Bringing the FREE Creston Valley together. December 2012

Seeking purpose after visit to the other side Back from the dead, a paradoxical tale of the supernatural

Volunteers Sports Entertainment Hospice group marks T-Cats scoring points on Best Singer format 25 years of empathy and off the ice expands to four shows

Inside... Pull-out Section

Greetings, December events calendar, characters, lore, trivia, puzzles, recipes, crafts and more!   u ients n  wishes  e N Yar! an ouWrap  up ou your patronag , Christmas t’s shopping e  or rea ear! treat yourself over the holiday season We o er a variety of hair services as well as we have a full time esthetician. Now o ering the NEW POPULAR SCHELLAC A true innovation in chip free, long lasting nail color great for the holiday season. Come try our stand up and lay down tanning bed. First time in is FREE!

Christmas Wsh Li... √ Coo √ Fcia

Phone: 250.428.8787 √ Pdicu √ Tan
in √ Prm √ Haicut √ Gel Nils √ Acryi Nils contents

magazine

Sales Sally Hall cell: 250.402-9111 [email protected]

Graphic Design/Sales Wendy Franz cell: 250.402.8711 [email protected]

Financials/Sales Justin Ziola cell: 250.428.6772 [email protected]

The Magazine I Love Creston Magazine is produced monthly and distributed free of charge by feature story I Love Creston Marketing Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part Good news, bad news without permission is prohibited. Any advertisements or graphics The good news for Jeanne Marie Plante was life-saving surgery designed in-house are property 5 in San Diego. The bad? That she actually survived. Hers is a of I Love Creston Marketing Ltd. paradoxical tale of the supernatural. and may not be used in any other medium without permission. Views expressed in the magazine does not necessarily reflect those what’s inside of the company. Town Hall Entertainment Letters to the Editor 8 Volunteers make the 15 Best Singer showcases Letters to I Love Creston Magazine town tick. youths. may be emailed to office@ ilovecreston.com or mailed to First Nations Wellness Box 143, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0. 9 Band issues food bank 16 Don’t take breathing for Letters may be edited for clarity challenge. granted. and space. Regional District Martial Arts I Love Creston Marketing Ltd. 10 Let’s count our blessings. 17 Don’t discern between body Box 143, Creston, BC V0B 1G0 Volunteers and mind. Ph/Fx: 250.428.2631 11 Meeting needs of the dying. [email protected] Sports www.ilovecreston.com Music 18 Hockey group has impact. 12 Dance pays tribute to Mayans. Health Wildlife 19 Those marvellous 13 Quiz for the bird-brained. mushrooms. Labour History 14 ‘Training’ train leaving 20 Lone local seaman met COOLEST the station. hero’s end. KOOTENAY WEBSITE www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 3 this issue “I don’t remember if I told hardly show that 61 different people have Guest anybody there. For one thing, they accounted for 21,175 hours of work with From the editor wouldn’t really believe me. But now it’s untold numbers of clients. time.” eath isn’t your typical Christmas “Creston is very lucky to have this Dtheme but it figures in this Plante is talking through these pages number of people who are willing to act December issue of I Love Creston because she feels compelled to encourage as volunteers,” Barber says. nonetheless, albeit with a positive people, even though she herself is often “Sometimes symptoms are very severe. slant, if you can fathom the unlikely discouraged by the struggles of mortal Palliative care started to try and make possibility. life. She says she may use this story as a sure that all the necessary mechanisms springboard to create some of her own. The cover story is about a relatively new to relieve symptoms would be on hand, resident of the Creston Valley, Jeanne “I’ve known for awhile that I need to and the hospice volunteer is part of that Marie Plante, who died in 1999 – and write,” she says, “just so I can help other mechanism.” lived to tell about it. Confused? That’s people to hold on to their faith and have Though government health care now partly why she’s told precious few hope even through lots of trials.” provides medication for the dying, it people about her after-life experience, Messages of faith and hope are more what remains a pet peeve of Barber’s that until now. we’re used to at this time of year, and palliative care patients are charged for The Manitoba-born school teacher was they are something of what volunteers hospital beds, unlike acute-care patients deathly ill from unexplained blood clots with the Creston Valley Hospice Society whose costs are publicly insured. in her lungs when she travelled to San try to reinforce with the seriously sick “I don’t think that’s right,” he says. “If Diego for potentially life-saving surgery people they spend time with. Not that someone is designated palliative care then nearly 14 years ago. While still under they preach, or are affiliated with any they should be looked after. Palliative care the effects of sedation in the intensive particular church, but they are trained is an essential part of medical care.” to “listen without judging” and “respect care unit, Plante says, her soul rose For more about Plante, hospice and religious beliefs without imposing their from her body and left the building, much, much more, settle in with a own values,” as the CVHS says in its travelling past rows of angelic faces – mug of hot chocolate for the rest of this volunteer job description. some of them from her past, and one early-winter issue. And have a Merry she’s convinced was from her future – Theirs is a mandate “to provide free Christmas.  toward an enchanting light source that compassionate and emotional support to penetrated with an unearthly sense of terminally ill patients, to their families peace. and friends . . . during and after the end “Even now, when I tell, I won’t say that of the loved one’s life.” much,” Plante says during an interview “A volunteer doesn’t solve the problem in which she bared her soul for the first but they help the patient or the relative Mailbag time. “I’ll just say a bit because people talk around it so they solve the problem . (Letters and emails to the editor are jump in and try to tell you their little . . and encourage the person to open up, printed as written with the exception of profanity, slander or defamation) story. Well, it’s not anything (like what) to validate their feelings,” says Dr. Neil I did. Barber, spokesman for the group which I wanted to thank you for the “I was strapped in my bed and I took recently celebrated its 25th anniversary wonderful article in this months off. I was floating around watching and is currently headed by Avril Oliver. magazine. You both did a fantastic job and I know everyone at the myself on that bed – my body, because Contrary to common perception, college & greenhouse were quite my soul was wandering up there.” spending time with a person who knows impressed. they are near the end of life doesn’t have Much to her dismay, Plante’s soul I’ve also had people in the returned against her will and to this to be either stressful or awkward. community approach me to say they day she wonders why she was denied “People say, ‘Don’t you find it depressing didn’t have a clue about everything the opportunity to begin an eternity in and somehow a downer, dealing with that was offered at the “Know and paradise. dying people?’ ” Barber says. “No, it’s not. Grow Farm” so it was great exposure “It was incredible peace, beyond It’s very rewarding. You really feel that for the organization. description,” Plante says, sometimes you’ve helped somebody.” Thanks again pausing to suppress tears. In the last 10 years alone, CVHS records Anita

4 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com feature

West Creston woman bares her wandering soul

life-or-death turning point is not unheard of, common during the approaching Christmas season. Abut rarely can such a moment be considered Ostensibly about love, joy, peace and giving, life and death. For Jeanne Marie Plante it was both Christmas can also be a mournful period for those and, paradoxically, not with the desired outcome – suffering from personal loss or hardship. Plante has even though she survived. experienced it all. An out-of-body encounter more than 13 years Having harboured her story for close to a decade- ago still leaves the West Creston resident longing and-a-half, she decided this fall to bare her soul, so to depart this Earth for to speak, about the day she’s convinced her soul left good, and pondering her body in pursuit of a great light and unspeakable what higher purpose peace. might yet be served Plante’s journey took a turn for the supernatural in her continued in January 1999, when a 30-month battle with mortal existence. mysterious blood clotting in her lungs led the native Hers is a message of tiny St. Lazare, Man., to a hospital in San Diego. of hope tinged “They couldn’t help me in Canada,” says Plante, with sorrow who was living in Miniota, Man., at the time. bordering on despair. Ironically, those By then a divorced mother of four grown children, conflicting emotions Plante had recently graduated from Brandon are all too University with an education degree, inspired to return to school in her 40s by a daughter whom she was helping with her own post-secondary classes. Plante had only to complete a final practicum when illness shut her down. She’d initially been treated for laboured breathing in 1996, the first of four hospitalizations that left her no better off, including one while researching her roots in France in 1997. “I was in major trouble,” she says. “I was literally dying, walking dying.” Her lungs were operating at one-quarter of capacity at the time of the last-gasp surgery. In an interview with a Manitoba

www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 5 feature newspaper before she left, Plante who died at a young age; Plante’s “I know that’s what was pulling me stated: “I am ready one way or the deceased parents; a crying baby whom back. They prayed me back. Sometimes other. If I live it is OK. If I die it is she would conclude years later was a I get so annoyed. OK.” grandchild who hadn’t yet been born. “Eventually I was almost pushed back. Instead, she did both. “I saw lots, other relatives, and they ‘You have to go back,’ my dad said. I was were welcoming me,” she says. “I sobbing because it was so beautiful and “I was sure that I wouldn’t wake up so remember more faces, not so much so peaceful. The light is like . . . there I had made my peace with God,” says bodies. Faces, like angels. I said, ‘I’m again, I can’t really describe it. Not so Plante, who prayed in her hotel room coming home.’ ” much blinding as totally welcoming. on the Sunday night before being admitted for a full day of prep for the Plante wasn’t afraid, nor did she react as “When I started having to go back 13-hour operation. much to the reunion with loved ones as I was sobbing and saying, ‘No, no. I to the illumination beyond them. can’t. I can’t.’ ” “After the surgery I was in intensive care. Machines were keeping me alive. I “It was the light that I seemed to want Suddenly it was over. wasn’t conscious.” to focus on,” she says. “It was like these “Everything disappeared,” she says. rays pulling me, and it was the peace. It was the day after, she believes, when “I just floated a little bit and jumped There were no worries, no struggles, her soul “took off” while her body back in my body.” no pain. There was a bit of a cloud but remained strapped to her bed to prevent it was soft and warm, this light. It just Plante recalls blowing a kiss to a the blood clots from moving, which seemed to come right in you. nurse because she was too weak and would have jeopardized her already slim entangled by tubes and cords to speak. chances for recovery. “And the peace was indescribable. It’s like, ‘Wow.’ The peace was like, ‘All this “She was quite surprised,” Plante says. “The doctor herself had said when I (on Earth) is for naught compared to “She didn’t expect me to wake up.” went into surgery, ‘You’re dead but we’re what the rewards are.’ ” Plante’s recovery was quick. Released going to try to help you,’ ” Plante says. Her father, to whom she was closer than by the middle of the next week, she “I didn’t panic. I was ready one way or her mother, was the most prominent was taken in by a sister in Cranbrook. the other. I have a lot of faith in God. I figure. Plante didn’t talk about her after-life know heaven is for real.” experience “because I wasn’t ready to “He was welcoming me. ‘Come home,’ Plante considers herself to have been share it and I thought people would ” Plante says. “But he ended up chasing “totally dead” when she “took off and think I was crazy.” me back, which I wasn’t pleased about.” was floating around watching myself on “What was tough on me was wanting that bed. My spirit rose from my body Alas, Plante never reached the light to live again,” says Plante, who relied and I was watching the nurses looking source and became the object of a on prayer and meditation for strength. after me. spiritual tug-of-war. “I found it really, really hard to want to “I floated quite awhile before I took off. “I’d go a little ways and then I’d be live again because nothing was going I don’t know how. I couldn’t see my soul pulled back and I’d want to go more,” to really change for me, and it didn’t. but I seemed to have little wings. she says. “I was begging to go and they There were still so many struggles.” said, ‘No, you can’t.’ I didn’t want to “I remember taking off. It seemed to be Among them: poverty; aloneness; hear that.” through the wall. I was totally drawn continued health concerns; to this tunnel. It was kind of a haze but Plante says the power of prayer won unemployment; and, a life-long then the light was drawing me. I started the day. Although she was alone, many battle with bullying, everyone going toward the light.” friends and relatives back in Manitoba from siblings, peers and spouse to were interceding on her behalf. employers, landlords and even her own The light was emanating from the far children. end of a tunnel lined with faces, only “I had lots of people praying for me some of them familiar: two brothers during the surgery and after,” she says. “Trouble just seems to follow me,” Plante says. “I often wonder, ‘Why am I given this many trials?’ I have lots of “I’m interested in inspiring hope. qualities. I’m a good teacher. I was an excellent mom. But I’m hopeless at You need something to look forward to” standing up for myself against bullies. 6 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com feature “People need to know there is a heaven “West Creston is beautiful. and it’s worth it, the rewards and the peace, but you have to have faith. You’re The trees are incredible there, and the not going to get there just thinking about it. That’s one of the things that leaves, and I feel totally at peace there” I’m probably supposed to do, is tell people that are really scared to die. “To me it was a real bummer to have a day care or as a babysitter. She sings “I’m interested in inspiring hope. You to come back because, apart from my in the choir at Holy Cross Catholic need something to look forward to. lungs, nothing improved.” Church, helps her ailing sister (who now Otherwise it’s all for naught if you don’t As for why her life was spared when lives in Yahk) and would like to write have a reward at the end of all this mess. she’d lost her will to live, “I have memoirs in the form of Chicken Soup- Is there something better? Yeah, there is.” type stories, and maybe volunteer as a no answers,” despite going so far as She tries again to define it. hospice worker. returning to France in 2000 in search of “It’s really beautiful and yet it’s not a purpose. “I didn’t stay long. Nothing That and her relationship with God will earthly,” she says. “It’s out of this world, was working out.” tide her over till she can punch a one- really. It’s like, way out there. Plante lived in Swan River, Man., way ticket back to that tunnel. “West Creston is beautiful. The trees before moving to Creston in 2010. “It’s certainly not much fun here are incredible there, and the leaves, and She taught at Mormon Hills school compared to what’s over there waiting I feel totally at peace there. But it’s still for a MABE_NOV15-JAN3_EASEL_EN_ADMAT.aiyear and would like to1 12-11-04work in9:50 PM for me,” she says. not close to what happened.” 

The Kitchen Satisfaction Event Receive up to $1,100 OFF your purchase of GE Café major appliances*.

C M Instantly Save! Y

CM $100 Off Dishwasher MY $200 Off Range CY

CMY $300 Off Refrigerator

K $400 Off Cooktop plus Wall Oven BONUS OFFER!

or $300 Off 2 MORE Appliances**

Promotion Available: November 15, 2012 – January 3, 2013

114 15th Avenue South DEALER IMPRINT AREA Phone: 250-428-2204 Creston BC vancebrandsource.ca

**Cooktop plus Wall Oven are counted as one appliance with regard to bonus offer. *See sales associate for details. Eligible models for this promotion include any current GE Café products except OTR microwaves, countertop microwaves and range hoods. Offer excludes discontinued or obsolete products. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer available to Canadian residents only. Offer is not available to dealers, builders or contractors.

GE Cafe is a trademark of General Electric Company. MC Commercial Inc and Mabe Canada Inc are licensees.

www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 7 town welcome weekend. Two dozen From the Mayor’s desk parents who came from Calgary, Spokane, Williams Lake, Prince Story by: Ron Toyota, Mayor of the Town of Creston Rupert, Whitehorse and other A community of locations around the province were entertained. volunteers All the players, coaches, trainers, attended two different events at In the morning, the Creston assistants, billet families and Iour Rotacrest Hall adjacent to the Valley Thunder Cats treated the volunteers were treated to an Creston and District Community parents and families of their out- excellent meal prepared and served Complex on Nov. 3. of-town players to a breakfast and by the executive. In total about 100 people attended the event. What a great success. Creston Valley Business Buzz Congratulations to the organizers of Susan Chamberlain, Owner the Thunder Cats. Riverstone Yarns, Hand dyed yarns for your creative journey That same evening, the Creston Valley Hospice Society celebrated In the few short months we’ve been in 25 years of serving the community business, thanks in part to Community Futures’ self-employment program, we’ve with a wine and cheese event attended outdoor markets in the Kootenays and entertainment. About 100 and sold our yarns to retailers as far away as people attended, including some New York State! of the founders and many current Our clients tell us…”our beautiful colours volunteers. are a feast for the eye.” and we love creative Greetings from Riverstone Yarns! challenges, such as custom dyeing fine wool For those of you who don’t know, As the crisp winds of autumn usher in yarn for a local tapestry weaver. the hospice movement was started in winter’s snow, thoughts turn to indoor Rivers connect our communities, stones England where the first designated projects such as knitting, crocheting and serve as foundations for our homes, and it is hospice building opened in 1967. weaving. At Riverstone Yarns, we are always our hope that Riverstone Yarns will be used Our Creston Valley embraced the playing with wool, brewing pots of dye and to weave colourful new stores. We believe program in 1987. dreaming of yummy new yarns. everyone contains a seed of creativity in their Riverstone Yarns are dyed by hand using wool heart and it is our goal to nurture that seed, The founder’s words were: “. . . and wool blend fibres in exclusiveStuff happens. Kootenay helping it grow. dying people have physical, spiritual, inspired colours such as; RockyThat’s Mountain, why ther e’sIf Fa youlkins. love wool visit www.riverstoneyarns.com psychological and social pain that and Like Us on Facebook. making each skein unique, for a fabulous one- If you love someone who loves wool, must be treated.” Thank you to the of-a-kind fibre crafting experience. tell them about us! many caring individuals who answer Creston Valley Business Buzz is proudly sponsored by... this call. You are an inspiration. While both of these events were distinctly unique they shared a common theme – the profound That’s what it feels like. ability of committed volunteers to Freedom. Comfort. make our community a better place Peace of mind. to live. My sincere admiration, appreciation and thanks go out to all of our Falkins Insurance formerly Ph: 250.428.5338 community’s volunteers who give so Herchmer Insurance has a new name, Fx: 250.428.2203  but the same great people. www.falkins.com unselfishly of their time and energy. Ron Toyota can be reached by phone at Our service is insurance, and our promise is 428-2214, e-mail at [email protected] or Interested inpeac beinge of themind. next Falkins Creston Insuranc Valleye has been Business Buzz? Call 250.428.2631providing caring, or email individual o [email protected] customer service on the Web at www.creston.ca. in the Kootenays for over 100 years. 8 DecemberWe believe ea 2012ch of our customers deserve a www.ilovecreston.com warm relationship of trust and understanding. Stop by any of our locations, or visit our website for more information. www.falkins.com lower kootenay band Our cultures, ethnic backgrounds and Message from the chief even political views may differ, but we Story by: Jason Louie, Chief, Lower Kootenay Band are Crestonites. We are a tightly-knit community. Making a difference, The T-Cats game, Sev and Broaster one can of food at a time are terms known only by a Creston resident. We are unique. ith the holiday season fast to some of the homeless men and approaching I have initiated a women. I hereby challenge those who are W in a position to give, to participate challenge to our community partners I took a few minutes to speak with in the food bank challenge. There in the Creston Valley to collect non- them and some shared their life won’t be any winners or losers in perishable food items to donate to the stories. Many of these men and this challenge. However, the LKB local food bank. women had lives as professionals and wishes to come out ahead of the other for various reasons their lives took a As a child growing up in the Lower participating organizations. Kootenay Band community I recall dramatic turn. At a date to be determined this that there were some holiday seasons I have never shared this story and month, all those involved in this when we struggled. I am aware that wish not to give the impression challenge will meet at the food bank there may be families in the Creston that I am seeking attention. It is to make the final presentation. Good Valley who may be less fortunate and simply an act of kindness that is in luck to all in the challenge and Happy this food drive challenge is intended my character. None of these people Holidays to each and every one.  to reduce some stress in these planned to be homeless and “to Jason Louie can be reached by phone at 428-4428, individuals’ lives. provide food is to provide life” is a ext. 235, e-mail at [email protected] or on the The LKB and those participating teaching of the Ktunaxa people. Web at www.lowerkootenay.com. in this food bank drive wish In our Creston Valley, like to underscore that we are a the city, we have issues of compassionate community. homelessness and some Some of my duties as LKB chief children do not have the require that I attend various meetings luxury of three meals a day. in larger cities such as Vancouver. If each citizen could provide even one canned food item While in Vancouver I see the lifestyle to this drive it would make difference between a small town and a difference in the lives of a the city. struggling family. In our town it is common for The holiday season has strangers to say hello in passing while many interpretations at the bank, grocery store or on the in today’s society. My street. In the city, smiles and hellos understanding of this time are few and far between, and this is of year is in the spirit of just the reality of city life. giving. I do not have much I wish to share a story that some to give but at the very least who are involved in politics would I can surely donate some probably frown upon. Having said canned food items. that, I am not your average politician. I have seen the goodwill One of my philosophies is there are that the Creston Valley is days when it’s a good day for politics capable of in my years in and there are days when it’s a good this community. If I were to day for an elk hunt. After a day fall on Canyon Street, the of meeting in the city I purchased hand of a stranger would be some pizza and walked the streets extended to me. This is just of Vancouver, handing out pieces who we are as Crestonites. www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 9 regional district protection. Without their sacrifice Area B News and efforts we would be left with no fire protection in most of our rural Story by: John R. Kettle RDCK Area B director and board chairman areas. The fine men and women of the RCMP all deserve our thanks too in Time for reflection addition all of our community hall t never ceases to amaze me how the extra mile and give their time as associations and the fine folks who Ilucky we are to live in the Creston volunteers to make all of our lives volunteer to keep the All Saints and Valley. better. the Lister Community Cemetery Even though we have our challenges When you visit the library, museum open. and, yes, our disagreements, what we or airport, please take the time to say As a rule of thumb, please take the face daily pales in light of the unrest thanks to those volunteers who make time to thank anyone you feel is and destruction throughout the rest those facilities work. making our area better. I have listed of the world. When you see the Therapeutic just a few groups but there are many My experience as an elected official, Activation Program for Seniors more. however, recognizes we have much volunteers helping our older citizens, Remember how truly blessed we are more good than bad and we always please give them a big smile and to live in peace and harmony and seem to find a way to help each other. wave. never, ever take it for granted, It is in this spirit that I want to When you meet a volunteer From my family to yours: Merry recognize all of the volunteers firefighter, shake his or her hand Christmas and happy holidays.  throughout the valley. We could not and give them a pat on the back John Kettle is the Area B director and board afford to have all of the services we for risking not only their lives for chairman of the Regional District of Central enjoy without those folks who go us but for providing affordable fire Kootenay.

WelcomeAre you just a little interested Junior in curling? Not Curlers... sure what it takes. Come on out every Tuesday evening at 7:00 pm at the Creston Curling Centre in the Rec Centre for FREE instruction/lessons on how to curl Also every Saturday in January from 10:00 to 12:00 we will be giving FREE lessons to any age who wants to learn how to curl Hey teachers – How about Rocks and Rings! It is a lot like curling but you play it on the hard oor. We can come out to your school and use it in the Gym. It is lots of fun and it is a great way for entry level curlers to nd out how to play the game of curling. How does it work? Well the Capital One Rocks & Rings program is designed to introduce the Olympic sport of curling to elementary school children by bringing customized equipment and trained instructors into schools. The high-energy, interactive and educational program focuses on the basics of the famed sport, which is known as the “Roaring Game”. The best part? We bring everything to the kids – no eld trip or school buses required! Curling is a highly social sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. It is a fantastic physical activity that can be enjoyed by all ages and abilities. It also promotes sportsmanship and camaraderie and is an inexpensive alternative to many other sports. For more information please contact and Mark Lloyd, Junior Rep at 250-402-8467 or Doug Hannah, Vice President at 250-428-5687

50th Anniversary of the Ladies Valentines Bonspiel, February 8 – 10, 2013 Men’s Butterfly Bonspiel – February 28 – March 3, 2013

10 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com volunteers No one need die alone thanks to hospice society Stocking Submitted Benita Josephson, one of three current Stuffers he premise behind hospice is that no members (along with Thelma Destobel Tperson should die alone. and Nicole Nilsson) who were with It was so when Dame Cicely Saunders the society when it was founded in 1987 by Dr. William Mitchell-Banks MADE EASY pioneered the modern hospice movement during the 1950s in England, and it and Rev. Harry Haberstock. Barber remains the driving philosophy as the arranges bimonthly luncheon meetings Creston Valley Hospice Society marks its featuring guest speakers on pertinent 25th anniversary. topics, typically attended by upwards of 20 people. At any given time more than 40 volunteers are involved, roughly half of Hospice volunteers tend to be older, them spending close to 300 hours at and frequently but not necessarily the bedside of the terminally ill every retired. They’re asked to commit a month. The others contribute in a variety minimum of four hours per month, of valuable ways, such as serving on the though many exceed that figure. board of directors or raising money. Typical visits are one or two hours long. Hospice fills the dual roles of meeting the “They have to like people,” Barber says emotional and social needs of the dying in describing the characteristics of an as well as the respite needs of their loved effective hospice worker. ‘They have ones. to sympathize with people and have “They’re not nurses and they don’t do empathy for people. They have to be cooking or anything like that. They’re able to listen.” companions,” says Dr. Neil Barber, the Locally that process can unfold in educational co-ordinator for the CVHS. single palliative care rooms at Creston “If somebody wants to talk then they talk Valley Hospital or Swan Valley Lodge, with them. If they just want to be quiet, in acute-care hospital rooms if those they’re quiet. If they want them to write are full or in a patient’s home if they’ve letters they’ll help them write letters, (play got the support to stay there even while cards) or whatever. their health deteriorates. “They help to spell off relatives if they’re The CVHS is opening a second getting a bit burned out, so they can go palliative care room at CVH this t
(JGU
$FSUJöDBUFT
t
$MFBOJOH
$MPUIT out and have a meal or things like that.” month, funded largely by a $25,000 t
4VOHMBTT
7JTPS
$MJQT Barber, a retired internist, became a grant from the Creston and District t
4QSBZ
$MFBOFST
t
"OUJGPH
8BY palliative care consultant in the Cariboo Credit Union. t
(MBTTFT
$PSET

$IBJOT
t
4VOHMBTTFT in the mid-’80s and hooked up with the “It should be open, if not before Check out our in-store specials! CVHS shortly after moving here in 2008. Christmas, shortly afterward,” says He’s impressed by what he’s seen. Barber, who counts among other “Creston Valley, as far as the hospice priorities simply getting the word out Creston volunteers are concerned, is blessed,” he about hospice so people can access the says. “I come from Quesnel and we didn’t service sooner than the current average ptometric have as many volunteers as they have of two weeks before death. Eye Centre here and yet the drainage population is “If you can get people to know about 223-16th Avenue North., Creston 30,000.” hospice, palliative care, maybe we can 1I

t
5PMM
'SFF
 New volunteers attend a day-long ease that suffering, which is really what 0QFO
.POEBZ
UP
'SJEBZ

BN
UP

QN www.crestonoptometrist.com training session offered once a year by it’s about.”  www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 11 music Time to party like it’s the end of the world Submitted will be held in the Creston Room of the Creston and District here’s a masquerade party planned for Creston to celebrate the Community Complex. Tpotential end of the world on Dec. 21. Live entertainment from two of the Kootenays’ best singers, Costumes are optional but encouraged as there will be prizes for Trena Spears of Cranbrook and Matt Hansen of Creston, will be the best get-ups for both females and males. featured. They finished first and second, respectively, at the 2012 Open to everyone aged 19 and over, the End of the World Party Kootenays’ Best Singer contest held in Cranbrook in June and will be putting their individual styles on display for this special onetime event. The party starts at 8 p.m. when the bar opens for a happy hour social time. At 9 p.m. local DJ Vern Gorham will get things rocking by playing some of the best dance music from present and past. Spears will sing a half-hour country set at 9:30 that will be music you can dance to or just listen to. If you have not heard her sing, she is worth the price of admission all by herself. After another half-hour of music from Gorham, Spears will take another turn at the microphone. A final hour of dance music will be followed by the big finale. At midnight, assuming the world has not ended, Hansen – who is the lead singer of the local rock band Bred By Noise – will play a 90-minute set featuring some of the best classic and current rock tunes. Ricky’s gift cards t all budgets, tastes and occasions! The End of the World Party is named in accordance with For the holidays and every day. Available in any denomination. some interpretations of ancient Mayan writings. Gorham, the organizer, plans to be alive and well on Dec. 22, however. Mark your calendars for the party of the year. Come with your dancing shoes ready to dance the night away or just to listen to 1809 HIGHWAY 3A the top two singers from the Kootenays’ Best Singer Contest, and 250.428.8826 enjoy a great night of partying with your friends.  creston.gotorickys.com Tickets are available at Blackbear Books and Kingfisher Quality Used Books. Seating is limited so buy your tickets early. Prices are $25 per ticket or $40 per couple. As this is a licensed event there will be security and designated drivers. .BTRVFSBEF
QBSUZ
DPTUVNFT
PQUJPOBM 1SJ[FT
GPS
UIF
CFTU
DPTUVNF %FDFNCFS
TU
t
$SFTUPO
3PPN

QN
IBQQZ
IPVS $SFTUPO

%JTUSJDU
$PNNVOJUZ
$PNQMFY 
QN
(FU
UIF
QBSUZ
TUBSUFE
XJUI
%+
7FSO
(PSIBN 1BSUZ
VOUJM

BN
Tickets: $25 each, $40 per couple Available at Blackbear Books and King sher Books Designated drivers available Must be 19 years or older ,PPUFOBZT
#FTU
4JOHFST 5SFOB
4QFBST

.BUU
)BOTFO -PDBM
3PDL
#BOE
#SFE
#Z
/PJTF

12 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com wildlife Take the bird migration quiz Story by: Carla Ahern, Director of Communications, Stewardship and Education Creston Valley Wildlife of any bird in the world travelling this The arctic tern has the longest migration Management Area many kilometres in a year: A) 20,000. of any bird in the world and can fly et’s have a little fun . . . quiz time! B) 45,000. C) 52,000. D) 71,000. more than 71,000 kilometres in a LThe quiz is from out latest Wetlander And the award for the fastest bird, year. They make the round trip from newsletter which is full of great stories, reaching speeds of 320 kilometres per their breeding grounds in the Arctic to including: an update on results of the hour, goes to the: A) peregrine falcon. the Antarctic, where they spend their provincial mandate review; farewell B) rufous hummingbird. C) scissor- winters. to the chief executive officer; wildlife tailed flycatcher. D) American kestrel. Over its life span of more than 30 years, moments (interesting fall sightings); The bar-tailed godwit holds the record the flights add up to the equivalent of summary of the season at the Wildlife for the longest nonstop flight, flying three trips to the moon and back. Interpretation Centre; infrastructure this many kilometres without stopping: And the award to the fastest bird, at upgrades by Ducks Unlimited Canada; A) 8,800. B) 11,500. C) 16,550. D) 320 kilometres per hour, goes to . . . the update on northern leopard frog 19,800. peregrine falcon. This speed is reached research; and, so much more. Now for the answers. when diving. You can access the Wetlander online Of the more than 10,000 bird species The bird with the fastest speed when at www.crestonwildlife.ca on our in the world at least 4,000 are regular flying on the level is the white-throated publications page or give us a call at 402- migrants. That’s 40 per cent of the total needletail at 170 kilometres per hour. 6900 and we will send you a copy. number of birds in the world. The bar-tailed godwit can fly for nearly The theme of the quiz is bird migration Birds can reach amazing heights when 11,500 kilometres without stopping, bests. they are migrating. The bar-headed making it the bird with the longest What percentage of bird species migrate? goose is the highest-flying migratory recorded nonstop flight. During the A) 20%. B) 40%. C) 60%. D) 80%. bird, reaching altitudes of 29,000 feet nine-day journey from New Zealand to The bar-headed goose is the highest- while flying over the Himalayas in India. the Yellow Sea in China, the bird does  flying migratory bird regularly reaching not stop for food or rest. The bird with the highest recorded Always feel free to get in touch if you have altitudes of: A) 15,000 feet. B) 21,000 altitude is the Ruppel’s griffon vulture any questions via phone (402-6900), e-mail feet. C) 29,000 feet. D) 38,000 feet. ([email protected]) or in person at our that collided with a plane at 37,000 feet administration building located at 1874 Wildlife The arctic tern has the longest migration in 1975. Road in West Creston.

We wish you and your animal friends Give your pet the gift of a safe, happy and special Christmas and wonderful New Year! Being Found October’s Photo Contest Winners (tie) : with microchip -BVSB

IFS
EPH
)BSMFZ
t
2VJODF

IJT
EPH
-BTTJF identi cation t Microchips are a permanent form of identi cation VETERINARY t Recognized throughout all of North America HOSPITAL Microchip Implants t Solution for cats that cannot or will not wear a collar %S
3PCFSU
.D-FPE
#4$
%7.
t
%S
-FBOOF
4BDLOFZ
%7. $56.00+HST %S
+PIO
1GFòFS
%7.
t

%S
&NNB
%BWJT
%7. 
TBWJOHT t Lifetime registration 
%PHXPPE
4U
$SFTUPO
t
 www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 13 labour Get ready, get set, get training Story: Kootenay Employment Services urban metropolis, not the Creston Valley. first job. For older workers re-entering the hen I got my first job working in an When I moved here and applied for a job workplace it can be difficult to find out they Woffice I didn’t even know how to type in office administration after taking time off don’t have the skills to apply for a job when or answer a phone in a business-like way. to raise a family, I learned that I wasn’t even they may already have lots of related work I learned on the job, and it was expected eligible to apply because I did not have a experience behind them. that the human resources department of business administration diploma. Trust me The reality is that most people currently the company would not only train me but when I say I was pretty choked to be told employed or searching for work will go provide continuous updating of my skills. that my previous years of office experience through, on average, five major job changes. After two years with the company I did not qualify me for the job. That is five possible opportunities for had been trained in basic accounting It was tough to hear, but I realized I had to retraining and learning new skills. and insurance claim reporting and was do some retraining if I wanted to get back Whereas before, many employers expected even learning how to program the latest into the workplace. to train staff or to help contribute toward computers. I was able to take the skills I When I look at the local situation for recent the costs of their employees taking courses, learned on my first job to move to another high school graduates who are job hunting, today more and more employers are looking company and a better salary. the need for training prior to being hired for trained staff. Folks wanting to work in But that was quite awhile ago and in a large can make it more difficult to land their hospitals, day cares, schools, nursing homes, construction sites or trades may require years of training to meet qualification standards. Training can cost thousands of dollars and take more than one year to complete. The course that suits your interests and passions may not be offered locally, which means additional costs to live away from home. And while you’re away there is the not-so- small matter of buying books and school supplies, not to mention the cost of feeding yourself. For married folk with families to help support there is the dilemma of trying to support your family while you are busy at school. Fortunately, there’s been some big news lately from the B.C. government that can help Creston Valley residents feel optimistic about getting a fresh start toward finding meaningful employment. Since last month, people who are eligible for training programs can now access up to $7,500 worth of training to gain new skills. This is almost double the previous tuition maximum. Help with costs above and beyond the basic tuition is also available for eligible applicants.  Whether you are looking for short-term or long- term training, there may be financial resources available to help you attain your training goals. To find out about eligibility for financial assistance, head over to Kootenay Employment Services, our local Work BC Employment Service Centre. KES is located at 119 – 11th Avenue North. Our phone number is 428-5655 and our Web site is kes.bc.ca.

14 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com entertainment Creston’s Best Singer expands for 2013 Submitted and $8 for children and seniors. Ticket prices for the youth night will be $8 for he fourth annual Creston’s Best Singer contest is upon us. adults and $6 for children and seniors. All tickets at the door will be $10. Tickets available at Blackbear Books, Kingfisher Quality Used Books and Golden Herb TWill Matt Hansen, Creston’s Best Singer for 2011-12, be able Health Foods. to defend his crown or will there be a new champion in 2013? Exciting changes to the format promise to add some interesting The Electronics elements to this fun event, which will be spread over three They Want . months in the new year. The Friendly First of all, the contest has been expanded into a four-night Help You Need. affair from two nights. The expanded format will include a night dedicated to youths aged 14 and under, with the top two singers advancing to compete against the adult singers. Plus there is an extra night for the competition itself following the youth division night in the quest to find the best singer in town. Great selection of plasma TVs For the past two years the contest consisted of an audition night Your exclusive Great selection of Cell Phones, (quarterfinals) that was judged by audience members, followed Panasonic dealer! by semifinals and finals held on a different night. The semifinals/ iPhones and Smartphones finals night was judged by out-of-town judges. Authorized dealer The new format will start with the youth division, open to as HD Digital many as 30 younger voices, on Jan. 17. Great section, great products! Satellite Systems The quarterfinals will follow two weeks later on Jan. 31 for up to t
-BQ
5PQT

$PNQVUFS
"DDFTTPSJFT
30 singers aged 14 and older. t
"VEJP

.1
t
#BUUFSJFT
t
(BNJOH The top two singers from the youth division and the top 18 from t
&MFDUSPOJDT

"DDFTTPSJFT t
$BNDPSEFST
t
(14

5SBWFM the quarterfinals will sing in the semifinals on Valentine’s Day – a t
57

)PNF
&OUFSUBJONFOU great night to take a date to a singing contest. t
-&%

'MBU
4DSFFOTt

NVDI
NPSF Lectric Ave All performances up to that point will be judged by audience Electronics members. Shop locally, support your community! 
$BOZPO
4
$SFTUPO
t


 The top 10 singers from the semifinals will be announced in the March edition of I Love Creston magazine and compete in the Creston’s Best Singer finals on March 7. The finals format will change from the past in that all 10 qualifiers will perform two songs. Judges will combine the scores from both to determine a winner. It’s sure to be a treat for those who like local talent, as the expanded contest means you may have a chance to hear your favourite singers perform four different songs. The top two singers from the Creston’s Best Singer contest will advance to the Kootenays’ Best Singer championships June 1 at the spacious and beautiful Alliance church in Cranbrook.  Singers who would like to enter the contest or for information go www.kootenaysbestsinger.com or telephone producer Vern Gorham at 428-0305. Ticket for the last three nights will be $10 for adults www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 15 wellness The importance of breathing well Story by: Creston Valley Yoga Studio Learning to breathe well is one of the Viruses and bacteria thrive when your body oga teaches that the body has five most powerful ways to revitalize your is oxygen-deprived and shallow breathing Ylayers or sheaths called koshas. body, mind and emotions. By maximizing also contributes to many chronic stress- The first is called annamaya kosha and it your intake of oxygen and ridding your related health conditions. is the solid body, bones, connective tissue, body of waste products you improve every Yoga is a great body and mind connection muscles and organs. body system. and your breath is the interface between the The second is called pranamaya kosha, Your breath is your most intimate two. Every thought, action and emotion which is the vital energizing system that companion on your journey through life. influences your breathing. makes us alive. You began to breathe the moment after By practising breathing exercises you can you were born and someday you will learn to consciously control and use your The third, manamaya kosha, controls the “expire” with your last exhalation. body’s functions and the emotional mind. vital breath energy to change unhealthy In-between your breath is with you patterns of breathing, thinking and acting. Fourth is vijnanamaya kosha, which is wherever you go. Your breath is more the higher mind and intellect, and fifth is For example, if a person is a shallow or important than your wealth or even high breather and is under a lot of stress, anandamaya kosha, which is the state of people you love because, if you lose your unity with spirit or divine. they can trigger the flight-or-fight response. breath, you lose everything. When the body is in this state the adrenal Our focus will now be on pranamaya Most people rarely think about breathing glands put out adrenalin to prepare for kosha or the life force. Yoga teaches that and live without breathing well. The running or fighting. your breath is the physical manifestation stressful pace of modern life, together of the vital energy prana, which gives you The other functions such as digestion, with sedentary jobs and leisure pursuits, healing and the immune system are shut the ability to live and breathe, move about contribute to unhealthy breathing habits. and function in the world. Prana is not down, which opens the body to many Poor breathings habits can take a heavy diseases. Deep diaphragmatic breathing material in nature but flows through every toll on physical, mental and emotional part of the body. signals the mind that all is well and normal health. functions are restored. Focusing on the breath during meditation Make Christmas The Discovery Team can bring you into a state of calm Michael Carpenter Sara Millar equanimity by quieting an overactive mind. extra special with We can reconnect with our deep state of an extraordinary being rather than thinking. Benefits of breathing well: gift! - Boosts energy and stamina - Counters tiredness and can reduce need for sleep The Experience and Energy - Relieves tension in the body and enhances you need to get the job done! ability to deal with pressure and stress Buying or Selling, call us Today - Increases deep vitality which shows in for all your Real Estate Needs complexion and eyes Discover the Difference! - Boosts immunity and releases chemicals that promote healing Unique and funky gift galore - Increases powers of concentration and only at... ability to think clearly - Brings calmness and mastery to emotions Discovery Real Estate - Improves verbal delivery by strengthening 2 Offices to Serve You voice and clarifying thinking 1013 Canyon St., Creston - Overall well-being and ability to be 106 33rd Ave. S., Hwy. 3, Erickson present with the moment, making life more Office 250-428-2234 Toll Free 1-877-428-2234 vivid and joyful.  [email protected] Creston Valley Yoga Studio offers many yoga [email protected] classes, all of which include pranayama, or breathing exercises, which can be found 
t

UI
"WF
/PSUI www.remaxcreston.com on the schedule on the Web site www. Across from the Fire Hall, same building as Imagine Ink crestonvalleyyogastudio.com.

16 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com martial arts Mind and body are one

Story by: To treat the body and keep it healthy Do you stress about results of an activity Shifu we must treat the mind, and to treat the all the time or can you relax about doing Neil Ripski mind we must treat the body. Thus, how something, being present in the moment we think directly affects our physiology and enjoying the activity just for the sake and how we use our physiology affects of doing it? elcome to December! I thought it our levels of stress and how we think in By working on difficult ideas and Wmight be time for a little update as general. movements we can look into how to what we have been working on at Red In many ways, training in martial arts of we live and work on our issues in Jade Martial Arts. any type can have very healthful affects more than one form, body and mind. Earlier in the fall we started some on our minds, relieving stress and stress- Understanding this is what brings us new classes in tai chi, xinyi, bagua related issues from our bodies in turn. together each week to train, laugh and and Chinese swordsmanship, and the When we pick up an ancient weapon to heal together. response has been great, although many train it is not for any violent purpose; it is Any activity can be used in this way. Just people may think, “Why would I want to magnify how we think and move in a look deeper into your tissue and your to learn sword in the modern day, or any way that becomes obvious to us and our reactions to what you are doing, stay of these arts, for that matter?” and they teachers so that we can better refine the connected and integrated, and watch would be asking a valid question. method with which we think and move. how quickly you can affect yourself in Of course, tai chi is known for its health Both of these things must be addressed a positive way through observation and benefits all over the world and that when we are truly seeking healthful understanding. keeps it relevant, but what about these activities. If your instinct is to tighten up  other arts and arts involving ancient Have a great Christmas. and worry about the result of a practice Neil Ripski teaches kung fu and tai chi at Red Jade Chinese weapons? For this to make sense session, perhaps it is pointing directly at Martial Arts in Creston and also teaches tai chi at beyond preserving a cultural heritage the Wynndel Community Hall. He can be reached another part of your life. we have to look a little deeper into what at 866-5263 or at www.redjademartialarts.com. really causes the health benefits from martial arts practice. In this case it is the interconnection between mind and GET READY FOR body. We tend to see our minds and bodies Local Area as two parts of us rather than in a WINTER WITH non-dualistic way that implies oneness Christmas Trees between them. That is, we associate our hand and our minds as two separate things but in truth, both of these parts Check out our are really just part of the whole. Your In-store Specials! mind is no less you than your tissue is UNIQUE GIFT IDEAS and vice versa. Your farm market... This is most obvious if we talk about one and so much more! of today’s most common diseases, stress. OUR OWN AND LOCAL FRESH We all know where our bodies carry FRUIT AND VEGETABLES stress. After a hard day at work our necks t
5SVTDPUU
'BSNT
)POFZ
and shoulders seize up and we need time t
7BSJFUJFT
PG
4RVBTI

"QQMFT
t
1VNQLJOT

to let our bodies recuperate for another t
4QFDJBMUZ
$PòFF
t
+BNT

4ZSVQT
day. The funny thing is how we already know Open deep down that our physical issue with Daily! tight muscles is directly caused by our work stresses and yet we still seem to disconnect our minds and bodies as two 
$PPL
4USFFU
$SFTUPO
t
 FRUIT STAND 
)XZ

$SFTUPO
t
1IPOF
 separate things. www.sears.ca www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 17 sports Proud to be part of the Creston Valley Story by: Creston Valley Thunder Cats and is leading by example. game night activities, raffle ticket he Creston Valley Junior Hockey The Thunder Cats’ players are sales, billeting players, and staffing the TSociety, a community owned and learning to be volunteers and good concession, etc. operated not-for-profit society, is proud community citizens. So far this season This hard-working group deserves to be an integral part of the fabric that the players have volunteered by recognition and a pat on the back. makes up the Creston Valley. collecting donations for the Gleaners If you talk to most of our volunteers The society is the operator of the junior Food Bank in September (Stuff the they will be modest. They do what B hockey team and depends on many Bus), participated in a free skate at they do for the love of the game, for volunteers to survive. the John Bucyk Arena and engaged the community we all live in or for the By definition, a volunteer is someone in Halloween Hysteria at the Creston “boys.” who gives a commitment of time and District Community Complex Most do not want public recognition and energy for the benefit of the by taking some lucky kids out trick or so, out of respect for our volunteers, I community, which is undertaken freely treating. will not be naming names, but if you without financial gain. Society is the Coming up, as the snow falls, they will know a Thunder Cats volunteer, let benefactor of many volunteer hours be volunteering again as “Snow Cats” them know they are appreciated. to shovel sidewalks around town. The society also uses volunteers to help The society, a group of 10 volunteer out other community organizations. directors, has a handful or two of As mentioned earlier, we held the dedicated volunteers who help out Stuff the Bus food drive in September. Come out & behind the scenes. These are the men On Nov. 30 the team held its second and women who help out with the teddy bear toss, with the teddy cheer on your team equipment, injury prevention, bears being donated to the Creston statistics, time- and scorekeeping, Valley Ministerial Association for its local Junior B Team! Christmas hampers. December Home Games A mini “wishing tree” is at all home Friday December 7 games in November and December, V. Golden Rockets (7:30pm) in partnership with Pyramid Building Supplies (where the real Wishing Saturday December 15 Tree is located). People may purchase V. Columbia Valley Rockies (7:30pm) Christmas gifts for children designated by tags on the tree, with the toys Sunday December 16 t
'VMM
%FMJ
t
1J[[B donated to the ministerial’s hamper V. Summerland Steam (2pm) t
$IJDLFO
t
8FEHFT program. Jersey Night, Minor Hockey Night t
3FGSFTINFOUT
t
4OBDLT t
4PGU
*DF
$SFBN
t
4MVTIFT A few games to note in December: Monday December 31 t
)VOUJOH
-JDFODFT Sunday the 16th will be our third V. Fernie Ghostriders (7:30pm) t
1PTU
0óDF
t
-JRVPS
4UPSF Jersey Night and Minor Hockey Night t
"OE
.VDI
.PSF of the season. (It’s a 2 p.m. start.) If you wear your Thunder Cats jersey to the Creston Check Our Our game you get in for half price. If you Daily Lunch Specials don’t have a jersey yet, ask to buy one Valley at our home games. THUNDER CATS The Cats also invite everyone to the last Visit us online at game of 2012 on Dec. 31. It’s a great www.crestonvalleythundercats.com way to start off your New Year’s Eve festivities. At the gate admission: 4493 Canyon Lister Rd., Canyon Adult (19-64) $10 Phone: 428-8771 From the Thunder Cats organization Senior (65+)/Student (13-18) $8 Open 8:00 am to 9:00 pm to you and yours: Merry Christmas, Child (6-12) $5 Family (2 adults + 2 or more students/child) $25 7 days a week! Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year. 

18 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com health love to use it for any circulation issues and The wonders of stroke prevention, just as Aspirin is used by allopathic doctors. medicinal mushrooms • Maitake halts tumour growth, which Story by: Maya Skalinska makes it one of my favourite mushrooms Master Herbalist, Registered Herbal Therapist for cancer treatment and prevention. It also works great as a blood sugar regulator and a edicinal mushrooms have been used to have immune-regulating abilities. Many type II diabetes preventative. Min healing remedies for centuries. herbs such as echinacea are rich with these There is reference of their use as far as compounds but medicinal mushrooms • Chaga works wonders on digestion, kills Hippocrates in 455 BC. have a special component, a protein off parasites, balances hormones and, as with all mushrooms, plays an important In Asia, the recorded use goes back more wrapped around the polysaccharide that role in immune function, energy and overall than 3,000 years and to this day they creates a crystal-like compound believed health. continue to be a prominent part of their to act as a key communicator within health-care system. our bodies. Proper communication is There is so much more information about the wonders of medicinal mushrooms but if Here in the western world we’re just key to a well-balanced and healthy body. there’s only one thing to remember, I say it catching up. Clinical studies on medicinal Just as in relationships, without proper is this: they are the best immune-boosting, mushrooms started in the early 1900s in communication, it all breaks down. energy-enhancing natural medicines we Russia and continue all over the world, with 2. Triterpenes, which are similar to have found. The health benefits of these remarkable results. our own hormonal system. They work amazing fungi just keep on growing as So, what’s so special about them? They are directly on our endocrine system and the communication within our hormones. more research comes up. They are truly the ultimate adaptogenics as well as broad- amazing.  spectrum medicines. 3. Nitrogen-containing compounds, such as Maya Skalinska is a master herbalist and a Adaptogenics represent a class of natural amino acids, which are building blocks of registered herbal therapist offering iridology, pulse RNA, giving proper messages to our DNA. and tongue analysis, herbal medicine, nutrition medicines that help our bodies adapt to consultations and flower essences in Crawford Bay all kinds of stress: physical; emotional; They are also important to our energy and at Vital Health in Creston. For more information environmental; or, chemical. system. or to book an appointment call 225-3493. As far as broad spectrum, here’s an example: There are many more things that make the king of all mushrooms, reishi. Reishi medicinal mushrooms tick but I don’t want mushroom is antibacterial, antiviral, anti- to bore you with more science. Here’s a inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor and quick summary of my favourite medicinal anti-candida. mushrooms, other than reishi, of course: Member British Columbia It regulates blood pressure and blood sugar, • Cordyceps, which shine in respiratory & Alberta reduces cholesterol, works as a kidney, health, as they improve oxygen uptake liver, lung and nerve tonic, heals the and open up the bronchials while cardiovascular system, helps with insomnia, reducing bronchial inflammation. As do Rita M. Patstone works on all four types of allergies and is all mushrooms, they enhance immune Certified General Accountant immune-enhancing and stress-reducing. function and energy levels and work That’s just what the newest studies found. wonders as a kidney and liver tonic, Personal Taxes specifically for hepatitis B. They also inhibit Ancient texts of traditional Chinese the production of DNA and RNA synthesis Corporate Taxes medicine state that reishi “enhances vital in cancer cells. This is the mushroom that Business Consulting energy, increases thinking faculty, prevents became famous after a group of Chinese forgetfulness, delays aging by removing Bookkeeping runners broke nine world records in track toxins, therefore heals the whole body.” and field world championships in 1993. • Flexible appointment times I say that’s pretty good wisdom from 3,000 The coach attributed their success to the • Your home or office or years ago, and that’s just scratching the cordyceps they were consuming on a my office in West Creston surface. There are many books written on regular basis, which are now used by many just reishi alone. athletes worldwide. Phone: 250-428-2662 How do they work? All medicinal • Shiitake stems are medicinal and the mushrooms have a few common caps are used as food. They are specific Cell: 250-254-2646 denominators: for immune-enhancing qualities. Shiitake email: [email protected] 1. Polysaccharides, which have been proven is one of the best whole body tonics. I 1605 Evans Rd., Creston, BC V0B 1G7 www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 19 history Dinn has spent many hours – probably Halifax explosion felt in Boswell hundreds – going through newspapers in Story by: Tammy Hardwick Indeed Britain, harking back to the glory the archives and military and genealogical Manager - Creston & District Museum & Archives days of the Royal Navy, essentially told records online, and it is thanks to him that ug. 4, 1914: Britain declares war Canada that the offer of soldiers would be we know as much as we do about the local Aon Germany and Canada is, as part gratefully accepted but there was no need First World War veterans. It is he who of the British Empire, pulled into “The for her to worry about any kind of naval found the incredible story of Wilson’s naval Great War.” support. career. The Creston Review, when detailing the This is clearly reflected in the enlistments Within a few weeks of Britain’s suggestion call to arms, proudly mentioned the army from the Creston Valley; when the local that Canada could best support the war of 60,000 men being equipped and the men joined up, they joined the army. effort on dry land, the Royal Navy found stores and munitions that Canada could, To date, we have found only one certain itself unable to meet the challenges of a new and would, contribute. exception to that rule – but what an and ominous threat: the German U-boats. When it came to a naval war, the Review exception it is. (HMS Pathfinder, the first British warship to fall victim to a U-boat, was torpedoed on was rather less confident, Canada having The one exception is Carl Cecil Wilson of Sept. 5, 1914.) only two cruisers (HMCS Rainbow and Boswell, and before we go into any further Niobe) and two small submarines that detail about him I’d like to take a moment Suddenly, the offer of Canadian naval were hardly fit for service abroad. to thank John Dinn for all his research. support was very acceptable. The Royal Navy’s Canadian Volunteer Reserve (RNCVR) underwent a rapid expansion, recruiting 6,000 men to serve on patrol and escort vessels. Wilson had been working on his family’s fruit ranch in Boswell since about 1910. Perhaps he found farm life too quiet. Maybe it was just too much of a struggle for his parents to support a large family on a small ranch. Perhaps Wilson was following the example of his eldest brother, Rupert, who joined the Canadian army in January 1916. Whatever his reasons, sometime after his 16th birthday in December 1915, Wilson left Boswell for Esquimalt, where he added a couple of years to his age and joined the RNCVR. We don’t know the precise date of his enlistment but the date of birth he gave when signing up –Dec. 14, 1897 – is exactly two years before he was actually born. That is a pretty good indication that he was 16 when he enlisted. (The Naval Nobody sells more real estate than 3&/."9
. Reserve required recruits to be at least 18.) Where Do You Want To Be? In June 1917, a ship left Esquimalt for Halifax and it is entirely possible that Make Your Move With 3&/."9
! Wilson was among her crew members. The ship, the HMCS Shearwater, was the tender %JTDPWFSZ
3FBM
&TUBUF for the two little Canadian submarines. They were being transferred to Halifax to be t 1013 Canyon St., Creston t 106 33rd Ave. S., Hwy. 3, Erickson prepared for service in the Mediterranean www.remaxcreston.com (though they never actually crossed the t
0óDF

t
5PMM
'SFF
 Atlantic). 100% locally owned t 2 o ces in the Valley to serve you. The voyage to Halifax took four months and along the way the Shearwater and her

20 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com history signalling that she could not do so. of – many of the significant, if wobbly, At 8:45 a.m. the two ships collided, with first steps of the Royal Canadian Navy. the Imo driving nine feet into the Mont- He was a participant in one of the most Blanc. When Imo attempted to pull away, well-known events in Canadian history the grinding of the hulls sent sparks flying and died a hero’s death – eight days before Photo courtesy ofmuseum.gov.ns.ca into the Mont-Blanc’s hold. his 18th birthday.  HMCS Niobe can be seen to the right, sending out a The Mont-Blanc was fully loaded with For more information contact the Creston and plume of coal smoke, surrounded by the devastation District Museum and Archives by phone at of the Halifax Explosion in December of 1917. TNT, picric acid and benzol. Within 428-9262, e-mail at [email protected] minutes, the sparks had grown into or the Web site www.creston.museum.bc.ca. two small companions became the first a raging fire and a cloud of black Canadian warships to pass through the smoke rose above the ship, visible from Panama Canal. everywhere in the harbour. In Halifax, the Shearwater and Wilson Niobe’s captain sent a volunteer crew of met HMCS Niobe. The Niobe was seven to the Mont-Blanc in a little steam already an aging ship when she was launch that served as Niobe’s tender. transferred from the British Navy to Sources differ as to their intent. Some say Canada in 1910. She ran hard aground it was a rescue mission for the Mont- in 1911 and, though repaired, never fully Blanc’s crew. Others suggest the launch recovered. was to tow Mont-Blanc away from the After a year on convoy and blockade duty dock. Still others say the orders were to she was worn out. In September 1915, scuttle the munitions ship. Niobe was converted into a depot ship – a In the end, it doesn’t really matter what floating headquarters and dormitory – in that crew was sent to do. At 9:04 a.m., the Halifax harbour. She remained on this Mont-Blanc exploded with a blast that duty to the end of her career in 1920. She momentarily exposed the harbour floor still had one big event to witness, though. and released a shock wave that was felt in By Dec. 6, 1917, Wilson was an able Prince Edward Island. seaman aboard the Niobe. That morning, The Niobe, 700 yards away, was severely a series of whistles from other ships in the damaged. Her launch was even closer. It harbour drew the Niobe’s crew on deck. and its crew, with Wilson in the bow, were never seen again. A French munitions ship, Mont-Blanc, '6--
.&/6
t
$0-%
#&&3 was frantically whistling to a Norwegian Wilson was one of more than 200 men 123 9th Ave. South, Creston transport, Imo, to yield the right-of-way from the Creston Valley who served in (Just South of the grain elevators) through the narrows at the mouth of the the First World War. In his two years of (250) 428-4241 harbour. The Imo was, equally adamantly, service he witnessed – and indeed was part Beauty Health and Salons andWellness

t Body Waxing t Lash & Brow Tints t Manicures t Pedicures t Permanent Make-Up t Medical & Cosmetic Laser Treatments t Pure Volcanic Clay Mask t Pure Emu Oil Body Care Products *NEW SUPER BODI DETOX PATCH* Twice the Power for the same LOW price! Check out our great testimonies on many health issues! FREE The Universal Detox & Contour Body Wrap CONSULTATIONS GUARANTEED TO LOSE AT LEAST 6” IN 2 HOURS Sharon Brown-Cert. Laser Technician, Aesthetician, M.P.I Artist, Certi ed Wrap Specialist )PNF

t
$FMM

t
QFSGFDUJNBHFT!MJWFDB


www.ilovecreston.com December 2012 21 Creston Valley Business Services

t
"--
1-6.#*/( We carry... t
("4'*55*/( “Protecting t
1FSTPOBM
*OTVSBODF
t
#VTJOFTT
*OTVSBODF your lifestyle We also o er... t
)&"5*/(
4:45&.4 t
"VUP
*OTVSBODF
t
%SJWFS
4FSWJDFT and livelihood!” And the list goes on... t
5"/,-&44
8"5&3
)&"5&34 t
)&"5
16.14

t
3&/07"5*0/4 Located in the Creston Valley Mall 
t
 4FSWJOH
UIF
7BMMFZ
4JODF
 Insuring the Creston Valley. www.crestonvalleyinsurance.com

Securing the Kootenays and Boundary Area with professional service 3FTJEFOUJBM
t
$PNNFSDJBM
t
*OEVTUSJBM Access control, surveillance cameras, intercoms, telephones, environmental, burglary & re alarms *OTUBMMFE
BOE
TFSWJDFE
CZ
PVS
MPDBM
UFBN
PG
DFSUJöFE Creston Parcel & Delivery Inc. USBEF
UFDIOJDJBOT
XJUI
PWFS

ZFBST
DPNCJOFE
FYQFSJFODF 'PS
QSPGFTTJPOBM
You Call We Haul TFDVSJUZ
TBGFUZ BEST OF 
FBTF
PG
NJOE BUSINESS OVERALL SECURITY FIRE & SAFETY HOME FAVOURITE INSPECTION INSPECTION 5 YEAR 139 Collis Street, Creston • Phone/Fax: 250.428.2133 PLACE TO DO SERVICE WINNER! BUSINESS SERVICE SERVICE 1-877-372-1864 Kootenay Energy Advisor Ray Smith, Certi ed Energy Advisor

t
&DP
FOFSHZ

BDDFTT
UP
HPWFSONFOU
HSBOUT
t
$VTUPN

NVMUJ
VOJU
SFTJEFOUJBM
FOFSHZ
FWBMVBUJPOT
t
&OFSHVJEF
GPS
OFX
IPNFT
t
3FOFXBCMF
FOFSHZ
TZTUFN
EFTJHO
BOE
GFBTJCJMJUZ
TUVEJFT O ce: 250-428-2704 or cell: 250-428-6781 www.kootenayenergyadvisor.com

22 December 2012 www.ilovecreston.com Creston Valley Business Services Christmasis all Wrapped Up with the best toy selection in town! Games, Puzzles & Toys for all ages!

Onet
(JGUXBSF
HBMPSF
t
)BMMNBSL
$ISJTUNBT
DBSET stop shopping made easy! t
"SU
TVQQMJFT
t
4UBUJPOFSZ
t
1BSUZ
TVQQMJFT
t

NVDI
NPSF Great gifts for the whole 1124 Canyon St., Creston 250.428.2568 family! Powerful Solutions For A Compact World

Financing0% Financing0% 60 Months O.A.C. 60 Months O.A.C. in lieu of cash discount in lieu of cash discount

CASH SALE PRICE CASH SALE PRICE $13,399.00 * $18,499.00 * Reg. list $17,325.00 Reg. list $22,915.00 While quantities last While quantities last 5IJT
IQ
EJFTFM
QPXFSFE
VOJU
XJMM
NBLF
TIPSU
XPSL
PG
BMM
UIPTF
SFOPWBUJOH
landscaping, backyard needs, like building a retaining wall, installing drainage, The new L-Series not only performs but looks great as well, with a revamped design planting trees, removing stumps or digging a small landscape pond. Quick disconnect with smooth, rounded contours from front to rear that also improve visibility so you UIF
MPBEFSCBDLIPF
BOE
BEE
B
NPXFS
UP
NPX
ZPVS
MBXO
PS
QBTUVSF can get the job done better and faster. Add to that, Kubota’s new state-of-the-art front loader and backhoe simpli es even tough tasks. Work hard, but do it with BX2660 25.5 hp power unit Features:

IQ
DZM
EJFTFM
t

SBOHF
IZESPTUBUJD
ease with the new L-Series tractors. USBOTNJTTJPO
t
QPXFS
TUFFSJOH
t
GSPOU

SFBS
QUP
t
XE
t
-"
MPBEFS
MC
DBQBDJUZ L3800DT with loader - Features t

QUP
IQ
t

'3
HFBS
ESJWF
USBOTNJTTJPO
t

$BU

QU
IJUDI
t

'PMEBCMF
3014 t

XJUI
-"
MPBEFS

MC
MJGU
DBQBDJUZ Financing0% 60 Months O.A.C. in lieu of cash discount Financing0% 60 Months O.A.C. in lieu of cash discount CASH SALE PRICE

$23,499.00 * Reg. list $27,589.00 Kubota’s all-new standard tractors oer a CASH SALE PRICE While quantities last wide assortment of innovative features to provide more power, more comfort and more $16,599.00 * eciency, giving your productivity a boost. Reg. list $20,734.00 B2620HSD Tractor, w/ loader & backhoe unit features: While quantities last t

150
)Q
t
SBOHF
)45
USBOTNJTTJPO
t
1PXFSGVM
$BU*
QU
IJUDI
t
$SVJTF
DPOUSPM

t
'PMEBCMF
3014
t
4UBOEBSE
MPBEFS
WBMWF
t
-"
MPBEFS
MC
MJGU
DBQBDJUZ
t

#)
CBDLIPF
GU
EJH
w
EJH
CVDLFU

NFDIBOJDBM
UIVNC B3300SU Tractor, w/ loader features: t

150
)Q
t
SBOHF
)45
USBOTNJTTJPO
t
1PXFSGVM
$BU*
QU
IJUDI
t
3FBS
150
LDE GO N t
'PMEBCMF
3014
t
1SJDF
JODMVEFT
USBDUPS

-"
MPBEFS

MC
MJGU
DBQBDJUZ
X
N FE O R S N w
CVDLFU L IE E

N

5IF
#46
GFBUVSFT
B
TNPPUISVOOJOH
)1
DZMJOEFS
MJRVJEDPPMFE
EJFTFM

FOHJOF
XJUI
,VCPUBT
&57$4
UISFFWPSUFY
DPNCVTUJPO
TZTUFN
GPS
JODSFBTFE
GRAND FORKS CRANBROOK QPXFS
IJHI
UPSRVF
BOE
DMFBOFS
FNJTTJPOT

0VS
QSPWFO
IZESPTUBUJD
USBOTNJTTJPO
CRESTON provides smooth shifting and powerful performance for heavy-duty loader Serving The Kootenays applications. KEMLEE EQUIPMENTLTD. *Cash price includes all discounts in lieu of low rate nance. 0% nancing available on approved credit, call dealer for details. Your locally owned & operated Ag Centre 
/035)8&45
#-7%
$3&450/
#$
7#
(
t

t

t
'Y