OMRA Winter 2014 Issue

Okanagan Mission

Review www.omra.ca

Winter 2013

Published quarterly by the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association, Kelowna, BC

Feature profiles

Councillor Luke Stack MAYOR WALTER GRAY heather schneider

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Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 3

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EDITORIAL

Featured

by Mark Thompson

IN THIS

Competitive Infrastructure Second Okanagan Lake crossing a high priority

I

see the broader community as a quilt of unique but necessarily collaborative communities of the whole.

Okanagan Mission is a wonderful place to call home. However, we need to do our part to address more than just our own needs physically within our neighbourhoods of Okanagan Mission. We are not an island to ourselves and we have much to gain by having our entire broad community grow successfully.

The Kelowna area is a natural for many industries but it is a dream for high technology companies looking for a “Natural Creative Environment.” This natural advantage coupled with having the right infrastructure put in place is what will sway investors to believe even more in the future of Kelowna.

Achieving “Critical Mass” is a significant ingredient when it comes to having our broader community competive with other cities for economic development.

Both Walter Gray (Mayor) and Heather Schneider (Chair of the Economic Development Commission) on most recent independent interviews mention the high priority for

a Second Okanagan Lake Crossing.

An expanded Kelowna transportation connection with West Kelowna and Peachland will without question enhance the overall competitive position of our community and hence become an ever more important asset to the province. An urban community reaching a population of near 200,000 people will give us the strength to compete for business with most cities in Canada. This, coupled with our gorgeous natural setting, cultural amenities and world-class education centres at UBC-O and Okanagan College, makes the Okanagan truly competitive and a viable choice for major employment companies.

Now with the Premier resident and representing West Kelowna we should not waste our opportunity to be heard.

Premier Christie Clark will be more than a little bit interested in our priorities for the province to invest more in our broad community. We should strongly advocate our high priority for a second Okanagan Lake crossing to Christie Clark. She is not only the Premier but is an elected MLA of our broader community. My experience with government is that matters that are obvious, logical and generally good for the province get done quickly if collaboration truly exists. ■

The articles contained within this newsmagazine are the expressed opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the OMRA Board of Directors. They are for information purposes only and, while they cannot be guaranteed, they were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.

ISSUE

President’s Report 6 Mayor’s Report 8 KLOCNA Update 10

Luke Stack Profile 12 Investment Advisor 14 Christmas Gift Guide 16 Simpson Files 20 Walter Gray Profile 24 Heritage Award 26 Heather Schneider Profile 28 Health: Anti-Aging 30 Mission Library 32 Sidewalk Safety 34 Real Estate Trends 36 Photography 38 Events 40 Health: Alternative Therapy 41

Published quarterly by the

Okanagan Mission Resident’s Association

www.omra.ca letters@omra.ca Box 29138, Kelowna, BC V1W 4A7

CHAIR of communication committee Lynda Norman 250-878-6885 lynda@lyndanorman.com

guest editor Mark Thompson advertising Mark Thompson 778-477-5776 omrsales@shaw.ca

Design Jamie Clark

omrads@shaw.ca

FROM THE PRESIDENT

by Mark Thompson

CONTACTS Officers President

Mark Thompson 778-477-5776 president@omra.ca Secretary

Ian Disbery 250-764-9652 i.disbery@shaw.ca Past President

Kerry Lomax 250-764-8892 k-dlmx@shaw.ca

Directors Wrae Hill 250-764-5355 margandwrae@hotmaill.com Wanda McMechan 250-450-6595 Lynda Norman 250-878-6885 lynda@lyndanorman.com Kelly Roth 250-764-2852 kdroth@shaw.ca

omra.ca website Brenda Sbrozzi 250-808-5221 info@omra.ca

meetings Board of Directors Meeting Cedar Creek Centre 5160 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna Tuesday January 28 ,2014 7:00PM

Annual General Meeting May 2014 Further details TBA

President’s Report 2013 a good year at OMRA

I

t’s nearly Christmas and the lights are a glistening.

In our busy lives we are rushing to get ready to celebrate, see friends and family and perhaps eat too much.

2013 has been a very good year. Your association continues to grow and become more effective at what we do. Our work is all aimed towards a better quality of life within our community. New relationships with our neighbours are proving to be fruitful.

This publication includes a guest article by Richard Borroughs President of the KLO neighbourhood association just to the north of our community association borders. It has been good to get to know Richard. We find that we have many similar issues to consider. Richard is a breath of fresh air and I am sure that his community and all of Kelowna will reap many benefits from his amazing perspective on important matters.

THANK-YOU

Cover photo by Mark Thomspon

6 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

I wish to say a very special thank you to our Board members for their commitment and participation. I also want to thank all those who contribute, some with time, some with money, some with ideas and some with just their thanks which is always appreciated.

MEMBERSHIP We encourage and invite you to join or renew your membership as soon as possible. Please see the membership application form on page 27. Our membership continues to grow and for that we thank you. There is strength in numbers in almost any organizations future. With your help we will grow to be an ever improving voice for our community’s quality of life.

BOARD MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS We have some exciting volunteer opportunities and are always looking for new volunteers to help with the business of your association. Could you help either as a board member or as a committee member or just a volunteer? We have many needs but we currently have immediate needs for help with bookkeeping, social media, social events and succession planning.

REACHING OUT TO YOU It is important that your association knows what you would like us to be doing. What are the issues that you would like to see us address?

Where can we improve? How can we improve our communication with you? We want to be open and transparent. Should you wish to address the Board please send me an email (markt@syndicatedit.com) and I will do my best to give you a chance to be heard.

FIRST ANNUAL FALL SOCIAL A GREAT SUCCESS!

• Community Associations (CKCA)

On November 16th we hosted our very first significant social event — a dinner dance and social held at the Michaelbrook Ranch Golf Course club house. We had a sellout crowd who enjoyed good food, great company and then danced the night away till midnight! Lots of good times were had and many asked us when the next social would occur. (stay tuned for this…) We were pleased that MLA Steve Thomson, Councillors Maxine Dehart, Robert Hobson and Luke Stack were able to join us for a good time.

On balance we had a good discussion and I felt that the Mayor understood our issues and would work with us to look at the best options possible to address our concerns.

MEETING WITH THE MAYOR TO DISCUSS CIVIC MATTERS I met with the Mayor on Nov 26th we had a discussion on some matters of interest for our community. I thought you would be interested to know that we discussed: • The need for a realistic plan for sidewalks on Lakeshore Road • Good faith allocation of civic funds needed to build Dehart Park • Concerns about Dehart Zoning for Development (Access on to Turner Road) • Status of Old Meadows Road Development Project • Planning Role for Community Associations • Lakeshore Road Project • Mission Creek Bridge construction • Consideration to minimize traffic rerouting and time delays during lakeshore reconstruction • Community Policing • Communications Protocol • Opportunity for Community Associations to address City Council on important issues • The Coalition of Kelowna

• The Review magazine

TURNER ROAD DEVELOPMENT REVIEW I recently met with the proponents of a revised development. It appears that they will be making a zoning application in the near future. The proponents are apparently thinking of making a subsequent application to build single family homes in the first phase of the development. Your association is interested in determining what the zoning requested will allow for the entire development. While it is not officially on the drawing given to us, it is apparently proposed to allow for an access off of Dehart. This appears to be a less desirable solution compared to the previous proposal to connect with Swamp Road.

SIDEWALKS ON LAKESHORE ROAD A MATTER OF SAFETY Your association continues to suggest that waiting up to 25 years to finish lakeshore road and the sidewalks is not congruent with the needs of Okanagan Mission or the concept of fairness. As previously stated roadways and sidewalks are primary services paid for by taxpayers and development charges. It seems unconscionable that there is no plan to install sidewalks on a timely basis. It is worthy to note that the lack of sidewalks can demonstrably change the incidence of bone fractures in particular with the elderly. The lack of proper sidewalks in particular within school zones is totally unacceptable. I have said before a simple focus of low taxes is a hollow objective if it is accomplished by under servicing.” Hopefully we

will see dollars in the 2014 budget to address sidewalks on Lakeshore Road.

I am pleased with what I have heard from the Mayor on this matter. The budget will be proof of a fair approach.

THE REVIEW The Review is becoming stronger with each and every issue. We do appreciate the many positive comments that we receive. We have many individuals that contribute and we again thank them all for their hard work. It takes considerable revenue to print and distribute this publication to approximately 10,000 postal mail boxes from KLO Road to Kelowna Mountain going even beyond the technical boarders of our association. Our distribution is increasing slightly with this issue as we expand our distribution to our neighbours. Our true distribution is very important to our advertisers.

It is our advertisers that make it possible to deliver this publication. We encourage you to give them a chance for your business.

We continue to increase the breadth of articles of interest. We appreciate your feedback on what you like and perhaps what you don’t like.

We encourage you to raise issues and compliments. Should you wish to become a contributor please contact Lynda Norman, the chair of our communications committee by email lynda@lyndanorman.com.

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR It gives me great pleasure to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We are blessed to live in such a beautiful place in the world. May this be one of your best Christmases ever. During this time of celebration may you find it in your heart a way to show your gratitude to someone who may not be so lucky as you.

May 2014 be your best year ever! ■

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 7

City Council Contact List

THE VIEW FROM CITY HALL

by Mayor Walter Gray

Good communication with people can make a difference in the way you live in your community.

Similarly, the following people know that in order to vote on matters in your best interest they must hear from you.

Mayor Walter Gray 250-469-8980 mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca

Councillor Colin Basran 250-575-4535 cbasran@kelowna.ca

Councillor André Blanleil 250-862-0592 ablanleil@andres1.com

Councillor Maxine DeHart 250-469-8865 mdehart@kelowna.ca

Councillor Gail Given 250-469-8677 ggiven@kelowna.ca

Councillor Robert Hobson 250-469-6224 robert.hobson@cord.bc.ca

Councillor Mohini Singh 250-469-8949 msingh@kelowna.ca

Councillor Luke Stack 250-878-4990 lstack@kelowna.ca

Councillor Gerry Zimmermann 250-469-8898 gzimmermann@kelowna.ca

8 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

Financial Planning for long-term growth

K

elowna remains one of the fastest growing cities in Canada – attracting around 2,000 new residents every year from across Canada and around the world – and that’s projected to remain constant over the next seven to 10 years.

Adding 14,000 new citizens by 2020 means we need to look into the future to make sure City of Kelowna facilities, roads, water supply and parks are capable of serving thousands more residents.

In the years ahead, we need to build or replace major infrastructure—buildings, roads, outdoor amenities—to keep up with our growing population.

Considering that municipalities keep just 8 cents of every tax dollar collected in Canada, while the federal and provincial governments split the other 92 cents, financial planning for long-term city projects is essential.

The 2014 city budget has identified a number of those long-term projects. Each one requires a financial analysis of appropriate project funding options to make sure they proceed in an orderly way.

With significant capital projects on the multi-year schedule, a financial plan that maps out how to pay

for these things is essential to prevent erratic annual spikes in taxes.

Some of the big-ticket jobs considered during this year’s budget deliberations for the Mission area are some new sidewalks near Anne McClymont Elementary, Lakeshore Road improvements and Lakeshore Road bridge replacement.

As described in my previous column, the section of Lakeshore Road from Richter to Lexington needs significant upgrades, including replacement of the bridge over Mission Creek to make it safer during high-water events.

The road handles an average of 12,000 vehicles a day and as the South Mission continues to grow, those traffic volumes will increase.

Replacing the Lakeshore Road Mission Creek Bridge, installing a sanitary trunk and adding an off-road multi-use pathway are the next significant infrastructure improvements the City of Kelowna has planned for 2014 Other major works throughout Kelowna include the new Stuart Park Phase 2, Pandosy Village transit exchange, Rutland Centennial Park redevelopment and Airport luggage area expansion.

By far, the biggest project on the books for the years ahead is a new

Kelowna Police Services Building.

It is one of the biggest and most complex building projects in the city’s history, and its post-disaster design standard will meet the community’s needs for decades.

To pay for a project of this magnitude, the proposal is to borrow $42 million for the overall $48 million project cost and amortize it over 30 years.

Spreading out the repayment over a long-term ensures the tax impact isn’t disproportionately absorbed by today’s citizens when more than one generation of residents will benefit.

Citizen approval to borrow the money will be sought in the new year.

Residents will be asked to consider that borrowing terms for municipalities are extremely favourable and are an economical option to accomplish some major works while minimizing the taxation demand.

In other words, if citizens do not give their approval to borrow the funds, the tax demand will be higher and reserve funds will likely be drawn down.

The City of Kelowna has an excellent track record as a careful manager of taxes. For years, Kelowna has ranked among the lowest tax jurisdictions in the province, even while expanding amenities and services to meet the demands of a growing population.

The financial strategy for the Police Services Building ensures that record remains on track.

Another significant initiative underway that will have long-term benefits affecting all Kelowna residents is the Parking Management Strategy.

The concept is to create excellent short-term and long-term parking management. We want a system that: • Will pay for itself; • Focuses on customer service and fairness with better options, technologies and information; • Partners with institutions, businesses and developers to plan solutions for parking management; • Supports a balanced transportation network.

That last point is important. Kelowna is very car-centric and we are in the process of developing alternatives to single-occupant vehicle trips.

Slowly but surely, we’re building up our transit capacity and frequency. And we’re always adding to our off-road path network.

high on-street parking traffic.

It all costs money, of course, and comes together in phases. For example, the Rapid Bus transit stops being installed on Highway 97 are a piece of the puzzle. They add more stops without needing to stop traffic, making it more convenient and maintaining traffic flow.

The city’s financial planning for annual and multi-annual budgets helps us be more proactive and coordinated about building and maintaining diverse infrastructure needs in the community.

Whether it’s the budget, building projects or recreation programs, you can stay very well informed about what’s happening in Kelowna by going to www.kelowna.ca and subscribing to receive email updates on projects that interest you. You can also like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

All the best to you in the New Year – it’s going to be a busy one in Kelowna, but we are fortunate to be living in a growing, thriving city. ■

The parking management strategy is also examining possibilities for large employers to subsidize bus passes for staff, to encourage greater transit use and decrease the pressure on neighbourhoods that experience

P

Get connected.

Stay informed.

Public hearing dates, council meeting highlights, news releases, city projects, and more.

Discover all the ways you can stay informed at kelowna.ca/connect or call 250 469-8500.

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Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 9

KLOCNA UPDATE

by Richard Borroughs

KLO Central Neighbourhood Association

News from our neighbour Latest updates from KLOCNA

I

t is a pleasure to be able to share with you some information with regard to KLO Central Neighbourhood Association (KLOCNA). Thank you OMRA for this opportunity!

Our neighbourhood is bordered by the lake and extends south to Mission Creek Bridge and follows the creek to Springfield and back to the lake, just south of KGH. It is an incredible part of Kelowna we are pleased to share with all of the city and visitors.

The merchants of Pandosy Village have formed an association “Pandosy Village Business Association.” The new association will represent all businesses in the area and was recently formed by 28 merchants. They will enhance Pandosy Village unique brand through joint activities including marketing, and support our neighbourhood as an ideal place to live, work and recreate! They will also be a single-point-of-contact on common issues. (pvbakelowna@gmail.com) Please support Pandosy Village merchants this holiday season!

Another very exciting community development is St. Paul’s United Church project “The Sanctuary.” The following is from their web site. “The goal is not to attract new members to

10 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

the church (although they would be warmly welcomed), but to enhance the community and to give back in a non-traditional way.” The development includes a 240 seat theatre, condos, office and retail space. It will facilitate social, cultural and spiritual needs of the community.

The development application goes to public hearing December 3.

opportunities of our residents. I extend my personal appreciation to Mayor and Council, and staff, for the numerous opportunities to collaborate this year. I have learned a lot!

Parking is a familiar problem for everyone, especially this time of year.

KLOCNA experiences parking challenges year round and is grateful for the City Parking strategy developSOPA Square is beginning to fill comment process underway now. Input mercial space and Silent Noise, a jewfrom citizens, business associations ellery store, should be open by the and residential neighbourhood assotime this magazine arrives. Condos in the tower are being pre-sold. ciations is being considered. Capacity, turnover, metering and residential A new neighbour is the Okanagan street impacts are top issues. Parking Outrigger Paddle Club! They have has direct impact on tourism and secured space on the waterfront near Cedar Ave. and will be offering lessons economic activity. It also needs to be and memberships next year. It is a great managed in an environmentally, susactivity and we wish the club success. tainable manner, integrated with transit, rapid bus, park and ride etc.

The presidents of all Kelowna neighbourhood associations are actively Building vibrant community is imporworking to help each other and tant and we seek everyone’s ideas and achieve the City’s vision “To be the participation on how we can make it best mid-sized city in North America”! happen! It will be a priority for us in Stephen Fleming, City Clerk, has 2014. We need to do more to reach educated us on how the City works, out and know our neighbours and including governance, process and build connections. Volunteerism helps policies. We are also working to build strong community and I thank strengthen our relationship with the everyone who has participated! ■ City and are in discussion of how to do so. With the urbanization of our Richard Borroughs is President of the KLO Central society, it is a very complex underNeighbourhood Association taking to address all the needs and klocentralneighbourhoodassociation@gmail.com

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PROFILE

by Deanna Merrick

Meet Kelowna City Coucillor

Luke Stack

S

ome people are blessed to be gainfully employed in a field where their true passions lay. Kelowna City Councillor Luke Stack considers himself to be a very lucky man, both in terms of his place of employment and his work at city hall.

When he speaks of his work in low-income housing and seniors’ services, his personal commitment is captivating. He shows with a great deal of understandable pride in the Apple Valley senior’s housing facility located near Orchard Park.

It is part of 487 homes on 15 sites in the central Okanagan run by his Society of Hope, the largest non-profit housing program in the Interior of BC. The Apple Valley housing complex is home with unusual amenities like its own bowling alley and a cozy, large common area with a fireplace and computer stations for residents. The rental suites are for aged 55 plus. One half of the building rents out for market value, and in the other half, people are charged one Luke Stack third of their monthly incomes.

In most of their buildings, the half of residents paying full fare subsidize those who require rental assistance.

“We are creating really nice housing that people can afford,” says Stack. “We promote a lifestyle that is socially active and physically active.”

12 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

It was through his work in housing issues that Stack became part of Kelowna City Council. He served four years working on an Affordable Housing Committee, where the city was looking at ways to expand affordable housing. The concept of secondary suites in residential areas came from that effort. He also spent four years on the city’s Advisory Planning Commission, and then moved on to City Council.

Stack views himself as ‘middle of the road’ in terms of his politics. He is now in his second term on City Council, in his sixth year. He is eager to run for Council again in 2014, and views his role in part as providing continuity to the group of councillors.

“I am very much pro-businesses that maintain our social responsibilities – housing, health, clean water, and sewage treatment.”

Stack says the current City Council is working well together, sharing a wide diversity of views and bringing a strong mix of attributes to the table, including pro-business, planning and media relations.

“We have a great group of policy thinkers and a broad array of talent. It’s a really strong council. Everyone is pulling in the same direction while incorporating individual perspectives. The public got a really great council this term. There has not been much conflict at all.”

The city’s goal is to become the best midsized city in North America. It is a lofty goal, to be sure, but Stack believes that Kelowna has all of the amenities to do so. He cites a number of positive factors currently working in our favour, including a great international airport, a healthy economy, the new yacht club, Kelowna General Hospital, UBC Okanagan and Okanagan College.

“Kelowna has all the ingredients to become a great city… parks, the lake, skiing, wineries, to name a few.” Stack notes that Kelowna is doing very well in attracting small businesses into the area. This year, Bernard Avenue was one of four streets in a national competition to discover Canada’s Greatest Street.

Apple Valley is a unique, new form of housing, supporting seniors aged 55 years and older.

“We’re also able to attract some huge events like Skate Canada in 2014,” he says with great enthusiasm.

There are some challenges facing the residents and Kelowna City Hall. Stack notes the overall high cost of housing as an example, although the marketplace is better now than it was a few years ago. Jobs also present an interesting set of issues.

“Often, one of two spouses is able to find a The Ziglar Recreation and Senior Support Center features a 6 lane bowling alley good job, but their partner is unable to find When Stack isn’t busy with his work as a Kelowna a comparable good-paying position. Trades are growing, but construction hasn’t fully recovered yet.”

City Councillor or addressing housing issues through his Society of Hope, he is an avid cyclist who plans Stack describes himself as pro ‘healthy growth.’ He’s to get into road bike riding this year. He and his wife delighted that Interior Health will be building their new have three grown children and two grandchildren. facility downtown, and will house 1,000 employees. He is also looking forward to a new hotel on the old Willow Inn site, and the new RCMP building on the corner of Clement and Richter. He also noted that in the near future, Gordon will have a rapid bus system connecting Okanagan Mission to Highway 97.

“I really appreciate the beauty and value of the Kelowna Mission area,” he says. “I feel a strong connection to the Mission.” ■

He is very aware of the need to explore the upgrading of Lakeshore Road, and says the Lakeshore Bridge Project is another priority of city hall.

In addition, he’d like to see Cedar Avenue Park rebranded and revised with some creative solutions.

“I think the Pandosy area is the Kitsalano of Kelowna. It’s going to be absolutely phenomenal,” he enthuses.

Plan your New Year with the Winter Activity & Program Guide Available online and at locations throughout Kelowna

► Discover great programs in your neighbourhood including fitness, music, art and dance classes

► Find out about Spring Break Camps for kids ► Sign up for e-Subscribe and get

recreation notices and the Guide delivered to your inbox

Join us at the Capital News Centre for Family Day from 1 - 4 p.m. on February 10.

kelowna.ca/recreation

250-469-8800 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 13

INVESTMENT ADVISOR

by Thomas Burns

Using income to mitigate risk in a

Retirement Portfolio The only thing that gives me pleasure is to see my dividend coming in. John D. Rockefeller

L

et’s pretend you own an apartment complex worth $1,000,000 and the apartment complex is 100% occupied, paid off, and produces $50,000 a year in cash flow, or a 5% return on your invested capital assuming you paid $1,000,000 for the building.

to the shareholder. It sends out a clear, important message to the shareholder that the company is in good economic shape and the future prospects for the company are positive fundamentally.

investment portfolio worth $1,000,000 will put themselves in a position if the market corrects to not have to sell their original capital to sustain their income requirements.

A more important question is why are dividends important in your investment portfolio?

Your main concern is keeping the $50,000 cash flow to sustain your lifestyle, so if the real estate market was to dip 5% and your building on paper is now worth $950,000 you don’t have to sell your building to sustain your lifestyle, because you know you are still going to get the $50,000 in rents.

Dividends can reduce risk

If you are not generating income, you are always relying on growth to sustain your income, and as history has shown the stock market is subject to business cycles which cause it to go up and down.

Over time the real estate market will probably recover and as long as you can find a buyer for your property you will be able to sell the building for equal or more than you purchased it for, the whole time receiving your $50,000 in rents.

An investment portfolio can be built much the same way. One of the considerations that should always be taken into account when managing your retirement portfolio aside from growth, and safety of capital, is income.

One of the simplest ways for a company to signal to shareholders its financial well being is to issue a dividend. A dividend is simply a portion of the companies earnings that it distributes back

14 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

This in our opinion is one of the most important reasons to hold dividend paying companies in your investment portfolio. Aside from the income they provide, numerous studies have shown that portfolios made up of high dividend paying stocks tend to be less volatile than the overall market, and more resistant to market declines.

Even in a flat or declining market a fundamentally sound company paying a realistic dividend is a sign of strength.

Fundamentally strong companies have a better chance of weathering the storm in most economic conditions.

If we were to encounter a down market for a sustained amount of time the payment from your dividends should be modeled in your investment portfolio to pay you, or to be reinvested so you don’t have to sell securities at a loss, potentially never being able to recover that value.

For example, an individual who generates $50,000 in income from an

If there is a correction in the stock market and your investment portfolio was to decrease 5%, and remain flat for 18 months there is the potential you would have to draw down up to $75,000, before the portfolio has a chance to recover the result being in 18 months your portfolio is now worth $875,000.

By having an income component in your portfolio and if the market didn’t go up or down for 18 months, you would still receive your income payments and your portfolio would be worth $950,000, a net benefit to you of $75,000.

You have been able to use your income and haven’t had to drawdown on your initial capital, allowing time for your investments to recover. This strategy sustains your lifestyle, allows for investment portfolios to recover from market corrections, and can preserve your capital for your estate.

Dividend Paying Stocks Historically Outperform Market

flow (income) in an investor’s portfolio.

dividend payment every ten years.

Interest Income from bonds is subject

Many studies have shown that stocks with higher dividend yields outperform the overall market. In a study by Jeremy Siegel, he shows that over a 5 decade period from 1959–2011; a large basket of dividend paying stocks outperformed the TSX by 2.6% per year leading to significant long term results.

to tax at your highest marginal tax rate

Although it is generally beneficial for most investors to have exposure to a dividend stock portfolio, too much of a good thing can tip the scales.

Dividends produce Tax Efficient Cash Flow in a Portfolio

are growing their dividend each year

Dividend paying stocks and Bonds are investment vehicles that produce cash

Companies that can grow their dividend

and dividend income from Canadian Corporations is taxed more favorably.

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Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 15

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

by Deanna Merrick

Gift guide

New ideas

I

believe that if you asked most people, they would tell you that they prefer giving gifts to receiving them. But everyone knows how hard it is to find that perfect present.

Maybe it’s time to look at some new ideas, try some non-traditional thinking when it comes to Christmas giftgiving. This year, perhaps, it should be about experiences rather than material things, the gift of creating a memory together or trying something new with your family or a group of friends.

Living in Okanagan Mission, we are surrounded by a beauty found in few places anywhere in the world.

It’s all about the grapes, the water and the lush orchards that spread for miles in every direction. We have some of the finest wineries found anywhere right out our back door.

Many wineries are now home to Wine Clubs, where member benefits include early access to new release wines, special events, discounted tickets to concerts or other performances and much more.

It’s the perfect gift for the wine connoisseur or someone just wanting to learn more about our Okanagan wines and how they’re made, and discover their own favorite special vintages.

CedarCreek’s Platinum Club is an excellent place to start. While the

16 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

membership itself is free, gift-givers can pay for the first year—$550.00— and the lucky recipient will receive 18 bottles of wine throughout the year, free shipping, pre-release tickets to special events and much more.

Give the gift at Christmas that lasts throughout the entire year! Check all the Mission area wineries’ web sites for information on their wine clubs.

Summerhill’s Organic Wine Club is a 4-tiered membership offering levels of membership depending on what kind of wine lover you are!

With packages that include 3 bottles per quarter, up to 24 bottles per quarter shipped directly to your door.

Benefits include discounts on both wine and the Sunset Organic Bistro, access to library wines, pre-releases, and other exclusives. Memberships available from just $400 per year.

In keeping with the theme of celebrating our local bounty, there have been several great books published in the last while that feature local foods and wines, and a whole host of mouth-watering recipes. For something unique, give someone you love The Butcher, The Baker, The Wine and Cheese Maker by popular local writer and publisher Jennifer Schell.

Include a home-made gift card for you to prepare one of the meals from the book for the recipient. With these

recipes, it’s a guaranteed hit! Another locally-grown cook book filled with delicious food ideas is That’s Amore, with recipes from chef Ricardo Scebba’s Mediterranean kitchen. Combined with a gift certificate for a dinner at Ricardo’s, this impressive publication will keep your loved ones tasting the mouth-watering entrees all year long. Check your local wineries and book stores for copies of both books.

And now for the little ones… it’s always a challenge for kids to find an inexpensive but special gift, especially for their beloved grandparents.

How about getting all of the cousins in your family to share in a gift-certificate for a lunch or dinner out with their grandma and grandpa. We’re not talking about just giving a dinner gift certificate, but having all of the grandchildren join their grandparents for a memory-making meal.

The precious gift of time together is something that just can’t be beat.

For that special family who is hard to buy for, check out some ideas for activities they can do together. How about a set of tickets to a Kelowna Rockets’ game? A night out as a family is always a special time, and it doesn’t hurt that the Rockets are playing great hockey right now.

Watching them is indeed a real treat.

We are fortunate that a great variety of world-class entertainment, especially in the last few years, has been readily available for residents of the Okanagan. Kelowna has scored big once again with the announcement that Skate Canada International will be held in the city from October 31 to November 2, 2014. You’ll be able to see some of the best skaters in the world compete in four disciplines… mens, ladies, pairs and ice-dance.

While the tickets will not be on sale until spring of 2014, it’s very easy to design a home-made set of tickets (to be replaced with the real thing!) for the kids, parents and friends in your life.

The one thing that everyone agrees on is how little time we have to spend with those we love. This Christmas, turn your gift-giving into exciting, unique experiences with your kids, friends and family. You’ll remember it forever and be glad you did! ■

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Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 17

NEW BUSINESS REPORT

by Deanna Merrick

KPMG professional services International firm joins burgeoning business district

O

n June 24 2013, area businesses and residents welcomed another jewel in the crown that has become known as the business district of Okanagan Mission.

On that day, nearly 35 staff teamed up to open the 10,000 square-foot office space that is the new home of KPMG. While technically outside the current boundaries of Okanagan Mission Residents Association KPMG is within the technical area formally known as the District of Okanagan Mission.

This new KPMG office is clearly raising the bar for commercial development in the area.

Located on Richter just behind Save On Foods, KPMG is well known across the country, and in fact is one of the largest accounting firms in Canada. Managing Partner Peter Ranson says that although the

company is known nationally as one of the ‘big four,’ they are very active in small to mid-size cities. Ranson noted a number of communities in BC where their offices are found, including Kelowna, Vernon and Kamloops.

“We are very much involved in our local community; it makes up part of the fiber of who we are,” he says.

KPMG is a full service accounting firm with both corporate and individual clients. Corporately, they specialize in audit accounting, business advising and corporate finance. With individual clients, KMPG offers services such as individual income tax advice, wills, estate planning, and US tax returns. Although they do a great deal of business with their corporate clients, they also have a very large personal tax client base.

“We don’t sell investments. There are plenty of good people who do that,” Ranson explains. “People pay us to be independent. We help them with

estate planning, and answering questions such as ‘should I pay off my debt, or should I invest?’ We send them to investment advisors for the other type of work, if that’s what they need. Cutting through complexity helps clients preserve their wealth and provide for the next generation.”

KPMG looked at a lot of options when they outgrew their space in downtown Kelowna. Ultimately, they chose the Richter Street location for a number of good reasons. Ranson says the new area offers them the ability to get their brand and image out in the marketplace. He cites ample parking, proximity to the hospital, the emergence of the UBC Medical school facility and the rejuvenation of the entire area along Pandosy and Lakeshore as some of the issues they considered.

“There are many businesses starting up here. The whole area is wonderful. It is consistent with the image we want to portray – innovative and progressive. A lot of exciting The new offices at 3200 Richter Street

18 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

things are going to take place here, and we are keen to invest in getting to know the residents. KPMG is a perfect fit with the Mission.”

of causes and community events.

“We are big fans of Accelerate Okanagan, whose job it is to create an environment for technological investment in the city. Their work impacts the socio-economic fiber of the community. We don’t just support them with funds; we put our people on the ground to share their expertise.”

KPMG’s management team includes Ranson, Dave Bond (who is also the president of the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce), Kelly Watson and Jim Gilcrest. Together they manage a team of highly trained profesKPMG also works sionals whose combined closely with the skills cover all aspects United Way and Rotoof taxation and other Plast, a program financial needs. KPMG Managing Partner through Rotary which Peter Ranson believes in recruiting sends a number of the best possible canplastic surgeons to didates, and keeping them happy work in third-world countries. once they have joined the company.

“In our firm we support and encourage There is a lot of philanthropy in this our people to be involved in the comorganization, and individuals are munity at many levels. Some of them given the support and the time off to participate in any of a number are involved with the cross-the-lake

Experience the New

swim, others with the Apple Triathlon.

We also work with the Boys and Girls Club, Free the Children and a number of kids sports teams,” says Ronson.

KPMG’s new office building was planned with sustainability in mind from the very beginning. In their boardroom, a beautiful feature wall is actually constructed of pine beetle wood.

Ranson, who moved to Kelowna in 2010 after 18 years with the company in Prince George, is totally enamoured with his new home. Like many of our newer residents, he is keenly aware of the vast array of recreational opportunities in this city.

And he couldn’t be happier with the performance of his firm.

“We’ve been around for 60 years,” he said. “Business is growing and we’re all about offering incomparable resources in the marketplace.” ■

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Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 19

THE SIMPSON FILES

by Sharron Simpson

The District of Okanagan Mission

Heritage & the holiday Early settlements and their celebration of Christmas

A

s early communities developed in the central Okanagan, boundaries more often became a state of mind or perhaps an idea, than a geographic reality. Homes were scattered amidst the orchards or on the edges of hay or tobacco fields. Sometimes a hotel became a gathering place and then a general store might be built nearby. Soon space would be made for a post office and then a school, or a church would be built nearby – and the tiny collection became a community.

The central Okanagan was not a place of early promise – the railroad – the harbinger of most pioneer development, arrived in Vernon in 1892, and then carried on to Okanagan Landing, where the CPR’s sternwheeler, the SS Aberdeen carried passengers and Kelowna developed slowly as the small surrounding communities each took on their own identity. Map commissioned for The Kelowna Story – An Okanagan History by author, Sharron J. Simpson. Artist: Neil Thacker.

20 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

freight down the lake to Penticton.

Though they pulled up to many wharves along the way, the tiny settlement of Kelowna was only one of its stops. Penticton, at the south end of the lake, was already the vital supply point for the booming mining industry in Hedley, Greenwood, Rock Creek and the Kootenays.

The Benvoulin town site was laid out about the same time as the town site in Kelowna, but with much more promise: an enthusiastically promoted new railway was about to be built between Vernon and Penticton, with Benvoulin as its mid-valley station.

Kelowna languished as Benvoulin flourished with a fine new hotel, a Chinese laundry, general store and a Presbyterian church—all signalling a promising future.

G.G. Mackay, one of the railroads most enthusiastic supporters, was also the land agent for Lord and Lady Aberdeen who were looking for holiday property in Western Canada.

With assurances of increased land values when the new rail line was built, the regal couple bought 480 nearby acres and called it Guisachan, after the Lady’s Scottish home. Though undeterred by the failure of their

own orchard, the Aberdeen’s nonetheless spread the word throughout the British Empire about the superb potential of the Okanagan, and that orchardist was a most suitable occupation for young gentlemen looking for a new start. It wasn’t long before the area, and most particularly, Okanagan Mission and East Kelowna, saw a considerable population increase.

It was irrelevant that few knew anything about farming or orchards.

John and Edith Rutland were honeymooning in the Okanagan when they fell in love with the area, returned to Australia, sold everything, retraced their steps, and bought the bench lands and flatlands from some of the area’s early ranchers. One hundred acres of apples were soon planted and one of the Central Okanagan’s largest irrigation systems was built.

However, the pioneer attractions that had earlier attracted the couple were loosing their appeal, and by 1904, they very profitably auctioned off their land, household and farming possessions and departed for an easier life in California. The Rutland town site was laid out the following year and grew slowly as various minority populations, including the Japanese and East Indians, settled in to develop the area’s agricultural potential.

Further to the north, the area was known as Starvation Flats and later, Dry Valley, which pretty much characterized what we now know as Glenmore. It was mostly dust and scrub until irrigation brought water from the upland lakes down to the valley floor, while aggressive advertising campaigns targeted Eastern Canadians, inviting them to come and enjoy the easy life of an orchardist – no experience required. Many came though the trust company underwriting the water system soon went into receivership, and the survival of

the whole area was challenged. Only 270 people lived in Glenmore when it incorporated in 1922, and it has always struggled to maintain its rural lifestyle as Kelowna infringed from the south.

Though both Okanagan Mission

“Geographic boundaries seem to matter less than the boundaries of the mind.”

Presbyterian Church, in Benvoulin, attracted the rest of the community.

While Christmas trees came from the surrounding forest, as did much of the feast, the Okanagan’s vibrant social scene highlighted most community events. Tales abound of moon-lit sleigh rides with the runners crackling over endless miles of crisp freshfallen snow as people thought little of wrapping themselves in fur blankets,

and Rutland talked of incorporating to better control their futures, only Glenmore actually got around to doing it. The provincial government stepped in and created “Greater Kelowna” in 1973 – much to the horror and indignation of the residents of Rutland, Okanagan Mission, and Glenmore.

However, each has managed to maintain those unique characteristics and the ethos that was established by their early residents. While boundaries have expanded and morphed into other configurations, each area continues to retain that uniqueness and each is very distinct from the others in both the minds of their residents and the real estate agents who continue to market that uniqueness. Geographic boundaries seem to matter less than the boundaries of the mind.

Merry Christmas In the homes of the well-off British, Victorian Christmases were all the rage at the turn of the last century.

Elegant candle-lit trees and elaborate feasts were the norm though Dickens’ Tiny Tim also revealed the not-socheery ‘other’ side – and both versions were likely repeated in the Okanagan.

Father Pandosy’s church, with its bell tower and gothic shaped windows, attracted the earliest settlers along with his aboriginal converts, while the

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The origins of today’s jolly Santa evolved from a somewhat trolllike Father Christmas in the late 1800s. However, reindeer were already attached to the sleigh and a pack – or basket – was ready to be filled. The small corner vignettes featured both the elegance of a Victorian Christmas as well as the despair of those less fortunate.

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attaching small oil lanterns to the sides of the sleigh, and travelling miles to visit friends. A gathering that attracted residents from Okanagan Mission to Winfield was nothing unusual, and the return trip in the early morning hours was an adventure. A party that started in an afternoon at one hotel, moved to another for dinner, and then perhaps a ball in one of the barns decorated with garlands of fir boughs, candles and red, white, and blue streamers. Tales of great parties, often held to celebrate or support the most

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worthy (or perhaps unworthy) cause, resulted in a busy social life in many pioneer communities. All of which helped to stave off the resident’s loneliness of being separated, often by great distances, from their families.

My best wishes to each of you for the holiday season. My wish is that in the midst of the busy festivities, we have time to reflect, recognize the abundance that surrounds us, and then remember to give generously to the many who are not so fortunate. ■ Comments or queries – sharronsimpson@shaw.ca

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Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 23

PROFILE

by Mark Thompson

Kelowna Mayor

Walter Gray Focused to create a second Okanagan Lake crossing

W

alter Gray is by all standards a gracious and thoughtful leader. He is a family man, an entrepreneur and a community service person of excellence.

No public representative gets only praise, nor should they, but often they deserve far more than they seem to receive.

Walter Gray was born in Victoria on September 4, 1940 and moved to Kelowna at the ripe age of six.

Now with 67 years of residency in

Kelowna, he is a walking encyclopedia of who, what and when.

Walter has been married to Doreen since 1966. They have been blessed with a daughter (Brenda) and three sons (Dallas, Stuart, Rodney) and 12 wonderful grandchildren.

Walter knows a thing or two about the forestry industry as a one time public relations officer for the Canadian Forestry Association. He got used to the camera very early in his career as on-air staff at CHBC-TV Kelowna.

This experience was early in his career during a time when television broadcasting Walter Gray was in early stages and just black and white.

Radio became Walter’s passion while building a very significant radio business. In 1965 he established radio stations in Salmon Arm and Revelstoke with cofounder Bob Hall and then went on to establish radio stations (CKIQ– 1971, The Bullet— 1995) in Kelowna.

Walter managed both stations. He became the President of Four Seasons Radio Ltd. which owned and operated

24 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

five radio stations in the Okanagan and Kootenays. In 1996 Walter sold his interest in the radio stations, and became Mayor of Kelowna for 9 years. Then he built another radio station (K96.3) in 2008 which was sold in 2011.

Walter Gray was also a Director of Sun Country Cablevision Ltd. operating in Salmon Arm, Enderby and Armstrong.

There is no question that Walter Gray has provided a plethora of community service. He has also served on numerous boards, committees and commissions while serving as a City Councillor and Mayor of Kelowna. His service to the people of Kelowna and beyond is too long to list but the following provides some of the highlights.

• 1975 Founding Director, Kelowna Snowfest Committee • 1975–1980 President, Okanagan Neurological Association • 1979 & 1980 President, BC Association of Broadcasters • 1981 & 1982 President, Kelowna Chamber of Commerce • 1986–1990 Councillor, City of Kelowna • 1988 President, KelownaKasugai Sister City Association • 1990–1997 Director, Telefilm Canada

• 1992–1994 Chairman, Okanagan University College Bold Horizons fundraising capital campaign • 1996–2005 Elected Mayor of Kelowna (three 3-year terms) • 1998 Director, Okanagan Film Commission • 1999–2005 Director, BC Transit • 2004 Member, Premier’s Task Force on Homelessness, Mental Illness and Addictions along with 6 other key Mayors in British Columbia • 2004 Member, BC Achievement Awards Advisory Panel • 2007–2011 Board member, BC Lottery Corporation • 2011 Re-elected Mayor of Kelowna (3-year term to 2014) Kelowna is now a thriving community and Mayor Walter Gray has played a large part in our community achieving significant success.

Kelowna is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada which brings excitement but it also brings challenges. We note that our community is winning significant awards.

When people ask me (the author of this profile) where I am from, I often say “Paradise” which leads to the opportunity to explain that the other name for my home is Kelowna.

It was indeed a pleasure to sit down with the Mayor to hear his thoughts.

Questions were put to create the opportunity for comment. I think you will appreciate hearing a summary of his very thoughtful responses.

I asked Walter Gray, “With all the time that you have spent serving the community, what would you ideally like people to see as your legacy?”

His usual humble positioning was obvious but I did finally hear him say,

of the previously abandoned Cedar “Other than many significant accomAvenue waterfront project.” plishments as Mayor, which the public is best to rate, my most signifiWhen I asked Walter Gray, “How cant accomplishment for the commuwould you personally summanity, as Mayor and as a volunteer, was rize the meaning of Christmas?” joining with Brad and Brigit Bennett His answer was direct and without to raise community funds of $3.7 apology. “Christmas is a celebramillion (where $3.0 million was the tion of the goal) to build the birth of Christ.

Hospice House “We need to see a Society is beginon Ethel Street commitment from the ning to forget in Kelowna. This province in the next short that and hence, funding of nearly 50% was joined while to build the second the branding th December 25 with a further Okanagan Lake crossing.” by many with the $4.0 million safe and generic from Central salutation ‘Season’s Greetings’. Let us Okanagan taxation through the Regional District of Central Okanagan not forget the reason for the season.”

Interior Health Authority.”

After considerable thought and a bit of holding back, he added, “I have a passion for quality transportation infrastructure. It is my hope that I can manage to bring parties together on a long and, so far, too slow of a process to address the need for an eventual second crossing of Okanagan Lake. This project will take a lot of planning and current trends indicate it will be needed very soon.

Reliable estimates suggest it will be needed by 2025/2027. We need to see a commitment from the province in the next short while to build the second Okanagan Lake crossing.”

When I asked the Mayor, “What is the most significant civic item that you would like to see accomplished in 2014?”

He did note that the list is long, “however, the most significant item is the final determination, with complete and open engagement of the public, on the matter

It is demonstrably clear that Walter Gray has his finger squarely on the pulse of this great community. He has given significantly of himself and his family to serve this community. His transparent ambitions are what we would hope more politicians would see as their primary goal to do what they can for the community as opposed to less honourable objectives. His credo is “Open for Business.”

I see Walter Gray being a huge catalyst to improve the participation and effectiveness of the Kelowna Community Associations. I also see him finding a way to lead City Council to collectively agree to create the opportunity to have more truly genuine public input into the city’s final decision making process.

If you cut him just a little slack it is easy to acknowledge that he is a well-meaning, caring, thoughtful and intelligent leader with many achievements for which he can be rightfully proud. ■

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 25

HERITAGE

by Janice Henry

Volunteer commitment to

Heritage conservation Ruby Knobbs Award for outstanding contribution by a volunteer

T

he Central Okanagan Heritage Society recently nominated long-time Okanagan Mission resident Lorainne McLarty for the 2013 Ruby Nobbs Achievement award, for outstanding contribution by a volunteer in the field of heritage – presented by Heritage BC. Lorainne epitomizes the heritage volunteer. Her dedication and enthusiasm for heritage in general and the Central Okanagan Heritage Society (COHS) in particular, saw the organization through some of its’ darkest days. Without her steady hand and countless hours spent volunteering, it is doubtful if COHS would be in existence today or at least in the relatively healthy position it finds itself.

Lorainne and her husband Hugh first joined COHS in 1985. At that time, Lorainne worked at the Health Unit and with the prompting of Dr. David Clarke a founding member of COHS and a work colleague, she and Hugh decided to get involved with this new group. At that time she did a lot of travelling with her Health Unit position, and supervised clerical staff in nine Health Unit branch offices in Princeton, Keremeos, Oliver, Osoyoos, Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna and Rutland, as well as two additional satellite offices in Kelowna,

26 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

and was responsible for the personnel and budget for the entire Health Unit. This back-ground gave Lorainne a deep skill set which she has continued to use as a community volunteer.

Lorainne followed in the footsteps of her late husband Hugh who was first on to the COHS Lorainne McLarty (left) with Janice Henry (right), Heritage BC President board in 1987.

Hugh headed talents to many tasks including: the Benvoulin Heritage Church Committee, and City of Kelowna Heritage Grants arranged for the paving of the Committee: Chair of COHS Brent parking lot in 1987 at a cost of Grist Mill Committee; The Guisachan $7,500. This was a large amount Garden Show; Harmonies for of money for a small organizaHeritage; Christmas at Benvoulin; tion. He and Lorainne produced the 25th Anniversary planning the early COHS newsletters – with committee; 30th Anniversary Lorainne doing all the typing. planning committee; Heritage Fall Fair, and various other celeLorainne served on the COHS Board bration events and committees. of Directors from 1998 to February Lorainne has made many batches 2012. During her time she served of cookies and muffins to sustain in various capacities including; volunteers or to help raise funds Treasurer, Vice President, President for the organization. She has set and Chair of the Nominations up displays and given talks to committee. While on the COHS various groups through-out the board Lorainne gave her time and

years and has been a faithful volunteer at work-bees. To recognize Lorainne’s significant contribution she received the COHS Distinguished Community Service award in 2010.

Lorainne has been an excellent resource and helper on two projects for the Virtual Museums of Canada ~ Community Memories Program.

One on the Brent’s Grist Mill and the other on Benvoulin Heritage Church.

Lorainne’s heritage interest has gone beyond COHS and to other complimentary activities in the community including the Okanagan Regional History Fair starting in 2005. She helped with the planning and organization of the event, including ordering T-shirts for participants and setting up displays. Students from across the Okanagan tookpart with 80 projects available for judging and the public to view. These History Fairs encouraged young

students to get in touch with their roots and significant historic events.

The City of Kelowna Community Heritage Commission, a committee that advises council on heritage matters, also saw Lorainne serve as a community volunteer between 2003 and 2010.

The local Heritage Day Committee was chaired by Lorainne starting in 2001. With the prompting of then Kelowna Mayor, Sharon Shepherd the event grew to include activities through-out the week and is now known as the Heritage Week Committee. Missing only one year – Lorainne continued to chair this committee till 2012.

Lorainne is an active member of the Kelowna and District Genealogical Society joining this local group in 1995 and is still a member. She is also a member of First United

Church and was on their board when the congregation voted to designate their church as a heritage buildings in 2002. She was also the church Archivist for a number of years.

Lorainne is a member and has been a volunteer at the Orchard Museum and also at the Kelowna Heritage Museum. She is a long-time member with Heritage BC, a provincial membership organization that supports heritage conservation throughout the province and has attended many HBC conferences, most at her own expense. Lorainne is also a member of the Heritage Canada-National Trust.

Lorainne received her award Outstanding Achievement award at the Shadbolt Centre, in Burnaby on October 18th, 2013. Our community is richer for having Lorainne and all her efforts in support of local heritage. ■

Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association Membership Application Name First

Last Age range:

Street Address

18-24

Mailing Address (if different) City

25-32 Province

Home Phone

Apply online at OMRA.ca or complete this form and mail with payment

Postal Code

Cell

Email Address By providing an email address you agree to receive email updates and notices from OMRA

33-44 45-60 60+

Any person over 18 years of age, residing within Okanagan Mission who pays $10 annually to the Association will be a member of the Okanagan Mission Residents/Community Association.

Please complete this form, then mail it to PO Box 29138, Kelowna, BC V1W 4A7

I have enclosed the $10 membership fee I would consider becoming a Director or Volunteer Member of Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 27

PROFILE

by Mark Thompson

Regional Dean Central Okanagan

Heather Schneider Current Chair of the Economic Development Commission

H

eather Schneider is by all standards an accomplished leader.

Friendly, outgoing, and gracious, this VIP in our community is the Regional Dean of the Okanagan College, and recent chair of the Economic Development Commission Advisory Board.

A resident of Kelowna since 2006, Heather Schneider lives in Okanagan Mission. As Regional Dean of the Okanagan Collage, she is responsible for promoting and developing the Central Okanagan region and Okanagan College in general in accordance with the mission, values, and key directions of Okanagan College. The Regional Dean Office is also responsible for ensuring that the campus delivers the programs and services needed by learners in their region.

Before this position, Heather was the Senior Instructional Officer/Dean of Instruction for the College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, BC. She came to B.C. from Edmonton, Alberta, where she previously worked for the Department of Justice, Ministry of Advanced Education, and the University of Alberta. Heather holds a Master of Library Science degree from the University of Alberta; and a Bachelor of Arts from the

28 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

University of New Brunswick.

Heather is a Rotarian and is a member of several other volunteer boards and organizations.

During the interview, I learned that in addition to her many volunteer roles, Heather supports a number of charities and provides leadership in several places. Her passion in opening doors for youth is particularly noticeable when she speaks of the International Children’s Games Legacy Committee, which hosted the games in Kelowna (2011). An IOC sanctioned event for athletes from the ages of 12-15.

Formerly the President of the Games Committee, Heather now sits on the International Games Committee, which is an IOC sanctioned event. Heather finds it hard to withhold the enthusiasm felt as she speaks of the young people that now have an invitation to attend the 2014 games at Lake Macquarie just north of Sidney Australia.

Economic Development Commission Heather notes that the Economic Development Commission Advisory Board is a well-balanced board with a lot of depth and life experience, creating a wonderful team working together to build great opportunity for the Central Okanagan. She explains that excellent networking

Heather Schneider

initiatives have positively influenced the ability of the Board to make a difference. The Business Walk (aka Biz Walk) program is on the leading edge of innovative thinking. The first program in Canada of its kind, it arranges very quick focussed visits to businesses, identifying areas of opportunity for the board to prioritize. Biz Walk also provides a true barometer or pulse of the business, environment in the Kelowna area. Others across Canada have rated this program to be an award-winning program.

Heather identifies the creation of the 1st Agra Tourism Initiative which created a manual on how

Interior agricultural operations can add tourism to their business. The manual is available online at the EDC website for anyone interested.

She adds that the EDC has created the first economic profile for up and down the valley. This profile identifies the strengths of our area in a format that potential businesses can use to assess the attractiveness of our area for their business.

When asked if she could wave a wand and make a bold change Heather’s quick response was, “Well my first magic wand would actually give me two magic wands.

1) I would enhance our transportation infrastructure much faster than the current plan. While we have been continuously improving transportation infrastructure we need to do more. We need more flight connections to our International Airport; road infrastructure needs to quickly become available as needed; and of great importance is the building of the ‘Second Bridge’ across the lake much sooner than currently planned.

This all takes lots of great planning and coordination to meet the true opportunities of this community 2) I would remove most of the ‘Red Tape’ which is challenging and sometimes overwhelming for both businesses and their potential employees.

While on the one hand we do not want to open the immigration floodgates, on the other hand we are losing too many business opportunities and potential employees that would not truly displace existing and available Canadian business investment or the workers of existing Canadian investment. Immigration policy more friendly to economic development optimization needs addressing quickly. We must be fair to existing Canadian businesses, but we must also be fair to our region of Canada.”

To attract new business she notes that, “we should not lose sight of the fact that Kelowna won the ‘Open for Business’ award due to our perceived strength as supporting entrepreneurs.

There are definitely competitive factors that we must work on but we must also be conscience of managing the retention requirements. As stated elsewhere, infrastructure planning and delivery is key. While transportation is an obvious requirement so are community amenities such as the symphony, the ballet, and others. Growing our ability to host conventions, national and international talent, and think tanks is critical. Having an education system coupled with health, recreation, and cultural options all on the leading edge is what will cause a continuance of the positive growth we have experienced.”

Heather adds that while we may have been one of the country’s bestkept secrets, we are a paradise, which when fully discovered will grow exponentially. While some suggest and misguide people to believe that we are an expensive place to live, this is not true when a fair comparison is made. Yes, we have some expensive housing but we also have moderately priced housing options. The Central Okanagan offers a great cross section of options similar to many other areas of the country.

Okanagan College Heather advises that investment in UBC and Okanagan College stacks up well in respect to attracting funding and students. Business College, Engineering, Health Sciences are all success stories because we have received a lot of funding.

“Funding is always a challenge.

We would like to see more, but we are pleased to see the growth that we have received. We have a great depth of program offerings.

Our graduates of the over 115 certificates, diplomas and degrees we offer are filling jobs where there are skills shortages in the region or moving on to further education. Each year we also have the opportunity to recognize our distinguished alumni through the Alumni Awards. Last year’s recipients were: Ryan Holmes CEO and founder of HootSuite; and Chef Jonathan Garret, Chef for the Cactus Club and co-owner of the Whisk Cake Company.

The central Okanagan College has grown quickly from 6,000 to 15,000 students. We are one of the fastest growing communities and hence our funding needs continue to grow. Before the UBCOkanagan campus was established and Okanagan College expanded, the community was under served.

Continuing Studies offered by the OK College is an important asset for our community. The college now offers more Full Certificate programs, and the Employment Skills Access Program (ESA).

“We are most satisfied when we help people transition to work, either as young students graduating or mature students retraining for meaningful employment.”

The School of Business students offer assistance to build real marketing plans, and assistance to helping Green Industries. There is a formal program called Enactus, which is driven by students. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the student leaders of Enactus create and implement community empowerment projects, which in turn help students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership.

The Okanagan College also provides a free of charge service to allow businesses to post career opportunities. ■

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 29

HEALTH

by Dr. Grant Pagdin

What's new in

Anti-Aging Medicine Newsflash: baby boomers are reaching seniority

I

t’s no surprise that currently twelve percent of North America’s population is over the age of 65. By 2030, that will increase to at least twenty percent.

Kelowna is well ahead of the average: we already have 20% of the local population over 65. Right now, for every person over the age of 65 there are two people under the age of 18. By 2050, that statistic will be turned around (twice as many over 65 as under 18).

The good news: Our life expectancy is also increasing! The life expectancy of someone born in 1990 was 74.3 years, while the life expectancy of someone born in 2000 has gone up to 77 years. Every year, life span is increasing by several months.

In 1900, the top two leading causes of death were pneumonia and TB. Heart disease came in fourth, while cancer was seventh. In 2000, heart disease and cancer are the top two killers by a long shot. Pneumonia dropped down to sixth while TB didn’t even make the list. As we age we are also more susceptible to degenerative conditions such as arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s. Are chronic disorders a part of “normal” aging?

They do not have to be! Individual behaviors and environmental factors are responsible for 70 percent of

30 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

premature deaths. Increasing your healthy years of life (your “healthspan” ) can be done by simple interventions, and early detection/ disease prevention. Four of the most important pillars of health are healthy nutrition, regular exercise, proper sleep, and reduced stress.

Many people ask me for my “number one” piece of anti-aging advice.

I echo the sage recommendation of authors Crowley and Lodge in their wonderful book, “Younger Next Year”, which is this: vigorous physical exercise an hour a day, six days a week, for the rest of your life.

You don’t really have to enjoy it, you just have to do it! As you age, focus on lower intensity and lower impact, but increase the duration.

What about those who have developed a marked amount of arthritis in one or more joints making exercise difficult if not impossible? Joint replacement is certainly an option, but there are surgical risks to consider, as well as lengthy waiting lists and prolonged rehabilitation. The newest development in anti-aging medicine involves the use of one’s own stem cells to foster tissue repair and healing as parts wear out. Stem cells are simple primitive cells which have the ability to morph into a number of different possible kinds of mature cells,

depending on the growth factors to which they are exposed and the location they are placed. Stem cells are present in many tissues in our bodies, but are most easily accessible in blood, fat, and bone marrow. A sample of each of these tissues can be taken and prepared for injection into an arthritic joint or into an area of soft tissue injury (muscle, tendon, ligament) to assist in regenerating healthy tissue.

The goal of anti-aging medicine is to increase your healthy years of life and reduce the years of disability. Growing older doesn’t have to mean growing weaker, less vital, and more frail! We can now live a longer, stronger, and healthier lifespan than ever before.

The advent of stem cell technology, or “tissue engineering”, is a big step. In the future, scientists expect to be able to harvest these simple stem cells and coax them to regenerate organs such as skin, liver, kidney, or pancreas for transplant back into their donor. This way, there are no issues with rejection, as these organs retain the original DNA of the donor (called “autologous”). Science continues to explore new frontiers in cloning, nanotechnology, artificial organs, and nerve impulse continuity. Development in these areas will soon open up further exciting advances in antiaging and regenerative medicine. ■

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www.prescriptionhealthstudio.com Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 31

READING TIME

by Luanne Warren

Winter in the

Mission Library

T

he library has lots to help you while away those dark winter hours. Come in and curl up with a good book by our fireplace. Check out a movie or TV series, or borrow an eBook for that eReader you just got for Christmas!

New in the branch are our “Grab Bags” containing books on a theme within the library (romance, fantasy, kids’ chapter books, etc.). You check out the whole bag without peeking and once you get home you may discover a new author or genre. There is something for the whole family in the Grab Bags!

around the library. Every month the contest changes, so you can enter several times. Prizes will be awarded each month, and a grand prize of a KOBO eReader will awarded at the end of April.

Teens can drop off a book review of their favourite book, and the best one will be rewarded with a KOBO eReader. Entries should be 250 words or less and dropped off by February 28th. Contact the branch for more details.

21st, and we will also have a session during Spring Break.

Our very popular Duct Tape Projects evening will be back in April. We will have a beginner session, as well as one for more advanced projects.

Tweens and Teens can register in the branch for these programs.

Preschool kids should look out for our special Spring Break story times.

The parachute will be coming out, so register early for this popular event!

We have several contests running throughout the winter months:

Starting on January 14, we will have Fun and Games Nights for Tweens.

Bring your favourite game or come in and play one of ours. The fun begins at 6:30 and will be held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.

Seniors are invited to join us for an evening of eReaders! We will have an expert in the branch to show you how to download library books on to your new eReader. Contact the branch for more information and to register.

School age kids can come in and see what we have hidden

Lego Builders Club will be back.

The first event is on February

We have many Digital Resources that can be accessed from home

32 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

with your library card. These include Zinio, where you can borrow 100’s of different magazine titles and Freegal where you can download free music! There are online encyclopaedias for school projects, Global Road Warrior to help you plan your next trip, Proquest which gives you full access to national papers like the Globe and Mail, PowerSpeak Languages which offers seven online language learning courses, as well as Automotive and Home Repair centres.

There are many more free resources available to you so please come in and ask about them. All you need is a library card! ■

® Fashion, jewelry, toys and always... great gardening gifts 4600 Lakeshore Rd. (beside Sunshine Market)

250-764-2900

● Coyote Grill & Restaurant ● Papitos Pizza ● Mission House Coffee ● Vacanza Travel ● iNartifex Design Studio ● Gabel Landscaping

Babytime

Stories, songs and activities for your 0 – 18 month old and parent or caregiver.

Tuesday mornings at 10:15 am.

Toddlertime

Stories, songs and activities for your 18 month old to 3 year old and parent or caregiver. Wednesday mornings at 10:15am.

Preschool Storytime

Stories, songs and activities for your 3 – 5 year old and parent or caregiver.

Thursday mornings at 10:15 am.

Mission Lego Buildersis back for Pro-D day on February 21 at 10:30 am. Please call to register.

Teen Time

Teen Time will be all new programs. This program is free and for 8 – 18 year olds. Call or check the website for specific information.

Mission Reads titles are:

I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb on Wednesday,

January 29 at 1:30 pm or Thursday, January 30 at 6:45 pm.

Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese on Wednesday, February 26 at 1:30 pm or Thursday, February 27 at 6:45 pm.

Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks on Wednesday, March 26 at 1:30 pm or Thursday, March 27 at 6:45 pm.

Sweet Tooth by Ian McEwan on Wednesday, April 23 at 1:30 pm or Thursday, April 24 at 6:45 pm.

Call the Mission branch at 250-764-2254 or www.orl.bc.ca/branches/mission for details.

4105 Gordon Drive in the CNC building.

www.orl.bc.ca

● Kettle Valley Gym ● Completecore Pilates Studio ● Dr. Webb Chiropractic ● Neurotech Brain Balancing ● Little Owl Daycare OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE

Contact Tony at 250.826.0844 or overtons@live.ca

www.kettlevalleycentre.com

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 33

PLANNING

by Wrae Hill

Sidewalks for safety in a pedestrian friendly city

Reducing the number of preventable ‘fall injuries’

I

f we are to curb the awful toll of falls related injury, I believe that there needs to be a combined approach of our individual responsibility (for making good choices in maintaining our own family’s health) and our group responsibility for building and maintaining infrastructure to allow safe, self powered travel where possible. This will take a team effort and we are all responsible to do our part.

muscles become weak and our risk for falling increases. Taking vitamin D daily can reduce the risk of falls by as much as 30% among the elderly!

As individuals or as care givers, we need simple strategies to minimize falls risks. Kelly Wilson, BScMA, Falls Prevention & Quality Consultant suggests the top 3 things that adults should do to prevent falls, but especially older adults.

• Engage in strength and balance training—walking is not enough. As we get older, we lose muscle mass, strength and balance. In order to maintain our muscle strength and balance, it must be challenged through strength and balance training. You don’t need to join a gym—you can work out at home at minimal cost.

Lower body strength in particular is important, but we also need trunk, neck and upper body strength in order to protect our heads during a fall. Research shows that older adults impact their head as much as 37% of the time during a fall and a big part of this is due to muscle weakness in the neck, trunk and upper body. Even if seniors get their hands up to protect themselves, they are unable to stop the momentum of the fall which causes their head to impact the ground.

• Take at least 1,000 units of Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) daily, more for adults 50+ …up to 2,000 units daily is recommended by Osteoporosis Canada. Why vitamin D ? Vitamin D works with calcium to build strong bones but it also has a key role in maintaining muscle function.

Without enough vitamin D, our

• Be aware of your surroundings when you are moving through space.

Minimise clutter and obvious falls risks. Too often, we try and “multitask” and we may not be paying attention when our bodies are moving.

Be especially wary during the winter months when snow and ice can increase your risk for falling.

Falls are responsible for the majority of head injuries and 95% of hip fractures in the elderly.

What can I do as an individual?

34 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

Group Responsibility Our group responsibility rests in part with our advocacy to our elected municipal leaders. One such activity I’ve come across is an online petition www.change.org/en-CA/users/amesidewalks regarding the lack of sidewalks along lakeshore road at AME public school. While this is correctly focused on children’s safety, sidewalks are for everyone, young and old(er).

Our municipal Government has the accountability for the provision of safe sidewalks, roadways and other pathways. There is a lot of talk today about Kelowna being pedestrian friendly.

Information is published on the City website (kelowna.ca) describing the general benefits of walking : • Regular exercise leads to improved health • Improved air quality and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions • Decreased congestion with less cars meaning less traffic on the roads • Creation of a community-oriented environment The pictures opposite depict some recent funding prioritizations made by our local government.

“Anne McClymont Elementary school, established in 1929, is the last school in the City of Kelowna to have

New marina, downtown Kelowna

Anne McClymont School on Lakeshor Road

formalized sidewalks. The unsafe conditions including incomplete sidewalks in a high traffic zone with heavy truck traffic and inadequate parking and drop off zones make this situation too libelous to wait until 2025 to resolve”.

Preventable injuries are the #1 killer of British Columbians between the ages of 1 and 44. (preventable.ca) According to the Kelowna city website, “Sidewalk projects provide convenient and safer walking areas for all types of pedestrians connecting to important destinations such as schools, parks, shops and jobs.” “Sidewalk projects are prioritized and selected based on: Walking potential (type/mix/density of land use, proximity to destinations such as schools/parks/ employment and the extent of public support) and Walking deficiency (collision risk, traffic speed, traffic volume, road width/length and public complaints).

Surely given Kelowna’s own priority matrix Okanagan Mission Lakeshore Road should be high on the priority list. This is a major roadway without sidewalks for great distances, below the community standard. We should encourage our City Council to prioritize budget appropriately for the safety of our pedestrians. To be a best in class mid-size city in North

America, this is one issue that needs to be rapidly addressed.

Sidewalk Maintenance This is a shared responsibility of the municipality and of property owners.

I’m certainly glad to see the dedicated City of Kelowna snow clearing crews after a winter storm, and I think they do a great job in my neighbourhood.

Sticking with the theme of shared responsibility, here are some things property owners can do to help prevent falls : • Promptly clear all sidewalks and pathways that adjoin your property before snow compacts.

• Create a “Snow Buddies” program on your street where volunteers come and shovel the walks of their elder neighbours.

• Leave a container of kitty litter or salt by your door and put down on all icy stairs and pathways.

As individuals we can : • Wear proper footwear and use ice grips as needed. (Take these off before you go into stores with ceramic tile.)

• Don’t stop exercising because the sidewalks are not safe. Find other ways to walk indoors, like walking

at the local mall or arena. Check out other activities like swimming at the local indoor pool or set up a workout area inside your home.

• Use handrails on all stairs and be especially careful going up and down them.

• Be alert to potentially risky situations and make good choices.

• More ideas are available on the following websites www.seniorsbc.ca and www.findingbalance.ca Sidewalks, strength and balance are critical to community falls prevention in all age groups.

This will take a team effort and we are all responsible to do our part. We each have three roles; • As individuals we can maintain our strength, balance, take Vitamin D and be aware of risks.

• As good neighbours we can clear debris, snow and sight lines on sidewalks, and be a snow buddy.

• As members of this beautiful community we must advocate that our municipal government make pedestrian safety priority one .

Wishing you a wonderful and safe Holiday season. ■ Wrae is a Patient Safety Director and a volunteer Director of OMRA.

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 35

REAL ESTATE TRENDS

by Lisa Moldenhauer

Move-in-ready homes

R

ecently, Century 21 Canada in conjunction with Rona, conducted a national home buyers preference survey that looked at the generations’ purchasing preferences.

The millennials (known also as the children of baby boomers born between 1972-1992) and the post Second World War baby

as basic as painting a room. Digital images of the property showing its curb appeal are becoming more important, and Sellers should be “Both the boomers and the millennials aware of how their home looks Recently, want move-in ready homes Century versus 21 Canada in conjunction with Rona, conducted a national h when presented optically. homes that requirepreference updating.survey Time that is looked at the generations’ purchasing preferences. extremely important to people… there The survey was conducted to see if The millennials (known also as the children of baby boomers born between 19 it really was about location, location, simply isn’t enoughtheofpost it inSecond a day…World War baby boomers (born 1946-1965) are making the gr realdoing estatewhat industry today. location. While the old maxim still they want to spendthe time it is significantly impacted they want to do and notthe theboomers things and theapplies, “Both millennials want move-in ready homes versus home by lifestyle to a much higher updating. to people…there simply isn’t enough of they have Time to.” is extremely importantchoices want to spend time doing what they want to do and not the degree today than in the past. things they have to The message that it regarding Property The message that it sendsGREAT sellers isNEWS that if you are thinking of selling or putting sends sellers is that the market and somethingSales…..The needs to be done, dobelow it before you put it on the mark Graph shows if you are thinking something as basic as painting a room.

Digital images of the property showing the 2012 versus 2013 number of selling or putting are becoming more important, and Sellers should be aware of how their home l of real estate transactions in the your homeoptically. on the presented Central Okanagan. (January to market and someThe survey was conductedNovember to see if it really about location, location, locatio only –was December thing needs to be maxim still applies, it is significantly impacted by lifestyle 2013 available at press time.)choices to a much hig done, do it before boomers (born 1946-1965) are making the greatest impact on the real estate industry today.

than in the past.

you put it on the Happy Holidays to All… and GREAT NEWS regarding Property Sales…..The Graph below shows the 2012 Best Wishes for a Healthy, Happy market. Even if number of real estate transactions in the Central Okanagan. (January to Novem Prosperous it is something December 2013 available and at press time.) 2014! ■ 2013 vs 2012 Sales – Central Okanagan

2013 vs 2012 Sales – Central Okanagan 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150

2012 2013

100 50 0

36 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

Happy Holidays to All….and Best Wishes for a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous

MILESTONES

by Lynda Norman

Congrats on 25 years Okanagan Life magazine celebrates a quarter century

B

efore we had the ways and means to put pen to paper, we’ve had storytellers, keepers of our history –those folk who keep our memories alive. Without our storytellers helping record and pass along the details about the people and happenings that shape our lives, define our culture and build our communities we wouldn’t have much of a sense of belonging.

Laura May (left) Yvonne (right)

has been there sharing our stories ever since—and they’ve kept copies of every issue printed. What a treasure!

Published 10 times a year, this magazine touches on the people, arts, culture, heritage and businesses throughout the Okanagan Valley, informing and entertaining residents and visitors with features and regular stories. ■

In September 1988 the first Okanagan Life magazine came off the press and Paul Bryne of Byrne Publishing Group Inc

“I wish you the best of the Christmas Season and a Healthy and Happy New Year!”

Ron Cannan, P.C., M.P. Kelowna - Lake Country

114-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4 (250)-470-5075 ron@cannan.ca www.cannan.ca Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 37

PHOTOGRAPHY

by Mark Thompson

Tom Cooper Member (Educator), Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC)

W

ho knew that Tom was amongst us?

He is a very qualified photographer and teaches both online and within the Okanagan College Continuing Studies Division.

definitely out do the automatic settings on even the most expensive cameras.

I had the opportunity to learn from Tom on how to actually use the many functions that come with the very advanced digital cameras of today. I have taken thousands of photos and now I know what all those settings are really about. I can even read a photography book and understand it thanks to Tom. Like within many areas of our life once we take a lesson or two we often wonder why we did not take the lessons much earlier. His live classes sell out early and now I know why. You can with his training

So if you would be interested in taking a course at beginner, intermediate or advanced levels please let us know. If there is a desire we can schedule some classes to help us all take better photos of people, places and our paradise to share with others. If you are interested please email markt@syndicatedit.com

and I will make it happen in the spring at a very reasonable cost.

Wish I had known Tom 20 years ago but it is never too late to learn.

You too can learn lots about Tom Cooper and his teachings at www.dslr-u.com I know Tom would welcome your direct inquiry by email tom.cooper@shaw.ca.

The Kettle Valley Rainer Wilkins/ Jenny Newell Family – Rainer, Jenny, Finnegan and Stephanie. They live in The kettle Valley subdivision.

Photographed by Rebecca Geleynse ‘Through His Eyes Photography’ www.facebook.com/throughhiseyesphoto rebecca.geleynse@gmail.com Family, Children, and Stylized Portraiture

38 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

Giovanni Vidotto A writer and photographer

I

had the good fortune to meet Giovanni at the celebration of Okanagan Life Magazine 25th Anniversary.

He is a very interesting person with great experiences and the gift to communicate extremely well. He is both a writer and photographer whose vision is to capture the startling beauty of everyday life. His focus is on the ordinary events, people and things that often go unnoticed, and which may often be beautiful, tragic

or bizarre. You may see and read his work at www.findingkelowna.com or at www.gioklik.com. After researching him a bit it is clear that you will see him at events, photographing his passion—people; or you may hear him at literary readings where he shares poetry and stories that transform what is common into what is extraordinary. Reach him at gvidotto@shaw.ca, as I know he would love to hear your experience of his work. ■

A message from Steve — I would be pleased to meet with you to discuss any issues or concerns you have regarding the Provincial Government. Please call the office for an appointment and I will do my best to accommodate you. Or, feel free to send me an email at the address noted below.

Best Wishes for the New Year!

Province of British Columbia Winner of the 2013 Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards ~ Tourism and Hospitality

www.theviewwinery.com (P) 250 860 0742 (C) 250 215 1331 (E) info@theviewwinery.com #1-2287 Ward Road, Kelowna, BC V1W 4R5 Open Daily M-F 12-5

STEVE THOMSON

MLA Kelowna-Mission Office: 250-712-3620 E-mail:

steve.thomson.mla@leg.bc.ca Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 39

Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association

November 16th Social OMRA first ever social event a smashing success

O

n Nov 16th we had a sellout crowd at the Brook Bar & Grill, Michaelbrook Ranch Golf Course at 1085 Lexington Drive. For only $20 our guests received a burger with fries and a beverage. The ticket included live music and dancing from 8PM to Midnight. Live music was provided by Pete’s Late J.A.M. Band. There were lots of great people to meet and we were pleased to see Steve Thomson, Maxine Dehart, Robert Hobson and Luke Stack in attendance.

There is no doubt that the crowd was happy and many enjoyed the dance too. Perhaps it is telling that many suggested that we should have another one in the spring of 2014. The winner of a $235 prize was Teresa Vesterinen.

By the way we also made a small surplus for OMRA. ■

40 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

HEALTH

by Ester Simmons Foot

All I want for Christmas is

A New Knee Pain killers versus stem cell therapy

A

s a pharmacist I am keenly aware of the dangerous side effects of pharmaceuticals for pain.

Anti-inflammatories (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and ketorolac, etc) can cause sometimes fatal internal bleeding; Analgesics (e.g. acetaminophen) can be irritating to the liver and can poison a nerve resulting in permanent hearing loss; Narcotics (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, etc) can cause terrible constipation, as well as physical and psychological addictions. Needless to say, I am always searching for alternative therapies to help people manage pain safely and effectively without prescription drugs. You can imagine how thrilled I was to learn that stem cell therapy will be offered in Kelowna

by Dr. G. Pagdin, MD, CCFP, FCFP, ABAARM a specialist in AntiAging and Regenerative Medicine.

This new and cutting-edge therapy involves taking simple stem cells from blood, bone marrow, and adipose (fat) tissue and directing these cells to differentiate into cells that can permanently repair damaged tissues.

These simple undifferentiated cells are unique in that they carry the potential to develop into many different cell types with specific structure and function. The majority of cells in the body are already differentiated, meaning they have permanently become part of a specialized body system and carry out specialized functions. For instance, tendon and ligament cells are designed to produce tension and withstand compression. Bone cells, such as osteoblasts and osteoclasts, are designed to build and remodel bone. Once differentiated, neither can ever do the job of the other. Once damaged, they are quite difficult to repair.

Today it is possible to provide your body with the raw materials it needs to replace and repair damaged cartilage, muscle, ligament and tendon using one’s own stem cells. Stem cells derived from your own body, called “autologous”, can be harvested in the doctor’s office and then safely injected into an area of injury such as the knee where they are encouraged using specific growth factors to rebuild and repair the structure

Advertise with us! The Spring issue of The Okanagan Mission Review will be our BIGGEST issue ever! These pages will be filled with the people, stories and businesses that matter to you. Demand for the magazine will see our reach expanding circulation to Okanagan Mission and its neighbouring communities. Come grow with us!

For Advertising information contact: Mark Thompson at OMRsales@shaw.ca or call (778) 477-5776

and function of those tissues.

A great deal of research is currently underway for the use of stem cell therapy intravenously to treat serious and life threatening conditions like heart disease and lung disease. Can you imagine a world where risky surgery and dangerous chemicals are no longer used to treat injuries and pain? Thankfully, forward thinking medical professionals right here in Kelowna are paving the way for just that! By using elegantly simple technology and expertise it may be possible to avoid lifelong pain and perhaps even get yourself a new knee for Christmas! ■

OKANAGAN MISSION SENIORS CENTRE SOCIETY

Okanagan Mission Activity Centre 4398 Hobson Road Regular Weekly Activities Monday

9:00 1:00

Quilting Sing for Your Life

Tuesday

9:30

Keep Fit

Wednesday

9:00

Painting

Thursday

9:00 1:00

Crafts Bridge

Friday

9:30 1:00

Keep Fit Cribbage

Sask. Retired Teachers meet 3rd Tuesday every month at 11:00 For information contact:

Beverley Akerlund at 250-764-7478 or Lance Secret at 250-979-0074

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 41

Church directory Options in your neighbouhood The following are some of the churches found in and near Okanagan Mission.

St. Andrews Anglican Church 4619 Lakeshore Road Phone: 250 764 2626 Web site: standrewskelowna.ca Pastors: Rev. Canon Catherine Dafoe Hall; Rev. Christine Ross Service Times: Sundays 8:00 a.m.

Holy Eucharist; 10:00 a.m.

Family Service St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church 3665 Benvoulin Road Phone: 250 860 6779 Web site: stcharlesgarnier.ca Priests: Father Pat Monette; Father Gerald Sekanga Masses: Saturday: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.; 7:00 p.m.

Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m.

Evangel Church

St. Paul’s United Church

3261 Gordon Drive Phone: 250 762 0682 Website: evangelbc.org Pastor: Pastor Will Sohnchen Service Times: Sunday 9:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m.

3131 Lakeshore Road Phone: 250 764 5443 Web site: sanctuarykelowna.com Pastor: Minister Richard Chung Service Times: Sunday 9:50 a.m.

First Lutheran Church 4091 Lakeshore Road.

Phone: 250 764 3111 Web site: firstlutheran.ca Pastor: Senior Pastor Keith Reisdorf; Associate Pastor Lee Loveridge Service Times: 9:00 a.m. (traditional); 10:30 a.m. (contemporary) Gospel Fellowship Church 3714 Gordon Drive Phone: 250 763 6553 Web site: kgfchurch.com Pastor: Mike Penninga Service Times: Sunday 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m.

True Meaning of Christmas Once again it’s Christmas Time, time for us to be, Busy wrapping presents and setting up the tree.

It seems we have so many things, to think of and to do, We may forget that Christmas, has a deeper meaning too.

A meaning that goes far beyond, the things the eye can see, Such as Holly wreaths, Mistletoe, and Gifts beneath the tree.

For these are only Symbols, of what happened Christmas morn, When in a little manger, GOD’s only Son was born.

St. Andrew’s Okanagan Mission Anglican Church of Canada

Serving the Mission since 1911

Sunday services 10:00 AM Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00 PM 4619 Lakeshore Road www.standrewskelowna.ca 250-764-2626 42 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

GOD put HIM here upon this Earth, with one idea in mind.

To put New Hope around the World, and LOVE in all Mankind.

So even though we’re busy, and have many things to do, Let’s not forget that Christmas, has a deeper Meaning too.

Eugene W. Miller

Changing the way you think about dentistry ■■Family Dentistry

■■Wisdom Tooth Extraction

■■Direct Billing

■■Sedation Dentistry (I.V.)

■■Extended Evening Hours ■■Invisalign ■■Implants

■■Flexible Payment Options

Dental implants for single and multiple tooth replacement, and denture stability With dental implants, healthy teeth are not compromised. Dental implants, like natural teeth, stimulate the jaw and stop bone loss.

2033 Gordon Drive (778) 436-2618 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 43

EVENTS

by Angela McManus F

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Picture Framing & Mirrors Custom Designs & Sizes

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Gold medal ready

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Picture Framing

Custom Designs

The road to the Canadian Culinary Championships

I Frames Liners Mats Glass Mounting Stretching Now open to the public!

Competitive prices Designer and Artist discounts Two locations to serve you: 560 Raymer Ave., Kelowna PH: 250-868-3391 3376 Sexsmith Rd., Kelowna PH: 250-765-6116

VISIT OMRA.CA

News • eVeNT & MeeTING NOTIFICATIONs • RequesT INFORMATION BeCOMe A MeMBeR ApplICATION FORM sIGN up FOR speCIAl eMAIl COMMuNICATION FACe BOOk CONNeCTION • COMMuNITy suRVeys COMING sOON

Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association PO Box 29138 Okanagan Mission, BC V1W 4A7

44 Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013

f the patriotism inspired

by Canada’s Olympic team resonates with you, then save-the-date for the Kelowna stop-over of Canada’s Culinary Championships Feb 7 & 8, 2014. A perfect gift for any foodie on your Christmas list!

GOLD MEDAL PLATES Gold Medal Plates is the ultimate celebration of Canadian Excellence in cuisine, wine, the arts and athletic achievement. Celebrated in eleven cities across Canada, Gold Medal Plates features the premier chefs in each city in a competition to crown a gold, silver and bronze medal culinary team in each city, and subsequently nation-wide at the Canadian Culinary Championships.

BENEFICIARY: CANADIAN OLYMPIC FOUNDATION Net proceeds from Gold Medal Plates are given to the Canadian Olympic Foundation to support high performance programs such as Own the Podium. To date over $7 million has been raised.

KELOWNA EVENTS include The Mystery Wine Pairing event and the Grand Finale where the best chef in Canada for 2014 will be crowned!

Just confirmed, Ed Robertson of the Barenaked Ladies and Barney Bentall will entertain at the Grand Finale competition Both these events will take place at The Delta Grand Okanagan Hotel, while the famous Black Box Competition will be held at Okanagan College.

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Liners Mats Glass

As a Kelowna Mountin Mission resident Stretchin I am proud to be a volunteer for Kelowna’s 2014 Competit Canadian Culinary Championships prices, Design and am supporting the cause with Artist disco media relations efforts. I encourage local businesses to do the same via Two locations to se 560 Raymer social media tweets, follows and Ave., Kelowna 3376 Sexsmith posts! (at @GoldMedalPlates).

The Rd., Kelowna Canadian Culinary Championships is an exciting national program and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Kelowna to leaders in sport, arts, wine, cuisine and entertainment from across the country.

For Tickets & Sponsorship information visit: Goldmedalplates.com.

To contact Angela email her at: mcmanusmarketing@telus.net. ■

LIVE DIFFERENT

The Highlands – Wrapped Up in the Okanagan Transitional Style of Living Imagine, building your luxurious dream home in a place surrounded by a diverse natural hillside landscape with flowing creeks and miles of green space to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. Imagine sitting outside under your covered veranda soaking in panoramic views of Okanagan Lake and the mountains beyond.

Imagine sipping your favourite beverage while enjoying an Okanagan summer sunset with friends and family members. Picture yourself cooling off in your in-ground pool or barbequing your favourite dishes eager to share your culinary delights while When you imagine your dream home, do you envision spending the rest of your

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life there? Imagine that, the ability to transition through your life growing older in

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dining alongside your outdoor fireplace.

prestigious subdivision to date…The Highlands at Kettle Valley.

The Tommie Awards has introduced a new category for 2013 ... the

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OPEN DAILY

The Kettle Valley Discovery Centre discoverycentre@kettlevalley.com t 250.764.2199 | kettlevalley.com

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"People's Choice Community of the Year". This is your opportunity to show us your support for this amazing community.

Go to kelowna.myezrock.com by January 26 and VOTE FOR THE VILLAGE OF KETTLE VALLEY. Thank you!

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Well imagine no more, “The Okanagan Transitional Style of Living" has arrived.

The Village of Kettle Valley is now offering lots for pre-sale in its newest, most

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sometimes presents us with.

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your home without having to worry about the physical challenges growing old

Okanagan Mission Review • Winter 2013 45

Most homes sold in the Mission since 2008*

• AMONG THE TOP 1% [MOST HOMES SOLD] OF REALTORS® IN THE OKANAGAN – SINCE 2008* • TOP CENTURY 21 AGENT IN INTERIOR B.C. - SINCE 2008 • CENTURION AWARD WINNER - 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 & 2013

W W W . B R E N T P A Y. C A Assurance Realty Ltd.

*SOURCE: OMREB

DIRECT PH: 250.878.4834

Mission Park Centre 605 KLO Road, Suite 16, Kelowna BC

(250) 860-7765

All Your Investment Solutions at One Location Branch Manager, Laura Decker would like to invite you to meet the team of professionals at the Mission Park Branch of TD Canada Trust. A Mutual Funds Representative with TD Investment Services Inc. at TD Canada Trust can work with you to find the type of fund or portfolio of funds that fits you and your goals.

For more unique or complex solutions, appointments can be arranged to speak with TD Investment specialists.

Darlene Laramie, Manager, On-line Investment Specialist TD Direct Investing: Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been investing for years, we’ll provide you with comprehensive educational resources, innovative tools and knowledgeable support to help you become a more confident and successful trader.

Sandra Cramen, Financial Planner, BA & CFP Financial Planning: A personal financial plan gives you the comfort of knowing that you're taking steps to ensure the future you want. Your TD Waterhouse Financial Planner will work with you to create a plan to enhance your long-term economic success and security. Your plan will reflect your goals, needs and tolerance for investment risk.

Jim Chrenek, VP & Investment Advisor, L.L.B & B.Comm.

TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a premier full-service brokerage ideal for investors who want a one-on-one relationship with a dedicated and professional Investment Advisor. You will receive comprehensive and personalized investment advice while staying involved in the key decisions about your portfolio.

Gordon Fawcett, Portfolio Manager, CFA At Private Investment Counsel, your peace of mind comes from knowing that your custom-tailored investment portfolio is being professionally managed for you. You don't need to worry about making the day-to-day investment management decisions. You can pursue other interests, secure in the knowledge that you have the right Portfolio Manager, the right investment strategy and the right portfolio.

TD Waterhouse Discount Brokerage, TD Waterhouse Financial Planning, TD Waterhouse Institutional Services, TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice, and TD Waterhouse Partner Services are divisions of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. – Member CIPF. 1 The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Financial Group (“TDBFG”). * Trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. is a licensed user.

We’ve released our first Single Vineyard Block Wines

With blocks planted as early as 1991, these vines are entering their prime and it shows in every bottle.

On that, you have our word.

Join us for a wine tasting and winery tour!

We are open daily 10am to 7pm

cedarcreek.bc.ca | 5445 Lakeshore Road, 250-764-8866