PROGRAM SOARS | Allan Brooks Nature Centre adds hands-on raptor demonstrations [A12]
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Baking spree lures visitors to Vernon RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
It was doughnut making 101. Writer Jennifer CockrallKing left her pen and note pad behind and donned an apron for Doughnut Friday at Ratio Coffee and Pastry. “It’s harder than it looks,” said Cockrall-King as she tried to infuse a doughnut with filling. “I have experience with eating doughnuts.” The author of Food Artisans of the Okanagan was at Ratio as part of a familiarization tour hosted by Tourism Vernon. “It’s all about creating awareness about Vernon and the North Okanagan and our partners and their passion for what they do,” said Ange Chew, the City of Vernon’s tourism manager. And that passion was front and centre in Ratio’s kitchen as the staff showed Cockrall-King the ropes. Food and emotions are closely linked and that was the case for Cockrall-King, who splits her time between Edmonton and the Okanagan. “Growing up in Alberta on
Sundays, it was church and doughnuts. I am on a quest to find my childhood doughnut,” she said. Also getting behind the scenes was Roslyne Buchanan, a freelancer and Destination B.C. blogger, who assisted distiller Peter Von Hahn at Okanagan Spirits. “I love all things culinary and I love local,” said the Penticton resident. “Craft distilling captures the imagination.” Cockrall-King was impressed with what she saw at Ratio. “The world needs more of this. I’m into food that takes time and tastes great. I’m thrilled that people are willing to do the hard work and I’m even more thrilled that people are willing to support it.” In 2015, 103 writers, bloggers and broadcasters came to Vernon and their articles resulted in a story value of $2.6 million. “It helps us reach into markets I can’t afford. Last year we were in Germany, China and the U.S.,” said Chew. About 37 million people were potentially reached about Vernon as a holiday destination.
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Writer Jennifer Cockrall-King (centre) gets a lesson in gourmet doughnut making from Jalayne Jones (left) and Alyssa Hinds Friday morning at Ratio Coffee and Pastry.
Lack of grants puts pressure on friendship centre RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
Funding cuts are forcing a Vernon non-profit to take drastic action. The Vernon First Nations Friendship Centre has had to reduce staff and programs because federal grants have not materialized. Patricia Wilson “We’re hoping they will resolve this,” said Patricia Wilson, centre execu-
tive director. “To throw instability into a process that has worked doesn’t seem to be in line with what the government has promised (about indigenous support).” A $90,000 grant was not approved and that has led to two staff being laid off. This directly impacts programs for youth between the ages of 12 and 18. “We want to help them with employment and life skills and to introduce them to cultural teachings,” said Wilson. A $164,000 grant of largely federal funds has also not been approved, and that has directly impacted core adminis-
trative staff, who will work four days a week, down from five. “Some will work Monday to Thursday and some Tuesday to Friday,” said Wilson. “It’s important that we keep our services open to the most vulnerable, the homeless and those addicted, and to provide programs to families.” The goal is to try and retain essential services that are currently funded until the end of the fiscal year, March 31, 2017. “The board has plans in place for layoffs as a last resort if the current Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
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funding crisis is not resolved,” said Val Chiba, friendship centre president. The reduction in federal funds comes at the same time that the centre is increasing its profile and pursuing other revenue sources, such as the tiny homes program. “We’re not just sitting here waiting for the government to meet all of our needs. We are working with the community to put funds away,” said Wilson. In an attempt to have core funding restored from Ottawa, the centre is urging the community to get involved. “We are calling for letters of support for our programs,” said Wilson.
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