The Free Press, December 11, 2014

Community Appreciation Day - Sunday, Dec.14thResidents of the Elk Valley are invited out to the resort for a FREE day of skiing and riding, as part of our annual Community Appreciation Day! A fundraising BBQ will also be held with all proceeds going towards the Fernie Alpine Ski team.

For further details, please visit our website or contact Guest Services.

L i k e u s o n . . .f r e e p r e s s b c

F o l l o w u s o n . . .@ F e r n i e F r e e P r e s s

Thursday, December 11, 2014 S e r v i n g t h e S o u t h C o u n t r y , F e r n i e , S p a r w o o d , E l k f o r d s i n c e 1 8 9 8 FREE441 2nd Ave. - 250-423-4511

YourSource for

Christmas Stocking Stu� ers

JAFFRAY

Columbia Basin Trust seeks input - Page 4

ELKFORD

Inaugural ceremony hosted - Page 5

SPORTS

Fernie pee-wee hockey - 9

FERNIE

Fernie Alpine Resort is now open - Page 3

ARTS

Fernie Christmas craft fair - Page 21

Working to take back East Kootenay highways through Facebook groupBy Katelyn DingmanFree Press Staff

Last week, following a brutal winter storm in the Elk Valley, Mainroad Contracting

received a lot of public backlash after two local residents created the Facebook page Taking Back East Kootenay Highways in order

to generate a public conversation about the roadways and the lack of service they believe Mainroad is providing.

As of Monday, December 8, after less than a week since being created, the group attracted nearly 1,600 members who have been posting photos, complaints, questions about current road conditions and

warnings to local Elk Valley drivers.Co-creator Morgan Owen said she

started the group to bring awareness to the issue and to attempt to get Mainroad withdrawn from their Ministry of Transportation (MOT) contract, which is up in 2016.

“My family drives these roads every day. I have to drive these roads sometimes and I’m scared,”

she said. “I’m scared to send my husband out to work in Sparwood when the roads are like this. It’s a death trap.”

Like thousands of other Teck employees, Owen’s husband travels to Sparwood four mornings a week.

“A lot of them are forced to commute on these roads,” she said.

Continued on page 2

Elk Valley Thrift Store volunteers celebrate a year of success

On December 12, the Elk Valley Thrift Shop will be celebrating a year of success, which includes the thrift store volunteers graciously accepting their award for Best Non-Profit Business at the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards ceremony on October 29. For more photos and the full story turn to page 20. From The Free Press files.

2 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014 www.thefreepress.ca

Find everythingyou need for yourcelebration here.

1641 7th Ave., Fernie • 250-423-6522

Lindeman’sWines

StolichnayaVokda

BaileysIrish Cream

Continued from page 1

“You’ve got no choice but to go to work.”

MLA Bill Bennett agreed that the highway maintenance is limited, noting that he has received a lot of negative feedback from his constituents.

“There’s been several years, and certainly two years consecutive now, where at the beginning of the season, [with] first snows and freezing rains and winds and so forth, we’ve had an abnormally high level of complaints from the public, particularily in the Elk Valley,” Bennett said, adding that he spoke with Mainroad representatives in Victoria and Cranbrook prior to the storm that hit the valley and they assured him there would not be a repeat of poor maintenance this season. “I was feeling pretty good about the upcoming winter season and the maintenance plans and then it just all fell apart. The message is that the people are really unhappy with the level of maintenance.”

In response to the Facebook page, Bennett added, “The Facebook page, in my opinion, is more a way for people to vent, it’s not having any particular impact on the way I do my job. I work for my constituents and I always have and that’s why I get re-elected.”

Two days after the Facebook page was created, Mainroad issued a press release responding to their recent highway maintenance.

“The past few weeks have been very challenging for highway maintenance operations throughout the Kootenays,” the press release stated. “Two occasions of warm weather, followed by rain, snow

and rapidly dropping temperatures left ice buildup on the travelled lanes. Though not uncommon for the area, more severe conditions have been seen over the past two years than in previous years.”

The release went on to state, “Mainroad crews were aware of the impending weather situation well in advance, they understood what the challenges would be and were fully prepared.”

Despite their preparedness, Mainroad Contracting General Manager Al Sander said the company struggled with maintaining the roads after the ice storm hit East Kootenay.

Following a media conference, held in Cranbrook on Friday, December 5, Sander noted that rapid temperature changes, along with heavy snow and rain left Mainroad struggling to remove ice and snow off the roadways as quickly as possible.

“Primarily we concentrated on this last weird storm we had and the struggles with getting it [operations] off again,” Sander said of the conference. “The biggest trouble is when you go from heavy rain to snow. We saw some 20 degree changes in temperatures. With the rain ahead of it, it’s pretty hard to do any pre-work or anything to the road to avoid the snow from sticking.”

He went on to say, “I think everybody was frustrated with the situation, and we were too and so were our guys.”

Sander added that when the temperatures

get to minus 20 degrees, there are no products available to take the ice off the roadways and that not even graters work in those freezing temperatures.

Owen, however, blames Mainroad for poor driving conditions, noting that they should have prepared for the storm before it hit.

“Had they been out prior to the storm that everybody knew about I know for a fact this wouldn’t have happened,” she said. “We didn’t see graters out until

yesterday, five days after the storm.”

The Cranbrook resident said that Mainroad is not following the contract guidelines set out by the Ministry of Transportation, which includes removing a maximum allowable accumulation of 4 cm of

snow within 90 minutes.“The Ministry is making good rules, the

fact of the matter is that Mainroad is not following them,” Owen said, “Why aren’t they doing what they’re supposed to be doing?”

Sander, however, said that following the storm, the MOT audited 80 roads and the roads all met MOT standards.

“Out of those 80 audits, we were told that all were within the standards as they’re laid out in the contract,” Sander said.

Sander said that hasn’t stopped individuals from calling in and voicing their complaints, sometimes in an aggressive manner.

“None of us are here to be abused,” he said, in response to verbally abusive

phone calls. “I have no problems speaking with people that can respectfully disagree with me.”

He went on to say, “The people need to realize that the guys that are out there doing the work are doing the best they can in some difficult circumstances. They don’t take their jobs lightly, they’re all members of the community.”

Sander took a stance for his employees, stating, “People can take shots at the corporation and people can take shots at me, but be respectful of my people because they’re the ones out there doing the work.”

Bennett reiterated Sander’s remarks, noting that members of the public have responded to the poor road maintenance in a disrespectful manner.

“The public is not always very respectful when they talk to the people who work for me in my office,” he said. “That’s not right and people ought to be more respectful of my employees.”

Bennett said, in moving forward with resolving this issue, he spoke with a representative from the MOT on Monday, December 8 and that he has plans to discuss the Elk Valley highway maintenance in person in the near future.

As for now, Bennett advised local Elk Valley drivers to adjust their driving according to weather conditions.

“I think we all have to remember that regardless of who the maintenance provider is, you have to drive defensively in winter conditions,” Bennett noted, adding, “within that context, the contractor is obligated to do better than what’s been done so far.”

Working to take back East Kootenay highways

“It’s a death trap.”

Morgan OwenCo-creator of Taking Back

East Kootenay Highways Facebook group

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014 3www.thefreepress.ca

The Safe Homes Walk has raised $48,597 since 2000 $5,000 for Wapiti Ski Hill announced at EKC AGM in Elkford

Disc Golf Course opens in Elkford!EKC sponsored Elkford’s Wapiti Ski Hill trail map

Simple, convenient and hassle-free,it’s just Common Sense™

THANKS TO YOU…WE ARE ABLE TO GIVE BACK!

Supporting your

Elk Valley Communities

EKC supports Relay for Life in all Elk Valley communiti es

Giving back at Member Appreciati on Day in Fernie

This week’s feature:

Singing praises...

Sonata!

ure:

.

!!!drivewaycanada.ca

Bring your gifts to701 2nd Aveand support localcauses whilesaving yourself thework of wrapping!

CHARITY GIFT WRAPPING STATION

All donations to Donor’sChoice of:

The Salvation ArmyThe Women’s Resource Centre

The Fernie MOMS GroupJoan Delich Kindergym Society

December 19th-24th 10:30am-6:30pmFor more information: 250-423-GROW or

[email protected]

Fernie Alpine Resort officially opens

By Katelyn Dingman Free Press Staff

Powder enthusiasts made their way to the ski hill last Friday for Fernie Alpine Resort’s (FAR) official season opening.

Some showed more dedication than others, as they eagerly waited to get a spot on the first chair of the season. Scott Newland, Ross Frazier and Greg ‘G-Money,’ who is now on his 14th consecutive first chair of the season, stayed on the hill overnight, while early camper Mikah Neufeld made his way to FAR at 4:30 a.m.

“That’s how passionate the community of Fernie is,” Senior VP of Marketing and Resort Experiences for Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Matt Mosteller said of the first chair ritual. “It’s been a long standing tradition.”

As the snow fell on Fernie, hundreds of skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts made their way to the hill later on that morning to enjoy some powdery fun.

“We’re excited to have everybody back. We’re stoked for the season,” Mosteller said. “People get fresh air and mountain time with their friends and family and the high fives are shared for the start of the ski season.”

Fernie Alpine Resort has received several honourary mentions over the past few years, including The Telegraph’s Best Canadian Ski Resorts mention and the National Geographic’s World’s 25 Best Ski Town’s second place vote.

This year, Mosteller said they are working even harder to ensure FAR is recognized nationally and globally. In fact, FAR worked closely with Tourism Fernie, Kootenay Rockies Tourism and Destination British Columbia this past year, hosting a campaign in Toronto.

“I think it’s really exciting when you can have a show and have the Tourism Fernie presence…to really build the awareness for Fernie and for Fernie as a top ski destination, not only in Canada but also in overseas markets,” Mosteller said.

In the 2014/2015 season, visitors and locals can expect to be introduced to a new menu at Lizard Creek Lodge along with a new spa service and additional CAT equipment.

“That will be welcoming news to people that love the wonderful grooming our CAT drivers do each and every day,” Mosteller said, adding that although many locals live for the powder, several visitors and locals thrive on the groomer days as well.

Early campers, Mikah Neufeld, Scott Newland, Ross Frazier and Greg ‘G-Money’, (now in his 14th consecutive first chair) got to ride the first lifts of the season up on the Elk Side. Submitted photo

Skiers and snowboarders lined up to get a pass for Fernie Alpine Resort’s first official opening day. Photo by K. Dingman


Extra Opportunity to apply for a Christmas Hamper

Appointments will be made from 10-12 and 1-4

For those who missed the application days phone 250-423-4661 to arrange for an appointment on Monday, December 15th.

Once you have your appointment time, come to:The Salvation Army – 741B 2nd Avenue, Fernie

This is the last day for applications.

Extra Foods Fernie wishes everyone a

happy holiday season.HOLIDAY HOURS

December 1st to 23rd * 8:00 am to 9:00 pmDecember 24th * 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Christmas Day * CLOSEDDecember 26th * 8:00 am to 6:00 pmDecember 31st * 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

New Year’s Day * 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wishing all our customers new & old a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2015!!

Richard & Darlene Mosiondz ~ Coalminer’s Gallery & Picture Framing Ltd

Serving the Elk Valley for 25 years!

Please call Richard at 250.865.2236 or Toll Free 1.888.649.5577

to book your appointment for your Christmas custom framing project!

Your gift will last a lifetime!

Santa’s Christmas Special Once again, all custom framing

orders to December 24th receive a 20% discount including needle

art, originals, prints, or what every you have to frame!!

Coalminer’s Gallery

& Picture Framing Ltd

All L.E. prints in stock are 30% discount and prints ordered

receive free shipping.

Multiple elk struck on Highway 3 By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

On Tuesday morning, mul-tiple elk were struck outside of Hosmer by a freightliner

truck. According to Sgt. Will Thien, a total

of five elk were hit by the Nebraska-based truck that was moving east through Hosmer. Officers were notified at approximately 8:15 a.m.

Four of the elk were dead upon the RCMP arriving on scene; the fifth was badly injured and euthanized.

“It’s an unfortunate accident,” said Thien, who mentioned that the truck’s failure to stop or slow down in time could be contributed to the road’s conditions.

“The RCMP would like to caution all drivers in the area to be careful on these roads. These creatures are unpredictable and could jump out at any time,” cautioned Thien.

Due to the frequency of wildlife fatalities from vehicular collisions, a local initiative has been formed to formally document these cases.

The initiative, Collision Count,

seeks to identify animals that have been struck by vehicles and is related to another initiative in the Crowsnest Pass called Roadwatch In the Pass.

“There are hot spots in the Pass where there have been a lot of collisions because there are migratory patterns for deer and sheep that cross Highway 3,” explained Collision Count volunteer Nelson Wight.

Collision Count volunteers go on weekly hikes through these hot spot areas to document animals that have been struck and send the data to the Mistakis Insitute — a non-profit organization affiliated with the University of Calgary — to collect and analyze the data.

“The goal would be to confirm whether there’s sufficient justification for investing in building crossing structures for these animals and provide Alberta Transportation with the statistical backing that says, ‘Yes. It is worth putting in fencing and structures’,” Wight explained.

In Tuesday’s incident, no drivers were injured.

Columbia Basin Trust seeks public feedback

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

This winter, the Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) has begun touring the area, hosting din-ners and public consultation meetings in

communities to question residents on how they can be served better. The Jaffray public consulta-tion was held last Wednesday.

Having been a part of our community for 20 years now, CBT felt it was time to analyze their current structure and obtain feedback from the citizens they serve.

“Our five year strategic plan is about to be renewed. It’s time to reflect on how we have served our communities and think of new ways we can provide that support,” said Laurie Cordell, manager of special initiatives with CBT.

CBT is responsible for supporting a number of organizations and programs in the area. The organization has funded millions of dollars into

hundreds of initiatives. The public consultation tour

has taken the Basin across 25 communities so far, with more to be visited in the coming year.

At the meetings, conversation is facilitated by dinner and individual stations are also set up for attendees to make their comments at their own pace.

Cordell said that although the data they have collected so far has not been analyzed yet, she still recognizes some priorities the Basin has received feedback on from residents.

“Economic development, affordable housing, youth and jobs for youth in the future are some of the top things we have heard about,” explained Cordell, adding, “Every community is

a little different but I think there are some top things that resonate across the basin.”

These statements were echoed in a few of the residents who attended the consultation.

“I think it’s important to keep youth in the area,” said Maryline Fortier. “I don’t think there are so many opportunities for youth to do activities or take part in artistic outlets.”

Fortier also added she would like to see more marketing done to bring tourists and promote the area.

Andy Rogers continued in that vein and said, “I would like to find ways to keep people here but also to attend to the restoration and reclamation of the area and keep it beautiful. If you maintain the area and keep it looking attractive, then tourism will take care of itself.”

These workshops will continue in 2015, and CBT will make visits to Cranbrook, Fernie, Invermere and Kimberley.

Last Wednesday evening the Columbia Basin Trust held a public consultation meeting in Jaffray. Photo by S. Kucharski


District of Elkford816 Michel Road P.O. Box 340 Elkford, B.C. V0B 1H0P.250.865.4000 • F.250.865.4001 • [email protected] • www.elkford.ca

These meetings will be held in the Council Chambers at 816 Michel Road and are open to the public.

Upcoming Council and Committee Meetings

• December 22nd Regular Council Cancelled

Notice of intention to provide Assistance under a Partnering Agreement

Elkford Chamber of CommerceAs per s. 24 and s. 94 of the Community Charter notice is hereby given that the District of Elkford intends to provide assistance to the Elkford Chamber of Commerce under the terms of a partnering agreement.Term of Agreement: January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.Nature of Agreement: The District intends to provide a Fee for Service to the Chamber in the amount of 40% of the total business license revenue received by the District for the 2015 fi scal year. The Chamber agrees to provide, encourage and stimulate Elkford’s economic development initiatives throughout the year.

Notice of intention to provide Assistance under a Partnering Agreement

Shaw Cablesystems LimitedAs per s. 24 and s. 94 of the Community Charter notice is hereby given that the District of Elkford intends to provide assistance to Shaw Cablesystems Limited under the terms of a partnering agreement. Term of Agreement: December 15, 2014 to December 15, 2019. The term shall auto renew for successive fi ve (5) year periods unless terminated by either party.Nature of Agreement: The District intends to grant Shaw a non-exclusive right and license of access to District facilities for the purpose of the provision of Shaw’s Go Wi-Fi services. Shaw intends to offer the general public complimentary guest access to use the Shaw Go Wi-Fi services.

Kids’ Christmas Colouring Contest

Children are invited to pick up a colouring contest sheet at the Elkford Community Conference Centre at 750 Fording Drive. Take your sheet home, get creative, and return your completed sheet to the Community Conference Centre before December 19th for a chance to win a prize.

Holiday Garbage Collection Schedule

Residential garbage pickup regularly scheduled to occur on Thursday, December 25th will occur on Wednesday, December 24th, and pick up regularly scheduled to occur on Thursday, January 1st will occur on Wednesday, December 31st.

Holiday Hours and SchedulesThe District of Elkford Offi ce, Community Conference Centre, Recreation Centre, Aquatic Centre and Public Works will be closed on the following dates:December 25th: Christmas Day CLOSEDDecember 26th: Boxing Day CLOSEDJanuary 1st: New Year’s Day CLOSEDPlease also note the following Aquatic Centre hours:December 24th: Open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pmDecember 31st: Open 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Snow Pile Danger: Please Stay Safe!

Please do not allow children to play in snow berms or on snow piles. The snow blower/plow operator is unable to see tunnels carved in the snow. Children playing in the snow are at risk of being injured during snow removal operations, or with the collapse of snow piles. Ensure your children play safe.

Natural gas. Good for cosy homes.Choosing natural gas for space and water heating means comfort and energy savings.

Appliance careKeep your appliances operating at their best. Have them regularly inspected and maintained by a licensed natural gas contractor.

Use the FortisBC Trade Ally Network to find a contractor in your community.

Learn more at fortisbc.com/appliancecare.

FortisBC uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (14-117.24 12/2014)

Elkford councillors and mayor sworn in to office

By Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

The District of Elkford swore in their re-elected mayor and most of last term’s councillors on December 1.

Incumbent Mayor Dean McKerracher and

returning councillors Ken Wildeman, Steve Fairbairn, Craig Robinson, Mandy McGregor and Joe Zarowny were sworn in alongside newcomer Coun. Denise Bertrand.

The following Tuesday, the newly sworn in council gathered together for the first full-fledged meeting following the election.

Back row from left: Coun. Joe Zarowny, Coun. Steve Fairbairn, Cpl. Gerry Sliworsky, Coun. Ken Wildeman and Coun. Craig Robinson. Middle row from left: Coun. Denise Bertrand and Coun. Mandy McGregor. Front row from left: Senior Council Youth Representative Taylor Wurmlinger, Mayor Dean McKerracher and Junior Council Youth Representative Kelli Klein. Submitted photo

Copyright® All rights reserved. Contents copyright byThe Free Press. Any reproduction of material contained in this publication in whole or in part is forbidden without the expressed written consent of the publisher. It is agreed that The Free Press will not be responsible for errors or omissions and is not liable for any amount exceeding the cost of the space used and then only such portion where the errors actually appeared. We reserve the right to edit or reject any submission or advertisement that is contrary to our publishing guidelines.

Letters Welcome The Free Press wants to hear your opinion, especially on local issues. We reserve the right to edit letters for legality, length and good taste, as well as the right to refuse publication of any submission.Copyright in letters and other materials submitted to the publisher and accepted for publication remains with the author, but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.Your letter must include your full name, address and phone number.All letters to the editor will be published with the authors name. 300 word limit per letter.

Email your letter to [email protected]

Jenna JensenCONTRIBUTOR

342 2nd Avenue • Box 2350, Fernie, B.C. V0B 1M0Tel: (250) 423-4666

Toll Free 1-866-337-6437Editorial email: [email protected]

Advertising email: [email protected]’s email: [email protected]

website: www.thefreepress.ca

Call 250-489-3455 or toll free 1-800-665-2382 for Subscriptions

Press Council, PO Box 1356, Ladysmith, B.C. V9G 1A9

Established in Fernie, B.C. in 1898 and published weekly each Thursday byThe Free Press, a division of Black Press Group Ltd. and

distributed throughout the Elk Valley and South Country. Free circulation 6,000.

Reproductions of any material contained in this publication is forbiddenwithout the prior consent of the publisher.

Member of

Andrea HortonPUBLISHER

Production ManagerBonny McLardy

CreativeKaitlyn Haarstad

CirculationShannon Stewart

250-489-3455Toll Free: 1 800 665 2382

Wanda MacDonald

Jacquie ZutterFRONT OFFICE

In Absentia

Nicole ObreEDITORIAL

Maternity Leave

KatelynDingmanEDITOR

SarahKucharskiREPORTER

Shelby CainCONTRIBUTOR

Sara MoultonADVERTISING

JenniferCroninADMINISTRATION

Letters to the EditorEditorialby Katelyn Dingman

6 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014

Phone: 250-423-4666Email: [email protected]

POLL OF THE WEEKDid you get caught in the storm last Friday evening?

Yes 16% No 84%This week’s poll question: Do you believe that the Elk Valley roads are being properly maintained?

log onto www.thefreepress.ca to make your vote countThis web poll is informal, not scientific. It reflects opinions of site visitors who voluntarily participate. Results may not represent the opinions of the public as a whole.

Black Press is not responsible for the statistical accuracy of opinions expressed here.

The storm that hit us nearly two weeks ago has let up but the ice and snow that has covered the roadways for days has merely turned into slush blanketing the roadways and resulting in unsafe driving conditions.

Last week, two Elk Valley residents launched a Facebook page entitled Taking Back East Kootenay Highways in an effort to draw attention to what they have deemed to be the poor maintenance of highways as a result of the privatization of our highway maintenance by the Ministry of Transportation. Co-owner Morgan Owen said she is frustrated that the safety of our residents goes to the lowest bidder and she wants to see some extreme changes.

In just over a week, the group gained 1,500 followers, voicing their personal complaints.

I’d like to take the time to voice a few of my own complaints.

While I understand that the freeze and thaw cycle makes clearing off roads extremely difficult, I don’t understand why, on the Wednesday, approximately five days after the storm hit the Elk Valley, the highway to Sparwood was still covered in ice and snow. While driving to Sparwood to cover a story, I was terrified that at any moment, I could slide right off the highway. Only one lane was cleared and the black pavement was still not visible.

I grew up in London, Ontario, where winter conditions were similar to that of the Elk Valley. Although the temperatures didn’t vary as much as they do throughout the valley, we did experience the freeze and thaw cycle on a regular basis and we did reach temperatures of below negative 40 degrees Celsius. In terms of driving conditions, highways would only be in a similar condition to those of the Elk Valley the day of the storm, and even then, they would only be covered with ice or snow for a few hours at most.

In the City of London, workers used salt, even when temperatures hit below minus 40 degrees and it seemed to work efficiently at clearing the roadways.

I’m not saying that Mainroad Contracting is to blame for poor driving conditions, but I do believe that both the city streets and sidewalks in Fernie and the highways throughout the Elk Valley need to be better maintained in order to avoid future collisions. Sidewalks that were walkable in the fall, including the one across the street from the 901 building on 1st Avenue, are non-existent this winter and many pedestrians have been forced to walk on the roadway, which poses another danger in itself. As a result of poor maintenance, pedestrians are forced to share a narrow, slippery roadway with drivers and I believe this is simply unacceptable.

A letter to the editor regarding Mainroads Contracting and East Kootenay Highways

This week the weather conditions are milder, the roads clearer and the Christmas shopping season is in full swing, therefore, many local residents are not thinking of how deplorable the highways were during the last cold snap. That cold snap was preceded in short order by an ice storm and a large dump of snow. That storm, like the one before it, left our roads snow packed, icy, and treacherous for days. Extremely dangerous road conditions prevailed for nearly a week.

Few know this, but the publicly available Ministry of Highway’s maintenance contract states that unsafe snow and ice should be removed from travelled lanes (on class A highways) within 90 minutes. All snow and ice should be removed from the travelled lanes within two days, and then beyond the shoulders within four days from the time of the last measurable snowfall. Additionally, in cases of extreme cold, slippery sections should be remedied immediately.

It is quite apparent that our road maintenance contractor Mainroad Contracting is regularly unable to live up to their contracted obligations. It appears to me that they regularly make shortcuts, and then fall down on meeting the specified requirements. This is not a new situation. This situation has been occurring for at least two years, and the evidence says that it has been occurring for much longer.

In December 2013, Mayor Mary Giuliano, the mayor of Fernie stated: “For the past several years complaints have been expressed regarding the lack of road maintenance on Highway 3 by Mainroad (Contracting).”

In January 2014, Bill Bennett, our local MLA is on record with respect to Mainroad as saying: “I just feel like I have heard this before, last year and the year before that.” He also said, “Too many years, Mainroad has struggled to keep up with road maintenance.” These quotes indicate that this is a known, ongoing problem that requires a long overdue resolution.

Recently, a Facebook group entitled Take Back East Kootenay

Highways was created to highlight these problems, and to organize groups to create a solution.

There are now more than 1,500 members in this group, with membership throughout the East Kootenays, from Elkford south to Moyie and north to Invermere. Members include amateur and professional drivers, mine workers, medical professionals, expectant mothers, senior citizens and some former employees of Mainroad and other highway maintenance contractors and some retired drivers from before the maintenance of our highways was privatized. There is a great deal of anger towards Mainroad’s lack of service.

The group has already been instrumental in the publication of numerous articles in the press about the condition of our roads. Additionally, a petition to request the removal of Mainroad as our highway maintenance contractor, and to conduct a review of contract enforcement, has been formed, and is currently circulating.

The members of this group, and the community at large understand that we do not live in a tropical zone. We need vehicles in good repair, with good winter tires, and we need to drive to road conditions. However, we are still entitled to safe roads (particularly days after major events) and to quality service from our hired contractors.

The responses from Mainroad to this public demand for better roads has been largely irrelevant and arrogant. At the end of the day Mainroad Contracting bid on, and accepted, the contract for road maintenance in the East Kootenays. They were fully aware of the environmental and road conditions of this area when accepting the contract and “challenging conditions” are largely irrelevant. The B.C. Goverrnment pays Mainroad the agreed upon amount. Mainroad must provide the service they agreed to provide within the amount that they bid. No excuses.

The issue of the deplorable road maintenance in the East Kootenays is years old, and is certainly not going away.

To MLA Bill Bennet, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and to the British Columbia government: Your time to act is overdue.

Robert CampbellFernie, B.C.Assistant Administrator of Taking Back East Kootenay

Highways Facebook group.


Elkford - 1 Front Street 250-865-4622

For all of your personal, commercial or industrial automotive repair needs!

Sparwood - 743 Douglas Fir250-425-6535 Please don’t drink & drive

Home of the elk valley’s M o s t

exPerienced Mechanics!

From bumper to bumper and the ground up come see Mountain Mechanical for all of your repair needs!

Free local pick up and delivery!

Now hiring for service, parts and warehouse.

come check out our new sparwood showroom!

Did You Know?When celebrating isn’t much of a celebration

East Kootenay Addiction Services Society has sponsored this column. The intent of this column is to provide information and to encourage healthy choices. Free, confidential services are available to anyone dealing with their own or someone else’s substance addiction or misuse. For more information contact 250-423-4423, 1-800-644-6144 or visit www.ekass.com

Alcohol is often used to celebrate many occasions. However, drinking large amounts of alcohol can often be more of a headache than anything else. Try these tips, when you chose to celebrate with alcohol:• Pace yourself, alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic drinks.• Drink slowly. Don’t chug. • Stop drinking before you feel drunk.• Don’t mix alcohol with medicines or illegal drugs. Alcohol often

has unwanted reactions when combined with other substances.• Avoid binge drinking: 5 or more for an adult male, or 4 or more

for an adult female.• Think about your reputation, your safety and the safety of others.• Watch your drink, to avoid having something slipped into your

drink.• Plan ahead. Arrange to walk, take a taxi, stay overnight where

you will be drinking or get a ride home with a sober driver.• If you drink any alcohol, do not drive. The only way to be sure

you are not driving over the limit, is to not drink at all when you plan to drive.

Information obtained from, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2008): Partying and Getting Drunk

391 - 1st Avenue | Fernie BC250-423-4314 | 1-800-860-3136 | nu� oorsfernie.ca

70% off Selected Paint Tools

Deck the Walls Christmas Special

Aura Interior Paint & Primer in One

retails $72.99

on sale$62.99

290 5th St, Fernie, BC 250-423-4212

Proudly serving the Elk Valley for 88 years

Guaranteed fresh!

Don't forget to like us on Facebook

Order your ham and turkey for Christmas

Plus a variety of cold meats

250.423.4458 • fhlprogrammer@gmailcom • http://fernie.bc.library.com

DECEMBER 20, 2014

COMMUNITYCHRISTMASCELEBRATION

Do you e v e r r e a d

the train? It’s my new addiction. I used to get really stressed sitting at the stop, waiting.

Running late to pick up one of the kids, the clanging from the bells heightened my annoyance while I watched the min-utes tick off the clock. Then I started reading. As each graffiti laden car rolled by, I began paying attention. Taking in whatever these people wanted to tell me. Some love. Some hate. Sometimes just proof of life. Once, a muffin recipe. All of it, a message to the world. But whose message?

When I read the words or look at the often-impressive pictures, I can’t help but imagine the person who took the time to create them. Probably in the dark. Probably at the risk of being caught. But they went for it, because they wanted to say something. Why? What is this urge we have to put messages out into the world for strangers to read? It dates back to cave drawings, smoke signals, even bottles thrown into the sea. Most done with total anonymity. I’ll never know the person who wants me to ‘Enjoy the Ride’, ‘F-off’, or make those muffins. But maybe just knowing your thoughts are being absorbed, by anyone, makes you feel significant.

As I write my own words every week in this column, the irony is not lost on me. Is this my own little wall of graffiti? Probably. Without the anonymous part, of course. Someone stopped me in the grocery store the other day and said that they couldn’t imagine doing what I do. Putting my views and opinions out into the world for anyone to read. At that absolute perfect moment, her child, who was standing quietly beside her eyeing the contents of my basket, said, “My mom thinks people who buy pre-cut veggies are lazy. Right Mom?” All three of us stared at the uniformly chopped bag of carrots lying on top of my canned soup. I burst out laughing. She wanted to die.

So maybe we’re all sending messages out into the world. Imprinting our thoughts and ideals on the mini-messengers we’ve produced to spread the word. Our words. Because whether you like it or not, what you say to your kids, and to other adults in the presence of your kids, is all being absorbed. It is significant, to them at least, and will be regurgitated. Probably at the worst possible time. The reality is, you’re putting a message out there every time your child leaves the house. I guess we better make it a good one. And if anyone spots that muffin recipe cruising through town again, jot it down for me. I bet they’re fantastic.

TheParentTrip

TheParentTrip

Shelby Cain

Sparwood local donates to Brain Injury Association

On behalf of himself and Sean and Shannon Mortimer, Ted Monfee presented a cheque for $1,658 to Courtney Way of the East Kootenay Brain Injury Association. The funds were raised in memory of Monfee and Sean Mortimer’s best friend Burt Jaegli who passed away in July, 2014.

Submitted photo


Around the Valley

UPCOMING EVENTS

Mondays• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 9:00 to 10:30 am – Indoor Walking at the Fernie Community Centre• 9:30 to 10:30am –Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 1:00 pm – Dominoes at the Senior’s Drop In Centre Fernie• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 4:00 – Special Olympics Athletes Bowling at Sparwood Lanes• 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00 pm – Mahjong at the Seniors Drop in Centre Fernie• 7:00 pm – Community Climbing Night at Evolution Climbing Gym• 7:30 to 9:00 pm – Women’s Night at Old School Boxing• 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Tuesdays• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 9:30 to noon – Parent and Tot Funtimes at the Sparwood Leisure Centre• 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 10:15am – Aqua� t at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre• 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 1:30 to 2:30pm – Parent and Tot Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool

• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:30 to 8:30pm – Opt Fernie Clinic at the Elk Valley Hospital• 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 pm – Narcotics Anonymous Open Meeting, 101 Centennial Sq. Sparwood

Wednesdays• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00 to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 9:30 to 10:30am –Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 10:15am – Aqua� t at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre• 10:30 to 11:00am – Wittle Water Works at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 11:15 to noon - Toddlertime at the Fernie Library for ages 2 & under• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00pm - Fernie Rotary Meeting Park Place Lodge• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 5:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 3:45 to 5:00pm – After School Rec Hockey at the Sparwood Arena• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 4:00 to 5:30pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00 to 9:00pm – Healing Rooms Open at Mountainside Church• 7:30 – Ladies Darts at the Fernie Legion (new members welcome)• 7:30pm- Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 to 9:00pm – Aqua� t at the

Sparwood Pool

Thursdays• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 9:30 to 10:15am – Low Impact Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 11:30am - MOMs Group at the Fernie Library• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:30 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 10:45 to 11:45am – Kinder Gym at the Sparwood Leisure Centre• 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 1:00 to 2:30pm – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 1:30 to 2:30pm – Water Walking at the Sparwood Pool• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00pm – Darts at the Sparwood Legion• 7:00 to 8:00pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 7:30 to 9:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 14+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 11:00pm – Adult Rec Hockey 19+ at the Sparwood Arena

Fridays• 6:15 to 8:00am – Early Bird Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00am to 1:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 8:00 to 9:30am – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 8:30 to 9:15am – Active Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 9:30 to 10:30am –Aqua� t at the Sparwood Pool• 9:30 to 10:15am – Aqua� t at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:00 to 11:00am – Kindergym for 0-5 years at the Fernie Family Centre• 10:30 to noon – Lanes and Leisure at the Sparwood Pool• 10:30 to noon – Toonie Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 10:45 to 11:30am – Gentle Fit at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 11:15 to noon - Storytime at the Fernie Library for ages 3-5 years

• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 12:00 to 1:00pm – Skate & Shoot Hockey 18+ at the Sparwood Arena• 3:00pm to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 3:30 to 4:45pm – Pioneer Crafts at the Fernie Library, ages 7-10 (registration required)• 3:45 to 4:45 pm – Swim Club at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 4:00 to 5:30pm - Free Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 5:30 to 6:30pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 6:00 to 8:00pm - $3.00 Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 7:00pm – Jam Night every 2nd Friday at the Sparwood Legion• 7:00pm - Jitney Darts at the Fernie Legion – everyone is welcome• 8:00 to 9:00pm – 13+ Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 8:00 to 9:00pm – Teen/Adult Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre

Saturdays• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 1:00 to 2:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 2:00 to 3:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 3:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 2:30 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Fernie Legion • 4:00 to 6:00pm - Meat Draw at the Sparwood Legion • 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool • 6:00 to 8:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 6:30pm - Texas Hold’em Poker at the Fernie Legion (every 2nd week)• 6:30 to 8:00pm – Women & Men’s Night at Old School Boxing

Sundays• Noon to 1:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• Noon to 6:00pm – Public Swim at the Fernie Aquatic Centre• 1:00 to 2:00pm – Family Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 1:00 to 5:00pm – Public Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre • 2:00 to 4:00pm – Public Swim at the Sparwood Pool

Around the Valley is a free listing to any local service.Please send an email to [email protected] or drop off a brief description of your event at The Free Press office.

December11 Book to Movie Club,

Fernie Heritage Library13 Garage/Craft Sale, Fernie

Legion Hall 10 am – 2 pm, (250) 423-6465 to book table

13 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Beaver Valley Nitehawks, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm

13 Texas Hold’em, Fernie Legion Hall – registration 6 pm start 6:30 pm

14 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Columbia Valley Rockies, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm

15 Fernie Holiday Window Competition Judging

16/17 Elkford Christmas home decorating contest – judging - downtown, midtown, and uptown

20 Fernie Heritage Library Christmas Celebration 2 – 4 pm

21 Christ Church Anglican Regular Service 8:30 & 9:30 am

21 Booked! Fernie Writer’s Series at Fernie Arts Station 7 – 9:30 pm

19 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Creston Valley Thunder Cats, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm

20 Fernie Heritage Library Christmas Celebration 2:00 – 4 pm,

23-24 Ski & Photos with Santa at Fernie Alpine Resort

24 Christ Church Anglican Carols – 6:30 pm, Christmas Eve Eucharist 7 pm

24 Christ Church Anglican Midnight Service, 11pm

25 Christ Church Anglican Christmas Day Service, 10 am

29 Fernie Ghostriders vs. Kimberley Dynamiters, Memorial Arena 7:30 pm

Friday, Dec. 12 - Thursday, Dec. 18

RATED PG • 7 pm Nightly7 & 9 pm Fri., Sat., & Tues.

ST. VINCENT

PENGUINS OFMADAGASCARRATED G • 7 pm Nightly

7 & 9 Fri., Sat. & Tues.3 pm Matinees Sat. & Sun.($6.50 - 2D & $8.50 - 3D)

321-2 Avenue, Fernie

BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FEST

FRI JAN 2 - $20.00ON SALE NOW AT GUIDES HUT AND

THEATRE www.ferniemovies.com

250-423-7111 Movieline

ADD IT ONLINEEvent submissions

are FREE!go to:

www.thefreepress.ca/calendar/submit/

Find out what’s happening in your community and submit your own local events.

Want your event listed in Around the Valley and on-line?

• 3:00 to 4:45pm – Public Skating at the Sparwood Arena• 4:00 to 5:00pm – Lane Swim at the Sparwood Pool• 5:00 to 6:00pm – Lane Swim at the Elkford Aquatic Centre• 7:30pm - Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting, Christ Church Anglican, 591 4th Ave. Fernie

City CouncilMeeting Schedule

Regular Council meetings are open to the public and held at City Hall at 7:00 p.m.

December 20141 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 11 12 13

14 15 16 17 18 19 20

21 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 31

City of Fernie CONNECTION | Community Information and Opportunities | www.fernie.ca

BRITISH COLUMBIACITY OF FERNIE

BRITISH COLUMBIACITY OF FERNIE

CONNECTION

City of Fernie Contact Info:City HallPh: 250.423.6817 Fx: 250.423.3034Email: [email protected]: www.fernie.ca501-3rd Avenue, Box 190Fernie, British Columbia V0B 1M0Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m.(Closed statutory holidays)After Hours Phone: 250.423.4226

Fernie Aquatic Centre250 Pine Avenue Phone: 250.423.4466

Fernie Memorial Arena991-6th Avenue (Highway 3)

For all Police, Ambulance orFire related emergencies:Call 911

Employment OpportunitiesDirector of Corporate Administration ServicesThe City of Fernie is seeking an experienced Director of Corporate Administration Services (City Clerk). Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and working with City Council, Staff and the Community, your primary responsibilities will be to effectively fulfill the duties of the corporate officer as set out in section 148 of the Community Charter and the City’s Officer Establishment Bylaw. As the preferred applicant, you are a “big picture” leader, tactical problem solver, deal effectively with competing priorities and are well respected for your ability to work well under pressure. You will be responsible for preparing Council meeting agendas and recording Council meeting minutes, drafting bylaws, corporate policies and many other administrative responsibilities.

Please visit the website Job Opportunities page for the full job posting and responsibilities. Qualified individuals should forward their resumes along with a one page letter demonstrating how their qualifications and experience match the position by 4:00 p.m. MST, on December 19, 2014 to:

Jim Hendricks, Chief Administrative Officer PO Box 190, 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0T: 250.423.2225 | E: [email protected]

Casual Traffic Control Persons

The City of Fernie is now accepting applications for Casual Traffic Control Persons in the Operations Department for the 2014/2015 Winter Season. Casual employees will be employed on an “on call” basis to cover absence due to sick leave, vacation leave, or any approved absence, or to augment the regular work force during peak periods.

Visit the City website “Job Opportunities” page for more information. Detailed applications containing resume and references can be dropped off at City Hall no later than 4:00 pm, Monday, December 22, 2014. Applications should be addressed to:

Byron Sarabun, Operations Supervisor PO Box 190, 501 – 3rd Avenue, Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

T: 250.423.2248 | F: 250.423.3034 | E: [email protected]

The City of Fernie thanks all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Notice of Proposed Property Disposition (Lease)Notice is hereby given that the City of Fernie intends to dispose of an interest in land, being the entering into of a lease for a portion of the Max Turyk Community Centre (Lot 1 District Lot 4588 Kootenay District Plan 10777), specifically rooms 122 and 125 of the facility, with the Fernie Creative Energy Arts Factory, for a term of 5 years, commencing on December 16th, 2014. The consideration to be received by the City for the proposed Lease is the initial sum of $10,921.08 per year.

Cam Mertz, Director of Leisure Services

Notice of Proposed Property Disposition (Lease)Notice is hereby given that the City of Fernie intends to dispose of an interest in land, being the entering into of a lease for a portion of the Max Turyk Community Centre (Lot 1 District Lot 4588 Kootenay District Plan 10777), specifically rooms 121 and 126 of the facility, with the Fernie Creative Minds Preschool, for a term of 7.5 months, commencing on December 16th, 2014. The consideration to be received by the City for the proposed Lease is the initial sum of $10,141.50 per year.

Cam Mertz, Director of Leisure Services

Leisure Services Department:Event & Public Program UpdatesPool, Pajamas, and Movie Night!Bring your children down to the Fernie Aquatic Centre for a play in the pool, pajamas, popcorn and a fun movie. Friday, December 12 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Ages 7 and up welcome for only $14.67+GST.

Crocodile SwimJoin us for some fun on our giant inflatable crocodile Saturday, December 20 from 2:00pm – 5:00pm.

Fernie Aquatic Centre Holiday Hours Closed December 25 and December 26, 2014 (reopening December 27, 2014 at Noon). Closed January 1, 2015 (reopening January 2, 2015 at 7:00am).

Please check the website or call the Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466 for the complete Holiday Schedule.

Fernie Memorial Arena Holiday Hours & ProgramsOpen December 25, December 26, 2014 and January 1, 2015. Come down with the family and enjoy some time on the ice! The arena will be open Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day for public skating from 1:00pm – 2:30pm and 4:00pm – 5:30pm each day.

We offer skating programs for the whole family. Take part in Adult Shinny, Skate & Shoot and No School Friday skating events. Please check the website for program date and times. In the event of a Fernie Ghostrider hockey game public skating will be cancelled. Please see the Ghostrider schedule at www.fernieghostriders.com.

For information on Aquatic programming and private aquatic bookings including Birthday Parties and Meeting Room bookings please call the Fernie Aquatic Centre at 250.423.4466. For all other facility inquiries and bookings call Leisure Services at 250.423.2245.

CORRECTION - Studded Winter Tires & Snow RemovalPlease be advised that studded tires ARE PERMITTED in the City of Fernie. The notice which ran in the December 4, 2014 edition of the “Fernie Connection” in The Free Press that indicated studded tires were prohibited, was incorrect. Studded tires are permitted under section 17(1)(b) of Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400, 1985.

Additionally, the notice regarding Winter Parking and Snow Removal in the November 20, 2014 edition of the “Fernie Connection” in The Free Press suggested residential property owners were responsible for snow removal on sidewalks adjacent to their properties. Please note that Single Family Residential property owners are not responsible for removal of snow and ice on sidewalks adjacent to their property. The regulation regarding removal of snow and ice on City sidewalks applies to owners of apartment premises, owners/occupants of a business or vacant lot in a business district, or owners or occupants of land other than a single family residence located in a commercial zone per section 3.5 (a) and (c) of Snow and Ice Removal Bylaw No. 1928, 2002.

The City of Fernie apologizes for any confusion that these errors may have caused. Residents may view a copy of Streets and Traffic Bylaw No. 1400 and Snow and Ice Removal Bylaw No. 1928 on our website www.fernie.ca. For more information please contact Bylaw Services at 250.423.2244 or via email at [email protected].

Holiday Garbage and Recycling ScheduleThe following changes will apply to the residential garbage and recycling collection schedule over the 2014 holiday season:

GarbageGarbage normally picked up on Thursday, December 25 will be picked up on Monday, December 22.

Garbage normally picked up on Thursday, January 1 will be picked up on Monday, December 29.

RecyclingThere will be no change to the Recycling collection schedule for curbside pickup of your recycling over the holidays.

FERNIE TRANSFER STATION HOURS

Regular Hours:Mon-Fri., 9:00am – 5:00pmSat-Sun, 10:00am-4:00pm

Holiday Schedule:Wednesday, December 24, Closed at 3:00pmThursday, December 25, CLOSEDFriday, Dec 26-Tuesday, Dec 30, Regular HoursWednesday, December 31, Closed at 3:00pmThursday, January 1, CLOSEDFriday, January 2, Regular Hours



district of sparwood

Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0 Phone: 250.425.6271 | Fax: 250.425.7277 Email: [email protected]

www.sparwood.ca

Upcoming Meetings of Council(in Council Chambers)

Monday, December 15 Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm

Prime Commercial Building For Sale

The District of Sparwood seeks expressions of interest for the purchase of the property located at 156 Spruce Avenue, Sparwood.The building is owned by the Municipality and was most recently used as the District’s Engineering offi ce. It is single-story construction totaling approximately 2,966 sq ft including a garage, parking spaces, wheelchair access and is currently zoned institutional. As a condition of the sales agreement, the District will undertake a rezoning to C-1 Commercial. The building is post and glulam beam construction, offering the most fl exibility to redevelopment.Additional documentation is available upon request and site tours will be welcomed.Through the Offi cial Community Plan consultation process and the Business Retention and Expansion survey, the community has identifi ed a need for additional restaurant operators. The location of this building in close proximity to the Centennial Square business area and Highway 3 make it a prime candidate for a restaurant operation, or combination of restaurant and offi ce space or other uses permitted within the C-1 zone.

• Proposals will only be considered that incorporate the required use of a restaurant operation;

• Proposals may incorporate a mixed use, provided that a restaurant occupies a minimum of 40% of the internal space (excluding the garage);

• Preference will be given to proposals that include operating times that incorporate both daytime and evening hours;

• Proposals must include consideration of required car parking options;• Proposals may include suggestions for incorporation of District own lands in the vicinity, for landscaping, amenity space and parking;

• All proposals are subject to the successful rezoning of the property.Proposals will be reviewed on their individual merit with consideration given to submissions incorporating creativity, consideration of the local operating environment and neighbourhood, a robust business plan, timing for development and previous experience of operating a restaurant. Council of the District of Sparwood reserves the right to give consideration to the proposal that they deem, in their sole discretion, to be in the best interests of the District. The highest, nor any offer may be accepted.The asking price for the property is $340,000. Proposals will be accepted until 4:00 pm January 16, 2015.For further information please contact:Jude SmithBusiness Development [email protected]: 250.910.0167 offi ce: 250.425.5091

SNOW REMOVAL & ICE CONTROL

From October 1 to March 31 between the hours of 6:00 am to 4:00 pm please park your vehicles in your driveway so that when the snow plow

does the street the operator can do a neat and thorough job.

WINTER PARKING REGULATIONS

Please visit www.sparwood.ca/snow-removal for more information on the Snow Removal & Ice Control Program and also the Pilot Windrow Removal Program.sparwood.ca

Residents should note that: Parking on the street during snow plowing, snow removal, snow hauling, or sanding operations is prohibited

It is an offence to push, place or throw or allow to be pushed, placed or thrown any snow or ice upon a highway or laneThat no advance warning is required under the bylaw and the Motor Vehicle Act and offending vehicles will be towed

Please make appropriate arrangements for parking your vehicles.

Holiday Hours and InformationDecember 25, 2014 CLOSEDDecember 26, 2014 CLOSEDDecember 29, 30 and 31, 2014 8:30 am – 4:00 pmJanuary 1, 2015 CLOSEDJanuary 2, 2015 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

Anyone wishing to make tax or utility payments can do so by leaving a cheque in the drop box located at the front entry, or by internet payment through your fi nancial institution.

Household Garbage CollectionAll garbage normally picked up on Thursday, December 25, will be picked up on Wednesday, December 24 and all garbage normally picked up on Friday, December 26, will be picked up on Monday, December 29. All garbage normally picked up on Thursday, January 1, 2015, will be picked up on Friday, January 2, 2015. PLEASE HAVE YOUR GARBAGE SET OUT BY 8:00 A.M. There are no limits on number of garbage bags from December 15, 2014 to January 9, 2015. A reminder that cardboard is banned from the landfi ll site and must not be put out with your household refuse. Christmas wrapping “paper” (not foil) can be recycled. All uncontaminated cardboard must be RECYCLED.

Discarding Christmas TreesYou may drop off your old Christmas trees behind Fire Hall No. 1 on Pine Avenue or behind the Sparwood Heights Fire Hall. The District will provide pick up service for those who are unable to drop them off. Leave the tree at your curb for pickup any time up to January 9, 2015. Please ensure that you have removed the tinsel before discarding tree. For further information, please contact the Public Works Department at 250.425.7760.

Animal Pound EmergenciesFor animal emergencies, please call 250.425.7718

From Council and Staff of the District of SparwoodHave a Safe and Happy Holiday Season

JOB POSTINGPOSITION: CASUAL LABOURER PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTDATE OF POSTING: Dec 4, 2014Written or typed applications for this position may be fi led with the undersigned no later than Friday, December 19, 2014NATURE OF POSITION:This is a Casual Position that is on an on-call basis to cover absences due to sick leave, vacation, special leave or any approved leave or to fi ll temporary vacancies or augment regular full-time or regular part-time staff during peak periods.This position performs a variety of general and specifi c labour type tasks requiring agility and physical effort related to the maintenance of District services, infrastructure, buildings, roads, parks and other facilities. Assists employees engaged in installation, maintenance and repairs of roads, sewer and water systems, sidewalks, parks, fi elds, gardens, etc.; shovels and removes snow and ice; digs and backfi lls graves by hand as and if required. Picks up and collects garbage, empties garbage containers into garbage trucks and assists in the disposal thereof. Operates light trucks, small tractors, mowers, edgers, trimmers; snow blowers, power saws, steam cleaners, various hand tools and miscellaneous equipment, hoses, etc.. Cuts grass, assists in the creation, planting, grooming and general maintenance of gardens, fi elds, walking trails and related outside facilities; Performs other related duties as assigned.This position receives general direction and varied levels of supervision from the Director of Operations and/or designate as assigned.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Valid Drivers License.• Physically capable of lifting heavy weights etc.• Grade 12 Education or equivalent.• Capable of following oral and written directions.

Wages, benefi ts and conditions of employment are governed by the current collective agreement with CUPE Local 2698.APPLY TO: Mel BohmerDirector of Public WorksDistrict of SparwoodBox 1929, 477 Pine AvenueSparwood, B.C. V0B [email protected]


The District of Sparwood is pleased to announce the

launch of its new brand and identity. “We’re now

ideally positioned to clearly and consistently share our

community’s story,” said Terry Melcer, The District of

Sparwood’s Chief Administrative Officer.

Unlike many community brands, Sparwood’s brand has

not been developed primarily to increase tourism or

attract destination visitors. Rather, its brand development

is to strengthen its distinctive characteristics, demonstrate

a desire to continue to develop economic diversity, and

to continue to provide a solid foundation to increase

community spirit.

“We’re an incredible community,” says Melcer, “We’re

enviably situated in the Rocky Mountains, clean, safe,

prosperous, and have a solid community of people

who are happy to live here. We want to clearly tell that

story.” Sparwood’s new brand simply tells a historic and

contemporary story of a strong, authentic, hardworking

mountain community. The brand speaks in a fresh manner

to unpretentiousness; a proactive approach to developing

relationships; and pride in the industry, community

relationships and recreational opportunities afforded by

their location.

To develop their brand, the District of Sparwood worked

with community and regional branding specialists

Story & Co. Their process involved extensive community

consultation, research and strategy, and the results of the

branding project were predicated on feedback and insight

garnered directly from the community.

“The methods we used allowed us to gain valuable

information through direct consultation with community

members in both group and individual settings,” said

Melcer. “This allows our brand to resonate with our most

important audience first — our own community.”

The initial results of the branding exercise include a new

logo, new taglines, a community website, professional

images, posters, trade show materials, ads, and other

informational collateral, as well as recommendations on

how to implement the brand as the community moves

forward and begins to proactively share its story.

“We’re not intent on strictly developing as a tourism

community,” says Melcer. “But we are intent on

demonstrating that we are proud of our community, that we

are open for business and that we are happy to share our

story and community with the rest of the world. We have

a story that deserves being told best and now we look

forward to telling it.”

-30-

For more information on the District of Sparwood,

please contact:

Terry Melcer Chief Administrative Officer District of Sparwood

Box 520, 136 Spruce Avenue Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0

Phone: (250) 425-627 Direct Line: (250) 425-6810 Fax: (250) 425-7277

email: [email protected] website: www.sparwood.bc.ca

January 13, 2011

District of sparwooD Launches new BranDYours & Mine. together.

Sparwood Community & Facility Services367 Pine Avenue, Box 669, Sparwood, BC V0B 2G0Phone: 250-425-0552 Fax: 250-425-0551 Email: recof� [email protected]

For more information about swimming lessons or any other

leisure centre activities, please call 250-425-0552 or

visit our website: www.sparwood.ca

Early Bird Swim Mon, Wed & Fri 6:15 - 8:00 amLanes & Leisure Mon, Wed & Fri 8:00 - 9:30 am Mon, Wed & Fri 10:30 am - 12:00 pm Tues & Thurs 1:00 - 2:30 pmGentle Fit Mon, Wed & Fri 8:30 - 9:15 amAqua� t Mon, Wed & Fri 9:30 - 10:30 amLow Impact Aqua� t Tues & Thurs 9:30 - 10:15 amWittle Water Works Wed 10:30 - 11:00 amLane Swim Tues & Thurs 10:30 am - 1:00 pm Mon, Wed, Fri & Sun 12:00 - 1:00 pm Sat 1:00 - 2:00 pm Mon to Fri 5:30 - 6:30 pm Sat 5:00 - 6:00 pmFamily Swim Sun 1:00 - 2:00 pm Sat 2:00 - 3:00 pmWater Walking Tues & Thurs 1:30 - 2:30 pmPublic Swim Sun 2:00 - 4:00 pm Sat 3:00 - 5:00 pm Mon & Wed 4:00 - 5:30 pm Sun 6:00 - 8:00 pm Tues, Thurs & Fri 6:30 - 8:00 pmLane Swim & Lessons Sun 4:00 - 5:00 pmFree Swim Fri 4:00 - 5:30 pmAqua� t & 14+ Over Mon & Wed 8:00 - 9:00 pm14+ Over Tues & Thurs 8:00 - 9:00 pm13+ Over Fri 8:00 - 9:00 pm

Pool Schedule

Sunset Ridge Cross Country Ski Society

Winter is almost upon us! Cross Country Skiing is a fun and easy way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. The Sunset Ridge Ski Society offers groomed trails that run through the trees surrounding Sparwood. Day passes and Seasonal Memberships are available to purchase on the website skisparwood.com. For more information email [email protected] or call Shelly Hume at 250-425-2404.

Pickle BallLooking for something new and different to try? Pickle-ball is a racquet sport which combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis. Pickle-ball is played with two to four players using solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a polymer perforated ball over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, with rules similar to tennis with a few modi� cations. Indoor equipment is available at the front of� ce to be used in the racquet courts at the Leisure Centre.

PilatesMonday & Wednesday, 7:00 – 8:00 pmThis is a mat based class using controlled movements to strengthen key postural muscles.This class is running until December 17th, 2014.

Arena Season PassesThis is a great idea for Stocking Stuffers. Passes are valid until mid-March 2015!Child $45.15Student/Senior $58.80Adult $87.41Family $140.70

Public SkatingMondays & Wednesdays 3:45 - 5:00 pmTuesdays & Thursdays 7:00 - 8:00 pm Saturdays 4:00 - 5:30 pm Most Sundays 3:00 - 4:45 pm

Parent & Tot SkateTuesdays 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Great gift ideas for ChristmasGive the gift of inspiring a healthy lifestyle for your loved ones. Gift certi� cates for a multitude of activities, programs, and passes are available for purchase in any denomination at the Sparwood Leisure Centre! Call 250-425-0552 or visit the Leisure Centre for more information.

Fernie Bus Depot

WE DO DELIVERIES & PICKUPSTO FERNIE, SPARWOOD & JAFFRAY

Now located in the Annex1561 9th Ave – next to Alpine Spa & Leisure

Passenger, Courier and Freight services

Business Hours:Monday – Friday: 10 am to 6 pm

Saturday: 10 am – 2 pmSunday & Holidays: Closed

250-423-5577

OVERWAITEA FERNIE AND SALVATION ARMY

ANNUAL FOOD DRIVEBuy a $5 or $10 hamper from Overwaitea Fernie and help the Salvation Army to help others this Christmas.

All proceeds go to the Salvation Army

PLUS every entry puts you in

the running to win a KitchenAid Mixer!

$5 hamper = one entry $10 = two entries

Drawn December 24, 2014

792 2nd Ave, Fernie BC8 am to 9 pm every day

www.nufloorsfernie.ca391 - 1st Avenue Fernie BC250-423-4314 • 1-800-860-3136

25Days

ChristmasRollends

of

Don’t miss out on this great holiday sale on now until Christmas!

SAVE BIG on 25 new

room sized rollends this Christmas

Prizes include additional discounts of 5-25%, free cleaning products, free paint, free under cushion or free installation!

Sale

35% to 60% OffHUGEPRICESAVINGS

PLUS PICK AN ORNAMENT OFF OUR TREE FOR ADDITIONAL SAVINGS OR PRIZES!

Salvation Army delivers gifts to Rocky Mountain Village residentsBy Sarah Kucharski Free Press Staff

Residents at the Rocky Mountain Village received an early Christmas present from the

Salvation Army on Sunday afternoon.

Major James Hägglund was at the village as part of the Salvation Army’s monthly Sunday service. While there, he presented residents with gifts.

“We deliver what we call a ‘Sunshine Bag’ to each of the residents. This year

we have a calendar for everyone as well as reading material and a few other things,” said Hägglund. He added that

in previous year’s each bag has also included an apple or orange but due to restrictions, this practice has ceased.

In addition to the gifts, Hägglund led residents in a sing-along of Christmas carols, told stories and ended service with a prayer.

“It brings joy to people and that’s what it’s about, especially near Christmas,” said Hägglund.

Major James Hägglund visited Rocky Mountain Village residents last week. Photos by S. Kucharski


JUST WHAT THE DOCTORS ORDEREDFinding Solutions to the Rural Doctor Crisis The story of the Selkirk College Rural Pre-Medicine Program is the story of why community colleges are vital to Canada’s education system. Its genesis arrived through a need to fill a critical gap with creative solutions and tangible outcomes, a model that is now playing out in the classrooms of the Castlegar Campus.

The three-year Rural Pre-Medicine Program launched in September with its first cohort of 17 eager students. With passionate mentors and dedicated instructors, the program aims to build a foundation of experience and knowledge students will need to prepare for entrance into medical school.

“If you come from a rural area, you are among those most likely to go back to a rural area,” says Rural Pre-Medicine Program Coordinator Elizabeth Lund. “If you want to populate the rural areas with physicians, you need to provide the proper education to students who live in rural areas and have a strong desire to get into medical school.”

The curriculum in the Rural Pre-Medicine Program weaves together courses tailored to rural medicine with courses recommended for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Extra training in skills such as mediation and conflict resolution, leadership, communication and interprofessional skills, small business training and MCAT preparation supports students’ futures as physicians and their medical school applications.

“People understand that this is something that can form one piece of a really long term solution to a big problem,” says Lund. “This is not a problem for doctors or the government, really this is a problem in our society across Canada where there is a big difference between rural and urban.”

A Deep Understanding of Rural Life Lund’s background is perfectly suited for spearheading the effort to help populate small town medical clinics and rural

Out of challenge comes opportunity and at Selkirk College the Rural Pre-Medicine Program is taking on the problem of a physician shortage outside urban areas by opening the door for students who desire to follow a pathway towards a career in medicine well suited for rural Canada.

hospitals with top-notch doctors equipped with a skillset that adds an extra dose of compassion.

Raised in the village of Salmo in the southern interior of British Columbia—population 1,100—Lund describes herself as a typical “Kootenay kid.” Benefitting from the values of a tight-knit community and taking advantage of all the outdoor recreation advantages of mountain life, Lund has fond memories of growing up off the beaten path.

Graduating with a small high school class in 1981, Lund headed off to the University of Victoria to pursue an undergraduate degree in chemistry.

“I wanted to figure out why things work the way they do,” Lund says of her passion for science. “I thought to get down to a smaller and smaller level would help explain what was happening on an atomic scale. The reason behind what you see… the reason ice floats. All those questions you have when you are a kid and you are curious; this was one way to answer those questions.”

After earning her BSc, Lund continued on to a PhD in Chemistry in the 1990s when women at that level were in the distinct minority. Her education included post-doctoral fellowships with a pharmaceutical company in Vancouver and at the University of British Columbia.

Just as Lund’s career in science was hitting its stride, she took a sudden break.

In grad school she began to explore Buddhism and while working in Vancouver, Lund met two senior monks at a tiny forest monastery in Birken, north of Whistler.

“I heard people talking about loving-kindness and meditation, I wanted to learn more about it in order to survive the rigours of grad school,” Lund explains. “It fit really well and gave me a means of answering questions beyond the physical world.”

In 1996, Lund travelled to Thailand to become ordained and spent 10 years in the remote northern area of the country as a Therevadin Buddhist Nun. Returning to Canada in 2006 to help care for her elderly mother in Salmo, Lund began teaching at Selkirk College.

Helping Solve the Problem of a Growing Need The mounting challenges with health care in rural Canada have gained traction in the media over the last few years. With shrinking government budgets, an aging population and societal shifts forming the basis of these struggles, more attention has been focussed on the gap between urban and rural.

Three years ago, Lund and her colleagues in the Selkirk College School of University Arts & Sciences were looking for ways to bolster second year sciences at the Castlegar Campus. A story on CBC radio about the doctor shortage in rural British Columbia triggered the idea for a program that would help address the need with homegrown solutions.

Lund was charged with putting together the proposal and soliciting support. For almost two years Lund put her skills in research and passion for education to the test as she approached senior levels of government, the Doctors of BC, local physicians, the University of British Columbia and anybody else that would listen.

“There was a lot of pounding the pavement… I had to become a salesperson,” she says. “That’s the last thing I thought I would ever do, but I was selling something that I totally believe in. It ceases to be selling and becomes talking to people to let them know what we want to do.”

The First Cohort a Brilliant Example of What is Possible On a sunny late-September afternoon in Castlegar, Selkirk College administration joined representatives from the Doctors of BC, the Ministry of Health and health care professionals from around the Kootenay region for a special reception to welcome the first Rural Pre-Medicine cohort to the program. With a class made up of diverse backgrounds that range from recent high school grads to single mothers who have been away from post-secondary for more than a decade, there was a buzz in the air.

“I have a vision of some of the graduates of this program not only making it into medical school, but also being really grounded and solid people,” said Trail Regional Hospital physician Dr. Blair Stanley, chair of the program’s advisory committee. “Not only because of their rural roots, but because of some of the learnings they will have had in this unique program. They will bring that groundedness and can bring that awareness into their clinical setting when they are looking after patients. I think that will be a magical connection that they will have with patients and the work they do.”

If you want to populate the rural areas with physicians, you need to provide the proper education to students who live in rural areas and have a strong desire to get into medical school.ELIZABETH LUND, RURAL PRE-MEDICINE PROGRAM COORDINATOR, SELKIRK COLLEGE


HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE

HEALTH CARE WORKER (e.g. PARAMEDIC, MASSAGE

THERAPIST, NURSE)

Study Rural Pre-Medicine for 3 years at Selkirk College

Graduate with an Associate Degree in Science and Advanced Diploma in

Rural Health Sciences

Apply to medical school Become a doctor

Students of Rural Pre-Medicine come from a variety of backgrounds ...

PROFESSIONAL WITH ADVANCED TRAINING AND

WORK/LIFE EXPERIENCE

? Not sure you fit into one of these backgrounds? You might be wrong. Ask us!

By studying rural pre-medicine, you are also gaining the pre-requisties necessary for entry into:

A variety of other transfer pathways are also available.

DentistryChiropracticMidwiferyPharmacy

OptometryChinese/Alternate MedicineVeterinary Medicine

SELKIRK COLLEGE’S RURAL PRE-MEDICINE PROGRAM HAS PATHWAYS TAILORED TO DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS AND SUCCESSFUL FUTURES.

I have a vision of some of the graduates of this program not only making it into medical school, but also being really grounded and solid people.DR. BLAIR STANLEY, TRAIL REGIONAL HOSPITAL

PHYSICIAN, CHAIR OF THE RURAL PRE-MEDICINE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

RURAL PRE-MEDICINE

Alicia Pongracz (left) and Jaeger Nickson (top right) are students in the first Rural Pre-Medicine Program cohort that is diligently building skills on the Castlegar Campus. With a diverse background and intimate understanding of the challenges faced by students in smaller communities, Rural Pre-Medicine Program Coordinator Elizabeth Lund (bottom right) is the motivating presence behind Selkirk College’s push to bolster the numbers of rural doctors.

selkirk.ca/rural-pre-medicine

A visit to a Friday afternoon chemistry lab is further proof that the cohort model and small classroom environment is already paying dividends. Three months into their education journey at Selkirk College, students work together with a spirit more often found with the cohesiveness of a sports team rather than the individualistic competitive pursuit of entrance into medical school.

“You can see already that the students in this program are going do something and they are going to do something great… It’s already a success,” says Lund. “I’m really proud of these students and very excited about the opportunities for them in the future. Whether they end up choosing medicine or another health field or something else completely different in science, this is where it starts.”

Question of the WeekThis week’s ICBC Safety Tip concerns Operation Red Nose, which provides free rides for impaired or tired drivers. Will you plan a safe ride home for family and friends this festive season?

Go to DrivewayCanada.ca to submit your answer.

Safety Tip:Operation Red Nose provides free rides to drivers and their

passengers who are impaired or too tired to drive home during the holiday season in about 25 B.C. communities. Call 1-877-604-NOSE and a team of volunteers will get you and your vehicle home safely. OperationRedNose.com.

follow us…

/Driveway

@DrivewayCanada

DrivewayCanada.ca | Welcome to the driver’s seat

Hyundai composes a memorable new SonataHyundai is a company that pushes the envelope in terms of styling, vehicle content, engine choices and value, mak-ing others carmakers take notice. The last generation Hyundai Sonata, released in 2011, is a perfect example. The “Fluidic Sculpture” design language really set the pace for the mid-size class of cars. The competitors that followed, like the Ford Fusion, Toyota Camry and Honda Accord, all took styling chances after that Sonata was introduced. The same too for the engine development, including smaller turbocharged 4-cyl-inder engines and fuel saving direct injection technology; compared with the competition all this technology was ahead of the curve. Now, just a few years later, the Sonata gets another refresh, making this car more compelling than ever.

LooksAs dynamic as the Fluidic Sculpture design was, it didn’t age well. Cars that are heavily styled can date quickly. With this in mind, Hyundai has backed away from the fluid approach to a more sculpted design that shares some styling cues from the top-of-range Hyundai Genesis. The front features a squarer grille opening, edgier bumper and front chin-spoiler. The base model is fitted with the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine has and 16-inch or 17-inch alloy wheels with LED daytime running lights, halogen headlamps or HID lights on the limited trim. The performance oriented 2.0 Turbo Sport model, seen above, comes with a two-toned front spoiler, 18-inch wheels, standard HID headlamps, quad exhaust tips and a lower diffuser on the rear bumper. The top trim levels of both the 2.4L and 2.0 Sport have a blacked-out section of the front grille which signifies the car comes with adaptive cruise control and a forward collision warning system.

InsideAs with the outside, the interior has been given a total refresh, no basic tweaking here. The same, more muted design is at work here too, now the all-new centre console is wider and flatter than the last car. This makes the car feel more open and airy, the brushed aluminum surround is bright and the way the buttons and dials are fitted is second to none. Fit and finish is one area that Hyundai does as well, if not better than most. Even on the base $23,999 GL model, the Sonata comes with standard heated front seats, back-up camera, Bluetooth, 5-inch radio/backup screen, satellite radio and USB

connectivity. The $26,299 GLS adds a power driver’s seat, heated leather steering wheel and heated rear seats, and these are just the two entry-level cars. All cars now come with additional 2.5 cm of rear legroom and a very useful trunk that is expandable, thanks to a 60/40 split rear seat.

DriveBoth the 2.4L 4-cylinder engine and the 2.0L turbo have been carried over from the last model but they have been modified to produce better torque delivery and fuel economy. Hyundai has dropped the horsepower output from 198hp to 185hp in the 2.4L and limited the torque to 178hp. The 2.0L turbo also receives a horsepower drop from 274hp to 245hp and the torque drops from 268 lb.-ft to 160 lb.-ft. Hyundai claims that the torque is lower in the RPM range and the fuel consumption is improved. The experience behind the wheel of the turbo is still very invigorating but not as hectic as the last model, it delivers a more usable driving experience. Power is smooth and refined; the turbo feels like a V6 without the accompanying fuel bill.

VerdictHyundai has done it again, delivering a very attrac-tive car, full of features, at an attractive price. 2.4L models range from $23,999 to $32,999 in the top Limited trim. This model has most of the features found in the top 2.0L turbo but without the added power. The base 2.0L turbo starts at $30,999 and the top Ultimate model, seen here, is $34,799. Both the Limited and Ultimate get the forward collision warn-ing system and lane departure safety features, plus they also get adaptive cruise control. For 2015, the Sonata is a big step foreword in design. The added safety features will be attractive and the constant pushing-of-the-envelope from Hyundai is welcome.

The LowdownPower: 2.4L 185hp or 2.0L Turbo with 245hpFill-up: 9.8L/6.7L/100km (city/highway) Sticker price: $23.999-$34,799

[email protected]

‘‘Hyundai has done it again, delivering a very attractive car, full of features and at an attractive price.’’Zack Spencer

Visit the Sonata gallery at DrivewayCanada.ca

Contact Sara Moulton - Advertising Consultant

Phone: 250-423-4666Email: [email protected]

Don’t be a Deer in the Headlights...We can put your advertising into HIGH GEAR!

The Free Press

drivewayBC.cawww.thefreepress.ca14 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014

drivewayBC.ca THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014 15www.thefreepress.ca

2012 Ram 1500 LaramieLonghorn / Limited Edition

2011 Dodge Ram

2011 ChevroletSilverado 1500 LT

2003 Dodge Durango RT

LT0009

LT0005

2011 Ford F-150 XLT

1492 Highway 3Fernie, BC

250-423-9211

LT0001

Teddy Bear Toss and Food Bank drive at the Ghostriders hockey game Saturday Night

Sale price does not include applicable taxes and $399.00 documentation fee.

UT0675

Trucking into WINTER2011 Dodge Ram

UT0666

Now$27,895

2011 Ford F-250 Super Duty

Now$23,875

LT0005

Now$25,975

UT0675

Now$7,995

2011 Ford F-150 XLT

LT0001

Now$26,975

Now$38,975 SOLD

!

Hello winter, my old friendThe rain and windstorms have started and it won’t be long before the temperatures start to dip. Northern BC and the Interior have already experienced the cold. At the coast, it seems every year the first snowfall creates chaos and adjusting to the conditions

is a big challenge for many people. That said; driving in the winter season generally presents more problems than driving in other seasons wherever you call home. The vehicle and the driver must be prepared as well as possible to cope with these kinds of driving conditions. In winter driving, braking and stopping the vehicle, of course, cause the most difficult moments. The tires play a critical role in stopping the vehicle, and they need even more care and attention than in the other seasons. Most SUVs have a passenger car tire classification with M+S stamped on the sidewall, for Mud and Snow and are considered all-season tires. If it is not, your vehicle must be fitted with tires suitable for any type of climate, even the most severe ones. In winter the pressure of the tire must also be controlled more frequently. This is because a reduction of the outside temperature causes a contraction of the air inside the tire,

accelerating the normal and gradual pressure loss process by a value around 1-2 PSI for each 5° C decrease in temperature.Contrary to popular opinion, a lower inflation pressure than normal does not improve tire traction on snow. It makes them much more liable to damage. Always remember that in any season and with any temperature, insufficient pressure is always the main cause of tire damage. Here is some advice to always bear in mind it is during winter driving conditions: Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in icy conditions. Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the pavement. Do not use the cruise control in winter conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster.Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle. If your vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump them in attempting to stop. The right way is to step on the brake pedal and steer against the slide. Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you more quickly to problems and give you a split second extra time to react safely.

[email protected]

‘‘Actions by cars and trucks will alert you more quickly to problems and give you a split second extra time to react safely.’’Ian Harwood

A relaxing � oatation device on four wheelsAlexandra Straub

Whistler – Each morning, I wake up to my inbox clogged with a plethora of messages boasting of “great deals.”And while I swiftly send most to the trash, I often entertain the idea of not paying full price for a meal, or getting my mani/pedi at a 75 per cent off, or occasionally splurging on a spa treatment. Not to mention yoga classes at a fraction of the cost.One message in particular from West Coast Float caught my eye recently and gave me an excuse to take the Volvo V60 T6 R-Design wagon for a longer drive up to Whistler.The image accompanied with the text looked like something out of a Sci-Fi movie. There was this woman, floating in lagoon-blue water, in a rather interesting contraption. Beside it were words like “sensory deprivation,” “relaxation,” and “salt.” A colleague had mentioned to me in conversation about these float pods so I bought two sessions and brought along a friend to enjoy it with me.Without going into too many details on the experience, I floated for 90 minutes in my private room. Note: do not rub your eyes! When it was all over, I was very relaxed.I am so glad the V60 T6 R-Design was the chariot home because I wanted the feeling of serenity to last as long as possible. The V60 certainly facilitated this state of being. Driving the 2015 V60 wagon can be likened to a floatation tank experience: but don’t close your eyes and turn off the lights to enjoy the tranquility! It glides effortlessly and handles brilliantly in whatever environment I put it in.Thanks to the R-Design Sport chassis, which has been lowered 15 mm, and spring stiffness is 15 per cent higher compared with the Dynamic chassis in the

standard V60. That said, it’s stiff in all the right places. The dynamic handling on the sinuous roads made me realize just how much I missed driving the Swedish brand’s vehicles. The smooth-revving 3.0L, turbocharged I-6 engine also helps sweeten the deal.With 325 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque being produced (with Polestar Performance software tuning), it’s no sleeper. It’s then linked with a six-speed Geartronic automatic transmission with advanced Quick Shift, and a Sport Mode Haldex electronically controlled all-wheel-drive with Instant Traction.I was hoping for some snow on the ground so I could play in it a little, but alas, my request was not answered. Maybe next time.The cabin offers a simplistic yet stylish setup – one that has been a common theme through the Volvos I’ve tested over the years - complete with Volvo’s “floating” centre stack.It’s sublimely quiet at highway speeds and because of its Climate Package ($1,350), I had such features as a heated steering wheel and a heated windshield, along with the standard heated front seats, to keep my body blissfully warm in the sub zero temperatures.With room for five inside, a cargo area of 692 litres, and an overall impressive execution, I didn’t want to give this bright red wagon back. Though I wouldn’t call it a deal with a price as tested of $58,700 (then again, the base V60 T5 FWD starts at $38,900), it is the real deal: an incredible wagon that gives you all the pleasure of driving without the salt in your eyes. Just on the roads.Visit www.volvocars.ca for more information on the V60.

[email protected]

Studio

Retoucher

Proofreader

Print Mgr.

Art Director

Copywriter

Creative Dir.

Acct. Mgmt.

Client

BY DATEAPPROVALS

CHRYSLER CANADADEC 2014 DAA ROC RETAIL NEWSPDAC_14_1189NONE100%1” = 1”10.25” X 13.5”NONE

6-30-2014 2:12 PMOPTIC PREPRESS

LASER%Typesetting: Optic Nerve

This advertisement prepared by PUBLICIS

Art Director:Copywriter:

Print Mgr:Client Serv:

Colour:Fonts:

H. DEFREITAS/S. TURNBULLNONEC. RUDY/A. KEELERT. HURST/A. MCEACHERNBW + NAA 0AA0SENTICOSANSDT, HELVETICA NEUE, ITC ZAPF DINGBATS, FRUTIGER LT STD, SENTICOSANSDTCONDENSED, VENEER

100%

Client:Project:Docket:

Client Code:Built At:

Scale:V.O.:

Safety:

Date:Artist:

Output At:

Trim:Bleed:

100%

10.25” X 13.5”NONE

MAGENTA, YELLOW, BLACK

RAMTRUCKOFFERS.CA

Wis

e cu

stom

ers

read

the

fin

e pr

int:

Ω,

★,

§ Th

e Ra

m H

olid

ay S

ales

Eve

nt o

ffers

are

lim

ited

time

offe

rs w

hich

app

ly t

o re

tail

deliv

erie

s of

sel

ecte

d ne

w a

nd u

nuse

d m

odel

s pu

rcha

sed

from

par

ticip

atin

g de

aler

s on

or

afte

r De

cem

ber

2, 2

014.

Offe

rs s

ubje

ct t

o ch

ange

and

may

be

exte

nded

with

out

notic

e. A

ll pr

icin

g in

clud

es f

reig

ht (

$1,6

95)

and

excl

udes

lice

nce,

insu

ranc

e, r

egis

tratio

n, a

ny d

eale

r ad

min

istra

tion

fees

, ot

her

deal

er c

harg

es a

nd o

ther

app

licab

le f

ees

and

taxe

s. D

eale

r tra

de m

ay b

e ne

cess

ary.

Dea

ler

may

sel

l for

les

s. Ω

$10,

000

in t

otal

dis

coun

ts i

nclu

des

$8,5

00 C

onsu

mer

Cas

h an

d $1

,500

Loy

alty

/Con

ques

t Bo

nus

Cash

. Co

nsum

er C

ash

Disc

ount

s ar

e de

duct

ed f

rom

the

neg

otia

ted

pric

e be

fore

tax

es.

$1,5

00 R

am T

ruck

Loy

alty

/Con

ques

t/Sk

illed

Tra

des

Bonu

s Ca

sh i

s av

aila

ble

on t

he r

etai

l pu

rcha

se/le

ase

of 2

014

Ram

150

0 (e

xclu

des

Reg.

Cab

), 20

14 R

am 2

500/

3500

, 20

14 R

am P

roM

aste

r or

201

4 Ra

m C

argo

Van

and

is

dedu

cted

fro

m t

he n

egot

iate

d pr

ice

afte

r ta

xes.

Elig

ible

cus

tom

ers

incl

ude:

1.

Curr

ent

owne

rs/le

ssee

s of

a D

odge

or

Ram

Pic

kup

Truc

k or

Lar

ge V

an o

r an

y ot

her

man

ufac

ture

r’s P

icku

p Tr

uck

or L

arge

Van

. Th

e ve

hicl

e m

ust

have

bee

n ow

ned/

leas

ed

by t

he e

ligib

le c

usto

mer

and

reg

iste

red

in t

heir

nam

e on

or

befo

re D

ecem

ber

2, 2

014.

Pro

of o

f ow

ners

hip/

Leas

e ag

reem

ent

will

be

requ

ired.

2.

Cust

omer

s w

ho a

re s

kille

d tra

desm

en o

r ar

e ac

quiri

ng a

ski

lled

trade

. Th

is i

nclu

des

Lice

nsed

Tra

desm

en,

Cert

ified

Jou

rney

men

or

cust

omer

s w

ho h

ave

com

plet

ed a

n Ap

pren

tices

hip

Cert

ifica

tion.

A c

opy

of t

he T

rade

Lic

ence

/Cer

tific

atio

n re

quire

d. L

imit

one

$1,5

00 b

onus

cas

h of

fer

per

elig

ible

tra

nsac

tion.

Som

e co

nditi

ons

appl

y. S

ee y

our

deal

er f

or c

ompl

ete

deta

ils.

★Th

e M

ake

No

Paym

ents

for

90

Days

is

a lim

ited

time

offe

r w

hich

app

lies

to r

etai

l cus

tom

ers

who

fin

ance

a n

ew 2

014/

2015

Chr

ysle

r, Je

ep,

Dodg

e, R

am o

r FI

AT v

ehic

le (

exce

pt 2

014

Dodg

e Av

enge

r SE

and

201

4/20

15 D

odge

Vip

er)

at a

spe

cial

fix

ed r

ate

on a

ppro

ved

cred

it th

roug

h Ro

yal

Bank

of

Cana

da,

TD A

uto

Fina

nce

or S

cotia

bank

. O

ffer

does

not

app

ly t

o Sc

otia

bank

spe

cial

rat

e fin

anci

ng c

ontra

cts

long

er t

han

90 m

onth

s. M

onth

ly/b

i-wee

kly/

wee

kly

paym

ents

will

be

defe

rred

for

60

days

and

con

tract

s w

ill b

e ex

tend

ed a

ccor

ding

ly. I

nter

est

char

ges

will

not

acc

rue

durin

g th

e fir

st 6

0 da

ys o

f th

e co

ntra

ct.

Cust

omer

s w

ill b

e re

spon

sibl

e fo

r an

y re

quire

d do

wn

paym

ent,

licen

se,

regi

stra

tion

and

insu

ranc

e co

sts

at t

ime

of c

ontra

ct.

Som

e co

nditi

ons

appl

y. S

ee y

our

deal

er f

or c

ompl

ete

deta

ils.

§Sta

rtin

g fro

m p

rices

for

veh

icle

s sh

own

incl

ude

Cons

umer

Cas

h Di

scou

nts

and

do n

ot i

nclu

de u

pgra

des

(e.g

. pa

int).

Upg

rade

s av

aila

ble

for

addi

tiona

l co

st. ≠B

ased

on

2014

Ene

rGui

de h

ighw

ay f

uel

cons

umpt

ion

ratin

gs.

Gov

ernm

ent

of C

anad

a te

st m

etho

ds u

sed.

You

r ac

tual

fu

el c

onsu

mpt

ion

will

var

y ba

sed

on d

rivin

g ha

bits

and

oth

er f

acto

rs.

10.2

L/1

00 k

m (

28 M

PG)

city

and

7.1

L/1

00 k

m (

40 M

PG)

high

way

on

Ram

150

0 4x

2 m

odel

with

3.0

L Ec

oDie

sel

V6 a

nd 8

-spe

ed a

utom

atic

. As

k yo

ur d

eale

r fo

r En

erGu

ide

info

rmat

ion.

••W

ith a

s lo

w a

s 7.

1 L/

100

km(4

0 M

PG)

high

way

. ±

Best

-sel

ling

base

d on

IHS

Aut

omot

ive:

Pol

k Ca

nadi

an n

ew v

ehic

le r

egis

tratio

ns t

hrou

gh

Oct

ober

201

3 fo

r la

rge

dies

el p

icku

ps u

nder

14,

000

lb G

VW.

¥Lon

gevi

ty b

ased

on

IHS

Auto

mot

ive:

Pol

k Ca

nadi

an V

ehic

les

In O

pera

tion

data

as

of J

uly

1, 2

013,

for

mod

el y

ears

199

4-20

13 f

or a

ll la

rge

pick

ups

sold

and

ava

ilabl

e in

Can

ada

over

the

las

t 20

yea

rs. ≤B

ased

on

3500

/350

pic

kups

. W

hen

prop

erly

equ

ippe

d. TM

The

Siriu

sXM

log

o is

a r

egis

tere

d tra

dem

ark

of S

irius

XM S

atel

lite

Radi

o In

c.

PRODUCTION NOTES

IMAGES ARE HI-RES

DECK R1

REVs

0 2PDF

AD NUMBER:

DBC_141189_LB_HOLIDAY_RAM

RAM HOLIDAY SALES EVENT

REGION: PACIFIC

Title:

DUE DATE: DEC 03

OHF 100 Mile House Free Press

ABN Abbotsford News

MTN Abbotsford Mission Times

TBN Burnaby Now

CRI Campbell River Courier-Islander

CHP Chilliwack Progress

CWT Chilliwack Times

CVR Commox Valley Record

CQN Coquitlam Now

NHD Dawson Creek Northern Horizon

CVC Duncan Cowichan Valley Citizen

FFP Fernie Free Press

NEN Fort St. John Northeast News

KTW Kamloops This Week

KNA Kootenay News Advertiser

LNT Langley Times

MRN Maple Ridge News

MAP Maple Ridge Pitt Meadow Times

MER Merritt Herald

HCS Nanaimo Harbour City Star

NTC Northern Connector

NSN North Shore News

PVQ Parksville Qualicum

PAN Peace Arch News

PWN Penticton Western News

PNV Prince Rupert Northern View

QCO Quesnel Cariboo Observer

RMD Richmond News

SAO Salmon Arm Observer

LSN Salmon Arm Lakeshore News

SMI Smithers Interior News

SND Surrey Now

TRS Terrace Standard

TCN Tr-City News

MOS Vernon Morning Star

WLT Williams Lake Tribune

NAN Nanaimo News Bulletin NAA 0AA0

®

NOW AVAILABLE

MORE THAN THE CLOSEST COMPETITOR≤

BEST-IN-CLASS TOWING≤

30,000 LB

CANADA’S BEST-SELLING,± LONGEST-LASTING DIESEL PICKUP¥

great offers on A 2014 ram heavy duty

CANADA’S MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT TRUCK EVER��••

$ 10,000IN TOTAL DISCOUNTSΩ on select 2014 mODELS

GET UP TO

Star ting from price for 2014 Ram 1500 Laramie Limited Quad Cab w/ EcoDiesel shown: $ 56,745.§

2014 ram 1500

40mpghwy

WITHUP TOBEST FUEL ECONOMY OF ANY PICKUP EVER

2014 ram 1500

mpg

RAMTRUCKOFFERS CA

®

90NO PAYMENTS FOR DAYS★

T:10.25”

T:13.5”

DBC_141189_LB_HOLIDAY_RAM.indd 1 12/3/14 11:44 AM

drivewayBC.cawww.thefreepress.ca16 THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014

drivewayBC.ca THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014 17www.thefreepress.ca

AU

TO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

SA

UTO

DEA

LER

S

Right on the corner... Right on the price!

802 Highway #3, Fernie 250-423-5532

DL23837

Go to www.ferniechrysler.comand check out the inventory

**O.A.C. rates subject to change all fees and taxes included, $0 cash down

Deferrals up to 6 months are available on vehicles that qualify OAC.

Shawn Potyok

General Manager

John Fendley

Finance Manager

JimmyHeller

Sales Consultant

AaronYoung

Sales Manager

‘14 Ram 1500 ST

CREDIT ALERTWe understand that it can happen to anyone...

but here's the good news!Fernie Chrysler's credit specialists are here to

help and will take care of you.

From just 4.29%See Jimmy or Shawn to start fresh!

‘15 Dodge Journey CVP

‘14 Dodge Grand Caravan

‘14 Ram 1500 SXT

$19,888Stk# 1N051

‘14 Dodge Grand Caravan ‘14 Dodge Grand Caravan

‘15 Dodge Journey CVP‘15 Dodge Journey CVP

$31,910

Stk# 1N009

$22,040Stk# 1P004

Stk# 1N115

$36,300

TAKE THE WINTER OFF... get a 6 month payment deferral!

This program applies to all new and used vehicles

Come down and find out how!

250-423-9288 D.L. # 9819 • Fernie, B.C.

CarProofVerify

all our preownedinventory

www.coalvalleymotorproducts.com

THE ALL NEW REDESIGNED 2015

GMC CANYON AND CHEVROLET COLORADO!

CHEVROLET COLORADO

GMC CANYON

A WHOLE NEW MIDSIZE PICKUP. A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME.

Motor Trend’s 2015 Truck of the Year


PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORYCall 250-423-4666 or email [email protected]

Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd. &

Cherished Memories Crematorium Ltd.

John & Lynda GawrylukCertified Funeral Directors

"Your Loved One Never Leaves Our Care"Phone: 250-423-7944

[email protected] • www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com

Call for a free estimate today!

KOOTENAY BATHTUB LINERSin Business since 1996Tel: (250) 423-7689 Toll Free: 1-877-742-2288

• Made to measure tubliner & tubwalls can be installed over your existing tub, tiles & ceiling.

• Guaranteed Installations• Acrylic Tub Liners, Wall

Surrounds & Showers

Quality Bathtub Products Installed for a Lot Less1. Less Time 2. Less Mess 3. Less Expense

Complete, Partial and Immediate

Denture.Emergency Repairs,

Relines and Sport Mouthguards.

OVER 10 YEARSEXPERIENCE.

302A 2nd Avenue,Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

250-423-7236

After hoursappointments

available.No charge

consultation.

FERNIE BOTTLE DEPOTTuesday - Saturday10am-5pm1291 Ridgemont Ave.Phone: 250-423-2009

We take electronics andensure they are recycled safely.

Complete, Partial and Immediate

Denture.Emergency Repairs,

Relines and Sport Mouthguards.

OVER 10 YEARSEXPERIENCE.

302A 2nd Avenue,Fernie, BC V0B 1M0

250-423-7236

After hoursappointments

available.No charge

consultation.

*Unique Custom Frame & Mat Design*Certifi ed Professional Framer*YOU NAME IT ~ WE FRAME IT!*25 years serving the Elk Valley

Phone: 1-888-649-5577All framing services [email protected]

Coalminer’s Gallery & Picture Framing Ltd.

• Affi davits

• Wills

• Contracts

• Leases

• Real Estate

• Business Transfers

• Mobile Homes

• Mortgages

Business: (250) 425-2114

Fax: (250) 425-2204

Toll Free: 1-800-668-7729

Email: [email protected]

P.O. Box 1886114 Centennial SquareSparwood, BCV0B 2G0

Contact: 250.423.2946250.423.7638Email: [email protected]

Direct Travel Ltd.

Direct 778-521-0041Toll Free 1-888-426-8675

[email protected]

Each agency independently owned and operatedTM licensed trademarks of Uniglobe Travel (International) Inc.

Sarah Murphy, CTCCertified Travel Consultant

Over 10 years experience selling cruises, sun destinations, insurance and flights.

Featured This Week

The Free Press

Advertise here for only $19 per week

Call Jennifer today 250-423-4666

PHONE: (250)423-5805 9839 ELK STREET

ClassesWork Space

Paper Crafting Mini Albums Home Decor

Jacob [email protected]

DJ Services covering the Elk Valley

• Weddings• Parties• Events

Elk Valley Wine& U-Brew

Your On-Premise Wine Brewing Store

♦ Make your ownCraft Wine - Using our Equipment and Expertise

♦ Perfect for Weddings or other Special Occasions

♦ Finish to perfection with Personalized Labels

250-423-3530 • 592-8th Ave, [email protected]

Sara MoultonAdvertising

If your ad was here, it would have

been seen by now!

Call 250-423-4666 today!

Your ad here

ROCK from the historicMorrisey Quarry

• Stream Protection• Unstable Ground Support• Custom Waterway Drilling & Landscaping

Call George 250-423-7040or e-mail: [email protected]

Wilson’s Drill & Blast Service

ALL SIZES AVAILABLE!

Discover Your World With The Experts

652 2nd Ave.Fernie, B.C

Ph: 250.423.6916 Fax: 250.423.3938Toll Free: 1.877.448.7285

email: [email protected] www.mountainhightravel.com

SportsTHE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014 19

StandingsDIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Eddie MountainTeam GP W L T D OTL PtsFernie Ghostriders 28 22 4 1 0 1 46Golden Rockets 33 17 11 0 0 5 39Creston Valley Thunder Cats 30 15 11 1 0 3 34Kimberley Dynamiters 30 15 12 1 0 2 33Columbia Valley Rockies 30 5 21 0 0 4 14

DIVISION: Kootenay Conference: Neil MurdochTeam GP W L T D OTL PtsNelson Leafs 31 18 7 2 1 3 41Castlegar Rebels 31 18 9 1 0 3 40Beaver Valley Nitehawks 28 15 8 1 0 4 35Spokane Braves 31 15 13 0 0 3 33Grand Forks Border Bruins 31 7 20 1 0 3 18

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: Doug Birks Team GP W L T D OTL PtsKamloops Storm 30 19 9 0 0 2 40100 Mile House Wranglers 28 16 10 0 0 2 34Sicamous Eagles 30 15 13 1 0 1 32Chase Heat 31 11 13 2 0 5 29Revelstoke Grizzlies 30 11 13 2 0 4 28

DIVISION: Okanagan/Shuswap Conference: OkanaganTeam GP W L T D OTL PtsOsoyoos Coyotes 31 25 5 0 0 1 51Summerland Steam 27 18 8 0 0 1 37Princeton Posse 28 13 11 2 0 2 30Kelowna Chiefs 30 12 14 2 1 1 27North Okanagan Knights 32 4 25 1 0 2 11

STANDINGSW L PTS

Canaus Coal 8 0 16

Rocky MTN DR TRNG 5 3 10

Alpine Lumber 5 3 10

Coal Valley 4 4 8

A&B Liquor Store 4 4 8

EKCCU 3 5 6

EV Bighorn Out� tters 3 5 6

Kal Tire 0 8 0

GHOSTRIDERSHOCKEY

All home games start at 7:30 pm unless otherwise

stated ~Fernie Memorial

Arena

Game Night Sponsor:VS

Saturday, December 13 Sunday,

December 14

Game Night Sponsor:Game Night Sponsor:

SaturdayDecember 13

Beaver Valley

Teddy Bear Toss #2 Manitou Road • 250-423-4627#2 Manitou Road • 250-423-4627FERNIE AUTO PARTS

$70 Mail In RebateSeptember 15th - December 15th, 2014. Purchase a set of four eligible YOKOHAMA tires between September 15 and December 15, 2014 and receive up to a $70 mail-in rebate. See rebate form for a list of eligible tires and appropriate rebate levels.

up to

$100 Mail In Rebateup to

October 1st - December 15th, 2014. Purchase a set of four eligible PIRELLI tires between October 1st and December 15, 2014 and receive up to a $100 mail-in rebate. See rebate form for a list of eligible tires and appropriate rebate levels.

$35 Mail In RebateOctober 1st - December 15th, 2014. Buy Any Four (4) General Tire PASSENGER or LIGHT TRUCK tires Between October 1 and December 15th and get a $35 Pre Paid Continental Master Card

$65 Mail In RebateOctober 1st - December 15th, 2014. Buy Any Four (4) Continental Passenger or Light Truck Tires Between October 1 and December 15th and get a $65 Pre Paid Continental Master Card

$50 Mail In RebateOctober 6th - December 15th, 2014. Buy 4 eligible BFGOODRICH Passenger Tires Between October 6 and December 15th and get a Mail In Rebate of $50

$70 Mail In RebateOctober 6th - December 15th, 2014. Buy 4 eligible BFGOODRICH Light Truck Tires Between October 6 and December 15th and get a Mail In Rebate of $70

$70 Mail In RebateOctober 6th - December 15th, 2014. Buy 4 MICHELIN Passenger or Light Truck Tires Between October 6 and December 15th and get a Mail In Rebate of $70

For more details on current rebates check out www.dttire.ca

$50 Mail In RebateOctober 1st - November 15th, 2014. Purchase a set of 4 SIGMA TRAIL CUTTER AT2 tires between October 1st and November 15th and receive a $50 Pre-Paid VISA card.

$70 Mail In RebateSeptember 15th - December 15th, 2014. Purchase a set of four qualifying TOYO tires between September 15 and December 15, 2014 and receive up to a $70 mail-in rebate. See rebate form for list of eligible tires and appropriate rebate levels.

up to

$70 Mail In RebateOctober 15th - December 15th, 2014. Purchase a set of four qualifying HANKOOK tires between October 15th and December 15th, 2014. and receive up to a $70 mail-in rebate. See rebate form for list of eligible tires and appropriate rebate levels.

up to

$40 Mail In RebateOctober 1st - November 15th, 2014. Purchase a set of 4 SIGMA ARCTIC CLAW or 4 SIGMA MUDCLAW tires between October 1st and November 15th and receive up to a $40 Pre Paid VISA card.

up to

$50 Mail In RebateOctober 6th - December 15th, 2014.Buy 4 eligible BFGOODRICH Passenger Tires Between October 6 and December 15th and get a Mail In Rebate of $50.

If you are the athlete in this photo you have won a free pizza from Just Pizza!

Drop into The Free Press office to collect your prize.

Email your Athlete of the Week nominations to [email protected]

Mikah NeufeldMikah Neufeld made

his way to Fernie Alpine Resort at 4:30 a.m. on opening day to hitch a ride up on

the first chair lift. This young skier was

dedicated to get the first run of the day.

Sponsored by

Calling All Cub Reporters!

Are you interested in a career in journalism? Do you want to be a reporter? Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and The Free Press invite you to develop your writing skills and share your talent! Write a newspaper article and see your story in print.

Contest Guidelines:Grades 7-12: Write a news story about something “news worthy” that happened in the Elk Valley. This article should include some quotes from eyewitnesses or sources. All entries must be typed (250-300 words).One winner from grades 7-9 and one from grade 10-12 will be given the opportunity to write a 250-300 word article in the Free Press once a month from March to June!

Entries are due no later than January 31, 2014.Mail or Email to:Meghan MortonCommunity Literacy Coordinator44 Mt. WashburnFernie, BCV0B [email protected] Est. 1898

Attention Storytellers! A good story grabs the attention of the reader from the very first line. We are immediately drawn in and like Alice in the rabbit hole fall into this other world. If you love to write and to tell stories Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy and The Free Press are looking for you! Write your story and win!

Categories and Rules:Grades: 2-6: Write only the first paragraph of a fictional story. Grab the attention of your readers so that they will want to read on. You can write a fairy tale, an adventure, a fable….whatever you want but leave your readers wanting more (100-200 words). All entries must be typed.One winner from grades 2-3 and one winner from grades 4-6 will see their name in a future edition of the Free Press and their story introduction on the CBAL-Elk Valley Facebook page! They will also be invited to write another 100-200 words each month (from March to June) to continue their story. The continuation of their story will be posted each month on the CBAL-Elk Valley Facebook page!Kindergarten and grade 1: Colour a picture of a magical moment you have imagined and write a caption explaining the story (1-3 sentences). The winner will see their name printed in the Free Press and their art posted on the CBAL-Elk Valley Facebook Page. They will also be invited to contribute a picture and caption to the CBAL-Elk Valley Facebook page once a month from March-June!

Entries are due no later than January 31, 2014.Mail or Email to: Meghan MortonCommunity Literacy Coordinator 44 Mt. WashburnFernie, BCV0B [email protected]

Est. 1898

The Fernie peewee-level hockey team held their home tournament the weekend of December 5 to 7, coming out victorious. The peewees won all of their games, taking home the first place title in the A division.

Submitted photo

Fernie peewee-level hockey

Let us know!Call The Free Press 250-423-4666 or email [email protected]

Do you have something you would like to see in the paper?

SPORTS - NEWS - ARTS


As locals gear up to celebrate another year, the Elk Valley Thrift Shop (EVTS) is preparing

to celebrate its first successful year of business.

This Friday, December 12, the Elk Valley Thrift Shop is inviting locals to join them in commemorating a busy year filled with thrifty sales, gracious

donations and the thrift shop volunteers proudly receiving the Sparwood Chamber of Commerce award for Best Non-Profit Organization.

In the past year, the thrift shop sold over $100,000 worth of merchandise donated by the Elk Valley community and donated nearly $60,000 to 46 groups and/or individuals throughout the valley, including the Lilac Terrace Group, who received $10,000 this June for their building expansion fund. In addition

to these accomplishments, the EVTS opened up a Christmas store in the space adjacent to the original store, selling a wide array of holidays items. Throughout the year, volunteers also collected postage stamps, metal can tabs, eyeglasses, hearing aids and Canadian Tire money, which was then passed on to other charitable organizations in the Elk Valley.

“It is obvious that none of this would be possible without the ongoing and very generous support from the residents of the Elk Valley,” EVTS volunteer Katrin Taylor said in a press release. “The goals from our shop upon opening were numerous: to present the public with a clean, friendly, well organized shopping experience; to keep prices low while stocking only the best of the best; to maintain a ‘no dumping’ policy and reduce, reuse and recycle whenever possible and

finally to be fully transparent to the public in the form of a non-profit society run by volunteers.”

The thrift shop’s reduce, recycle and reuse policy is implemented by the volunteers, who work diligently to sort, clean, price and display all donated clothing and household items.

Unlike many other thrift shops, everything that is deemed inappropriate for their store front is repurposed, with all plastics, cardboard, paper, glass and electronics being properly recycled, and all towels, sheets and stained clothing being cut up and turned into ‘rag bags’ that are sold in the shop. Cottons and flannels are also donated to the Days for Girls program in Fernie, with the material being turned into sanitary napkins for less fortunate young women. Remaining donated clothing is shipped in a storage container to a textile recycler in Vancouver.

“To date, we have sent three containers full for a total weight of 26,828 lbs,” Taylor said. “That is roughly 13.5 tonnes of material that would have otherwise gone to our landfill.”

Taylor went on to say, “All of this would not be possible without the incredible volunteers who work tirelessly in our shop. Truly, they are the backbone of the EVTS Society and they deserve full recognition for their dedication to our cause. We are excited to have accomplished so much in such a short time and look forward to continue servicing our customers in the Elk Valley and giving back even more in 2015.”


How can Columbia Basin Trust help you and your community? Share your ideas online, in person, by mail...and more. Learn all the ways on our updated website at:

Elk Valley Thrift Shop SponsorsTeck

EK RadioOverwaitea

Race Trac GasAlpine LumberThe Free Press

Centennial VenturesThe Elk Valley HeraldManitoulin TransportReid’s Bobcat Service

Intermountain SpecialtiesEquipment Sales + Service

Thank You!

ELK VALLEY THRIFT SHOP

SOCIETY For more information call 250-425-2299 or visitwww.facebook.com/groups/sparwoodlibrary

Next Book & Movie Club:The Spiderwick Chronicles.

Friday, Dec 19 at 1 – 3:30

New: High Intensity Seasonal

Affective Disorder (SAD) Light for public to use

during regular hours

TEDDY BEAR TOSSSaturday, December 13

Bring a toy, hat, scarf or gloves to throw onto the ice when the Ghostriders score!

SPECIAL $2 ENTRYSunday, December 14

When you bring any non-perishable food item to donate to the Salvation Army Food Bank

The Fernie Ghostriders proudly support their community

Katie JacksonFlo Charest

Joanne ChattersonLynn Cornell

Mary FlemingGabby GodinCarol Graham

Bunny MercerauJanet Nerbas

Gail PidgeonAnges ScottMarla Taylor

Marlene ShipleyAlexis Winter

Amanda Taylor

And past volunteers

Elk Valley Thrift Shop VolunteersKatrin & Phill TaylorDawn & Bob Wyld

Donna & Bob HunterChris & Doug Chala

Thank You!

ELK VALLEY THRIFT SHOP

SOCIETY

Elk Valley Thrift Store volunteers celebrate a year of success

Elk Valley Thrift Store volunteer Katrin Taylor and Lilac Terrace Administator Deborah Freisen stand with a cheque worth $10,000, donated by the Elk Valley Thrift Store.

From The Free Press files.

This holiday season, the Elk Valley Thrift Store opened a Christmas stop, located adjacent to the thrift store. From The Free Press files.

THE FREE PRESS Thursday, December 11, 2014 21

&Arts Entertainment

Located on 5th St downtown

In

finitea

T - B a r & B ou ti q u e

Patio & Live MusicNew Summer MenuServing Lunch & DinnerPatio Licenced Noon until 10pmCustom Tea Ice-Cream

Kitchen always open

Thursday, Dec.11th -$10 Beautea Night with Trillium 6-8pmFriday, Dec. 12th - Say, Neighbour play live music from 8pmSunday, Dec. 14th - $10 roast dinner from 6-8pm (book!)

Monday, Dec. 15th - Movie Night 7pm - The Lion KingTuesday, Dec. 16th - Make your own Christmas Gifts Workshop 2-5pm (book!)

BOOK INFINITEA FOR YOUR PRIVATE NEW YEARS EVE PARTY!!Located on 5th St. downtown ~ email: in� [email protected]

ELKVALLEYLibraries

Space donated by The Free Press

FERNIE PUBLIC LIBRARY592 - 3rd Ave.250-423-4458

Mon. ClosedTues.-Wed. 11am-6pmThurs. 11am-8pm Fri. 11am-6pmSat. 1-5pmSun. 1-5pm

SPARWOODPUBLIC LIBRARY110 Pine Ave.250-425-2299

Mon. ClosedTues. 10am-8pmWed. 10am-5pmThurs. 10am-8pmFri.-Sat. 10am-5pmSun. 12-4 pm

ELKFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY816 Michel Rd250-865-2912

Mon. ClosedTues.-Wed. 10am-5pmThurs.-Fri. 11am-6pmSat. 12-5pmSun. Closed

This week’s recommended

drinks are the tasty craft beer

selections from the Okanagan’s

Tree Brewing Co. including Cutthroat,

Groovy Session& Thirsty Beaver Ales.

Dave’s Faves

Drink recommendations are fromDave Hamilton, Manager of Spirits Cold Beer & Wine Shop

at the Park Place Lodge

CAN’T MISS

Royal Hotel:Pigeon Hole, Saturday Dec. 13 - Cannot miss this Vancouver based hip hop duo that is sure to entertain. Doors open at 9 p.m. See you there

Fernie Heritage Library:Come and bring your Christmas spirit to the Fernie Heritage Library on Dec. 20 for the Community Christmas Celebration from 2 – 4 p.m. Caroling and crafts – guaranteed to be fun for all ages!

Submit your posters and approximately 50 words of text describing your event to [email protected] two events will be sponsored, so first come first serve.

WhatsOnbrought to you by

1622 – 7th Ave, Fernie BC

250-423-5500

www.bestwesternfernie.com

FERNIE MOUNTAIN LODGE

What’s on in the Elk Valley this week.

Dec.20

Dec.13

Jamming along to Christmas songs

By Sarah KucharskiFree Press Staff

Attendees of all ages sang along to popular Christmas carols at the Beanpod last Saturday as

part of the month’s weekly Jingle Jam. Musicians Van and Shelagh

Redecopp were at the Beanpod to

spread some holiday cheer through music with the free What the Dickens mini concert series.

“It was our first time being at the Beanpod but it was one of the best ones we’ve done,” said Van. “It was so much fun and there were so many kids there.”

One of the children there was Avery

McCrady, who was turning four the next day and seated herself front and center.

The free weekly What the Dickens concert series will feature a different local musician every week.

Next week, Mary Groeneweg & The Fernie Children’s Uke Orchestra will play at Freshie’s at 2 p.m.

Homecrafted Christmas in Fernie

By Sarah KucharskiFree Press Staff

The annual Fernie Holiday Craft Fair filled the Community Centre last Saturday with rows upon rows of local goods being sold just in time for the holidays.

Stalls with handknitted garments, Christmas decorations,

wooden carvings, delicate jewelry and homebaked goods served the crowds that came pouring in to the centre.

“We had a really great response,” said organizer Tanya Malcolm. “Attendance was at its highest [and] the vendors were all really pleased. It was a sold out show as far as vendors go on both days and I think it was an overall success.”

This year, the craft fair expanded to include a Twilight Holiday Craft Fair the night prior, in response to public demand.

“It seemed like people were making a night of it,” noted Malcolm. “They would go to dinner and then come to the show.”

She added, “[Also], a lot of mothers were there without their kids and commented that it was a nice evening to shop. It just seemed like overall, it was a different ambience to have that show and it seemed it was well received.”

A favourite vendor of Malcolm’s was Mary and Ray Pisomy’s rustic holiday crafts. Spanning three tables with every inch covered in an explosion of festive cheer, Malcolm said that the pair’s table, which has made an appearance at the Holiday Craft Fair for the last 25 years, is probably the most festive out of the entire fair.

“I just feel like it’s really sweet they continue to invest their time into making such a festive table, and all of their crafts have this rustic style to them and they don’t stray away from that. They’re really authentic.”

The next craft fair in Fernie will be the Griz Days Fair on Saturday, February 28.

Shelagh and Van Redecopp jammed to Christmas songs at the Beanpod last Saturday. Photo by S. Kucharski

Avery and Rhys McCrady intently listened to Christmas themed music at the Beanpod last weekend.

Photo by S. Kucharski

Dozens of locals made their way to the Fernie Community Centre for the annual craft fair.

Photo by S. Kucharski


ACROSS1. “My ____ True Love”4. Gator’s kin8. Short breath12. Unhappiness13. Listen14. Face shape15. Earnest request17. Horrid18. Hole-making tool19. Sowed21. Big rig24. Parking ____26. Australian “bear”28. Fixing socks32. Stopover spot33. Hot-dog topping35. Fourth letter36. Clairvoyant38. Choose by vote40. Relaxes42. Acorn producers43. Shuns46. ____-the-wall48. Former Italian money49. Starting system54. Eye lubricant55. Close

PUZZLE NO. 739

HOW TO PLAY :Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once.

Each 3x3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: You must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column, or 3x3 box.

Brought to you by Fernie’s premiere Chinese restaurant

Copyright © 2014, Penny Press

PUZZLE NO. 475

THE LUCKIEST SIGNS THIS WEEK:AQUARIUS, PISCES, AND ARIES

YOUR HOROSCOPEfor the week of

December 14 to 20, 2014

YOUR HOROSCOPE

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)You have a little cleaning up to do within your circle of friends. Your partner and your family are your priority. You don’t need any freeloaders who spoil the quality of your relationships.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)Your loved ones are sure to expect you to take care of all the necessary preparations for the holiday season. Don’t forget to delegate so as to share out the workload.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)You begin to wrap your Christmas gifts. You do something very special in order to impress your loved ones, even though it takes you forever.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)A particular project puts you in the spotlight. You bring the family to gether for a spur-of-the-moment trip or a large-scale activity.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)Even if you’re asked to participate in lots of activities, you’ll pro bably de cline the invitation. You can change your mind at the last mi nute, especially where partying is involved.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)It won’t be easy to stick to your Christmas shopping budget. You give much more expensive gifts than expected to those you love and who deserve them.

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)Your credit card is in constant use at this time of year. Think carefully before pulling it out; you will have to choose between Christmas gifts and social activities if you want to stay on budget.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)The holidays haven’t even started yet but your home always seems to be crowded. If you have young children, they establish their base camp at home with all their friends.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)You’re sure to let yourself be caught up in the magic of Chris tmas, even though you thought you’d give it a pass this year. You devote some time to social and humanitarian causes.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)The festivities are already beginning. Indeed, you are surrounded by quite a few people throughout the week. You’re also sure to do some shopping, even though the stores are packed.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)The idea of a trip crosses your mind. You need some adventure and some new experiences. You might also consider the possibility of going to work abroad.

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)However old you are, you may very well decide to go back to school for a career change. You hear about a great opportunity that could ease your � nancial stress.

CROSSWORDS

BRAIN GAMES

250-423-32111221A 7th Ave., Hwy. 3 Fernie • Beside ReMax

wi� available

Your Best Choice for Great Hong Kong

Style Cuisine!

FOR ADVERTISING CONTACT SARA [email protected]

250-423-4666

Answers:

56. To’s counterpart57. Hooting birds58. Infection carrier59. Mend

DOWN1. Have bills2. Succeeded3. Circus safeguard4. Nibble5. Kingdom6. Cookie grain7. Fine glassware8. Rule9. Eager10. Boutique event11. Asked urgently16. Train’s need20. Ghostly21. Bypass

22. Ages23. Scads25. Decree27. Throbbed29. Inkling30. Collar site31. Retrieves34. Sounding like a snake37. Weepers39. Hay place41. Submarine detector43. Female voice44. Opinion45. Type of history47. Unyielding50. ____ whiz!51. Conditions52. Metal source53. At this time

ANSWER/LAST WEEK - PUZZLE NO. 738


The Free Press Thursday, December 11, 2014 www.thefreepress.ca A23

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

691 4th Avenue, Fernie

Sunday Worship...1:30 pm

Pastor Fraser Coltmancell 250-417-5016

Pastor David Mortoncell 250-417-5017 or 1-866-426-7564

TRINITY PENTECOSTAL TABERNACLE

1361 8th Avenue, FernieEVERYONE WELCOME

Monday Mens Fellowship...7 pmSunday Worship & Children’s

Ministry...10:30 amFriday Youth Group...7 pm

Friday Morning Prayer Group...10 am

Office 250-423-4114

ST. MICHAEL’S PARISHCentennial Square, Sparwood

YOU ARE INVITED!Mass Times:

Saturdays: St. Michael’s ~ 7:00 pmSundays: St. Michael’s ~ 11:00 am

St. Bernard’s Mission, Elkford ~ 4:00 pmThursdays: St. Michael’s ~ 6:30 pmFridays: Lilac Terrrace ~ 11:00 am

Confessions:Following each mass, or by appointment.

Pastor: Father Marcel Cote250-425-6444

WELCOMES YOUSunday Meeting

Morning Services 11:00 am

Corps Officers:Majors James & Gwen Hagglund

Fernie Office 250-423-4661 Fx 250-423-4668

(formerly Fernie Baptist Church)

1622 10th Avenue, Fernie250-423-4112

www.mountainsidechurch.ca

Sunday Services 10:00 am in Fernie

4:00 pm Sparwood Campus gatheringContact Pastor Shawn Barden

[email protected]

SPARWOOD CHRISTIAN CENTRE

436 Pine AvenueSparwood BC V0B 2G0

250-425-7787Affiliated with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada (PAOC)

Services: Sunday 10:00 amWednesday Bible Study: 6:47 pm

Everyone Welcome

Pastor: Rev. R.G. (Ross) Powell

KNOX UNITED CHURCH201 2nd Avenue, Fernie

Sunday Service 10:00 amUCW Women’s Group 1st Tues each month

7:00 pm

Clergy: Jane Clarke D.L.M.250-423-6010

www.elkvalleyunited.com

YOU’RE WELCOME AT KNOX

HOLY FAMILY PARISHCatholic Church

521 4th Avenue, FernieParish Office 250-423-6127

Masses: Tues. & Wed. 9:00 am Saturday 5:00 pm Sunday 9:00 amConfessions: Before 5:00 pm Mass on

Saturday or by appointment

Father Marcel Cote

ELK VALLEY

CHURCH SERVICES

CHRIST CHURCH ANGLICAN 591 4th Avenue, Fernie

250-423-6517

Sunday Service 8:30 am BCP

Sunday Service & School 9:30 am BAS

Wednesday Service 10:00 am

Christ Church Anglican Fernie

741B 2nd Ave., Fernie

..

Karle Bruce Dunn, loving husband, father and papa, passed away at the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie, BC on Monday, December 1, 2014 at the age of 75 after a short battle with cancer.

Karle is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, Janet (nee Sutton), his son William (Melanie) Dunn and his daughter Denise (Evan) Reker, five grandchildren, Larkin and Kylie Dunn, Sean, Adalyn and Mylie Reker

Karle was born in Dartmouth NS, and moved to Elkford, BC in 1981 to work at Fording River.

The Memorial Service was held at the Elk Valley Congregational Church, on Friday, December 5, 2014.

The family would sincerely like to thank Dr. Lori Gadsden and the wonderful staff at the Elk Valley Hospital.

DUNN

We would like to thank our neighbours and friends for their caring concern since the

passing of Lynn’s Mom, Elva, last month in Ontario. We have really appreciated your many kindnesses.

Thank you, Lynn & Gayle Taylor

Thank you

All signs point to ManitoulinManitoulin Group of Companies is one of Canada’s largest national transportation companies providing LTL (less than truckload) dedicated and logistics solutions throughout North America. Currently, we are seeking individuals to join us at our Sparwood Maintenance location as:

LICENCED TRUCK MECHANIC$5,000 SIGN-ON BONUS

We are offering competitive wages, benefi ts, profi t sharing programs, and signing bonuses! The signing bonus is paid to Mechanics at $5,000, paid over the fi rst year.

A criminal record search will be required for all positions. Please apply by contacting Daryl Casselman at [email protected]

www.manitoulintransport.com

Equal Opportunity Employer

General Freight | Long Distance | Less Than Load

www.manitoulintransport.com

Employment OpportunityExperienced Truck Drivers

Drivers License Class 1 or 3 with air.Snowplow experience not required

but would be an asset.As & When Positions for winter months in Fernie.

Mail or fax resume, including current drivers abstract to:

Mainroad East Kootenay Contracting LP

258 Industrial Rd F, Cranbrook BC, V1C 6N8Fax # 250-417-4641

Train To Be An Apartment Manager

• Government Certifi ed Home Study

Course • Jobs

Registered Across BC

35 Years of Success!www.RMTI.ca

Happy Thoughts Personals Business Opportunities

Education/Trade Schools

Help Wanted Medical/Dental Trades, Technical

May the sacred heart of Jesus be praised adored and glorified throughout the word forever. Amen.

Say 6 times a day for nine days and remember to promise publication.

Your prayers will be answered no matter how impossible it may seem

to you before the 9th day. MG

InformationCANADA BENEFIT Group - Do you or someone you know suffer from a disability? Get up to $40,000 from the Canadian Government. Toll-free 1-888-511-2250 or visit online www.canadabenefi t.ca.

Cards of Thanks

MEET SINGLES right now! No paid operators, just real peo-ple like you. Browse greetings, exchange messages and con-nect live. Try it free. Call now: 1-800-712-9851.

Travel

TimeshareCANCEL YOUR Timeshare. NO Risk Program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Pay-ments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Con-sultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248.

TravelRV LOT rentals $8.95 a day. 362 days of sunshine, pets, events, classes, entertain-ment. Reserve by 11/01/2014. www.hemetrvresort.com. Call: 1-800-926-5593

Cards of Thanks

GET FREE vending machines. Can earn $100,000 + per year. All cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected Territories. Full De-tails call now 1-866-668-6629. Website www.tcvend.com

Mountain Mechanical Services Ltd. in Sparwood has

the following positions available immediately for

full-time employment:• Certifi ed Commercial Truck

or Heavy Duty Technician• Certifi ed Automotive Tech-

nician• Parts Person(Highway

Truck/Automotive)• Service Manager for our

Elkford BranchPlease send resumes to

[email protected] or call (250)425-5103

Obituaries

MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION is an in-demand career in Canada! Employers have work-at-home positions available. Get the online train-ing you need from an employ-er-trusted program. Visit: CareerStep.ca/MT or 1-888-528-0809 to start training for your work-at-home career to-day!

Trades, TechnicalSKILLED TRADES! Experienced welders and completions team members needed in Grande Prairie, AB. Welders, B-Pressure, Sand Blasters, Painters, Insulators. Fly in - Fly out with 1 week at home a month. Accommodation provided. Alberta wages without the expens-es! send resume to:[email protected]

Help Wanted

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

• Construction • Renovations • Roofing • Drywall-large or small• Siding • Sundeck Construction

• Aluminum Railings We welcome any restorational work!

(250) 426-8504

GIRO

CEDA is Hiring!Labourers & Operators –

Turnaround Projects

Qualifi cations include:• Physically demanding• Clean driver’s abstract• Travel within Alberta• Class 1/3 driver’s license

an asset

To submit resumeplease visit online:

www.cedagroup.com

Help Wanted

Drivers/Courier/Trucking

email [email protected]

Your classifieds. Your community.

250.423.46661.866.337.6437

PHONE: 250.423.4666 OR: 1.866.337.6437

EMAIL CLASSIFIEDS TO: customerservice@

thefreepress.ca

DEADLINES Fridays @ 12 noon for the following Thursday paper.

RATESExamples of Rates as follows: 1 issue, 3 lines $7.00, additional lines $1.00 each. Run your ad for a minimum of 4 weeks and get 20% off.

AGREEMENTIt is agreed by any Display or Classified Advertiser requesting space that the liability of the paper in the event of failure to publish an advertisement shall be limited to the amount paid by the advertiser for that portion of the advertising space occupied by the incorrect item only, and that there shall be no liability in any event beyond the amount paid for such advertisement. The publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement.

bcclassified.com cannot be responsible for errors after the first day of publication of any advertisement. Notice of errors on the first day should immediately be called to the attention of the Classified Department to be corrected for the following edition.

bcclassified.com reserves the right to revise, edit, classify or reject any advertisement and to retain any answers directed to the bcclassified.com Box Reply Service and to repay the customer the sum paid for the advertisement and box rental.

DISCRIMINATORY LEGISLATION Advertisers are reminded that Provincial legislation forbids the publication of any advertisement which discriminates against any person because of race, religion, sex, colour, nationality, ancestry or place of origin, or age, unless the condition is justified by a bona/fide requirement for the work involved.

COPYRIGHT Copyright and/or properties subsist in all advertisements and in all other material appearing in this edition of bcclassified.com. Permission to reproduce wholly or in part and in any form what-soever, particularly by a photographic or of set process in a publication must be obtained in writing from the publisher. Any unauthorized reproduction will be subject to recourse in law.

ON THE WEB:

We’re on the net at www.bcclassifi ed.com

Place a classifi ed word ad and...

IT WILL GO ON LINE!


A24 www.thefreepress.ca Thursday, December 11, 2014 The Free Press

WANT TO DELIVER NEWSPAPERS?

250-423-4666 • 342 2 [email protected]

WE HAVE LOTS OF ROUTES AVAILABLEin Fernie, Sparwood and Elkford

Fernie Exchange New & Used & Pawnbrokers

1501-9th Ave. 250-423-6625

We have a new line of Sigma Martin Guitars, double air mattresses (new) $49., 3 pet carriers $29-$39. 1 ½ gallon compressor, like new (oil) $125. Golf clubs ½ price. 6 hp Honda pressure washer $220, Drill presses 75-125. Good selection of guitars, amps, musical instruments. Motorcycle jacket and chaps, leather $149 each. Clear out bikes $20-$49, $79, $99, $299. 18’Coleman canoe $425. Built in heat exchanger (fireplace new) $199. Honda 5 hp brush cutter mower $249. Double pedestal table, 4 chairs wood 60’s $149. Hardwood table & leaf $110. 20 cu ft Electrolux white fridge $425. 18 cu ft black fridge freezer under $375 (Kenmore). Various ranges $159 - $199. 2 beer signs – 1 lit Burgermeister (turns) $225., Olympia Gold beer $99., 2 compound bows 1pse $175, 1 Prairie Fire with quiver $195. Crossbow bolts 14” 6 to pkg $20 each, pkg 3 hunting tips $25. Hardwood china cabinet $495 2 pc. Lots of antiques. Come in and browse. Martin Gibson guitars 1970’s various prices, older. Freezer 15 cu ft. $199. Danby apt washer auto $349. Exercise bike new was $299 now $225. 1970’s 3 speed CCM bike like new $225.

Misc. for Sale

Employment

Work WantedRESIDENT FARM Supervisor available spring-fall. Start-ups. Diversifi cation. Succession. Sales, purchasing and shop experience. Ranch. Nursery. Vegetable. Greenhouse build-er. Fair Spanish. Bob Crocker 604-842-2378.

Services

Health ProductsRESTLESS LEG Syndrome & leg cramps? Fast relief in one hour. Sleep at night. Proven for over 32 years. Website: www.allcalm.com Mon-Fri 8-4 EST 1-800-765-8660.

Financial ServicesARE YOU $10K Or More In Debt? DebtGo can help re-duce a signifi cant portion of your debt load. Call now & see if you qualify. 1-800-351-1783.GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.

1-877-987-1420 www.pioneerwest.com

Home ImprovementsFULL SERVICE Plumbing from Parker Dean. Fast, re-liable, 24/7 service. Take $50 off your next job if you present this ad. Vancouver area. Call 1-800-573-2928.

Household ServicesA-1 FURNACE & Air Duct Cleaning. Complete Fur-nace/Air Duct Systems cleaned & sterilized. Locally owned & operated. 1-800-565-0355 (Free estimates)

Merchandise for Sale

Farm Equipment1948 Ford 8N tractor w/factory front blade, good tires, runs well, $2500 obo. (250)229-4265

Food Products

BC INSPECTEDGRADED AA OR BETTER

LOCALLY GROWNNATURAL BEEF

Hormone FreeGrass Fed/Grain Finished

Freezer Packages AvailableQuarters/Halves

$4.30/lb Hanging WeightExtra Lean Ground

Beef Available TARZWELL FARMS

250-428-4316 Creston

Help Wanted


Heavy Duty Machinery

A-STEEL SHIPPING DRY STORAGE CONTAINERS

Used 20’40’45’53’ and insulated containers all

sizes in stock. Trades are welcome.

40’Containers under $2500!DMG 40’ containers under $2,000 each. Also JD 544 & 644 wheel Loaders & 20,000 lb CAT forklift.

Wanted to buy 300 size hydraulic excavator.

Ph Toll free 1-866-528-71081-778-298-3192 8am-5pm

Delivery BC and ABwww.rtccontainer.com

Misc. for SaleHOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best price. Best quality. All shapes & colours available. 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/newspaper?

STEEL BUILDINGS/metal buildings 60% off! 20x28, 30x40, 40x62, 45x90, 50x120, 60x150, 80x100 sell for bal-ance owed! Call 1-800-457-2206 or visit us online: www.crownsteelbuildings.ca.

STEEL BUILDINGS. “Really big sale!” All steel building models and sizes. Plus extra savings. Buy now and we will store until spring. Call Pioneer Steel 1-800-668-5422 or visit online: www.pioneersteel.ca

Help Wanted


Misc. WantedPrivate Coin Collector BuyingCollections, Accumulations,Olympic Gold & Silver Coins +Chad: 778-281-0030. Local.

Real Estate

Acreage for SalePRIVATE 150 ACRES

5 minutes from Cranbrook . Borders crown land on 3 sides. Mixture of timber and fi elds. Surveyed, drilled well, power and Shaw cable. Not in ALR zoned RR60. Serious inquiries only. $695,000.

250-489-9234

Commercial/Industrial Property

RESORT VILLAGE of Candle Lake, SK. Newly renovated restaurant on a .47 acre lot 2nd fl oor residential, 3 bed-rooms. Sale incl: land, build-ing, equipment, business. Call 306-929-4999.

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentWell kept 2 bedroom

Condo for rent in Sparwood Heights

Includes fridge, stove, dish-washer, washer/dryer, stor-age area, use of exercise room & sauna. No Smoking, No Pets.

Available Immediately $950 FurnishedHeat included

Call 250-425-4431 or250-423-1224

Help Wanted

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

Scenic Downtown Elkford

Spacious NEW apartments

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month

2 & 3 Bdrm- $850 (& up)- month

Includes heat, lights, & hot water

250-865-2722

ALPINE COURT

For Rent: Sparwood Fully furnished and decorated

2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo ready to be moved into. Just bring your

clothes. Comes with appliances including in suite washer and dryer. $1200 per month. No smoking/no pets. Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or

Erin at 250-425-7711. References required.

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

Live in scenic &

peaceful Elkford

ALDERWOOD PLACE

Comfortable apartment units

1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)-month2 & 3 Bdrm - $850 (& up)-month

Includes: covered parking, sauna, heat, lights & hot water

1-250-865-7676

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

SPARWOOD, B.C.Quiet • Comfortable • Affordable

GOLDEN OAK

GARDENS1 Bdrm - $775 (& up)- month2 Bdrm - $850 (& up)- month

Hot Water Included

Walking Distance to Mall

250-865-2722

TakeYour

Pick…

5Five waysto placeyour ad

Pick Up The Phone

250-423-4666

Website

thefreepress.ca

Toll Free

1-866-337-6437

Send Us An Email

[email protected]

Drop By

THE FREE PRESS

OFFICE in Fernie

342 2nd. Ave.

Monday - Friday

9:00am - 5:00pm

Free PressClassifi ed

starting at

$7.00add

$1.00/line

Run your ad for

a minimum of

4 weeks

and get

20% off

•Lost & Found Pets •Dog Park •Spay & Neuter Program •Volunteers

DONATE OR JOIN TODAY! ferniepets.org

Fernie Pets Wants YOU!

Send us your

PET photos!

Email your pet photos to [email protected]

PET personali t ies

Axle & Sitka relaxing on the couch.and a small description.

early holidayDEADLINES

The following deadlines will be in effect during the holiday season.

Thursday, December 1812:00 NOON for

December 25th edition

Tuesday, December 2312:00 NOOn for

January 1st edition

Holiday Hours:The Free Press office will be closedDecember 25th, December 26th

and January 1stover the Christmas holiday and resume regular hours

January 2nd, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

250-423-4666


The Free Press Thursday, December 11, 2014 www.thefreepress.ca A25

Career change you can adapt to...

www.LocalWorkBC.caVisit Our Website

1 & 2 Bedroom UnitsFurnished & Unfurnished

For more information call250-423-1358

Apartments for Rent

1422 & 1462 – 6th Avenue, FernieLocated behind the Best Western

From $695 per month

Rentals

Apt/Condo for Rent

Sparwood, B.C.

PINEWAY COURT

Apartment Units

1 Bdrm plus den $775 (& up) month

2 Bdrm plus den $850 (& up) month

250-425-9912

Rentals

Apt/Condo for RentNew condos in Sparwood Heights 2 bed/2 bath units are $1250. per month. 2 bed/1 bath units $1200 per month. These units are in a new com-plex. New stainless steel appli-ances, granite counters, in suite washer/dryer. Building comes with an elevator and on site storage unit. No smoking or pets allowed. References required. (Utilities not includ-ed) Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

Duplex / 4 Plex

1228 Pinyon - One of the largest duplexes in Sparwood.

This unit has 3 bedrooms/2 bathrooms and a fully fi nished basement, new paint, paved driveway, shed and a large

fenced yard. $1200. per month not including utilities. Please

contact Erin at [email protected] or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432

Apt/Condo for Rent

Rentals

Duplex / 4 Plex1/2 Duplex in downtown

Sparwood. 3 bedroom, 1 bath-room duplex with fresh paint,

new fl ooring, new kitchen, fenced yard & shed. Great

location downtown close to the school and a park across the

street. $1000. per month. References required.

Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711

Modular Homes94 Spardell - Newer

3 bedroom, 2 bathroom mobile home with an executive

ensuite. Located in Spardell with a large fully fenced yard. No pets/no smoking. $1300

per month plus utilities. Please contact Erin at

[email protected] or 250-425-7711 or 250-425-5432.

Mobile home for rent in Little Acres Mobile Home Park. 3

bedroom, one bathroom mobile with an addition, deck and

fenced yard. $650 per month. (Utilities not included)


Rentals

Modular HomesMobile Downtown Sparwood373 Red Cedar-Clean 4 bed-room, 1 bath mobile close to

the Rec Centre. Includes fridge, stove and washing

machine. large porch, shed, large driveway - Older but

clean. $850 pm.Utilities not included

Call 250-425-7711 or email [email protected]

for information.Sparwood - Mobile homes for rent - Call 250-425-5387

Sparwood - Several Mobile Homes for rent $700 - $1000

per month. Utilities not included. Please contact

[email protected] or call 250-425-7711 for more

information.

Homes for RentIn Sparwood and Elkford: Property Management

ServicesCall Tonda at 250-433-7024Sparwood House for rent. 1 Acre of Land, Workshop.

Call 250-425-5387

Rentals

Homes for Rent Furnished and Unfur-

nished Properties for rentin Sparwood and ElkfordContact Tammie Davy with Custom Real Estate and Property Management at 250-425-2968 or log on to www.elkvalleylistings.ca for

more information.

House for rent - Sparwood 3 bedroom log home

1800 sq. ft. 3 bathroom, full basement,

wrap around deck, large yard on acreage, privacy, beautiful views - $1500 per month plus

all utilities. (Propane heat) No pets or

smoking.Call Rick at 250-425-5432 or Erin at 250-425-7711.

References required.

SPARWOOD, 2-storey, 3-bdrm townhouse for rent w/full basement, close to school & rec centre. (250)[email protected]

Rentals

Homes for RentHouse for Rent

Sparwood Heights3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with newer paint and carpets. Large kitchen & dining area, large rec room with fi replace, large attached garage with a

fenced yard. $1400 per month does not include utilities.


Storage

SELF STORAGE: Personal & commercial. Call

Finnigan’s Storage. 250-423-3308 or 250-423-1236

Transportation

Cars - Domestic

1998 4DR SW GMC JIMMYDriveable, needs repairs.

Call Peter at Quantum Mo-tors to view. $1,000 OBO

250-423-3205

Transportation

Boats

World’s Finest FISHING BOATS

Weldcraft, Hewescraft,Lund, Godfrey Pontoons

Mark’s Marine, Hayden, ID1-888-821-2200

www.marksmarineinc.com

In partnership with

Introducing the New Save.ca Mobile Cash-Back Feature. With exclusive offers for the brands you love & $5 cash-out minimums

through PayPal, you’ll never go shopping without your smart phone again!

1. Browse & ShopBrowse the mobile app

for your favourite brand’s offers, and purchase

them at any store

2. Upload Receipt Take a photo of your receipt and submit it

through the app

3. Get Cash Back! Once you reach just $5, the money you save will be transferred into your

PayPal wallet

Apt/Condo for Rent

Submitted by Meghan Morton

This is a magical time of year, and it can also be the perfect time to promote learning and literacy in

your family while your children are not at school. Whether you are singing together, making a list and checking it twice or roasting chestnuts on an open fire, here are some great ways to make learning fun

during the most wonderful time of the year:

• Have your children help you write the cards or thank you notes for gifts they have received or for special events

they attend. Family and friends will be so happy to see your child’s printing and your child will get to practice their writing at the same time. This is also a great time to talk about distant family members and

share family stories. Sharing family stories helps your child to see that they are a piece of a larger whole, and that they fit in and are a part of something.

• Start a book tradition! Wrap up books and allow your child to open one book every day they are home from school. This can be done inexpensively by shopping at thrift stores for gently used books throughout the year.

• Choose a special story or book to share (some ideas might be A Christmas Carol, The Mitten, The Gift of the Magi, 50 Below Zero, How the Grinch Stole Christmas or The Little Match Girl). Reading together is a relaxing and enjoyable experience to share, for adults and children of all ages. Maybe you even want to take turns reading or doing the voices.

• Pull out your favourite recipe and bake with your family. Teach your children to read the recipe. Baking requires reading and math skills. This is the perfect time to get your kids to practice theirs! Have your kids do the measuring. This is a great way to tangibly reinforce their understanding of fractions!

Want more tips on promoting learning in your home year-round? Join Muffins and More. This is a program put on by Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy for adults who want to learn and discuss ways to facilitate their school-aged child’s learning. For more information, contact Meghan Morton, Community Literacy Coordinator at [email protected] or (250) 946-6474.


Client TELUS TEL059B_HWW100003_R3_Fernie_FreePress_R1 Created Oct. 28, 2014

Account Jennifer Creative Decio Mac Artist Jaimy Producer Sonal

Ad Size 8.83”x 12” Insertion Date(s) Nov 6, 2014

Colours CYANI MAGENTAI YELLOWI BLACKI AD Number HWW100003

Publications Fernie Free Press

Info Final file is PDFX1AAll colours are printed as process match unless indicated otherwise. Please check before use. In spite of our careful checking, errors infrequently occur and we request that you check this proof for accuracy. The&Partnership’s liability is limited to replacing or correcting the disc from which this proof was generated. We cannot be responsible for your time, film, proofs, stock, or printing loss due to error.

APPROVAL

Creative Team Proofreader Producer Studio Client/Account Manager

Get a FREE 40" Samsung Smart TV when you sign up for TELUS Satellite TV and Internet for 3 years.1

Snuggle up to a FREE TV. When you get cozy with a TELUS Satellite TV and Internet bundle.

Call 310-MYTV (6988), go to telus.com/snuggleup or visit your TELUS store.

1. Offer available until December 31, 2014, to residential customers who have not subscribed to TELUS Satellite TV or Internet in the past 90 days. Minimum system requirements apply. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a TELUS representative. TELUS reserves the right to modify channel lineups and packaging, and regular pricing without notice. Cannot be combined with other offers. HDTV-input-equipped television required to watch HD. A retail value of $689, based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price, plus a 2 year extended warranty, provincial government eco fees and shipping. TELUS reserves the right to substitute an equivalent or better product without notice. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the service agreement. The cancellation fee will be the value of the promotional gift received in return for your term commitment, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term (with a partial month counting as a full month), divided by the total number of months in the term, plus applicable taxes. If you have chosen free PVR and digital box rental, an additional cancellation fee applies and will be $10 multiplied by the number of months remaining in the term. Rental equipment must be returned in good condition upon cancellation of service, otherwise the replacement cost will be charged to the account. TELUS, the TELUS logo, telus.com and the future is friendly are trademarks of TELUS Corporation, used under licence. Samsung and the Samsung logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Samsung Canada. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. © 2014 TELUS.

CranbrookTamarack Centre 717 Industrial Rd 2101 Kootenay St North

TELUS STORE OR AUTHORIZED DEALER

TEL059B_HWW100003_R3_Fernie_FreePress_R1.indd 1 11/21/14 5:02 PM

We can deck the halls and learn at the same time


Thank Youto the following individuals and businesses that donated prizes and their time for our annual Christmas fundraiser, “Freak Show”.An additional “Thank You” extends to each business or person that sold or purchased tickets for our Christmas Cash raffle!Avalanche City Roller Girls would not be the team they are without support from local businesses and residents! We appreciate all you do!

The PubFernie Wilderness Adventures

Jay’s JewellersFernie Printing CompanyGear HubEvolutionFernie Alpine ResortFernie Brewing CompanyFernie Free PressJay’s JewellersEdge of the WorldOdysseyGiv’erFreshies

FreyaStephanie’s Glass ArtThe Blue ToqueInfiniteaSki BaseThunder MeadowsHempireBarksideHappy CowCottonwood TreeRocky Mountain Optometry

Meghan A. Wallace-Barrister and Solicitor

Thanks to:

Sparwood

113 Red Cedar DriveSparwood, B.C.250-425-7733

easyentertaining

Easy entertaining starts with our unique selection of fresh and delicious platters. We offer a wide variety of your favourite foods, including classic sandwiches and dips, meats and cheeses, hors d’oeuvre trays, fresh fruits and veggies and an assortment of freshly baked treats.

Appetizers

SpecialtyCheese

Meat & Cheese

Sandwiches& Snacks

Bakery

Fruit & Veggies

When orderingplease allow

48 hours notice.

~

~

~

~

~

The Princess and the Frog danced the night away


The Creative Energy Arts Factory once again danced their way into the hearts of their audience with their The Princess and

the Frog performance. The dancers’ costumes sparkled as they leapt across the Traynor Hall Auditorium stage last Friday evening, tap dan-

cing, hip hopping and ballet dancing the evening away.

The performance, which saw nearly 60 different dances and skits, was divided into two acts that were just over an hour each.

The Creative Energy Arts Factory truly turned the classic tale of The Princess and the Frog into a performance of their own.

Kayla Nord played the part of Dr. Facilier in the Creative Energy Arts Factory rendition of The Princess and the Frog. Photos submitted by Jamie Hide

Top: Sienna Longo and Ray Ogura played the parts of Tiana the Frog and Naveen the Frog Prince. Photos submitted by Jamie Hide

Freyja


Holiday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingHoliday RecyclingReduce, Reuse, Recycle - it all adds up!

Wrapping Paper - all paper based wrapping paper can be recycled in the yellow bins. Foil based papers cannot be recycled and should be thrown in the garbage if they can’t be saved and reused.

Ribbons & Bows - cannot be recycled. They can be saved and reused. If they can no longer be reused, they go in the garbage.

Aluminum Pie Plates & Roasters - both aluminum pie plates and roasters can be recycled at the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Cardboard Boxes - all cardboard and boxboard (like cracker and cereal boxes) are recyclable. Please flatten them to conserve space in the bin or blue bag.

Tin Cans - all tin food and beverage cans can be recycled. They must be rinsed out. Labels can be left on if they are difficult to remove.

Styrofoam - Even though Styrofoam is marked with a #6, it is NOT recyclable in our program. Styrofoam can be recycled at the Cranbrook Bottle Depot.

Plastics - all plastics with the triangular recycling symbol and the number between 1 and 6 (except Styrofoam) can be recycled in the yellow bins or Invermere’s blue bag program. They must be clean and every piece of plastic must be numbered. Plastics Not Accepted:• #7 plastics, dirty plastics, plastics with no number. They go in the garbage if they can’t

be reused.

Recycling BasicsRecycling BasicsRecycling BasicsRecycling BasicsRecycling BasicsRecycling BasicsElectronicsElectronicsElectronicsElectronicsElectronicsElectronicsRecyclingRecyclingRecyclingThe electronics recycling depot for this area is in Cranbrook at:

Cranbrook Bottle Depot1125 Industrial Rd. #3Phone: 250-417-0306Hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sat 9:00am-4:00pm, closed Stats

They accept• Televisions• Computers & peripherals (keyboard,

mouse)• Monitors• Fax machines• DVD/VHS players• Scanners• Stereos, MP3 players Discman

• Earphones• Microphones• Telephones• Speakers• Radios• Cable, satellite and PVR boxes• Vehicle audio and video systems

In addition to electronics, a number of small appliances are also now recyclable at the Bottle Depot.

Products are divided into the following categories:• kitchen countertop (ie/ blenders, microwaves, slow

cookers, mixers)• time measurement (ie/ clocks , timers)• weight measurement (ie/ bathroom scales, food scales)• garment care (ie/ ironing board, irons, steamers)• air treatment (ie/ air purifiers, portable heaters)• floor care (ie/ vacuums, floor mops, dustbusters)• personal care (ie/ curling irons, hair dryers, electric

toothbrushes, electric razors)• power tools• sewing & textile machines

For a complete list of accepted products, visit www.electrorecycle.ca.

GlassGlassGlassGlassGlassGlassGlassGlassGlassGlass goes in the yellow bins marked GLASS ONLY. The ONLY glass accepted for recycling is container glass. That means jam jars, salsa jars, wine bottles, olive oil bottles, etc.

NO other glass (including dishes or drinking glasses) is accepted. If in doubt, please leave it out.

BatteriesBatteriesBatteriesBatteriesBatteriesBatteriesOne of the items people seem to stock up on at this time of year is batteries.Both alkaline and rechargeable batteries are recyclable.

The drop off locations in the Cranbrook/Kimberley area are:• Cranbrook Photo• Staples

• The Source (in Tamarack Centre)• Kootenay Communications

On December 25th alone, over 30 million bags of garbage will be

thrown out of Canadian households.Please recycle.

Fluorescent LightsFluorescent LightsFluorescent LightsFluorescent LightsFluorescent LightsFluorescent LightsThe LightRecycle program accepts residential compact and tube fluorescent light bulbs free of charge. The drop off locations in the Cranbrook/Kimberley area are:

• Cranbrook Home Hardware - 1901 McPhee Road• Skyway Distributors - 304 Slater Road NW

Holiday HoursHoliday HoursHoliday HoursHoliday HoursHoliday HoursHoliday HoursCRANBROOK & KIMBERLEY

TRANSFER STATIONS

December 24 8:30am-3:00pmDecember 25 ClosedDecember 26-30 8:30am-5:30pmDecember 31 8:30am-3:00pmJanuary 1 Closed

All other days, the transfer stations will be open 8:30am to 5:30pm.

CENTRAL LANDFILL

December 24 9:00am-3:00pmDecember 25 ClosedDecember 26-30 9:00am-5:00pmDecember 31 9:00am-3:00pmJanuary 1 Closed

All other days, the Landfill will be open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

CRANBROOK RDEK OFFICE

December 24 8:30am-3:00pmDecember 25 & 26 ClosedDecember 29-30 Regular Hours (8:30am-4:30pm)December 31 8:30am-3:00pmJanuary 1 ClosedJanuary 2 Regular Hours (8:30am-4:30pm)

The RDEK’s Cranbrook Office’s regular hours are Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

For more information, contact the RDEK at 250-489-2791 or 1-888-478-7335

The Free Press, December 11, 2014

Documents

Transcript of The Free Press, December 11, 2014