TheColumbia Valley - Columbia Valley Pioneer

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8 • The Columbia Valley Pioneer December 22, 2006 �� Small towns shine at Christmas time By Shannon Pearson Special to The Pioneer Almost five years ago, my family and I moved to the valley. I admit I was a little nervous. I’d heard small towns could sometimes be closed and off-putting to newcomers. But I clung to my preconceived idea of a close-knit community, all friendly and happy. A bit too ‘Norman Rockwell’ maybe, but it fed my excitement and took the edge off my uncertainty. My concerns proved groundless. With arms as wide as the valley and hearts as big as the mountains, we became members of a wonderful community. The feeling of unity and belonging is seldom as strong as during the holidays. At this time of year, the sense of community that prevails all year long suddenly swells to enormous proportions. Everyone works to make the lives of others richer, more rewarding, and joyful. Volunteer numbers grow as everyone jumps in to make the season richer. The halls, churches, and school gymnasiums light up and ring with music and laughter. I’ve come to realize that traditions mean a lot to those who chose to live and raise their families here. Light Up, Santa’s arrival in the fire truck, and Super Sunday kick off the festive season. Everyone, from families to teenagers, gather on the streets to watch the Santa Parade and then happily wander from shop to shop with smiles and greetings to everyone they meet. The first year I participated in Light Up and Super Sunday was amazing. Most people used the shopping as an excuse to hang out and visit with friends and acquaintances. More time was spent socializing and visiting than buying and selling! What a wonderfully relaxing way to shop. The rush, stress and panic so tangible in the big city, was non-existent. Community leaders, employers, employees, and volunteers work tirelessly to make the Christmas season memorable. Light Up, Super Sunday, the various craft fairs, the Santa Skate, and the wonderful entertainers. All this is organized, not by faceless drones we never see, but by people I have come to know and call my friends. The pleasure of walking down the street and knowing the people I meet is something I seldom experienced where I came from. Even within the community I lived, I didn’t know more than a handful of people. Sad. Nor do I remember the last time I walked through a crowded shopping mall and was happy or relaxed enough to even notice a friendly face in the crush of people – let alone greet them. I just wanted to get out! Now, I look forward to the relaxed socializing that comes with small-town shopping. The friendly, close feeling makes me glad to be a part of this community. The graciousness of the populace draws people into its arms and accepts them. During the holidays, the spirit of the valley communities fills my heart with an overwhelming sense of generosity, and amazement. The feeling radiates from every direction. It comes from the shop windows, the street-light ornaments, the person that lets you go in front of them at the grocery store. It is in the air . . . and only in a small town. I feel a bond with the valley residents - a fortunate member of a select group who live where they want to be. We are content because we call this small slice of paradise home. This is what makes our communities and the season special. And my family and I are thankful to be a part of it. Happy Holidays! Please remember the Pioneer office is CLOSED until January 1st. Merry Christmas!
Encore WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE COLUMBIA VALLEY >> > > > > > > > > > >> > > > > > >> MUSIC • VISUAL ARTS • DINING • BAR SCENE • ENTERTAINMENT • PERFORMANCE ARTS Ceramic artist 342-4423 columbiavalleyarts.com Talented artist Leslie Rowe-Israelson creates sculptures from molten glass. See Page 12. Romanza Three Canadian Tenors · Christ Church Trinity Wednesday January 10th at 7:30 pm. Happy New Year · from the Columbia Valley Arts Council Pynelogs Cultural Centre Office will be closed from December 23 to January 2nd. > > > > > > THREE TENORS PAGE 14 WELCOME 2007 PAGE 10 Out & About Your Weekly Guide to What’s Happening Around the Columbia Valley PAGE 11 Page 9 What does ART mean to you? NEW YEAR Tickets $15 Sunday, • Great Spe • Mid Located in The Best Western I
Page 1 and 2: Vol. 3/Issue 51 Your Weekly Source
Page 3 and 4: December 22, 2006 Christmas Bureau
Page 5 and 6: December 22, 2006 The Columbia Vall
Page 7: December 22, 2006 Dear Editor: LETT
Page 11 and 12: December 22 , 2006 Toby Th eatre
Page 13 and 14: December 22, 2006 The Columbia Vall
Page 15 and 16: December 22, 2006 My best Christmas
Page 17 and 18: December 22, 2006 Invermere man gui
Page 19 and 20: December 22, 2006 By Harold Hazelaa
Page 21 and 22: December 22, 2006 My holiday includ
Page 23 and 24: December 22, 2006 Residential and C
Page 25 and 26: December 22, 2006 Wanted: new fire
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