PDF - Columbia Valley Pioneer

Transcription

PDF - Columbia Valley Pioneer
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
Vol. 3/Issue 13
The Columbia
March 31, 2006
Valley
P IONEER
FR
EE
Serving The Upper Columbia Valley including Spillimacheen, Brisco, Edgewater, Radium, Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont and Canal Flats
STEAMING MAD
4
Spring
is in
the air
‘GAS-AND-DASH’
5
GNARLY ‘B
16
A mother Cedar Waxwing gathers food for her five babies.
Photo by Achim Purschwitz
WE’VE GOT PROFITS. AND IT’S ONLY POLITE TO SHARE.
Some financial institutions don’t like to share. Not us. We’ve been raised right. This year
we’re sharing $2.9 million – that’s a 10% dividend! Ask us about your share today.
2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
�����������
������������������������������������������������
More than you expect.
Not more than you need.
Now open in our new location!
Next door to The Pioneer on 8th Avenue.
Silver Strings fan
donates $5,000
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
You don’t have to sacrifice style for substance, or form for
function. Harrison McKay Communications balances artistry
with business sense and technical skill. Beautiful, content-rich
sites that your customers (and search engines) will love. Call
Harrison today for a free consultation. (250) 341-6064.
harrisonmckay.com
Invermere by choice. Great websites by design.
Big Band Dance
23nd Annual
DTSS Big
Band Dance
8 p.m. Saturday,
April 8th
Invermere
Community
Hall
Tickets $17.50 Available at Majestic U-Brew, Daveʼs Book Bar or any Senior Stage Band Student
We’re Moving
In the next week
PHARMASAVE
will be moving into our
NEW LOCATION
in the
CHISEL PEAK MEDICAL CENTRE.
We will be providing
continuous service
during the transition.
342-8877
NEWS
The Silver Strings
ukulele group is $5,000
richer after receiving an
unexpected donation by
a tour guide in Hawaii.
The musical group,
composed of 53 students
and 17 chaperones from
J. A. Laird, met their
newest fan on their Hawaiian tour during spring
break last week.
Jonathan Kajiwara
was so moved by the children’s performance that
he donated the funds he
Jonathan Kajiwara with teacher Bruce Childs.
had been saving for an
African hunting trip.
“Some of our toughest parents had each of them a $200 ukulele,” said Mr.
tears streaming down their faces,” said Childs.
music director Bruce Childs.
Mr. Childs said the children played
The J. A. Laird Silver Strings first very well throughout their 10 performet Jonathan during a visit to the Ho- mances in Hawaii.
nolulu Botanical Gardens, and he later
“It was over the top,” he said. “Evwatched them perform at an elementary erything about the trip was way over
school.
expectation.”
“He loved them,” said Mr. Childs.
The trip was the first time the 13After the concert, Jonathan made year-old Silver Strings Band has made
his $5,000 donation.
a trip to Hawaii, the birthplace of the
Touched by Jonathan’s gift, Silver ukulele. In previous years the group
Strings organizers say they will bring the made an annual spring break trip to
Hawaiian man to the Columbia Valley. places like Edmonton and Victoria.
“We’re going to try and use some air
Mr. Childs said he tried to get the
miles and line up some hunting guides troupe to Hawaii seven years ago, but
out here for him,” said Mr. Childs.
was unsuccessful. The 2006 trip was 10
The donated money will be used for months in the making, he said.
new band equipment, he said.
“It ran totally smoothly,” he said.
Another highlight was a trip to a
Mr. Childs said after the group’s
ukulele factory owned by a family in positive experience in Hawaii, he hopes
Honolulu. The owners waived the usual to attract some Hawaiian school chil$15 entry fee to the factory and instead dren here.
asked for a concert.
The Silver Strings will play a pub“After the performance one of the lic concert in Invermere at 7 p.m. on
owners stood up and cried,” said Mr. April 12 at Christ Church Trinity in
Childs. He said the owner called the Invermere.
show “most beautiful thing I’ve heard.”
Admission is by donation and funds
One of the owners asked the kids will be collected for Bernie Evans, a loif anybody wanted to play a solo, and cal musician who recently suffered a
three children played solos. “He handed heart attack, said Mr. Childs.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3
March 31, 2006
$135,000 water well to be drilled in Athalmer
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
District of Invermere council voted to proceed
with a $135,000 production well in Athalmer on
Tuesday night.
It is hoped a successful well will help satisfy the
town’s long-term drinking water needs.
The vote followed a 20-minute presentation to
council by the district’s director of municipal works
Brian Nickurak.
Mr. Nickurak told council that drilling the well
into the aquifer, found about 200’ below the corner of
Fourth Avenue and Blair Street in Athalmer, was the
logical next step in the town’s search for a groundwater source.
The aquifer was originally discovered during a
2004 well dig paid for by the district.
“It’s really the only way we can find out if groundwater is the way to go,” said Mr. Nickurak.
Mr. Nickurak said the district’ geological consultants, Golder Associates, are confident a safe source of
groundwater is available in Athalmer.
“The only way to test the aquifer is to produce a
production well and pump it hard,” said Mr. Nickurak.
The quantity will then be measured and if it is
found to be suitable, water will be drawn into the municipal system, said Mr. Nickurak.
Mr. Nickurak said the supply available from the
well may serve as a compliment to the town’s existing surface water source, the Paddy Ryan Lake west
of town.
He said originally groundwater was hoped to be
the sole source of water for Invermere. But an 800’
well drilled by Calgary firm Fossil Water late last year
put an end to those hopes. The well, which was paid
for by several developers, failed to find a plentiful,
deep source of ground water.
The well found a plentiful source of water at 100’
but Mr. Nickurak said concerns remain about possible
contamination of the shallow aquifer.
Mr. Nickurak said the information gained through
drilling the 800’ test well was “a revelation.”
He said a long term water strategy would evolve
over the next two years as more information became available, and may include ground water from
Athalmer, surface water from Lake Windermere, as
well as water from the Paddy Ryan Lake.
“From what we’ve seen so far we’ll have at least
two sources and possibly three,” he told council.
Mr. Nickurak said over the next three months
staff will prepare a cost analysis of drawing water from
Lake Windermere. He said in order to use lake water,
a water treatment facility would have to be built and a
water licence from the province obtained.
“But we won’t pursue lake water until groundwater is examined,” he said.
Mr. Nickurak said to date the district has spent
over $262,000 exploring for groundwater. “Basically
total costs would be around $400,000 after this well
is drilled,” he said.
Mr. Nickurak said new development in Invermere
requires another secure water source. “We have to get
that water from somewhere,” he said.
No start date was given for the well.
The vote to approve the well was passed unanimously. Only three councillors, Ray Brydon, Sarah
Bennett and Gerry Taft were present on Tuesday.
Councillor Taft served as interim mayor, as mayor
Mark Shmigelsky and councillor Bob Campsall were
away.
Double Exposure
Carnival coming to town
After a one-year absence the carnival is coming back to Invermere.
West Coast Amusements will bring their rides
back to town from April 27
to 30th.
At a meeting of
Invermere council on Tuesday, council voted unanimously to sponsor the
event. Any proceeds will go to the district.
The company will arrive in town on April 24 and
immediately begin setting up in the parking lot behind the old Home Hardware building.
“This is an opportunity to generate a little bit of
additional revenue and provide a service to the citizens,” said councillor Ray Brydon.
However, councillor Brydon expressed
concern that the company would arrive
three days before they
planned to begin. “I
know it’s a pain in
the butt to have these
carnie people around
town,” he said. “They
just move in.”
The decision to come back to Invermere was initiated by the Langley company. They informed the
district of their intention to return in a letter dated
March 17.
The carnival is a popular attraction in Invermere.
It was not held here last year but has been regular a
spring time event in Invermere for years.
End of
Summer
End of
Summer
Sale!
30% off
50
%
off
selected
footwear
footwear
storewide
Walk
30
Sale!
%
50% off
off
footwear
storewide
selected
footwear
Walk
into
savings
into
savings
���������������������������
��������
�����
��������������
��������������������
����������������������������������������
����������������������������������������
�
�
�
�����������
�
�����������������������������������������
The Columbia Valley
P IONEER
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������
DISCOVER YOUR FOUR-SEASON MOUNTAIN PLAYGROUND
Discover the ultimate mountainside experience and all the priviledges of owning an
elegant second home as a Riverview Residence Club Member in Fairmont, B.C.
Shared Ownership star ting at $79,900 for 1,450 sq. ft. of exclusive five-star vacation villa accommodation.
You may preview and register at www.riverviewresidence.com or call 1.877.451.1165
BROKER PROTECTED
4 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
Need Blinds?
Call The Blind Guy!
Interior World
(250) 342 4406
Call The Blind Guy!
(250) 342 4406
Solid Wood Blinds
Call The Blind Guy!
Interior World
(250) 342 4406
Life Time Warranty on all Blinds
WINDERMERE Call The
RADIUM
CANAL FLATS
Blind Guy!
Interior World
Beautifully private, with lake
view from the living level. Low
maintenance exterior, spacious
garage and room for the whole
family in this renovated home.
Full basement with private
entrance ready to develop.
$319,900
mls#116081
A total of 3.76 Acres (per BCAA)
gently sloping
facing
(250)
342west4406
property, Highway, access
possibility of Multi-Family 90
- 100 units or Hotel/Motel.
Exceptional views of the Rocky
Mountains and Purcells.
$2,000,000 + GST mls#115964
1.6 acres of true lakeshore
property with all season
cottage
with
walkout
basement. Almost 250 ft. of
lake frontage with subdivision
potential too in a quiet serene
setting on Columbia Lake.
$2,100,000 m
Need Blinds? Best Quality
PANORAMA
COLUMERE PARK
CallTheThe
Blind Guy!
BEST studio unit at
Outstanding log detailing
FAIRMONT
Golf and live in the Rockies at
Fairmont Riverside Golf Estates.
Large, corner lot with beautiful
views of the Rocky Mountains,
as well as the Purcells.
$99,900
mls#113776
Interior World
BARRY
342-5245
PAUL
341-5300
Panorama in342
Ski Tip4406
Lodge. A
(250)
4th floor unit with the entire
ski hill at your balcony front
and centre. What a view!
Beautifully furnished, close to
all village amenities!
$134,900 +GST mls#111145
ERIC
PAT
throughout and the pave stone
driveway give this custom home
that feeling of distinction. 5
bdrms, 3 baths, huge decks,
a playground kids will die for,
wood finishing, hot tub...
$618,500
mls#112273
342-5914
342-1262
BILL
341-5168
BEVAN
341-1950
BARRY
342-5809
Fairmont Village Mall,
Fairmont
Phone: 345-4000
Fax: 345-4001
Main Street, Invermere
www.rockymtnrealty.com
Invermere’s fire chief Roger Ekman said the same problem exists in
his community. “It’s a problem for all
Radium’s fire chief Dave
the fire departments,” he said.
Dixon says many fires in the
He said administration of the ofColumbia Valley aren’t being
fice of the fire commissioner has been
investigated properly and he’s
centralized to Victoria. “They should
asking the Village of Radium
have left it alone,” he said.
Hot Springs staff and council
Mr. Ekman said a meeting is
to do something about it.
planned in Cranbrook on April 1st
Proper fire investigation is
between local fire chiefs, the proimportant for unearthing the
vincial fire commissioner David
cause of major fires, and deHodgins, Nelson-Creston member of
Radium’s
fi
re
chief
Dave
Dixon
termining how to avoid simithe legislative assembly Corky Evans,
lar problems in the future.
and several local officials. “Hopefully
After Mr. Dixon gave a 15-minute presentation we can get something resolved,” said Mr. Ekman.
at a Radium village council meeting last Wednesday,
Local Columbia River-Revelstoke MLA Norm
council approved sending a letter to John Les, B.C.’s Macdonald will not be at the meeting, but he told The
solicitor general and minister of public safety.
Pioneer that he sympathizes with the fire chiefs.
“The issue is that they’re downsizing at the region“The fire chiefs are saying it’s not going to work,
al offices, and not providing the investigative services and those are the people who should be listened to,”
they have in the past,” said Mr. Dixon.
said Mr. Macdonald.
Mr. Dixon said that in 1990, when he became RaBut provincial fire commissioner Hodgins said the
dium’s fire chief, five people worked at the regional of- Office of the Fire Commissioner is being restructured
fice in Cranbrook and were responsible for fire investi- to provide better service throughout the province. A
gations throughout the East and West Kootenays.
27-year veteran of the London, Ontario Fire DepartToday only one man, regional fire commissioner ment, Mr. Hodgins said no one in the fire commisBill Walkley, works at the office, said Mr. Dixon.
sioner’s office has been laid off in his two years on the
Mr. Dixon said the fire commissioner’s office has job.
told fire chiefs in Zone 4 - an area that includes the
He said his office has 25 staff to serve 400 fire
entire East and West Kootenays - that they are respon- departments in the province. Staff from the regional
sible for their own fire investigations.
offices - like Cranbrook - are in the process of being
But he said volunteers at local fire halls don’t have re-assigned to other areas, he said. He said fire advisors
the level of training it requires to properly investigate - the link between fire departments and the Office of
complicated fires. “I took one course about 10 years the Fire Commissioner - will be placed strategically in
ago,” he said.
communities throughout the province.
After a serious fire in summer 2004, Mr. Dixon
Mr. Hodgins, however, could not say where the
said he asked that to have the fire investigated but was fire advisors would end up or how many would be in
refused by the fire commissioner’s office.
the Kootenay area. “We’re doing that study now,” he
“We have no conclusive idea what started that said. “I would think that info will be available in the
fire,” he said.
next six months.
Mr. Dixon said when he became chief, somebody
Mr. Hodgins said he understands the needs of
from the fire commissioner’s office would investigate firefighters because of his many years spent on the
every serious fire. That is no longer the case, he said.
London force. “We hear from the fire chiefs that we’re
He said an inspector did come to Radium after not responding,” he said. “Yet our records show that
an explosion destroyed the home of Tannis and Greg we have been there.”
Flowitt on Revelstoke Avenue last July.
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
Need Blinds? Best Service
Interior World
Fire chiefs steaming
Phone: 342-6911
� � �� � � � � � � � � � � �� � � � � � � � �
�����������
MORE THAN TWICE THE READERS OF
ANY OTHER LOCAL NEWSPAPER
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 5
March 31, 2006
‘Gas-and-dash’ a growing problem
This crime is called a “gas and dash,”
and it’s more common in the Columbia
Valley than you may think.
As darkness falls on a spring eve“We probably get two or three calls a
ning in Invermere, a small-town’s trust- week,” said RCMP Corporal Dale Moring nature is about to be exploited.
gan. In fact, the problem has become so
A truck pulls into a gas station and widespread that some valley gas stations
stops at a pump.
are starting to take measures to protect
From inside the station, the atten- against gas-and-dash theft.
dant glances at the driver and flips the
“It’s the reason we went to preswitch that turns on the pump.
pay after 6 p.m.,” said Sherry Dugan,
As soon as the tank is filled, the manager of the Esso Reddi Mart in
driver jumps into the cab and hits the Invermere. After 6 p.m. customers at
accelerator. With a roar of the engine, the Esso must come in and leave a credit
and a cloud of smoke, he barrels up the card or pay cash before the gas pump is
Athalmer hill and into the night.
turned on.
The gas station has just been
“It’s a crime of opportunity,” said
robbed.
Ms. Dugan. She said when gas was selling for around $1.20 per
litre last fall, theft was
particularly bad.
“It was ridiculous,”
she said. “At its worst
it happened a couple of
times a week.”
“Since we’ve gone to
pre-pay we haven’t had a
gas-and-dash,” she said.
Gas thieves come
from all walks of life,
said Ms. Dugan. She said
gas-and-dash crimes are
carried out by the young
and old, tourists and locals. They can be driving
any type of vehicle from
beaters to BMWs.
“Gas-and-dash has
always been a bit of a
problem,” said Scott
Stanbury, one of the
owners of Windermere
Foods. “We reached
a point two years ago
where we had over $300
Money Maker - John Tames, owner of the Skookum stolen in one week, and we
Inn, says in-store sales help augment his gas business. decided we needed to do
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
TransRockies
Challenge
coming to
Panorama
When it comes to the TransRockies Challenge mountain bike race,
Canmore’s loss is the Columbia Valley’s gain.
This year the annual race, which
advertises itself as the toughest on
earth, will finish at the Panorama
Mountain Village on August 12.
For the past several years the Trans
Rockies has ended in Canmore.
The race will attract worldwide
Pay before you pump - Sherry Dugan, manager of the Invermere Reddi Mart Esso,
has implemented a pre-pay policy at her shop. So far it has prevented fuel theft.
something to stop it.”
about three cents per litre are common
Since then, staff at Windermere in the fuel business. His business surFoods have been recording the plates vives because of in-store sales of things
of every customer that buys gas at the like pop, chips, and cigarettes. “From a
shop.
business perspective, you can’t pay your
“We walk out and enter it on a clip- bills selling only gasoline,” he said.
board with a description of the vehicle,”
Mr. Tames said even when attenhe said.
dants get a license plate number and a
Mr. Stanbury said the security mea- description of the vehicle, gas-and-dash
sure bothers some customers, who see it is a very difficult crime to investigate.
as an invasion of privacy.
“All that person has to say is: ‘I’m sorry,
Ms. Dugan said her company’s de- it wasn’t me driving the car.’”
cision to start pre-paying for fuel hasn’t
Cpl. Morgan agreed that intent in
cost the company business, but it has cases involving gas theft is a very hard to
annoyed some customers. “The cashiers prove. “If we get a valid plate, we’ll call
sure have taken a beating,” she said.
the registered owner,” he said. “A lot of
At the Skookum Inn on the high- the times they’ll just say ‘Oh, I forgot.’
way, owner John Tames said he hasn’t And they’ll go back and pay,” said Cpl.
implemented a pre-pay system or credit Morgan. “How do you prove that he recard pay-at-the-pump machines because ally didn’t forget?”
he is concerned fewer customers will
It’s not only the police who extend
enter his shop. He said theft is always the benefit of the doubt to customers.
a problem. “Sure, it hurts,” he said. “A
“It’s a people business,” said Mr.
$90 theft is a day’s worth of sales at a Tames. “If you don’t like people, you’re
smaller station.”
in the wrong business. There is always
He said gas station markups of that element of trust involved.”
media coverage and many tourists.
“It brings a group of consumers who
have thousands of dollars to spend on
a bike race,” said TransRockies spokesman Paul Done
The TransRockies Challenge is
one of the richest mountain bike races
in North America. About 350 riders,
including many former Olympians,
will compete for $20,000 in prize
money.
Entry fees for the six-day race
range from $1350 to $3350, depending on accommodation.
The decision to move the finish
line to B.C. was made because of a
conflict between race organizers and
officials at Alberta Parks.
The gruelling race will begin in
Fernie on August 6th and travel north
through the Rocky Mountains before
finishing at Panorama six days later.
6 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
PERSPECTIVE
March 31, 2006
Historical Lens
Historic
campground
This photograph of the
Coldstream Auto Camp
and Store in Windermere
was taken in the 1940s.
Note the old-fashioned
single gasoline pump. The
campground, a popular
destination for many years,
has recently been sold and
the property will be used
for a new housing development.
Photo courtesy of
Windermere District
Historical Society
Taking water too much for granted
By Elinor Florence
Pioneer Publisher
One day when I was complaining about work,
kids and weather, my mother brought me up short
with a single comment: “Well, at least you have running water.”
I immediately felt ashamed of myself. I grew up
on a farm without plumbing and know first-hand
what a struggle it is without that precious commodity
at the other end of a tap.
In the winter we melted snow on the kitchen stove
so we could wash before we went to school. Everyone
drank from a dipper hung on the side of an enamel
pail. We bathed once a week, and took turns using the
same bath water.
Laundry was an all-day affair that involved hauling
gallons of water in and out of the house. We changed
our clothes after school so they wouldn’t get dirty and
wore the same outfit for a week. My mother washed
diapers by hand in a tin tub. Life without running
water is one of constant, back-breaking labour.
Water was hauled from town and stored in a concrete cistern. Repeated attempts to find a decent well
unearthed a source of yellowish, mineral-laden water
fit only for animals. My brother and I spent hours
each day pumping enough water for 100 thirsty cattle
with a creaky old hand-pump. It seemed to take forever before they finally finished slurping and sucking
and finally wandered off.
When I was 14 years old, my parents located a decent source of underground water with the help of my
mother’s uncle, a professional witcher, and installed
water to two rooms: the kitchen and the bathroom.
What luxury! I washed the dishes uncomplainingly
every day for a month, revelling in the sight of hot
water gushing from the faucet. The flush toilet performed a small miracle, every single time.
Even when water was finally available, we treated
it like liquid gold. The well was a reliable source of wa-
ter but not a particularly generous one and was known
to run dry. Then we had to wait several hours until the
tiny spring at the bottom of the well had replenished
the supply. We brushed our teeth with a single glass of
water and never ran more than six inches of water into
the bathtub.
My father and I had many battles over my typically-teenaged desire to wash my hair every other day.
He felt that once a week was plenty. Once when I was
alone in the house, I rebelliously filled the bathtub to
the brim and then felt guilty for days.
All these things flashed through my mind when
my mother gently reminded me that my life could be
a lot worse. In Canada we do take water for granted,
believing against all the mounting evidence that it is as
free and plentiful as the air we breathe.
So when I start feeling annoyed about something,
I try to remember to remind myself: “At least I have
running water.”
That really puts things into perspective.
The Columbia Valley
P IONEER
is independently owned and operated and
is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc.
Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Phone (250) 341-6299 Toll Free 1-877-341-6299
Fax (250) 341-6229 Email: upioneer@telus.net
www.columbiavalleypioneer.com
The material, written or artistic may not be reprinted or electronically reproduced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions
and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of
the publisher or staff of The Upper Columbia Pioneer. It is agreed by any display
advertiser requesting space that the newspapers responsibility, if any, for errors
or omissions of any kind is limited to the amount paid for by the advertiser for
that portion of the space as occupied by the incorrect item and there shall be no
liability in any event greater than the amount paid for the advertisement.
Elinor Florence
Publisher
Bob Ede
Creative Director
Lisa Ede
Creative Director
Adrian Bergles
Dave Sutherland
Bob Friesen
Sarah Turk
Reporter
Advertising Sales
Advertising Sales
Office Manager
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 7
March 31, 2006
Tel. 342-0707
Touched by an Angel - Mary Ann Bergen of Invermere shows off this terry towel
bunny rabbit angel at the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary flea market on Saturday. The sale
is a fundraiser for the Legion. Lunch was served and about 10 vendors sold goods.
Website correction
Dear Editor:
Thank you for your thoughtful
and personal article last week, regarding the setting up of my new counselling business.
I really appreciate the support and
the boost you provided!
I would like to clarify, however,
that my website was incorrectly cited
as “.com” instead of “.ca”. The correct
TOY OF
site is: www.assinifam.ca. This site is
oriented to serve the Columbia Valley
from Cranbrook through Invermere,
to Golden.
The www.assinifam.com site is
oriented to clients from the Calgary/
Canmore/Banff area. Thanks for publishing this correction!
Mary Ann Rombach
Windermere
THE
WEEK
BABICOROLLE
Email: klein@nucleus.com
www.tepapanui.com
Quality antique furniture and collectibles from
Canada, Europe and Asia.
Architectural items for home & garden.
OPEN:
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
10:00 am - 5:00 pm
11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Invermere Industrial Park (just off the road to Panorama)
Great Deals on
DeWalt Power Tools,
Humidifiers,
Rubber Maid Containers
and lots more!
25% OFF Red Dot Sale
MY FIRST
SNUGGLY
AGE: 12 MONTHS +
�����������������������������
410 Borden St., Invermere • 342-6226
8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
���������������
������������������������������������
���������������������������������������
��
�����������������������������
�����������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������
�����������
������������������
���������������
�������
�����������������������
����������������������
�����������������
���������������������
������������������������������
�����������
������������������������
�������������
���������������
Canadian hero carved
by artist Frank Keely
By Suzanne Lemmens
Special to The Pioneer
Frank Keely’s wood
carving of Ken Taylor,
former Canadian Ambassador to Iran, now resides
in a Manhattan apartment with its owner.
Frank was commissioned by the Father
Lacombe Care Centre
Legacy Committee to
carve a cowboy image of
the former ambassador as
a thank you gift for Mr.
Taylor, who was the guest
speaker at the seventh
annual Father Lacombe Don Taylor presents Keely carving to cousin Ken Taylor.
Care Centre Legacy Dinner.
Frank Keely also generously donatMr. Taylor, who now resides in ed a beautiful wood carving of a cowManhattan, was hailed as a Canadian boy on a bucking bronc, which was one
hero when he helped American citi- of the many items that helped the care
zens flee Iran during the Iranian crisis centre raise more than $65,000 at its
in 1979.
annual auction dinner.
On March 7, 2006, he returned to
This talented carver was born and
his hometown of Calgary and spoke to raised in Ontario, but moved to British
more than 350 guests regarding Can- Columbia in 1953.
ada’s role on the world stage and disHe is a lifelong outdoorsman and
cussed Iran’s new controversial stance in sports enthusiast who owned and operthe political world.
ated a sporting goods store in Invermere
Don Taylor, chairman of the care and Panorama.
centre, thought that a carving by noted
Upon retirement he began woodInvermere artist Frank Keely would be carving. He studied with master carver
the perfect gift to thank Ken for donat- Eugene Penz and attended sessions in
ing his time and travel costs to return to wood carving at Red Deer College,
Calgary for this special event.
where he specialized in caricature carvPhotographs of Ken Taylor were ing.
sent to the artist several months in adFrank’s caricature images of cowvance of the event and, after many hours, boys, hunters, fishermen, golfers, woodKen’s image as a good cowboy wearing a land and Christmas characters, real and
white hat leapt from the wood
imagined, are inspired and highly colWhen presented with the carving, lectible.
Ken Taylor expressed delight with the
Both he and his wife Anne have
work of art, and said it would have a been long-time supporters of the arts in
special place in his front entrance hall.
the Columbia Valley.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 9
March 31, 2006
Out & About
Please call 341-6299
or Email us at upioneer@telus.net
to enter your event in our FREE listings.
Toby Theatre
• March 29, 30, 31, April 1: Hoodwinked
• April 5, 6, 7, 8: Nanny McPhee
March 31st, April 1st, 2nd
• Third Annual Kokanee Peak to Valley Team Race at
Panorama Mountain Village. Skiers and snowboarders of all abilities are welcome.
• 7:30 pm: Travel “Biking to Baja” Presented by Sibylla Helm, as part of the Armchair Travel/WILD
Voices Speakers Series, DTSS Theatre.
• 7 pm: Commercial League Tournament, Eddie
Mountain Memorial Arena, finals Sunday 2 pm.
April 2nd
• Fairmont Ski Resort’s last day of skiing.
April 4th
•7 pm: Adult Baseball Players Wanted! Information
meeting at the Arena, in the mezzanine. For more
info, call Robert 347-9093.
• 7 pm: Windermere Community Association
Annnual General Meeting, Windermere Community
Hall.
April 6th
•6:30pm - 10pm: Kick-Off for the Columbia Valley
Relay for Life, Copperpoint Golf Club, entertainment, food, silent auction.
April 8th
• 8 pm: 23rd Annual DTSS Big Band Dance, Tickets
$17.50.
April 9th
• 8 pm: David Essig, performing at the Pynelogs
Cultural Centre, Invermere, is a long-time famous
blues-roots performer who has won many Junos for
his song-writing and vocals, tickets $20. Doors open
at 7pm. For info: 342-7108 or 342-4423.
April 11th-23rd
• 11 am - 4 pm: Art from the Heart Part 2, Pynelogs
Cultural Centre. 500 local elementary school children
participate in a one-of-a-kind art show.
April 14th
• Bluessmyth Blues Band at Riverside’s Sportsman’s
Lounge.
April 15th
• 7 pm: CV Arts web site launch, and the 2006
Calendar of Events Kick-off for Pynelogs Cultural
Centre.
April 16th
• Panorama Ski Resort’s last day of skiing.
• 10 am: Easter Egg Hunt, meet at the Big Chair near
the Great Hall.
April 22nd
• 7:30 pm: Wings Over the Rockies start-up
presentation at DTSS Theatre.
• 7: 30 pm: “Harp Angel” at the Christ Church
Trinity, Invermere. Traditional and Celtic Harp
Music. For more info, 342-0780.
call 1-800-663-9203 to book yours! Also, check
out www.bccancer.bc.ca/breastscreening for more
information.
New Video Releases March 28th:
• Ambulance Girl
• Blue Thunder
• Bailey’s Billion$
• Dirty
• Little Manhattan
• Bee Season
• Brokeback Mountain
• Chronicles of Narnia
• Far Side of the Moon
• The Long Good Friday
Golf Course Opening Dates
• March 31st: Copper Point Golf Club
Creekside Par 3
Mountainside - Fairmont
• April 1st:
Edgewater Hilltop Par 3
Radium Resort - Resort Course
Setetkwa Golf Course
• April 6th:
Eagle Ranch Golf Course
• April 7th:
Spur Valley Greens
• April 8th:
Golden Golf & Country Club
• April 13th: Bootleg Gap
• May 19th:
Greywolf Golf Course
Invermere Thrift Store
• Open Thursdays, 10 am-4 pm; and Fridays and
Saturdays, 1 pm-4 pm.
Columbia Valley Food Bank
• Open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 pm-2 pm. To
make a monetary donation, please mail to Box 2141,
Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0.
Hot Springs Hours of Operation
• Radium Hot Springs Hot Pool: Sunday through
Thursday, Noon-9 pm; Friday and Saturday, Noon10 pm.
• Fairmont Hot Springs Hot Pool: 8am-10pm daily.
Ski and Swim Passes available.
OTHER
• 7 pm Wednesdays, Archery, Invermere Hall.
April 29th
• 7 pm: Bingo at the Invermere Seniors’ Centre,
April 7th
• 8 am-8 pm: Health and Wellness Second Annu- 1309-14th Street, every 2nd and 4th Thursday.
• 7 pm: Community Hymn Sing at the Lake
• 7:30 pm: Travel “Middle East & South East Asia” al “Living a Life in Balance”: A Forum for Women Windermere Alliance Church, every second Sunday
Presented by Andy Stewart-Hill, as part of the Arm- Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Cost: $150. Call (250) of the month. For info: 342-5961.
• Windermere Fire Department is seeking community
chair Travel/WILD Voices Speakers Series. David 342-3210 to register.
minded volunteers. For info: Aaron at 342-3965.
Thompson Secondary School Theatre.
• 7-9 pm every Thursday. Second Winds Community
May 2nd - 8th
Band - DTSS Band room. Woodwinds, brass and
April 7th-9th
• Wings Over The Rockies: Throughout the Columbia percussion - all levels welcome. For info: call Howie
at 342-0100.
• 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm: Sunpit Safari -This is the 20th Valley discover the world of birds through activities
Sponsored by
Anniversary of the Downhill Rider’s Event. It’s a such as guided nature walks, Columbia River floats,
voyager
canoe
trips,
horseback
riding
in
the
grasslands,
weekend with an extensive line up of mountain party
entertainment featuring DJ Wil C, the Nelson-based art exhibits, evening presentations, live music,
band SHAG & the iconic Canadian rock band 54-40 workshops, children’s festival, and a Wings Gala
INDERMERE
all playing on Saturday, April 8th. Also on Saturday, Banquet. For info: call the College of the Rockies,
342-3210, or visit www.wingsovertherockies.org.
ALLEY
is the classic Slush Cup event from 2:30 - 3:30.
• 7:30 pm: Travel “Middle East & South East
�����������
May
5th-9th
Asia” Presented by Andy Stewart-Hill, as part of
2 km east of Highway 93/95 on the
the Armchair Travel/WILD Voices Speakers Series. • Screening Mammography mobile van is coming
Windermere Loop Road, Windermere, BC
DTSS.
to our community, 45 appointments still available,
NOW OPEN! 342-3004
WV
10 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
Children’s art extravaganza
opens show season at Pynelogs
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
OPENING IN APRIL
Next to the Skookum Inn
Visitors to the Pynelogs Cultural Centre will be
able to see the world through the eyes of children
when the Art from the Heart Part II exhibit opens on
Tuesday, April 11.
Opening night will take place from 6:30 to 8:30
that evening, said Eileen Weir, a Canal Flats teacher
who helped organize the event. All are invited to the
show which will run at Pynelogs until April 23.
Artwork done by school children aged five to 13,
from Edgewater to Canal Flats, will be on display, said
Mrs. Weir.
The artwork will not be judged but rather all the
children will get the sense of satisfaction that comes
with having artwork on display.
Mrs. Weir said the kids have unique and interesting ways of expressing themselves.
“They’re reflecting life from their point of view,”
said Mrs. Weir. “It’s really refreshing because adults
forget about things like that.”
The artwork that will be on display was done during class time throughout the past school year, said
Mrs. Weir. “Whichever piece is their favorite will be
chosen,” she said.
Each child will select one piece. “I would assume
there will be 500 pieces,” said Mrs. Weir.
She said paintings, papier-mâché, as well as other
art forms will be on display an the Pynelogs. “Look
everywhere,” she said. “On the floors, walls and in the
two rooms upstairs.”
Alice Hale of Invermere, a well-known potter, also
helped organize the event. She said each child will write
a sentence beside their piece to explain their work.
“Parents and families can really learn so much because they can really see their child,” she said.
“It’s just amazing how wonderful children’s art can
be.”
Spring is here when robins can be seen and heard
back in the valley.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11
March 31, 2006
COLOURING CONTEST SPONSORED BY:
LAMBERT-KIPP
The
Silver
Connection
3-1014-8th Ave., Invermere
342-9913
341-3322
PHARMACY LTD.
2-1020-8th Avenue
342-7387
1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
342-6612
342-3421
342-9933
Colouring Contest
Invermere Barbers
341-3775
341-3240
www.begiftedbaskets.com
★
Gone
HOLLYWOOD
V I D E O
342-0057
342-9661
255-3rd Street
342-3575
342-6564
the
BOOK
CELLAR
613-12th St.
Invermere
342-2003
Name ______________________________________________________________ Age _________________
Address ___________________________________________Phone __________________________________
Drop off completed colouring page at The Pioneer Office located at #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere.
Contest open to children ages 1 - 12. Contest ends April 13, 2006. Winner will be drawn and will receive an Easter basket.
Anglz Hair
342-2468
Missy’s
&
Tanning Studio
Rtaurant
3rd Avenue,
Invermere
906-7th Avenue
Invermere
342-3227
342-9288
Lake Auto
Service Ltd.
342-9310
Valley Foods
342-3330
Antiques
Downtown Invermere
342-3865
Main Street,
Invermere
342-6415
12 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
STARTING APRIL 7
TH
�����������
��������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
Pick up your newspaper at
more than 100 convenient valley locations.
Phone 341-6299 for more information
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
����
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
����
� �� � � �
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13
March 31, 2006
Lake Windermere, still covered with a thin sheet of ice, sweeps away towards Fairmont Hot Springs on a tranquil March afternoon.
Photo by Elinor Florence
Our Local Locations
Invermere:
Chamber of Commerce
Home Hardware
Super 8 Motel
Kelly’s Restaurant
Tex’s Coffee Works
Tim Horton’s
Superior Propane
PetroCan
Reddi Mart
Huckleberry’s Restaurant
Two-For-One Pizza
Warwick Interiors
Fitz’s Flooring
Syndicate Board Shop
Anglz Hair Salon
A&W Restaurant
IGA Foods
Invermere Public Library
Gone Hollywood
Invermere Dry Cleaners
Rob’s Bicycle Works
Invermere Barber
AG Foods
Quality Bakery
Grant’s Foods
In-Tune Music
Lakeside Pub
Gallery Cafe
Interior World
Gerry’s Gelati
The Book Cellar
Inside Edge Sports
The Bistro
Pharmasave
The Back Door Wine Cellar
Columbia Garden Village
Invermere and District Hospital
Invermere Family Chiropractic
Bruce McLaughlin Financial
Missy’s Restaurant
Majestic U-Brew
Duthie Medical Clinic
Columbia Valley Trading Company
Details by JoAnne
East Kootenay Insurance
Konig Meats
All Things Beautiful
Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena
Guild and O’Sullivan Dental Clinic
Station Pub
Lambert-Kipp Pharmacy
Mark Moneo, Optometrist
Maria Dibb Medical Clinic
Invermere Physiotherapists
Columbia Valley Employment Centre
Valley Hair Styling
Invermere Inn (every room)
Stober’s Department Store
Mountain View Lodge
Bliss Hair & Esthetics
Sunsations Spa
Lee-Jay Motel
Windermere:
Windermere Foods
Columbia Lake Band Office
White House Pub
Skookum Inn
Valley Alley Bowling Centre
Copper Point Golf Course
Fairmont Hot Springs:
Riverside Recreation Centre
Fairmont Recreation Centre
Fairmont Hot Springs Resort
Rocky Mountain Realty
Bigway Foods
Smoking Waters Coffee
Farside Pub
Jeffers Esso
Radium Hot Springs:
Radium Husky
Prestige Inn
Meet on Higher Ground Coffee
Radium Liquor Store
Radium Petro Canada
Redstreak Shopping Centre
The Peaks of Radium
Bighorn Meadows
True Value Hardware
Horsethief Creek Pub & Eatery
Mountainside Market
North of Radium:
Edgewater Post Office
Pip’s Country Store
Brisco General Store
Spillimacheen Post Office
Canal Flats:
Canal Flats Foods
Gas Plus
The Columbia
Valley
Pioneer
14 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
Nature photography is his passion
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
A new photo gallery near the crossroads in Invermere is an opportunity for
Achim Purschwitz to display his passion
to the world.
“It’s a dream,” said Achim in his soft
German accent. “In the house nobody
can see my photos, but here they are on
display.”
Achim, 68, was born in Germany,
and his wife Chizuko was born in Japan.
They are well known in the valley where
they have lived for 38 years. For over
three decades the couple ran a German
restaurant in Radium called Alte Liebe,
which means Old Favorite in English.
The international pair met in Egypt
in the 1960s when Achim was a young
man travelling the world and Chizuko
was a young student of Egyptology and
perfumery - the study of perfumes as
medicine.
The two fell in love and eventually
continued their romance in Yokohama,
where Achim found work as the manager of a German restaurant.
There the couple had their first
child, a daughter named Anne Marie.
The couple also has another girl, named
Natalie. “One was born in Yokohama
Achim Purschwitz and his wife Chizuko have opened a shop near the crossroads.
and the other was born in Invermere,”
said Chizuko.
In 1968 the couple left Japan and
emigrated to Canada. They came to
Radium because they had a friend who
visited the area. When they saw a restaurant and hotel for sale, the globehopping couple knew it was for them.
Your Local
“We owned a restaurant because we
could open for five months and travel
for seven months,” said Achim.
“We travelled every winter with the
children,” he said.
Travel allowed Achim to pursue his
passion of photography.
“I’ve gone everywhere with my
COLUMBIA VALLEY
REAL ESTATE
photography,” he said.
Since January some of those photos
have been on display at his new business called Achim’s Art Gallery. Inside
the diminutive but tastefully-decorated
one-room shop hang photos of jaguars
in Belize, waterfalls in Oregon, and
rams near Radium.
In the middle of the shop sits a
viewing bench. “It’s for people to come
and contemplate,” said Achim.
In small cases sit pieces of jewlery,
Chizuko’s contribution to the business.
Some of the pieces are antiques that she
has collected on her travels. Others are
Chizuko’s own creations.
“Jewlery is another passion,” said
Chizuko.
The couple revels in the beauty of
the natural world. “I can see beauty everywhere,” said Achim. “You just have
to look. So many people don’t take the
time,” he said.
The couple still travels extensively
and the gallery is a seasonal business.
It will be open throughout the summer
daily from noon to five p.m.
Despite their wanderlust, the couple
feels at home in the Columbia Valley.
“There is so much beauty all around
us,” said Achim. “The valley is full of
opportunity.”
Professionals
Invermere
INVERMERE
PAUL GLASSFORD
Independently Owned and Operated
1022B-7 Ave.
th
250-341-1395
Independently Owned and Operated
Rockies West Realty
Bernie Raven
Representative
(250) 342-7415
braven@cyberlink.bc.ca
PAT
BROWN-JOHN
342-1262
Daniel Zurgilgen
��������������������
Office: (250) 342-6505
Fax: (250) 342-9611
Box 943
#4 Fairmont Village Mall
Fairmont Hot Springs, BC
Phone (250) 345-5000
Fax (250) 345-4001
www.rockymtnrealty.com
pat@rockymtnrealty.com
paul@rockymtnrealty.com
Representative
(250) 342-1612
landman@telus.net
Ed English
Main Street
Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
Bus: (250) 342-6505
Fax: (250) 342-9611
Independently owned and operated
230 Laurier Street
DIRECTOR’S
Invermere, BC V0A 1K3
PLATINUM
E-mail: paul@rockieswest.com
AWARD
Website: www.PaulGlassford.com
Jan Klimek
Cell: (250) 342-1194
Cell: (250) 342-1195
edenglish@telus.net www.edandjanslistings.com janklimek@telus.net
Rockies West Realty
Independently Owned and Operated
PAUL
ROGGEMAN
341-5300
Dedicated to all your real estate needs.
5003 Hot Springs Road
Fairmont, BC V0B 1L0
Call ���������or
��������������
������������������������
We Sell Real Estate
�����������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������
PRESIDENT’S
GOLD
AWARD
Ken Becker
Sales Representative
Bus: 250-345-0333
Fax: 250-345-6353
Res: 250-342-3599
Cell: 250-342-1161
Email: ken@rockieswest.com
www.rockieswest.com
www.kenbecker.com
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 15
March 31, 2006
Room
to
IO 6
GROW
70/3
ROP
Make a living. Make a difference.
Ques
Wedn
Home Support / Resident Care Attendants
With an aging population and plenty of room to grow, opportunities for qualified
assisted living professionals are on the rise. If you're looking for an occupation
that is more than a job, one that is rewarding and truly makes a difference in the
lives of real people every day, then we welcome you to consider becoming a
Home Support/Resident Care Attendant. Your skills will be in high demand as
opportunities continue to grow.
As a Home Support/Resident Care Attendant you can:
• help BC residents retain their independence
• have a rewarding career with unlimited opportunities
• get tremendous gratification from your job
www.roomtogrowbc.ca
Two years ago a piper led cancer survivors around the track in a
special “Survivor’s Lap.”
IO 6
IO 6
70/3
ROP
Relay for Life kicks off
at new golf club house
The organizers of the Relay for Life
cancer benefit will host a kick-off to the
annual event at Copper Point Golf Club
on April 6th from 6:30 to 10 p.m.
“It’s an opportunity for people to
drop in and have some great food, listen to some great music and learn more
about the Relay For Life,” said Adrienne
Turner, Relay For Life marketing chair.
All are welcome at the kick-off,
which will also feature a silent and live
auction, said Mrs. Turner. Items for the
auctions have been donated by all the
valley’s golf clubs, she said. “There’s not
one that hasn’t participated.”
The event will also be a chance for
people to get a look at the new Copper
Point Golf Club club house, which recently underwent renovation and is tentatively scheduled to open this week.
“We’re keeping our fingers crossed
that it’ll be ready,” said Mrs. Turner.
All proceeds raised at the kick-off
will count toward the total funds raised
100 M
Wedn
Colum
Friday
We invite you to visit us online at
www.roomtogrowbc.ca
at the Relay For Life.
The kick-off event is also a chance to
thank and honour some event sponsors
and team captains, said Mrs. Turner.
She said room is still available for
more teams of 12 to enter the relay.
This year’s event will go from 8 p.m. to
8 a.m. on June 10th and 11th.
Participants take turns running or
walking around the track at the local
high school so that each team is represented on the track for a full 12 hours.
Many teams camp overnight beside the
track and stay awake all night to cheer
on their team members.
A special feature of the event is the
candle ceremony which commemorates
loved ones who have lost their lives to
cancer.
Last year’s Relay For Life raised just
over $70,000 for cancer research.
Mrs. Turner said organizing the
event has been made easier because of
all the support it receives from the community. “Everybody is so behind the
program, that a lot of things are given
by donation,” she said.
70/3
ROP
70/3
ROP
To see what your future could hold, please contact us
at External Recruitment Services today:
E-mail: external.recruitment@interiorhealth.ca
Fax: 250.870.4722 or call Toll-free1.866.972.9299.
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
IO 6
Canadian Cancer Society
Relay For Life
My reason
to Relay
is my mom.
KICK OFF EVENT
What’s your reason to Relay?
This June 10/11th, please join us for 12 hours of fun, friendship,
APRIL 6th
6:30 - 10 PM
and fundraising. Everyone has a reason to join the Relay For
Life, and organizing your team is easy. Come register your
Silent Auction
Live Music
team and/or volunteer your time at the Columbia Valley
COPPERPOINT
GOLF CLUB
For more information call 1.866.349.5772 or register
Relay for Life Kick-off Party.
online at www.cancer.ca
.
Relay For Life
1 866 349-5772 | www.cancer.ca
Kootenay Paving Skandia Concrete
Caribo
Wedne
16 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
CALLING ALL PADDLERS!
East meets West when the dragon boats invade Lake
Windermere on July 28, 29 and 30, 2006. Join a team or
start a team and participate in the fastest growing water
sport in Canada.
Register now for the Columbia Valley
Dragon Boat Race and Festival.
www.invermeredragonboat.com
THANK YOU!
The Board of Directors of the Valley
Fitness Society would like to thank
HARRISON MCKAY COMMUNICATIONS
for outstanding website development
and marketing services. valleyfitnesscentre
valley
valleyfitness
centre
VFC
Thank you, Harrison!
shapeupinvermere.com
Dave♥s Book Bar
NOW IN STOCK
The
Da Vinci Code
in paperback
10.99
$
1046-7th Ave. Invermere
342-6511
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING LOTS FOR SALE!
Get ready to build your dream home in the mountains! Newly-offered residential building lots in the
recreational neighborhood of the Radium Valley
Vacation Resort. Level, treed, view lots with access
to the year-round fitness centre and resort amenities. Be part of the growing village of Radium Hot
Springs. Call today to view!
CONTACT INFO:
250.347.7722
or 403 239 1952
myradiumhome.ca
Still skiing strong
lot of effort.
He grew up in Radium and donned his first pair
of skis around the age of 10. Back then it was a form of
For Blair Blakley, retirement has never been an op- transportation, as he used those skis to get to and from
tion.
school. Living in the mountains, the progression from
Most people at that average retirement age have skiing for necessity to skiing for pleasure took place
had enough of the toil of work and want to say good- and he has been on the slopes ever since.
bye to the daily grind and nine-to-five hustle and busIn 1963, when Panorama Mountain became a ski
tle. Most people, that is.
hill, Blair was hard at work at his ‘first career’ and had
There are many exceptions in the world and lots of conquered many of the hurdles that life brings. Havpeople work well into the later years with success and ing been to college and spent two years in the Canadihappiness. Just look at Nelson Mandela, Paul New- an Reserve Army, he went on to develop two successman, Hugh Hefner . . . all going strong in their 80s, ful businesses in the area - meanwhile raising a family,
and looking good doing it.
earning a pilot’s license and exploring the surrounding
In the heart of the Purcell Mountains, there is mountains by horse and by plane.
another octogenarian going strong and although he
With his passion for the wilderness, Blair set out
may not be as renowned as Mandela or Hef, around to discover new mountainous terrain and often set
Intrawest’s Panorama Mountain Village he is a celeb- down foot and ski boot on slopes rarely visited by man.
rity nonetheless.
By the 1970s he had established himself quite nicely
At 81, Blair Blakley may
in life and in 1979 decided to
be the oldest professional ski
volunteer as a ski patrol for the
patroller in North America. “He is a mentor and role model, growing Panorama hill.
Ski Patrol. The job title
After two years of donating
probably reminds people of a friend and just a great guy. I his services, Blair was offered a
the infamous reputation of hope I will be able to do what he is full-time position in 1981. As
being ‘mountain cops’, in- doing at that age.”
the elder statesman on the hill,
cessantly busting people for
‘Gnarly B.’, as he is fondly reskiing out of bounds and
ferred to by his friends and coFellow
Patroller
blowing their whistles at the
workers, has seen a lot of change
straightliners burning down
over the decades.
the green circles.
“The sheer size of the place
For the thousands of pro patrol and the countless is the biggest change of them all,” he says, as he sits at
volunteers that work on our mountains each winter, it the dispatch desk in the ski patrol hut halfway up the
is a job, a career or a fantastic way to enjoy the snow mountain monitoring the activities of the hill. “This
for five or six months of the year.
place used to have four runs and a rope tow.”
If you have ever been hurt on the ski hill, you’ll
A hundred or so runs and three quad chairs later,
know that the men and women getting you off that Blair still handles the day-to-day ski patrol duties with
hill are dedicated ‘first aiders’, and you’d be hard- a quiet demeanour and a strong influence. He may
pressed to find a more loyal and committed ski patrol not venture into the double black diamond terrain any
than Blair Blakley.
more, but five days a week, five months of the year,
At the age of 54, after a lifetime of hard work and Blair continues to be a presence amongst young and
retiring from his first career, Blair decided to take up old alike, injured guest, fellow patroller, or the person
the seasonal job of ski patrol and 28 years later he is sitting next to him on the chairlift.
still doing it, and looking good while he does it.
As people who know Blair will testify, he has alBorn in Invermere in 1924, Blair grew up at a ways lived his life by these principles: be a good pertime where paddlewheels still moved throughout the son, seize opportunity when it comes to you, and work
lakes and river systems, the weekly mail run was of hard because it will pay off.
huge importance, and a trip to distant Calgary took a
By the time he was 21 he had opened a car dealerBy Gordon Fuller
Wilmer
Retail Space for Rent
Bright and airy 640 sq. ft. retail space for rent in
exciting new Chisel Peak Centre. Next to medical
clinic and pharmacy with patio area and lovely,
unobstructed views to the south (Fairmont Range).
Base rent $17/sq. ft. plus utilities.
For further inquiries, please call
341-5187 or 342-5899
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 17
March 31, 2006
ship in Radium. Its success allowed him to start
another business, owning
more than a dozen small
bungalows near the hot
pool, which he rented
out to visitors. Having
built all the bungalows
by hand, he proved that
hard work does in fact
create success.
In 1938 at the young
age of 14, Blair learned
to fly an airplane at the
local airport where his
father operated a flight
school. Eight years later
he earned his pilot’s license, which opened
up the world, bringing
his adventures to new
heights, literally, and allowing him to explore the
surrounding mountains
from 3,000 feet. The alpine slopes and glaciers
soon beckoned him and
with skis replacing wheels he was able to land on some
of the most magnificent and untouched ski terrain the
Rocky Mountains has to offer. What people are now
doing with helicopters, Blair was doing fifty years ago
with single-engine airplanes.
Why does he keeping working? His passion for the
mountains and the sport may have started the journey
but the love for the people and the relationships he has
formed over the years have kept it going.
“A big part of my life is this job”, he says. “Most
of my friends are gone so I really enjoy working with
the young people because they treat me as a ‘generation equal’.” The feeling is mutual. As the most experienced patroller at Panorama, Blair has been able to
pass on his skills and knowledge to countless people
over the years. He served as Panorama’s ski patrol director for a long stretch in the 1980s and 1990s and is
certified as an first aid instructor, teaching and guiding
his young co-workers, some not even born when he
started this job.
“Working with Blair is an inspiring part of this
job,” said a fellow patroller. “He is a mentor and role
model, a friend and just a great guy. I hope I will be
able to do what he is doing at that age.”
Skiing has changed greatly over the last three
decades and ski hills have become bigger and better.
Solid Wood Blinds
Call The Blind Guy!
Interior World
COMING
Interior World (250) 342SOON
4406
...
Life Time Warranty on all Blinds
Call The Blind Guy!
Need Blinds? Best Quality
Call to
The
Blind
In order
serve
you Guy!
better
(250) 342 4406
Interior World
Another day at the office.
Gone are the rope tows that used to haul people up
the slopes and fading are the T-bars, pommel lifts and
double chairs. Extreme skiing, high-speed chairlifts
and high tech equipment are the ‘new age’ of mountain playgrounds, but at Panorama Mountain Village
some things never change. For all the transformations
and change Blair has seen over the years, the job remains the same. All winter long he is out there, helping injured skiers and making the mountain a safe
place for everyone.
The hair might be grey now and the caution of
age might have set in but the spirit for the job doesn’t
waver. Dedicated in life and dedicated on the ski hill,
Blair continues to astonish and inspire those around
him.
How long will he keep this up? His children and
grandchildren are close to home and wife Pat is set to
retire herself next year so only Blair knows the answer
to that question. For now he keeps on doing what he
knows and loves - and looks good doing it.
In 2001, over two and a half decades since starting
his ski patrol career, Blair received the ‘Legend Award’
from Panorama for years of exemplary service and
dedication.
For those who have had the privilege of working
with him, that distinction had already been made.
Windermere Community Association
at the Community Hall in Windermere
- Election of officers
- Review of Financial Position
- Volunteers required for Fall Fair to continue
Please come out & support your Community Association
Flooring
Great rates, products and service
www.meridianmortgagesolutions.com
Step by step, professional
mortgage support.
Bill Rainbow Mortgage Broker
(250) 342-3453
Ltd.
will be moving as of April 1st to our
new location at #4, 492 Arrow Road
(right next to the new Panache building)
342-6649
Brendan Donahue
Investment Advisor
Phone: 342-2112
GIC Rates
Cashable
90 days
1 year
2 Year
3 Year
4 Year
5 Year
as of March 27th
3.50%
3.85%
4.00%
4.10%
4.15%
4.20%
4.30%
Banker’s Acceptances1
30 days
60 days
90 days
180 days
365 days
as of March 27th
3.69%
3.74%
3.82%
3.90%
4.06%
1
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Tuesday, April 4th, 2006 – 7:00 PM
(250) 342 4406
100% Guaranteed by issuing banks, redeemable prior to maturity,
commissions apply to buying and selling Banker’s Acceptances,
interest received may fluctuate if sold prior to maturity.
Don’t let the Banks roll your GICs
Transfer to us for free.
GICs are CDIC Insured.
Rates subject to change without notice.
Subject to availability.
18 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
Christina Lustenberger
number one in Canada
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
Live/safety:
5
REVISION Trim: 10.25” W x 6.25” H
APPROVALS
DATE
Art Director
BY
THE DRIFTERS - The regular league bowling season ended this week at Valley Alley
with the House Bowl-Off. The two top teams from six leagues competed for the Valley
Alley trophy “The Drifters,” dating back to 1969. This year the lucky winners were Alec
06-SCP-028_ER_TACTIC-4C-2 3/27/06 10:12 AM Page 1
and Lynne Fleming, Bev Palfrey, Joan and John Selzler.
Christina
Lustenberger
of
Invermere doesn’t have wings, but the
21-year-old skier sure can fly.
Christina, 21, won the Canadian
Championship giant slalom race at
Whistler this week.
Her cumulative time of 2:15.23
over two descents bested runner up
Brigitte Acton by .12 of a second.
“It was an awesome day yesterday,” said Christina from Whistler. “I
felt really calm before the race.”
Christina, who competed on the
World Cup circuit this year and represented Canada at the recent Olympic Games in Italy, hadn’t been able
to compete in the past two Canadian
Championships because of serious injuries to her knees.
Christina said her main objective
this season was simply to stay healthy.
She scaled back her race schedule during the season and avoided competing in other downhill events.
The young racer will now drive
from Whistler to Rossland for the
Spring Series Race next week.
The event will attract other Canadian World Cup racers as well as
other members of team B.C. and club
teams from across B.C. and Alberta.
After competing at a high level for
the past several months, Christina
said the Spring Series is a chance to
unwind.
“I’m ready to go to Rossland and
have a good time and just hang out,”
she said. “It’s kind of a big party.”
Christina will be back in the valley in April. A training and testing
program for the Canadian National
Team will begin at Panorama on
April 9.
Pre-Season rates available. As if our view and our course weren’t enough,
our clubhouse will soon be open. Add fine dining and you’ll agree that simply put, Eagle Ranch is a magical course with the most complete,
ultimate golf vacation experience. Eagle Ranch Golf Course, proud winner of SCOREGolf Magazine’s 2005 “Best Course Conditions in B.C.”
Eagle Ranch opens April 6th. Book your tee times by calling 1-877-877-3889 or go to eagleranchresort.com
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 19
March 31, 2006
Wanted:
new zamboni
By Pioneer Staff
BANNER YEAR - Christine Keshen showed off her medal last weekend, when the Invermere Curling Club hosted an
open house and unveiled a new banner to be hung in the local curling rink in honour of their Olympic winner.
The Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena in
Invermere may soon have a new zamboni - the big
machine that resurfaces skating ice after use.
The Regional District of East Kootenay has approved a grant application by the Columbia Valley
Recreation Society to the Olympic Live Sites program for half the cost of the $100,000 machine.
If the application is successful, the regional district would have to pick up half the other half. “It is
in their preliminary budget plans,” said Phyllis Dubielewicz, manager at the arena.
The Olympic Live Sites Program is an initiative
of the provincial Ministry of Economic Development. It is intended to share the wealth of the 2010
Vancouver Olympic Winter Games. “We’re trying
to make the most of the Olympic funds,” said Mrs.
Dubielewicz. “When opportunities come to your
door, you have to take advantage.”
She said zambonis don’t last forever. “As soon as
they start getting seven or eight years old, you start
seeing the wear,” she said. The current zamboni at
the Eddie Mountain Arena is a 1999 model.
TasteofGreece
�������������������������������
�������������������������
�
����������������������������������
�������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������
����������������������������
���������������������������
�������
������������������
����
�
����
������������
�����
���������������
����������
��������������������������������������
����
�
���
������������
��������
����������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������
Great Dining at Riverside Golf Resort!
All Riverside F&B outlets will be opening on March 29th.
HOURS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
THE ATRIUM
CASA BLANCA
THE SPORTSMAN’S
Breakfast service from 8am to 11am
Dinner service from 5pm to 9pm
10am to 1am (Mon - Sat) 10am to 12pm (Sundays)
Mark Your Calendars!
The month of April will feature some GREAT entertainment at the Sportsman’s!
Karaoke - April 1st • Jam Night - April 6th
Bluessmyth - Calgary Blues Band - April 14th
Call 345-6346
for Information!
20 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
�������������������������������
�����������������������������
Home Hardware
Building Centre
342-6908
TIP OF THE WEEK
Vince says,
“Raking your lawn is safer than
burning, makes sense ecologically, and
promotes stalking. You’ll find a great
selection of rakes and garden tools at
Home Hardware.”
WE’VE GOT YOUR LUMBER.
KINDERGARTEN
REGISTRATION
Eligibility - Age
Children whose fifth birthday occurs on or before December 31, 2006 are eligible
to enter Kindergarten in September 2006. For registration, please bring your
child, as well as your child’s birth certificate, care card, and custody papers (if applicable). If you have questions regarding which school your child should attend,
please call the School Board Office at 342-9243.
Please phone your child’s school for an appointment time.
Eileen Madson Primary: 342-9315
Appointments will be scheduled for Tuesday, April 11 starting at 9:00 a.m.
Edgewater Elementary: 347-9543
Registration will take place from Monday, April 10 to Thursday, April 13
from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Orientation will take place in May.
Martin Morigeau Elementary: 349-5665
Registration will take place from Monday, April 3 to Friday, April 7 from
9:00 to 11:00 a.m. and on Tuesday, April 4 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Orientation for students and parents will be held in June.
Windermere Elementary: 342-6640
Appointments will be scheduled for Thursday, April 6 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
The architect’s rendition of the proposed new library has incorporated the old building into the design.
Library board looking
at $1-million expansion
By Elinor Florence
Pioneer Staff
The architectural plans for the new Invermere
Public Library have been completed and the board of
directors is excited, said chair Sandy McIlwain.
“We have a working plan,” he said.
The expansion will triple the library’s size, from
just over 2,000 to more than 6,500 square feet.
The vision for the new library will see it enlarged,
with a two-storey entrance at the south end, plenty of
windows and extra parking. The red brick facade will
be carried over the exterior of the new expansion.
Architect Chris Fairbank of Nelson, who’s done
other projects like the recent hospital expansion and
the improvements to the Invermere provincial government buildings, designed the new library.
The next step is to convince the District of
Invermere, which owns the property, that this is the
best use of the existing building. “We think it will be
very cost-effective,” said Mr. McIlwain.
The current Official Community Plan, created
several years ago, situated the future library in the
downtown Invermere Community Hall. Another option is to locate it on the site of the old high school
across the road from the existing library.
But Mr. McIlwain said the directors are committed to expanding the old library.
“It will be a real asset to the community,” Mr. Mc-
Ilwain said. “People will see it as soon as they come
into town. It will create a signature at the entrance to
the community.”
Best of all, he said, the new library will have the
possibility of expanding over time.
“We can’t increase our collection because when we
buy new books, we have to get rid of the old ones,”
he said.
Invermere’s library is the smallest per-capita in the
province. The building’s small size and the large appetite of library users in the valley make our readers the
highest users of interlibrary loans in the province.
The library expansion will cost about $1 million,
he said. The library already has about 10 percent of
that amount in the bank.
The Panorama Foundation has already pledged
another $40,000 towards the new library. Although
the annual fundraising gala was cancelled, plans are
under way to conduct a lottery with 20 major prizes
ranging from holidays to art works sports equipment,
said Panorama Foundation coordinator Jami Scheffer.
Mr. McIlwain said what is needed now is money
for the construction of the building itself.
He said the venture would be a partnership with
the District of Invermere, the Regional District of East
Kootenays the province, and Columbia Basin Trust.
“We’re looking at ways to recognize people who
contribute to construction of the building,” he said,
“possibly commemorative plaques”.
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 21
March 31, 2006
Pioneer Briefs
Men’s hockey this weekend
High-level men’s hockey will hit the ice at the Eddie Mountain Memorial Arena this weekend.
The action will start at 7 p.m. tonight at the arena.
The tournament will continue all day Saturday and
then again Sunday morning, with the final played at
2 p.m. First place wins $1,000, and the runner-up
$500.
Admission is free and the concession will be open
throughout the tournament, said organizer Randy
Martin.
Three teams from Invermere and seven others
from as far away as Idaho and Edmonton will hit the
ice for the commercial league tournament, said Mr.
Martin.
The players will vary in age from 19 to 35, some
are former junior and college hockey players, said Mr.
Martin.
One of the Invermere teams is sponsored by
Invermere Napa. The other two are named Kin-City,
but one team will wear blue and the other will wear
white. “It’s an old traditional name in the valley,” said
Mr. Martin.
This is the first time a tournament of this kind has
been held in Invermere. “It’s going to be really good
hockey,” Mr. Martin said.
The tournament has been in the works since the
end of February, said Mr. Martin.
“With the Rockies being out and the old-timers’
league done, it all worked out,” he said.
***
�����������
������������������������������������������������
Your Furniture Store
20 H UR
S A L E
3 DAYS ONLY!!!
SAVE
UP TO
60%
Judokas win again
The Invermere Judo Club returned happy last
weekend with well-earned medals. Eight competitors
were in Raymond, Alberta; and two were in Nanaimo,
all doing very well.
Raymond results were: bronze, Kellen Paul and
C.J. Madon; silver, Kimberley Thomas, Heather
Smedstad, Kory Campbell and Ethan Huscroft; gold,
Jeff Paul and Dylan Moncur.
Nanaimo results were Sean Reiter, bronze. Since
it was a selection tournament, that brings Sean into
third place standing in the B.C. team points.
Chris Wass competed in the junior and senior category and won silver in both. Chris now has the highest points in the junior division in his weight. This
brings Chris into first place for the B.C. team selection
for the upcoming Canadian Judo Championships.
Congratulations to all the judokas!
Thursday, April 6 . . . 12-4
Friday April 7. . . 10-7
Saturday April 8 . . . 10-5
*Closed Wednesday April 5 to prepare
� ������
�����������������������
��������������������������
� � ��
813 Baker Street,
CRANBROOK Downtown
1.888.678.4343 • 250.426.2316 • www.bedroomfurnitureplus.com
22 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS
SUITES FOR RENT
New, bright, one bedroom
ground level suite in downtown
Invermere. Utilities, cable, laundry included. N/S, N/P, $625 a
month. Available immediately,
341-6215.
STEIN APARTMENTS - residential
and commercial. 342- 6912.
Furnished bachelor studio in
Athalmer, for employed responsible adult. N/S, N/P. W/D, cable,
and utilities included. Call Mom’s
Upholstery 342-6387.
Furnished Bachelor studio in
Athalmer, for employed responsible adult. N/S, N/P. W/D, cable
and utilities included. Mom’s
Upholstery 342-6387.
1 bedroom main floor suite,
Unit #3, 5744 Vermillion Street,
Edgewater, covered entrance,
non smoker, no pets, long term.
$500/month. Call Jeff 403-2810475, Paul 250-347-9137.
FOR RENT
FAMILY HOME in Wilder subdivision, Invermere. Excellent condition, unfurnished, 2 bedrooms
up, 2 down, 2.5 bath, 6 appliances, double attached garage.
1 year minimum, N/P, N/S, available immediately. $1100/mth +
utilities + DD. 403-807-2380
Invermere, central location. 2
bedroom condo, N/P, N/S, available March 1st. $800/month
plus damage deposit. Call 3416284 or cell 688-4848 evenings.
Windermere, 2 bedroom, furnished, ground floor suite, 5
appliances, N/S, N/P, $875,
available April 1st. 250342-3819 or 403-240-0678.
1757 Fort Point Close. Wonderful 3 bedroom executive home,
incredible location, steps to
beach and parks. Perfect for
highly responsible, mature,
long-term tenant $1200/month.
Available May 1st 342-6577.
Invermere - cozy, older, 2 bedroom cabin, furnished, large
yard, pets OK $675/month.
Please reply to: Box 362,
Invermere, BC, V0A 1K0 stating
employment and age status.
OFFICE SPACE
Professional office space for rent
in Invermere. Large office with
negotiable services. Please call
342-9450 for more info.
ROOMMATES WANTED
House to share, affordable,
clean, central, extras, 342-2133
or 250-402-9756.
������������
�����������������
���������������������������������������
���� ��� ������� ����� �������� �������
�������������������������������������
��������������������������������������
�������������������������������
������������������������������
����������������������������������������
������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������
��������������������
�������������������
�����������������
�����������������
������������
�������������������
������������
HOMES FOR SALE
Radium, completely renovated
mobile home on rental lot with
addition. Must sell, going to
school. $25,900 OBO. Call 6880181 or 688-0180.
MUST BE MOVED: Double wide
(24x48) 3 bedroom, 1 & 1/2
bath. Recent upgrades, $17,500
347-7770.
PANORAMA - New, resales, townhomes, condos, chalets, lots, 1/4
ownership from $99,900. Kerry
Dennehy, Playground Real Estate, 270-0481.
3 bedroom with large addition,
recently renovated. Juniper
Heights, $39,000 OBO, Call 2700466.
$800; large antique oak roll-top
desk, $1200; 2 unused Gienow
picture windows, 3’ x 9’ with 6”
jambs, $100 each, 342-3557.
Custom cut rough lumber, dry fir
beams, fence boards, etc. Firewood - fir, birch or pine - split or
unsplit. Top quality hay, grass/
alfalfa mix, round or square
bales. 346-3247.
Outdoor trampoline for sale,
good condition, asking $150.
Call 342-0350.
5 piece glass-top dinette $50, TV
stand $10, glass-top end table
$20, sofa and swivel rocker, excellent condition $75. Call 250347-2258.
2001 Camaro, black beauty - Hot
USA car 3.8 V6 auto, stick - over
drive. Fully loaded 115,000km.
Power package, duel exhaust, CD,
AC, fully inspected. $19,900.00
OBO. Donna 342-6010.
1988 31 ft. Allegro, sleeps 8,
queen BR, new 460 engine
4300km. $5500 of recent work.
Why pay for a lake side cabin
or motels? Take the family and
motor! $19250.00 OBO. Donna
342-6010.
1982 Dodge Ram regular cab
4x4 pick-up with auto. transmission. Very little rust and decent
rubber. Wood racks and metal
tool box. $1500, OBO. Phone
342-9782.
5th Wheel ‘02 29’ HP Sprinter, 1989 GMC 1/2 ton Service Van
loaded, slides, warranty, deliv- with 3/4 ton springs, shelves in
Invermere, 3.5 acres along ered new to lot. N/S, $32,900. back, low km. $1800, 342-6073.
Athalmer Hwy, zoned C-2 and 403-932-1897.
A-2. 3100 sq.ft. home and 1200
$10,000,000
sq.ft. commercial building. Set- Hay, top quality round bales,
in vehicle inventory.
up for horses plus home-based alfalfa grass, call Elkhorn Ranch
business. Open house Saturday 342-0617.
Go to
and Sunday. Price $1,250,000.
Thomas and Rosi Salzbrenner. Greenhouse, 8’x12’x9’ fully as- www.cranbrookdodge.com
Home 250-395-8848, cell 250- sembled heater, high-density
to view
light, fans, adjustable shelves,
270-0212.
complete inventory.
automatic overhead vents
$3,900 OBO. Call Elkhorn Ranch
FOR SALE
342-0617.
Beautiful sleeveless soft-white
wedding dress, size 9/10. Worn
once, still married, $500, OBO
345-0262, or 341-5419. Veil included.
Radium Hot Springs, BC’s fastest growing community. New
beginnings = Business, Home &
Rental, all under one roof. 2 BDR
suite, 1000 sq. ft. business floor
& 4 BDR suite, includes all appliances. Large in-town lot. For
sale, $425,000 OR lease business
floor (ideal coffee shop, gifts, offices, etc). Donna 342-6010.
Heinzman Nordheimer piano
with bench and metronome,
Four hydraulic camper jacks
$400. Comes with camper that
fits small truck and needs TLC.
Jim 270-0288.
VEHICLES FOR SALE
1992 Chrysler Dynasty LE, 6 cylinder, 148,000km. Power windows,
doors, locks, cruise. A/C, new
tires. $2000, phone 342-8350.
1994 Camaro, the BEST out there.
Sleek teal/black V6 - 30,000 miles,
excellent condition. Hot USA car
- no rust, drives like new. Fully
inspected. $16,990.00 OBO.
Donna 342-6010.
‘69 Beaumont - Custom #’s
matching and GM documented. 5 year partial frame off
restoration, less than 100km
on total mechanical build. L48
350/350HP, 30 OV, competition cam V. Eldebrock aluminum intake, 350 2800 stall.
Fac-tac, new UPH paint, vinyl
roof brakes, front-end suspension, exhaust flo-through, 10
bolt rear, factory PMD mags.
Recent appraisal, $26,000, offers to $25,000. May consider
1/2 ton on partial trade. Roger
250-347-0070.
1979 Cadillac El Dorado,
showroom condition, 1
owner car. A real collector’s
beauty. 150,000km, have all
info from new, loaded and
pure class. $20,000. Must
see, 250-489-2265.
1987 Olds Regent 98, very
clean, loaded, runs great,
climate control, 140,000km.
$2,900, phone 250-4892265.
1997 Chrysler Intrepid, excellent shape, clean and
straight, loaded. 193,000km,
$6,000. Must see, phone
250-489-2265.
1975 Dodge Triple E extra
wide motorhome. Good
condition, runs great. Low
mileage, loaded, kitchen,
shower, toilet, captains
seats. Must see, $6,000,
phone 250-489-2265.
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:
Tuesdays at noon
Phone: 341-6299
Fax: 341-6229
Email: upioneer@telus.net
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 23
March 31, 2006
P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS
IN MEMORY OF
Don Forster
13/04/1916 - 01/04/2001
Our life together was special
because of loveOur love was special because
of you.
Always loved and missed by
your wife Dorothy.
THANK YOU
Last month tragedy struck my
family, with the death of “Pop
Tom” Andruschuk and the hospitalization of my Grandma. Yet,
my family and I have not carried
the burden of our grief alone.
Heartfelt thanks to each of you
who lifted our spirits with words
of encouragement, shared fond
memories of my grandpa, shed
tears, warmed us with smiles,
and filled our home with meals
and cards. A special thank you
to Pastor Dieter Magnus and all
those who helped to make my
Grandpa’s service and reception
a special goodbye. I am overwhelmed by the caring spirit of
this community. What a fabulous place to call home.
Lori Thomlinson.
GARAGE SALE
Annual Edgewater Volunteer
Fire Department Garage Sale,
Saturday, April 8th. 9am-1pm at
the Edgewater Community Hall.
To rent a table, $10, or to pick up
donations call Mimi Price 3479868, or Lynn McMane 3479637.
Yard sale, Saturday, April 1st,
and Sunday, April 2, 10am-2pm.
Furniture, household, gardening
tools, and much more. 1402-7th
St., Invermere.
JEERS
Jeers - to everyone who drove
around the minivan STUCK ( for
1/2 hour!!) at the crossroad lights
Monday, March 27 at around
2:20pm.
BUSINESS FOR SALE
“Dirty Blinds”, an established
blind cleaning business, with
great clientel and potential
to grow. Too busy to do both
windows and blinds. Asking
$79,000. Call Triple-J Window
Cleaning 250-349-7546, ask for
Jim or Donna.
SERVICES
Spaces for 2 children ages 1-5.
Call Lisa 342-0877 or 688-5320.
CAREERS
ROCKY MOUNTAIN TRAINING, B.C.
Licensed Employment Agency.
Need a job? Need employees?
Apply on-line at www.rockymountaintraining.bc.ca Phone
342-6011 or 1-888-737-5511.
NOW HIRING: bookkeeper, office
admin., labourers, auto tech.,
investment consultants, careers
in tourism,... & more!
Production worker. This is an
entry level position involving all
aspects of the cabinet making
process. Trade apprenticeship is
available to suitable candidate.
Please contact Warwick Interiors, Box 2673, Invermere, BC,
V0A 1K0, 342-6264.
Full-time and part-time employment available. Come join
our housekeeping team at Bighorn Meadows Resort, 7563
Columbia Avenue, Radium Hot
Springs, BC. On the job training provided. Reply by e-mail
pbusch@bighornmeadows.ca
Helna’s Stube is looking for experienced part-time evening
server, kitchen help, dishwasher.
Fax resume to 347-0049 or call
347-0047.
Gel nail technician required to
start April 4th at Trims & Treasures Esthetics Studio. Apply
in person, or e-mail resume to
info@trimsandtreasures.ca.
Massage therapist/practitioner;
full-time, part-time positions at
Pleiades Massage & Spa. Available immediately, also for summer/fall season. Phone 3472100, or fax 347-2102.
Avion Construction Ltd. is seeking office admin. assistant for
new office in Invermere. Must
be proficient in MS Word, excel,
general office duties - phones,
filing, etc...Wage depends
on experience. Fax resume to
Steve at 347-6429, or e-mail to
guts64@telus.net.
Massage practitioner/esthetician required for Pamper
Yourself Spa, full-time, yearround position. Please e-mail
info@pamperyourselfspa.com
or fax 341-6267.
LORDCO Auto Parts in Invermere
is currently seeking inside sales
staff along with delivery drivers.
Please apply in person with resume to James.
Rocky Mountain Training requires candidates for positions
as Employment Coordinators at
our Cranbrook and Invermere
locations. Applicants should be
dedicated, task-oriented and
organized, with strong communication skills, a passion for human resources, and an interest in
cross-cultural knowledge. Applicants should also have excellent
computer skills, with experience
in database and Micro-Soft applications. Wages dependant
on experience, only short-listed
candidates will be contacted.
Deadline: March 31st, 2006. Apply or drop off resume at: Rocky
Mountain Training, 1006-7th
Ave, Box 605, Invermere, BC,
V0A 1K0, or Rocky Mountain
Training 127C Kootenay Street
N, Cranbrook, BC, V1C 3T5, or email rmti@telus.net.
Re/Max Invermere requires a
Saturday Receptionist. Great
part-time job experience for a
student or an adult looking for
extra income. Confident, outgoing individuals with computer
and customer service experience. Please fax resume 3429611 or drop-off in person to
Main Street office. Start date
April 15th or 22nd.
The Wildside Gift Shop has a job
opportunity for a mature and
enthusiastic person 4 to 5 days
weekly in a beautiful gift shop in
Fairmont. Wages are negotiable.
Experience is an asset, but not
a necessity. Deliver resume to
Wildside Gift Shop 5006 Frontage
Road, Fairmont Hot Springs, BC,
V0B 1L1 Attn: Angela White or email awhite@fairmontvillas.com.
Bighorn Meadows Resort requires front desk clerk, full-time,
computer skills an asset. Please
drop resume off at the Welcome
Centre , attention Tara Ryder.
Waiter or waitress and line cook
required, drop resume off at Station Pub.
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:
Tuesdays at noon
Chisel Peak Medical Clinic is now accepting applications for a
Physician Assistant. Chisel Peak Medical Clinic is a new medical
facility that is a full EMR clinic. Some of the duties assigned to
this position require screening of patients and arranging for follow-up care as directed. This position requires that medications
be administered as directed by the doctor. The assistant must
have a working knowledge of the care and use of medical supplies and equipment. In this position you will also be required to
assist the doctors of Chisel Peak in the co-ordination of patient
care through patient intake, assessment, treatment and followup. Must be currently licensed as a Registered Nurse or Licensed
Practical Nurse.
Filling all positions in two grocery stores, coffee-shop and
convenience store/gas station.
From entry level to supervisory
positions, available locations
are Radium and Fairmont Hot
Springs. Please submit resumes
to: Fairmont Bigway Foods, attention Ryan or call to inquire
345-0045 or 345-0017.
Please Submit your resume to:
Chisel Peak Medical Clinic
Box 4000
Invermere, BC
V0A 1K0
Attention Shelley Hopkins, Clinic Manager
Anglz Hair Studio is looking for
full-time hair stylist to start immediately. Call Maria 342-3227
Employment opportunity
Director of Development
Resort and residential Development Company located in the Columbia Valley has an immediate requirement
for a Director of Development. The successful candidate must possess the following skills:
- Clear understanding of
-Strata property titling
-Development and Building permit processes
-Municipal bonding requirements
-Project cash flow / requirements
- Experienced in all aspects of Zoning, Planning, and utility requirements.
- Ability to establish working relationship with local governments.
- Establish construction budgets, schedules, and measures of quality.
- Insure cost effective quality build that meets all codes and developers’ standards.
- Work closely with Architect, Developer, and General Contractor to insure efficient Build.
- Perform risk assessments, project analysis, to prove out R.O.I. for project Shareholders.
- Ability to multi-task and oversee numerous projects at one time.
Local resident with excellent communication and computer skills would be definite assets of the successful
applicant. Remuneration package negotiable based on applicants experience and skill set.
Apply in the strictest confidence to:
All applications will be responded to.
5105 – Wilder Loop Rd.
Fairmont Hot Springs BC
V0B 1L1
24 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
P IONEER C LASSIFIEDS
CAREERS
East Kootenay Realty Insurance Division has an opening for
an Insurance Agent Level 1. Insurance experience preferred, but
willing to provide training. Please drop off your resume Attention:
Rose Marie Ball, East Kootenay Realty Ltd. (Insurance Division)
1225A, 7th Ave, Invermere, BC, or mail to Box 2349, Invermere,
BC, V0A 1K0. Closing date: April 5th, 2006.
Assistant Manager
Bighorn Meadows Resort in Radium, BC,
has an immediate need for an
Lakeview Meadows Community Association is seeking a qualified individual to assist
with implementation of a safety and maintenance program to keep the Community
Association grounds, amenities, beach, ,and recreation centre up to and exceeding
the standards expected from a four stars plus Community Resort. This is a permanent part-time position.
Experience/Requirements:
• Preferred experience in a maintenance environment with pools and
mechanical equipment.
• Should be proficient in the use of computers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Operations Manager
Summer Maintenance
Lakeview Meadows Community Association is seeking a qualified individual to assist with the maintenance of the Community Association grounds, amenities, beach,
and recreation centre. This is a summer position. Applicants must qualify for the
Canada Summer Placement Program.
Requirements:
• Ability to perform housekeeping and janitorial duties at the recreation
centre and beach.
• Perform grounds keeping duties including lawn cutting and garden weeding.
Please forward a current resume directly to the Community Association at
E-mail: jimlakeviewmeadows@shaw.ca, Fax: (250) 342-2537.
THE PIONEER
CLASSIFIED DEADLINE:
Tuesdays at noon
#8, 108 - 8th Ave.,
Box 868,
Invermere
Phone: 341-6299
Toll Free: 1-877-341-6299
Fax: 341-6229
Email: upioneer@telus.net
Kootenay
Savings
Kootenay Savings, the
region’s leading credit
union with 13 branches
in the West and East
Kootenays, $564
million in assets and
more than 39,000
members, is seeking
two qualified and flexible candidates to provide part-time relief
coverage as service
representatives in our
Invermere branch.
Resumes
By April 5 2006
All classified ads must be
prepaid by cash or cheque
unless client has an existing
account.
Twyla Rad
Office Supervisor
1028 7th Avenue
PO BOX 2580
Invermere BC V0A 1K0
Teamwork
Are you self motivated, self
disciplined, take pride in the
work you do, and work well
with others? Join our housekeeping team at Fairmont
Creek for full time/year round
employment. Training provided. Must have reliable
transportation. Call David,
345-6116.
Leadership
Fairmont Creek is looking for a
dynamic, self motivated, self
disciplined individual who
takes pride in their work and
practises solid team building
skills to lead our housekeeping team. Housekeeping experience required and must
have reliable transportation.
If this describes you and you
are looking for full time employment, Call David, 3456116.
Service Representatives
Invermere
At Kootenay Savings, we pride ourselves on building successful relationships with our members - success that results from our employees' genuine interest in helping people to meet their financial needs and goals. We
have the same genuine interest in providing our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in meaningful careers.
We currently have an opportunity to hire two permanent part-time relief
service representatives to work in our Invermere branch.
If you are a team-oriented individual interested in growing with an
organization where you can demonstrate your talent for building strong
member relationships, we'd like to hear from you!
Your qualifications will include:
��
��
��
��
��
��
��
who will plan, direct, and coordinate the operations of the
resort including human resources management. 3+ years
of resort or hotel management experience required.
Closing date: March 31, 2006
Submit resume and covering letter to:
JoAnne Silgailis
jsilgailis@bighornmeadows.ca
Fax: 1-250-347-2171
ROUTE SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
SUMMER RELIEF
If you’re looking for a challenging position with one of the world’s leading snack food companies, here’s your chance to join the largest sales team
in Canada as a Route Sales Representative in Invermere, BC and surrounding area.
As a Route Sales Representative you’ll be responsible for managing
your route inventory and guaranteeing that the customers’ shelves are
fully stocked with fresh Frito Lay products. You’ll also be involved with a
number of hands-on activities, including loading and unloading products
from the Route Sales truck, handling carton returns for recycling, and assuring that your customers are fully satisfied. Ultimately, your objective
will be to develop and maintain your customer base through regular contact, drive sales by merchandising our world-leading snacks, build promotional displays, and make presentations to your customers.
If this sounds like you, we invite you to apply online at HYPERLINK
“http://www.fritolay.ca” www.fritolay.ca
Successful completion of Grade 12
A strong commitment to continued learning & education
Superior sales and service skills gained through training and
experience in a sales environment
Effective communication and interpersonal skills
Keyboarding and computer skills
Cash handling experience
Ability to work varied hours, sometimes on short notice
For more information on Kootenay Savings, check out www.kscu.com
Fax 250 342 6963
twyla.rad@kscu.com
��������������
����������������������
Windermere Valley Golf Course is currently taking applications for
full-time servers and cooks, as well as turf maintenance personnel. Positions are seasonal and start April 1st. Contact Jenn (Assistant Food & Beverage manager) at 342-3004 for clubhouse positions, and Dave (Superintendent) at 342-4440 for Maintenance
positions. Or submit resumes by fax to 342-0119 or e-mail to
kdawsonwv@shaw.ca
= GREAT
D
E
R
G
A
T
DEALS
��
���
ON ALL TOYOTAS
2007 Yaris Hatchback
3 Door CE
MSRP $13,725
Y S
A
D
plus $1,090 freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model #JT923MA
������
No Securit
Deposit o y
n
2006 & 2
007 Lease
s
2007 Yaris 4 Door 2006 Corolla Sedan CE 2006 Matrix Base FWD 2007 CAMRY SEDAN LE
���������� MSRP $17,200
�������� MSRP $15,715
MSRP $25,800
MSRP $14,530
plus $1,140 freight & PDI,
plus $1,140 freight & PDI,
plus $1,240 freight & PDI,
����
Our
Biggest Event
plus $1,090 freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#BT903MA
Available
for order
������
������
������
������
�
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 25
March 31, 2006
taxes extra
Model
#BR32EMA
EVER
2006 Prius 5 Door
Liftback
MSRP $31,280
2006 Avalon XLS
MSRP $40,150
plus $1,240 freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#BK36BAA
plus $1,240
freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#KB20UPA
taxes extra
Model
#KR32EMA
�������
2006 Solara SE V6
Convertible
MSRP $35,165
2006 Sienna CE FWD
�������7 Passenger������ ��
�
MSRP��������
$30,800
��������
�����
Our
O
������ ������
Biggest
BiggesE
plus $1,240
freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#FA380PAA
You could WIN . . .
2006 RAV4 BASE 4WD
MSRP $27,700
taxes extra
Model
#BE46KPA
Available
for order
plus $1,390
��������������
freight & PDI,
������ ������
taxes extra
Model
#ZA30CPA
2006 Highlander 2006 Highlander Hybrid 2006 4Runner SR5 V6
������������
4WD V6
MSRP $44,205
MSRP $39,960
plus $1,390 freight & PDI,
plus $1,390 freight & PDI,
�������
�������
MSRP $37,855
taxes extra
taxes extra
plus $1,390 freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#BD33VPA
plus $1,390
freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#HP21APA
Model
#HW21APA
Hybrid $2000
alternate fuel
vehicle tax credit.
2006 Sequoia SR5 2007 FJCruiser 4WD SUV
MSRP $29,900
MSRP $58,210
2006 Tacoma 4 x 4
Access Cab V6
MSRP $29,660
plus $1,390 freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#BU11FMA
Available
for order
plus $1,390 freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#BT44ASA
plus $1,390
freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#UU42NMA
EVE
EV
You
could
W
You
could
Model
#BU14RPA
2006 Tundra 4 x 4
Plus receive Double Cab V8
$750 model
allowance MSRP $40,380
plus $1,390
freight & PDI,
taxes extra
Model
#DT441SA
Our Product Advisors Will Empower You With The Knowledge To Make An Informed Decision
�����������
�����
�������
Call Connie
for prior
tion”
“no obliga al.
�����������������������������������
�����������������������������������
v
o
r
p
p
a
�������������������������������
it
��������������������������������������������������������
d
��������������
�����������
�������������
cre
�������
�������
�������
�������
����������������������������
������������������������������������
������������������������������������
���������
����������������
�������������
�������
�������
Check out our website for more vehicle choices • www.alpinetoyota.com
�����������
�������������
�����
�������
�������
�������������
�����������
�������
�����
�������
�������
�����������
�������������
�������
�������
�������
�������
�
���������������������
������
�������������������
����
��������������
Chris
Yoshinaka ��������������
�����������
���
Product
���������
�������
��������� �������������������
�����������������������
��������
Advisor
����������������
�������
����������������
ACC SS
26 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
HERE TO SERVE YOU
INVERMERE BARBERS
Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd.
Complete Automotive Repairs
507B - 7th Avenue
Invermere, BC
(beside the laundromat)
Dry Cleaning • Laundry • Alterations
Repair • Bachelor Service
Phone: (250) 341-3240
Tuesday to Friday 9am - 5 pm
Saturday 9 am - 3 pm
Closed Sunday and Monday
(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)
342-6614 • www.autowyze.com
�������������������������
�������������������������
Valley Wide
Pine Ridge Cutters
�����������������������������������������������
������������������������
��������������������
��������������������������������������
���������������������������������������
���������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������
�������������������������
��������������������������������������
Phone: 342-6610 • 507A - 7th Ave., Invermere
✽
Kitchen M
ag
Phone:
ic
✽
✽
NEW
WE USE ONLY
REAL WOOD
Resurfacing Specialists
• Custom Cabinets
• Counter Tops
FREE ESTIMATES
CUSTOM CRAFTED BY:
Bob Ring
341-3311
LAMBERT-KIPP
J. Douglas Kipp, B. Sc. (Pharm.)
Laura Kipp, Pharm D.
Your Compounding Pharmacy
Floor Covering & Cabinets
Blinds & Paints
335 - 3rd Ave., Invermere, BC
Telephone 342-6264 • Fax 342-3546
Email: info@warwick-interiors.com
www.warwick-interiors.com
Open Monday - Saturday
9:00 am - 6:00 pm
1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere
342-6612
• POOLS
• HOT TUBS
• CHEMICALS
• FIREPLACES
• BBQʼS
• HEATING
• VENTILATION
• AIR CONDITIONING
• RESIDENTIAL
• COMMERCIAL
385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BC
PO Box 117, Windermere, BC V0B 2L0
Phone: (250) 342-7100
email: info@diamondheatingandspas.com
Fax: (250) 342-7103
www.diamondheatingandspas.com
Coveralls
Uniforms
Linen
Entry Mats
Logo Mats
Promo
www.kootunif.com
Goods
1201 Industrial Road #3 • Cranbrook, BC V1C 5A5
Image Wear
Ph (250) 426-3151 • Fax (250) 426-4347
Career Wear
Toll-free 1-866-426-3151
Safety Wear
Great Selection of:
Lambert
*Wood blinds *Sunscreens
*Woven Woods *Pleated
Shades *Roller Shades
and more!
INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.
BOX 2228
BOX 459
742 - 13th STREET
7553 MAIN STREET
INVERMERE, BC.
RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BC
V0A 1K0
V0A 1M0
PHONE: 342-3031
PHONE: 347-9350
FAX: 342-6945
FAX: 347-6350
Email: info@invermereinsurance.com • Toll Free: 1-866-342-3031
Sewer/Drain Cleaning
Septic Tank Pumping
Portable Toilet Rentals
• Complete sewer/drain repair
• Reasonable rates - Seniors’ discount
• Speedy service - 7 days a week
• A well-maintained septic system should be pumped every 3-5 years
• Avoid costly repairs
Bruce Dehart 347-9803 or 342-5357
A.R.K. Concrete Ltd.
PHARMACY LTD.
Come in and browse our giftware
No Appointment Necessary
For all your interior
decorating needs.
Tamara Osborne
Brenda McEachern.
Phone /Fax
345-6422
Residential • Decorative Concrete
Floors, Decks, Patios & Sidewalks
342-6522 Office 342-6512 Fax
342-5465 Aaron Karl 342-1457 Ryan Karl
High Quality Furniture & One-of-a-kind Gifts
RR3 - 4884D Athalmer Rd., Invermere
(Meadow Land Artworks across from the Invermere Airport)
Phone: 341-3326 Cell: 341-5500
www.windermerewoodworks.com
SHOLINDER & MACKAY
EXCAVATING Inc.
Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ Repaired
Prefab Cement Tanks Installed
Water Lines Dug Installed
Basements Dug
WINDERMERE 342-6805
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 27
March 31, 2006
HERE TO SERVE YOU
Website design
More than you expect.
Not more than you need.
Call Harrison today for a free consultation! 341-6064.
Now open at 7-1008 8th Avenue (next to The Pioneer).
“See you there!”
valleyfitnesscentre
valley
valleyfitness
centre
Tiffany, VFC Member
shapeupinvermere.com
Valley Fitness Centre • 722 14th Street, Invermere
VFC
harrisonmckay.com
(250) 342-2131
Invermere by choice. Great websites by design.
•
Call Helga at:
Phone: (250) 342-9700
Toll Free: 1-866-312-9700
Fax: (250) 342-6265
mickeysa@telus.net
Bennett Construction
Growing with the Tradition of Quality
• Custom Homes
• Renovations • Decks
Kristoffer Bennett
(250) 341-5030
krisbennettconstruction@hotmail.com
Protect your property from theft and vandalism
Call today (250) 688-HAWK (4295)
valleyhawksecurity@shaw.ca
Daily & Nightly Mobile Patrols in the Valley
Fast Response to your alarms
Property checks
• Fully marked mobile patrol unit
• Professional Uniformed Security Officer
• Residential • Commercial • New Homes • New Condos • Construction Sites
Reasonable Rates
Keep your seasonal home or condo insurance valid
Call to set up an appointment today!
��������������
���������
������������
���������������������������������
���������������������
�������������������
������������������
���������������������
4836 Athalmer Road,
P.O. Box 2710,
Invermere, BC.
V0A 1K0
Rug Cleaners •
Residential & Commercial • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
Flood Restoration • Window Tinting
Jason Roe
RR #4, 2117 -13 Ave.
Invermere, BC V0A 1K4
jtroe@telus.net
Bus: (250)342-9692
Res: (250) 342-7327
Fax: (250) 342-9644
Cell: (250) 342-5241
������������������������
����������������������
����������������
����������������
������������������������
������������������
���������������������
�����������������������������������
WE PRINT FOR THE VALLEY
PUROLATOR DEPOT
342-2999
Fine Homeservices
VACUFLO
(250) 342-9207
READY MIX CONCRETE
Concrete Pump • Sand & Gravel
Heavy Equipment Rentals • Crane Service
Proudly Serving the Valley for over 50 years
For competitive prices and prompt service call:
342-3268 (plant) 342-6767 (office)
Residential and Commercial Lighting
Dan Emms
General Manager
P.O. Box 1079
Invermere, BC
V0A 1K0
Ph: 250.342.1666
dan@valleylighting.ca
www.valleylighting.ca
ROD’S
EXCAVATING
25 YEARS AT YOUR SERVICE
• Basements • Septic Fields • Rock Wall Specialists
Rod Taylor
Phone: 250-342-6354 Cell: 342-5894
Fax: 342-2556 E-mail: lindarod@telus.net
Home of Creekside Flower Gardens, B & B
E-mail: info@creeksidegardens.ca
28 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
District of Invermere
Notice of Watermain Flushing
The municipality will be flushing its community water system
from March 20, 2006, through to April 21, 2006. This program,
carried out twice yearly, is necessary to maintain the quality of
our water supply. There may be some temporary discoloration
of water as a result of the sediment and organic materials that
are being flushed from the water mains. During this period,
disinfection by chlorination will be continued. To assist the
Public Works Department during the flushing operation, users
are advised that if they are experiencing persistent discoloration or odour problems with the water, to immediately notify
the Municipal Office and explain the nature of the problem.
The District apologizes for any inconveniences caused by this
operation. For further information, please telephone the municipal office at 342-9281.
P.O. BOX 339, 914 8th AVENUE,
INVERMERE, B.C. V0A1K0
TELEPHONE: (250) 342-9281 FAX: (250) 342-2934
March 31, 2006
Avion Construction lands in valley
By Adrian Bergles
Pioneer Staff
Beginning in May, Avion Construction will really
start to fly in the Columbia Valley.
Avion - the French word for airplane - will
open an office on the Stein Block on 8th Avenue in
Invermere.
“There’s a lot of development on the table in the
valley, so it kind of made sense for Avion to create
a permanent presence out here,” said Steve Gutsche,
company project manager and the local representative.
“And I don’t see it slowing down any.”
Avion Construction is a general contractor, hired
by developers to construct projects. Avion hires the
sub-contractors and tradespeople to do the work.
“But we can do full design build projects,” said Steve.
Avion has worked intermittently in the Columbia
Valley for over 20 years, said Steve. As the pace of development in the valley has increased over the past few
years, Avion has done more and more work here.
Currently the company is building the Black Forest Village project near the Invermere crossroads, and
the Columbia Eagle Resort in Fairmont. Avion built
the first phase of the Heron Point condominium complex in Invermere and plans to build the second phase,
said Steve.
Steve, 41, a carpenter by trade, said the building
market in the Columbia Valley is strong because of the
mighty energy market in Alberta. “It’s all a spillover,”
he said.
That is good news for Avion, whose head office is
in Calgary. The company has also done a lot of work
in Canmore.
HERE TO SERVE YOU
LOTUS WORKS
• CREATIVE LANDSCAPE •
• CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN •
Vichy Sourisack
250.420.7398
Michelle Entner
250.421.7367
Box 13, Canal Flats, BC V1C 1B0
lotuswrks@yahoo.ca
• Acid Staining •
• Stamping •
• Inlaid Exposed •
Eric J. Friesen
Reliable Computer Services
204 - 375 Laurier St. Invermere
~ Fabric ~ Notions ~
~ Books ~ Classes ~
We will accommodate all
skill levels!
Phone 250-341-3115 • Fax 250-341-3125 • Email: purmoun@telus.net
#9 - 492 Arrow Road, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0
����
(250) 489-3819
(250) 919-0584
(250) 342-7010
rick@spiritrider.net
Handyman and Light
Home Renovations
��������������
� � � � �� � � �
Rick
McKay
���������������
������������
��������������
���������������
������������� ����
������������������������
������������������������
������������������������������
���������������������������
��������������������
��������������������������
����������������������
���������������������������������
���������������������������������
Hauling Rock, Gravel, Sand & Fill
Mtn. Quilting Co. Ltd.
Your Weekly Source for News and Events
SPIRITRIDER
ENTERPRISES
Home:
Cell:
Message:
Email:
342-1775
PURCELL
• New Systems • Upgrades
• Repairs • Sales & Service
Networking Consultations
Kevin DeMan
Offices: 250-342-3929
email: rcs2159@telus.net
Hi - Heat
rative Concrete Finishing
o
c
e
D
#8, 1008 - 8th Avenue
Invermere, BC
Dave Sutherland
Sales Associate
341-6299
email: upioneer@telus.net
T R U C K I N G
RR#4
1700 Canyonview Rd.
Invermere, BC V0A 1K4
(250) 342-5654
(250) 341-3636
Shawn & Mel Hollowink
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 29
March 31, 2006
Steve moved to the valley in
1999 to pursue the outdoor opportunities available here. “I moved here
for the fishing, and thankfully there
was a little construction going on,”
he said in his slow, languid delivery.
Steve began working with Avion
in 2000, when the company was
building phase one of the Heron
Point development.
He said all the development in
the valley is putting the community
under pressure and he compared
it to Kelowna, where he grew up.
“Kelowna in the mid-1970s was a
sweet little town of 45,000 people,”
he said.
“What kind of scares me is that I
moved here for the fishing,” he said.
“If there’s 10,000 people living
here, I’m going to have to find another valley.”
District of Invermere
2006 Public Budget Meeting
Council will be holding a public consultation meeting on the
evening of April 11th, 2006 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm in
the Council Chambers (914 - 8th Avenue) for the 2006-2010
Financial Plan.
We invite residents and community organizations to share their
opinions and comments and provide input on budget and how
services are delivered in the community.
This will provide Council with very important information
regarding community expectations for the upcoming year.
Respectfully
Mayor Mark Shmigelsky
Steve Gutsche, project manager, and Paul Martens,
site superintendent at Black Forest Village.
P.O. BOX 339, 914 8th AVENUE,
INVERMERE, B.C. V0A1K0
TELEPHONE: (250) 342-9281 FAX: (250) 342-2934
HERE TO SERVE YOU
Avion
RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO
Construction Ltd.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS - GENERAL CONTRACTORS
Automotive Repairs
Bus: (250) 342-6336
Fax: (250) 342-3578
Email: isr@telus.net
Website: www.is-r.ca
7 days a week
GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL
7507 Main St. West, Radium Hot Springs
(250) 347-9726
Freight & Passenger Depot
Homefront
Essentials
403 - 7th Avenue
Invermere, BC
Renovating?
Interior World
Home * Garden * Lawn
Professional Services
window fashions
Four great years of Serving the Valley
Fully Insured ~ Reliable ~ Year Round ~ Certified Horticulturalist
All Lawn & Garden Services
Spring Clean-up/Pruning
House Cleaning & Errands
Window Washing
Painting Projects
Home Security Checks
Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406
Call Elizabeth Shopland - Office: 342-8978 Cell: 342-1124
DESIGN/BUILD CUSTOM HOMES • MULTI-FAMILY & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
STEVE GUTSCHE, Project Manager
Columbia Valley District
INVERMERE
Cell: (250) 341-1965
Fax: (250) 347-6429
Email: guts64@telus.net
www.avionconstruction.com
HEAD OFFICE
Phone: (403) 287-0144
Fax: (403) 287-2193
#200, 6125 - 11 Street S.E.
Calgary, AB T2H 2L6
Beauty Built To Last A Lifetime
�������������������������
hardwood
floors
Wilson’s
�����������������
Classic
�����������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������
������������������
������������������
WoodHelping
Blinds
out the little guy
Interior World
Drywall ◆ Plumbing ◆ Renovations ◆ Electrical
◆
Tree Pruning & Seasonal Yardwork ◆ Finishing Carpentry
◆
Hot Tubs Patio
Repairs
w i nDecks
d o w& fFence
a s h ◆i oAppliance
ns
◆
We do custom deliveries
Call
Bill Cell:
Cropper
(250)
4406
341-3210
341-7062
Fax 342
341-3212
4966 Fairmont Frontage,
Fairmont Hot Springs
345-6600
March 31, 2006
30 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
Slow Food, anyone?
By Alison Bell
Invermere
We are all abundantly familiar with
“Fast Food,” but we are less familiar
with “Slow Food.”
Founded in 1986, in response to
the opening of a McDonald’s restaurant
in Rome, Slow Food is an international association that promotes food and
wine culture, but also defends food and
agricultural biodiversity worldwide.
Slowfood encourages and protects
the production of traditional crops.
Where once there were dozens of varieties of particular vegetables and fruits
grown around the world, our modern
farming methods have reduced that
number to increase production and
profits. Family food traditions are being
lost to our fast-paced lives, forcing more
of us to rely on pre-prepared foods.
With over 83,000 members worldwide, Slow Food is making its mark on
the way people look at food.
Local groups, known as Conviva,
Latin for Con (with) and vivere (live)
come together to promote the enjoyment of food and the protection of traditional growing techniques.
Projects have included establishing
gardens, hosting conferences, wine and
food tasting workshops, culinary festivals and educational symposiums.
More than 800 Convivia are active in 50 countries and it is time for
Invermere to host its own.
If you are interested in helping to
establish the first Slow Food Convivium
in the Columbia Valley, please come to
an information session at DTSS at 7
p.m. Tuesday, April 11.
For more information, look at www.
slowfood.com or www.slowfood.ca.
New at the Library
Reviewed by Sheila Bonny
Luck, by Joan Barfoot
In the first scene of Luck, a scream
wakes the household when Nora Lawrence finds her husband, Philip, dead in
the bed beside her.
Three women face the trauma of
this death. Nora, an artist whose controversial biblical paintings have engendered hatred in their rural fundamentalist community, feels abandoned. Beth,
Nora’s model who has no resources other then her beauty, fears the future. Sophie, the Lawrences’ emotionally fragile
housekeeper, bears a secret grief.
As they grieve lost love and security,
deal with practicalities, attend the fu������
��
neral and ask, “Now what?”, Barefoot
details the actions and emotions of the
women during the three days following
Philip’s death.
The subject is dark; however, Barefoot lightens the mood with witty episodes. The best of these occur when,
amidst eulogies of praise, Philip’s bitter
ex-wife rises at the funeral to denounce
him. Nora can only reply that Philip
would have enjoyed the spectacle.
The book will appeal to mature
readers who understand that, even in
bereavement, all is not black. In the
final chapter of the book, the women
meet a year later at Nora’s gallery opening entitled “Philip etc.” It is a reminder
that, with luck, life goes on.
the puck drops here
����������������������
���������������������������
��������
���������
�����
��������������������������������
BUD���BUD LITE
������������������
������������������������
��������������������������
����������
��������
������
������������
�����������������������������������������������������
������
����������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������
��������������������������
��������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������
������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������
������������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������
����������������������������������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������
������������������������
��������
�������������������
IT’S TIME
����������������������������������������������
�������������������
�������������������
������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������������
����������������������
������������������������������
��������
The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 31
March 31, 2006
FAITH
Need Blinds? Best Service
Call The Blind Guy!
Interior World
Marriage Course helps couples
By Wayne Frater, Pastor
Radium Christian
Fellowship
LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH
Sunday, April 2nd, 10:30 a.m.
Worship and Life Instruction. “This God is also a Man.”
Sunday School for ages 3 to Grade 7
during the morning service.
Sr. Pastor Rev. Dieter Magnus • Assoc. Pastor Rev. Jared Enns
326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535
WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY
Sunday, April 2nd
10:30 a.m. - Invermere - Christ Church Trinity.
Communion & Sunday School.
Rev. Sandy Ferguson
110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644
VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY
Sunday, 10:00 am
Children’s church during the message part of the service.
Children 4 - 12 years. • Sunday, 7:00 pm Prayer Meeting
Senior Pastor Rev. John Cuyler • www.vcassembly.com
Highway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511
Invermere Christian Supplies
ground or whether you go to church. If these are quesInvermere Christian
tions you have, give us a call and we can let you know
about the next course.
Supplies
Another ministry we are going to start is “The
Call The Blind Guy!
Marriage Course,” also an Alpha-based course. We
www.invermerechristiansupplies.com
(250) 342 4406
feel that the institution of marriage is under threat.
th
1229-7 Ave., Invermere 342-6415
Statistics say that almost 50 percent of North American marriages end in divorce. We feel that marriage is
vitally important as a foundation of a stable society.
������������������� ����
��
Marriage is the ideal God-given basis of family life.
�������������������������������
��������������
The aim of the Marriage Course is to enable married
�����������������������
������������������������
couples to build a healthy marriage that will last a
lifetime. In the marriage course, couples find out new
Life Time Warranty on all Blinds
things about each other and themselves. They discover what makes their partner feel loved, new skills for
Call The Blind Guy!
communication and resolving conflict.
����������������������
(250) 342 ���������������������������������������������
4406���������������������
����������������������������������������
The marriage course is for any couple who wants
�������������������������������������
����������������������������������
to work together at their relationship. The course is
������������ ����������������������������������
������������ ����������������������������������
beneficial and enjoyable for those whose marriage is
already strong. It also helps couples who are going
through difficulties.
Although the course is based on Christian principles and led by Christians, it is very suitable for those
Best Quality
with no Christian faith or
church background. Look
Call The Blind Guy!
at the advertisement on
(250) 342 4406
this page, or call us, Pastors
Wayne and Linda Frater,
Presented by Nicky and Sila Lee
at 342-6633; or course faHow to build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime.
cilitators Mike and Linda
Paradis at 342-5659.
A series of seven video sessions designed to help any married
couples strengthen their relationship.
Solid Wood Blinds
“The work of the Lord
is bigger than church.”
This is a quote by
Rich Marshall, one of the
speakers at a convention
I attended in Red Deer
a few weeks ago, and he
went on to talk about the
“Marketplace Church.”
This isn’t something I haven’t heard about before,
but Rich and a number of other excellent speakers
gave me a fresh insight into this idea. They talked
about how your business can be an open door to serve
those whom the Lord puts in your path. They talked
about how the Holy Spirit can release you in the ministry right where you are, and they talked about how
the marketplace ministry is meant to touch lost and
hurting lives.
One of the ministries we at Radium Christian Fellowship is involved in is the Alpha Course. We are just
finishing our second course this winter. The first one
we did was in Edgewater with a good response and the
second one was in Brisco with an ever better response.
This is something we will continue. The Alpha Course
is a “Practical Introduction to the Christian Faith.” It
covers such topics as “Who is Jesus? Why Did Jesus
Die? Why and How Should I Read The Bible? Who is
the Holy Spirit? How Did God Guide Us?” and more.
We are not at all concerned about your church back-
Valley Churches
(250) 342 4406
Interior World
���������
Interior World
Need Blinds?
Interior World
The Marriage
Course
THE COURSE COVERS:
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Canadian Martyrs Church, Invermere
Saturday, 7:00 p.m. Mass • Sunday, 9:00 a.m. Mass
St. Joseph’s Church, Hwy 93/95 Radium
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. Mass
St. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats Sunday, 4:00 p.m. Mass
Father Jose Joaquin
712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 342-6167
ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERE
Regular weekly worship services every Sunday at 1:30 pm
Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman
at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere
1-866-426-7564
RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
Every Sunday 10:00 am
Pastor Wayne and Linda Frater
Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633
THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS
Sunday, 10:00 am
President J.P. Tremblay • Columbia Valley Branch
5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 1-866-349-5772
~ Building Strong Foundations ~
~ The Art of Communication ~
~ Resolving Conflict ~
~ The Power of Forgiveness ~
~ Parents and In-Laws ~
~ Good Sex ~
~ Love in Action ~
BEGINNING
Thursday, April 13th, 7 PM
AT
Radium Christian Fellowship
(Radium Seniors Hall)
R.S.V.P. - A.S.A.P
Wayne & Linda Frater @ 342-6633
Mike & Linda Paradis @ 342-6359
32 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer
March 31, 2006
Invermere
At Panorama:
At Radium:
Independently Owned and Operated
250-342-6505
Wende Brash
342-1300
Bernie Raven
342-7415
Daniel Zurgilgen
342-1612
Ed English
342-1194
Golf Getaway
Jan Klimek
342-1195
www.ReMaxInvermere.com
250-341-4898
250-347-0041
John McCarthy Lynda Kirkpatrick
342-1758
341-1907
Timeshare:
Toll Free:
Scott Wallace
342-5309
Retreat in Radium
Andy Smith
342-1709
Ali Wassing
341-1052
Bryan Hookenson
341-1266
250-342-2829
1-888-258-9911
Rob Rice
341-5935
Deborah-Kim Rice
342-5935
The Whole Package
Everything you need including low maintenance and cost. Studio size is perfect and
complete with Murphy bed and wood fireplace. Beautiful views from south-east facing deck. Includes most furnishings, washer, dryer, built-in vacuum. MLS#115997
Beautiful upgraded condo has been well cared for. Enjoy two BR and 2.5 BTR, single attached garage, close proximity to Radiumʼs amenities, hot pools and nature. Spectacular
views of the Columbia Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. MLS#116106
Great views & close to all amenities. Spacious main floor, bright walk-out basement,
single garage. 2 BDR on the main, main floor laundry, open floor plan and a bright 2
BDR suite with a separate entrance. New Home Warranty, 1⁄4 acre lot. MLS#115289
$259,900
$269,000
Quite Private
Great Location
Radium Golf Course Living
Fairmont two level home has loads of potential for recreational, revenue or a great
place to live. Sunny south facing wrap around deck, paved patio below on the basement level. Close to Fairmont shopping, dining. Swim, ski and golf! MLS#new
One BDR town home, a moment from the slopes and a quick walk to the winter/summer
pools and all the activities this great vacation resort has to offer. This wonderfully decorated mountain vacation home is a perfect retreat! Come and make it yours! MLS#115035
Large landscaped lot offers privacy. Main level backs onto large deck and sunny back
yard. Sunken living room opens onto large front facing deck. BIS wood burning fireplace.
On lower level: bright, spacious den, office, hobby room and laundry. MLS#113896
Cozy Cabin
The Choice is Yours
Rundle Place
Columere Park private ownerʼs beach park, marina and tennis courts. Additional detached cabin and garden shed. Enjoy recreational life in this lake access community
close to amenities of Fairmont, golf courses, skiing, shopping and dining. MLS#113850
Recreational or residential, the choice is yours in one of these new duplexes. Radium Hot
Springs is one of the fastest growing communities in the valley. This location offers close
proximity to golf, hot pools and shopping. Fee Simple Ownership. MLS#114140/63
The newest cul de sac subdivision in the quickly growing town of Canal Flats. Ten lots in
all, with full underground service – water, sewer, hydro, Telus, cable. Building scheme
specifies five years to build, and only 1000 sq. ft. minimum size. MLS#114315+
$169,000
$359,000
$260,000
Invermere Business Opportunity
$229,900+gst
$282,000+gst
$459,000
Radium Ridge Poolside
Conveniently located in downtown core on a high traffic street within walking distance to shops, restaurants
and the beach. 26 unit motel, air conditioned some
with kitchenettes. Laundry on site. Above average
living quarters. Excellent commercial opportunity in
growing tourist community. MLS#115943
Donʼt miss out on this fully finished town home in
Radium Ridge. Beautifully decorated and set to go,
this home looks out onto the pool and takes in spectacular mountain views. Downstairs the fully developed family room is equipped with an extra bathroom
and walks out onto patio. Attached single car garage.
MLS#116095
$1,590,000+gst
$359,000
from $49,900+gst