Bringing the FREE Creston Valley together. December 2013

Branching Out Blossom Valley Singers continue Christmas tradition

Mayor’s First Desk History Nations Holiday Train inspires The day the Globetrotters Reminiscing about food bank challenge came to town Christmas on the rez

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The Magazine I Love Creston Magazine is produced monthly and Photo courtesy of Larry Mendoza distributed free of charge by I Love Creston Marketing Ltd. feature story Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Songs of the season Any advertisements or graphics What would Christmas in the Creston Valley be without the designed in-house are property Blossom Valley Singers’ annual December concert? of I Love Creston Marketing Ltd. 5 and may not be used in any other Front cover photo courtesy of Larry Mendoza medium without permission. Views expressed in the magazine does not necessarily reflect those of the company. what’s inside Letters to the Editor Town Hall Environment Letters to I Love Creston Magazine 9 All aboard the mayor’s 20 Hop on the water cycle. may be emailed to office@ ilovecreston.com or mailed to challenge. Outdoors Box 143, Creston, BC, V0B 1G0. 22 Letters may be edited for clarity First Nations Busy year for Quad Squad. 10 and space. Ghosts of Christmas past. Agriculture I Love Creston Marketing Ltd. Music 24 Slower season for some Box 143, Creston, BC V0B 1G0 12 Discover it live. farmers. Ph/Fx: 250.428.2631 [email protected] Wellness Spirituality www.ilovecreston.com 14 Stay on top of diabetes. 26 Feeling is healing. Labour Wellness 17 Wage subsidies a win-win. 27 NDs an alternative to History MDs. 18 Tale of hoops and Sports COOLEST 28 KOOTENAY hospitals. Formosa in fine form. Printed in Canada. WEBSITE www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 3 this issue The procession took time, which was filled “That’s why we went from the Singing Guest with musical accompaniment. Christmas Tree to Singing in the Christmas From the editor “You were constantly apologizing to the Trees, and our posters reflected that,” person in the next row down because you Lavender says. “Maybe we can sort of drop argaret Lavender isn’t afraid of heights, were bumping them on the head with your that image (now).” but that doesn’t mean her turns atop M music folder,” Lavender says. “It was usually In fact they have, at least in name, with A the Singing Christmas Tree were devoid of sopranos up near the top. I was at the very Winter Wonderland set to be performed white-knuckle moments. top many times. at the Prince Charles Theatre on Dec. 13 “I do remember being encouraged not to “The older we got, the greyer the heads, the and 15, although the singers will still be move with the music because it does start tougher it was (to decide): ‘Who’s going to surrounded by trees on the stage. to (sway),” says the veteran member of the the top of the tree?’ ” No matter what you call it, the Blossom Blossom Valley Singers. “You can move Valley Singers’ show is not one to be missed, your head but you can’t move your body Not everyone’s experience singing at and represents a Christmas tradition of because when everybody starts getting going altitude was as positive as Lavender’s. which the Creston Valley can be proud. it was not so comfortable.” “I had one student who was very young. When we came into a practice I said, Learn more about the choral group in “It does feel a little bit like a skyscraper, this month’s I Love Creston cover story, (being) on scaffolding or something,” ‘We’ve got to practice in the tree,’ and (he said), ‘I want to go to the top of the tree, and to all our readers, have a very merry chimes in Erwin Buchholz, the BVS Christmas. president. Mrs. Lavender.’ I said, ‘OK. You go.’ So he went up to the very top and just froze and The pair were reminiscing about the Singing the tears started coming. I had to go up and Christmas Tree in advance of this year’s get him. presentation of A Winter Wonderland, an offshoot of the Singing in the Christmas “When he came down he said, ‘Do you Mailbag Trees concert put on the past two years. want to know why I was so scared? I looked (Letters and emails to the editor are up and then I looked down and I realized printed as written with the exception of When Trinity United Church closed its profanity, slander or defamation) sanctuary for financial reasons the Singing how close I was to the roof.’ He was only Christmas Tree – too tall for any other about seven at the time.” The Editor, I Love Creston performance venue in the valley – had to be An older youth encountered an unwelcome With this year’s Remembrance Week having just passed, Branch 29 of the Royal Canadian retired. It was last performed in 2010 but surprise of a different sort on another Legion wish to thank the residents of the will long be fondly remembered by anyone occasion. Creston Valley and the East Shore for their who witnessed it. “There were wasps that liked to winter in support and attendance at our Cenotaph Standing 18 feet tall and sitting 16 feet the building, up above. Of course they’re services on November 11. We also appreciate your very generous contributions to our wide, the steel-framed, plywood-floored, quite dozy, but when you have the heat poppy campaign. pyramid-shaped structure was built in 1992 on, they perk up,” Lavender says. “I had a The success of these annual events require by the Prince Charles Secondary School student choir in there and all of a sudden many hard working volunteers, the technology education class taught by Glen I realized something was going on. People continuing support of our businesses, service Mohr. were laughing and (the boy at the top) organizations, churches, and you, the public, who contribute so generously to honour our The tree accommodated up to 40 choir was going cross-eyed and waving his head veterans on their special day. members who filed up a set of camouflaged around. He was under attack. Somehow he This year our poppy campaign and cenotaph stairs on the right side and into ever- dealt with it. I don’t know how.” service were very successful. We are indeed That tree, designed with the help of then- fortunate to have our local flying club honour narrowing rows from which they performed the event with their flyover and the ‘lost an annual December concert for nearly two choir member Tony Frei, was actually the man’ formation. We thank everyone who decades. second one employed by the BVS, the attended the service to pay their respects It took a day to assemble the tree pieces, original 12-foot version having been built to our veterans, those whose names are on our Honour Roll, those who served, and another day to decorate it with cedar out of wood in 1989 under the direction of John Hopcraft. those personnel still serving their country. boughs, bows and lights, and a full day to Your respect and remembrance are much tear it down, recalls Buchholz, noting that “(It) was much smaller and somewhat appreciated. the frame held up well. rickety and they felt they should maybe We hope to see you in the coming year retire that one,” Buchholz says. at other Legion events and activities. You “Do the math,” he says. “Forty times 150 don’t have to have a miliatary connection to pounds equals a conservative estimate of So much did the Singing Christmas Tree become a Legion member. Membership is a 6,000 pounds, or three tons. come to define the Blossom Valley Singers good opportunity to become involved in your “We had to load the tree from the bottom that when they changed formats in 2011 community. they took care not to depart entirely from On Behalf Of. R.C.L. Branch 29, to the top for obvious reasons. You needed Ian Currie, Poppy Chairman the ballast.” their storied past.

4 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com Blossom Valley Singers

With or without the tree Choir makes smooth transition to new format

Photos courtesy of Larry Mendoza

h Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, your theme, it Christmas tree,’ ” says BVS president Erwin Buchholz. Oever binds me. “Was it the end of the world or was it, ‘Oh well, let’s just see what they do at PCSS?’ ” The Blossom Valley Singers sang that refrain for two decades in which their annual December concert – the Messing with tradition, especially one connected to Singing Christmas Tree – became a much-anticipated Christmas, can be treading on thin ice. But as it turned holiday staple that largely defined the Creston choral out, a move from Trinity United Church to Prince group. Charles Theatre and a fresh format – Singing in the Christmas Trees – proved to be a win-win scenario for the That changed suddenly in 2011 when circumstances vocalists and their faithful followers. beyond their control “felled” the singing tree and forced the BVS in a different direction. “We were sort of outgrowing the Christmas tree or getting tired of the Christmas tree, however you want to “It would be interesting to know what the reaction of think of it,” says Margaret Lavender, a mainstay for 25 our clientele might have been when they heard, ‘No years. “We realize it was a fun Christmas tradition but www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 5 feature we knew as the choir that it becomes more problematic “They say that people because you can only put so many people in the tree.” vote with their “At 40 we were sandwiched together like a deck of cards,” feet,” Buchholz says. Buchholz says, noting that overflow singers stood in front “We’ve had sold-out of or beside the tree in peak years. “There was another performances at Prince concern and that is the liability question. There’s an awful Charles Theatre. That lot of weight in that tree.” might be an indication that (the singing tree) had its day.” “At 40 we were sandwiched Not taking anything for together like a deck of cards” granted, choir member Roxy Schmalz devised a clever means of The last Singing Christmas Tree was performed in 2010, smoothing the transition after which the Trinity congregation decommissioned the to a new format by only venue in town large enough to accommodate the 18- giving a nod to the old. foot-high steel frame. Thus, Singing in the Christmas Trees was born on the Prince Charles Theatre “For me there were mixed feelings,” says Lavender, a stage, which is decked with anywhere from 15 to 20 retired school teacher, “because I’ve always enjoyed the mostly artificial trees on pedestals interspersed among the tree and had student choirs singing in the tree, and it was singers (whose numbers were so great last year, 75, that an always exciting for them, but I realize it was probably extra set of risers had to be purchased). time for a change. The United Church sanctuary closing was a little bit of a bonus for us in that we didn’t need to “Roxy had the vision of how it should look,” Lavender make the decision. It was made for us.” says, “what the lights needed to be and all the extra little bits that she put together.” Any fears of a backlash were alleviated by ticket sales the following year. Although the BVS went from three “She has done marvellous things,” Buchholz adds. Christmas shows at Trinity to two at PCSS, the response “She recreated kind of a winter wonderland” which, at the latter, larger facility was encouraging. coincidentally, is the theme of the 2013 concerts Dec. 13 and 15. “She’s working on a wonderful set this year. She’s thinking ‘silvery snowscape.’ It’s a really wonderful visual effect.” As has long been the custom, BVS will share the spotlight with selected local groups, in this case the women’s ensemble Key of She and the Creston Children’s Choir, directed by longtime BVS accompanist and now director Anita Stushnoff. Cellist Sophia Smith will also perform as part of a number written for the instrument, Carol of the Magi. Like Lavender, who was listed as the BVS “vocal coach” as far back as 1988 (their third year) and became

6 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com feature a regular, full-time A second season begins early in the new year, building member a decade later, toward a pair of annual spring tea concerts held at various Stushnoff has been a key churches. The Christmas program is most popular among contributor to the group. BVS members but around two-thirds of them return for She was the accompanist the April shows, which can feature anything from show many years between tunes to golden oldies to folk songs. 1992 and 2010 when The singers perform condensed versions of both concerts Monte Anderson, for seniors at Crestview Village and Swan Valley Lodge, another iconic Creston and occasionally appear at Relay for Life and compete in Valley musician and regional music festivals. They’re not above being a little instructor, served as the more spontaneous, either. choir director. The pair “We’ve done flash mobs at Christmastime,” Lavender swapped roles in 2011. says. “We thought we would try to replicate the flash “Monte said he was ready mob of Handel’s Messiah that we see on YouTube so we “It’s a community choir. It’s not auditioned, if you to pass on the baton and feel you’d like to sing and to try it, you’re welcome” Anita was willing, so we were lucky,” Lavender says, “and he was happy to accompany.” did that at (Home Building Centre) and Overwaitea The group, whose numbers typically run close to 50, start one time. We came out of the woodwork and sang the preparing the dozen or more pieces for the Christmas Hallelujah chorus.” program in early September with the first weekly, two- The singers also pride themselves in being good citizens. hour practices. The risers they bought are used by PCSS students “It seems to be quite intensive,” Buchholz says. “They throughout the year and, in 2011, the BVS collaborated really put us through the ropes.” with PCSS and the Creston and District Credit Union to buy a high-quality electronic piano for concerts and high Nonetheless, anyone can join regardless of experience school music students. and, although there are “more grey hairs than not,” according to Lavender, there’s no age restriction at either end of the spectrum. “It’s a community choir. It’s not auditioned,” she says. “If you feel you’d like to sing and to try it, you’re welcome. “Some read music really well and some people don’t. Anita makes rehearsal CDs to help people learn the music between (practices). Some come along and do whatever they can do on Tuesday night and some really work hard at it (at home). But it all comes together in the end.” “People discover that, ‘Hey, I can do this,’ ” Buchholz says. www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 7 feature “Part of the ethos of Blossom Valley Singers is for the Monte would take the baton and I’d look out there and enjoyment of singing and choral music,” Buchholz I had a sense that it was actually a very special moment,” says, “but also to encourage young people. We have the Buchholz says. “You see the audience around and you really children’s choir that joins us for one or two numbers, want to do your best. We were all very keen to do our best or three. And then we have the Prince Charles choir and be very focused. I think it worked out really good.” sometimes, (with) Brooke Douma. Yes, at times the group seemed indistinguishable from the tree. “We want them to know we’re “One year we neglected to put ‘Singing Christmas Tree’ in still the Blossom Valley Singers the poster,” Lavender recalls. “We just said ‘Blossom Valley Singers’ (because) we had another theme, and some people whether or not we sing in a tree” didn’t come because they thought that wasn’t it yet. Our identity was the Singing Christmas Tree for the Christmas (concert).” “We’ve earmarked $500 for the Lillian Griffith Memorial Scholarship given to one graduating student who wishes One could go so far as to say they’ve “branched out” in to pursue a career in music.” recent years, in case the public hasn’t noticed. Griffith died suddenly in her 60s in 1996, mere days after “We want them to know we’re still the Blossom Valley performing in her last Singing Christmas Tree. Singers whether or not we sing in a tree,” Buchholz says, “because I think that the history of the Blossom Valley “We also give bursaries for summer music camps,” Singers and some of the talent and some of the quality that Buchholz says. “We actually contribute to the community.” we’ve had in terms of its leadership really developed it into A dedicated core of directors features almost one-quarter of a fine choir.”  the membership. “The strength is partly in the executive,” he says. “There are a lot of people who put in a lot of hours and, co- operatively, many hands make light work. (There’s) a lot of experience on that executive.” “(And) we have a director and accompanist who are very committed,” adds Lavender, whose own considerable commitment included volunteering to sing from atop the tree numerous times. The Singing Christmas Tree certainly looked and sounded impressive from the audience but presented practical challenges that won’t be missed by the singers themselves. “It was hard to perform in the Christmas tree because you can’t hear everyone,” Buchholz says. “The logistics of having a band or an orchestra plus the children’s choir (moving) on and off, that was really difficult.” The experience was also unique and immensely rewarding. “(After) this long price subject Porthill Gas to change procession where you load up the $ tree and then the introductions, 92.9Litre Singing Christmas Tree 2009 8 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com town Merry Christmas and season’s greetings From the Mayor’s desk to all.  Story by: Ron Toyota, Mayor of the Town of Creston Ron Toyota can be reached by phone at 250- 428-2214, e-mail at [email protected] or Holiday Train proceeds on the Web at www.creston.ca. destined for Gleaners, price subject hampers Porthill Gas to change he CP Holiday Train is arriving! Please bring or mail your donation to $ Town Hall at 138 – 10th Avenue North TWe will once again be treated to Litre a special CP Holiday Train musical (Box 1339, V0B1G0). Thank you. 92.9 performance on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at 10 a.m., when another cheque will be presented to the Creston Valley Gleaners Creston Valley Business Buzz food bank. David Fleming, owner This year’s entertainment will feature of Head and Toes Shop Melanie Doane and Matt Dusk. In December 2011 the train stopped David has lived in Yahk and in Creston near Millennium Park and Creston for about 24 years. provided pre-Christmas entertainment He is a graduate of Mr. Barber for all age groups. A cheque for $1,500 and many food items were presented to School of barbering and the the Gleaners for their local food bank LCN pedicure course, both in program. If you are a man or a woman in Edmonton, Alberta. need of a haircut or foot care, Here is my mayor’s challenge for 2013: David loves the Creston Valley come and see David at e Head let’s raise $5,000-plus and present the and hopes to share his many and Toes Shop. Yes, there is funds to the Gleaners and the Creston talents with the people of his such a thing as a man’s pedicure. Ministerial Association’s Christmas home town. hamper program. This is perfect timing David can look after your corns, for the distribution of 400-plus hampers calluses and toenails. For the Walk-ins are welcome for haircuts, on Dec. 17. ladies he offers a full spa pedicure, pedicures by appointment only. I will personally be giving $500 to exfoliation, massage, footbath and Come and see him at 908 this worthy cause and it is my challenge toenails, with your choice of polish Northwest Boulevard. to every employed or successfully retired color. person that they contribute what they can. A tax receipt will be available for Creston Valley Business Buzz is proudly sponsored by... those able to give $20 or more. Freedom. Comfort. Peace of mind. Last year, the ministerial association Automotive Home Travel Commercial Private Auto raised $25,000 from local organizations    ICBC and groups for its hamper program. I   
 would like to see anyone in the Creston Motor Licensing Roadside Assistance       Valley who did not participate with     their respective businesses, place of employment or volunteer groups to open Automotive Home Travel Commercial their hearts and, where possible, their wallets to those less fortunate at this  250.428.5338 A PARTNER OF www.falkins.com special time of year. This is the season for giving. Interested in being the next Creston Valley Business Buzz? Call 250.428.2631 or email o [email protected] www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 9 lower kootenay band Message from the chief Story by: Jason Louie, Chief, Lower Kootenay Band Christmas traditions shone light on the reserve s the holiday season fast was Christmas. We had friends and list could be endless. approaches I reflect on acquaintances who did not celebrate A The community Christmas dinner childhood memories of Christmas the holidays due to their faith and was, for a brief moment, an escape and how it seems like just a short there was a mutual respect for from a harsh reality. The building time ago. everyone’s religious views. was full of laughter and so many So much has changed that what I Times were difficult on the Lower good memories. have come to understand in today’s Kootenay Band. Alcoholism was I recall at the age of 16 a rite of world is that we must be politically rampant in the community but passage took place. For our young correct in referencing Christmas as all citizens made the best of a bad readers I must explain that Santa the “holiday season.” A Christmas situation. was not available that year so he tree is no longer a Christmas tree but a holiday tree. “A Christmas tree is no longer a Like most Creston Valley residents Christmas tree but a holiday tree” while growing up, a Christmas tree was a Christmas tree and Christmas Despite the political disputes and needed a substitute. My good friend family dynamics, an effort was was appointed to stand in as Santa always put forward to celebrate and I was to be his helper. Christmas as a community. The plan was for me to meet Santa Preparations in the old band hall outside and help him bring in the began early in the day with the gifts. The children singing, “Here mothers and aunties preparing comes Santa Claus . . .” was our cue turkey, potatoes and all the side to enter through the back door. dishes. The children would have The song began, I looked to a Christmas performance, singing Think my good friend and he stood carols and some years a play. Santa motionless. “We are supposed to would always make an appearance, go in now,” I said. My good friend with gifts for all the children. for the lifted his beard and began to vomit. holidays. What was so meaningful about the When he was finished he said he was dinner and gifts was that for many really nervous. families in the community this We went inside. The children were dinner and gift-giving may have singing. I looked at Santa and his been the only thing they received eyes were watery. At the gift-giving that holiday season. some of the children whispered, “I As children, we all witnessed things think Santa was crying.” that we shouldn’t have: domestic It’s a humorous memory that my www.CrestonValleyBC.com violence; alcoholism; family feuds; good friend and I often reminisce suicide; and, police brutality. The about this time of year.

10 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com lower kootenay band With time the holiday season has evolved into a commercial nightmare. Malls are packed with people spending money they don’t necessarily have. I recall a holiday shopping trip to a city that shall remain nameless when my partner parked our vehicle and out of nowhere a woman claimed it was her parking spot and became verbally abusive. One helpful piece of advice this woman should have been given is, “Do not challenge an aboriginal woman.” I love the person my partner has become, but once a rez girl always a rez girl. All it took was one look and there was no longer a dispute over the parking spot. We now have just one child who still resides at home with us. I see how traditions have been formed when my All the best this daughter asks when we will put up the tree and states, “Dad is going to watch It’s a Wonderful Life about 10 times and watch hockey.” HolidaySeason All families have their traditions and I see that if you have your loved ones and your health, you truly have from our home to yours everything. Some memories of the holidays are ones I wish to forget, while other memories are ones I will cherish forever. Thank you to all our many clients Christmas or the holiday season or non-participation is a personal choice. This year, as every year, I shall remember my grandmother, who left this world on Christmas Day. Her emphasis was always on the meal and family. If I can have a nice hearty meal with loved ones then I feel fulfilled. Rather then displaying the behaviour of the lady at the Michael Carpenter Sheldon Browell Tyler Hancocck 428-6594 428-6805 428-9916 mall I will strive to be a better human being and not be selfish or focus on material things. I always remember where I came from, when sleep was what was for dinner. The priority is ensuring that Lower Kootenay has a community dinner. Ingrid Voigt Daryl Porter Sara Malyk With that I thank you once again for reading and 402-3498 402-9339 435-0071 wish you all the best this Christmas. May the new year bring much joy and happiness to you all. Taxa. /PCPEZ
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Intimate venues deliver musical magic Story by: Marc Archambault, CMMS chair

’m not the most experienced live back, paying high ticket prices and my teenaged daughter by my side. Imusic-goer around but I’ve had a the cost of a hotel? Honestly, no, not Even before the show started I was few different musical encounters and really. smiling. I can say that some are better than That’s part of the reason I never This isn’t a noisy pub or giant arena. others. understood why some people This is a comfortable living room One thing I’ve taken particular thought live music was so great. For for the community and, despite the notice of is the difference between a long time my only real experience number of faces unknown to me seeing a well-known band in a large of live music was going to see a band in attendance, it really felt like a venue, especially a band I know I knew well at a large venue. Was community. People of all ages, from well, as compared to experiencing it any wonder I preferred to listen the elderly to children and everyone new music in a small venue. Not long ago I had the opportunity “Music is a powerful cultural force. to see a band I’ve loved since It is one of the spices that gives life its childhood perform in a large theatre. flavour, and we have it here in the Seeing this band live was literally on my bucket list and, while it was Creston area in abundance” great to sing along with the songs that are so much a part of me that to recorded music and skip the live in-between, were gathered together I know every lyric note for note, it stuff? and enjoying each others’ company wasn’t . . . magical. The venue was as they waited for the show to too big and impersonal. Contrast that to last night. I was sitting on the couch in the front row start. The band was midway through a (no extra charge) at my favourite I had never heard the opening act tour and playing like it was just local venue, the Snoring Sasquatch before and wasn’t sure what to another gig. It was OK, but was it (a Creston Music and Media expect. That is part of what makes worth driving six hours there and Society business member), with these shows so special. J.J. Shiplet approached the mike. He was simply a man and his guitar on a stage until he opened his mouth and sang, and then, there it was again, sending a thrill along my Christmas Sale December 17 to 21 spine and warmth to my core: the magic of discovering new music live All Products 20% Off in an intimate venue. Merry Christmas to all from... price subject Albert, Jan and Lauren Stoyanowski Porthill Gas to change Creston Valley Mall (lower level) Great parking $ o Devon Rd 250.428.4913 92.9Litre 12 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com music I had a similar experience at the that happens when an audience and other blog posts.) Starbelly Jam music festival in an artist connect like this. Music is a powerful cultural force. Crawford Bay (part of the area When the music is new to me and It is one of the spices that gives life represented by the CMMS) this past delivered with passion in its best its flavour, and we have it here in summer. It was my first time at this incarnation, each verse and chorus is the Creston area in abundance. I amazing, family-friendly festival and like unwrapping a new gift. want to share that love of music I was volunteering with security. The difference between discovering with others and help more people While attending to the entrance to new music on the radio and experience it the way I do. the backstage area I couldn’t help discovering it live is akin to the I want to help artists connect to but dance like a fool at my post difference between eating a can of their audiences and be able to as the Boom Booms fed off the peaches from the supermarket alone do work they love and that has a energy of the enthusiastic crowd and in your apartment as compared to positive impact on the community, amplified it in a feedback loop of plucking a ripe peach off the tree bringing people together to bond in positivity. I was drenched in sweat in the middle of a sun-drenched a way that only shared experience and certain I probably looked more orchard with your friends and can do.  than a little bit silly, but I could not laughing as the sweet juice drips For more information visit the CMMS Web site at stop smiling and revelling in the joy from your chin. http://www.crestonmusicandmediasociety.ca. of the experience. This is one of the reasons I am I’ve had many experiences like price subject so passionate about my role as to change this since moving to Creston and chairman of the Creston Music and Porthill Gas it’s one of the reasons I choose to Media Society. I simply love music. $ call Creston my home. There is (Don’t worry, media people, I’ll something special about the energy write nice stuff about you too in 92.9Litre 'JOF
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QN www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 13 health A third type of diabetes, gestational Pharmacist Corner diabetes, can develop during pregnancy Article submitted by: Srinivas Chalagalla B.pharm., Ph.D. when a woman’s insulin needs increase. In most cases, pregnant women with this kind of diabetes can control their blood Managing diabetes sugar level by modifying their diet and the condition resolves itself soon after giving through healthy choices birth. iabetes affects how the body Types of diabetes Symptoms Dprocesses sugar found in food. Most people with diabetes (90 per cent) Most people who develop diabetes are over Insulin is the hormone responsible for have type 2 diabetes. 40 years of age and overweight. Frequently using sugar as an energy source in the Although sometimes referred to as adult- other members of their family also have body. onset diabetes, it can develop at any age. diabetes. The condition develops gradually. People who have diabetes either can’t People with type 1 diabetes, also known People with diabetes might: produce enough insulin or can’t use it as juvenile diabetes, can’t make enough • be more thirsty and need to urinate properly (i.e. insulin resistance). As a insulin and so are dependent on taking more; result, sugar accumulates in the blood. insulin by injection. • be more tired and irritable than usual; • lose weight, even though they might be more hungry; • have frequent infections (skin, bladder or vaginal infections, etc.); • develop blurred vision; or, • experience a tingling sensation in their hands and feet or feel like they’ve lost some sensitivity there. Some diabetics are unaware they have the disease because their symptoms are mild and easily overlooked. Thus it can take a long time before a diagnosis is made. Over time, diabetes causes hardening of the blood vessels and injury to the heart, kidneys and eyes. Diabetes is the primary cause of blindness in North America. It is also a factor in many cases of heart disease – all of this because diabetics have too much sugar in their blood. Diagnosis Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring the blood sugar level at a time when it would normally be at its lowest point: in the morning (upon waking).

price subject Porthill Gas to change $ 92.9Litre 14 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com health In addition, blood sugar level measured side effects. Your pharmacist can also causes poor circulation and nerve damage, at any time of the day, without regard to suggest the best blood glucose meter for feet aren’t as sensitive as they should be. the interval since the last meal, is a good you to use for testing your blood sugar Keep feet clean and dry and treat any indicator for diabetes. level at home. blisters, cuts or sores immediately. Management It is also quite possible that your doctor • have regular eye checkups: Because If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, would ask for a glycosylated hemoglobin diabetes can lead to retinopathy (a disease the goal is to bring your blood sugar level dosage. This blood test provides of the retinas), and even blindness, visit within the healthy range and keep it there information about the control of your an ophthalmologist at least once a year. as much as possible. To do this, you’ll need diabetes over the previous three months. • look after your skin: Because diabetes to: The target value for diabetic patients is involves high blood sugar and poor between six and seven per cent. • make wise food choices (if you are circulation, skin doesn’t heal as well and overweight you must lose weight as well); Living with type 2 diabetes is subject to frequent infections. Be sure • exercise regularly (at least five days a If you have, or someone you love has, to wash with mild soap, use sunscreen week for a minimum of half an hour); and, diabetes, you need to learn as much as you and cleanse and bandage all skin • control your blood pressure and can about the disease and how to manage abrasions carefully.  cholesterol. it on a daily basis. Exercise and eating a For more information or if you have any well-balanced diet should be at the top questions, talk to local Shoppers Drug Mart Your doctor may also decide to put pharmacists Srinivas Chalagalla or Karl Mottl by you on diabetes medicine to help with of your list. If medications have been phone at 250-428-9334 or email at Asdm2284@ your blood sugar level. Medications prescribed, make sure they are taken as shoppersdrugmart.ca. include oral diabetes medications (i.e. ordered. In addition: price subject sulfonylureas, biguanides, acarbose and • stay informed: Ask your doctor or to change thiazolidinediones) and insulin injections. pharmacist about local diabetes education Porthill Gas If you are prescribed medications to programs; see a nutritionist for a $ help control your diabetes, talk to your personalized meeting. pharmacist, who will advise you of any • take care of your feet: Because diabetes 92.9Litre CRESTON’S NEW & USED SPORTS GEAR & CLOTHING CONSIGNMENT STORE JOIN US SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH 9:30 AM TO 10:00 PM FOR OUR

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www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 17 history

Story by: Tammy Hardwick Manager - Creston & District Museum & Archives lot of local medical history By 1938, Creston was on Aseems to have happened in the its second hospital. Dr. month of December. For example, Olivier’s facility, the one Creston’s first hospital got its charter that had been established as a public hospital in December in 1930, only had 11 1930 and its founder, Dr. Joseph beds. While the local Olivier, died in December 1943. population was very glad Creston hospital 1933 A new 30-bed hospital was opened to finally have a hospital in December 1953. X-ray staff at the in town, it was clear right from the Enter the annual Hospital Benefit Fund. present-day Creston Valley Hospital outset that 11 beds was simply not moved into their new department in enough. So the second hospital was The fund existed solely to raise money December 1970. built in 1933, this one boasting 22 to support the hospital’s operations. beds. The money went toward medical And, on Dec. 31, 1938, the annual Today, provincial governments are equipment, wages for the nursing staff Hospital Benefit Fund hosted an pretty much entirely responsible for and doctors’ fees. It also helped cover event that was hailed as “the greatest building and operating hospitals but the costs of food for the patients to sporting attraction 1938 could that wasn’t always the case. Those first supplement local donations of fruit, offer.” two hospitals, and indeed the one vegetables and other farm products. that came in 1953, were built through Like any fundraising organization local donations and fundraising. in the community today, the fund Santa Shops Here! The Electronics There were some government dollars must have struggled to come up with They Want . creative ways of raising money. They available for construction and The Friendly weren’t planning an event merely for equipment, and government covered Help You Need. the sake of having an event; they were part of the costs of operating them, under considerable pressure to plan but the rest came from fees charged to Braven Speakers an event that would generate the cash patients and other contributions from needed to keep the hospital open. the community. In 1938, that unique and creative Given the economic conditions of event was a basketball game between Great selection of plasma TVs the 1930s, and judging from annual a carefully-chosen team of top local reports for the hospital auxiliary, there players (the Creston Reps) and the HD Digital were quite a few patients who could Satellite Systems Harlem Globetrotters. not pay their hospital bills, making I don’t mean the Harlem Clowns those community donations even INE-W940 Car Stereo or the Harlem Wizards or any of more important. the other basketball teams that have Lectric Ave imitated the Globetrotters over the price subject years. I mean the one-and-only, to change Electronics Porthill Gas original-and-best, genuine-article 1011 Canyon Street, Creston BC $ Harlem Globetrotters. (250) 428-7873 By 1938, the Globetrotters had Visit us online at lectricave.com 92.9Litre been in existence for 11 seasons and, 18 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com history although they had gained quite a from this event will be turned over even announce the score; it simply bit of popularity (and an impressive to a worthy cause.” stated the names of the players and record of 1,456 wins out of 1,583 It appears that everyone’s hopes were the number of points each had games played), they were not yet the fulfilled. The Review reported a scored. world-famous, big-name act they are capacity house and “an exhibition of Ironically, among all the details today. ball-handling that was nothing short about players and scores and referees In 1938 they were a group of of miraculous.” and thank-you speeches and the highly-talented African-American The evening opened with “a close intermission entertainment by the basketball players from Chicago and hard-fought game” between Canadian Legion band, the one who toured towns of all sizes across the Creston Motors team and the thing the Review does not tell us North America to make a living. Valley Girls all-star team, which the is: how much money was actually As the Creston Review declared girls won 15-14. Then the ’Trotters raised for the Hospital Benefit Fund.  when promoting the game, “This took to the floor against the Valley Creston hospital 1933 colored basketball team has travelled Rep players, who “gave everything For more information contact the Creston and District Museum and Archives by phone many miles during the past season. they had to give the Harlemites at 250-428-9262, e-mail at mail@creston. From all reports they present a fine opposition.” In fact, in the fourth museum.bc.ca or the Web site www.creston. floor show and all they ask is that quarter, the entire Creston team – museum.bc.ca. the home teams give them good all 15 players – came out onto the

opposition so that they may run floor against the five players from price subject through their comic acts.” Chicago. Porthill Gas to change The Review concluded by hoping The Globetrotters won decisively, “that as many persons as possible 46-22, but that didn’t seem to $ attend this game as the proceeds matter. In fact, the Review didn’t 92.9Litre LIKE TO ORDER ITEMS ONLINE? NEED A U.S. ADDRESS? USE OUR ADDRESS AS YOUR OWN! Here’s how it works... Have purchases sent to: 108 Trading Post Rd., Bonners Ferry ID, 83805 (don’t worry about the Bonners Ferry address; we truly are in Porthill) Include YOUR NAME and YOUR PHONE NUMBER when having it sent. When it arrives just come on in and pick it up! Saves time and money, and it’s that simple! Christmas is sooner than you think - get your online shopping out of the way early this year!

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www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 19 environment Tracking one droplet on its ultimate journey Story by: Andrea Chapman particles mingle together, waiting Acting Director of Communications and Education for that moment when a lowering of hat is as old as time, travels all temperature and change in pressure Wover the world and changes forces those particles to draw closer forms depending on the temperature? together. The particles create the Give up? droplet that will become heavy enough to fall to Earth and start an Well, my hints may not be the best, entirely new leg of the journey. yet they describe something we can’t live without and is not a super hero The next leg can be largely affected by where the droplet lands. The like you may be thinking. That thing entering the wetlands. is water. particular droplet we are following falls in the Selkirk Mountains just In the wetlands, as they are aptly Water is the essence of life and above the Corn Creek Marsh unit named, this droplet among loads of essential in our valley of agriculture, of the Creston Valley Wildlife droplets, bogged down with foreign wetlands, lakes and rivers. One mere Management Area (CVWMA). particles, meets millions more droplet can embark on a magnificent droplets. Seeing that the flow slowed, Because it fell with many like journey from the beginning to the some of those foreign particles droplets it enters the soil easily, then end of its cycle as it effortlessly travels release, simply floating to the marsh moves underground, following the by gravity, then utterly defies it. bottom. path of least resistance. The flow The beginning of this adventure starts increases as the droplet fuses with For others, plants help to suck in the high in the sky where millions of like others. pollutants, fixing them to the root nodules or drawing them up into the Slowly but surely, gravity pulls this price subject plant tissues themselves. Porthill Gas to change link of droplets toward the valley bottom as the stream attracts other Our clean little droplet happens to $ particles to join. Particles of dirt, experience many different ins and bacteria and plant matter move outs (quite literally) before slinking Litre 92.9 with the stream and find themselves over to the culvert opening at the

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20 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com environment Old Kootenay Channel, passing the river to join the bigger water CVWMA allowed it to clean up and many a family of river otters and network. re-enter the atmosphere possibly in  mallard ducks that are planning to Many more scenarios unfold for the better shaped than it started. stay the winter along the way. droplet as the summer progresses, For more information about programs and special events at the CVWMA, check out the Web At this point, time slows to a halt. and soon the temperatures soar to a site www.crestonwildlife.ca. If you have any Our droplet cools. The particles level that allows the particles more questions, call 250-402-6908 or e-mail askus@ within it move slower and slower ease of movement. Eventually our crestonwildlif.ca. until the movement seemingly stops. subject gets its chance to defy gravity The journey stops until springtime and evaporates back to the sky. price subject Porthill Gas to change as the droplet morphs unto its solid Who knows where the little droplet’s form and sits frozen under the journey will take it next, although $ surface. it is good to know that the small In the spring, the little droplet starts portion of its existence in the 92.9Litre to move again as the temperature warms. Later on, millions of added droplets fuse to the marsh unit during the spring thaw and the patient little prospect I have been following moves even closer to that culvert gate. The gate is eventually opened as EXP R E S S water levels get too high for the structures at the CVWMA and the clean little droplet is released into Beat the Snow This holiday Season with

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 www.sears.ca www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 21 outdoors eyes on fantastic scenery. As the Quad Squad promotes season progresses they can ride to higher elevations. backcountry stewardship Being at the top of a mountain and Story by: Creston Valley Quad Squad looking down at beautiful lakes and club to ever-ascending heights. valleys far below affords a peace of eading the way for organized, With the support of the directors, mind that is not available anywhere safe and responsible stewardship L current club president Mike Arlt else. among all-terrain vehicle riders, the has proven himself to be capable Creston Valley Quad Squad has Having a potluck meal at Boundary and highly organized. As the club’s been participating in local activities Lake or near a small pond high atop webmaster (www.crestonquads. and events as well as neighbouring the Iron Range makes the delectable com), Arlt spends much time clubs’ poker rides and rallies. food taste heavenly. It is absolutely updating information and photos amazing to see the extravagant The squad, formed in 2002 to fill a for online display. He has overseen dishes that people bring up there, need for organized ATV recreation the activities of the club for two- not to mention the burgers that are and stewardship in the Creston and-a-half years, with approximately prepared on site. Valley, is a member of the Quad 60 members of all ages. Riders ATV Association of B.C. In addition to organized rides, The club hosts an organized group impromptu rides and activities Various groups of people have taken ride to a different location every occur from April until October and the helm over the years, steering the month so members can feast their sometimes even November. A qualified safety instructor in the group provides education about safe ATV operation, including loading, Stocking unloading and securing machines for transport. The course is offered Stuffers at a reduced rate for club members and, once completed, enables a 10-per-cent reduction in liability MADE insurance. The club likes to give back to the community and most recently EASY purchased some pet oxygen masks t
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QN $ specials! www.crestonoptometrist.com 92.9Litre 22 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com outdoors two years. This year a large number of people was able to reach the summit and go down the other side (St. Mary’s) for a short distance. Trails such as this one exist at other locations and are considered multi-use trails open to everyone, whether on a quad or snowmobile, or on foot or horseback. In the past, trails around Boundary Lake have also been opened up for the enjoyment of the public. Individual members have been doing their own trail-clearing and litter cleanup to help everyone enjoy the outdoors during spring, summer, fall and winter. Another highlight is the annual quad camp-out when they sleep in tents for four days, prepare their own food camp-style and explore the area on quads and short hikes. Several areas in the Kootenays have been explored in this Anyone who likes manner in the past few years. price subject quadding as much as Porthill Gas to change Taking part in the annual Blossom Festival, this fall’s 50th they do is invited to join the club. Check anniversary of Kootenay Pass and other community events out the Web site www. $ helps the club be a part of the Creston Valley. crestonquads.com. Litre An important activity of the CVQS is the stewardship 92.9 of the Ripple Ridge Cabin, a popular winter destination for skiers and snowshoers which is a non-motorized area during the winter months. The cabin can be booked for overnight stays through the club Web site. Members volunteer their time to clean and maintain the cabin so others can enjoy it. Supplying firewood for the winter is a big job. The club strives to keep riding areas open for the riding pleasure of the public and its members, all of which takes a lot of time and effort. 

www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 23 agriculture The Creston Valley Beef Growers are a relatively small group of Ag Aware producers actively involved in beef Story by: The Creston Valley Agriculture Society production and promotion. They have just taken on the challenge of hosting the 2014 B.C. Cattlemen's Farmers turn attention Association annual general meeting and convention. The provincial to off-season issues executive and delegates from around or most of the local agricultural Commodity groups such as the province will gather here May Fproducers, December is the time dairymen and beef growers are 22-24. to finally slow down from the hectic long-established in the valley. The possibility of upwards of 200 pace of the production part of the The Creston Valley Food Action or more cattle producers visiting year. Coalition and Farmers Market are our valley will be a boon to local newer groups that also represent a Field work is done, fruit and restaurants, motels and other service variety of local producers. vegetable crops are finished, most of providers. It will be an opportunity the hay crop has been shipped out to buyers and beef calves have gone “Field work is done, fruit and vegetable crops off to market. The chore routine has are finished, most of the hay crop has been begun for those feeding animals over shipped out to buyers and beef calves have winter. gone off to market” Some farmers also now engage in more meetings. It seems like there is always something up for Recently there was a panel to show off our wonderful valley at a discussion. discussion about water uses and beautiful time of year. future supplies. Another early The convention will be a major December meeting will be about price subject undertaking for the local group so to change genetically modified crops, Porthill Gas anyone wanting to participate or commonly called GMOs. Whatever help out, please contact any of our your opinions, get informed and get $ local beef producers. 92.9Litre involved. Rustic, shabby chic, contemporary, industrial & more!

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24 December 2013 www.ilovecreston.com agriculture Another issue that has generated a lot of discussion at meetings lately is the review of the Agricultural Land Reserve. Established in 1973, the ALR covers about five Wrapping paper, per cent of the land in B.C. and is supposed to protect it as gifts bags, farm land. There is constant pressure to remove land from bows, tissues the ALR and develop it for housing or industrial uses. and tags It is still the opinion of most people in the province that our farmland should remain protected but there are many Great who would rather see it broken up and be allowed to cash selection of Mattel, in on higher-valued uses. Toysmith, and Mellisa & Doug Recent media reports of the provincial government’s desire to dissolve the ALR have fuelled a new surge of toys LED, discussions. Public submissions are invited as the province weighs its options. Decisions will be made sometime in mini, 2014. icicle and Involve yourself in discussions and submit your opinions. Contact Nelson-Creston MLA Michelle Mungall as well snow ake lights as the minister of agriculture and premier. East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett is also involved in this review process. Many beautiful As most of us enjoy the slower season, remember those local agricultural producers who continue to work ashing and throughout the winter weather to produce healthy foods for all of us. shiny ornaments, From those of us involved in the Creston Valley garland and tinsil, Agriculture Society, which brings you this column, we wish you happy holidays and all the best in the new year. articial trees, As always, be involved, be informed and be Ag Aware.  tree skirts For more information about the Creston Valley price subject to change and much more! Agriculture Society Porthill Gas contact Randy Meyer at 250-428-7013 or Kris Vanderweyde at 250- $ Many gift choices for men and women! 428-2920. Litre 92.9 Thank you to our Canadian neighbors for shopping with us New to the Area? Bring this coupon and receive Know Someone Who is? 10% OFF YOUR PURCHASE Great Gifts, Expires 12/31/13 Information and Maps Merrry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at ... Christy Johnston Hostess Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am to 5:30 pm, Sat. until 5pm, Sun.9am to 3pm 250.428.7074 
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208-267-3286 www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 25 spirituality Receive the gifts of caring, consciousness and celebration this Christmas Story by: and turkey, and we always decorated other than happiness and joy? We Annette Agabob a tree and went to midnight mass. seem to have judged anger and e are embarking upon After mass we opened our presents, sadness as wrong, and only joy and a month where there is W ate and danced as long as we could happiness are considered “right.” plenty of celebration. December is stay awake. There was so much joy What if we stopped judging and widely celebrated as Christmas and and fun in celebrating with family received the moment as it is, then traditions abound. and friends. allow it to pass? We decorate our homes and streets Over the years things change. We I’d like to invite you to remember and listen to Christmas music, have less family here and therefore that all of your feelings are OK, and and our hearts open to an energy smaller family gatherings. Change is if you feel stuck in an old emotion of connection, hope and joy-filled the one constant, they say. that won’t “let go,” there are ways activities. to move that energy – to put that There is also another side to this Within this tradition are numerous energy into motion – so it can month. There are times we don’t other traditions, each with its own finally move through you with more feel like celebrating, when we’ve lost flair or flavour, depending upon our grace and ease than you could ever a loved one we miss at this time of upbringing. imagine. year, or we may feel downhearted for For me, I love Christmas. My mom other reasons. Be courageous and ask for assistance. loved to celebrate Christmas. She Listen for your own knowing and I still miss my mom at Christmas. would make French tortierre pies guidance, and take inspired action She carried a spark for the entire to follow your own heart into more family, even during years of love, joy and peace. challenges or changes, and it’s OK to Interior Colour Schemes feel all the emotions coming up for These are amazing times we with A nity® Paint Colours you at this time. are living in, and adding a new perspective to an old situation can be Remember that “feeling” is healing. refreshing and bring renewed energy Also know there are people around to you and your life. you who care, and there are tools and modalities that can help move My wish for you is to enjoy each the sad and suffering energy into a moment as it comes, then let it go more calm and connected way of and move into the next moment. being. Be more open and free in receiving more caring, more consciousness Choose your I heard a description of the word and more celebration this Christmas. favourite “consciousness” that goes like this: A nity colours, After all, we’re all in this together. consciousness includes everything and decorate I invite you to allow the celebration with condence! and judges nothing. energy you see surrounding you to How often do you judge yourself infuse you with light and love, and I as being wrong for having feelings wish you all a merry Christmas and the best new year yet.  PYRAMID BUILDING price subject to change The Conscious Cowgirl can be reached by SUPPLIES LTD. Porthill Gas phone at 250-866-5737, e-mail at annette@ 1220 NW Blvd., Creston theconsciouscowgirl.com, the Web site 
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.FHBO www.ilovecreston.com December 2013 27 sports Nowhere T-Cats’ Formosa would rather be than Creston Story by: Creston Valley Thunder Cats (Second in a series of stories on 20-year-old Following that he played in the players with the Creston Valley Thunder Cats.) B.C. Winter Games in Cranbrook, eet Brandon Formosa, winning gold with the Fraser Valley Massistant captain of the zone. A final accomplishment during Creston Valley Thunder Cats of his second bantam season was getting the Kootenay International Junior drafted by the Prince Albert Raiders Hockey League. of the major junior Western Hockey League. He’s wearing jersey No. 16 for his final junior season, having worn Formosa started his junior career with No. 8 during his first stint in a Cats the junior A Powell River Kings of uniform. the B.C. Hockey League at age 16. During the 2009-10 season he played Brandon Formosa, assistant captain of the In 2008, at the age of 14, Formosa Creston Valley Thunder Cats 51 regular season and 18 playoff played for Team B.C. in Japan to games for the Kings, collecting eight celebrate the 10th anniversary of points in total. time, made a deal with Sicamous the Olympic Winter Games held in to bring “Mosa” to Creston in early Nagano. In Powell River he played with December 2010, one of the best deals former Thunder Cats player Alex he made here. Formosa fast became McDougal (2007- a fan favourite as his hockey skills 08 and 2010-11) allowed him to bury the puck most and was coached by games. Shane Lukinchuk, a Thunder Cats While playing for Creston he has assistant coach/head recorded, on average, a stellar 1.5 coach from 2003- points per game. He returned to 2007. Creston for the 2011-12 season before making his way to junior A In 2010-11 he with the Manitoba Junior Hockey was sent down to League’s Winkler Flyers for 2012-13, junior B for more along with current linemate Jesse development, ending Collins. up with the KIJHL’s Sicamous Eagles at It wasn’t long before he sought a trade the recommendation that moved him to junior A Melfort of the former with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey Chilliwack Bruins of League’s Mustangs, where he met up the WHL. He didn’t with another former Thunder Cat, see eye-to-eye with Brandon Paronne, and wound up the coaching staff scoring 38 points in 59 games. there and decided “Hockey’s a small world,” Formosa Sicamous wasn’t price subject offering what he to change was looking for in a Porthill Gas team. $ Joe Martin, coach of the T-Cats at the 92.9Litre www.ilovecreston.com sports says of all the Creston connections he affectionately calls the John Bucyk met over the years. Arena, is one of his favourite places in For 2013-14 he had a choice to Creston. “It’s an amazing facility,” he make and spent much of the summer says. Come out & weighing his options: continue with Formosa has made many memories in junior A in Saskatchewan; come back Creston and hopes to make more as cheer on your to Creston and play junior B; or, see he considers the Thunder Cats to be a what else was out there. contender. local Junior B Team! One of Formosa’s goals is to earn “We set a goal at the start of the year December Home Games a scholarship for post-secondary and we are working hard to achieve Friday, Dec. 13 education. He has seen others in the it,” he says. V. Golden Rockets - 7:30pm Teddy Bear Toss KIJHL earn scholarships to good Formosa encourages all fans to attend schools and felt that in Creston he all the games and cheer on the team Sunday, Dec. 15 would have a good opportunity to do but reminds everyone to bring a V. Golden Rockets - 4:00 pm the same by playing with a winning stuffed toy to the Dec. 13 game for Jersey Night team. the Thunder Cats’ annual Teddy Bear Monday, Dec. 30 He’d never met head coach Josh Toss. When the Cats score their first V. Kimberley Dynamiters - 7:30 pm Hepditch or assistant Leigh Walker, goal in that game against the Golden only chatting with Hepditch on the Rockets he wants to see the ice Tuesday, December 31 phone. covered in teddy bears. V. Fernie Ghostriders - 7:30 pm “Creston has become my second All bears collected will be donated to home while playing junior,” Formosa the Creston Ministerial Association Creston says. “It’s where I’ve had the most fun for its Christmas hamper program. playing so I decided to come back  Valley here.” Check for game updates and schedules at www. crestonvalleythundercats.com. He feels blessed to have had gorgeous THUNDER CATS Visit us online at scenery everywhere he’s played. price subject www.crestonvalleythundercats.com Powell River was on the ocean. Porthill Gas to change In Saskatchewan he got to see the At the gate admission: northern lights. Creston has the $ Adult (19-64) $10 mountains. Senior (65+) $8 Youth (6-18) $5 Litre Family (2 adults + 2 or more youth) $25 “The Johnny,” as Formosa 92.9 HealthandWellness If you are reading CRESTON OPTOMETRIC this, so are your EYE CENTRE ptometrist potential YOUR AD customers! Dr. Gene Zackowski * Dr. Jan Zackowski COULD BE Fully trained sta with over 150 years of combined experience. Advertise your Guaranteed service and products. HERE! business for as low as Great selections of frames with over 1500 to choose from. $30/month 223 - 16TH AVENUE, NORTH PHONE 250 428-2044 (CLINIC BUILDING) CRESTON, BC FAX 250 428-4985 Contact us for details. *OPTOMETRIC CORP. 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