Revelstoke's Arts, Culture and Lifestyles Publication
FREE ZING RAIN. Winter 14/15 Issue #39
Mount Cartier from Revelstoke Mountain Resort. Photo: John Antoniuk
reved.net
It's what's
i
INSthatDE counts
Transient Beauty by Alison Lapshinoff
T
he 300-pound block was slick, cold. It had no handholds. A man in heavy gloves heaved its bulk toward the emerging structure and placed it next to the last, forming the beginning of a wall. One may picture a crew of dusty stonemasons erecting some giant monolith in a noisy, smog-choked city: quite the contrary. Beneath a wintry sky, families of ice skaters glided by the unusual construction site. Here the ‘masons’ were artists, the ‘bricks’ formed of ice and the ‘mortar’ snow and water. This Canadian winter wonderland was the Ice Magic Festival in Lake Louise held every winter in midJanuary. The sculptors were a team working for a Calgary-based company called Frozen Memories and the structure a life-sized, fairytale ice castle complete with interior spaces to skate through and lounges of ice for resting tired legs. Kegan Podolas grew up in Winnipeg, where every winter the Festival du Voyageur draws artists who create sculptures of ice and snow to decorate the city boulevards, an attempt to get people out of hibernation and into the frosty air. Before moving to Revelstoke a few years ago, Kegan spent some time in Jasper where he completed his culinary apprenticeship. But the idea of ice carving stayed with him, his creativity manifesting itself in the form of elaborate fruit carvings to adorn banquet tables. “[Ice carving] is tied in with the culinary industry,” Kegan explains, “because it is so often used in hospitality.” About five years ago at a brewery tour in Banff, Kegan cornered Lee Ross, former executive chef and owner of Frozen Memories. “He blew me off at first,” Kegan laughs. “He gets lots of calls from gungho apprentices.” But Kegan was persistent. He bought Lee a couple of beers and finally got his number. Kegan’s tenacity paid off. After countless phone calls and maybe
even a little stalking, Kegan landed a job on the ‘brick and mortar’ team at the Ice Magic Festival. Since then Lee has become something of an ice carving mentor. Construction of the castle is a huge undertaking. The ice blocks are made in Calgary at the Frozen Memories studio. Water is frozen in forms using Clinebell freezers, units specifically designed to produce crystal clear carving ice. Once frozen, it is ‘harvested’ using a huge hoist and clamps. Kegan likens it to “taking the engine out of a car.” After removing any irregularities with a double handed chainsaw, the blocks are transported to Lake Louise in wooden crates where a team of four, clad in heavy
¡
¡
Kegan has even sculpted his dog, Hugo, who he carved from memory.
duty gloves and crampons, spend about three 16-hour days erecting the castle on the frozen lake. “The base is crucial,” Kegan says. “It has to be level and you must compensate for the angle of the lake.” Contrary to what one might expect, the frozen lake surface is often uneven. “It has to be properly engineered.” Since building his first castle, Kegan’s ice carving experience has grown exponentially. Using various shapes and sizes of chisels, chainsaws, nail boards (like sandpaper), Dremel tools and torches, Kegan has brought ice to life in many forms, always starting with 300-pound rectangular blocks made at the Frozen Memories studio. At Sun Peaks Resort he created a life-sized horse for Chinese New Year and at the Banff Springs Hotel, a Plinko board of ice for a casino-themed event.
A corporate advertising project had him freezing iconic images of Canadian hockey legends into ice and in Lake Louise, he sculpted an icy podium for the World Cup Downhill Skiing event. He has worked on a team constructing an ice maze and slide for kids at Alberta Beach near Edmonton as well as an Absolut ice luge through which shots are poured for adults. “People like interactive drinks,” Kegan laughs, elaborating on an idea he has in mind for an ice bar and lounge at a ski resort. Working with a miniature model as a guide, he’s carved an elk, an eagle and a swan, to name a few. These types of pieces are often backlit with coloured light and used as focal points on banquet tables. He has even sculpted his dog, Hugo, who he carved from memory. “I pet him every day so I know all the contours of his body,” he explains. Hugo was his first independent sale to the Regent Hotel. Kegan currently works at Revelstoke’s 112 Restaurant as a chef. This coming winter will begin a new chapter in Kegan’s ice carving career as he will be launching his company, Blue Bird Sculpture, right here in Revelstoke. “My business will be based around live demos,” he says. Kegan will travel to festivals, events and ski resorts throughout B.C. where he will create sculptures of ice before live audiences, providing a beautiful piece of frozen artwork and entertainment for the crowds. “It’s always been my dream to work for myself,” he adds. So when skiing or snowboarding in B.C. this winter, keep a lookout at the base of the mountain for that open air ice bar and lounge. Perhaps Kegan will be busy with his chisels and torches bringing some magic to the frosty air. And if you’re lucky, the bartender will be around and the Absolut ice luge will be ready to go! Contact Kegan Podolas through his website at: bluebirdsculpture.com
Revelstoke's ice sculptor, Kegan Podolas. Photo: Sean Allen
Kegan Podolas' icy creations. All photos: Sean Allen
EDITORIAL
Why We Suck At New Year Resolutions by Heather Lea
This issue's reved quarterly
D
oes the start of a new year mean to you what it means to so many? You basically get to reset everything and start, try, plan again right? And what is it about a new year that sets our motivational juices surging forth into sudden willpower, where we will—for sure this time—ameliorate ourselves into better people? Commonly referred to as the New Year's Resolution (invented acronym: NYR), these goals come easily at first (can I have a shot of rum in that eggnog?) and are so promising with intent (can I have a shot of eggnog in that rum?), yet when it comes down to it, the NYR, begun with such conviction, is broken as quickly as a Las Vegas bride’s vows when it comes to the follow-through. Fact: 60 per cent of resolutions are tossed to the curb alongside the balding Christmas tree within the first month. And there’s no finish line—like where you win stuff—in the first 60 per cent of the race is there? How many of you have seriously, honestly committed to your NYR? Totally dialed it; stayed on that diet, saved that money, stopped stealing candy from kids... Me neither. I’ve stopped doing it completely, (making resolutions, not the stealing candy from kids part.) Well, guess what? It’s tricky to stick to your well-intentioned plan to better yourself; astronomical mind-messing is at play here. According to Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist from New Jersey, and author of The Willpower Instinct, the human psyche is working against competing selves; one who wants the benefits of long-term outcomes, while the other craves short-term relief from stress and discomfort. Kelly states we tend to come up with resolutions that don’t really matter to us, which make us guaranteed to fail. There is a way—there’s always a way— to succeed at the NYR or goals in general. Choose something you’ll enjoy. If you need to exercise so you don’t die of a heart attack, pick an activity you like, not something that sounds good when you talk it up. Maybe you like pickleball but think it sounds cooler to say you’re training for a marathon. Don’t lie. Your brain knows and it’ll withdraw its motivation. Also, don’t reveal your NYR. Sure sometimes you need to tell people your goal. For example, you’re raising money or your boss asks you to prove you’re worth the ink signing your paycheques, but according to Peter Gollwitzer, a professor of psychology in New York, we should mostly keep our goals to ourselves. Peter asked a roomful of 163 people to think of a goal. He then asked half the audience to announce their goal to the room while the other half were to say nothing. All 163 people were given a maximum of 45 minutes to work towards their goal but were allowed to stop at anytime. The half who kept their goals a secret worked the entire 45 minutes and, when asked, felt they still had a long way to go to achieve their goal. The other half, who’d told the room their goal, quit after 33 minutes on average and said they felt much closer to achieving their goal. This seems to go against the grain. Shouldn’t we seek encouragement from others when aiming high? Who doesn’t like the proud twinkle in the eyes of loved ones while announcing The Better Me project? Yet apparently by divulging goals, our brains assume the goal has been completed because it’s already received recognition in the form of praise and congratulatory tones. I'm not sure I agree with keeping secret goals. Talking about my goal makes me accountable, which prompts me into action. What it comes down to, though, is what works or doesn’t work for you. In truth, inventing an NYR is easy. Succeeding would also be easy if all we had to do was talk about it. Having to actually do it sucks. For the most part, we set goals because we want the outcome—nobody wants the crap in between, like actually working hard to take that crucial step toward their goal each and every day, even when we’re unmotivated, uninspired and just generally tired. This is where willpower kicks in, which Kelly McGonigal defines as having the “ability to do what matters most, even when it’s difficult or when some part of you doesn’t want to.” Maybe it also helps to factor in failure as part of our success, making goals adaptable to the unexpected events of life. Is your resolution an all-or-nothing return? Will you give up if you don’t see results right away? Trick that prefrontal cortex into second-nature behaviour. Substitute a pomegranate for a pastry; a stroll for a smoke; a bath for a beer… don’t scare your commitment-phobic brain by telling it you’ll never eat/smoke/drink/do that again. Baby-step that shit; ask yourself to choose the positive option just this one time. Then try it again the next time. Suddenly you’re craving water instead of pop—it’s like you just performed magic on your own self. Heck why not make a resolution any of the other 364 days of the year? Call it your new lifestyle habit. I’ve heard it only takes 21 tries for something to become a habit. In the end, keep something in mind: setting a goal is also like setting an expectation; you’re essentially asking for more than what you have right now. Take some time to sit with the idea: is this goal improving a negative in your life or is it just another way you’re hoping to look better to others?
editor@reved.net reved.net
by Katie Marti
editor@reved.net
Ad sales/marketing Heather Lea
Where: Birch and Lace Hair Company, 113 2nd St. E.
Design/layout Heather Lea
Katie’s two cents: First off, be prepared for a serious lack of foamy suds. Having used organic products before, I wasn’t surprised or disappointed but newcomers to the scene may be thrown off or try to use more shampoo than they need the first few times around. Next, the shampoo smells amazing—fresh, clean and kind of woodsy—and it left my hair all shiny and smooth. Given the price tag of $24 and size of the bottle (236 mL/8 oz), I probably won’t use this shampoo every day but I love having it in my arsenal of products and have designated it my “special occasion” shampoo. (Apparently, Sunday evening is a special occasion now. Who knew?) What’s more, I had a great time chatting with Sara Jeffery, owner of Birch and Lace, as we debated which product to try on my hair. If this is the gateway product to good hair, I’m officially hooked. And it feels good.
Try Reved's Product Reviews! In each issue of Reved Quarterly, we will do product review write-ups of anything and everything sold around Revelstoke. If you are a new or existing business and would like an unbiased member of the Reved team to test your products let us know! We'll give your product a free write-up in our next issue. Contact us at editor@reved.net
gear
food drinks activities
WE'LL TEST ANYTHING!
!
Consider a Reved paperless GIFT CERTIFICATE
What's it good for?
@revednow
Publisher/editor Heather Lea
What: John Masters Organics, Spearmint & Meadowsweet Scalp Stimulating Shampoo: $24
About the product: With a strong focus on organic content and allnatural ingredients, not to mention environmentally ethical practices across the board, John Masters Organics is the good kind of hair and skin care company. Their website, johnmasters.com, reinforces a driving philosophy of promoting what they call “super natural beauty.” A strong platform like this is key for me because, truthfully, my hair spends the vast majority of its time either in a bun on top of my head or smothered under a toque/helmet. If I’m going to splurge on something like shampoo, I need to know it’s worth it compared to the $3.99 I usually spend on whatever’s on sale at the grocery store. John Masters’ mantra is, “feel good about looking good” and I have to admit, I’m sold.
Reved Quarterly
Reved Quarterly
sales@reved.net
editor@reved.net
Copy Editor Lea Storry
edit@reved.net
Distribution Emily Beaumont dist@reved.net
Staff Writers/Columnists Alison Lapshinoff Giles Shearing Imogen Whale Katie Marti Rory Luxmoore Contributors Sarah Newton Tayla Koerber
r e v e d . n e t
Pg.2 Artist in Profile Pg.3 Editorial; Reved Product Review Pg.4 We're Everywhere; From the Streets Pg.5 What's your Biz'ness Pg.6 What Matters Pg.7 Health and You Pg.8 Out There Pg.9 Know Your Neighbour Pg.10 Around the World Pg.11 The Scene Pg.12 Heritage Moments Pg.13 Music Notes; Emerging Pg.14 Sleeps, Eats n' Sips, Health and Wellness Directory 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 2015 by Reved Media and Design. No portion shall be reproduced in any way, digital or written, unless prior consent is given by Reved Media and Design. Reved Quarterly is designed by Reved Media and Design, revedmedia.com
We want YOUR AD to
POP
How many ads have we designed in this issue? ENTER OUR CONTEST
for a chance to win up to 50 % OFF your next ad. HINT: Look for this watermark.
• Reved Schwag: t-shirts, stickers and more • Reved advertising for the business person in your life • tickets to our 10-year Anniversary party in June 2015 • our Best of Reved coffee table book
RULES: go to our Facebook page or website, give us a number and we'll enter you in a
Order your digital gift certificate today!
Webernet: reved.net Facebook: Reved Quarterly
Message us on our Facebook page or send an e-mail to editor@reved.net
random draw to win!
we're
EVERYWHERE
1.
Sara Gallring, from Sweden, is distracted by her winter 2012/13 copy of Reved as the Men's World Cup Cross Country Sprint Champion is being crowned in Canmore, AB Dec. 2012. Photo: Rory Luxmoore
SEND US
PHOTOS!
Send pics of you or your friends reading Reved in weird and wonderful places.
3.
2.
4.
We'll publish it here! E-mail high-resolution photos saved as JPEGs to:
editor@reved.net
5.
6.
7.
8.
If you could be any wildlife species seen around Revelstoke what would it be Interviews and photos: Tayla Koerber
and why?
4
1 Arden Davis I'd be a hawk because they're cool and pretty badass. 2 Caine McCabe A grizzly bear. Nobody messes with you, you can eat whatever you want and you get to sleep for days and days. 3 Matt Smider An eagle because it'd be like I'd have my own personal airplane and I'd be worry
free to enjoy the beautiful vistas. 4 Sarah Boaz A cougar. It's sly, man. Like the spy of the wilderness or something. 5 Ralph Koerber Canada goose because it's not fun being an animal here in the winter so I'd like to fly south. 6 Briel Borthwick A goldfish. Honestly, cause
they're the most baller of the fish. Like high class. Literally, gold. 7 Tanya Wolgram A squirrel so I could like be all stealth and run around and dodge everything. 8 Marius Lorenz Definitely an otter. I don't know why, it's just a feeling. They're smart and social.
Ais your home favourite café, watering hole, yoga studio, gathering place, dinner party;
the stop and start of a great ride.
Looking for a
lifestyle?
Let Rich Hamilton help you find it here in Revelstoke. P: 250-837-9544 C: 250-200-0900 revelstokehomesales.com Facebook: Revelstoke Home Sales
Brew Locally! Your local Winexpert Retailer. 250-837-3911 revelstokeubrew.com wine . beer . ciders . coolers . port . icewine . champagne
Watch for our next issue!
Coming in March, 2015
To Advertise
Contact: editor@reved.net 604.219.5313 Ad Reservation Deadline:
Feb.10, 2015
Owner Dinah Collette and employee Meaghan Stranack in the bright new Spice O’ Life store location at 208 1st Street East. Photo: Giles Shearing
What's Your Spice Up Your Winter by Giles Shearing
S
pice O’ Life Emporium is wellknown in Revelstoke as the place to get items you likely wouldn’t tell your parents about. The sign out front states a recognizable slogan: The Most Tasteful “Sex Shop” in the West. Owner Dinah Collette tells me the quotation marks around “Sex Shop” imply the store is about much more than sex. I ask Dinah what makes Spice O’ Life so tasteful. “Two reasons,” she explains, “one is because the store is welcoming.” There are mild-mannered products at the entrance like soaps, lotions and incense holders, not the smut often associated with stores selling sexy products. For example, adult videos are not sold here. “The other is discretion,” Dinah continues. I cheekily ask who the most prominent patrons are. I didn’t get one name! Dinah remarks, “We’re more discreet than a bank.” The atmosphere of the shop is relaxed and comfortable, brighter than ever in their new location. It was fun being toured throughout the shop’s many sections. For those who have never visited Spice O’ Life, its offerings are truly amazing. Newcomers would be surprised to find organic body oils and lotions, lu-
bricants, gifts for all occasions (well, mainly adult occasions), mugs, incense holders, hemp products, humorous gifts, costumes, seasonal items (think Mr. and Ms. Claus), costumes, lingerie, t-shirts, extract oils, greeting cards, gift wrap, jigsaw puzzles, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, robes, masks, soup mixes, wall hangings, blankets, flags, instructional books, funny and cool stickers and yes, quality sex toys and other marital aids. A true emporium! Spice O’ Life has been alive and well in Revelstoke for 20 years. Dinah tells me she started her business after she was laid off from the railway, a career she had for 15 years prior. How has Spice O’ Life evolved over the past 20 years? “There are many more products now,” she describes. “Twenty years ago there was one rack of adult toys, now there are lots. There is mainstream acceptance of relationship aids and with novels like 50 Shades of Grey, previously taboo items are now more commonplace.” Another evolving trend is the change in male clientele. “Men often come in asking for advice on how to spice up their relationships. [Men] don’t assume they know it all now as opposed to 20 years ago,” says Dinah. “They are interested in learning.”
¡
We’re more discreet than
a bank.
¡
Spice O’ Life is open Tuesday to Saturday from noon to 7:00 p.m. and later by request. There’s no need to don a cloak and glasses, the shop is very welcoming. There are monthly specials along with the ever-popular Spice Bucks program. Spend $30 and get one Spice Buck. Use your Stoke Card and get a Spice Buck for every $15 spent. ‘Like’ the Spice O’ Life Facebook page to get all the up-to-date details. This store is for those 18 or older. Dinah and I ended our chat with a playful bet. Will there be an increase in births nine months after this issue of Reved is released? She reminds me, “We also sell condoms.” Only the winter season will tell.
tax services
Get ready to FILE • Personal/Business/Corp. Tax Returns • Financial Statements/GST Returns • Bookkeeping Services • T4S and T5S • Payroll
Come check out the monthly specials at our new location! The Most Tasteful "Sex Shop" In The West
208 First Street East Open Tuesday - Saturday Noon - 7 p.m. 250-837-2002
Call 250.837.2345 304 - 3rd St. W. Revelstoke, BC www.hrblock.ca
Matters What i k s s y Alwa trol in con
Skier Etiquette Exposed by Sarah Newton
W
e all know (or think we know) the basics of skier etiquette: ski under control, yield to the downhill skier, don’t cut lines, respect beginners, ski on trails that match your abilities, etc. But what drives you crazy about basic breaches in skier etiquette? Really crazy? Like ski-pole-whacking, spit-in-thesnow crazy? After polling many friends, I heard the same things over and over about poor skier etiquette. For example, Revelstokians have no tolerance for: people who cut in line, smoke in the gondola, don’t merge properly or stop on the trail where they aren’t visible to others. These things bug me too and made me realize that Revelstokians should never, under any circumstances, ski in Greece. In 2001 my husband Rory Luxmoore and I decided to interrupt our uber-budget conscious bike tour across Europe and give ourselves a little Christmas present. We went skiing in Greece. At first glance the venue, that shall remain unnamed, didn’t betray the mayhem that was de rigueur on that mountain: beginners going at break-neck speed using other hapless skiers as their own personal slalom course or slightly better skiers doing strange tricks that appeared to be a mix of ski-ballet and roller derby with small children thrown (literally) into the mix. And all the while smoking. Except the kids, of course. There wasn’t a tree or trail in sight, just a giant
bowl with modern lifts to break up the landscape. In Canada, we have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to someone stepping on the tails of your skis. Not so in Greece. Upon approaching said lift ‘line,’ Rory and I were almost wiped out by a very spiffy dresser in a one-piece Sunice®. This guy skied right over the front of my skis to take a place in front of me. While inching our way toward the chairlift, at least a dozen other skiers walked—not slipped or fell, but walked—over my skis to either join their friends, get to the lodge or simply butt in front of us. We were in the midst of the most non-linear lift-line we had ever encountered, with the exception of boarding an Air Afrique flight in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. According to Ned Lazarevic, head coach of Revelstoke Mountain Resort’s (RMR) ski team, and Rob Elliott, RMR general manager, the number one breach of skier etiquette in Canada is where people choose to stop on the hill. “Anyone—skier, snowboarder, snowblader—stopping below a roll or knoll on a ski hill is asking for trouble,” says Rob. “Riders moving quickly downhill have little time to react. Bumps, jumps, foreign pieces of equipment, speed and a slick sliding surface is a recipe for disaster. Discovering someone parked in a jump's landing zone or at the outlet of a blind corner only adds to the potential calamity. Nasty things have occurred in such circumstances.”
Image design: Heather Lea.
Rob goes on to warn, “Slow areas are created to manage congestion, protect novice skiers or provide a safe, no-stress travel zone. Travel in that area is not about you anymore. Whether you’re Jean Claude Killy or not, slow means slow. A double daffy with a tray over the roadway or corked 540 will cost you your pass.” Good advice from a man who has seen more than his share of skiers come off the mountain bound for an express trip to the hospital. I also heard gripes about fast skiers cutting people off and skiing erratically. Perhaps some folks aren’t great at imagining what life is like for beginners, the elderly or a parent with a train of little kids behind them. It’s hard to believe some people purposefully try to get ahead of other skiers just to get up the hill a few seconds sooner. So what drives people to butt in line or ignore obvious merging protocol? It’s a mystery right up there with the abominable snowman. The next day you spend skiing on the mountain, be sure to enjoy every moment but try also to demonstrate that proud Canadian skier etiquette. Be considerate of others when it comes to smoking in the gondola, cutting people off on the slopes or butting in line. And definitely don’t stop under a knoll on the slopes. It’s a lot to remember but consider it necessary training in case you ever find yourself skiing in Greece.
Karen Schnieder RMT Tina Giotsalitis RMT
Registered Massage Therapy 250.837.3666 bodylogicmassagerevelstoke.com
Restoring Health Naturally Check our web site regularly for details on how to win a
FREE ACUPUNCTURE SESSION www.jademountain.ca
250.837.3900
101 First Street West, Revelstoke, B.C.
PLEASE
share or recycle this paper.
XO,
The Environment Revelstoke Massage Therapy Clinic 301 First Street East
David Walker RMT Liane Dorrius RMT Josiane Malliet RMT Fascial Release Sports Massage Deep Tissue Massage Manual Lymph Drainage Pregnacy Massage Cushioning System MSP, WCB, ICBC claims accepted
2015 CALENDAR
ON SALE NOW. Just $15!
Find yours at Mane Attraction Hair Salon and Society Snow and Skate. Or get hold of any derby girl you know!
For appointment call 250-837-6677 www.revelstokemassagetherapy.com
Healthand Snowstorm Gardens: Winter Growing and Harvesting in Revelstoke by Imogen Whale
T
he last two decades have seen radical changes in food production—including global shipping of perishables, unlabelled Genetically Modified Organisms and chemical ripening. While the benefits and risks of these practices are beyond the scope of this article, they are part of the reason behind the growing trend for people taking control of their produce. However, with Revelstoke’s heavy snowfall, is year round growing and harvesting a realistic goal? “The idea of growing some kind of edible plant throughout the year—it’s not new or radical, we’ve just fallen out of practice,” says Dan Jason of Salt Spring Seeds (SSSeeds), a seed supplier on the West Coast that is also a non-profit seed sanctuary for Canada. Part of winter gardening success is knowing what to plant and when. With cold, hardy vegetables good to withstand -20 Celsius, such as kale, taste improves with a hard frost as certain starches within the plant are turned to sugar. “Hands down, if you are only going to bother growing one plant,” Dan shares, “grow kale for winter, the most nutritious of any winter greens.” The tag line to Nova Scotia native Nikki Jobbour’s bestselling book, The Year Round Vegetable Gardener, is, “How to grow your own food 365 days a year no matter where you live.” Nikki reveals she harvests a huge variety of cold, hardy vegetables, “with just basic shelter.” Plastic cold weather covers won’t work in Revelstoke. The basic shelter for our prodigious snow load and climate rating is a cold
frame. They should be built, if possible, against the south side of the house to gain passive heat, under eaves and away from snow sliding off the roof. Cold frames work by capturing passive solar heat throughout the day and releasing that heat throughout the night. This keeps the inside temperature of the frame a few degrees warmer than outside. Cold frames keep winter veggies alive until harvesting is complete near winter's end. They are also a place to plant seedlings in mid-February, allowing for salads ready to eat in March. Nikki suggests a hay cold frame as an easy way to try it out. Winter gardening does require being organized and planting in August or September. Nikki believes the key to harvesting yearround is to have your plants nearing maturity by the time the daylight exceeds less than 10 hours daily. The wonderful book Mountain Harvest: Revelstoke’s Senior Gardeners Share Their Secrets by Laura Stovel, features several winter garden structures in Revelstoke. There are examples of heated concrete slab floors, wood boilers in greenhouses, electric pads to warm soil and lights on timers. Kyle Exner, of British Columbia Green House Builders (BCGHB), has built many a greenhouse capable of withstanding a heavy snow load. Off-the-floor models come with 35 pounds per square foot capabilities as well as double to five-times polycarbonate siding options. But BCGHB has built to Revelstoke bylaws requiring permanent structures to have 140 pounds per square foot strength by using extra trusses, though the pitch encourages snow to slide and extra heat will melt it. With many greenhouses available under the required building permit size, a snow load of 50 or 75 pounds per square foot in this area is much more common. For those not interested in boilers, stoves or heating pads, Kyle suggests some economical ways of adding heating your greenhouse. These range from painting water bins black to gather passive solar heat in the day and release it through the night, to using dark soil and digging in ground, to covering plants for a double greenhouse effect. Kyle stresses the importance of orientating the greenhouse to the south for maximum light or placing a permanent greenhouse attached to the south side of a building. “Now your coldest wall in your greenhouse, the north wall, is actually your warmest as it gets passive heating from the house.”
113 2nd Street E
SWEAT . GET FIT . HAVE FUN Revelstoke’s first dedicated indoor cycling & small group fitness studio
Classes Available • Indoor Cycling • TRX Suspension Training • Pilates • Strength & Conditioning • Yoga Classes
For More Info
250-837-6802
info@revelution.ca check us out on
www.revelution.ca 7
Revelstokian Al Murphy with his kale in November lows of -10 Celsius. Photo: Imogen Whale
High-heat composting to create heat is becoming more common. In one method, a hole is dug into which fresh horse manure is piled. Above it is dark soil for the plants to grow in. The manure, as it composts, heats the soil above and may be key to planting greens successively all winter. Kyle’s most popular greenhouse models are the 8x12 and 8x8 greenhouses. Prior to shipping, gardeners can purchase the smaller off-shelf for $2,200. Clearly there are many options open to keen winter gardeners and a wealth of information, resources and help available. Hopefully you are now super stoked to harvest year round but it’s snowing out and you’ve already winterized your garden. Don’t despair. It’s the perfect time to browse and order seeds, plan your garden, build a cold frame, read some great books and think about what fun it will be to grab winter salads from your yard in the dead of winter next year. And with no bugs to pester you!
STEP OUT TO ADVENTURE!
customized outdoor adventure experiences
Check out flexpeditions.com for adult and teen courses and trips. Sign up by March 1st to enjoy sweet early bird discounts. Get outside....with Flexpeditions! 250-814-8663 flexpeditions.com • info@flexpeditions.com Photos: top left, Scott Heale on Boulder Mountain for a day of riding and photo-shoots with photographer Steve Shannon. Top right, Nikolai Samson, owner of Almond Manufacturing, rides a Noboard he created in his backyard Photos: steveshannonphoto.com Bottom: Greg Todds (L) and Cholo Burns with their Noboards. Photo: The Noboard Archives. Left: the Alpen Surf Noboard from Revelstoke's Trapper Boards. Photo courtesy of Chris Payne.
Flying Free In the Kootenays
E
very January in the heart of the Kootenays where the powder runs deep, a passionate group of snowboarders gather to race, party and pay homage to the man who took off the bindings: pro-rider Greg Todds. Greg passed away in an avalanche in 2005 but fortunately his legacy lives on. His creation—the original Noboard—was a simple, rubber traction pad designed to attach to any snowboard in place of bindings. Suited more to deep powder than groomed runs, the Noboard brings a little bit of surfing culture to the mountains. “[Greg] outgrew part of [snowboarding],” John Todds explains of his late brother’s decision to ride binding-less. “He was looking for a new challenge.” And that is when, around the turn of the millennium, Greg took the bindings off. Snowboards did not always attach to your feet. Early boards were simple affairs with no bindings at all. In 1965, the ‘Snurfer’ (snow surfer) was patented as a fun toy for children. Later, pioneers of modern snowboarding would attach two skis together, glue carpet on top, fix aluminum sheeting to the bottom and glide downhill. A rope on the front afforded the rider some control. Greg’s early Noboards were basic and functional. He formed rubber pads in his shop with a wooden mould; drill holes created bumps for traction. Drywall screws fixed the pads to the board and a garbage can handle attached to the centre made for easy carrying. This simple, back-to-the-basics board was more suited to the deep powder and quietude
by Alison Lapshinoff
of the backcountry. This was for a rider who relished a challenge; a rider happy to earn his or her turns with some physical effort and wanted none of the hype and commercialism of modern snowboarding. This board was not made for the ski resort. When Greg met Cholo Burns they became business partners, patented the term ‘Noboard’ and watched their business take off. They even had a brief partnership with Burton to sell their kits. “We came from a creative family,” John explains. “But Cholo had more business sense.” Following his brother’s death, John came to Revelstoke from Montreal to discover the place Greg had made his home. The mountains stole his heart and he stayed, preferring the tranquility of a small town to fastpaced city living. He describes Noboarding as “flying free.” “You just stay centred on top of the board, turn with your shoulder, be confident and aggressive,” he says. “When you crash you are not all pretzeled up like on a regular board,” he elaborates, adding that you are not always digging yourself out. “It's fun to fall.” There are others in Revelstoke who embrace powder surfing as an amazing alternative to traditional snowboarding. Revelstoke local, Nikolai Samson of Almond Manufacturing, specializes in split boards whose bindings are interchangeable; forward facing for touring, sideways for riding or completely off and replaced with rubber traction pads for surfing the pow Noboardstyle. Nikolai glues the wood core at his home-
¡
When you crash you are not all pretzeled up like on a regular board.
¡
based shop in Columbia Park and has the pads formed out of ABS plastic in Vancouver. Rolls of fibreglass and steel edges, jugs of epoxy and resin tints fill his shop for finishing the boards here. He even sews the bungee rope himself on an old 1940s Singer from the Thrift Store. Bringing the sport of snowboarding back to its roots seems to appeal to those who prefer the silence and deep, untracked powder of the backcountry to the glitz of the ski resort. While Greg Todds called Revelstoke home for a while, once the idea of a big resort started gaining momentum he moved on, finding his home in the tranquility of the Kootenays. Sparsely populated, densely forested and blanketed in a thick cloak of fluffy, white powder, it was the perfect place for ‘’flying free.”
Complete dealer for
and
Largest selection of cameras and accessories in town! Open 7 days/wk. Sun. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 307 Victoria Rd. W . 250-837-2028
pharmasaverevelstoke.com
•wraps & paninis •soups & sandwiches •specialty coffees •desserts
205 Mackenzie Ave
250-837-3035 How much do YOU know about our local ecosystem? Test your knowledge! What bird has NOT been spotted around Revelstoke? │A. American white pelican │ B. white faced ibis │ C. white headed woodpecker │ D. yellow throated warbler│ │ E. crested caracara │ *Answer can be found on the back of this page
Get involved with us – become a member, volunteer and make a difference!
Neighbour
KNOWYOUR
Conversations Coffee House
Every time you donate you help us to carry out our work of promoting sustainable living and protecting the natural environment—Thank Lifetime Membership
Individual $75 Family $125 Business $300
you for your support!
Annual Membership
Individual $30 Fixed Income $20 Family $50 Business $150
Memberships can be purchased at Big Mountain Kitchen & Linen or online at
www.northcolumbia.org
Who would think that a plethora of diverse textures and colors would work so well together, and feel so good on? Buttery soft waterproof leather, oiled suede, rustic woven blanket upper with leather-wrapped heel catch the eye. All this while comfy molded footbed and vulcanized rubber outsole deliver weather protection,
western style.
Ruff Day at the Office by Katie Marti
A
7-555 Alpine Mall Revelstoke, B.C. 250-837-3855 universal-footwear.com
valanche rescue has really gone to the dogs—but that’s a good thing. The Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association (CARDA) has been growing in leaps and bounds thanks to the proven track record of its canine ambassadors and their incredible handlers—people like local ski patrol veteran Al Roberts and his dog Sadie. Using dogs for avalanche rescue is a tool that was brought to Canada in the late 1970s, based on the German Bergwacht system already in place. Whistler pioneered the program but it wasn’t long before several other ski hills and resort areas were on board, coming together to form Canada’s national certification and training centre. To date, CARDA has validated teams across B.C. and Alberta, including three at our very own Revelstoke Mountain Resort (RMR). Al’s dog, Sadie, is an ideal avalanche rescue dog thanks to her medium build and keen play/prey drive. “It’s a game for her,” Al explains. “That’s all it is. She doesn’t know she’s working or potentially saving a life.” It took three years of creating a strong bond with Sadie and teaching her the “game” of search and rescue before Al’s dog could be officially certified, but Sadie is now an invaluable member of the RMR ski patrol team. She can detect scents buried up to five metres deep and is able to accurately sweep
Photos clockwise: Brush sits pretty for his new handler. Photo: Dana Reaume. Al Roberts with his dog, Sadie (L) and Troy Leahey with Penny training for CARDA. Al and Sadie take a break. Sadie breaks through debris in a mock-rescue with CARDA. Photos: John Antoniuk.
an avalanche debris field in a fraction of the time it takes human teams to scan and clear an area using probes and beacons. When Al describes how Sadie will indicate when she’s picked up a scent, it’s clear he’s as passionate about his dog’s role on the squad as he is about his own. “She’ll sniff in a sort of zig-zag pattern until all of a sudden, bam! Her whole body snaps to attention and she digs like crazy.” Like people, however, not all working dogs are geared for such big adventures: some prefer a more mellow line of work. Therapy dogs are the gentle caregivers of the canine realm and Revelstoke is fortunate to have a few of these special pups working their magic around town. Revelstoke's seniors homes, Moberly Manor and Cartier Court, both incorporate certified therapy dogs into their programming for seniors and, recently, Revelstoke Secondary School (RSS) welcomed a fourlegged addition to their staff team as well. Brush is a Canine Assistance Intervention dog that works with teacher Dana Reaume to support students in a wide variety of areas. “Brush helps students to feel safe, teaches them to be calm, empathetic and assertive, ease anxiety and achieve speech and language goals,” Dana explains. “Not to mention the fact that he’s a bundle of joy, greeting everyone that walks into the
school and running around with a stuffed toy in his mouth.” Brush comes from a program called the Pacific Assistance Dog Society (PADS), which trains dogs for people with disabilities other than blindness. Dana applied for a dog in February and got the good news this past summer that she had been matched with a three year-old yellow lab. After extensive training at the centre in Burnaby for both dog and handler, Brush became part of the team at RSS this past October. Of course, as talented as working dogs like Sadie and Brush are in their particular field of expertise, there is a human handler putting in overtime to make sure their respective programs run smoothly. Our neighbourhoods are teeming with heros like Al and Dana, who support our community with the help of their service animals, which means volunteering to spend countless hours of their own time fostering the kind of mutual trust and respect good partnerships are built upon. They foot the bill for expensive veterinary insurance plans and ensure their dogs are well-socialized because lives and futures depend on it. It takes consistent and dedicated focus to be the human at the other end of a working dog’s leash. Please visit pads.ca and carda.ca to donate, become involved or simply learn more about these incredible community programs.
Large natural and organic selection!
We are the largest supporter of B.C. produced products with over 1,200 suppliers from right here in B.C.! 555 Victoria Rd.
250-837-4372
revelstoke, british columbia
» FREE great start breakfast » FREE high-speed wireless internet » Great value rates toll-free: 1.877.837.4650 local phone: 250.837.4650 fax: 250.837.2485
experience
life at its peak
1101 Victoria Rd West Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0 www.swisschaletmotel.com
Around the World
What bird has NOT been spotted around Revelstoke? And the answer is….. C! The white headed woodpecker. Yes, we have had verified sightings of the other birds!
Clockwise from top left: Re-creating a photo from 17 years ago in Monument Valley, Utah/ Arizona border. Photo: Brent Lea. Dad riding the Moki Dugway in Utah. Photo: Heather Lea. Dad and I riding together into Escalante, Utah. Photo: Dave Sears. Frost in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Photo: Heather Lea. The Colorado River in Hite, Utah. Photo: Heather Lea. Me, Dave, mom, dad and Highway in the Grand Canyon, Arizona. Photo: passing tourist.
So This is the Desert by Heather Lea T
here was frost on the tent. Our BMW motorcycles—Dave’s an F800GS, mine a G650GS—were covered in a carpet of twinkling ice crystals that bounced sunlight back into the cold morning air. My parents were a few miles up the road, inside the park boundaries of the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, crammed into their minivan sharing dad’s sleeping bag and Therma-Rest while spooning the body heat of an Australian Shepherd named Highway. So this was the desert. A place I’d contemplated buying a cooling vest for before starting our ten-day motorcycle trip this past September. Here I would celebrate my 40th birthday riding two wheels down ‘blistering’ Utah and Arizona tarmac with my dad and my boyfriend. Mom would meet us for day trips in the van. She had sacrificed herself as pet-sitter to their dog, Highway, and their cat, Stash, back at the RV she and my dad had parked for part of the winter in Hurricane, Utah. The plan for the day into the North Rim of the Grand Canyon was to ride and drive in together as four, walk the rim, then my parents would head back to Hurricane over 200 kms away, dad riding his 2005 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic and mom, no longer a rider, following in the van. Dave and I would find a campsite up some dirt road along the way. At some point that day I remember mom saying: I’m not staying overnight at the Rim. She'd intended to get home that evening, so brought no camping supplies. Unfortunately—or maybe fortunately—the photo-ops and lunch at Lee’s Ferry meant the ride into the Canyon’s North Rim took much longer but they didn’t want to turn back even though the only two options for hotels in the area showed No Vacancy signs. The sun was setting when the four of us strolled out to the orange-lit rim.
Mom accepted her fate. The next morning, I was wearing everything I owned and had the heated grips on my handlebars turned to max when Dave and I rode back into the park to see if my parents had died of hypothermia. At the very least I excepted them to be grumpy. After parking, I saw my mom’s red jacket going into the ladies room by the lodge. Dad stood outside waiting. When Dave and I walked over he jumped up with a grin and slapped a gloveless hand on my shoulder, asking how our night had been in the tent. Did we stay warm enough? I told him my sleeping bag was rated to -20 Celsius, for crap’s sake. What about you and mom? Were you freezing? How terrible was it sharing one sleeping bag and a dog? I fretted over them like a clucking mother hen but I think they secretly felt proud of how hardcore they were, stealth camping in a parking lot. Another of many memorable days on this trip was the day dad and I rode just the two of us. Mom was back at the RV in Hurricane. Dave had chosen a dirt road side trip. Dad and I started out in Capitol Reef National Park, which merged into the beautiful ghost town of Hite. We crossed over the Colorado River on the Hite Crossing Bridge, near the north end of Lake Powell. From here we rode down the Moki Dugway. For any pavement-only riders out there, this is no easy task, especially for an 800-pound Harley and a 66 year-old man, (who, just between you and me, had dropped his bike two days before on some gravel in a campground near Bryce Canyon.) I’m not riding any gravel. Ever. I remember him saying this. Described as, “a staggering, graded dirt switchback road carved into the face of the cliff edge,” the Moki is a four km stretch with an 11 per cent grade winding 1200 feet above the floor of Valley of the Gods in Utah. You can imagine my
surprise when dad wanted to ride this gravel road to access Monument Valley. I filmed him from the top, feeling proud and happy to be there with him. At the bottom, I high-fived the heck out of him. We filled our tanks in Mexican Hat and travelled on to Monument Valley. In the summer of 1997, I’d taken my firstever road trip driving solo in my 1989 Jeep Comanche. Something about the long stretch of pavement leading into the Valley struck me. I pulled over, grabbed my camera and walked out to the middle of the deserted road, setting the Nikon down on the solid yellow line and pressing the self-timer. I ran ahead and posed, straddling the yellow line with both Tevas, and raising my hands to the sky. In my mind this was the epitome of roadtrip scenes: a vacant road, the setting sun and the red spires of vast sandstone buttes, commanding and powerful atop the otherwise flat desert floor. The only thing that would make it more perfect, I’d thought then, was if I had a motorcycle. Seventeen years later, there I was with my old man, both of us on bikes. The road was anything but vacant this time; travellers trundled by in RVs and all makes of vehicles but more than anything I wanted to recreate the scene of that old photo, which I’ve managed to misplace throughout the years. I pulled over onto the almost non-existent shoulder. Dad followed suit. He took the camera from my hand and, when there was at least a mile between cars in each direction, I rode my bike out onto the centre line, stopped and raised my hands just like when I was 23. There were cars in the distance but I had Photoshop. I feel fortunate to have this memory of my desert roadtrip for as long as I live and would like to thank my parents and Dave for living my dream with me to ride through the desert on my motorcycle.
Full breakfast and lunch menu
SERVED ALL DAY! • Soups, sandwiches and salads • Home baked desserts • Coffee, lattes, cappuccinos • Assorted house specialty drinks • Outdoor patio with a breathtaking view
317 Mackenzie Ave . 250-837-6888
GOT A GREAT TRAVEL STORY? WE'LL PAY TO HEAR IT!
Send us your best, worst or most heinous story from travelling ANYWHERE in the world and you could see it published here in the next issue! Send to: editor@reved.net
Authentic Italian Cuisine 206 Mackenzie Ave.
250.837.6743
isabellasristorante.ca
Have a business idea but not sure where to begin? Call Community Futures today! • START-UP OR EXPANSION LOANS • FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL BUSINESS ADVICE 301 Victoria Rd. W. revelstokecf.com info@revelstokecf.com Call 250-837-5345 for an appointment.
revedonline Reved Quarterly
The
Scene
@revednow Reved Quarterly
reved.net
10th Anniversary Best of reved! Limited Edition Book Sale! Our 10th birthday is in June, 2015 and we'll be celebrating with a limited edition coffee table-style book full of people's choice picks from the past decade of Reved Quarterly. Only a few copies will be printed so order yours today! Visit our website for more information or to order.
reved.net
ORDER TODAY! Receive a FREE ticket to our 10th Anniversary party in June, 2015 with each book purchase! Order at reved.net
Wordle design: Heather Lea and Rory Luxmoore.
Revel-Stoc
¡
originally from the Old English word 'stoc,' meaning 'place'.
by Rory Luxmoore
What is in a name? Well, a lot actually. Take ‘Revelstoke’ for example. Few towns can boast having such a dynamic and interesting name. It is difficult to go through your day without hearing some reference whether intentional or not to our name. “I’m ‘stoked’ to see the snow accumulating on the hill.” “I’m ‘revved’ up about the upcoming weekend.” Local businesses and organizations are also making good use of the name. Yet, who would think our cool name’s history started as far back as 1066? The Battle of Hastings pitted the NormanFrench army of William II against the English army of Harold II. The Normans earned a victory and along with their spoils went land for some of their senior soldiers. One of the recipients was Richard Revel. He was given a parcel of land, called a ‘stoke,’ in the county of Devon in southwestern England. Many centuries later in 1885, Edward Charles Baring was raised in peerage and was entitled to become a Baron and with this, would inherit a new name. He had obtained a house and parcel of land that was named Revelstoke—the land of Revel. Baring chose the name Revelstoke in recognition of his new home. Baron Revelstoke was head of the family firm of Barings Bank based in London, England. When the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was nearing completion it faced financial difficulty. Barings Bank raised over 10 million pounds to ensure the railway would be completed. In recognition, then-CPR president George Stephen, named the beautiful settlement along
¡
Many Revelstokians may not know the history of their city’s name... Interestingly, the word 'stoke' is
the shores of the Columbia River after its senior partner. Many Revelstokians may not know the history of their city’s name, however they are most likely aware of all the fun that can be had with it. Local businesses and organizations have cashed in on the ‘Revelstoke’ name. Here are but a few examples of local Revelnames: Stoke FM radio station, Revolution Fitness Studio, Revy Realty, The Stoke List, Reved Quarterly magazine, Stoked to Get Spanked mountain bike race, Trailstoke running race, Stoke Youth Network, Revelation gondola, The Stoke chairlift and Revel Pedal bike festival. (You can add in the ones I have missed on your own.) And the ‘stokeisms’ abound. “The highway is closed again. Looks like we’re ‘Revelstuck.’ Nothing to do but ‘revel’ in all the snow.” In winter our town transforms into ‘Revelsnow’ and many get ‘stoked’ about shredding some gnar. In the summer we get ‘revved’ exploring ‘Revelbush.’ Other towns only wish they could enjoy such a cool name. Well, perhaps they can. You could be ‘Golden’ on your skis in Golden or ‘Armstronged’ out of a deal in Armstrong. You could ‘field’ a job in Field or ‘cache’ your money in Cache Creek. You might find yourself ‘looped’ in Kamloops, ‘canned’ in Duncan and finally ‘burned out’ in Burnaby. Yet you may find some hope in…well you know where. What makes our town’s name so cool? Perhaps it’s because the compound word contains two positive, dynamic verbs. Merriam– Webster dictionary defines 'revel' as taking
intense pleasure or satisfaction in. It defines revved in a few ways: as becoming more excited especially in anticipation; to make more active or effective; or to stir up. Lastly, stoked is defined as being very excited. These are fitting words for our active, nature lovin’ town. Heather Lea, founder of this very publication, Reved Quarterly, reflects on the naming of her magazine. “I came up with ‘Reved’ as a play on the word ‘Revelstoke,’ having only one 'v,' and also the verb 'revved,' which seemed to me a positive and invigorating word to use for a magazine.” We are not the only ones who think the name ‘Revelstoke’ is cool. In the September 2013 issue of Trail magazine, it boldly states, “We hereby nominate this wee, Canadian Rockies town for the coolest trail-town name, ever. Read on so you, too, can revel in and feel the stoke.” Despite the geographic blunder (Revelstoke is actually situated between the Monashee and Selkirk mountains) we are still proud of our name. Interestingly, the word ‘stoke’ is originally from the Old English word 'stoc,' meaning ‘place.’ This makes sense. Perhaps Revelstoke is indeed the place to revel in; to be revved and stoked about; to play, to create, to live. Regardless, we are blessed with being given a name that closely matches the nature of our town and allows us to have some fun in the process. Thank you Richard Revel. Author Note: Many thanks to Cathy English from Revelstoke Museum and Archives for providing information for this article.
Plowing the Pow by Rory Luxmoore I
removal versus simply snow plowing. Ken’s first vehicle was a 1950 Ford pickup. He remembers putting chains on his truck in the fall and keeping them on until spring. “I always carried another set of chains to help out others,” he says. It was not unusual for him to haul out his extra set. In 1979 Sam Olynyk was asked to be the Public Works supervisor. Sam capably ensured our pathways were safe for travel throughout the year during his reign from 1979 to 1992. He had an experienced crew he could count on to get the job done. He also had a good relationship with city council. “They called me the ‘seventh alderman,’” he recalls. “You have to have experience. You can’t wait for things to happen, you have to look forward and anticipate what is coming up. We were right enough times.” Darren Komonoski came to Revelstoke in 1990. An early memory of his new town was the tunnels of snow down our main streets. He recalls a creative solution some residents used to give notice to others of their impending entry into these tunnels. “I remember seeing vehicles with toilet plungers attached to their bumpers poking their front ends into intersections.” Darren is now our competent Public Works supervisor. None of his current fleet of vehicles is equipped with plungers, yet, Revelstoke does boast a couple of snow blowers (RPM 220) that can each fill up to 25 dump trucks of snow each hour. An arsenal of graders, plows, front-end loaders and dump trucks are also available to keep Revelstoke’s average of 400 cm of snow per winter off our 130 kms of roads and 35 kms of sidewalks. Not an easy job. Darren echoes Sam’s comments that an experienced crew is key to effective snow management. Having residents and visitors believe in the parking restrictions system is another. It is difficult to plow roads and sidewalks when vehicles are blocking grader paths. Finally, Darren notes new development plans can assist with more effective snow removal. Or should I say no-removal? The building of wider streets demands more snow to be removed and building sidewalks reduces storage area for snow. Narrower streets and more green spaces results in less need to haul snow and allows snow to melt and water to be returned to the water table. Revelstoke has come a long way from the times of the horse-pulled plow and residents forced to walk or ski down the snow-covered streets throughout the winter. However, some things have not changed. By and large we have cherished and continue to enjoy our abundance of snow and the opportunities it brings. We have also continued to find effective ways of travelling within Revelstoke. I still like the plunger idea.
Clockwise from left: Typical winter scene in Revelstoke. RPM 220, front-end loader and dump truck removing snow. Photo: Mike Thomas. A Revelstoke doctor's early snow machine, circa 1930. Ed Coueffin snowloader, circa 1951. Christmas in Revelstoke circa 1930. All black and white photos courtesy of Revelstoke Museum and Archives.
new
Photo: Jordan Eadie
t’s not unusual to wake up on any given winter morning in Revelstoke and be greeted by a foot of new snow. You might fire up your trusty snowblower or forgo your gym workout and just pick up a shovel instead. As you labour, you may hear a snowplow lumbering down the road or perhaps a front-end loader and dump truck clearing off the streets, their back-up lights triggering a series of beeps as they back in and out of the roadway. You may feel a sense of relief knowing that despite the impressive dump you will still likely get to work, maybe even on time. But this was not always the case. Ken Granstrom was born in Revelstoke in 1931 during a time when horses and sleighs were used to move through the snow. There were some motorized vehicles in town but when the snow arrived they would be stored for the winter. Ken recollects making his daily pilgrimage from present-day Columbia Park to Central School, then located in downtown Revelstoke, through all kinds of weather. Skis or snowshoes were often his choice of transportation. He recalls his Grade One/Two teacher, Ms. Burns, nonchalantly telling him, “Just leave your snowshoes in the coatroom.” Ken says he was never late or absent from school despite the challenging winter conditions. “I was always on time,” he laughs, “yet those who lived only a block away were sometimes late.” Revelstoke pioneer, Sam Olynyk, has also spent his long life in Revelstoke. Born in Six Mile in 1929, he remembers being absent from school only once. Back in 1937 when he was eight years old, Sam recalls 52 in (130 cms) falling in a 24-hour period. The snow was piled up to the windowsills of his house. He could not physically get through the snow to school that day. Travelling through snow has always presented challenges in Revelstoke. Near the turn of the century there was a horse-drawn plow that attempted to keep the streets clear in town. Three pairs of horses were lined up behind a long narrow blade that pushed snow off the road. In the mid-1930s, an innovative snow machine was used by a local doctor to help him make timely house visits in the winter; it resembled a fusion of a car and a snowmobile. The 1940s brought a more serious attempt to clear roads during the winter. It was also a time when many started to work year-round rather than take the winter off. Ken Granstrom remembers a Vplow that created a path down Mackenzie Avenue for vehicles. He chuckles, “The plowed snow covered the sidewalk so people walked down the street instead because there were so few cars.” In the early 1950s, local resident Ed Coueffin designed and built a snow-loader that removed piled snow from the sides of streets. So began the start of snow
mom and pop shop
Anthony Tomson and Stacey Lamont have purchased
Your Office & Art Centre!
This dynamic duo, who have been managing the store for the last two years, have three children and are planning a wedding next summer. They are committed to Revelstoke and to offering you quality services and products at competitive prices. This one-stop shop has all your office, computer and art needs. Come in and see what they can do for you!
Price-matching and FREE deliveries! 101-309 1st St. W. 250-837-3070 yourofficeandart.com
When it's the same price as out of town, why not shop local
?
I
debated the need for this article. Every time I go to this show it’s standing room only. But hey, we’ll make room. The Revelstoke Coffee House, an extension of 1950s American folk music revival, is by far one of the premier music events in Revelstoke. In its fifth year, the “Coffee House,” has positioned itself as a community mainstay. Held near the end of each month between October and April in the United Church basement, the Coffee House offers attendees a myriad of acoustic musical genres delivered by musicians originating from all walks of life. Speaking with founder Denis Severino in Ohio via Skype (he was there playing music), he tells me thus far, the youngest performer was four years old and the oldest, somewhere near 80. The concept behind the Coffee House is simple: a supportive place for musicians to perform. The musical format is this: musicians sign up at opening for one of approximately 12 seven to ten minute slots, perform to a welcoming and eager audience, then sit back and enjoy cohorts and the great feature band, which is normally on for an hour or so. The audience pays $3 to get in, picks a warm drink and a seat and is gifted with an evening of exceptional music in an intimate room so warm with love that shorts are recommended. The Coffee House is an event run by the Revelstoke Folk Music Society. In the past five years Denis estimates that close to $20,000 dollars has been paid to bring professional musicians to the Coffee House. Features have included Corin Raymond, Viper Central, David Newberry, Birch Bark, the Steve Brockley Band, Broken Down Suitcase, Sarah Jane Scouten, Sam Masterton and A Million Dollars in Pennies. The Coffee House is so successful now that Denis is approached by touring
EMERGiNG
MUSIC
notes
Rowan Marcinyshyn practicing piano. Photo: Imogen Whale
Your Kid’s Brain on Music by Imogen Whale
usic affects us. It can inspire, motivate and captivate. M Studies show listening to music uses more areas of the brain than any other activity.
Magnificent Music: The Revelstoke Coffee House by Giles Shearing
Willie Gaw and Darrin Herting performing at the Revelstoke Coffee House. Photo: Alan Bates
musicians who want to headline. I ask Denis about the concept. “It’s a supportive community event,” he tells me. “It’s good for the musicians in Revelstoke [who] don’t normally perform. The event allows artists to test out new material or play in public for the first time. It’s a participatory event, the audience is an important part of the success.” “Music,” Denis explains, “is a form of expression that transcends all barriers, race, gender, age. It is very emotive, with lyrics and sounds that make you feel.” The Coffee House is to this writer and fan, an example of what’s right in this world. “The Coffee House wouldn't exist without the kindness and collective efforts of our community,” Denis tells me. “It runs solely on volunteers donating their time and energy. All the money goes back into venue rental and to pay for touring musicians. Items from insurance to posters and coffee are provided by business sponsors, including Stoke Roasted Coffee, Lakeside Printing, the Village Idiot, the Revelstoke Credit Union, Hub Insurance, Mountain Goodness Foods and Red Apple." This winter is gearing up for even more amazing music evenings. Not to be missed is the musical invitational that is the Extravaganza Hootenanny Fundraiser Saturday, December 27 at the Performing Arts Centre, the annual Christmas Fundraiser. Entrance to this special event is $15. Are you visiting Revelstoke for the winter? Did you bring a suitcase full of musical talent? Anyone in town for a Coffee House event is encouraged to perform any type of acoustic musical genre. Not ready to take the stage? Arrive early to guarantee a seat. You’ve been warned. And if you have thoughts of musical expression but lack the skills, sign up with one of the many amazing music teachers in town.
¡
It’s good for the musicians in Revelstoke [who] don’t normally perform.
¡
Monitor all things Coffee House on their Facebook page; search for Revelstoke Coffee House and watch out for the posters that go up for event dates.
Music Teachers in Revelstoke Bruce Thomas: surface2sound@gmail.com • guitar Darrin Herting: dherting@hotmail.com • guitar, drums/percussion, mandolin, banjo, ukelele, tiple, bandaria vocals
Denis Severino: denis_severino@hotmail.com • guitars and similar instruments Donna Peterson: 250-814-8221 • violin
Hannah Brackenbury: 250-814-7510 • piano
Jasmin Brackenbury: 250-814-7510 • piano, music theory, group and individual Jen Eadie: 250-814-8054 • piano, music theory, group and individual Joanne Stacey: 250-837-4820 • guitar, voice
Jonathon Visser: jonnydrummer@hotmail.com • drums Judy Lillace: judysmusicstudio@gmail.com • singing, flute, piano and music theory Morgan Toutant: 250-683-9423 • drums, base, keys, guitar, piano
Stuart Larson: 250-814-4131 stujlarsen.com • guitar
Morgan Toutant agrees. A local musician and songwriter, Morgan runs Mountain Music in Revelstoke. “Music is inherent in us all. We are living breathing musical instruments,” Morgan explains. “I have seen students go from shy and introverted, to self-confident and outspoken. I have seen troubled kids find exactly what they were looking for, in music.” Dr. Alfred A. Tomatis, an internationally known otolaryngologist, used classical music in his efforts to aid people with a variety of disorders. In 1993, a research paper published in the scientifically peer-reviewed magazine, Nature, linked listening to Mozart and increased short-term spatial reasoning. As the media and general public misunderstood spatial intelligence and general intelligence (IQ), the belief that listening to Mozart could boost one’s IQ, known as the Mozart Effect, spread. In George Hicks’ article How Playing Music Affects the Developing Brain, professor Ani Patel, author of Music, Language and the Brain, debunks the theory explaining, “while listening to music can be relaxing and contemplative, the idea that simply plugging in your iPod is going to make you more intelligent doesn’t quite hold up to scientific scrutiny." Listening to music may not garnish long-term neurological benefits but neurological studies performed in real-time with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI) machines prove learning to play and playing music benefits us in diverse ways. In the 2008 Dana Consortium Report on Arts and Cognition, fascinating correlations between learning to play music and increased higher cognitive functions such as memory and sequence acquisition were discussed. Patel agrees, stating, “there’s now a growing body of work that suggests that actually learning to play a musical instrument does have [positive] impacts on other abilities.” In a video for the popular TEDed Lessons, educator Anita Collins compares playing an instrument to a full brain workout. Studies found it stimulated the visual, auditory and motor cortical parts of the brain. It requires the fine motor skills controlled in both brain hemispheres and combines mathematical and linguistic precision of the left hemisphere and the creative aspects of the right hemisphere. Higher levels of executive function; interlinked tasks including planning strategy and attention to detail, are also displayed. With such a multitude of benefits, music has long been seen as a way of self-expression and as such is embraced by youth, from the very young to young adults. In 1980 Frances Balodis put together a music program geared to teaching young children music in a way that aligns with their skills and abilities and Music for Young Children (MYC) was born. Piano instructors and music lovers, Jen Eadie and Jasmin Brackenbury, introduced the MYC program to Revelstoke in 2013. Both Jen and Jasmin are experienced piano instructors certified through the Royal Conservatory of Music. “There is nothing like MYC out there,” Jen says. “We spend our one-hour class singing, learning to read music, training the ear, piano technique and theory, playing rhythm ensembles, composing music and learning about classical composers. It’s meant to effectively train all types of learners.” Jasmin elaborates, “MYC is to teach quality music lessons in a fun and effective way. We use all the senses and games to teach the concepts." Within one year the MYC program in Revelstoke exploded. Classes have nearly doubled. “My first year I had three classes and 16 students. This year I have six classes and 24 students,” Jen explains. While the class is the length of a school year and enrolment is in the fall, there will be the potential to open classes after Christmas, if interest remains high. Morgan agrees with the scientific evidence that backs the cognitive benefits of learning music. “Focus is the real gift of learning an instrument. It changes how we go about our daily lives.” While the MYC program is geared to those under 12, Morgan also teaches young adults and adults. “Music is a gift—one that every parent should give their kids.” With the calibre of instructors that Revelstoke boasts, including many independent instructors not mentioned in this article, there is plenty of opportunity to enrol youth of all ages into a suitable program. But what’s more, as Morgan says, is, “You’re never too old to be a kid again. It is never too late to learn an instrument.”
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine
Jade Mountain Wellness and Acupuncture Erin Potter R.TCM.P. 101 1st St. W. 250-837-3900 jademountain.ca
Beauty and Spa
Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa Hwy 23, Nakusp B.C 1-888-689-4699 info@halcyon-hotsprings.com
Sleeps
Revelstoke Massage Therapy Clinic David Walker RMT, Liane Dorrius RMT Josiane Maillet RMT 301 1st St. E. 250-837-6677 revelstokemassagetherapy.com
Hotels/B&B's
Thai Massage
Alpenrose B&B
Trace Pecora RTT 250-837-2064 Location: check website revelstokethaimassage.ca
alpenroserevelstoke.com 1524 Nichol Rd.
$ = under $60 $$ = $60 - $90 $$$ = $90 - $110 $$$$ = $110 and up
canyonmotorinn.ca 1911 Fraser Dr.
Diane Mahoney RMT RAc Birch & Lace Hair Company/Beauty Boutique 509 4th St. E. 113 2nd St. E. 250-837-6084 250-814-2508 Yoga . Massage . Acupuncture . Tea birchandlacehaircompany.com
2100 Oak Dr.
Beth Purser Massage NHPC Best Western Plus Revelstoke 1925 Laforme Blvd. 250.814.3679 bpurser@telus.net
Bodylogic Therapeutic Massage Karen Schneider RMT, Tina Giotsalitis RMT Suite 103 - 103 1st St. E. 250-837-3666 bodylogicmassagerevelstoke.com
Helios Rehabilitation & Performance Amy Eburne RMT 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com
Repose Massage Therapy and Day Spa Ashley Sumner BC RMT Located at the Coast Hillcrest Hotel 250-837-3322 reposedayspa.ca
$-$$$$
250-837-3322
$$$$
Glacier House Resort
Pharmasave - Nutritional Counselling
Massage Therapy and Bodywork
250-837-5221
Coast Hillcrest Hotel hillcresthotel.com
Nutritionists
Guided Energy Work and Soul Counselling Frieda Livesey Classes in Soul Awareness Writing 250-837-3724 hearttohearthealing.ca
$$$$
Canyon Motor Inn
Welwinds Therapeutic Spa
Energy Therapy and Coaching
250-837-3377
glacierhouse.com 1870 Glacier Lane
Melissa Hemphill, BSc RHN 307 Victoria Rd. 250-837-2028 nathealth@pharmasaverevelstoke.com pharmasaverevelstoke.com
1-877-837-9594
$$-$$$$
Halcyon Hot Springs Village & Spa info@halcyon-hotsprings.com Hwy 23, Nakusp B.C.
Natural Health Products
Minto Manor B&B mintomanor.com
1601 Victoria Rd. 250-837-4352
815 Mackenzie Ave.
Mountain Goodness Natural Foods
1-888-689-4699 $$$$
250-837-9337
$$$$
Monashee Lodge
Physiotherapy
monasheelodgerevelstoke.com
Helios Rehabilitation & Performance Fraser Sprigins BScPT CAFCI RPT EMR Lindsey Corrigan MPT CAFCI BHK Gina Cawthorpe BCcPT 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com
1601 3rd. St. W.
250-814-2553
$$$$
Mustang B&B
info@mustangbedandbreakfast.com
1221 1st St. W.
250-837-2801
$$$$
250-837-5119
$-$$
250-200-0388
$$$$
250-837-2107
$$-$$$$
250-814-7973
$-$$$$
250-837-4650
$$-$$$$
Ol' Frontier Motel theolfrontier.ca 122 Hwy 23 N.
Yoga/Pilates
Balu Yoga and Wellness Sheri Zebroff RMT and Shendra Kelly RPT Frieda Livesey - Guided Energy Therapy 414 1st St. W. 250-837-3975 baluyoga.com
Helios Rehabilitation & Performance 1605 Victoria Rd. Unit 5 250-837-7171 heliosphysio.com
Powder Pillow B&B powderpillow.ca 1103 Pine Ridge Cr.
Regent Hotel regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E.
Smokey Cedars smokeycedars.com 1907 Lennard Dr.
Swiss Chalet Motel swisschaletmotel.com 1101 Victoria Rd. W.
Eatsn'Sips
Restaurants/Pubs $ = under $15 $$ = $15 - 25 $$$ = $25 and up
112 Restaurant and Lounge - regenthotel.ca 112 1st. St. E. 250-837-2107 Big Eddy Pub and Liquor Store 2108 Big Eddy Rd. Conversations Café 205 Mackenzie Ave.
$-$$
Sangha Bean Café 111 Connaught Ave.
250-814-0080
$-$$
250-837-6888
$
The Last Drop 200 3rd St. W.
250-837-2121
$
250-837-6886
$
Traverse Lounge and Night Club - regenthotel.ca/traverse 312 1st. St. E. 250-837-2107 $-$$
$$$
La Baguette Espresso Bar 607 Victoria Rd. & Garden Ave.
250-837-3755
250-814-0095
$-$$
Main St. Café 317 Mackenzie Ave.
250-837-3035
$
Modern Bake Shop & Café 212 Mackenzie Ave.
Isabella's Ristorante - isabellasristorante.ca 206 Mackensie Ave. 250-837-6743
Ol' Frontier Restaurant - theolfrontier.ca S-$$$ 122 Hwy 23 N. 250-837-5119
$-$$
Woolsey Creek Bistro - woolseycreekbistro.ca 604 2nd. St. W. 250-837-5500
$-$$$
Kawakubo's Japanese - kawakubo-revelstoke.com 109 1st. St. E. 250-837-2467
Padrino's Pizzaria - padrinospizzaria.com $-$$$ 200 1st St. W. 250-837-3300
$-$$
Zala's Steak and Pizza Bar - zalasrestaurant.ca 1601 Victoria Rd. 250-837-5555
$$-$$$
Kingfisher Restaurant - halcyon-hotsprings.com Hwy 23, Nakusp B.C.
1-888-689-4699
River City Pub - regenthotel.ca $$-$$$ 112 1st. St. E.
250-837-2107 14
$$-$$$
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK WINTER PERMIT SYSTEM NOTICE
PARC NATIONAL DES GLACIERS – ENTRÉE EN VIGUEUR PROCHAINE DU SYSTÈME DE DÉLIVRANCE DE PERMIS D’ACCÈS HIVERNAL
The 2014/15 Winter Permit System is typically in effect from late November until the seasonal end of the avalanche Le système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal pour la saison 2014-2015 sera en vigueur de la fin de control program. Large areas in Glacier National Park, including all slopes that face the Trans-Canada Highway novembre jusqu’à la fin de la saison des déclenchements préventifs d’avalanches. L’accès public à de vastes and Canadian Pacific Railway line, are either prohibited or restricted to the public. secteurs du parc national des Glaciers, notamment à l’ensemble des pentes bordant la Transcanadienne et la voie ferrée du Canadien Pacifique, sera alors interdit ou restreint. The Winter Permit System allows backcountry users to enter Winter Restricted Areas that are part of the highway avalanche control program when artillery gunfire is not anticipated in those areas. This system protects the public Le système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal permet aux randonneurs de l’arrière-pays de pénétrer dans from avalanche control actions in the transportation corridor, but it does not render slopes safe for winter recreationists. les zones d’accès hivernal restreint qui sont visées par le programme de déclenchement préventif d’avalanches lorsque des tirs d’artillerie n’y sont pas prévus. Ce système protège le public contre les avalanches déclenchées For the 2014/15 winter season: à titre préventif dans le couloir de transport, mais il n’assure pas la sûreté des pentes pour les amateurs de loisirs d’hiver. • Annual and daily individual Winter Permits will be available all season at the Rogers Pass Discovery Centre Pour l’hiver 2014-2015: starting November 22; • Les particuliers pourront se procurer un permis d’accès hivernal d’un an ou d’une journée au Centre de la • To obtain an Annual Winter Permit, individuals must complete the online quiz located on the Glacier National découverte du Col Rogers à compter du 22 novembre. • Pour obtenir un permis d’accès hivernal d’un an, les particuliers doivent subir le test-éclair en ligne qui se trouve Park website www.parkscanada.gc.ca/skirogerspass and score 100% correct. They bring proof of completion sur le site Web du parc national des Glaciers, au www.parcscanada.gc.ca/skicolrogers, et obtenir la note de 100 (quiz certificate), along with their vehicle license number(s) to the Discovery Centre where they will be asked to %. Ils doivent ensuite apporter la preuve qu’ils ont subi le test (certificat) et le numéro de plaque d’immatriculation accept the terms and conditions, agree to and sign a Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement, and have their de leur véhicule au Centre de la découverte, où ils devront accepter une série de modalités, signer une entente photo taken for their permit; d’exonération de responsabilité et d’indemnisation et se faire prendre en photo avant de pouvoir obtenir leur permis. • Daily Winter Permits can be obtained at the Discovery Centre all winter, starting on November 22 and dependent • Le Centre de la découverte délivre des permis d’accès hivernal d’une journée pendant tout l’hiver à compter du 22 novembre, selon les activités de déclenchement préventif. on avalanche control activities; • Du 22 novembre au 30 avril, le stationnement de nuit est autorisé près du Centre de la découverte pour les • Overnight parking will now be available near the Discovery Centre for visitors in self-contained vehicles, such visiteurs se trouvant à bord de véhicules autonomes, tels que les autocaravanes et les caravanes portées. Il est interdit de camper sous la tente au Centre de la découverte en raison des dangers engendrés par les travaux de as RVs and truck campers, for the winter season (November 22-April 30). Tent camping is not available at the déneigement. Discovery Centre due to the danger posed by snow-plowing operations; • Le stationnement de nuit ne sera plus autorisé dans le terrain de stationnement hivernal attenant au point de départ du sentier Asulkan, sauf pour les visiteurs qui passent la nuit dans les refuges du Club alpin du • Overnight parking will no longer be permitted at the Asulkan Trailhead winter parking area, except for those Canada (CAC). Le stationnement de nuit est interdit partout ailleurs dans le parc national des Glaciers, sauf dans le staying overnight at the huts operated by the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC). Overnight parking is not permitted terrain de stationnement du sentier Bostock, qui se trouve dans une zone d’accès hivernal restreint. Il faut un elsewhere in Glacier National Park, other than at Bostock Winter Restricted Parking Area; a special permit is permis spécial pour pouvoir s’y garer. required to park there. Nous rappelons aux amateurs de loisirs d’hiver qu’il est dangereux et illégal en vertu de la Loi sur les parcs Winter recreationists are reminded that entering a closed area in the park without a permit is dangerous and an nationaux du Canada de pénétrer sans permis dans une zone interdite au public. Les contrevenants s’exposent à offence under the Canada National Parks Act. Violation of restricted and prohibited areas is punishable on une amende pouvant aller jusqu’à 200 000 $. De plus, les infractions pourraient donner lieu à des changements permanents au système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal. conviction of a fine of up to $200,000, and could result in permanent changes to the Winter Permit System. For complete details on the Winter Permit System, please visit parkscanada.gc.ca/skirogerspass or call Pour obtenir des détails complets sur le système de délivrance de permis d’accès hivernal, consultez le site Web parcscanada.gc.ca/skicolrogers ou composez le 250-837-7500. Veuillez noter que le Glacier Park Lodge est fermé 250-837-7500. et qu’il n’y a ni poste d’essence, ni restaurant ni établissement d’hébergement dans le col Rogers. Les voyageurs Please note that Glacier Park Lodge is closed and there is no fuel, food or hotel accommodation in Rogers Pass. sont priés de planifier leurs déplacements en conséquence et de consulter le site Web DriveBC.ca (en anglais seulement) pour connaître l’état des routes. Travellers should plan their trips accordingly and check DriveBC.ca for current road conditions.
Be part of the winter backcountry community
Ancient HeAling WAters AWAit r e f r e s h yo u r b o dy a n d s o u l ❖
❖
A R ROW L A K E , B R I T I S H C O L U M B I A
Join the Mountain Information Network • Exchange information on an interactive map at avalanche.ca • Instant access to your regional avalanche forecast • Coming soon—more map layers!
Enjoy the serene surroundings of fall and relax your body and soul in our world renowned mineral pools, day lodge, accommodations, and full service spa. Experience gourmet food and wine with spectacular views in the Kingfisher Restaurant and Lounge. NEW! Beautiful, new private meeting and dining room available for your special event. 6 8 K M SOUTH O F REVELSTO KE OVERLO O KING ARROW LAKE
1.888.689.4699 15
W W W. H A L C YO N - H OT S P R I N G S . C O M
Reved Quarterly is designed and published by Reved Media and Design. Visit revedmedia.com or call 604.219.5313.