Regional District held a session with noted Parliamentarian Eli Mina who provided information on how to run meetings and advice on making motions (don’t do them on the fly- it’s a minefield, it’s risky to move too quickly) how to deal with the public (procedural fairness, need to give notice, not only on what you decide but by how you decide) council must remember assets are not yours but the community’s. So must be responsible. There should be partnerships between staff and council and above all it must be transparent. Trust is an essential commodity; everyone works as a cohesive team, with knowledge. About conflict he said, “it’s not good or bad it just is, deal with it and gain trust.” Decisions should be made with a back and forth input in a safe, learning environment not a combative one, and it has to be inclusive and transparent. Staff must impart knowledge to council because we need objective, professional advice not just tell us what to do. Speak up even if knowledge is not popular, and always be respectful. It should never be about the individual but about the process. So far I am finding Regional District very interesting and a huge learning curve.

January 9 had presentation from City directors to inform new council on their job description and what their work load entails. There is vast responsibility for directors who have a myriad of duties and employees to look after, most of the work done extremely well and for the benefit of our citizens. I attended the “Online reputation management course offered by Tourism Fernie, very helpful for business owners as it showed use of social media to help grow business.

Fernie residents Mary Menduk and Doug Marteinson sent me information regarding citizen engagement. Doug said that Calgary Council has implemented a 1-2-3- Go initiative, an interactive website that asks residents three things, “What am I good at? What do I care about? What do I have to say about it? People are encouraged to take three minutes to write answers and speak with three people about what they wrote. This feedback is to engage residents in conversation about what area of Calgary they live in so they can express what’s on their mind. “This website was built by volunteers with free, off- the- shelf software available to anyone with internet access, a little bit of determination and a willingness to experiment”, states the website. It is felt that if every person did at least three things for their city they would have over 3 million actions making Calgary an even better place. This type of interaction is something that might be of benefit to Fernie as well to engage citizens in becoming even more involved with the Council they elect.

Fernie has a decorations committee of which I am part of that has been looking at town beautification for winter and summer. This interest is very dear to my heart that began when I was first elected ten years ago. I initiated the flower basket and wrap around garland with lights on Second Avenue but have always felt that we needed to do more. This committee has representation from the public and they have amazing new ideas on how to beautify our town. The beautiful decorative lighting on Second Avenue is a result of this committee, next will be working with the Fernie Chamber to participate in “Communities in Bloom”.

Council members went to IDES to physically present responses to the letters written by students from Patrice Mann’s French Immersion grades five and six class. The students were happy to receive the letters and made new inquiries. They wanted more doggie poop bags for the fields next to the school and expressed safety concerns about speeding on 13th Street and the street along the Aquatic Centre. The speeding comments were relayed to Staff Sargent Lorne Craig who said he would have someone check both streets. He also informed that the Elkford detachment office had to be closed due to high Radon readings of 3000(safe threshold is 800) so police offers are working out of the Sparwood and Fernie office until it safe to return.

Council held a committee of the whole meeting last Monday that had Councillors present goals for a long list of accomplishments they would like to see done by the end of this term. This list included a tool kit of information for business and development that would streamline City Hall process, revisit some decisions made by previous council, paving of Ghostrider roads, quarterly newsletter to inform the public of plans and projects, cameras for downtown, OCP and zoning rewrites, Convention centre, and many more.

There are several committees that will need new members so please come forward and be involved. Being on committees such as the Official Community Plan provides you with opportunity to guide how our town will look in the future.
All meetings held by Council except in camera meetings are open to the public. Council welcomes everyone to come and listen to what is discussed and offer your opinion. I invite anyone to call me with concerns or ideas. I want to personally and also on behalf of the City of Fernie thank all of the people who have served on all of the committees that have stepped down and those that continue to serve. As a member of the OCP and the Quality of Life subcommittee I know how much time was spent working on these two alone. We met bi-weekly, sometimes weekly when the Quality of Life document was being produced. Chair Casey Brennan put a lot of time and effort into these committees and I want to thank him for his contribution. I hope that it will be possible to produce a newsletter about what is happening at Council so that you the public is informed. Of course you are also able to watch council meetings online at fernietv.com and on Shaw Community Channel as well as checking out the City web page for further information.

Council attended a training session in Rossland that proved to be an overwhelming session of municipal information that hopefully no one will test me on too quickly. All kidding aside experts George Cuff and Eli Mina provided amazing material for newcomers to councillor and mayor positions.

Regional District training was interesting as well as the strategic planning. One hundred eleven requests were put forward and then condensed to ten, of which none of mine were considered. I had hoped to place the proposed trail linking Fernie to the ski hill on their radar again, as Mike Sosnowski had already done previously, but with a price tag of over one million dollars other directors felt that this could wait. I must say I was very impressed with the way the five directors from the Columbia Valley stuck together to get their projects on stream. This is something that I think could be done by Elk Valley directors as well so that united we can get more achieved for our valley collectively and for our individual communities.

Council received six well written letters from students of IDES. These were placed on the agenda as I felt their requests were very important and showed much initiative on their part.

Rylee Whitson wrote requesting that council promote “Every first day of the month a community litter pick up day.” Rylee has been noticing much litter and thinks “It would be spectacular if we could have a first class community” without litter. I agree Rylee and councillor Joni Krats has generously offered to work on this. Neve Richards believes that here in Fernie we could do just as good a job of recycling as they do on Prince Edward Island. Neve recommended recycling stations at different points in town that “Could accept compost, plastic, paper, glass and tin can. It would encourage more people to recycle and in turn much less waste would go to the dump. It would also set an example for our visitors and show that we care for our environment.” Liam Smith, age 10, asked if Christmas lights could be put up in the Airport Subdivision, something I have been asking for in past years. Liam says that “it would light up the darker roads. It would look amazing for visitors who come to ski or who come to visit family”. Emily Dykhuizen and Jillian Folvik asked about soccer fields. “There are three reasons why we want the soccer fields fixed. The first reason is there are lots of holes and bumps, fixed it will be safer, second if they are fixed it will be more fun, finally if there are more fields more people can play soccer at the same time, doing this will make our community healthier.” Cole Zimmerman and Dryden Gris asked about an outdoor skating rink. “We have such beautiful weather in Fernie in winter; it would be magnificent if the citizens of Fernie could have an outdoor rink”. An outdoor rink has been in place by the Aquatic Centre for several years, thank you Cole and Dryden for making the suggestion so as to make sure it happens again this year. Abbi Vernier and Chrisma Vandergrift also wrote regarding streetlights on Park Avenue. “More streetlights on Park Avenue are in your and Fernie’s best interests because it would make Fernie a safer place to be. Park Avenue is a road where people drive fast. In the night the cars can’t see you and you can’t see the cars. It’s a safety hazard.” I truly appreciate these letters from the students and want to reassure them that Council is taking their requests seriously and thanks them for their interest in wanting their town improved.

This past Sunday Fernie Heritage Library held its annual Community Christmas Celebrations. Over 350 adults and children came to enjoy crafts, stories, photos, musical entertainment and a huge array of international desserts, Congratulations to Library director Emma Dressler, Marilyn Razzo, Tina Hayes, Haley Feller, Sandra Summerfield, board members and volunteers who worked to make this wonderful event such a success.

Fernie Beta Sigma Phi Sororities held their annual dinner at the Blue Touque Restaurant, where long-time member Rosa Rocca was bestowed the Laurate degree and crowned with a circle of laurel leaves, this group also decorated the Senior’s Drop In Centre for Christmas, something they do each year for the Senior’s Club as well on December 3 they delivered several boxes of toiletries and sang Christmas carols to the residents of Rocky Mountain Village.

The Fernie Academy held two evenings of performances for Baboushka. I attended the one where grades one to three performed and was completely delighted. These small children are extraordinarily talented. They acted and sang and looked fabulous in amazing costumes.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone. Best Wishes to all for a Happy New Year filled with many Blessings, good friends, much love and most of all good health.

(Click on images for larger view)

But when I first set eyes on Fernie I immediately fell in love. The similarities of small town, mountainous surroundings, fragrance of pine and fields of yellow made this town instantly home.

As the oldest child of Italian immigrants Pietro and Giuseppina Aiello I worked alongside my parents in the gardens, spent summers sawing and chopping wood for winter storage and helped with younger siblings Rose, Joe and Rita who also had chores to do as our parents worked several jobs to get ahead.

This work ethic has served me well in life as it taught valuable lessons, notably that anything worth doing means hard work and if you want change you have to be part of it.

In high school I worked full-time as a telephone operator evenings and weekends. Later on I worked part time at the Tom Uphill Home facility and Sears order office as well as being manager of Kootenay Promotions.

I met Nick on the corner of Second Avenue and 11th Street, just a block up from where we have lived for over forty years. Mom and I were walking home when we met her friend Carmela and her young brother who had arrived from Italy the previous week. I was almost fifteen, Nick six years older. Attired in a grey, finely tailored suit and tie, Italian shoes and gold ring on his pinkie, he was breathtakingly handsome and I fell instantly in love. It took a couple of years for him to notice me but we married four years later. We have four children Julie, Pina, Nicky and Peter and in 1995 added Brandon to our family.

Moving from Fernie was never an option for us as Nick had good jobs first at Elko Mill and then Line Creek Mine. As well both of our families were here. But mostly because we both love Fernie and felt there was no better place to call home.

Over twenty years ago I was asked to write for the Free Press. I’m extremely appreciative of this as it has been an avenue to showcase the contribution to our town by people of all ages as well as to feature profiles of those that tend to stay in the background yet still have such powerful, interesting stories to tell.

In the past couple of years I have also been given opportunity to write for fernie.com. Thanks to Dan Savage this also gives opportunity to showcase businesses, events and individuals from this great little town, as well last year Ian Cobb of e-KNOW provided space to continue my passion for writing about Fernie and its people.

In 1998, Randal Macnair recruited me to co-ordinate Festa Italiana. With my brother’s camera I videotaped everything. Ken Odland, then manager of Monarch Cable offered to edit eight hours of events into two shown often on the Community Channel. He then suggested I produce a show I agreed on the condition that it would be taped out of my home so I could make guests comfortable. This volunteer show is also seen on Shaw Community Channel and fernietv.com.

Ten years ago when it became known that a company wanted to bottle Fernie water by joining directly to our water source my father requested that I do something about it. Dad understood the need to protect water as our home town in Italy often experienced shortages. I had finished reading Blue Gold by Maude Barlow about how companies were ruining water sources in different countries I did research and discovered that although not proven under NAFTA when one company is allowed to bottle the water any number of companies have the right to also bottle water until the source is dry and there is absolutely no recourse legally or otherwise to stop them.

Armed with a petition that Sherry Earl and I had collected signed with 1200 signatures we went before council and presented our opposition. We were met with resistance but Council sought legal advice and hookup to Fernie’s water never proceeded. This resulted in much encouragement for me to run for council. I had also become known for my involvement in doing activist work to bring a dialysis unit to the Elk Valley and helping to organize demonstrations in support of keeping the operating room at our hospital. Who can forget the day Pepper Sterling and I stopped traffic on Highway Three, something I certainly wouldn’t recommend anyone attempting ever again but it got us Canada wide coverage for three days on CTV News Net. I also found that it was easy to get coverage by Alberta and BC television stations for issues such as health care and certainly used my connections to get us as much coverage as possible.

Looking back I never planned to do the work I have done. I have always just acted on a need that I saw in the community and strived to find a solution to it. The volunteer work, the show, the writing, the activism, I saw opportunities to help. Being on council provided even more opportunity. It’s not my nature to be discriminatory so I try to help everyone regardless of who they are or what they believe in. I’m extremely appreciative of opportunity to achieve the Miner’s Walk, beautify the town with flowers and lights or help Home Support recipients to have better service. Being given the privilege to now serve as mayor of the town that I love so passionately is the greatest honour and gift of my life, and I promise not to let anyone down. Thank you to all that supported me. My friends that gave advice and helped with distributing brochures, my sorority sisters that were so supportive in every way, especially Alice, Ellen and Diana, Mary L, Mary M, Helen, Alan, Betty, Keith, Judith, Dennis, thank you so much. Patrick thanks so much for your help with the webpage, Chantel, L’wren, thank you. To everyone your constant support was pivotal to me once I committed to entering the race. My family especially my husband thank you for all your help There are so many that supported me with encouragement, you know I will remember who you are and will never forget your kindness and expression of help. To those that didn’t rest assured that I am here for everyone because it is all of us together that gives strength to the wonderful tapestry that is Fernie.

To everyone who ran for council Congratulations! Regardless of whether you made it to a seat or not you are to be praised for having the courage to run the race.

Thank you to everyone that voted for me, I promise to work diligently to keep Fernie the great place it is for everyone.

I moved here as a child and from the first moment I stepped off the train at the Fernie station and looked around at the magnificent mountains surrounding me it took my breath away and I knew that I was home.

Over five decades and four generations later I still catch my breath as I look at the splendid backdrop of nature that is about us here in the Elk Valley.

Fernie has much to offer those of us who choose to live here. My husband Nick spent 19 years working at the Elko Mill and another 23 at Line Creek Mine. Resource extraction has given us the high quality of life enjoyed by our family of four children, Julie, Pina, Nicky, Peter and later our grandson Brandon.

It is the mining and forestry industries that keep other families appreciating their life here as well although in later years Tourism has been added. I understand how we need to keep stability between resources, nature and tourism so that people can keep jobs, hunt, fish and recreate in our magnificent outdoors.

But we must never lose sight that people are our greatest resource and without a strong population, Fernie could wither. For that reason I believe in community investment and development in order to give it a good economic base and keep it sustainable.

I KNOW that I can provide the leadership required to help Fernie grow, to provide that very important community development needed for growth.

I believe in putting FERNIE FIRST WITH ACTIVISM AND LEADERSHIP

Please read the following to get a glimpse of some of what I have been involved with and accomplished in the past.

This will show in part that I have always put Fernie and its people FIRST with ACTIVISM AND LEADERSHIP.

• Lobbied the provincial government with resident Colleen Ashton for a dialysis unit, I brought constant national and local media attention to those travelling to Alberta or Trail for this lifesaving treatment resulting in a dialysis unit placed at Sparwood Health Centre

• Helped to organize demonstrations in support of health care, specifically keeping the operating room at Elk Valley Hospital, brought local, provincial and national media attention to an event organized by me and Pepper Couelle Sterling that stopped traffic on Highway Three for hours

• Organized a protest with Andrea McKay in support of people being evicted from their apartment homes and brought local and provincial media attention to this issue

• Brought attention to the homeless in Fernie, responsible for securing help for residents in an apartment block when one was behaving in a way that was putting other residents’ health at risk

• Brought constant media attention to the Home Support delivery model in the Elk Valley resulting in a positive change by Interior Health to their scheduling system thereby reducing missed visits

Initiatives

• Initiated a petition of 1200 signatures with Sherry Earl that resulted in stopping the direct hook-up to Fernie’s water source by a water bottling plant (today the City of Fernie has determined that they need a secondary water source in the form of a well, under NAFTA that water bottling plant could have drained Fernie’s source dry without any legal repercussion)

• Initiated a new counter plus another work station for the front City Hall office

• Initiated a Friday opening for Fernie Heritage Library

• Initiated the flower baskets and Christmas decorations for downtown light posts

• Initiated and coordinated the commemorative Fernie stamp and celebration to recognize the 100th anniversary of the 1908 great fire

• Initiated and organized a society to save and rehabilitate the Oil Derrick and the site and is lead person and fundraiser

• A long- time member of the Fernie Miners Walk Society, lead person and main fundraiser

• Initiated the windrow clearing by the City for seniors and people with disabilities

• Was an original founder of Fernie Media Society and initiated a television show on Shaw community Channel Ten also seen on fernietv.com. Has been running for nearly ten years and involved volunteering time, home and refreshments in order to showcase local talent, interests, businesses and accomplishments

• Initiated in council the City sponsored Junior Achievement Award

• Supported strongly formation of the dirt bike jump park

• Has been the constant and active representative to Fernie Family Housing for council working on securing the Tom Uphill Home and turning it into a residence for seniors and those with disabilities

• Was a member of the Fernie Heritage Library board for nine years, then served another six years as the City representative, has organized the annual volunteer dinner for 28 years and contributed table decorations

• Is one of the original members of the Fernie Kid’s Society dedicated to bringing a Boys and Girls club to Fernie and that are now offering subsidies for kids after school care

• A 28 year member of Beta Sigma Phi holding positions of secretary and president

• A 38 year member of the Catholic Women’s League, in the past organized teas and other church events and acting as MC for special events

• Councillor for nine years, serving as an active participant on many committees and boards, notably, Fernie and District Arts, Fernie Heritage Library, Fernie and District Historical Society, Fernie Family Housing, Fernie Gateway Project, Signage Committee, Decorations Committee, Canada Day Committee, Discretionary grants, Liquid Waste Management committee, Pest Management Task Force, George Majic Spiritus Award, Official community Plan Committee, Quality of Life Subcommittee

• Placed a motion to acquire the Hydro building by the City to be used as a museum and info centre, worked with the historical society to make this happen

• Has volunteered time to write biographies and letters for individuals, has constantly volunteered for community events such as coordinating the Festa Italiana in 1998, a year long celebration of events honouring Leonardo da Vinci art and all things Italian in Fernie

• Volunteered annually for the Taste of Fernie, raised money for Griz Most Wanted, was a member of PAC volunteering for school fundraisers, in the class room, organizing grad banquets, and helping with all kids related organizations.

Please call me with questions at 250 423-4009 or email me at mariag@elkvalley.net

Thank you for making time to read this message.

It was ratified on September 16, 1964 after then President Johnson handed over a cheque for 274 million dollars. This agreement is for 60 years which means that by 2024 the Treaty could be terminated. Sessions such as this one are being held throughout the Basin to bring attention, understanding and knowledge on CBT. The conversation needs to begin regarding the question of whether to continue or terminate the Treaty.

Heather Mitchell, program manager and one of the organizer of the water initiatives led by KIndy Gosal, Director of Water and Environment, was on hand to set up the elaborate display of vintage photographs, TV screens, wall displays and information pamphlets and pages. She said that the Columbia Basin Trust partnered with the Regional District of East Kootenay to host day and evening sessions of information to “build awareness about the 1964 Columbia River Treaty between Canada and the US. It was this Treaty that led to the formation of the Koocanusa Reservoir.” CBT is the legacy because under the CRT downstream power benefits from the Libby Dam accrue to the country where the benefit occurs. This means Canada keeps the benefits derived here and the US does the same. CRT requires that the downstream benefits be shared equally; this is called the “Entitlement”.

Although the information presented was really interesting for me the most fascinating part of the afternoon was meeting with some of the residents and reading the South Country History book. According to the book “The actions of the provincial and federal governments of the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’ were unkind, unfair, unjust and uncalled for”. The US long wanted to control the waterway, wanting to have power/flood control dams at Mica Creek, High Arrow Lake and Duncan Lake at Mica Creek and a fourth one on the Kootenay at Libby, Montana. This involved 17,600 acres of agricultural river bottom land extending 70 kilometers north of the border to the mouth of the Bull River, just upstream from Wardner, removing this land from productivity as well as displacing many residents from their ancestral homes.” The book goes on to say that survey pins appeared in 1949 indicating advanced plans and by 1957 showed detailed US planning while there was a lack of planning and knowledge by BC and Canada.

Many cases of BC lands were flooded before the price was even negotiated while the Americans received information constantly and fair market value for their lands. “They made our people wait and put the screws to them”. Tommy Douglas of the NDP said “we are selling our birthright to sharp Yankee traders.” The people continued to fight for fair compensation but finally quit for health and emotional reasons. Ernie Desrosiers, Heath Slee and Dennis Dilts stand staring at the vintage photos of land and river. Ernie looks at the ranch he used to own. They reminisce about the fishing. Dennis says that they used grayling on triple hooks to fish for ling during a dark moon. On a full moon they would fish for bull trout. “A hole would be chopped and a net worked across the river, the fish caught would last all summer”. Heath says fish were like a “swarm” back then and Dennis comments that fish would be pickled. “Italians used to come and fish here, Albert Carolei, did you know him, he came here to fish. There was sturgeon here too”. Heath says the water destroyed the fishery.

We look at the large photo of the Waldo school. Dennis laughs and says, “there was a 100 kids in that school. There were windows in the front and no windows in the back. It was like a prison in the back side. It was dark, the bad asses played behind the school, you had to be tough, the sissies went in the front”. He jokes that the kids from the front ended up being teachers and lawyers while the ones from the back ended up working the land or doing labour work. I comment that it must be sad to look at those photos of how their communities used to be before the water covered them. “It’s heartbreaking” Dennis replies softly. It’s obvious in the men’s faces and tone of voice that time doesn’t heal all. Heath says that they should have a museum here to preserve the history, something that was promised long ago but not followed up on.

Many promises were broken, “we did finally get the Bailey bridge and the boat launch” Dennis says. Adding “but CBT failed us, money came from the suffering of the people so some of that money should be put back here, we were told they would put customs in Newgate, now it’s so too far away,” Heath adds that this was some of the best productive farmland, Flagstone, Waldo, those were thriving areas.

There could be changes in water management after 2024. If CRT is terminated or continues under different conditions the water level and flows could change “affecting the aesthetic, archaeology sites, erosion and flooding, fish, navigation, power generation and recreation” states the info sheet. A stable water level means “real estate, jobs, construction, and having Lake Koocanusa takes the pressure off the smaller lakes. Some provisions of the CRT would remain in place as long as the dams exist even if the CRT is terminated. ”Termination can be given notice after 2014 however termination will not take effect until at least ten years after the date of notice and either county may give notice earlier than 2014 but 2024 is the earlist date for termination.

Check out online information sessions on October 26 and November 23 at 10:00 a am and 7:30 pm at www.cbt/crt. Or call 1 800 505 8998 for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.