Revelstoke’s Quarterly Arts and Culture Publication

FREE!

SPRING 2008

REVED!pg.2.... - Write This Way - What Matters- Artist in Profile

pg.3....

- Music Notes- Heritage Moments - Health & You - Revelbush

pg.4.... - Sleeps n’ Eats - What’s your Biz’ness? - Sponsor Thanks

WHAT’SIN

THERE?

www.reved.net

Artist in Profile:Andrew Stacey

Emerging Trex- an Extraordinary Option for Girls

Many of us were Girl Guides as children. The traditional picture of cookie selling, uni-form-wearing, good-deed doing girls might come to mind. I returned to the program as an adult leader, partly because I remembered all the fun times I had. I wanted to share that with the girls here in town.

It’s a common trend in the organization. Once a girl reaches the age of 12 or 13, she’s got a lot of demands on her time – school, friends, maybe sports and creative pursuits. The Guiding movement was losing a lot of members at this stage, and started asking girls why.

Turns out that the girls enjoyed the active, outdoor components of the program, but not the badge work and regular meetings. They wanted to be challenged and have fun out-side, but with more freedom than a traditional group would have. In response, Girl Guides of Canada started the Extraordinary Options program. These units, for girls ages 12 to 18 (or older!) are specially designed to meet these demands.

In the fall of 2007, after two years as a Guide unit leader, I opened a Trex unit here in Revelstoke. The response was overwhelming! Thirteen girls signed up to take part, and I’ve got younger girls who can’t wait to join. Why are they excited? There is no set pro-gram to follow. The premise of Trex is to enjoy healthy, active activities and to get outside and get camping. That’s it. The girls decide the rest. They plan their trips from start to fin-ish, learning valuable skills in doing so. They also gain confidence, leadership skills, and concrete life skills.

So far this year, because of time constraints, we’ve managed to fit in a fun afternoon of curling and a swim day at the pool. The girls are busily plotting a first aid course and a mountain biking trip for spring, when the snow melts. They are also planning one or two long range camps (and are currently arguing over what they want to do!). Possibilities include rock climbing, spelunking, hiking, and a canoe trip.

Like any volunteer organization, Girl Guides of Canada is chronically short of volunteers. This severely limits what we are able to do. As a co-leader of three units, I can attest to that fact! However, I donate my time to this program because I see the worthwhile differ-ence it makes. If you have a skill you think we may need, or if you want to learn some new ones yourself, then come and join us!

If you are interested in learning more about Trex, or if you’d like to join us, please con-tact me at taxisriver@hotmail.com. We welcome girls and women of any age!

Hello! I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but we have a new ski hill in our midst! No really, it’s right up there on the hill and I have to say…I am like a child again when I get up there. I can’t seem to stop the giddiness that comes when I make huge sweeping turns on the (excellently) groomed runs, or find the perfect line down a set of moguls where I just barely turn in time before I’m out of control. I’m addicted. My ski-touring gear sulks in the corner when I leave with my downhill attire and I feel guilty only for a moment when I realize I’ve succumbed to the ease of resort skiing. But just this year! Aaaand, maybe next. But after that…I don’t want to assume anything, but I think people might start noticing this place. Soon enough, those lift lines will get a busier and tickets certainly won’t be $30 for a local, half-day for much longer. I’m reveling in what we have for the moment. I hope you are, too! But it’s not all smiles and giggles. If you are looking for a place to live in Revelstoke, or have been elbow-nudged out of your abode by exorbitant rent increase, then you may have some disdain for the new resort. Some of the housing problems could be alleviated by staff accommodation provided by major employers. Landlords are seeing the benefits of raising rent because they know seasonal workers will endure living with seven others in a house, thus helping

afford the rent. But who got kicked out for that? A family? An elderly woman? Steve Lemon writes an optimistic article in What Matters on page two, detailing some of the considerations the city and other committees are taking to lessen the blow. This is the 12th issue of REVED, which was first published in June, 2005. The first issue took me nine weeks to do; I had no idea what I was doing. There were ads to sell and articles to write and a design program that brought me to tears and when I converted what was left after printing, shipping and distribution costs, into an hourly wage, I was sort of worried. But I loved the end result and the feedback REVED received propelled it forward. Of course, each issue got easier as I learned the in’s-and-out’s and I now make $100/ hr. OK, that’s not true. What is true is that REVED exists solely through the undying support of local businesses and sponsors who recognize its value in the community. And in no small way are the many writers and contributors an impor-tant part of REVED, as well. This newspaper will often print anything you send or suggest because you’ve made the effort. Its mission is to promote the creative and talented minds of Revelstoke and help inspire those in the closet, (whoa, we’re still talking creativity here…), so send stuff!

And to those who have contributed in any way, shape and form to this publication, my sincerest thank you’s! Heather Lea - Publisher

by Abby PondHERitagE MoMEnts by Heather Lea

Isabel Coursier is a legend in Revelstoke, best known for her ski-jumping abilities during the 1920’s. Born in 1906 during a time when women did not necessarily pursue sports - especially risky sports - Isabel was a novelty from the start. She was 16 years old when she broke a world record, jumping 84 ft here at what is now known as the Nels Nelson Historic Ski Jump on Mnt. Rev-elstoke. From that day forward, Isabel was celebrated as being the first female world champion ski-jumper.

In a ski tournament held in Washington on the 4th of July, 1923, young Isabel marveled her audience once again, jumping on the icy slopes of Mount Rainier. For this exhibition, she received a special medal and an ovation from the distinguished audience, which included then-president, Warren Harding.

A member of the Revelstoke Ski Club, Isabel confidently jumped alongside her male contemporaries, such as Nels Nelsen, an immigrant from Norway to Revelstoke, who also held a world record for his jump of 240ft. Isabel was the first woman to jump unsupported by a male partner. Up until then, all females jumped holding the hand of a man.

When Isabel was eight years old, a trapper friend of the family’s, Bob Black-more, made her a set of skis – this was all she needed to get well on her way. Ms. Coursier stated in an interview in 1968 that she was appalled by the com-mercialism probing parents and tempting kids to buy the best equipment and spend more money yet on training. She had had no formal coaching. “None of us ever did, to my knowledge. I never saw anybody coaching anyone,” Ms. Coursier remarked in another interview, “That’s why (we all) had the different styles.”

A headstrong woman, Isabel would declare that riding lifts was “the lazy person’s approach”, saying that the need for ski lifts and tows was largely to blame for many ski injuries and accidents. Muscles did not have the chance to condition properly when the skier rode a lift and just glided down in what she deemed ‘a monotonous cycle.’

Isabel Coursier was world champion from 1922-29. She traveled often back and forth between Montreal, BC and the UK for formal education and then eventually through her career as a Phys-Ed teacher. She retired in 1967, moved back to Canada and settled in Parksville on Vancouver Island where she is presumed to have lived until she passed away in October 16, 1980 at the age of 74.

Write This Way

Normally, this section is reserved for environmental topics, but affordable housing is What Matters in this issue.

What Matters.... by Steve Lemon

FreeLet your worries beAs high as the top of the treesLet them fly byJust like the cold cold breeze. Forget the worriesLive your life to it’s fullest You’ll feel so freeJust like me. So leave your worriesThat will bring you downAnd fly so high In the blue blue sky.

Little Green ManI saw a little green manSitting on a standBut what a bum He could have been tallerBut is parents were smaller. Friends ForeverFriends share secretsFriends hang outFriends cheer you upFriends laugh togetherAnd most of all “ Friends are there for you”Friends are Forever!

poems by Patti Sproull

Open Monday to Thursday, noon-7pm (or later) Friday & Saturday 11am - 7pm 107 Second Street East 837-2002

Artist in Profile: Andrew Stacey by Heather Lea

It takes imagination to see scrap metal as art, and Andrew Stacey has what it takes. When he first started thinking about metal sculpture, Andrew was conveniently working in a fabrication shop where free scraps and useful machinery were at his fingertips. One day, Andrew looked down into a bin containing lathe shavings and

thought they looked like noodles. He envisioned them on a plate - a fork-full of lathe shaving noodles poised at the mouth of a robot - and invented Blue Plate Special (see above). “The wood in the base (of the robot) is a chunk of our cherry tree that I saved when I pruned it”. Andrew did get into wood sculpture earlier on and still uses wood in some of his pieces. One of his sculpted masks was actually started with wood which he initially carved into a face and then laid over with metal. Andrew uses a forge (a hand-cranked blower furnace) to heat up the metal, thus making the metal quite pliable and easy to manipulate. Andrew won Best in Show for Blue Plate Special at a juried art show in Peachland, BC in March, 2002. This was to be an explosive year for Andrew. After this winning, Andrew brought Blue Plate Special to the BC Festival of the Arts in Surrey, BC, where it was on display at ‘ARTworks’ in North Surrey. He was also listed among the top ten for People’s Choice out of over two hundred participating artists in Art Walk 2002 in Lake Country, BC. In May of that same year, Andrew caused quite a stir in downtown Kelowna with Bob, the Gargoyle, (see right) during a public art display. Bob was 7ft tall and weighed in at 900 pounds.

“One thing I found interesting at these art shows was the people who appreciated my work the most were those who worked around cars or machinery.” A background in engineering helps considerably in metal art-istry, which Andrew has. With Bob, Andrew had to think ahead. The first thing he did was make the base so a forklift could easily move the heavy structure. He then built an internal skeleton to hold the weight. Andrew also needs to ensure that some of his

“Blue Plate Special”

work is both strong enough and light enough to stay where it is mounted, like on fireplaces, for example.

Over the next few years, Andrew built quite an impres-sive resume of his work and winnings – too many to list here, actually. Andrew started work with CP Rail in 2003 and soon took a transfer to Revelstoke, where he became a member of the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre. CP Rail gave him enough time off to keep up his work as a sculptor, but he was restricted by rental accommodation and lack of a work area. Andrew put his artistic inspirations on the back-burner until he and his wife, Joanne, could move to a more accommodating place of their own. As luck would have it, they eventually found a home in Revelstoke with garage space big enough for a workshop.

Renovations are now behind him, and Andrew can look forward to getting back to work on sculpting. He has already received five commissions. Andrew also makes gorgeous furniture: coffee tables, end tables, majestic throne chairs and cabinets. There really is no end to his diversity when it comes to creating things out of scraps.

“For me it is just about the creative process; it hasn’t mattered if I was building a huge metal sculpture or laying a brick wall, I just love building things.”

If you’d like to meet Andrew Stacey and see some of his impressive collection, e-mail him at joandi@telus.net (Note: Andrew would be most appreciative of any scrap donations!)

“Bob, the Gargoyle”

Patti Sproull is currently putting

together her first book of

poetry.Best of luck,

Patti!

Sha

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Rob

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By now, most people in Revelstoke have stared slack jawed at real estate listings and wondered “Four Hundred Thousand for a two bedroom bungalow, who the heck can afford that?” Affordable housing has become a touch button issue in town; we all know people who have been affected by our current status as a favoured location. Friends want to stay here, contribute to the community and raise their children but simply cannot afford to and are moving on. Seniors who have lived in Revelstoke much of their lives are being forced from their homes by rent exceed-ing $1000. Owners of mobile homes are seeing the land they have parked on for years, sold out from under their feet.

The problem of housing has been well recognized; there is no lack of precedent in mountain communities. From Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Whistler, BC, ski towns have struggled to find the balance between a market based resort and the community at its heart. Revelstoke has a unique opportunity to take those lessons learned in other towns, apply some common sense and create local solutions to the housing challenges ahead.

Affordable housing means different things to different people. For the few unfortunate individuals in town who find themselves sleeping in the rough, shivering through the winter, a simple bed in a warm secure building is enough. For the many seasonal workers, a decent house to share with other renters at a reasonable rate, is in high demand. An elderly couple living off their retirement savings and a pension just want assurance that their rent won’t double in a year’s time. A young family with both parents working may want to get out of the vola-tile rental market and into a place of their own without committing to a lifetime of insurmountable debt.

To address this critical issue, city council has created The Revelstoke Affordable Housing Committee to identify needs and come up with practical, economical solutions. This is a multi-tiered effort covering needs as basic as an emergency shelter, to initiating affordable ownership. There have already been changes made in local zoning to allow homeowners to create legal suites or sell smaller lots to accommodate higher densities.

A provision is in the works for owners of trailer parks that they must provide alternative housing if displacement for redevelopment occurs. Funding for city managed housing will be derived partially from a housing trust fund where any new construction including the ski resort will be forced to contribute a portion of their development to an affordable housing pool. This may come in the form of actual living units or as a mon-etary contribution.

According to Alan Mason, Director of Community Economic Development, the housing committee is undertaking the con-struction of at least one and potentially three multi-unit co-op housing projects. The desired consequence would be to sell and rent some of these units and hopefully create downstream vacancies in the available rental pool. Those for sale will have an attached covenant restricting purchasers to people working full time in Revelstoke or to those who have been residents for a specified time. The covenant will also ensure that this housing remains affordable in perpetuity. Without a doubt this will not be easy to accomplish. There will need to be an intensive applica-tion process to ensure these homes are sold to those most in need. The city will also have to overcome the stigma associated with so called ‘social housing’, where one might imagine charm-less concrete apartments with neighborhood difficulties.

The City of Revelstoke has some significant challenges to overcome in order to maintain a strong community base during this period of unprecedented growth. Already we are seeing one of the paradoxical consequences of a lack of affordable housing. As the town grows, new businesses emerge and struggle to attract and hold on to employees that can not afford to live here. To remain a sustainable, viable town rather than become an amenity to a ski hill, Revelstoke will need to take housing issues very seriously. As a community we need to hold our city representatives to their promises, elect Provincial candidates who care about housing issues and encourage major employers, such as BC Hydro and Revelstoke Mountain Resorts, to provide housing outside of the current stock of rent-als, for their own workers.

Neil JonesRehabilitation/Personal Training hm 837-2487 cell 837-1351

501-2nd St.W Revelstoke, BC(250) 837 - 3440

ski-tuningboot fittingclothing and gear

“Your Mountain Sport Specialist”213 Mackenzie Ave, Revelstoke, BC V0E 2S0alpine20@telus.net 837-5517

usic Notes

Get in TOUCH with US

WRITE NOW!

editor@reved.net

I am trying to record my first CD. Okay, let me clarify: I am attempting to record my first CD that wasn’t made with a computer microphone and artwork completed with Sharpie markers. You know the type; it’s the modern day equivalent of the mixed tape.

In Revelstoke, this is a hard thing to do. One, because we don’t have a cohesive musical commu-nity I can question for advice, and two because we don’t have a proper recording studio available (to my knowledge).

Searching anything on the internet these days is an overwhelming process. Try searching “recording tips” or “recording studio” and see what I mean.

I had a lot of questions I needed answers for, and no sure place to find them. Stubborn as I am, I kept going. These are some of the things I was asking:

What do I need to do first? How much money is this going to cost me? How much money do I want to spend? What will I ultimately use this CD for? What does a producer do? Do I need a profes-sional photographer and graphic artist? Where can I get CDs manufactured, once it is recorded? What colour marker should I use to sign autographs for all my adoring fans?

Thank goodness for good advice from my friend and manager, Joanne Stacey. She has gone through the process of recording a CD several times. She gave me the skinny on how to prepare material, what to look for in a studio and producer, and the answers to most of my questions above (except the marker one). Finding someone who has gone through the process makes it a lot easier.

It has been a huge learning curve for me. If you’re under the impression that being a musician is easy, it isn’t. Crafting a song, learning how to perform it, selecting a bunch of them to put on the CD, running yourself like a business, creating a marketing plan, working for hours on end with no paycheque at the end of the day…why do I do this again?

Because I love to make music. When I sit down and try to imagine my life without various things, I can’t picture a life without the ability to create and enjoy music.

Right now, I’m planning to hit the studio in May to lay down the tracks (ooh, I’m already learning the lingo!). For now, I’m picking apart my songs, learn-ing how to sing them better, and practicing so I can save time and money by showing up prepared.

I might just go with a purple marker.

www.revelstokeyoga.com 1596 Illecillewaet Road, Revelstoke, BC 250.837.1817GABI

Sha

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Rob

inso

n Health & You“The aim of life

is to attain peace. No onecan give us peace. We can’tbuy it or borrow it. We haveto cultivate it by practicing

Yama & Niyama” Baba Hari Dass

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, (a detailed description of how the yoga system works), he explains that higher consciousness brings knowledge of reality and peace. This yogic system is called Ashtanga, meaning eight limbs.

The eight limbs are: 1)Yamas – restraints, 2) Niyamas – obser-vances, 3) Asana – seat or posture, 4) Pranayama – control of breath, 5) Pratyhara – withdrawing the mind from sense percep-tion, 6) Dharana – concentration, 7) Dhyana - meditation and 8) Samadhi – super consciousness.

Let’s discuss one of the five Yamas: Ahimsa, meaning non-vio-lence. Take a moment and imagine our world, our planet, in a state of non-violence. What would happen if at this exact moment every single human being held back from a non-violent action, word or thought? Perhaps the most unmerciful places on earth would be peaceful. Mothers and Fathers could sleep sound knowing that their families would be together in the morning to share another day. It is a curious thought to contemplate how humanity has ar-rived at this current state of urgency, scrambling at solutions to remedy our earth in its state of fever.

Yoga is a science that investigates the union of the mind and body with the ultimate aim of inner peace. It is real peace within ourselves that will guide us to serve our family and global commu-nity. We must all ask ourselves the paramount question of why it is so challenging to hold and practice a virtuous lifestyle? Why do we gravitate to crutches that blind us from our personal potential? Through self-discovery and maintaining a viewpoint of non-judgment towards every facet of our life, it is possible to be in harmony with our environment. Humans are unique in the sense that we can choose our thoughts, which plays out in what our reality looks like. What do you want your life to look like? How are you going to achieve this goal being mindful in creating no harm using your thoughts, words and actions? The essential building block is YOU. Start by being kind to yourself.

Where your thoughts go, the energy flows!

Balu Yoga opened in Revelstoke in December 2007. Co-creators Shendra Kelly and Sheri Zebroff share a passion for peaceful and healthy living. They are thrilled to offer a space to

practice yoga and other related holistic practices. Studio location, schedule and instructor profiles can be found on the Website.

by Sheri Zebroff and Shendra Kelly

Stop the Bleeding.....

Are you paying the government too much tax? Chances are pretty good you are. Here are a

handful of Federal Tax Savings for 2007:

1) Effective: Jan1, 2007 - Lowest personal income tax reduction: The tax rate dropped from %15.5 to %15 for taxable income up to $37,178. Not bad!

2) Effective: Jan1, 2007 Increasing the basic personal amount: The basic personal amount that an individual can earn without paying federal personal income tax for 2007 is $9,600, up from $8,839 last year.

3) Effective: Jan1, 2007 New child care tax credit: Parents can claim a $2,000, non-refundable tax credit for each child under the age of 18. Any unused part of the credit can be transferred to a spouse or common-law partner.

4) Effective: Jan1, 2007 Children’s Fitness Tax Credit: This credit will cover eligible fees up to $500 for enrolment in a physical activity program. Cool!

5) Effective: Jan1, 2007 Registered Educational Savings Plan Changes:The annual contribution limit, which stood at $4,000, has now been eliminated, while the lifetime contribution limit has increased from $42,000 to $50,000. Yaahhhh!! (Just so you know, RESP’s can be amazing educational savings plans!)

6) Effective: Jan1, 2007 Working Income Tax Benefit: Low income earners over 19 can claim a refundable Working Income Tax Benefit (WITB) tax credit. The credit equals %20 of each dollar of earned income exceeding $3,000, to a maximum credit of $500 for single Canadians and $1,000 for families. If net family income exceeds $9,500 for single people, or $14,500 for families, the WITB will be reduced to %15. Huh…

These are just a few of the Federal Tax Savings for 2007. Talk to your local

financial professional for more information.

How Cheap Can You Get? by Nathan Harrison

getlivemusic.comMaking Revelstoke the live music centre for BC

837-2682

by Abby Pond

For advertising your business, contact editor@reved.net

Hotels/B&B’S

Alpine Lane B&B488 Alpine Lane West off Hwy #1 837 - 6106 $-$$ Comfort Inn 301 Wright St. 837 - 2191 $$$$ Hillcrest Hotel 2 km east of Revelstoke off Hwy 1 837 - 3322 $$$$Inn on the River 523 3rd Street West 837 - 3262 $$$Minto Manor B&B 815 MacKenzie Ave. 837 - 9337 $$$Monashee Lodge 1601 Third St. West 1-800-668-3139 (837-6778) $$-$$$Powder Springs Inn & Spa201 Second St. West 837 - 5151 $$Regent Inn112 1st St. 837 - 2107 $$$$

Swiss Chalet Lodge 1101 Victoria Rd. 837 - 4650 $$-$$$$

$ = under $15 $$ = $15 - 25 $$$ = $25 and up

$ = under $60 $$ = $60 - $90 $$$ = $90 - $110 $$$$ = $110 and up

Restaurants/Pubs

Sleeps n’ Eats

112 Lounge 112 1st St. E 837 - 2107 $$-$$$ Hillcrest Dining Room located at the Hillcrest Hotel 837 - 3322 $$ Kawakubo Japanese Cuisine 109 First St. East 837 - 2467 $$-$$$Modern Bake Shop & Cafe 212 Mackenzie Ave. 837 - 6886 $Powder Springs Restaurant201 Second St. West 837 - 5151 $$River City Pub 112 1st St. E. 837 - 2107 $-$$The Nomad Food Company 1601 W Victoria 837 - 4211 $ Woolsey Creek Restaurant 604 2nd. St. W 837 - 5500 $-$$

Friends of REVED REVED sincerely thanks the following for their support........

Gold

On June 16, 2007, Kate McKenzie opened Got Scraps!, a papercrafts store specializing in scrapbooking and card-mak-ing. A locksmith by trade, this

would be something quite different for Kate, who’s business card now reads, “…scrapbooking, card-making and lock-smithing.”

“You never know what curve life is going to throw you. I went to school to be a travel agent, originally.”

Kate describes scrap-booking and card-making as a method of sharing oneself through creative expression; a way of preserving family history or sending a greeting of love. “I still don’t consider myself to be creative, but it comes with experience. Scrapbook pages make albums even more special with patterned papers, embellishments and actual memorabilia.”

When asked if the advent of digital cameras could hinder the art of scrap-booking, Kate says not at all. “Looking through someone’s scrapbook is much more interesting than sitting in front of a computer looking at picture after picture.

“With digital cameras, people take more photos because it is so easy to

preview and re-do, if necessary. Discs and computers can store hundreds of photos, but there is a risk of losing them if your computer crashes.”

Kate started considering the idea to open a papercraft store in October, 2006. “A few local stores carried some supplies and one could also order supplies from home-based individuals, but I felt Revel-stoke would benefit from a store offering a much broader range. Once I actually made the decision (to open the store), it all happened pretty fast. There is a lot involved in opening a business and it is a huge personal commitment, just ask my family!”

Kate adds that scrapbooking is a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. “Many people are put off either by the time re-quired, or the expense. It does not have to be expensive; it is about preserving memories, pictures, thoughts, and mem-orabilia. Like the original scrapbooks that we put together in primary school, the everyday pieces that we save and insert make the albums even more special.”

Got Scraps! offers a monthly calendar full of workshops throughout the week, like: Sentimental Greetings Card Class; Kids Crop, Girls Night Out; and Scrap-booking Class. A work area is available for use during store hours at an hourly rate, or is free with membership. Stop in to Got Scraps! during business hours at 5 -1605 Victoria Rd in Zala’s Plaza or phone 837-3329.

Where to stay and eat in Revelstoke

DATE MAIN GALLERY SIDE GALLERIES

4th April – 25th April 2008 Imprisonment for Removal Betty Fahlman Paintings and Drawings with Wood Transformed Wood sculpture and furniture from local woodworkers

2nd May – 30th May 2008 Heart of Stone – Heart of Garden Beverley Reid Appliquéed and embellished textile hangings, and fabric collages with ‘Shutterbugs’ Images by 4 Christina lake photographers

6th June – 27 June 2008 Members Exhibition Revelstoke Art Group

Exhibitions

From the Lake to the Mountains A selection of works from Salmon Arm Members Show

Shannon Robinson

What’s Your Biz’ness? by Heather Lea