vol8issue9

March 4, 2011 The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 1

lodge doors shut

5

Vol. 8/Issue 9 Your Weekly Source for News and Events March 4, 2011

Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats

PioneerThe Columbia ValleyFREE

gas prices soar

3

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Six women gathered at Essentials in Invermere on Saturday, February 26th, to lend their sewing expertise to a good cause. The women stitched together a number of colourful quilts for Rotary’s Wrap-a-Smile program, which delivers the quilts to children in third-world countries who are recovering from cleft-palate surgeries.

Pictured, Donna Robertson stitches together one of the quilts. The other seamstresses were: Judy Miller, Pam Waddell, Elizabeth Peters, Geraldine Gibson, and Dalphine Van de Walle. Photo by Samantha Stokell

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2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer March 4, 2011

Valley NeWS

Celebrity encounter

SLIPPERY ROADS — Poor road conditions during the afternoon of February 28th caused an 81-year-old male driver to lose control on the curve at the top of the hill south of Radium while he was traveling northbound. According to Columbia Valley RCMP, the driver lost control while rounding the right curve, and the vehicle went down an embankment, landing on its roof. The driver’s injuries were not life-threatening. Photo by Kate Irwin

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STAR STRUCK — With shaking hands and no camera in sight, Holly Potter managed to snap this picture of Oprah and Chloe with her cell phone. Photo Submitted

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Valley second homeowner Holly Potter and her daughter Chloe had an unexpected run-in with talk show queen Oprah during their recent vacation to Chicago.

Holly and Chloe were eating lunch at the Ritz Carlton in downtown Chicago and Holly was flipping through her iPad, when a voice behind her said, “Don’t you just love your iPad? I do.”

Holly turned around and was dumbfounded to find her-self face-to-face with a smiling Oprah, minus any entourage.

“She was casually dressed in a sweater set and pants, with beautiful earrings and her hair pulled back,” Holly described.

“I was doing the ultra-polite Canadian thing, and Oprah was just really down to earth and really nice,” she said.

Unaware of Oprah’s celebrity status, Chloe chatted with Oprah about her favourite doll, and Oprah sat for a photo.


Valley NeWSValley fuel price spike blamed on Libyan unrest

Local fuel ratesThe following is a comparison of fuel prices across

the Columbia Valley. All prices are correct as of March 1st. Prices are per litre of regular gas.

Location

Brisco General StoreRadium HuskyRadium Petro-CanadaRadium EssoPip’s Country StoreInvermere Petro-CanadaValley Alley Lucky StrikeSkookum InnFairmont Gas PlusFairmont Hoodoos GasCanal Flats Family PantryCanal Flats Gas Station

$1.159$1.179$1.179$1.179$1.179$1.199$1.178$1.175$1.179$1.179$1.179$1.17

Last week This week

$1.239$1.239$1.239$1.239$1.219$1.259$1.238$1.235$1.239$1.239$1.239$1.23

By Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

Drivers are feeling the pinch when they head to the pumps this week as gasoline prices in the valley and across the nation continue to rise. locally, the cost of regular gas rose an average of six cents a litre, as gas sta-tion owners were hit with rising rates from suppliers.

“We’re following the leader,” said John Tames, of the Skookum Inn in Windermere. “Because of refineries raising prices, retailers have no choice but to follow suit if they want to stay in business.”

Starting on Friday, February 25th, gas stations up and down the valley began to increase prices as the cost of fuel rose to an average of $1.236 a litre across B.C. That’s a jump of $0.613 in the space of a week, according to gas price comparison site GasBuddy.com.

and the bad news could be set to continue, with many analysts predicting further increases as oil prices soar due to political unrest in the Middle east and North africa.

“I think the reason behind it is the uncertainty of supply with everything that is happening in libya,” Mr. Tames added. “Unfortunately this is a global commodity and is subject to global demand and uncertainty.”

While the poor economic climate has had a devas-tating impact on some people’s lives, one of the advan-tages has been lower fuel prices compared to 2008 and 2009. However, due to conflict taking place in libya and

egypt, and because of the overall improvements to the economy, the price of oil and gasoline has shot up.

For those who drive regularly and for driving-based companies, like taxi services, the changes are hitting hard.

“It hits us at the pumps and when fuel prices go up a lot of people don’t travel, so it hits us there too” said Tim earl, a driver for Columbia Valley Taxi.

Pricing for the taxi service is set by the Government’s Department of Transport, who consider population, fuel prices and visitor numbers when setting rates.

Should fuel prices remain high, it is likely taxi ser-vices like Columbia Valley Taxi would be told to increase rates — something the company is not keen to do.

“you don’t want people coming out of a bar at 2 a.m. and second-guessing the price of a taxi,” Mr. earl added. “We have a lot of elderly customers, who would be af-fected if our rates were to change. It would be a concern.”

But motorists who own SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans should not despair the cost of fuel just yet. De-spite using more gas than smaller vehicles, a few simple changes to your driving style can easily recoup the extra dollars and cents you spend at the pump.

The government’s Natural Resources Canada website gives a series of tips to help motorists with fuel consump-tion, including reducing your speed, driving less aggres-sively — fewer hard stops, less quick accelerating and no speeding — switching off air conditioning, lightening your load and avoiding unnecessary idling.

“Good driving habits and regularly maintaining your vehicle will help with mileage,” said Ross Bidinger, own-er of Walker’s auto Repair in Invermere. “Check your tire pressure and keep them properly inflated, check your air filter regularly and ensure your vehicle is serviced.”

For more on improving your fuel efficiency visit oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/personal/.

What effect will B.C.’s new premier have on the valley?By Samantha Stokell and Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

The province’s new premier, Christy Clark, may have her work cut out for her if she wants to have an impact in this area, according to local political leaders.

Concerns highlighted by the valley and region’s politicians include a potential lack of understanding of rural issues, Ms. Clark’s past record as Minister of education and her reputation as a Vancouver-centric politician. But there is also a lot of hope that Ms. Clark’s focus on families and her pledge to improve communications between the lower Mainland and rural regions could do a lot of good in this area.

“What she has shown in a short period of time is a willingness to listen and learn,” said Kootenay east Mla Bill Bennett. “That is more than half the battle.”

But Norm Macdonald, Mla for the neighbouring riding of Columbia-Revelstoke said that Ms. Clark’s past record cannot be swept under the rug.

From 2001 to 2005 Ms. Clark oversaw the closure

of 113 schools, including Radium, Parson, Golden and Canal Flats.

“The record Ms. Clark had as Minister of edu-cation and Children’s Development does not make a good record for the valley,” said Mr. Macdonald. “She’s living in Vancouver and it’s unlikely she fully under-stands the rural issues.”

Other local politicians have hope that not only will she understand the province’s issues outside of the Van-couver area, but will also work to improve relations be-tween the rural regions and the lower Mainland.

“I believe the provincial government needs to im-prove their communication to the rest of the province, which can always be a huge challenge,” said RDeK

area F Director Wendy Booth. “Hopefully Ms. Clark will make that a priority.”

Ms. Clark ran her campaign based on an ‘agenda for change’, focusing on promoting the way business is done in Victoria. She also emphasized putting families at the centre of decision-making for the government.

“If she’s serious about changing how the legislature works, it could be quite good,” Mr. MacDonald added. “Over the past year and a half the government has not functioned and she needs to pull things back together.”

Gerry Taft, the District of Invermere’ Mayor, hopes Ms. Clark will review some policies introduced in the past two years, specifically the Harmonized Sales Tax and the changes to the drinking and driving regu-lations, as well as working to improve communication beyond the lower Mainland.

“There’s a stereotype that she is very Vancouver fo-cused,” Mr. Taft said. “It’s a challenge, but hopefully she reaches out to the rest of the province.”

Ms. Clark won the liberal leadership race on Feb-ruary 26th and became B.C.’s premier-designate.

“What she has shown in a short period of time is a willingness to listen and learn.”

- Bill BennettKootenay East MLA


Submitted by Staff Sgt. Marko ShehovacColumbia Valley RCMP

• On February 11th at 9:47 p.m., Columbia Val-ley RCMP stopped a 1999 Plymouth van on Koote-nay Rd 3. The 29-year-old male driver displayed signs of having consumed alco-hol. The driver blew a warn on the breathalyzer test, and his driver’s licence was suspended for three days.

• As the result of a ve-hicle stop on February 25th at 10:35 p.m., a 20-year-old was charged with failing to display an ‘N’ on his vehicle, and as he had consumed liquor, had his licence suspend-ed for 12 hours.

• On February 25th at 4:30 p.m., a search warrant was executed under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act in one of the units located at 205 3rd ave. As a result of the search a 29-year-old male known to Detachment members was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking. Six ounces of crack cocaine were seized. A large sum of money was also seized from the residence. The male was later released on a number of conditions including a curfew.

• On February 26th at 1 p.m., Columbia Valley De-tachment members responded to a single-vehicle acci-dent involving a 2002 Ford pickup driven by a 36-year-old male from Canal Flats. The vehicle lost control on a logging road off of Grainger Rd. The driver was taken to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

• On February 26th at 2 p.m., Columbia Valley De-tachment members responded to a complaint of assault on Wolf Crescent in Invermere. A 24-year-old male from Invermere was charged with assault and will appear in Invermere provincial court May 9th.

• On February 27th at 12:30 a.m., a vehicle was ob-served to go through a stop sign, drive in an erratic man-ner and failed to respond to police emergency equipment to stop. The vehicle, driven by a 38-year-old female from Invermere eventually pulled over. The driver displayed signs of being impaired by alcohol. A 7-month-old child and a 7-year-old child were passengers in the vehicle. A breath demand was given to the driver who refused to supply a breath sample. The driver was charged with re-

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fusing to provide a breath sample and impaired driving. Children and Family Services will also be notified. The driver’s licence was suspended for 90 days and her vehicle impounded for 30 days.

• On February 27th at 9:52 a.m., Columbia Valley RCMP responded to an assault complaint in the 4400 block of Columbia View Rd in Fairmont. A 47-year-old male from Fairmont was charged with assault.

• On February 28th, due to the closure of Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park, flaggers were called in to control traffic. A 28-year-old male operating a 2008 Dodge Caravan took it upon himself to ignore the flag person, and decided not to listen to clear direction that the highway was closed. The driver pulled ahead regard-less of the flag person being in front of him. When it was clear the flag person was not going to move, the driver from Calgary proceeded forward, causing the flag person to land on the hood while the driver drove ahead.

Police arrived and charged the driver with dangerous driving under the Criminal Code and disobeying a flag person under the Motor Vehicle Act.

Registered Owner is responsibleMy wife received a letter in the mail a couple of

weeks ago with a very fine picture of her new Ford Es-cape, and a very clear picture of her licence plate. The letter explained that the vehicle went through a photo radar and to please kindly mail $120.00.

When we bought this vehicle she made it very clear that it’s her car. I can’t even change the music without a stern look and reminder: her car, her music. I was pleased that she clearly established this prior to this letter as I was the driver at the time.

She advised me that I received a letter stating that I was speeding in our car and that I went through a photo radar trap and now owe $120.00. Now it’s all me and it’s now our car. So I asked, who was the letter sent to?

She advised to the Registered owner. The Wife. I advised her that it’s her letter, personally addressed

to her and as the registered owner she is responsible for the actions of her car. She should take some account-ability of who she allows to operate her vehicle and take ownership of this letter. Bada boom, Badda bing, I rest my case your honor.

I have a very strong suspicion that my next trip to the Pro Bass Store will not be as profitable as I would like it to be. Good chance I’m not going to even get a sniff of the Pro Bass Store. One way or the other, I pay.

How are we doing?N E W S P A P E R

We want to hear your opinion. Please fill out our reader survey on page 26 of this week’s paper.


Landmark lodge to be demolishedBy Kelsey VerboomPioneer Staff

A nearly 90-year-old lodge that was built to coin-

cide with the opening of the original Banff-Windermere Highway will soon be torn down and removed from Kootenay National Park in the name of ecological im-provements.

Built into the rocky hillside overlooking the Radium Hot Springs Pools, the Radium Hot Springs Lodge was constructed in 1925 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and has since housed hundreds of thousands of visitors during its 86 years of operation, including the late Sir Winston Churchill in 1929.

Because the lodge is located within Kootenay Park boundaries on Crown land, it is classified as an Outlying Commercial Accommodation Operator (OCAO), and until recently, the land on which the lodge sits was under a lease agreement. In January 2001, Parks Canada gave notice to all OCAOs in the Sinclair Canyon area that their leases would not be replaced.

Later that year, Parks Canada purchased and re-moved three bungalow operations in the Sinclair Canyon area on a willing-buyer/willing-seller basis, said Pam Vei-notte, Superintendent of Lake Louise, Yoho, and Koote-

nay National Parks. “At that the time, Parks Canada con-firmed its intentions to purchase Radium Hot Springs Lodge should funds become available,” she added.

That time has now come.“Parks Canada has accepted the transfer of title for

Radium Hot Springs Lodge back to the Crown on mu-tually agreeable terms,” Ms. Veinotte said, adding that the terms of the agreement are confidential.

Until recently, the lodge was owned by Hans Brou-wer of Sherwood Properties, based out of Wetaskawin, Alberta. He could not be reached for comment by press time.

In addition to the lodge and already-removed bun-galows, Parks plans to remove the former Kootenay Na-tional Park superintendent’s residence. Since 2001, Parks Canada has spent $750,000 on restoration activities in the area. The cost of the lodge’s removal is yet unknown.

“This initiative is not new,” Ms. Veinotte said. “Parks Canada began removing facilities in Sinclair Canyon 30 years ago, in recognition of the area’s importance as a rare open forest and grasslands ecosystem, and as a low eleva-tion wildlife corridor.

“As the stewards of Canada’s national parks, our first priority is to make sure the natural and cultural treasures we have been entrusted with are protected . . . we feel

that the investments made in restoring Kootenay Na-tional park to date are valuable to all Canadians and will help us realize long-term ecological goals for Kootenay National Park and its contribution to the Columbia Val-ley.”

When questioned about the pools and pool park-ing lots across the highway from the lodge, Ms. Veinotte said she doesn’t expect visitor numbers to the pool to decrease, and that the pool facilities don’t need to be re-moved because the south side of the highway isn’t com-prised of important wildlife habitat or connectivity.

Kent Kebe of the Radium Chamber of Commerce said that while he understands Parks’ reasons for doing so, it’s a sad day to see the 66-room lodge shut down. “It was a wonderful place for people to come,” he said, “Now we will do what we can to host the visitors who would have gone to the lodge in Radium and other parts of the valley.”

Patricia Kilback, who has managed the lodge for the past 15 years, said, “I will truly miss meeting people from all over the world. I have great memories of work-ing here.”

Patricia hopes to stay in the Radium area, but now faces an uncertain employment future as the lodge she loves closes its doors for the last time.

Ken Maki and Wally Black are pleased to offer tax assistance in our Invermere offi ce this spring on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (9:30 AM — 4:30 PM) from March 15 until April 27.

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EARLY PARKWAY —The Radium Hot Springs Lodge in 1935 (pic-tured, far left) and in 1955 (pictured, left). The lodge served as a hub for travelers and visitors to the famous Radium Hot Springs Pools, as evi-denced by the full parking lot in the photo at left.

Photos courtesy of the Whyte Museum


perspective

The whole truth and nothing but

Drunk driving laws to become more confusingBy Kelsey VerboomPioneer Staff

Here we go again. Just as drivers were starting to get the hang of B.c.’s revised drunk driving laws — the most severe in canada — the government has announced it is considering allowing drivers to challenge roadside penal-ties with an appeal process similar to the one in place for challenging traffic tickets.

The announcement comes after the completion of a government review of the strict drunk driving laws. The review was prompted by an onslaught of complaints about the rigid rules, which make it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol reading of 0.05 or more. Many of the complaints were from restaurant and bar owners who feel the tough laws are causing their businesses to suffer.

On March 1st, solicitor-General rich coleman told a Kamloops radio station that the possibility of an appeal process would first have to be debated and passed by the legislature, but that the intent is to give drivers a certain amount of time following their offence to argue the in-fraction. The number of immediate suspensions being issued without the opportunity to appeal was a concern, he added.

so, the laws will remain the same, but drivers who have been drinking and putting others at risk can argue they didn’t do it? Hum. The government is acting like parents who grounded their children, but felt regretful and told them they could come out of their room for dessert and their favourite tv show.

The possibility of being able to argue a driving of-fence certainly excercises the democratic right of cana-dians, but it doesn’t seem like a reasonable move. An ap-peal process for drunk driving will have everyone going around in circles, locked in a he-said-she-said battle of bottle to throttle.

What do you think? e-mail [email protected].

Dear Editor:

In her editorial last week, Kelsey Verboom wrote a very succinct and accurate assessment about another journalist’s article regarding Jumbo.

Ms. Verboom has pointed out, quite rightly, that the other author was biased and forgetful of something that is called “The Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth”.

He did completely forget to mention the Shush-wap; he did forget, completely, the entire CORE process of about 17 years ago which designated the Jumbo Valley best to be used as a resort (ski).

He did forget so many “facts” as to begger the

imagination.I and many others send kudos to Ms. Verboom

for standing up for balanced editorials. She stood up for the truth in our valley.

As such, both for myself and many, many oth-ers, we congratulate you Kelsey for your courage in telling the truth and pointing out the opposite — in both word and omission.

You did well lady. Congratulations on your ethics, your morals and your conviction that truth trumps falsehoods and half truths/lies.

David R. PaceyRadium Hot Springs

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership, Robert W. Doull, President.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Ave., Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229Email: [email protected]

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

pioneerThe Columbia Valley

Dave SutherlandAdvertising Sales

Kate IrwinReporter

Samantha StokellReporter

Kelsey VerboomEditor

Emily RawbonGraphic Design

Shawn WernigGraphic Design

Rose-Marie RegitnigPublisher/Sales Manager

Katie SalanskiOffice Assistant

In this image, circa 1923, Nellie Rich-ardson proudly shows off a 34-pound Freshwater Ling Cod. Ms. Richardson caught the impressively-sized fish through the ice, near the mouth of Windermere Creek. The Richardsons were a pioneer family who lived for many years in Win-dermere. Burbot or Freshwater Ling Cod were an important food source for Aborigi-nal and pioneering families. Ling are now rare in Lake Windermere. If you have any more information, e-mail us at [email protected].

A.E.Fisher Photograph courtesy

of the Ede Family Collection

Hist

orica

l Len

sH

istor

ical L

ens What a catch


LETTERS

Dear Editor:

For your interested readers, here is a more accurate assessment of the funding that supports the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project than was provided by Kelsey Verboom in his recent article “Jumbo Omission”.

I, Michael Proctor, run the Trans-border Grizzly Bear Project in coopera-tion with research biologists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The Canadian arm of that effort gets its funding from many sources across the spectrum of in-terests in land use, including the timber industry, hunters through the B.C. Habi-tat Conservation Trust Foundation, wild-life research and management institutions such as the Columbia Basin Fish and Wildlife Compensation Program and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation,

and NGOs with wildlife conservation in-terests, such as Wilburforce.

It is a point of pride that we garnish support from this broad base of interests and that breadth of contributors ensures we do not cater to (or leave the wrong im-pression that we might cater to) any one philosophy except to produce the best science possible. Our motto is “everyone gets the same answer”.

Interestingly, the B.C. government and the Jumbo proponents paid for the original Jumbo grizzly bear survey which I carried out back in 1998. For the record, Wilburforce has contributed approxi-mately 9% of our multiannual budget which is just on the average contribution from our 11 main contributors.

Michael ProctorTrans-border Grizzly Bear Project

Funding is legit, says grizzly biologist

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So every time the snow is about to fall my phone starts to ring. The calls are the same. My fl oor is moving, cracking, and even cupping. This tells me they don’t have the right humidity and the wood fl oor is drying out. Even though we always tell people that they should have a humidifi er sometimes people don’t see the value. In some cases when people leave the cottage they turn off the water, and by doing that can make the humidifi er useless.

Right now I have seen homes as low as 24%, and they should be

around 35% depending on the manufacturer. In one case we have asked the contractor to put in a new unit, but to bring the moisture up slowly. The fl oor is going back to normal, but some of the damage is irreversible and boards will have to

be replaced. When your hardwood fl oors are professionally installed and you have the right site conditions they should last the lifetime of the home.

The calls are the same.

right humidity and the wood fl oor is drying out. Even though we always tell people that they should have a humidifi er

around 35% depending on the manufacturer. In one case we have asked the contractor to put in a new unit, but to bring the moisture up slowly. The fl oor is going back to

and boards will have to

#4 - 9994 Arrow Rd. (Next to Legacy Kitchens)#4 - 9994 Arrow Rd.

(Next to Legacy Kitchens)#4 - 9994 Arrow Rd. (Next to Legacy Kitchens)

With David WilsonWith Davava id WilsonFocus on FloorsHardwood & Moisture Problems and Cures

Nature's Floors Tips_3x5.75.indd 1 10-11-17 2:12 PM

Dear Editor:

As you are the editor of a commu-nity newspaper which overall has done a pretty good job of reporting community news and keeping a pulse on ongoing community issues, I was surprised that it took an article in a national newspaper to invoke your interest in one of the most controversial issues in recent Columbia Valley history.

I would also point out that because the RDEK abdicated its responsibility for a public hearing and a decision on permitting the rezoning of the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort lands in 2009, we, the people of the Columbia Valley will not be involved in making any decision on Jumbo, let alone an “informed” one that you ask for. The decision which was ours to make, will now be made in Victo-ria by the Minister of Natural Resource Operations.

To its credit this ministry has clearly

stated that because of the Michael Proc-tor’s work on Grizzlies and the Ktunaxa Qat’muk Declaration, the decision on Jumbo will be delayed. The importance of Michael Proctor’s work with contri-butions from every senior bear biologist in North America is that it states that the grizzly is not doing very well in the Southern Interior and that if Jumbo Gla-cier Resort proceeds the grizzly bear will likely be extirpated from the Purcells.

The importance of the Ktunaxa na-tion is obvious given their indigenous his-tory and that they are the First Nation in treaty negotiation in the East Kootenays.

Having read a lot of biased articles on both sides of the issue over the years, I was pleased to read Mr Kirkby’s com-prehensive discussion of the history of the controversy and the overall significance of this pending land use decision.

Gerry WilkieEdgewater

Area G Director praises article

Letters continued on page 8 . . .

Dear Editor:

Regarding last week’s editorial by Kelsey Ver-boom: someone please give Kelsey a raise!

If only she worked for the Globe an Mail — the whole country would be better off — not just the Columbia Valley. Excellent work!

Ian McKenzieRegina, Saskatchewan (Formerly of Panorama)

Well doneEditor’s note: Due to the volume of letters we received this week, the sub-missions that couldn’t fit in the paper are available for view-ing on our website: www.columbiaval-leypioneer.com under the “Feedback” tab. Thank you to every-one who submitted a letter.


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NAIL, FACIAL AND BODY PRODUCTS: many assorted nail products, oils, eyeshadows, lip gloss, hand creams, professional size facial nail and body products, retail products and many assorted new and used sundries, simply too numerous to mention.

FURNITURE: 2 love seats, 1 couch, 1 couch/hide-a-bed, storage cabinets, fridge, 8 microwaves w/stands, assorted coffee and side tables, screens, statues, crock pots, folding chairs, many artificial trees and shrubs, TV, computers, showcases, bookshelves, vases and flower pots, office chairs, coffee makers, roaster ovens, water cooler and much more!

SPECIAL ITEMS: 2 claw foot bath tubs, 1 Las Vegas slot machine with tokens, 1 “Kettler” cross trainer, “Affinity” front load washer/dryer

AUCTIONEERS NOTE: This sale features not just spa equipment but a large number of household and miscellaneous items for everyone!

Please do not park in the Tim Hortons parking lot, there is parking on site and overflow parking across the street.

TERMS: Cash, cheque, VISA, MC PREVIEW: Friday noon till 5 p.m.

Sale conducted by HIGH COUNTRY AUCTIONS, Invermere BC

Auctioneer: Erhard “Tex” Lortscher Inquiries: 250-341-5316E-mail: [email protected]

AUCT ION

John McCarthyManaging BrokerRe/Max InvermereCell 250-342-1758

$469,000 Beautiful family home overlooking the night lights of Invermere in

the Highlands. Features 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, air

conditioning, heated tile � oors, fully developed, wonderfully

landscaped and includes many more details and highlights too numerous to mention.

Call John today for your personal showing.

EACH OFFICE IS INDEPENDENTLY OWNED & OPERATED

Annual General Meeting

Monday, April 4th – 6:30 p.m.Ray Ray’s Beach Pub

• Election of Directors • Annual Reports Members please RSVP to [email protected]

N E W S P A P E R

There’s a reason they’re called “CLASSY”. Pioneer Classifieds…

Phone: (250) 341-6299 • Fax: (250) 341-6229 • Email: [email protected]

Certifi ed ART® & Graston® provider

#4 1008 8th Ave, Invermere BC250-409-9628

[email protected]

Columbia ChiropracticDr. Karen Fahrni DC

We are pleased to now be offering Naturopathic Medical Care at our clinic.

Dr. Meghan Haggarty NDis actively accepting new patients. For more information or to book an

appointment, please contact the clinic.

Dear Editor:

Dee Conklin is on to something. Searching for and discovering a strong pitch that helps promote our valley is a worthy idea and it should be discussed. Those who favour leaving success to chance are also willing to let other places attract tourists and that siphons them away from us.

Tourism is our very clean, natural and dominant in-dustry. It is well worth having, it is well worth promot-ing, and it is well worth working hard to improve.

Many people know about this valley, but there are a lot more who don’t know a thing about us. Those who have never been here have vacation money that we could use in our community, as we are in need of a signifi-cant cash infusion. Some people don’t like tourists. They think they crowd our community and overuse our park-ing spaces. However, they are going to have a difficult time getting the visitors to stay home and send their money by mail.

With much respect for our mayor, I do not believe that we need to seek a slogan that includes industry, de-velopment and a host of other dimensions. Branding re-quires that a product promotion be shot from a rifle and not a shotgun. If they come as tourists we then, at that time, have the opportunity to promote investment.

A slogan such as, The Valley Of Smoking Waters has

Valley definitely needs a brandan arousing interest for those from afar, has a historical reference and tweaks the curiosity of outsiders. It is not the only slogan that would do that. There will be many others. However, it is a slogan that few other places can use. That is what branding should do, set us apart from other vacation opportunities. What Ms. Conklin is seek-ing is a search for the best catch phrase. What could pos-sibly be wrong with that? Either we create employment or we continue to ship our children away in search of work.

Some persons argue that,“We have always been known as the Columbia Valley”. They are quite correct, but why should any far-away person come here as op-posed to some other valley, or any other vacation for that matter? Importantly, it is not how the locals have long referred to this area that matters but rather, what catches the imagination of those who have never been here. What needs to be discovered is our uniqueness and then we should do what any business would do: promote our product.

We ought not diminish ourselves by being caught in a situation where we have everything to sell while demonstrating little desire to promote our advantage. Together, we have work to do.

Arnold MaloneInvermere

Dear Editor:

I have lived in Canal Flats since 1938 and it gives me great pleasure to stand at the headwaters of Columbia Lake and enjoy the view of the Columbia Valley.

This is our heritage and the name should never be changed.

In Dee Conklin’s drive for a name change of our valley she has given no thought to what this means to the many people who were born here and those who have lived most of their lives here.

We have many districts in the valley that get along fine and we have welcomed the tourists and the people that have built summer and permanent

homes in the valley. We are not isolated here but are known worldwide. There are information booths that can direct our visitors with information they may require, as accurate information of all recreation areas are in free booklets published each year.

The population of the valley has increased dra-matically over the years, maybe too fast at times. A name change for the convenience of business is a no- brainer for the general public; there would still be all the different names in the phone book.

The name Columbia Valley must not be changed for any reason. The people have found us.

Ray CaseCanal Flats

The people have already found us


MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 10

PAGE 28

Out & AboutYour Weekly Guide

to What’s Happening Around the

Columbia ValleyPage 13

WILD RECIPE

What’s happening in theColumbia Valley

Page 9

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar scene • entertainMent • PerforMance arts

Visit columbiavalleyarts.com for our current events calendar, or call 250-342-4423.

What does ARTmean to you?

Cheesecake Burlesque Revue Full Stage Show, Sunday, March 27 Tickets available at The Book Bar & Pynelogs

Cinefest @ Pynelogs I Am Love · Tuesday, March 8. Doors open at 6:30 - Film at 7 pm

Harmonica World Champ

Bud’s Bar and Lounge will be rockin’ on March 22nd when harmonica world champion Carlos Del Junco takes the stage with a four-piece band to launch his new album, ‘Mongrel Mash’. The jazz/blues player

has twice been nominated for a Juno award and has played with Bruce Cockburn, Kim Mitchell and Holly Cole. Tickets are $20 on the door. Doors open 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Photo submitted


Reviewed by Kelsey Verboom

127 Hours is the ultimate paradox: an intense action movie about a man who can’t move.

The film is based on the incredible true story of ad-venturer Aron Ralston (played by James Franco), who was forced to cut off his own arm with a cheap multi-tool after spending more than five days trapped in a Utah canyon, his forearm pinned beneath a rock.

If you were forced to classify 127 Hours, it would be as a biographical adventure film, but that description falls short of capturing the film’s true style. Although technically a Hollywood movie, this creation is more like part documentary, part (awesome) music video, and part photography exhibition, with the overall flavour of something you would see at the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

In an interview with The Guardian newspaper, the real Aron Ralston commented that the film is “so factu-ally accurate it is as close to a documentary as you can get and still be a drama.”

127 Hours was co-written and directed by Danny Boyle, the director of the eight-time Academy Award-winning Slumdog Millionaire, and it retains a lot of Slumdog’s best characteristics: interesting cinematogra-phy, slight touches of humour, a captivating storyline, and a great soundtrack. Not surprisingly, 127 Hours was nominated for six Academy Awards at last week’s Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

James Franco certainly earned his Best Actor nomi-nation, especially in the scene where he decides to break his arm and hack through the break with a dull, imitation Swiss-Army knife — a gory, can’t-take-your-eyes-off-the-screen moment that will leave you in open-mouthed ad-

miration of Aron Ralston’s will to live. A word of warn-ing: this scene is not for the faint of stomach. At the Telluride Film Festival, where the movie debuted, two people required medical attention after the scene; one woman was even carted out of the theatre on an ambu-lance gurney.

Overall, this movie is totally worth it. The plot line of Ralston’s heroic struggle will keep you watching in awe, especially knowing how the story ends.

Bonus trivia: the camcorder Franco uses in the film to keep a video diary of his experience is the exact cam-corder the real Aron Ralston used during his harrowing adventure.

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar scene • entertainMent • perforMance arts

Movie Review: 127 Hours

RATING: 8 OUT OF 10 HEADS

Gone Hollywood’s TOP FIVE OF THE WEEKLast Week’s Top 5 Rentals

1 DueDate2 Unstoppable3 Megamind4 LifeasWeKnowIt5 GetLow

New Releases March 11Faster2127Hours3Burlesque4Love&OtherDrugs5TranscendentMan

New Releases March 81 NextThreeDays2 Jackass33 MorningGlory4 EveryDay5 BabysittersBeware

GoneHOLLYWOOD

V I D E O

PO Box 2800, 503 - 7th Ave., Invermere, V0A 1K0250-342-0057

[email protected]

ALL NEW & USED GAMESfor the Game Cube, PS2 and Xbox are on sale at… 50% OFF

SATURDAY MARCH 5TH & DJ Menace

SATURDAY MARCH 19TH

128Followed

by DJ…

THURSDAY MARCH 24TH

THURSDAY MARCH 31ST

SATURDAY MARCH 12TH

Mardi Grai Party with DJ Dilligent & DJ Willa

St. Patrick’s DayTHURSDAY MARCH 17TH

with Calgary”s 90’s Punk Band

ROCKETS AND DINOSAURS$11.50 jugs of

Kokanne buy 2 get the 3rd FREE

$4.25 Jack Danielswww.rocketsanddinosaurs.com

SPECIAL EVENT

&TUESDAY MARCH 22ND

& Present…

Carlos del Junco& the Blue Mongrels

ONENIGHTONLY

with opener

• The Radium Magazine produces results!• Creates Visibility for Radium in the competitive

tourism market• Educates Visitors to BC’s Best Mountain Getaway

Village• Provides marketing information to a

captive in-room audience• Promotes “Stay and Play Another Day”

in Radium Hot Springs• Increases Revenue to local businesses

with longer visits

Radium Hot Springs Magazine is a beautiful glossy magazine aimed at more than 500,000 tourists who visit our resort community each year. Placed in the majority of local hotel rooms, distributed to Visitor Centres across BC and available on-line at www.radiumhotsprings.com, it’s a great way to promote your business to this target audience.

An initiative of the Radium Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, the magazine is also used as a national and international marketing tool to draw tourists to the Columbia Valley.

N E W S P A P E R

Contact: Kathy SutherlandCell: 250-270-0254

E-mail: [email protected]: 250-341-6299 Fax: 250-341-6229

Box 868, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

THE RADIUM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS PROVIDING A

10% DISCOUNT FOR ITS MEMBERS.

ADVERTISING DEADLINE March 18th, 2011

A Radium Chamber of Commerce marketing initiative.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS IN RADIUM’S PREMIERE MAGAZINE

2 0 1 1 R A D I U M H O T S P R I N G S M A G A Z I N E


Submissions must be received by the Monday prior to publication. We may only run an entry for two weeks prior to the event. Please

limit your submission to 30 words. Priority is given to one-off events, so weekly events may run rarely.

Toby Theatre • March 2nd - 5th, 7:30 p.m.: Disney’s Tangled.• March 9th - 12th: Theatre is CLOSED.• March 16th - 19th, 7:30 p.m.: The King’s Speech.

Sunday, March 6th:

• 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Akisqnuk First Annual Family Fishing Derby at Windermere beach. $10 Adults, $5 for children 16 and under. Includes lunch and a chance for raffle of Tent and Fish Finder. Pre-registration: 250-342-6301. For info: 250-688-5308.

Tuesday, March 8th:

• 6 p.m.: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere. $5 per person, $15 per family. Everyone welcome. No reservations required. For info: 250-342-6851.• 6:30 p.m.: Cinefest at Pynelogs Cultural Centre, presenting I am Love, $10 per person at the door. For info 250-342-4423. Thursday, March 10th:

• 7 p.m.: Annual General Meeting for Columbia Valley Botanical Gardens and Centre for Sustainable Living at the Community Greenhouse. Agenda includes voting on a name change and passing a special resolution on constitution and by-laws. For info: 250-688-1205. Friday, March 11th:

• 2 - 4 p.m.: Puppet Play special event at the Invermere Public Library. Crafts, games, stories for children grades 1 - 5. Please pre-register, limited space. 250-342-6416, invermere.bclibrary.ca.

• 7 p.m.: Crystal Taylor, nine-time Nashville recording artist, in concert at Radium Christian Fellowship, Radium.

Saturday, March 12th:

• March 12th and 13th: Freestyle weekend at Panorama hosted by Panorama Mountain Freeride Club. Mogul and Slopestyle competition for kids 6 -15 years of age. For info: 250-342-9082.• 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Meet, Greet and Tweet, an artist/artisan networking day at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.Learn marketing strategies from your peers, explore the broader cultural scene of the Columbia Valley and learn about the Tour of the Arts. $10 per person, bring your own lunch, coffee and tea provided.For info e-mail: [email protected]. RSVP to: [email protected] by March 3rd.• 11 a.m.: Liquidation Auction of Pamper Yourself Spa at the crossroads in Invermere. For info: 250-341-5316.• 12noon: Season Wind Up and Ski Party for Toby Creek Nordic members. Ski and BBQ at the Hale Hut at Greywolf Nordic Centre. For info: www.tobycreeknordic.ca.• 2 - 4 p.m.: St. Patrick’s Day Tea and Bake Sale at Christ Church Trinity, hosted by the Go-Go Grannies. Admission is by donation. All proceeds go to Stephen Lewis Foundation, supporting families in sub-Saharan Africa who have been impacted by HIV AIDS. • 7 p.m.: Crystal Taylor, nine-time Nashville recording artists, in concert at Radium Christian Fellowship, Radium.

Sunday, March 13th: • 1 - 3 p.m.: Movie Mania Carnival by the Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena.

Thursday, March 17th:

• 6 p.m.: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Meet on Higher Ground in Radium. Buffet dinner and live music by Scott and Kathleen with Celtic Singalong.$25 per person. For reservations and info: 250-347-6567.

Friday, March 18th:

• March 18th, 19th and 20th: 2nd Annual Wilmer

Broomball Tournament. To register call Gord: 250-341-7148.


• 10 a.m.: ICAN (Invermere Companion Animal Network) Annual General Meeting. 455 Panorama Road. For info: 250-341-7888.• 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.: Fundraising BBQ at Sobeys for the Kootenay Baton Konnection Club. Raising funds towards provincial competition in Richmond, B.C. For info: 250-342-9634.


• 10 - 12 noon: Windermere Community Association Annual General Meeting at the Windermere Community Hall. Pancake breakfast 9 - 10 a.m.• Cheesecake Burlesque Revue presented by Columbia Valley Arts. For info: 250-342-4423.

Sunday, March 27th:

• 7 p.m.: Columbia Valley Cycling Society Annual General Meeting at the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce (at the crossroads). Free pizza and beverage will be served. For info: www.columbiavalleycyclingsociety.org.• Cheesecake Burlesque Revue presented by Columbia Valley Arts. For info: 250-342-4423.

Invermere Library hours:

• Tuesday to Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.• Wednesday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

. Radium Library hours:

• Tuesday: 6 - 8 p.m. • Wednesday and Thursday: 1 - 4 p.m.• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 12 noon.• Sunday: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Canal Flats Community Library hours:

• Tuesday: 7- 8:30 p.m. For info: 250-349-5360.

Invermere Thrift Store hours:

• Thursday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.• Friday and Saturday: 1 - 4 p.m.

Radium Blessings Thrift Store hours:

• Thursday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. • Friday and Saturday: Noon - 4 p.m.

Out & AboutPlease call 250-341-6299

or e-mail us at [email protected] enter your event in our FREE listings.

Music • visual arts • dining • Bar scene • entertainMent • perforMance arts

Maxwell Realty Invermere/Panorama O� ce: (250) 341-6044 • Fax: (250) 341-6046 • www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

DANIEL ZURGILGEN250-342-1612

GEOFF HILL250-341-7600

GLENN POMEROY250-270-0666

STEVE WILLIAMS250-342-1031

SCOTT WALLACE250-342-5309

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

(next door to Fairmont Goldsmiths)


Dining 250-342-6560 • Golf 250-342-0562 • www.eagleranchresort.com • Toll Free 1-877-877-3889

Hours of Operations:Open Tuesday to Friday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm (last seating)

Saturday & Sunday 10:00 am to 8:30 pm (last seating)

Join us for 2 for 1 Appy’s daily from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Pre-Paid Golf Cards Now AvailablePlease call for details.

SundayBrunch

from 10:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m.

More than just Great GolfMore than just Great GolfMore than just Great GolfMore than just Great GolfMore than just Great GolfMore than just Great Golf

Akisqnuk First Annual

Family Fishing DerbySunday, March 6th • Windermere Beach • 8 am – 3 pm

Tickets: $10 for Adults$5 for children 16 and under

East side of lake from the cemetery to Lakeshore Resort. Fishing regulations

apply, catch and release promoted.

Entrance fee includes hamburger or hot dog, hot chocolate, tea and co� ee and a chance

for ra e of Tent and Fish Finder.Prizes include: Fishing Tent, Fish Finder,

Fishing Rods, Tackle Boxes, Cash Prizes for Longest Trout and Longest Coarse Fish.

For pre-registration call the Akisqnuk First Nation at 250-342-6301For more information, please call 250-688-5308

Dental Awareness MonthThe Invermere Veterinary Hospital is celebrating “Dental Difference” during the month of March.

The prevention and early detection of dental disease gives us an opportunity to signifi cantly improve your pet’s quality of life and longevity. Periodontal (dental) disease is the most commonly found health problem in our pets. During March, “Dental Difference” month. In addition to our regular dental health

examinations, our team will have a number of educational materials and tips to help you with your pet’s home dental care program. We are also pleased to provide a complimentary bag of Dental diet to every pet that receives a professional dental cleaning.

We look forward to preparing a personalized home care

dental program for your pet. Please call us to schedule your appointment 250-342-7007.

Photo by Ruth Fast –Painted Sun Photography

Win $1,000 in the Lions’ Ice OutBy Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

The countdown to spring has begun and tick-ets are selling fast for the 25th annual Ice Out Draw, put on by the Lake Wind-ermere District Lions Club.

The contest allows en-trants the chance to win $1,000 by correctly guessing the day and time the ice will melt from Lake Windermere.

The Lions Club members monitor the ice between a marker on the lake’s eastern shore in Athalmer and a spot on Fort Point and announce a winner once the area is entirely free of ice.

“There’s not much chance of it melting in February so we’re only checking every few days right now” said Li-ons Club member Henry Hoffmann. “Once it’s getting close then I’ll be down there every 15 minutes until we have a contest winner.”

Tables are set up at Sobeys, AG Valley Foods or Home Hardware every weekend to sell tickets at $2 each, with Lions Club members on hand to share information on the melting dates from years gone by.

With an enormous spread of dates and times, win-

ning the contest is a blend of guesswork, math and a sprinkling of luck.

“Last year was one of the earliest melts, March 22nd,” Mr. Hoffmann said. “Otherwise the contest mostly ends at some point in April.”

The Lions Club has already sold around 2,000 of the 3,000 tickets for the contest since it opened at the start of January. Tickets will be on sale until mid-April, or until sold out.

All proceeds go to the Lions Club and are used to fund two high school bursaries of $2,000 apiece, the Da-vid Thompson Secondary School Dry Grad celebrations and the annual Citizen of the Year Award.

The entrant who guesses closest to the correct ice-out time and date will win $1,000 in cash.

“The draw has become a bit of a long-standing tra-dition,” Mr. Hoffmann explained. “It’s a lot of fun sell-ing tickets at Home Hardware every Saturday and most importantly we are helping out the high school grads.”

The Lake Windermere District Lions Club held the first Ice Out Draw in the mid-1980s, and the contest was then run by the Invermere Judo Club for 10 years. After a hiatus during the 1990s the Lions reinstated the contest in 2008.

To buy tickets visit Sobeys, AG Valley Foods or Home Hardware on Saturdays or Sundays. For more in-formation call Henry Hoffmann at 250-341-1410.

Henry Hoffmann


Monthly Independent Film Series

Tickets are $10 at the door. Come early. Limited seating.

columbiavalleyarts.com/cinefest

Tuesday, Mar 8th

7pm @Pynelogs.

The Cinefest @ Pynelogs Series gratefully acknowledges our partnership with Film Circuit.

It’s Movie Night at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

Exquisitely shot, beautifully paced and conceived. A stunning work.

• Ra� es • Concession• 50/50 Draws

• Program Draws Come see our children shine

like the stars they are!

Sunday, March 13th 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena

� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club� e Columbia Valley Figure Skating Club

Movie Mania Carnival

Movie Mania Movie Mania Movie Mania Movie Mania Movie Mania Movie Mania Carnival

Mezzanine available to those in need (Seniors/Disabled)By Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

Two Spillimacheen residents witnessed history in the making when they visited Florida last week to see the final launch of the space shuttle Discovery.

David Goldsmith and Dennis Alt, along with Da-vid’s brother Elmar, from Chilliwack, B.C., travelled down to Florida on Tuesday, February 22nd, for what they named the ‘Geezers’ Space Odyssey’.

The trio spent a week in the Sunshine State, watch-ing the shuttle launch on Thursday February 24th from the Kennedy Space Centre.

“Elmar and I were talking a year ago or so about the things we wanted to accomplish after retiring,” David explained. “On both our lists was to see the launch of a space shuttle. Well, he looked up how to do it, and found that it was via a computerized online draw. All you had to do was email the Kennedy Space Centre.”

The brothers sent in their entry and after missing out on tickets for the only two scheduled launches in September and November last year, decided that the trip was not meant to be.

But at the start of February an unexpected e-mail arrived from the Space Centre. The scheduled flights had been postponed and the brothers had a last minute chance to make their dream a reality.

“In was an incredible moment when we found out we’d got a second chance to see the launch,” Elmar said. “It was exciting to have this chance to do the trip togeth-er with Dave. Never in my wildest dreams did I think it would happen.”

After two nights at the Best Western Space Shuttle Inn, in Titusville, Florida, launch day finally arrived.

The trio made the short trip to the Space Centre, ar-riving early to secure prime seats in the outdoor viewing area. Large screens were set up and the crowd could hear ground control and the work crews as they went through

hours of preparation and checks.They were into the final nine minutes of the count-

down when a sudden computer problem ground the launch proceedings to a halt.

“They only have a certain window they can launch in, so they had 15 minutes to fix it or the whole launch would be called off,” Dennis said.

The three men endured a tense wait. Minutes ticked by and the news over the outdoor loudspeakers was bleak. By the final 60 seconds Elmar, Dennis and David were resigning themselves to a trip back to the hotel.

“It was so nerve-wracking,” Dennis added. “They were down to the last 14 seconds when they finally got it fixed and the crowd just cheered.”

White smoke started billowing from the base of the shuttle and an incredibly bright, white light dazzled spec-tators as they watched on the screen. Within seconds the shuttle was in the air and was visible from where Dennis, David and Elmar were standing.

“I held my breath,” David said. “We first watched on the screen and heard over the speakers as it started to rise. The light was amazing, I’ve never seen anything so bright. Then the real noise came across and we could feel it rushing over us and could see the shuttle shooting up into the sky. It was amazingly fast.”

The men watched as the rocket soared over Cape Canaveral, vanishing from sight in 90 seconds. The screen switched to the camera on the fuel tanks as they detached. By the time the three men arrived back at the hotel the shuttle had already completed two-and-a-half orbits of the earth.

“When the shuttle actually blasted off and it was ob-vious it was going up I had a huge lump in my throat and tears in my eyes,” Elmar said. “It was truly an emotional high, the whole experience.”

Along with viewing the launch, the trio also enjoyed some sightseeing, had lunch with an astronaut and took a ride in the shuttle simulator at the Space Centre.

Spilli men attend shuttle launch

BLAST OFF — Left: Elmar Goldsmith, Dennis Alt and David Goldsmith (left to right) at the Kennedy Space Centre on launch day. Right: The final flight of the Discovery Space Shuttle takes off from Titusville, Florida. Photos submitted


YOUR MONEYLow-cost investments

Canada has had the highest mutual fund fees in the world for several years now. While other countries have gravitated a large portion of their investments into lower cost mutual funds, ETFs, and other investments with fewer management fees, Canadians have been reluctant. No one has been able to pinpoint why this phenomenon exists but there are plenty of alternatives in the Canadian market space if an investor searches around.

Mawer Investment Management LtdMawer, an investment house in Calgary, has been

managing $8.8 billion for institutional and individual in-vestors since 1974. They offer ten no-load mutual funds with management expense ratios ranging from 0.39% on their Money Market fund, 1.24% on their Canadian Equity fund and 2.06% on their Global Small Cap fund. For a minimum investment as little as $5,000, you can buy Mawer mutual funds through most financial advi-sors.

Phillips, Hager & NorthFounded in Vancouver in 1964, PH&N has a broad

range of 29 mutual funds available to the public through financial advisors. PH&N also manages money for in-stitutional clients such as pension plans and individual investors and currently looks after $77 billion dollars across Canada. PH&N series D funds can be purchased

for as little as $1,000 as long as $25,000, total is invested in their funds. Management expense ratios range from a low of 0.21% to 1.44%.

Chou & Associates Management Inc.Francis Chou started his fund company as an invest-

ment club at Bell Canada in the 1980s where he worked and now manages close to $1 billion. Chou funds all follow the value investment philosophy of Benjamin Graham who first hired Warren Buffett. All of the Chou funds can be purchased for $5,000, and carry manage-ment expense ratios of less than 2%.

McLean BuddenMcLean Budden started as an independent invest-

ment firm in Montreal in 1947. Today, the firm man-ages $34 billion of institutional and individual invest-ment platforms. For a minimum investment of $5,000, McLean Budden funds can be purchased with manage-ment expense ratios of no greater than 1.25%.

Claymore InvestmentsClaymore Investments specializes in bringing low-

cost intelligent Exchange Traded funds (ETFs) to the Canadian market. Claymore manages $5.7 billion in ETFs across a broad range of investment categories. ETFs range from the popular Canadian Dividend fund

Insurance products and services are o� ered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and a� liate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is the sole issuer of the Manulife GIF Select insurance contract which o� ers the IncomePlus bene t and the guarantor of any guarantee provision therein. Manulife Securities Incorporated is a member CIPF.

Brendan DonahueBCOMM, FMA, CIM

Senior Investment Advisor

Insurance Agent250-342-2112

Sara WorleyInvestment Advisor

Insurance Agent250-342-6441

MANULIFE SECURITIES INCORPORATED

Corporate Logos: Trade Name + Dealership Sub Logos

3/16" Minimum size to be used on business cards

1/4" Minimum size to be used on the standard sized brochures

5/16" This size to be used on all oversized brochures.

Manulife Securities Incorporated = IDAManulife Securities Investment Services inc. = MFDAManulife Securities Insurance Inc. = INSURANCE

English French

3/8" This size to be used on pieces where the width of the piece exceeds 12”.

Colour: PANTONE 349

MANULIFE SECURITIES INSURANCE AGENCY

Strength, Resources, Reputation & IndependenceInvestments, Insurance & Financial Planning

Call us for local, friendly, professional free consultations! • Ph: 250-342-2112 • Fax: 250-342-2113 • 712-10th Street, Invermere

GIC Rates*as of February 28th

Cashable 1.35%90 days 1.35%1 yr 2.00%2 yr 2.30%3 yr 2.75%4 yr 3.15%5 yr 3.45%*Rates subject to change without notice.

Giving Back to the Community by

Supporting Youth Sports & Activities

Our offi ce will proudly donate a minimum of $100 or 10% of

your annual premium to a youth organization of your choice when

you purchase a life or critical illness insurance contract from any of our 15 insurance providers.

(Includes term insurance on your mortgage)

Insurance products and services are o� ered through Manulife Securities Insurance Agency (a licensed life insurance agency and a� liate of Manulife Securities) by Manulife Securities Advisors licensed as life agents. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company is

Brendan DonahueBrendan Donahue

Senior Investment

Insurance Agent

Investment AdvisorInsurance Agent

Giving Back to the

your annual premium to a youth organization of your choice when

you purchase a life or critical illness insurance contract from any of our 15 insurance providers.

(Includes term insurance on your mortgage)

and the 1-5 year Corporate Laddered Bond fund to more specialized funds like the Global Water and Global Ag-riculture funds. Claymore keeps their management fees low with no fund costing more than 1.4%.

Why is low cost important?In today’s low interest environment, making posi-

tive investment returns is harder than it has been in the past 30 years. Next to investment selection, the biggest hindrance to positive returns is fees. For example, a re-tired couple holding a relatively passive portfolio heavily weighted in fixed income like GICs and bonds and some dividend paying stocks, keeping fees low is probably the most important aspect they can focus on. How can a mutual fund make any money on government bonds yielding 2.8% if the investors are charged 2.5% in man-agement fees?

Speak to your financial advisorIf you are going to pay higher fees on your invest-

ments, be sure that the managers are not sitting on stocks long-term. If they are, you are paying much more in an-nual fees than a low-cost mutual fund or ETF would cost for the same holdings. Speaking with your financial advisor is a good start to assess the fees that you are pay-ing each year on your investments and to decide whether or not some changes could be made.


Time… to think about investing for the future.Planning is a lifelong process. Contributing to your RRSP early

in life can have a major impact on future plans.Don’t put things off, talk to us today about how easy-to-manage monthly

contributions can help you build a retirement savings portfolio comfortably.™Trademarks owned by IGM Financial Inc. and licensed to its subsidiary corporations. Insurance products and services distributed through I.G. Insurance Services Inc.

(in Québec, a Financial Services Firm). Insurance license sponsored by The Great-West Life Assurance Company (outside of Québec). MP1103 (02/2010)MILTON CRAWFORD

250-342-8744

MILTON CRAWFORD [email protected]

LIZ SPENCE-NOBLE [email protected]

ANGELA KREBS [email protected]

LIZ SPENCE-NOBLE 250-349-5882

ANGELA KREBS 250-347-9671

I N V E S T M E N T S | R E T I R E M E N T P L A N N I N G | I N S U R A N C E

Jason A. Elford, CFPCertified Financial Planner

250.342.5052 | Office877.342.5052 | Toll Free877.719.7927 | Toll Free Fax250.270.0270 | Cell

[email protected]

Suite 303, 1313 – 7th Ave. PO Box 429 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 www.cmkwealth.com

All-You-Can-Eat

Sundays!All you can eat pizza including our famous caesar salad

Jugs of Fernie First Trax Beer!

1/2 Litre Red or White Wine

Open at 3:00 p.m. (Friday & Saturday @ 4:30)

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Submitted by Matt Standing

My wife, Lenette, our son Josh, and I live in Christ-church, New Zealand which has recently been affected by a series of devastating earthquakes.

We are fortunate to visit your beautiful valley most years to visit with Lenette’s parents, John and Betty Moore, who share their time between Radium and Par-son. We have always felt a bond with the folk we have met and the spirit of your community. We were therefore flattered when The Pioneer (a weekly read for us online!) was interested in our experience of the recent quakes and asked if we would share our experiences.

As you may be aware, on September 4th of last year, our city experienced a massive earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale in the early hours of the morning. Whilst many parts of New Zealand were known to be exposed to fault lines, Christchurch was not generally acknowledged as having one and so when we were jolted awake, we had only a vague idea of what we were expe-riencing. Our son sleeps on a different floor from us and we ran to his room. Navigating the stairs was in itself a mission and we were knocked from side to side. Josh was screaming in his bed and we quickly gathered him up and went to a spare bedroom where we thought we could all shelter under a bed. However, the house was swaying so much that we were unable to open the door which had been closed — it was firmly jammed by the swaying of the house.

Then, on Tuesday of last week, the unbelievable hap-pened: we had a second major earthquake that was far more devastating than the first. Although it was smaller by way of Richter scale measure at 6.3, it was only five kilometres deep and was close to the city centre. That minute of earthquake will never leave any of us.

Matt’s experienceFor me, I was at the office and it was just a normal

moment. I was heading into town for a lunch and as I picked up my car keys a regular aftershock hit. Since the September quake we have had over 4,500 aftershocks, some significant, some not, but all felt. I thought it would just be a shake but of course it wasn’t.

As the rattling continued, it seemed to intensify. The

pictures on my office wall came down and ornaments fell and smashed. At this point I dove under my desk but even on hands and knees, I thought it seemed to get worse. I panicked at this point as I really thought our office building was about to collapse. Under my desk, I decided that I would rather run to try and get outside than get buried. As I ran out I screamed for everyone to get out of the office. Having reached the doors, two of us realized that not everyone was coming out and so we went back inside and moved everyone else out.

Once we were clear of the building, we started to try to make contact with family and we were all in the same boat: with no cell phone coverage, frustration turned to fear. We were in the car park listening from our cars to whatever radio stations were still on air. Some stations had evacuated and so there was no noise; others had little information but then the news started to come in and we realized how bad it was. We all drifted off, wishing each other well with no knowledge of what we might face.

The roads, of course, were jam-packed and a jour-ney that should take 20 minutes from my office to home took two-and-a-quarter hours. I made contact with Len-ette and knew that she and Josh were OK.

We are in an area that is not meant to get earth-quakes; yet we have been hit with two majors within 6 months and the total repair bill is expected to be $12 – 14 billion. The earth continues to move — in the short time we have written these words we have had another 9 aftershocks: one was enough to get us up out of our seats ready to exit. We sleep lightly; we sleep in our clothes; passports and cash are by the door for a quick exit.

Continued on page 26 . . .

Family survives deadly Christchurch earthquake

“I watched our belongings being tossed around and things breaking all around me.”

— Lenette Standing,

earthquake survivor


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First-ever Akisqnuk Family Fishing Derby to be held this weekend

Students at Windermere Elementary School don pink shirts, hats, capes and scarves as part of a national anti-bullying day on February 23rd. Pictured is Mrs. Stokes’ Grade 2/3 class. Eileen Madson Primary School, Edgewater Elementary School and J.A. Laird Elemen-tary also celebrated Pink Day.

Photo by Samantha Stokell

Think Pink

By Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

The Akisqnuk First Nation is holding its first An-nual Family Fishing Derby this Sunday, March 6th, at Windermere Beach. Open to all ages, the derby will be a fun, social event with the chance to win prizes, practise your ice fishing skills and share tales with fellow angling enthusiasts of the one that got away.

“It will be a really family-friendly day,” said Dolores Varga, Akisqnuk’s Social Development Worker and one of the event’s organizers. “People can come down and have a lovely Sunday, enjoy some sunshine, share some stories, have lunch and socialize.”

The day will begin at 8 a.m., with on-site registra-tion from 7:30 to 8 a.m. After registering, anglers can choose their spot on Lake Windermere and members of the organizing team will help them drill a hole through the ice.

Participants have until 3 p.m. to fish, with a lunch of hamburgers, hot dogs and chili, and a warming mug of hot chocolate or coffee included in the entry fee.

Costs have been kept low to encourage those taking part to bring their entire family to join in. The fee for an

adult is $10 and $5 for children aged 16 and under.“This really is open to anyone,” Dolores explained.

“We’ve sent out notices to First Nations bands across the area, such as Cranbrook and Creston, and we’re hoping a lot of people from Invermere and Windermere will come out and show their support and enjoy the day.”

As well as cash prizes for catching the longest trout and the longest coarse fish, a raffle will be held with the chance to win a tent and fish finder. Other prizes up for grabs include fishing rods and tackle boxes.

The fishing contest will be held on the east side of Lake Windermere, between Windermere cemetery and the Lakeshore Resort and Campground.

“People can drill their holes in the ice close together and sit and chat. We won’t be spacing them out at in-tervals,” Ms. Varga added. “We will bring a fire pit so people can warm up by the fire and there will be a large tent set up. It doesn’t matter how cold the weather is; there will be a place to get warm.”

To pre-register for the Akisqnuk First Annual Family Fishing Derby call 250-342-6301, or visit the Akisqnuk office in Windermere to buy tickets. All participants must attend the on-site registration from 7:30 to 8 a.m. on Sunday. For information call 250-688-5308.


EACH OFFICE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

Paul GlassfordSales Consultant

Invermere, Windermere, Panorama,Fairmont and Radium Hot Springs

RE/MAX InvermereIndependently Owned and Operated

1022B - 7th Avenue, Box 459Invermere BC V0A 1K0

E-mail: [email protected]: 250-342-9611

Broker/OwnerWende Brash

Offi ce: 250-342-6505 • Cell: 250-342-1300

Cell: (250) 342-7415Offi ce: (250) 341-6044

[email protected]

Bernie RavenMaxWell Realty Invermere

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, BCwww.teamraven.ca

Bernie Raven

www.teamraven.ca

Your Local COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

ProfessionalsFor professional management of your strata corporation, overseenby a Certi ed Property Manager®, with the accounting done by aCerti ed Management Accountant, please contact Bill WeissigCPM®, RI, RPA, CPRPM, CLO, SMA, CRES.

Our six Strata Managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive quali cationsand experience, please visit our website at www.mountaincreek.ca.Phone: 250-341-6003 Email: [email protected]

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C.A.R.B. COMPLIANT CABINETRY Contact Dale Elliott • 250-341-7098

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“For all yourdirt-moving

needs”

Winser Timber Ltd.Winser Winser W Timber Ltd.Winser Timber Ltd.• Road Building• Land Clearing• Basement Excavation• Water & Sewer

• Screened Topsoil• Sand & Gravel• Subdivision

Development

Don McintoshBox 2505, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Ph: 250-342-1377E-mail: [email protected]

Screened Top SoilSales & Delivery

• Bedding Sand • Drain Rock• 3/4 Crush Gravel

• Landscaping Rock

Columbia ValleySoccerColumbia Valley Youth Soccer

2011 Registration Deadline is March 18th

House League and Rep SoccerVolunteer a few hours a week and become a coach or referee!! (Training provided).

Practices are Tuesdays and games are Thursday.

Please see web site for important registration info.www.cvrec.ca

Dave Mesenchuk fundraiser nets incredible amount

By Kelsey VerboomPioneer Staff

The Columbia Valley has once again proven its out-standing generosity after raising a staggering $92,000 during a weekend fundraiser for Canal Flats’ residents Dave and Denise Mesenchuk.

Dave was in a vehicle accident last November that left him quadriplegic, and Denise and Dave are expect-ing a new baby this month, so friends and family rallied together to raise funds to help ease the couple’s burdens.

On Saturday, February 26th, a series of events was held in Canal Flats to raise money, including a silent auc-tion and a hockey tournament.

The first puck of the tournament was dropped by a

special guest: Dave himself traveled from Foothills Hos-pital in Calgary to join the festivities.

Dave’s friend, Tanya Roe, described the moment Dave went out onto the ice as the greatest moment she has ever been a part of.

“When he came through the doors, there was an ab-solute uproar,” Tanya said.

“The guys on the ice were banging their hockey sticks against the boards, and everyone in the arena was cheering as loud as they could.”

Tanya, who helped organize the fundraising event, said the amount raised was “absolutely amazing. It is more than we could ever have imagined.”

Tanya and the other organizers would like to thank everyone involved in helping make the event a success.

Cinefest: I Am Love

A taste of the Toronto International Film Festival is coming to Invermere, with a showing of I Am Love as part of CV Arts’ Cinefest series.

This tragic love story, set in Milan at the turn of the century, tells the tale of the wealthy Recchi family.

The film is showing at Pynelogs Cul-tural Centre on March 8th at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $10 at the door, with cash bar and refreshments available. For more information visit www.columbia-valleyarts.com, or call 250-342-4423.


HERE TO SERVE YOU

Invermere

www.cordnerarchitect.com

(250) 341-6888

Patryk JagielloSTAIN/LACQUER/PAINTINTERIOR/[email protected](250) 270-0345(403) 870-7558in Calgary since 2002in Invermere since 2004

Patco Developments Ltd.PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS

Kimberley Rae SandersonPortrait & Commercial Photography

Digital Retouching & RestorationInstructional Courses

250.342.5102 • [email protected]

Private or Group, on:

Digital Photographyand Image Editing

Gift Certi cates Available!WINDERMERE 250-342-6805

SHOLINDER & MACKAYEXCAVATING Inc.

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ RepairedPrefab Cement Tanks Installed

Water Lines Dug InstalledBasements Dug

Ron Davidson

Phone: (250) 341-1160 E-mail: [email protected] www.timko.ca

We Love What We Do

Custom Homes Custom timber work

Renovations Additions

Garage packages

Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & FlooringResidential & Commercial Interiors

Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer

For appointment call (403) 861-8782 [email protected]

Specializing in Custom Drapery, Blinds, Shutters & FlooringResidential & Commercial Interiors

Brenda E. Werbisky, C.I.D., Interior Designer

For appointment call (403) 861-8782 [email protected]

• Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Fireplaces• Full Heating and Ventilation Systems

Call for your FREE consultation and estimate

“Serving the Columbia Valley”

250-342-1355After Hours Call: 250-342-3830

Email: [email protected]

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Specialists

Truck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction GuaranteedDean HubmanCertified Technician250-342-3052

Toll Free: 877-342-3052Invermere, BC V0A 1K3

[email protected]

Automotive Repairs7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs(250) 347-9726

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

Freight & Passenger Depot

READY MIX CONCRETEConcrete Pump • Sand & Gravel

Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane ServiceProudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years

For competitive prices and prompt service, call:250-342-3268 (plant) 250-342-6767 (o� ce)

Tysunique ClothingCustom Sewing & Alterations

For All Ages

Kathy Tyson23 A Wolf Crescent

Black Forest HeightsInvermere BC

V0A 1K2

Phone: 250-342-0898Cell: 250-341-8582

E-mail: [email protected] Located in Parkside Place Downtown Invermere

for a Healthy Lifestyle - and always fresh!• Brown Rice Sushi • Wild Caught Salmon

• Naturally Pickled Sushi Ginger

Open Monday - Saturday 10:30 am to 5:00 pm Our freshly made Sushi also available at

AG Valley Foods 7 am - 10 pmLocated in Parkside Place

Delicious SushiDelicious Sushi


HERE TO SERVE YOU

w i n d o w f a s h i o n s

Interior WorldRenovating?

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406


Interior WorldWood Blinds



Interior WorldTop Quality



Interior WorldNeed Blinds?


• Renovations Inside & Out• Custom Decks

• Design & Build • Finish Carpentry

• Doors & Window Replacement Experts

[email protected] 250.341.5900

Bernie Veldboom • Invermere, BC

Fieldtree Homes Inc.

1710 10th Avenue – Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Scott PostlethwaiteResidential, Commercial

Electric Furnace and Hot Water Tank Repair and Service

For All Your Electrical Needs

[email protected]

CVCC Contractor/ Trade Builder of the Year

2008

Interior / Exterior / working locally

www.korupaintinginc.ca

Kootenay Cribbing, Ltd.

FOUNDATION CONTRACTOR OF CHOICEEstablished 1976

JOHN WOODPH: 250-345-2188 • CELL: 250-342-1289

FAX: 250-345-2189 • E-mail: [email protected]

5026 Riverview Road, Fairmont, B.C. V0A 1L1

Lake Auto Services250-342-9310

Same great team, same great service.

Radium Hot Springs Esso 250-347-9726

7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs

FREEESTIMATES

INFRARED INSPECTIONSDETECT: HEAT/ENERGY LOSS, MOISTURE INTRUSION,

FAULTY WIRING, ACTIVE MOLD, VERMIN & PESTS,NON DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

KARLFAST • 250-688-1200 • [email protected]

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.BOX 2228742 - 13th STREETINVERMERE, BC.V0A 1K0PHONE: 250-342-3031FAX: 250-342-6945

BOX 4597553 MAIN STREET

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BCV0A 1M0

PHONE: 250-347-9350FAX: 250-347-6350

Email: [email protected] • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031

Lambert

Phone: 250-342-9207

Fine HomeservicesVACUUM CENTRE

Sales • Repairs • Warranty

LAMBERT-KIPPPHARMACY LTD.

J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)Laura Kipp, Pharm D.

Your Compounding PharmacyCome in and browse our giftware

Open Monday - Saturday9:00 am - 6:00 pm

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

250-342-6612

Residential Jesse Vader 250.341.5426

Commercial Ken Johnson

250.341.5427

250.349.5564

FAIRMONT RIDGERENOVATION

• Doors • Windows • Flooring• Painting/

Interior/Exterior• Kitchen

Renovations

• Bathroom Renovations

• Additions • Decks • Finish Carpentry• Basement

Renovations

250-342-5682 5077 FAIRMONT RESORT RD., FAIRMONT BCEMAIL: [email protected]

Mike Cope Journeyman Carpenters 250.342.1024

• Millwork• Cabinets• Stairs• CustomFraming

• Renovations


HERE TO SERVE YOU

Septic Tank Pumping Portable

Toilet Rentals• Completesewer/drainrepairs• Reasonablerates–Seniors’discount• Speedyservice–7daysaweek

• Awellmaintainedsepticsystemshouldbepumpedevery2-3years

• Avoidcostlyrepairs

BruceDehart250.347.9803or250.342.5357

NEW SEWER CAMERA

From Framing to Finishing

We Do It All!

Call Al at

Al Tallman• Drinking Water Systems • Duct Cleaning Service

• Water Softeners • Whole House or Specialised Filtration including iron fi lters that really work!Call (250) 342-5089

385 Laurier Street Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Serving The Valley for over

15 Years

Allan Gauthier

Tel: (250) 349-7586Cell: (250) 489-8685 • Fax: (250) 349-7586

Quality Roofi ng and RepairsQuality Roofi ng and RepairsQuality Roofi ng and RepairsQuality Roofi ng and RepairsCOLUMBIA ROOFING

Complete Automotive Repairs

Phone: 250-342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Please call Steve ~ 250-342-1791

Chimney and Eavestrough Cleaning and Repair Specialists

Fully Insured & WCB Covered

FREEESTIMATES

Cranbrook Pest ControlWe use the most successful products available.

Environmentally-friendly integrated pest management.Ask about our maintenance programs

PEST QUESTIONS? Visit our website:www.cranbrookpestcontrol.com

[email protected] 250-426-9586

ALL WORK

GUARANTEED

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENTCERTIFIED & LICENSED

Kari & John Mason 250.270.0821Invermere • Panorama

• PROPERTY MAINTENANCE• Trucking • Mini Excavator • Residential/Commercial

• LANDSCAPING & DESIGN• Skidsteer Services

• Mini Track Hoe

Call or visit onlinePH: 1-888-711-ESCAPE (3722) • WEB: www.cobblestonecreek.ca

Our vacation rental inquiries out number the homes we have available.Let us introduce you to our “Boutique” style management services

and show you how your vacation home can pay for itself.

VACATION HOMES REQUIRED TO MEET OUR GUEST DEMANDS.

INTERIOR FINISHING - REPAIRS - PAINTING INTERIOR/EXTERIOR

- KITCHENS, BATHS & BASEMENTS- FURNITURE REPAIRS

1422 12A Avenue, Invermere [email protected] 250-341-5096

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

LICENSED

RENOVATIONS

• Plumbing, Repair and Installation

• Drain Lines• Hot Water Tanks

24 hour emergency service

250-341-8501Senior Discount

DCS Plumbing & Heating

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BCPO Box 86, Athalmer, BC V0A 1A0email: [email protected]

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

• GAS FITTING

Phone: (250) 342-7100Fax: (250) 342-7103

• FURNACES • HEAT PUMPS • AIR CONDITIONING • FIREPLACES • HOT TUBS • CHEMICALS • SERVICE & MAINTENANCE

• GAS FITTING • Trusses • Engineered Floors • Wall PanelsTel: 250.341.6075Fax: 250.341.3427Email: [email protected]

1320IndustrialRoad#3Box159,Invermere,B.C.

V0A1K0


HERE TO SERVE YOU■ Lockout Service ■ Lake Recovery ■ 24 Hour Towing ■ Prompt Service

Warbrick Towing & [email protected] • Cell: 250-342-5851

Warbrick Towing & Salvage

Also o� ering FREE year-round pickup of

unwanted vehicles

Industrial ~ Commercial ~ Residential• Garage Doors • Passage Doors • Truck Doors • Sun Rooms

• Patio Covers • Vinyl Decking • Aluminum Railings • Gutters • Siding • Soffi t • Facia • Window Capping • Renovations

250-342-6700 • [email protected]

• Excavators • Mini-Excavators • Bobcats• Dump Trucks • Water Trucks • Compaction Equipment

• Snow Plow • Sanding Equipment • Crane Truck• Mobile Pressure Washing & Steam Cleaning

• Underground Services • Site Prep & Demolition• Road Building • Land Clearing • Controlled Burning

• Rock Walls • Rip Rap • Top Soil • Sand & Gravel

CONTRACT OR HOURLYMACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

VJ (Butch) BishopOwner/Operator

4846 Holland Creek Ridge Rd.Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Dave SutherlandSales Associate

N E W S P A P E R

#8, 1008 - 8th AvenueInvermere, BC

250-341-6299 • [email protected] www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Team W L T Points

Hi Heat Hustlers 2 1 0 4

Aquair Waterboys 2 1 0 4

Finish Line Phantoms 2 1 0 4

Inside EdgeBlack Smoke 2 1 0 4

Warwick Wolves 2 1 0 4

Huckleberry Hawks 1 2 0 2

Radium Petro-Can Killer Tomatoes 0 2 1 1

Kicking Horse Coffee Junkies 0 2 1 1

The Old Zone By Samantha StokellPioneer Staff

Invermere participants in the Canada Winter Games returned home with bragging rights after finishing in the top 20 of their respective events at the well-known sport-ing event.

Martin Grasic of Invermere, Faro Burgoyne of Fairmont and Alix Wells of Prince George (but living in Invermere), all raced at the national winter games in Halifax. Martin and Alix competed in the alpine skiing events super-combined, giant slalom and slalom, while Faro Burgoyne raced for B.C. in the snowboarding par-allel giant slalom.

Faro finished sixth out of 24 racers. In the quali-fying run he had a time of 1:45.15 and continued to the elimination round. He beat Quebec racer Gregory Picard and advanced to the quarter finals where he lost

to the eventual gold medal winner, Quebec snowboarder Sebastien Bealieu.

Martin came in 13th of 49 for the alpine super-combined at a time of 1:41.920 after two runs. In the super-combined he finished 14th of 48 with two runs of 1:02.620 and 1.01.400. In the slalom he did not place because he did not finish the race.

Alix attends David Thompson Secondary School and races with the Windermere Valley Ski Club. She finished 17th of 45 in the giant slalom with times of 1:05.540 and 1:03.970. In the super-combined she fin-ished 15th of 41 with times of 0:57.4 and 0:52.720. In the slalom she completed one race, but was disqualified in the second.

Team B.C. sent 242 athletes to compete and came home with 88 medals, in third place — its best Winter Games ever. Quebec and Ontario led the medal count with 137 and 110.

Winter Games’ athletes finish in top 20

Basketball boys qualify for Provincials

The David Thompson Secondary School Senior Boys’ basketball team has qualified for the Provincial Championships for the first time in the past five years.

The team recently won the Kootenay Champion-ships, which qualifies them to play in the 16-team Pro-vincial tournament in Kamloops on March 8th-12th.

“This is one of the best all-around teams I’ve seen come out of this school in the past 20 years,” said DTSS athletic director, Barry Tremblay. The team’s coach is Dan Godlien. Best of luck, boys!


GARAGE SALE

Moving Sale, everything must go, 1202 10th Street, March 12 and 13, March 19 and 20, 9am to 4pm.

ANNOUNCEMENT

Quality Usana Products Demo at Spring Health

Foods March 5th, 250-342-2552.

Alcoholics Anonymous. Open to all. Regular meetings of the Columbia Valley A.A. are held at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday at the Valley Connection, far end of the Service B.C. building, 625-4th Street, Invermere. The Radium Friendship Group meets at 8 p.m. Friday at the Catholic Church, east side of Main Street, Radium. Call 250-342-2424 for more info.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or affected by someone else’s drinking? If so, please join us. Al-Anon meets EVERY Monday in Invermere at 7:15 p.m. at the Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 712 – 12th Ave (behind the Invermere hospital). For information, please call Carol at 250-347-9841.

10% off at The Windy Café! Once again, enjoy a 10% discount off your bill! 250-342-6001.

Golden Rock and Fossil Club, Silver- smithing for beginners, Saturday and Sunday, March 5 & 6. Creative Workshop, Saturday and Sunday, March 12 & 13. For info or to register, phone 250-344-2010.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers and many thanks to our wonderful staff, Barb, Luann, and Shane. We don’t know what we would have done without you all. We are so thankful you are part of our family.

Jeers to those who want to change the name of the Columbia Valley.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to Margaret for helping my grandmother after falling on ice! A very big thank you for going out of your way to make sure she was taken care of!

Jeers to a Fairmont subdivision that doesn’t plow their roads!

Cheers to the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society & Westside Contracting for maintaining the Horsethief and Forster roads, ensuring safe travel for outdoor enthusiasts who utilize these roads throughout winter. Good job!!

Cheers to Local resident Taylor who, as an ex-employee of Valley Foods, still took the time out of his day to help me with my shopping there when noticing my broken ankle.

Jeers to the police officers talking on their cell phones while driving around town in their cruisers. Way to set an example.

Cheers to the new Panorama Ski School for a job well done with the Shuswap Band Ski Program and an extra Cheers for Tyler, one of the instructors! Thanks, Shuswap Band Members, Family and Friends!

Cheers to Cindy Roberts for being a great person and a wonderful friend. It is people like you who make a difference in the world. CB

Cheers to someone who has expressed my thoughts that I was afraid to do. You are awesome. Yep. Take down the Santa boot and all the Christmas decorations! Churches, store fronts etc., it applies to you also. Let’s set up some spring time patio lanterns. Jeers to winter.

Jeers to the parents who idle in the College/DTSS staff parking area. This is not a pick-up zone and you are causing accidents. Double jeers to the person who backed into my car and left.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to Ron Verwey for removing snow all winter from our driveway. It is great to have such wonderful neighbours!

LOST & fOUNd

Found, a ladies’ ring at Home Hardware around February 17th, 250-342-6908.

STORAGE

Secure self storage, call Suzanne,

403-390-4513.

NEWHOUSE MULTI STORAGE

Various sizes available. Now with climate controlled units.

Call 250-342-3637.

STORAGE SPACE – assorted sizes, easy access, immediate availability, long-term or short-term. Deck Properties Warehouse, Industrial Park, 250-342-3166.

You own it we can store it! Secure, fenced compounds any size up to one acre. Secure containers available. Would also build building to suit for long term tenant. Zoned heavy industrial. Invermere Industrial Park. Phone 250-342-5297, 250-346-3011 or 250-342-2100.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

New, commercial office, and/or retail space for rent. Prime location, D/T Invermere, excellent monthly rates, furnished, kitchen, available now. 250-341-5788.

Industrial Shop for rent, 1500 sq.ft., heated, available April 1, 250-342-9526.

Storage or Workshop, 760 sq ft building in central Invermere, available with or without heat. 403-669-7273.

SHAREd ACCOMMOdATION

Private room w/ cable, phone, laundry access, internet, and all utilities included, $400/month + $200 DD, N/P, 250-342-4020.

1 bdrm in Juniper Heights, $500/month, includes heat, Hydro, and W/D. 250-341-1388.

Guy to share 2 bdrm suite, furnished, own room. Month to month, available now. 403-678-3087 or e-mail [email protected].

SUITE fOR RENT

Radium, furnished apartments available Oct 1. 1-2 bdrm, 1-1 bdrm, and 2 –bachelors. Includes all utilities, parking and cable. N/S, pet possible, DD required. 2 bdrm - $800/month, 1 bdrm - $650/month, Bachelor - $550/month. Contact Joan at 250-342-7517 for viewing.

CARRIAGE COURT APARTMENTS. Conveniently located behind Sobeys within walking distance to downtown. 2 bdrm townhouse units, outside entrance. Sliding glass doors open onto balcony, overlooking private courtyard. Fireplace and W/D included in each unit. Long term preferred, NP. Utilities not included. Available immediately, 250-342-8781.

Apartment for rent, 1800 sq.ft., 3 bdrm, 2 bath, huge balcony with view, utilities included, $1250/month, 403-519-0447. 1 bdrm furnished suite, Invermere, central, quiet neighborhood, spacious and bright, private entrance and patio. N/S, DD, references required, $800/month including utilities, cable and internet. Available March 1, 250-341-5956.

2 bdrm, 2 full bath, covered parking, fenced yard, $1000/month + ½ utilities, 250-342-9650.

SUITE fOR RENT

Immaculate, bright, spacious, 2 bdrm, 1400 sq.ft, walkout first floor suite, private driveway, F/P, W/D, D/W, fully furnished, all utilities included, N/S, N/P, $1000/month. Fort Point Invermere, 250-688-3746.

2 bdrm apartments, D/T Invermere, clean, quiet units, parking, walk to everything, Start at $725/month, N/S, references required, D/W, W/D hookups. Call Dennis, 250-342-6912.

Spacious, bright, walkout, 1 bdrm, basement suite in Westridge Estates, available March 15, $650/month, including utilities, in-suite laundry, fridge, stove, microwave, N/P, N/S, 250-342-8755.

Invermere, large, 2 bdrm walkout suite, separate entrance, 5 appliances, $1100/month, DD and references required, includes all utilities, cable, and internet, N/S, pets negotiable, no partiers, 250-342-4436 or 250-342-1427.

2 bdrm, very clean, furnished apartment near schools, W/D, utilities and cable included, references, rent negotiable to right party, partial rent in exchange for yard work if suitable tenant, available soon. Write to Landlord, Box 362, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0, please state age and employment.

Furnished apartment in town, 2 bdrm, comes with cable and utilities, W/D, references, $850/month, 250-342-9636.

2 bdrm walkout basement suite in Invermere, stove, fridge, W/D, D/W, includes utilities and cable, $850/month + ½ rent DD, responsible tenants, max. 2 people, long term, N/S, N/P, references, beautiful lake and Mountain views, available April 1, 250-342-2894.

SUITE fOR RENT

Black Forest Heights, walkout suite, 2 bdrm, 5 appliances, storage building, $850/mo including utilities. 250-347-9629.

HOUSE fOR RENT

Comfortable home available in Indian Beach, 2 minute walk to lake, uninterrupted views, 2 bdrm + Den, newly carpeted, $1000/month, great neighbours, 250-342-3236.

2 bdrm, older home, furnished, large yard, pets okay, available April 1, references, DD, $850/month, includes cable and utilities. Please write to Landlord, Box 362, Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0. Please state employment and age.

New townhouse in Radium. 3 bdrm, 3 baths, luxury townhouse with hardwood floors, F/P, 6 appliances, 2 large bdrms with full en-suites, $995 + utilities, N/S, N/P. 403-220-1423 or [email protected].

Canal Flats, Very Clean, 2 bdrm, new W/D, laminate floors, huge yard, close to beach and school, 10 minutes to Fairmont, $800 plus utilities. Available May 1st. 250-342-6899.

Windermere, Indian Beach Estates home for rent. Vacation home features magnificent and private panoramic views of lake Windermere and the mountains. This 2200 sq.ft home has 4 bdrms, 2 baths, 2 F/P, living room, dining area and cozy TV room and lots of parking space. Only minutes walk to lake. Comes not only fully furnished but includes all dishes, cutlery, linens, cookware…stove, 2 fridges, extra freezer, W/D. Six month lease high season $2000/mo plus utilities, annual lease $1800/mo plus utilities. N/S, Pets negotiable (no cats). One month DD plus references. Call 403-266-4555.

Pioneer Classifieds• Phone: 250-341-6299 • fax: 250-341-6229• Email: [email protected] • www.columbiavalleypioneer.com


house FoR ReNT

Contact 250-342-4040 for seasonal or long term

rentals or go online at

FirstChoiceRentals.ca

FOR RENT

Windermere, across golf course, 4 bdrm, 1800 sq.ft., main floor, walkout, bungalow for rent, 5 appliances, $1250/month + utilities + DD. Ken, 250-341-1998.

In Radium, bright 3 bdrm home in nice subdivision, $900/month + utilities. Cozy 2 bdrm trailer on large private lot with out buildings, $850/month + utilities. In Invermere, clean, partially furnished, 2 bdrm home, great location for Panorama bus, W/D included, $1250/month, includes utilities. All N/S, DD and references. 250-342-3841.

½ Duplex in Radium Hot Springs, 3 bdrm, 3 full baths, beautiful patio, BBQ, patio furniture, contact 403-288-3743 or email [email protected] for information and pictures.

3 bdrm mobile home, lots of new renovations, awesome view of the valley, large decks, yard, sorry no dogs allowed, $800/month plus utilities, 250-342-1700.

FOR RENT, 2 bdrm log home Wilmer, 1 ½ baths, W/D, fireplace, wrap-around deck, fenced yard, N/S, N/P, mature responsible person/s, long term, non-partiers, $1,000/mo + utilities, references required. Call 250-342-9470.

Invermere, charming, 4 bdrm, 2 bath home. Near Kinsmen beach, N/S, N/P. Available April 1st. $1,400/mo plus utilities. References and DD required. 403-246-6680.

Exclusive Timber Ridge phase three house available for rent April 1st. 3 bdrm bungalow with walkout basement, 2 baths, 0.5 acre lot, private beach and tennis courts. Lawn maintenance and partial utilities paid by owner, N/P, N/S. $1,350/mo, plus DD, credit history and references required. 403-685-3134 or 403-615-3134.

house FoR ReNT

Private acreage, 1 bdrm + detached office, $850/hydro included, W/D, N/S, 250-342-3381.

coNdo FoR ReNT

WindermereLakevieW meadoWs

Spacious luxury, 3 bdrm, 2 ½ bath, 2 storey, premium finishing, large decks, bright, open views, major appliances, elevator access, secured underground double parking and storage, recreation centre w/indoor pools, fitness, games rooms, private beach, boat dock, sports courts, playgrounds N/S, N/P, DD, references, $1,800/month, includes Heat/AC, + basic utilities. Rent to own options. Avail immediately, 250-688-0512.

2 bdrm, 2 bath in The Point, underground parking, W/D, $1000/month, 403-519-0447.

Parkside Place, Enviro 2000, fully furnished, 2 bdrm, 2 ½ bath, 2 car garage, $1400/month, 250-342-9650.

Radium Pinewood condo, 2 bdrm with loft, 2 bath, F/P, $800/month, includes underground parking and utilities, N/P, N/S, 403-615-9989.

1 bdrm condo, close to D/T Invermere, available immediately, $600/month. 604-997-4887 or 250-688-1179.

2 bdrm, 2 bath condo in Radium, W/D, furniture optional, N/S, N/P, $800/month + utilities, 250-341-5228.

2 bdrm + Den, 2 bath, lake view, The Point, fully furnished, high end, monthy seasonal or long rent, 1 underground parking stall, references required, 403-561-0111.

Radium Hot Springs, 1 bdrm, fully furnished condo, $800/mo including utilities. Phone 250-345-4086.

Radium Hot Springs, 3 bdrm, fully furnished condo, $1,200/mo including utilities. Phone 250-345-4086.

house FoR sale

Invermere, modern, 4 bdrm home in Pineridge Development, 2 years old, 2000 sq.ft., attached garage, $439,000, No HST! 250-342-7329.

coNdo FoR sale

Ski to your door, fully furnished 1 bdrm condo, F/P, deck, heated parking, swimming pool, hot tubs. Tamarack Lodge, Panorama, BC, $115,000 Firm. Call 250-342-6858 after 6 p.m.

waNTed

Foldaway cot wanted, call 250-342-9647.

Large outdoor/indoor plant pots in good condition. Will pickup, call Shawn 250-688-8008.

Pioneer graphic designer seeks a long-term, pet friendly, unfurnished, 1 bdrm apartment in Invermere, max $600/mo. Must have laundry facilities and wood stove would be a bonus. Please call 250-341-6299 days or 250-342-9438 evenings.

misc. FoR sale

support rockies Hockey! Pine, Fir, dry and split. To order call 250-342-6908.

Fiberglass Truck Canopy, 6.5’x5.5’, good condition, Black, $500. 250-342-3595.

sirius satellite radio, Starmate 3 with vehicle kit, almost new, $60. 250-342-3595.

Firewood, Fir and Pine mix, $235. Larch, $300. Pine, $180. All wood split and delivered, 250-341-5551.

Retro teak tables: 1 oval table, seats 4 to 10, includes two leaves, and 4 chairs, $200. 1 tea table, seats 4 to 12, includes 3 leaves, needs refinishing, $100. Please call 250-342-0133.

Floor model Blow out! Only a couple left! 7 person, 75 jets, ozonator, LED lighting, stereo with subwoofer, waterfall. Valley Spas, 503B 7th Ave, Invermere.

misc. FoR sale

organic Produce

no chemicals, no Gmo’s, spring Health Foods,

250-342-2552.

DeWalt compressor, 5000 watt diesel genset, fuel tanks, welder, numerous misc. tools. Antique furniture and wood cook stove. Call for more details. 250-347-9177.

Appaloosa horses need good homes. Mares in foal and colts. Call for more details. 250-347-9177.

FREE 5 man Hot-Tub, in good working condition. You pick it up and move it and it’s yours! Jay 403-645-8389.

Top quality Hay and straw, alfalfa/grass round bales. Call Elkhorn Ranch. 250-342-0617.

Craftman Chop Saw with two metal saw horses $75, couch $40, car battery charger $30, double door fridge $75, coffee table $15, wood table with fold out leaf $35, draft light table $40, 250-341-5970.

RecReaTioNal Vehicles

2007 Arctic Cat M6. Comes with tarp, extra parts and oil. $6000 OBO. 250-341-5468.

Vehicles FoR sale

Kenworth Tandem Dump Truck, top soil conveyor screener, Massey Ferguson tractor c/w front end loader and rototiller. Call for more details. 347-9177.

2001 Chrysler LHS Premium, comes with same year parts car, $4700, 250-341-6018.

1997 GMC Yukon, 4x4, V8, 5.7L vortec, fully loaded, leather black automatic remote start. 250-342-0160.

busiNess FoR sale

Busy seasonal café for sale in invermere, B.C. serious inquiries only,

250-341-5370.

seRVices

Tile & slate installsJourneyman tile setter30+ years experienceCustom Steam Rooms,

Showers, Floors, and Cultured Stone.

All work Guaranteed.Competitive rates.Call 250-341-5645

vacuums Parts, repairs & accessories,

All makes & models Central Vacuums – sales and installations

Bonded & licensed Fine Homeservices

250-342-9207, [email protected].

Furnace & duct cleaning services using the patented rotobrush system. Call AQUAIR for free estimates, 250-342-5089.

Water treatment & purification, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron filters. Call AQUAIR, 250-342-5089.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning. Dry in 1 hour! Serving the Valley since 2006. Call 250-688-0213.

Get 25% off Free In-Home Consultation,

Customized, high quality BLinds with lifetime warranty,

Commercial or residential. Shannon’s Blinds & Designs,

Call a professional today; 250-342-5749

[email protected] “Covering the Valley –

One Window

Flooring installations, lino, carpet, laminate and hardwood. 30 years experience. Call 250-347-9192 or 250-341-1235.

seRVices

LBo autobody Your Fender Bender mender

& The valley shine shopKeep your vehicle free of salt & road grime. Have it detailed. Basic – deluxe packages available. Drop in for a free estimate on paint and body work @ #35 109 Industrial Rd #2, 250-342-9696.

executive Typing services, Over 20 years word processing experience. Resumes, manuals, data entry, and more. Accurate and fast! 250-270-0254.

Pampered Chef is in the valley! The new spring/summer Catalogues are here! Host a Pampered Chef Bridal party, Kitchen party, Book party (get individual orders and receive FREE items) or you can simply place an individual order. If you are interested in viewing the new Spring/Summer catalogue online, you can view it at www.pamperedchef.ca. Send me your mailing address at [email protected] and I will send you the new catalogue. You can also reach me at 250-342-1143.

Immaculate House Care, mature, reliable individual is available to clean and organize your home. Also, detail homes for sale. Call Margaret, 250-347-9779 or 250-347-6885.

Vacationing? Reliable, clean individual will care for your home and pets. Call Margaret, 250-347-6885 or 250-347-9779.

Wag The Dog dog walking for your pet. Call Margaret, 250-347-6885 or 250-347-9779.

SNOWMOBILE SERVICE SPECIAL

All makes and Models - Snow Plows, Klim Clothing, Avalanche Gear• SERVICE • PARTS • SALES • RENTALS

Supplying Parts and Service for all makes and models.Located Invermere Cross Roads beside Tim Hortons250-342-3350 • www.bpmotorsports.ca

RecReaTioNal Vehicles


SERVICES

Renew & Restore Professional Cleaning,

Re-grouting, Repair & Sealing of Tile, Grout, Slate, and Stone. Commercial & Residential 35 Years Experience New Installations also available 250-341-5645 [email protected].

Phil’s Carpentry, Everything from roofs to decks, completion of basement and bathrooms. Phone 250-341-8033 (cell) – 24/7. Not on valley time.

hElp wantEd

Reinhart Construction is now hiring Carpenters and Laborers, also require experienced mini excavator and skid steer operators. Please forward your resume by email to [email protected].

hElp wantEd

Want to set your own schedule?

Then selling .925 sterling silver jewellery is for you! Work part-time or full-time selling beautiful jewellery and having fun! Work as little or as much as you like. Earn 30% on your sales along with opportunities for trips and free jewellery. Fastest-growing sterling silver jewellery company. Interested? Call 250-342-0399.

Hair Stylist required at Valley Hair Styling, full-time or part-time. Call Susan, 250-342-9863.

Rib Ranch Restaurant at Skookum Inn, Windermere, is now hiring. Breakfast and line cooks. Servers for am and pm shifts. Please e-mail resumes to [email protected].

hElp wantEd

Black Forest Restaurant looking for kitchen help. Call 250-342-9417 or drop off resume.

Job Options BC10 week skill training program

25hrs/wk Life & Employment Skills – Paid Work Experience

Invermere session begins:Mid March 2011

Allowance available Limited seating

Call for eligibility criteria250.426.8019 ext 30

or 250.919.3484

in Fairmont Hot Springs

is offering long term full-time seasonal Caretaker position from mid March to October (winters off or part time).

Duties include:– Animal and Bird care – Garden, park and building

maintenance – Light mechanical

maintenance and operating Bumper Cars

Skills required: – Ecologically sensitive and

physically fit – Reliable, bondable and

handy with tools – Attention to detail – Upbeat personality and great

customer skills – Love of people, animals

and nature (Cash register experience an asset)

Please send resume to: [email protected] or fax 250-345-4542 or Fairmont Fun Park, 4896 Hwy 93/95, Fairmont Hot Springs, B.C. V0B 1L1.

Is now taking applications for the 2011 season in the following departments:

Golf Shop: Cart AttendantContact: Dale Moore

[email protected] • 250-342-3004

Kari’s Kitchen: Kitchen Sta� Full and part-time positions. Contract: Mid March –

Mid October. Candidates must be energetic, self-motivated, work � exible hours and weekends, have great customer service skills, be able to handle multiple tasks at once, work in a busy environment,

and work well both individually and as part of a team.Contact: Kari Dawson, Food & Beverage Manager

[email protected] • 250-342-3004

CAREER OPPORTUNITY Front Desk Coordinator

Not just a front desk job... there is so much more! Full-time, 40 hours per week. Competitive wages (wages vary on experience)

Principle Duties and Responsibilities• Answering a multi-line phone system, greeting and directing guests.• Issues door codes, pamphlets, discount cards, etc.• Answers various questions from guests and complaints.• Computes bills, collects payment and makes changes for guests.• May be required to provide some concierge services for guests

when requested.• Runs various reports on the computer for management.• General � ling, mail distribution

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required• Must have excellent communication skills.• Ability to understand and carry out instructions• Must be able to type 30+ wpm.• Must be able to maintain a professional manner under stress.• Must be able to answer questions concerning the Resort and the area.• Initiative, multi-tasking and motivated is a MUST.

Email Resume to: [email protected]

Fax # 250-345-0078

Fairmont Creek Property Rentals

Bighorn Meadows Resort is currently seeking energetic, service orientated

GUEST SERVICE AGENTS to join our dynamic team of professionals.

We offer a competitive wage and benefit package, a great work environment and an opportunity to develop with our young and

growing company. We are committed to extraordinary service and building our reputation as the premiere luxury resort in the Columbia Valley. Located in the Village of Radium Hot Springs, our resort is centered

at the heart of the Springs of Radium Golf Course.

Interested applicants for the following positions please forward your confidential resume to: [email protected]

or call 250-347-2991

Serving treats to the Valley since 1981

Manager - Quality Bakery Retail StoreIf you possess Management experience, proficient computer skills and a proven ability to model, motivate and encourage a team in a retail environment, then we have a position for you in our busy bakery in Invermere. This full-time, year round position of Store Manager requires excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively handle the wide range of challenges that arise with confidence and imagination. A competitive wage and benefits package offered. Starting date is negotiable. Please email your resume to [email protected] or fax with cover letter to 250-342–4439.

Quality Bakery (1981) Ltd. 1305 7 Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Phone: (250) 342 – 4422

Beware of expensive

imitations.There is only one…

N E W S P A P E R

Submitted by the Columbia Wetlands Stewardship Partners

The recent cold weather has most of us inside, close to the fire. Unfortunately, not all valley residents have that option. Right now up to 4,000 elk, moose and deer are facing one of the toughest times of their lives, with cold weather hitting after a thaw that melted the snow, creating a hard crust in many areas.

This makes it tougher for ungulates to get through the snow to feed, and it makes it easier for predators to travel and hunt. This is espe-cially true if there are hard-packed snowmobile tracks into wildlife areas.

Even in less difficult winters, this is the most challenging time of year for ungulates, due to cold temperatures and limited access to food. Most of the mature females are pregnant and much of their energy is used on survival and successfully carrying their calves to term.

The noises and intrusions of humans cause the animals to move around and exhaust un-necessary energy. In winters like this, elk retain body fat. If this fat is used up before spring, the elk will start losing weight and could eventu-ally die. Most will fail to bring their fetus to term if they are stressed during the winter.

The Columbia Wetland Stewardship Part-ners were formed to help steward the wetlands

and the wildlife that lives within them. We would ask that everyone refrain from running snowmobiles in the wetland area. Provincial regulations make it is illegal to do so, both in the wetlands and on the river.

We would also ask that everyone, includ-ing cross-country skiers and snowshoe users, to also stay out of areas where ungulates are win-tering, especially if they have their dog along. You may not think you are having an impact when you see an elk, but you do, especially un-der difficult winter conditions.

If you observe motorized vehicles in the Columbia Wetlands, call the provincial wild-life emergency number: 1-877-952-7277.

Help protect elk and the wet-

lands


“I love working at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.”

“I absolutely love working in the golf department at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

I keep coming back, year after year because I enjoy the work, I love the people and

I really like how the emphasis is placed on the customer.” — Norm, Golf

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is a four-season resort located in the heart of the British Columbia Rockies. Are you reliable, friendly and service-oriented? If so, you should apply for a job with us! Here are some of the positions currently available, starting in March, April and May:

• Server • Lifeguard • Groundskeeper• Beverage Cart Attendant • Front Desk Attendant • Room Attendant• Greenskeeper • Registered Massage Therapist • Sous Chef• Guest Services • Cook • Outlet Supervisor• Retail Clerk • RV Park Attendant • Shuttle Bus Driver

Staff accommodation and seasonal bonuses are available. To apply please send your resume with references to David Sheedy:

[email protected], fax 250.345.6616, or call 250.345.6004.

fairmonthotsprings.com

· Room Attendant · Cook· Server· Bartender· Beverage Cart Server• Halfway House Attendant

• Front Desk Reservations Agent• Golf Shop Attendant• Outside Guest Services

Attendant• Starter/Marshall• Golf Course Grounds Crew

Seeking a new challenge? Searching for ful� lling seasonal employment after retirement? Looking for your � rst job? Join the team at Radium Resort!

Radium Resort o� ers year round accommodation with over 100 guest rooms including condominiums and villas, and is the proud home of The Springs and The Resort Golf Courses. Amenities include superb banquet and dining facilities, swimming pool, squash, racquetball and tennis courts, � tness center and spa.

Employees of Radium Resort are team-oriented and have a genuine desire to provide outstanding guest service in a progressive work environment. We o� er employees an opportunity to work and play at one of Canada’s premier resorts, while enjoying a Rocky Mountain lifestyle.

We are currently accepting applications for the following full and part-time positions:

Please visit our website at www.radiumresort.com/employment.aspx and submit your resume to the appropriate manager.

250.347.9311 RadiumResort.com

REPORTERJob Description:

This is a great opportunity to practise your professional skills while living in our gorgeous resort community. � is is a full-time permanent position.

We are an award-winning, community-focused newspaper with high standards, both for content and appearance. We work hard, we have a great team, and we love our community.

Our print run is 8,000 copies each Friday. We also produce several annual tourism and real estate publications, which our reporters have the opportunity to contribute to. We o� er a competitive salary, mileage allowance and the use of a Mac computer and a new digital camera.

Quali cations:As our reporter, you are expected to have a journalism diploma or degree, with a minimum one year of experience preferred. We require a self-starter who needs little training and can immediately become a productive member of our eight-person sta� .

� e ability to cover stories and write well is of primary importance, followed closely by photography skills. A basic working knowledge of Adobe InDesign is required. You must have a driver’s licence and access to a car, and will be required to attended community meetings and events, and work nights and weekends when necessary.

� e position is available immediately. Before applying, familiarize yourself with � e Columbia Valley Pioneer at www.columbiavalleypioneer.com. Send your resume, with references, two or three samples of your news writing, and a cover letter to

Kelsey Verboom, Editor, The Columbia Valley Pioneer, [email protected] N E W S P A P E R


. . . ‘Family survives deadly Christchurch earthquake’ continued from page 15

We park our vehicles in different parts of the street to ensure the best escape point. We had showers on Tuesday morning and that was the last time. We go to the toilet in the garden and although we have to spend time apart we always let each other know where we are.

Two Sundays past, Josh went to a scout camp for the day. While he was there, Lenette and I took the opportunity to go to town. As part of that trip we went to Christchurch Cathedral in the morning: it was the church we were married in, and we stood in the area where 22 people now lay dead under a pile of rubble. We then went to a sale in town and for coffee in buildings that two days later were destroyed.

Lenette’s ExperienceI work from home and was sitting down to have lunch. The house started to shake

violently. Contents from our kitchen cupboards and pantry were thrown and smashed, paintings fell off walls and the noise was incredibly intense. I raced to shelter in a doorway and tried to control our dog, who is not fond of earthquakes I must say. The earthquake lasted 30-40 seconds. I had to hang on to the door frame to keep myself from falling over while trying to hang on to a very scared dog as our house was full of broken glass. I watched our belongings being tossed around and things breaking all around me.

Josh’s school is just around the corner, so dog in tow I ran to get there and found him standing safely outside. As I came out of the house neighbours were coming out of theirs. A quick check was done to ensure we were all OK and that the people who were in shock were cared for.

Rubble lined the streets and aftershocks of 4.5-4.7 were coming one after another. A text from Matt came in – he was OK! But then we lost contact. Approaching the schools I met up with other concerned parents rushing to regroup their family. Joshua

was very brave as we walked with our dog home, staying away from weakened struc-tures.

Our priority was to ensure neighbours were safe. No one wanted to stay in their homes as the shaking was very violent. So cups of tea were made and groups of neigh-bours joined together to wait out what might come next. There was no water and no power. I braved the house to collect warm clothes, food and water that we had stored. We sat in a field with our neighbours and waited out the aftershocks for close to five hours behind our house.

Matt arrived about two hours after our initial contact. Having our family together is a feeling that cannot be described. It started to get cold and dark and the aftershocks were slowing somewhat, so we braved the inside to assess the damage. More cracks in walls, floors and ceilings; contents broken and strewn everywhere; but structurally it seemed fine. Power was restored to our home. We turned on the TV and watched in horror at the scenes that flicked across our screen. Our beloved city had become a war zone.

The cleanup of our house began and we created a safe room to bunk down in. The night was difficult. Aftershock after aftershock assailed us through the night as violent reminders of what we just experienced. Still no word about one friend — she is now registered as missing. My friend is still missing.

Josh’s Experience.I was going to get my lunch from outside my classroom and the earthquake hap-

pened. I couldn’t get in the doorway because there was too much shaking. When the earthquake stopped I ran in to my classroom and hid under my desk. I was scared and so were my friends and students were crying. Then another earthquake hit; we stayed under our desks. When that earthquake stopped we walked down to the main field with the whole school. Then parents started to come. Then my mom came and picked me up. We walked home and stayed outside as the house was too scary to go inside.

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FAITH Valley Churches

Selkirk TV & Appliance

1229-7th Ave., Invermere 250-342-6415

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Christian Books, Music & Misc.

By Pastor Wayne FratorRadium Christian Fellowship

Suppose you were starting life all over. You are old enough to know right from wrong. You are old enough to learn, old enough to love, old enough to really live. If you could ask the Lord Jesus Christ how to make the rest of your life the best of your life, what do you think He would say?

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righ-teousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33 King James Version.

The amplified version says it this way: “But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righ-teousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.”

There are two points I would like to touch on here: the first is, I believe it is God’s will, that we live a King-dom life. Why would He ask us to seek after it, if it isn’t His will to give it to us? And what is a Kingdom life?

It is all laid out very nicely in Matthew chapters five, six and seven: Jesus speaking, the Sermon on the Mount. It is all here: The Beatitudes, The Lords Prayer, and so much more. Take time to go over, to study, to meditate on what Jesus is teaching here. If you take it to heart, if you believe, if you have faith, it will make the rest of your life the best of your life.

That takes me to the second point. You can’t have a Kingdom unless you have a King. My King is the Lord Jesus Christ. Your King should be the Lord Jesus Christ: we can’t have the best of life with out Jesus, not only as Savior, but as Lord as well.

As Lord, Jesus deserves to be number one in our lives; Jesus deserves to be the King on the throne of our hearts. He deserves the first part of all we are. As we seek after Jesus, daily, as we seek after the Kingdom living, all the needs that we have will be taken care of. No room for worry.

“Therefore do not worry, saying ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:31-33 New King James Version

The rest of your life should be the best of your life: just believe, trust, and have faith in the living God.

Making the best of your life

Country and Southern Gospel Music with a Message

NINE-TIME NASHVILLE RECORDINGARTIST & CGMA/NW SONG WRITER OF THE YEAR

Latest Release!

“He Was Born For Me”TAPES & CD’s AVAILABLE!

March 11th & 12th at 7:00 p.m.March 13th at 10:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m.

Radium Christian Fellowship(next to Fat Boyz Pizza)

West Main Street, Radium Hot Springs

The log building that will house the municipal office for the Village of Canal Flats was moved to a new home on Grainger Road on Friday, February 25th. The 3,000 sq. foot home, donated by Eagle’s Nest developer Mike Vernon, will contain the municipal offices and council chambers for Canal Flats, a visitor information centre, a Ktunaxa interpretive centre and more. The village has budgeted $200,000 for moving and renovating the log home into its of-fices. Now that the home is in place, renovations will take place to the top floor and in the basement, as well as repairs to any damage that occurred during the move. Photo by Kate Irwin

New Canal Flats office moved from Eagle’s Nest

Lake WinderMere aLLiance church Sunday, March 6th, 10:30 a.m.: Worship and Life Instruction,

“God’s Masterpiece”...Pastor Trevor ministering. “K.I.D.S.” Church, ages three to 12 during morning service.Wednesday, March 9th: Ash Wednesday, First Day of Lent

Pastor Trevor hagan • 326 - 10th avenue, invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org

WinderMere VaLLey Shared MiniSTryanGLican-uniTed

Sunday 8:30 a.m.: Worship at All Saint’s in Edgewater.10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

110 - 7th avenue, invermere 250-342-6644 • www.wvsm.info or www.christchurchtrinity.com

VaLLey chriSTian aSSeMbLySunday 10 a.m.: Worship and Word

Kids’ Church provided.interim Pastor Joe Martinsen

4814 highway 93/95, Windermere 250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

roMan caThoLic church

Saturday: 4:30 p.m. at St.Anthony’s in Canal Flats. Father John kellogg

Saturday: 7 p.m. at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in InvermereSunday: 9 a.m. at Canadian Martyrs’ Church in Invermere

11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in RadiumFather James Mchugh

712 -12th ave., invermere • 250-342-6167

ST. PeTer’S LuTheran MiSSion oF inVerMereWorship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Christ Church Trinity, 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor rev. Fraser coltman • 1-866-426-7564

radiuM chriSTian FeLLoWShiPSunday 10 a.m. Worship service and Thursday 7 p.m. Fun Night

Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater • 250-342-6633 no. 4, 7553 Main St. radium • 250-347-9937

church oF JeSuS chriST oF LaTTer-day SainTSWorship Service, Sunday 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

• Relief Society, Noon.President barry Pratt • columbia Valley branch

5014 Fairway, Fairmont hot Springs • 250-341-5792


SPRING CLEARANCE SAVE UP TO $36,000!

Contact Scott Sauermann at250.342.5889 or 1.877.733.7932schickedanzwest.com

Gazing up at the Canadian Rockies from a quiet location in one of North America’s premier resort destinations, the alpine-styled townhomes and luxury bungalow villas of Borrego Ridge are an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. For a limited time, Schickedanz West – a builder of high-quality homes since 1951 – is offering enticing price reductions on the few new homes still available in this intimate neighbourhood. Enjoy glorious maintenance freedom with low monthly strata fees, full 2-5-10 year coverage under the National Home Warranty program…and the Columbia Valley retreat you’ve always talked about!

RADIUM’SSPRINGSARE HOT.

THESE NEWHOME PRICES…EVEN HOTTER!

New THREE-BEDROOM Townhomes

UNIT 17 ...... $325,900 ....... $289,900UNIT 25 ...... $316,900 ....... $286,900UNIT 26 ...... $299,900 ....... $269,900UNIT 27 ...... $325,900 ....... $289,900

New WALK-OUT Bungalow Villas

UNIT 13 ...... $369,900 ....... $339,900UNIT 21 ...... $345,900 ....... $319,900UNIT 23 ...... $329,900 ....... $299,900

Applied Communications DKT# 11290 FINAL SIZE: 10.25”(w) x 5.75”(h) PRINTS: 4/0 (CMYK)CLIENT: Schickedanz DESCRIPTION: Pioneer SENT: Feb 14, 2011PROJECT: Spring Clearance PROOF: 1 NATIVE FILES: InDesign CS

Annual Wild Game Dinner is a big hitBy Kate IrwinPioneer Staff

Hunters, families and meat enthusiasts packed into Invermere’s Community Hall on Saturday, February 26th for a feast of cougar curry, elk chili, deer sausage and bear ham.

The Rod and Gun Club’s annual Wild Game Din-ner is always a highlight on the winter social calendar, with its auctions, trophy contest and delicious spread. The hall was filled to the brim with people of every age, all enjoying the chance to sample some new dishes and soak up the sociable atmosphere.

The array of tasty courses, prepared by caterer Anne Riches, included elk shepherd’s pie, cougar curry, roast mountain goat and whitetail deer, and some tender bear ham from König Meat and Sausage Company.

As The Pioneer’s dedicated carnivore, I must confess I was salivating at the prospect of sampling some of the more unusual flavours the Columbia Valley has to offer.

The standout dish for the night was a matter of some debate. My tablemates raved about the elk shepherd’s pie and bear ham, while I fell for the slow-cooked elk stew, with its rich gravy and hearty vegetable chunks.

Along with the spread, attendees enjoyed an array of contests, with prizes donated by local businesses and Rod and Gun Club members.

TASTY TREAT — Colleen and Jacob White fill their plates with a mouth-watering selection of food at the Rod and Gun Club’s Wild Game Dinner on February 26th.

Photo by Kate Irwin

Anne’s Elk MeatballsAnne Riches, of Anne Riches Catering, shares her fabu-lous Elk/Moose Meatball recipe with The Pioneer’s read-ers. Enjoy!

2 pounds ground elk or moose1 medium white onion3 eggs1 cup breadcrumbsGround garlic to taste1 tablespoon Montreal steak spice1 tablespoon basilSalt and pepper

• Pre-heat oven to 350 fahrenheit.• Blitz onion to a paste in a food processor.• Add ground meat, eggs, breadcrumbs, garlic, steak spice and basil and then season to taste.• Mix ingredients well, roll into 1 inch balls and place on a baking sheet.• Bake at 350 fahrenheit for 15 minutes.• Serve over rice or spaghetti with your favourite sauce — tomato and herb, sweet and sour, barbecue or mushroom cream are all excellent choices.

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