vol10issue6

SEWAGE SOLUTION

12

Vol. 10/Issue 6 Your Weekly Source for News and Events February 8, 2013

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

PIONEERThe Columbia ValleyFREE

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Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

8

Pictured, from left to right: Dean Martin, Hawk Martin, Jeremy Price, Tyler Dow and Rich Martin hit the lake in style for the 12th annual

Snow Golf held on Lake Windermere. For more photos see page 15.

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer February 8, 2013

VALLEY NEWS

By Kristian RasmussenPioneer Staff

A local trailblazer who helped countless aboriginal and non-aboriginal students find their footing on paths often obscured by the trials of being a teenager finally walked to the end of her professional journey.

Invermere resident and Shuswap Band councilor Barb Cote retired from David Thompson Secondary on Thursday, Janu-ary 31st, after a 37 year career as an aborigi-nal support worker throughout the valley school system.

“When I was a kid, if you could hide be-ing aboriginal you would,” she said. “Today, kids are so proud of their heritage. They know who they are and they want to know more about their people, history and culture.”

Ms. Cote’s path began as a young woman growing up in the Columbia Valley in a family with both European and First Nation roots.

“It was tough being in both worlds be-cause there was a lot of racism back then,” she added.

When she turned 19, Ms. Cote was working at the Esso gas station in Radium and received a telephone call that would for-ever change her life. Invermere councilor Bob Campsall, who was a neighbor of the family, saw great potential in Ms. Cote and instruct-ed her to apply for a position as the Columbia Valley’s first aboriginal support worker.

Mr. Campsall’s suggestion paid off, and in October of 1975, she began work at Invermere Elementary, which is now the site of Sobeys. Although she started with a salary of $300 a month and faced a very low graduation rate among First Nation youth, Ms. Cote immediately

found her calling. “I absolutely loved the job,” she said. “I didn’t know at

the time how important it was, but I knew the families were like my family and there was that instant connection.”

. . . Continued on page 26

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Fairmont Hot Springs

Thank you!The Fairmont Business Association would like to thank the following businesses for their contribution towards this year’s Fire & Ice Festival

• Hoodoo Grill• Smoking Waters Coffee Co.• Northstar GM• Dueck GM• BC Lions• Calgary Stampeders• Fairmont Outpost• Details by Joanne• Hot Springs Studio• Pilates Pursuits• Hoodoo Montain Resort• Chalet of the Rockies• Bella Vista• Fairmont Villa

Management• Fairmont Village Gift Shop• Valley Solutions• Design Cents• Dirty Blinds• Wolfgang Kunze

• From Scratch• Fairmont Hotsprings Resort• Ideal Prints• Three Bears Gift Shop• Fairmont Goldsmith• St. Eugene Mission• CasaVino• Palliser Printing• Black Forest• Columbia Valley Golf Trail• Bishop`s Books• Kootenay Savings• Timbers Resort• 91 Sheep• Funtasia• Copper Point Resort• Glacier Rafting• Bavin Glass• Fairmont Creek Properties• Decoy Landscaping

• La Galleria• Sunchaser Villas• Sunrise Ridge Resort• Fernie Park Place Lodge• Stem Floral Design• Arrowhead Brewery• Jocelyn MacGregor• The Valley Peak• Fairmont Mountainside

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Pizza• Beach Bound• Betty Anne Whittaker• Tim Hortons• And of course, to the

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Long-time aboriginal support worker retires

CONGRATULATIONS, COTE! — Barb Cote is celebrating 37 years as the Columbia Valley’s longest running aboriginal support worker. Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

February 8, 2013 The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3

VALLEY NEWS

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By Kristian RasmussenPioneer Staff

A Fairmont Hot Springs man who called his estranged wife “sub-human” and then attempted to spit in her face three times was found guilty of one count of assault in Invermere Provincial Court on Thursday, January 1st.

Judge Ron Webb sentenced Gregory Anthony Hlady, 48, of Fairmont Hot Springs to a year of probation and a $150 victim surcharge after a Janu-ary 5th, 2012 assault on his wife, Michelle Hlady.

“In my view, the spitting was done in a way that was intended to be demeaning, invoke fear and cause concern for Ms. Hlady,” Judge Webb said. “It is not in the public interest to spit on spouses in times of marital dischord. It is the kind of power dynamic

that is dysfunctional.”The spitting assault of January 5th stemmed

from a general breakdown of the couple’s mar-riage resulting from an extra-marital affair, defense counsel Buffy Blakley said.

“The betrayal of Mr. Hlady was an extremely difficult thing for him,” she added.

On January 5th, 2012, Ms. Hlady, who has three children with her husband, picked them up from the school bus and walked them home.

“I came into the house and he started calling me names,” Ms. Hlady told crown prosecutor Lianna Swanson. “I grabbed my phone and hit record be-cause I could never explain to Greg how he made me feel small all the time.”

Leaving the home and getting into her vehicle, Ms. Hlady is heard on a recording played to the

court telling Mr. Hlady, “Greg, I don’t wan’t to say bad things about you.”

Mr. Hlady is then recorded spitting at his wife three times.

“I wanted her to leave and she wouldn’t,” Mr. Hlady said. “I know nothing can excuse it, but that’s what happened.”

The Fairmont man is currently on a prescription which makes his mouth very dry and he knew that he could not form spit in his mouth and was bluffing to get his wife to leave him alone, he said.

“There was a lengthy period of marital dis-chord in this relationship,” Judge Webb added. “It is probably fortunate that no further criminal activity occurred.”

Mr. Hlady was found not guilty of a second assault charge stemming from January 6th, 2012.

Spitting assault nets one year of probation

Wilmer rejects water funding offerBy Greg AmosPioneer Staff

Water infrastructure funds rejected by Wilmer homeowners is now bound for Edgewater and possibly Spur Valley, after a Regional District of East Kootenay vote on Thursday, January 31st.

Directors voted to try to make use of some of the $1.8 million in provincial water infrastructure funds that have now been rejected in both Wilmer and Dry Gulch, and which has a deadline of March 31st to be allocated somewhere in the Columbia Valley.

“It would’ve been a significant benefit to the com-munity,” said regional district Area G director Gerry Wilkie of the proposed Wilmer funds. “Some people thought it was too expensive; others didn’t like the vot-ing process.”

After results came in from the petition for service deadline of January 17th, the numbers showed Wilmer was 12 households shy of reaching the needed approval

from 50 per cent of residential property owners represent-ing 50 per cent of the total assessed value for the area.

“We received signed petitions for 42 per cent of properties, or 70 out of 167 residential properties in Wilmer,” said Elizabeth Ahlgren at the regional district. “Of that, it represents 43 per cent of the assessed value, or $16,755,355 out of $39,344,258 of total assessed value.”

The $1.3 million on the plate for Wilmer would have contributed to more than half the cost of building a much-larger reservoir, creating appropriate barriers for water disinfection, and upgrading the community’s water pipes. The total project cost is pegged at about $2 million.

“We tried to make residents understand; the people who deal with the water are very concerned about the state of the water system, and were therefore supportive of the grant that was available,” said Mr. Wilkie.

Volunteers oversee the operation and maintenance of the town’s water system under the Wilmer Water-works Improvement District, which is comprised of five

trustees who are elected by the residents of Wilmer.The regional district is now requesting the

provincial Ministry of Community, Sport and Cul-tural Development approve reallocation of the $1.8 million BC Community Water Improvement Program funds to Edgewater ($1,198,000) and Spur Valley ($600,000). Edgewater’s system is already overseen by the regional district, after residents voted 90 per cent in favour of turning the stewardship of the infrastruc-ture over to the regional district in 2006.

“There’s no vote required, so the project is ready to go,” said Wilkie. The project would mean $1.3 million worth of improvements to piping in older sections of Edgewater, $400,000 towards an ultraviolet disinfection system, and $100,000 towards a pressure-reducing valve station building.

Spur Valley will face the same petition for service process as Wilmer undertook. Dry Gulch also had a crack at the water funds, though even after a six-month extension, residents did not accept the offer.


RCMP ReportSubmitted by Staff Sgt. Marko ShehovacColumbia Valley RCMP

• On January 28th at 11 a.m., the Columbia Val-ley detachment attended to a single vehicle accident on Westside Road. A southbound 2007 Chrysler PT cruis-er lost control on gravel road attempting to execute a turn. The vehicle entered the north bound lane and went down an embankment. No injuries to the three people in the car. The 34-year-old male driver from Canal Flats was charged with speed relative to road conditions.

• On January 28th, a man reported his wallet lost, but it was later found by his girlfriend. As a girlfriend is a-wife-in training, any money that may have been in the wallet would no longer be in the wallet. It’s not consid-ered a theft; it’s a fact of life.

• On January 28th at 4 p.m., the detachment of-ficers responded to a three-vehicle accident in the 1700 block of 2nd Avenue. A 1994 GMC pickup truck driven by a 37-year-old male from Windermere rounded a cor-ner too fast and struck a parked 1998 Nissan, which then struck a 2007 Chevrolet pickup also parked on the road. No one was injured. The driver of the GMC pickup was charged with driving without a driver’s licence.

• On January 29th, the Columbia Valley detach-ment received a complaint of assault involving family members in an argument. As a result of the investigation, a young offender has been charged with assault and will be appearing in Invermere Provincial Court.

• On January 31st, a wallet was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle. Cash, cards and a drivers licence were stolen.

• On January 31st at 7:16 p.m., detachment members responded to a domestic assault complaint in the 4700 block of Foresters Landing Road in Radi-um. The suspect male had departed the area; however he turned himself in on February 4th on his return to the area. A 53-year-old male is charged with assault and threats and will appear in Invermere Provincial Court on April 8th.

• On January 31st at 8:15 p.m., Columbia Valley detachment members responded to a disturbance com-plaint in the 4000 block of Carnoustie Place in Fairmont Hot Springs. An 18-year-old female was intoxicated and was aggressive towards people. Friends attempted to as-sist the female, with negative results. Police returned and the female was lodged in an RCMP cell until sober.

Radium / Invermere Citizens on PatrolThe detachment would like to re-establish Citizens

on Patrol programs for both Radium and Invermere. At present time, four volunteers from Radium have stepped forward and expressed an interest. I would like to have two more interested volunteers in Radium before we start training. Invermere presently is also attempting to get the program back on its feet. Please give me a call at the de-tachment or leave your name and number on my answer-ing machine. Let’s get this valuable program started again. The detachment’s phone number is 250-342-9292.

Negotiating skillsWe have officers in the RCMP who are skillfully

trained in the art of negotiation. My negotiating skills were perfected as a result of my years of service, mar-riage, raising a teenage son and owning a dog. The only success I’ve had to date is negotiating for the dog to sit on command when she is in the mood to do so. I can relay a quick story on my own unique style of negotiat-ing that saw me through a very sticky situation that I was able to resolve without anyone getting hurt.

It happened in Golden at a hockey game where the team was auctioning off hockey items to raise money. The funds go to a good cause so you don’t mind spending a little extra. I was bidding on a framed autographed pho-tograph of the 1970 Bobby Orr goal where he is flying through the air. Its value at that time was about $550.

We all have the P.A.C. — Parent, Adult and Child — in us. I didn’t sleep through this class. The parent in me said “no”, the adult in me thought that the money could be spent better elsewhere, and the child of course stomped and said “I want it.” The only problem is Danny Orr in Golden also wanted it and the bidding was now at $850.

My police negotiating skills had to come into play. My wife Bev was present at the game and the child in me went up to her and said I wanted the picture, and wanted permission to go as high as it takes to get it. My Shehovac pride was at stake. Although I tell guys I wear the pants in the family, this is not the case when it comes to money. I’m no fool; I got the green light to continue bidding.

So it was time for some serious negotiating with Danny. It went like this: “Danny, I just talked to my wife and she said I can go as high as I want.” That was the end of negotiation. How do you negotiate back when one has the backing of the wife? The picture is hanging in my office. Negotiating for the boat is a bit more challenging than expected. I will keep you posted.

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Learning African attitudesBy Greg Amos, Pioneer Sta�

Editor’s note: Invermere’s Falk Family – parents Joy and Stacy, and daughters Bri-anna, 12, and Rebekah, 9, arrived in Ni-ger last June for a two-year adventure. Joy is teaching kindergarten and Stacey is manag-ing construction projects.� is is part two of a series that began last week.

Day-to-day life in Niamey, Niger is no easy thing for Invermere’s Falk family, who are now six months into their two-year stay in the West African country.

Our eyes have been opened to how spoiled we are in North America, with so many modern conveniences,” explained Joy to � e Pioneer. “We do not have dish-washers and can not buy pre-made meals. Our vegetables are purchased from an open market, brought home and bleached. We only have powdered milk, but have learned to make yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream from this.”

“Our dry goods must be frozen for 48 hours to deal with the weevils, then we care-fully sift them out,” she added. “I had to learn to cook all over again.”

Learning from local attitudes is also proving bene� cial. If daily duties weren’t enough, a rebel uprising in neighbouring Mali is causing some additional concern amongst local people, although there is no imminent threat to safety.

“� is is the reality of living in a third world country,” explained Joy. “We have been learning how to prepare for an emer-gency situation should the need arise, and

are adjusting to increased security around the city. � ese are not bad experiences, rather greater opportunities to be learning.”

� e life skills the family is gaining from locals in Niamey revolve around how to be happy even in dire circumstance.

“What amazes me is how happy and friendly the locals are in spite of the many challenges that they face — they are a strong people,” said Joy. “� ere are times when we have grumbled and complained about our new life: we complain about the heat, hand washing our dishes, having to speak a for-eign language at the market, facing beggars, and constant sand and dust.”

“When I watch the local Africans, they amaze me with their good attitudes and their hard work, and I recognize that I have much to learn,” she re� ected.

In the wake of � oods that delayed the projects Stacy was set to work on while creating entirely new challenges, a little help from home will soon be on the way. Stacy’s brothers Scott (from Invermere) and Darren (from Calgary) are � ying to Niger on February 28th to lend more brotherly tradesman expertise over a two-week stay.

“We’ll be giving Stacy and his family a taste of home,” said Scott, who worked with Stacy at Intelligent Insulation Solutions, where they produced insulated concrete forms for local homes. Scott also brings some electrical experienced, while Darren, an employee at Hilti, will be bringing both framing expertise and construction tools.

“I’ve never � own overseas before,” add-ed Scott. To follow the Falks on their trip, log on to their blog at www.falks.ca .


PERSPECTIVE

New PST worth a closer look

Two teams, one roof

By Greg Amos

If we reporters spoke in corporate jargon, you might call it a “synergy.” As anyone who’s recently walked by � e Pioneer o� ce can see, there’s now another logo gracing our windows. � e Pioneer and the Invermere Valley Echo are continuing to exist as two separate news-papers, to be published on the same days they currently are, but the combined editorial sta� and sales depart-ments are now sharing the same digs. We are teaming up, joining forces, in the hopes that our mutual strengths, knowledge and motivations can add up to something greater than the sum of our parts.

To some extent, this is a symptom of tough times for the community newspaper industry, and the slow pace of the economic rebound in general. But in struggle, there is opportunity.

It is an exciting time here at your two distinct community newspapers; despite the growing pains that will inevitably arise from this process, we all feel there will be greater opportunities for us to produce higher quality papers, with more creative freedom and in-depth coverage of local events, issues and matters of concern to the Upper Columbia Valley. Sometimes, a less-than-feisty sense of competition means complacency; here, it means our readers won’t be subject to reading the same story twice, as was sometimes the case in the past.

We know this change may take a little getting used to, but we believe our new sense of cooperation will be rewarding for readers in short time.

Dear Editor:

When the Legislature resumes on February 12th, we will debate the legislation to re-introduce the pro-vincial sales tax, bringing to a close the � nal chapters in the BC Liberal’s harmonized sales tax (HST) debacle.

A draft copy of the legislation has been released to the public and it is well worth studying, particularly if you own or operate a business. If you would like a copy of the draft bill, please email my o� ce at [email protected] or call 1-866-870-4188.

� e BC Liberals promised that if they lost the HST referendum, they would move back to the pre-existing provincial sales tax. But a reading of the bill indicates that the new PST is actually quite di� erent. It is up to you to decide whether or not the changes

that have been made are consistent with the intent of the referendum result.

When the HST was � rst announced by the BC Liberals just weeks after the 2009 election, it was constituents that shared with me just how deeply your businesses and your budgets would be a� ected. It was with that information that we were able to suc-cessfully campaign to overturn the BC Liberal impo-sition of the HST.

In order to thoroughly debate the new PST legisla-tion in the legislature, it is important that I hear from you how this version of the PST will a� ect your speci� c business. I thank you in advance for your input.

Norm Macdonald MLAColumbia River - Revelstoke

Stately schoolhouse � e Sparkling Creek schoolhouse, which still stands near Lake Lillian, was opened in 1913 and used for only three years

as a school. � e � rst teacher to call Sparkling Creek home was Ms. Winnifred Marples, who taught her own nieces and nephews as well as children from the Engels, Turner and Gauthrie families. If you have any more information, e-mail us at [email protected] . Photo (A31) courtesy of the Windermere District Historical Society

Historical LensHistorical Lens

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by Misko Publishing Limited Partnership.

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

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

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Dean MidyetteAdvertising Sales

Angela KrebsAdvertising Sales

Kate IrwinReporter/ Special

Publications Editor

Kristian RasmussenReporter

Greg AmosEditor

Emily RawbonGraphic Design

Rose-Marie RegitnigPublisher

Amanda DiakiwO� ce Administrator/

Classi� ed Sales

� e Columbia Valley

is independently owned and operated, published weekly by

� e Columbia ValleyPioneer

ICEUPDATE

As of the afternoon ofWednesday, Febru-ary 6th, the ice thickness 50 feet o� shore

from Kinsmen Beach was 18 inches.


LETTERSDear Editor:

I am writing this letter in response to RCMP Staff Sergeant Marko Shehovac’s “Setting the record straight” in the Janu-ary 25th edition of The Pioneer in which he addresses the “Jeers” he received re-garding his collision with a bighorn sheep in December. The response from Mr. Shehovac is greatly appreciated and helps clarify some issues from the initial report.

I would like to begin by addressing the concern Mr. Shehovac has with individu-als, such as me, criticizing the RCMP as a whole for the actions of an individual. I agree that oftentimes people do seize op-portunities like this to condemn an entire group, and this is indeed wrong. The origi-nal “Jeers” that I submitted to The Pioneer clearly identified Mr. Shehovac and it was The Pioneer, out of policy and / or respect, who altered it to read RCMP instead.

I would also like to explain that my motivation in writing this Jeers came from concern for the bighorn sheep which are an iconic fixture in this valley and an integral part of the local ecosystem. As a resident of Radium, I have witnessed countless incidents of motorists threaten-ing sheep either by speed or by simply not being patient enough to wait for the sheep to pass. While the prolific presence of the sheep on the highway may lead some to believe that the sheep are as abundant as local deer, this is not the case. There is in

fact a limited number of bighorn sheep in B.C. and any loss of sheep is considered a conservation issue. It is my understanding that in the last decade the Radium herd has been as high as 200, but has been declining in recent years with last year’s count only reaching about 140. This de-cline can be in part attributed to increased predation but there have also been a number or vehicle caused mortalities.

In light of threats to the bighorn sheep, I could not but take exception to Mr. Shehovac’s cavalier rendition of how one sheep caused a “catastrophic blemish on his beloved truck”. The humour that Mr. Shehovac injects into his RCMP re-port makes it an enjoyable read not to be missed, but in this instance the humour may have been misplaced. While most readers could not have known that the sheep in this case later died as a result of the collision, I did, and thus was put off by remarks such as the sheep being de-scribed as “laughing” and “grinning”, and the coffee “escaping injury”. I feel these remarks would be flippant even had the sheep survived.

A big cheers must also be given to the RCMP, and specifically the highway patrol in Kootenay National Park, for their increased presence in the last year. Increased enforcement is appreciated.

Dan Teleki Radium Hot Springs

Sheep need our help

We want to hear from youEmail your letters to info@cv-pioneer.

com or visit our website at www.colum-biavalleypioneer.com. Mail your letters to Box 868, Invermere, V0A 1K0, or drop them in at 1008-8th Avenue.

Letters to the editor should be sent only to The Pioneer, and not to other publications. We do not publish open

letters or third-party letters.Letters for publication should be no

longer than 400 words, and must in-clude the writer’s address and phone numbers. No attachments, please.

Letters may be shortened for space re-quirements. We reserve the right to edit for space, clarity, civility and accuracy.

It’s our first BC Family Day

Monday, February 11, 2013

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CorrectionIn the February 1st edition of The

Pioneer, the story titled “Dialysis debate continues” was intended to continue

from page 13 onto page 15. Unfortu-nately it was cut off after the first section. The full story is available on our website.


CANADIAN FUSION : LICENSED CASUAL DINING

B.C.’s first ever FAMILY DAY!• Friday – All-you-can-eat

RIB DINNER• PRIME RIB SUNDAYS• All-you-can-eat

TUESDAY CRAB NIGHT• Wednesday

WING NIGHT Valentines Day!

JAM NIGHT! All musicians welcome

Hwy 93/95 south of Fairmont Hot Springs250-345-2166 • thehoodoo.com

Your home away from home…

Show suite open daily. 1-888-766-9637 | www.bighornmeadows.ca | [email protected]

• Experienceyear-round,resortlivinginaBighornMeadowsVacationHomeatafractionofthecost.

• Spendmoretimeonvacationandlesstimeonyardworkandspringcleaning!

• 1/17th,1/8thand1/4sharesin1,2or3bedroomfloorplans.• On-siterentalmanagement,housekeepingandmaintenance.

Family Restaurant ~ Downtown Invermere

Nightly feature entree $16Tapas for 2 - $11

Local Arrowhead blonde on tap $5 - 20 oz. pints

Reservations recommendedOpen 4 p.m. Tuesday – Saturdaywww.AngusMcToogles.com

250-341-6868 • [email protected]

LIVE

MUSIC

Friday & Saturday

Upcoming Events• Friday, February 8th – 7 p.m.

Jiujitsu/Karaoke Night• Saturday, February 9th – Kindness Day, come

and write Valentine’s card for your friends• Tuesday, February 12th – Will open only at

7 p.m., homework night• Wednesday, February 13th - Meet your

friends at the Summit• Thursday, February 14th – Youth Board

Information meeting!

[email protected]

Upstairs, 709 10th StreetBox 133, Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

Membership - a loonie for all youth between the ages of 12 and 18.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday, 3:30 to 9 p.m.Wednesday, 6 to 9 p.m.Thursday 3:30 to 9 p.m.Friday 4:30 to 10 p.m.

Saturday 4:30 to 10 p.m.

See you at the Summit!

Nipika celebrates Nordic Loppet Weekend

The groomed trails of Nipika Mountain Resort attracted close to 300 particpants for both the classic loppet race and the Toby Creek skate loppet on February 2nd and 3rd.

Pictured, clockwise from top left: Ian Murray claims first place in a battle with Gordon Jewett in a sequence photographed at the skate race’s finish line; Eric Carleton, who finished 10th overall in the skate race, glides through a downhill turn on the course; young skiers begin the three kilometre race; Alix Stephen, who placed first in the girl’s 10 kilometre race, pushes ahead. Photos by Brad Kitching and Greg Amos


MOVIE REVIEW

PAGE 12

PAGE 15

Out & About

Your weekly guide to what’s

happening around the Columbia Valley

PAGE 13

SNOW GOLF

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THECOLUMBIA VALLEY

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THECOLUMBIA VALLEY

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THECOLUMBIA VALLEYCOLUMBIA VALLEY

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?

Cinefest at Pynelogs Tuesday February 12th – 7 pmTo Rome With Love Tickets at the door

Childs packs the church inhomecoming gig

Invermere-raised jazz drummer Morgan Childs brought his quartet to Christ Church Trinity on Sunday,

February 3rd, and brought down the packed house in a virtuoso performance

of new songs and jazz standards.

Photo by Greg Amos


Reviewed by Dean Midyette

While watching UFC 156 with friends this last weekend, the between-� ght conversation turned to the release of Here Comes the Boom and whether I, as an unrepentant fan of mixed martial arts and an ex-teacher, would enjoy this Adam Sandler-produced o� ering.

� e plot centers around Scott Voss (Kevin James), a lazy, apathetic high school biology teacher who stumbles into the music room while trying to avoid bus duty only to be inspired by music teacher Marty Streb (Henry Winkler). Voss discovers that, due to budget cuts, the music program and Marty’s job are being axed. Voss, with college wrestling roots, decides to

become a semi-professional MMA � ghter to raise money and save the program while at the same time trying to win the a� ections of school nurse Bella Flores (Salma Hayek).

Featuring real life MMA � ghters and trainers, I had high hopes that the movie would provide us a realistic albeit humor-ous look at the struggle and sacri� ce that � ghters go through as they � ght their way to the top. On this note, the movie falls short, o� ering the viewer low-brow slap-stick and poorly choreographed � ght scenes which play like an inside leg kick that strays a bit too high.

To the movie’s credit, the best performances come from the MMA professionals themselves, with Bas Rut-ten � nally o� ering a performance that, at times, is hu-

morous and understated, and Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller left me laughing so hard I lost my lunch. Additional credit must be given to Kevin James for getting himself into � ghting shape and executing proper technique during the octagon scenes.

At the end of the day, I was left feeling that the mov-ie’s students would have been better served by dedicated teachers like those in our community and that the writ-ing could have used fewer stereotypical characters and predictable outcomes. As to the entertainment value of the movie, I hope that Georges St. Pierre’s performance on March 16th will be more inspiring.


Movie Review: Here Comes � e Boom

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

1 Hotel Transylvania 2 Taken 2 3 Coriolanus4 End of Watch5 Paranormal Act. 4

New Releases February 51 Flight2 Cloud Atlas3 Here comes the Boom4 Alex Cross5 Oogieloves in The Big Balloon Adventure

New Releases February 121 Skyfall2 Silent Hill 2: Revelation3 The perks of Being a Wall� ower4 The Man with the Iron Fists5 The Sessions

GoneHOLLYWOOD

V I D E O

503 - 7th Ave., Invermere • 250-342-0057

RENT 2 NEW RELEASE MOVIES...and receive a FREE 2L pop, or FREE old release rental, or $2 in movie money.

760 Cooper Road ~ 250-341-4000www.coppperpointresort.com

Pasta night at…

Every Wednesday

NightAll-you-can-eat build-your-own

Pasta Bu� et!

$2013 Ages 5-11/pay their age

Ages 0-4 FREE

C O L U M B I A V A L L E Y D I N I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 3

Columbia Valley

DiningDiningDiningDiningDiningDiningDiningDiningGuide

2012-2013

2013DiningGuideThis beautiful, glossy guide is perfect for local residents and visitors who are looking for a place to dine out on a special occasion, to take their children, to have a few drinks and snacks with friends or just to order some delicious take-out food.

Keep it in your pocket, purse, glove compartment or kitchen drawer for quick consultation.

A map on the inside cover will identify the locations of all advertised restaurants. Our clients tell us this is one of their favourite publications, because it is so useful when deciding where to eat.

Due to the popularity of the guide in 2012, we are printing 50% more this year, therefore 15,000 copies of this year’s Dining Guide will be published and distributed to hotels, restaurants, visitor centres and businesses around the Columbia Valley.

N EW S PA P E R

E-mail: [email protected] • Ph: 250-341-6299 Box 868, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: March 29, 2013

RATING: 6 OUT OF 10 HEADS

become a semi-professional MMA � ghter to raise money and save the program while at the same time trying to win the a� ections of school nurse Bella Flores (Salma Hayek).

trainers, I had high hopes that the movie would provide us a realistic albeit humor-ous look at the struggle and sacri� ce that � ghters go through as they � ght their way to the top. On this note, the movie falls short, o� ering the viewer low-brow slap-stick and poorly choreographed � ght scenes which play like an inside leg kick that strays a bit too high.


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-o� events, so weekly events may run rarely.

Toby � eatre

• February 14th - 16th & February 21st - 23rd: � e Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2.

Friday, February 8th

• 4:30 - 9 p.m.: Panorama Mountain Village hosts Mountain Mardi Gras with free lift-accessed tobogan-ning and live music from the Al Barrett Band at T-Bar and Grill.• 7 p.m.: � e Summit Youth Centre is featuring a jiu jitsu and Karaoke night. Please call the Summit at 250-342-3033 for more information.• 7:30 - 9 p.m.: Invermere Midget Girls Hockey Tour-nament game versus the Salmon Arm Silvertips at Ed-die Mountain Arena.• 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.: � e Starlight challenge at Fairmont Ski Resort. Teams of four compete over a dual slalom course for the most consistent times every Friday in February. Night skiing open to the public.

Saturday, February 9th

• Kindness Day at the Summit Youth Centre with friendly valentine card writing.• 9 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. Panorama Mountain Village hosts Mountain Mardi Gras featuring festival games, live music, BBQ, mask-making competition and limbo challenge.• 9:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.: Invermere Midget Girls


Hockey Tournament game versus the Sylvan Lake Lakers at Eddie Mountain Arena. At 4 p.m. Invermere plays against the Edmonton Triple � reat. • 2 p.m.: Edgewater- Radium Hospital Auxiliary Val-entine Tea and Bake sale. 250-342-4423.• 11 p.m. DJ Bobby C Sound TV will be performing at Bud’s Bar & Lounge, Invermere.

Sunday, February 10th

• 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.: Panorama Mountain Village hosts Mountain Mardi Gras with pancake breakfast and car-nival games. • 9 a.m.: Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Club Family Fishing Day for all members. Meet at Kinsmen Beach. � e club will supply food for the event. For more information, please call 250-342-9482.• 9:15 a.m.-3:45 p.m.: Invermere Midget Girls Hock-ey Tournament playo� s at Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena. • 7:30 - 10 p.m.: � e Invermere Badminton Club plays at DTSS. For info contact Colin Sherk, [email protected]

Monday, February 11th

• Celebrate BC Family Day! Enjoy a day with your friends and family! • Half Price Ski at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

Tuesday, February 12th

• 4 - 8 p.m.: Valentine’s Pasta Dinner at Eddie Moun-tain Arena. $5/person or $20/per family. Cash only, pay at the door.• 6 p.m.: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Christ Church Trinity.• 7 p.m.: Cinefest at Pynelogs.• 7 p.m.: Annual General Meeting at Radium Hot Spring Public Library.• 7 p.m.: � e Summit Youth Centre is hosting a home-work help night.

Wednesday, February 13th

• 5 p.m.: Ash Wednesday Service at Christ Church Trinity.• 7 p.m.: Screening of documentary Peace Out, host-ed by the Invermere branch of Wildsight at the Li-ons Hall. Peace Out is an award-winning documen-tary exploring energy extraction in western Canada, including the Site C dam. Admission is by donation.• 7 p.m.: � e Invermere Badmonton Club plays at J.A. Laird School.

Friday, February 15th

• 7 p.m.: � e Summit Youth Centre is hosting a special Valentines Day information session with Options for Sexual Health. Come and join us to talk about rela-tionships and play “Wheel of Fornication.”

For more information, please call 250-688-1205. Saturday, February 16th

• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Winterfest celebrated at the Ra-dium Seniors’ Hall. For more information, please con-tact Karen Sharpe at 250-347-6455.• 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Winterfest 2013 at Radium Seniors’ Hall. Organized by the Radium Events Com-mittee. Curling funspiel, crafts and games, wagon rides and more. For info contact Kara Stringer at 250-347-9331. • 7 p.m.: Summit Youth Centre is going to the Valley Rockies hockey game. Call to sign up: 250-342-3033.


• 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.: Art demonstration by David Zim-merman as part of the Family Day long weekend at E� usion Art Gallery.

Wednesday, February 20th

• Craft Night at Summit Youth Centre.

Friday, February 22nd

• 10 p.m. Denim on Denim & Her Public Girls’ Night Party with Marys Gunns performing at Bud’s Bar.Tickets are $10.

Out & AboutPlease call 250-341-6299

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


MaxWell Realty Invermere/Panorama/Fairmont

BERNIE RAVEN250-342-7415

[email protected]

GEOFF HILL250-341-7600

connect@geo� hill.ca

DANIEL ZURGILGEN250-342-1612

[email protected]

GLENN POMEROY250-270-0666

[email protected]

CHRIS RAVEN250-409-9323

[email protected]

SCOTT WALLACE250-342-5309

[email protected]

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, B.C.

(next door to Fairmont Goldsmiths)250-341-6044 • Fax: (250) 341-6046

www.maxwellrealtyinvermere.ca

� e 2013 MaxWell calendars are in for pickup!

Have something to say? Letters to the editor can be e-mailed to [email protected]


fairmonthotsprings.com

Half Price Ski – BC Family Day!It’s time to hit the slopes for BC’s First Ever Family Day.Proof of British Columbia residency is required to receive 50% off full day lift ticket rate. Offer only valid for Monday, February 11, 2013 and cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.

#3, 109 Industrial #2, Invermere B.C.250-342-3659 • Fax: 250-342-3620www.invermereglass.ca

Serving the valley since 1995

• Auto• Home• Commercial• Shower Doors• Mirrors

• Auto

Visit us for all your glass needs.

COME OUT AND SUPPORTMINOR HOCKEY!

Eddie Mountain Memorial ArenaMezzanine Level$5/person or $20/familyCash only | Pay at door

HOSTED BY THE PEEWEE TEAM

Tuesday, February 12th

4 p.m. to 8 p.m.FEATURED SPLENDED CUISINE

• Non-alcoholic beverages• Fresh Caesar Salad• Warmed garlic bread• Selections of pasta• Delectable assorted desserts

Show how much you care!Valentine’s Day is February 14th!Call Jayne to order your beautiful customized gift basket, created to suit your loved ones desires and your budget.

Hand-made baskets available at Pip’s Country Store, Mountainside Market, Windermere Family Pantry,

Smoking Water Cafe or Valley Foods.Smoking Water Cafe or Valley Foods.

250-342-3160www.itsawrapgiftbaskets.ca

Show how much you care!Show how much you care!Show how much you care!Show how much you care!Show how much you care!Show how much you care!Show how much you care!Show how much you care!

250-342-3160250-342-3160

Radium reaping rewards from sewage solution

By Greg AmosPioneer Sta�

Signi� cant upgrades to Radium Hot Springs’ wastewater treatment plant completed last October promise to save the village both money and headaches for years to come.

An overall $1.48 million upgrade to the plant, located adjacent to the Canfor mill and the Sinclair Creek Trails, included a $677,000 moving bed bio� lm reactor — essentially a churning cold-water cauldron that uses plastic beads to help cleanse the wastewater more e� ciently. It’s the � rst time the German technology has been applied at a wastewater plant in B.C., said Radium public works superintendent Ken McDonnell.

“� e moving bed media allows a bio-� lm to build up on them; it’s all based on surface area, so as they build up, they allow more and more sewer to break down more quickly,” he said. With an area and depth similar to a resi-dential home foundation, the moving bed bio� lm system does the work of two or three sewage lagoons, each of which are about the size of a soccer � eld. � at’s al-lowed the village to remove one lagoon from operations, saving on de-sludging costs in the future.

“In the next ten years, that would prob-ably have cost up to $150,000,” he said.

“Our product coming o� of this tank will be as good as what we got from the entire plant before,” he added. Once treated, water that’s gravity-fed into

the plant is � ltered through natural sands and gravels in the area before seeping into the Columbia River. “We had two lagoons before, and we were still having

problems trying to meet our permit.”� e plant also gained two new turbo blow-

ers at a cost of $184,000, each of which is powerful enough on its own to handle the plant’s capacity. � e blowers act as aerators to keep the plant’s processes operating at

maximum e� ciency.“� e new blowers are just incredible,” said Mr.

McDonnell, adding they are expected to run with very little maintenance for many years.

WONDERFUL WASTEWATER — Radium Hot Springs councillors Clara Reinhardt (left) and Karen Larsen � ank public works superinten-dent Ken McDonnell inside the village’s wastewater treatment facility. In the foreground are two Mu� n Monster grinders, which break down any solid objects in the sewage � ow that could otherwise impede the process. Photo by Greg Amos

lowed the village to remove one lagoon from operations, saving on de-sludging costs in the

“Our product coming o� of this tank will be as good as what we got from the

problems trying to meet our permit.”

ers at a cost of $184,000, each of which is powerful enough on its own to handle the plant’s capacity. � e blowers act as aerators to keep the plant’s processes operating at

maximum e� ciency.

� e Mu� n Monster logo

By Pioneer Sta�

A B.C. Supreme Court hearing pitting the Invermere Deer Protection Society against the Dis-trict of Invermere has yet to hit the halls of justice.

� ough the civil case hearing in Vancouver was

set to proceed at the end of January, a lack of notice to the provincial Attorney General prevented the hearing from going ahead. Lawyers for Invermere are requesting more information from the society before proceeding. Failing that, the District could apply to have the case thrown out next month.

Deer court decision delayed


Shawn Ottmann Owner / Operator#35 - 109 Industrial RD #2, Invermere • 250-409-4385

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Insurance Claims Welcome • Licensed Autobody Technician

QualityGuaranteed!

Windermere Valley Child Care Society

Family Fun DanceFriday, February 15 • 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Invermere Community Hall$3 per person

Tropical beach themeSilent auction • Door prizes • Carnival games

GET PUMPED TODAY!

Pump your Septic Tank now and…

• Saveoncostlyrepairs• Avoidenvironmentaldamage• Keepyourtankoperatingeffectively• Extendthelifeofyourseptictank

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TANKS SHOULD BE PUMPED

EVERY 3 YEARS

By Kristian Rasmussen Pioneer Staff

Although the Rocky Mountains already come with a surreal quality, a Ra-dium author has added his own mixture of mountain mystery with his debut e-book, The Wolf and the Magic.

Damian Richard has crafted a ma-cabre world centering around his main character, John Patterton, who escapes his suburban life in Boston to re-explore his youth in the Rocky Mountains near Missoula, Montana. Arriving in a new environment, the protagonist purchases a log cabin on an acreage. His cabin retreat becomes increasingly eerie as he faces a series of unexplainable events that build with intensity throughout the story.

“I want to take my readers on an ad-venture,” he said. “When I wrote this par-ticular book I kind of sat back and said, ‘What would it take to really disturb me as a person?’ To me, the mountains are the most beautiful place in the world and I wanted to completely toss that idea up-side down.”

The main character of The Wolf and the Magic, John Patterton, is loosely based on the author’s own life experienc-es. Originally from Prince Edward Island, Mr. Richard came to Radium in 1998 to start a construction company and is also a

dog control officer for the Regional Dis-trict of East Kootenay.

“John Patterton is, to a degree, some-what similar to myself, but I wouldn’t do any of the things that his character does,” he added.

Although his book is centered in a fictional area of Montana, the author took most of his inspiration from his life spent enjoying the Columbia Valley.

“Once I moved into the valley, I de-cided I wanted to start doing things that I feel really enrich me as a person,” he said. “There are so many wonderful and artistic people in the valley that I can’t help but be influenced by.”

The choice to use Montana instead of the Columbia Valley as a setting was intentional and designed to reach a large American e-book audience.

Although the actual setting of the book is fictional, Mr. Richard extensively researched the area outside of Missoula for accuracy, he said.

“I wanted to appeal to the U.S. mar-ket, but I also wanted the book to still be set in the mountains,” he said.

The book, which took Mr. Richard over a year to complete and was released on December 30th, 2012, is part of a five-book series delving into the world of black magic and paranormal encounters, and is available at www.amazon.com .

Dog catcher pens novel


YOUR MONEYCommon RRSP Mistakes

As Canadians start preparing their 2012 tax returns, they often wonder if they should add to their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). In general, contrib-uting to one’s RRSP is a great strategy to pay less tax now and save for the future. However, before doing so, consider the following common RRSP-related errors to ensure that you are getting the most out of your money.

Spending Your Tax RefundMany people consider their tax refund to be found

money and end up spending it frivolously. While this might be fine for those who overpaid their income tax during the year, it certainly isn’t for those who made an RRSP contribution.

The difference is a lack of understanding of the way an RRSP functions. An RRSP contribution is re-ally two things: tax savings and tax deferral. Ideally, one puts money into an RRSP in order to save tax while they are in a higher tax bracket than they expect to be in re-tirement. In retirement, they withdraw funds from the RRSP, which is taxed as regular income.

With this idea in mind, the tax refund an RRSP con-tribution generates should be considered a loan rather than a refund.

The most prudent thing to do would be to use one’s tax refund to contribute to a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or pay down tax-inefficient debt. It could even be put towards another RRSP contribution!

Spending Your RRSPsCashing in your RRSP, all or in part, has major tax

consequences unless it’s being done to take advantage of the Home Buyers Plan or Lifelong Learning Program. Not only will the withdrawal have to be added to a per-son’s annual income on their tax return, but between 10 and 30 per cent of the money withdrawn from an RRSP will go directly to the Canada Revenue Agency as a pre-payment of tax.

In many cases, this could mean having to take a larger withdrawal from one’s RRSP than intended, further com-pounding the problem. Always think twice about with-drawing from an RRSP, and only do so as a last resort.

Small Business OwnersGenerally speaking, small business owners who

qualify for the small business deduction might be better using limited contributions to their RRSPs.

This is because these people might have the unique option of taking dividends in lieu of a salary and invest-ing the retained earnings of their small business instead.

How this works is the small business owner takes dividends from his or her corporation in the amount he or she needs to fund their lifestyle. The remaining prof-its of the corporation are held in retained earnings and saved for the long term. These corporate savings benefit from low corporate tax rates, therefore creating a poten-tially significant tax deferral.

Care must be exercised when using this type of strat-egy. For example, building up large, inactive business as-sets in a corporation can disqualify it for the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption. For this reason and more, al-ways consult with an accountant first.

Improper Use of Spousal RRSPsThere are a couple of ways to misuse a spousal RRSP.

The first is by not using a spousal RRSP when one spouse earns a lot more than the other. In this case, the higher-earning spouse would be wise to contribute to a spousal RRSP in the lower-earning spouse’s name, to be with-drawn as their income in retirement. Even with the in-troduction of pension splitting, spousal RRSPs are still a valuable tool as pension splitting is not allowed on RRSP assets until age 65.

The second mistake is to contribute to a spousal RRSP too close to retirement. Any withdrawals during the year of contribution and the two following calendar years is subject to attribution rules, and as such, will be added back to the contributor’s income instead of their spouse’s.

Final ThoughtsWhile RRSPs are right for many people, they are not

necessarily the most efficient savings tool for everyone. Always consult a financial advisor or accountant to help minimize errors and ensure you are on the right track.

Manulife Securities Incorporated is a Member of the Canadian Investor Protection 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.

Investments, Insurance & Financial Planning

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

GIC Rates*as of February 4th.

1 year 2.00%2 year 2.10%3 year 2.25%4 year 2.35%5 year 2.50%*Rates subject to change without notice.

Brendan DonahueBCOMM, CIM, FCSI

Senior Investment Advisor

Insurance Agent

Sara WorleyInvestment Advisor

Insurance Agent

Ask us about complimentary portfolio reviews.


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, CFP® Certified Financial Planner

250.342.5052 | Office

877.342.5052 | Toll Free

866.719.7927 | Toll Free Fax

[email protected]

Suite 302, 1313 – 7th Ave. PO Box 429 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 www.cmkwealth.com

Firearms Courses & ChallengesRestricted, Non-Restricted and Youth Licence.

Courses and Challenges offered

Call: 403-679-8122 (Mark, Invermere)

Serving the Columbia Valley in Firearms Safety

(250) 342-1167

Government Rebates• Furnace Replacements

• Heat Pumps • Fireplaces • Full Heating and Ventilation Systems

We’re ready… are you?

Did you know we have huuuugeSeniors’ discounts?

COUGAR HUNTING SEASON CLOSURE

This notice is to advise the public the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations has closed the cougar hunting season in the East Kootenay effective at midnight on January 31, 2013.

The West Kootenay and Caribou Recovery area (Management Units 4-05 to 4-08, and 4-20) season remains open at this time.

The closure is guided by the ministry’s regional cougar management pro-gram to reduce the potential for over-harvesting of the cougar population in the area.

The closure covers the following Wildlife Management Units: 4-01 to 4-04, 4-21 to 4-26, 4-34 to 4-37, and 4-40. The cougar pursuit-only will remain open until February 28, 2013.

For more information contact the ministry’s Kootenay Boundary Region office at 250-489-8540.

HZClient: Ministry of Forests, Lands and NROCampaign: Cougar Hunting Season ClosureSize: 5.00” x 4.197”

Read us online:

N EW S PA P E R


Don’t Miss an Issue!

Wilmer Wolverines take a whackPictured, from left to right: Phil Burk, Bernie � iessen and Darcey Kanewischer take their swings during the 12th annual snow golf tournament on Lake Windermere on Saturday, February 2nd. � e “Wilmer Wolverines” team found their way around Lake Windermere with their version of a golf cart — a six-wheel drive all terrain vehicle. Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

C L A S S I F I E D D E A D L I N E :

N EW S PA P E R

Call us today to place your classi� ed advertisement.

E-mail: [email protected]: (250) 341-6299

Fax: (250) 341-6229

Tuesdays at noon


Radium Community Hall Radium Community Hall Radium Community Hall Saturday, February 16Saturday, February 16Saturday, February 16ththth, 2013, 2013, 2013

11:00 am 11:00 am 11:00 am --- 3:00 pm3:00 pm3:00 pm

Curling FunSpiel

Crafts and Games

Mountain Man & Woman Competition

Wagon Rides For further event information and to register for

Curling FunSpiel Please contact Kara Stringer 250-347-9331

[email protected]

Pond party on Lake Windermere� irty teams converged o� the shore

of Invermere’s Kinsmen Beach for the 2013 BC Pond Hockey Championship on February 2nd and 3rd. Spectators and play-ers alike joined in the fun, watching battles unfold for the coveted position of top team. Pictured, clockwise, from left to right, oppo-site page: Jacob Kulz of the Nightcaps battles Scott Finch of the Heroes; Matt Rawluk of the Kokanees is checked by Spencer Buck of

team Eagle Ranch; teams play eachother on one of a series of groomed rinks; players from the the Elk Valley Killahs and Invermere’s Inside Edge � under shake hands after a game; Nathan � omson of Nelson prac-tices between games. � is page, above: Lucy Wilson of Golden enjoys the sights of pond hockey while skiing across the lake; Colin Heagle of Team Hoser takes a practice skate. Photos by Kristian Rasmussen


Annual Wild GameBanquet & Dance

(Beef also available)Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013Invermere Community Hall

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m. • Dinner: 6:30 p.m.Awards • Live and Silent Auctions • Door Prizes • Draws

Dance commences at 9:30 p.m.Adults: $40 • Youths: $15 (15 & Under)

Dance Only: $10, Also available at the DoorTickets available at the Book Bar, Home Hardware,

Horsetheif Pub, RONA, K5 Mechanical, and with club members

Lake Windermere District Rod & Gun Clubwww.lwdrodgun.com

Annual General Meeting Tuesday, February 12th at 7 p.m.

Public welcome.

ShannonbrookBoarding Kennels

• Registered Scotch Collies• Obedience and agility training• Pet therapy• Rally obedience

1628 Windermere Loop Road • 250-342-6188

Kathy andElizabeth

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

Your Local COLUMBIA VALLEY REAL ESTATE

Professionals

Cell: (250) 270-0666O� ce: (250) 341-6044

Fax: 866-600-0673

Glenn PomeroyMaxWell Realty Invermere

926-7th Avenue, Invermere, [email protected]

Buying or selling…Your greatest

investment is worth a second

opinion!

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[email protected] www.PaulGlassford.com

ROCKIES WEST REALTYINDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED

492 Highway 93/95 Invermere, B.C. V0A 1K0

CELL: 250-342-5889TOLL FREE: 1-877-347-6838

FAX: [email protected]

Follow us on…Pioneer Newspaper@PioneerNewsTip

By Andrew Watt, Pioneer Columnist

When it came to my recent research on authors and alcohol dependency, I was both saddened and surprised by the abundance of truly great writers with even greater drinking problems. While researching (read: drinking scotch, slouched over a computer at 2 a.m., actively stealing from other writers) material for this campaign, I was particularly struck by the number of American liter-ary legends that have hit the sauce, and hit it hard.

If drinking while writing were an Olympic sport, the U.S. writers would hold all the medals, winter and sum-mer combined, including any boycott years. Also, keep in mind that I am not including comedians, painters, athletes, memoir writers or politicians.

But before we take our � rst steps, I must o� er a few words in an e� ort to stay out of the local institu-tion known as the “ Jeers Column.” Hear me now, dear reader: this is not intended to glamourize alcohol intake in any amount. Far too many great writers, as we shall see, have tragically had their careers and lives shortened by alcohol abuse. I o� er the following personal example as to why one should never drink and write:

Screenplay Idea # 59 Title: Wrong-gu. Tokyo 2025 AD . Raining hard, doz-

reds** of umbrellas and neon everywhere.I hear heli-copters, why? Zoom to interior of karaoke bar. It`s a total dump, held together by stained carpet and cheap cologne. Call Harrison Ford in the morn-ing....

** Dozreds, by the way, is a combi-nation of the words dozen and hundreds. With that thankfully out of the way, we can begin our tour.

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a popular lush, the kind that threw legendary parties where the champagne tray was still heavy at sunrise.

Edgar Allen Poe was possibly the most famous lush. As the � rst well-known American man of words to try and earn a living through writing alone, he naturally lived a life of poverty as witnessed by “the biggest bar tabs in Baltimore”.

Ernest Hemmingway could be described as the lush-ness monster. His sprezzatura (an Italian word mean-ing the e� ortless technique of a gifted artist) su� ered the most visibly and rapidly. � e southerner, William Faulkner, drank to brain-swelling excess while on con-tract. His works are so in� uential to this day that it is still a misdemeanour in Mississipi to � nish a love letter while not impaired. But seriously, these early greats all have one thing in common: they would have produced more and lived longer if it were not for the sauce.

Moving on to more contemporary American literary � gures, I`ll start with Charles Bukowski. Although born in Germany, he drank (and primarily wrote ) in L.A. Drink-ing was his occupation; he just happened to write about it. (By the way, I love the German word for a severe hangover – katzenjammer – literally the sound of two cats mating.)

William S. Burrows, and more recently Augusten Burrows, shared the same last name as well as a cruel addiction to alcohol. I saw a photo of the Bar� y author once, at age thirty. He looked like a root, smoking a ciga-rette and wearing a hat.

I’m out of room, so that`s all for part one. Send out a “ Cheers “ if you want more. If more is not what

you desire, your gift of absence in the ‘’ Jeers “ section would be lovely as well.

Andrew Watt is the owner of Bishop`s Book Cafe in Fairmont Hot Springs. His experience

includes, but is not limited to: amateur ship’s cook , pub manager, grape picker, retail investor, tutor, volunteer, and book store owner. He is a

professional at nothing but does try. Really.

On alcohol and authors

reds** of umbrellas and neon everywhere.I hear heli-copters, why? Zoom to interior of karaoke bar. It`s a total dump, held together by stained carpet and cheap cologne. Call Harrison Ford in the morn-

Dozreds, by the way, is a combi-nation of the words dozen and hundreds. With that thankfully out of the way, we can

F. Scott Fitzgerald was a popular lush, the kind that threw legendary parties where the champagne tray was still heavy at sunrise.

“ Cheers “ if you want more. If more is not what

includes, but is not limited to: amateur ship’s cook , pub manager, grape picker, retail investor, tutor, volunteer, and book store owner. He is a

professional at nothing but does try. Really.

Drawing of Charles Bukowski by Rik Rawling / rikrawling.wordpress.com


HERE TO SERVE YOUComplete Automotive Repairs

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

Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash – Find our classifi ed ad for discounts.

Kari & John Mason 250.270.0821Invermere • Panorama

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Snow Removal • Sanding • Spring Clean-up

From Framing to Finishing

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photo: Pat Morrow

Thunderwater Lake

Whirlpool Lake

TAURUS MTN

TAURUS NOTCH

How

ser

Cr.

MT HARMONMT

NANETTE

MT GALLOWAY

EDO

UA

RD

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ASS

MT ALPHA

CENTAURI

CARMARTHEN PEAK

CARMARTHEN GLACIER

W E

L S

H

P

E A

K S

GLAMORGAN PEAK

HARLECH PEAK

MERIONETH PEAK

Aberystwyth Lake

Welsh

Cr

N O R

T H

S T

A R

G L

A C I

E RC A

T A

M O

U N

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A C

I E

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MT GRIFFITH

I r I

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Tara Lake

EireLake

IrishLake

DUBLIN SPIRE

DONEGAL PEAK

CONNEMARA PEAK

I R

I S

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P

E

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K

S

SHANNON GLACIER

KILLARNEY PEAK

NORTH STAR PEAK

CEN

TAU

RU

S G

LACI

ER

GALWAY PEAK

LEITRIM PEAK

ANTRIM PEAK

FORSTER CREEKCABIN

FORSTER

Cr e

ek

F o r s t e r C r e e k

BANSHEE TOWER

MOUNT SALLY

SERENA

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43 km

GAS DROP

Catamount - North Star GlaciersMotorized Use Restrictions

AREA 1 FORSTER CREEK

MEADOWS

AREA 2 CATAMOUNT

GLACIER

AREA 3 NORTH STAR

GLACIER

FORS

TER

PASS

S C

O T

C H

P E

A K

S

GWENDOLINE MTN

BLACK FANG

CREEK

TRAIL

F o r s t e r

The area is served by this amended Recreation Order S.58(1)(b) FRPA as follows:

Area 1 - Forster Creek Meadows: Closed to motorized use st th

June 1 to November 30 annually. (No motorized use permitted past the summer roads end during these dates.)

Area 2 - Catamount Glacier: Closed to motorized use st thJune 1 to February 14 annually.

th st(Open to snowmobiling Feb 15 to May 31 , strictly enforced)

Area 3 – North Star Glacier: Closed to motorized use st stJanuary 1 to December 31 annually.

(No snowmobiling permitted in this area, strictly enforced)

Compliance, education and enforcement activities will be prominent.

Recreation Sitesand Trails BC

Catamount – North Star GlaciersMotorized Use Restrictions

LEGAL NOTICE

The area is served by this amended Recreation Order S.58(1)(b) FRPA as follows:

Compliance, education and enforcement activities will be prominent.

Area 1 Forster Creek Meadows:

Closed to motorized use June 1st to November 30th annually.

(No motorized use permitted past the summer roads end during these dates)

Area 2 Catamount Glacier: Closed to motorized use

June 1st to February 14th annually.(Open to snowmobiling February 15th

to May 31st, strictly enforced)

Area 3 North Star Glacier: Closed to motorized use

January 1st to December 31st annually.(No snowmobiling permitted in this area,

strictly enforced)

For more information visit www.SitesandtrailsBC.ca • [email protected] • Rocky Mountain District •250-426-1766

N EW S PA P E R

Myth: One big ad will make a big impression.

Reality: The same money invested in a regular series of small ads will yield bigger results. Call Dean at 250-341-6299 to � nd out more.

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com • Email: [email protected]

Dear Editor:

I am writing regarding your recent cov-erage of the Calgary fundraiser spearheaded by one Murray Edwards on behalf of the BC Liberal party. I am not going to dwell on whether or not it should have happened.

Instead, I am going to explain why it did happen. It happened because the Al-berta oil industry is in panic mode. Big Oil is terri� ed that if the BC Liberals lose the election, there will be no Enbridge North-ern Gateway pipeline, and consequently no tankers negotiating B.C.’s pristine west coast on their way to deliver Alberta oil to China. Now, let’s look at the recent pro-nouncements of the BC Liberal candidate for Columbia River – Revelstoke. When speaking about the aforementioned Mr. Edwards, he described him as the owner of three ski resorts in B.C. � at is true. What he didn’t tell us is that Mr. Edwards is the

chief executive o� cer of Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL), a major player in the Alberta oil industry that has annual net earnings of $1.5 billion dollars. CNRL will not only be contributing a large amount of money to the BC Liberals, it will probably be mobilizing the other oil giants to do the same. If they are successful in getting the BC Liberals re-elected, then we the people of British Columbia will have lost control of our own province.Now, let’s get back to the local BC Liberal party candidate. He should explain why he has not mentioned the other identity of Murray Edwards and why he has tried to conceal the real reason why the Al-berta oil industry is willing to donate large amounts of money to the BC Liberal elec-tion campaign. � e people of Columbia River – Revelstoke deserve an explanation.

Jim GallowayBrisco

Against Alberta in� uence. . . ‘Letters’ from page 7

Don’t be fooled by election adsDear Editor:

� e BC Liberals think it’s just � ne to fundraise in Alberta. After all, many Alber-tans have investments in B.C. and its pipe-lines. Besides, they’re our neighbours, why shouldn’t they be allowed to meddle in our election? How about the U.S.? � ey’re also our neighbours, and have billions riding on B.C.’s election; should they not too be al-lowed to sway our election? What will the BC Liberals spend all this Alberta funding on? On attack-ads, media manipulation,

and robo-calls, or getaway cars? Realisti-cally, the BC Liberals have no option but attack ads. After 12 years in power, what could they brag about? � is May’s BC elec-tion most certainly will see the overpower-ing in� uence of outside special-interest big money. You can be sure they’ve hired the slickest public relations magicians available to mess with your mind. Read beyond the ads and the advertorials. Don’t be fooled.

Bryan StawychnyEdgewater


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◆ Confidential document destruction

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NEW SEWER CAMERA

HERE TO SERVE YOU

• New Homes • Renovations • Framing• Roofing • Custom Finishing • Timber Framing

KYLE MOLL 250.341.5603 [email protected]


HERE TO SERVE YOU

Lake Auto Services250-342-9310

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Radium Hot Springs Esso 250-347-9726

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

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LambertLAMBERT-KIPPPHARMACY LTD.

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

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9 a.m. - 6 p.m.1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

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giftware 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

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Identity development.

Effective websites.

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(250) 341-1083 [email protected]

build your foundation

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

Cell: (250) 342-1078Tel/Fax: (250) 342-7076

E-mail: [email protected]

401 Westridge ViewInvermere BC V0A 1K4

DESIGN & BUILD SERVICE

JEFF BALTRUSLicensed Residential Builder

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RFEALARMS

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Monitoring includes Guard and keyholder service• Surveillance Systems• Home Theatre• Analog & Digital Background

Sound Systems Local company, local service.


HERE TO SERVE YOU

Invermere and Area

Scott Wilisky [email protected] • cell 250 270 0745

• Framing • Siding

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ROSS‛S POOLS & SPASROSS‛S POOLS & SPASCommercial – Residential

Installation – Maintenance – Repairs

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Cell: 250-341-7727 • Fax: 250-347-6363 • [email protected]

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T. Holden Holdings Ltd.Terry HoldenBox 179 Edgewater, B.C.V0A 1E0

Ph: 250-347-9629 Cell: 250-341-8479 [email protected]

• Homeimprovement,renovations,designanddrawings

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

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VJ (Butch) BishopOwner/Operator

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CONTRACT OR HOURLYMACHINE RENTALS AVAILABLE

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SHOLINDER & MACKAYEXCAVATING Inc.

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Your Weekly Source for News and Events

Dean MidyetteAdvertising Sales

N EW S PA P E R

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

Ph: 250.341.6299 • Cell: 250.341.1939www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

[email protected]

O B J E C T I V E , C R E A T I V E , I N F O R M A T I V E !

N EW S PA P E R

Read us online at:

www.columbiavalleypioneer.com E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: (250) 341-6299


ANNOUNCEMENT

Alcoholics Anonymous. If alcohol is causing problems or con� ict in your life, AA can help. All meetings are at 8 p.m. For more information, please call 250-342-2424. Columbia United AA, Invermere: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday (closed), and Wednesday at the BC Service Building, South End – 624 4th St., Invermere. Radium Friendship Group: Friday at the Catholic Church, East Side of Main St. With the exception of Tuesday, all meetings are open.

Al-Anon. Are you concerned about or a� ected 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 250-342-8255.

Narcotics Anonymous meeting now available. Thursdays at 8 p.m. Call 250-342-1071 for more info.

LEGAL NOTICE

Seizure and sale of a vehicle under the Warehouse Lien Act. 2011 Gooseneck PJ � at deck trailer. VIN: 4P5Fd3220B1149090 Name of debtor: unknown. Amount of debt: unknown. Time and place of sale: to be advised. Nature Conservancy of Canada. Telephone: 250-342-5521.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers and birthday wishes to Dorothy who delivers our Pioneer newspaper every Saturday morning regardless of the weather. From all at Fusion Wellness Spa.

Cheers to Barb Cote on 37 years at SD6! Congratulations on retirement and looking forward to hearing what’s next!

Cheers to a wonderful man who will be very missed but never forgotten. Ride on Cli� y.

CHEERS & JEERS

Jeers to the politicians closing the hemodialysis center. The consequences of cutting this health service are signi� cant to the loved ones a� ected.

Jeers to the local guys who lit the huge bon� re near Dog Beach last Saturday. The debris, spikes and sharp metal bits left over from the roof trusses and pallets, not to mention the beer bottles, are quite a hazard for people who want to walk on that part of the lake by the ice � shing shacks. You told the police you’d clean it up, and 10 days later it’s still there.

Double jeers to the hateful and anger-� lled individual who jeered those of us who have a concern about wild animals in our community. “Deer are more deserving of life than the likes of you.” I would suggest that our community does not deserve the likes of you, as most of us do not wish ill on our fellow locals.

Huge cheers to the amazing sta� at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and the ski hill sta� ! George is a rock star! Thank you so much for making my daughter’s � rst ski experience a wonderful one.

Jeers to the person who took my friend’s Nautica Jacket from Bud’s Disco on Saturday, January 19th. It was a gift from someone dear to him who has since passed away. Perhaps you should return it before karma kicks in.

Cheers to the Quality Bakery sta� for their exceptional service at the counter. The baked goods are also consistently yummy!

Cheers to everyone who stopped to see if I was OK after I ended up in the ditch. Double cheers to John for the rope and to the Esso truck driver who pulled me out! You’re awesome!

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to Nicole Morgan and Susan Clovechok for delivering the Customer Service Training through the Chamber of Commerce. Cheers to the employers who enrolled their sta� in the sessions. Cheers to the participants for enthusiastically learning more about our community and how to deliver exceptional customer experiences.

Jeers to the woman who locks her kids in her car!

Jeers to The Pioneer for writing such a disrespectful online article about the passing of such a beautiful, happy, and caring young individual. How dare you try and make her be remembered as a criminal. Shame on you!

A huge cheers and giant thank you to Margot for the marvelous piano that I have already enjoyed oh so much. Also a big cheers to the guys at YPC for doing a great job moving such a beastly instrument! AD.

Cheers to Councilor Paul Denchuk! You’ve got some braw calves and we thank you for sharing them with us as you donned a Mexican kilt! We, the women, recommend that you wear a kilt at least once a week! Freedom!

Cheers to Jayne at It’s a Wrap for the delicious treats.

Cheers to the Invermere Fire & Rescue for the awesome hockey night. You guys rock!

Cheers to the cheers about Glenn and Kim! It has been a long time coming!

Cheers to Fairmont Ski School. Your instructors are the best!

Jeers to the wood-� re homeowners who bank their furnace heavy and then let it smoke up the town all night.

CHEERS & JEERS

Cheers to Beva and Kuba for organizing and mapping the Joguary trip across Canada. Because of your e� orts we moved more this month than any other January.

Cheers to my good friend Denny. Thanks for always sticking up for me!

Jeers to the people who drive through Edgewater as if they’re on the TransCanada highway.

Jeers to the individuals responsible for changing the name of Deb’s Night Out to what is now the Chinese New Year Gala. It seems disrespectful to Deb.

Jeers to the female referee who made too many calls on my grandson’s hockey team in Canal Flats. It was supposed to be fun. A disappointed Grandma.

Jeers to the drunken snowboarder who threw himself at me on the lift. My cracked ribs are less than happy.

STORAGE

NEWHOUSEMULTI STORAGEVarious 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.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

For lease: newly renovated, beautiful o� ce spaces. Street level. From 250 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft., air-conditioned. Available immediately. Panache Building across from the A&W. Call 250-342-5805.

COMMERCIAL SPACE

For lease: 1,200 sq. ft. � nished o� ce space. Available immediately. Call Scott at 250-342-5758.

SHARED ACCOMMODATION

Private room with cable, phone, laundry access, internet, and all utilities included, $400/month + $200 D.D., N/P. 1-866-222-0325.

Invermere: furnished room for rent in Westside Park. Available immediately. Call 250-688-7787.

Furnished room available in quiet and clean home in Westside Park. Includes private bathroom, internet, utilities, W/D, storage. $500/month. Call 250-341-5192 for a viewing.

Are you retired? Looking to downsize but not ready for a senior’s facility? Here’s a great opportunity in a large spacious home. Call 250-341-7711 for information.

Columere Park: furnished room for rent. Call 250-342-1195 or email [email protected].

SUITE FOR RENT

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, N/P. Utilities not included. $750/month. Available immediately. 250-270-0729.

Radium: modern 2-bdrm, lower-level suite. W/D, D/W. $800/month, utilities included. 250-342-3790.

Windermere: Upper Hilltop Road. 1-bdrm walkout basement suite. $675/month, utilities included. 250-342-3790.

SUITE FOR RENT

Invermere: brand new 2-bdrm, 1-bath, fully-furnished basement suite with private entrance. 6 appliances, N/P, N/S. $1,100/month, utilities included. $550 D.D. References required. Available immediately. 250-342-7323.

Invermere: a� ordable 1-bdrm and 2-bdrm apartments. $600 - $800/month. Includes all utilities. 250-341-1182.

Invermere Centre Apartments. 1-bdrm, 4-piece bath, central location, laundry on-site, N/P, N/S, 1-year lease. Available immediately. Call Sharon, 250-688-1365.

Wilder subdivision: bright, 2-bdrm basement suite with private, separate entrance. N/S. $850/month + D.D., includes cable, Wi-Fi and utilities. Contact 403-819-8121.

Suites available in Radium Motel. Low, low, low rates. Daily, weekly, and monthly rates. Kitchenette units available. Call 250-347-9915.

Windermere: lower-level, 2-bdrm suite available immediately in 4-plex. W/D, F/S, dishwasher, microwave. Large yard and driveway. Only a few blocks from beach with lake views. Pets considered. $825/month. Call or text 250-409-7435 or email [email protected].

Downtown Invermere: 2-bdrm, 1-bath suite. N/S, N/P. $746/month + utilities. Available immediately. Please call Juliana at Mountain Creek Properties, 250-341-6003.

Brand new large, bright, 2-bdrm basement suite in downtown Invermere. Private entrance and enclosed patio, all new appliances, N/S, $750/month + utilities. Available immediately. Call 403-874-0483.

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDS• Phone: 250-341-6299 • Fax: 250-341-6229• Email: [email protected] • www.columbiavalleypioneer.com


SUITE FOR RENT

Canal Flats: 2-bdrm apartment, second floor. N/S, N/P. $525/month + utilities and D.D. 250-342-3345.

Canal Flats: clean, bright, quiet, 2-bdrm suite. Includes utilities, cable, laundry and internet. $640/month or 1-bdrm $575/month. Available March 1st. 250-342-1131.

HOUSE FOR RENT

FOR RENT

www.gdpm.caor call Ben Green at

250-688-0362 for more info.

INVERMERE2 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom townhouse,

Blackforest Village. $895 + utilities.3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom Westside Park

family home, close to schools. $1,300 + utilities.

RADIUM2 bedroom + den, 2 bathroom Sable

Ridge Condo. Furnished and equipped. $1,000 + utilities.

2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, Copper Horn Towne Condos, granite counters and stainless appliances. $900 + utilities

FAIRMONTBeautiful executive home.

Spectacular views and creek in back yard. $1,500 + utilities.

SEASONAL Fully furnished and equipped 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condos in Lake Windermere

Pointe and Heron Point from $1,250 inclusive.

Windermere: newer 2-bdrm, 2-bath with garage on 11 acres. $1,000/month. Mark, 403-519-0252.

Invermere: 3-bdrm house close to hospital and downtown. Quiet location suitable for families. Available immediately until May 2013. $1,200/month. 250-342-3790.

Westridge: 5-bdrm, 3-bath, large deck, fenced yard, double garage. F/S, microwave. N/S, N/P. $1,500/month + utilities. 604-935-7519.

3-bdrm, semi-detached home with carport in Invermere close to all schools. Available immediately. N/S, pets negotiable. $850/month + utilities. Call Joan at 250-342-7517 to view.

HOUSE FOR RENT

3-bdrm house. Great location and lake views! One level, W/D, F/S, dishwasher. Available immediately. $815/month + utilities. Jeff, 250-688-1105 .

Windermere: 1-bdrm house. Cozy and clean, $700/month + utilities. 250-342-3790.

Edgewater: 2-bdrm mobile home with fenced yard. Pets negotiable, references required. $700/month + utilities. 250-347-9883.

Invermere: 2-bdrm house for rent. New propane furnace and wood stove. W/D, fenced yard and great location. $1,000/month. 250-341-5427.

CONDO FOR RENT

Eric Redeker

250-342-5914

FirstChoiceRentals.ca

FOR RENTINVERMERE

Lake Windermere Pointe starting at $800/month for unfurnished;

$1,250 and up for furnished. Pool, underground parking,

elevator and much more.

DUTCH CREEK3 bedroom Cottage with developed basement, large double car garage.

$1000./per month plus utilities

RADIUMRadium Resort – Furnished

2 bedroom condo at $1,100/month plus utilities.

The Pinewood in Radium, 2 bedroom. $900./per month ,

utilities included.

FAIRMONT SOUTHLuxury two bedroom furnished

home at Spirits Reach. Call for information.

2-bdrm, 2-full bath, in Radium. Access to pool and hot tub. Underground parking. $950/month including utilities, N/S, small pets negotiable. Available immediately. 250-270-0377.

Invermere: 2-bdrm, 2-bath furnished condo. Close to downtown. N/S, N/P, references. No partiers. $1,025/month, utilities included. 403-978-4559 or 403-251-4556.

HOUSE FOR RENT

Radium: 3-bdrm home with yard for long-term rental. $900/month + utilities. Call 250-342-3841.

CONDO FOR RENT

Radium: 2-bdrm, 2-bath, 6 appliances, fireplace, balcony, underground parking and storage locker. $900/month, utilities included. N/S, N/P. Phone 780-554-8150 or 780-929-5458 or email [email protected].

Canal Flats: 2-bdrm, 1.5-bath condo with in-suite laundry.

1,000 sq. ft. of beautiful, comfortable, living space in quiet neighbourhood. $700/month + utilities. Available immediately. Call 403-873-8158 or e-mail [email protected] . Serious inquiries only.

Large 1-bdrm, fully furnished on golf course in Radium. Very quiet and private. $700/month, includes heat, hydro, cable, internet. N/S. Phone 250-427-4997.

HOMES FOR SALE

Newly renovated 3,000 sq. ft. home for sale in downtown Invermere, just blocks from the beach. 4-bdrm, 2-bath. Open-concept living, older home, zoned R2. Asking $299,000. Why rent when you can own for $1,400/month? Call 250-342-5148.

2-bdrm mobile home situated at #2 Green Acres Mobile Home Park. All appliances. 8628 - Eacrett Road, Radium. $45,000. 250-342-6007 for details.

3 bedroom plus den, 3 bathrooms. New upgraded interior, all new appliances, double garage. Walk to schools, hospital, downtown and beach. $439,900. 250-347-2406.

3 bedroom plus den, 3 bathrooms. Comes with basement, finished throughout. Double garage, access to amenities centre. $469,900. 250-347-2406.

MISC. FOR SALE

Set of 4 all-season tires. Good shape. P215/60 R15. $350 OBO. 250-342-1195.

MISC. FOR SALE

Game Power Sports full-sized soccer table. Great condition! $300 OBO. 250-341-5168.

20 office armchairs. Grey fabric back and seat. Would be great for any office. Asking price, $20/each. Contact Pearl 250-347-2997 for further information.

12’ x 7’ snowmobile/utility trailer. $700. Blue couch and loveseat (Motion Furniture) $300. Phone 250-688-0671.

FIREWOOD

Fir firewood, split and delivered $200/cord. 250-342-5413.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

For sale: 2007 Skidoo 1000

Summit high mark, 150 1-track, great shape, well maintained. $4,900 firm. Call Jye at 250-342-5887.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

2002 Pontiac Sunfire. 2-door. $3,500. Phone 250-342-6349.

2002 Honda Odyssey. 3.5 L, 160,000 miles, power equipped, AC. Very clean and well maintained. $4,500 OBO. 250-342-2941.

2005 Chevy Cobalt Coupe. Silver, manual, good condition. $3,400 OBO. 250-341-7022.

2003 Nissan Murano AWD. 179,000 kms. Very clean with new paint. $12,000. 250-342-9875 or 250-342-1476.

1995 Ford Taurus, 4-door, green, automatic. Approximately 260,000 kms. Winter tires, trailer hitch. Good transportation. $1,000 OBO. Phone 250-342-5095 or 604-266-1464.

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOWYZE SERVICESFABULOUS FEBRUARY SAVINGS! All of February, 35% off all labour, or take a gamble and roll the dice for up to 60% off labour. Beware - you’re bound to your roll! 250-342-6614.

CONDO FOR RENT

CONDO FOR SALE

Bake chicken as directed on package. Meanwhile, mix mayonnaise and hot pepper sauce until blended. Place lettuce down center of tortillas; top with chicken, tomatoes and cheese. Drizzle with mayonnaise mixture and roll up.

See all my recipes at recipes.kimcollens.com

Home Of The Week

Relaxing at Fairmont Ridge! Beautiful town home with 2 self contained suites, 4 bedrooms,

excellent mountain views and convenient ground level access. Fully furnished with plenty of room for everyone!

.

Kim Collens Representative

Rockies West Realty Independently Owned and Operated

492 Highway 93/95, Invermere, BC toll free: 1.877.342.3427

cell: 250.342.1671 [email protected]

www.kimcollens.com

$299,500 MLS® K216636

BUFFALO CHICKEN WRAPS

8 Chicken Breast Strips, 4 Spinach Flour Tortillas breaded (8 inch) ¼ cup Mayonnaise 1 large Tomato, chopped 1 tblsp Hot Pepper Sauce 1 cup Cheddar Cheese, 2 cups Lettuce, shredded shredded

Recipe Of The Week

All Inclusive Condo for Rent

Only $825/month, includes all utilities. 1 fully furnished bedroom plus den, 1 queen and 2 singles, 1 full bathroom, large kitchen, fireplace, air conditioning, underground parkade, heated pool and 2 hot tubs, playground, patio, walking distance to main street Radium, The Peaks Willow.

Contact Sherry at 250-342-5855

Condo for Sale by OwnerOnly $169,000 no taxes

1 bedroom plus den, 1 full bathroom, large kitchen, fireplace, air conditioning, underground parkade, heated pool and 2 hot tubs, playground and patio.Excellent condition in the Peaks Willow, walking distance to main street Radium.

Contact Sherry at 250-342-5855


HEALTH & WELLNESS

Fiona has relocated to Hot Springs Studio in Fairmont. Call and schedule your personal consultation. 250-342-1713. Fiona is a Certi� ed Angel Empowerment Practitioner/Akashic Record Reader, Astro-Numerlogy Reader Level 1, and is working on her Level 2. She combines numerous modalities, which can lead you on a path of self discovery.

FITNESS

CLASSICAL ASHTANGA

YOGA CLASSESTaught in the tradition of Grand Master Pattabhi Jois of Mysore, India. Private and group classes available. 250-341-1434.

ZUMBA FITNESS – JULIE PARENT

GIVE YOUR SWEETHEART THE GIFT OF FUN

AND FITNESS!Join Julie for Zumba Fitness Classes in February. February special: unlimited classes, $25 for the entire month, or drop in for $10/class. Classes are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at J.A. Laird School Gym. Please note that classes are canceled for February 11th due to Family Day, and February 14th, 18th and 20th as Julie is at a Zumba Instructors Conference. So stay tuned for new Zumba moves! Zumba Classes resume in February on the 21st! For more information, please contact Julie at 250-341-5474, email [email protected], visit www.julieparent.zumba.com or � nd me on Facebook at Zumba Fitness - Julie Parent.

SERVICES

Home Building and RenosChuck Newhouse Builders

[email protected] .

VacuumsParts, repairs & accessories,

All makes & modelsCentral Vacuums – sales and

installationsBonded & licensed

Fine Homeservices250-342-9207, [email protected] .

Dryer Vent and Furnace Cleaning & inspections. Call AQUAIR today! 250-342-5089.

Water treatment & puri� cation, includes drinking water systems, softeners & conditioners, iron � lters. Call AQUAIR, 250-342-5089.

Heaven’s Best Carpet and Upholstery

Cleaning.Environmentally friendly products. Dry in 1 hour! Call 250-688-0213 or visit www.heavensbest.ca .

Licensed preschool program at Radium Plaza taking registrations. Children 30 months to 6 years. www.dragonflydiscoverycentre.com or 250-341-7373.

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs

“Amazing service! I shopped around and it was the best price. Shannon selected the perfect product and I love my new blinds. Thank you Shannon!“ - Leslie

Shannon’s Blinds & Designs250-342-5749

Covering the Valley – OneWindow At A Time

SERVICES

K. Gerding Construction Services. All your carpentry needs. Free estimate. Call 250-342-1705.

Valley Framing & Contracting. Everything from roofs and decks to major renovations. Contact Will at 250-342-7517.

SURPRISE YOUR VALENTINE!Shop at My Girlfriends Closet in the Naughty Cupboard and � nd something exciting for the one you love. A great selection of toys, lotions and more. Call Teresa, 250-688-0388.

HELP WANTED

We are now accepting resumes for full-time positions for quali� ed � rst-cook chef in Mediterranean Greek cuisine in Fairmont. Also, experienced prep cook, and kitchen help, ice cream attendants. Seasonal work from April to October. Please fax resume to 250-544-3475 or email [email protected] .

SERVICES

Helna’s Stube is looking for kitchen help/dish washer. Please call 250-347-0047 or email [email protected] .

An established Invermere forestry consulting company is expanding and looking for quali� ed sta� to start immediately. Senior and introductory � eld positions are available. Those with experience and education in forestry are preferred but not required. Both seasonal and permanent positions with competitive salary and bene� ts are available. The work is outdoors and requires a high level of physical � tness. Send resumes or inquiries to [email protected] .

What’s better than extra money? FREE JEWELLERY! As a Silpada Representative selling Sterling Silver Jewellery, you can earn 30% commission on your sales, expense-paid trips and free jewellery. Why not get paid to party for a living? Call 341-5956 and start your jewellery business now.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LOG TRUCK OPERATOR POSITION(Self Load – Crane)

Are you ready to work for a company you can truly believe in?Are you prepared to be a frontline Customer Service representative for our company? Are you constantly learning and asking the right questions?Do you believe in ensuring Safety and continued customer satisfaction?

Brisco Wood Preservers Ltd., a major Canadian Pole Producer of CCA treated wood poles to Western utilities and communications companies, is seeking to hire a Log Truck Operator.

Our main treating facility is located just north of Radium Hot Springs in the beautiful Columbia Valley in British Columbia. Brisco Wood Preservers’ second treating facility is located in Peers, Alberta. In addition to our pole manufacturing and treating, Brisco also produces large engineered beams from LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) in our laminating plant Brisco Manufacturing Ltd. Brisco sells treated posts, rails, plywood and lumber and we also custom treat a variety of wood products.

General Summary: Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Manager, the Log Truck Operator is responsible for the safe operation of the truck, hauling throughout BC and Alberta as well as occasional hauls to Saskatchewan and the US. This position can be based out of the Brisco, BC or Peers, AB plant sites, although overnight trips are required on a regular basis.

Key Responsibilities:• Hauling treated and untreated Poles from our Brisco or Peers

plants to various locations in B.C., AB, SK and the U.S. to customer’s yards and drop sites. Mostly highway and some off highway hauling

• Performing proper safety checks and safe vehicle operation.• Use of Crane to load and unload truck• Minor truck maintenance, servicing, cleaning and

troubleshooting• Maintain truck logs according to Federal, provincial and

company regulations

Qualifications:• Valid class 1 drivers license• Clean driver’s abstract• Minimum 2 years experience operating Log Truck• Ability to read maps and a working knowledge of local road

systems• Background in the Forest Industry a definite asset• Self reliant, organized, motivated and quality oriented

This is a full time position, which offers a competitive wage and comprehensive benefits package.We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

How to Apply: Please address cover letter and resumé to Dave Fabro – Sales & Marketing Manager. Include a copy of Driver’s Abstract. E-mail pdf file to [email protected] or fax 250-346-3218.Deadline for application is 5:00 p.m. (MST) Friday, February 15th, 2013.

HEAVY DUTY JOURNEYMANDIESEL MECHANIC

required in Invermere, B.C. Permanent full-time position.

Wage based on experience. $30 – $38.

Benefit package available. Please fax or email resume

to 250-342-0212 [email protected]

QI GONGQiGong is an exercise regime using gentle movement with breath and focus

to move energy through our bodies. This practice promotes fitness, good health, healing and well being. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. No

experience is necessary. Beginner classes begin February 4th and are ongoing.

For Information contact Betty NewtonCell or text 250-342-5736 or [email protected]

Publisher/General Manager

Aberdeen Publishing has an opening for the position as Publisher/General Manager of the Prince George Free Press.We are seeking a proven leader with the entrepreneurial skills to continue and further enhance the strong growth this paper has experienced over the past six years.Ideally, you should have a good understanding of all facets of newspaper operations with emphasis on sales, marketing and financial management.In addition, our new publisher should be well suited to working with community groups and clients as well as developing sponsorship opportunities for the newspaper.As publisher of the Free Press, you will help develop strategy for the newspaper as it continues to serve this diverse marketplace.Aberdeen Publishing is one of Western Canada’s largest independent newspaper companies with properties in British Columbia and Alberta.If you have the ability to innovate, are customer driven, success oriented, and want to live in one of the most beautiful places in northern B.C., then we want to hear from you. We offer a generous compensation and benefits package as well as the opportunity for career advancement.

Please submit your resume by February 15, 2013, to the attention of

Ron Lovestone, Regional ManagerPrince George Free Press1773 South Lyon StreetPrince George, B.C. V2N 1T3Telephone 778.349.6327 oremail: [email protected]

We thank all applicants. Only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

Don’t Miss an Issue!

Read us online: N EW S PA P E R



Located 150km northwest of Prince George BC, Mount Milligan will be British Columbia’s first major metal mine of this century. Construction began in mid-2010 with commercial production projected for the latter part of 2013. Mount Milligan is owned by Thompson Creek Metals and is currently recruiting for the following positions:

• Chief Mine Engineer & Mine Engineer• Senior Surveyor• Chief Geologist• Construction Superintendent• Civil Supervisor• HD Mechanics• Health & Safety Advisor• Electricians & E&I Mechanics• Mine Maintenance Superintendent• Flotation & Control Room Operators / Supervisors• Millwrights• Many, many more.

For complete job descriptions please visit: www.mtmilligan.com Apply by email to: [email protected]

Or by Fax: 888-881-3527

MOUNT MILLIGANTHOMPSON CREEK METALS COMPANY

1.855.697.6799 www.corix.com

Our Growth = Your Opportunity

CORIX is a fully integrated provider of utility infrastructure products, service and systems for water, wastewater and sustainable energy.

If you are looking for an opportunity to apply your knowledge, skills and talent, consider joining our team!

Utility Operator - Kootenay Region (Panorama)Corix Utilities invites applications from candidates with proven skills, qualifications and abilities for the regular full time position of Utility Operator in the Kootenay region. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental and vision care. Corix Utilities undertakes the construction, operation, and maintenance of multi-utility systems serving various resorts and residential communities throughout BC. This position will appeal to someone looking for the opportunity to participate in a dynamic growth oriented organization and rewards results. Extensive training and development will be encouraged. Applicants must have water and/or wastewater certificates from the Environmental Operator Certification Program.We invite you to apply online in confidence at www.corixjobs.com.

CR6-3Columbia Valley PioneerFebruary 8, 2013Classified Display3 col = 5.0” x 3.7”

IMPORTANT NOTICEBC Family Day Landfill Closure

The Columbia Valley Landfill will be closed on: Monday, February 11th 2013

for the BC Family Day Statutory Holiday.

Regular operating hours will resume on Tuesday, February 12th 2013.

Regional District of East Kootenay

1-888-478-7335 • www.rdek.bc.ca

. . . ‘Support worker’ from page 2

Despite her job description outlining her role as primarily a youth worker, Ms. Cote found that her support role would extend far beyond her pupils.

“Teachers were gaining a new un-derstanding as well because, not only was I there to help the kids, it ended up that I was really helping the teach-ers understand the di� erences be-tween aboriginal and non-aboriginal homes,” she said.

Her ability to bring understanding to any situation helped land the young educator jobs at J.A. Laird Elementary, Eileen Madson Primary and � nally, in 1998, at David � ompson Secondary, where she began some of her most challenging work.

“� e � rst year I started here in 1998 it was a really bad year,” she said. “We had lost one student and I guess the hardest thing would be that kids wouldn’t be able

to approach us to tell us what’s wrong.”� rough her hard work and the sup-

port of colleague, Debra Fisher, Ms. Cote is proud to say that the communication barriers of the past are quickly crumbling.

“We do have a really good relation-ship with most of our kids because they really are able to talk,” she said. “� ere is just so much help out there now for all students.”

A l t h o u g h she is excited to continue her po-litical work as a councilor for the Shuswap Band,

Ms. Cote is finding leaving her post at David Thompson Secondary to be quite a difficult task.

“� e most rewarding aspect of the job is watching our students cross that stage,” she added while � ghting back tears. “One of the things about leaving at this time of the year is that the kids are going to grad-uate after I’ve left, but I said don’t worry I will be here to walk the stage.”

“When I was a kid, if you could hide being aboriginal you would. Today, kids are so proud of their heritage. � ey know who they are and they want to know more about their people, history and culture.”

Barb Cote,

Aboriginal Support Worker

& Lifestyles& Lifestyles2012 – 2013& Lifestyles& Lifestyles& Lifestyles& Lifestyles& Lifestyles2012 – 2013

FREE

Renovate or

rip down?14

Historic farmhouse

with ranching roots

10

Go green indoors

and outdoors8

N EW S PA P E R

Contact Dean Midyette or Angela Krebs250-341-6299 • [email protected] 868, Invermere B.C. V0A 1K0

ADVERTISING DEADLINE March 28th, 2013

& Lifestyles& Lifestyles


By Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman, St. Peter’s Lu-theran Mission of Inver-mere

FAITH Valley Churches

Strength for the journey

Invermere’s Sobeys store raised $2,500 for the Columbia Valley Christ-mas Bureau through their “Time For Sharing” pro-gram. Local store manager Brad Bromley and wife Andrea Bromley (far right) presented the funds in the form of gift cards to long-time Christmas Bureau volunteer Gail Ho� man (second from left) and co-chair Helen Wynder.

Photo by Greg Amos

Christmas in January

Valley ChurchesValley ChurchesLAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH

Sunday, February 10th, 10:30 a.m. Worship and Life Instruction “I am: the way” Pastor Trevor ministering.

“K.I.D.S.” Church provided for children age 3 to Grade 1 and Grade 2 to Grade 5 during the morning service.

Pastor Trevor Hagan • 326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-9535 • www.lakewindermerealliance.org

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRYANGLICAN-UNITED

9:30 a.m. God’s Breakfast Club for Children and Youth10:30 a.m.: Worship at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

February 12th, 6 p.m.: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

February 13th, 5 p.m: Ash Wednesday Service at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

February 17th, 9 a.m.: All Saints, Edgewater serviceReverend Laura Hermakin

110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere 250-342-6644 www.wvsm.ca

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLYSunday, 10 a.m.: Worship and Word Kids’ Church provided.

Pastor Murray Wittke4814 Highway 93/95, Windermere

250-342-9511 • www.valleychristianonline.com

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHSaturday: 4:30 p.m. at St. Anthony’s, Canal Flats.

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

Sunday: 11 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church in Radium. Father Gabriel • 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 • � ursday 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. • Relief Society, 11:15 a.m.

President Barry Pratt • Columbia Valley Branch

You can remember someone special withyour gift to the Canadian Cancer SocietyTo donate In Memory or In Honour:www.cancer.ca | 250-426-8916or call toll-free 1-800-656-6426or mail to: P. O. Box 102Invermere, BC V0A 1K0

Please include:Your name an address for tax receiptName of the person being rememberedName and address to send card to

Let’s Make Cancer History www.cancer.ca

I am not a great gar-dener. I have grand ideas for the way my vegetables and � owers should grow. I begin each spring excitedly. I till the ground, buy seeds and seedlings, and sow and plant. I water and weed the gardens faithfully at � rst, but as the growing season progresses, other impor-tant priorities distract me.

General yard work, house maintenance jobs and va-cation travel leave me less time for garden care. Soon plants are dry, and weeds gain the upper hand. Sum-mer’s end is bittersweet.

I’m thankful for the fruit and vegetable harvest and the beauty of the � owers, but I wish I could have paid more attention to the gardens throughout the season.

Life can follow a pattern like the seasonal one I’ve described. In youth, we rush into life with exuberant energy and idealistic hopes. Adulthood introduces us to commitments to the family and work that demand that we give ourselves to more relationships and activi-ties than we imagined in our youth. One day we wake

up wondering where our vitality and enthusiasm for life have gone; they’ve been replaced by weariness and regret. We are limited, and our lives are so short. We’ve made mistakes that have cost us. We’ve su� ered losses that pain us. � is is our human condition. � ere is no quick � x for it. We can choose to ignore or deny this, but that really does not change anything.

� ere is a prayer, a psalm, from the Bible that directs me to the help and strength I need to live as a � awed and mortal person. It begins with a plea: “Out of the depths I cry to you, LORD; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.”

When no one else, can or will hear us, God hears our cry, our prayer for mercy. We all need mercy. None of us has lived life as well as we could have. � e good of others has not been our priority. We have lived so much of our lives without even considering how God might want us to live. We need mercy for those failings.

God is merciful. “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could

stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”

� e shockingly good news of the Bible is that God for-gives. God hears us when we acknowledge our failures, and He forgives. Forgiveness from God renews our strength and revives our hope for life. I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope… put your hope in the LORD, for with the LORD is unfailing love.”

(Psalm 130:1-4,7)


Contact the Invermere campus today:

250.342.3210 www.cotr.bc.ca/Invermere

Upcoming Courses: February 2013

Invermere Campus:Feb 11 Massage for Couples

Feb 15 &16 Red Cross Babysitter Course

Feb 18 Totally Tomatoes in the Greenhouse

Feb 18 & 19 Foodsafe Level 2

Feb 18-20 Beginner Facial Training –

Signature Brush Technique

Feb 19 Occupational First Aid Course Level 1

Feb 19 Mystery Bones

Feb 19 Golf Ready

Feb 20 Transportation Endorsement

Learning that fits your lifestyle!

Register today!

Look up to a higher standard with our classifi ed

ads.

PioneerClassi� eds

N EW S PA P E R

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By Greg Amos Pioneer Sta�

Local dog lovers can look forward to a chance to help furry friends next weekend by getting imprinted with a new tattoo or two.

Invermere’s Fire Vixen Tattoo is hosting a fundraiser event for the Global Animal Lovers Soci-ety — known as GALS — on Saturday, February 16th from 11 a.m. until late.

For a minimum donation of $80, the ink artists are doling out small tattoos (nothing larger than the size of a business card) and passing the proceeds on to GALS. � e event raised $2,000 last year, and this year’s target is $3,000.

“I have four dogs that I adopted through GALS, and we have done fostering since we have been here; I think it is just a good local cause and a way to help out ani-mals,” said Fire Vixen owner Sarah Eastick.

“We approached GALS about doing it,” she added. “It is something that we could do to help out. � ey do a lot of good and they don’t ask for a lot of money. � eir adoption fees are really low, and this is a way to help them with their costs.”

� e event will include a barbecue, a bake sale, and three or four tattoo artists creating colour, grayscale, and black tattoos, as well as the o� er of non-toxic toenail polish for dogs, also by donation.

“� e colour and grayscale can take longer, but we will place them with appropriate artist because each of our artists have di� erent skill sets,” she said. “We will put people with who is best for what they want and generally things go quicker that way.”

Some of the smallest dogs could receive a big boost from the fundraiser. Under a partnership GALS has forged with a shelter in Los Angeles, a set of � ve more chihuahuas are being brought to the Columbia Valley.

� e popularity of movies such as Beverly Hills Chihuahua has led to an overabundance of chihuahuas in L.A., where one hundred of them are euthanized each day.

Locals show their puppy love

DOG DAZE — Invermere’s Craig Smith walks the four dogs he adopted from GALS with his � ance, Sarah Eastick. Photo by Kristian Rasmussen

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