Fernie Fix October 2022

THE Comfort ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE: Special Feature with Marianne Agnew on the Elk Valley Hospice. Feature Artist Mount Rushka on continuing the legacy of Rock n’ Roll, Claire Smallwood shares Grandma’s ultimate comfort food, introducing the Municipal Candidates in a Fernie Fix special election feature, tips on comfort through nature with Sylvia and Sarah, and Tyla Charbonneau on choosing discomfort.

EDITOR’S FIX p5

COMFORT ISSUE SPECIAL FEATURE p7

The Comfort of Hospice by Marianne Agnew BUSINESS IN THE VALLEY p9 Business News

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT p10

Feature Artist – Mount Rushka Everyone Eats – Grandma’s Queso by Claire Smallwood ArtBeat – Tidings of Discomfort and Joy by Michael Hepher

At Peace and Yet on Fire – Through the Lens of Loss by Sadie Rosgen Rental Fix – Spencer by Andrew Vallance

SPECIAL FEATURE: Municipal Election Candidates p19

EVENTS CALENDAR p30 COMMUNITY p31

At the Ground Level – Nature as Comfort by Sylvia Ayers, illustrated by Sarah Pullen Mountain Tails – Recall by Valerie Barry

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE p34

Where the Spark Begins – Wyatt Mads Thurmeier by Krista Turcasso Slow Travel – Comfort Through Planning by Patrick Robertson

This is Life – Seeking Discomfort by Tyla Charbonneau

BITS AND BYTES p43

The Answer Guy – Canning Timer by Kevin McIsaac Astrology – October 2022 by Ashley Kristina Through the Lens – Comfort Issue The Social Page

FERNIE FUN p50 The Last Page

COVER: Fireside Bootleg Spirits Chai Latte. Photo by Charné Baird, @charnebaird

THIS PAGE: Changing of the Seasons. Photo by Aaron Hagen, Beartooth Media @ beartooth.media

OCTOBER 2022 | ISSUE 190

THE Comfort ISSUE

When presented with the theme of Comfort many of our columnists chose to discuss the importance of leaning into discomfort. And as was likely their aim, it made me pause and reflect. It may seem as though I am a leaner, spending so much time on my bike, pushing myself into challenging physical states and exposing myself to fear and risk. But the reality is, biking has actually become comforting. I know that minutes into a ride, even one that is undoubtedly testing my fitness or contains sections that terrify me, I will feel like I’m exactly where I am supposed to be.

Editor’s Fix

By Krista Turcasso, Editor

How does this happen? I think it’s the challenge and reward that hook us, the euphoric feeling we don’t want to live without. The real question is, how can this be applied to other areas of our lives?

The next time an opportunity arises that produces a wee bit of anxiety in the pit of my stomach, I am going to question that feeling, spend a bit of time with it. Is there value here? What am I actually afraid of? Does the potential outcome outweigh the discomfort? It’s all too easy to continue to do the same thing, day after day. Stepping out of our comfort zones could lead to

more robust experiences, distinct memories. It might also leave us with that euphoria, the feeling of ‘this is exactly where we’re supposed to be.’

So, this month I challenge us all to get a little uncomfortable… take cold dips in the Elk River, sign up for that pottery class you always wanted to try, plan an overnight hike with a friend, be more open and vulnerable with your parents, whatever it is for you!

I think we’ll be happily surprised with how comfortable we can feel with a bit of discomfort.

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

ASHLEY KRISTINA has studied astrology for over twenty years and has been reading/teaching for five. For an in depth natal chart reading, email mountainashastrology@gmail.com.

CLAIRE SMALLWOOD is an avid skier, mediocre snowboarder, former personal chef, and newly-minted hockey fan. When Claire’s not on the slopes or whipping up red chile sauce, you can find her at the helm of SheJumps, the non-profit she co-founded in 2007 with a mission to transform the lives of women and girls through outdoor experiences.

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

MARIANNE AGNEW is the Elk Valley Facilitator for the East Kootenay Caregivers Network and is an active Hospice volunteer. She brings her own brand of positive enthusiasm to the valley.

MICHAEL HEPHER is a painter, printmaker, sculptor and musician living and working in Fernie. His work is collected internationally and can be seen at Clawhammer Press and a variety of galleries in Western Canada. PATRICK ROBERTSON is a travel writer and long-time resident of Fernie. He is an expert in planning independent travel and finding budget travel deals.Visit his website at budgetslowtravel.com and on Facebook at facebook.com/budgetslowtravel.

Every month SADIE ROSGEN teams up with some of Fernie’s brightest young writers collaborating on a given theme. If you are reading this and think that you are that person, drop her a line at sadiepumps@gmail.com.

SARAH PULLEN, a first year University student, has a passion for all things creative. She looks forward to pursuing a Fine Arts degree and discovering a world of diversity and culture beyond our mountain town.

SYLVIA AYERS is a tenacious naturalist and believes each one of us can have a big impact on making things better if we just know how.

TYLA CHARBONNEAU is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC2385), dog momma, and nature lover. She loves talking with others about mindfulness, self-compassion, and human nature.

VALERIE BARRY is the longtime owner and head trainer of Dog Partners (dogpartners.ca). She is a multi-credentialed and highly educated professional dog trainer who specializes in behaviour modification and helping families raise friendly puppies.

FERNIE

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The Comfort of Hospice

~ Anonymous

Elk Valley Hospice is a team of dedicated and trained volunteers alongside a managing board of directors, all dedicated to providing free comfort, care and dignity to end-of-life patients and their families. We are also a trained group of confidential Bereavement Companions for those who would like support while grieving a loss of a loved one.

Believing that death is a natural part of life, Elk Valley Hospice’s team provides confidential, non-judgmental support, caregiver respite, advanced care planning, bereavement companioning, as well as education and awareness of death and dying.

Many people fear dying in pain and want a peaceful death. This is quite achievable with the medical resources available, but many people don’t access palliative care or hospice until the last days of life, if at all. Elk Valley Hospice does not provide medical care, but works closely with Interior Health, Palliative Care, and Caregiver Support so they can assist you in living, not just the actual dying process. If you are not sure what to do or are looking for more information and support, we encourage you to call or email us, or to talk to your doctor.

Although we do have a dedicated hospice room at the Elk Valley Hospital, our volunteers will visit wherever needed. From Elkford to Baynes Lake, in care homes, or your own homes, we are just a

by MARIANNE AGNEW V. Croome Photo

phone call away. A referral isn’t necessary, but often the amazing Elk Valley medical care teams will refer patients or suggest hospice to families. Registration forms can be found on our website and can be submitted by individuals, family members, caregivers, friends or neighbours. But remember, if you are in doubt, our coordinators are just a call or email away and here to provide comfort, care and support for you and your family during one of life’s most difficult and inevitable challenges.

your call.

Be part of their amazing team by joining the Elk Valley Hospice Society and/or by volunteering. The next Hospice Training Course is Campanioning the Dying, October 14-16 at the College of the Rockies for $35. This is a new course that will help prepare you for personal life events or for Hospice work.

fernie@cotr.bc.ca, Cotr.bc.ca

“The end of life deserves as much beauty, care, and respect as the beginning.”

Ahead of the Curve Physiotherapy

aheadofthecurvept.com

Heather Kerr, owner/operator physiotherapist at Ahead of the Curve, is celebrating 20 years of serving the Elk Valley and South Country! With support from the Fernie Women’s Resource Centre, Heather has put together a free-access video of common prenatal and postpartum physio moves and advice, accessed through her website at aheadofthecurvept.com/video/.

A licensed, registered physiotherapist, Heather has postgraduate training in needling/acupuncture, manual therapy, rehab for runners and cyclists and pelvic floor physio for adults of all genders. She’s once again welcoming clients with a variety of physiotherapy concerns, whether pelvic floor or other. Bookings can be done online or by phone/text, and 1:1 private appointments can be in-person in Fernie or virtual. Heather est aussi très heureuse d’offrir ses services en français!

Fernie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

ferniebjj.ca

Fernie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is built on the vision of bringing Jiu-Jitsu to Fernie for the community. Adults and youth alike can feel physically empowered and confident through the mastering of techniques and concepts learned in BJJ… and have some fun on that journey too!

There are many benefits to training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Physically, it increases flexibility, strength, endurance and cardio. Mentally, it builds confidence, teaches problem solving skills, critical thinking and is incredibly therapeutic. It emphasizes technique over strength and timing over speed and is one of the most effective martial arts.

All are welcome to join this growing community, get fit(ter), have fun and learn. The first two sessions are free and then you can sign up for a monthly membership.

Email chris@ferniebjj.ca or visit ferniebjj.ca for more info.

Fernie Sports Co

ferniesportsco.com

41 players ages 5-17 played at the Fernie Sports Co. (FSC) Junior Tennis Tournament. FSC coaches are proud of all players and thank parents and sponsors who made it possible.

U17 Winner Wyatt Thurmeier, Runner Up Gwyn Merritt, U12 Winner Matthew Cassidy, Runner up Liam Riddell, U10 Winner Noah Glavac, Runner Up Ryder Glavac, U9 Winner Leo Longshaw, Runner Up Maggie Harrup, U7 Winner Theo Jeffery, Runner Up Lincoln Elford

The Raimey Zboyovsky Memorial Tournament also took place, with 44 players ages 7-seniors participating in remembrance of Raimey Zboyovsky. Entry was by donation and went to a charity of Raimey’s family’s choice. FCO thanks all businesses who donated prizes and the City of Fernie for donating court time.

Competitive Division Winners Sara McFarlane (sub Ian Johnson)/Lucy Harrup, Runners Up Steven and Wyatt Thurmeier, Recreational Doubles Winners Jenny Delich/Jenny Mitchell, Runners Up Rosie Francis/Lara Snead, Generations Division Winners Steve and Wyatt Thurmeier, Runners Up Claude and Zachary Perrault

Submitted

Submitted

Emily Park Photography

MOUNT RUSHKA

Did you know that our little town Fernie has an impressive rock ‘n roll legacy?

The guitarist from Rush, Alex Lifeson (considered to be one of greatest guitarists of all time), was born right here in Fernie in 1953. Let me introduce you to us, we are called Mount Rushka and we are committed to continuing the legacy of a serious rock n’ roll group also born in Fernie.

With another ‘hat tip’ to Mount Rushmore, Mount Rushka celebrates the forefathers of Rock that came before us. Rock ‘n Roll was originally created from a blend of Blues and Country. Now in 2022, we have decades of the Rock era to draw inspiration from.

So, like the original forefathers, our sound gets a solid dose of Blues and Country.

With all of us growing up in the 90’s, we were fortunate to have front row tickets to the Grunge and Alternative Rock movement. Our parents lived through the glory days of 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s Stadium Rock and Pop and incorporated it into our upbringing. The artists of those eras are the Mount Rushka forefathers. They inspire our music and allow us the ability to keep every song sounding fresh.

The Kootenay roots of Mount Rushka are deeply ingrained in both the name and members.

Adam Laurin, vocals and rhythm, is a community fixture. Sometimes referred to as the “Voice of Fernie.” Well known for his snowboard/skateboard shop, Commit, and Fernie’s “number 2 band” The Runs.

Will Ripley, our guitarist, has been playing music in Fernie between stints in Los Angeles, Vancouver and Calgary, touring with established, billboard charting groups, and reaching millions of people with his online guitar lessons.

Alanna Laurin, on bass and vocals is coowner of the popular salon, Society Jane, and was a member of Fernie bands The Runs and Country Smokes (who toured with Shred Kelly).

Vince Mo Photo

Jamie Inman Photo

Aaron Wrench, our powerhouse drummer, has our valley’s coal in his blood as he’s a mechanic at Teck. He’s also a music school graduate with a major in Drum Performance. This is where he crossed paths with Will back in 2004 at the Berklee affiliated music college in Nelson, BC.

Mount Rushka started with a jam session with our vocalist Adam and our guitarist Will in 2020 - These two hit it off musically from the get-go and have poured out 14 original songs that have now shook several Fernie stages (notably Wapiti Music Fest ‘22).

So, can a new Rock band survive and thrive from within the walls of the Elk Valley? So far, we’ve been able to book shows completely based on event organizers’ trust. The support here in Fernie has been amazing. It is however humbling to see the long road ahead of us to get our music beyond our small valley and to reach its worldwide potential.

October 22 marks a significant day for Mount Rushka. We’re releasing our first single called “Moonlight” to all the music streaming platforms. In addition, The Northern Bar & Stage is set to host our “Single Release Party” that Saturday night (Oct. 22), starting at 10pm. Tickets will be $10 at the door. We expect this to be a sold-out show, so we encourage everyone to head to Commit and buy tickets before the event to make sure you don’t miss one heck of a rock show!

For more information check out mountrushka.band.

Vince Mo Photo

Jamie Inman Photo

Queso might be directly translated as “cheese” in Spanish but it is so much more. Short for “Chile con Queso,” in our family, it was known as “Grandma’s queso” and it was sacred.

Comfort food hits the pleasure centres of our brain, often flooding us with memories that are cued by the sense of taste, smell, and texture. Comfort food can be vague, or it can be specific. It could be any Mac and Cheese, or it could be the specific Mac and Cheese from your favourite restaurant or family member. For me, comfort food is specific and that’s because everything my Grandma did was specific. She read specific books, watched specific shows, and she liked the specific shampoo (“You only need a dime-sized amount!”) and she liked the specific brand of potato chips and the specific bread. She would accept no imitations, and I loved this about her.

For this reason, it took her years to adjust the chile con queso ingredients in her recipe to achieve the ultimate specific balance between the smoky bacon flavour, cheese, and spice — all with the specific texture that unfortunately can only be achieved by invoking the naughtiest of ingredients:Velveeta.

When Grandma passed away in August, I was reflecting on the subtle ways she influenced my love of food. A lot of people say their grandmothers are the best cooks, and of course, I’d like to think mine was exceptional.

This recipe is simple.You’ll not only enjoy making it but sharing it with others is part of the joy.

You start with bacon and onion, then you add the secret ingredient probably not in

Grandma’s Queso

by CLAIRE SMALLWOOD

your pantry:Velveeta. Then there is the added combination of spice (green chile) and a couple of specific types of cheeses. For my recipe, I prefer a combo of sharp/ extra aged white cheddar and Monterrey Jack. Spice is also key - I used green chile I get from Costco in Kalispell but you can absolutely substitute canned green chile

from local stores in Fernie. The cheese will mute the spice, so if you are keen for something with a kick, I’d recommend adding (seeds-removed) diced jalapeños (because the canned, local green chiles don’t have a huge kick).You can adjust the heat as you go, so keep some extra on the side in case you desire more.

Submitted Photo

Chile Con Queso Recipe

Yields enough for a hearty appetizer to feed about 8-10 people.

6 str ips, raw, thick-cut bacon, chopped finely

1 yellow onion

3 small cans of g reen chile (Ortega brand is available in Fernie)

2-3 seeded, diced Jalapeños (optional for additional heat)

8 oz.Velveeta, cubed

500 g rams shredded extra aged cheddar (I prefer white cheddar)

300 grams shredded or cubed Monterey Jack cheese

1+ cup of 2% milk

Star t with the diced bacon in a thickbottomed saucepan/pot on medium heat. Let the bacon slowly cook and pour off the grease as it renders. When it’s crispy remove the bacon. Pat dry with a paper towel to remove additional grease. Without cleaning the pot, add the diced onion and let it cook on medium-high heat until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the green chiles and/or jalapeños and the cooked bacon back to the pot. Let it cook for an additional 2-4 minutes. Lower the heat to medium-low and add the Velveeta.You’ll be surprised by how perfect and fast it melts. (Is that why it says ‘liquid gold’ on

the container?) Now you can add the other cheeses. As the cheese slowly incorporates, add half of the milk and stir constantly. Make sure to slowly fold all the cheese and ingredients together. In order to get an amazing consistency, you will likely need to add at least half cup more of milk, but sometimes it might be more. The milk helps to keep the queso from being too firm, which will break tortilla chips in half and could impede the queso consumption, which is sub-optimal.

Ahh! Now you get to taste your creation and decide what it needs more of… More heat? More bacon? More liquid? Taste and adjust as needed.

Chec k out my Instagram channel @ clairesmallwood_ to see a video of me making Grandma’s Queso while camping.

“Comfort food hits the pleasure centres of our brain, often flooding us with memories that are cued by the sense of taste, smell, and texture. ”

Tidings of Discomfort and Joy

by MICHAEL HEPHER

If you’re the kind of person who rides Swine Flu twice in a row—for fun—then this column may not be for you. While the rest of us are going to great lengths to avoid discomfort, you crazy ‘type-two-fun’ people might just have it all figured out.

The average person in our culture is obsessed with being comfortable. We wear comfortable clothes, sit in comfortable chairs in comfortable homes, and eat comfort food. We go out of our way to make sure all of our guests are comfortable, and we wouldn’t want the conversation to get uncomfortable, so we tiptoe around issues. Comfort is certainly something we work hard to find. And why not? It’s good to be comfortable. Always. Mostly. Right?

My fr iend Craig has played the banjo for 42 years. As one of Canada’s top banjo players, he has toured and performed professionally for most of his life. Four years ago, in the middle of an epic recording session and a battle with a pinched shoulder nerve, his subconscious mind took over and said: “That’s enough— you’re done.” His body refused to let him play the banjo anymore. Doctors eventually diagnosed him with Focal Dystonia, a littleknown condition that affects professional artists of all kinds. The brain’s motion map of a specific motion overlaps another one and the desired action becomes impossible. In Craig’s case, his brain involuntarily curled up the fingers on his picking hand, making it impossible to play. The causes are nebulous and understudied, but overtraining plays a factor, as well as mental health, and even childhood trauma. The healing process can be slow or impossible. Craig had to quit playing his beloved banjo, then guitar. As you can imagine, some hard years followed that loss.

I am g rateful to have friends like Craig who inspire me to grow. I ran into Craig this summer at a music festival and he told me that he has come to be grateful to Focal Dystonia. His diligent work on his mind, his heart, and his hands has brought

him through a lot of discomfort to a place where he has been forced to look at childhood hurts he’d been pushing aside his whole life. As we were chatting at the festival I could see a lightness and joy in Craig that I’d never seen before.

Nobody wants to go through hard times. We don’t will discomfort on others and we certainly don’t wish it on ourselves, but it’s rare to find good art that doesn’t grow out of the fertile ground of discomfort. One of the things that can make an artist great is our willingness to wade around in the emotional turmoil of life—groping for flashes of silver in the murky waters

Submitted Photo

“ I don’t think we seek the hard places on purpose, but walking through them often feels like an important part of our journey. “

of pain. It’s not fun, but what we find often pushes us to new discoveries about ourselves and the world around us. If we are lucky, we can grasp a bit of those ideas and drag them to the surface to present to the rest of the world. If we are really lucky those ideas can help us understand ourselves enough to have a bit of a reprieve in the comfortable place before diving back in for more growth.

The stereotype of the tortured artist has grown out of our propensity to live in the wild, dark places. Sometimes we get lost in there, or stop believing that the bright, joyful spots still exist. I don’t think we seek the hard places on purpose, but walking through them often feels like an important part of our journey. To make art that is authentic, and true to ourselves or true to humanity, we have to face these hard things and tease those lessons into the light.

My fr iend Craig did not choose his trials. We shouldn’t run headlong into hardship, but neither should we cling desperately to comfort. If we do, we won’t be able to face the things that will eventually become our stepping stones. Discomfort pushes us to move, to grow—as artists, as humans. For me, my best ideas, my best art, and the most satisfying projects all come from digging deep, from letting the fear and anxiety and self-doubt wash over me and stepping forward regardless.

For Craig, he’s reinvented himself into an upright bass player and is having a blast. The day I was talking to him someone handed him a guitar and he laid down a blazing solo; his guitar playing is starting to come back, too. Hopefully the banjo playing is next.

Disclaimer: Everyone needs connections and community to make sure they don’t get lost in the dark places. If you’re struggling and need help, please reach out to a friend or to a mental health hotline.You are not alone. Call the free BC Mental Health support line: 310-6789.

Meeting

Working Together to Keep Our Neighborhoods Safe

At Teck, safety is a core value and we believe in everyone going home safe and healthy every day.

is an opportunity to demonstrate community cooperation and care, while making magical memories for our families.

Through the Lens of Loss

by Sadie Rosgen

Come back. Even as a shadow, even as a dream.

~ Eur ipides

As I prepare to honour my father in memoriam, as I find the words to speak of this loss, as I write this now, I struggle to know that he is gone. As the minutes age into hours, and hours into days, I long for one last conversation, one big laugh, one silent eternal moment. Knowing that I will never have that time again feels impossible. My comfort now lies in our shared experience, our memories, ourselves.

I follow him

He knows the way

Protected by his wisdom

I thrive

Imbibing on life because I am protected

Confident and bold

Told to move through life embracing passion

No rations with my energy

Let the light come in and shine

I know him

I am him

Imperfect parts of one another

Moving up and down the mountain

A conduit of trust between child and parent

“Nature teaches us everything we need to know. How to grow, how to let go. It’s a convoluted process,” he says.

The complexity of life stands still without him

Get Informed. Vote.

Learn about the candidates in our area.

• Fernie All-Candidates Municipal Election Forum will be held on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, 6:30pm start (seating is limited) at the Fernie Community Centre. The event will also be streamed live on facebook.

• Online at: fernie.ca/EN/main/city/2022general-local-election.html

• This issue of the Fernie Fix

• The Fernie Free Press

• RDEK information: For additional information or to request a Mail Ballot Form, visit rdek.bc.ca/elections.

Advance Voting Days: October 5 and October 12 at the Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre, from 8am to 8pm

Fernie General Voting Day: October 15, 2022 at the Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre, 8am to 8pm

If you have any questions, email the Chief Election Officer at electionsofficer@fernie.ca.

Advance Voting Days: October 5 and October 13, 8am to 8pm at the Hosmer Community Hall.

RDEK General Voting Day: October 15, 8am to 8pm at the Best Western in Fernie, Causeway Bay Hotel in Sparwood, and at the Hosmer Community Hall.

For additional information or to request a Mail Ballot Form, visit rdek.bc.ca/elections.

If you have any questions, email the RDEK Chief Election Officer at elections@rdek.bc.ca

2022 Election Candidates

by KRISTA TURCASSO

With two candidates for Mayor, 14 for Council and three for Regional District Area A Director, it is going to be an exciting election season. We asked all candidates the same four questions in an effort to provide a fair opportunity to share their views and provide voters with one location to review these perspectives. It is important to recognize that this is but a snapshot – take the time to learn more about each candidate and consider attending the All Candidates Forum, October 4 at the Fernie Community Centre, in person or virtually. Presented by the Fernie Chamber of Commerce, candidates will be presented with a few pre-submitted questions and there will also be an open-mic portion for the audience to ask questions that haven’t been discussed. Thank you to those who have put their names forward to represent the best interests of our residents.

1. Why did you decide to run for Council / Mayor / Area A Director?

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing concern in our community / region at this time?

3. What outcomes or direction do you want to see Fernie / the Regional District achieve over the next four years?

4. In your opinion, how can we as a community better support elected officials?

FOR FERNIE MAYOR

Nic Milligan

1. We need a mayor who puts Fernie first, who listens and works with the community, identifies and mobilizes the intelligence, experience, and creativity of our citizens in a unified vision of what Fernie can become.

2. A lack of communication and connection between the city and the community, a key obstacle to solving our most pressing issues, from affordable housing to ailing infrastructure.

3. A suite of common sense, dynamic, and innovative solutions in place with the community fully informed, supportive, and galvanized to realize them.

4. A community supports elected officials who respect them, keep them informed, and include their expertise. The resulting trust generates respect and support in return, and an understanding and appreciation all are working to improve Fernie.

Ange Qualizza

1. We have critical infrastructure projects that need our attention, I want to continue to drive investment into Fernie, support our asset renewal projects and use my voice at UBCM to ensure we bring funds out of Victoria and into Fernie.

2. Housing, childcare and insulating our community from the impact of climate related weather events. We must invest in infrastructure to mitigate those threats and continue to make sure Fernie stays a vibrant place to live now and into the future.

3. We need to adopt a regional growth strategy, so that investment in our region will promote and enhance the long-term livability of the region, and ensure that as we develop, we are discussing patterns, transportation, and sustainability.

4. Engage Council, read the reports, and use our Let’s Talk Fernie page. In four years of being the mayor, I have never answered the phone to - I heard on Facebook you were going to do this - and it be true.

1. Why did you decide

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing

3. What

our community / region at this time?

Tracey Audia Kelly

1. I love Fernie and want it to remain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming place. I don’t think I’m alone in feeling that we have gone off course and change is needed. I believe in taking action to make things better.

2. We have critical infrastructure issues which will impact our quality of life, our ability to find solutions to issues such as affordability and sustainability and impair our ability to function and develop.

3. I would like to see improved quality of life, better delivery of services and a plan to resolve and not just band-aid our infrastructure issues for example our sewer system.

4. Mayor and council are elected to represent and support the community, not the reverse. Two-way communication with the community is crucial and is currently lacking. Citizens should be consulted prior to the expenditure of millions of dollars.

Patrick Burke

1. I believe in working to provide cost effective solutions to Fernie’s needs, this can be achieved by spending on preventative maintenance. People have lost their options to communicate with council and if elected I want to reconnect with the public.

2. Most important issue is affordable housing. It’s been a difficult couple of years with the Covid-19 pandemic, now it’s time to work on housing projects as the people of Fernie are in desperate need of rental housing.

3. Continue with mining and tourism, arts and culture, history, and senior facilities and library. Families of all age groups and financial levels living in Fernie and supporting a vibrant school and health care system to ensure children a bright future.

4. Communication between council and the public is key. Open communication, reinstating the 15-minute public input periods and people presenting concerns before council. Officials are there to serve the people, a little less judgement from the people served would be a support.

Blaine Fabi

1. I g rew up in Fernie and have returned after 30 years. Upon returning, I was dismayed to see residents’ concerns and well-being being ignored. I decided that Fernie needs someone who can understand and relate to what residents need and want.

2. There are many, but snow removal (so elderly and disabled don’t become housebound all winter), housing costs for the people that live here and make Fernie run, and concern for the health of our valley are some of the most pressing issues.

3. There used to be a huge sense of pride from the residents of Fernie. That seems to have turned into anger and frustration. I want to help return that pride of living in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

4. I think the residents of Fernie will support any elected official that actually listens to what is being said and asked for. A council that is f air will always be respected.

your opinion, how can we as a community better support elected officials?

1. Why did you decide

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing

3. What

community / region at this

Spencer Gough

1. I believe things can be better and decided to do something about it, to make a positive difference in our community.

I hope to be a voice of reason and someone the community can feel comfortable to approach and talk to.

2. Cur rently housing, infrastructure and the lack of a proper communication with the public. Making Fernie a better place to live not just get by.

3. I would like to see better communication from the city to the public and improvement and planning of infrastructure and housing projects. Establishing a project tracker to understand more of what is being done and the state of completion for projects.

4. Under standing that elected officials are human and may not have all the information you might think they do, so communicating issues in a productive and appropriate manner helps expedite solutions.

Kyle Hamilton

1. I feel my first term was “sidetracked” by the pandemic, we didn’t have the opportunity to complete all projects/ goals we had set out to achieve. Being reelected would provide the opportunity to see some of these through to completion.

2. Housing is the issue I hear when talking to people. It’s a complex problem requiring engaged and connected politicians working with federal/ provincial counterparts to secure funding and resources. I think the biggest issue is infrastructure replacement costs, needing significant investment.

3. I want to see Fernie continue to be a community that is vibrant, and diverse. I want to be elected to ensure that the decisions made in the next four years positively impact the community for the next 40.

4. Engage in per son. We are your neighbours, the parents of your kids’ friends, the people you see at the grocery store. Sitting down to talk is more constructive than a rant on social media. It provides the opportunity to listen, ask questions, and better understand the situation.

Bob Langfield

1. I am campaigning to serve to assist in resolving current issues and planning for the future with a commitment to do the right thing to benefit all stakeholders. The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.

2. Our most pressing issue is critical shortage of housing for seasonal workers/ visitors in the recreation industry and affordable long-term accommodation. We need to get the city, province and country working together to figure out how to provide affordable housing.

3. Fernie is a rapidly growing diverse community with changing and varied demographics. Many challenges exist which need competent leadership to achieve successful outcomes to benefit the community. Success is best when it’s shared.

4. Active community engagement can better support elected officials through open communication to council, to improve mutual knowledge of issues to assist in making informed rational decisions for the benefit of all. Discuss instead of criticize.

opinion, how can we as a community better support elected officials?

1. Why did you decide to run for Council / Mayor / Area A Director?

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing concern in our community / region at this time?

3. What outcomes or direction do you want to see Fernie / the Regional District achieve over the next four years?

Kevin McIsaac

1. Fernie is an amazing place to live, but the taxes have risen while the service level provided has fallen. The city has a revolving door of staffing because the culture of the organization is failing. I have operated a service company for 20 years and can see many areas that need to be improved.

2. That the upcoming investment in public infrastructure is handled properly. Exactly the opposite of the current situation with our only elementary school. After this, policy and culture of the organization.

3. I would love to see Fernie maintain its balance as a town with tourism, not just a tourist town. As well the creation of a community forest similar to Cranbrook and Kimberley.

4. Fernie is full of engaged community members, that’s not the problem, but structurally I would like to see community associations built to ensure a bottoms up approach, instead of the current top down system.

1. I decided to r un for council again for one reason: because I believe my experience on council and familiarity with the issues will allow me to be an effective councillor for the upcoming term.

2. The most pressing issue is housing. The lack of affordable, attainable housing is impacting everyone. Some steps have been taken to lower the barriers to creating more housing, but a great deal of work is still needed.

3. A lot of work for the last four years has been setting up solutions for the next four. The next four will capitalize on that work as we make changes needed to allow for more affordable housing, obtain finances necessary for necessary infrastructure improvements, etc.

4. The best way to support officials, staff, and by extension the community is through communication. Respectful communication about issues, from the smallest to the largest, is an important attribute of any successful community. Civil civic discourse is key.

April Montague

1. I’m passionate about cur rent problems and I think it’s important to participate in democracy, which is why I decided to run for Council. I want to represent lowincome people and families in decisions when it comes to our city.

2. Housing is an ongoing issue that gets worse every year. Inclusive, sustainable options are ski hill staff housing, a municipal rental cap, and “Need to Reside” for home ownership. This is, without a doubt, the most pressing concern in Fernie.

3. I want to see Fernie move towards more inclusive housing and a more ecologically sustainable future. Our waste management system needs to be built for the future generations, and City decisionmakers need to think further ahead, avoiding band-aid solutions.

4. The best way to support elected officials is to talk. Tell them your concerns, communicate in a way that maintains respect. People want to run for office because they want to help make positive change. Engage appropriately and consistently, so everyone is heard.

Jonathan MacGregor

4. In your opinion, how can we as a community better support elected officials?

CANDIDATES FOR FERNIE CITY COUNCIL

1. Why did you decide to run for Council / Mayor / Area A Director?

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing concern in our community / region at this time?

3. What outcomes or direction do you want to see Fernie / the Regional District achieve over the next four years?

Jesse Mould

1. I just got fed up with how things were going and decided to try do something about it. I want my kids to have a great place to live like I had.

2. Three things: infrastructure, communication with the public and proper staffing/staff assessment.

3. I would like to see a marked improvement in the city’s critical infrastructure, fire hall and sewer system as some good examples.

4. Shouldn’t council support the public?

Fernie should be able to approach its council and communicate their issues before decisions are made.

Communication is a huge problem that needs to be addressed.

Troy Nixon

1. Climate change, a proper asset management plan, housing affordability are huge issues that we can start to address after building on the successes of the last four years. Experience is needed around the table and supporting staff is key to tackling these large issues.

2. We have a tsunami of concerns including housing affordability, wastewater plant upgrades, critical infrastructure, firehall, water source upgrades and implementing an asset management plan. Solutions must also be examined through the climate change lens, but we can do it.

3. By 2026 I want to see us in a place where we have addressed the concerns above. It may seem insurmountable, but I believe council and staff in the last four years have pushed the building blocks together and can now start building upwards.

4. Staying informed would be the best support for council and staff. At the same time council and staff need to better inform the community. Creating a monthly newsletter which updates and communicates is key to tackling misinformation, rumours and misunderstandings.

Harsh Ramadass

1. To help bring openness and clear communication with the taxpayers. In the private sector, I have seen precious few ideas succeed, and many fail. The common theme connecting all the successful ideas is clear communication with people who are affected.

2. In the following order: Livability, transparency from elected officials, value from tax dollars, and long-term infrastructure challenges.

3. Fir st and foremost, remedy the communication gap that exists between city hall and the taxpaying citizens. Executing on infrastructure projects within budget and time, playing a leadership role in finding quick and timely solutions to the housing crisis.

4. Be tough but fair, hold elected officials to account based on evidence, challenge the process but not the person. But most importantly vote!

4. In your opinion, how can we as a community better support elected officials?

Scott Tibbels Photo

Why

What

What

Ted Shoesmith

1. I’m r unning for council because I feel that I should step up and serve my community. As a lifelong resident of the area, I would be a good representative of the people who live, work, and raise families here.

2. The biggest issue(s) we face are coping with our growth and maintaining adequate infrastructure. If we want to continue, there’s a lot of work to be done to have a functional and affordable town.

3. We should refocus on the core services a town needs to meet the demands of a growing population, including affordable housing. I think we’ve let that slide while spending money elsewhere. Necessities > Affordability > Amenities.

4. I don’t feel that elected officials are entitled to everyone’s support. We have to earn it. However, I suppose that becoming informed and engaged would be the best way to support your officials.

Zuzana Simpson

1. I care deeply about Fernie which has been my home for 40+ years. Since my recent retirement from the business community, I decided to pay back for the wonderful life this town has afforded me.

2. One of our most pressing concerns is the lack of affordable and entry level housing for young families, seniors and working-class people. The second is our critical infrastructure which needs to be maintained and developed in order to build a sustainable community.

3 Most people I’ve talked to would like Fernie to remain a great tourist destination, but also to support the people who service it. More attention should be paid to local residents and the services they require, such as childcare, long-term care and healthcare.

4. The community and elected officials can support each other through engagement and open lines of communication. Together, we can achieve all our goals through robust debate and cooperation.

GET INFORMED AND VOTE!

CANDIDATES

1. Why did you decide to run for Council / Mayor / Area A Director?

2. What do you believe to be the most pressing concern in our community / region at this time?

3. What outcomes or direction do you want to see Fernie / the Regional District achieve over the next four years?

Lee-Anne Walker

Hungry Baytaluke

1. I believe with my previous council experience I have a fair understanding of the political workings required at the table and the skill set necessary to contribute positively for the residents of Area A.

2. From the canvassing I’ve done to date the most prevalent concern voiced has been my position on sub dividing of the identified ALR farming properties.

3. Transparency on all initiatives undertaken that affect the respective residents of the regional areas.

4. Make your concerns known early and often to your respective representative and follow up by attending the specific meeting that the concern is presented.

Thomas McDonald

1. I’m r unning to give back and continue building our community while ensuring the Elk Valley’s rural character and lifestyle is retained. It’s vital to protect our natural assets for the next generation while supporting smart and balanced growth.

2. The main concer n is protecting our rural lifestyle while ensuring access to services. We need a leader who works cooperatively with all stakeholders in the region while maintaining Area A’s independence.

3. We need to achieve sustainable growth that keeps taxes affordable while preserving quality health care and education. We also need to increase fire and flood protection.

4. I’ve learned that open communication is key to building trust and healthy communities. We must work together, listen to each other, and be open to change. If elected, I’ll maintain an opendoor policy to ensure concerns are heard.

1 There is a pressing need for courageous leadership that genuinely represents communities in the Elk Valley. After 40 years in the region, I have the energy and experience working with government, industry, and community to dedicate to this demanding job.

2. The r ich Elk Valley lifestyle that we enjoy is being threatened. To address our pressing issues we need: an effective voice with all levels of government; a cohesive long-term regional vision to guide planning; healthy habitat where wildlife and people coexist; and maintaining recreational access.

3. A collaborative, regional plan integrating Area A with municipalities to address Elk Valley wide issues like affordable housing and the demand for an evolution in land use. I’d like to empower people who want to get involved and be heard in the decision-making process.

4. Employ respectful communication and get involved. Propose innovative solutions to the challenges our communities face. Understand the responsibilities of the RDEK and the tools available by local government to chart a better future for generations to come.

4. In your opinion, how can we as a community better support elected officials?

Eductating Students in the East Kootenays for 45 Years

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Spencer

by ANDREW VALLANCE

Diana Frances Spencer was born to parents John Spencer,Viscount Althorp, and Frances Spencer,Viscountess Althorp on July 1, 1961. She was the fourth of five children and grew up a member of the British royal family. In 1981 while working as a nursery teacher’s assistant, she became engaged to Prince Charles, the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II. Charles was Prince of Wales and heir apparent to the British throne. After their marriage she became Princess of Wales and undertook royal duties on behalf of the Queen.

Her charisma, friendliness and unconventional approach to charity work made her enthusiastically popular with the British public. She became involved in the campaign for the removal of landmines. She also advocated for the social acceptance of AIDS patients and assistance for people with mental illness.

Diana and Charles had two sons, William and Harry, but the couple separated in 1992 due to their incompatibility and extramarital affairs. After their marital difficulties became highly publicized, they divorced in 1996. Her death in a car crash in Paris led to global media attention and public mourning in Britain.

Princess Diana was media savvy, beautiful, and stylish. She was seen as the people’s princess, a woman who, for all that she was the daughter of a Viscount, was seen as a champion of average people, someone who never really fit in with the house of Windsor, and who 25 years after her death has effectively been canonized in the public consciousness. Because it is such a big part of the way we think about Lady Di, it makes perfect sense that this untruth should be replicated by talented film maker Pablo Larrain in his award winning film

I am an ardent anti-monarchist. I believe the British monarchy is an outmoded and backward institution, and that far from being an innocent waif trapped by royal tradition and forced into a life she did not want (the thesis at the heart of this exceptional piece of cinema), Diana was an ambitious, somewhat spoiled minor aristocrat who knew exactly what she was getting into when she agreed to marry Prince Charles.

But even I have to admit that Spencer is a very good movie. It is beautifully shot and well-acted. Kristen Stewart absolutely deserves her Oscar nomination and Timothy Spall is excellent in a supremely stuffy supporting role. The costumes are wonderful and the movie tells an incredibly touching and heightened story (which includes the ghost of a deceased royal).

Spencer centers around the events of one Christmas holiday at Sandringham Castle in Norfolk during which Diana decides to finally divorce Prince Charles, expertly played by Rufus Sewell. It is highly fictionalized. Nobody knows exactly what the princess is thinking or feeling during the time period depicted, and I’m sure that many royal historians would be simply appalled by the historical inaccuracies in the film to say nothing of the aristocratic phantom which haunts Diana. However, it holds up well if it is regarded simply as a fairy tale reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm.

Two very well-deserved thumbs way, way up for this beautifully realized cinematic masterwork. You must see it.

Spencer. Larrain is probably best known for directing Natalie Portman in the film Jackie

MONTHLY EVENTS

Saturday 1.10.2022

Craft Beer and Burger Month Begins @ Parkplace Pub

The Tune Smiths-Douglas Mitchell Band @ Fernie Distillers Sunday 2.10.2022

Fernie Half Marathon / Three Person Relay / 10km @ James White Park Ironman Open @ Fernie Golf Club Monday 3.10.2022

Fall GoByBike Week Begins @ BC Communities Tuesday 4.10.2022

Member’s Night: Throwing Big @ The Arts Station, 6:30pm All Candidates Forum @ Fernie Community Centre, 6:30pm start time. Seating will be first come first served and also streamed online.

Wednesday 5.10.2022

Advance Voting @ Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre, 8am-8pm Pottery Wine and Wheel @ The Arts Station, 7pm

Learn to Latin Dance @ The Arts Station, 7pm Thursday 6.10.2022

Fernie and District Arts Council AGM @ The Arts Station, 6:30pm Saturday 8.10.2022

Inclusion Warrior Summits @ Mt Fernie, 9am followed by Q&A at Fernie Taphouse Oktoberfest @ Fernie Alpine Resort with

EVENTS CALENDAR

food, drinks, contests and live music. Ghostrider Hockey Night @ The Pub Pre-Game Beer & Ticket Special Ghostriders Hockey Game @ Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Sunday 9.10.2022

Sunday Sessions @ The Pub, live music, roast dinner special Monday 10.10.2022

Tombstone Tournament @ Fernie Golf Club Tuesday 11.10.2022

Fernie Quilt Guild @ The Arts Station, 7pm Regular Council Meeting @ City Hall Wednesday 12.10.2022

Stay up to date by visiting FernieFix.com/events. Send your events to krista@clarismedia.com for inclusion!

Wednesday 19.10.2022

Learn to Latin Dance @ The Arts Station, 7pm Monday 17.10.2022

Spinners and Weavers Guild @ The Arts Station, 10am

Beginners Intensive Pottery Wheel Course @ The Arts Station, 7pm Friday 21.10.2022

Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station

Fernie Business Excellence Awards @ Rusty Edge, 6pm

Ghostrider Hockey Night @ The Pub Pre-Game Beer & Ticket Special Ghostriders Hockey Game @ Memorial Arena, 7:30pm

Advance Voting @ Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre, 8am-8pm Learn to Latin Dance @ The Arts Station, 7pm 14.10.2022 - 16-10-2022

Hospice Training Course: Companioning the Dying @ College of the Rockies, 250-4234691 Friday 14.10.2022

Paint Night with Sue Hanlon @ The Arts Station, 7pm Ghostrider Hockey Night @ The Pub Pre-Game Beer & Ticket Special Ghostriders Hockey Game @ Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Winter Pass Sale Ends @ Fernie Alpine Resort Tuesdays 18.10.2022

Member’s Night: Sculptural Florals @ The Arts Station, 6:30pm

Couples Latin Dance @ The Arts Station, 7pm Saturday 22.10.2022

Tyra Whitson Live @ Kodiak Lounge Sunday 23.10.2022

Ghostly Hounds Live @ Kodiak Lounge Tuesday 25.10.2022

Ghostrider Hockey Night @ The Pub Pre-Game Beer & Ticket Special Ghostriders Hockey Game @ Memorial Arena, 7:30pm Wednesday 26.10.2022

Learn to Latin Dance @ The Arts Station, 7pm Thursday 27.10.2022

Group Pottery Show Opening: Time forTea @ The Arts Station, 7pm Saturday 29.10.2022

Shred Kelly Halloween Show with Heavy Lighters @ The Northern

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays

Les Tiguidous French activities for toddlers (0-5yo) 10:30am @ the Cokato Park playground Club All Play – Fernie Pickeleball @ Max Turyk Courts, 8:30-10:30am

Le Club Baguette Junior @ Rotary Park, outdoor activities and games in French ages 7-12, 3:30pm Jam Night @ Kodiak Lounge, 9pm Poutine and PBR Mondays @ The Pub Educational Cannabis Presentation @ Earth’s Own Naturals Tuesdays

Seniors Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 11:15am Fernie Options for Sexual Health Clinic Open @ Elk Valley Hospital, by appointment, 1st and 3rd Tuesday of month only Parent-tot Funtimes @ Facebook Page Burger and Beer Night @ The Northern Wing Night @ The Pub

Pasta Tuesdays @ Bramasole Visual Arts Guild @ The Arts Station, 12pm Fernie Community Choir Practice @ The Arts Station, 7pm Wednesdays Club All Play – Fernie Pickeleball @ Max Turyk Courts, 8:30-10:30am

Seniors Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 11:15am Curbside Craft @ Fernie Heritage Library, Pickup is from 11am each Wednesday (ages 5-7)

Fernie Youth Art Collective @ The Arts Station Trivia @ Fernie Hotel All Night Happy Hour @ Bramasole Thursdays

Seniors Walking Program @ Fernie Community Centre, 11:15am Bellies to Babies @ Zoom, 2pm Club Baguette Junior French tutoring and activities 3pm @ Isabella Dickens library Club Baguette Adults learn and converse in French for adults 7pm @ Zoom

Pub Team Trivia @ The Pub (Oct 6, 13 and 20) Open Mic Night @ Fernie Distillers, 7pm Run Club @ Stag Leap Karaoke @ Kodiak Lounge, 9pm Fridays Club All Play – Fernie Pickeleball @ Max Turyk Courts, 8:30-10:30am Storytime (ages 0-5) @ Fernie Heritage Library

Fish and Chips @ The Pub Fish and Chips Take Away @ Fernie Hotel, 4pm Meat Draw @ The Fernie Club Cre8 @ The Arts Station

Open Mic Night @ Fernie Distillers, 7pm Big Red Fridays @ Bramasole Live Music @ Loaf Saturdays

Meat Draw @ The Legion Chicken Parmie Special @ The Pub Sundays Roast Dinner Special, and free pool after 7pm @ The Pub

Nature as Comfort

by SYLVIA AYERS, illustrated by SARAH PULLEN

Did you know:

Being in nature for just two hours a week can help with depression and reduce stress, anxiety and anger?

Dirt under your nails exposes you physically and mentally to beneficial microbiomes?

Nature has a positive effect on our spacial awareness, balance and body temperature. Not just what we see, but also what we hear and smell.

Consciously view nature.

Just listening to birds from your window is a great comfort.Put an old board in a corner of your yard - after a week see how many species have found shelter there!

Adopt a tree! Make

it

Keep a Wonder Jar and put all the little treasures you find into it. When it is full take the ones you have admired for a while and put them back into nature.

Learn about the trees in the Elk Valley. Go to Mount Fernie Park and

along the trails to see evidence

fire and rejuvenation.

Become a weather expert by learning the signs.

Commit to your fitness

Does your dog come when you call?

Teaching your dog to come when he’s called (what we trainers call “Recall”) is an essential skill. If you’ve got a pretty good, but not perfect recall, you can improve it. The training isn’t complicated, but you do need to practice effectively to truly perfect it.

Keep the training simple. I’ve had the most success using “back chaining” – starting with the last step first which then becomes the most practiced step. In the case of a recall, “dog in front of you” is the last step (the goal), so start there. Don’t complicate things by adding another behaviour like “sit.” Once the recall is perfected, you can add in more behaviours.

For maximum success, control the outcome as much as you can: your dog must end up in front of you when you practice. Use long-lines (four metres max) or contained areas so, if your dog doesn’t come when you call, you can get to them quickly and help them. Then you need to re-evaluate that training step – what went wrong? Don’t repeat your cue or get louder or more forceful in your “ask” because that will reduce the fun and effectiveness of your training.

Reinforcement is critical to teaching and maintaining any behaviour. Initially, it’s important to reinforce every time using high value rewards.You will have the most success if you use rewards that you can dole out quickly to get several repetitions into a short period. Small, super tasty food treats are ideal because food is a primary reinforcer – dogs need it to survive –which makes it highly motivating. As you progress, you can replace food treats with other rewards that your dog enjoys like fetch, tug, and chase.

Recall

by VALERIE BARRY

To maintain your dog’s recall, you must continue to reward randomly. This is the main reason recalls eventually fail: people stop reinforcing them. It’s like a casino: people keep playing games because they’re never sure when they’ll win (be rewarded), and random wins keep them playing. If your dog’s recall starts to deteriorate, you simply need to reward more often.

Practicing regularly is the only way to perfect a recall. When something is practiced enough, it becomes a habit, which means your dog will perform the recall behaviour subconsciously – much like when we hear a “ding” and unconsciously glance at our phones.

Initially, practice one element at a time: either how far your dog is away from you, or the distractions in the environment. When you increase difficulty in one element, decrease the difficulty in the other. So, if there are other dogs around, stand closer to your dog when you call him to come. Remember to occasionally make things easy, too. If a job is always getting harder, it stops being fun and having fun is part of the reinforcement! Five minutes of training, two or three times, several days each week is plenty if you do it effectively.

For more tips, see my Blog post “Shaping Up the Recall” at dogpartners.ca. Keep your training positive and fun!

“Reinforcement is critical to teaching and maintaining any behaviour. ”

Wyatt Mads Thurmeier

by KRISTA TURCASSO

Tennis has been on the rise in Fernie (and beyond) thanks to a couple of individuals from the UK, passionate about the sport. Charlotte Willis started Fernie Tennis Coaching around 2010, and was instrumental in exposing our younger cohort to tennis through programming in schools and coaching all ages and levels. “This was the start of the junior tennis movement in Fernie,” says Lucy Harrup, who took over the business in 2019.

“The numbers of players just keeps growing. This year was a record entry number of 40 youth players in our annual junior tournament and the ages range from 5-17. I now have three qualified assistant coaches as the demand is high. We have a junior development squad that trains every Monday through all three of our seasons. They even want to come and train in Kimberley with me over the Winter on a regular basis! We have had well over 100 juniors join us this summer for tennis camp and my goal is to find a way to build an indoor tennis facility here in Fernie so our athletes’ potential can be reached by yearround play,” she adds.

Wyatt Mads Thurmeier is one of these athletes, and here is what he has to say about his love of tennis.

Emily Park Photography

Wyatt Mads Thurmeier, age 12

1. What attracted you to tennis?

My Dad introduced me to tennis when I was around three years old, and I’ve loved it ever since. He’d bring me along to the courts, which are conveniently close to my house, and we’d have lots of fun playing.

2. What do you most enjoy about it?

The people I play with are super nice, and because the feeling of smashing a forehand into the back-left corner is pretty satisfying.

3. How do you train for this sport and what does a typical week look like for you during the tennis season?

Well, just keeping active is a big thing. I do a couple other sports - I’m playing school volleyball now, then basketball and badminton, and ski in the winter. But for tennis I play with my Dad at least once a week and have practice once a week.

4. What accomplishments have you made this year, and do you have any goals for next season?

My biggest was winning the U18 tournament and coming in 2nd place with my Dad in the Adult Competitive Doubles in the Raimey Zoboyovsky Memorial Tournament (my coach Lucy came in 1st with her partner). My Dad and I won 1st place in the Generations Doubles, too! That was one heck of a day, I played 8 sets. My goals for next season are to improve my speed and accuracy, and to beat my coach! I came close in the Adult Doubles, it was great!

For more information on Fernie’s tennis community, visit ferniesportsco.com.

Unique

Handcrafted Goods

FIRST AID AND SAFETY

Accident Investigation

Wilderness First Responder

Wilderness Advanced First Aid

Recert | November 10

John Standard for Industry

Traffic Control Requalification

Transportation Endorsement

Control

November

November

Be Prepared. Start Here.

aid

taught

First Aid Level 1 | November 17

John CPR C and AED | November 18

John CPR A | November 18

Certification | November 18

Red Cross Emergency Child Care | November 19

Airbrakes | November 19

John Standard for Industry | November 21

Transportation Endorsement | November 23

Occupational First Aid Level 3 | November 28

Confined Space Entry/Monitor | November 28

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1 | December 5

BUSINESS, LIFESTYLE AND LEISURE

Painting

Ambassador Program

Tenancy

Management

Ambassador Program

November 17

Firearms Safety | November 19

Desktop Online | November 22

Restricted Firearms | November 26

Ambassador

December 2

Comfort Through Planning

by PATRICK ROBERTSON

Comfort is defined as a state of physical ease free from constraints and pain. That contented well-being and comfort when travelling comes from exhaustive planning. It is important to be thorough, and you want to make sure that you have the important things like travel and accommodations fully planned out and booked.

I hear people say that they want to be spontaneous and that they don’t like to plan too far ahead for their travel. I hear lots of frustrating tales from people who didn’t book accommodation and ended up in a dump of a place for a lot of money, or they waited too long to book their flights and now all the seats are sold or the price is triple that of six months ago.

Planning is the most essential part of travel and it can also be the most fun. It lets you live the trip before you go. It accelerates the release of endorphins that gives us the feeling of happiness and pleasure. It also reduces the level of anxiety and increases the level of comfort that people feel about their trip because they have the main things set.

The first step in planning for a budget slow travel trip is to have a destination in mind. Sometimes it is a bucket list destination, a place of interest or because of the deal. I book a lot of trips because of the deal.

My last deal was a trip to Puerto Vallarta. It was a 6000 sq. ft condo in a mega resort that rents for up to $15000 a night. I was

Submitted Photo

able to find a deal where I paid only $350 a night for the week. The experience was so over-the-top, I booked a smaller condo for two weeks in January 2023 at the same rate.

Once the destination is decided on you need to plan your travel and accommodation. Either your dates are fixed or they are flexible. If your dates are flexible, you can pick the cheaper dates for your travel and accommodation. This can make a difference of thousands of dollars. Flexibility is the key to getting the lowest prices available.

For our trip to southern Italy in the fall of 2023, my dates are flexible. The airline prices that I found today for a direct flight from Calgary to Rome shows $1225 one day, three days later $989, and five days after for $1424. The saving of $435 pays for a week’s rental.

In the Puerto Vallarta example, my dates were fixed but because of the pandemic sales, I was able to get business class seats for the price of economy seats with full cancellation rights.

Pre-pandemic, the best time to book International flights was 9-12 months out. Now, with the reduction of flights, the shortage of personnel, and the overbooking and cancellation of flights, I am holding off for a few more months before making a decision on booking the Rome flights. In the meantime, I put an alert for Rome flights for notification when the price changes.

Go to my Tool Page (budgetslowtravel. com/tools/) and use the four flight links there to explore prices and to set an alert for any flights that you may be looking for in the next 11 months. Get an idea of what a good price is for your destination. Watch the alerts, wait for the lowest price and book it.You could save enough to pay for your accommodations. Now that’s a level of comfort we all would enjoy.

Seeking Discomfort

by TYLA CHARBONNEAU

I learned the term comfortable misery from Oprah Winfrey about 25 years ago. She said that so many of us choose to live in comfortable misery rather than seeking to find uncomfortable joy. Never in my life had I ever imagined that misery was a source of comfort and yet when I looked at my life, I was living patterns I did not like and was terrified to change them because I did not know what that might look like. I later learned that our brains will always search for what feels like home. Home, a word that for many conjures up thoughts of fresh baking, parents eager to provide hugs, oversized sweaters in the back yard watching the leaves change. Unfortunately for far too many others this word and the feelings attached to it can equals a sense of chaos.

Homeostasis is a way that our body systems function through finding a steady state. Ideally this is calmness, but rarely in this society is it represented this way. Our brains are like data entry systems. They only know what gets inputted and unfortunately there is no filter for unhealthy or healthy behaviours or systems. This means that if you grew up in an unsteady environment with inconsistent caregiving or high expectations, chaos may feel like the norm and you may be drawn to it. Sometimes this can show up in seeking jobs with a lot of adrenaline, high risk sports, or complicated or unhealthy relationships.

If you were to take a good look at your life, what would you say your homeostasis is? Would you be able to say that you find peace and calm on a regular basis? That you exercise consistently for the mental and physical benefits and enjoyment only and not as a place of escape or to calm your nervous system? Are your friendships

healthy, conflict is dealt with respectfully and when you leave your friends or partner do you feel good about yourself and at peace? What is your work situation like? Are you overworked, putting out more energy than you have? Do you feel beyond

drained at the end of every day? If your answers lean towards misery and yet you have an odd comfort in it, because it is what you know or what you feel you have to do I would encourage you to consider the following: How would you like your life to be different? What would your world look like if you chose discomfort in order to experience more joy?

Do one thing every day that allows you to lean into discomfort. This might be saying no to someone when your comfort level encourages you to always say yes, even when you do not want to. It could be trying a new sport or a new group exercise class.You could cook something new and different for dinner, call that person you just met who wants to meet for coffee, or try an art class you have been observing from a distance. Take a breath and think about times in your life you were so afraid to do something you knew you really wanted to. Then remember how it turned out in the end. More often than not when we push ourselves out of that comfort zone amazing things can happen, and we find that uncomfortable joy.

The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. It is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you find yourself in distress, please reach out to your local physician who can provide mental health resources in your community.

Submitted Photo

“More often than not when we push ourselves out of that comfort zone amazing things can happen, and we find that uncomfortable joy. ”

Canning Timer

by KEVIN MCISAAC

We’re well into fall now and that means a lot of us are preserving food and getting ready for the winter to come. Preserving food by canning is old technology, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be helped by new technology.

I’m lucky in that I’m old enough to have parents who grew up preserving food out of necessity. Most of us today don’t have to preserve, but we certainly want to for a wide variety of reasons. I grew up learning how to do it. A lot of younger people these days would like to but while it seems very simple on the outside, getting all the details right to ensure that the food you put away in October is still safe to eat in April can feel a little daunting.

This is where technology can come to the rescue. I use an app called Canning Timer. It has many different built-in foods with different technologies such as hot water versus pressure canning procedures. It automatically adjusts for altitude. Something we have to pay attention to in Fernie.

With an altitude of just over 1000m above sea level, water boils at 97C instead of 100C in Fernie. This means you have to adjust canning times. The Canning Timer figures this out for you.

You may download the Canning Timer from the App Store. Once installed, you start it and then select the category of food you’d like to can. It supports vegetables, fruits, meats, seafood, and pickling. And inside those categories, it’s broken down again to individual foods.

The app is smart enough to know whether you can use a water bath or pressure canning. This is based primarily (as near as I can tell) on acidity. For example, for

most fruits and pickles it suggests water bath canning (higher acidity). For almost everything else it suggests pressure canning. Of course, if you are following a recipe that has you adding acid (lemon juice, citrus, etc.) it may have a different suggestion, but I haven’t found one yet that isn’t how I would want to do it.

Once you’ve selected the food you’re going to can, select the jar size. Then select the canning style: raw or hot are the usual options. Then select how you are canning: water bath or pressure. Then select altitude.

It’s in feet, so if you’re in Fernie, choose 3000’-4000’.

The app will ask you to confirm your selections. Then you are presented with a checklist to check off as you proceed through canning. I find this is a good reminder so I don’t skip steps. The ‘prepare food’ step is dictated by whatever recipe you’re following.

The app doesn’t provide you with recipes.You should always follow a recipe when canning as things like acidity and preparation are important. A good source for recipes if you don’t have one is bernardin.ca. Their website has a couple of hundred recipes you can try.

Once you have gone through and checked off the list, you are presented with a timer to start once the water is boiling. The timer duration is dictated by the choices you made. When the timer expires it will alert you and they may start another timer to ‘rest’ the jars in the water bath. And then you’re finished.

If you’re pressure canning it will give you a timer for letting off steam, then give another timer and pressure amount for the under-pressure component.

There’s nothing quite so comforting as opening up, on a cold winter’s day, a jar of peaches, apple jelly, homemade beans, chicken soup, etc. that you canned yourself back in the fall. And you can do it safer with a little help from technology.

Stock Photo

“Preserving food by canning is old technology, but it doesn’t mean it can’t be helped by new technology.”

October 2022

by ASHLEY KRISTINA

October is a transformative month with a theme of letting go of sorrow, dissolving into love, conquering the shadow self and allowing for expressions of the divine to come through as we align truth on earth. Many planets end their retrograde this month resulting in forward momentum. Mercury turns direct October 2 in Virgo, Pluto turns direct October 8 at the 26º of Capricorn and Saturn turns direct October 23 at 18º Aquarius.

Neptune, Uranus, Chiron, Nessus and Juno remain in retrograde with Mars in Gemini turning retrograde October 30- January 12, 2023. Mars rules our power to make moves and exert our will, including sexuality, so it may be a frustrating time.

The full (Hunters) moon occurs 10/09 at 14:35 with the Sun at 16º Libra conjunct Venus and the Moon at 16º Ar ies conjunct retrograde Chiron. Major themes are reconstruction and potential, dealing with relationships and the acceptance of needing to put in the work.

The new (Beavers) moon is also a solar eclipse and the Sun, Moon and Venus sit at 2º Scorpio on 10/25 at 5:35. The major theme is a public display of something that was considered sacred, intimate and fragile. It can be a ‘good’ or a ‘bad’ thing. Are you sharing your love? Hopefully.

The month begins with the Sun moving with Venus in Libra and ends with the most plutonic time of the year: Hallows Eve. It’s a time where love is illuminated as the Sun and Venus move together all month in the sacred and somber hands of truth. It is a time to trust the processes of love.

Aries

There is an intense energy happening in your life, aligning you. This is a time to trust the divine -especially in the most difficult places and when the most difficult emotions arise. It may take six-12 months to see the outcome of this time.

Taurus

The eclipse occurring on 10/25 is in the Scorpio-Taurus polarity so expect the unexpected, especially with the north node still travelling in the sky conjunct retrograde Uranus. Eclipses are a time of immense change and this one is particularly dealing with what we love, who we love and how we love.

Gemini

Immense possibility for transformation, growth and power come this month. This can be a turbulent time but also a universal shifting time where literally consciousness of the earth’s people is upgrading. Enjoy this shift and embrace changes with strength and resiliency.

Cancer

Big shifts take place in your home environment which also includes the most sacred home which is that within your heart. It’s an immensely transformative time with this eclipse in Scorpio. Truth prevails so make sure you are in alignment.You can’t lose with the truth.

Leo Communication is a major theme this month: that which needs to be said needs to be said so it’s time to say it. Shifts occur alongside spiritual growth spurts with the eclipse season.

Virgo

You and your basic needs are the major theme of this month. This means taking care of yourself and your boundaries must come first. Eat well, sleep well, rest well. Make sure your finances are in order and say no to everything you do not feel like or want to be a part of.

Libra

Happy birthday! A month of learning understanding yourself on a deep level. It’s an intense time with a very strong Scorpio eclipse. Transformational change is the theme of October and November. It’s an opportunity to create a new reality: you will have the choice to rise or fall. Stay positive!

Scorpio

Happy birthday! Intensity is in the air and mirroring you. A whirlwind of change comes with the eclipses but nothing is more potent than a Scorpio eclipse. This change can be occurring at deeply subconscious levels: how have your belief systems held you as a prisoner? Let it go. Heal the conscience and watch the outside reality shift.

Sagittarius

Major themes of change occur with you in respect to your community. A quantum leap happens during eclipse season and this largely deals with your friends and community. It’s a good time to bring your optimism to help lead people to better places.

Capricorn

shifting time in your work environment

paternal

your father

your role as a father. Perhaps you might become a father this month or lend a fatherly role to someone in need. It’s a time of strength, resiliency and leading - helping others in a shifting time.

Aquarius

Changes take place to your consciousness

spirituality as this eclipse occurs in your ninth house. Perhaps it’s time to travel to a foreign land, learn an ancient language or attend university for higher education.

Pisces

the most intense time of

some of the deepest,

life

Pay Debit to

within yourself. It’s purifying and growth pains can occur in this transformative, turbulent and intense time. Stay with the light. Sobriety is

and most

Comfort, Through

Snapshots:

For 15 years, the Cranbrook Food Bank’s trusty cargo van rolled through the town. The long-serving vehicle made countless grocery, supply and donation pickups, as well as food hamper deliveries for the bustling organization that supports over 2,000 residents with consistent access to healthy food.

While the faithful van was an integral part of operations, a variety of continuous challenges highlighted the need for a more efficient vehicle. That’s when the Cranbrook Food Bank reached out to the Trust for support in purchasing a new hybrid vehicle. In 2021, the Trust supported non-profit social services, food recovery and First Nation organizations to purchase a new EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle, as well as a charging station to help create clean transportation options for Basin residents. This was just the start of many upgrades that the Cranbrook Food Bank made in the past year. Read all about their improvements story online!

A glimpse into the remarkable stories of people and places in the Columbia Basin.

Cranbrook Food Bank drives food security with efficient upgrades

FYI

Out in the Community:

What do you find most comforting about the fall?

Much like September, October is also a busy month when it comes to athletics! The month kicks off with the Ironman Open at the Fernie Golf Club, along with the Fernie Half Marathon, three-person relay and 10km on the epic City trail network! The Golf Club closes for the season with the popular Tombstone Tournament on October 10, and don’t forget that the Ghostriders Hockey Team is back on the ice, with multiple games this month starting October 8 at the Memorial Arena.

Angela Etheridge

Fall riding is my favourite, especially late fall, when the ground is starting to freeze and there might be a skiff of snow. It’s comforting to me to ride the trails because it feels like the valley is going to sleep for a little while and this is my last chance to say goodnight. I find the trails very peaceful at this time of year, not as many people venture out.

Terry Nelson

The cooler evening temperatures are much welcomed after the no covers nights of August. The crunch of the first frost-sweetened Sparmac apple from my tree is a long awaited pleasure as well.

This October 15 we are back to the polls for provincial municipal elections. There are many opportunities to learn about the candidates in our area, including in this issue of the Fernie Fix, in past issues of the Fernie Free Press, online at fernie.ca/EN/main/city/2022-general-local-election. html and at the All Candidates Forum October 4 at the Fernie Community Centre. For those away on the 15th, there is an early voting opportunity on October 5 and October 12 at the Fernie Senior Citizens Drop-in Centre, from 8am to 8pm where voting will also take place on election day. If you have any questions, email the Chief Election Officer at electionsofficer@fernie.ca.

For the RDEK – Area A election, advance voting is available October 5 and October 13 with October 15 as the general voting day. For additional information or to request a Mail Ballot Form, visit rdek.bc.ca/elections.

October 14 is the last day to purchase the season pass at Fernie Alpine Resort at the Fall Sales rate, and also to access Fall Sales on Wings Gear Lease and Winter Sport School multi-week programs. Visit skifernie.com to learn more about the sale and the upcoming season at the hill.

What are your plans this Halloween? For those not dedicated to taking the kids trick or treating, did you know that Shred Kelly has announced Halloween shows with the Heavy Lighters in Nelson on the 28th and Fernie on the 29th at the Northern Bar and Stage! Watch the Fernie Fix e-newsletter for more Halloween events being added later in the month. Have fun, and be safe.

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