By: Kris Dickeson | Editor – I Love Creston

Well, here we have it, our first issue of 2015. It’s February which means, depending on when you read this, you have a reminder that Valentine’s Day is approaching, or you missed the boat. In my opinion, Valentine’s Day is two-fold… it’s either all about roses, chocolate and love or self-pity, bitter and owning more than three cats. If I think back to a Valentine’s Day that warms my heart it would be about 12 years ago when my nephews sent me cards they had made at daycare. I smile just thinking about them.

It’s a full magazine in the pages following… after a few months’ hiatus, we hear from the Lower Kootenay Band Chief, Mayor Ron Toyota and the Creston Valley Agricultural Society who are all back to bring us up to date and give us a look ahead.

I had the pleasure of spending some time with 18-year old Emma Kade, a Creston singer/songwriter who is well on her way to a big break in the music industry. Her debut album comes out February 6. While on the topic of music, the Creston Beginner Concert Band is looking for members and guess what… no experience is necessary.

It’s a busy month on the ice in our community with the BC School Sports Jr Curling Provincials and Ladies Valentine Bonspiel. We hear from organizers of both events. Staying on the ice, the coach of the Creston Valley Thunder Cats tells us the team is turning the season around.

It’s tax time soon and we have some tips to help you prepare and make sure everything you need is in order, prior to filing. Our Sun Life Financial guru has some suggestions in how to protect your mortgage.
You will see the winning poster in the Creston Valley Bird Fest poster competition and I will give you a hint, it’s not his first win.

Read about the Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area school program that has been extended into 2015 and how it totally makes “sense”.

Sifu Neil Ripski brings us Part II of his series, Climbing a Mountain while our resident history expert from the Creston and District Museum and Archives explains the how the Canadian Flag became what it is. Also in the history file, a participant in the Therapeutic Activation Program for Seniors shares some memories from of his almost century long life.

Health wise, we have a smoothie recipe to help get and keep your body healthy. Our chiropractic expert talks about the correlation between headaches and intestinal issues.

And coming back to Valentine’s Day, February is Heart Health Month and you will find some helpful info on what high blood pressure is and treatment options.

Finally, we’ve put together a sweet Valentine’s section for you.
Enjoy.