid gland, and the tucking in of the chin causes a gently squeezing action on the gland, which is great for stimulation of the gland.

Postures named after animals (fish, peacock, crow, eagle, tortoise, etc.) and nature (tree, mountain, etc.) remind us that we are connected to all creation.

There is no “lower” animal kingdom, or a higher human one, but rather each one of us is past, present, and future, all at once. Cats, for example, are experts in relaxation. On awakening from sleep, they instinctively stretch, arch the spine in both directions, and then soften again before moving. Through the practice of replicating and recreating the movements

Take for example eagle pose. When we think of eagles often it is the image of one soaring through the air as an expression of freedom. However, the pose in yoga is one that is very constricted and tight. The legs wrap around each other while standing on one foot and the arms interlace and spiral upwards. It’s contained and often very constricting for practitioners and students alike. Rather than the pose reflecting an expression of a flying eagle it is instead one that is perched… patient and steady…looking with “an eagle eye.”

The symbolism here teaches us to be focused, disciplined and strong. For some the ability to trust that they contain these qualities is too far reaching. It may be easier to invoke the qualities of an eagle to be expressed through them rather than searching for something within that they may feel they do not posses. Over time, the symbolism of the bird gets layered into their own matrix and builds their inner self-confidence and strength.

So, the next time you’re in a yoga class and you find yourself either loving or loathing a particular posture begin to observe a little deeper its meaning. See if you can move beyond the physical sheath of the body and begin to dive into the more subtle yet equally important sensations that come from our layers of emotion, imagery, energy and timelessness.

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Health and Lifestyle

AROUND THE WORLD

Home for the Holidays

GIVE YOUR HOME A CHRISTMAS GIFT

REBECCA HALL

ONE OF THE WONDERFUL THINGS about Fernie is the warm welcome you feel from everyone you meet.

Maybe you’re new to town, or possibly this is your first Christmas away from home and you’re wondering what the holidays will be like; don’t be afraid to expect a little magic. From twinkling lights downtown, to coffee shop Christmas carols and skiing or snowboarding on Christmas Day, there’s no shortage of things to make this one of the most memorable Christmases you’ll ever have. But it’s the people who will make it unforgettable, from a simple holiday greeting on the street to an invitation to share in a family celebration.

“Orphan’s dinners” also happen all over town for anyone who’s celebrating without family – from shared houses to restaurant specials – you’ll probably end up having more Christmas dinners than you can count on one hand.

I’ve shared in many wonderful Christmases with friends over my 13 years in Fernie, but it’s been ten years since I’ve spent the holidays with my family so this year I’m off to Scotland to stock up on hugs with my nieces and nephews, Christmas cheer with my sisters and some long overdue quality time with my parents.

My family is scattered all over Northwest Scotland, so I’m also looking forward to seeing the country in December again – there probably won’t be a lot of snow (at least not like we experience in Fernie) but the warmth and good spirits of a Scottish festive season are second to none. Scots do love Christmas, but it’s Hogmanay when they come into their own.

“Ringing in the New Year” is a celebration that begins early on December 31 and is known worldwide as Scotland’s biggest annual party (think Wapiti, Canada Day,

CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND WOULDN’T FEEL RIGHT WITHOUT A WALK ON THE BEACH

gift – growing up in the Highlands this was typically a lump of coal and a bottle of whisky, but can also be bread, salt or coins. These gifts represent warmth, cheer, abundance and prosperity. Tall, darkhaired men are considered extra lucky and are kept very busy visiting many houses.

It’s also considered fitting to entertain your first-footer with music and singing in gratitude for them bringing good fortune on your house for the coming year.

GLENDOCHERTY: NOMATTER HOW LONG YOU’RE GONE FOR, THERE’S ALWAYS A PLACE THAT FEELS LIKE HOME.

Opening Day and your 21st birthday all rolled into one) but doesn’t really follow any specific schedule or pattern. “The Bells,” as it’s often referred to locally, involves dancing, singing, and yes, a lot of whisky. Several traditions are practiced without fail, including the singing of

“Auld Lang Syne” shortly after midnight, and first-footing. This practice can go on until the morning of January 1, or even later. The first person to cross a house’s threshold is called the first-footer and is said to bring good luck. The firstfooter traditionally brings a symbolic

After working in hospitality for most of my life, travelling during the holidays in going to be a whole new experience. I can’t say I’m looking forward to the actual travel part – snowy roads, busy airports and overworked staff are never a good combination, but I have high expectations for the rest of the trip! Lots of celebrating, good food, wintery walks, catching up with old friends and cosy family games by the fire. There’s something really special about heading home for the holidays to spend time with the people you love. Whether you’ll be doing that, are in Fernie for the first time, or spend every festive season here with family or friends, I hope that you have a very merry Christmas and a

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Don’t forget to celebrate or create a few of your own special traditions too.

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Booked!

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Fernie Writers’ Series 2014 Presented by the Fernie Heritage Library

Health and Lifestyle

January 16 - 18

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ADAM K. MACDONALD

GROWING UP WITH LOTS OF SIBLINGS, Christmas morning was always a wild ride. As soon as one of us woke, we would all be up and dashing for our stockings. Each year, one of us would receive the newest of Don Cherry’s Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em videos (I think it was Santa’s brilliant and original way of giving our parents an extra hour of sleep). Mum and Dad would eventually stagger downstairs – exhausted. Then we would circulate gift-bags and wrapped boxes, and pile newspaper and ribbon into a garbage bag.

After the unwrapping, Mum would start to prepare the traditional turkey dinner.

Christmas was awesome, and it was also magical.

I remember the Sears Wish Book and how it was an annual sign that Christmas was really coming. By the time December 25 arrived, the toy section of the catalogue was dog-eared and wrinkled from use. My mother did not have a lot of rules, but she did have a rule about the Wish Book.

We were not allowed to break it out of its plastic wrap until December 1. I now understand her discontent with how early Christmas consumerism is pushed on us; I hear myself sounding like a certain Ebenezer when I see Christmas’s green and red competing for retail shelf space against Halloween’s black and orange. But eventually the excitement wins out. I think she always gave in on her Wish Book rule during the last week of November.

As I grew into my late teens, I had enough younger siblings that the magic stayed.

As with many people who celebrate Christmas, the holiday grew to be less about the gifts and more about people who matter most: family and friends. After

AS WITH MANY PEOPLE WHO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, THE HOLIDAY GREW TO BE LESS ABOUT THE GIFTS AND MORE ABOUT PEOPLE WHO MATTER MOST: FAMILY AND FRIENDS. moving away from home, I would always travel back for Christmas. There came a time though, when the demands of my job and the cost of plane tickets stopped me from going home some years. However, even then I was still able to speak with my family by phone, and to celebrate and eat turkey with friends. The magic lessened, but the holiday was still special.

Now, with a toddler son, the magic is back and is here to stay for years. The excitement of gifts and wrapping paper and sweets and Santa is back full force in my life. My wife and I are lucky enough to see our parents experience Christmas as grandparents and to watch our son’s excitement firsthand. I am sure our parents will have a gift or two to add to the magic for our son. Christmas is for being with family and friends, but it is also at its core, a holiday for children.

They say it is better to give than to receive.

I am not sure I agree. But I think the gifts we wish to receive change over time.

I am no longer as excited to receive the latest toy (or even the latest Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em video), but I am fortunate to receive the gift of seeing our son experience Christmas and to have family around to share that gift. I am thrilled to have the magic back, and stronger than ever.

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Bits and Bytes

Majic, Purdy

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KEVIN MCISAAC

Wolfenstein 3D (Browser) The original first person shooter. For nostalgia sake.

THE GIFT GIVING SEASON is fast approaching. Along with socks and blenders, there’s likely to be more than a few computer related products wrapped up with colourful ribbons this month. Of course once you’ve bought the shiny new Mac, PC, iPad, etc... there’s not always a lot left over for software. So, in the spirit of giving, stuff is great, but giving free stuff is even better, here are some free games you can give along with your computer gift this year. Of course, if you’re the recipient you’re welcome to just use these suggestions for yourself too.

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FIFA 14 (iPad) Console soccer with dream teams.

World of Tanks (PC) Team based multiplayer war with huge array of tanks and upgrades. This is a personal favourite.

FreeOrion (PC, Mac) Space empire game. Not for newbies to the genre.

www.worldoftanks.com

All these games are free, but they may have paid options, or expansions, or in some cases ads. Some will ask to leverage your social network connections, though none require it. You’ll want to research them a bit yourself to make sure you understand any extra costs.

Heroes of Order & Chaos (iPad) This is a multiplayer online game. If you like DOTA2, you’ll like this.

Bejewled Blitz (iPad) 60 seconds of eyehand coordination at a time.

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Battlestar Galactica (Browser) Fans of the series will want to check this out. www.battlestar-galactica.bigpint.com Black Mesa (PC) Half-life redux. www.blackmesasource.com Dota 2 (PC) Spin-off from World of Warcraft 3. Top down arena game with huge user base. www.dota2.com

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Dwarf Fortress (PC, Mac) For serious Net Hack or Rogue lovers only. This may be the most challenging game available for free today. You’ve been warned. www.bay12games.com/dwarves

World of Planes (PC) Like World of Tanks, but planes! www.worldofplanes.com

www.freeorion.org Gasketball (iPad) Play with a friend.

Setup trick basketball shots for your opponent to try.

Jetpack Joyride (iPad) From the Fruit Ninja guys, this one reminds me of Commander Keen. (I’m old.)

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Highly addictive. www.battle.net/wow/en Happy Computing!

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League of Legends (PC) A real time strategy team role-playing game. Massive user base. www.leagueoflegends.com Path of Exile (PC) This one’s a roleplaying game in the style of Diablo III, but without the grind. www.pathofexile.com Planetside 2 (PC) Impressive first person shooter. www.planetside2.com Plants vs. Zombies 2 (iPad) Fun strategy defense game.

Star Wars The Old Republic (PC) No longer new, but still a great online game that lets you play light or darkside. www.swtor.com

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December Horoscope CLAIRE SIMMONS

Aries (March 21 - April 29) Harmony

UNTAIN HIGH O M

This is a time of considerable harmony for you, one where various elements in your life are flowing together smoothly. The challenge is to sustain this inner accord even when there is considerable dissonance outside of you.

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Let the radiance of the sun inspire your inner radiance to shine forth. Do something physically active to stimulate your inner light. Get outdoors! When you are in love with life, you naturally radiate that love. Smile a little more. Notice the beauty of nature. Show your love, especially to those with whom you are closest. Then smile even more, and watch how the world around you lights up!

M O N T H LY H O R O S C O P E S

you are aware of it. You do not need to strive or be driven by ambition. It does no good to try to force growth upon yourself - or others. Allowing is key here. Allow the place in you that naturally wants to follow the light to do so while recognizing that even when you have complete faith you will face challenges and, occasionally, suffering.

intuitive self has been telling you. Doubts and uncertainties may arise. But rest assured - just as dawn inevitably turns to day, by heeding your inner guidance, you will succeed.

Virgo (Aug 23 - Sept 22) Vulnerability

You have the advantage of an incredible synergy at this time. The flow of life is guiding you, where things just seem to fall into place as you move about your business.

You are in a place now where you can take risks with your feelings, and even more important, take risks with the truth of who you are - the truth you know in your heart and soul.

Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Purification Purifying your mind, body, and spirit is the task that is put before you. Increasing the daily amount of water you drink with deep appreciation for its purpose will revitalize you.

Scorpio (Oct 23 - Nov 21) Instinct

Trust your gut. Tune into your gut instinct when making daily decisions and play with Gemini (May 21 - June 20) simple yes and no questions to learn how Emergence they both feel in your body. Let go of your You are in an intense process of emergence mind and act on instinct. into the next cycle of your life. Unlike Sagittarius (Nov 22 - Dec 21) more gradual shifts in awareness you Focus have experienced, this one is happening quite rapidly and came on somewhat Think about what you want, not what unexpectedly. Life is demanding that you you don’t want. Dedicate yourself to a move to the next stage of maturity. single task at a time and try to eliminate multitasking. It’s scientifically proven that Cancer (June 21 - July 22) humans are not more efficient when we Passion multi-task - so throw that old belief out the window this month and practice the art of Passionately bring to life what you focussing. envisioned last month. Unleash yourself in activities that bring you alive. Dive Capricorn (Dec 22 - Jan 19) headfirst into all of your endeavours this New Beginnings month and fuel up with the sun along the way.

This is your chance to develop that project Leo (July 23 - Aug 22) Unfolding you have been thinking about, embark on that adventure you have dreamed of going on, and take risks in initiating what your Growth occurs at all times whether or not

Aquarius (Jan 20 - Feb 18) Synergy

Pisces (Feb 19 - March 20) Nurturing Let others give to you. It may be a stretch to do so at times but that habit can be overcome. Consider the actions that you take that are self-nurturing. What comes to mind when you think about doing beneficial things for yourself ? Allow your body, heart and soul to be nurtured.

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WORD SCRAMBLE

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