Carlos Zelaya, tattoo artist. In profile on Pg. 3. Photo: Carlos Zelaya
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Art and Soul in Ink by John Devitt Having ink injected into your skin by a vibrating needle is a decision not to be taken lightly. The finished product is a work of art that will be with you for life and should represent part of your heart and soul. Tattooing is a practice passed down through cultures since the Neolithic era, circa 10,200 BC. At times revered or seen as profane, tattooing has always remained a very personal pursuit of self-expression. It was with this in mind I met Carlos Zelaya at his new piercing and tattoo studio, Flower of Life, located at 107 First Street East in Revelstoke.
recounting what it was like to be instrumental in developing the graffiti culture. It was the winding road of graffiti that fascinatingly led to his pursuit of tattooing. “I got my diploma in Advanced Internet Development,” he explains, “so I actually went to school to become a computer nerd. But shortly thereafter in 2001 things changed with September 11. There wasn’t much work in web design. Many big companies were suffering and weren’t hiring. So I was on Granville Street in Vancouver handing out CD ROMs of my work to see if people wanted websites done. I ended up at Anarchy Ink Tattoos and I was checking out this cool mural some friends had done on the back of the building. All of a sudden the back door swung open, the owner came outside and we struck up a conversation.”
I had long considered my next tattoo and knew it would be two Latin phrases that are personally meaningful. As the needle buzzes on my skin I ask Carlos why he thinks so many Canadians get foreign language tattoos such as Chinese, Arabic, or in my case Latin, and whether he thinks anyone walks around getting English words tattooed on them. He laughs, says it’s a good question and then proceeds to chastise me for touching the raw lines he’s just etched into my skin. Just like that, everything began to change for Carlos. He began working at the front counter at Anarchy Ink and doing Carlos “Zlok” Zelaya’s artistic journey, culminating now in promotions. It was there he met Ken Greer, who became his the opening of his own tattoo studio in Revestoke, has been teacher for the next few years. “Ken had been tattooing for a long and winding road. He was first exposed to art by the about four years at the time that he gave me an apprenticepolitical graffiti he saw adorning the streets in his native El ship. They’re hard to come by now.” Carlos relates, “Not a Salvador. When he moved to Vancouver at the age of 12, the lot of people are willing to take on apprentices anymore, so I differences in the work — the larger scales and more vibrant really, really lucked out. I was guided really well in the techcolours — resonated with Carlos. Instantly he knew what he nical aspect of tattooing and I’m very grateful to Ken.” wanted to do. Carlos linked up with an experienced artist named ‘Neon’ and it wasn’t long before he was developing For the first six months Carlos was only allowed to do small tags of his own. Taking the name “Zlok” and specializing in black tattoos before graduating to tattoos with more black lettering, he became renowned in the graffiti scene for his shading and eventually colour work. His first tattoo was on fluidity and variety. “We were pioneering so much of the pop his teacher, the second on his best friend and his third he did culture,” he says. “It was a privilege to be a part of it.” on himself. Now Carlos has a promising business in Revelstoke as well as a large, loyal clientele in Vancouver he visits Ultimately, Carlos had his work published in Visual Orgasm, once a month. a book by Adam Melnyk in 2011. Visual Orgasm presents a history of the early years of Canadian graffiti art and fea- Carlos puts on a fresh pair of latex gloves to start work on tures Carlos along with several other West Coast artists all my other arm. “I go through so many gloves to be sanitary. It
All photos from Carlos Zelaya's portfolio except where indicated. Photos: Carlos Zelaya
Carlos Zelaya sketches a tattoo. Photo: John Devitt.
would be awesome to get a sponsorship,” he laughs. “A latex glove sponsorship!” While the designs on my arms are in a very small script written by each of my parents, looking through Carlos’ portfolio shows how versatile an artist he has become over the 12 years of his career. From large back pieces reminiscent of his early graffiti days, to colourful fish and birds, beautifully rendered First Nation designs and even simpler scripts, he executes each project with professionalism and spirit. “I take my work very, very seriously,” he tells a prospective customer, who stops in to inquire about her first tattoo. “I never do the same tattoo twice.” I smile while Carlos wipes away the last remnants of ink from my arm revealing the finished work. “You’re done,” he says as we admire the inscriptions written in my parents’ handwriting. We both laugh as we try to decipher my father’s horrible penmanship. It means a lot to have this work done and Carlos is happy to have been a part of it. “People always ask me what is the most meaningful tattoo you’ve done,” he says. “I always say the last one, because it literally is. It’s so powerful to the individual that you can’t place one over another. Sure there are some pieces that push me as an artist but when it comes to the meaning of tattoos and how important they are, it could be a dot or it could be a full back piece, they’re all equally significant.” Carlos removes the stencil from the author's right arm. Photo: John Devitt
Obsolescence by Heather Lea
EDITORIAL
Planned
Pump up the Track
Ever buy something, turn down the offer for extended warranty and then a year later it’s broken? Ever wonder if those water filters really need to be replaced every three months? Welcome to Planned Obsolescence, Products designed to break down, be replaced frequently a policy that actually or just become plain obsolete. Image: Heather Lea plans and designs things to break down. Why is this even allowed? still $150,” I repeat. Now of course breakWell it seemed like a good idea at the time, ing or dropping your phone isn’t Product ‘The Time’ being 1932 when an eight-page Obsolescence but making mobile phones so document titled, Ending the Depression hard to hold on to is a form of it. If there’s a Through Planned Obsolescence was written cover on your phone, take it off and notice by a New York man named Bernard Lon- how smooth and slippery it feels. Drop it, it don. He’d hoped to persuade his govern- breaks and voila you need a new phone. ment to implement a ‘legal’ way for products to deteriorate quicker in order for the econ- Now let’s look at computers. My laptop has omy to become stimulated again. Looks like a soldered-in RAM, so memory upgrades he won. According to storyofstuff.org, only are impossible. The battery was glued in one per cent — one per cent of stuff that zips during production so I have to mail it in just through production lines is still productive to have the battery replaced. The display or of use within six months of date of sale. is fused to glass, which means replacing it Can that seriously mean 99 per cent of all would also be costly. And why is there even consumer products is used up or even obso- ‘glass’ in something designed to be mobile? And guess what? There’s no way to recycle lete within six months? this laptop with everything glued and fused I don’t know how people working in the together. But it’s our fault. As consumers we Planned Obsolescence industry can sleep keep voting for computer stuff that’s thinner at night though there are supporters of this and lightweight rather than upgradable. policy, who claim it helps drive the advances of material well-being. I’m convinced The only time Planned Obsolescence doesn’t product quality can advance using more work for the producer is when consumers moral approaches. Take the ‘lifetime guar- learn manufacturers actually invest money antee’ for example. There are companies out into ensuring the product breaks down fastthere actually backing their product for life. er. In this case, the consumer might seek out Though these products may be more expen- a competitor that still incorporates morals sive initially, should it ever fail its replace- while building their products and makes ment is guaranteed. This encourages me to things that’ll last. However, such companies are becoming obsolete themselves. fork over the cash. But we always want new stuff and the potential benefits of self-destructing products to the economy are plenty. There’s always a job for everyone, whether you’re a product engineer, a production line worker or an after-sales marketer. Not to mention the extended warranty industry. In February my cell phone, which I’d managed to get wet and drop hard enough to crack the screen, died. It was 8 months old. When I went back to the store in Vancouver for a new one I inquired about the extended warranty this time. It cost $99 and the sales guy assured me I could drive over my phone and have it replaced, no questions asked. This assurance in insurance is incredibly savvy product marketing and to the untrained consumer, it seems like a killer deal. But if and when I ask for the new phone there’s an additional $50 charge. So basically the warranty is $150, I tell the guy. He says surely the peace of mind I get knowing I can drive over my phone and have it replaced for free is priceless. “Except it’s
S
The cene
Planned Obsolescence can be broken down into even finer detail. Perceived Obsolescence is where you are encouraged to throw something away to make room for a New Thing, even if the Old Thing still works, (cell phones, DVD’s, cars...). There’s Technical or Functional Obsolescence, where the cost of repair is equal to or greater than that of a new item, (soldered-in components, LCD screens on cameras…). Systemic Obsolescence is where a product’s system is altered so its continued use without upgrades or refills is impossible, (printers and ink cartridges, software…). Style Obsolescence makes you look like a dork for owning something out-of-style, (cars, clothes, shoes…). Finally, there is Notification Obsolescence, where your product tells you when its time to be replaced, (water filters, strips on razor blades...). As one friend remarked, when people figure out the rising cost of living, do they take into consideration the fact that we are constantly spending money on replacing products?
by Colin Titsworth
Establishing a bicycle pump track has been an ongoing topic for several years but it looks as though some dirt will be moved this spring. The debate of the exact location and whether to develop this feature in conjunction with a new skate park had previously locked this project in a state of flux. Pump tracks are undulating pathways that wind through a closed circuit of networking trails. Rollers, burms, jumps and endless fun are incorporated into the design of these parks, which are becoming common throughout the world. The concept is simple; cruise the course without peddling by working the terrain for optimum speed. As Mountain Biking, the Manual explains, “Flow is where it all begins.” Funding has been established, top-notch terrain shapers are lined up and the biking community of Revelstoke is on the verge of getting this rad component added to the bike scene. Pump tracks go hand-in-hand with dirt jumps and in the original planning stages there was a designated zone for these launch pads and transitions. Ultimately the big-air jumps were cut from the blueprints due to spatial limitations. As local pump track advocate Lorraine Blancher explains, “We don’t have enough land for both so the plan is to build the most kick ass pump track possible.” Lorraine shreds on the bike and her true passion for the sport gleams radiantly whenever she speaks on the topic. During a bottomless coffee she enlightens me on the vision for Revelstoke’s future track. It’s a well-researched project that incorporates the best design features of other firstclass layouts. Centennial Park has been chosen as the location for this new feature because it's centrally located with easy access. Revelstoke is fortunate to have distinguished builders on board who will help develop this park into a multi-use recreation haven. To further paraphrase my conversation with Lorraine, she explains this venture is a community project with kids being the main target audience. It’s a place for families to hang out and watch youngsters laugh their way around the track. Revelstoke boasts a gamut of remarkable mountain biking trails and a pump track will help prepare riders for the miles of single track that bless this area. This will undoubtedly compliment the recreation options of our city while providing a crucial learning centre for two-wheeled enthusiasts of all ages. The course design will have a loop for beginners and another more technical track for advanced riders to progress their skills. Brendan MacIntosh of Flowt Bikes has also helped spearhead this project and is optimistic the final hurdles will be passed in the quest for Revelstoke’s future pump track. This will be the first official pump track in Revelstoke but do not expect it to be the last. Towns like Whistler boast having upwards of five well used tracks within city limits. The master plan of the colossal Greely Adventure Park includes a pump track and one day a beginner skills area could be incorporated into the McPherson trail system. Local businesses have shown support and our friendly Columbia Basin Trust has donated cash to help get the wheels in motion. Professionals will be hired to create the masterpiece and public bulletins through local media will inform you of volunteer options once the project breaks ground.
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Distribution Emily Beaumont Staff Writers/Columnists Alison Lapshinoff Colin Titsworth Rory Luxmoore John Devitt Pauline Hunt Contributors Katie Marti Kelli Mutchler Erin Behncke 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 2013 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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Artist in Profile Editorial, The Scene What's your Biz'ness From the Streets Health and You What Matters Out There Know Your Neighbour Around the World Heritage Moments Music Notes, Emerging Sleeps, Eats n' Sips Health and Wellness Directory
What's Your
Kristi and Joel Leblanc toasting their success. Photo: John Devitt.
Brewing Great
Business by John Devitt
The Revelstoke U-Brew on the corner of Second Street and Victoria Road has been a fixture in town since Barry Urquhart and Keith Bramhill opened it in 1994. Today they are still loyal customers. Ownership passed to Jamie and Cathy Burke, also loyal customers, until they sold the business to Joel and Kristi Leblanc in early 2009. “We’re customers too,” Kristi says laughing “Probably the best ones!”
“She’s always late,” he replies with a smirk. For both Joel and Kristi, their favourite part of the business is the social aspect. Over the past few years they have come to know their clientele intimately through the chit-chat that occurs while bottling a seasonal beer, crisp cider, sparkling champagne, award winning wine or delicious port or sherry. “I know their birthdays, travel plans, their children’s university plans, their health problems. I love it,” Joel exclaims.
In the past few years Joel has seen a change in customers consistent with the changes in Revelstoke. While still maintaining a core ‘Revy’ clientele, there has been a huge boom in the winter seasonal crowd. Many of which come in for the quick turnaround that comes with brewing beer. “Our red wines are our most popular product by far,” Joel says, “but it’s surprising to see that in the winter the As customers, both Joel and Kristi under- beer volume equals that of our wines.” stood the business and the products. Joel had been trapped in the seasonal work The product knowledge Joel has decycle that comes with being a faller for a veloped in the four years he has run the logging company and fighting forest fires. business is significant. He can easily anAfter a short stint as a garbage collector swer questions about different fermentahe had enough and wanted to create his tion processes, the various wine regions own year-round, stable employment. around the world, how the finished prod“What better way to do that than to own uct should taste, supplies for the industry an established business with a solid his- and the things to look for to tell if a batch tory, great clientele and incredible loca- of wine or beer is off. tion?” he asks. The U-Brew industry has changed a great The business is essentially Joel’s baby deal in the last couple of decades. A lot of but Kristi helps out as much as possible kits were based on trial and error, leading whenever she isn’t teaching. “Joel is kind to lots of disappointed people drinking of my boss,” she says, “He fires me all poor tasting products. However, as Joel explains, many large companies have inthe time.” Now celebrating their fourth year of operation Joel and Kristi couldn’t be happier with how their business is unfolding. Joel explains he first put the offer in to buy the business the day after proposing to Kristi. “She had said yes so I was in a good mood and decided to ‘propose’ to Jamie and Cathy too.”
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vested vast sums of money in the industry in just the last 10 years in order to perfect their recipes. The ultimate goal, of course, is to develop a product that is competitive with store bought products. “I get some high end kits in the store that are only available at U-Brews,” explains Joel, commenting that many people do not know the distinct difference between ‘U-Brew’ product and ‘home brew’ kits that are found at places like Costco. “Many of the kits I get are winning medals at wine making competitions around the world.” Since taking over the business in 2009 Joel and Kristi have added their own touches to the Revelstoke U-Brew. For them, creating a personalized experience for their customers is key. Not only have they developed a web site (www.revelstokeubrew.com) for easy browsing at home but they have increased the inventory of home brewing supplies. “We’ve also started getting into custom label designs,” says Joel “which is quite popular for weddings.”
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“We’re also bottling beer in glass now,” Kristi chimes in. “No previous owners did that.” Running the business is a labour of love for both Joel and Kristi. For them the business is primarily about the relationships they have built with their clients and they foresee that will always remain true. “I’m happy coming here knowing that everything I do and all the work I put into the place is directly related to the strength of those relationships.” Joel says as he looks around the store. “I’m pretty stoked being able to keep my customers happy.” 4
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&You
ADHD An adult survivor tells her story
appropriate comments, for being cranky, distracted, scatterbrained, moody and the one word that best summed it up for me: brittle.
by Anonymous
A toolbox full of coping methods is the metaphor that comes to mind when I think back on a lifetime of wading through constant stimulus that flowed through my head. I like to call myself an adult survivor of Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). You can most likely relate to the things that happen during my average day. They have happened to you too I’ll bet. But imagine them happening day after day each day of your entire life. Things like how hard it is to put my purse in the same spot each day. There is almost a magnetic pull making me put it down in some random location, not to be found again for days. What about the little person in my brain pulling my eyes and focus away from the person talking to me so I don’t really hear a word they say? That little voice is also able to lead my mind on tangents upon tangents almost all day long. The endless elementary report cards recorded my journey of disorganization and of not living up to my abilities. I was the person who interrupted others when they were speaking, replying with seemingly unrelated responses. I was flighty, manic and obsessive. I also had an almost fatal inability to do anything in a systematic way. I was the child, and then the adult, with the chronically messy desk, room, clothes, hair, the lost homework and the mismatched socks. I was that train wreck of a kid, and it was easy for me to call myself stupid, easier still to believe it. Far worse than the behaviours was the fact that I was hard to like, and to be honest, I didn’t like myself much either. Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder is not news to anyone. More and more children are diagnosed with this disorder and its evil twin - ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) each year. Being the hippy person I am, I believed the vast majority of these kids could be ‘fixed’ with better diet, more exercise, less screen time and better parenting. If that was true then what did I make of myself and my life story? I was raised on a healthy diet, with tons of exercise and the only screen I saw on a regular basis was the one on our door to the backyard. As an adult I eat organic — no refined crap. I exercise, get outdoors and am not hooked on a screen. As I got older the battle to hold things together became more and more difficult. A quick Internet search of adult ADHD made me look like the poster child: adult ADHD lists excessive risk taking, chronic irritability, depression, trouble focusing, difficulty sitting still, disorganization and extreme distractibility. I was truly tired of trying to keep these things in check, exhausted from being regretful for blurting out in-
I dreamed about sitting down and being in the moment with my children at the dinner table. Being in the moment, what is that? Once a friend suggested meditation to calm my mind. That was laughable. The thought of being able to hold only one thought was completely outrageous. Then it all changed. One day my boss said that if I thought I had diabetes would I take the diabetes test? Yes, of course. If I were diagnosed with diabetes would I take the insulin? Well yes, of course. So then why not investigate medication for my ADHD? Finally in my middle life, I did just that. I was so exhausted by trying to hold all the strings together. I thought what did I have to lose? Medication after all is not a tattoo. I had nothing to lose. Medications for ADHD increase dopamine production, the neurotransmitter that is under produced in the brain of an ADHD sufferer. Dopamine helps regulate movement and emotional responses. The pharmaceutical answer to ADHD is a prescription of Dexedrine. The naturopathic option is exercise (that naturally increases dopamine production), adequate sleep, reduced screen time and good nutrition. I felt like I had exhausted the exercise route; I was swimming and playing squash multiple times a week for hours at a time. My nutritional habits were exemplary and I didn’t watch much TV. I also got enough sleep. Off I went to the doctor. She gave me a prescription for Dexedrine and told me I would know if it was going to work for me within one day. I can’t overstate how much of a life changing day that was. A calm descended over me as I was transformed to the blissful person I had never dreamed possible. The havoc and chaos of the day flowed over me like a warm rain, not bothering me at all. I could literally stop and smell the roses in the midst of a busy day. Enjoying the moment happened right then and there and hasn’t really stopped. The swirling chaos of a thousand things on my mind and all the negative behaviours I endured are nothing more than a bad memory. I can truly listen to my kids and be with them, truly be there in that instant. I can hold them in my mind’s eye and enjoy them like never before. The change has been so profound and without sounding melodramatic — life saving. I don’t know how I existed before with the swirling sensory inputs (not to mention outputs). I feel like a better parent, friend and spouse. As a society we continue to judge brain issues more harshly than other medical conditions. If you are reading this and have a child with ADHD/ADD or are a sufferer yourself, I hope my words give you pause for reflection (if you can!).
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Increasing food security in Revelstoke!
— Become a Garden Member Catch the Garden Guru Series — Find out about job opportunities — Share in our seed library
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The Environment
The Local Food Initiative and Why We Should Be Growing Our Own by Alison Lapshinoff
In years past survival was directly dependent on how much food one “In the past it has been a rental plot based program,” Melissa explains. could grow and gather, raise and hunt. Making it through a hard Can- “Everyone was responsible for their own plot.” adian winter meant months of toil in the fields, harvesting and preserv“It will be the ideal site for demonstrations and education,” Hailey exing the summer’s bounty and keeping the livestock fed and healthy. plains of the change. The group has added interpretive signage to the Today things are radically different. It is no longer necessary to soil garden making it something of a tourist attraction. our hands in order that we may eat. Sparkling and orderly rows of impeccably waxed produce and cleverly marketed packaged products are Being able to utilize the garden will enable the Garden Guru Workshops flown in from all corners of the globe for a multicultural food extrava- the NCES puts on to be more hands-on, with actual demonstrations instead of just gardening theory. For example, they will be able to demonganza at that giant, brightly lit warehouse we call the supermarket. strate something like removing the suckers on a tomato plant without But all this convenience comes at a price. A lot of our meats are laced trespassing on someone’s personal plot. Any surplus produce will be with antibiotics and some of our produce sprayed with harmful chem- donated to the Revelstoke Food Bank, allowing lower income earners icals. Out of season foods are flown in at a high cost to the consumer access to good quality, locally grown, organic produce. and the environment. Fruit and vegetables are grown simply for their longevity and ability to withstand long, arduous journeys not flavour In addition to the changes at the community garden, the grant money and quality. Meanwhile, fertile land sits fallow right here in Revelstoke. is allowing the group to offer three paid positions to oversee the garden and related workshops, including an Urban Junior Farmer. This person Vital knowledge and skill are being lost as we become more and more must be under 29 and demonstrate a basic understanding of food securreliant on others to supply us with something absolutely essential to our ity in Revelstoke, have good leadership qualities and be keen to learn more about the issues surrounding food security and the skills needed survival: food. to grow your own. They will also be responsible for organizing a local The North Columbia Environmental Society (NCES) began in 1999 with food film festival. a modest group of five individuals who recognized environmental issues in Revelstoke that were not being addressed. Today the group engages “They needn’t be an expert but be ‘thinking bigger’,” Hailey explains. “They need to grasp the concept of why increasing Revelstoke’s food about 200 people from whom a new entity has recently arisen. resiliency is so important.” The Local Food Initiative (LFI), a project born of the NCES, is responsible for the community garden, the seed library and the Garden Guru Grant money will also be used to expand the Farm to Table program. In Workshops, to name only a few. Melissa Hemphill, chair of the LFI its second year, this program takes food security issues into the classCommittee, and Hailey Ross, NCES coordinator, are vocal advocates of room. It teaches students from grades four to six to make connections the importance of producing food locally and maintaining that vital link between our food choices and big issues like climate change, our health and how small decisions like what we put in our shopping cart can have with the earth that allows us to coax food from Her soil. lasting environmental effects. The LFI plans to expand the program to “Being totally dependent on the industrial food model has put the state include sessions in the high school. of food production into the hands of large multinationals rather than small-scale farmers. This tips the focus of food production towards Although our survival no longer rests on our ability to grow food, it is money-making, rather than growing nourishing, sustainable, diverse, a crucial skill that is being lost as we become more dependent on industrial agriculture, increasingly urbanized and less connected with and environmentally sustainable crops,” Hailey explains. the land. The LFI aims to help us as a community recognize that our This growing season will see some changes to LFI projects thanks in environment is changing rapidly and local farming is one way we can part to a nearly $10,000 youth grant from the Columbia Basin Trust to reduce our carbon footprint and feel secure in our ability to feed ourfund the Urban Junior Farmer Project. Meant to engage young people selves, one small plant at a time. in the process of growing food, this project will raise awareness about the issues surrounding food security and the environmental impact of Watch the NCES web site (northcolumbia.org) and the employment centre for upcoming job postings for the LFI. Garden membership apthe choices we make at the supermarket. plications will be available at Mountain Goodness Natural Foods and The community garden is located at the United Church at Mackenzie Valhalla Pure Outfitters. Avenue and Second Street. This spring the LFI will be seeking 18 people ‘Like’ NCES Local Food Initiative on who want to be members of the garden; people interested in cultivating Facebook to receive event updates or to the entire garden as a group and sharing the whole harvest as opposed join their committee. to just tending their one, small plot.
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Upcoming Alan Polster taking off from an alpine meadow atop Mount Mackenzie (top of the Stoke Chair) on a summer flight. Photo: Zoya Lynch
The Heart of Flight To defy the laws of gravity and become one with the eagles is no easy feat. If it were that simple, the Wright Brothers and Clark Kent wouldn’t be household names. Thankfully we live in 2013 and advances in technology have brought us to a point where soaring above Revelstoke and the Columbia River Valley is a totally realistic and accessible option on any given sunny afternoon. Paragliding is a fairly new activity and one that’s still relatively unknown to many. Not to be confused with hang-gliding, which is similar but uses a metal bar to steer a triangular sail. Paragliders resemble parachutes and are directed using strings and a couple of handheld controls from a comfortable harnessed seat. They both launch and land in a similar way – that is to say, by running full-tilt off a mountaintop and gently floating toward a wide open space in the valley down below – but paragliding is much more portable as the whole rig fits inside a large backpack allowing for easy stowage and transportation.
by Katie Marti
COURSES - Ages 16+
The company he started with two other pilots, Chris Delworth and Scott Watwood, has been providing the same breathtaking experience to tourists and bucket-list subscribers since the resort opened five years ago. While they do offer tandem flights in the winter when the resort and ski-lifts are running, August and September are by far their busiest months, due largely to thermal lift from the sun-kissed earth below, which makes it possible to stay aloft for hours at a time. Throw in an alpine meadow full of flowers and a sparkling river winding its way between snow-capped glacier peaks and you’ve got yourself one heck of a scenic ride.
At the other end of the spectrum, local veterans Dave Sproule and Jeff Bellis are setting their sights on lofty accomplishments and in the realm of cross-country flying. Just last summer, the duo made the 100 kilometre trip from Revelstoke all the way to Golden, a 4.5 hour flight that hadn’t been done since the first successful attempt by a Golden-area pilot in 2000. Alan’s colleague Scott Watwood made the first flight in the other direction last summer as well. Regardless of whether it’s a quick trip down the hill at RMR or a full day’s flight through Rogers Pass, Alan is encouraged to see so many people taking to the skies and sharing his personal passion for paragliding. “When I’m flying, I’m not thinking about the cloth and the string that’s above me. I’m just flying,” says Alan. “Above the trees, above the mountains, it’s 360 degrees of unrestricted visibility. You see things you can’t possibly see any other way.” To see for yourself and catch some serious air, visit revelstokeparagliding.com, e-mail tandemflights@revesltokeparagliding.com or call 250-837-7929. Reservations can also be made through Revelstoke Mountain Resort at revelstokemountainresort.com or by calling 250-814-5060. Tandem flights are $200.00 per person.
Photo: Bruno Long
Because their sport is completely dependent upon wind and weather patterns, it can be tricky to accommodate reservations much more than a day or two in advance. This winter has been particularly challenging for the crew at Revelstoke Paragliding due to low cloud cover and relatively high winds. “For tandem flights we draw the line at temperatures below -15° Celcuis and winds higher than 15 kilometres per hour,” Alan explains. Alan Polster, co-founder of Revelstoke Para- “Anything beyond that and it’s not a very gliding based at Revelstoke Mountain Resort pleasant experience.” (RMR), has been flying since 1995 after seeing a movie at the Banff Mountain Film Festival Despite this being a bit of a slow season for about a father-son duo who climbed a mountain paragliding the area is generally considered to in France and then flew off via paraglider into be prime real estate for flying. In fact, the world the sunset. “I wanted to try it,” Alan explains. record for longest flight to a declared destina“Flying is the dream of many people and this is tion used to be held up the road in Golden, B.C. Over in Europe and down in South America, pretty much it.” however, paragliding is far more mainstream Alan draws several parallels between para- and common than it is here in Canada. While gliding and two of his other passions in sport: it’s still somewhat rare to see a bright canopy whitewater paddling and skiing. “Flying a glide overhead at RMR, places like Chamonix paraglider is like the best powder day you’ve in the French Alps might see 30 to 40 flights ever had,” he says. “That fluid motion of mov- in the run of a day. For some reason, whether ing through rapids or floating through powder it’s many Canadians’ notorious aversion to is the same as drifting through air currents. It’s perceived risk and potential danger or a simple lack of exposure, paragliding remains a marjust an incredible feeling.”
ginalized activity even in a place as full of adventure seekers and extreme sport junkies as Revelstoke. But it’s not a popularity contest for these high flyers; they clearly do it because they love it. While the area’s paragliding community is small, it’s poised to grow with the recent introduction of newcomers like novice flyer Simon Beland, who moved to Revelstoke in October, 2012, to develop his skills and learn on the fly, so to speak.
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TRIPS - Ages 13+ July 2 - 6: Revelstoke Rock Climbing Week July 9 - 12: Revelstoke Summer Multisport Outdoor Adventure Week July 15 - 19: Revelstoke Whitewater Sampler July 22 - 26: Revelstoke Mountain Bike Week July 29 - Aug 8: Cariboo-Chilcotin Teen Outdoor Adventure Summer Flexpedition. Meeting spot: Williams Lake.
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Left: Ray Brosseuk in Southern Africa delivering materials donated and sorted in Revelstoke. Right: Ray showing off some gold extracted from his Gold Machine. Photos courtesy of Ray Brosseuk.
Priceless
reer path proved difficult. First he joined his father and brother in opening an auto shop in Bella Coola. A year later he bought some land by Rory Luxmoore and built himself a log home, cutting and milling his own lumber. His next job was as a denKilograms of donated supplies: 1.5 million tal assistant for 18 months when he was 20. Number of countries lived: 6 He received some strange looks from the paNumber of adopted children: 4 tients, who remembered the man who used to Near death experiences: 3 work on their rusty vehicles now had his finGold machines built: 30 and counting Cups of soup served in foreign countries each gers in their mouths. year: 3.5 million A couple of years later Ray found himself in Lives changed along the way: Thousands Likely, B.C. where he caught the gold mining Ray Brosseuk’s life may resemble a TV com- bug. As he puts it “the gold snagged me.” In mercial, however, this local humanitarian, 1986 Ray built his first machine to extract gold who calls Revelstoke his home, is real and from the earth. This led to his present endeavour of designing and building gold machines, very inspiring. which are transported to destinations worldRay’s childhood was far from ordinary. “I spent wide. The unique design allows for capture 11 years without a pair of shoes,” he chuckles of up to 95 per cent of gold material and uses when reflecting on his early years. He was born significantly less water than other methods of in Vancouver, yet he soon found himself living extraction. The machine is easily transported, in Hawaii, the South Pacific and then Central can process 100 cubic yards of material an hour America where his father was volunteering as and can be run by one operator. It is no wonder he is busy filling orders for new machines. a teacher, building contractor and mechanic. Ray has countless memories of times spent in these exotic locales. He remembers being the only white boy in a rural school on the South Pacific island of Tonga. Students would have their fingers rapped with a stick if they answered questions incorrectly. This was good motivation for him to learn the language and to realize that he did not get any special treatment. While we sit at a table during this interview, Ray reaches over to show me a slight discoloration in his forearm. He explains his first near death experience. At age 15 he had a job baking bread in a fire heated adobe oven. He received third degree burns to his torso, arms and head when the oven blew up. Coincidentally he was rushed to the hospital his father helped build. While his parents wanted him to return to the U.S. to receive medical attention Ray refused. Instead, he welcomed the use of a traditional healer, who collected oils and herbs from the nearby forest to treat him. Several weeks of treatments helped Ray to make a miraculous recovery. At age 16 Ray thought he should make some money on his own but choosing only one ca-
Partners For Others, which operates in the Big Eddy area of Revelstoke. Since that date they have shipped over 1.5 million kilograms of donated supplies to villages in Southern Africa, the South Pacific, the Caribbean and Asia. Supplies include clothing, food, medical equipment and supplies, textbooks, tools, computers, building supplies as well as farming and industrial equipment. The inspiration for the organization came from a twenty-year school reunion in Fiji. He realized how fortunate we are as Canadians. He also felt blessed to have a creative mind and an ability to go for what he wants and to get it. Fortunately, what he wants is to make the world a better place. Ray states, “I only have 80 years so I want to do the best I can do with it. I can’t take anything with me and don’t want it wasted.”
It is apparent Ray gets a great deal from a life of giving. “There is nothing that you could give me that is greater than helping others,” he says. “Seeing the look on a boy’s face when he receives a soccer ball and a t-shirt makes all the hard work worthwhile,” he declares. The power of giving is infectious. Ray notes that the help As you can see from Ray’s early years he is a he has given others is often paid forward bebrilliant and divergent thinker. While many of cause the people he has helped are often keen us visualize in black and white pictures, Ray to help others less fortunate than themselves. can create in his mind through colour movies. In 1992, he was watching the America’s Cup Behind each good person is a strong support sailing race on TV and commented to his wife system. Ray is aware of how fortunate he is that he could design a faster yacht. He spent a to be born into a family that gave him the opfew days visualizing the movement of the boat portunity and freedom to be himself. His wife through the water being able to critique the Jackie and six children stand proudly with him flaws and make design changes in his head. A as does the community of Revelstoke, providweek later he created a revolutionary keel de- ing overwhelming support in helping others sign that played a crucial role to the winning through Partners For Others. team in the race. Likewise, The Gold Machine was formed in his head. Once he was content The ability of one man to bring positive change with his virtual design he grabbed his torch to the lives of others … priceless. and started to build. Partners For Others continues to ship supRay credits his early childhood experiences for plies to countries in need. Volunteers are significantly shaping who he is today. “I would welcome Tuesday evenings from 6 - 9 p.m. not have been able to think, design or feel the and Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. way I do without those formative years in Cen- to help sort supplies. You can find out more tral America.” He continues, “It gave me free- about Partners for Others at their webpage dom for my brain and allowed me to see the www.partnersforothers.com bigger picture of what the world is all about.” Check out Ray’s Gold Machine at www.theFortunately, Ray has chosen to put his cre- goldmachine.ca You can also see Ray and the ative mind and generous heart to good use. In Gold Machine in action in the popular reality 1997 he formed the humanitarian organization show “Gold Rush.” 9
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Home accents Unique gifts Fashion Accessories Shabby Chic furnishings Photos left to right: The full moon, as seen from outside Shwemawdaw Pagoda's entrance in Myanmar, candles in Shwemawdaw and entering Shwemawdaw. Photos: Kelli Mutchler
Bago’s Full Moon Festival: Where Showy Becomes Sacred The word gaudy took on new meaning here. Buddhas a kilometre long reclined in extravagant robes, temple mosaics glittered with flamboyant gemstones and one monk, reincarnated as a Burmese python, napped under a tawdry blanket of kyat coins and bills. The Bago region in Myanmar (Burma) felt like a theme park of religious flash and show. But a full moon festival is supposed to be gaudy, I reminded myself. Who hadn’t heard stories of a million loud celebrants in irreverent costume dancing garishly on the beaches of Thailand? It was March 7, or the Full Moon Day of Tabaung. According to the Burmese lunisolar calendar the new year would begin next month (Tagu) and today Buddhists across the region would celebrate with merit-making visits to nearby temples. Instead of sipping cocktails from a plastic bucket in Koh Phi Phi, my companions, Hadyn and Marcus, and I were touring the ornate and sacred sites of this small city. Instead of intoxicated teen Brits, we were surrounded by devout natives and glitzy statues. With one final pagoda – or pya – to visit we waved down a passenger truck and squeezed in next to a group of young women. As the vehicle's wheels careened down the main street, squealing at horse carts and dodging cyclists, Shwemawdaw Pagoda grew out of the horizon. I couldn’t tear my eyes from the crashing orange sunset reflecting off its 375 foot stupa. Shwe means “golden” in Burmese, a translation that literally describes the elaborate mineral wealth of the pagoda’s central sculpture. Painted and pressed with gold leaf, decorated in diamonds, this is the tallest stupa in Myanmar. Over 600 years old it supposedly contains two hairs from Buddha’s head and several fragments of his teeth. Of all the spiritual places in Bago none, we were told by our hostel owner, draws a full moon crowd like Shwemawdaw.
by Kelli Mutchler
“Goat,” the chef announced, spooning thigh meat, shoulder bone and cheek onto three Styrofoam plates. It was not the typical full moon bonfire barbeque but under the rays of that pockmarked orb, it tasted rich. Giant sculpted lions, their mouths open in silent roar, guarded the four temple entrances. Before passing the feline representations of power and protection we added our flip-flops to a mountain of other shoes. “This is the best moment of the trip so far,” Marcus whispered as he advanced barefoot toward the bright spire. We were the only Westerners present. Walking clockwise around the stupa I again felt luckily self-conscious of our presence. Though none of us were Buddhist the piety of this yearly occasion was overwhelming. Here hundreds, possibly thousands, had gathered in prayer, not debauchery. Elderly women in the Burmese wrap skirt, a tamein, bent gingerly over small candles. Row upon row of flames were tended by fathers and sons. There was a gaiety among the ranks of congregants, everyone stepping excitedly in their circular adoration. A cluster of monks, mandarin-coloured robes glowing like the candles, broke their usual sombre demeanours to laugh and grin. One mother raised the chubby arm of her baby; waving back we sent him into terrified tears. After several rotations we gained an entourage of brave children. Hadyn’s digital camera sent them into spasms of giggles as they snuck into our photographs with peace signs and tongues sticking out. Marcus, Hadyn and I were caught in a sense of participation in something bigger, more beautiful than a drunken beach party.
Welcomed so warmly to an experience we could not fully join in, I felt privileged to witness this outpouring of faith and good will. We spent hours repeating our steps, smiling and watching and Below the elevated pagoda grounds folks rushed to purchase believing in the holiness of this auspicious day. hand-strung flowers and incense offerings. Buyers and sellers bartered loudly, examining holographic images of Buddha or “Full moon fest was crazy,” Hadyn joked when we finally found sifting through piles of holy ornaments. It was the scene of a our flip-flops and descended out of Shwemawdaw. “I ate goat, travelling carnival: the entire neighbourhood flooded with tem- walked in circles, things were burning. I’ve got so many photos porary vendors that would disappear tomorrow. of people I don’t even know!” Moving carefully and conspicuously amid the worshipers we ducked into an open-air eatery. Like most of the corner stalls in Burma, menus and English ingredients were non-existent. Instead, Marcus and Hadyn admired three simmering cauldrons of curry choosing at random.
It sounded just like the lurid reports of anyone who’s participated in a touristy Thailand version of events. Kitschy and crazy and slightly distasteful. But with just enough sanctity to make it special.
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H E R I T A G E
Images left to right: Sinixt Territory, pre-Euro settlement. A tradtional barbed fishing spear, the lhu'min, used by Sinixt people to catch a variety of fish such as salmon and bulltrout. Images provided by www.sinixtnation.org and Google maps.
Gathering at Tonkawatla Creek A visitor to the Revelstoke area would likely miss any indication of a First Nations culture that thrived for so long in this region. Although there was never a permanent settlement in this area, the Columbia River Valley was a hunting and gathering place for at least four tribes of native peoples.
Ancient HeAling WAters AWAit
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The Secwepemc (Shuswap) band centered their activities around the Fraser and Thompson Rivers but travelled to this area in the summer months. The Syilx (Okanagan) group travelled northeast from the Okanagan Valley across the Monashee range and one of the Northern Ktunaxa bands, the Qatmuk'tek, travelled over the Purcell and Selkirk ranges. But the group that spent the most time in this area, a derivative of the Syilx, is the Sinixt, or Lakes group. The territory of this band ranged from Colville, Washington along the Columbia River and its tributaries as far north as Jasper, Alberta. All of these First Nations peoples spent time in this area because of the abundant fishing. The Columbia River was the greatest salmon producing river in North America in pre-European contact time. There was a major Sinixt encampment at the meeting of the Tonkawatla (Tum Tum) Creek and the Columbia River, where the current Big Eddy greenbelt trail resides. This strategic location at the eastern entrance to Eagle Pass, with its relatively direct access to the Thompson River drainage, was noted as a trapping, hunting, berrying and salmon-fishing spot, as well as serving as an important trading centre. Tonkawatla Creek supported important runs of kokanee and anadromous salmon (meaning they are born in freshwater, mature
by Pauline Hunt
roots of lilium columbianum (tiger lily) in July and August. The Hudson’s Bay Company fur trading post, Fort of the Lakes, was built in During the summer and early fall, all groups 1838 in that area, but was short-lived. Arrowwould gather at fishing stations on the rivers head has also been identified as a site of a for the annual salmon runs. In his 1892 re- small Sinixt village and a traditional burial site. port, Notes on the Shuswap People of British Most of the First Nations villages and burial Columbia, George M. Dawson summarized the grounds were flooded with the damming of the Arrow Lakes. importance of the salmon resource as follows: “Dried salmon constituted the sole winter staple. The right to occupy certain salmon fish- The Department of Indian Affairs recognized ing places, with the annual visit to these by the only a handful of Sinixt descendants. In 1956 more remote families, and the congregation of the department wrote its last cheque to an inlarge numbers of Indians at specially favour- dividual who was legally recognized as Sinixt. able places, largely influenced the life and cus- When she died the government declared the Sinixt extinct and closed the book on a nation toms of the Shuswap peoples.” that had endured for many thousands of years. The seasonal nomadic routes were utilized by A permanent Sinixt presence was reestablished the early European explorers. The well-known in British Columbia during the late 1980s when, Native trail ascending Tonkawatla Creek to following direction by an elder, a number of SiEagle Pass was used by Sir Sanford Fleming in nixt descendants returned to the Slocan Valley the company of a Sinixt in 1883. David Thomp- to protest road building affecting an important son crossed the Athabasca Pass in 1811 and village site, now called the Vallican Heritage overwintered at the confluence of the Columbia, Site. Since 1989 a permanent Sinixt presence Canoe and Wood rivers at a place later known continues in the Slocan Valley with members as Boat Encampment. The fur traders estab- playing an increasing role in local affairs. lished a supply depot at Boat Encampment, which served as a major fur trade transfer point The main focus of the Sinixt nation has always along the Columbia Trail trading route, con- been to uphold the whuplak’n (the law of the necting Jasper with present-day Washington land). Environmental degradation and alterastate for over 50 years. In September of 1865, tion of the Columbia River and its tributaries Walter Moberly and a party of Sinixt ascended has led to a decline of salmon and other native the Illicillewaet River to its headwaters but they fish species' habitat. Although popularized by were reluctant to proceed further because of the larger indigenous groups, currently these issues of our First Nations, as well as treaty rights and threat of early snow. social and economic inequality, are being adThe area of Arrowhead was another salmon dressed by the “Idle No More” movement and fishing place and a noted centre for digging apply to First Nations across all of Canada. at sea and return to the streams they were hatched in).
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RecReation Use of DRawDown Zone LanDs in the UppeR aRRow Lakes ReseRvoiR
BC Hydro would like to remind local residents about the rules and code of conduct in the Upper Arrow Lakes Reservoir Drawdown Zone. Public use is guided by a management plan developed in consultation with local community groups which strives to provide a balance between recreational, fish, wildlife and habitat needs in the area between Revelstoke Dam and Shelter Bay. BC Hydro is committed to ensuring that members of the public are kept informed about acceptable uses of the Drawdown Zone, which refers to exposed shoreline lands between the high-water mark and the current Arrow Reservoir water level. The Drawdown Zone contains sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. Please adhere to the code of conduct posted at major access points around the lands, and respect the environment by staying out of streams and upland grasslands and using only main roads. As the area becomes accessible here are a few things to keep in mind: • Public motorized use is permitted on the East side of the reservoir at the Illecillewaet River, “6-mile”, “9-mile” and “12-mile” access points. Motorized access and use is not permitted in Montana Slough to protect the sensitive wetland. • The Drawdown Zone area south of the 12-mile and Drimmie Creek flats area is closed to both motorized and non-motorized use to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat. • The newly constructed Illecillewaet pedestrian bridge is available for non-motorized use only. Please be aware that adjoining trails south of the river may not be available year round. • BC Hydro does not sanction the public use of private property to access the Arrowhead historical area or any part of the Drawdown Zone. Such access is trespassing unless first authorized by the property owner(s). • Users of off-road vehicles must have proof of general liability insurance (minimum of $250,000). It is recommended that users of motorized vehicles carry $2 million liability insurance. • Protect sensitive vegetation, nesting birds, wetlands, and streams by using main roadways and following the Code of Conduct posted at public access points. • Do not camp, light fires, or dump garbage or other refuse in the Drawdown Zone. • Please make safety a priority when using Drawdown Zone lands. BC Hydro communicates regularly with an advisory committee whose members represent a range of local interests as part of our efforts to implement the Management Plan.
To report Code of Conduct violations or environmental damage Call the RCMP at 250 837 5255, provincial Report a Poacher or Polluter line 1 877 952 RAPP (7277) Report all wildfires to 1 800 663 5555 GDS11-071
Music Notes
EMERGING Revelstoke's Youth
The Flourishing Imagination of
Amelia Brown by John Devitt
Amelia Brown proudly shows a copy of The Lonely Dragon, a book she recently published. Photo: Ian Brown
Stuck on Honey members from left to right: Maggie Davis, Denis Severino, Darrin Herting and Jacob Verburg. Photo: Amy Burton
The Sweet Sounds of Stuck on Honey by Katie Marti A town is only as good as its local music scene. Isn’t that how the saying goes? I’m pretty sure it is. Fortunately for Revelstoke, the streets are full-to-overflowing with musical talent and creativity. With live shows on offer just about every night of the week and monthly coffee house style variety shows featuring a diverse collection of local artists from poets to pianists, there can be no doubt there is a lot more going on around here than simply the skiing and mountain biking that put Revy on the map. Exhibit A: Local darlings Stuck on Honey. Armed with an arsenal of instruments that includes everything from a banjo and mandolin to a washboard and a kazoo, they’ve been sweetening the local music scene for the past two years with their foot-stompin’ barn burnin’ jams.
So what’s next for Stuck on Honey? In addition to their regular gigs at The Big Eddy Pub and the Last Drop, they’ve got several projects on the go. They’re excited to be performing at a banquet for the Organic Farmers’ Association in Vernon and, of course, there’s always a combination of some or all of them on stage at any given time for the monthly coffee house, traditionally held the fourth Saturday of each month at Revelstoke United Church on Mackenzie Avenue. Word on the street is that March’s performance will feature slide guitarist Sam Masterton, who played with them for a few shows on their last tour in the Kootenays and is “guaranteed to blow everybody away,” according to Denis. There’s talk of van tours and canoe tours and busking at festivals in the U.S. this summer but it’s hard to say what will actually come to pass given the busy backstories of the four friends and bandmates.
The quartet is composed of Denis Severino, Darrin Herting, Jacob Verburg and Maggie Davis — all “We all do all sorts of stuff,” says Maggie with her enormously talented by their own right but genuinely signature enthusiasm. “This is just one of the things stoked to be playing music together in what Maggie that we do.” describes as “an eclectic little ball of fun.” That’s cool, just as long as all the other stuff doesn’t It’s tough to pinpoint where and how it all began get in the way of this one thing because Revelstoke’s for the band but if there’s a common denominator, music fans are Stuck on Honey and the only cure is a it seems to be Denis. He first met Jacob playing cof- lot more honey. fee houses in the Shuswap region. Around that same time Denis and Maggie were playing gigs here and Isn’t that how the saying goes? I’m pretty sure it is. there, such as opening for the Breakmen at the Roxy Theatre downtown. Denis recommended bringing Jacob into the fold as a prime guitar shredder and, soon FREE Shuttle! thereafter, the group recorded a demo CD and needed 250.814.3333 a bass player to round out the roster. So they called upon Darrin, a hip and happening music teacher from Salmon Arm. The result is a collection of unique talent and musical taste that simultaneously raises the roof and brings down the house each and every time they take to the stage. Since coming together the band has embarked on a couple of tours in the Kootenays as well as a few house parties and, perhaps most notably, they headlined the Revelstoke Coffee House Holiday Fundraiser Extravaganza Hootenanny held this past December at the Performing Arts Centre. As much as they love taking their show on the road the crew always enjoys playing here at home. “Revelstoke is such an incredible audience,” says Denis. “This community is just so supportive of local music. We’re all still learning a ton about our instruments and the style of music we’re playing, so it’s just really nice to be able to experiment and grow in such a positive, encouraging environment.”
Mar. 7 Mar. 14 Mar. 20 Mar. 21 Mar. 28 Apr. 4 Apr. 11 Apr. 18 Apr. 25
Mindil Beach Markets 9-11p.m. The Bitterweed Draw 9-11p.m. New Country Rehab 9-11p.m. Turtle Mountain 7-9p.m. Odd Man Out 9-11p.m. Meet & Greet 6-7p.m. Carlos del Junco 8-10p.m. WILLHORSE 9-11p.m. Live it! Love it! Fundraiser Kootenanny-Locals Night 9-11p.m. Craig Cardiff 9-11p.m. Alexander Flock 7-9p.m. DJ Competition 9:30-Late
Big Eddy Pub Big Eddy Pub Big Eddy Pub Big Eddy Pub Benoit's Wine Bar RPAC Big Eddy Pub Big Eddy Pub Big Eddy Pub River City Pub
Tickets on sale at Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store, The Village Idiot and Benoit's Wine Bar. 250.814.0095
There are very few people who can proudly say they have checked off one of those perennial bucket list items; writing and publishing a book of their own. There are even fewer 11 year olds who can proudly say the book they wrote is displayed on bookshelves throughout Revelstoke. But eleven-year-old Amelia Vine, grade six student at Arrow Heights Public School, is in this elite club. Quiet and shy when talking to ‘journalists’ curious about her project, at first Amelia’s father Ian Brown leads much of the conversation. The book's illustrator and local artist Zuzana ‘Zu’ Driediger is also present. “[Amelia] wrote a lot of books when she was younger,” her father notes. “She would write and draw and we’d staple them together. She wrote something like 30 stories.” Creativity comes at any age. With these practice stories under her belt, The Lonely Dragon is Amelia’s first published book. It started as an extracurricular activity that Mrs. Allison Just, learning assistant at Arrow Heights Elementary, challenged select students with. “She took a few of us and showed us Blurb [an online site] where you can publish your own book. I think I was the only one of the group that finished [writing a book],” Amelia says. Amelia explains that one night she just sat down and the story came pouring out in one long stream. “I just started typing and in a few hours there it was,” she says. “It really didn’t change much after that.” Although written in just a few hours, the finished product she speaks of took nearly an entire year to complete. After writing the story about a lonely dragon that will not take his medicine, Amelia knew she had to have pictures to go along with the words. “I didn’t really know anyone that was an exceptional artist,” she says. “Except I knew Zu was really good because I’d seen some of her artwork and thought it was really good.” Zuzana Driediger, a local artist, is no stranger to illustrating books and is currently working on one with an established author from North Vancouver about Canada’s first avalanche dog in Whistler. With a planned release in the fall, the children’s book will feature a foreword written by Justin Trudeau. As exciting a project as that sounds, Zuzana has been moved by Amelia’s burgeoning creativity. “I think she’s really awesome. I’m totally inspired by her.” Exceptionally well-organized, Amelia supplied Zuzana with the text and Zuzana in turn drew dozens of ink line drawings for Amelia to colour. While the colouring took nearly the entire year to complete Amelia credits Zuzana for breathing life into the story. “Zu did the most amazing job you could have expected on the pictures. They’re amazing,” Amelia says. Amelia is now touring some of the local Revelstoke schools reading her book to younger grades. As yet, Revelstoke's library does not have a copy but hopefully that will be remedied in the near future. Amelia’s next project is helping the Ecole des Glaciers, the new French immersion program at Arrow Heights, translate The Lonely Dragon into French. Amelia has no immediate plans to write new stories. She is focused on winning the upcoming school district spelling bee. As her school’s resident champ she stands a good chance of taking home the top honours. Nevertheless, she says she doesn’t think the story of this lonely dragon will continue and she will probably start with a brand new story the next time she writes. But she will probably still include either dragons or unicorns — or both. Amelia’s father Ian laughs at the irony when he reflects on the plot of The Lonely Dragon. “The theme was quite interesting. When she was young she refused to take her medicine. So she wrote a story about why it’s important to take your medicine. It’s a good message for kids.” Zuzana chimes in and says it’s about ‘healthy medicine’ but Amelia won’t have any of it. “I wrote it about my younger sister,” she says with a smirk. Visit www.blurb.com and search Lonely Dragon. There you will be presented with a variety of soft cover and hardcover options to order the book.
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Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Nutritionists
101 1st St. W. 250-837-3900 jademountain.ca
heliosphysio.com
Helios Rehabilitation & Performance Jade Mountain Wellness and Acupuncture Amanda Argue RHN 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 Erin Potter R.TCM.P. 250-837-7171 Kim Nicholls RMT
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa Diane Mahoney R.Ac. 509 4th St. E 250 837 6084 welwinds.com
Namaste Nutrition - Nutritional Counselling Melissa Hemphill, BSc RHN 23-318 Humbert St. 250-814-3207 namastenutrition.ca
Physiotherapy
Helios Rehabilitation & Performance Anna Chicoine BSc(Kin) MPT Amy Guidinger BScPT RCAMT CGIMA RPT Fraser Sprigins BScPT CAFCI RPT
Energy Therapy andCoaching
Guided Energy Work and Soul Counselling 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 Frieda Livesey 250-837-7171 Classes in Soul Awareness Writing 250-837-3724 hearttohearthealing.ca
Massage Therapy and Bodywork Beth Purser Massage NHPC 101 1st St. W. 250-814-3679
Bodylogic Therapeutic Massage Karen Schneider RMT, Tina Giotsalitis RMT Suite 103 - 103 1st St. E. 250-837-3666 bodylogicmassagerevelstoke.com
Helios Rehabilitation & Performance 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com
Laura Pick
SourcePoint Therapy® Rolfing® Structural Integration CranioSacral & Bowen Technique 250-814-4687
Repose Massage Therapy and Day Spa Ashley Sumner BC RMT Amy Eburne BC RMT (in the Hillcrest Hotel) 2100 Oak Dr. 250-837-3322 reposedayspa.ca
301 1st St. E. 250-837-6677 revelstokemassagetherapy.com
Hotels/B&B's
$ = under $60 $$ = $60 - $90 $$$ = $90 - $110 $$$$ = $110 and up
Cheeky Beaver Chalet cheekybeaverchalet.com 802 2nd St. W.
250-837-5886
$$
250-837-5221
$-$$$$
Canyon Motor Inn canyonmotorinn.ca 1911 Fraser Dr.
Herbert House
heliosphysio.com
(*Note: rental is by month or longer)
416 Leach St.
Red Cedar Physiotherapy Jocelyn Kutcher BScPT RPT Prue Hicks BAppScPT RPT Naomi Gibbs, BPT RPT
Suite 204, 555 Victoria Rd. (beside Coopers) 250-837-8519 redcedarphysio.ca
Spas
Energy Matters Health Spa 110 B 1st. St. W. 250-837-4244 energymatterscanada.com
Minto Manor B&B mintomanor.com
250-837-1512 $
250-837-9337
$$$$
mustangbedandbreakfast.com 1221 1st St. W. 250-837-2801
$$$$
815 Mackenzie Ave.
Mustang B&B
Ol' Frontier Motel
Halcyon Hot Springs Village and Spa 5655 Hwy 23, Nakusp 250-265-3554/1-888-689-4699 halcyon-hotsprings.com
Yoga/Pilates
Balu Yoga and Wellness Sheri Zebroff RMT and Shendra Kelly RPT Frieda Livesey - Guided Energy Therapy 414 1st St. W. 250-837-3975 baluyoga.com
theolfrontier.ca 122 Hwy 23 N.
250-837-5119
$-$$
250-200-0388
$$$$
Powder Pillow B&B powderpillow.ca 1103 Pine Ridge Crescent
Powder Springs Hotel powdersprings.ca 200 3rd St. W.
250-837-5151
$$$-$$$$
250-837-2107
$$-$$$$
250-837-4650
$$-$$$$
Regent Hotel
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa
Yoga . Massage Therapy . Acupuncture . Tea 509 4th St. E 250 837 6084 welwinds.com
Revelstoke Massage Therapy Clinic David Walker RMT, Liane Dorrius RMT Deb Logan RMT
Sleeps
Red Cedar Physiotherapy
regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.
Swiss Chalet Motel swisschaletmotel.com 1101 Victoria Rd. W.
Suite 204, 555 Victoria Rd. (beside Coopers) 250-837-8519 redcedarphysio.ca
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa Diane Mahoney RMT
Want your listing on this page?
509 4th St. E 250 837 6084 welwinds.com
$25/listing or $90/year E-mail: editor@reved.net Phone: 604-219-5313
Restaurants/Pubs $ = under $15 $$ = $15 - 25 $$$ = $25 and up
Kawakubos Japanese Restaurant
112 Restaurant and Lounge regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.
250-837-2107
$$$
Benoit's Wine Bar
benoitswinebar.com 107 2nd St. E. 250-837-6606
Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store 2108 Big Eddy Rd.
Conversations Café
205 Mackenzie Ave.
250-814-0095
La Baguette Espresso Bar 607 Victoria Rd. & Garden Ave.
$-$$$
Last Drop
201 2nd St. W. $-$$
Main St. Café
317 Mackenzie Ave.
Modern Bake Shop & Café
250-837-3035
212 Mackenzie Ave.
Isabella's Ristorante
isabellasristorante.ca 107 2nd St. E.
109 1st. St. E.
250-837-6743
$-$$$
Nomad Food Co.
1601 Victoria Rd.
Ol' Frontier Motel
250-837-2467
$-$$$
theolfrontier.ca 122 Hwy 23 N.
250-837-3755
$-$$
Paramjit's Kitchen
250-837-2121
$-$$
250-837-6888
$
250-837-6886
$
250-837-4211
$
paramjitskitchen.com 116 1st. St. W.
250-837-5119
$-$$
250-837-2121
$-$$
250-837-2107
$$-$$$
250-837-5500
$-$$$
River City Pub
regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.
Woolsey Creek Bistro
woolseycreekbistro.ca 604 2nd. St. W.
Online Dining Guide: chomp-monster.com 14
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