Kamloops Connector April 2022

April 2022

VOL. 30, NO. 12, APRIL 2022 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Kamloops’ Seeds Page 2

KAC: Returns to Connecting Creative Communities Page 5

Change your beliefs by Clear Impact Page 11

Kamloops Arts and Crafts Club Page 15

www.connectornews.ca

Being Mortal: Lightning Strikes Page 23

Drive more efficiently to save at the pumps

D The Kamloops Chapter of the Vintage Car Club of Canada will be having their Easter Drive & Car Show of Vintage vehicles on Sunday, April 17 staging at 11 a.m. at McArthur Island near the arena. At 1 p.m. they will depart and arrive at Riverside Park by 2 p.m. Vehicles will be on display until 4 p.m. For further information, call Rich Vandermey at 250-828-2318 or Jim Carroll at 250-314-7606.

rivers likely need no reminder that the cost of fuel is high. In a few short weeks we have seen the price of gas leap to highs of $2 per litre. It is safe to assume that this situation won’t improve anytime soon but even if it did, we would still do well to drive as efficiently as possible. Beyond that we should invest in an electric vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle or good walking shoes or take the bus.

Learning how to be a more efficient driver is a great way to improve gas mileage and take some of the sting out of filling up.

• Take it easy behind the wheel. Aggressive driving can lower gas mileage by as much as 30 percent when driving at highway speeds and 40 percent when driving in stop-and-go traffic. Avoid speeding and rapid acceleration and braking.

• Utilize in-vehicle energy feedback. A recent study from researchers at the Institute of Transportation Studies found that drivers who used driver feedback devices in their vehicles in an effort to save fuel improved their gas mileage by about 10 percent. Many modern vehicles are equipped with such devices, and drivers can learn to use them and reap the rewards with less frequent trips to the filling station.

• Keep cargo off the roof. Rooftop cargo boxes can be convenient when traveling on vacations. However, research Continued on page 3

HOME IS NOT JUST A PLACE, IT'S A FEELING. 250-372-8141

834 Laval Crescent

www.connectornews.ca

2 APRIL 2022

Kamloops’ Seeds Submitted by Caitlin Quist, Kamloops Food Policy Council

T

he past few weeks have been a flurry of activity around seeds. With spring planting just around the corner, seeds really seem to be on everyone’s minds.

During this time a gardener’s mind can become dizzied with possibilities. There is so much joy and excitement from the vast array of colours and flavours there are to choose from. As a beginner seed saver, I’ve been amazed at the world that opens up when you begin to save your own seeds. It brings a feeling of self sufficiency, or more accurately, community sufficiency.

Building a seed stock with ample variety diversity and genetic diversity truly takes a village, and I am glad it does!

When we come together to work towards a common goal, a multitude of new ideas and connections can sprout.

Gearing up for seed events this spring, Eden Mackay, our seed library volunteer, spent many days cleaning, sorting, and labelling seeds. A relaxing and meditative type of work

best done with a friend. We organised the community seed library with the hopes that the seed would be eagerly plucked up and taken to good homes on Seedy Saturday on March 12. Our hopes were exceeded!

Seedy Saturday felt like an extremely special day, seeing so many familiar faces that we had missed through the long winter. While also meeting many new and experienced gardeners taking the seed home to their gardens. Prior to Seedy Saturday, we sent many of our seeds to Merritt, in the hopes that they could replenish some of their local seed stock that had been lost in the floods.

The seed in our seed library consists of seed donated to us by seed savers in the community, small seed companies, and some seed which is grown at the Butler Urban Farm. The idea behind a seed library is that our community works together to grow, save, and share seed year after year. Individuals are invited to take seed in the spring, try their hand at

growing it out, and if they are able, save seed from these plants and bring them back in the fall. This helps us to have a stock of locally available seeds, adapted to our climate, and available free of cost. We hope to protect heirloom seeds - and protect the rich stories that come with them.

Saving seeds is an exercise in seed security and seed sovereignty. On March 10th we were lucky to have a visit from Sara Bartlett from Farmfolk Cityfolk to teach us about these concepts in her Seed Saving 101 workshop.

After participants cleaned seed together, we gathered to learn the how and why of seed saving. We learned about the massive consolidation of seed production, the introduction of seed patents, the decreasing diversity of seeds, and how this can put us at risk in the face of supply chain disruptions and climate change.

Earlier this March, youth volunteers from the Invasive Species Council of BC joined us for a day of learning

about seed security and seed sovereignty, and got a chance to pick through our seed supply.

Following this, we got a chance to get our hands dirty planting Chestnut seeds which had been cold stratifying in a fridge all winter. These chestnut trees will eventually be shared out with the community in efforts to increase more nutrient dense perennial plants across the city.

These events throughout March have brought to mind the power of seeds to connect a community, their ability to be a community resource, and how they can build resilience in what feels like uncertain times. I look forward to seeing our community seed saving capacity grow!

We are always accepting seed donations for our seed library, so long as these seeds are open-pollinated varieties which were grown organically.

As part of our Kamloops Seed

Stories project, we are also seeking stories people have about a particular seed, ideally with a small donation of this seed. Did your grandma pass down this variety? Did the seed come into your possession in an interesting way? We want to hear about it!

To get in touch or find more information about our seed library, check out our website: www. kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil. com or email me at caitlin@ kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil. com. To stay in the loop on upcoming seed & food events, follow us on Facebook @ facebook.com/ kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil or on Instagram @ kamloopsfoodpolicy. For other great resources on seed security check out FarmFolk CityFolk’s BC seed security initiative.

Pizzoccheri della Valtellina (Buckwheat flat pasta with cabbage) Try one last comforting recipe before spring arrives and we are greeted with fresh, sweet spring veggies! I made this in the winter and enjoyed the unique texture of the buckwheat noodles. Recipe taken from lacucinaitaliana.com.

INGREDIENTS

• Buckwheat flour (3 and ⅓ cups - stoneground is best) • 00 Flour ¾ cup (when I made this I used all purpose white flour and it worked fine) • 1 and ¼ cup of warm water • 2-3 cups of potatoes, cubed (most recipes recommend peeling, but if it is a thin skinned potato it is fine to leave it on)

DIRECTIONS

• 2-3 cups of cabbage, cut into 1cm strips • 1 cup of cheese (fontina, gruyere, emmental) • 5 cloves of garlic • 2 sticks of butter • Salt • Parmesan for serving

• Mix flour, buckwheat flour in a bowl. Add warm water and mix together. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead briefly with your hands until smooth and compact.

• Boil water in a large pot, add salt and, once boiling, add the cabbage; cook for 8 minutes, then add the potatoes; bring it back to a boil and cook for another 8 minutes. While the potatoes and cabbage are looking, using a rolling pin, roll out the dough into a 3/4 inch thick sheet; cut into 4 inch wide strips, then cut each strip into pieces 1/2 inch wide.

• Peel the garlic cloves, cut them in half, and sauté them in the butter until they barely turn golden. Then remove them from the butter. Cut the Casera cheese into cubes. Drop the pizzoccheri into the water with the cabbage and potatoes and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pizzoccheri, potatoes, and cabbage from the water with a skimmer and transfer them to a plate.

Top with the cubes of cheese, butter, and plenty of grated parmesan in layers. Mix and serve immediately. (I baked mine in the oven for 5-10 minutes!).

APRIL 2022 3

www.connectornews.ca

The Kamloops Symphony presents a concert to fill you with peace and serenity

L

uminous Voices, a concert filled with soaring vocal lines that will lift spirits and imbue listeners with peacefulness and serenity. Luminous Voices will be taking place in the Oasis Church (1205 Rogers Way) on Saturday, April 16 at 7:30 pm.

Luminous Voices’ programme includes ethereal, translucent, and serene works of haunting beauty by Maurice Ravel, Lili Boulanger, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The highlight of the concert is Gabriel Fauré’s Requiem, one of the most widely loved requiems. His Requiem depicts the timelessness of human existence, human longings, profound sorrow, fear of the unknown, as well as light, hope, and peace, forming a perfect harmonious unity.

Joining the orchestra on stage are two soloists: soprano Magdalena How and baritone Philip Wing. Magdalena How is a Master’s student in Opera Performance at UBC. She began to study voice at the Vancouver Symphony School of

Music at age 16 and has loved it ever since.

She has performed in numerous opera roles throughout her studies, as well as singing as a soloist at a number of concerts and other events. When Magdalena is not singing, she can be frequently found knitting, baking, or enjoying a fantasy novel.

Born and raised in Vancouver, Philip Wing is also a Master’s student in Opera Performance at UBC. His first role was as a dead body in a UBC Opera production and likes to think that he’s been moving up in world ever since, having been in productions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Die Zauberflöte, Puts’ Silent Night, Offenbach’s The Tales of Hoffmann, and Weinberg’s The Passenger to name just a few.

Also joining the orchestra on stage is the KSO Chorus. Leading the orchestra and singers is the Kamloops Symphony’s Music Director Emeritus, Bruce Dunn.

The KSO has been waiting two years to

bring this concert to the stage since its original date of April 2020, and they are very pleased to be re-mounting this soothing and peaceful concert. Executive director Daniel Mills said, “We are thrilled to be bringing back Music Director Emeritus Bruce Dunn to remount this concert of truly stunning music and are very happy to have the KSO Chorus back again this Season. It will be an exquisite experience that will start an intensive week of music-making from the Kamloops Symphony.”

Following Luminous Voices the KSO is presenting their rescheduled performance of iskwē & the KSO on Thursday, April 21, and will conclude their season with Beethoven & Tabla on Saturday, April 23, both in Sagebrush Theatre.

Tickets are $40 for Adults, $15 for Youth (under 19), and are available from Kamloops Live! Box Office by calling 250-374-54583 or going to kamloopslive.ca.

Our VOlunteers

Thank You for Helping Hospice Grow for 41 Years!

Music

Administration Cooks

Complementary Therapies

Shoppers

Patient Support

Gardeners Crafters

Christmas Lights

Thrift Store Volunteers Snow Angels Greeters Maintenance Plant Care Pet Therapy

Community Visiting Day Program Special Events

Bakers

Recycling

Grief Support Groups Holiday Dinners Board Members

Workshops

kamloopshospice.com

Shop & browse our entire store online.

www.tumbleweedtoys.ca

Common sense driving tips to helps save on fuel Continued from page 1 shows that such boxes can reduce fuel economy by a significant percentage depending on where drivers are driving. City drivers with rooftop cargo boxes may experience a 2 to 8 percent decline in fuel economy, while vacationers traveling at interstate speeds may notice a decline as high as 25 percent. Cargo boxes are convenient, but they’re not very aerodynamic, so it’s best to remove them after returning home from vacation.

• Avoid idling. Idling was once advised to warm up vehicles so

they did not stall once they leave the driveway and hit the open road.

However, that stalling occurred when cold carburetors could not get the appropriate mix of air and fuel in the engine. Carburetors have long since been replaced by electronic fuel injection systems, negating the need to warm up a vehicle to avoid stalling.

There also happens to be an anti-idling bylaw in Kamloops.

High fuel costs make it advantageous for drivers to embrace efficient driving, which can save a substantial amount of money at the gas pump.

Inspiring play for all ages.

Open for in-store shopping Monday to Saturday 10-5.

www.connectornews.ca

4 APRIL 2022

No Words

Voices of Experience www.connectornews.ca

Julia Maika Notary Public

Telephone: (250) 374-7467 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

• Wills • Powers of Attorney • Representation Agreements • Document Notarizations • Real Estate Sales

Please address all correspondence to: Kamloops Connector 1365B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6

600B - 235 1st Ave Kamloops, BC V2C 3J4

250-682-2984

Publisher Bob Doull

info@maikanotary.ca A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

General Manager Liz Spivey (778) 471-7537 publisher@connectornews.ca

One To One Care The of of individuals and and our our Thehealth health individuals community is paramount. community is paramount.

Editor: Moneca Jantzen editor@connectornews.ca

SPHSPH POWER AT AT • Nursing Home POWER WORK PROVIDES WORK PROVIDES CAREGIVERS • Person remaining CAREGIVERS FOR YOU: FOR CARE YOU: at home ONE TO ONE ONE TO ONE CARE • NURSING HOMELiving • Sheltered • PERSON REMAINING AT HOME HOME • NURSING SHELTERED LIVING Accommodations •• PERSON REMAINING AT HOME ACCOMMODATIONS

Graphic Designer: Dayana Rescigno creative@connectornews.ca

We aim to publish on the last Wednesday of each month and copy/booking deadlines are either the 2nd or 3rd Thursdays of each month. Please request a publishing schedule for specific information.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Kamloops Connector. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Kamloops Connector, Kamloops This Week or the staff thereof.

Personal care, medical reminders, meal preparation, housework, accompanying to appointments.

Personal care, medical reminders, meal preparation, housework,

TIMEFRAME - It accompanying takes between three to six months for the Personal Care, Medical Meal Prep, toReminders, appointments. caregiver to start working for you or your loved ones Housework, tosixAppointments.

TIMEFRAME Accompanying - It takes between three to months for the sphcaregivernanniescanada@gmail.com

caregiver to start working for you or your loved ones www.sphpoweratwork.com 250-314-6555 sphcaregivernanniescanada@gmail.com CALL FORwww.sphpoweratwork.com AN INITIAL ASSESSMENT!

250-314-6555 CALL FOR AN INITIAL ASSESSMENT!

(Formerly Goessman Denture Clinic) ON OF B ATI RI OC

COLUMBIA SH TI

Kamloops Connector is published

by Kamloops This Week, part of the Aberdeen Publishing Group. Letters to the Editor must be signed and have a phone number (your phone number will not be printed unless requested). Other submissions are gratefully received although Kamloops Connector reserves the right to edit all material and to refuse any material deemed unsuitable for this publication.

Articles, group and event listings will run in the newspaper as time and space permit.

• SHELTERED LIVING

*Plan for your Safety andACCOMMODATIONS Wellbeing*

NTURIST AS DE S

Kamloops Connector is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain adults 45 and over.

ars • et • scientia

A Proud Tradition of Denture Crafts ROBBY JAROUDI • ALLEN E. GOESSMAN

PERSONALIZED & PROFESSIONAL DENTURE SERVICE • Complete Dentures • Repairs • Dentures Over Implants • Partial Dentures

Subscriptions are $35 per year in Canada.

Any error which appears in an advertisement will be adjusted as to only the amount of space in which the error occurred. The content of each advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Kamloops Connector recommends prudent consumer discretion.

Two great locations to serve you better!

10-2025 Granite Ave. Merritt, BC 1-888-374-9443

603 St. Paul Street Kamloops, BC 250-374-9443

I really don’t have any words.

There is so much going on in the world right now that I’m not sure what to say or if what I have to say has any significance.

The only words that would matter right now are the ones that will persuade Vladimir Putin to end his insane war against the Ukrainian people. It is unforgivable that he has put the entire world on the brink My two cents of another world war and that Moneca Jantzen he is responsible for killing so Editor many innocent civilians in one month’s time.

The only words that would matter right now are the ones that would end the deep political divides in so many countries right now, including our own.

The only words that would matter right now are the ones that will make everyone start caring about climate change and doing the things we need to do before it’s too late.

The only words that would matter right now are the ones that will end racism, misogyny, violence and discrimination against all marginalized groups whether due to race, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical ability, language, and/or immigration status.

The only words that would matter right now are the ones that will help all of us navigate this pandemic sensibly and with compassion and kindness. The pandemic isn’t going anywhere so the onus is now on us as individuals to make choices with which we can live (or die).

The only words that matter right now are the ones that the masses will actually understand. There is so much misinformation and disinformation in circulation that our democracies are in terrible jeopardy and we cannot take our freedoms and responsibilities for granted any longer. How do we navigate the freedom of expression afforded by social media with the ability to distinguish between fact and fantasy? The rise in conspiracy theories illustrates how easy it has become to lead otherwise reasonable people down bizzaro rabbit holes. It is strange to observe supposedly literate people come to such outlandish conclusions.

The weight of the world is on all of us these days and it breaks my heart. To think that our elders are wondering why none of their lessons have been learned for eternity. Our children are being plunged into crisis after crisis and we wonder why they have anxiety. Many of us are just in survival mode trying to pay for basics like rent, groceries and, unfortunately, gas.

We don’t have to go far to feel so much of this on a personal level. The pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, the discovery of unmarked graves of children at the Kamloops Residential School and others, the massive wildfires of last summer, the devastating flooding and landslides in November, the so-called Freedom Convoy, hyperinflation, crises in healthcare and housing, homelessness and the opioid crisis and now the war in the Ukraine (surely, I missed a thing or two)—it all hits far too close to home.

Without putting our heads in the sand, we just have to focus on our personal sphere and take on the problems we feel like we can actually handle and do our best to live with gratitude.

Hopefully those we have tasked with the responsibility of dealing with the bigger issues will eventually get something right. Vote when it’s time to vote, vote with our dollars as consumers, write letters, stay properly informed, donate to important causes, try to stay healthy, find joy where we can and be kind to others are things we can continue to do.

I, for one, don’t have any words that will make a difference.

Thoughts and prayers are about as useful as NATO is with respect to President Zelensky’s pleas to close Ukrainian airspace.

Social media is actually quite stifling lately despite the frenzied activity on most platforms. I can barely be bothered to share on there let alone participate in the comment sections unless it’s strictly for some laughs. All I know is that one has to be highly selective about where one gets their information. As Jim Rohn said, “Stand guard at the door of your mind.”

Here’s hoping things will get better. In the meantime, Happy Easter!

APRIL 2022 5

www.connectornews.ca

The Kamloops Arts Council Returns to Connecting Creative Communities

T

by Marta Oraniewicz, Kamloops Arts Council

he snow is melting, and flowers are returning, and so are events! While art and artists alike endure the pandemic, art events are ready to blossom in Kamloops. For a while, organizing anything seemed nearly impossible for arts groups with restrictions and safety considerations; however, it just so happens that art organizations have creative people coming up with creative solutions. Who would have guessed?

The Kamloops Arts Council (KAC) is committed to carrying out its promise of promoting local artists and connecting the creative community.

And as part of that promise, they’ve gathered together some of the art organizations in Kamloops for a few words on COVID-19 and their futures. Tanya Nielsen, KAC Executive Director says, “we’re excited to see everyone in person” as they begin planning the exciting and well-loved events that have been a staple to all Kamloopsians for generations.

But the dedicated staff at the Kamloops Arts Council aren’t the only ones with a historic background!

The Kamloops Players Society “has been bringing live theatre to Kamloops since 1967,” says Rod DeBoice, producer of their upcoming show.

“The pandemic and associated public health measures prevented audiences gathering for many things including theatre… Like many groups, we were

forced to regroup and reaffirm our vision of community theatre. We are rebranding to bring two major performances a year. A Spring into Comedy and a Fall into Drama. Our group of passionate volunteers are committed to keeping live theatre alive in Kamloops!”

And the summer is not forgotten either!

Summer nights are the perfect time for an event, and this is something the Kamloops Film Society knows well. Their ever-popular, safe, and fun drive-in movies are returning for the third year! Patron Engagement Manager Emily Brown says, “Like all businesses, but especially in the arts, the pandemic has negatively impacted our operations as a whole. We’ve had to cut down screenings, capacity limits, and at some points shut down completely because of the pandemic… It’s a great way to safely enjoy a movie in town, and when the weather is nice and the stars are out, there’s really nothing better.”

The Kamloops Music Collective is also already accepting registrations for their newly adapted and expanded programs.

Executive Director Kim Mangan says, “While many arts organizations struggled during COVID-19, the Kamloops Music Collective was able to navigate the risks and restrictions by focussing on 3 core values: resourcefulness, creativity and social responsibility. We are pleased to report that the lessons learned from the pandemic have served to strengthen our organization and

have resulted in the development of new programs and the expansion of existing programs.” The KMC is doubling their summer programming! Kamloops is sure to be full of music in the coming months.

And even more theatre is coming your way too! “After postponing Project X Theatre’s Theatre Under the Trees festival in the summer of 2020, we were able to come back last summer for a slightly smaller festival - which sold out!

This summer, we plan to come back in full with two productions for Kamloops families: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Red Riding Hood,” says Randi Edmundson, Artistic Producer.

And finally, why not remind yourself of all kinds of performing, visual, and culinary arts at The Kamloops International Buskers Festival. Audrey Trim, one of the key people involved, says, “the pandemic has taken such a toll on the arts community, and we are happy we can provide an opportunity for local performers, artists and vendors to showcase their talents. The KIBF will take place July 21 - 24, 2022, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back!”

What more could you want in the city of Kamloops? There are so many art events, programs, and classes waiting to be discovered.

The Kamloops Arts Council is continuing to develop bigger and brighter things for the community.

Find all their events and programs here: https://kamloopsarts.ca/.

Wills ON Wheels WE ARE OPEN AND READY TO ASSIST YOU DURING COVID-19 WITH YOUR: • Wills • Probates • Powers of Attorney • Representation Agreements

We are following protocols regarding sanitizing and social distancing 250-374-3737 • toni@GLmail.ca

Toni Vuteva Lawyer

GIBRALTAR LAW

202-444 VICTORIA ST., KAMLOOPS V2C 2A7

- CSI Kamloops -

TAKE & BAKE MEALS * Entrees * Soups * Desserts *

Single portions ranging $3.00 - $7.00 778 - 470 - 6000 / 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PICK UP AT EITHER LOCATION Brock Activity Centre

9A 1800 Tranquille Rd

Brock Shopping Centre

Seniors Info Centre

25 700 Tranquille Rd Northills Mall

Delivery NOW Available

3.5” x 2.5” | Maximum Font Size: 30 pt

www.connectornews.ca

6 APRIL 2022

Explore your investment choices in your TFSA

RRSP or TFSA: Which one makes sense for you?

Are you ready?

Are you ready?

Chianne V Jones

Chianne V Jones Financial Financial Advisor

AdvisorYou have lots of priorities and ideas for making the most of

life. 4a 1315 Summit Dr., Unit You have lots of priorities and Jones Lets5R9 start bringing your Kamloops, BC V2C ideas for making the most of Financial Advisor retirement strategy into focus.

250-374-1882 1315 Summit Dr., Unit 4a life.

1315 Summit Dr., Unit 4a Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 Chianne V 250-374-1882

Call me today.

Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 250-374-1882

Lets start bringing your retirement strategy into focus.

Call me today.

IRT-8193B-C EXP 30 MAR 2022 © 2020 Edward D. Jones & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

www.edwardj on es.c a

IRT-8193B-C EXP 30 MAR 2022 © 2020 Edward D. Jones & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

MKT-5894C-C

financial focus CHIANNE V. JONES Financial Advisor

A

ONE & TWO BEDROOM UNITS

• Apartment living for seniors • Beautiful gardens • Walking distance “wait list” to North Shore shopping • One block from McArthur Island • Within the same for more information or complex as the to book an appointment North Shore Community Centre #307-730 Cottonwood Ave. & the Moose Lodge Kamloops, BC V2B 8M6 • Suites for purchase (life-lease) info@nsccs.ca • SAFER (wait list) www.cottonwoodmanor.ca

Call 250-376-4777

Kamloops Realty

Jessica MARVIN 250.374.3022

je-matt@hotmail.com JessicaMattRealEstate.ca

250.319.8784 mmatt@shaw.ca

RealEstateKamloops.ca Member of Kamloops Chamber of Commerce

t first glance, many investors are left wondering whether they should invest in a Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or an Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP). Both offer tax advantages, but deciding which account is more appropriate for you depends on your goals, risk tolerance and time frame.

TFSA and RRSP Similarities Both accounts offer tax advantages. Plus, both accounts allow you to invest in mutual funds, stocks, segregated funds, bonds and Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), to name a few.

Registered Retirement Savings Plan features include: 1. Contribution limits Your allowable contribution is a

lesser of $29,210 or 18 percent of earned income, less pension adjustment for 2022.

You may also be able to tap into any unused contribution room you have carried forward from previous tax years.

2. Contributions are tax deductible Allowable contributions are deducted from your gross taxable income for the year, and you may end up with a tax refund (which many recommend putting right back into your RRSP for next year or even a portion into your TFSA). This makes an RRSP an ideal first choice for savings especially for highincome earners.

3. Defer the taxes Investments inside an RRSP grow on a tax-deferred basis; tax is payable when funds are withdrawn.

Funds typically stay invested until you start income payments in your retirement years. RRSPs must be converted to a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF) by the end of the year you turn 71.

Withdrawals from RRIFs are fully taxable, and annual withdrawal amounts may reduce

government Old Age Security benefits.

Those with a rich pension plan, are working in retirement, or have other sources of alternative income, may want to consider additional savings options, such as a TFSA, in consultation with a financial advisor.

4. Estate considerations An RRSP (or RRIF) can transfer directly to your spouse or commolaw partner upon your death on a tax-deferred basis when he or she is named the beneficiary directly on the account.

Tax Free Savings Accounts 1. Contribution limits As of January 1, 2022, if you have reached the age of majority, you can contribute up to the maximum annual amount of $6,000. Any unused contribution amount can be carried forward to future years. If you have never contributed to a TFSA before and were at least 18 years old in 2009, your accumulated contribution room is $81,500 in 2022.

2. Tax free Your annual contribution is not tax-deductible and any growth in your TFSA investments is sheltered from taxation

even when money is withdrawn. You can withdraw TFSA money without paying tax at any time and, best of all, the full amount of any withdrawals can be put back into your TFSA in future years (but not the same year).

3. Impact of eligibility on government benefits Income earned in a TFSA and amounts withdrawn do not affect your eligibility for federal income-tested benefits and credits, such as Old Age Security or the Canada Child Tax Benefit.

4. Estate considerations You can set up the account’s assets to transfer directly to your spouse or commonlaw partner upon your death, as long as he or she is named the successor holder on your TFSA. While an RRSP is primarily intended for your retirement, you can use a TFSA for any long-term investment goal.

Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

APRIL 2022 7

www.connectornews.ca

Laptop, Chromebook or Tablet?

THAT TECH GUY JEFFREY READE

O

ne question that gets asked a lot is which is better, a laptop, Chromebook or tablet? Like anything in the

tech world, the answer isn’t so cut and dry. It all boils down to what you’re going to do with it. Personally, I love my laptop, but then I’m doing more than most people do. Chromebooks have their uses too, as do tablets. So let’s break down the pros and cons of each and see what fits not only your needs, but your budget.

Laptops are a jack of all trades, you can use them for business, play games, you name it and they can do it all. The downside is the price point. You can get cheaper laptops and even refurbished ones for a decent price. However, if you’re looking for

something for performance power; expect to pay. A decent laptop that will last a few years starts at around $800 and only climbs from there.

Chromebooks are decent now. When they first came out, there were performance issues, but some companies have addressed those by putting in better processors, though it increased the price marginally. Like anything else it’s a tradeoff. The biggest issue I don’t like about Chromebooks is the internet connection requirement. If you want to access data offline you need to download it prior to being offline. That said,

they’re cheaper than a laptop.

One thing I recommend is a Chromebook for online banking. Nothing else, just banking. That way there’s only one thing you do on it so there’s no security issues.

Sure, it can be annoying at times to have to go get it so you can do banking, but again if you’re only (and I do mean only) banking on it that means there’s no risk of malicious code getting into it.

Tablets are handy, I have one and even some smartphones border on being a small tablet depending on screen size.

Again, it comes down to price. A decent tablet

will cost you money. I’ve seen the cheaper ones and usually they aren’t worth it. They can run games, download books and everything, but the cheaper ones are not designed for that and long-term life.

They’ll slow down very quickly, and the battery drains incredibly fast.

You can usually find some good deals on tablets, if the regular price is under $150, keep looking. There are tons of options out there, but I always suggest sticking to brands you know or that your friends and family recommend.

Salespeople are great, however in my experience you never know if they’re trying to give you a quality product or just clear space in the inventory. It applies to all technology, not just tablets.

The best part is if you have a printer setup to your network you can print from any of these options. The choices are endless when it comes to technology, though sometimes that can lead to just as many headaches when it comes to choosing what’s right for you. Remember, everyone is different when it comes to their needs, business, gaming, or just staying in touch with the family.

They’re all important, but they have different prioritizations for each person.

Don’t be shy to do your own research and ask friends and family what they use their technology for. It builds a community of informed consumers and in the end that’s always better for everyone.

KAMLOOPS IN APRIL

EVENTS 2022 APRIL

9-10

HOME SHOW-BOAT SHOW Mac Arthur Island Sports and Events Centre

1655 Island Pkway, Kamloops

EASTER WEEKEND

APRIL

Happy Easter Everyone!

15-18

Various events around Kamloops

APRIL

17

VINTAGE CAR CLUB EASTER DRIVE AND SHOW

at Riversyde Park

Various events around Kamloops

30

Win a FREE Tech/Repair Consult ($60 Value)

Jeffrey Reade

That Tech Guy IT Services Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5P6 or email your details with “That Tech Guy Contest” to win@connectornews.ca.

Random draw from entries submitted for the contest.

One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, April 8th at 9:00am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize.

Name ..............................................................................................................

Phone.............................................................................................................

Email ..............................................................................................................

Downtown Kamloops

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK Thank You to our Amazing Volunteers!

APRIL

250-318-7977 jreade@gmail.com

24-30

CHRIS ROSE WALK FOR AUTISM Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism Save the date!

APRIL

“Thank you Kamloops for your support for the past 20 years. We will continue to serve and make a difference in our community.”

Serving Kamloops and area for 20 years 100% independent and locally owned • Certified Compounding Pharmacy • Medication Reviews

TODD STONE

MLA Kamloops-South Thompson 446 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2A7 todd.stone.mla@leg.bc.ca toddstonemla.ca 250-374-2880 @toddstonebc ToddGStone

PETER MILOBAR

MLA Kamloops-North Thompson 618B Tranquille Road Kamloops, BC V2B 3H6 peter.milobar.mla@leg.bc.ca petermilobarmla.ca 250-554-5413 @PeterMilobar PeterMilobarKNT

Free Delivery!

MISSAGH MANSHADI

B.Sc. Pharm, Pharmacist/Owner Certified Compounder

NORTHSHORE: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 374 Tranquille Rd. P: 250.434.2526 | F: 250.434.2527

MANSHADI PHARMACY Trusted Advice.

Wholesome Care.

SOUTHSHORE: 477 St. Paul Street P: 250.372.2223 | F: 250.372.2224

www.connectornews.ca

8 APRIL 2022

Tax Time, Retirement and Small Business Succession Personal Injury ICBC Claims Civil Litigation Wills/Estate Planning Probate/Estate Administration Corporate Commercial

Kerri D. Priddle

Lawyer

Notary Services

PRIDDLE LAW GROUP

9th Floor - 235 1st Avenue, Kamloops 250-434-8911 www.priddlelaw.ca Open Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Comfort Keepers

She’s always been the independent type.

We aim to keep her that way.

We help to keep her independent spirit strong. Comfort Keepers® provides compassionate in-home care that helps seniors live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes.

We call our approach Interactive Caregiving™, a unique system of care, which keeps our clients mentally and physically engaged while focusing on their safety assurance and nutrition needs.

SERVICES Companion Care Light Houskeeping Personal Care Respite Care Escorted Transportation

Call 778.471.1711 for a free in-home assessment kamloops.comfortkeepers.ca Suite 213 141 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1Z5 © CK Franchising, Inc. *Most offices independently owned and operated.

ComfortKeepers.ca

Legal ease KERRI D. PRIDDLE

E

very April, we all turn our minds to getting our annual taxes completed. We gather our records, we meet with our bookkeepers and accountants and we look to the next year’s plan and goals.

This pandemic has changed so many things related to how we work, do business and plan for retirement. For some, working part-time or remotely opened up many new possibilities for our future plans and goals. We came to see new ways of operating our small businesses and that shifted the goal post for many small business owners, small proprietors and self-employed.

For some, your small business or sole proprietorship has done well and your accountant may be advising at this time to incorporate the small business and continue operating as a Corporation for tax benefits or liability reasons.

In these instances, you will want to consult a lawyer as well as your accountant for advice and assistance on setting up your articles of incorporation, share structure and rolling any assets into the Company without triggering PST or other negative tax consequences. These steps are an important foundation for your future Company, are often technical or complicated and if any steps are missed or forgotten, it is far more expensive and time consuming to fix them at a later date.

The lawyer and accountant can also advise you as to the differences in operating an incorporated Company vs a small business or sole proprietorship so you do not miss any

Kamloops Old Time Fiddlers Family Dance The Kamloops Old Time Fiddlers is hosting a family dance on April 2, 2022 at Brock Center Senior, 19 A - 1800 Tranquille Rd. Tickets are $6 for Members $10 for Non-Members, under the age of 18 are free.

Come one come all, to dance around the floor, just to listen to some music or just to visit with friends and family.

To get your tickets go to bcfiddlers.com/ branches/kamloops/ or call 250-319-3680.

Kamloops Food Bank donations will be accepted at the door.

important changes you need to make in the Company’s operation.

For others, you have found that you are ready to retire and market your small business for sale or transfer it over to your children to take over in your stead.

If you are marketing and selling your small business, remember that this process can and should take several months. This allows enough time so that both sides of the transaction can establish a proper business buy and sell contract and do their due diligence regarding assets, tax obligations and employees. A lawyer can assist with the contract and any other steps to formalize the business transfer.

If you are transferring the business to your children or close family members, there are many ways of structuring this transfer to maximize the benefit for everyone. Perhaps you will want to stay on as an employee or advisor to guide the new owners for the first few months. Perhaps you will want to be bought

out over time from the business proceeds, instead of a lump sum at the time of transfer.

A lawyer can assist in setting up the transfer and contracts or document the vendor buy-back loan to establish the timeline and ensure everything goes smoothly and everyone knows what is expected of them. A little organization and preparedness, as well as having the appropriate paperwork for this important transaction, means less confusion, disagreements or expenses if all does not go exactly as planned.

In fact, having the appropriate documents and plans in place often ensures it will go as planned, as there are many small things that need to be taken care of or dealt with that the parties to the transaction may not have even thought of.

A little preparation and advice can go a long way to ensure the success of the sale or succession of the business that you have put all of your hard work and effort into and gain those rewards you were working towards!

APRIL 2022 9

www.connectornews.ca

Creating an ongoing legacy

By Kathy Humphreys, Vice-President of the BC Interior Community Foundation

V

ivian Hildebrand worked as the Activities Coordinator at Mountain View Lodge, a care home in Lillooet, until an injury prevented her from continuing her employment there.

Although she was no longer working in a caregiving facility, she definitely did not stop caring and giving.

Vivian was well aware of the lack of funds for the little extras that do so much to brighten the lives of those who have lost their independence and their ability to participate in activities they once enjoyed. She joined the Mountain View Lodge Auxiliary to help raise money for activities and equipment that would

improve the quality of life for the residents.

Over the years, and after many bake sales, raffles and other fundraising events, the Auxiliary was able to purchase items like lawn furniture and a piano. They used the funds they raised to organize parties in celebration of holidays and special occasions, and to buy gifts for every resident. They baked goodies and bought special treats like ice cream. Vivian even played the piano for group singing.

Although support from the community was wonderful, and the Auxiliary did very well, Vivian was concerned about the future. Some of the volunteer work the members were doing

was quite heavy and it was becoming increasingly difficult to recruit new volunteers.

Vivian lives in Kamloops now, but her dedication to her special cause goes on. She heard about the BC Interior Community Foundation from one of our volunteers, many years ago, and that conversation stayed in the back of her mind. She liked the idea that her donation would be invested to provide annual income to any charity she chose. That’s what made her decide to donate to the BC Interior Community Foundation.

Vivian’s initial donation established

the Friends of Mountain View Lodge Auxiliary, Lillooet Fund. Income from the Fund will automatically go the Mountain View Lodge Auxiliary every year.

She is happy to be able to give a gift that will keep on giving, forever. She also hopes that others will be encouraged to give.

To make a donation to the Friends of Mountain View Lodge Auxiliary, Lillooet Fund or to any other fund managed by the BC Interior Community Foundation, find us at www.bcicf.ca, email info@bcicf.ca or phone 250-4346995. You can make a difference in your community!

At Last! Zone 8 Welcomes Back the 55+ BC Games Submitted by Linda Haas

W

hile some seniors find working with computers frustrating, others recognize their utility; familiarity should not breed contempt!

Look under Zone 8 on the www.55plusbcgames. org website for up-to-date information on sports, special events, locations, as well as general information, and contact zone8info@55 plusbcgames.org if you are interested in becoming a member, registering to participate in the Games, volunteering with the zone, or becoming a zone sponsor. Please note that you do not need to submit your sport fees for the sport for which you are registering, as they will be paid by Zone 8 out of the Community Gaming Grant that Zone 8 received.

Other new information

is the mailing address for zone 8: Email membership and registration forms and e-transfer fees to: Zone8treasurer@ 55plusbcgames.org or mail to Zone 8 55+ BC Games, PO Box 28025 Lansdowne PO, Kamloops, BC, V2C 0C9. Please make cheques payable to BCSGS Zone 8.

Our spring fundraising lunch at the Lotus Inn Restaurant, usually held in April, will be held after our May 12 meeting at the Sport Council Building. Price will be announced at our April meeting and in the May Connector.

Items available for sale will be through a silent auction, with the highest bidder getting the choice item for the highest price listed. There will also be a “Shared Pot,” always a fan favourite!

If you have any items to donate, please let Linda Haas know at: zone8pastchair@ 55plusbcgames.org and bring to the April or May meeting.

Don’t forget that Kamloops is hosting the Canada 55+ Games, the first time this biennial event will take place in British Columbia.

While you must be a member of the 55+ BC Games to enter the 2022 Canada Games, August 23-26, for information concerning registration, fees, rules, etc. regarding these Games, contact by phone 250-828-3823 or by email using: info@ kamloops55games. com.

Please do not contact Zone 8 for information on the Canada Games, as we are not able to supply what is required.

To help prepare for the 55+ BC Games and/ or the Canada Games,

Muriel invites you to join Cross Fit for 55+ folk in Salmon Arm. Among other things, there is a warmup session, weight lifts, cardio and stretching activities. You can watch or participate right away, at this time, once a week. Please phone 250-833-4890 for more information.

The Zone 8 folk of the 55+ BC Games look forward to seeing you at the next general meeting, 10 a.m., April 14, at the Sport Council Building in McArthur Island Park. For more information, please contact zone8info@ 55plusbcgames.org.

Now, for a comment on past and current state of affairs, I found this quote: Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

BC INTERIOR

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Society from 5 to Oncore Seniors BCICF awarded $382 . ble Foundation Fund The Stollery Charita

the Lightwell affordable homes, at w ne 11 ed en op t jus disability.

The Society with a developmental ing liv ns rso pe for , building www.bcicf.ca/donate info@bcicf.ca | 250.434.6995

Home Support Services • Personal Care (bathing, grooming) • Companion Care (at home & institutions) • Palliative & Compassionate Care • Meal Prep, Med Distribution, Wound Management • Transportation & Shopping • Continuous Care • Respite/Overnight Care

Overnight Care • After hospital discharge • Continuous overnight care • After surgery • Security • Respite Call for a free in-home assessment • DVA

250.852.3212

Full Service Care Since 2009

Bradwins

Loyal Order of Moose • Women of the Moose • Moose Legion

THE FAMILY FRATERNITY

Open everyday 11 am Meat Draws Friday at 7 pm & Saturdays at 2-4 pm

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME! mooselodge1552@shaw.ca

Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1552

730 Cottonwood Avenue • 250-376-8022

www.connectornews.ca

10 APRIL 2022

The Stuff of Dreams T

Creative Writing by Rita Joan Dozlaw

here was a time when Jody dreamed big, but she’d become a skeptic. She had good reasons for her negative thinking; life had interrupted her best plans, and she lost hope numerous times over. She denied that there was any power or productivity in crediting dreams for one’s success. She suppressed and concealed them except from Lonni, her buddy in the office. Jody told her confidentially, “They’re not the panacea of promise I thought they were, so I let go of the pipe dream, which I’ve had since I was a kid, to be a writer.”

Jody’s friend didn’t like what she heard and pointed out that their office work, requiring good writing skills and an excellent handle on the English language, were assets she had and could tap into to move her dream into reality. “You need to pursue that dream,” she urged. To make her point, she advised Jody that a big dream like hers is more apt to come true if she thought positively about it and believed in her own creativity and

intuitions. “It helps to set your mind on imagery as well.” She suggested, “See yourself doing it!” Their conversation inspired Jody to consider pausing to envision, someday, turning out stories and perhaps some poems.

In ’91, from their workplace at The Canada Summer Games, the Manager, Bob Wells, made an announcement. “The Games staff and volunteers will be hosting a guest, and he isn’t just ‘anyone’. He’s a fellow dreamer with a history of changing a lot of minds to think as dreamers do.”

Oh, brother. In spite of so recently feeling like Jody could someday make her special dream come true, she re-considered. The stuff of dreams becoming reality is absurd to me. Sure, some people succeed when dreaming big, but we can’t all be so lucky.

In a despondent mood, she recalled way back in her youth, when she’d browsed through a graduate’s text book and fixated on a chapter on writing. At the time, she’d told the student that she wanted to be a writer

some day. It was the first of Jody’s many disappointing dreams which never happened. She often gave thought to it, however.

After all, her private pipe dream hung on the walls of her mind for decades grabbing her attention every once in a while like a crooked painting which was never straightened.

She thought back to early days when she’d advanced in her secretarial career. She’d hoped to be employed in a job of importance, not unlike the one she presently held with The Games! Perhaps that was a dream come true, she reckoned; for, she worked with dedicated, highly motivated, creative and team-spirited people, including the brilliant and kind manager. It was a joy to be part of something as big as The Games.

A hub of activity took place in the old downtown-Kamloops heritage brownstone, and the day arrived for the VIP’s visit. Desks were tidied and floors were cleared for the honoured guest, B.C.’s sports hero, Rick Hansen. Arriving with an entourage, even

with restricted mobility, Hansen independently guided his wheelchair through the confined space and mingled with the employees. Everyone was keen to hear him address the subject of dreams.

After a fine introduction

by Wells, the guest began by filling everyone in on his back-story as a hopeful track and field athlete. He spoke of the debilitating accident in 1973 which left him with a spinal cord injury. In spite of the life-altering catastrophe as a lad, he held onto his dreams, throughout the therapy, and worked feverishly towards them.

He closed his talk with encouragement to those present to do the same.

Hansen’s goals and drive were to make the whole world accessible to people with disabilities.

A visionary, with monumental effort from his wheelchair on his ‘Man in Motion World Tour, he journeyed over 40,000 kilometers in the two years he visited hundreds of communities. Sharing his hope, he inspired people and nations to prove their worthiness. Recognized

internationally, Hansen raised millions for spinal cord injury awareness which resulted in the establishment of programs and solutions for the rights of the disabled. The young activist fulfilled his dreams, and the not-for-profit organization, ‘People in Motion’, was named after him.

In that humble games office, he advised the folks in attendance to put action behind their dreams. He distributed bright red file folders embossed with the motto, ‘Believe in Dreams’, and wheeled up to Jody’s desk to autograph her folder with a personal message. “Never give up on your dreams, Jody!” He handed her a shiny lapel pin and, with sincerity said, “Believe that the simple and the greatest dream begins with a little idea or notion, and it’s up to you to run with it. You can do that! It’s euphoric to run on the heels of the most hopeful dreams in your heart.”

Hansen’s extraordinary courage and message of hope changed people the world over, and it changed those in The Games office.

10th ANNUAL

Volunteer Appreciation BBQ Please join City Council to celebrate the volunteers who build, maintain, and grow healthy communities.

April 22, 2022 | 11:30 am–1:30 pm Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne Street

Kamloops.ca

Stay Connected

Jody’s level of enthusiasm soared during the countdown to The Games.

A myriad of dreams were shared which, in the hype of it all, were well on the way to coming true.

Collectively, volunteers, employees, and citizens held onto the dream of successfully hosting highly skilled and enthusiastic athletes—who held onto their own dreams—in July 1993. The results were that Kamloops pulled off the ‘Best Games Ever’! The momentous feat came with the prize of immeasurable legacies in terms of personal pride, city pride, and national honour.

Jody logged the memories, of Hansen’s hands-on coaching, in her mind for life. After The Games she retired and credited Hansen’s encouragement—to run with her own longtime personal vision—to become a creative writer.

She had only to open her dog-eared red folder to be inspired over and again by Hansen’s note: “Never give up on your dreams!”

APRIL 2022 11

www.connectornews.ca

Change your beliefs

By Carl Svangtun, Clear Impact Hello all you beautiful people!

Last month I talked about how to write a vision of who you choose to be in life.

If we want to change our experience of life, our situation, our relationships etc., we have to have a vision for who we are, and how we want to feel that is different than that.

We have to ‘believe’ that we are that amazing person that we know is inside of us.

Here’s an example that may make this idea clearer.

There is one common trait of most elite athletes and of most millionaires. They believe 100 percent in their hearts that they ARE a champion, that they are rich. That belief in who they are attracts opportunities to feel the same way—quantum physics, remember?

If we spend our days ruminating on our negative self-talk (I am a klutz, I am unattractive, I struggle to have enough money, I am fat and out of shape) then we will attract the reality that affirms these beliefs.

So how do we change that?

The answer may seem too simple. All we do is imagine being the person we want to be.

The more we practice, the more we will attract from the positive energy instead of the negative.

Now hey, this isn’t absolute, you’re still going to have doubt and negative thoughts come into your head.

!

You’re human. But, with practice, you can start to type the scales and see what shows up.

So here is the process.

Print or write your vision that you wrote last month. You remember.

Present tense, positive statements about who you choose to be.

I am fit and healthy.

I am clear minded, positive and happy.

I have abundant financial wealth.

My relationships are nurturing, loving and mutually supportive.

Statements like that.

Stand in front of this list of your “Vision” and read it over. In your head and out loud a few times.

Your brain doesn’t know the difference between imagining and actually doing, so you are training your brain that this is who you are.

(This is why professional athletes use visualization before a golf shot, before a race etc.)

Now here is a powerful process to help lock this in.

Take one statement and sit with it for 2-3 minutes. Imagine in detail what it feels like to be that person. Don’t let the monkey mind shout in your ear that it’s not you! Imagine it to you can, feel the powerfully positive feeling of being that person. Then tell yourself. YES. THAT IS ME! I AM FIT AND HEALTHY! Practice this and practice ‘believing it.’ It does take practice.

And then, let it go.

And have faith that the universe, your

subconscious mind, your heart, whatever you want to call it is listening to you. You will start to attract new things into your life that allow you to connect to that same feeling.

Don’t feel like you have to figure out how to make it happen. (That is our ego training!) Just let it go.

Now I have share with you two powerful foundational practices that open the door to creating the space in your life to make powerful shifts in the areas of your life that are most important to you.

HeartFlow Breathing Vision Activation But to be successful in locking in the benefits of these practices you must practice consistently.

This is a big challenge for most people when our nervous systems are revved up and stressed. That is why it is important to have an accountability partner or a coach to keep you on track. In fact, 95 percent of people can’t stick with programs that challenge their monkey mind which likes the patterns we are stuck in.

If you are really feeling stuck and are quite frankly fed up with it we would be happy to offer you a free coaching call to explore how you can create the life that you want to live.

Sign up for a free call on our website, www.clearimpact.io.

And have a spectacular day!

Hair Clips salon

Professional Hair Care & Styling for Adults

SHAUNA

KAREN

Get a new Hair Style this Easter

165 - 945 Columbia St. W. in the Sahali Mall

Open: Tue - Fri 9 am - 4 pm Sat 10 am - 2 pm

250.828.0708

CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME TRAILERS • COACHES • CAMPERS • 5TH WHEELS • MOTOR HOMES

Save the difficulty & inconvenience of trying to sell your RV by yourself!

& Funeral Services

210 Lansdowne • 425 Tranquille Road Clearwater and Barriere Locations

250-377-8225

√

**Call today for your appointment** “Masks are still required in the salon”

Drake Cremation

Contact@DrakeCremation.com DrakeCremation.com

We are HAIR for you

STAFF IS DOUBLE VACCINATED

Proud to sponsor the Desert Gardens Calendar

Remember, we will also trade UP or DOWN to get you the unit you want!

Are you concerned about: • Strangers coming to your home • Length of time to sell your unit • The right price to ask Don’t • Legalities of selling want to consign?

• Wasting your free time We’ll • Clean-up & detail costs buy your • Etc., etc., etc. unit!

We’ll eliminate all the problems for you!

“On the Auto Mile”

Tel:

250-374-4949

Toll Free: 1-800-555-8373

2449 Trans Canada Hwy. E., Kamloops, BC V2C 4A9 www.SouthThompsonRV.com

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? PLENTY! • 100% LOCALLY OWNED & AFFORDABLE • NO UPSELL AND NO HIDDEN SURPRISES • TAKE CARE OF MANY THINGS FOR FREE, INCLUDING THE CPP APPLICATION WE ARE THE ONLY LOCALLY AND FAMILY OWNED CREMATORIUM IN KAMLOOPS

Dr Drake Smith, MSW President

www.connectornews.ca

12 APRIL 2022

Enjoy a Relaxing Bath With NoWorries

Get in and out of the bath with ease and confidence Canadian made walk-in tubs since 1992, the best accessibility and a lifetime warranty.

Why Choose Walk-In Tubs BC?

Experience, Safety, Reliability

Our primary goal at Walk in Tubs BC is to provide you, our valued client, with the peace of mind and confidence that you have made the right decision.

This comes from allowing us to sit down together, explain the numerous features and benefits, listen intently to your concerns and do our best to honestly answer all your questions. Then if we have earned your business and with your approval, help you select the perfect system for your individual needs and budget.

Canadian, Local, & Experienced When it comes to Walk-in Tubs across British Columbia, we take pride in our position as one of the best option with only the highest quality products affordably priced. Our walk-in tubs and materials come from a Canadian manufacturing company that has been in business since 1992; they are well-established in the field and have a wonderful track record of success. That gives you the reassurance that parts will continue to be available and warranties are backed up with integrity.

APRIL 2022 13

www.connectornews.ca

$1000 OFF!

See Ad Below As we age and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety.

Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to get out of the tub are two of the most common occurrences with many of our seniors today. Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who go ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years.

Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have large doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat. You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfortably and safely inside. All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fingertips.

Once you are done your bath, turn the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub.

The various models all have numerous grab bars and nonslip surfaces making getting in and out worry free. Walk-in

T OU T B K A AN AS T GR !

TO N TS RE ME EDI U R S RN BE VE AX C O G &T

tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain independent for many years to come.

Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating every shape and size of person and bathroom. There is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is.

Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa. Offering numerous options such as heated back, multi-speed warm air jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more.

The benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous. Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath again and find relief by just soaking in a warm tub.

Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath. The warm air or water jets give a deep massage and help to stimulate circulation, thus carrying additional healing oxygen throughout the body to the hands and feet. This has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic

Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ve made is when I decided to go ahead and put a walk-in tub in my house. I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.’

Jean S.

and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions.

The Canadian Government website states that 1 in 4 seniors fall every year, and 25% of these falls are serious, leaving the victims permanently disabled and bedridden. A large percentage

of these falls take place in the bathroom. Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical system two billion dollars annually. Therefore, the British Columbia and Federal Governments are helping many people who decide to purchase

Locally Owned 30 years 28 YEARS

a walk-in tub now. The help comes in the forms of a tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver, and in certain qualifying cases a $7,500.00 Government Grant.

As we all age and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them age in place, comfortably and independently in the home they love.

Sponsored content provided by Walk-in Tubs BC.

Go ahead ahead and andrequest requestaapersonalized, personalizedfree freeno no Go obligation quote today, you will be glad you obligation quote today, you will be glad you did! did.

Serving Kamloops and the Thompson Okanagan

Walk In Tubs BC offers Professionally installed Canadian assembled products providing, Peace of mind, Confidence and Independence to seniors for over 38 years.

Enjoy a relaxing bath or shower with NO WORRIES using our SAFE WALK Go ahead and request a personalized, free no IN TUBS and BARRIER FREE SHOWERS. obligation quote today, you will be glad you did!

• Lifetime Warranty • Reasonably Priced • Lifetime Warranty • Reasonably Priced

$1000 OFF INSTALLATION FOR YOUR WALK-IN TUB $ OR BARRIERFOR FREE SHOWER 1000 OFF INSTALLATION YOUR WALK-IN TUB OR BARRIER FREE SHOWER COUPON MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF ORDER. OFFER ENDS••March • • • • • •31, •• •2022 ••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

COUPON MUST BE PRESENTED AT TIME OF ORDER. OFFER ENDS APRIL 30TH, 2022

604-751-1925 604-751-1925

info@walkintubsbc.com info@walkintubsbc.com 604-866-6897 • www.walkintubsfraservalley.com WWW.WALKINTUBSFRASERVALLEY.COM walkintubsbc.com walkintubsbc.com

www.connectornews.ca

14 APRIL 2022

FRANCA MURACA NOTARY PUBLIC • Will and Estate Planning • Incapacity Planning • Real Estate Transactions • Notarizing Documents

R

T: 778-696-4LAW E: info@muracanotary.ca 301-619 Victoria Street muracanotary.ca

McArthur Park Lawn Bowling Club Lawn Bowling

on the North Shore.

McArthur Park Lawn Bowling is recruiting new bowlers.

Try lawn bowling free.

Someday is now!

Lawn Bowling is low impact, easy to learn, very affordable and played outdoors.

For more information or to arrange a safe try-it session Call

7pm 7pm Performances Performances March 25 March 25 7pm Performances March 26 March 26 March1 25 April April 1 26 March April April 2 April 12 April 2 1pm 1pm Performances Performances March 27 March 27 1pm Performances April 3 April 3 March 27 April 3

We follow all Public Health protocols.

Brenda (250) 574-1726

THE ACTOR'S NIGHTMARE THE ACTOR'S BY CHRISTOPHER BYNIGHTMARE CHRISTOPHER DURANG DURANG

BY CHRISTOPHER DURANG

L A L U N A N U A N N T A 11S ST L ANNUA 1STKAMLOOPS PLAYERS SOCIETY

KAMLOOPS PLAYERS SOCIETY

PRESENTS PRESENTS KAMLOOPS PLAYERS SOCIETY PRESENTS

SPRING INTO SPRING INTO

COMEDY COMEDY 22 ONE-ACT ONE-ACT PLAYS PLAYS 2 ONE-ACT PLAYS

MAKE BELIEVE MAKE BY BELIEVE

BY GORDON GORDON SMITH SMITH

BY GORDON SMITH

Strategies for stretching retirement savings

Hal Hal Rogers Rogers Centre Centre 2025 Summit Drive 2025 Summit Drive Hal Rogers Centre 2025 Summit Drive

Adults Adults $20 $20 Students/Seniors $15 Students/Seniors $15 Adults $20 12 and under are FREE 12 Students/Seniors and under are FREE $15 Tickets Eventbrite Tickets available available at Eventbrite 12 and underatare FREE

unning out of money is a common concern among retirees. And that anxiety is not necessarily unfounded, as a recent study from the Society of Actuaries found that people routinely underestimate just how much money they will need in retirement.

Similarly, a 2019 model created by the employee benefit experts at EBRI found that nearly 41 percent of households in which the head of household is between the ages of 35 and 64 are projected to run short of money in retirement.

Such figures underscore how important it is for younger professionals to save for retirement, but what about current retirees or those on the cusp of retiring?

Individuals who fit those descriptions may need to embrace these strategies designed to stretch their retirement savings.

• Downsize your home. Homes are many individuals’ greatest expense, and that does not necessarily change in retirement. Downsizing to a smaller residence allows homeowners to pad their savings with money earned in the sale of their homes and also reduce their monthly overhead, as utilities, property

taxes and maintenance expenditures are typically much lower in smaller homes than larger homes.

• Look for other ways to downsize. Individuals also can stretch their retirement savings by downsizing in other areas. Lower monthly expenses by shopping around for less expensive auto insurance policies, downgrading cable television packages or cutting the cord entirely.

And though individual streaming services may not be too costly, these expenses can add up for individuals who have five or more subscriptions.

Downsizing streaming services to one or two packages at a time can help individuals keep more money in their retirement savings accounts each month.

• Be flexible with your withdrawals. The “set it and forget it” model of retirement investing helps professionals avoid the

tricky process of trying to predict the markets.

Retirees may take the same approach when it comes to withdrawing their money, following the industry standard and automatically withdrawing 4 percent from their accounts each year. But individuals who want to stretch their savings should remain flexible with their annual withdrawals and routinely examine their spending habits. An individualized approach to retirement withdrawals can help retirees avoid taking more than they need out of their accounts each year.

The 4 percent rule has its merits, but retirees should recognize that they may not need to take that much out every year.

• Work with a financial advisor. Ensuring you don’t outlive your retirement savings can be complicated, as it often involves navigating fluid concepts such as inflation. A certified financial professional can help retirees plan for changes that are beyond their control and even recommend when certain risks might be worth taking.

Many individuals will need to stretch their retirement savings in the years ahead, and various strategies can help individuals do so.

Happy Easter Weekend The Village of Chase wishes everyone a very Happy

Easter Weekend

Tickets available at Eventbrite

WWW.KAMLOOPSPLAYERS.COM WWW.KAMLOOPSPLAYERS.COM 250-305-6438 250-305-6438 WWW.KAMLOOPSPLAYERS.COM 250-305-6438

Our office will be closed on Good Friday April 15th and Monday, April 18th

chasebc.ca

APRIL 2022 15

www.connectornews.ca

The Kamloops Arts & Crafts Club Congratulations

T

he Kamloops Arts and Crafts Club was formed in the mid1930’s when a group of citizens joined together to share their artistic ideas and endeavours.

For them it’s all about the experience and the club gives people the opportunity to meet, relax, unwind and be creative.

they may be working on their own piece.

The fibre artists work on a variety of projects – some utilizing the club’s spinning wheels and looms. Everyone, including the felters, needle workers, knitters, basket makers and others are always

willing to share their knowledge with each other and newcomers.

And as a member you have access to the art focused library.

Club members are looking forward to the next semi-yearly Artisan sale, during which they can display

and sell their unique art pieces. Visit our website www.kamloopsartsand craftsclub.com for more info, or to connect with us.

Looking forward to meeting you and your creative talents!

Deborah Harbidge The Winner of the $50 Gift Certificate to Cordo Restaurant from the Kamloops Connector’s Readership Survey from February 2022.

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED!

KACC membership includes three main groups – fibre arts, painting and pottery.

Every Tuesday morning, and on some other afternoon and evening meetings, club members enjoy a social gathering for the sharing of ideas, techniques and the love of art. During this time, the painters may have a group project or

Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra presents

“From Vienna to Paris” T he Kamloops Brandenburg Orchestra is presenting their second live performance of the 2021-2022 season.

This performance features local soloists Rob Hogeveen, Daniel Mills and newcomer to Kamloops, Jhonny Vasquez.

The concert will begin with the well know W.A. Mozart piece, Eine Kleine Nachtmusik. This will be followed by the Concerto for Guitar and String Orchestra

by A. Vivaldi which features Jhonny Vasques on guitar.

Mr. Vasquez is a Venezuela-born musician and engineer who

recently moved to Kamloops. We are very excited to have him join us, and you won’t want to miss his beautiful guitar music!

Another Vivaldi piece, the Concerto for Two Trumpets and Strings, features well known trumpeters Mr. Hogeveen and Mr. Mills. They were scheduled to play this piece back in the KBO concert of June, 2020, but it was sadly cancelled due to COVID-19. They are very ready to play this piece for you now!

The concert will finish with Symphony No. 1 by Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges.

Bologne was a Paris-

based contemporary of Mozart and the first famous black composer in Europe.

We are pleased to welcome you to this performance on Sunday, April 10, 2:00 PM at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Kamloops.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for

students, and free for children under 12 years. Tickets may be purchased in advance through the “Buy tickets” symbol on our website: www. yourkbo.ca or if we are not sold out, cash at the door on the day of the concert.

250-372-1234 • info@cfselaw.ca

Downtown Kamloops - #300-272 Victoria St.

CFSELAW.CA

A heartfelt thank you to our Volunteers!

We couldn’t do it without you!

Vivaldi - Mozart - Bologne

If you’re interested in joining our team of volunteers, please email: volunteer@brockgemstone.ca

www.connectornews.ca

16 APRIL 2022

Beethoven &Tabla

Luminous Voices

Enjoy an exciting, crosscultural experience when we pair the fresh and engaging music of Canadian composer Dinuk Wijeratne’s Tabla Concerto with the immortal Sagebrushvocal Theatre Hear soaring lines that beauty of Beethoven.

will lift your spirit and imbue you APRIL 23 FEATURING Bradley Thachuk with peacefulness and serenity.

Guest Director

SATURDAY

Gabriel Dionne

7:30PM

Tabla

GRANTS

kamloopssymphony.com SPONSORS

Clearwater Seniors’ Activities

APRIL 2022

Seniors’ Coordinator 250-674-8185 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Hiking Group leaves Skate Park parking area @ 9:00 am

"SUBJECT TO CHANGE DEPENDING ON COVID RESTRICTIONS" 3

10

4

5

Carpet Bowling @ Evergreen Acres Hall 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Old ICBC office

11

12

Second Sunday Social Carpet Bowling @ Men’s Shed Drop-in: Wells Gray Inn 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Evergreen Acres Hall @ @ 12:30 pm.

Old ICBC office 1:00 to 3:00 pm Order from the menu Learn & Lunch at Legion 17

24

18

19

Carpet Bowling @ Evergreen Acres Hall 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Old ICBC office

25

26

Carpet Bowling @ Evergreen Acres Hall 1:00 to 3:00 pm

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ Old ICBC office

6

1

Meat Draws 1:00 - 3:00 pm @ the Legion

8

7

Sit & Be Fit Live Stream Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm or @ Centennial Hall.

10:30 am - 11:45 am @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ Legion WGCSS meeting @ 10:00 am Seniors' Room, DLCC

SATURDAY

Hiking Group leaves Skate Park parking area @ 9:00

2

9

Legion Dinner, doors open at 5:00 pm

Sit & Be Fit 13 15 16 14 Meat Draws Live Stream or Hiking Group 1:00 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall. leaves Skate Park 10:30 am - 11:45 am @ the Legion parking area @ 9:00 am Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ Legion Sit & Be Fit 20 22 23 21 Live Stream or Hiking Group Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm Legion Dinner, @ Centennial Hall.

10:30 am - 11:45 am @ Seniors’ Room, DLCC leaves Skate Park doors open at 5:00 pm parking area @ 9:00 am Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ Legion Sit & Be Fit 27 29 30 28 Meat Draws Live Stream or Hiking Group Book Club 2:00 pm 1:00 - 3:00 pm @ Centennial Hall.

10:30 am - 11:45 am @ Seniors' Room, DLCC leaves Skate Park @ the Legion parking area @ 9:00 am Drop-in Crib 1:00 pm @ Legion

2022

Payment Dates for Old Age Security & the Canada Pension Plan

If you have signed up for direct deposit, your Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments will be automatically deposited in your bank account on these dates:

January 27 February 24 March 29 April 27 May 27 June 28

July 27 August 29 September 28 October 27 November 28 December 21

ACROSS 1. What balloons often do 4. Kirk’s “Star Trek” successor 10. L ow-voiced choir lady 14. E verything 15. Trounced 16. S panish Old Master 17. Change in Bucharest 18. “ Not really old, but you could say I’m ___!”

20. Judy Garland, to Liza Minnelli 21. B ig Australian bird 22. D rive crazy 23. C arries around 27. S poke aloud 29. “ I’m not old, but I do have one ___” 34. White-coated stoat 35. M ars, to the Greeks 36. O ne of the musical Gershwins 38. “ Buenos ___” 39. S ign of infection 40. Yemen’s main port 41. Tennis match segment 42. F lashy style 44. F estoon 46. “ Not old, but I suppose I am kind of ___” 49. C arpet layer’s calculation 50. Why bread goes up 51. M ilitary chaplain 54. C ommon kitchen meas.

56. S omething to come up for

59. “Not old, but I’m past my prime so you could say I’m ___” 63. Luau staple 64. Chanel of fashion 65. Flared skirts 66. Female sheep 67. Have memorized 68. Sent to the gallows 69. Indian lentil stew

31. W hat ghosts might do 32. Recorded with a camcorder 33. Straight up and down

DOWN 1. Something to read 2. Prefix meaning “oily” 3. Roma, basically 4. Big supporter of 5. Hand-written poker payment promise 6. Most adorable 7. Tiny building block of matter 8. Ones who just say “no” 9. Notorious insecticide 10. Schedule 11. Car buyer’s need, often 12. Newbie 13. Like some good whiskey 19. What bears are covered in 24. Frequent name in an elevator 25. Sardine container 26. KamloopsRevelstoke dir.

28. I do it every day (and so do you) 29. Ottawa bureaucrats, slangily 30. Oxford U’s 700 year old college

43.

44.

45.

47.

48.

37.

39.

40.

42.

51.

52.

53.

55.

57.

58.

60.

61.

62.

Pharaoh’s key of life Long, thin cigar Big commotions Big white Everglades bird Tell whoppers Hive resident Flight landing info Thin Promoting excessively Acne memento Mary Kay rival 1920’s architectural style Where your tibia is Minnesota’s neighbour Big name in 1880’s Canadian history “Got you!” exclamation Jamie ___ Curtis Something hippies once dropped

APRIL 2022 17

www.connectornews.ca

Merritt Senior Centre

APRIL 2022

The Merrit Seniors Association

Calendar of Events

250-378-3763 • 1675 Tutill Court | Cyril George, President

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Office Hours: Tuesday and Friday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm All programs are subject to change

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE FOLLOWED. COVID-19 VACCINE PASSPORT AND MASK ARE NECESSARY.

3

10

17

24

4

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm

2

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

8 9 7 Pool Tables 10 6 Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage @ Noon Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Shuffleboard 2:00 pm 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Sip and Snack café from General meeting 1:30 pm 11:30am to 2:30 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm 12

11

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm

Pool Tables 10 13

10:00 am - 2:00 pm Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm 19 18 Pool Tables 10 20 Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm 26 25 Pool Tables 10 27 Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Bingo 1:00 to 3.00 pm Exercise 10:00 to 11:00 am Doors open 11:00 am Floor Curling 1:00 pm Cribbage 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

14

Cribbage @ Noon

Shuffleboard 2:00 pm Sip and Snack café from 11:30am to 2:30 pm Pool 21

Cribbage @ Noon

Shuffleboard 2:00 pm Sip and Snack café from 11:30am to 2:30 pm 28

Cribbage @ Noon

Shuffleboard 2:00 pm Sip and Snack café from 11:30am to 2:30 pm

WEDNESDAY

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Luncheon 12:00 noon Rummoli 7:00 pm

16

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

22

23

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

29

30

Pool Tables 10 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Calendar of Events

Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1H1 | Phone 250-832-7000 Fax 250-833-0550

TUESDAY

15

APRIL 2022

320A Second Ave. NE (Office Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm) MONDAY

SATURDAY

5

Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm SUNDAY

1

THURSDAY

FRIDAY Day Away

1

SATURDAY

2

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pmy 3

10

17

24

Monday Morning 4 Market

Foot Care 5 (by appt. only)

Foot Care 6 (by appt. only)

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Monday Morning11 Market

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Foot Care 12 (by appt. only)

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Foot Care 13 (by appt. only)

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm OFFICE CLOSED 18 EASTER MONDAY

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Foot Care 19 (by appt. only)

Foot Care 20 (by appt. only)

Monday Morning25 Market

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Foot Care 26 (by appt. only)

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Foot Care 27 (by appt. only)

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Day Away

7

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Day Away 14 Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pmy Day Away 21 Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Day Away 28 Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

8

9

OFFICE CLOSED 15 GOOD FRIDAY

16

Day Away 22

23

Day Away Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm Day Away 29

30

Income Taxes 9:30 – 2:15 pm

SUDOKU

Book Review

By Marilyn Brown

Driven:

The Secret Lives of Taxi Drivers

By Marcello Di Cintio Biblioasis, 2021 276 pages, narrative non-fiction

C

anadian journalist and world traveler Marcello Di Cintio spent more than 25 years honing his skills as an interviewer and writer on the international scene before taking a year to find out the back-stories of some of the people who “push cabs” for a living in Canada. Many of the taxi drivers share their past with the author over cups of coffee from one of the many Tim Horton’s.

Often the drivers are refugees who have escaped the cruelties and insanity of conflict zones, assisted by the kindness of strangers who might have been a world away, or a neighbour. Adjustments to living in Canada (the culture, the food, the weather) and the absence of some or all of a person’s family, contribute to a sense of disequilibrium at first, but the strongest sense among the newcomers is of relief and thankfulness to be here. Racism and other significant challenges exist, but resilience is a core trait of the individuals interviewed. We get a glimpse too of the financial part of driving a taxi, including a bit of history on what was a lucrative job with the flexibility of being one’s own boss, to the present, in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and competition such as Uber and Lyft, combined with increasing fees and other costs to keep the job going.

The book begins with the story of Michael Sillah Kamara. He is one of many victims of a blood-thirsty band of rebels who invade from Libya into Sierra Leone, mutilation of innocents a part of their grisly attacks. Kamara survives a bullet to one leg, but by necessity doctors must amputate it. He becomes one of thousands of amputees in the country. In the refugee camp he develops his skills as a tailor, and when a Canadian program called Cause Canada is involved, he is able to help others become tailors. He also inspires a top-level soccer team composed of athletic amputee soccer players. Canadian occupational therapist, Quentin Ranson, sees that Kamara’s kindness and entrepreneurial skills would make him a strong candidate for immigration to Canada. The occupational therapist believes that if Kamara were born in Canada, he would probably become a top CEO. “I wondered how I would have fared as a Sierra Leonean, … I doubt I have his drive,” states Di Cintio.

Whether he is interviewing Amrit and Jass, the young couple originally from India who both work 17 hour days, tag-team style, allowing them to start a family and pay a mortgage, or listening to Andy describe his parents’ love story during the Holocaust, from which Andy learned to always stand up to bullies (be an upstander, not a bystander), or the women of the volunteer group in Winnipeg called Ikwe, (which means “woman” in Ojibwe) whose mission is to offer safe rides to other women, particularly Indigenous women, all have fascinating backgrounds. Marcello Di Cintio, the author of Driven: The Secret Life of Taxi Drivers, relays their stories respectfully and often, affectionately.

This book is thought-provoking, gritty, and gripping. Recommended.

www.connectornews.ca

18 APRIL 2022 F E AT U R I N G

Bruce Dunn

Music Director Emeritus

Luminous Voices

Hear soaring vocal lines that will lift your spirit and imbue you with peacefulness and serenity.

Do you nose the way?

Magdalena How Soprano

Philip Wing Baritone

KSO Chorus

Oasis Church

APRIL 16 SATURDAY 7:30PM

GRANTS

NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

kamloopssymphony.com SPONSORS

KAMLOOPS’ BEST SELECTION OF VQA WINES AND BC CRAFT BEER Crack a local beverage this Easter

We’re In Lansdowne Mall!

225-450 Lansdowne St. 250-571-1377 Lansdowneliquor.ca lansdowneliquor

iskwe & the KSO

An evocative and intimate sharing invites you into an emotional and soulful experience with Cree artist iskwē.

F E AT U R I N G

Bradley Thachuk

Guest Director

iskwē

Guest Artist

Advisory: Concert will include coarse language some may find offensive

Sagebrush Theatre PERFORMANCE SPONSORS:

APRIL 21 THURSDAY 7:30PM

GRANTS

kamloopssymphony.com SPONSORS

kamloops birdwatch

W

ith great anticipation, we watch the temperature rise as slow as a slug creeping across the newly emerging spring grass. Sunbeams begin to tease us, peak-a-booing their warmth, as they work to shoo away the stubborn polar temperatures annoyingly lingering. Our senses battle the delight and irritation of hearing the excited chatter rising from every hedge and tree.

Sneakers, light sweaters and dresses, gradually waken from hibernation, eagerly migrating towards the front of the closet ready to be donned once again.

Their migration is hardly the first to be set into motion by these habitual signals that the seasons are changing.

Almost a month and a half before the Homosapien recognizes the seasonal shift, some 300 different species of birds embark

on the first leg of a journey that for some spans 16,000 miles. At top speeds averaging 30mph, we begin to witness the influx of feathered singers an astonishing 533 hours later. In general, we know they can navigate by tapping into the earth’s magnetic field and reading the position of the sun and stars, but haven’t you ever wondered how they do it?

The magic behind it all; or should I say Magnetite?

Believe it or not, one component that comprises a bird’s navigation system is a crystallized magnetic material called Magnetite.

Deposits of Magnetite have been observed in the nasal cavities of many species, just atop the beak.

This iron oxide compound is supposed to inhabit this region of the bird by means of a bacterium, as most bacteria contain Magnetite. Heck, even our own brains and nasal canals harbour this magnetic compound. It is thought this deposit helps the bird (and even us) align to the north or south pull or flow, in conjunction with another wondrous and magical feature; the ability to see the magnetic field.

So there are these nifty Cryptochromes, a Flavoprotein sensitive to blue light, which are located in the retinas of our winged friends.

Ironically we also have

Cryptochromes, as their role is instrumental in initiating the Circadian Rhythm cycle in plants and mammals. However, in birds, they are discovering that it induces a neurochemical reaction that allows them to process visual cues from the magnetic field, which is actually movement of liquid iron in the outer core. I know, super cool nerdy stuff, right?

Now it may not be as cool as actually seeing the future, but having a great sense of direction can definitely get you there.

Birds migrate towards more favourable and sustainable conditions that allow them to thrive.

They know that wherever they are going, their needs are provided for. Having confidence to move and navigate this world can bring a sense of peace to oneself. It allows you to enjoy the journey.lure them by imitating the distress call of the species.

So the next time you are out and about, keep a curious eye out for this delightful ghoulish creature. It tends to be territorial while wintering in our area, so if you spot it lurking, chances are you can catch it there repeatedly throughout its stay and maybe even discover its macabre Stay Curious Kamloops!

Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents “Enneamuse: Suffering and Wholeness” On Saturday, April 23, 7:30 PM, at Kamloops United Church, 4th and St. Paul, CMK presents Enneamuse: Suffering and Wholeness. This recital, by local contralto Theresa Takacs, accompanied by pianist Dimiter Terziev, includes the Canadian premiere of the vocal cycle Enneamuse by Sarah McMahill, composed in 2020, as well as songs and arias by Gluck, Brahms, Burton Lane and others.

The music was composed by Sarah, a recently accredited Enneagram

Teacher, to convey to her students what each Enneagram Type (personality type) looks like from the inside. Performers Theresa Takacs, contralto, and accompanist Dimiter Terziev hope that you will sit back, relax, enjoy, and experience the inner workings of the nine personality types, both their suffering and their wholeness.

For more information, including ticket info, see the CMK website, chambermusiciansofkamloops.org, or the CMK Facebook page.

APRIL 2022 19

www.connectornews.ca

Are we running out of room, and appetite, for cemeteries?

ask drake DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

S

everal years ago I was on the bullet train in Japan, called the Shinkansen.

As we sped along, a lightbulb suddenly flicked on in my brain: “Hold on a second, what’s this I hear about how overcrowded it is in Japan? There are fields all over the place and mountains and lots of space not occupied by humans!” Then I reached Tokyo and discovered population density that we just don’t have in most of Canada.

What does this have to do with funerals and cremations you ask?

Over the years I’ve heard cries of panic regarding allocating space for cemeteries.

Some people have cried “We shouldn’t be using space up for cemeteries.”

Others have said “We are simply running out of space for cemeteries.”

I often drive up and down Highway 5 and much of rural B.C. Two things seem certain: we’re not running out of trees anytime soon and we certainly have room for more cemeteries.

Of course, my observations fail to consider at least two factors. First, people in cities generally want to bury their dead close by and not in some distant

plot. Secondly, there’s a lot of competition for land. In rural areas it’s used for resources (trees, agriculture); in cities it’s used for houses and city stuff.

I’ve noticed that fewer and fewer people are burying their dead these days, compared with years gone by. Most people are cremated and it seems that most of the ashes seem to end up on the mantle or scattered to the wind.

Relatively few urns find their way to a cemetery.

In fact, I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has said “We’re not going to bury Murray because it takes up too much space. We’re going to scatter him instead.”

Did you know that cemeteries take up about 140,000 acres in the United States?

In Canada it’s about 18,000 acres.* By comparison, Walmart stores in the U.S. occupy about 11,430 acres.

That’s only the stores; it doesn’t include the parking lots. Add the asphalt in and I’ll bet Walmarts take up about 25 percent of the space

that all the cemeteries do, but you’ll seldom hear anyone saying that big box stores take up too much space in our country, or that we’re running out of space for these giants. On the contrary, we often seem to wish we had more space for stores and parking, especially when we’re driving around and around looking for a space close to the front door during the Christmas shopping season.

I guess it boils down to priorities. There just doesn’t seem to be much demand for cemeteries these days.

People seem to want to avoid them. Many whistle as they go past. In some ways I understand that. Most of us avoid thinking of death or facing death.

Visiting a cemetery is not uppermost on most people’s wish list. It’s funny, perhaps, but as your friendly neighbourhood undertaker, I think of death and burials often.

For some families I see the important role that cemeteries play.

Well, dear reader, I don’t know if this month’s column will cause you to reflect on the importance of cemeteries. As Granny on the Beverly Hillbillies used to say “Yer either fer ‘em or agin ‘em.”

But if it gives pause to consider the relative value of a cemetery versus a box store parking lot, perhaps it’s all worth it. *www. theglobeandmail.com/ report-on-business/ industry-news/propertyreport/cemeteriesrunning-out-of-room/ article34656233/.

Buying or Selling Real Estate?

From sign up to sign down...I work hard for you!

For all your Real Estate needs in Kamloops, call

BILL ALBERS

250-851-1193 Office: 250-374-3331 Email: billalbers@remax.net

www.billalbers.remax.ca IN KAMLOOPS

Real Estate (Kamloops) 258 Seymour Street

Rotary Club of Kamloops West is hosting a FREE Event for 55+

Seniors Tea Party

April 2, 2022 • 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Kamloops Curling Club

Registration is required to this free event.

Please contact Rotarian

Christine Wheeler

250-318-1346 cwheeler@chartwell.com to register for the event.

www.connectornews.ca

20 APRIL 2022

Disability Advice

I

am writing this month’s article as I’m recuperating from a full knee replacement. That’s what I get for kneeling on the bare ground while working on a vehicle. After delays due to COVID, I was finally given a room to recover in so the surgeon and team processed the surgery and to that I offer a “Big Thank You.” I inquired with the local ICBC broker about a disabled parking pass and if there were any discounts that would apply. Here was their helpful response re: disability discounts. *This will be followed by where to get the parking pass.

Applicability: The disability discount (DD) applies to only one vehicle, and does not apply to storage policies.

To qualify for the Disability Discount, the registered owner(s) or lessee(s) must be approved for the Fuel Tax Refund Program by the Consumer Taxation Branch, and provide their Motor Fuel Tax Act refund claim number.

Vehicles registered to a company, owned or leased, do not qualify for the disability discount.

Definition of person with disabilities; The Motor Fuel Tax Act defines a person with disabilities as one who may have one or more of the following: • permanent dependence upon a

wheelchair • is in receipt of a 100% disability pension through active service in any war while a member of Her Majesty’s forces • receives, or would receive but for having reached 65 years of age, assistance or a supplement under the Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Act • loss of a limb, or • by a doctor or nurse practitioner as having: a) a permanent impairment of movement to the extent that it would be hazardous for the person to use public transportation (whether or not public transportation is available) b) a permanent mental disability to the extent that it would be hazardous for the person to use public transportation (whether or not public transportation is available) c) a permanent sight impairment to the extent that the person is not eligible to hold a BC driver’s licence, or d) complete and permanent functional loss of the lower limbs To obtain further qualification information, your customer may contact their local ServiceBC Centre or Consumer Taxation Branch.

[Motor Fuel Tax Act refund claim number. This number starts with “FDR”

By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist and is followed by eight (8) numeric digits (FDR-nnnn-nnnn)] Persons with certain physical disabilities are eligible for a refund of the provincial tax they pay on gasoline, diesel, or propane used in their vehicles, when they meet the criteria for being disabled under the Fuel Tax Refund Program.

Criteria In order to qualify for the Fuel Tax Refund Program, your customer must meet all three of the following criteria: a) be a person with a qualifying disability (see definition of person with disabilities under the Motor Fuel Tax Act) b) be sixteen years of age or older, and c) be the registered owner or lessee of a vehicle (includes joint ownership or lease situations but not vehicles registered to a company, owned or leased).

Note: Eligibility to receive a Federal Excise Gasoline Tax Refund (formerly the Government Gas Tax Rebate) is not proof of eligibility under the provincial Motor Fuel Tax Act. Backdated disability discount; To receive a backdated disability discount, the insured must qualify for the disability discount and provide proof to Insurance Customer Service that they are eligible for backdating.

Requirements to backdate a disability discount:

If the insured requests backdating, they will have to submit a copy of the Motor Fuel Tax refund acceptance letter to Insurance Customer Service either by fax or email, with the letter scanned and attached to the email.

The Motor Fuel Tax refund acceptance letter, issued by the Consumer Taxation Branch, includes the refund claim number and eligibility date.

Maximum backdated disability discount: If Insurance Customer Service determines that the insured qualifies for a backdated discount, they will adjust the Autoplan premiums effective the eligibility date to a maximum of three years and send a refund to the insured.

For more information, contact Insurance Customer Service.

I found this information to be very helpful and no it did not apply to my temporary condition other than the parking pass. *Parking passes are available for a $25 fee from “People In Motion” located on 182B Tranquille Rd., Kamloops. Tel# (250) 376-7878, toll free #1-877-414-4241. Any questions or concerns I can be reached at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca Stay Covid safe.

Have a wall that just won't stay nice?

We are a home that offers an active social life, nutritious meals and a carefree lifestyle.

For more information on our unique, home-style assisted living residence, call or email activecare1607@gmail.com.

COMFORT & SECURITY IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING LIMITED ROOMS AVAILABLE

Paint Like No Other

®

A trusted brand that is durable, washable, and available in thousands of colours.

WINNER 2019

Visit us today:

Retailer Name

KamloopsAddress Paint LOGO City, State Zip

1607 GREENFIELD AVENUE | 250•554-9244

$ & Window Coverings XX OFF

MOORE® REGAL® Phone Number 771 Notre Dame Drive, Kamloops, BCBENJAMIN V2CINTERIOR 5N8 SELECT PAINTS Website 250.828.1800 | kamloopspaint.com Take advantage of this exclusive offer: Visit XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to receive $XX off your purchase of Benjamin Moore® REGAL® Select Interior Paint.

Hurry, this offer ends XX/XX/XXXX.

Coupon valid for $X.XX off retailer’s suggested retail price per 3.79 L of up to 5 cans of 3.79 L of REGAL® Select Interior Paint. Redeemable only at participating retailers.

Must present this original coupon to redeem – no copies will be allowed. Limit one per customer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Retailer reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Coupon expires XX/XX/XXXX. ©2016 Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. Benjamin Moore, Green Promise, Paint like no other, REGAL, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks of Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited.

APRIL 2022 21

www.connectornews.ca

1 ANNUAL st

C

Come find your Zen

SPRING INTO COMEDY

ommunity Hall , 2025 Summit Drive, Kamloops, evening performances March 25,26 and April 1 and 2 with matinees March 27 and April 3rd.

Make Believe, by Gordon Smith of 108 Mile House, is a plot twisting comedy.

Join the lives of three friends living in the same apartment. Carl is an underemployed university grad who

is writing a murder mystery about he and his roommates. He is even using their names! When they find out he offers to change their names and assures them that is all just “Make Believe” or is it?

The Actor’s Nightmare is a hilarious comedic play by Christopher Durang. It involves an accountant, George Spelvin, who is mistaken for an

actor’s understudy and forced to perform in a play which he doesn’t know any of the lines. George can’t remember ever being at a rehearsal or even a clue about the plot. As George finds himself on stage opening night, as the lead actor, the hilarity builds from there with his fellow cast members, as the show must go on!

Tickets now

available on Eventbrite.com.

See more details on Eventbrite or in our ad included in this edition of the Connector or visit kamloopsplayers. com or Facebook or Instagram.

Come out and support Kamloops oldest non profit community theatre troupe and help keep live theatre alive in our city!

Rental Home Flooring 101

Flooring SHAWN VANDERWAL Nufloors

W

hether you own a short-term or a long-term rental, deciding on your rental home flooring is not the same as choosing the flooring for your own home. Although the aesthetic and overall look is important, durability and maintenance should be top of mind.

This is because it is safe to assume your rental property will experience more wear and tear so opting for a low maintenance option is always best.

The final consideration is cost, however, don’t be fooled by a too good to be true price tag.

Sacrificing durability and performance for a lowprice tag could end up costing you more in the long run.

To ensure you get the best return on your investment, we are breaking down the worst to best flooring options for your rental property.

Hardwood It is no surprise; everyone loves the look of hardwood! However, it may not be the best option for your rental property. Hardwood is one of the most luxurious and soughtafter flooring options which means it is one of the least affordable.

Although it can be sanded and re-stained when needed, it is very susceptible to moisture, so it is not ideal for damp areas, i.e. bathrooms, laundry rooms, and entryways. It is also hard to repair when damage occurs. Unless the look and feel you are going for is luxurious, we do not recommend installing hardwood.

Carpet Carpet isn’t the most popular flooring option these days but that doesn’t mean it is not suited for your rental home. Carpet is great for adding warmth and making a home feel cozy, perfect for bedrooms and living rooms. The pros of carpet are that it is cost-effective and

easy to install. From a renter’s perspective, the top benefit of carpet, aside from the coziness it offers, is its sound absorption. The downside to carpet is that it will begin to show wear and tear, especially in high-traffic areas. If you offer a pet-friendly rental there are several pet-friendly carpet options on the market that are low maintenance and stain-resistant.

Tile Tile is ideal for rental properties as it is longlasting and easy to maintain. It also is not affected by moisture making it perfect for the wet zones in the home.

Renters also consider it an upgrade in terms of aesthetics, but they will also love the peace of mind it offers when it comes to maintenance.

It is easy to clean and is one of the most durable options on the market.

The only downside to tile is that it is one of the more expensive floors to install due to the tools, sundries, and skills needed.

Luxury Vinyl Luxury vinyl plank & tile is one of the most popular flooring choices amongst rental homeowners. This is

because not only is it affordable, but you also don’t have to sacrifice style! It is more durable than real hardwood, it is scratch-resistant and now available in many water-resistant and waterproof options.

When it comes to finding a long-lasting and eye-catching floor, luxury vinyl cannot be beaten.

Laminate With many of the same pros and cons as luxury vinyl, laminate is a great option for a rental property. The best part is how far the styles have come in recent years. They look so much like the real thing; it can be hard to tell laminate apart from real hardwood. It is also affordable, easy to maintain, durable and some options are waterresistant and waterproof.

Laminate is truly a pet and family-friendly flooring option as it is resistant to scratching.

As always, if you have any more questions or would like to discuss rental home flooring pop by our showroom for a chat!

Zen Wellness Massage

Find us on Facebook and Instagram!

141 Victoria Street #209 • 778.538.4225 KamloopsZenMassage@gmail.com

Win a $40 Gift Card Nicole Clay

Licensed Esthetician/Owner Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5P6 or email your details with “Zen Wellness Contest” to win@connectornews.ca.

Random draw from entries submitted for the contest.

One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, April 8th at 9:00am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up

Name ..............................................................................................................

Phone.............................................................................................................

Email ..............................................................................................................

LIZA’S Foot Care

Liza Fedechko LPN, FCN

250-319-5006

lizafedechko@hotmail.com

 Professional Organizing  Estate Liquidation  Downsizing & Moving Experts  Companionship & NonMedical Home Services  Hoarding/Chronic Program Disorganization Canadian Franchises Available | *A division of Everything Organized Ventures Inc.

762 Dominion St. V2C 2X9  250.377.7601  everythingorganized.net

HUB International Insurance Brokers • 299 Third Ave. • 198–945 Columbia St. W. • 19–750 Fortune Dr. • 2–111 Oriole Rd.

250-372-3155 • 1-800-661-6194

www.connectornews.ca

22 APRIL 2022

Being there Submitted by Erin Chambers,

I

Life Coach/End of Life Doula

was watching a show the other night and it got me thinking about death, guilt and the concern for letting people down because of our lack of sincerity. We either know or feel an invisible truth, but fear holds our tongue.

We aren’t honest because we know it will hurt.

Or maybe, we just don’t know what to say. We try to think of words to dance around the reality of truth instead of getting comfortable accompanying someone in pain.

We don’t want to cause hurt or conflict as that is not our natural instinct.

Instead, we say nothing.

And we know we are letting someone down by not being truthful. We don’t want to be the cause, the reason, the blame, for the pain, the hurt, potentially the hardest day of someone’s life. We don’t want to be that reason.

Then the guilt shows up because we go against our

values, our morals; what we would hope someone would do for us in the same circumstance, to ask for their strength in the adversity of our pain.

So who are we truly letting down? What do we gain by remaining silent?

We can be so cruel in our own thoughts when we dance in that ‘in between.’

The reality is we can’t fix it, no matter how far we try to distance ourselves from it. It’s hard. It sucks.

That responsibility is so the opposite of easy.

As challenging and difficult as it is, leaning into that fear, being a companion to someone in their loss, accepting that there is no ‘happy place’ to hold someone in or bring them to and sharing that pain can and does help.

That ever-changing sea of emotions on the path between the old reality and the new one that is about to be forged—there is connection and strength in sharing that space.

UNITED CHURCHES OF CANADA Kamloops United Church

www.kamloopsunited.ca 421 St. Paul St. • Sundays 10 am Rev. Dr. Michael Caveney

Mt. Paul United Church

www.mtpauluc.ca 140 Laburnum St. • Sundays 10 am

Plura Hills United Church

www.plurahillsunited.com 2090 Pacific Way • Sundays 10 am

End of Life Doula I specialize in grief and loss, in all areas of life: relationships, jobs, pets, self, way of life, as well as our loved ones. I help people navigate death in both the practical and emotional sense.

Erin Chambers

An End of Life Doula & Holistic Life & Health Coach 250-309-4779 • beforeyourlastbreath@gmail.com

The cycle of life Colouring outside the lines REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain; love lives again; that with the dead has been: love is come again, like wheat arising green.

T

his Christian hymn of Easter gives melody to the truth of this sacred holy holiday: Easter is tied very much to the earth – and to the resurrection of life that we see every spring. The grass greens up.

Buds emerge on tree branches, leaves waiting to be born again. Bulbs sleeping beneath the soil all winter push new life up through the ground, seeking the solar activation of the chlorophyll to nourish life through the summer and into fall.

The date for Easter Sunday also is tied to the cycles of the earth. It is always positioned on the first Sunday after the first full moon after spring equinox, which happens on March 19, 20 or 21st, depending on

the year. The spring equinox celebrates the day the sun is directly above the equator giving both hemispheres a nearly equal amount of daylight and darkness.

It is believed the Christian holiday of Easter has associations with Eostre, the Germanic goddess of light and spring. Stories of Eostre tell of her relationship with a hare, sometimes crediting her with saving the life of a bird by turning it into a hare, offering us the origin of the Easter bunny.

Another Easter tradition, hot-cross buns, also has ties to the natural world as the four quarters of the buns symbolize the four segments of the moon.

Whatever its origins – and however we choose to celebrate this holiday – Easter is about hope. Hope that new life will indeed emerge after autumn’s season of death and winter’s long dark days of hibernation and stillness. Hope that “love is come again.”

And hope that there is deeper meaning to the difficult times of life, such as this current pandemic.

Though apparently on the wane, there are still many people contracting COVID. The Christian story of Easter begins with Palm Sunday and moves through the betrayal of Jesus by a friend, his condemnation after an unjust trial before the Roman

government and conspiring by religious leaders, his subsequent death on the cross and his burial, and includes the grief of those who loved him.

There is a universal quality to this story as all of us, no matter what our faith or lack of faith, likely will experience betrayal, denial grief, injustice, and suffering in our lives. The joyful celebration of Easter Sunday is cry of relief that there is an end to these difficult times – there is hope for something better.

It is the same hope that spring awakens in us. After long days of darkness, after the season of death comes the season of life and renewal.

At the heart of this story is the idea of love. Our deepest longing as humans is to be loved completely for who we are, and the Christian story of Easter is about love, holy love from the Great Mystery incarnated in this one named Jesus.

Jesus evidences the unconditional and free love offered

by God in the many stories that show him loving those most often marginalized in his society. He touches the untouchables.

He loves the unloveables. He eats with the unacceptable. He names ostracized women as sisters, granting them status in a familial based culture. He truly was the embodiment of the love that is the heartbeat of this

world – and the story of his resurrection gives us hope that this love is available to all – and is a love that cannot be extinguished, killed or buried deeply.

The idea of resurrection means this love lives again.

And again and again.

Just like the cycle of our seasons, spring always follows winter which follows fall.

The cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth is as old as our planet.

Now the green blade rises from the buried grain, wheat that in the dark earth many days has lain; love lives again…

Perhaps the cycle will continue until everyone gets this message of love – and learns to live it just as Jesus did.

Imagine the “Easter” celebration that would set off!

Rev LeAnn Blackert works with Michele Walker, Lesly Comrie and Linda Clark in ministry with Wild Church in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan.

She considers herself a seeker in her faith journey and wanders the wild world looking for the Great Mystery and the “wild Christ.”

July happens to be her favourite month of the year. To find out more, visit wildchurchbc.org and be in touch!

APRIL 2022 23

www.connectornews.ca

Being Mortal: Lightning Strikes The insiGhT story WENDY WESEEN

W

hen my father was dying, I was fifty-six years old. I’d retired early to enter a fine arts program.

“I’m glad you’re finally doing what you really want,” he said, forgetting that at my high school graduation I wanted to be an art gallery curator. He’d said, “That’s all very well Wendy, but you can’t make any money at that. We must make

the world a better place.” Maybe some of you remember a similar conversation with your parents.

Maybe COVID has showed us how much the arts contribute to the well-being of the human species.

On his deathbed, my father reminded me that my body parts would go to hell in a hand basket when I reached sixty. For a long time now, I’ve said (with a nervous laugh), I’m not afraid to die but scared of what I might have to go through to get there. The truth is I am afraid to die, knowing my aging will be medicalized by the longevity society has acquired with human ingenuity, also knowing I have much

more I want to do with my life.

Recently I have read two books about aging: Being Mortal

by Atul Gawande and Aging as a Spiritual Practice by Lewis Richmond. I’ll say more about Abul Gawande over the next month or two but his book has become an international bestseller. Meanwhile Richmond reminds us that everything ages and changes.

We intellectually know this, it’s like background noise in our lives. But aging is not just change, it’s irreversible change.

I’m never going to be thin; go on long hikes again; get a second chance at love in my life; become an art curator; or get that last

visit to the country of my birth. There are both disapointments and sorrows as well as poignant joys in growing old. Lightning strikes when we wake up to our aging and eventual death.

Sometimes it happens after a near-death expeience, or loss of a loved person, but sometimes it happens only at death and for others perhaps never.

Sometimes, we start to answer the question what did my life amount to? Perhaps a life review of regret and celebration result.

And finally, we might ask what our purpose is now as people say, “Make everyday count.” What does that mean?

How will I ask for help if I need it?

Who will be there for me? And almost everyone my age or older worries about becoming a burden.

In answering the call of the current job market, grown children may have been required to relocate to support their own families or like me to support an aging parent. How can we get politicians and planners to look at the quality of life of elders as much as they do cost and quantity?

Society has not kept up with new facts that now include longevity and consequently a health care system catering to broken physical needs – fixing knees and hips, worn out pancreases and hearts, and managing the pain of declining

age, without looking at a need to provide increased mental health, emotional and cognitive needs of an increased proportion of elderly persons.

As Atul Gawande says, “the advances of modern medicine have given us two revolutions: “we’ve undergone a biological transformation of the course of our lives and a cultural transformation of how we think about that course.” And we haven’t even absorbed the baby boomers yet.

I propose we are not ready. *Aging as a Spiritual Practice, Lewis Richmond, 2013 ** Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End, Atul Gawande, 2014

KIM’S CONVENIENCE

By Ins Choi

An Arts Club Theatre Company (Vancouver) Production Based on Pacific Theatre’s 2018 Production

— A CORNER STORE COMEDY.

“Gut-bustingly funny with a huge heart.”

THE VANCOUVER SUN PRESENTING PARTNER

March 31-April 09, 2022 Sagebrush Theatre

TICKETS FROM $20

KAMLOOPS LIVE! BOX OFFICE: 250.374.5483 WCTLIVE.CA PUBLIC SUPPORT

PUBLIC SUPPORT PRESENTING PARTNER

SEASON SPONSORS

SEASON SPONSORS

HEART SERIES SPONSOR

SENIORS’ TEA MATINEE SPONSOR

Western Canada Theatre ad: Kim’s Convenience

SHOW SPONSORS

www.connectornews.ca

24 APRIL 2022

HEARING LOSS IS COMMON AND TREATABLE One in six adults 18 and older have hearing loss. Hearing plays a major role in our emotional well-being, physical health, and overall quality of life.

Causes of hearing loss Hearing loss is caused by many factors, most frequently from natural aging or exposure to loud noise. The most common causes of hearing loss are: • Aging • Noise exposure • Head trauma • Virus or disease • Genetics • Ototoxicity

Types of hearing loss There are three types of hearing loss — sensorineural hearing loss, conductive hearing loss, and mixed hearing loss.

Sensorineural hearing loss

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss. It occurs when the inner ear nerves and hair cells are damaged — perhaps due to age, noise damage or something else. Sensorineural hearing loss impacts the pathways from your inner ear to your brain. Most times, sensorineural hearing loss cannot be corrected medically or surgically, but can be treated and helped with the use of hearing aids.

Things that can cause sensorineural hearing loss are: • Aging • Injury • Excessive noise exposure • Viral infections (such as measles or mumps) • Shingles • Ototoxic drugs (medications that damage hearing) • Meningitis • Diabetes • Stroke • High fever or elevated body temperature • Ménière’s disease (a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance) • Acoustic tumors • Heredity • Obesity • Smoking • Hypertension Things that can cause conductive hearing loss are:

Conductive hearing loss

Conductive hearing loss is typically the result of obstructions in the outer or middle ear — perhaps due to fluid, tumors, earwax or even ear formation. This obstruction prevents sound from getting to the inner ear.

Conductive hearing loss can often be treated surgically or with medicine.

Mixed hearing loss

Mixed hearing loss is just what it sounds like — a combination of sensorineural and conductive hearing loss.

As with any medical condition, it’s best to know what you “have” before deciding what to do about it. A consultation with a hearing professional can help determine the type, cause and degree of your hearing loss.

• Infections of the ear canal or middle ear resulting in fluid or pus buildup • Perforation or scarring of the eardrum • Wax buildup • Dislocation of the middle ear bones (ossicles) • Foreign object in the ear canal • Otosclerosis (an abnormal bone growth in the middle ear) • Abnormal growths or tumors

Hearing testing, hearing aid fittings and hearing aid programming by appointment only. PLEASE CALL 250-372-3090 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. Drop in for a cleaning! Please call us from your cell phone when you arrive or come and knock on the door and we would be happy to assist you.

414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC 250.372.3090 Toll Free 1.877.718.2211 Email: info@kamloopshearingaidcentre.ca or online at:

www.KamloopsHearingAidCentre.ca Find us on facebook: /KamloopsHearingAidCentre