Kimberley Chronicle

Your Biweekly Source for Kimberleys Past, Present & Future Monday July29, 2013 Volume 33

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Welcome to the 32nd issue of Kimberley Chronicle! We trust that our readers have been enjoying this spectacular summer. From hilarious live theatre to the raw athletisism of the bocce pits, July was a pretty stellar month. We are lucky to have another great story from Doug Johnson about one of Kimberleys finest. As per usual we love hearing from our readers. If you have any complaints, questions or story ideas give us a call at 427-5430.

kimberleychronicle@gmail.com

The Story of Sam - Part 1

He was a Kimberley boy no doubt about it. And fifty years ago he was within a hairs breadth of launching an industry that would have transformed this town forever. But he was stopped at the last minute and now Ill tell you the story of Sam. He lived in an ordinary house in an ordinary neighbourhood just a few doors down the road from the present-day FasGas station in Upper Blarchmont. He was a skilled athlete and would represent the Kootenay zone in slalom racing at the Dominion Ski Championships held in Banff in March of 1940. He also excelled in combined cross-country and jumping events. Using todays cadence he was one of those athletes who could do it all. A strong work ethic was Sams biggest trademark. When the ski club decided to relocate from the North Star to Myrtle Mountain, Sam and his horse Prince used a stone boat to haul rocks for the fireplace for the new ski cabin. The Chair lift being installed at North Star Mountain. Photo by Sams brother Charles Wormington. Photo courtesy of Kimberley Heriremnants of those rocks and old mortar are tage Museum and Columbia Basin Institute of Regional History. visible still if you look carefully. With a crosscut saw, axe and two friends he would cut, split and pile 12 cords of firewood for the princely sum of $7. With the same saw and axe he and another young man by the name of Jack Colvin would clear a beginners area above the cabin. Work never tired him. He thrived on it. Continued

Obstacles and problems were but momentary challenges and were treated like blips on a radar screen. Everything was met head-on and would be overcome with hard work. Another Kimberley man, Roy Moe, described Sam as the most optimistic man I ever knew nothing, absolutely nothing could stop or even fizz on that man. Above all he was a dreamer. There was an old photograph that survived in the paint shop at the old concentrator. It featured the C.M. & S. Paint crew and maybe was taken in the late 1940s. Sam stood in the back row he was www.basininstitute.org rarely if ever photographed sitting down. In this picture he seems detached, restless, impatient to move on to something else. If you look long enough Kimberley Heritage Museum at the photograph you realize hes looking right over the top of the reclaim ponds staring up at the ski hill. 105 Spokane Street - above the library When Sam came home after the war the biggest dream ever was beginning Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4:30pm to take hold. In the west there were only two ski hills with chair lifts Sun Phone: 250-427-7510 Valley in Idaho and Alta in Utah. Sam was convinced Kimberley could beEmail: kdhs@shawbiz.ca come a leading resort to serve what was becoming Americas fastest growing Entry Fee - By Donation sport. The club moved its operations back to the North Star and charged into the modern ski era. Sam was everywhere. He had lots of help lets establish that right now but he was definitely the driving force. Without a ski Kootenay Cleaning Services lift it was hard for Kimberley kids to compete in the alpine events but Sam knew there was more than one ski race. He took a team of cross-country A Breath of Fresh Air competitors to Banff for the North American competitions in 1950. They Residential, Recreational & attracted a lot of attention especially two teenagers by the names of Eric Commercial Cleaning Brodin and Sever Rondestvedt. And somehow with only a rope tow to offer, Sam convinced the intercollegiate skiing program to include Kimberley 250-427-8644 in their competitive meets. He became involved in the development of the National Ski Team and controversy ensued when he would not back down from the big-time powers in eastern Canada. He obviously had both feet on Happy Hands Tattoo the ground and understood priorities when he took on the task of teaching Sylvia Seredick to ski. Sylvia was a McDougall Hall girl who wouldnt let a leg amputation interrupt her life. Sam could sense a breakthrough was near. Finally in the very late 1950s a T-bar lift was installed. He signed a managers contract for insulting wages because he could see light at the end of the tunnel. Read his book. He lists all th 418 - 304 St 778-481-5000the men and women who shared the dream and were so determined to develop the North Star as a family skiing paradise. For years they had pushed the boulder up the side of the mountain and now it rested on top. Sam Kimberley Chronicle knew that expansion was natural for the club and the possibilities endless. for ad rates or info Behind the North Star and into the Mark and Matthew Creek watersheds email us: kimberleychronicle@gmail.com was a summer and winter wonderland of sun drenched south western faccall us: 427-5430 ing slopes. Alpine and cross-country skiing, golf, hiking and snowshoeing Check out our Facebook Page with our would be boundless. Sam readied to push the boulder down the other side. digital archives where we have over 2200 But then things would go terribly wrong, terribly wrong for Kimberley but online reads! not for Sam and the North American ski industry. Ill tell you the rest of the story later. By Doug Johnson.

For children 4-10 years old - 8am to 3:30pm daily - $40/day or $180/week

Come Out to Summer Camp at Kimberley Aquatic Centre!

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Puzzles

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Tumbled Earth River Stone Jewelry & Accessories By Kara & Dave Clarke

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6) Shop: tumbledearth.etsy.com
Contact: tumbled.earth@hotmail.com

Like our Facebook page Tumbled Earth Herman is driving on the highway. His wife calls him on his cell phone and in a worried voice says, Herman, be careful! I just heard on the radio that there is a madman driving the wrong way on Route 280! Herman says, I know, Im right here. But there isnt just one, there are hundreds! A woman has twins, and gives them up for adoption. One of them goes to a family in Egypt and is named Amal. The other goes to a family in Spain, they name him Juan. Years later; Juan sends a picture of himself to his mum. Upon receiving the picture, she tells her husband that she wished she also had a picture of Amal. Her husband responds, But they are twins. If youve seen Juan, youve seen Amal. Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesnt seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps, My friend is dead! What can I do? The operator says Calm down. I can help. First, lets make sure hes dead. There is a silence, then a gun shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says OK, now what?

Jokes

The Kimberley Village Market will be held at Lions Park in Marysville every Sunday from 11am to 3pm from June 30 to September 8.

A few clouds and sprinkles but overall it looks great.

Puzzle Answers 1) A little rough around the edges. 2) Double your money back. 3) Foreign movie. 4) Keeping you out of trouble. 5) The start of something big. 6) Too little too late. computers - networks - communications 250-427-5424 53 Trickle Ridge Place

Weather

Wednesday July 31-Saturday August 10: Kimberleys second plein air (outdoor) painting event consists of a three-day plein air watercolour workshop, a four-day plein air oil/acrylic workshop and a Saturday morning public Paint-Out on the Platzl. Saturday August 3-Wednesday August 14: KIMBERLEY SUMMER THEATRE presents: Wizard of Oz McKim Theatre. Wednesday August 7: FREE COMMUNITY SWIM, Kimberley Aquatic Centre, 5-6pm. Sponsored by Robert Apps Law Corporation. Saturday August 10: Paint-Out in the Platzl! Artists at work, followed by a showing and sale of the completed works! Taking place in the Platzl during Kimberleys Plein Air Festival: August 10, 9am - 12pm (painting) and 1pm - 4pm (show and sale). Sunday August 18: KIMBERLEY NATURE PARK offers: HIKE FOR YOUNG FAMILIES. A fun time around Eimers Lake. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Higgins Street entrance at 10am. Saturday August 24-Sunday August 25: Be part of history by riding at the 1st annual Kimberleys Sullivan Shakedown mountain bike race.

Upcoming Events

Come Feel The Love at One Love Hot Yoga!

Summer Specials
-$70 unlimited month pass for the months of June,July & August. -Student Drop in Rates of $10.

www.onelovehotyoga.ca

Kimberley Forest Consulting

Your forest expert. Wildfire Assessments, Forest Development Plans, Ecosystem Management, Surveys. Wade Jarvis, RPF
kimberleyforest@gmail.com

propane, gas, marked premium, and diesel

Certified Journeyman Automotive Mechanic Motorbike, ATVs and other small engine repair Kimberleys STIHL Dealer Call 427-7690 for an appointment or stop in

Come Check Out Our Sweet Gas Gas Bikes!

Monday to Saturday 7am-7pm