WISH LIST | Partners compile stories and wish lists of Vernon’s homeless [A6]
Morning gStar
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Sunday, December 14, 2014
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Dinner brings community together RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Everyone is family at Christmas. Vernon’s sixth annual Together for Christmas dinner takes place Dec. 25 for individuals or families who do not want to be alone during the festive season. “We’ve been growing by an average of 20 per cent every year,” said Ron Birch, who helped found the celebration with Joe Dorval. “Word is spreading about the event and we’re getting more people all of the time. Their family may be in Toronto or Calgary and to get there is expensive and the weather doesn’t always cooperate.” About 375 people were served last year and it’s anticipated that could climb to 425 this year. “Christmas is about being together,” said Angela Vecqueray, who helps organize the kitchen. And the kitchen will be a busy place as at least 32 turkeys will be cooked and 150 pounds of potatoes will be mashed. But Together for Christmas goes beyond just a meal. There will be entertainment, crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. “We had about 20 to 30 children last year, mostly toddlers,” said Birch. Donations of jackets, boots, blankets and other warm items are also being sought to distrib-
ute among dinner guests in need. “If we don’t give it to someone there, the items will go to local agencies to distribute,” said Birch. The dinner will be held at the St. James Parish Hall (St. James School), with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. and the meal at 4 p.m. Anyone needing a ride to the dinner or wanting a meal delivered to them can call Jae at 250308-9600. Planning for the event is well underway but some community assistance is still needed. Anyone interested in volunteering or providing entertain-
ment can call Gwen at 250-5509453. Organizers hope for a large turnout. “We are being really greedy. We get a lot of thank you’s but they impact us more so,” said Birch of spending time with local residents. “This is our community and it’s a way to give back. We don’t care if you have $1 million or $1, everyone is welcome.” For kitchen organizer Chris Lalonde, the dinner is something he looks forward to all year long. “It’s all about the true meaning of Christmas,” he said.
LISA VANDERVELDE/MORNING STAR
Joe Dorval shows Nathaniel Foster how to make pizza crust as they prepare food for the Together for Christmas dinner Dec. 25. Chantelle Foster (far left), 16, makes shortbread cookies with her mom Mirjam Foster and Alana Pethick as they prepare for the dinner.
‘Fiscal restraint’ used in budget calculations RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
City of Vernon staff have presented what they describe as a stay the course budget. Council received the draft 2015 financial plan Friday, including a proposed 3.7 per cent tax hike. “The 2015 budget continues the concept of fiscal restraint,” said Will Pearce, chief administrative officer, adding that
service levels are maintained. Of the 3.7 per cent tax increase, 1.9 per cent will continue to be directed towards infrastructure as has been city policy in recent years. The remaining 1.8 per cent will go towards overall operations. Coun. Bob Spiers believes 3.7 per cent is the maximum amount residents may be taxed. “Hopefully we can see if there are any holes in it (increase). I always try to get it
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lower,” he said. Mayor Akbal Mund still has to look at the draft plan in detail, but he supports the 1.9 per cent for infrastructure upgrades. “When you look at the 1.8 per cent (for operations) there’s always a cost increase and people have to understand that,” he said. The 1.8 per cent overall tax hike would generate about $554,332 in revenue for the city, while the 1.9 per cent infrastructure
levy would raise $585,128. In terms of capital works, it’s proposed that $7.6 million be spent in 2015. That money would come from a variety of sources, including $2 million in casino revenue the city receives from the provincial government. Council will discuss the budget further from Jan. 14 to 16 and the budget bylaw is expected to be before council for consideration Jan. 26.
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