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Mary’s Fernie Blog September 12, 2011

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After numerous stories about the Miners Walk project I can now most happily report that “it’s actually happening.” Make a trip to City Hall to recognize that progress in the form of concrete circles and pathways of the design are already visible. Drainage issues, wiring and other ground works are already in place, as well the curved roadway facing the building is under construction. Once those items and landscaping is completed the actual exhibit of posts, signs, banners and sculpture will go up in their designated areas. The Miners Walk Society is pretty happy to see this achievement and is looking forward to an unveiling slated for the Saturday of Thanksgiving.

The Sunday Socials have been a great success says Judith Johannsson, one of the organizers. She said information is being compiled in a manual that will be of assistance for next year’s plans and also to help extend the number of events for the following year. People have been helpful however for next year more volunteers are needed to step up to the plate and help organize events that will draw people downtown. Having more visitors downtown is also good for business on the highway because if people stop to peruse what is offered in the City Centre they will also stop to shop at the business lining the highway.

And speaking of highway businesses I’m happy to see Dairy Queen back but must tell you about a new business called Happy Cow that recently opened in the Business Centre. Dan and Wendy, the young, very friendly and sociable owners are handcrafting ice cream and related treats that are the best I have ever tasted.

The triple chocolate gelato on a hand- made and rolled waffle cone is heaven to the taste buds. Dan gave samples of some of the other flavours and they are just as good. As well Wendy’s soft chocolate buns are just phenomenal. They also produce specialty cakes and cupcakes and other dessert treats to entice those of us with a sweet tooth. Everything is made right on the premises. The products are even better than “mom” even made at home, you really must take a trip down to check this new business out.

Fernie is becoming known for unique and excellent places to eat, Yamagoya and the Curry Bowl have become known almost world- wide, people come from all over to sample their offerings. The Organic Café and Produce, Kelvin’s Kitchen, Max Restaurant and our Franchise fast food restaurants lining the highway provide incentive for visitors to stop. Having lived in Fernie during a time when there was literally nowhere to go after five o’clock for a coffee or a soft drink and shops were located only downtown with Monday and Wednesday closings some years, it’s fabulous to see all these business open evenings as well as having such a diversity of choices when residents and visitors want to go out. Recently past residents visiting Fernie stated that the town had changed. Yes, Fernie has changed, but so has the whole world, no one and nothing stands still, but most of the changes to Fernie are good ones although I can certainly appreciate the person who left Fernie three decades ago or more and comes back home to find just how much change has happened. But that’s progress that no matter how much we want to keep Fernie the small, unsophisticated town it was years ago, just like a child that grows and changes its appearance with each passing year so does our town, but regardless of the changes, people are what makes a community and we are definitely a great community to live in. So welcome to Happy Cow and Dairy Queen and all new business and people who are discovering that Fernie is indeed a great place to be.

Matt Diakow: Every life is a story August 9, 2011

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Having lived in Fernie most of my life I have come to know a lot of people. Many that are of my parents’ generation have been steadily passing away and that makes for nostalgic moments of remembering who they were and what they contributed to their families and to the town.
One of those individuals was a man that didn’t have a high profile but was none the less well known to many.

Matt Diakow

His name was Matthew Diakow: Matt or Metro as he was known was born in 1927 and passed away this past June 21. Born on the family farm in Saskatchewan he moved to Fernie in 1969 with his wife Kay and children Debra and Darcy. He worked at the Fernie Motor Inn, The Elko Mill and School District #5. He loved having coffee with friends at A&W, loved to go huckleberry picking and taking trips with Darcy to get firewood. His children say that he loved taking friends for a drive to Blairmore to get a haircut and have lunch together. He also enjoyed taking his grandchildren Braden and Bridgitte fishing at the rivers and lakes close by.

Matt lived a quiet ordinary life; he worked hard and enjoyed the simple pleasures of family and friends. His family remembers him as one who “never gave up”. He was strong, courageous and loving even while battling a long illness.

At his funeral service his grand-daughter delivered a tribute to Matt that really touched me. I would like to quote some of what she said. “My relationship with my grandfather was a special one. I lived with him for 15 years,( her father passed away when she was a child) he and Uncle Darcy were my male role models. He took me for ice cream, built me a sandbox and he is the one I gave Father’s Day cards to. My granddad took a lot of pride in Fernie; whenever relatives came to visit he took them on a tour of all the sights this area has to offer. He was very popular when he bartended at the Motor Inn, many have commented on that, his personality was contagious, you just wanted to be around him because he had this laugh and humour that made you want more. At Isabella Dicken School I always volunteered to take chalk brushes from the classroom to the custodian’s room because I knew I would see my grandfather. I can still hear his laugh coming down the hallway as I got near. I would pick raspberries in the backyard with him, once when we were fishing my hook caught onto his hat, he laughed his loud laugh and I couldn’t help but laugh along with him. My grandfather wasn’t the perfect man with a perfect life. No one on this earth is a perfect person or doesn’t hit obstacles, he had faults and battled alcoholism, but he overcame it. This made him a stronger wiser person. My mother went to the extreme caring for him in his last years, she chose to “honor thy father” fighting for his well-being to the end. I can only hope that in my old age one of my children will have the heart to fight for me like that. Grief comes in stages, we can be selfish and wish for more time. I am happy that I was able to grow along his path, my grandfather brought out the best in me and I will never forget it. Traits, hobbies and values he taught me I will pass down to my children.

Matt is one of those many people I got to know a little over the years not really close but enough so that I got to like him and what he represented. Every life is a story. Some of those stories are filled with great accomplishments that the world gets to hear about, some are filled with a great deal of activity and self- satisfaction for individual performance personally and for their surroundings.
Matt’s life is like most of ours, we work, we love, we care for our spouses and children, extended families and friends and we do it quietly, honourably and with great love and sometimes a lot of pain. In doing that we leave a legacy of values that touches those we leave behind. And in the grand scheme of things it’s this personal legacy that is the most important one of all.

A Busy Event Week in Fernie July 29, 2011

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The week has flown by and another Fernie Writer’s Conference has passed. This year due to a heavy workload of other projects I didn’t participate in any of the classes offered but as writing is my passion I took in some of the public events happening during the jam packed week.

Each day had something available from the opening reception held at the Heritage Library to reading and reception at Polar Peek Books, a James Keelaghan concert at the Art Station, Panel discussions, song- writing performances and readings at the Northern Stage, poetry readings at Island Lake and other readings at the Art Station. These activities provided plenty of fodder to anyone that wanted involvement even if they couldn’t take in the whole week.

I got to meet author Andreas Schroeder. Actually I spotted a bearded man who looked rather scholarly and jokingly commented to Christa Moffat one of the organizers of the conference, “this man looks like a writer”. Christa laughed and said “Do you think?” The man in question agreed he was one of the instructors for the conference and as we struck up a lively conversation I discovered that he was Andreas Schroeder, university professor, journalist, writer extraordinaire with twenty- one books to his credit as well as being one of a group who wrote textbooks for use in the elementary school system in Canada. Andreas said he and the others were floored by schools using American textbooks to teach our children. I agreed, I recall learning the history and names of all USA states and capitals when in grade school. We were taught very little about our own country back then. Andreas was a pleasure to converse with and easy to listen to.

Saturday morning had CBC’s Sheryl Mackay of the North by Northwest morning show broadcasting live from the Heritage Library. About two hundred people attended and many had opportunity to speak on air. Our local celebrities were on hand, Angela Morgan displaying one of her vibrant paintings, Angie Abdou talking about her successful books.
Juno award winner singer- songwriter James Keelghan performed two of his own compositions. James delivered powerful performances that nearly shook the building. He was the instructor for the song writing course of which one participant commented that James was an absolutely splendid teacher. Judging from his performance I would have to say that his ability at performing and song writing is pretty marvellous as well. Red Lady was also on hand to perform selections from their new CD. No stranger to CBC and to host Sheryl Mackay, Angie commented that it was great that Sheryl was able to come and see her home town of Fernie. Sheryl seemed to genuinely like it here waxing poetic about the gorgeous view clearly visible through the tall windows of the library. On her show the next morning broadcast from Vancouver she mentioned the beauty of the building with its tall columns and arched windows; spoke about the warm reception she received and even mentioned the Miners Walk Project in progress in front of City Hall.

She also mentioned that it was Oolichan Publisher Randal Macnair and wife Lisa who had purchased the North by Northwest broadcast at a Fundraiser and brought it to Fernie. Kudos to Randal and Lisa for having the foresight to do so as it brought lots of publicity to the Writer’s Conference and to Fernie.

This past Sunday the Sunday Social in downtown Fernie proved successful with a fashion show, music, games and food for the many people strolling down the closed streets. Under a hot sunny sky visitors and locals enjoyed a stroll down Victoria Avenue taking in the sales and activities going on. It so great to see so much life downtown on a Sunday afternoon, its especially gratifying to see so many children playing games and running through the fancy sprinklers in front of Freshies.

Don’t forget to get a brick with your name on it for placement in front of city hall along the pathway of the Miners Walk. It is only fifty dollars for a personal lasting legacy that will be a way to remember and honour family or friends. Time is running out so if interested make sure to go to City Hall and register your request within the next week.

Fernie Celebrates Canada Day July 6, 2011

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July first was an absolutely amazing day for families. City of Fernie director of Leisure services Allan Knibbs assisted by Sharon Switzer organized a fantastic day of activities for children. Petting zoo with lambs, bunnies and chickens had children excited especially on seeing one of the chickens laying an egg. Pony rides, bouncy castles, sand box, eco garden, free cake, watermelon and balloons were some of the things on hand for kids. Parents weren’t forgotten either, music, mountain market, concessions stands, beer garden and dunk tank were a good way to pass time while basking in the afternoon sun of Canada Day.

Saturday was active downtown with visitors here for the Furious 3 bike race. I strolled the sidewalks enjoying the sight of people milling around in town, a sight that would be great to see everyday. Playing a tourist I perused several businesses checking out the new Candy store in the General Store, buying a new pair of shoes and bag at Ghostrider Trading Company, enjoyed a scrumptious pecan dark chocolate treat at the Chocolate Factory, took a rare leisurely look into Livery Home to check out hand crafted tables beautifully made by local Bisaro Woodworking and nearly walked away with some of the unusual accent pieces that help to make a home distinctive from others, except that I haven’t an inch of space left in my small house for any more such pieces.

I walked into Stephanie’s Glass shop to admire her elegant and unique hand engraved glassware products, and accept a donation to the Miners Walk then stopped at Big Bang Bagels for some really delicious bagel chips. Went to the Museum to share them with my husband but he was busy with visitors so decided to go to Overwaitea for some fresh produce and bread. I then headed for home happily loaded down with bagfuls of items.

Sunday was the first Sunday Social put on by the Chamber and downtown businesses. Once again the town was busy with visitors but despite some hail and rain it was still worthwhile perusing the shops that were open. The candy store was full to capacity with youngsters checking out all the colourful candy, Freya had young women plus me and Nell McGarrigle whom I took in there to check out what a great collection of jewellery the shop offers. We were greeted by owner Chantel Souliere, roller skating around the shop looking pretty hot in shorts and fishnet tights. Chantel and Lindsay Adams have started a women’s roller blading group that skates regularly, this group of young women began as a small number but are now at over thirty members, they held a baking fundraiser and all looked pretty hot in tights, headgear and roller skates. It’s rumoured that they will be performing at future Sunday Socials so be sure to come and see. The Sunday and Wednesday afternoon socials are a way to bring life to downtown this summer. It would be great if residents supported this endeavour. I realize most people like to go to the lake or out of town for shopping, but honestly there are a lot of good items to purchase if you check around at what’s available. This is our town, to keep it sustainable we need to support our businesses, we need to contribute to the vibrancy and we can’t do that if we don’t participate.

Okay, lecture over, see you downtown this Sunday or at the Mountain Market Sundays and Wednesday evenings. And please do consider donating to the Miners Walk by purchasing a brick with the name of yourself or a loved one on it.

Fernie: much going on in town June 26, 2011

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There is always much going on in town, last week the Fernie Academy presented a play “Treasure Island” at Holy Family Parish Hall and I was amazed at the talent shown by the students. The music was sung beautifully, the acting performance was fantastic, the background set marvelous, I was entertained and the time just flew, so congratulations to the people and kids involved that put on this wonderful performance.

The Arts and Letters Gala should have been titled “Putting on the Ritz”. Top hat and tails, plumes and fascinators, flapper dresses and sequined gowns, long strands of pearls and glitter, mint juleps, champagne, white linen, soaring centerpieces of greenery and roses, origami favor boxes, exquisite decorations, all contributed to a night that will be long remembered by the one hundred plus people that attended the event.

It all began with mint julep drinks and appetizers by the Blue Touque at the Arts Station. Guests were literally given the Red Carpet treatment as they stepped up a red carpet covering the stairs and onto the deck of the Arts Station. They were then greeted by three elegantly dressed ladies, Emma Dressler in a black and printed long number, Gail Adams in a form fitted navy hued gown and Angela Morgan in a gown with many minute pleats . After spending an hour kibitzing and enjoying the cool drinks the crowd was escorted by the vintage Studebaker fire truck driven by Tom Hopkins looking dapper in uniform. Standing behind Tom was a twenties style musician providing music on the saxophone. All promenaded down Victoria Avenue to the Library Garden where handsome Fernie Firefighters in uniform served champagne. Inside, the Library had been turned into a twenties style restaurant with pink, black and white decorations. Tables covered in white linen accented by patterned centers, elegant touches of pink and black in the menus, programmes and table favors. Towers of glass held bouquets of snapdragons, trailing greenery and roses and huge feather plumes. Silent and live auction items lined two walls, entertainmenment was provided by a lovely young woman who had the crowd eating out of her hand as she performed an engaging number accapello.

Casey Brennan was a lively auctioneer and after enjoying a gourmet meal prepared by the Old Elevator at eleven o’clock the crowd reluctantly walked over to the Picnic Restaurant to enjoy dessert and dance the night away.

It was one of those magical events where everyone “was in a good mood as soon as they entered the door” as Emma Dressler was heard to comment. This was true as everyone had a wonderful time and the event raised a large amount of money that will be used by the Art Station and Library to fund children’s events and programming. Special thanks go to the organizers of this year’s gala, Angela Morgan, Gail Adams, Shannon Milne, Rebecca Hall, Kerri Holmes and Emma Dressler. Thanks go to all the supporters of the event who contributed in so many ways but special thanks must go to the organizers who paid attention to the smallest detail making the evening one of elegance, nostalgia and good time, truly a night to remember.

Eventful Days in Fernie June 5, 2011

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The past ten days have been eventful. I’ve attended a 60th birthday party, funerals of old friends, searched for a western Union depot in our area, had our car hit by a huge deer, interviewed the new BC Premier, attended a jewelry party with delicious treats by Sarah Parry, a baking fundraiser at the Scotia Bank and picked up a cheque from the Fernie Fire Fighters. I was kidnapped early one morning for a breakfast party, met the famous Chef Bernard from Kimberly, attended meetings, hosted out of town guests and went to the library to hear two award winning writers read. These are just highlights, one thing I can say about life, it definitely isn’t boring.

Happy 60th Birthday wishes go to Fil Roccamatisi, Condolonces to the Scarpelli family on the sudden loss of their father Frank. I met Frank when I was just a child, Frank or Ciccio as he was fondly called was a longtime friend of our family. Frank was always the life of a party; he will be missed by everyone especially for his singing of Old Italian folk songs and dancing the “tarantella”. Years ago Fernie had a large Italian population that made for great times when we all got together at weddings or parties. Today, there is only a handful of my parent’s generation left; saddest is that when all from that generation have passed most of the old customs and traditions will also be gone, especially after my generation has died. Our children, born and raised here are very much Canadian and most don’t even speak the Italian language although some like my daughters do keep a tradition of some Italian Christmas baking.

Some of the older Italians receive pensions from Italy for the years they lived and worked in their birth country. This year the Italian government decided each pensioner needed to present themselves with several pieces of identification to Western Union that would provide the May pension cheque. There is no longer a Western Union that does this in Fernie; this is a service that Fernie definitely needs to offer, although I’m told that you can send money transfers though the Scotia Bank but they can’t give cash back to you.

I was thrilled that the staff of the Scotia Bank in Fernie donned miner’s hat and clothing and blackened their faces to put on a fundraiser for the Miners Walk. They raised over $1100 dollars but more importantly they showed a degree of caring and community spirit that was a great boost to the fundraising effort for this project. Special thanks to this terrific group of people from the steering committee and special thanks to the many that have already donated funds, contributed to the planning of the project, donated accomodations, expertise, advice, the team doing the actual work of planning, art and fabrication, writing, research, site and project managing. A project like this doesn’t happen without a lot of people’s involvement. Right from the beginning we have had people step forward to help the steering committee move forward. People like Nic Milligan, Carrie Schaeffer from CBT, Simon Howse, Mike Delich, Stanford Inn, Adam Rigby, Chuck Shoesmith, Summit Lift, Terry Nelson and Jim Hendricks from the City. Mike Sosnowski was the first one to make a grant happen from the Regional District that gave us the ability to keep the designer Lorne Perry and then bring on board graphic artist Pepper Couelle- Sterling, artist Ali Clark and writer David McIntyre. Bill Bennett helped to get another grant from a provincial ministry. The City of Fernie was next with a grant in aid, when the $100,000 from Teck was awarded that became the catalyst for more fundraising that has culminated in donations by Finning, Crowsnest Pass Coal Mining Ltd, CIBC Bank, Scotia Bank, RCR Summit Fund, Best Western and Schickedanz, P&H and others.

Of course the publicity that Dave Hamilton from the Free Press, Krista and Vanessa from the Fernie Fix, Dan Savage of fernie.com and Pierre Dupont of fernietv.com and others have provided is invaluable There is a push right now for everyone to become involved by donating fifty dollars towards a brick that will have their name or that of a loved one on it. These bricks will line the walkway along the exhibit and will provide a very personal touch to the whole area. Please do consider getting a brick, it will be a lasting legacy as well as showing that you cared enough to contribute to this worthwhile exhibit that will honor mining past and present and also educate visitors young and old to the geology, legends and resources of our area.

The Fernie Fire Fighters need praise as well; they chipped in to buy nine bricks in memory of comrades and chiefs that have passed on. Dave Kurschenska presented me with a $450.00 cheque and issued a challenge to other unions to do the same. Our Fire Department can always be counted on to go the extra mile to help out with any project in Fernie, Thank you for your continued support.

My Sorority group planned a goodbye party for a member that has moved to Calgary. It was to be an evening event for Carla Hogan but early Saturday morning my husband opened the door to a group of women in their nightclothes who had dropped by to kidnap me for a breakfast party. I was given time to throw on a robe and brush teeth while sternly warned not to wash face or comb hair. My husband asked where we were going and I surely blanched when they said it was the Park Place Lodge. It might have been a sight to have women dressed in night attire and uncombed hair show up for breakfast but luckily for us after the last one was kidnapped we were taken to the home of Alice Ferrarelli where we were treated to a sumptuous breakfast of fresh fruits, yogurt, muffins, sweet breads, toast, ham, sausages, eggs and cheeses. Ellen McCauley and Alice provided a most wonderful meal while the rest of us sat back and enjoyed visiting with Carla.

I took my visiting friend Lydia to the library for a reading by award winning author Leslie Vryenhoek, author of “Gulf” published by Fernie’s Oolichan Publishing owned by Randal Macnair. She read selections of poems from the book, “A neighbourhood, no matter/ how known, will not slip whole/into your knapsack”. A graceful woman, Leslie said she is American born but now a Canadian through and through who truly appreciates the Canadian feeling. As Canadians many of us don’t realize the difference that exists between the two because on the surface we seem so similar. It was interesting to me to have someone from the USA who purposely chose to become a Canadian. Her poems are wonderful easy to listen to and touch the heart and mind deeply.

AJ Somerset, author of Combat Camera published by Biblioasis, also an award winning writer read excerpts from his book. I read that when asked by an interviewer to describe his book in “six words” he responded by saying “yesterday’s man, nobody’s daughter, redemption unlikely”. Somerset has a background of being a photographer, a soldier, a programmer and a writer. This novel took him seven years to write and is certainly worth reading.

Meeting Premier Christy Clark was fun; she is bubbly and approachable, answering questions honestly making the interview easy. She spoke about losing her father and mother and that being able to care for her dying mother at home with her was the greatest gift her mother could have given her. She also spoke about being a single parent and understanding how difficult it is to get childcare. This seems to be something important to her so perhaps change might actually happen in the future. Childcare availability means a great deal, parents need to know their children are getting safe care, right now there is a shortage of affordable and safe childcare facilites in BC. The Premier emphasized families first in her campaign but this is something that she has long stated since the early days of her political carrier.

Fernie Miners Walk given the go ahead May 15, 2011

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After months of planning and meetings the committee for the Miners Walk has given the go ahead for fabrication of the actual exhibit to be placed on City Hall grounds.

As soon as the ground is stable passers by will see activity as the grounds are dug up in order to move wires, poles and trees deemed unstable.

This is great news for the community because this exhibit will be the first one dedicated to mining in the Elk Valley although the actual exhibit will include information on geology, environment and other important resources here but it will predominantly serve to honour and thank the many people past, present and future that have contributed to the economic driver and stability of the Elk Valley.

The committee is only twenty- five thousand dollars short of goal so they are asking everyone in the community to help with this last needed funding. I have personally sent out hundreds of emails giving people information on the project and asking for donations, I want to thank each one that has responded and ask that others please consider the request. For anyone who desires to know more about the project please email me at mary.giuliano@fernie.ca or call me at 250 423-4009 and I will send you sketches and text and budget for the project and also provide information on the Brick initiative that honours individulas on a more personal level.
There is another committee named the Fernie Summer Downtown Initiatives Committee that is recognizing that there is a need to increase the volume of visits to Downtown stores and Businesses. They are planning to do this by organizing a “day/evening walk through downtown, perusing shops, cafes and restaurants while enjoying entertainment and events as a great way to enjoy summertime in Fernie.” They want to do this by making Second Avenue pedestrian only friendly while offering outside stalls with music and entertainment that will attract families and visitors to downtown on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. “It helps create the community spirit we want for Fernie, once you have support the possibilites are virtually endless” says the committee.

We see from the numbers of people that come out to view the Griz Days parade that people come when there is something to see and do downtown. Personally I commend this committee for taking the initiative to bring more vibrancy to the downtown core because as people come to enjoy the offerings they will also want to check out businesses on the highway so this initiative is bound to be good for all business in Fernie. I support this initiative and hope others will as well.

Sometimes I don’t think residents realize how many committees there are doing great work for our City. For instance the Quality of Life group that worked on the current document is already busy on a new list of indicators and will be advertising for stakeholders’ involvement. This is not to be confused with the new committee “Forever Fernie”, that recently held a two day session asking for public input on developing an integrated community sustainability plan that includes social, cultural, economic and environmental issues regarding sustainability.

Having lived in Fernie for most of my life I have seen first hand what has kept this town alive and thriving. The answer may sound simplistic but Fernie has been sustainable due to change brought about by longtime residents and newcomers who saw a need for innovative ideas, businesses and services resulting in more jobs and a better economy.

Mountainside Church held its first fundraising tea on Saturday May 14. Monies raised are earmarked for a street ministry for children in Mexico so the theme was Mexican. Food, tables, entertainment and music was absolutely amazing. The youth of the church acted a powerful drama about life on the streets. It was very obvious the organizers put a lot of time and effort into this fundraiser. Congratulations to all involved.

Fernie Community Dollars March 30, 2011

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Community dollars are coming to town. What are community dollars you ask? After hearing two presentations I’m still a bit confused as to how this program works but have no fear promoter of the project Dawn Deydey says this is normal at first, it usually takes some thinking to get your mind accustomed to this new way of spending money.

Columbia Community dollars is a “marketing and loyalty program” says Chris Vassallo who is from Kimberly. Kimberly, Fernie and Nelson have joined forces to work together on this proposal which is already in place in Comox, BC. The Comox system is being used as the model for this initiative that is set to launch in April during Earth Week.

Dawn says “112 businesses and community groups have pledged already within the three communities”.

Chris and Dawn say “issuing a local currency strengthens the economy while supporting community groups and attracting new, loyal customers”.

According to them businesses sign up, choose a group or groups and then make a donation in Columbia Community Dollars to them. This donation is tax deductible if the group is a registered charity. This gives them an account in the community dollars system “which goes into commitment by the amount of the donation. The account of the community group is also credited accordingly. Balances may be checked online like virtual banking”.

The dollars earned can be spent at businesses that have signed up to this program for a portion of their sales. Groups that receive these dollars can get an “account credit” that may be exchanged for the paper community dollars which will be printed and available from the local coordinators. The money can be spent at any participating business in the Columbia Basin.

Individuals can participate as well by exchanging Canadian dollars with “groups they want to support”. They say that this way “they are making a donation to the group while getting spendable currency in return, they get to spend their money twice, once to support a community group and again to support local business.”

Still not clear? I understand so let me try to be a little more explicit. If you are a business that has opted to try this system, when you are presented with these community dollars “enter the amount as paid into the register first, the till will show the balance including taxes to be collected in Canadian dollars”. Or these transactions can be made by hand and reconciled at the end of the day. All Community dollars transactions are “treated the same as cash transactions so income and expenses in Community dollars have the same tax consequences as if they were made in cash so have to be recorded through the till”.

250,000 Community dollars are being printed that Dawn says will remain in the community and strengthen the local economy as this money will be moving around between supporters. “By giving your organization cash and receiving Community dollars in return, your community supporters can now spend the same dollar twice”.

As confusing as this program explanation sounds it is a system that is designed by Michael Linton, the creator of the Local Exchange Trading Systems in 1983 (LETS) now used world wide.

This system isn’t made to replace our Canadian dollars but is instead intended to be used as an addition to it. For instance if I was a member I could get a credit for doing a writing assignment for someone and then spend that credit with a person offering another service such as a hair cut as long as that person was in the program. It’s really a way of bartering and trading that has been used since the beginning of time for people to help each other achieve what they need or want. 

The credits describe the LETSystem.  If you want a way for individuals to see how they can be involved they can:
- accept C$ as change from participating businesses
- and know that just by using  C$ they are supporting Fernie community groups and our local businesses moving towards a more resilient Basin economy.

If interested check out www.communitydollars.ca for more information.

Ash Wednesday March 17, 2011

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Ash Wednesday was March 9 this year. For most Christian denominations this marks the beginning of Lent, which happens 46 days before Easter.
Ash Wednesday can take place as early as February 5 on a Leap year or as late as March 10 because it is dependent on when the date of Easter Sunday occurs.

This day gets its name from the ritual of placing ashes in the shape of the cross on the forehead of believers as a sign of repentance before God.
The ashes are made from burned palms and mixed with special sacred oil although some churches use ordinary oil or holy water. It’s customary to keep the ashes on the forehead until they wear off. During the church service sometimes there is a confessional rite for all participants and ashes are administered to anyone who desires them.

As a Roman Catholic this day means fasting, abstinence from meat and penitence. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer also states that this day is one for fasting. For other churches fasting is optional with the emphasis on repentance.

For years when Lent came around I would give up something I really enjoyed. One year I gave up bread. Forty days without bread turned out to be one of the most difficult things I have ever done, as I seem to include some form of bread at every meal.
I felt utterly deprived and haven’t foregone bread for that length of time since.

In later years I’ve realized that the truest form of fasting includes giving up judgment of self and others. Stopping narrow-minded thinking and action is very beneficial for body and spirit and way more difficult than giving up favorite foods. My church’s Sunday Missal states to “find that quiet private space to be alone with your thoughts and alone with God. It could be going for a walk, folding laundry, working on a hobby or commuting to work. Take time for yourself to nurture your relationship with God. Make healthy choices and support local producers. Take a short pause from favorite foods. Take an objective look at your words and actions. Consider fasting from criticism, impatience and inflexibility. Thoughtful self-denial cleanses both the body and the spirit. Give alms with a generous spirit and share what you have with those who have less and share often. Know that acts of justice and compassion bless both the giver and recipient.”

Poet Robert Herrick, who died in 1674, wrote. “Is this a Fast to keep The Larder lean, And clean from fat of veals and sheep? Is it to fast an hour , Or show, A down- cast look and sour? Is it to fast from strife, And old debate, And hate; To show a heart grief- rent; To starve thy sin, Not bin, And that’s to keep thy Lent. Interesting poem, we tend to think we’re more superior in understanding human behaviour in this enlightened 21th Century with all our sophisticated technology but this 17th Century poet has said it all before showing that no matter how advanced civilization seems to become human hearts and feelings change very little.

I went downtown this past Saturday and thought I was in a different place. Due to avalanche concerns it seemed that all the skiiers had opted to check out our unique shops. The weather was clear and sunny and quite warm. It was so nice to see groups of people walking on sidewalks and filling up shops. I started my shopping by checking out the Beanpod. The sofas were filled with people, “coffee addict or chocoholic?” was the question. I purchased the “Fernie bar and grab bag” and walked the few steps to the Ghostrider store to buy a new pair of sandals and share my chocolate with my friend Judith. I figure if I have a beautiful pair of red sandals ready to be worn the weather will co-operate and we’ll have spring next week when it’s officially here. Crossing the street I entered the Grande Fromage shop filled to capacity with dozens of people milling about sampling specialty cheeses with artisans from Creston giving out information on how their cheese is made. I then walked down the street enjoying the sunshine, totally like a tourist in my own town and it felt really good, to end the shopping I went down to the Loaf Bakery to purchase three different kinds of breads to go with the three different types of delicious cheeses I had bought and while waiting for the bread to be sliced I shared the Beanpod chocolate with the two workers who agreed it was pretty yummy.

That afternoon I think I might have actually followed some of the advice given about observing Lent. Okay, stop laughing, three breads, three cheeses, chocolates and new shoes doesn’t sound much like Lenten deprivation but look at it from a different point of view, I was supporting my community and that should count for something.

Fernie Griz Days a Huge Success March 7, 2011

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You missed out if you didn’t take in any of the events during Griz Days this year. It began Friday afternoon with the jailing of the “most wanted” of which I was part of; it was fun to share the Griz jail with fellow “convicts” Andy Cohen of FAR and Lauren Fox of the Women’s Centre. Thank you to all that contributed to my bail. It was set at $500 but donations came in at $1300. This year all bail monies collected are designated for the Women’s Centre.

Parade Marshal Dave Harrington did a great job organizing the parade with great professionalism and enthusiasm said Chamber manager Sarah Parry. Friday’s warm weather made watching the parade at its earlier time a pleasure as it was still light. But the committee’s idea to have stage entertainment and the Commit Rail Jam at Station Square after the parade was a fantastic one. In the past, minutes after the parade ended downtown turned into a sad, deserted place, instead this year hundreds of people crowded Station Square to enjoy speeches by MLA Bill Bennett, Mayor Cindy Corrigan and our own literary celebrity Angie Abdou who introduced the cutest mini Griz competitors. Beer garden, food vendor and great music on stage added wonderful ambiance.

Saturday’s baby Griz races at the Community Centre were a real crowd pleaser, the little tykes took all the attention as they crawled their way from one end of the stage to another to the delight of the large crowd.

The Extreme Griz competitions downtown were a blast. Mike Sosnowski and assistants Annie Hamer and Steph Grenko did a fine job of organizing this event. Competitors Trent Switzer, Jason Warshawsky, Tyler Lees, Steve Ruskay and Jason Dubray put on a great show of arm wrestling, leg wrestling, axe throwing and other displays of strength including showcasing bare arms and legs despite winter weather. But their mock cakewalk strut to music modeling furry mountain costumes had the crowd in stitches. Leanne Walker quizzed them on identification on pelt and scat and had them on a snowshoe race. Trent’s different animal growls were truly impressive but in the end Steve Ruskay was crowned winner for the fifth consecutive year but all the guys are winners in my book.

The three day weekend of festivities was packed with things to see and do including a pancake breakfast, craft fair, street hockey tournament, lots of stage entertainment downtown, spaghetti dinner, euchre tournament, Griz Olympics at the Aquatic Centre and the very popular dummy downhill race at FAR. Friday night also had the first fireworks display.

The committee this year comprised of Chamber manager Sarah Parry, Mike Sosnowski, Will Barbour and Sharon Switzer and Allan Knibbs from the City of Fernie. Karen Pepper and Scott Gilmet were in charge of events at FAR. Sarah emphasized that Mike and Sharon were key people that worked really hard to make this year’s Griz Days a success and also that the Griz mascot and his assistant were the best ever, attending many functions and just being present all over town. Sarah was everywhere making sure events ran smoothly but in preparation for next year she is asking that anyone with ideas could contact her as she welcomes input. This year’s event was the best Griz Days in many years and it was due not only to these great organizers but also to the many sponsors that pitched in. Congratulations to all of you for a job well done.