Last years recipient for Area F, Paul Stewart

The last day for nominations to The Regional District of East Kootenay for its annual Volunteer of
the Year Appreciation Awards will be soon upon us.
Every year, the Regional District honours one outstanding volunteer from each of its six
Electoral Areas through the Electoral Area Volunteer Appreciation Awards and nomination
forms are now available.
“Volunteers are the driving force behind so many organizations and projects, particularly in
the rural communities in our region,” says RDEK Board Chair, Norman Walter. “This is our
opportunity to recognize the significant contribution all volunteers make and to pay tribute to
six special individuals.”
Nominees must be a resident of an Electoral Area and make voluntary contributions to the
spirit, culture or people of the community.
Nomination forms can be picked up at the Cranbrook and Columbia Valley RDEK offices,
from the Chairs of the Electoral Area Advisory Commissions and various community
associations.
The deadline for nominations is this Friday, February 27, 2009.

Winners will be notified in April and welcomed to an Appreciation Dinner to accept their award.

Yesterday’s Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay made it’s way through Fairmont and exceeded everyone’s expectations!  The turnout was incredible, the numbers higher than anyone would have anticipated.  Between eager locals, those timeshare visitors lucky enough to visit this week, and the folks enjoying a day of parties, making their way down the valley along with the torch, things were hoppin’.

Things kicked off with a free BBQ with burgers and ‘dogs… culminating with the first ever hotdog eating contest, which came to a gagging, belching end with perfect timing allowing just enough time for everyone to gather to meet the torch.

I don’t know the names of the bearers (names to come later?!) but it was a joyous moment in Fairmont history.

Word on the street is that Fairmont enjoys the honour of being one of the most festive locations that was merely a run-through.  The tour expects such fan-fare at the organized stops such as Invermere and other larger centres where the torch actually stops accompanied by dignitaries.  We surprised them with so many people along with a raucous celebration at a mere passing.

So there.

The winner:  Down-the-Hatch Stringer of Fairmont.

The passing of the torch.

The Fairmont Torch Relay.  With the passing of the official torch, approximately 30 local kids made their way up, with the help of Fairmont’s Bruce Halford, to the ski hill for more celebrations, night skiing and fun races.

The lighting of Fairmont’s own official caldron at the feet of the new inukshuk, anthem and all!

The torch parade…

Olympic Torch Festivities

The Fairmont Business Association met Tuesday, January 12th downstairs in the Lodge at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort.

The meeting began with Staff Sergeant Marko, of our local RCMP detachment, offering insights and priorities in Valley law enforcement.

Primary concerns of those in attendance revolved around issues of transportation here in Fairmont, specifically more strongly enforcing the current speed limit of 80km/hr.

It was a relief to learn that drug issues are limited to cocaine and marijuana as opposed to the frighteningly horrendous crystal meth.  According to Staff Sergeant Marko our local kids have been effectively put off meth thanks to the graphic media campaign.  Drug activity and alcohol abuse continue to be of ongoing concern to the detachment and community alike.

His own findings thus far in speaking to various groups valley wide are that people are interested in stronger enforcement as well as knowing more about the work of our local detachment.

The FBA meeting was officially called to order close to 8:30 where the upcoming Olympic Torch Relay Festivities dominated conversation.  Thanks to the efforts of several local business people, the inukshuk now stands tall at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Family Ski Area.

Costs have been kept down as everyone has stepped up to offer venues, resources and a lot of effort to see that a wonderful weekend is anticipated.

Fairmont Hot Springs Festivities Celebrating Olympic Torch Relay 2010

Fairmont Hot Springs truly comes alive throughout the entire weekend as they celebrate this historic event with various events, from the simple to the gala.  Beginning at noon on Friday, January 22^nd, 2010, along with kids activities and music, the community will await the Olympic Torch as Mountainside Market hosts a free BBQ with burgers, hotdogs and warm and cold drinks- be sure to get your spot in the hotdog-eating contest!

Throughout the afternoon the Farside Inn Neighbourhood Pub will host a lively Beer Garden as Smoking Waters Café (from 9am to 4pm) presents a Local Artist Display, featuring the remarkable talent of Fairmont Hot Springs and the Columbia Valley.

At 1:30pm there will be a First Nations Presentation in traditional dance and drums to welcome the flame.  Shortly after 2pm the flame is expected to make its way past whereupon twenty Valley elementary school students will relay a community flame the 10 kilometres up to Fairmont Hot Springs Family Ski Area to a party of night skiing and game-themed events, where food and beverages will be available.  The local favourites, the Halfsacks will offer live music beginning at 7pm.

Saturday sees a whole new day of Olympic Torch Relay festive events, as the Local Artist Display continues at Smoking Waters Café and various events and ice carving continue at the Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Family Ski Hill.

There is a choice of themed dining options that evening as The Resort offers a the family friendly Great Canadian Buffet at Mountain Flowers Dining Room and the Hoodoo Grill makes Fairmont history with the Fire & Ice Gala Dinner.

Don’t forget a touch of red for this black tie event: an evening of pure elegance at the Hoodoo Grill with guest chef Patrick Sinclair and his personally-prepared nine-course meal.  In addition to a silent auction to raise funds for future local community events, former Olympian bobsleigh competitor Doug Anakin, featured speaker, will offer his unique perspective on competitive sport.

Check out the menu! Tickets are going fast so be sure to call 250.345.2166 to reserve yours.  Space is limited.

On Sunday, following a community pancake breakfast and live music from 8am to 11 at Smoking Waters Café, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Family Ski Area hosts some of Canada’s best young competitors in the annual Helen Bavin Race.

Find the full weekend itinerary here.

Canal Flats will welcome the torch in its last stop in the Windermere Valley.

The Canal Flats 2010 Olympic Torch Relay Festival kicks off with the Mini Olympics and a 3-on-3 hockeygame at 1pm followed by a free public skate at 3pm.

If you’re handy with duct tape be sure to enter the Duct Tape Bobsled Race.  With a partner some duct tape, cardboard and your favourite sled, skis or skate blades make your own bobsled for the obstacle course on the arena ice at 4pm.  Prizes will be awarded.

Beginning at 5pm, warm up at the Civic Centre for free refreshments (hot dog, hot chocolate, coffee/tea, cake and more!) while you enjoy a showcase of local talent with the Variety Show at the Civic Centre.  If you can sing, play an instrument or even do some good karaoke, it’s all about you!

Residents will be contributing to a Time Capsule, capturing current history, culture, trends and special memories of life in Canal Flats in 2010.

At 7pm the celebration comes to a close with the Awards Ceremony and the sealing of the time capsule, which will be sealed for the next 50 years!

There is also an Artwork Contest, featuring local artists of all mediums.  Submissions will be on display at the Village Office for voting by the public and an Olympic themed prize will be presented at the Awards Ceremony.

If you would like more information, please contact the Village Office at 250-349-5462.

It is shaping up to be quite a weekend of Olympic and community spirit throughout the valley and you don’t have to travel far to take in one festive event or another.

Photo by Lloyd Wilder

Fairmont resident, Sue Coy, stands beside the inukshuk she and her husband, Lloyd Wilder, both of DeCoy Landscaping, helped donate time, machinery and effort to build in honour of the Olympic Torch Relay celebrations taking place in Fairmont throughout the weekend of January 22nd.

Standing over nine feet tall, the inukshuk finds its new home adjacent the chalet at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Family Ski Area.

The rocks were generously donated by Rock Core Mines of Cranbrook, BC.  They were moved and assembled by DeCoy Landscaping of Fairmont and the pad was provided by John Wood and Kootenay Cribbing.

Cranbrook, BC –  Jeff Chynoweth, General Manager of the Kootenay ICE Hockey Club, today announced that the ICE will be partnering up with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada (CCFC) to raise money for research in hopes of finding a cure for the diseases.

On Friday, January 29^th when the ICE host the Prince Albert Raiders, the team will be using yellow sticks during warm up and in the first period of the game.  The sticks will be auctioned off in a silent auction during the game behind Section U with all money raised going to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation to aid in research.  The winning bidders will receive their yellow sticks after the game from the ICE Players.^th or for any other upcoming events please email Tisha Simpkins at tsimpkins@CCFC.ca

Facts about Crohn’s and Colitis:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) includes two similar yet distinct conditions called Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
• One in every 160 Canadians have IBD
• Most people are diagnosed before the age of 30
• Crohn’s can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus and cannot be cured by drugs or surgery
• Colitis affects the inner layer of the colon or large bowel and can be eliminated by surgically removing parts of the colon
• The University of Calgary Research facilities are world class and one of the largest in North America

Tickets to the game on Friday, January 29^th at 7:00 pm are on sale now at the Kootenay ICE Office and Kootenay Collectibles.

The new billboards leading to Fairmont have illicited a fair bit of curiosity from residents and visitors alike.

If you visit the website, ilovefairmonthotsprings.com, perhaps you’ll find the answers to your questions.  I Love Fairmont Hot Springs is a new campaign, currently underwritten by the Residences of Fairmont Ridge, launched to get people, near and far, talking about not only the new development but our community.  It’s an attempt to allow visitors and of course, potential buyers, a fresh perspective on the wonders of our area.

The campaign has been launched with a photo contest offering great prizes, such as the grand prize, The Big 60- 60 golf rounds, 60 ski passes, 60 pool passes- to be presented when the contest closes Valentine’s Day, 2010. The campaign will continue through various events and partnerships, such as the Fairmont Business Association as well as other entities, corporate and media both locally and beyond, ultimately intended to be a well-rounded online presence promoting the community and local businesses  Go have a visit.  Enter the contest!

Plans in Motion for Olympic Torch Festivities

First off, local business people, please be sure to join us at 7pm in the lobby at The Lodge at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort on Wednesday, December 2nd, for our Annual Christmas Social.  Lots of fun, with great company and good cheer!

At the November meeting, Jason Hardy of marketing firm Chatterson Drive, and Sheena Rogers of Marble Canyon, introduced the Association to the new “I Love Fairmont Hot Springs”campaign, a new effort underwritten by The Residences at Fairmont Ridge development to promote a renewed sense of community, encouraging business and growth for the community of Fairmont.

Plans continue for the festivities surrounding the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Torch Relay, which is sure to include activities following the torch run on Friday, January 22nd and a gala event at The Hoodoo Grill on Saturday, January 23rd.  Details about the weekend will be announced next month.

A new batch of Map Pads will soon be available for businesses to distribute to clientele and visitors.  Some Fairmont Limited Edition Keepsake Ornaments still remain, so please get yours- they make great gifts- in time for Christmas.   It’s looking to be an eventful winter, with several fun activities and events in the cooker, so come out and be a part of it!      The next meeting will be in the New Year. If you would like any other information on membership or the activities of the FBA, please contact President, Lloyd Wilder, at lewilder@shaw.ca.

Fairmont Hot Springs Limited Edition Ornament- Holland Barn

With Christmas just around the corner, now’s the perfect  time to get your own Fairmont Hot Springs Limited Edition Keepsake Ornament featuring prominent local historic landmark, Holland Barn.shirts and coffee cups.  It’s a wonderful gift for anyone who has visited our area and even better for those of us who live here and would enjoy such a unique representation of this fantastic place we call home!

With few of the 500 left in circulation, this Limited Edition Ornament is only $10.00, a great value with all pro- ceeds raised go to the Fairmont Business Association to benefit local community initiatives.

Any retailers wishing to carry ornaments in time for Christmans, may contact Diana at  Fairmont Village Gift Shop or call  250-345-6133.            This is truly a collector’s item, so be sure to check local Fairmont      retailers for supply.

Get your Fairmont Keepsake now!

In fact, it was a weekend.  A chilly one in early November, where local firefighters from Fairmont and Windermere boned up on the ins and outs- literally!- of Vehicle Extrication.

With a lot full of old cars, a couple of trucks and a tool belt of hydraulic powered rescue equipment the group of ten gathered near the Fairmont airport for three days of intensive Vehicle Extrication Training.

Our local department boasts not only a new truck, loaded with all the bells and whistles to facilitate efficient and ef-fective fire and rescue response, but also the highly spec-ialized, and expensive collection of equipment that comprises the “Jaws of Life”.

Now there is a full roster of firefighters certified to use it.  Under the knowledgable leadership of accredited Educator in Emergency Technologies, Gordon Sweetnam of Calgary, the men learned how to safely and efficiently conduct rescues in various scenarios of motor vehicle accidents.  Included in the training was a focus on teamwork with an important emphasis on safety.

A trainee takes charge with the Jaws of Life to make the (simulated) rescue.

Recruits were thoroughly familiarized with the steps required in approaching any scene:  Assess the scene, assess the vehicle concluding the best way to stabilize the vehicle to gain safe entry thereby offering safe access to stabilize the patient.

Through the many scenarios, all of the participants were given extensive experience in operating the necessary equipment:  Cutter, Spreader and Ram.    Hydraulic powered, the equipment which now finds its home on the new truck, is efficient in size and speed allowing for fast access to any scene.

After three full days, getting a thorough run-through in theory and practice, each of the participants emerged not only better prepared for possible accident scenes, but with a Certification in the important work of Vehicle Extrication.

The crew, and victim, near the end of a successful training.

In other Department news, a new Training Officer has been assigned.  Drew Sinclair begins formally mid-December, when he will work with the Department to continually assess the training needs.  In addition to other formal training, Mr. Sinclair will participate every Thursday evening keeping members prepared and improving, in preparation for first more effective first response to various scenarios they might encounter.