Quarterly Revelstoke's Arts, Culture and Lifestyles Publication
Sam Ewing paddling the slide on Rapid #4 on the Jordan River in fall 2011. Photo: William Eaton Photography
FALL '12
Issue #30
FREE! Like air.
Dana Cloghesy of Vivid Designs. Photo: Lisa Martin
Artist in f
Pro ile
Manipulating Earth and Metal with Vivid Designs by John Devitt Tucked away in a corner of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre Dana Cloghesy’s studio, Vivid Designs, is quiet and unassuming. However, the jewellery produced here and on display is anything but. Sparkling gemstones adorn silver wire and metal clay pieces and are displayed on a soft black velvet tabletop that gleams in the studio light and catches the eye. Working primarily with silver wire and metal clay Dana’s artistic journey began at the Kootenay School for the Arts in Nelson, where she studied for two years. While studying Dana developed a passion for goldsmithing and quickly excelled. But she soon married and started a family, which led her passion to take a back seat in place of her new love for family. It was not until moving to Revelstoke from Wasa, B.C. in 2005 that her passion was renewed. Dana began creating silver wirework with gemstone beads while teaching herself new skills she would need
along the way. Her pieces were for sale at the Grizzly Book and Serendipity Shop and were seen decorating friendly faces throughout Revelstoke. Dana loved being involved with jewellery-making again but missed working with metal. A self-professed tactile person Dana found a medium that integrated earth and metal and that was the day everything clicked into place. As goldsmithing was cost prohibitive with a young family, Dana discovered metal clay. Participating in a workshop at the Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna she made one ring and was hooked immediately. Metal clay is a medium consisting of very small particles of metal such as silver – Dana’s medium of choice. This clay can be shaped just like any soft clay and then fired in a kiln, leaving only the pure sintered metal. “I love the medium,” says Dana. “It responds in a lot of the same ways as sheet metal but the speed which you can make things with and the textured effects you can generate are way better.” Since that one ring she made years ago Dana has been actively crafting and was offered a studio at the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre in 2009. Today her work can be found at the Art First Gallery on First Street in Revelstoke, the annual Revelstoke Handmade Parade, Carosella Gifts in Fernie or any number of artisan shows throughout the Kootenays. Dana's work is very distinct, integrating silver wire, metal clay, gemstone beads and even Dichroic glass, a special material NASA uses to heat shield space shuttles. The glass causes colours to shift depending on the angle
Dana Cloghesy's energy to create shows through in her vibrant jewellery. All photos by Dana Cloghesy. 2
of view, often creating drastic and striking changes in the appearance of the piece. Creating new pieces is all consuming for Dana. “It’s a constant thought process for me. As soon as I lay down to go to sleep I am instantly thinking of what I can make, what I can do with the materials. I will never get stuck in a rut, that’s for sure!” It is the overwhelming energy for creation that Dana is hoping to expand upon and share with others. Beginning this fall she will be offering workshops through the Visual Arts Centre. See her ad on Pg. 12 for more information. “I think it will be a nice gift for someone. They can come to a workshop and make their own jewellery. The design aspect of creating is endless. I can’t stop thinking of things to make. I wish I would live forever because then I might accomplish everything I’d like to make!” With endless creativity it’s hard to believe Dana will not be able to complete all the pieces of jewelry she is dreaming of. But for now she is focusing on developing her workshop series along with her portfolio and a website to showcase her work. During all these projects she will continue making handcrafted beautiful works of art that will enhance even more friendly faces throughout the Kootenay region. Visit Dana's website at www.vividdesignsjewellery.com
Editorial
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Box 2126 Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0 editor@reved.net www.reved.net Publisher/editor Heather Lea editor@reved.net
Ad sales/marketing Heather Lea Little Blue
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Design/layout Heather Lea Slugger
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Proof/edits Lea Storry
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Distribution Emily Beaumont Staff writers Alison Lapshinoff Colin Titsworth Rory Luxmoore John Devitt
The Black Pearl All photos: Heather Lea
Truck Love – Is It Weird?
backcountry heli-ski lodges where my food and lodging was paid for. Because of this rent-free lifestyle I was able to buy the truck out three by Heather Lea years later. Now I owned something expensive bought with my own One day a friend on Facebook asked: “Is it weird to love your truck?” money and not the bank’s. Again I felt empowered. to which I had a knee-jerk response: Of course not! Like with Slugger, Little Blue wasn’t exactly what I wanted looksI have owned three vehicles in my life and they have all been trucks. wise. Another two-wheel drive, it had small wheels and wasn’t as high My first was a 1989 Jeep Comanche. It was red with a white canopy, off the ground as I’d admired in other trucks. But this truck had staylike a Santa mobile. Not really the look I was going for but it soon won ing power and a 12 year relationship ensued. It was easy to fall in love me over when it took me all the places I wanted to go. I nicknamed it with Little Blue simply because of the reliability factor. Nothing ever broke down on that truck unless I broke it myself. Slugger because it was slow. Slugger was a two-wheel drive but because I was new to owning vehicles and thought all trucks could do 4x4 stuff, I took this thing places it never should have gone; like a logging road in the fall when slippery ice crystals last all day. I got stuck on a creek-crossing and had two options: walk or get unstuck.
Little Blue and I got stuck en route to Alaska in the muskeg and tundra while trying to find a place to sleep for the night. For a few minutes I tried rocking the truck, gunning the engine between reverse and first gear, but soon I realized it would get cold enough overnight to harden the mud. So I slept there all night tilted awkwardly to the right. The next morning I drove right out like it was concrete.
My back tire was spinning on an icy rock so I looked for something to wedge under it. Stuffing clothing and dry wood under the tire for Little Blue stayed in my life from 2000 until this spring when I sold purchase, I was eventually able to rock Slugger out of the creek. The it to a carpenter and bought a little gem I like to call the Black Pearl. feeling of single-handedly getting my truck unstuck was empowering. A charcoal grey 2009 Ford Escape, or as my friends like to say EsIt’s times like this that form the bond between human and vehicle. capeh, it’s fancier than anything I thought I'd own. I’m used to emerAn interesting feature Slugger had was the ability to start without a ging from my vehicles with a sports bar wrapper stuck to my ass and key. Just turn the key slot with your hand and it was good to go. Slug- the clanking sound of Arizona Tea cans hitting the tarmac at my feet. ger also did not have an emergency brake that worked, which I found But it turns out I’m an adult now and am starting to play the part. out one day when I came out of a store to find my truck slowly making The Black Pearl has fancy stuff like cruise control, power windows its way down the road, sans driver. and doors, keyless entry, a sync line for my phone and a lot of other Together, Slugger and I road-tripped around the U.S. I'm nostalgic stuff I haven't yet figured out in the four months I've owned it. This is when looking at photos of that truck posing like a human travel com- why I've given it a sleek nickname. panion with background scenes such as the Grand Canyon, Yosemite’s Half Dome and the Oregon coast. Slugger died one hot day on Just between you and I this truck makes me swoon. It’s tough and the highway between Jasper and Calgary. I got a bus ticket home and sexy and just plain full of style. I love that it’s classy enough to meet mourned for the loss of my freedom and home on wheels, for I had clients but strong enough to haul skis, bikes and friends. My only complaint is I miss shifting gears. When somebody put a fist-sized been sleeping in my truck all summer training to be a river guide. dent in the Black Pearl on the street one day I cursed but then told A roof over my head was needed and stat so although I couldn’t afford myself that like a new pair of shoes, new cars need a little scuffing to it I bought a sapphire blue 1999 Ford Ranger fresh off the lot out of give them character. desperation. I was making a dirtbag’s wage of about $500 per month. Little Blue cost $16,000 and my lease payments would be $325 per Your vehicle says a lot about you. It’s like an accessory but way cooler than a purse. Maybe it’s weird to love your vehicle but to me it’s more month. I choked down the bile of financial fear. about knowing that vehicle sitting outside on the street is basically a But I had one thing going for me - no rent. I slept in my truck dur- time machine. It can bring me to freedom and adventure as far away ing my summers as a river guide. And winters were spent working in as there are roads.
Contributors Sean Bozkewycz Becky Bristow Erin Behncke Sarah Newton Reved Quarterly is independently owned and funded solely by the advertising within its pages. We publish in March, June, September and December. We print between 12,000 and 14,000 copies per year and distribute to over 200 locations in Revelstoke and surrounding cities such as Golden, Nelson, Vernon, Kelowna and Vancouver. ALL CONTENT COPYRIGHT 2012 by Reved Media and Designs. No portion shall be reproduced in any way, digital or written, unless prior consent is given by Reved Media and Designs. Reved Quarterly is designed by Reved Media and Designs, www.revedmedia.com
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WHAT'S IN THERE? Pg.2
Artist in Profile
Pg.3
Editorial
Pg.4
What's your Biz'ness
Pg.5
From the Streets
Pg.6
What Matters
Pg.7
Heritage Moments
Pg.8
Around the World
Pg.9
We're Everywhere
Pg.10 Out There
The Most Tasteful "Sex Shop" In The West 106 Orton Ave
Open Tuesday to Saturday
Noon to 7:00 p.m.
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Pg.11 Know Your Neighbour Pg.12 Emerging Pg.13 Music Notes
adult toys ° body lotions ° glass/metal/wood art ° hemp seeds/oil ° incense ° soy candles
Pg.14 Health and You
Find us on facebook.com/emporium69 for new products and specials!
Pg.15 Health and Wellness
3
What's Your Biz'ness?
Hidden gems that can be found in All Good Things Revelstoke. Photos: Alison Lapshinoff
Tammy Gibeault and Andie Lawson in their store All Good Things Revelstoke. Photo: Alison Lapshinoff
All Good Things Revelstoke by Alison Lapshinoff
In April of this year Revelstoke’s florist withdrew from its location at 217 Victoria Street and moved into its new home on Mackenzie Street. Two weeks later, with very little fanfare, Tammy Gibeault and Andie Lawson quietly slipped in taking up residency in the Victoria Street shop. Lacking a sign to formally announce their arrival, passersby may be intrigued by the unique and funky furniture flanking the building’s front door. Closer inspection reveals a wealth of gently used household items and a price range to suit all budgets. All Good Things Revelstoke is indeed a treasure hunter’s delight. With a spacious interior boasting a wide, wooden staircase that climbs to an exposed loft the building seems perfectly suited to showcase furniture. But All Good Things Revelstoke is a showroom with a character and style all its own. Antique trunks sit at the foot of a regally attired queen bed. Stately wall units and bookcases from a bygone era flank the walls. A colourful glass chandelier hangs beneath the staircase and a large, decorative Chinese Checkers board invites play. Another room boasts a shining, classic dining table and funky swivelling bar stools recall a decade long past. Faded, historic photos challenge you to identify their stern faced subjects, perhaps last century’s locals. Could one be a relative of yours? “I’ve been a treasure hunter since birth,” Tammy says with a laugh, explaining how she has spent a lot of time buying and selling online as well as being the original owner of Five Star Consignments, a clothing store that was located on Connaught Street. She then moved to where Second Chance and Escape Within can be found today at Mackenzie Avenue and Second Street.
avid ‘treasure hunters’, both women work with adults who have developmental disabilities.
sets and food canisters. Every corner of the store has some little treasure, eye-candy or conversation piece to offer.
“I did my very first shift with Tammy,” Andie confides. That was seven years ago. Today the pair make an effective team each bringing their own strengths to the new partnership. Tammy, the self-declared ‘fly by the seat of my pants’ type is the more experienced of the two in the field of consignment and has a keen eye for ‘hidden gems’. She recognized Andie’s organizational skills would be an asset to her business idea and soon had her on-board. “I just made her do it!” Tammy laughs. Once they paired up it didn’t take long for the dream to become reality.
Deciding the price is a big part of the job. Cost is based on what was paid for the item, its condition and what it would sell for new. From the price of the new item it is marked down at least half. Given that much of their stock is in like-new condition, this translates to some great deals.
An initial challenge was finding a suitable space. “The price of rent was killing the dream,” Andie says. After all, furniture requires a lot of space to showcase. But when Andie stumbled across the location next to the Regent Hotel on Victoria Street, she knew it was perfect and things moved quickly. Soon they were working at filling the store with product. Much of the original stock at All Good Things Revelstoke was bought at auctions in Vernon and Kelowna as well as a storage locker auction held in Penticton. Just like on television bids are placed on a locked storage locker whose rent has not been paid for some time, its contents unknown. It’s a bit of a risk and lot of work sifting through junk. Tammy and Andie indeed struck gold and found a wealth of buried treasure in the two lockers they bid on.
250-837-6060
Looking to the future Tammy and Andie have some fun ideas to offer such as furniture auctions featuring lower end, inexpensive product to seasonal workers needing to furnish temporary homes as well as silent auctions and themed sales. They are also considering, once their business is more established, employing adults with disabilities, neatly joining their careers as community support workers and business owners together. So far business has been good and All Good Things Revelstoke is finding its niche in the community. For those seeking to tastefully furnish a home within a moderate budget it may be just the place. Much cheaper than buying new, All Good Things Revelstoke brings to town a place where good deals and unique style can find some common ground.
Now as the store is becoming more established Tammy and Andie are taking consignments as well.
“We want to cater to all income levels,” they stress. “Antique stores often price themselves out of business.” As such their stock ranges in price a great deal. At one end of the spectrum are beautifully maintained dining tables, immaculately kept leather couches and a pair of teak plantation chairs. At the other end Business partners and friends, Tammy and Andie met in inexpensive mattresses and funky, affordable end tables and Revelstoke while working in the Adult Services Day Program at desks, unique wall hangings, games and books, baskets and Community Connections. Besides budding entrepreneurs and rugs, cushions and pillows as well a plethora of kitchen tools, tea
Revelstoke Railway Museum
“We try to pass on the deals,” Andie explains. If they get a product at a steal of a price that will be passed on to the consumer.
Fall Hours Sept & Oct : Open 9 - 5 daily Nov: 11 - 4pm, Thurs - Sun Visit our updated website Same address, great new look!
www.railwaymuseum.com
railway@telus.net 4
Do you have a business idea and are not sure where to begin?
Call Community Futures STArT-Up Or ExpAnSIOn LOAnS FrEE And COnFIdEnTIAL BUSInESS AdvICE Located at 204 Campbell Avenue Call 250-837-5345 for an appointment www.revelstokecf.com e-mail:cfdc@revelstokecf.com
From The "Which colour would you use to describe you and why?" Jackie Heppell "Pink describes me because I'm girly."
Sunday, October 21st 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Revelstoke Community Centre
$2.00 entrance fee with proceeds to the Food Bank
Events for all ages!
Brian Morris "Black because I was born on Halloween!"
A variety of local businesses and agencies will be showcasing how they support health and wellness in our community. Displays will range from physical health to emotional and spiritual wellbeing.
Prizes!
Perry White "It has to be green because I love nature."
Nutritious food options and refreshments will be available to purchase.
Something for everyone! For more information please call Community Connections
250-837-2920
Mary Doebert "Green because I'm Irish."
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Paul Newton "I'm very passionate so I think red best describes me."
media and design
“Where thoughts become things.� I need to get noticed.
Linda Dickson "Blue, I guess. I wear a lot of blue and I like the blues."
George Koller "Dark blue because I am peaceful inside."
Stich Wynston "I believe black describes me because I have a melancholy side."
websites . print design . multimedia concepts Interviews and photos by Erin Behncke
www.revedmedia.com 5
604.219.5313
WhatMatters
Watch for our next issue! Coming December, 2012 The Revelstoke Dam spillway was open for six days this July. The last spillway open was in 1997. Photo: Brent Lea
Water for the Birds by John Devitt
Most Revelstokians are aware of the migratory wildfowl habitat that exists along the Downie Marsh area of the Revelstoke Green Belt. Citizens worried with how these sensitive areas were being managed, passed those concerns along to the City of Revelstoke and the City of Revelstoke listened, proposing changes to the off leash Bylaw in this area. In late May this was the topic of discussion at public meetings as the City of Revelstoke was proposing to restrict the off-leash dog areas here in order to help protect the ecosystem. In fact, by the time of printing this edition of Reved, the proposed Bylaw change will have already passed its second and third readings in front of City Council and will likely be adopted as early as the September 11 Council meeting. John Guenther, City of Revelstoke Director of Planning, acknowledges high water levels of the Columbia River have flooded the sensitive bird habitat all summer and the Bylaw may be superfluous. Nevertheless, he explains the altered Bylaw will reinforce the on-leash nature of the walking path through increased signage and enforcement but will also introduce the Downie Marsh area as an on leash zone. However, Guenther wonders whether or not the area needs to be protected. “The question is, how do you maintain a habitat in a fluctuating reservoir area because it has the potential to be inundated. So once it is inundated, it is no longer ‘wetland’.” For this summer at least, the Downie Marsh was the definition of a ‘wet land’. According to data provided by Mary Anne Coules, BC Hydro Stakeholder Engagement Advisor for the Lower Columbia, the water level of the Columbia River below in the vicinity of the Downie Marsh area was a whopping 1 metre higher than aver
Pruning T R E E
C A R E
age. This was due to a 0.6 metre higher than average Revelstoke Dam tailrace level and a 0.4 metre higher than average Arrow Lakes Reservoir level.
Contact: editor@reved.net 604-219-5313
Of course, this is a result of a higher than usual snowpack in the Columbia Basin combined with 141 millimetres of rain in June. Average precipitation for June in Revelstoke has been 68 millimetres, whereas the previous record was set in June 1971 at 116 millimetres. As is well-known when the spillway was open for six days in July, the first time since 1997, ‘Mon-June 2012” was anything but typical.
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Currently the Downie Marsh area is designated as a T1 Natural Ecosystem as per the City of Revelstoke Land Use plan. Nevertheless, as the City redrafts the Official Community Plan piece by piece, this will be an issue under examination.
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“We will be taking a look at habitat areas, migration areas and more as we begin drafting the Integrated Community Environmental Sustainability Plan this fall.” Explains Guenther; “There’s a good chance once we have compiled complete data that we’ll look at this Bylaw again.” Much of that data will likely be sourced from BC Hydro, which has several long-term studies in place under the Columbia River Water Use Plan to monitor the effects of changing reservoir levels on bird populations. As abnormal weather patterns continue, the summer of 2012 could well prove to bestow benchmark data for all parties regarding sensitive waterfowl habitats that exist right at our doorstep. For more information on BC Hydro’s Water Usage Plans visit www.bchydro.com and look under sustainability and water use planning.
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The Environment
Moments
Heritage
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The signing of the Ratified Columbia River Treaty on Sept. 16, 1964. Photo provided by the Columbia Basin Trust.
The Pacific Northwest was booming after World War II and the hunger for hydroelectric power was growing. The feisty Upper Columbia River was a prime target to implement generating plants, which could fill the demand for electricity and eliminate surging floodwaters during spring run-off.
Mica, Duncan and Arrow/Hugh Keenleyside Dams were the B.C. infrastructure slated for construction within the first signed draft of the CRT that was concocted 1961. The U.S. would build the Libby Dam in Montana and provide half of the power revenue to Canada for the 60 year life of the treaty. B.C. turned
Cross boarder negotiations were initiated in the late 1940s but the final Columbia River Treaty (CRT), which altered the valley, wasn’t inked until 1964. Today the systematic management of water within the Columbia River maximizes power generation and minimizes flooding through a network of dams developed amid controversy.
"Let us speak up frankly and let us speak for Canada. The Americans will respect us if we drive a hard bargain. "
The Columbia River originates in B.C. and meanders through seven states before reaching the Pacific Ocean 2,044 kilometres away from its Rocky Mountain headwaters. This season’s high-water filled this valley to the brim and we can only imagine the consequences if control measures weren’t in place. In 1948 flooding rendered thousands homeless and killed dozens, which further prompted the United States and Canada to find solutions on how to effectively deal with the temperamental waterway. The International Joint Commission researched the potential of the Columbia River during the 1950s and their findings indicated reservoirs along the Canadian portion would benefit power generation and assist with flood control. The United States Army Corps of
around and sold its first 30 years of this revenue back to American power companies for $254 million to fund development costs of the three dams our province was required to construct. Canadian Prime Minister John Diefenbaker wanted to capitalize on cross border plans for the Columbia River so the original treaty of 1961 was rushed through parliament and thrown under the pen of outgoing U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower. B.C.’s premier during treaty negotiations was the strongwilled W.A.C. Bennett, who reinvented the electrical organization chart for the province. Under his guid-
ance B.C. Hydro was formed and he ferociously fought to seal the fate of the Columbia River, which he considered his greatest achievement. The CRT was ratified on Sept. 16, 1964 with Premier W.A.C Bennett, Prime Minister Lester Pearson and President Lyndon Johnson in attendance. The final copy of the CRT was effective until 2024 or beyond if no amendments are made to the terms within the agreement. 2014 is the earliest alterations to the CRT and can be put forward by either country but changes have a 10 year delay period prior to implementation. As the treaty comes back onto the table for negotiations we can look at a relevant comment made in the past by Liberal M.P., Jack Davis, who stated in 1962, “Our two countries have to get along together. Neither can tolerate binding arrangements, which give increasing benefits to one and deny comparable advantages to the other. So let us speak up. Let us speak up frankly and let us speak for Canada. The Americans will respect us if we drive a hard bargain. They are certainly hard bargainers and, in this respect, we will also be talking the same language.” The evolution of hydroelectric power generation around Revelstoke has transformed landscapes, altered lifestyle and destroyed habitat. Job creation, electricity and flood control are definite benefits but it’s no secret local residents were not consulted on the crucial matters of flooding the Columbia Valley during negotiations. We are now in a new era where we can have input and the Columbia Basin Trust is providing an avenue. Through their website www.cbt.org or a new government site www.gov.bc.ca/columbiarivertreaty you can become informed and involved.
Paintings by Cecilia Lea Christmas Open House
Art Show and Sale #40-241 Highway 23 N.
Join me for a complimentary glass of wine All welcome FREE SHIPPING within Canada and the U.S. Two paintings on silent auction during sale! 7
Sat. Dec. 1 to Wed. Dec. 5 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
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by Colin Titsworth
Engineers backed these findings, which led to negotiations between countries in 1960 to ultimately decide where dams would be built.
Trick or Treaty
Around theWorld
Globe trotters tell their stories
Becky Bristow soars at home in Revelstoke. Photo: Jeff Bellis
Chasing Dreams and Thieves
by Becky Bristow
launches the aircraft off the edge of a cliff—flying free. I’m a whitewater kayaker used to deep canyons and whitewater. I guess you could say I like adrenaline and can deal with consequence. Just seconds before, I was on a pay phone during Paragliding would give me one of my biggest my last night in Mexico, talking to my boyfriend challenges to date. and explaining the details of my very first crosscountry paragliding flight. Suddenly my wallet On my first day in Mexico, I headed for the busy was gone from under the phone. I turned to see landing zone to practice ground-handling my two guys running with the $700 I had just taken wing. I wondered how to get it directly overhead out of a bank machine. I dropped the phone and and keep it there. It seemed I’d forgotten everyran after them. But which one had it? One of thing learned in the four lessons I'd taken five them turned uphill so I turned and followed. The months earlier so I hired an instructor, who had road got steeper. I had just come off many days important things to say—in French. of nervous Mexican adrenaline and I seemed to be teeming with it. On this trip, the adrenaline Without English the frustration I felt was amplified. Near the end of our futile session a hang helped me soar. glider flew directly into the small grassy hill I wanted my money back. When he turned around 20 feet in front of us and was promptly carhis “catch-me-if-you-can” look quickly changed ried away in a stretcher. I asked myself why I to “oh shit.” Suddenly I felt the altitude and I was hadn’t booked a ticket for a whitewater expedsucking wind. After a steep section he saw me lag- ition where I’d be happy and confident, instead ging behind so he relaxed the tempo. Perfect! I sprinted, grabbing him by the back of his shirt but he pulled away and kept running. I started yelling, “help!” in case someone could hear me. It was dark, almost midnight and no one was around but us. I was running as fast as possible through alleys and streets, right on his tail.
A car stopped in the middle of the road. A man got out and grabbed the thief holding him by his wrists. I didn’t have time to calm down before I punched him in the face again and then again. He sheepishly took my wallet and cell phone out of his deep pockets and handed them to me. Although I broke my hand that night, the potential challenge of paragliding still covered me in nervous goose bumps and made me giddy with curiosity. I was in Mexico to learn the sport I’d been dreaming about since I was a kid. I was going up. “Gorgeous morning, eh?” I grin, walking towards my friend Will, a paddling partner from Canada. At the launch site I prepare for my last paragliding flight in Mexico. “Geez! What happened to your hand?” he asks. As I tell him the story the look on his face changes from wonder to shock and then he starts laughing. Shaking his head he states, “You broke your hand. You shouldn't fly.”
"I didn’t have time to calm down before I punched him in the face again and then again. "
of subjecting myself to failure? The confusion and doubt were unfamiliar. After a couple of fish tacos, I decided to look for another instructor. At the end of my rope after waiting two hours the next morning for a no-show Mexican instructor, I noticed a woman gingerly landing her paraglider. I asked if she knew any instructors and she introduced me to her very-pregnant friend Rasa, who boldly said, “Ya, I could teach you.”
The first 10 minutes of instruction with Rasa suddenly made up for days of frustration. I I had been craving a sport that could give me a basked in her calmness and gentle demeanor. I fresh wilderness perspective. What gave me a lot graduated from the training hill and we headed of fear and years of procrastination was my lack for the launch site. Rasa pointed out the large of knowledge about air conditions and weather landing zone way down below in the valley. I alpatterns and how they would affect the lifeline most tossed my fish tacos. With barely a breath above my head. The pilot of a paraglider sits in a of wind I commit and run off the precipice of a harness suspended below a fabric wing and foot- cliff—the “takeoff.” 8
After charging ahead I'm floating and can’t get the smile off my face. My mind thanks Rasa for her incredible teaching. I have wanted this learning stage when fear is blinded by thrill, elation and cluelessness. That pure excitement and bliss you feel before the pain and anguish of consequence. I am suspended in the sky lining up the landing zone exactly as planned—but I’m dropping fast. I suddenly hit the ground hard, tumbling and rolling off rocks. I get to my feet and see Mexican kids running towards me. While I’m contemplating what just happened, I notice my helmet is missing a significant amount of paint because of a large gash. I realize I need Rasa to be down in the landing zone to coach my two feet to the ground. Now the challenge will be launching alone–and catching those bloody thermals everyone keeps talking about. I want to go up. Despite numerous failures and close calls, by weeks end I am able to get higher and higher above launch in the morning thermals. My goal to fly cross-country before leaving Mexico was looking more and more attainable. Hooking into a strong consistent thermal, a yank upward then a strong, consistent tug steadily pulls me up and up. I am alone in the sky, suddenly above all thoughts, feelings and hopes. I point myself in a direction I’ve never been, flying towards a challenging unfamiliar area where I eventually touch down smoothly. My body still floats as I stand in the field looking in the direction I’ve come from. The last time I felt this alive was kayaking on my first ever creek and my first ever waterfall.
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“This is my last morning in Mexico—my last chance to fly!” I say to my friend Will. “And my hand isn’t broken; it’s just swollen.” Still in denial of my broken bones from last night’s episode I spread out my glider on the wide grassy launch above the valley, a little shocked as well with my adventures in this sport so far. I launch, grinning and head to pay Rasa my hard-earned, rescued cash.
Send us your best, worst or most heinous story from travelling ANYWheRe in the world and you may read it here in the next issue!
Editor's Note: A version of this article was previously published in Kootenay Mountain Culture Magazine, summer 2010.
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Fall Exhibits
We're
Everywhere!
Friday, September 14 to Friday, October 5 Jennifer Hedge - The Landscape Reflected Rachel Kelly - Recent Works Anything Goes 3-D Peter Blackmore - Fabulous Light
Friday, October 12 to Friday, November 2
Chloe Juwon Kim - My Revelstoke: Four Season's Beauty Barbara Maye - The Subtle Body From the Golden Art Gallery - The Bugaboos
Friday, November 9 to Saturday, December 1
Art in the Park 2012 - Up Close! Mount Revelstoke National Park Best of Banff Photographic Teria Davies - Deviant Abstraction
Friday, December 7 to Tuesday, December 11 Gifts from the Gallery
Check our website www.revelstokevisualarts.com for details about art classes happening this fall! 320 Wilson Street
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Petra Raschig wears her sexy Reved t-shirt sailing out by Point Grey, Vancouver, B.C.
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Out
Sean Bozkewycz prepares to launch his kayak through a turbulent hole in the Illecillewaet's box canyon.
There
Christian Foster exiting the first box canyon on the Illecillewaet River. All photos courtesy of William Eaton Photography.
Whitewater in Revelstoke
Class IV requires continued manoeuvring through large and hazardous rapids with the consequences of swimming unpleasAt the Whim of the Seasons ant at best. Class V whitewater challenges the best paddlers to by Sean Bozkewycz scout and navigate complicated lines through technical rapids Revelstoke's tall mountains and record snowfalls provide vast and falls with serious consequences for mistakes; much like tar quantities of water with which gravity carves creeks and riv- sands tankers through Douglas Channel. ers into the landscape. The warm summer days are perfect for learning the basics of whitewater kayaking, while the dwindling There is some debate on what exactly exemplifies class VI. One flows of fall allow skilled paddlers to explore Revelstoke's stun- argument is that class VI is the wildest whitewater that is navigning bedrock canyons – inaccessible while the previous winter's able and that this designation means mere mortals should portage or perish. Others contend a successful descent of Class VI snowfall is returning to the ocean in spring. means it was actually only Class V. Regardless of the grade given The whitewater learning curve is steep; while it can be daunting to a river or rapid, paddlers themselves must scout everything to begin, dedication soon reaps rewards in the dynamic river and make sensible decisions on the river instead of reading the guide book's description and blindly running everything. environment. First comes the most fundamental of kayaking skills – the Eskimo roll. The ability to right an upturned kayak allows the paddler to explore moving water, confident a capsize won't necessitate a cold swim back to shore and the rescue of your boat and paddle by paddling buddies. Yet it is a strange place being upside down in a kayak, disoriented, asphyxiated and in all likelihood receiving a sinus flush as the river streams up the inverted paddler's nostrils. Additional motivation is provided by the tradition of consuming a beer out of your tainted bootie at the take-out. A 'bomber' roll will come with time yet doesn't guarantee success. There are many features capable of beating experienced paddlers into submission and a swim. Some kayakers will tell you if you're not swimming out of your boat, you're not challenging yourself by paddling hard enough whitewater. Others suggest that sensible decisions and accurate appraisal of one's own skills should allow you to avoid swimming - most of the time. What is certain is that all paddlers are in between swims.
“Revelstoke [whitewater]…has always been a well kept secret. We moved here for the 70 kms of river that has provided us with a lifestyle others only dream of.” The spring freshet pulses through Revelstoke's waterways rearranging rivers and creating debris piles reminiscent of giant beaver dams. Ancient trees are drawn into the flow as the siltladen glacial meltwater erodes new channels into the floodplains. In the box canyons of the Jordan and Illecillewaet these trees are thrashed mercilessly in the constricted cataracts. Once the peak flood has subsided, paddlers venture onto the swollen streams with trepidation, knowing new obstacles or log jams may lurk around every bend. During the freshet and well into the summer, the 22 kilometre Illecillewaet raft-run beginning at Albert Canyon is one of the only navigable sections of whitewater in the area. Revelstoke’s Apex Rafting Company operates their whitewater rafting business on this stretch of river – the perfect way to get your first taste of whitewater without the stress of captaining your own kayak.
After mastering the roll, or at least getting close, it's time to strike out into the wild world of whitewater, which is broadly described by six graduations. Class I is moving flat water, classes II and III have small features and eventually require basic manoeuvres around waves, holes and other obstacles. Until their second sea- Debbie Koerber, a paddler for over 20 years and who, along with son of paddling, most new kayakers won't venture beyond class her husband Ralph, owns Apex, says, “Revelstoke [whitewater]… has always been a well-kept secret. Our rivers are clean and unIII whitewater. cluttered with boaters. On any given day you can have almost The coursing adrenalin and post-paddle stoke is addictive but any run you want all to yourself and your crew. there are also diminishing returns – paddling class II and III will begin to feel a little mellow and the desire inevitably leads you to “We moved here for the 70 kilometres of river that has provided us with a lifestyle others only dream of.” consider challenging more complicated cascades. 10
Sam Teregenza keeping his hands out of the frigid water in the White Mile rapids on the Illecillewaet River.
Considered a superfluous luxury in much of the whitewater world, Revelstoke's frigid glacial waters are best braved wearing a dry suit – a breathable, waterproof suit with latex gaskets for the neck and wrists to keep water out – since the near freezing flow will sap a swimmer's strength in seconds. When the snowpack dwindles and the rains ease in August, river levels finally drop to a level where the committing box canyons become accessible. The Illecillewaet's wildest section begins a little upstream of the KOA campground in Revelstoke and finishes with the White Mile, a rapid created by the remnants of the historic powerhouse and dam, just upstream of the water tower and frisby golf course. Here, a stone's throw from town, paddlers enter a wilderness of polished bedrock chasms accessible only by kayak. Up Westside road towards Frisby Ridge is Revelstoke's most challenging and rewarding section of whitewater, which in August hosted the inaugural Jordan River Race. The Jordan comprises six major Class IV/V rapids interspersed with fun class III 'boogie' – the chilled bits between the serious business. Mixing small falls with tall slides and tight, twisty constrictions, even the best paddlers roll often and swim occasionally. The committing nature and challenging rapids of the Jordan require a strong team of experienced paddlers to safely navigate its isolated depths. When the sun spends more time set than risen the alpine freezes and any precipitation is trapped in the mountains instead of filling up the creeks. The Illecillewaet raft run dries up but there is usually just enough water to bash down the Box or the Jordan. The ski dreams are vivid but after a season in a kayak the legs have withered. Just before the box canyons freeze over for the winter Revelstoke Mountain Resort opens and kayaks are swapped for skis. Arm muscles begin to deteriorate while the legs awaken. Come March the longer days will thaw the streams and a few eager souls will venture out among the icicles and pillows that line the river. Another paddling season begins. To get in touch with Revelstoke's vibrant whitewater community, join the Facebook group 'Revelstoke Whitewater.' For exciting video footage of Revelstoke area fall kayaking, visit www. reved.net and click on the Vimeo link under "Current Issue."
Know Your
Neighbour Photo of John Augustyn taken at the end of World War II in Ancona, Italy.
The remarkable 93-year-old John Augustyn in his garden this summer. All photos supplied by John Augustyn
The Secret by Sarah Newton What gives a person resilience and a positive attitude? John Augustyn, 93, is known for his beautiful and bountiful garden on Third Street and Mackenzie Avenue but John’s story begins from when he was taken prisoner by Russian troops as they overtook his Polish border post in 1939. For over two years, from 1939 to 1941, he was worked almost to death in slave labour camps and finally endured a death march of almost one thousand kilometres. His time labouring in Russian iron mines, work farms and breaking rocks for an army airstrip revealed a side of him vastly different from many others. He didn’t die, commit suicide or give up like so many did. John’s attitude during his time as a prisoner showed his resilience and life-saving attitude. He recalls many prisoners who hung themselves or others who simply went insane and were eventually shot by their captors. John would repeatedly tell his fellow prisoners they needed to be strong because something had to eventually change. Things did get better when in 1942 Polish soldiers were granted amnesty by Russia when they joined the Allies against Nazi Germany. At that point John was sent via another long march in an overcrowded and unsanitary cattle car to a British outpost in Uzbekistan. He arrived close to death; starvation, malaria and overwork had taken its toll. After months of hospitalization he was able to join a Polish corps of the British Army. John obviously had more than just a positive attitude on his side; he also had hardy genes, good luck, excellent skills and smarts. An outlook of survival and hope are something some of us have intrinsically. But where did it come from in John? I kept digging for the key to this question during our interview. One of John’s worst memories is from August of 1942 when he was transported across the Caspian Sea as a Russian prisoner. He was lying near death on the ship deck when several dead and near dead prisoners unconscious beside him were thrown overboard. John was overtaken with fear that he would be next. Once in the service of the British Army, John had more near misses as a driver supplying the front lines. He drove over a mine that took the life of his partner and almost killed him. All in all, he walked away from three
attacks that destroyed his truck. Each time he marvelled at the miracle of his survival. John kept fighting for his life even with serious personal injury and the death of hundreds of friends. John withstood seven years of deprivation and horror. To this day he continues to have trouble falling asleep because of memories of the battle of Monte Cassino and the offensive against German forces in North Africa in November, 1942. Visions of being trapped in a ditch with the dead piled on top of him and the smell of burning flesh still haunt him. Another horrific experience that haunts John to this day was when he was moving from Egypt to Italy in December of 1942. The Allied convoy consisted of 36 ships, including
"[John] was lying near death on the ship deck when several dead and near dead prisoners unconscious beside him were thrown overboard. [He] was overtaken with fear that he would be next." the cargo ship that held 20 trucks and their drivers, John included. During a storm U-boats were sighted and their torpedoes were soon decimating the Allied convoy including sinking John’s ship. The sounds of explosions, massive waves, metal shearing and the screams of the soldiers flood back to John as he tells of his incredible rescue. As his ship was sinking a nearby British destroyer came along side and their crew threw across a rope ladder to his stricken ship. He watched in absolute horror as 12 of the drivers drowned as they failed to make it off the ship. He and seven other drivers were able to crawl to safety. John’s memory is razor sharp when he tells with exact detail of his experiences of World War II. He described to me battles and near death experiences. A quick check on the Internet for background information show his dates and numbers 11
to be completely bang on. He talked of the beauty of Tehran, the heat of Iraq, the historical sites he took in while in Palestine and his time in Egypt and other parts of North Africa. One of the worst memories that come in his nightmares is the memory of German tank attacks when he was in Russia during July, 1941. He thought the shelling would never end; he was buried in mud and bodies as the attack went on for days above him. He really didn’t think he would survive. Indeed, John has great guilt for surviving while so many others didn’t but as we talk he is able to make jokes and speaks with great love about his wife Emily and their two daughters. When I kept pressing John about what might have helped him develop this attitude of survival I thought he might mention the standbys of religion or family. I got an entirely different answer. Finally he let the cat out of the bag: growing up poor helped him survive such deprivation. He laughed when he recalled what some of the upper class Poles said to him during their imprisonment. They wished they had also been poor like him so they could deal better with lack of food, not knowing what tomorrow would bring, the endless physical labour, bitter cold, death, wet and unsanitary conditions and worst of all, the grinding brutality inflicted each day. The strong work ethic and ingenuity instilled in him by his farmer parents gave him the skills and outlook to survive. He has a chuckle when he thinks of the lack of these skills in today’s population. You may have seen John ‘tinkering’ around his home doing anything from repairs to gardening. John is a wonder to behold. Each day while I interviewed him I was stunned at what he was up to. The highlight was the day he had a grinder with sparks flying, taking a stripped screw out of his snow blower engine. John’s reflections on what makes him resilient are beautiful in their simplicity. He told of his love of humour, how being useful gives value to life, the importance of having a partner, the meaning of friends in times of strife and having a positive outlook. These are all things money can’t buy. John awakens with the beauty of each day. Saying how thrilling it is for him to know he is now truly free in Canada and that each day is one more day to live. He says he doesn’t make plans for the future but we both laugh when I point out his compost, seeds he is saving for next year and the rows that are fallow in his garden.
EMERGING Revelstoke's Youth
Megan Evans. Photo: Debbie Koerber
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Brittany Evans. Photo: Debbie Koerber
Kellen Viznaugh sporting his just-received gold medal at Nationals in novice U-15 category in Canmore. Photo: Wade Viznaugh
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Chasing the Dream by Rory Luxmoore
Canadians everywhere gathered around their screens to watch Olympians from around the world strive to be the best they can be. We were inspired by double amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius from South Africa, we cheered when the Canadian women’s soccer team defeated France to win bronze and we shared gymnast Rosie MacLennan’s pride when the Canadian flag was raised after her gold medal performance. Many of us will return to our daily lives and wait to watch the next Olympics. Others will not be content to sit and watch. They want to be standing beside the best in the world on the starting line. Brittany Evans, Megan Evans and Kellen Viznaugh are three young Revelstokians dreaming big and many of their dreams have already come true. Brittany Evans, a recent graduate from Revelstoke Secondary School, earned a spot on the National Talent Squad for cross -country skiing. Her younger sister Megan is the Junior Girls National Champion in the same sport. Kellen Viznaugh won the nationals in mountain biking in the Under 15 age group last year. However, the road to the Olympics is long and tough. While many dream of being an Olympian, few wear the uniforms to represent their country on the world stage. Clara Hughes is one athlete who has worn Canada’s colours on numerous occasions exemplifying the qualities of an Olympian. She is our most celebrated Olympian having the distinction of being the only athlete to earn multiple medals in both winter and summer Olympics. "All I think about is I have the chance to inspire," she says. "That’s really what one of my main focuses is, to show what’s possible when you have goals and when you have dreams and you let yourself live for them and you have the support that allows you to live them out and to discover what the possibilities are.” Megan and Brittany have found inspiration from meeting and skiing with Canadian Olympic skiers George Grey, Chandra Crawford and Sarah Renner. Kellen is connected with world mountain bike champion Catherine Pendrel. Not only does he join her for bike rides when she returns to her husband’s hometown here in Revelstoke, but he uses the bike she rode to win a world cup race in Quebec last year. As Clara points out, for dreams to come true one needs support as well as inspiration. It is not unusual to see the whole Viznaugh family on the race course cheering Kellen on as he shreds up the
trails at local races. The Evans girls also state their family is there to support and inspire them through all the ups and downs of becoming an elite athlete. They are fortunate to not only have supportive parents but each other as well. Brittany remarked that Megan “is always pushing me to go harder and farther and constantly helping me push my limits in training”. Author Malcolm Galdwell in his bestselling book, The Outliers, claims that one needs to invest 10,000 hours to reach a level of mastery. One constant among Olympic athletes is the number of hours spent building their sport specific skills. While many youth spend their holidays relaxing on the beach or perhaps being entertained by their computer, others are keeping their eyes on their goal. Brittany’s yearly plan accounts for 550 hours of training involving skiing, running, biking and strength workouts.
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Megan’s plan is similarly structured but less hours. Kellen’s father has him on a weekly training plan to build his speed and endurance for racing. In the winter he dedicates his time to crosscountry ski training and racing. There is not much moss growing under their feet. Many coaches believe a key factor for success is motivation. This is not lacking in these young athletes. Kellen states, “I don’t want to be lazy. If I am going to do something I want to do it well, to the best of my ability. I don’t want to have any regrets so I try my best.” Brittany remarks, “I love training and racing so much but when workouts seem pretty hard I just try to think about race season and how great it'll be then and I always manage to get by.” Megan says, “My goals motivate me. I want to be a successful athlete and in order for that to happen I have to train hard, so I do.” Despite all the training and dedication to their goals of being an Olympian, Megan, Kellen and Brittany are still human. After a hard workout Megan may be found eating a chocolate Ella cake at the Modern Bakery. Brittany enjoys any kind of chocolate (who doesn’t?), while Kellen rewards himself with a greasy burger. Dreams can come true when they are built with inspiration, hard work and a supportive environment. Kellen, Megan and Brittany are making their dreams come alive. Perhaps we will have the pleasure of watching these young athletes representing our nation knowing they have given all they can to become the best they can be and along the way inspiring many others. 12
Jewellery Making Workshops Would you like to make your own pure silver pendant and earrings? Come try a metal clay class! Scheduled Classes: Sat. Sept. 22, 1-5 pm Thurs. Sept. 27, 5:30-9:30 pm Sat. Oct. 6, 1-5 pm Thurs. Oct. 11, 10 am-2 pm
Classes are ongoing at the Visual Arts Centre For more class times and dates, see their website at www.revelstokevisualarts.com To enroll call 250.814.0261. For more info or to book your own class with friends, contact Dana Cloghesy at 250.814.8508 or see her website at www.vividdesignsjewellery.com Gift Certificates available.
GROW LEARN LIVE GIVE
Need a Volunteer?
The Revelstoke Community Centre has a bulletin board where groups, clubs or organizations can post their needs for volunteers. Simply fill out a form at the front desk and the staff will post it.
Music Notes
You can also:
Post for volunteers online at www.resc.ca Click on ‘volunteer opportunities’ and follow the links.
Want to Volunteer?
If you want to get involved and don’t know where to go check out the Revelstoke Community Centre volunteer bulletin board and www.resc.ca to see what opportunities are waiting.
The Sofa Kings open the Revelstoke Music Fest in 2002. L to R: Jeff Wilson, Simon Hunt, Marcello Garrisi and Sylvain Hebert. Photo: Pauline Hunt
Without a Whimper, Revelstoke Music Fest Passes Into Legend. Or Does It? by John Devitt
Since 2002 the annual Revelstoke Music Festival has been rocking visitors and community members alike in Centennial Park each and every June. That was until 2012. What would have been the festival’s tenth anniversary passed by with nary a whisper, let alone a music festival itself. And the community did not seem to even notice.
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Originally developed by Layne Seabrook, the Revelstoke Music Festival was subsequently managed by the Revelstoke Arts Council and later the independent Revelstoke Mountain Culture Society. The fest brought together diverse genres including blues, rock, acoustic, Latin and world music artists over an entire weekend. As the years went by the Revelstoke Mountain Culture Society blossomed and received hefty grants of public investment from Columbia Basin Trust to ensure a strong and continuous festival presence for years to come. Carol Palladino, current Chair of the Revelstoke Arts Council and past Chair of the Revelstoke Mountain Culture Society, had this to say about the early success of the festival. “The thing was that the group of people organizing were very interesting and put together a really eclectic lineup that proved to be a lot of fun. People come together through music and I think there is an appetite for technically good music, even if it isn’t a big name.” The key to keeping it going, she feels, is it must resonate with the community. “Pemberton’s music fest wasn’t a good fit for the community’s culture,” says Palladino, “whereas the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues has been well-managed and well-linked to the community in order to have its residents embrace it for 20 years.” However, Palladino explains, therein lies the challenge. “Making sure it has the right dynamics can be difficult. It’s not always about having a bajillion people. It’s about creating cache in the festival. The Kaslo Jazz Fest is another great example of how to make something like that work and create a good festival that is a boon to a community.” Krista Cadieux, Revelstoke resident of 10 years and local business owner, believes the success of any festival needs to acknowledge its competition. “Even though there is so much going on regionally and locally during the summer I think there is definitely room for a music festival but the marketing and promotion needs to be much better.“
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Marketing and promotion seems to be the issue many Revelstokians cite for dwindling attendance in the past few years. In 2011 it was mere weeks prior to the festival when dates and lineups were announced and posters began to appear around town. When the Salmon Arm Roots and
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Blues Festival begins promotion in February it provides ample time for attendees to plan travel and vacation. Not so when there is a lead-time of only a few weeks. Did low attendance in 2011 cause the cancellation of the 2012 anniversary Revelstoke Music Festival? Current chairperson of the Revelstoke Mountain Culture Society and Festival Organizer, Carol Mayer, was unavailable to comment before press time. Gone but not forgotten? The Revelstoke Music Festival, designed to support business in the slow, late spring shoulder season, may have simply morphed into the inaugural Revelstoke Bier and Musik Festival to be held Thanksgiving weekend 2012. Jean-Marc LaFlamme, one of the organizers for this new event, believes this is exactly the type of event Revelstoke will embrace. LaFlamme explains the idea is to host a festival with an Oktoberfest beer that celebrates great craft breweries from across Alberta and British Columbia while offering diverse, wellrounded music that will appeal to young and old. “This is a chance for Revelstoke to rise up and create a great craft brewing festival,” enthuses LaFlamme. “No one else in the world does an Oktoberfest themed craft beer festival and this will be great for our community because we have a great local craft beer company in Mt. Begbie Brewing.” Revelstoke Bier and Musik Festival organizers aim to deliver community as the central theme of the festival. “This isn’t planned as a crazy brouhaha,” advises LaFlamme, “but as a good community builder where you can talk intelligently about what you’re drinking while listening to great music.” The first year of this new festival will be a testing point for its future longevity. When asked if there is room for yet another new festival in Revelstoke when there is already so much on the calendar both regionally and locally, LaFlamme asserts the answer is yes. “There’s always room for more events and festivals, it just requires better organization, promotion and openness for community involvement. People want to participate and help and have been unable to do so. We want to be as open and transparent as possible going forward.” Promotion, transparency and organization appear to be the buzzwords to describe a successful festival. Will the Revelstoke Music Festival rise like a phoenix from the ashes in 2013 and will the Revelstoke Bier & Musik Festival become a strong addition to Revelstoke’s vibrant music scene? Time will tell. But as Carol Palladino explains, “The key to success for any festival is building the brand. Developing that cache where audience members know they will be attending a solid event playing great music whether they’ve heard of the musicians on the schedule or not.”
Health &
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Jars of Chinese herbs used along with acupuncture can help restore the body to natural health. Photo: Alison Lapshinoff
Restoring Health Naturally
Traditional Chinese Medicine by Alison Lapshinoff
In ancient China wealthy families would employ a doctor to live with them in their homes. While the family remained in good health he would be paid an allowance. If someone fell ill however, the doctor would be required to pay the family out of his own pocket until health was restored. His mandate, therefore, was not simply to cure illness as it arose; it was to prevent it from happening in the first place.
For example, dark circles under the eyes can often point to a kidney deficiency while a very red tip of the tongue can indicate one is prone to anxiety and sleeping issues. The tongue, in fact, is a great diagnostic tool in TCM. Its shape, colour and coating can all be clues indicating specific health issues, the different areas of the tongue all reflecting certain areas in the body.
While many people swear by acupuncture others are still dubious. It does not stand to logic in our science oriented, westernized minds that being pricked by needles could elicit any particular health benefit. And with a pharmacy just down the road taking herbs can seem rather hokey and old-fashioned. Despite this it is a practice that has withstood the test of time and proven itself time and time again.
Beth Purser MASSAGE BSc (Kin) N.H.P.C.
While a visit to a conventional doctor will often result in a preIn a nutshell this explains the fundamental difference between scription from the pharmacy a TCM practitioner will often perwestern medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). form acupuncture and recommend specific herbs and dietary changes to alleviate symptoms. They will assess the body as a “The main difference that comes to mind is that Traditional Chi- whole and try to get to the root of the issue, whatever it may be. nese works as a preventative medicine and western medicine treats issues as they arise,” Erin Potter explains. Owner of Jade “Acupuncture regulates the flow of energy,” Erin explains. Mountain Wellness and Acupuncture, Erin graduated from a five “When you are healthy energy runs smooth, moving blood, ciryear program at the International College of Traditional Chinese culating oxygen among cells and allowing organs to function.” Medicine in Vancouver in 2005 and has been practicing since then. The body is made up of 14 main meridians or energy highways With texts dating back 3,000 years, TCM has been around for a of which thousands and thousands of collaterals or side roads very long time. Sometimes regarded as a ‘witch doctor’ type of branch off. Needles are inserted at acupuncture points; points medicine it has only in the last century begun to be recognized where energy comes to the surface. This builds up and releases in the west for its value. energy where needed creating balance. “It can treat just about anything, acute or chronic,” Erin explains. “If you break a bone you go to the doctor. But while you are healing a TCM practitioner can give you herbs that help knit the bone together, acupuncture to improve circulation and strengthen the body.”
www.jademountain.ca 250.837.3900 101 First Street West, Revelstoke, B.C.
A TCM practitioner may notice symptoms indicating something is out of balance much before anything would show up on a standard test. It is a pro-active, preventative approach that aims to resolve issues before they become problems, not after. Common complaints Erin deals with are digestive issues, skin problems and muscular skeletal pain. However, some patients arrive in her office with no specific problem, just a desire to enhance their well-being. Erin’s office is brimming with glass jars full of mysterious things. Herbs, roots, flowers, barks, berries, nuts, mushrooms and even sap are all things that can help cure disease without setting foot in a pharmacy. Nature provides many healing tools.
“In town doctors are quite receptive to TCM and I often get referrals,” Erin says, explaining with a good-natured smile how In today’s fast paced, modern world we tend to ignore our many of her patients have tried all other avenues to alleviate health until we lose it; take it for granted until it is gone. Seeing their symptoms and arrive in her office as a last resort. a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner is similar to taking your car in for a tune-up; there may not be a specific issue needErin explains how TCM deals with the whole body while west- ing repair at the time but a scheduled maintenance is good for ern medicine deals with specific symptoms individually. a car’s well-being. “If you go to the doctor complaining of an ulcer he will give you “It’s just a way of getting the most out of your health,” Erin medication to treat the ulcer. TCM looks at what is causing states simply. “Your body is your vehicle for life. You should the ulcer and goes to the root of the problem.” The body treat it well.” provides many clues.
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Health and Wellness Directory Jade Mountain Wellness and Acupuncture Erin potter r.TCM.p. Kim nicholls rMT
Massage Therapy/Bodywork
nutritionists
Beth purser Massage nHpC
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101 1st St. W. 250-814-3679
101 1st St. W. 250-837-3900 www.jademountain.ca
1605 victoria rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 www.heliosphysio.com
Bodylogic Therapeutic Massage Karen Schneider rMT Suite 103 - 103 1st St. E. 250-837-3666
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa diane Mahoney r.Ac. 509 4th St. E 250 837 6084 www.welwinds.com
Melissa Hemphill, rHn 23-318 Humbert St. 250-814-3207 www.namastenutrition.ca
Helios rehabilitation & performance Tina Giotsalitis rMT 1605 victoria rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 www.heliophysio.com
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Guided Energy Work and Soul Counselling Frieda Livesey
naturopathic Medicine
repose Massage Therapy and day Spa Ashley Sumner BC rMT
Classes in Soul Awareness Writing 250-837-3724 www.hearttohearthealing.ca
in the Hillcrest Hotel 2100 Oak dr. 250-837-3322 www.reposedayspa.ca
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Energy Matters Health Spa
return to Grace naturopathic & Healing dr. Theresa Camozzi BSc nd Josiane Maillet rMT 414 Mackenzie Ave. 250-200-0249 www.returntograce.net
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110 B 1st. St. W. 250-837-4244 www.energymatterscanada.com
revelstoke Massage Therapy Clinic david Walker rMT, Liane dorrius rMT deb Logan rMT
Balu Yoga and Wellness Sheri Zebroff rMT and Shendra Kelly rpT Frieda Livesey - Guided Energy Therapy
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa diane Mahoney rMT
301 1st St. E. 250-837-6677 www.revelstokemassagetherapy.com
414 1st St. W. 250-837-3975 www.baluyoga.com
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa diane Mahoney rMT
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa
509 4th St. E. 250-837-6084 www.welwinds.com
Yoga . Massage Therapy . Acupuncture . Tea 509 4th St. E 250 837 6084 www.welwinds.com
509 4th St. E 250 837 6084 www.welwinds.com
physiotherapy
Helios rehabilitation & performance Lindsey Corrigan BScpT rpT Amy Guidinger BScpT rCAMT CGIMS rpT Fraser Sprigings BScpT CAFCI rpT
red Cedar physiotherapy
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1605 victoria rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 www.heliosphysio.com
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Mountain Midwifery Birte paschen rM 250-814-4006 mountain.midwifery@gmail.com
red Cedar physiotherapy Jocelyn Kutcher BScpT rpT prue Hicks BAppScpT rpT naomi Gibbs, BpT rpT
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Hotels/B&B's $ = under $60 $$ = $60 - $90 $$$ = $90 - $110 $$$$ = $110 and up
Cheeky Beaver Chalet www.cheekybeaverchalet.com 802 2nd St. W.
250-837-5886
Herbet House (*Note: rental is by month or longer) 416 Leach St.
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250-837-9337
$$$$
Minto Manor B&B www.mintomanor.com 815 Mackenzie Ave.
Mustang B&B
www.mustangbedandbreakfast.com 1221 1st St. W.
250-837-2801
$$$$
Powder Pillow B&B www.powderpillow.ca 1103 Pine Ridge Crescent
250-200-0388
$$$$
Swiss Chalet Motel www.swisschaletmotel.com 1101 Victoria Rd. W.
250-837-4650
$$-$$$$
www.revelstokesnowedinn.com 823 3rd St. W.
250-814-8851
$$-$$$$
Restaurants/Pubs $ = under $15 $$ = $15 - 25 $$$ = $25 and up
Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store 2108 Big Eddy Rd.
Isabella's Ristorante www.isabellasristorante.ca 206 Mackenzie Ave.
109 1st St. E.
La Baguette Espresso Bar 607 Victoria Rd. and Garden Ave.
Modern Bake Shop & CafĂŠ 212 Mackenzie Ave.
Paramjit's Kitchen 116 First St. W.
Woolsey Creek Bistro
Want your listing on this page? $25/listing or $90/year E-mail: editor@reved.net
Phone: 604-219-5313
15
250-814-0095
$-$$
250-837-6743
$-$$$
Kawakubo's Japanese Restaurant
www.woolseycreekbistro.ca 604 2nd St. W.
The Revelstoke Snowed Inn
Photo: brentlea.wix.com/peak-images
Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
250-837-2467
$-$$$
250-837-3755
$-$$
250-837-6886
$
250-837-2112
$
250-837-5500
$$$
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POWDER SKI-TOURING
Selkirk Mountain Experience . Durrand Glacier Chalet
Ad designed by revedmedia.com
Our helicopter accessed, ecologically sensitive lodge is a Swiss-style, family-run mountain chalet that provides lodge based fully catered and guided ski-touring, ski-mountaineering and avalanche courses in the pristine Northern Selkirk Mountains of B.C.
PHOTO: ROYCE SIHLIS
JANUARY 7-12, 2013 - REVELSTOKE, BC Three tours combine under one unified PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY global 5-star championship series. Don’t miss the world’s best as they descend upon Revelstoke in January 2013.
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Revelstoke, B.C. 250.837.2381
www.selkirkexperience.com info@selkirkexperience.com
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