vol4issue12

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CANCELLED TRIP

The Columbia Valley Vol. 4/Issue 12 Your Weekly Source for News and Events March 23, 2007

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LOOKING BACK

17

20

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

2

Golf season begins

Scott Halford of Invermere takes a practice swing at Setetkwa Golf Course while Stan Nockleby of Edgewater watches. For a complete list of opening dates, see Page 23.

Photo by Dave Sutherland

2 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer March 23, 2007

VALLEY NEWS

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By Elinor FlorencePioneer Staff

A 17-year-old Windermere girl says she will spend the next two weeks in tears after missing her grad trip because her Canadian passport didn’t arrive in time.

Fourteen Grade 12 students from David Th ompson Second-ary School left Sunday to fl y from Calgary to Toronto and then to Fort Lauderdale, Florida to board a cruise ship for seven nights.

Tiff any Melnyk, daughter of Gary and Vickey Melnyk of Windermere, said she applied for her passport by mail on January 16th.

“We were told it would take 45 working days,” she said.

In the last couple of weeks Tif-fany started to haunt the post offi ce - but still no passport.

“We were calling the Passport Offi ce once a day, and every time they told us they had no informa-tion,” Tiff any said.

Th e cruise organizers told her she could travel with the group if she had a valid birth certifi cate - but unfortunately Tiff any’s birth certifi cate was with her passport

application in Ottawa.On Friday, March 16th - 43

working days from the date she ap-plied - Tiff any went to the post of-fi ce one last time but there was no passport.

“I was heartbroken, big-time,” Tiff any said. “I’m not going to lie - I cried.”

Even worse is the fact that the $1,700 cost of the trip is complete-ly non-refundable.

Tiff any, who has been planning this trip since last summer, worked at the Windy Café in Windermere

and the Saan Store to save all the money for her trip. Her parents did not contribute anything.

Th e grad trip, which is not organized by the school, is a tradi-tion observed by many graduating students who start planning their annual trip up to a year ahead of time.

Th is year one group of students is going on the grad cruise out of Florida, and a second group is trav-elling to Mexico.

Meanwhile, Brenda Dohlen, a travel agent with Travel World in Invermere, is cautioning people to allow three months if they mail their passport application to Ot-tawa.

She said it is possible to obtain a passport within a week if you take your application to Calgary in person and stand in line, although there is an additional cost.

And the government agent here in Invermere is able to issue valid birth certifi cates. If all else fails, Mrs. Dohlen said, contact your lo-cal MP Jim Abbott.

She said so far Travel World hasn’t heard of anyone missing their trip due to a late passport. “I really feel sorry for Tiff any,” she said.

No passport, no grad trip

Tiff any Melnyk

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 3March 23, 2007

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By Brian GeisPioneer Staff

New rules under consideration by the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia will broaden the pro-vincial government’s authority to designate resort areas and create resort municipalities.

If adopted, the Community Services Statute Amendment Act of 2007 could bring an end to the 15-year debate of the merits and hazards of a four-sea-son resort on Jumbo Glacier.

Bill 11, which was tabled after receiving its second reading last week, sets the stage for two local debates:

• Firstly, whether or not the new rules circumvent the local process of approval of the proposed $450-mil-lion Jumbo Glacier Resort;

• Secondly, which community, Invermere or Ra-dium, would the provincial government choose for a possible amalgamation with a resort municipality in the Jumbo Valley?

Columbia-Revelstoke MLA Norm Macdonald challenged B.C. Community Services Minister Ida Chong, the Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA who intro-duced the bill, to reiterate her government’s promise of October 2006 that residents of East Kootenay would have the fi nal say on the approval of Jumbo Glacier Resort.

Section 15 of the bill would allow the provincial government to create a resort municipality in the Jum-bo Valley and relieve the regional district of any rezon-ing decisions that would otherwise be required to move the Jumbo Glacier Resort project forward.

“Th ere are two problems with it,” Mr. Macdonald explained in a subsequent telephone interview. “First, it breaks a promise to the communities of the regional district that the decision would stay local; and, second, it’s a sneaky way to do it and it’s dishonest.”

Mr. Macdonald said that because there is so much local opposition to Jumbo Glacier Resort, government is obligated to deal with it in an open, up-front man-ner, not by a secret cabinet-level decision. Macdonald said he has received comments from more than 3,000 people on the Jumbo issue.

“It shows a lack of respect for the communities in-

volved,” he said. “Fifteen years is a long time to work on something like this only to be shut out of the pro-cess or fi nd out the rules have changed.”

Mr. Macdonald said he is not opposed to the bill, in general, but would prefer the Campbell government remove the off ending Section 15.

Th e Community Services Statutes Amendment Act will also add specialized governance provisions for newly-incorporated mountain resort municipalities; defi ne mountain and non-mountain resort regions and provide them with specialized fi nance and land use tools.

In an interview with Th e Pioneer, B.C. Minister of Community Services Ida Chong, who introduced the bill, said it was presumptuous of Mr. Macdonald to as-sume that the legislation was specifi cally about Jumbo.

“Th e legislation was not crafted to deal with any specifi c resort proposal,” she said. “It was the result of recommendations made by the B.C. Resort Task Force of 2004.”

It is also presumptuous, she said, to assume the provincial government will use the new rule to green-light Jumbo Glacier Resort.

Ellen Zimmerman, Columbia Headwaters Pro-gram Manager for Wildsight, a major opponent of the proposed resort, called the bill a breach of trust between area residents and the provincial government.

“It’s a Kootenay decision,” she said. “We see this as an end-run around an established process. It’s kind of sleazy.”

Ms. Zimmerman said the way the amendment was introduced—on short notice, buried in a bill that is agreeable otherwise—makes her distrustful of the provincial government. “Th at says to me that it’s com-pletely wrong,” she said.

East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett said the new rules settle some jurisdictional issues between the pro-vincial and regional district governments and creates some assurances for corporate investors in British Co-lumbia resorts.

In the power struggle between regional districts and the provincial government over the administra-tion of crown land, the new legislation tips the balance squarely in favor of the province.

“Our communities, in my opinion, are fatigued by the Jumbo process,” he said. “If you want to invest your money in B.C., you need to know you are going to be treated fairly and not put on a regulatory round-about.”

MLAs Chong and Bennett noted that the provin-cial use of the authority to create “instant towns” is not new. Ms. Chong cited Whistler and Mr. Bennett cited Sparwood and Elkford as towns created by provincial authority when the need arose.

Since Bill 11 gives the provincial government the authority to move forward on Jumbo Glacier Resort, Mayor Greg Deck suggested Radium Hot Springs as a possible amalgamation partner with a resort munici-pality in the Jumbo Valley, instead of Invermere.

Drawing on the existing functions of a local gov-ernment solves some of the challenges for resort mu-nicipalities, he explained.

“Since it now appears that the Jumbo project will go ahead,” Mr. Deck said in a prepared statement, “it is possible that either Radium or Invermere might be approached for this purpose, and it will lead to an in-teresting discussion.”

District of Invermere Mayor Mark Shmigelsky called the suggested Jumbo-Radium amalgamation “ri-diculous” and “astounding.”

“It is going to be interesting to see how the prov-ince uses this legislation, and I have said for a number of years and have communicated to the province that if they were going to take this decision away from the re-gional district and the local population, that Invermere would be interested in extending its boundary to Jum-bo, rather than seeing an appointed board or another municipality in the Columbia Valley,” he said.

“Does it make sense to suggest that the province amalgamate Radium and Jumbo, when you have to drive through Invermere, on Invermere taxpayer-fund-ed roads to get there? A decision like that would be based on pure politics and not on proper governance of an adjacent jurisdiction. However, I would be in favour of a regional municipality encompassing the entire Co-lumbia Valley.”

Th e Legislative Assembly returns to Victoria next week to resume the debate.

VALLEY NEWSProvince to take back Jumbo decision


RCMP ReportFor the week ending March 17th,

2007 Columbia Valley RCMP respond-ed to 64 calls for service, with only two reported motor vehicle accidents.

• March 10: At approximately 12:20 p.m., police responded to a white cube van/motorhome parked in the northbound lane but heading south-bound with the driver out of the van urinating. Th e motor home was located later with the male walking down the middle of the road drunk.

Due to the driver being out of the vehicle, he was arrested for being drunk in a public place and issued a ticket for the same when he was sober.

• March 10: At approximately 2 a.m. police observed a vehicle spinning its tires around a corner pulling into a parking lot and hitting a curb. Th e driv-er displayed mild signs of impairment and a 24-hour suspension was issued.

• March 12: Police were notifi ed of an unlocked vehicle that was broken into in Canal Flats on Luck Avenue.

• March 13: Police were notifi ed of a gas and dash from Windermere Foods for $20. Video Surveillance was work-ing and there is a suspect. Th is fi le is still under investigation.

• March 13: Police were notifi ed of a theft of $360 cash and a portable DVD player from an unlocked vehicle in Canal Flats. A second vehicle was also gone through on Beatty Avenue in Canal Flats.

• March 14: At approximately 2:20 p.m. the Columbia RCMP responded to information received of a vehicle re-

turning from Alberta with a quantity of cocaine. Th e police dog was utilized and 170 grams of cocaine was located un-derneath the hood of the vehicle.

Duane Simpson and Christopher Foy were both arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Traffi cking. Simpson was further charged for Possession of a Substance and Foy was charged for Im-paired Driving. Both subjects are sched-uled to appear in court on March 19th in Cranbrook.

• March 14: Two chainsaws were turned over to the Columbia Valley Po-lice after being found on private proper-ty in Canal Flats. One is a Jonsered and one is a McCulloch 4. If you are miss-ing a couple of saws or one that is of either one of these name brands, please contact this offi ce. Further description of the saws may be required. Police fi le number 2007-706.

• March 15: Police responded to a complaint of an intoxicated male beating on structures in downtown Invermere. On attendance police lo-cated the male subject and arrested him for being drunk in a public place. He was released when sober with a ticket. No damage actually occurred to any of the buildings.

• March 16: At approximately 9:30 p.m. police were on patrol on Kootenay Road No. 3 and observed a vehicle trav-elling north without licence plates. Th e vehicle was pulled over and the mem-ber found that the driver was also un-licenced. Th e vehicle was towed and tickets were issued.

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Rural broadband moves aheadTh e Regional District of East

Kootenay Board at their March meet-ing gave three readings to the bylaws required for the broadband local ac-cess project to proceed.

If approved by the electors and adopted by the Board, Bylaw No. 1962 will establish the local access service and set a maximum tax rate of 43 cents per $1,000 of taxable as-sessed value and Bylaw No. 1963 will authorize borrowing up to $12.5 mil-lion for the construction.

“Th e bylaws have now been sent to the Ministry of Community Ser-vices for approval,” explains board vice-chair, Norm Walter. “Once Min-istry approval is received, the next

step is to conduct the alternative ap-proval process which will take about six to eight weeks. We are hoping to have the process complete by the end of May, but it will depend on the tim-ing of the Ministry’s approval.”

To assist eligible electors with making their decision, an informa-tion campaign will be launched prior to the start of the approval process. Residents and property owners in the service area are encouraged to contact the Regional District to determine if they are included within the proposed service area and to ask questions. Th e broadband local access project will cover portions of Electoral Areas F and G.


‘The Ranch’ stripped to bare groundBy Elinor FlorencePioneer Staff

An historic 75-acre property south of Invermere along Westside Road that has drawn complaints for many years as an eyesore is being cleaned up and re-stored to its natural beauty.

The acreage well-known to locals as the Brady Creek Ranch or simply “The Ranch” was the residence until recently of Garry Hamilton, who is now in a U.S. jail awaiting his trial for drug-related offences.

His sister Lynne of Calgary has now stepped in to manage the property and do the necessary clean-up and repairs.

The property, located just north of Rualt Road, had been used in part as an auto repair business.

About 60 vehicles including boats, snowmobiles and non-farm equipment were scattered around the barn area.

A couple of sheds even contained personal effects belonging to several of the many renters who have lived at the ranch over the years.

After posting the mandatory notices in The Pio-neer for four weeks, Lynne asked anyone, who could prove ownership of their belongings, to remove them from the property.

This was followed by a two-day “cash-and-carry” sale where many valley residents came to take advan-tage of some great bargains to be found amongst the remaining vehicles, abandoned furniture, appliances and building supplies stored on the property.

A local contractor has been hired to remove the remaining vehicles and debris, to take down the tem-porary buildings and remove the compound fencing, leaving the barn area in its original state.

A familiar sight beside Westside Road is the weath-ered old tumbledown barn that was built by the Lake family in the late 1800s.

Lynne said she will not tear down the barn nor its

original corrals as they are a piece of valley history.The land is currently part of the Agricultural Land

Reserve where until recently, miniature horses grazed on the pasture.

Extending on both sides of Westside Road, the 70 acres to the east contains two barns and a cabin with stunning views that sweep down to the lakeshore.

The five-acre parcel to the west, on the upper side of Westside Road, has a cedar log home, one indoor pool and two outdoor pools, a functioning bar, two large garages and assorted guest accommodations.

Lynne said although the property has not been

listed, there has already been a lot of interest from de-velopers and individuals to purchase the property.

Garry Hamilton, 52, was arrested last December in Los Angeles and charged with conspiracy to import marijuana into the United States and conspiracy to ex-port cocaine into Canada.

Another Invermere man, 51-year-old Terry Holt, was arrested earlier in 2006 and sentenced to 11 years in a U.S. jail on possession charges. One other B.C. man and two Calgarians were also charged.

Lynne did not wish to comment on her brother’s case since the outcome is still pending.

Abandoned vehicles are being removed from the Brady Creek Ranch south of Invermere.

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All entries correct to within five bunnies and received in time for Easter will be drawn from our basket. The winner will receive a new Kodak EasyShare 6.1 MP zoom digital camera!


PERSPECTIVE

is independently owned and operated and is published weekly by Abel Creek Publishing Inc.

Box 868, #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere, BC V0A 1K0Phone (250) 341-6299 · Fax (250) 341-6229 Email:

[email protected] · www.columbiavalleypioneer.com

Dave SutherlandAdvertising Sales

PIONEERThe Columbia Valley

Th e material, written or artistic, may not be reprinted or electronically repro-duced in any way without the written consent of the publisher. Th e opinions and statements in articles, columns and advertising are not necessarily those of the publisher or staff of Th e Columbia Valley Pioneer. It is agreed by any display advertiser requesting space that the newspaper’s 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.

Bob FriesenAdvertising Sales

Zephyr RawbonGraphic Designer

Elinor FlorencePublisher

Brian GeisReporter

Sarah TurkOffi ce Manager

Pioneer sponsorsnew workshop Historical Lens

By Elinor FlorencePioneer Publisher

Th e Pioneer’s Women in Business advertising supplement had some really positive spinoff s for the Columbia Valley.

Many of our readers expressed amazement that there were so many women in business here. “It looks like women are running the whole place,” was a com-ment heard several times.

And we aren’t fi nished yet. After 68 women in business were profi led on February 16th, at least 20 more came forward and asked if we could publish a second supplement.

Th at will appear on March 30th, so if you are an owner, manager or professional woman who works here in the valley, please call us at 341-6299.

While researching the statistics for women in busi-ness in the province, I came across a website for the Women’s Enterprise Centre based in Kelowna. Th is is a provincially-funded body set up to assist businesses with professional advice and loans.

After calling them to fi nd out more, it emerged that their staff would be willing to come out here and present a seminar called “Focused Marketing.”

Co-sponsored by Th e Pioneer and the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, this marketing semi-nar will be held on Friday, April 20th at the Lions Hall at the crossroads.

We were happy to learn that the event could be held at relatively short notice, because as we all know, from May to September every business owner in the valley will be working like never before and unable to attend a seminar. So the timing is perfect.

And just so you don’t think we are discriminating against men, the event is open to anybody interested in marketing, of any gender.

Th e event takes place from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will cost $69, including lunch and a study guide. You may pre-register at www.womensenterprise.ca or call 1-800-653-7014, ext. 112 to register over the tele-phone. Please see Page 15 for more information.

Searching for zinc during wartimein Kootenay National Park

Dear Editor:

I took this photo on August 4th, 1942. Th e op-erator of the 20 Cat is the late Wally Lautrop and sitting on the “stoneboat” is Sandy the cook. Th ey were working at a diamond drill camp on Hawk Ridge in Kootenay Park. I don’t remember the third man’s name.

At the time, Wally was the foreman of the road maintenance camp at Hawk Creek, but was also in-volved with transporting material to the drill site. Th is was located 2.5 kilometres east of Highway 93.

In 1942, due to the wartime shortage of zinc,

Base Metals Corp., which was operating the Mon-arch Mine at Field, B.C., was given permission to do exploration work on the Albion Claims in Kootenay National Park.

Th e core sample showed that the ore body con-tained 30-percent zinc, but wasn’t large enough to be developed. Th ese mineral claims had been staked by Fred W. Jowett in 1929.

My thanks to Larry Halverson, chief naturalist of Kootenay National Park, for providing the infor-mation about the mineral claims.

Ray CrookInvermere


LETTERS

Dear Editor:

It shouldn’t surprise us that a false-hood can be widely spread and propa-gated by those who invented it. In the March 16th issue of Th e Pioneer, Ian McKenzie spreads the deception: “After lengthy debate the CORE table specifi -cally designated Jumbo Valley as being appropriate for Jumbo Resort.”

I don’t remember Mr. McKenzie sitting at the East Kootenay CORE ta-ble, but I was there and that is not what happened.

Th e East Kootenay Regional Table report Volume 3, Land Unit Polygons Record of Information, Final Draft July 1994, documents the following:

Th e table was unable to reach con-sensus on a designation for the polygon that contained Jumbo, so the report lists two possible designations: Inte-grated (intent is to maintain long-term health and productivity of the land base and to provide a variety of opportuni-ties for sustainable resource use) or Spe-

cial Management (identifi ed as lands with sensitive fi sh and wildlife habitat, visual quality, recreational and cultural features while allowing compatible hu-man use).

Both the Special Management and Integrated options contain a listing of acceptable uses.

Neither the Integrated nor the Spe-cial Management option allowed use No. 16 (Urban Settlement) or use No. 15 (Rural Settlement).

Th e scale of the proposed Jumbo development would qualify it as, at least, a rural settlement and therefore it should not be allowed.

Th at’s what happened. As CORE participants, we trusted the acceptable uses (to which we agreed by consensus) to convey the intent of the vast majority of local residents that there should never be a development of the size or scope of the proposed Jumbo Glacier Resort.

Ellen Zimmerman, WildsightGolden

Resort inappropriateuse for Jumbo Valley

CorrectionIn the story “Development freeze

wanted on west side of lake,” in the March 16th edition of Th e Pioneer, the 10,000-acre SLR property, also known as the K2 Ranch, owned by Bob and Barb Shaunessy on the west side of Lake

Windermere was incorrectly identifi ed as having applied for exclusion from the Agricultural Land Reserve.

Th e property that applied for exclu-sion to develop an RV park and resort is the 1,795-acre Terra-West Property.

Wilmer and area residents will no longer be able to pick up their Pio-neer at the distinctive yellow box near the Canada Post group mailboxes - because the yellow box is missing!

Th e box disappeared a couple of weeks ago, said Pioneer distributors David and Florence Raven.

Th e Ravens went back two Fri-days in a row to see if the box would show up, but there is still no sign of it.

If you know where the box is,

please call us at 341-6299.In the meantime, Wilmer resi-

dents will have to pick up their Pio-neer in Invermere at one of our many locations, including Th e Pioneer Newspaper offi ce at 1008-8th Avenue (down the street from Peppi’s Pizze-ria), AG Valley Foods or Sobey’s.

For a complete list, please check our website at www.columbiavalleyp-ioneer.com.

If the box shows up, we will re-place it at the former location.

Wilmer box missing

Loewen salutes the extraordinary performance of Invermere

L to R: Al Miller, Harold Hazelaar ( Invermere Home Hardware ), Wayne Walz ( Loewen Windows ), John Van Spankeren ( Invermere Home Hardware)

Invermere Home Hardware had a impressive year as a major supplier of Loewen Windows & Doors to the area’s residents and contractors. Home Hardware’s commitment to customer service and the resulting sales performance has been

recognized with an award honoring Home Hardware’s consistent eff orts to ensure customer satisfaction. Th is is the Second year in a row that Invermere Home Hardware has been presented with this award.

Congratulations!!!


Dear Editor:

Th e Campbell government’s attempt to quietly in-sert amendments to Section 15 of Bill 11 dealing with resort development designations again shows their complete contempt for democracy. Th is government

is a despicable example of power out of control and an embarrassment to all British Columbians. Th e Camp-bell Liberals must immediately remove these proposed amendments.

Campbell and his cronies were elected to repre-sent the wishes of all British Columbians, not just a

select few. He may have conveniently forgotten, but he promised to have the most open and accountable government in BC’s history. My, my, talk is cheap.

Norm and Loni FunnellEdgewater

Dear Editor:

I thought I should bring the fuel gouging back into view in light of the recent explosion in increases seen here in the valley. Almost a three-to-four-cent increase every four to seven days, when the current oil market has remained steady or in some cases has declined. Th is is the same silly gouging we as locals get to enjoy every year here in the valley.

From my observation, fi rst we see the two gas sta-tions in Athalmer hike their prices, followed quickly by

the other two gas stations in Radium. Th e one gleam-ing exception is Radium Husky, holding out as long as possible before having to comply with the others.

I have observed time and time again over the win-ter, they are the last to go up and the fi rst to come down.

Th e biggest example, when the Albertans previ-ously had their last long weekend, the four gas stations quickly increased their prices in anticipation for the long weekend, while Husky remained the same, post-ing 96.9 cent per litre, while the rest climbed seven

cents up to 103.9. Th e Radium Husky remained at this price for the entire week. Kudos to them!!

I give the Radium Husky my full support, even when their prices are even with the others!! I encour-age everyone else to do the same.

We cannot hide from buying gasoline but we can sure give our hard-earned dollar to the guy that is try-ing to help us.

Everett FraterInvermere

Dear Editor:

I am writing in regard to a speech delivered in the provincial legislature on February 19th, 2007 by Bill Bennett, MLA for the riding of East Kootenay.

In his speech, it appears that Mr. Bennett is claiming for his government, complete credit for the existence of a travelling Magnetic Resonance Imaging machine that services the south Okana-gan as well as two hospitals in the Kootenays and a CAT Scan machine in the Cranbrook Hospital.

I would like to set the record straight. Th e East Kootenay Foundation for Health, the Kootenay

Boundray Hospital Foundation and the South Okanagan and Similkameen Medical Foundation raised through private donations $1.5 million for the MRI machine. Th e East Kootenay Foundation for Health raised $530,000 for the Cranbrook CAT Scan. Th e existence of these machines is due mainly to the eff orts of these three organizations and the thousands of generous people who contributed.

Mr. Bennett should apologize for neglecting to mention these organizations and contributors in his speech.

Jim GallowayBrisco

Dear Editor:

Lorne and Joann Rowe want to thank all of our friends and well wishers for their deep concerns and prayers during the past year. Your kindness has been overwhelming during this most diffi cult period.

Because of medical and housing concerns, we have had to move from the Columbia Valley back to Calgary but will always treasure the memories we are taking with us. Special thanks for those who were instrumental in our move. We can never thank you enough.

Lorne and Joann RoweCalgary

LETTERS Liberal government's move 'despicable'

Looking for the best deal on gasoline

Bennett should set record straight Th ank you, friends!

Stein Block comes downTh e Stein apartment building behind Strand's Res-

taurant in Invermere fi nally fell to the demolition crew this week. Residents were given their eviction notices and asked to leave last summer, but construction delays re-sulted in the building left standing until now and being rented on a month-to-month basis.

Developer Cardel Resorts will build townhouses on the property. Th e fi rst new building, seen in the back-ground on the left, has now been framed. Another apart-ment building at the rear of the property will remain.

>>>>>> >>> >>> >>>>EncoreWHAT’S HAPPENING IN THECOLUMBIA VALLEY

MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS

PAGE 10

Artist Maya Eventov, whose new paintings feature birch trees, will visit Artym Gallery this weekend.See Page 13.

Your Weekly Guide to

What’s Happening Around the

Columbia Valley

PAGE 11

Out & About

PAGE 12

AT THE TOBY

AWARD WINNER

PAGE 10

Tall Timber

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

What does ARTmean to you?

Wheat in the Barley · Pynelogs Cultural CentreCeltic Rock Concert, Bistro Concert Series, Wednesday March 28

‘Laugh Your Ass Off’ Comedy FestivalPresented by Kicking Horse Coffee · Todd Butler – Friday April 13th.

Tickets available Call 342-4423

Pynelogs Cultural Centre · ‘07 Gallery Season Opening Thursday April 19, 5:30 - 9:30 pm

Reviewed by Elinor Florence

Th is is a classic chick fl ick, one that will be repeated for years on late night sobfests and romance specials.

Th e plot centres around two young women - Kate Winslett and Cameron Diaz - who switch houses in an attempt to recover from dual broken hearts.

Kate winds up in a Los Angeles mansion and Cameron in a rose-cov-ered English cottage. With the change of scenery come two gorgeous new men - Jude Law, and Jack Black (OK,

he's not that gorgeous, but funny men are attractive, as women will attest).

A strong supporting role from Kate's neighbour, a 90-year-old screen-writer played by aging actor Eli Wal-lach, rounds out the cast.

Romantic comedy - emphasis on the romantic - makes this a must-see movie for women of all ages.



Movie Review: The Holiday

ARTISTDIRECT

Original Oil Paintings

by

Gabriel250-342-9074

Gone Hollywood’sTOP FIVE OF THE WEEK

DVD VHSGAME CUBE

XBOX XBOX 360 PS2 GQ

503 - 7th Ave., Invermere

342-0057

1 Casino Royale2 The Holiday3 Borat4 The Departed5 Stranger than Fiction

Last Week’s Top 5 Rentals New Releases Mar. 20

1 Blood Diamond2 Eragon3 Rocky Balboa4 Incredible Mrs. Ritchie, The5 Every One’s Hero

New Releases Mar. 27

1 Pursuit of Happiness, The2 Happy Feet3 Good Shepard, The4 Children of Men5 Van Wilder - The Rise of Taj

GoneHOLLYWOODV I D E O

RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5 HEADS

DJWil C.

spins the tunes

Ladies Malibu Cocktails & Jager

$375 all weekend

1310 7th Ave., Invermere • (250) 341-33441310 7th Ave., Invermere • (250) 341-3344

Monday......................Beef RibsTuesday...............Mexi FlavoursWednesday...................Pizza Night

Thursday............... Wings & JugsFriday............Steak & ShrimpSaturday........................ Lasagna

Daily SpecialsDaily SpecialsBridal Expo a big hit

Hundreds of women, and dozens of men, fl ocked to the Copper Point Golf Club last Saturday to view the wares of more than 30 local vendors and suppliers who are aiming at the valley's growing wedding business. Florists, caterers, limousine rentals, photographers and jewellers provided lots of ideas for brides and others who are planning a large event.

One of the most popular portions of the afternoon was a fashion show. Tiff any's Th redz in downtown Invermere provided formal wear, suitable for a mother of the bride or a glamorous guest. Pictured here from left to right are Brenda Braund-Read, Tiff any Gulbe, Francine Feldmann, Camille Howie and Doran Williams.

Photo by Kathy Sutherland

The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 11March 23 , 2007

Toby Th eatre

• March 21 - 24: Dreamgirls• March 28 - 31: Freedom Writers

Saturday, March 24th

• Cranbrook SPCA hosts spay and neuter blitz for low-income cats. Call (250) 426-6751 for more.• Royal Canadian Legion Branch 71st’s 80th Anniversary Dinner. Veterans and spouses must preregister by calling Wendy at 342-4242. Tickets available for Legion members and general public.

Tuesday, March 27th

• 2 pm - 4 pm: Canadian Pension Plan - Disability Services workshop, facilitated by Dave Dewhirst of the federal government. Held at Lions’ Hall, crossroads.• 1 pm - 3 pm: East Kootenay Brain Injury Association Support Group Meet, Valley Connections Facility. Survivors, family and friends welcome. For info: (250) 344-5674. • 7 pm: Author Adam Schroeder will read from his latest novel at the Radium Seniors Hall, sponsored by Radium Public Library. Free admission.

Wednesday, March 28th

• Wheat in the Barley, a colourful, multi-instrumental band performing at Pynelogs. For info: 342-4423, or www.wheatinthebarley.com.• Canadian Cancer Society fundraiser daff odils arrive and will be available for purchase. For info: Rosemary Clarke, 342-3039.

Th ursday, March 29th

• Couples welcome to Th e Marriage Course, hosted by Radium Christian Fellowship, in the Radium Seniors’ Hall. Supper at 6:30 p.m. followed by a video explaining the course. RSVP to Mike or Linda at 342-6359 by March 22nd.• Th e Gallery Café closes its doors.

Friday, March 30th• 9 am: Regional District of East Kootenay board meeting. For more info: 1-888-478-7335.

Friday, March 30th• Women in Business: Th e Sequel. Special advertising supplement in Th e Pioneer. Call 341-6299.• Cranbrook SPCA hosts spay and neuter blitz for low-income cats. For info: (250) 426-6751.

Wednesday, April 4th

• 6 pm: Business Excellence Awards, Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, at Radium Resort, with guest speaker Ken Fowler. Tickets at $50 each are SOLD OUT. Call 342-2844 to be put on a waiting list.

Friday, April 6th

• 7 pm: Laws of Spirit Circle - Th e Law of Presence. Based on Dan Millman’s book, this circle, facilitated by Maria Kliavkoff , explores Th e Laws of Spirit month-by-month. For more info: 347-2110, or visit www.mkfacilitations.com.

Sunday, April 8th

• Noon: Children’s Easter Egg Hunt, sponsored by Windermere Community Association, in the fi eld beside the Windermere Hall.

Tuesday, April 10th

• Lorne Elliott, Canada’s top comedian, will NOT perform at Christ Church Trinity, Invermere due to illness. Comedian Todd Butler will perform as scheduled on April 13th.

Wednesday, April 11th - Wednesday, May 16th

• 9:30 am - 12 pm: Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, Akisqnuk Health Centre; 2 pm - 4:30 pm, Edgewater Legion Hall. Six sessions, to register and for info: 1(866) 902-3767, or visit www.coag.uvic.ca/cdsmp/

Friday, April 13th

• 8 pm: College of the Rockies presents Todd Butler, Canada’s Master of Satire, performing at Mountainside Golf Clubhouse, Fairmont. Tickets are $50/each, available at Dave’s Book Bar, Essentials, Pynelogs, Invermere; Trims & Treasures, Fairmont;

Max’s Place and COTR in Cranbrook. Sponsored by Kicking Horse Coff ee. Includes barbecue buff et dinner, 7 pm.

• 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Focused Marketing workshop, presented by Women’s Enterprise Centre, sponsored by Columbia Valley Pioneer and Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lions Hall. Cost $69 includes lunch and study guide. To pre-register, call 1-800-643-7014, ext. 112.

Hot Springs Hours of Operation

• Radium Hot Pool, Sunday - Th ursday 12 pm - 9 pm; Friday - Saturday 12 pm - 10 pm.• Radium Cool Pool, Friday 6 pm - 9 pm, Saturday - Sunday 12 pm - 9 pm. For info: 347-9485.• Fairmont Hot Springs Hot Pool Hours: 8 am - 10 pm daily. For info: 345-6311.

Student News

• Elkhorn College is now accepting applications of interest for September 2007. Apply to: Elkhorn Ranch Ltd., Box 128, Windermere, BC V0B 2L0.MARCH 19th - 30th:• March Break, no school.

Columbia Valley Food Bank

Tuesdays and Th ursdays from 1 pm - 2 pmTo donate, mail a cheque to: Box 2141, Invermere.

New Video Releases Tuesday. March 20th

• Children of Men • Turista’s• Th e Pursuit of Happyness • Sex Sells• Curse of the Golden Flower • Candy• Th e Impossible Elephant • Happy Feet• Th e Number One Girl • IMAX: Deep Sea• National Lampoon’s Van Wilder: Th e Rise of Taj

Invermere Th rift Store

Th ursdays, 10 am - 4 pmFridays and Saturdays, 1 pm - 4 pm

Invermere Library Hours

• Tuesday & Friday: 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.• Wednesday: 12 p.m. - 8 p.m.• Th ursday: 12 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.• Saturday: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Out & AboutPlease call 341-6299

or Email us at [email protected] enter your event in our FREE listings.


“Branding for the Small Business”The College of the Rockies is pleased to present this six-session workshop series. Get the most out of your marketing budget by integrating your advertising, image, customer service, web presence, and more!

To register, call the College at 342-3210.This course is booking fast. Don’t miss out!

Instructed by Harrison McKay, strategic marketing consultant and advertising agency owner.

CVCC Members receive a 10% discount.

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5:30 - 8:00 pmApril 10-26, Invermere Campus.

Friday, April 20th


By Sandra KellyPioneer Staff

She was surprised, then shocked, and, fi nally, honored.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Natalie Purschwitz from her home in Vancou-ver. Th e fashion designer and former valley resident recently earned hon-orable mention in the annual design awards given out by Travel and Leisure Magazine.

Th e awards recognize innovative retail design concepts. Natalie was mentioned in the category of Best Re-tail Space, for the layout and design of Hunt and Gather, her fashion boutique in Vancouver’s Gastown district. Th e only Canadian to win this year, she was “thrilled” to accept the award in New York City on February 27th.

Th e ultra-chic Apple Store on Fifth Avenue in New York and the Frietag Shop in Zurich, Switzerland were also mentioned. Natalie said it was “a great honor” to be included in such compa-ny.

Natalie was born and raised in Radium, and graduated from David Th ompson Secondary School in 1989. She has lived in Vancouver for 12 years. Her parents, Chizuko and Achim Pur-

schwitz, own and operate Achim’s Gal-lery in Invermere.

About 18 months ago Natalie opened Hunt and Gather to serve as a showcase for the women’s clothing she designs.

A man named Rob Forbes from San Francisco visited the combined shop and studio—and then nominated her for the design award.

“I took a minimalist approach to designing the boutique,” said Natalie. “It’s all white, with very little to distract customers from the items on display.”

Fashion is Natalie’s passion, but it wasn’t her fi rst career choice. She had studied fi ne arts with a view toward working somewhere in that fi eld. But helping to produce a wearable art show made her realize the artistic potential in clothes. She designed the costumes for a dance show, and other commissions soon followed.

Her clients now include such nota-bles as musician Jane Siberry, for whom she designs both stage and street clothes, and Decidedly Jazz Danceworks.

Natalie said that Hunt and Gather isn’t just a place to buy beautiful clothes. “I host special events. I hold art exhibi-tions, and dance shows and rock shows. It’s going really well.”

Former valley residentwins design award

Natalie Purschwitz, left, with friend Kelly Lycan at her awards event in New York.

Festival package price of $65 available!

Tickets are available at Dave’s Book Bar, Essentials and Pynelogs in Invermere, Trims & Treasures in Fairmont, and Max’s Place and COTR in Cranbrook.

Lorne Elliott Canada’s top comedian promises to keep

you in stitches!

April 10Christ Church Trinity, Invermere

7:30 pmTickets $25

Todd Butler“Canada’s Master of Satire” is guaranteed to entertain you!

April 13Mountainside Golf Clubhouse, FairmontIncludes a BBQ buffet dinner (cash bar) at 7:00 pm, with the show beginning at 8:00 pm.Tickets $50

Presented by:

CANCELLEDCANCELLED


Kamikaze by Michael Slade

Reviewed by Sheila BonnyInvermere Public Library

In Kamikaze, Slade weaves a tale of terror around violent modern day fallout from World War II confl ict in the Pacifi c Th eatre.

Genjo Tokuda, the feared elder of the Japanese crime syndicate, is lured to Vancouver by the opportunity to avenge the death of his entire family in the incineration of Hiroshima. His target is the family of Joe Hett, a crewman from the bomber that dropped the atomic bomb,

Kamikaze by Michael Slade

Reviewed by Sheila BonnyInvermere Public Library

In Kamikaze, Slade weaves a tale of terror around violent modern day fallout from World War II confl ict in the Pacifi c Th eatre.

Genjo Tokuda, the feared elder of the Japanese crime syndicate, is lured to Vancouver by the opportunity to avenge the death of his entire fam-ily in the incineration of Hiroshima. His target is the family of Joe Hett, a crewman from the bomber that dropped the atomic bomb, and key-note speaker at the Pacifi c War Vets Convention to be held at Canada Place on Burrard Inlet.

After a gruesome act of violence,

the Special X squad of the RCMP scrambles to stop Tokuda’s hench-men, ruthless men willing to gouge out eyes, slit throats, and execute sui-cide missions.

Using live decoys, tracking de-vices, and a fl eet of pursuit cars, the squad desperately tails the suspects through swirling fog, unaware that a psychotic murderer has infi ltrated the police operation.

In the tradition of action thrill-ers, Slade emphasizes plot over char-acter development. He includes fl ashbacks to eyewitness accounts of the bombings of Pearl Harbour and Hiroshima, but, despite the horren-dous violence in the story, his charac-ters express little emotion.

Kamikaze is a “quick read” fi lled with action throughout 310 pages.

At Th e Library

March 23, 2007 The Columbia Valley Pioneer • 13

Maya Eventov to visit Artym GallerySubmitted by Deanna BerringtonTh e Artym Gallery

Artist Maya Eventov, well known for her amaz-ingly textured and colourful works, has shown in large art centers such as New York, Laguna Beach, Dallas, and Vail, Colorado in the last year. Th is weekend, the Russian-born, Ontario-based artist makes a special trip to the Artym Gallery in Invermere.

Th is is the third show that Maya has attended in Western Canada at the Artym, and she claims a spe-cial attachment to Invermere. She loves showing at the Artym, and credits her last trip to Invermere with in-spiring her to paint Canada.

Th is much anticipated show will feature three dif-ferent series of Maya’s acrylic paintings. She will be in attendance for the opening reception from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, March 23rd and from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24th.

Of the three series that the Artym will be show-casing for this show, most recognizable is the Travel Series, a style that Maya uses to capture the feeling of places like the Mediterranean. Th ese paintings en-compass what Maya Eventov is all about – the vibrant colours catch the eye, and the amazing texture in her work is fascinating both from a distance as well as up close (she creates the texture using a palette knife). Us-

ing the colour yellow as a base, these paintings are so bright and warm that they transport you to a world of cafés, canals and sunny days.

Th e second group of paintings featured in this show is her Cabin Series, a charming group of works that Maya Eventov has been creating since the show she had in Invermere two years ago. Texture is still the talk of the day, but instead of the smoother, longer lines of her travel series, Maya uses her palette knife to get an eff ect more reminiscent of a mosaic, with small tile-like strokes of colour. Maya plays with the perspective a bit more in these works, giving them a whimsical feel that reminds you of childhood summer days at the cabin.

Maya Eventov’s newest series of works, paintings of birch trees, rounds out this exhibition at the Artym very nicely. Maya’s tree paintings have the most texture of all, with the paint sometimes being several centime-ters thick. She captures the knots and texture of the tree bark and even with the stark black and white of the trees. Maya still expresses her love of colour in the background, fi lling them with blues, yellow and reds that take your breath away. Maya says that she now feels that she is “mature enough to fi nd the beauty in Canada, and in the landscapes I see here.”

You can view all of Maya’s paintings online at www.artymgallery.com.

presents…

Maya EventovSolo Exhibition

Maya EventovSolo Exhibition

Artist in attendance

Friday, March 23rd

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 24th

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

artymgallery.comPh: 250-342-7566934 – 7th Avenue


Boat launch cafe, by Maya Eventov


Interest rates have been in the news quite a bit over the past several months. But they can be a confus-ing subject.

What do interest rates measure, anyway? What happens to the economy—or to your investment port-folio—when rates go up or down? Why are so many people paying attention to them right now?

• Interest rate basics:Before we answer those questions, let’s review

some of the fundamentals of interest rates. Essentially, an interest rate measures the price of money—how much it would cost you to “rent” money (i.e. take out a loan) for a year. Th ere are many reasons why rates go up and down. By far the most important of these, however, is infl ation—the annual increase in the price of consumer goods and services.

• Infl ation and interest rates:When infl ation rises, interest rates usually follow

suit. Why? Th ink of it this way: if you lent $1,000 to someone for a year (which is exactly what you do when you buy a bond, a GIC, or other fi xed-income investment) you’d want all of it back.

But what if the purchasing power of that $1,000 had diminished by the time your money was returned? (Th at’s what infl ation does: erodes the purchasing power of money over a given time.)

Naturally, if you were in the business of lending money, you’d want to protect yourself from infl ation. And that’s a very simplifi ed explanation of why interest rates go up. When it looks like things will cost more in a year or two, lenders want to be compensated for that risk. Th ey charge more interest, hoping that the added interest will compensate for the decreased power of their money when they’re eventually repaid.

• What it means to you:Economically speaking, low interest rates are gen-

erally a good thing. When rates are low, the stock mar-ket usually benefi ts, as people shift their money from fi xed-income investments for the higher returns equi-ties usually provide.

Th at gives companies the money they need to grow, and when companies grow and create more jobs. In addition, low interest rates makes it easier for companies and governments to service debt. Th at usu-ally helps everyone—including consumers—to loosen their purse strings and spend more, boosting the econ-omy even further.

For your portfolio, however, low interest rates can be something of a mixed blessing. For equity investors, low interest rates are generally good news. Increased economic activity and business expansion are good for stock prices.

For income investors, however, low interest rates can be a signifi cant burden. Low interest rates mean low returns for bonds and other guaranteed invest-ments. Th at can force some investors to accept less income from their portfolios, or accept more risk than they would normally be comfortable with in an at-tempt to make up for low returns.

• Th e future of interest rates:While it’s important to understand how interest

rates will aff ect your fi nancial position, keep in mind that interest rate movements are notoriously diffi cult to predict. Instead of trying to guess what rates will do in the next several months, take some time to review your long-term fi nancial goals.

If you’re concerned about the impact interest rates will make on your portfolio, seek professional guid-ance before making any changes.

YOUR MONEYWhy interest rates matter

Brendan DonahueInvestment AdvisorPhone: 342-2112

GIC Rates as of Mar. 19th cashable 3.85%90 days 4.15%1 yr 4.16%2 yrs 4.10%3 yrs 4.15%4 yrs 4.15%5 yrs 4.15%

New High Interest Savings Accounts

No minimum balances 3.85%

No fees

Interest calculated daily, paid monthly

Redeemable at any time

RRSP and RRIF eligible

InvestmentsGICs, Stocks, Bonds, Preferred Shares,

Income Trusts, Mutual Funds, High Interest Savings, RRSPs

Rates subject to change without notice.Subject to availability.

Brendan Donahue, BCOMM, CIM, FMAInvestment Advisor, Berkshire Securities Inc.

342-2112

Jason Elford, CFPInvestment Advisor, Berkshire Investment Group Inc.

342-5052

The Columbia Valley’s Premiere Wealth

Management Firm

PlanningEstate Planning, Retirement Planning,

Retirement Projections, Income Splitting,

Registered Educational Savings Plans

ServicesRSP Loans, Mortgage Referrals,

Pension Transfers, Group RRSPs.

Ask us about our free consultations and no fee accounts.

Most people review their Investment portfolio regularly!When was the last time you reviewed your Life Insurance Portfolio?

In our ever changing world it is important that your insurance is reviewed constantly to ensure that it is the best and most appropriate coverage available.

As one of the valley’s only truly independent Life Insurance brokers, I have access to most of the major carriers and can help you to ensure that you have the best products to suit your needs.

For a complimentary review and to see if we can lower your cost or improve the quality of your existing coverage call me at 342-5052 or just stop in to the Berkshire offi ce and ask to see Jason.

Jason Elford has been a wealth management specialist in Calgary for more than 9 years. Now a full time resident of Invermere, Jason recently joined the Berkshire offi ce with Brendan Donahue and Bruce McLaughlin.

Jason ElfordCertifi ed Financial Planner

Insurance Advisor712 - 10th Street, Invermere

Phone: 342-5052

Market Action As of March 19th, 2007 Weekly Gain/(Loss) YTDS&P/TSX Composite Index 13,011 -53.26 0.80%Dow Jones Industrial Average 12,318 -91.94 -1.90%Nikkei 17,009 -282.45 -1.79%Oil (New York) $56.59 -$2.32 -7.30%Gold (New York) $654.30 -$4.00 2.23%Canadian Dollar (in US dollars) $0.8491 0.009 1.47%


Marketing seminarnot for women only

A brand new one-day version of Women’s Enterprise Centre’s highly-successful Focused Marketing workshop series will be held in Invermere at the Lions’ Hall on Friday April 20, 2007.

Th is workshop is presented by Women’s Enterprise Centre in conjunc-tion with Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Columbia Valley Pioneer.

Th e Women’s Enterprise Centre is B.C.’s leading resource for women who are starting, purchasing or growing a small business.

“Focus Marketing: Targeted Ef-fort, Tangible Results” off ers Columbia Valley small businesspeople, men and women alike, a proven method for in-creasing the power of their marketing in this full-day workshop.

Focused marketing gets at the ‘why’ of marketing. Th is practical workshop guides you through the process of build-ing a sound marketing strategy for your business. It’s about strategy fi rst, then tactics.

Th is full-day workshop will help participants:

• determine the best customers for your marketing eff orts

• understand how to connect with and target those customers, both with a message and the marketing tools they will fi nd attractive

• match your marketing strategy to your own personal strengths and

• discover how to translate your learning directly into a marketing plan and budget for your business for the next 12 months.

Th e seminar will be held at the Li-ons’ Hall at the crossroads from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Th e cost of $69 will include lunch and a Focused Marketing Learning Guide valued at $59.95.

Meanwhile, if you are a woman busi-ness owner in the Columbia Valley area who would enjoy sharing your learning and experience in marketing your small business, the Women’s Enterprise Cen-tre would like to hear from you.

Please contact the centre if you are a seasoned business owner, for at least three years, and have created a market-ing strategy in two or more of these ways:

• a clear idea of who your target cus-tomers are . . . and aren’t!

• a sound understanding of your target customers . . . who they are, why they buy, how they buy, etc.

• developed ways to diff erentiate yourself from similar businesses . . . how your customers refer you to others.

• determined the most eff ective ways to reach your customers.

Send your contact information and a note to us describing how your experi-ences apply to this workshop by March 30, 2007 to the address below.

We’ll select three women to contrib-ute to this truly inspiring workshop.

It’s a great way to showcase your business and to help other women in your business community!

For more information and registra-tion, please visit: www.womensenter-prise.ca/fmInvermere. You may also call 1-800-643-7014, ext. 112 to register by telephone.

Watch for Th e Pioneer’s Special Supplement called…

Due to popular demand

we will publish another Women in

Business advertising

supplement on March 30, 2007

Please call Dave Sutherlandat (250) 341-6299 to reserve your space!

The Sequel

CLEARANCE

LOTS OF INSTORE CHANGES!

342-9313Come and see our

NEW SPRING STOCK!Men’s & Ladies sizes from 2 - xxx


Take a kidto work

Th e Pioneer’s Advertis-ing Sales Associate Dave Sutherland teaches his son Brandon Davidson the ins and outs of advertising sales during the program “Take A Kid to Work,” sponsored by David Th ompson Sec-ondary School. Brandon, who is in Grade 9 at this high school, spent the day with his father, visiting clients around the valley. Perhaps we can entice him to work for Th e Pioneer!

Cranbrook job fair invites employers, studentsA Business Expo and Job Fair will take place

from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook on Tuesday, March 27th, organized by Kootenay Business magazine and co-sponsored by the Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce and the College of the Rockies.

Th e Business Expo and Job Fair is a dual-pur-pose event which both business people and job-

seekers will fi nd helpful and informative. Th e event starts with the monthly Cranbrook Chamber of Commerce luncheon at 11: 45 p.m. and will be fol-lowed by the afternoon Business Expo and Job Fair.

It is open to everyone one who is interested in exploring new business, employment and career op-portunities that are in demand in today’s competi-tive marketplace.

Kootenay Business publisher Keith Powell said some of the region’s largest employers have con-fi rmed their attendance including Interior Health, Elk Valley Coal, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Pres-tige Inns, and St. Eugene Golf Resort.

For more information contact Kootenay Busi-ness at (250) 426-7253 or Sheena Martin at the College of the Rockies, (250) 489-2751.

Eaglebrook Grand Opening!

Call 403-554-5592 or 1-800-267-4586to book an appointment today!

March 30, 31 & April 110 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Announcing the Show Home Opening in the beautiful Eaglebrook development at Fairmont Hot Springs. Featuring Prime Lots and Custom Mountain Homes.

WIN CANDYin Th e Pioneer’s

Easter BasketColouring Contest

Once again kids under 13 years old are in-vited to participate in Th e Pioneer’s Easter Co-louring Contest.

Colour the picture on the next page and drop it off at Th e Pioneer’s offi ce at 1008-8th Avenue in Invermere, just down the street from Peppi’s Pizzeria.

Th is year there will be TWO contests - one for boys, and one for girls - and TWO great prizes.

Jayne Magri, owner of It’s A Wrap, will cre-ate a special Easter basket for a boy and another one for a girl. Her gift baskets are beautiful!

Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30th.

Since we can’t possibly decide who colours the best, we will draw a boy’s name and a girl’s name and announce the two winners in our Fri-day, April 6th issue.

Good luck, everyone!


Highway 93/95Windermere

342-2695www.valleyalley.ca

Call Lana

342-5859

Come see the changes.#5 Fairmont Village Mall

345-6133

Across from the Invermere Post Offi ce

342-9313

3 – 1206 7th Avenue

342-3479

Tasty Fashion Co.

342-2468

1209 – 7th Ave.

342-6611342-9661

1021 – 7th Avenue

342-0383613-12th St.Invermere

342-2003

Name ______________________________________________________________ Age _________________

Address ___________________________________________Phone __________________________________Drop off completed colouring page at Th e Pioneer Offi ce located at #8, 1008 - 8th Avenue, Invermere. Contest open to

children ages 1 - 12. Contest ends 5 pm, March 30, 2007. Two winners will be drawn and will receive an Easter basket.

Colouring Contest

2-1020-8th Avenue342-7387

906 – 7th Ave.

342-33301301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

LAMBERT-KIPPPHARMACY LTD.

NEW LOCATION IN INVERMERE

Call 342-7264 342-9933

V I D E O

HOLLYWOODGone

342-0057

Main Street, Invermere

342-6415

Antiques

Downtown Invermere

342-3865

Bavin Glassworks

4884A Athalmer Hwy

342-6816

1214 – 7th Avenue

342-3262

COLOURING CONTEST SPONSORED BY:


Book now for the Kinsmen Home ShowBy Sandra KellyPioneer Staff

Planning is un-der way for the 2007 Home and Recreation Show presented by the Kinsmen Club of the Windermere Valley.

Th e annual show takes place Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12th at the Eddie Moun-tain Memorial Arena in Invermere.

Th e doors will be open to the public from 6 to 9 p.m. on the Friday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Saturday.

“It’s going to be a great show,” said Steve Man-tyka, co-chairperson of the event, along with Kevin DeMan.

“We’ve been taking booth applications for about a week now, and we’ve already got 20 bookings.”

In addition to the goods and services being exhib-ited, attendants will enjoy Th e Great Green Adventure Show hosted by Safari Jeff and Shannon. Th e animal and reptile show was a hit with families last year, said Mr. Mantyka.

“It’s a lot of fun. People who didn’t catch it last year will have the chance to do so this time.”

Attendants also will be eligible for a $500 cash prize. Nancy Knechtel of Canmore won the money last year, and then donated a portion of it back to the community. Cliff Koski of Wilmer won $134 in the 50/50 draw.

Th e Home and Recreation Show is the Kinsmen Club’s biggest annual fund-raising event. Th e proceeds are spread throughout the community.

“Th ey will help to support a variety of causes, in-cluding sports, bursaries and programs for seniors,” said Mr. Mantyka.

He said the show gets more popular every year. “We’re advising prospective exhibitors to book their booth as soon as possible. Th e show has a way of sell-ing out.”

Exhibitors who have paid for their booths by

April 20th will be eligible to win back the price of the booth. Last year’s winner was Th e Water Guy, from Cranbrook.

Mr. Mantyka said the show is “a great marketing tool” for businesses.

“Th is is a show that takes place over two days. More than a thousand people attended last year. Who would turn down the chance to get that many people through their business in just two days? It’s terrifi c ex-posure.”

Th e arena will open at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 11 for exhibitors only to build their displays. Exhibitors are requested to have their booths set up by no later than 5 p.m. so the doors can open to the public.

Rental of an exhibit space includes access to pow-er, overnight security and three exhibitors passes.

Payment for a booth must be made at the time of application, and no refunds can be issued.

Vehicles, other than for display, will not be al-lowed in the arena for set-up or take-down.

For more information about the show, call Norma McAndrew at 250-341-1172, or send an e-mail mes-sage to [email protected].

Steve Mantyka

Sales (250) 342-2536 or 1-866-342-2536 [email protected] www.lakeviewmeadows.net

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INVERMERE1022B-7th Ave.Independently Owned and Operated

Ofce: (250) 342-6505 Fax: (250) 342-9611

PAUL ROGGEMAN341-5300

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For professional management of your strata corporation or rental property, overseen by a Certi ed Property Manager (CPM®), Certi ed Professional Residential Property Manager (CPRPM) and Power Engineer, with the accounting done by a Certi ed General Accountant, please contact Bill Weissig by phone at 341-4178, or by email at [email protected].

Our property managers are licensed under the Real Estate Services Act of B.C. For more information regarding their extensive quali cations and experience please go our web site at http://www.mountaincreek.ca.


Barry Brown-John and his wife Pat have reached an agreement to sell all their shares in Rocky Mountain Realty to partners Audrey and Barry Benson.

Th e sale is by no means an end to Mr. Brown-John’s involve-ment in the local real estate market, he said, but brings a transition to valley’s oldest real estate company.

“Nobody has worked as steadily as I have in real estate in the Columbia Valley,” he said, but real estate development, philanthropic work, government relations and a desire to begin some kind of retirement have eclipsed his interest in the day-to-day market.

“Land development is more interesting and chal-lenging,” he said. “Westside Park has been a very

successful development and continues to be. We have three to fi ve years left in that.” Westside Park is the housing development on 13th Avenue in south Invermere owned by the Brown-Johns.

Mr. Brown-John is a member of the board of gov-ernors of the Real Estate Foundation of British Co-

lumbia. Mr. Brown-John said last week he presided over a meeting in Van-couver at which the foun-dation gave away $1.5 million to worthy causes. He will also continue his work as a member of the British Columbia Real Estate Association’s Gov-ernment Relations Com-mittee.

Mr. Benson said it was a mutual agreement that led to the sale and that he and his wife Au-drey are excited about the future.

“We have had a tran-sition strategy in place and we executed that,” Mr. Benson said.

“It’s going to be continuing business as usual for us. It’s an exciting time and we have a pretty exciting business.”

On the development front, Mr. Benson said a large subdivision in Canal Flats is in the works.

Pat and Barry Brown-John, left, have sold their realty business to Audrey and Barry Benson, right.

Bensons buy Rocky Mountain Realty


VALLEY HISTORYBy Brian GeisPioneer Staff

Some call it the end of an era - the end of the golden age of auto dealerships in the Windermere Valley, a golden age when a family could shop for a Ford or a Dodge or a GM in as many blocks along Invermere’s Main Street.

At least, it is the end of the era dur-ing which the Kloos family sold Fords in Invermere.

Th e Kloos family, Steve and Maria and kids - Marion, Erwin and Harald - built a successful and long-lived deal-ership in town. Th e Kloos’ Lake Auto follows Cleland’s Invermere Ford, Val-ley GM and Blakely Dodge into our collective memory this spring. Here are a few memories to get you started.

Sitting at the corner of their dining room table in the modest-by-today’s-standards home they built on the hill be-hind Lake Auto, Steve and Maria Kloos recounted their early days with watery eyes, patiently waiting for the other to fi nish a thought before adding more de-tail, often chuckling at the wonder of it all as the tale unfolded.

Steve and Maria Kloos both admit to being old enough to remember the deprivation of post-war Europe. Both grew up on farms in Transylvania, a province of Romania, where their Ger-man ancestors had lived for over 850 years.

In 1944, Steve explained, their families lost their land and possessions to Russia and Communism. Th ey were lucky, he said, to escape with their par-ents to start a new life in Austria.

He studied agricultural engineer-ing and came to Canada with $5 in his pocket. Maria lived in Vienna and fol-lowed Steve to Canada in 1957.

Th e two were married and started a family. What the couple lacked in for-tune, they made up in tenacity. Th eir old-world work ethic, dogged determi-nation and an eye for opportunity would go a long way in getting them through the lean years ahead. Th e couple settled in Invermere and have never left.

“Canada is the greatest country in

the world,” Steve Kloos commented, still with a touch of his native accent.

“When I got here, I looked around and I said, ‘It looks just like the Alps,’” Maria commented.

After some time working in the bush, Steve decided to retrain as an au-tomotive mechanic and apprenticed in the trade for four years. In 1969, with his mechanic’s certifi cate under his belt and three kids at home, opportunity knocked and his name was Roy Lake.

Mr. Lake, a welder and Invermere native, started Lake Auto in 1946 af-ter quitting the mine in KimberlEy. By 1968, Mr. Lake had given up his GM dealership and was fi xing to retire when he approached the Kloos family about buying his garage.

Steve and Maria took a big chance and bought Lake Auto in 1968.

“In those years, Invermere was very depressed,” Steve remembered. “Min-eral King Mine had closed, the sawmills were selling out and the tourist season was only two months long.”

Steve said the fl edgling garage couldn’t attract any interest from the Big Th ree automakers, but Datsun, owned by Nissan of Japan, was expand-ing into North American and paid Lake Auto a visit. “Th ey were the only one who looked at us,” he said. “Th ey were very helpful.”

“In 1968, I was almost crying. It was so lonely in Invermere,” Maria laughed. “It was a cold winter. Steve would work in the shop until 10 o’clock at night. I was the bookkeeper, gas pump atten-dant, mechanic’s assistant and we were raising three children.”

Once, Maria admitted, she even took a job fl ipping burgers at the dairy in Radium to help make ends meet.

“We could see the opportunity, so we worked hard for it,” Steve said.

“We knew we would make it if we worked hard,” Maria added.

By the early 1970s Cleland’s Invermere Garage, which was located where Portabella Restaurant is today, closed their long-running Ford dealer-ship and went out of business.

In the fall of 1974, a man named

Neal Simmons walked into the garage and asked if the Klooses wanted to start selling Fords. It was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship and cemented the Columbia Valley’s status as “Ford Country.”

Th e Clelands began selling Fords since longer than Mr. Kloos can remem-ber, possibly since the 1920s. Except for those few intervening years between Cleland Ford and Lake Auto Ford, Ford has been in the valley ever since . . . until Lake Auto closes its doors this spring.

For a time, three dealerships, with garages and gas pumps, competed for valley drivers within a few blocks of each other, Lake Auto Ford, Blakely Plymouth/Chrysler/Dodge and Valley GM. Blakely Dodge was located on the east side of the intersection of 7th Av-enue and Ninth Street. Valley GM was right across the street, where A G Valley Foods stands today.

Continued on Page 21

Looking back at Lake Auto

Th e Kloos family entered the parade with a Lake Auto truck in 1969.

Hiking and camping were a big part of family life.


VALLEY HISTORYContinued from Page 20

When the kids were young, Mr. Kloos explained, running the shop was a family aff air, with everyone helping out at something.

“We all had gas pumps. All the kids worked really hard pumping gas, but they got paid for it and we made sure they put it in a savings account.”

Even Marion pumped gas, Mr. Kloos remembered. One customer told her she was the prettiest gas pump at-tendant in the Columbia Valley.

Of course, he said, she was the only girl pumping gas at the time.

Both boys apprenticed in the shop, he said.

After the kids grew up, one-by-one they each left home leaving the aging Klooses to run the operation alone.

Th e empty-nesters, eyeing retire-ment, were faced with the challenge of modernizing the dealership.

“We decided we wanted out. Com-puters were coming in and we were get-ting old.”

Th en the kids decided they would come home and take over the opera-tion, a best-case scenario for a parent or business owner.

“We were lucky they came back or we would have had to sell it,” Mr. Kloos said.

Th e years didn’t pass without their share of disagreements, Steve and Ma-ria agreed, but the tenacious duo had a method in place for resolving disputes.

“Th ere are always going to be dis-agreements,” Maria explained, “but you have a meeting and you reach a conclu-sion. Whenever you have a disagree-ment, never talk about it in front of the customers or your kids. It makes them worry.

“You say, not now, we’re going to talk about this tonight. Th en, after you’ve calmed down you can think more clearly. Th at’s what I taught my kids and I hope they teach their kids.”

Th e issues surrounding the closure of Lake Auto were clearly thought out and well-publicized.

Th e manufacturer wouldn’t support a new building to replace the existing facility, which the dealership had long out-grown. Building a new facility on their own could take another 20 years to

pay off and the grandkids were branch-ing off in other non-automotive direc-tions.

Operating a small-town dealership can be challenging and sometimes more diffi cult than running a high-volume dealership, Mr. Kloos explained.

“It’s nerve-wracking sometimes. You can lose your mind over it.”

Today’s cars are so technologically advanced, Mr. Kloos commented, the cost of running a small-town dealership can rival their big-city counterparts.

You still need the same special tools, special computers, special training.

“It’s hard for a small dealer. Th ey’re not really mechanics working on your car anymore. Th ey are technicians, re-ally.”

In today’s business climate, it’s hard to imagine some of the hard times that have befallen our communities, but Lake Auto, through wise decision-mak-ing has weathered them all.

A recession in the early 1980 brought lean times to the valley. Mr. Kloos said he was set to borrow money to expand his building to the south, but interest rates were peaking at 22 per cent at the time.

Instead, he invested his money in Canada and earned a handsome return.

Th e tourist economy, Mr. Kloos said, saved Invermere from complete disaster. Other towns across Canada weren’t as lucky.

Th rough the years, the Klooses re-membered, there were some unforget-table employees that came and went. Lenny Harman was one such employee. Harmon was a legendary pump jockey, a real johnny-on-the-ball, Mr. Kloos re-called.

He would see a car coming and beat it to the pump. “Th e Calgarians loved him. Th ey called him the Two-Second Kid. I felt so bad when he left. He was the one of those you never forget.”

Th e saddest part about closing is that the business, Mr. Kloos explained, is that it won’t be there for his grand-children.

In Europe, he said, when you start in business, you stay in the business for generations.

Steve and Maria Kloos should be proud that Lake Auto lasted for two generations.

Steve Kloos on David Th ompson Day, 1971.

Th e garage and showroom as it looked in 1975.

Th e Kloos family together in 1993.


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Dog Control Offi cer(Part-time Contract Position)

THE OPPORTUNITY:We have a vacancy for a Dog Control Offi cer to enforce dog control bylaws within the District of Invermere boundaries. This is a part-time contracted position working as required and on-call 7 days per week and may include holidays.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT:The successful applicant will demonstrate the ability to apply bylaws and an understanding of the legal system and procedures involved with enforcement of bylaws pertaining to dog control. Completion of related courses such as bylaw enforcement would be an asset. We also require a Class 5 driver’s license, ability to meet the mobility and lifting requirements of the position and ability to meet call-out requirements. You must also supply a kennel and a vehicle (compensation will be provided for mileage).

Interested persons are invited to submit letters of application and resumes including related experience by Friday, March 30th, 2007 to:

Chris Prosser, CAO, District Of InvermereP.O. Box 339 (914 – 8th Avenue)Invermere, BC V0A 1K0or [email protected]

NAVIGABLE WATERS PROTECTIONS ACTR.S.C 1985, CHAPTER N-22

The Beaches Property Development Ltd. hereby gives notice that an application has been made to the Minister of Transport pursuant to the Navigable Waters Protection Act for approval of the work described herein and its site and plans.

Pursuant to section 9 of the said Act, The Beaches Property Development Ltd. has deposited with the Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and in the Government Agent Of ce at Invermere, B.C., under deposit number 1000008 a description of the following work, its site and plans: proposed seasonal marina (dock) facility, on Lake Windermere at 4686 Windermere Rd. in front of Lot 1, DL8, KD, Plan NEP80948.

Comments regarding the effect of this work on marine navigation may be directed to: The Superintendent, Navigable Waters Protection Program, Transport Canada, 620 - 800 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2J8. However, comments will be considered only if they are in writing and received no later than 30 days after the date of this notice. Although all comments conforming to the above will be considered, no individual response will be sent.

THIS SPACE IS AVAILABLE!

Call 341-6299

By Stephanie StevensSpecial to Th e Pioneer

How does a long weekend of the most amazing packed lunches in the world, up to $100 off your Pan-orama season’s pass, a free lift ticket every day, posh socials each afternoon and all the Mars bars you can eat catch your fancy?

OK, so the socials are not that posh, but all the rest of it is true.

Well, all this and more can be yours for nothing more than volunteering a few hours a day for four days.

And you get that extra special feeling that only volunteerism can bring.

Th e Mars Cup B.C. Alpine Spring Series Race is set for March 30 to April 2, and Chief of Race Cheryl Willard is in the process of drumming up enough vol-unteers to make the event go off without a hitch, as well as make it as much fun as possible for everyone involved.

“We really do need 100 each day to make the se-ries run smoothly,” Cheryl said.

“And the more help we have, the better the race quality will be for the participants, as well as the vol-unteers.”

Th e Mars Cup will see about 280 racers from all over the world at Panorama Mountain Village, includ-ing eight local athletes from the Windermere Valley Ski Club, the race host.

Th is is the last big race of the year for Federation Internationale de Ski (FSI) level racers.

Th e minimum age for a federation racer is 15, and in this series, Cheryl said there will be racers who rep-resent their countries at the national level.

Th ough none of the Canadian National Ski Team will be here, there will be members of the National Development Team, as well as the B.C. and Alberta ski teams.

Windermere Valley Ski Club members Ashley Willard, Madison Simek, Britlyn Pomeroy, Alexa Jae-ger, James Rose, Dane Petersen, Trevor Rose and Ben Th ompsen will be racing. Both Trevor Rose and Ben Th ompsen are now at the provincial level.

“Th e Th ursday prior to the race we are in dire need of some muscles to set up the courses,” Cheryl said. “But that is the only really physically demanding volunteer day.”

Th e Friday to Monday volunteer spots will range from working the course, gate judging, delivering hot chocolate and cookies to other volunteers, working in the hospitality room and some administrative and timing duties.

“You can be inside or outside, skiing or not skiing. It is totally up to you,” Cheryl said.

“It really is a lot of fun and it’s a great group of people to spend time with while supporting our young athletes.”

For more information or to volunteer, call Gordon Bagan at 342-9450 or go to www.skihome.ca/wvsc.

Ski Club needs your help

Lifelong skiers Peter and Jane Lustenberger of Invermere, parents of two well-known ski racing daughters Andrea and Christina, continue as tireless volunteers with the Windermere Valley Ski Club. Photo by Andrew Wheelhouse


Player friendly, walkable and aff ordable!

Tee Times • (250) 342-3004

Kari’s KitchenNOW OPEN

Come in relax and enjoy some tantalizing food before or after golf.

Come in relax and enjoy some tantalizing food before or after golf.

Swing of Things!Get into the

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INDERMEREALLEYWV

NOWOPEN!

By Shannon PearsonSpecial to the Pioneer

Flagging from around the greens is gone, the elk droppings shovelled, and the plastic bags from the hole markers tossed. All these signs tell avid golfers to pull out and polish up their clubs, and clean out last year’s dirt and grass from their cleats.

Once again, Th e Pioneer has compiled the infor-mation on the local courses from Canal Flats to Spur Valley, and everything in between – just for those who love to get out and “whack a few.”

Note: Opening dates are weather-dependent and subject to change. Phone individual courses for tee times and questions. Courses listed in alphabetical order.

Copper Point Golf Club

Opening Date: Driving range opens March 23, course opens March 30.What’s New: New Pro Rick Crowson; newly-paved pathways; new fl eet of electric, GPS-equipped carts.For information: 341-3392

Coy’s Par 3, Fairmont

Opening Date: Restaurant open March 25th, course expected to open March 25th.For information: 345-6504

Creekside Golf Course, Fairmont

Opening Date: March 30thFor information: 345-6660

Eagle Ranch Golf Resort

Opening Date: April 5th What’s New: Th e new clubhouse will open with the course on April 5th. New electric golf carts. Hole ten will be open for play May 15th as a par 4, and a new hole 11 will also be open May 15th for play.For information: Call 1-877-877-3889 or 342-0820

Edgewater Hilltop Par 3

Opening Date: April 6thWhat’s New: Enlarged outdoor deck.For information: 347-6502

Th ’ Flats Golf Course, Canal Flats

Opening Date: March 30thFor information: 349-5266

Greywolf Golf Course, Panorama

Opening Date: May 11thWhat’s New: 90 new electric golf carts, greens re-placed in the fall wintered well. For information: 341-4100.

Mountainside Golf Course, Fairmont

Opening Date: April 6thFor information: 345-6514

Th e Resort Course, Radium

Opening Date: March 30thWhat’s New: New line of women’s clothing.For information: 347-6266.

Th e Ridge at Copper Point

Opening Date: September 7th, 2007

Riverside Golf Resort, Fairmont

Opening Date: March 20thWhat’s New: New fl eet of electric golf carts; many activities planned for Riverside Golf Resort’s 20th anniversary year, including partnering with the Ca-nadian Cancer Society on this special anniversary year by hosting a Charity Golf Tournament.For information: 345-6346

Setetkwa Golf Course

Opening Date: Open now.For information: No need to call, just show up!

Th e Springs Course, Radium

Opening Date: March 23rdWhat’s New: New club fi tting system.For information: 347-6200.

Spur Valley Greens, Spur Valley

Opening Date: April 5thFor information: 347-6500

Windermere Valley Golf Course

Opening Date: March 19th.What’s New: Course came through the winter well. Same friendly staff and green fees still under $30.For information: 342-3004

Golf courses greened up and ready for play

Life Time Warranty on all BlindsCall The Blind Guy!

Interior World (250) 342 4406

ATTENTION, GOLFERS!

If you have results from a 2007tournament or other golfi ng eventyou would like to see published in

The Pioneer, call 341-6299 or Email: www.columbiavalleypioneer.com.


Caring for our precious wetlandsSubmittedby Bob Jamieson

Th e Columbia wet-lands are a complex of riv-er channels and wetlands that stretch from Canal Flats to Donald, north of Golden. It is unique natural system that rarely receives the attention it deserves.

Th at may have changed on March 6th, when 35 representatives from a wide range of inter-est groups and four levels of government gathered in Radium to discuss the formation of a coopera-tive management group that would provide input to the stewardship of this internationally-signifi cant wetland system.

Four federal agencies, three provincial govern-ment agencies, ranchers, Tembec, two regional district representatives, three municipal representatives and several citizen groups attended the meeting.

Radium Mayor Greg Deck welcomed the group and commended their ongoing dedication to the wet-lands and for their collective willingness to work to-gether on the future of this magnifi cent natural area.

Deputy Minister of B.C. Environment Nancy Wilken forwarded a written welcome to the group that presented her thoughts on the benefi ts of a coop-erative approach to shared stewardship.

Most of this landscape is part of the Columbia

Wetlands Wildlife Management Area, which is man-aged by the B.C. Ministry of the Environment. How-ever, there are also signifi cant areas of federal land managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Federal agencies also have responsibilities for the migratory birds that use the wetlands and there are shared federal and provincial responsibilities for the management of the Columbia River that fl ows through the area.

Th ere are also signifi cant areas in and adjacent to the wetlands that are private land in the form of resort communities, industrial sites (logging mills), small residential holdings and ranches.

Gary Glinz, Sec-tion Head for Parks and Protected Areas for the Kootenay Region, within the provincial Ministry of Environment, noted: “We do not see this as an un-loading of our responsibil-ity to be the lead agency in matters of management and stewardship; on the contrary we take our fi du-ciary responsibility seri-ously and see the collec-tive input of all who have an interest in the wetlands contributing to the better decisions and actions that we ultimately must take.”

Spillimacheen rancher Paul Galbraith observed: “You could see here today the passion that everyone brings to the topic of the wetlands and it was posi-tive for to see so much in-terest expressed.”

Golden Mayor Jim Doyle refl ected: “I think the late Ian Jack is here with us today and I can hear him reminding us all of the tremendous values associated with the Columbia Wetlands, at the end of the day we have more that unites us in stewarding this wonderful place, than divides us. I am encouraged by that.”

Th e Columbia Wetlands Cooperative Manage-ment Group will begin its work May 8th during the Wings Over the Rockies Bird Festival.

For more information, contact: Gary Glinz (489-8591), Bob Jamieson (422-3322) or Paul Galbraith (346-3100).

AROUND THE VALLEY

Please watch

for bald eaglenests

Th e Fish and Wildlife Conservation Program wants your sightings of active bald eagle nests in the Columbia Basin.

Since 2002, the program has been funding a Great Blue Heron Breeding In-ventory and Stewardship Project in the Columbia basin, as part of its mandate to conserve and enhance fi sh and wildlife populations impacted by the construction of B.C. Hydro dams.

Th e work so far confi rms a 25-percent decline in the number of heron breeding sites in the basin from 2002 to 2006. Al-though the number of active nests appears

stable and may have grown slightly, the rate of breeding nest failures has increased substantially.

In 2006, 43 percent of all active nests failed to produce young. Of more concern is that 62 percent of all active nests in the East Kootenay failed last year.

Failure rates appear to be related to human factors (e.g., road-building, forest harvesting and wetland drainage associat-ed with development) and/or harrassment and predation by bald eagles.

In an eff ort to better understand the relationship between heron nest failure

rates and bald eagle population size and distribution in the basin, the program is conducting eagle nest surveys in 2007.

“We are hoping to draw on the knowl-edge of local residents to help develop this inventory by asking them to report sight-ings of active eagle nests,” says project lead-er Marlene Machmer.

Residents are asked to telephone Mar-lene at (250) 354-0150 or email ([email protected]) to report their eagle nest sightings.

Th ey can also be submitted on-line at www.fwcp.ca until June 30, 2007.

Th is spectacular view of our wetlands was photographed by Larry Halvorsen of Invermere.


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Mopar accessories• or up to $1,000 in gasor up to $750 in cash

Option 1 To purchase at lease end $25,946.35, plus appliacble taxes, Total paid $33,183.82 plus applicable taxes

Option 2 To purchase at lease end $21,216.40, plus appliacble taxes, Total paid $10,976 plus applicable taxes

Option 3 To purchase at lease end $13,204.00, plus appliacble taxes, Total paid $18,264.26 plus applicable taxes

GRAB LIFEBY THE HORNSCOME SEE THE DODGE BOYS

1725 Cranbrook St., Cranbrook, BC V1C 3S9Phone: 426-6614 • 1-800-663-2268

www.cranbrookdodge.com

WHERE SUPER SERVICE IS STANDARD EQUIPMENT

MARCH

It’s madness what the Dodge Boys are doing with the prices on their

New & Used vehicles

Alvin BenjaminSales/LeaseConsultant

Jace Pierson Sales/LeaseConsultant

Don Murdock Sales/LeaseConsultant

Larry Schalk Sales/LeaseConsultant

Buck Zroback Sales/LeaseConsultant

Justin Griffi n Sales/LeaseConsultant

David Th ompson Financial

Services Manager

Steve Mercandelli Sales

Manager

OPTION ONE

OPTION TWO

OPTION THREE

STOCK NO. T07240

STOCK NO. T07142

STOCK NO. T07141

Dave GirlingGeneralManager


Lantern Festival lights up Kimberley

E-mail address: [email protected] • 1142-304th St., Kimberley, BC V1A 3E1 • DL No 6340 CHALET CHEV-OLDS LTD.

KIMBERLEY 427-4895CRANBROOK 489-2525

OUT OF TOWN 1-800-388-1156

VISIT OUR PARTS & SERVICE DEPARTMENTMONDAY - FRIDAY 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

SATURDAY 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.“The Preferred Service Providers”

For more information contact: Peter Kleindienst, Dan McConnell, Daniel Powell or Rick Prasad.

We would be pleased to help.

It’s a SHORT DRIVE to…

BIGSAVINGS2004 Dodge 3500 Laramie LWBQuad Cab • 4x4 • Loaded• Diesel • 6 speed • leather • insulated canopy • spray liner • only 76,000 kms

$40,995$40,995

FEATURE OF THE WEEK

AT CHALET GM THERE IS A HUGE SELECTION OF USED VEHICLES – ALWAYS

UNDER $10,0002004 CAVALIER COUPESTK#7951 Now $9,9002003 SUNFIRE SEDANSTK#6960 Now $7,5002002 CAVALIER SEDANSTK#6508 Now $8,5002002 CAVALIER SEDANSTK#5949 Now $7,9001999 TAURUS WAGONSTK#11184 Now $5,9951997 GRAND MARQUISSTK#9508 Now $6,8001996 NEON SEDANSTK#10500 Now $3,5001995 DODGE AVENGER ESSTK#11423, low kms Now $9,9951994 FORD ESCORTSTK#11324, 2 dr. Now $2,8002000 DODGE CARAVANSTK#11174 Now $8,5002000 FORD WINDSTAR GLSTK#7427 Now $6,5001996 MAZDA MPV AWDSTK#11066 Now $7,5001999 FORD EXPLORER XLTSTK#11109 Now $7,9951993 CHEV EXT. CAB 4X4STK#11081 Now $4,500

$10,001 – $20,0002006 BUICK ALLURE CXSTK#11320 Now $19,6962006 CHEV HHRSTK#10694 Now $19,9952005 CHEV MALIBU LSSTK#10573 Now $15,9992006 PONTIAC PURSUITSTK#11412, Sedan Now $14,9982005 BUICK CENTURYSTK#10409 Now $15,9952005 CHEV MALIBU LSSTK#10573 Now $14,9992005 KIA RIOSTK#10967 Now $10,9952005 PONTIAC GRAND AMSTK#10216 Now $14,9952005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE STK#10403, sedan Now $12,9002005 PONTIAC SUNFIRE STK#9993, coupe Now $12,9002005 TOYOTA ECHOSTK#11375 Now $14,5002004 CHEV IMPALASTK#9199 Now $13,5002004 MAZDA 6 GT SEDANSTK#10807 Now $16,9502004 FORD FOCUS ZX5STK#11380 Now $12,935

2003 CHEV MALIBU SEDANSTK#8307 Now $10,9952003 PONTIAC GRAND AMSTK#9995, sedan Now $11,5002003 TOYOTA ECHOSTK#11034 Now $12,9952002 PONTIAC GRAND AM GTSTK#10927 Now $13,9952002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIXSTK#7257 Now $10,9932001 CHEV IMPALA SEDANSTK#5076 Now $10,9001998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE GTSTK#10900, converrtible Now $10,9952004 FORD RANGER/C 4X4STK#10755 Now $19,9952001 CHEV S10 E/C 4X2STK#4771 Now $13,9952005 JEEP TJ DUAL TOPSSTK#11349 Now $17,9951998 GMC SLE E/C 4X4STK#3500 Now $12,9952001 DODGE 3/4 R/C 4X4STK#11366 Now $16,847

$20,001 – $30,000

2006 CHEV IMPALA LTZ STK#11157 Now $23,995

2006 CHEV IMPALA LTSTK#11158 Now $21,9952006 CHEV IMPALA LTSTK#11308 Now $22,4952006 PONTIAC GRAND PRIXSTK#11308 Now $25,9952005 FORD MUSTANG GTSTK#10578, Convertible Now $29,9952006 PONTIAC MONTANAYour choice of 2

STK#11318/11151 Now $19,8882006 PONTIAC MONTANAYour choice of 2, all wheel drive

STK#11001/10712 Now $25,8882006 PONTIAC MONTANASTK#11151 Now $23,9952006 BUICK RENDEZVOUSSTK#11152, FWD Now $21,9992006 CHEV TRAILBLAZERSTK#10636, Ext. Now $26,8092006 CHEV TRAILBLAZERYour choice of 2

STK#10639/11019 Now $24,8882006 GMC ENVOYSTK#11172 Now $26,8882006 PONTIAC TORRENTSTK#11306 Now $27,5002006 CHEV EQUINOX AWDSTK#11220 Now $21,8532003 JEEP LIBERTY RENEGADESTK#11363 Now $19,933

2006 DODGE 3/4 TON Q/CSTK#11391 Now $29,9592005 GMC SLE EXT CABSTK#11289, 4x4, 3/4 Now $27,5002004 GMC SWB EXT CAB STK#11288 Now $24,5002004 GMC SWB CREWCABSTK#8005, Diesel, 4x4 Now $28,9002003 GMC SWB CREWCABSTK#9536, Diesel, 4x4 Now $28,9002004 DODGE/ Q/C HEMISTK#9971 Now $27,5002004 GMC SLE EXT CABSTK#8296, 4x4 Now $25,9852006 BUICK TERAZZA AWDSTK#11020 Now $27,888

$30,001 AND UP2006 CADILLAC ESCALADEYour choice of 2, 1 short, 1 extended

STK#10763/110000 Now $49,9992006 YUKON XL SLT 4X4 STK#11121 Now $44,9992004 DODGE 3500 LARAMIE Diesel, Quad Cab STK#11420

Now $40,9952003 DODGE 3500 LARAMIEDiesel, Quad Cab, 4x4 STK#11431

Now $36,9562006 CHEV EXT CAB 4X4Your choice of 4, STK#11327/11328/11291/11442

Now $31,888

SOLDSOLD

SOLDSOLD

SOLDSOLD

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Sorry – SOLDWe also have a 2003 Laramie at

$36,956$36,956

Th e Taiwanese Lantern Festival is being held in Kimberley, with the help of the Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society, School District 6 and the Kimberley Chamber of Commerce. Th e week-long festival started Tuesday and will run until Monday, March 26th from noon until 8 p.m. each day.

Th e Taiwanese Canadian Cultural Society is pro-

viding over $10,000 worth of lanterns for the Kim-berley Festival. It is being presented at McKim Middle School, where you can also visit the booths of some of Kimberley’s talented artisans. Th e lantern display starts in the theatre where the lanterns will be unveiled.

For information, please call (250) 427-3666 or toll-free 1-866-913-3666.

Glowing monkey looks a little frightening.

Lanterns shaped like fl owers and animals.

Tropical fi sh swims among lighted reeds.


342-3160

Young or old…Every Bunny Loves Some Bunny!

Show them how much with a Customized Easter Basket

An invitation to the introduction of“Th e Marriage Course” and the “Marriage Preparation Course”

Couples please join us on Th ursday, March 29th, 2007 in the Radium Seniors Hall – 4836 Stanley Street,

Radium Hot Springs. Supper will be served at 6:30 p.m. Followed by a video explaining what the couses are about.

RVSP by March 24th, 2007. Call Mike & Linda 342-6359 or Warner & Dianne 346-3294.

Hosted by Radium Christian Fellowship.

Pastors Wayne & Linda Frater 342-6633.

Great rates, products and servicewww.meridianmortgagesolutions.com

No more searching for the lowest mortgage rates…

Bill Rainbow Mortgage Broker(250) 342-3453

Chronic disease training heldChronic Disease Self-Management Program Lead-

ership Training took place in Invermere during Febru-ary, funded by the University of Victoria’s Centre on Aging and the BC Ministry of Health Services.

Chronic Disease Self-Management Program means living a healthy, happier life. Th e free sessions are led in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere with two co-leaders, once a week for two hours, for six con-secutive weeks.

We encourage you to bring your partner, family members or friends as this program will help everyone

understand their symptoms better, while providing many alternative methods for more enjoyable living each and every day!

All certifi ed leaders are trained volunteers who work in pairs following a standardized course outline. Many leaders have chronic conditions themselves and are a testament to the success of the program.

Watch for session dates to be announced in up-coming issues of Th e Pioneer. Seating is limited so register by calling toll-free at 1-866-902-3767, for in-formation and location dates, or locally at 342-0445.

Top row, from left to right: Fran Ryan, Gertie Friesen, Wendy Badley, Jill Unger, Sylvia Walker, Terry Eacrett, Joan Birket, and Judy Collins. Bottom row, left to right: Ali Wycotte, Jean Hankel, and Jennifer Carriere.

Th e Kootenay East Regional Hospital District has adopted its annual budget for 2007.

Th e total operating budget for this year is $4.9 million. Th is means a decrease from last year’s $3.9 million, mainly due to payments on debt related to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital upgrade.

“Th e largest funding project on our list was the continued expansion and renovation of the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook,” says hospital board chair Scott Manjak. “With the nec-essary upgrades underway, we are confi dent that more of the needs of the people in the region are being met and we can continue on to the next items on our list.” Improvements are already noticeable at the front entrance, emergency room and lab areas.

Funding will also be provided to health facilities for requirements such as ultrasound machines at

the East Kootenay Regional and plans for an emer-gency room upgrade at the Invermere Hospital.

Th e average tax rate for the Kootenay East Re-gional Hospital District will work out to about $29 on a $100,000 property. As well, residents will con-tinue to see a levy for the East Kootenay Regional Hospital District on their tax notices to pay off debt incurred before January 1996. Th e rate for this year will be at about $9 on a $100,000 residence.

Th e Kootenay East Regional Hospital District covers a large area including the regional district, the towns of Creston and Golden and surrounding rural communities. Th e function of the Hospital District is to provide partial funding for equipment and construction projects at health care facilities within this area, with the remaining portion of the cost covered by the Interior Health Authority.

Hospital district sets 2007 budgetIn association with On Top Productions presents…

1 KM south of Fairmont at theHoodoos (formerly TJ’s Pizza)

New MoonAppearing Tonight at 8:00 p.m

Join us, starting tomorrow forSaturday Night Jams

Open mic with Brian Morris


2007 Map Books fl ying off the shelvesBy Pioneer Staff

Th e 2007 Columbia Valley Map Books have ar-rived two weeks early!

Local distribution began Friday, March 16th – just in time for this province’s Spring Break.

Sixteen thousand copies have already been deliv-ered to locations in Calgary and Edmonton, and lo-cal distributors David and Florence Raven are taking them to almost every business in the valley.

If you have not yet received any Map Books and would like to do so, please call the Ravens directly at 342-6187 or give us a call at Th e Pioneer, 341-6299.

About 75,000 copies will be distributed to resi-dents and tourists in the valley, and the remaining Map Books are being mailed to Visitor Centres across Western Canada and the United States.

Th e 2007 issue will continue to be distributed throughout the year and will run out next March just before the arrival of the 2008 edition.

Th is is the fi rst year the Map Book has been pub-lished by Abel Creek Inc., the parent company belong-ing to publisher Elinor Florence, who also publishes the Columbia Valley Pioneer. Th e Map Book was purchased last year from Marlene Chabot of Mackena Creative in Invermere.

“Th e 2007 Map Book contains updated maps with the addition of new streets – such as all the new

streets in the Eagle Ranch subdivision and the Colum-bia Ridge subdivision,” said Elinor.

“We also added individual streets that had been missed in previous editions. For instance, Peter Mc-Isaac is the only resident of his street and he asked us to add 15A Crescent in Invermere, which we did!”

She urged all residents to check the map of their own neighbourhood and call or Email her at Th e Pio-neer so the maps can be changed for next year’s issue if there are any errors or omissions.

“Just like the newspaper, we can really use the help of our readers to keep us accurate,” she said.

Th e durable digest-sized 104-page book on heavy gloss paper that doesn’t wrinkle can be kept in purses, glove compartments or bookshelves.

Elinor said locals love the Map Book because it helps them fi nd their way around. “Garage sales re-quire the use of a good map. Some brides even send the Map Book along with their wedding invitations to out-of-town guests.”

Invitations have now been sent to more than 100 businesses that chose to advertise in this year’s Map Book. A wine-and-cheese party with door prizes - in-cluding a full-page advertisement in Th e Pioneer - will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 30th at Pynelogs Cultural Centre.

“We wanted to thank the businesses that invest in this valuable marketing tool, and we also thought it would be a great way for all of us to get together and do a little visiting before the busy summer season starts,” Elinor said.

A copy of the gicleé print “Cobalt Lake – Th e Bugaboos” by Elizabeth Wiltzen which appears on the cover of this year’s Map Book will also be available for sale at the event. Proceeds from the gicleé prints will be donated to the Invermere Public Library to help pay for the proposed new combination performing arts centre and public library.

We are pleased to announce the EARLY ARRIVAL of theWe are pleased to announce the EARLY ARRIVAL of the

100,000 copies are now being distributed throughout the Columbia Valley and Western Canada!

Featuring NEW MAPS, VALLEY HISTORY, EVENT LISTINGS, AND COMMUNITY INFORMATION.

Please call The Pioneer at 341-6299 OR call our distributors direct at 342-6187 if you would like copies delivered to your business.


Complete Automotive Repairs

Phone: 342-6614 • www.autowyze.com

(Beside the Petro Canada Car Wash)

Specializing in ‘One of a Kind’ ART YOU WEARLocated in INVERMERE, BC

Across from the AIRPORT, next to Tex’s Coffee & BAVIN GLASS

for store hours Phone: (250) 342-5043 or 342-5347

www.deannagauthier.com

Specializing in ‘One of a Kind’ ART YOU WEAR

www.deannagauthier.com

NEW LOCATIONFull Service Salon

Excellent rates! Call 342-7264

Sewer/Drain CleaningSeptic 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

NEW

• Yard & Construction Site Clean-up• 12,000 lb Dump Trailer • Bobcat Services • Angle Broom – Parking Lots,

Driveways and Sidewalks

K.I.S.S. LANDSCAPINGK.I.S.S. LANDSCAPING

Ph: 347-9385 • Cell: 342-5912Ph: 347-9385 • Cell: 342-5912

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

Interior WorldNeed Blinds?

Call Bill Cropper (250) 342 4406

Your search for quality and dependability ends with us.

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning SpecialistsTruck Mounted System • Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed

Dean HubmanCertifi ed Technician

342-3052

RR3, 4874 Ridge Cres.Invermere, BC

V0A 1K3

TOWINGCLUB

INSURANCE AGENCIES LTD.

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

BOX 4597559 MAIN STREET

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, BCV0A 1M0

PHONE: 347-9350FAX: 347-6350

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

Lambert

Phone Shawn or Patty at 250.346.3399 or 341.18602362 Brisco Road, Brisco

Patty’s Greenhouse &Landscaping

• Irrigation• Bobcat Services• Trees and

Shrubs• Perennials

• Native Plantings• Installations• Annuals• Hanging Baskets• Insured

Mountain GateProjects

Mountain GateProjects

For all your residential & commercial needs…

“We can help”• General construction contracting with a “Can Do” approach

• General contracting/project management• Computer drafting and design from foundations to fi nal completion.

Ph: (250) 342-1120

HERE TO SERVE YOU

TOTAL HEATING& Air Conditioning

TOTAL HEATING& Air Conditioning

Servicing the New HomeConstruction Industry

Call 688-7899

Servicing the New HomeConstruction Industry

Call 688-7899WINDERMERE 342-6805

SHOLINDER & MACKAYEXCAVATING Inc.

Septic Systems Installed ~ Pumped ~ RepairedPrefab Cement Tanks Installed

Water Lines Dug InstalledBasements Dug

Automotive Repairs7 days a week

GAS • PROPANE • DIESEL

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

RADIUM HOT SPRINGS ESSO

Freight & Passenger Depot


will help you stay on top of your worldShizu E. M. Futa, Touch for Health Level 2

[email protected]

Mustard Seed Health Foods,#103 Parkside Place, 901 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Please phone (250) 342-2552 for an appointment

Great Selection of:

*Wood blinds *Sunscreens *Woven Woods *Pleated Shades *Roller Shades

and more!

Tamara OsborneBrenda McEachern.

Phone /Fax

345-6422For all your interiordecorating needs.

385 Laurier Street, Invermere, BCPO Box 117, Windermere, BC V0B 2L0email: [email protected]

• POOLS

• HOT TUBS

• CHEMICALS

• FIREPLACES

• BBQ S

• HEATING

• VENTILATION

• AIR CONDITIONING

• RESIDENTIAL

• COMMERCIAL

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

www.diamondheatingandspas.com

4966 Fairmont Frontage, Fairmont Hot Springs

345-6600

Call NOW:

688-0213

We aren’t the cheapest,JUST THE BEST!

• Carpets dry in about 1 hour!• 100% guaranteed!• Low Moisture • No Steam

• No Sticky Residue• Upholstery • Area Rugs• Wood & Tile Floors

• Vehicle Interiors • Free Estimates

See more online atwww.heavensbest.ca

JUST THE BEST!

Floor Covering & CabinetsBlinds & Paints

335 - 3rd Ave., Invermere, BCTelephone 342-6264 • Fax 342-3546 Email: [email protected]

www.warwick-interiors.com

Growing with the Tradition of Quality

• Framing• Renovations • Decks

• Exterior Finishing

Kristoffer Bennett(250) 341-5030

[email protected]

Bennett Construction

Invermere Dry Cleaners Ltd.

Dry Cleaning • Laundry • AlterationsRepair • Bachelor Service

Phone: 342-6610 • 507A - 7th Ave., Invermere

THE CENTER OF REAL ESTATE ACTION IN THE PROVINCE OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

LAMBERT-KIPPPHARMACY LTD.

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

Your Compounding PharmacyCome in and browse our giftware

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

1301 - 7th Avenue, Invermere

342-6612

F i n e H o m e s e r v i c e s

(250) 342-9207

VACUFLO

FOR ALL YOUR RENTAL

NEEDS!Tampers ~ Skid Steer ~ Mini Hoe

~ Aerators ~ Material Handler ~ Scaffolding ~ Power Washers ~ and lots more!

HIGHWAY 93/95 WINDERMERE (Next to the Skookum Inn)

Telephone(250) 342-4426

HERE TO SERVE YOU

CanadaPhilippines

Japan

• Custom Builders • Foundations • Framing/Timber• Decks/Stairs • Finishing • Paint/Laquer • Safety Insured

Offi ce: 250.342.9764Fax: 250.342-9764

Cell: 250.688.1888Cell: 250.270.0217

E-mail: [email protected]

• Rug Cleaners •

Jason RoeRR #4, 2117 -13 Ave.

Invermere, BC V0A [email protected]

Bus: (250)342-9692Res: (250) 342-7327Fax: (250) 342-9644Cell: (250) 342-5241

Residential & Commercial • Carpet & Upholstery CleaningFlood Restoration • Window Tinting

March 23, 200732 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer

INVERMEREPhone: (250) 342-9866Fax: (250) 342-9869Email: [email protected]

HEAD OFFICEPhone: (403) 287-0144

Fax: (403) 287-2193#200, 6125 - 11 Street S.E.

Calgary, AB T2H 2L6

AvionConstruction Ltd.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGERS - GENERAL CONTRACTORSDESIGN/BUILD CUSTOM HOMES • MULTI-FAMILY & COMMERCIAL PROJECTS

STEVE GUTSCHE, Project ManagerColumbia Valley District

HERE TO SERVE YOU

Hi - Heat Invermere Electrical ServicesInvermere Electrical Services

(250) 342-8878(250) 342-8878

• Reasonable rates• Residential - Commercial• Electric furnace and hot water tank repair• Maintenance and service• Central vacuum systems

For all your electrical needs call:

Free Estimates! or e-mail [email protected]

Hot Tubs & Accessories, Gazebos, Billiards, Saunas,Tanning Beds, Games, Fitness Equipment, Massage Chairs.

SALES • SERVICE • DELIVERYNeil & Coralie Woelfl e Ph/Fax: 250.347.9762PO Box 615 Radium Hot Springs, BC V0A 1M0

www.dynastyspas.com

LIMITED TIME OFFER!

NEW FRANCHISE FACTORYREBATES

READY MIX CONCRETEConcrete 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 (offi ce)

Invermere

www.cordnerarchitect.com(250) 341-6888

Bus: (250) 342-6336Fax: (250) 342-3578Email: [email protected]: www.is-r.ca403 - 7th AvenueInvermere, BC

INVERMERE GLASS LTD.•Auto • Home

• Commercial • Mirrors • Shower Doors

• 27 years glass experience

Telephone: 342-3659Serving the Valley for over 11 years • #3, 109 Industrial Road #2, Invermere

Jeff Watson

SOARIN

G TO

NEW HE

IGHTS Our

circulation is now 8000!


AROUND THE VALLEYFresh food

draws fans to theSunfl ower Café


Th e owner of the Sunfl ower Cafe in Canal Flats said her popular breakfast, lunch and coff ee spot is not what she imagined when she opened her doors four and a half months ago.

Initially, owner Karlene LePan envi-sioned a carry-out only coff ee shop, but the bright, cheery cafe quickly took on a life of its own.

“I just sort of had this coff ee shop idea, but it kind of morphed into what the community wanted it to be,” she said.

“Canal Flats is a small town and ev-erybody knows everybody and people want to come in and sit down and so-cialize.”

Th e raven-haired mother of three replaced the sofa and chairs she origi-nally installed with cafe tables, includ-ing a long patio table from her backyard deck, and the Sunfl ower Café became a hub for morning gossip.

Sunfl ower Café, Ms. LePan ex-plained, wasn’t the result of a burning ambition to be a restaurateur.

In fact, her only food service experi-ence came as a frequent customer, not an employee.

Th e Edmonton native said she was disenchanted with her former career as

a Calgary-based TV and video producer when she quit and moved with her fam-ily to their Canal Flats vacation cabin.

“I have no formal training in any-thing I’m doing right now,” she said, “but people seem to like it and they keep coming back.”

Her own desire for fresh, healthy fare was the clincher.

“You can’t get a fresh sandwich, well, anywhere between here and Invermere,” she said.

Demand for the hearty fare of fresh grilled sandwiches made to order, cold subs, soups, coff ee, espresso, latte, muf-fi ns and cookies keep her busy behind the counter of the small cafe which oc-cupies the Little Big Mall in downtown Canal Flats.

People fi nd her crispy-top, convec-tion-baked banana bread irresistible. It’s her biggest seller, she said.

Ms. LePan said the food is all made fresh daily from ingredients procured locally.

Th e coff ee is from Kootenay Roast-ers in Cranbrook, dough for the bread is prepared by the bakers at Canal Flats Family Foods and the meats come from Konig Meats in Invermere.

Currently observing “winter hours,” the Sunfl ower Cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Karlene LePan left her job in the television industry to open a coffee shop in Canal Flats.

St. Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17th, saw the 1st Annual Charity Stew Cook Off held at the Whitehouse Hotel in Windermere and is to become a tradition every St. Patrick’s Day weekend in the years to come.

For a donation of $5, diners enjoyed as much of the homemade stews as they could eat. A 50/50 draw was held and added to the total of $440 that was proudly raised for the Family Resource Centre.

Th ere were 12 stew entries and one late entry which did not make the judging. Th e

succulent stews ranged from lamb, to pork, to chicken, to beef, to vegetarian with some very secret ingredients which may never be known.

Anne Riches, Elin Einaisson and Mau-reen Louks were the esteemed judges for the evening. Also all diners were able to vote for their favourite stew for the People’s Choice Award.

• First Prize: Sharon Wright and Liz Kivistik

• Second Prize: Colleen Maytham• Th ird Prize: Laura Th ompson

• People’s Choice Award: Sharon Wright and Liz Kivistik

Th e evening was topped off with won-derful music provided by Ken the DJ, and the participants were able to dance the “stew” away for the remainder of the night.

A special thanks to all the organizers for their hard work and creativity in put-ting this event together.

We look forward to taste testing even more entries next year, so be sure to come on out and join in to help raise money.

Stewcookoff will beannualevent

March 23, 200734• The Columbia Valley Pioneer

PIONEER CLASSIFIEDSCHEERS/JEERS

Jeers to the persons in Wilmer who decided they needed the Pioneer box for themselves. SH

Jeers to the drivers/passengers who throw their beer cans out the window on the Wilmer hill. SH

EVENTS

ATTENTION POOL PLAYERS: If you are interested in playing in an 8 ball or 9 Ball Tournament, one weekend each month, please call Bob Friesen at 341-6018. Special handicap system for women.

THANK YOU

Many thanks to my family for the lovely 80th birthday party and all my friends who came. It was a nice surprise. Thank you, Hilda

STORAGE

New•House Multi-storage, various sizes available, now with climate controlled units. Call 342-3637.

Fenced storage in Canal Flats on Hwy 93/95. RVs, boats, autos, ski-doos, etc. 250-349-8212.

OFFICE SPACE

Professional offi ce space for rent in Invermere. Large view offi ce with negotiable services. Please call 342-9450 for more information.

SUITES FOR RENT

Kootenay Apartments in Radium (Kootenay Motel) has clean, furnished, and all inclusive 1 and 2 bedroom units. $600- $800 for long or short-term monthly rental. N/S, N/P DD and references required. Contact Don or Sue Miller. 342-6908 (day), 342-3709 (evenings)

SUITES FOR RENT

CONTRACTORS: self-contained cabins by the week or month, 250-345-6365, Fairmont Bungalows.

HOMES FOR RENT

RED COTTAGE - 2 bedroom du-plexes, 1230-13th St. Invermere, 850 sqft, Gas FP, W/D, NS, NP, long-term tenant, $1100/mo includes utilities, available now & Aug 1, 342-2243.

HOMES FOR SALE

Pine Ridge home with fantastic view of lake and mountains. View at bchomesforsale.com in Rocky section. Call 342-3842.

2-bedroom, 1-bath, 1000sq.ft. townhouse in Edgewater. Completely renovated, new appliances, deck, low fees. $190,000 341-7068.

MOBILE HOMES FOR SALE

1972 Parkwood 12’ x 68’, new roof, siding, some of the win-dows, skirting. Recently painted inside. 5 appliances. 3-bed-rooms, 1-bathroom, new porch and a large deck with an amaz-ing view. In excellent condition. On a lot in Green Acres Mobile Home Park. Sorry, No Dogs Al-lowed. Asking $55,000. Please call 342-4400 days 347-9242 evenings.

2006 Safeway 14’ x 80’, 2-bed-room mobile home. 4 appli-ances, plumbed for dishwasher. Extra large deck, large wood planters, has a yard. On lot in Green Acres Mobile Park. Sorry, No Dogs Allowed. Asking $105,000. Please call 342-4400 days 347-9242 evenings.

LOTS FOR SALE

New lots along Crescentwood coming. Commercial lots avail-able NOW for less! Acreage West of town - Edgewater Develop-ments 347 9660, edgeh2o@ telus.net.

In Edgewater, Riverview Drive, beautiful view of the Rockies. $120,000. Call 347-9813 evenings after 6 p.m.

BUSINESS FOR SALE

HELP STOP GLOBAL WARMINGand put money in your pocket.www.4planetearth.com/wolf

or call Wolf (250) 688-0044

Dollar/Gift/Convenience/Video Store

For Sale Turn Key Operation. Reasonable Price, Be your own Boss. Owner will Finance with Security. Rent $350 per month plus triple net. Over 1,400 items. Price negotiable. A great opportunity for the right person. Prime Retail Location Canal Flats (604) 786 4604.

GARAGE SALES

Saturday, March 31st10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Edgewater Community HallFundraiser for the Edgewater Volunteer Fire Department

Anyone wishing to donate items, call Mimi 347-9868

Tables can be rented for $10.Refreshments for purchase from

the Edgewater Hall Society

MISC. FOR SALE

ConcertMate 900 Electric 5 Octave keyboard/synthesizer, pre- programmed with 20 diff erent rhythms and 465 diff erent sounds. $400 obo, 342-2096.

MISC. FOR SALE

Hay for sale. Small square bales under roof. $2.00/bale. 342-6670.

New Delta Midi-Lathe, Model LA200 with set of 12 lathe tools (chisels) boxed $600 fi rm, 345-0065.

Yamaha keyboard PSR-16, 32 preset voices, 16 rhythms, digital synthesizer $120 obo, 345-0065.

Brand new Head ski helmet, size L, $80 was $120, 345-0065.

Solid Maple Heritage Style 6-piece bedroom suite manufactured by Vilas. Excellent condition asking $4,995. Call John (403) 251-9378 or (403) 804-1352.

HAY, top quality round bales, alfalfa grass. Call Elkhorn Ranch 342-0617.

New Harman high effi ciency direct-vent pellet stove, thermostat controlled, burns all pellet types. 61,000 btu’s. $2,500. 342-0165.

WANTED TO BUY

WANTED: Two wood-framed windows, 36 inches square, for use in a restored log cabin. Call Elinor at 341-6299 (days) or 342-0444 evenings.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1992 Ford Explorer, 2 DR, good shape, asking $3,200 obo. Phone 342-1705 after 6:00 pm.

1989 5th Wheel can be seen at Dutch Creek Campground. $2,500. (403) 256-3334.

1994 Ford Aspire SE. 5-speed manual, 2-door hatchback, Pioneer CD w/MP3. Excellent gas mileage. 210,000km. $2,100 obo. 347-9326.

1985 Chev 2500 truck w/350 engine, good shape runs well. 200,000km. $1,000. 342-6116

VEHICLES FOR SALE

1979 GMC Dura Frontier Camper van. Good condition including large screen canopy. $4,900 obo. 342-3252

VEHICLES FOR SALE

2005 Toyota Tacoma 2wdr, 5spd, 2.7L, exc. Mileage, matching canopy, loaded 33,000km. Take over lease or buy $22000. 341-1618.

SERVICES

Flooring installations including lino, carpet, vc tile, laminate, and hardwood. Plus handyman work including new decks, renovations, framing, and roofi ng. Call 347-9192, 341-1235.

PAINT & FLOORS. Interior/exterior painting, repaints, stain & lacquer fi nish. Hardwood Floors. Basic & custom installations. 20yrs exp. Reliable service & quality craftsmanship. Call 341-7261.

Simes Painting: interior and exterior, new homes and existing, quality woodwork fi nishing, laquers, staining, and clearcoating. Call Barry. 342-0572 Windermere.

$10,000,000in vehicle inventory.

Go to www.cranbrookdodge.com

to view complete inventory.

Residential/Vacation Properties

Maintenance & RepairsDependable - Fully Insured

JIM ROBERTSONWindermere

342-9022

GRADS CHECK THIS OUT!89 HONDA PRELUDE:

New tires, windshield, timing belt, muffl er. All wheel steering, virtually no rust. Second owner, always garaged. Simply

excellent shape inside and out. JVC CD player, PWR everything, cruise, 5-speed. 210,000kms.

Gold Colour, $6,300. Call 345-0095 for info.

VEHICLES FOR SALE

Call April at 341-6299 to place your classifi ed.

SERVICES

Simes Painting: interior and exterior, new homes and existing, quality woodwork fi nishing, laquers, staining, and clearcoating. Call Barry. 342-0572 Windermere.

CAREERS

Invermere Sears 2 days a week. Call 342-6901 or stop in store.

CAREERS

FREE MOVIE RENTALS Join our team and receive a great wage, and free movie rentals. Apply in person at Gone Hollywood Video, #1, 503 – 7th Avenue, Invermere, BC

CAREERS

MUST LOVE DOGS. Bow-Wow-Meow looking for part-time grooming and boarding assistant, please send resume to [email protected] or call Lana 342-5859.

CAREERS

Wanted a Resident Manager to manage a unique hotel in Radium Hot Springs. Excellent working conditions and benefi ts. Please call Heidi or Ali at (250) 426-6683.Class 1 Dump Truck Operator, Equipment Operator and Labourers. Wage DOE. 345-0090 or email: [email protected]

Full-time position at private lodge starting May. Maintenance, grounds keeping, cleaning. Horse experience a bonus. Leave message 342-5299.

Rock Works Landscape now hiring. All skill levels considered. Pay based on experience. Call Ray 342-5676. Experienced part/full-time tandem dump truck driver wanted. Must have Class 1 or 3 license. $25/hr, call 342-5654.

Grounds Personnel at Terra Vista Condominiums. Great Work Environment! Position available immediately. 40 hours / week. $15/hr. Email or Fax resume. [email protected], 342-3005 fax. Inquires please call 342-1134.

Apprentice for Stonemason. Male or female, $13-18 on experience and learning curve. 342-5845.


PIONEERCLASSIFIEDS

SPECIAL 20% OFFK.I.S.S. Landscaping

Angle Broom sweeping – parking lots, driveways

and sidewalks.347–9385 or 342-5912.

BC LIQUORSTORES

Liquor Distribution Branch is looking for energetic in-dividuals for a fast paced, customer focused retail en-vironment with potential for a long term career. Auxiliary employees are needed on an “as and when needed basis”.

Must be 19 years of age, customer service oriented, good physical condition, understand and communi-cate eff ectively in English, able to lift 25 kg boxes. Ap-plicants with experience in retail/warehouse or similar environment preferred. Sal-ary starts at $15.41/hour.

Applications/resumes can be submitted at Invermere Liquor Store, 510 – 13th Street.

Full-time employment, year-round positions.

• Facility Maintenance & Grounds

• Front Offi ce Reception• Housekeeping

For an interview contact 347-2323 ext. 1504

or resumes can be e-mailed [email protected]

Deadline for applications Mar. 30th

SAFE HOMES PROGRAM SUPPORT WORKER

Family Resource Centre

Duties: The Safe Homes support worker is part of a team of casual staff that agrees to carry a cellular phone and serve scheduled on-call duty for the Safe Homes Program. Support workers are on call on week days and evenings, weekends and statutory holidays. When called out, the support worker provides a confi dential emergency service for the provision of temporary, safe and supportive accommodation for women and their children who have experienced or who are at risk of abuse, threats or violence. Support workers will provide transportation, informa-tion, support and, when appropriate, follow-up support for women.

Application process and deadline: Submit a resume and cover letter to Pat Cope, Executive Director, Family Resource Centre, Box 2289, Invermere, B.C., V0A 1K0, by 4:00 p.m., March 30, 2007.

Cleaning Super needed. Radium Vacation Rentals and Timberstone Property Services are looking for a full-time house keeping supervisor/cleaner starting April 1st/07 for condo and homes in the

Radium / Invermere area.

Please call 347-6900 for details.

Experienced Framers required, competitive wages off ered.

Year round work. Phone Curt 270-0744 or Glen 270-0644

Help WantedResident Care Aid ~ Full Time Position

RCA or PCA or HSW or equivelentUnion Membership, HEU

See Posting, Mt. Nelson Place

Manager: Stephanie HealyPhone: 342-3699

Double the circulation, double the advertising powerof any other local newspaper!

T H E P I O N E E R

Ski seasondrawing to a closeIt’s been a fantastic snow season at Panorama Moun-

tain Village - and remember there are only a few weeks left to hit the slopes. Here a skier tackles a steep slope in Taynton Bowl on a sunny spring break day.


PIONEER ON THE ROAD

TRAVELLING WITH THE PIONEER—Th e Pioneer continues its world tour with another batch of entries from far-fl ung locations. Pictured here are (clockwise from top left) Tom Hardie of Fairmount Hot Springs at the Blue Jays spring training camp in Dunedin, Florida; Invermere resident Brian Johnson after a day of mountain biking in sunny and hot Moab, Utah, on his way to ski in Telluride, Colorado; Howie and Donabelle Williams enjoying a stop at Costa Maya, Mexico while on a cruise; Barb Kester and Dot Forster at Stellenbosch, South Africa; Joan and John Rouse of Invermere and Doug and Susan Boker of Radium, on the fi fth tee box of the Emerald Canyon Golf Course in Parker, Arizona.


PIONEER ON THE ROAD

TRAVELLING WITH THE PIONEER—Th e Pioneer continues its world tour with another batch of entries from far-fl ung locations. Pictured here are (clockwise from top left) Tom Hardie of Fairmount Hot Springs at the Blue Jays spring training camp in Dunedin, Florida; Invermere resident Brian Johnson after a day of mountain biking in sunny and hot Moab, Utah, on his way to ski in Telluride, Colorado; Howie and Donabelle Williams enjoying a stop at Costa Maya, Mexico while on a cruise; Barb Kester and Dot Forster at Stellenbosch, South Africa; Joan and John Rouse of Invermere and Doug and Susan Boker of Radium, on the fi fth tee box of the Emerald Canyon Golf Course in Parker, Arizona.


PIONEER ON THE ROAD

THE PIONEER GOES EVERYWHERE—Clockwise from top left, Todd Mitchell of Windermere snapped this photo of daughter Madeleine and her mother Brenda Mitch-ell at St. Petes Beach, Florida; Wendy Bennett, left, and Nancy Phair of Invermere at an undiscovered Mexican shrimp village with Manuel, a treasure hunter; Bill Croft of Windermere, who was travelling through India with his wife Nora Eff ord, was pho-tographed holding a copy of the Pioneer and another copy of Th e Pioneer from Delhi, while in Agra, India; Luke Denton and his wife Bronwyn of Radium Hot Springs at the Daytona 500 in Florida.

Send us a photograph of yourself with a copy of The Pioneer and enter to win two free nights at the Fantasyland Hotel in West

Edmonton Mall, courtesy ofTravel World in Invermere.


Lisa buys cows for the poorBy Lisa M. RohrickNiger, Africa

“You’re really Fulani now!” my friends told me af-ter our trip to the market.

And what did I do to deserve that comment, you ask? I bought two cows.

And what am I going to do with two cows? I’m glad you asked. Let me explain!

Th e Fulani people, with whom I work here in Ni-ger, West Africa, have a wonderful cultural practice of lending animals to those who are in fi nancial need. Th e recipient keeps and cares for the cow until it has a calf. If the calf is female, the recipient keeps the calf, and the cow is returned to its owner. If the calf is male, the recipient keeps the calf and also keeps the cow for a second year. After the second calf is born, the cow is returned to its owner.

I heard about this system several months ago, and talked about it with Ruga, the head cattleman in the village I visit most often. Th at wasn’t the time to buy, he cautioned, because the prices were too high. “Wait a few months.”

A few months went by and it was time to go cow shopping! Off I went to the market with Ruga and two other men. Normally a trip to the market is an exhausting experience, with every merchant calling out to direct my attention to his wares. “Madame! Madame, over here!! I’ll give you a good price!” “Ma-dame! Look here!” “Madame, buy from me!”

But going to the market with Ruga, a respected elder in the area, was diff erent. I walked along behind

him, receiving nothing more than polite greetings as we passed the various vendors. When we arrived at the animal department, he and I stood in the shade of a large tree while the other two went off to do the negotiating, returning to the tree from time to time to report on their progress. It wasn’t long until they’d reached a deal, and Ruga and I went over to join them. A crowd formed as I handed over the cash (it isn’t every day a white woman, speaking their language, shows up to buy cows!)

Later that day the cows were delivered to Ruga’s village, having walked the four kilometres from the market. Th e next step was to name them. I thought of Moo and Spot, or perhaps Harvey (after a man in my childhood who had a dog called Lisa!)

But instead, I asked for suggestions from my Fu-lani friends. Th ey off ered some names and I chose on the basis of how easy they were to pronounce (and thus

hopefully remember). Th e dark brown cow is Nayil, and the white one with a few dark spots is Amaril.

Th e next morning Ruga invited me into his hut to discuss the recipients of the cows. Poor people are not hard to fi nd in Niger, which is listed at the very bot-tom of 177 countries in the United Nations human development index for 2006. I had already told Ruga I most wanted to help women who were in need. Th at morning we talked about the village widows. I asked him how many children they each had, if they had other animals, how their health was, if they are likely to take care of the animal, etc. Based on his responses, I chose the two widows who would receive my cows.

We then went out to the fi eld where my cows were tethered, followed by a group of witnesses. As soon as I told them to whom I was lending my cows, Ruga’s wife took off running down the path back to the vil-lage. Ruga chuckled and said, “She wants to be the fi rst one to share the good news!”

As we walked back to the village, Ruga said, “Th ank you! You have given to my village, which is as if you have given to me. And we thank you.”

So my two cows have become loaner cows, and are already in the possession of two widows with children. Th e idea is to help them establish a herd, and a means of improving their diet (with milk) and giving them an income (from the sale of milk and butter).

Apparently several development agencies across West Africa have adopted this Fulani custom of help-ing people with the loan of animals. I hope that Nayil and Amaril will be the fi rst of many animals I am able to lend to people caught in poverty’s deadly trap.

Lisa Rohrick with Nayil and Amaril.

Mike Baker on his way home from AfricaEditor’s Note: Th is is the fi nal installment of Mike Baker’s account of his adventures in Africa. He ar-rives home to Invermere this week.

I reached the top of Karisimbi volcano with an armed escort of 13 Rwandan soldiers carrying ma-chine guns and rocket launchers. “It’s to scare away the buff aloes and elephants,” the guide said. Two days later I traveled to the D.R. Congo and found out there was fi ghting with Hutu rebels on the Con-go side. I did think it was a bit excessive to scare buff aloes away with a rocket launcher . . .

As soon as I crossed the border, I had to bribe the police to not check my luggage. Apparently if you skip the bribe, and get searched, things can go missing. I don’t usually support corruption, but in the D.R. Congo, things are diff erent!

When I arrived in Uganda, I felt completely safe (southern Uganda - not the north). I wonder what it is about a country that emits a safe vibe? Is it the lack of guns, friendly smiling people or both?

I spent three days on Lake Bunyonyi. I took a dug-out canoe to an island, camped and just sat

on the beach. Following Lake Bunyonyi, I went to Kampala and spent a day getting lost in the city.

Th e next day I spent white water kayaking on the Nile. I was in a two-person kayak with the guide in the back. We went through, over and under the craziest rapids. One rapid had a three-metre drop and the other one was known as “Th e Bad Place.” Needless to say, I spent a good amount of time un-der the water at “Th e Bad Place.”

I took a night bus to Nairobi, Kenya where I connected to Longido, Tanzania. I spent three days with the Maasai in Longido. I visited a Maasai set-tlement - like the Hutterites but far more rustic.

From Longido, I travelled to Arusha. I hired a Land Rover Defender (sweet vehicle) and went on a safari in Tarangire National Park. Th ere were el-ephants, giraff es, impala, baboons, warthogs, dik-diks, bush buck, and even a tortoise. We got too close to a bull elephant and it charged us! Th is thing was huge. It didn’t move very fast, but it had a lot of momentum. We took off and didn’t look back.

Following Arusha, I spent three days on the coast of the Indian Ocean in Tanga and then fl ew to the

island of Pemba. I spent a day wandering through a market. Th is was not like a typical African market . . . instead of garbage I could smell cloves and cin-namon. Instead of people yelling, I could hear Ara-bic music. Th e women were dressed in burkahs and their hands and feet were covered in henna.

I used a bicycle to get around. Whenever I got hungry, I could stop on the side of the road and buy some sugar cane, fresh sugar cane juice (they fi lter out the insects), bananas, and coconuts.

Diving in Pemba was amazing. We swam beside a huge wall covered in coral of every shape and color imaginable. Th e fi sh were amazing as well, but the coral was by far the biggest attraction.

I also spent a day hiding some treasure (seems like the obvious thing to do on a tropical island). I had a treasure chest made by a local carpenter, stuff ed it full of “treasure” and then buried it on some random island. Hopefully some day I’ll make it back to Pemba to search for my treasure!

Th e trip has been fun, frustrating and eye-open-ing. I hope my stories have inspired some of you to venture to Africa and experience it fi rst-hand.


LAKE WINDERMERE ALLIANCE CHURCH 10:30 a.m., Sunday, March 25th – Worship and Life Instruction,

Celebration Sunday.Sunday School, for ages 3 to Grade 7 during Morning Service.

Associate Pastor Rev. Jared Enns326 - 10th Avenue, Invermere • 342-9535

WINDERMERE VALLEY SHARED MINISTRY10:30 a.m. - Invermere - Christ Church Trinity,

Worship & Sunday School.Rev. Sandy Ferguson • 110 - 7th Avenue, Invermere • 342-6644

VALLEY CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLYSunday • 10:00 a.m.

Children’s church during the message part of the service. Sunday, 7:00 pm Prayer Meeting

Senior Pastor Rev. John Cuyler • www.vcassembly.comHighway 93/95, 1 km north of Windermere • 342-9511

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHCanadian Martyrs Church, Invermere

Saturday, 7 p.m. Mass • Sunday, 9 a.m. Mass St. Joseph’s Church, Hwy 93/95 Radium Sunday, 11:00 a.m. MassSt. Anthony’s Church, Canal Flats Sunday, 4:00 p.m. MassFather Jose Joaquin • 712 -12th Ave., Invermere • 342-6167

ST. PETER’S LUTHERAN MISSION OF INVERMERERegular weekly worship services every Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

at Christ Church Trinity 110 - 7th Ave., Invermere Pastor Rev. Fraser Coltman • 1-866-426-7564

RADIUM CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIPEvery Sunday 10 a.m., Sunday School 10 a.m.

Every Wednesday 7 p.m., Bible StudyPastor Wayne and Linda Frater • Radium Seniors’ Hall • 342-6633

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTERDAY SAINTSSunday Service, 10 a.m. • Sunday School, 11 a.m.

Noon Sunday: Relief SocietyPresident Grant Watkins • Columbia Valley Branch5014 Fairway, Fairmont Hot Springs • 345-0079

Valley ChurchesFAITH

Selkirk TV & Appliance

1229-7th Ave., Invermere 342-6415

• Kitchenaid • Inglis

• Whirlpool • Roper

PanasonicPioneer

Cell PhonesElectronics & Service

Christian Books, Music & Misc.

Truth is an absoluteBy John CuylerValley ChristianAssembly

What is truth? Is truth just an idea? If truth is just an idea, then people will build their value system on the basis of what is acceptable in the society they live in.

Consider for a mo-ment the implications of this. If truth is just an idea, then if blatant immorality is considered accept-able by that society, then blatant immorality such as the exploitation of children must be right. If truth is just an idea, then if dishonesty is considered accept-able, then dishonesty in business practices must be right.

If truth is just an idea, then if eliminating those members of that society that are considered a burden to society is acceptable, then carrying out that action must be right.

About this time you may be thinking, now just a minute here, these practices don’t seem right to me. Th is may be so, but if truth is just an idea, then our society determines the basis for what is right. But, is truth really just an idea or is it much more than that?

May I say that truth is not something that is changeable but rather something that remains con-stant. Truth is altogether correct. It has no fl aws or defects, so it never needs to be altered. Truth doesn’t change with time or societal standards; it remains the same whether people choose to acknowledge it or not. If truth then is unchangeable, then where did truth originate from?

Th e answer to that question is not so much where, but who is the source of truth? And the answer to that is truth originates with God. Th e Bible says that God, “is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righ-teous and upright is He.” (Deuteronomy).

God is the standard of truth who is perfect in ev-ery way. God is the God of truth who sent His Son into the world to bear witness of the truth. Th e Bible tells us that Jesus, “the Word became fl esh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory as of the only one begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

Th e day that Jesus was brought before Pilate, He said, “I have come into the world, to bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) Jesus not only claimed to bear witness of the truth, He declared, “I am the truth.” (John 14:6.) Jesus Christ is truth personifi ed. If Jesus

Christ is truth then we must believe that all the words that He speaks are also truth. He said this: “I am the way, and the truth and the life; no man comes to the Father, but through Me.” (John 14:6)

What is truth? Th ink about this for a moment: You are driving down a highway when you encoun-ter a sign that reads “Dangerous Curve Ahead.” Im-mediately you are confronted with making a choice. One, you can believe what it says, observe the warning and slow down. Two, you can ignore the warning and maintain your rate of speed. Or, three, you can defy the warning and speed up.

Whatever response you exercise, you will not change the truth of the sign. Th e curve remains dan-gerous regardless of whether you acknowledge the fact or not. Th e truth is that the only way anyone can be acceptable in God’s sight is by believing the truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins. In fact, Jesus not only died for our sins, but He also rose from the dead.

Easter is the time where we remember His death and resurrection and that through believing in that truth we can have eternal life. Romans 10:9-10 says, “For if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.”

What is truth? Th is is truth—every person has to make a choice whether to believe in Him or not. Whatever your response will not change the truth of His message. Jesus remains the truth, whether you ac-knowledge the fact or not.

Call 341-6151or

1-888-341-6155rayfergusonrealty.ca

UNIQUE HOLDING/INVESTMENT

Central location to beach & downtown Invermere. Home has revenue suite.

Zoned for attached housing.

MLS# K160424 $425,000

WE SELL REAL ESTATE• Radium • Invermere • Panorama

• Windermere • Fairmont

FAMILY MATTERS WORKSHOPStriving to Serve and Assist Families that

have members with disabilities

BEING CONNECTED COUNTSSupport • Assistance • Meeting Challenges

March 30th • 7 pm - 9:30 pmMarch 31st • 9 am - 12:30 pm

Days Inn, 600 Cranbrook St. North, Cranbrook

RSVP Ivy-Lynn [email protected]

Phone 250-489-2039 or phone Betty-Jean Feldman 342-3216

This is a FREE EVENT

Need Blinds? Best QualityCall The Blind Guy!

Interior World (250) 342 4406


InvermereIndependently Owned and Operated

250-342-6505

www.ReMaxInvermere.comAt Panorama: 250-341-4898Toll Free: 1-888-258-9911

The Price is Right

Ultimate Rural Lifestyle

Enjoy lake access, carefree living in Lakeview Meadows! Fully nished 4 bedroom townhome features deluxe master ensuite with loft sitting area, hardwood oors, vaulted ceilings and large view windows in open living/dining area. Walkout lower level provides for extra room to entertain and for extra guests. Distinctive architecture plus a prestige neighborhood. MLS#K161201

$619,900

Immaculate Home in Radium Hot Springs

Great starter home or rental property on a quiet street in Radium Hot Springs. Located across from the Springs Golf Course, this bungalow sits on a at, fenced lot with great views and tons of potential. MLS#K161193

$299,900

Golf Course Property

This property is on the golf course in Canal Flats; the lot is 300 ft deep and affords great golf course and mountain views. Property has 4 bedrooms and a hot tub. Subdivision in the future may be a possibility. MLS#K161083

$269,900

Recreational Condo for the Active Family

Beach access cabin gives the lucky buyer of this property the ability to enjoy summers on the lake without spending a million or more! Title (shared) beach access, right in Invermere with town water and sewer. MLS#K161252

$649,000

Canterbury Point

Ultimate Vistas of Lake and Mountains

Enjoy the Views

One of the Best

Enjoy all the luxurious bene ts this spectacular custom timber frame home has to offer. Spacious living with an open design. Walkout basement with an outdoor sitting patio with replace. Stunning lake and mountain views.MLS#K161172

$1,995,000

Dream Starter in Radium

This wonderfully situated home perched on a hill-side offers some of the best unobstructed view of Lake Windermere and the Rocky Mountains. The very private concrete deck offers morning sun and late afternoon shade for your comfort. Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and nicely appointed en-suite and a stunning lake view. 3 bedrooms and a very large recreation room. Wine or cold storage room with natural ground. Walk out basement to the hot tub and amazing lake views. MLS#K161156

$799,000

Now is the time for decisive action. Two bedrooms, fully furnished with new carpet and gently used. This townhouse style condominium at Panorama Mountain Village is a bargain for ski, nature, mountain bikers and golf enthusiasts. MLS#K161179

$229,000 + gst

Wende Brash342-1300

Bernie Raven342-7415

Daniel Zurgilgen342-1612

Ed English342-1194

Jan Klimek342-1195

John McCarthy342-1758

Scott Wallace342-5309

Andy Smith342-1709

Bryan Hookenson341-1266

Rob Rice341-5935

Deborah-Kim Rice342-5935

Katie Wallace342-5785

Paul Glassford341-1395

Charming townhome in Radium Hot Springs. Bright kitchen and 2 bedrooms with 3 bathrooms. Walk to shops, restaurants and hot pools. Golf and skiing nearby. Furnished and ready to move in!. MLS#K161141

$252,900

The newest Peaks Development in Radium. Known as the Aspen this complex boasts such amenities as underground parking and security entry system. One of the few properties in the area with its own elevator system. Come and enjoy the views!. MLS#K161154

$279,900

Three bedrooms, three bathrooms, den, open living room with lots of light! Well designed kitchen with maple cabinets, birch hardwood in dining area with garden doors open to a eight person hot tub. MLS#K161159

$359,900

Dream Starter in Radium Hot Springs! 2 Bedroom apartment style condo in the growing village of Radium. Upgraded home features stainless steel appliances. Two patios and lots of windows. Perfect starter home or entry into the popular recreation market. Priced to Sell!!! MLS#K161129

$219,000

Great Starter Home

vol4issue12

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