Fundraising For Coldest Night of the Year

One of the biggest challenges I think in marketing these days is how much is expected of a Marketing

Department. Big or small today marketers have their hands in pretty much every pot at the office. I’m not complaining, I would rather be immersed my organization than caught unaware. Marketing can range from doing traditional roles like creating advertisements and strategies to event planning and employee recognition. I think most of the best marketers are also the best front line employees because they have the finger on the pulse of what is going on and can jungle multiple asks and campaigns while being part of traditional daily front-line operations.

With that being said, for me one of the biggest challenges of being a new employee at a business in a new industry is not having that bare basics knowledge about daily operations that someone who has worked one has. With that knowledge comes respect, for example while I was working in Marketing for McDonald’s Restaurants I gained the respect of the employees I was training and teaching because I understood their roles and what a day in their shoes was like because of my experience working as a “crew member” in high school. That traction was so valuable to me and to the people I was working with.

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Taking on my new marketing role with a financial institution has been a challenge. One of the most challenging things I have been asked to do is to take on being Captain of our Coldest Night of the Year fundraising team and organizing our organization-wide fundraising efforts. I am so proud of our team for their amazing work so far. I am used to organizing events, motivating a corporate team is a little different. As you can see on the website listed below we have had nearly $800 in donations and that does not count all of the money donated at our branches by our members. I appreciate how hard it can be to follow the lead of someone new, especially when that person is new to their role and industry and the team here has welcomed me whole-hardily.

Me in my Team Captain CNOY toque

Unfortunately I am a desk jockey and do not have the opportunities to fundraise like our amazing staff.  They truly are amazing for all of the support they have thrown behind making our team successful in supporting Open Arms and the “homeless, hurt and hungry” here in the Annapolis Valley. To help in my own way I am pulling some sweet Valentine’s Day treats from Pinterest and making customized Cookiegrams to be sent between branches and around our area.

In the past 16 hours I have already raised $100 and I am sure there is more to come! If you live in the Annapolis Valley and would like to order some red velvet or sugar cookiegrams please email me k.bruce@valleycreditunion.com! 

If you would like to help support our fundraising efforts but do not want the cookies you can donate by following this link:https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=2677155&langPref=en-CA

It is going to be a cold night. It has been ridiculously cold lately with wind-chills making it feel like the temperature is in the -30s. There is not another group of people that I would rather be freezing with than the incredible people I work with. I am so impressed with their ability to juggle so many tasks and come out on the successful side with grace and excitement to take on the next challenge.

Kootenay Festival 2014

I had an amazing time at Kootenay Festival Saturday! Unfortunately it took me a day to bounce back from all the sun and heat, but I can finally tell you all about it on this Monday afternoon!

What can I say; the Kootenays are home to amazing artists from all walks of life. Whether their craft is perfect wood oven fired pizza or creating amazing home décor woodworking, there is a place for it at Kootenay Festival!

On top of all of the physical art the stage was packed with incredible acts from the moment the festival kicked off at 10:30am (with the Scottie School of Highland Dance) to the closing act Cod Gone Wild who played until 7pm. All of the musical acts delivered and I was blown away by the dance troops that took the stage too.

One performer that really impressed me was Bobby Bovenzi; not only did he perform he instructed. His interactive drum and dance circle is not to be missed if you ever have the chance to see it and take part make sure you do! He had absolutely everyone involved cheering and chanting along with the pounding rhythm drums and noise-makers. It was a highlight of my day.

Bobby Bovenzi left the crowd in awe! 

Every festival I attend I break from my normal dietary habits and indulge like a person who has never seen food before; Kootenay Festival was no different. I had a little bit of everything. I always try to order up things that I am not skilled enough to make at home, that normally leads me to Kootenay Filipino food. Of course I had to order up their amazing pork rolls.

I added Gypsy Wagon Wood-Fired Catering to my festival menu for the first time with their incredible breakfast pizza (that is scrambled egg on the pizza). If you followed my blog while I visited La Jolla’s Open Aire Market earlier this year you know how much I love a good breakfast pizza! 

And, with the heat I HAD to hit up both JillyBean’s Ice Cream truck for a waffle cone and have a little breakfast gelato from Nelson’s Little Miss Gelato. How can you say no to bubblegum gelato? It was so hot that I sweat out all the calories throughout the day; that’s how that works right?

Good Ol' Goats

It was such a fabulous day, I spent it with the two people I am thankful for that made me smile (yes doubling up on a happy moment and event blog). Liam, for ordering a medium bag of kettle corn that was the size of a small child and Idaylia for being her always cheerful, helpful self.

I do have to just note a couple of talented musicians who took the stage during the festival that were remarkable. They guys from Roy Has Fire never fail to disappoint and rock every show they play. The Good Ol’ Goats were showstoppers and had everyone clapping, dancing and moving their feet. Last but not least Cod Gone Wild made me feel like I was back at home on the East Coast rocking out downtown Halifax at the Commons.

Cod Gone Wild!

Kootenay Festival 2014 was one for the books! To find out more about next year’s celebration click here.

One more thing, this photo snaps a moment in Castlegar’s history that is pretty cool. Castlegar’s sister city in Ebetsu, Japan sent representatives to help celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the city’s twinning.

My First Tim Horton's Camp Day!

Not my best hair (or face) day... 

Today I experienced my very first Tim Hortons Camp Day as an on-air personality. I had so much fun in Trail early this morning at 8am for the morning rush of drivers b-lining for caffeine to get them to the end of Humpday. I was absolutely astounded by the number of generous cash donations that were given to Tim Hortons Children Foundation just in my two hours at Tim Hortons. It was mind-blowing. 

On top of the staggering number of people supporting sending children in need to camp I witnessed lots of goodwill between strangers; chains of people paying-it-forward by paying for the order that was coming up behind them! I have heard of this happening at Tim Hortons before but I have never been the beneficiary of it. I think it is important to note that I have never started a kindness chain in a drive-thru either (karma, eh?). Now, I really want to do it... I may even add that experience to my summer of firsts on my way home today. I'll keep you updated.

I like to think I was a little better at my job in the drive-thru window than some of the RCMP officers pouring coffee and mixing up iced caps! There were some spills and lots of sass from Trail’s finest who broke Tim Hortons protocol multiple times and held the coffee cups as they poured the coffee. In all seriousness, the firefighters and police officers who were part of my Camp Day experience were so much fun! I don’t think there was a better time to be at Tim Hortons today in Trail than while we were holding down the fort! Although, the staff was pretty excited for the Trail Smoke Eaters to come in a little later in the day so I think we were most likely their second favourite crew of the day. 

So many people bought tents and cabins to line the walls of Trail's Tim Horton's, I have a very good feeling that we helped raise more than the $11.8 raised last year on Camp Day! 

If you would like to donate to Camp Day it is so easy, you do not need to even go to a Tim Hortons. You can give online by visiting sendakidtocamp.com or by texting CAMP to 45678 in Canada or CAMP to 41518 in the States. 

Help celebrate Tim Horton Children's Foundations 40th birthday by grabbing a coffee today and 100% of the proceeds will go to THCF!

This year alone more than 200,000 kids will be impacted by the Tim Horton Children's Foundation and more than 17,000 kids will attend at THCF camp! 

I have made up my mind. On the way home someone better be behind me in the drive-thru at Tim's because I am starting a chain of awesomeness. 

*Side-note, one of my biggest pet peeves is people who call Tim Hortons "Timmy's". You will NEVER heart me reference Tim's in such an informal way. I don't know why it grinds my gear but it really, really does. 

My Awesome Day in Nelson featuring Kootenay Insurance Services and Fresh Tracks Cafe Express from Whitewater

I had a kick ass day in Nelson yesterday!

Yes, my humpday was a little different than a normal day. I was on-location at Kootenay Insurance Services for their first annual Community Appreciation Day. On top of all amazing presentations to Nelson's hard working first responders I got to hang out with the AWESOME staff at the Nelson branch of Kootenay Insurance Services. We have worked with Kootenay Insurance Services in the past, they are a huge supporter of community initiatives--- last fall they actually ran a contest with us where they gave a $1000 to the Kinnaird Youth Indoor Skate Park. 

Here are John and I holding the big ole' check with Kootenay Insurance Services CEO John Sullivan. 

On top of an inspiring day with with local heroes from Nelson & Beasley Fire Department, Search & Rescue, the Nelson Police and RCMP I had a killer day food wise. 

Our awesome Account Executive Dustin picked up lunch for us from the new Fresh Tracks Cafe Express from Whitewater Ski Resort. Honestly I am getting hungry again right now at 9 am writing about my amazing burger. 

I absolutely love it when a restaurant (or in this case a food-truck) can find a way to disguise or add incentive to eat foods that I would normally not eat. With burgers it is so easy to pick off things that are outside of your comfort-zone. But, even though I don't eat wheat or onions I found myself downing every last bit of my burger. 

I had the handmade pork and BBQ duck burger. I absolutely love duck, but unfortunately rarely see it featured on menus so I was ecstatic to see it on the Fresh Tracks Cafe Express menu. Worth every carb this burger features pineapple peanut slaw, sesame caramelized onions, tomato, spinach and honey miso mayo! Yes, it was cheat day for me and I will happily admit to you that before I touched my burger I ate every last fry. I don't normally eat fries, but these fries were incredible. Perfectly crisp I did not share; I kept them all for myself. 

I absolutely loved my burger; it is how I imagine summer tastes as a flavour. Like I said, I normally do pick onions off my burgers but the caramelized onions really added to the mixture with the honey miso mayo and pineapple peanut slaw. It was the perfect combination of flavours; light and balanced. I can't wait to have this again and try it with the spelt bun!

I try to hold off mentioning things I have not tried myself. Usually whenever I eat out I am with others and we all kind of share tastes of everything, but Dustin and I had the same thing so I have only gathered taste bud feedback from the handmade pork and BBQ duck burger with fries. But, everyone at our office in Nelson has been raving about the Glory Bowl from the Wild Side of the Fresh tracks menu. Featuring roasted tofu, candied almonds, spinach, grated beets and carrots on a brown rice bed with house made dressing; it has sparked my interest and may be the first meal I have had without meat ever. Yes, I can honestly tell you I cannot remember ever eating a meal without any meat! 

I did hold off ordering the Filipino Tacos because of my recent tirade of Mexican meals from Confusion Taco and the Element, I can guarantee that I will explore this dish this summer as well. 

You can check out Fresh Tracks Cafe Express from Whitewater Ski Resort in Nelson outside of the Whitewater offices on Lake Street. Tuesdays they make an appearance in my neck of the woods in Castlegar outside the Sandman Hotel and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays they are on Baker Street in Nelson around the 200 Block.

For the full menu from Fresh Tracks Cafe Express click here. They also have a page for you to 'like' on Facebook too! 

On top of that awesome meal I got to wash it all down with Riva water--- from Nelson! A pretty cool story, my new friends from the Okinshaw Water Company were hydrating everyone who stopped by the Kootenay Insurance Services event. With bottled water straight from the mountains near Nelson it really added to my ultra-Nelson day! 

I had such a great time with the entire crew of people who made this awesome day possible. I really hope Kootenay Insurance Services puts this event on again next year! 

Rotary Club of Castlegar Sunrise 2000's 15th Annual Wine Festival

One of the most amazing things about living in British Columbia is the incredible selection of local wines that are available here.

Every year Mountain FM takes part in the Castlegar Sunrise 2000 Rotary Club’s Wine Festival and 2014 was no exception. This year was the 15^th Annual event and brought in wines from across B.C. for tasting.

I am so impressed at the turnout for this event! The entire room was buzzing and PACKED with some of the best wines in B.C. and their biggest fans. The booths were engaged with patrons the entire night. The Castlegar Rec. Centre was definitely the place to be last night!

With over thirty wineries onsite everyone was celebrating the diverse selection of wines produced right here in B.C. In passing I heard multiple people talking about their drives in from Spokane and other areas outside of town to come to the Wine Festival.

I am not the most knowledgeable person on the subject of wines. I prefer rose and reds to whites and choose sparking over still. With that being said I found quite a few new favorites I can’t wait to try again.

My overall favorite from the entire night was Heron Ridge Estates’ sparkling blueberry wine. Monster Vineyards’ riesling, Dirty Laundry Vineyards’ Hush and Quinta Ferreira Estate Winery’s unoaked chardonnay were among my other new favorites from the festival.

On top of all of the incredible wines to be tasted Bon Appetito Catering provided food that stopped all of the wine from going to our heads. The catering was tasty and the service was incredible. Shrimp, chicken skewers, artichoke dip baguettes and chocolate (milk and white) dipped strawberries were just some of the treats available. The big food winners were definitely the chocolate dipped strawberries; oh my damn they were good!

On top of treats for your taste buds there were also tons of chances to win. There were huge door prizes and a silent auction to check out as well.

One amazing thing about small towns is how everyone comes together to support events like the Wine Festival. Working in events and promotions I know how hard it can be to get people out to events (there are way too many good TV shows on these days)! It is so encouraging seeing young and old come out to events like this. Also the support from the Rotoract and the Interact Clubs was very impressive as well.

Kevin decided that he would be our designated driver so I tried to keep the night interesting for both of us by initiating a little game. Kevin is much more knowledgeable about wines than I am. His parent’s house has an incredible wine cellar and he grew up drinking wine; unlike me. The game was that he would find a wine without me looking and I would have to guess what vineyard and wine he had gotten me. This worked very well because he made me try things that I definitely would not have picked out for myself.

The Sunrise 2000 Rotary Club’s 15^th Annual Wine Festival was a great time! I can’t wait until the 16^th Annual event!

Kootenay Music Awards--- Voting Now Open

One of the elements I like most about my job is how involved I get to be in our amazing community here in the Kootenays. Over the past nine months living here in the Koots I have gotten to take part in amazing community events big and small, working with the Kootenay Music Awards has been a new experience for me working behind the scenes in a new way--- crafting a website.

Usually my involvement with the community involves chatting things up, attending, greeting and socializing with people. Building the website for the Kootenay Music Awards is a totally new thing for me because unlike the social and promotional aspect of events that I am used to the website has been all me. Lots of alone time and communication from the directors of the Kootenay Music Awards have led to the website you now see. I am very proud of it. Even though I did not code it and worked it all out with the power of Wix, I still absolutely love it.

After getting the basics going for the submission period in March the website had to go through another face lift to enable voting and linking up all the Soundcloud accounts. I can now happily tell you that voting is open for the KMAs until April 30th. I hope you have a chance to check it out and vote! While you are at it let me know what you think; I would love to hear your feedback.

I am a huge fan of Canadian Music. At this time last year I was totally inspired by working at the East Coast Music Awards with our Nova Scotia Community College’s Radio ECMA. It was a fabulous time! If you ever have the opportunity to volunteer with grass-roots level organizations do it! The experience is so rewarding. I love seeing people gain hype and fame from these events, it makes you feel like you have met famous people before they were big deals. You get to be super trendy and cool; it is like you are in the loop on the next big thing.

I hope I can post up some interviews in the coming weeks so you can hear from the people who made the tunes nominated this year for the 3^rd Annual Kootenay Music Awards! Until then, keep up with the KMAs by visiting www.kootenaymusicawards.biz! 

The Kootenay Music Awards will be presented May 9th at the Spirit Bar in Nelson!

My First Trip to Red Mountain Resort: Shred the Love

We spent the day “Shredding The Love” today at Red Mountain Resort in Rossland.  Yes, the management at Mountain FM determined that it would be okay to send me out skiing today. The last time I scarred some children at Phoenix Mountain when my pants fell down on the bunny hill (for that story click here).

Today I was way out of my comfort zone heading up to Red. I am not great at skiing. I wouldn’t say I’m dangerous on skis (to anyone other than myself) so I set out to shred the love.

John and Jenny (from the New Morning Rocks) were broadcasting live from the bottom of the hills and they were my safe place. This was my first time at a straight up mountain; it is definitely the biggest place I have ever skied. As we approached I started to get a little bit of an anxiety attack looking at the incredible runs and small dots making their way down the mountain.

The first half hour of my Red Mountain experience was really more proof that I am becoming a pansy with age. Last week I learned my lesson with dark places on rides and roller coasters, this week I learned I really need to keep skiing or I will always get the antsy feeling before going to the hill.

On a side note, for the first time since we moved to the Koots I went to the gym this week. I am making every effort to work out everyday after my show. I have been to the gym three days in a row straight; I was feeling pretty much like jello when we hit the slopes.

After we got into the day, more like after Kevin dragged me to the first run of the day I was totally back in the swing of things. I was pretty freaked out by the lift at first; I haven’t been on one other than at Martock pretty much a decade ago. It totally weirded me out at first but I got over it quickly.

Skiing Red was great! There was 0 wait time to get on the chairlifts and the runs were a lot of fun! When they say, “Ditch the Crowds!” they really mean it. Red is a great place to cut the crap and get time on the slopes.

After taking in my share of the first chair lift during the first part of the day, Kevin coaxed me into going up to the top of Granite Mountain. I have never been anywhere like it. I wish I could have taken pictures from the lift; we were higher than I have ever been in my life!

By the time we reached the top it had changed from lightly snowing to pretty much almost whiteout conditions. It was blustery and ice pellety when we got off the Motherlode (as you can see in this picture).  We were going to take the run that connects to Grey Mountain and ski Grey for bit. The weather turned on us a bit and we ended up making it our last run of the day and took Northern Bell to the bottom.

In my truly anxious way, the white made me worry. Kevin’s red pant was my beacon on the trip down. I kept them in site and knew all would be all right. This is typically how I am on my first run anywhere; I am guessing you would be a hell of a lot more ballsy than I am on the first run. The entire time all I could think of was about the news headlines reading “Idiot Girl From Flat Province Gets Lost On Ski Hill”. Passing university was easier to me than basic navigation and judging distances. This is a “me thing”, children and basic skiers were whizzing by me all day at Red. 

Another side note, I was totally blown away by the crisp smell of the freshest alpine air while skiing down these runs. 

Overall a great first trip to Red! There are lots of runs for all skill levels.

I was really impressed by the numbers of kids out on the hill. There were so many kids killing it on the slopes! It is so nice to see families out keeping kids active. I wish I had learned to ski as a child L

As I mentioned, in the first part of the blog, today was great event at Red Mountain called “Shred the Love”. “Shred the Love” is a fundraiser for Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) John and Jenny broadcasted live from the event all the important details about this initiative from 10a-2pm. 50% of the revenue from the day lift ticket sales at Red were donated to B4BC!

 

For more about B4BC you can check them out here.

Next week there will be another amazing fundraiser at Red Mountain, if you missed out today or want to get another run in before the end of the season it is the perfect time to get to Red (and support an important cause). Next Sunday is “Slopes for Hope” a fundraiser to support the Canadian Cancer Society. 

“Slopes for Hope” is another cool event that challenges everyone partaking a chance to ski the height of Mt. Everest (29,092 ft). You can register now here.

Just in case you are wondering what maps out to be at Red Mountain here are the runs you would have to get in to meet the goal:

Red- 1,420 feet - 20.5 runs

Silverlode-705 feet - 41runs

Motherlode-2,332 feet - 12.5 runs

Paradise – 1,286 feet - 22.5 runs

Grey – 1,988 feet -14.5 runs

(Stats from: http://www.redresort.com/activities/events/?nodepage=47354)

You have a week! Get to it!

Register up and start fundraising. Any adult who raises $100 will receive a ½ price lift ticket and any child who raises $50 will receive a ½ price lift ticket. Support this important cause and win some swag on March 16^th 2014 at “Slopes for Hope”.

Again (do it now) click here to register.

For more information about skiing's hidden gem in the Koots, Red Mountain Resort click here. 

Friends, come visit us and lets go skiing! 

The 117th Rossland Winter Carnival

What a crazy weekend!

I believe I have the best job out there. 

My Saturday started with a trip to my first ever Rossland Winter Carnival. This year was the 117th Rossland Winter Carnival and it was the talk of the station all week leading into the great event. I love Rossland, if it was closer to the station I would love to live there. I get excited whenever I get to go to Rossland, so I was pumped to say the least to get to go to Day 3 of the Winter Carnival. 

It got off to an interesting start, we parked on a side street and walked down to Columbia Avenue, but the street we took was covered in snow and people were snowboarding down it! It was incredible, there was a live DJ mixing for them and people took turns completing their trick run. One snowboarder almost ate-it and nearly came off the snow covered part of the street and into me as I watched. It was slightly terrifying, but overall very cool! I have never witnessed anything quite like it!

The Mountain FM and 1035 the Bridge team was hard at work when I got to our Columbia Ave. location, handing out hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn, Queen City Crisps with Antoinette's Dip (what nice people, eh?). Our team also gave away Mountain Sky lip balms and I must say, I snagged one and love it!

On top of interacting with everyone attending the Rossland Winter Carnival I got to check out the many food vendors and explore Rossland's Columbia Ave. like never before. I made my first s'mores on the street, it was amazing! S'mores flavoured things just cannot compare to the real thing! Everyone told me I burnt the marshmallow, but I still thought it was addictive... so tasty!  

I can't wait until next year's Rossland Winter Carnival, it truly is the perfect winter festival. To be honest with you, I have never been to a Winter Carnival and I am not sure any other could compete with the Rossland Winter Carnival.

Keep up with the Rossland Winter Carnival all year long and get involved volunteering at the 118th Rossland Winter Carnival by checking out www.rosslandwintercarnival.com!

George Longden on the 32nd Annual Community Christmas Dinner

If you are like me and have no where to be Christmas Day for Dinner you should head to the 32nd
Annual Community Christmas Dinner. It sounds like a great event and a huge tradition for the Grand Forks community, this year Greenwood reisdents are welcome (as your community dinner is not happening this year). This is a massive accomplishment for the community of Grand Forks, it is put on completely by volunteers. Oh... and I almost forgot to mention Santa will be there for the kids! 

For more information visit the Mountain FM events page listing here. 

Silver City Nites with Andrea from the City of Trail

Friday night in downtown Trail is where you need to be for the city of Trail's 'Silver City Nites' celebration! It is going to be a great time with Santa's Candy Parade and more great events all evening for your family. Head to Trail Friday night to see Mountain FM's Tom the Intern on location with hot chocolate! 

Click here for more information about Trail's 'Silver City Nites'. 

Michele from Rara Avis Dancers on the 10th Annual Dance Extravaganza

The Rara Avis Dancers are getting ready to present the 10^th Annual Dance Extravaganza (and Yuletide Market) on December 5^th. I spoke with Michele from the Rara Avis dance troupe about the events history and what people can expect this year. On top of the show there is also a Yuletide Market, you can drop by the Grand Forks Secondary School at 5:30pm to check out the market and doors for the show are at 6:30pm. The Dance Extravaganza begins at 7pm. You can purchase tickets at Thistle Pot Gifts.

For more information about the event visit Mountain FM’s event page here.

Celebrating Children's Day - Michelle Pierce on Morning Rocks

It is Children’s Day, as you can see if you open up Google (it is featured on today’s doodle). If you are

looking to take part in a great event right here in the Kootenays for Children’s day you can check out the celebration going on at Kootenay Family Place Neighbourhood House. Michelle Pierce joined us on Morning Rocks this morning to give us all the details.

You can also visit Mountain FM’s event page to learn more.

The 1st Annual Taste of Castlegar

I am such a lucky girl.

I love my job because I get to go to amazing events like 'Taste of Castlegar'.

Not only did I get to go to ‘A Taste of Nelson*’ last week, I also got to go to ‘Taste of Castlegar’. I can gladly say I enjoyed every calorie of my very tasty week. We had lots of sweets at the office as well*.

The rain did not stop the fun at the Lion’s Head Pub. Food vendors were under tents doling out their prized menu items from their new autumn menus. It is impossible to pick a favorite although I heard a lot of amazing feedback about all the items for the day. I can honestly tell you I was impressed with everything I tried. From butter chicken to cinnamon rolls, I ditched my diet and worked my way across all my taste buds. I really, really hope there is a second annual ‘Taste of Castlegar’ next year!

On top of all the great food the staff at the Lion’s Head Pub made great hosts to all the madness and the entertainment was killer! You need to check out ‘Taste of Castlegar’ next year. A big thank you goes out to everyone who made this great event possible, including everyone at the Castlegar Chamber of Commerce.

*If you look in my backlog of blogs you can read more about ‘ATaste of Nelson’ and our smiley-sweet week at Mountain FM. 

Winners From The Rock Creek and Boundary Fall Fair's Jelly Bean Contest

Community events are one of the greatest parts of my job. I love getting to take part in the events and

helping build social klout for some of the fun elements of life in our little corner of the world.

I like to talk about things that are going on across the Kootenays on my show and not just in a specific region (ex. I talk about Castlegar events on my Grand Forks show and Grand Forks events on my live show). We are one big network of cities, towns and communities working together to be the best place to live possible, so I think it is integral that we take part in other communities events and show our support for the incredible amount of work it takes to make these events possible.

Getting to the point, I had a great call from Michele Caskey yesterday about a very special annual part of the Rock Creek and Boundary Fall Fair last weekend (September 14 and 15, 2013), she gave me a call to let me know that over 300 people had entered the B.C. Lung Association’s contest at the fair. Contestant’s guests how many jelly beans were in the jar (pictured) and guesses ranged from 112 to 1,000,000. The correct answer was 1,003 jelly beans. There were two winners who guessed the correct amount of jelly beans in the jar, Lynzee Davies of Whistler, B.C. and Rhys Prudence of Oliver, B.C. An independent person conducted a draw as the tie breaker and 6 year old Rhys was the big winner of all 1,003 jelly beans! I have been told that Lynzee will receive a gift from the Boundary too. 

A pretty cute story and a nice reminder than when we host events here in the Kootenays we get visitors from across the province.