Brief stories about upcoming events

Ken Wylie, author of the grim new book, Buried, about the massive avalanche that killed seven of the 13 people it buried on January 20, 2003, is going to be talking about his book at the Revelstoke Branck of the Okanagan Regional Library on Sunday, November 9, at 4 pm.

Tonnes of snow carried 13 members of two guided backcountry skiing groups down the 37-degree incline of a run called La Traviata and buried them. After a frantic hour of digging by remaining group members, an unthinkable outcome became reality: Seven people were dead.

The tragedy made international news, splashing photos of the seven dead Canadian and US skiers on television screens and the pages of newspapers. Buried is the assistant guide’s story. It delves deep into the human factors that played into putting people in harm’s way and strives to answer questions like:

  • Why did the guiding team seemingly ignore a particularly troublesome snowpack?
  • Why were two groups travelling so close together?
  • Were the guides adhering to best practices for terrain selection and snow stability evaluation?
  • What motivated them to go there?

Please click here to view the poster for this event.

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The Bygone Era Entertainment Society is showing a classic horror film, the 1941 film The Devil Bat, this Friday, October 31  at the Nickelodeon Museum.

It will be supported by the Magnificent Six and a Half in Ghosts & Ghoulies. The Magnificent Six and a Half were a group of mischievous kids who, in this episode, scare each other half to death in the cobweb-festooned attic of an old house. It was part of a UK TV series, this episode dating from 1967. Some of you may recognise a more youthful Bill Maynard (Claude Jeremiah Greengrass in Heartbeat) as Old Tom.

The films begin at 7:30 pm. Admission is $5 at the door. Phone 250-837-5250 to reserve a seat.

Please click here to view the poster for this event.

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The Revelstoke Railway Museum is marking National Railway Day on Friday, November 7, some great activities from 11 am until 5 pm.

On November 7, 1885, the last spike was driven into the newly constructed track at Craigellachie, to fulfill the promises made to link the country by rail. On November 7, 2010, the then-Minister of Heritage, James Moore, proclaimed the day National Railway Day as part of the commemorations recognizing the 125th anniversary of this significant event.

A statement from Jennifer Dunkerson, the museum’s executive director, said one of the highlights of this year’s celebration would be a special lunchtime presentation by Doug Mayer, “rail fan extraordinaire.”

She said Doug “will wow you with the historical research and photographs he has amassed. Bring your lunch and head to the museum’s theatre at 12 noon for this engaging look at local railway history.”

She also suggested rail fans may want to participate in the museum’s unique Last Spike tours.

“Did you know that there was more than one last spike?” she asked. “Get the scoop with a guided tour by one of our knowledgeable volunteers!”

Visitors can also enjoy the ever-popular Coffee in the Business Car, a Used Book Sale, Diesel Engine Tours, Model Railroad Demonstrations, a Gift Shop Sale and Free Simulator Rides for the first 20 people to come through the main doors.

Please click here to view the official poster.

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Community Living British Columbia and Community Connections are holding the first-ever Revelstoke Transition Fair on November 13 from 4-6 pm at RSS.

“The purpose of the Transition Fair is to help families find services for their child with disabilities to make plans and gather information for adult services,” said the local CLBC’s Andree Riux. “Some of the information that families are looking for are: adult education opportunities, employment, recreation, and/or community integration.”

Local organizations that provide relevant services are invited to participate in this free event and must register by 4 pm on November 3. Please have information to share and a door prize. Set up is at 3.30pm. Registration must be confirmed by 4 pm on Monday, November 3.

For more information please contact Andree Rioux arioux@community-connections.ca at 250-837-2920, extension #36 or Erin MacLachlan emaclachlan@community-connections.ca at extension #37.

Please click here to view the poster for this event.

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Last year Canadian National Ski Mountaineering Team member Melanie Bernier became the first Canadian to make the podium at a Ski Mo World Cup event. With several 5th and 6th places, she is currently ranked amongst the top in the World and now she is getting ready to reach for the top in the November-long Uphill Challenge.

“From November 1 until November 30, I will challenge myself to climb as many vertical meters as possible day after day,” she said in a news statement. “The vertical will be self-propelled, on foot or skis (conditions depending). I would like to invite companies and individual to be part of this big endeavor and become a sponsor for the event by donating to the cause.”

She said there will be Social Media Photo of the Day and a short Video of the Day.

“To keep things interesting, on November 10th, 21st and 30th, all the proceeds will be donated to the Movember Foundation,” she said.

“The amount of vertical on Movember days will be done wearing a ‘Moustache du Jour.’ The Challenge ends on December 6th with the 1st race of the season at Calgary Olympic Park. I will try to climb as many vertical meters as possible over 180 minutes. All the proceeds from the evening event will go to the Revelstoke Ski Club.”

At the end of the Uphill Challenge, a closing ceremony will showcase all businesses part of the event and draw prizes will be given away for people who have made personal donations.

For more information please contact Melanie Bernier via email at uphillchallenge2014@gmail.com or call her at 250-814-7890. You can also visit  www.reachforthetop.myevent.com.

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Knowing the types of activities potential participants are interested in is a priority for the newly formed Special Olympics BC – Revelstoke executive committee.

A statement said the committee holding an information evening for potential participants, their friends, family members, and support workers to learn about the many benefits of participating in Special Olympics Activities. For example:

  • Did you know being a Special Olympics BC athlete does not mean participating in competitive sports (unless you want to)?
  • Did you know Special Olympics BC offers programs that focus on participation and healthy activities? These non-competitive programs include Active Start and Fundamentals for children, and ClubFit for teens and adults.
  • Did you know being a Special Olympics BC participant can offer you the opportunity to meet new people, try new activities, and have fun!
  • Did you know that the cost to participate Special Olympics BC – Revelstoke activities is only a one-time registration fee of $10?

The Special Olympics BC – Revelstoke information session for participants, friends, and family will take place Thursday, November 13, from 7-9 pm at the Revelstoke Community Centre. For more information please contact Craig Brown at 250-837-2920.