March 2012 | The Local Townie News - I Heart Golden

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 MARCH 2012 The greaTesT pleasure in life is doing whaT people say you cannoT do.

FREE

Towny PRoFilEs TowniE TEch ARTisT PRoFilE

TouRism GoldEn

TowniE cREATivE

FAcEbook.com/ThElocAlTowniE

locAl ARTs

locAl hERo music & musEs

locAl lovE

snow REPoRT

TowniE mAyoR

coFFEE GEAR & bEER

Welcome to the First Issue of the Local Townie News Magazine. It has been a long ride since this idea came into my head while I was guiding on the Nahanni River in the NWT last summer. This project started out as a coffee-news concept, but over time, saw amazing support from friends, our community, and especially the Golden and area business community. If it wasn’t for advertising with us, this magazine would have not been in your paws.

Our first issue’s theme is I heart Golden. If people heart New York, then why can’t we. I have lived here for six years and I agree with the residents of Golden. We love this town. I hear it every day from the liftees at the Gondola, to born-and-raised locals, to tourists. I have never heard that our community is not lovable. Yes, we may lack some services, gas prices are literally highway robbery, but our community spirit is rich: we roll with the punches and get to action for what we need in our town. It’s about you and our community.

This magazine will inspire and make you smile, ponder new ideas and have a call to action for new ventures within our community to help make it stronger. We hope that your feedback will drive our magazine to success. Please visit our Facebook page, join twitter and look out for our website coming soon.

We have many ideas and so many things to share with you: the Local Townie. Sometimes we may miss a couple small details. We are only human. We do strive for excellence and to bring an organic, community-driven product to Golden. Please let us know of any thing we missed and you may win a prize from one our advertisers. Look near the back for more details on how to claim your awesome prize.

To belong to a community you have to be part of a community. Our commun-ity calendar will grow and evolve. We want to engage our community members to be more active through our broad range of interests from the rotary club to army cadets to backcountry races. We have many social organisations involved in music, arts and other services that are important to our unique culture.

Please feel free to write to us with your ideas and opinions. Write to us even if you don’t like us. We don’t mind and will try to make you love us. Your feedback is essential to keep this magazine about you and our community. Please enjoy our, articles, recipes, artist and everything in-between. And remember to have fun and play!

PUBLISHER ~ KRIS KING [email protected] 250-439-7123

CONTRIBUTOR ~ LESLIE ADAMS: After 20+ years in Golden. My greatest fear is that someone will ask me “what do you do?” I never know the answer to this simplest of questions. I am a certified life coach, an entrepreneur, a social justice advocate, I love the environment and dogs. I have worked for the government. I sometimes try to teach people. I am very curious. I love the Golden ability to walk or ride my bike everywhere with my dog, the beautiful scenery and the laid-back, friendly culture. But what I love most about living in here is that it takes forever to do anything because there are so many awesome people to chat with along the way.

LOCAL CREATIVE ~ SARAH OSADETz: Ski and pilates instructor, artist, book selling aficionado, graphic design student and contributor at large. Experiences, experimentation, ideas and concepts are her thing. With this in mind, Sarah keeps herself on her toes, puts everything in perspective and throws it into the mix to learn a little more. She has been known to write a few lines and design a few ads for local publications—past, present and future. Living and working in Golden for 12 years, she keeps her life balanced weaving, swaying and bending between adventure, nature, working and living here.

CONTRIBUTOR ~ ALAINA LUITING: I’ve lived in Golden for over a year now and I’ve loved every minute of it. I love all of the talented people, I love the hill and I love the endless variety of things to do here. It’s nice being able to walk around town and speak to people you don’t know—that would never happen in the city. I may just stay in Golden forever!

MUSIC & MUSES ~ TODD MENzIES: I love Gold-en because you can go to the bar with ripped jeans, work boots and a plaid jacket and pick up the hottest girl in town ‘cause she’s wearin’ the same thing. I also love how supportive eve-ryone is and the fact that I can live in a small town and make a living playing music.

TOWNIE TECH ~ LUKE NICHOLS: Luke traded the sun and sand of Australia for the snow and mountains of Golden—and he has not looked back. Luke runs Purcell IT, a local computer repair business, but his true passion is making sure that his driveway is shoveled before his neighbour’s.

CONTRIBUTOR ~ FELIx VIAU: If not adventuring, skiing, biking, climbing or finding other mischief, Felix spends his time working between Oman, Northern Saskatchewan and, occasionally, Golden. He is basically saving lives—of people drilling for oil. He can also be found laughing with friends, chasing beautiful ladies and dreaming of a better world.

BACKCOUNTY COOK ~ ISAAC KAMINK: He is powered by adrenaline, the respect of his surroundings and a good beer. He spends most of his time in mountains cooking for stoked stash-seekers or guiding people down the mighty Kicking Horse River looking for the ride of their life.

CONTRIBUTOR ~ KORY MONTEITH: After a short visit to Golden one summer I fell in love with the people and the mountains. I finished school and out I came. I started my business in Golden and was welcomed with tremendous support. I am truly blessed to live in such an amazing community.

EDITOR ~ SEAN NYILASSY (Rookie): An eye for detail. An an insatiable desire to get rad on his skis. A thirst for coffee, gear and beer. He is not one for many spoken words. His humour is quick. He may be the oldest Rookie around town.

AD DESIGN ~ BARBARA ULRICH: Travels across big waters and distances half way around the world have brought me to Golden some time ago. Golden is where we play; outside and inside—music, sports and lively games. We know what matters, when the time is right to goof around and when we need to be serious about life. We are lucky to call Golden home.

locAl TowniEs

Traveln’ ToWnie ~ CLAUDINE ST-CYR PREMONT: I was born in Macao, China. i was adopted at nine months by my parents from Québec City where I spent most of my life. i made Golden my new home six years ago because of what the mountains have to offer. Passionate about outdoor activities, i enjoy living in such a charming community. as a worker at the top of KHMr, visitors always tell me that my office is a great place to work.

puBlished By epic MounTain life eVenTs and serVices po BoX 2673 golden Bc Voa 1ho 250-439-7123 [email protected]

3 Charge it to the gamepuBlished By epic MounTain life eVenTs and serVices po BoX 2673 golden Bc Voa 1ho 250-439-7123 [email protected]

locAl hERocats are still a problem within our community. This is the root cause to this epidemic of the feral cat population. “Our space is limited. Our concern first is the feral population and the feral kittens. We hope that people will use constructive resources for unwanted pets avail-able in the community.” The eventual goal of this program is to grow to

take in other wildlife, but, until the problem is under control, our feline friends are the first and only priority.

Alannah and Corey spend their time snowboarding, dirt biking and caring for these felines. “This summer, I will be having my wedding here in Golden,” she gleams. “I want my friends and family to feel the sense of community that Golden offers me. Don’t get me wrong. I left an amazing group of family and friends back home in Newmarket, Ontario, but Golden just feels right.”

Alannah’s schedule is busy, juggling two jobs and her 100 per-cent volunteered time with Little Mittens. At the moment, they are in need of more cash to help pay for the already subsided spaying, neutering, immunisations and operational expenses. In the beginning they used a lot of their own money to fund their program, however, it does take a community to help bring this problem under control.

If you would like to donate to this cause, phone Alannah Duffy at 250-439-0279 or email [email protected].

~ KRIS KING

Alannah Duffy has been part of the Golden community since 2007. She is our first local hero for her work as the co-creator of Little Mittens Animal Rescue, with support from an outstanding, kitten-coddling team of Dianne Slater, Jamie Crawford, Sylvia Verhaeghe, Petra Nott, Hillary Dorst, Tammy Fitzgerald, Veronica King and her ever-patient fiancee Corey Knapp.

Alannah came to Golden after graduating from the Fish and Wildlife program at Sir Sanford Flemming College. With the lure of the mountain lifestyle and the Northern Lights Wolf Centre, Alannah settled in just right. “I love being outside and the beauty, cheesy I know,” she says with a giggle. “The mountains are alive to me. I think they have a mind of their own. I don’t know how to explain it, but I know now to respect Mother Nature. Golden feels right to me. It feels welcoming and people work together to get things done. I have met people that think small towns are not the right place to raise a family, but I think not.”

She was drawn in by the actions of honest and caring people in this community. Eventually she returned the favor and recognised the problem with feral feline friends in Golden. With the cooperation of Dianne Slater and many supporters they formed Little Mittens Animal Rescue. The team started with dona-tions from local businesses, community members and generous individuals. They gathered food, raised funds and built a shelter with a little construction know-how from Corey. He also helps by driving Alannah to the vet; she is a scaredy cat to drive the big truck on the highway.

Little Mittens’ catch, immunize, spay or neuter, and release to the urban wild method is not a new concept. Alannah states “It wasn’t their fault that they were born in that environment. But if we spay or neuter and immunize the feline, and they go back to their colony, then they help control their colonies territory, thus controlling the population. The average feral cat has a life span of about two years. Most cats die of diseases, freezing or starva-tion. After we release the feline back to their colony we monitor their food and water, though if we find kittens we remove them from the colony and get them ready for adoption.”

Kittens that are found in our townie jungle are sometimes taken in when the weather turns cold. Alannah and Corey’s spare bathroom doubles as an incubation area with regular bottle feed-ings. With the careful advice and care instructions of the vet, eventually these kittens are ready for adoption. “People from Calgary are calling for adoptions. It is like everything: The more we grow the more animals we can help.”

Many businesses in Golden are giving donations and time to help out Little Mittens. Cats to Cattle are their lifeline, helping with the adoption process by matching owners to kittens. The Riverhouse Tavern and the Island Restaurant donate their empty bottles for cash funds and gift certificates for prizes during fund-raisers. The Wolf Centre allows Alannah to bring young kittens to work so she can bottle feed them and monitor their health. “It’s great that people who we don’t even know now drop by the Mad Trapper Pub to drop off food and litter,” she says.

Little Mittens Animal Rescue is currently working with the community to secure a permanent location. The Columbia Basin Trust has donated over $3000 and the Golden Initiatives Foundation donated $1400. Their success rate is a testament to these donations with over 30 adoptions, a 97 percent rate of capture-release and no new kitten broods in sight. Alannah does stress that strays from irresponsible owners who abandon their

5

~ KRIS KING

Tourism is one of three major pillars to our local economy. Tourism Golden, our local destination Marketing Organization, is funded by a two-percent provincially administered Hotel Tax and led by Les Margetak, Chairman of the board of directors. Margetak and his team are in charge of attracting and retaining future tourists from near and far to our epic mountain town. They work through various initiatives and are following up on new trends, hoping to increase tourism by 15 percent in five years.

The Tourism Golden team has also identified some community-wide growing pains too. Margetak and his team’s commitment to our community is strong and his passion for the successful growth of our community came alive in a recent interview. Margetak and his family arrived in Golden in 2000. They purchased a property in the Blaeberry Valley. “We really wanted some land and acreage in the mountains,” Margetak said. “We enjoyed what Golden had access to in the area. We fell in love our new property, however, it is not so easy to get things that you need. But the small busi-nesses in Golden do take better care of their customers. Their reputation and integrity are genuine. There is much more of sense of community in Golden.”

Margetak was inspired to join Tourism Golden after being on the board of directors for the Golden Golf Course. “I was inter-ested in enhancing Golden and Golden-based businesses. Tourism Golden is good for the community,” he explained. “[Golden is] moving from a logging-based economy to a tourism-based, and I want to help plan our communities future.”

Tourism Golden’s team has been keeping a close eye on the recession. The Hotel Tax funding Tourism Golden receives is a good benchmark of how tourism is doing in our community. “Our funding is pretty comparable [to 2010], however compared to four or five years ago we’re down considerably,” Margetak said. Some new trends that Tourism Golden has identified are a positive outlook. “Compared to 2008 there is a big trend to book a trip last minute as [the tourists] are hoping for a better price. People are starved to travel. People are starting to spend again.”

In our conversation we discussed road blocks to potential tourists and the strength of the Canadian dollar compared to the US dollar. “To Europeans we are not as inexpensive as we were before. But we are still laughably inexpensive compared to tourism in Europe. We are a safe country and polite,” Margetak explained. According to him one roadblock for our short-haul visitors is “our gas prices are too expensive. It hurts tourism. If

TouRism GoldEnyou don’t fill up in Revelstoke you have to fill up here. If you are frequent traveller then you know not to fill up in Golden. You can drive from Kamloops to Calgary on one tank and you will see a 20 cent increase in fuel in Golden. That’s huge.”

Margetak also identified “there is no safe way to get to town from the highway strip; we are lacking safe sidewalks, and accessibility. We need to investigate how to fund a shuttle from the highway to the town core.” Another concern was downtown shops close too early compared to other tourist-based towns.

With the negatives come a lot of positives and potential for Golden’s tourism future. “Tourists are expecting and looking for an authentic experience in our community. They ride local moun-tain bike trails that are not highly published. They enjoy how the locals are sharing their secret powder stashes. We need to cap-italise on our backcountry unmaintained hiking trails. We need to sell ourselves more, and sell this authentic experience,” Margetak feels. There is also strong shift for the soft explorer as our aging population expands. “They are not in the backcountry, but they still want to get out to the cross country track or observe ice climbing. This aging demographic is those folks who have expend-able income. They are retired, semi-retired, and have sold their house to downgrade. They are looking for something different. Our next task to find what percentage is that group of people.”

There is a lot of progress happening right now in Golden and Area: The highway is improving everyday; the town has received new funding to improve the visuals on the highway to encour-age people to stop and explore Golden; Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort’s new parent company, have a strong marketing power to draw tourists to Golden; we are attracting many new Albertans to resettle here in Golden. Overall the outlook for tourism in Golden is positive and successful. It is our community attitude to be the town of opportunity.

tough times don’t last tough people do

~ CLAUDINE ST-CYR PREMONT

Claudine is a 28-year-old native of Quebec. She moved to Golden in 2006 and has been working as a server and bartender at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort ever sincd. In her spare time she enjoys skiing and downhill mountain biking. Her travels recently took her to Morocco. There she witnessed the rippling effects of a recent revolution dubbed the Arab Spring while volunteering to teach French to locals.

For most of us living in Canada, Sat., Dec. 18, 2010 was not a meaningful or crucial date. On our minds were the holidays, Christmas shopping, powder days, ski vacations and celebrations. In another part of the world, that date marked the beginning of a wave of hope and change. Their reality was far from ours: the atmosphere was not as festive. Their quest was to eliminate human rights violations, govern-ment corruption, dictatorship, extreme poverty, unemployment and economic decline.

These factors inspired people from the Middle East and north Africa to raise their voice. They demonstrated their dissatisfaction regarding the civil, social and political state of their nation. Resignations and announce-ments of intention to step down from some government leaders followed.

Last fall, I spent six weeks in Morocco and definitely felt the echo of the Arab Spring. Modernity and traditions are closely attached in this North African country. As a modern society, freedom of speech, women’s empowerment, reconciliation with victims of arbitrary exile or imprisonment, and government adjustments are keys to lead Morocco to a serene and prosperous future. King Mohammed VI announced a series of constitutional reforms that would reduce some of his political and religious responsibilities and lead to a democratic constitution and a par-liamentary monarchy. But, with a population of almost 32.4 mil-lion living in an area five percent of the size of Canada, Morocco faces a lot of challenges. Education is a challenge I was directly

TRAvEl’n TowniEaffected by during my trip.

Education has a significant role in any country: with know-ledge, skills and values, people have a better understanding of their environment and culture and are more likely to be actively involved in their society. In 2008, the adult literacy rate in Morocco was 56.4 percent and 9.6 percent of its population was unemployed, directly reducing access to information and tools necessary for financial, social and personal growth. Volunteering at a learning center in Takadoum, 20 minutes away from the capital, Rabat, I felt that I was helping people in their pursuit of building a better future in Morocco. French functions as the language of business, government and diplomacy and is spoken by 80 percent of the population. However not everyone has learned how to write and read French at school.

With eight dirham—or 0.88 Canadian dollars—for the Grand Taxi ride and my house key in my pocket, I headed to Takadoum to teach French every weekday. I was told not to bring anything else to avoid attracting thieves and problems. I had to walk through the crowded, dusty and polluted local market to get to the learning center. Every time I heard pray-ers from the Mosque beside the learning center, I had to stop my lessons and let the students pray. I taught anything from the alphabet with some adults who had never held a pen or been to school, to expressive speech with a group of young Muslim women. Students were pleased to see a foreigner interested in their culture and country. Teachers were also appre-ciative to receive help, support and to observe a different teaching approach. The happiest person in

fact was me. Receiving such admiration and love was rewarding.

Coming back from Morocco, I certainly value our freedom and lifestyle. In Golden, I can dress in a way that nobody will find offensive. I am encouraged to give my opinion and be politically involved. If I want to start a new career, I can find the resources and support to achieve my goals. I can practise many outdoor activities within a few kilometres. I know that people try to reduce their impact on the environment. Passion for nature is something that we love to share and demonstrate.

Most of all, I strongly believe Golden is a town of opportunity because there is always room for dreams, new ideas and hope.

7

~ LESLIE ADAMS

On a bitterly cold January day in Golden, I had the opportun-ity to sit down with our mayor, Christina Benty, to ask her a few questions. Over a gourmet lunch of healthy soup, prosciutto wrapped melons and a delicious dessert, which she prepared and cooked for me, Christina transmitted enthusiasm regarding her favourite topic: the community of Golden.

Does Her Worship heart Golden? You bet your boots she does.

One of the greatest parts of the mayor’s job is promoting the town. She receives a lot of positive feedback from outside the community. Other municipalities have been very impressed by all of our ongoing initiatives. Visitors to Golden are struck by our residents’ spirit of volunteerism, friendliness and authenticity.

Christina is a passionate mayor. She “loves the energy, the can-do pioneering spirit, that people who want to get something done don’t wait for other people to do it. They make things happen.” She says “people or organizations see a need in the community because they can’t always rely on the government doing it or it happening in the next town 10 minutes away. It’s got to happen here and people come to pass.” She mentioned Cliff Markham, who wanted to have a film festival here, so organized partners and put it together. Now, three years later, 800 attended the Golden Film Festival, which featured several local films.

Our mayor states that “it’s really exciting to be a leader at a time when there is so much potential.” Recently, she was invited to speak at a conference on Salt Spring Island, talking about our local Bike Share Initiative. “We are a resilient community because we are independent and self-sufficient, we can’t wait for someone else to do it, so people create opportunities themselves. There is so much potential in this town, some of it untapped.”

Christina says she is “absolutely floored” by how much work local volunteers do. She was invited to the Skating Carnival; all she had to do was sing Oh Canada, while behind the scenes there were “all these people making this fantastic show happen.”

On a less positive note, Christina was discouraged with the last election and voter turnout. “I don’t know why people don’t

TowniE mAyoRvote in civic elections, it is so important,” she stressed. “I don’t know what we have to do to make people understand. Local government is the closest government to the people and has the most influence in their day-to-day lives.” She reminded me that local government has control over many things we use everyday from flushing the toilet, filling our kettle for tea or coffee to whether we have walking paths or venues to hold cultural events. She suggested it is disappointing that people don’t take advan-tage of the opportunity to choose the leaders who ensure these systems run effectively and smoothly.

Aside from voting, important as that is, to participate in the municipal decision making processes, Christina indicates that the best way is to communicate. “Talk to your mayor and councillors, tell them what you think.” She expressed that it is most frustrat-ing when, all of a sudden, people are annoyed with a decision that council made, but there was no feedback while the planning or discussion was underway.

So what qualifies this dynamic individual to be our commun-ity’s top representative? “I did study political science at univer-sity, however I don’t think that necessarily makes me qualified. I think what makes me qualified is that I am passionate about the community and I am passionate about good quality leadership,” Christina explained. “I also listen to the people around me and constantly try to develop skills.” She stressed her fascination with governance and she fosters her knowledge through reading and studying leadership.

She was also clear that she is not alone in the job. “I’m surrounded by fantastic people who help me, a lot of great people who support and make my job easier,” she said. “I don’t do this by myself.” Specifically, she mentioned the staff at the town and the other members of town council who keep her sharp.

The rare moments when Christina is not in her role as mayor, she enjoys running, reading, drinking wine, hanging out with her friends, cooking—as demonstrated by our delicious lunch—and connecting with people. She emphasized, “the thing that gives me the most pleasure in life is connecting, like having good conversations with people.” She also has fun with her family and kids, weight training and riding her bike. In the winter, she appre-ciates opportunities to cross-country ski and run outside.

To talk to Mayor Benty or your other representatives, look under Local Government then Contacts at www.golden.ca. Please share your ideas with them, they’re happy to hear from you.

for a good cause wrongdoing may be virtous

~ TODD MENzIES

Fire Vixen Tattoos, one of Golden’s new-est stores, is owned and operated by Sarah Eastick and Craig Smith. They cur-rently reside in Invermere, BC where Fire Vixen’s main shop is located.

A second location in Golden was an easy decision for Sarah and Craig: Nik Hylo, their second professional tattoo artist, lives here with his family and a local store owner had an ideal space for them, it just made sense.

Both from Ontario originally, the allure of the mountains and lifestyle of BC was hard to resist. They traveled around Canada look-ing for the perfect location to open up shop and Invermere won their hearts. Opening their doors there in May 2011, Fire Vixen experienced an unexpected rush of clientele and soon hired Nik to accommodate the demand.

Fire Vixen’s Golden grand opening was Dec. 13, 2011 with a meet-and-greet at the store, followed by a party at The Golden Taps full of prizes and live entertainment by local band Stellar Radio Choir. So far, the response here has been similar to the shop in Invermere.

Their Golden location is in the back of Plain Wayne & Jane Boutique, which first opened its doors in September 2008. It offers

locAl biznEssGolden a diverse selection from the newest fashion to vintage classics. It became a social hub for everyone from high school kids on their lunch break to the average ski bum with nothing better to do than hang out on their couch.

I asked the owner, Sharma Yarwrenko, what makes Plain Wayne & Jane successful in a town that sees businesses come and go so often? “’Cause our Rad-O-Meter is off the charts,” she answered. So if Plain Wayne and Jane is already established and successful, then why bring in Fire Vixen? Sharma just shrugged her shoulders and laughed,

“’cause Golden needed it,” as she continued to organize the clothing on the racks.

Nik and Sarah each have their own unique tattooing style and offer both of their services at each location. Nik is the resident artist in Golden—making weekly appearances in Invermere—while Sarah is set up in Invermere but comes to Golden at least once a week. You can check out both of their portfolios on display at either shop and make an appointment for a consultation with the artist you feel best suits your tattoo idea.

I asked Nik what the most common tattoo request was in Golden. “Mountains, I have never tattooed so many mountain ranges in my life,” he said. Well, that’s understandable when the beauty of the mountaintops that wrap around our town surrounds you. If I ever take a trip to Australia I will probably come back with a tattoo of the ocean. For more on Fire Vixen visit http://firevixentattoos.ca/

“I have never tattooed so many mountain ranges in my life” -Nik

Local Bizness is sponsored by Golden and Area Initatives

9

and smoke away from the workers and keeps them cool. When working in town with the gigantic umbrella, Kurt mentions that people frequently look and wonder what they are doing. The umbrella is also used to protect the workers from snow and rain.

Off the tracks Kurt is an avid gardener and likes to fish, golf, hike, bike and cross-country ski. In his opinion, Golden’s best-kept secrets are the beautiful wonders off the beaten path such as Thompson Falls and the Mummery Glacier. Kurt also speaks fondly of Golden’s sense of community: “It’s a small town and everybody knows your business.” And those are the reasons Kurt continues to work, and live here.

For more on CP Rail visit www.cpr.ca

~ LESLIE ADAMS

Even though Canadian Pacific Railway is one of the major employers of Golden residents, it is an entity that Goldenites love to hate. When we talk CP Rail here, it is generally about the noise and the car repair shop. But there are many trades-people working for the railway in our area and they make significant contributions to our local economy as well as transporting goods and resources across the mountains.

One of these individuals is Kurt Statchuk. He has lived in Golden for 17 years, is a welder foreman literally working on the rails to repair them where the trains move from one track to another—called a frog—and has worked for CP Rail for 30 years. He is a wealth of information having “done every job there is to do there,” he says. Kurt has also travelled from Vancouver to Swift Current, noting “I saw a lot of the country, fished and golfed a lot of places, the first 10 years was like a holiday.”

Currently, Kurt and his partner maintain the track on the frogs between Roger’s Pass and Field. They weld parts of the track that are worn using manganese, a very hard metal, with tools carried

in a truck that can switch from road to track. All the equipment is carried in the truck and most of the work is done beside or behind the truck while it sits on the track.

The work is physically hard and may be dangerous. They are heavily regulated by Transport Canada and wear a lot protective equipment. The by-products of their welding are highly toxic, so they wear respirators while working and must change their outer clothing, even before getting into the truck to leave the worksite.

In the winter, work is made more challenging by the weather. Kurt explained that temperatures below -15°C make welding much more difficult. Aside from the massive amount of clothing that needs to be worn to keep warm, the equipment doesn’t work properly, and face shields and respirators fog up. In the colder weather, the trains operate at cold slow speed for safety reasons. To stay busy during cold weather, they grind the track that’s been welded recently. After a couple of weeks it mushrooms from the pressure of the trains and the extra flow needs to be ground off.

In the summer, the equipment includes a large fan and a humongous umbrella. The fan is handy because it blows the dust

locAl TowniE

“I`ve done every job there is to do there” -Kurt

the mountains shall bring peace to the people

~ STEVE CROWE

Biological urges sometimes clash, spe-cifically the two conflicting hormonal imperatives of making babies, and seeking powder for fun and enlight-enment, all the time. They don’t go together particularly well.

If you aren’t one of the people who have successfully repressed one over the other, then you’ve had to learn to compromise. Or you totally lucked out and got the perfect mate.

Let me tell you what makes for a perfect mate. Feel free to substi-tute snowboard for ski. The perfect mate is preferably:

1. Totally in love with the kids. The good parent should want to spend all their time with the kids. That means skiing too.

2. Independent. That means they should like skiing with the kids, without you.

3. Independently wealthy. Well, duh.

4. Mighty fine looking, especially in tight ski suits.

5. Not prone to violent outbursts when you return home after a surprise—to them, not you—three-day trip into the mountains.

6. A bit loaded or concussed. So that they won’t remember you promised to pick up the kids.

7. Not too loaded or concussed. So they won’t forget to pick up the kids and won’t embarrass you at parties.

8. A ballsy, talented skier. For those times you do ski together because you ended up on the same lift and it would be awkward if you totally ditched them at the top.

9. Blindly in love with you. Will forgive all your faults. Doesn’t scowl.

Clearly, this is a list that can go on and on, but my wife has a hard punch. A day in the powder without looking forward to see-ing ones family at night wouldn’t be as sweet. Raising a child in a mountain town without occasionally driving past their school on the way to the ski hill, with them still in the car, would reduce both of you. Not teaching them a love of powder is unimaginable. Besides, living with a dimwit sucks; they never get your jokes.

cRowE`s nEsT

“Is this how you raise these things”

PHO

TO

: MO

NIC

A D

E

chuck noris is luke skywalker’s real father

11

~ ALAINA LUITING

For thousands of years humans depended on animal pelts to keep their bodies warm. Thanks to the chemical revolution, technology has made it possible for us to give our furry friends a break by creating materials like Gore-tex, which may keep the body warmer than fur.

Archeologists and anthropologists believe fur was among the first materials used for clothing. However, fur is a material you don’t really see on the modern slopes of Canada—not as an outerlayer anyway, it just isn’t practical. It is unrealistic to wear a jacket that isn’t waterproof, and doesn’t breath after being saturated.

There is also a lot of time and effort put into the production of a fur piece. Each jacket, depending on the type of fur used, takes an average of forty animals to produce. Depending on the animal being sought after, trappers could take days, weeks or even months to accumulate enough fur to make one jacket. Then there’s the skinning, treatment and lining—typically silk or satin—of the fur before it’s ready for retail. All of this work comes at a cost and, even leaving morals aside, the cost is high.

In 1969, a material known as expanded polytetrafluoroethyl-ene, or ePTFE, was discovered, trademarked as Gore-tex and introduced to the world. Gore-tex, when used in the production of outerwear, is made up of three different elements that make its performance top of the line: the membrane repels water but is breathable enough to let vapour escape, laminates seal the

GoRE-TEx vs. FuRmembrane and other chosen fabrics together, and the seam seal is a tape that seals and coats over the stitching. Although Gore-tex is not meant to keep you warm, its light-weight, waterproof-breathable characteristics, combined with base- and mid-layers, leave you with enough stamina to finish your day. There has been a steady increase of skiers and snowboarders donning Gore-tex and enjoying big mountain adventures.

Today, Gore-tex can be found in almost any article of outer-wear. Remember the onesie? How could anyone forget the most dreadful snow attire they were forced to wear as children? Well it’s back and, with Gore-tex onesies available, be prepared to fork out some cash for this ensemble; yesterday’s embarassment is today’s expensive taste.

Back on the fur side of things, a company known as Furtech has produced a line of clothing out of synthetic and recyclable materials since 1992—not harming any animals in its produc-tion—using furtechnology. This technology mimics fur’s ability to maintain water repellency, resist rain penetration, control condensation and dry quickly if saturated. The concept of this technology is intriguing: If people are purchasing fur strictly for practical use, why not save forty or so lives and purchase a prod-uct that keeps you warm and has been produced from recycled materials?

Though the production of fur is ongoing, new technologies are making it possible for those standing in the cold outside a fur shop with a bucket of paint to be just as warm, if not warmer, wearing synthetic materials that don’t compromise the lives of animals. This article isn’t about whether the use of fur in fashion is right or wrong; its just a statement of what material will keep you the warmest.

Maybe a Gore-tex outershell pulled over a fur-lined fleece?

for success today look first to yourself

~ TODD MENzIES

For anyone who has felt lost or simply questioned their direction in life, this film will hit home. Filmmaker Matt Coté takes focus on himself in this full-length film about friendship and the pursuit of happiness, or maybe just the pursuit of contentedness.

A Date With Ed follows the journey of three longtime friends across the open road of Canada from Montreal to Tofino. Along the way they capture the true meaning of friendship and, in the end, accept each other for who they are.

For most of us, making choices in life depends on many circumstances and some-times our dreams get lost in the dust. This film focuses on what it means to follow these dreams, from the peak of a mountain to the break of the ocean swell, or simply settling down and buying a house in a city that makes you feel at home. To define the word home is hard: sure you could look it up in the dictionary, or you can look deep inside yourself for the answer.

A Date With Ed is all filmed with a handheld camera that gives a real feeling to it. It’s as if I just took a six-day road trip with my two best friends and am left wondering what those two friends are doing now.

A Date With Ed is available for rent at Bacchus Books in Golden

For more on A Date With Ed check out www.hobohoundfilms.com

~ TODD MENzIES

Vancouver-based, indie rockers Rococode released their head-turning debut album Guns, Sex and Glory. They combine an 80s synth-driven, electronic feel with catchy melodies and a heavy rhythm section to produce an original sound.

Empire is one of the strongest tracks on the album, showcasing the seductive voice of keyboardist Laura Smith, formerly of Said The Whale. Things slow down for the track Ghost 1 & 2, only to be followed up by the hard hitting rock anthem Weapon, with the haunting scream of Smith in the background resembling a young Stevie Nicks.

Although the majority of the album has a real pop vibe to it, Rococode shines brightest with their heavier side. The album’s only weak point is the track TINA, sounding a little too much like an Arcade Fire song—but maybe that’s not such a bad thing.

For more on Rococode check out www.rococode.com

My recommended track is Empire http://soundcloud.com/rococode/rococode-empire

music And musEs

13

Maurice has built a strong following in Golden, for good reason. At both of the venues Maurice has played—The Taps and Crooked Antler—they always seem to get people moving. Along with an array of original pop-rock music they have been known to throw out a few covers: anything from Fleetwood Mac to Foster the People, even a version of pop star Katy Perry’s I Kissed A Girl.

Jean-Paul has achieved a lot in the music business at only 26 years old. For Maurice’s first full-length album, Young People With Faces, they signed with a major record label and worked with Hollywood producer David Foster. Then Jean-Paul took things back into his own hands, self-producing his follow-up album, Songs in Sea. Although the direction and vision of Songs in Sea seem geared towards Maurice’s artistic integrity, it is still full of strong radio-friendly tracks including Big Country, Kids and Friends.

This summer Jean-Paul found himself amongst some of the biggest names in music from across BC as part of The Peak Performance Project, hosted by Vancouver radio station 100.5 FM. With this success, what does 2012 hold in store for Maurice? “I released two new albums at the end of 2011, so I’m trying to work those,” he explained. My focus right now is really hunkering down to work on new material that I really feel proud of and I want to make sure is at the highest quality I can obtain.”

For more on Maurice visit www.wearemaurice.com

My recommended track is Spoons http://snd.sc/wPdbMJ

~ TODD MENzIES

As a town along the trans- Canada highway we are fortunate to get a lot of good bands making a stop in Golden as part of their tour.

In my seven years here I have seen such acts as Hey Ocean, Said The Whale, Art Of Dying, Elliot Brood and Delhi to Dublin, to name a few. It’s interesting to see which bands choose to come back, and wonder why. I caught up with Jean-Paul Maurice of the Victoria-based band Maurice after his show at The Golden Taps to hear what keeps him coming back.

“A couple years ago, I was out on a tour with Vince Vacarro and we met Ben [Caldwell] and Eric [Laroque] of Stellar Radio Choir] at our show in Calgary. They were great people, and offered for us to play in Golden the next time we were passing through. I had always driven through Golden and was not really sure what it was like as we never really veered off the highway, and all my friends who had played in town had only hit the strip club [The Roadhouse Tavern]. Taps is ridiculously good to bands, as are the boys from Stellar Radio Choir. So, as much sense as it makes to come through Golden for travel reasons, we usually stop so we can see our good friends. Taps has done great things to their room to benefit the sound, but the Crooked Antler is also a great new room, with an amazing vibe and great sound.”

music And musEs

“We never really veered off the highway, and all my friends who had played in town had only hit the strip club”

-Jean-Paul

MADE YOU LOOK

March 2012 golden coMMuniTy calender Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

26

27 28 29 110:00 - 11:00Parent & Tot Shinny Golden Arena$Free17:00-18:30Teen Action Group - Golden Secondary School $Free10:30 - 11:30Mother Goose Songs & RhymesGolden Library $Free - includes snack 15:30 - 18:30Aquafit - Sportsman Lodge$6 Drop In

210:00 - 11:00Parent & Tot Skate - Golden Arena$Free12:00 - 13;00Adult Public Skate - Golden Arena$4.50 19;00-20:15Public Skate - Golden Arena$4.50 / $3.00 / $2.50

07:30-21:00Economics of Happiness: Discovering Genu-ine Wealth hosted by Wildsightat Invermere Community Hall21:00Cowboy Dave White Winston Lodge$Free Cover $Free Shuttle to town

3All Day Finding Balance: Community Enviroment & EcoomyHosted by Wildsight at Invermere David Thompson Sec School $35

412:30 - 14:00pmJunior Climbing ClubDogtooth Climbing Gym $45

16:00 17:15Public Skate - Golden Arena$4.50 / $3.00 / $2.50

519:00Golden Minor Soccer Board (GMSA) Meeting GSS Lobby

19:00 - 2100Purcell Musical Orchestra Rehearsal - New Members WelcomeGSS Band Room

18:30 - 21:303066 Golden Army Cadets - Civic Centre More Info 250-344-5552

615:00 - 17:00 After school Shakedown - Homework Help @ Lions Den $Free

17:00 - 19:00GMSA Registration Night

18:30 - 20:30Options for Sexual Health Clinic. Golden Health Clinic $Free/Low Cost

15:30 - 18:30Aquafit - Sportsman Lodge$6 Drop In

18:30 - 21:00Golden Volunteer Fire Department Practice Info 250-344-6401

720:00 - 0100Open Mic/Jam Night at the Rockwater

10:30 12:00Parent N’ Tot PlayMt. 7 Rec Plex$4 Drop In $20 Punch Card

19;00-20:15Public Skate - Golden Arena$4.50 / $3.00 / $2.50


810:00 - 11:00Parent & Tot Shinny Golden Arena $Free17:00-18:30Teen Action Group - GSS $Free18:00 11:00 Winter Dinner Series - Sugar Moon: KHMR - Eagels’ Eye $Call18:30 -21:00International Womens Day Performance Salon - Kicking Horse River Lodge10:30 - 11:30Mother Goose Songs & RhymesGolden Library $Free - includes snack15:30 - 18:30Aquafit - Sportsman Lodge $6 Drop In19;00-20:15Public Skate - Golden Arena $4.50 ~ $2.50

910:00 - 11:00Parent & Tot Skate - Golden Arena$Free

12:00 - 13;00Adult Public Skate - Golden Arena$4.50


12:00CBT Community Initiatives & Affected Areas Programs’ Project Applications are duewww.golden.ca

21:00Cowboy Dave White Winston Lodge$Free Cover $Free Shuttle to town

1009:00 - 15:00Ages and Stages Workshop @ College of the Rockies Hosted by Golden Child Care Re-source & Referral Register [email protected] $Free + Free Lunch

112012 Nordic Masters National Championshipwww.goldennordicclub.ca




19:00 - 2100Purcell Musical Orchestra Rehearsal - New Members WelcomeGSS Band Room



15:30 - 18:30Aquafit - Sportsman Lodge$6 Drop In






1510:00 - 11:00Parent & Tot Shinny Golden Arena $Free2012 Nordic Masters National Championshipwww.goldennordicclub.ca17:00-18:30Teen Action Group - Golden Secondary School $Free19:30 - 21:30Kicking Horse CultureFilm Kicks: Oranges and sunshineGolden Cinema $10/$12/$515:30 - 18:3w0Aquafit - Sportsman Lodge$6 Drop InGolden and District Search & Rescue Practice GADSAR Building at the Airport

1610:00 - 11:00Parent & Tot Skate - Golden Arena$Free12:00 - 13;00Adult Public Skate - Golden Arena$4.50


2012 Nordic Masters National Championshipwww.goldennordicclub.ca21:00Cowboy Dave White Winston Lodge $Free Shuttle to town


09:00 - 17:00KHMR Wrangle the Chute

21:00Stellar Radio Chior and Devon CoyoteWinston Lodge$Free Cover $Free Shuttle to town

1809:00 - 17:00KHMR Wrangle the Chute



1909:30 -11:30Spring Break Climbing Camp “A”Dogtooth Climbing Gym$44 Includes Snack and Drink


2009:30 -11:30Spring Break Climbing Camp “B”Dogtooth Climbing Gym$44 Includes Snack and Drink

19:30 - 21:30Kicking Horse CultureLive Kicks Steven Page of Bare Naked LadiesGolden Civic Centre $25 ~ $5



18:30 - 20:30Options for Sexual Health Clinic. Golden Health Clinic $Free/Low Cost



17:00-18:30Teen Action Group - Golden Secondary School $Free

Golden and District Search & Rescue Practice GADSAR Building at the Airport Info: 250-344-5102

2321:00Cowboy Dave WhiteWinston Lodge$Free Cover $Free Shuttle to town

2410:00 - 15:00KHMR - Helly Hansen Big Mountain Battle - Kick Offwww.kickinghorseresort.com



2609:30 -11:30Spring Break Climbing Camp “C”Dogtooth Climbing Gym$44 Includes Snack and Drink


27 2809:30 -11:30Spring Break Climbing Camp “C”Dogtooth Climbing Gym$44 Includes Snack and Drink




2917:00-18:30Teen Action Group - Golden Secondary School $Free

10:30 - 11:30Mother Goose Songs & RhymesGolden Library $Free - includes snack

30 3110:00 - 15:00KHMR Sun Splash Funk Festival 10:00 am to 3:00 pmwww.kickinghorseresort.com

10:00 - 15:00 ( AND April 1st) Winter Golden Farmers’ Market Mt & Rec Plex $ Free

JONI YOUNG – ACRILIC PAINTING

I’ve lived in Golden for the past 26 years and I have been painting for 14. I have always loved art, and discovered paint-ing was another way to express my creativity. The project I am most proud of to date would not be a painting, but the art classes that I am currently teaching. Each week the student’s complete wonderful works of art and it’s exciting to be a part of that. Golden is such a beautiful place to live and every day I am inspired!

BRENDA SMITH - THE PORCELAIN GARDEN

August 2009 my family and I went to Oregon to see my Grand-parents. While we were in Bandon, OR I saw a small pendant in a gift shop and by the coloring I thought it was a Scrimshaw. The owner of the gift shop told me that it was the plate mark from a 100 year old plate that had been dropped and broken. I was so intrigued by it that I had to buy it. I asked the owner to write down what the original plate had looked like and to provide some of the history.

Between August 2009 and January 2010 I began to look more closely at the plates when I went to thrift stores and garage sales. It seemed that every step I took led me to creating this type of jewellery – several interesting plates from a Legion garage sale. I then found a Dremel from another garage sale, more plates from Value Village and then stumbling upon www.thepotteries.org. I had the basics for what I wanted to do!

I asked Morgan, my daughter, to help me with creating the porcelain pendants. We spent January to March experimenting with different methods (like throwing plates on the floor Greek style). However we were eventually able to refine the creation pro-cess with help from my brother-in-law, Bart and a fellow crafter, Terry. The pendants started piling up so I thought it might be good for us to sell them at the local Farmers Market. I asked my mother to consider splitting the market fees with me (she had more money than I did) and to provide flowers and vegetables to sell at our table. This is where the “Garden” portion of our name came from. It was nerve wracking the very first time we set up – would people like what we had made, would anyone buy them ?

Now I knew how an artist felt when revealing their baby to the world! We were lucky and people responded well to what we had created. We spent many a Wednesday in a gravel parking lot baking under the sun! Eventually Morgan moved onto making wire rings, key chains and earrings while I continued with the porcelain pendants that you see before you.

[email protected] www.facebook.com/the-porcelain-garden

JESSIE OATWAY - OATWAY PRODUCTIONS

I have been filming videos of friends doing silly things since I was about 14 or so. We started getting serious about it around age 16. Basically the video camera just made a good impression on my crew of friends and anytime the camera was out we seemed to just try a little harder at tricks and got a lot more confidence in ourselves. At the end of the day everything we had done just seemed that much more worthwhile

(skateboarding, biking and snowboarding that is) I would say every year I out do myself; but if I had to pick one year I would say, 2008-2009 video I made with skateboarding, snowboarding and biking all combined was really the moment that all my friends and I were like “wow this is us... or that is you guys” pretty much from that moment on we decided to bring the camera everywhere and film and document as much of or exiting and highly danger-ous lives we live.

I have lived in golden for 23 years born at the Golden Hospital and raised in the boonies we know as Upper Donald road I was born and bred to shred. Golden has everything I could ever need. Fresh mountain air, friendly people, and all the mountains snow, clay and asphalt a kid could ever need. I have never owned a gaming system in my entire life and proud to say I can’t play videos games to save my life. www.youtube.com/user/oatsdawg

TowniE cREATivE~ SARAH OSADETz

Why an artist profile? Our vision at The Local Townie News is to bring awareness and engage the audience to realize beyond the usual social boundaries of what people do. Who they are and their essence. Artists need exposure and attention. Practicing the work of an artist requires many hats, and hours of commitment. The engagement into the artistes creations includes; creating, displaying, edits, networking, grant applications, festival and art market applications, inventory, descriptions of work, personal bios, photos and the list goes on and on. Based on my experience of working and being an artist and participat-ing in many venues and activities, I have a network of knowledge about artists here in our blessed small town. I chose an eclectic trio as our posse of The Local Townie News contributors discussed criteria in what to look for and what to ask of them. We were looking for artists whom were eclectic, accomplished, unique personality, community contribu-tors and whom used a verity of mediums.

the road to success is always under construction

PHO

TO

: JOIN

YO

UN

G

PHO

TO

S: SUPPLIE

D B

Y O

ATW

AY

17

~ FELIx VIAU

The woodstove warms my humble living space bathed in late afternoon sunshine. Golden. Home. Quiet. The icepack is dripping on the floor, indicating it’s time to stop icing my knee.

Like a lot of people addicted to the mountain lifestyle, I spend a good chunk of my time away from home in order to pay for all the toys I need and the time off to use them.

Alberta. The eastern frontier. It provides our great nation with dollars and a repu-tation for dirty oil that even the Americans refuse to take part in—in the news that is. Europe is not buying it either, at least not at the rate that we would like. Now China is our best friend and we might just start piping the oily dirt across some of the last wild rain forest to an ecologically diversified coast to ship it across the vast ocean.

What am I talking about here? Where am I going with this?

Hypocrite. That’s what I am. Like any human living off the tit of Mother Earth, we do what seems right at the time to fulfill our needs.

So every time I go back I question myself and the rest of the world but also realize; I am who I am because of my love for the mountains, late afternoons topping a distant Bugaboo summit or burly single track on my bike with lungs full of dirt from the rider ahead. I wouldn’t function well without two weeks off after three weeks away in what seems like such a distant land, or without two months off in spring or fall. I need to play and feel alive, share my love with friends who share theirs with me. Connections made on a mountainside are stronger than a #5 camelot in the perfect granite crack. In February I was blessed with a few of those connections on a trip not too far from G-Town and, for that, I am forever grateful.

We left long after the sun disappeared over the Purcell sky. We drove the 20-odd km to the McMurdo hut trailhead. After trying to tie off all the skis and packs on our three small sleds, having a beer with my partners in crime under a starlit sky on an empty trailer was what I had been daydreaming about on a distant prairie highway at work. We started the sleds and charged the well-beaten track. A growing moon lit the mountains and my worries dissipated in the mix of snow and exhaust behind us. We arrived at McMurdo to the warmth of a fire and laughs of mountain bros from distant Utah and nearby Revelstoke. We settled in quickly and fell asleep to a conver-sation filled with politics and ridiculousness.

We awoke for a sunrise run on a nearby pillow line then packed the bigger packs for the journey to the Kingsbury cabin: the base for the next few days. The traverse was beautiful, the terrain a mix of moraine features, open bowls and craggy peaks, and the route finding interesting enough to prompt discussion within our group. We found the cabin between two powder turns. Oddly enough, none of us were too exhausted so we took advantage of the last pale light in the west to carve smooth turns and drop off small cliffs in the mini-golf around the cabin.

The next day was filled with sun, laughter, pure air, amazing turns and better-than-average snow quality. We ate lunch on a summit overlooking the Duncan River with views of the Bugaboos. The different experiences in life and work within our group made for a very cohesive and strong unit, each of us caring more about making the right decision than charging the ballsiest line. We took advantage of the high pressure and hint of longer days, skiing a few north-facing lines in well-preserved snow, each turn building confi-dence and widening the grins across our face.

The third day started the same way under clear skies. Everyone took turns doing chores so we could get going and enjoy the skiing. A rare solo moment on these trips is doing your thang in an outhouse filled with rime into a bowl with major hoar frost growth. Mine was spent with the door open to see the new sun shining on the distant peaks. What is usually a calming moment was disturbed by a thought: my left leg muscles were quite stiff and I had a bad feeling looking at my knee. But I chased that away and went to put my skins on my skis.

One hour later, first run of the day, I jumped off a small, cor-niced feature and twisted my left knee. I got up to see if I could bear weight and put pressure in different ways above and below my knee to see the extent of the injury. Ligament. That’s all my brain was telling me. I said goodbye to my partners and skied slowly to the cabin, like I was trying to ski-cut every little feature on the way. I spent the rest of the day icing it, elevating it and eating vitamin I like candy to try to keep the swelling down with hopes to ski the next day or the day after back over the mountains to my sled.

That night I couldn’t help but feel great about the whole thing. I was in one of the most beautiful places on earth with some of the most beautiful people so, really, a bummed knee was the last thing on my mind. I am privileged, thankful and I appreciate it.

The next day we knew I couldn’t possibly ski out, so we engaged our emergency plan and communicated via VHF radio with CMH Bobbie Burns. They were very helpful, coordinating with Alpine Helicopter and Golden and District Search and Rescue to come pick me up. In less than 90 minutes a chopper arrived with two friends—both past co-workers and members of GADSAR—ready to help me back into civilization. It is nice to be greeted by friendly faces in this situation but so weird in a sense to know the pilot and rescuers. I guess it is a small industry and having worked in it for over 10 years now, it was bound to happen.

So here I sit, icing my knee before I go out for a cold one and some food with the rest of my crew that just made it back to town. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the stories because Jim has a black eye and a couple cuts on his face. I bet it was worth it, just like it is worth it for me to make difficult choices about work to be able to live these moments. I would be a miserable man if I had to work 9 to 5 Monday to Friday. Nothing wrong with it, it’s just not for me. I enjoy working when I like the work but give me the choice and I wouldn’t work for money. I would much rather work for a better future, for me and all 7 billon of my roommates on this planet.

Cheers to Jesse, Grant, Jeff, Matt, Jim and Shane for the skiing and laughs, Mark, Shauna and the whole GADSAR organization, Mark and Don from Alpine Helicopter, and the CMH Bobbie Burns crew for letting us use their airwaves and coordinating the flight.

Finally, cheers to all you readers and successful wishes for all your adventures, whatever they may be.

inTERnATionAl bAsin

“ ..I question myself and the rest of the world but also realize; I am who I am because of my love for the mountains”

-Felix

~ KORY MONTEITH

I find it ironic that the things I love about Golden are the same things I hated about Ontario: the snow, healthy food options and the people.

When I first found Golden I fell in love with the area and was stoked to meet so many rad, like-minded people. I decided I must stay. I came from a small town outside of Toronto to this small town in the mountains.

I was seriously sick my first trip out here, I had just been diagnosed with Celiac disease; an auto-immune disorder caused by an allergy to gluten. After a lifetime of eating Kraft dinner, grilled cheese and fries, I guess eating whatever I wanted caught up to me. I assumed I would have a hard time finding gluten-free, organic foods and health care products here, but Golden has more options than my old town.

It’s always exciting to see this community so passionate

about good, healthy, local and organic food. The summer farm-ers markets make Wednesdays my favorite day for shopping and socializing. Knowing where your food is from connects you to the people who raise and grow it. Local honey and bee pollen are deliciously amazing, especially for people who have plant and pollen allergies. Taking it daily helps your immune system recog-

nize the plants and pollens we are exposed to.

I partake in a lovely little service offered by a local organics shop called Genuine Organics. When I am starving, heading to the grocery store in this state is about as good of an idea as trying to go shopping with the munchies. I have ordered a variety basket of produce, which are handpicked every week. My favorite part is the surprise factor: What will I get this week? I am obligated to try new things and there is always a random what-the-hell-do-I-do-with-this item.

This week was my introduction to the rutabaga. I went straight to YouTube to get a lesson. I found that rutabagas are packed full of fiber, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium. Here I am O.D.ing on supplements when I could have been enjoying the deliciousness of the rutabaga all along. After slaying the mountain all day, every day, across

long traverses and sprints up T2, vitamin C and magnesium are my go to. They both help repair muscles and prevent aches and exhaustion. I can tomahawk down Fuez, jump up and be ready to do it all over again without ever feeling it. Add to it a B vitamin complex supplement to balance stress and keep your immune system strong.

I think I may just eat more rutabagas.

locAl oRGAnics

19

~ LESLIE ADAMS

In order to keep our energy up all day it is good to have a small healthy snack with protein and fibre that is low in sugar a couple of hours after lunch. Many of us reach for granola bars to give us that boost, but the store-bought brands have packaging that usually ends up in the garbage instead of the recycling.

The newest nutritional advice—and the oldest—says you should never eat what you can’t pronounce and many store-bought bars have unpronounceable ingredients. My solution is these simple, yummy, nutritious bars that fit nicely into a plastic baggie, which can be reused for all sorts of products.

~ ISAAC KAMINK - BACKCOUNTRY COOK

Do you feel tired mid-afternoon? Lack that extra jive to pump that extra lap? What if I told you that you could have more energy all day long and feel better all the time? Sounds too good to be true, right?

If you want to shred from sun up to sun down, you need good, wholesome fuel. I am not talking about the stuff your two-stroke drinks, but about real, superhuman power. Think organic, you put premium gas in the sled, so why not put the premium in the body?

From the moment you get up you need to start fueling the body. Like the foundation of a building your body needs to be solid, but it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly. The building blocks to start your day right are water and a delicious smoothie. We are 95 percent water; drink more now, the less you need to worry about later. Your muscles and brain will thank you. Chase that with a smoothie of fruits and vegetables and you will go further longer. Remember to think locally and seasonally. Invest in a blender and, if the budget allows, a juicer and pack them with any of the following super foods:

Apples – help to remove toxins, tonicPears – good for thyroid, high in iodineBlueberries – good for eyesight, circulation, blood cleanerStrawberries – anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-viral

mounTAin Food

Cranberry and peanut butter granola clusters

1/3 cup (80 mL) light peanut butter—or heavy pb1/3 cup (80 mL) pure maple syrup2 egg whites1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice2 1/2 cups (590 mL) low fat granola without fruit or raisins3/4 cups (175 mL) chopped dried cranberries—or substitute 1/2 cup (120 mL) cranberries and 1/4 cup (60 mL) chocolate chips if everything is better with chocolate in your world

- Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or grease and set aside.- In a medium bowl, beat together peanut butter and maple syrup—you can use an electric mixer if you want. Add egg whites and spice, and beat again until smooth.- Stir in the granola and cranberries. Divide the mixture into the muffin cups. Bake for 45 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely before removing clusters from the pan.- Store in an airtight container until you’re ready to hit the trail, then put one or two into a ziploc baggie or other con-tainer in your pocket or pack. If they crumple, they are still good and good for you.

124 calories per cluster, made with light peanut butter and without chocolate chips.

Raspberries – great for female reproductive health, relieve menstrual crampsGinger – anti-spasmodic, excellent for convalescence and circulation

These leafy greens are an incredible source of nutrients, are the most beneficial and most under-consumed:

Kale – detoxifier, healer, cancer-, heart disease-, arthritis-fighterSpinach – immune booster, bone health, perfect foodCabbage – detoxifier, improves digestion, kills bacteria, antioxidantSpirulina – cell regeneration, reverses aging, protects kidneys, anti-bacterialLettuce – good for bones, joints, arteries, connective tissue

Add nuts and seeds, which convert to instant energy. Pre-grind them in a coffee grinder for maximum absorption:

Almonds – protein, alkaline, anti-cancer, good weight-builderCashews – improve vitality, good for teeth and gumsFlax seed – good for asthma, strengthens blood, anti-inflamma-tory, perfect foodPumpkin seeds – removes parasites, provides omega-3 essential fatty acidsSesame seeds – good for the heart, cardiovascular system, nervous systemSunflower seeds – more beneficial than meat, eggs and cheese, strengthens sightHemp seed – complete protein, all essential fatty acids, abun-dant vitamins/mineralsChia seeds – omega-3 fatty acid, protein, age defying antioxidantsBee pollen - richest known source of vitamins, minerals, proteins amino acids, hormones, enzymes and fats, as well as significant quantities of natural antibiotics

If you have a juicer you can turn these hearty vegetables into eas-ily digestible juice:

Beetroot – intestinal cleanser, blood builder, detoxifies liver and gallbladderCarrots – detoxifier, good for liver, digestive tract, kidneyCelery – anti-cancer, lowers blood pressure, helps with migraines, digestion, arthritis

It’s easier to get all the fruit and vegetables you need once you start blending. It sounds like a lot, but mix and match a few

from each category, add water, be bold and creative. Your body will thank you later. Here are some recipes to get you going.

Green Goddess1 pear1 cup (235 mL) blueberries3 tbsp (45 mL) raw grated ginger½ cup (120 mL) ground pumpkin seed¼ cup (60 mL) ground flax4 tbsp (60 mL) hemp/chia/bee pollen1 cup (235 mL) raw kale leaves1 cup (235 mL) spinach

Blood Cleaner1 apple½ cup (120 mL) strawberries½ cup (120 mL) raspberries3 tbsp (45 mL) grated ginger½ cup (120 mL) ground almonds¼ cup (60 mL) ground flax4 tbsp (60 mL) hemp or chia seeds, or bee pollen1 cup (235 mL) cabbage

boldly and cruelly accused me of giving him chlamydia.

This confirmed that I had absolutely no idea what qualities to look for in a man. Two rounds of testing, and horrible feelings in my stomach, lady parts and heart, led to months of questioning my life and where my path was leading. I’m happy to say I’ve since gotten over this viscious attack—and would like to state my innocence—but it took a while to realise that the good ones are hard to find. Just because he’s pretty, doesn’t mean he’s going to treat you like a real man would and most certainly should.

I would like to know why the relationship between women and men is so strenuous and feels like such a game. As much as I enjoy a good round of Backgammon, those other games don’t interest me; put it all out on the table and let me know what I’m in for. As far as I’m concerned, a real man is straight up, calls when he says he will, listens when you speak, shows genuine interest in you and your friends, and never says anything demeaning or cruel to you—or anyone else for that matter.

Word of the wise for you boys, man up! For the ladies, honesty is the best policy and, if the truth hurts, find someone else who is willing to give you the affection, attention and, most importantly, the respect that you deserve. And for anyone enjoy-ing a fruitful sex-life, whether you’re lingering waiting to take home the drunkest person at the bar, have your beer goggles on or are genuinely interested in the person you’re taking home tonight; better to be safe than sorry: no glove, no love.

If you find yourself in an unwelcomed predicament and need to get tested, the Golden Medical Clinic offers free sexually-transmitted disease testing to Canadians—and at a small cost to non-residents, depending on your coverage—and can be reached at (250)344-2211. You can also visit www.stdresource.com for a list of clinics in your area.

Until next time. ~ Betty Rides

~ BETTY RIDES

A certain stigma goes along with ski town culture, a viscious cycle carried through by random travellers looking to sew their oats before they settle into real life: promiscuity plagues us all whether we fall prey to it or not. Sexually-transmitted diseases spread themselves around our quaint little ski towns.

Whether or not you’re in the direct cross-fire, it’s probably, at one point or another, affected one of your friends, children, colleagues or past lovers. I know numerous stories—unfortunately some of them my own—of people being reckless, carefree and unassuming, and winding up with an atrocious case of who-knows-what. Better safe sorry, we’ve all heard that one right?

After two winters here in Golden, I’ve learned some valuable life lessons. Last season brought some realisations to the bubble I had been living in: This isn’t the city, people will talk about you—whether they speak the truth or are merely ruthless—and news travels relentlessly fast. You should always use your judgement, or at least consider the opinions of your friends, they usually notice the discrepencies while you feel everything seems perfect and believe you will remain happy for all of eternity.

I always thought I had pretty good judgement. Last winter proved otherwise when a man, and I use this term very loosely, whose company I had enjoyed on a semi-regular basis told me that he didn’t sleep with “dirty girls” when I questioned our health and sex practice. Can you tell just by looking at them? That one made me laugh and should have been a clear indication as to the road ahead. Stupid bubble. Not even a week later he so

locAl lovE

everyone has photographic memory; some just don’t have film

21

~ SEAN NYILASSY

For those of us who never, or only occasionally, cross-country ski, trying to go as fast as you can down some of the hills at the

Dawn Mountain Nordic Centre is on par with tightly closing your eyes and kindly asking a good friend to throw you down a bobsled track wearing ice skates.

For many more-experienced skiers the former act is a logical part of a great day. March 11-17 people from across Canada who share this need for speed will converge at Dawn Mountain for the 2012 Canadian Masters National Championships.

Events during the week will be short and long distance races in both free and classic techniques. Races range from five-kilometre, adrenaline-fuelled dashes to the 30-kilometre, heart-pounding classic. The minimum age for entrants is 30 years old, with 10 age categories ending in the undoubtedly competitive 75+ division. The Golden Nordic Ski Club Society is hosting the event and hopes to see about 200 participants for the Masters—the largest Masters cham-pionship in 10 to 15 years—and up to 300 for the all-ages loppet on the last day.

Many of the racers will be retired athletes who used to compete at the national level, but it is also a high-profile event for recrea-tional racers. According to Troy Hudson, the appointed Chief of Competition, this will make for plenty of fast action for the specta-tors. “There is a stadium set up in front of the chalet,” he explains. “You will see a lot from the stadium area. Over the years there’s been a decrease in the distance of the loop so you see the athletes more often.” If you’re ready for a break from the stadium, Troy says one of the last climbs up the Chickadee connector is just a short distance away.

Golden sits between two epicentres of Canadian cross-country skiing: Canmore and Vernon. This event will bring new visitors to Golden, meaning revenue for local businesses in the short term and long-term sustainability for Dawn Mountain as a new stop for enthusiasts. “It boosts our profile to get visitors to the area,” Troy says of the event. “It showcases the new chalet, as well as the fantastic grooming and trail system.”

If you’d like to get rid of that extra bounce in your step, the deadline for registration is Wed., Mar. 7 at 11:59 p.m. Over-stimulating every muscle in your body trying to keep up with Canada’s fastest and fittest will surely knock you down a peg or two. Registration is $45 per person and includes a lunch on race day and more fun than you can shake your pole at. Visit the website below for more information. You also have to be a member of the Canadian

nATionAl mAsTERs

Masters Cross Country Ski Association and can become one for $23.

Even if you’re not a cross-country skier, but would like to start training for the next race, there aren’t many barriers to get started. “You can pick up the gear for a couple hundred bucks,” according to Troy. “And the day-use and annual fees are reasonable compared to other active sports.

Spectators are encouraged at the event to support the racers and enjoy some photo finishes. A free shuttle will take spectators from the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort upper parking lot to the race.

For the event schedule, registration and more information visit www.goldennordicclub.ca.

~ SEAN NYILASSY

Over the past couple of years, a recession has made doing business a turbulent affair locally, nationally and worldwide. In Golden the drivers of our economy including tourism, industry and public and private construction projects have all declined. Even spending on so-called necessities of life like food, clothing and shelter is reduced as we can eat more basic meals, go out less frequently, dress more frugally, slow renovations to our homes and delay purchasing new ones.

So when money is tight in Golden, what do our locals still con-sume? Coffee, gear and beer. These are the necessities of lifestyle rather than life for everyone here, right from the blue-collar to the no-collar bum.

There are the industry and construction workers who need that coffee to keep them awake during shift work and warm start-ing work on a cold, winter morning. They need that new titanium entry to their tool chest and set of waterproof-breathable Carhartts for when it’s pissing rain. And when it’s finally all over for the day, they need that beer to unwind.

The mountain enthusiasts need that coffee to fend off the hangover or jumpstart the day before that first pow-slash, pedal stroke or 5-10 route. They need that new set of skis because the old ones hit too many rocks last year and Arc’teryx just released the perfect new backpack and some sweet new merino wool wicking socks. And when it’s finally all over for the day, they need that beer so they can cheers their buddies after saying, “Did you see my sweet moves all day?”

These are the reasons there are locally-owned coffee shops within walking distance of most homes, a left handful of places to buy your outdoor gear and a right handful of places for your tools and hardware, and now five bars along with three cold beer and wine establishments for when the good ol’ BC Liquor Store is closed. Locals survive on the products these merchants offer and, although money’s been tighter in most of our pockets for the last couple years, we’ve still visited these places almost as often.

It seems things are economically rebounding now and hope-fully that will be good for everyone. Just don’t forget the folks that helped you through those tougher times by supplying you with the fuel you needed. Coffee, gear and beer.

coFFEE GEAR & bEER

duct tape is like the force. it has a light side, a dark side and it holds the world together

PHO

TO

: SEAN

NYILA

SSY

23

~ LUKE NICHOLS

One thing that amuses me when dealing with people’s com-puters is the story the inside can tell. If the person is a smoker, yellow grease coats the machine. The ones that keep their homes impeccable, it looks like the machine just came out of the box, or a vacuum chamber. Then, there is almost everyone else with a slight layer of dust on the fan and covering the bot-tom of the machine. They apologize profusely for how dirty the machine is. As a computer tech living in this dusty town, I have

TowniE TEch

~ SEAN NYILASSY

Do you wonder why the highway out of Golden is closed more frequently than a venus fly trap in a beehive? Or maybe you’re a snow geek, a casual backcountry user or an inbounds skier? In any case, Golden winters and snow go together like bright colours and Scandinavians. I now fall into the snow geek category and this is my take on the current state of the snow, for skiing or highway clos-ure purposes.

In Dec. 2009, I took the Canadian Avalanche Association’s Avalanche Operations Level 1 course, a seven- to eight-day course about avalanches and snow. It was based in a backcountry hut, meaning I spent 24 hours a day with my fellow students learning, talking and dreaming about snow.

Towards the end of the course, after digging deep into the snowpack and analyzing the layers over and over, the other students and I were enjoying a lasagne dinner prepared by the hut’s chef. I came to a sad realization that I was as close as possible to literally having my head in the snow, when I began to scrutinize my layered supper for weaknesses and slab properties. We had a good laugh, finished eating and went back to learning.

But I’ve eaten lasagne again, and the more I’ve tried to draw obscene parallels between it and snow, the more the two seem akin. Don’t believe me? Read on and the next time the highway’s closed or you see some debris, you’ll realize it’s just like you tipped your dinner plate 30 degrees and watched a meat, pasta and cheese ava-lasagn-anche.

Layers:

snow REPoRT

seen worse, but also know how many problems a periodic clean-ing can prevent.

Dust is something that computers of all varieties with moving parts love. Those giant fans are designed to keep them cool, but somehow act as humungous dust-sucking beasts that funnel all the nasties in the air to cut circulation to the Central Processing Unit, or the computer’s brain. When this overheats things go bad; machines shut down and things get sluggish. Computers gain another personality and become unbearable. Regular mainten-ance of your machine and checking to see if it’s really dusty inside the case are good ideas. One word of caution, don’t use a vacuum cleaner. Electrostatic shocks can kill a machine, some-thing common with vacuums. Use compressed air or take it to your computer tech to get it blown out professionally.

Delicious sauce and sprinkles of parmesan – about 40 cms of storm snow just waiting to slide off the oily cheese grease beneath with the brush of your fork/skis/snowboard.

Layer of oily cheese grease – sun crust or large surface hoar bur-ied on Feb. 12 just waiting for a little bit more meat and cheese to slide all over like bowling shoes at a curling rink. Reactive to skier triggers recently, natural cycle coming with additional load.

Upper meat and sauce layer – late-January and early-February storm snow

Upper pasta layer – January surface hoars: dormant at the moment but an additional load of veggies on top could cause everything resting on this fragile pasta layer to splatter sauce down your shirt.

Middle spinach, pepper, onion, garlic and sauce layer – Dec. and early-January storm snow

Middle pasta layer – Dec. 11 surface hoar or crust-facet combo: present on most slopes and unlikely to trigger, but will create a pretty big mess on your floor. Some natural and skier remote avalanches occured on this layer on multiple southwest to west aspects into Canyon Creek in late-January.

Consolidated lowest meat and sauce layer – lower snowpack

Caked on pasta at the bottom – basal weakness of depth hoar and facets: while it has been more and more difficult to trigger this deep layer, if it does go, the whole lasagne is sliding off your plate. Explosives control produced results in uncompacted north-facing terrain on T2 at KHMR at the start of the recent, long, high pressure system.

A computer once beat me at chess,but it was no match for me at kickboxing

~ Kris KinG

To describe living in Golden, she stares at me and says intently: “It’s like living in a painting, don’t you think? really! i love being able to travel and to go to all these different festivals and come home to a quiet place to live.” Jenny Jenn Walton, from the depths of Parson, BC, has hit the Canadian stage and is on her way to the international stage with her mystical transformations of talented human performers by transcending them into psychedelic and mythical creatures. Jenny Jenn came to Golden nine years ago. “We came to stay a winter here and we just never left. We were going to move to nelson,” says Jenny Jenn with her sparkly eyes and genuine smile.

Jenny Jenn started into body painting and costuming when her good friend told her to enter a competition. “Melissa Meretsky hosted a body painting competition in nelson. i had never body painted before. i found a model the night before and the next day i won the competition,” she says smiling like she just won the award. “i used to make costumes and loved dressing up. But i didn’t know that there was a whole other world out there. i didn’t have an idea what i was doing. i haven’t used that type of paint before. it was so expensive. i was put against people who went to school for it. and i won.” That was her most proud moment with her new artistic medium. since that competition Jenny Jenn won first place at two more competitions and was asked to judge on her third competition. “i first wanted to work for Cirque de Soleil but I found out that they do most their own [art makeup] now. My next challenge is to win the world body painting competition.”

“It’s great to see the creatures come to life in my head, now come to life on the stage.” Jenny Jens’ main canvases are stage performers for big music festivals and DJ shows across Canada. Jenny Jenn with PK sound Productions notable shows have been, Opening of the Village at Shambalah Festival, DJ BassNector, Calgarys’ Snowblower Festival. She was just a feature costume artist in a new sci-fi movie called Agophobia, soon to broadcast on the space Channel. Jenny Jenn along with Goldens’ Dani Peterson are now an integral member of Mousai.entertainment of vancouver, BC. Mousai is a collective of professional acrobatic dancers, stage performers and free-form moving artists. “Mousai has just been contracted to do a Canada-wide tour with a very well-known producer. i can’t tell you who it is until we iron out the details, but you have definitely heard of this person. This producer is one of the biggest names in electronic music right now, and we couldn’t be more excited. especially after this artist just won three Grammys.” as she winks at me.

Her art is absolutely from head to toe. she designs headpieces made of leather, fur and other materials like evafoam. “evafoam is basic craft foam that is super lightweight and is used in structural costume pieces, [the stuff that makes skinny people look like they have muscles]. i like to cut out my own stencils. i get to use patterns that other people don’t have. i like to work with leather to make head pieces to help make charters to come alive and i’m now starting to work with latex,” Jenny Jen states with the proud voice of an instructor. Her technique is includes lots of layering to make her art come alive even more than the living canvas. she sees a transformation in her subjects: their confidence builds with their painted mythical naked body—most do wear clothing where it counts. Her performers and regular festival participants’ forget who they are and embody their new character while on stage.

Jenny Jenn is soon off to work on a music video set, and to relax with her long-term boyfriend Matt in picturesque Parson for the rest of the winter before her work takes her across Canada for the summer.

TowniE ARTisT PRoFilE

arT Jenny Jenn walTon phoTo williaM piTcher ~ Model: sTephanie shedler

arT: Jenny Jenn walTon/Mellisa MereTsKy ~ Model: Megan fowler - sTephanie shedler

25

arT Jenny Jenn walTon ~ phoTo williaM piTcher ~ Model: Jessica Mcgregor

locAl PhoToaleX giesBrechT - [email protected]

aleX giesBrechT - [email protected]

27

Every month the Local Townie the Editor, Sean gets a bit wary eyed and forgets to fix the spelling of some words. if you can find a spelling mistake that sean missed you get his job.... well no JoKes... you can win a great gift certificate from one our advertisers Just e-mail us [email protected] or call 250-439-7123 to tell us of the mistake and we will send a great gift certificate. Time is ticket its first come fist serve!

Prizes this month.

50% off Balanced Body Works services

$25 Gift Certificate for apostoles restaurant

$40 Gift Certificate for The island restaurant

$50 Gift Certificate for elite nutrition

Join or FaCeBooK PaGe to Win a special prize from Us!

www.facebook.com/ThelocalTownie

locAl biz lisT clAssiFiEd TowniETowniE TRAdEs

locAl mAssAGE

EmPloymEnTFREE lisTinGs

FoR sAlE

sTARs And sTinGERs

l ocAl lodGinG

locAl FloRAl

TowniE EnTERTAinmEnT

KAREN JANICEK RMTBC Registered Massage Therapist

To Book Your Appointment250-344-1212

PT SERVER WANTEDApostoles Resturant

Wage + Grats, Working to FT 2pm StartCall 250-344-4906

VOLUNTEERSLittle Mittens Animal Rescue

Foster | Adopt | Building | Daily Care Alannah 250-290-0279 - Diane 250-344-1641

CONTRIBUTORSThe Local Townie News

Writers | Photographers | ArtistsKris King 250-439-7123

GARMONT ENDORPHINE TOURING BOOTS SIzE 10

$100.00Kris King 250-439-7123

MSR DENALI SNOW SHOES$80.00

Kris King 250-439-7123

YOUR FREE AD HERE

Call 250-439-7123

STARS- The Local Townie Team for working so hard to

make this magazine come true

STINGER- to the huge pot hole outside my house

STINGER- to the huge pot hole outside my house

YOUR STAR OR STINGER HERE

BIzARE ENTERTAINMENT Buy | Sell | Rent | Trade | Movies

824 10 Ave S250-344-6633

KICKING HORSE RIVER LODGE “Rugged & Rustic Luxury in the

Heart of Golden”801 9st N Golden BC

250-344-6633

HILLSIDE LODGE & CHALETSeXplore | discoVer | relaX

Stunning Wedding Venue, Idyllic getaway in beautiful cabins

1740 Seward Frontage Rd250-344-7281

FLOWERS FROM HOME Floral Designs for All Occasions

Tues - Sat 12-5 or by Appointment 962 Jabcob Rd Nicholson

250-344-5855

WENDELL JOHNSTON PAINTING Professional Painter

“All aspects of the Trade for 25 Years”C 250-344-1087 L 250-344-7128

you cAn win

March 2012 | The Local Townie News - I Heart Golden

Documents

Transcript of March 2012 | The Local Townie News - I Heart Golden