North of 50 LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE
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March 2011 Vol. 9, Issue 3
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CONTENTS
March 2011 Vol. 9, Issue 3
Habitat for Humanity is perhaps better known for its work in developing countries but it is also active right here in the Thompson/Okanagan. Story by Christine Pilgrim
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FEATURES
DEPARTMENTS
COLUMNS
15 NARAMATA CENTRE: Inspiring people to make a difference By Mary Trainer
30 STAYCATIONS Back in the Saddle at Spring Lake Ranch, Fest-of-Ale, & spring skiing
5 FROM THE EDITOR
20 READY, WILLING, ABLE A South Okanagan Pilot Project matches mature workers with short staffed employers By Dawn Renaud 23 READERSHIP SURVEY Enter to win a Houseboat Vacation
32 AWAY FROM HOME St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland 38 HEALTH MATTERS Brain Fitness 40 ARTS HAPPENING 41 COMING EVENTS 43 COMMUNITY EVENTS 45 IT’S A PUZZLER
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12 REGIONAL ATTITUDE An interview with Pamela Vanderwoning, Vice President, Kamloops chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation 18 DON SAWYER Fair Comment: Freedom to...? 28 CALVIN WHITE We Need the RCMP 36 LISE SIMPSON Turn left where the barn used to be 37 BOB HARRINGTON It’s Your World: Make Haste Slowly
FROM OUR EDITOR Attitude of Gratitude We received our annual mortgage statement in the mail last week, which sent me into a mini tirade about the amount of principal versus interest we’d paid out. I was too busy giving credence to my negative thoughts to appreciate that I have a pretty decent job with a pretty decent income that allows me to have a pretty decent mortgage on a pretty decent home. My tirade didn’t last long. As it happened, an article came across my desk that reset my gratitude button and reminded me to be thankful for the good things in my life. By the time I read to the second paragraph of this month’s cover story on Habitat for Humanity (page 8), my attitude had self-adjusted and I felt considerable gratitude for the fact that I own a home (except for the part the bank owns). The fact is, plenty of people work hard at their jobs and still cannot afford to purchase a home. That’s where Habitat for Humanity steps up. With the help of volunteers and community sponsors, it builds decent affordable housing to sell to qualifying low-income working families. I’d love to say that I have always appreciated my life – my home, my family, and my health, but it simply isn’t so. Sometimes, I need a reality check, a ‘light bulb moment’ as Oprah would say, to guide me back onto the gratitude track. Unfortunately my ‘light bulb’ appears to be on a dimmer switch. For example, after I have travelled to countries where people live in tin shacks and don’t have access to clean water, I am suddenly able to appreciate my life in Canada and my light bulb shines a bit brighter. But perhaps, it is human nature for our gratitude to ebb and wane. After a few weeks back home, slowly and without notice, my thoughts drift away from how fortunate I am to have clean drinking water and a nice home. Soon, my light bulb dims as I slip back into my take-it-for-granted life. Today, however, I am on the bright side of gratitude. It’s a few days before we go to press and the mock up of the magazine has made its way through the office for proofreading and feedback. As always, a discussion has ensued about how each of us believes readers will feel about some of the stories. But that’s not something I want to take for granted. I really do want to know what readers think so I can make good editorial decisions. So, I’ve decided to come right out and ask. There is a readership survey inserted on page 23 to 26, which can be pulled out, filled in and mailed to us. Or save a stamp and a tree and take the survey on our website at www.northof50.com. In appreciation of your participation, North of 50° will enter your name in a draw to win a three or four day Twin Anchors houseboat vacation on Shuswap Lake. Thank you!
TJ Wallis
North of 50
LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE North of 50° i s a n i n d ep e n d en t , f ree m o n t h l y publication, locally owned, produced and distributed throughout the Thompson / Nicola/ South Cariboo/ Okanagan and Shuswap areas by 0727724 BC Ltd. Disclaimer: The publisher will not b e responsible for errors or omissions. In the even t o f a typographical error, the portion of the advertisement that is incorrect w i l l not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid at the applicable r a te. T h e op i n i on s a n d v i ew s contained in submitted articles to North Of 50° magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. T h e p ub l i s h er r et a i n s t h e ri g h t t o e d i t a l l s u b m i s s i o n s , i n c l ud i n g a r t i c l es a n d l et ter s to the editor, for brevity and clarity. Copyright is retained on a l l m a ter i a l , tex t a n d g ra p h i c s in this publication. No reproduction is allowed of any material in any form, print or electronic, for any purpose, except with the ex p r es s ed permission of North of 50 P ub l i c a t i on s (unless for private reference only). Publications Mail Agreement 41188516 ISSN# 1710-4750
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YOUR LETTERS LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE
North of 50° is a monthly print magazine, but we can keep in touch all month long. Visit our website for links to our blogs and Facebook
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Dear Editor: This week marks one year since the BC government called upon the public to provide input into restricting chemical cosmetic pesticides. Over 8,000 emails, online comments, and petition signatures were submitted as a result of the consultation and the vast majority of responses were in favour of banning the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides. To mark this anniversary, the Canadian Cancer Society BC & Yukon created a special web-link at www. cancergameplan.ca where members of the public can provide their input by email, by contacting the BC Liberal and NDP leadership candidates, or by joining the Pesticide Free BC Facebook group. Cosmetic or non-essential pesticides are used to improve the appearance of lawns, gardens, and various recreational facilities such as parks (they are non-agricultural and non-essential). Research has linked pesticide exposure with an increased risk of both childhood and adult cancers. These include childhood and adult leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, prostate, brain and lung cancers. Studies show that children may be at a higher risk due to their rapidly developing bodies. According to a recent poll commissioned by the Canadian Cancer Society, the majority of British Columbians support a phase-out of cosmetic pesticides on private and public properties (over 70%). The poll also revealed that support for a phase-out between Liberal and NDP voters is about equal, that there is no difference in support between rural or urban residents, and that most BC residents are willing to try alternatives. The BC Government needs to hear from all British Columbians that now is the time to put our health and the environment first and eliminate this unnecessary risk once and for all by passing strong, comprehensive legislation as soon as possible. Sincerely, Jerilynn Maki, MA Flogging the Blog Throughout the month we receive press releases and public service announcements that don’t make it into the magazine because the event being advertised will be over by the time we go to press with the next issue. The new blog is intended to keep readers informed during the ‘in between’ times. We’ll post coming and community events, plus a few rants and raves. Readers can leave feedback or post their own notes, too. Our Blog Address is: www.northof50degrees.blogspot.com, or you can reach it from our main website www.northof50.com
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OUR CONTRIBUTORS At the time of going to press, Christine Pilgrim will be in Cuba, rooting out material for more articles. She’ll be suntanned and happy and ready to resume her creative writing class at UBCO’s Vernon campus with whacky but brilliant instructor Kevin Macpherson. (Who said she’s angling for honours?) Meanwhile, her work mostly appears in local newspapers like Vernon’s Morning Star and magazines like North of 50.
North of 50
LOCAL LATITUDE, GLOBAL ATTITUDE
Publisher Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Managing Editor TJ Wallis editor@northof50.com Advertising Sales Dean Wallis dean@northof50.com Kamloops & Area sales@northof50.com
Dawn Renaud realized she needed an excuse for ignoring her chores and sinking into the alternate reality of a good book. Today she channels her creative immagination and affinity for words into more lucrative pursuits, writing for business and magazines and helping other writers hone thier craft. Dawn lives in a tiny house in Penticton.
Layout & Design Kristi Boe kristi@northof50.com Administration Caralyn Doyle caralyn@northof50.com Deadline for Ads to be submitted is the 20th of the month for publication the first week of the month Office Location: Suite 102 2516 Patterson Avenue Armstrong, BC Mailing Address: Box 100 Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0
Summerland resident Mary Trainer is the author of The Edge of the Centre – celebrating Naramata Centre published by Wood Lake Books in 2008. She has also co-written (with Brian Antonson and Rick Antonson) the Canadian bestseller Slumach’s Gold: In Search of a Legend published by Heritage House in 2007.
ADS & SUBMISSIONS Phone: 250.546.6064 Fax: 250.546.8914 Toll Free: 1.877.667.8450 (877)NORTH50 Website: www.northof50.com ISSN 1710-4750 0727724 BC LTD Printed in Canada
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Volunteers and staff at the Kamloops Habitat ReStore (short for Recycle Store), located at Unit #28, 1425 Cariboo Place. ReStore helps people and the environment by collecting and reselling donated new and used building materials, lighting & plumbing equipment, appliances, and furniture. Photo: Dean Wallis
Charity begins at home ... By Christine Pilgrim
With the high cost of housing and increased cost of living, many local families find themselves stumbling from pay cheque to pay cheque. For them, the prospect of ever owning a home is out of the question. That’s when Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit, faith-based housing organization, steps in. Habitat for Humanity is perhaps better known for its work in developing countries, but it is also active right here in the Thompson/Okanagan. With the help of volunteers and community sponsors, it builds decent, affordable housing to sell to qualifying low-income working families, with no down payment and no interest charged. Habitat’s first local affiliate was established in Kelowna in 1992. It serves the areas between West Kelowna and Lake 8
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Country, with a sub-affiliate chapter in Vernon, and has made home ownership possible for 20 families so far. Jim and Debbie Hanson and their three children were the first to benefit. They had been living in a condemned house, when in 1993, in Debbie’s words, “a miracle occurred through Habitat.” Hampered by severe ill health and unable to work herself, she says that husband Jim’s wages as a security guard during the week and janitor on weekends would never have amounted to a down payment on a house. Now that their three children have grown into responsible adults, the Hansons give back to the community by playing host to international students. “We’re proud of our Habitat home and appreciate the fact that we have it to share not just with family but with others as well,” says Debbie.
Habitat for Humanity was founded by U.S. millionaire Millard Fuller in 1976. Just over ten years earlier, Fuller had experienced an epiphany rather like that of Paul on the road to Damascus. From then on, he and wife Linda embarked on a life of philanthropy, dispensing their fortune for the benefit of others. Their book THE EXCITEMENT OF BUILDING prompted Penticton property developer Hugo Deuschle to donate land for the South Okanagan’s latest Habitat home, soon to move from the design into the construction phase. Because the land is situated close to a riparian area and any construction must be 15 metres from the creek that runs alongside the property, local architect Cal Meiklejohn has designed, pro bono, a unique building that will not only use the available space to best advantage but will also be environmentally sustainable from the ground up. Private donations such as Hugo Deuschle’s are crucial to the continuation of Habitat’s house building program. With land prices at a premium, not all city councils have been as generous as Vernon’s which donated land for the unit on
25th Avenue built by Habitat, partnered with fellow charity Kindale, for Terri Parker and Kyle Verhuslt and their family. Even partner families like Terri’s and Kyle’s donate. Each one is required to give 500 hours of “sweat equity” toward the building of their own home or someone else’s. Debbie Hanson remembers how her youngsters brought along small brooms and spades to help. Little ones’ contributions no longer count in terms of hours repaid, but Debbie was keen that her children contributed what they could in their own way. The Saigeon family feels the same. Rod and Laurel Saigeon and their three boys rented an apartment in Kelowna until 2002 when they qualified to own a house through Habitat. Their circumstances differed from those of most partners. When they applied for help in January, the new units being built would have been too small for their family which includes three autistic sons, each needing a separate space when things “become difficult.” So Habitat found them a larger unit that someone else had vacated and the Saigeon family moved in the following September. Kyle & Terri-Lee Verhulst along with their children Shealyn, Ella & Kyler donate some sweat equity toward the building of their own home. Photo by Judy Mori
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As he helps with dry-walling at the latest ‘build’ underway in Westbank, Rod comments, “Even if our boys weren’t all suffering from autism, we believe that one of us should be at home for the kids. They’re our priority.” Rod’s own autism symptoms help him understand those of his boys, now aged 18, 13, and 10. The youngest had just turned two when they moved in. “It would have been a challenge if we were still in our old apartment,” says Laurel. Her and Rod’s practical, understated attitude no doubt had a bearing on why they were selected for a Habitat home. The family selection process can take several months. Aannie Cloosterman who chairs the Family Selection and Support Committee in Kamloops, finds visiting prospective partner families a true eye-opener. She says, “The work can be daunting at times, but I feel inspired by the hope it gives. I have seen both the families who moved into their completed duplex last May just blossom.” Theirs is the third such duplex completed in Kamloops since 2000 when the affiliate began operations. Kamloops has also established a “Restore” which does its part toward raising funds by reselling donated items that cannot be used in a build. The friendly staff will collect larger items such as doors, furniture, fixtures and fittings that make the store so popular with bargain-hunting handymen-and-women, as well as contractors. The Kamloops Restore is one of 50 similar throughout Canada. “It’s a great partnership,” says Aannie Cloosterman ...
... while Lona Manning, Executive Director of the Kelowna affiliate, speaks of partnerships developed with large corporations such as Mackay and Tolko and with charities such as Kindale and church organizations. In fact, Reverend David Irving, former vicar of Penticton’s St Saviour’s Church and now bishop of Saskatoon, was one of the three initial organizers of the South Okanagan affiliate. In 2005, he, Scott Downey and Dr Florence Barton, a retired veterinarian and current Chair of the South Okanagan Board of Directors, heard that Habitat provided houses that lower income families could afford. So they approached Habitat Canada. They now have 53 members and over 100 volunteers who have already built two homes, with construction on their third about to begin. “It is going to be a really interesting little house,” says Dr Barton, as she points out the solar electrical and water heating systems in the plans drawn up by Cal Meiklejohn. “We had hoped to build one house a year but it is too expensive to buy a lot on the open market these days,” she says. “That’s why we’re so grateful for Hugo Deuschle’s donation.” Donations in all guises are welcomed by all affiliates. Each one is expected to contribute at least 10% of its donated cash to Habitat Canada’s international work, although funds specifically designated by a donor for local work can be excluded. This tithe, along with private donations and Global Village programs, goes toward Habitat’s “House for a House” initiative. Its goal is to build one house in a developing or
Make your rent more affordable Low-income seniors, 60 years or older, who have lived in B.C. for the past 12 months, may be eligible to receive cash assistance towards their monthly rent payment through the Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER) program. The Government of British Columbia helps make rent more affordable for more than 15,000 low-income seniors across the province through the SAFER program.
disaster-stricken country for every one built here in Canada. For example, the Kelowna affiliate is tithed with Lesotho (pronounced Le soo too), one of three remaining kingdoms in South East Africa. It has a population of just over 2 million, approximately 40% of whom live below the international poverty line of $1.25 per day. As Lona Manning says, “It helps keep things in perspective.” Meanwhile, Millard Fuller’s Habitat for Humanity goal that everyone “should have a simple, decent place to lay their head, on terms they can afford to pay” is being accomplished, home by home, right here in the Thompson/Okanagan.
Top left - 20 children in Maseru East, Lesotho, lived in a precarious metal shack in an area used as a garbage dump. Habitat for Humanity Lesotho built two new homes for them and the children are cared for by foster mothers. Photo by Steffan Hacker/Habitat for Humanity International.
To apply or learn more about SAFER, contact BC Housing: > 604-433-2218 (Metro Vancouver) > 1-800-257-7756 (elsewhere in B.C. )
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Top right - Volunteers from Edgecombe Builders erect a second storey wall at Kelowna Habitat’s latest build. Photo by Morten Byskov, from Tolko, who donated the lumber. Cover - HFH logo photo by Steffan Hacker
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REGIONAL
ATTITUDE Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis remain closet diseases, relatively unknown and shrouded in silence. Since her son was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease eight years ago, Pamela Vanderwoning, Vice President of the Kamloops Chapter, has spent countless hours volunteering with the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Interviewer, Jessie Lehail, spoke with Pamela about the group’s efforts to educate, create awareness, and raise funds for Crohn`s and Ulcerative Colitis research Q: Tell us about the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and its focus? A: Our mission is to find the cure for Crohn’s & Ulcerative Colitis. We believe a cure will be found but to realize this, the CCFC is committed, first and foremost, to raising funds for medical research. The CCFC also believes it is important to make all individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) aware of the foundation, and educate these individuals, their families, health professionals and the general public about these diseases. Q: What is your role and why did you choose to volunteer your time with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation?
A: When my son, Koehl was diagnosed with Crohn’s in November of 2004, I knew very little about this horrible disease. I searched out the local chapter with a recommendation from my family doctor. I soon found myself attending their meetings and in 2006 they asked if Koehl would be their honorary chair for the Heel & WheelA-Thon. Since then I have become a very active volunteer for the organization.
A: I would suggest that someone recently diagnosed should contact the local Kamloops Chapter President for information and support or go to www.ccfc.ca. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of Canada website is a great place to get information about the disease. Locally there is always someone in the group that would be willing to meet with that person and talk about what they are going through or may go through down the road.
Since Koehl was diagnosed we have encouraged him to speak openly about the disease and the problems he encounters on a daily basis. Koehl has been the honorary chair twice and has appeared in numerous newspaper articles and TV special editions talking openly about his challenges. He has never been in remission, but after having surgery this past summer and having six inches of his bowel removed, he is doing better than he has in the past eight years.
Q: Unless you know someone who suffers from Crohn’s or Colitis, chances are joe public hasn’t even heard of these diseases. What do you want people to know?
Speaking openly and educating people about IBD will bring a new understanding for those who suffer in silence. So many people don’t know what the disease is. Some people are embarrassed and ashamed so they don’t like talking about it. Hopefully in a few years it won’t be that hidden disease that no one likes to talk about anymore. Q: What fundraising events have been planned for 2011? A: On March 13 we’re having fundraiser - a pub dinner night - at the Rockin Firkin pub. Then, on April 16 there will be a CCFC Education Symposium at Hotel 540 here in Kamloops. M&M Meats Charity BBQ day takes place on May 7. The National Heel & Wheel- A-Thon is on June 12. In October we’ll have the Kamloops Storm Hockey Night Fundraiser and finally on November 19 is the 4th Annual “All That Glitters Gala” fundraiser.
A: They should know that there is no known cause for IBD and without finding out what causes it there is no hope to find a cure. People suffering from IBD are stigmatized by the multitude of serious side effects of the disease and the medications used to control the disease. They can also have problems with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, depression, malnutrition, slow growth and surgery to name a few. The risk of premature death for IBD sufferers is 47 per cent higher than the general public, and the risk of developing colorectal cancer is also elevated. Over 200,000 Canadians suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. IBD affects more people than multiple sclerosis or HIV and is almost as prevalent as epilepsy and Type 1 diabetes. Q: How can locals get involved with the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation? A: They can get involved by contacting their local chapter (Kamloops Chapter, President, Mary Jane Finch at 250.376.4090 or check out the website at www.ccfc.ca and click `To volunteer’. We are always looking for help and fresh ideas to add to our local group of dedicated volunteers.
Q: If locals can attend one Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation event this year, which should they attend and why? A: They should attend the Education Symposium to learn about what the CCFC is doing to try to find a cause and eventually find a cure for IBD. Then they should attend our Gala in November, as it is the local Kamloops Chapter`s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s a lot of fun. Q: If someone has been recently diagnosed with Crohn’s and Colitis, what community outreach is available and what can be done to ease their affliction?
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NARAMATA CENTRE
Inspiring people to make a difference in the world
By Mary Trainer
Above, Robson House, acquired in 1954 and today known as Children’s House. Photo credit: Bob Stewart Archives of the United Church of Canada, B.C. Conference. Inset, McLaren Hall in the 1950s. Photo credit: Stocks Camera
For more than 60 years, thousands of students and visitors have made their way to Naramata Centre, experiencing it as a place of learning, spiritual nurture and renewal. The evolution of the centre began with Charlie MacGillivray, minister of Penticton United Church from 1937 to 1944. When World War II ended, he observed that young people
were living quite differently from their parents. Did the church have something relevant to offer them, he wondered? MacGillivray wanted more for them than teacher training courses available through the church. He envisioned a school for leadership training. Looking around the Okanagan Valley for a site suitable for a school, he concluded that Naramata would work because of its climate, splendid beaches and its location away from any large centre. Bob and Alleen McLaren brought MacGillivray’s vision to life. Both were residents in Naramata, where Bob was the minister of the Naramata Church. Bob’s enthusiasm and energy for creating a school were infectious. As the school’s northof50.com 15
first principal (1947 to 1964), he won over congregations from B.C. and Alberta, and with his ability to generate money and in-kind donations for the school his dream took wing. Alleen looked after a busy household of four children, developed nurturing relationships with students and provided warm receptions in her home to the school’s visitors. The school’s first building (now called McLaren Hall) was made from $3,000 worth of material salvaged from the officers’ quarters and mess building in Vernon and transported to Naramata in 30 truckloads of five tons each. The first students enrolled in 1947; until the dorms in McLaren Hall were finished, the girls lived in a rented hostel (Syndica House) owned by the fruit packing company, and the boys and married couples lived in the community. The Christian Leadership Training School was officially opened before 400 guests on November 3, 1948, by Norman MacKenzie, president of UBC. Today, the school is known as Naramata Centre, one of five retreat centres run by the United Church of Canada. The heart of the new school was a program known as Winter Session, which remains a cornerstone of Naramata Centre today. Winter Session has often made profound and
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lasting impacts on students making the transition between youth and adulthood. “I spent hours out in the hills around Naramata meditating and pondering what I was learning,” recalled Anita Greenaway, one of the first graduates in 1948. “It opened up the Bible to me in a new way. I learned to get along with people of different backgrounds and outlooks, deepened my faith, and gained the ability to go on questioning and seeking.” From Winter Session’s early goal of equipping students for a life in Christian leadership, the program now aims to equip them for a spirit-filled life of self-awareness, healthy relationships and leadership. The centre’s summer programs have long been the heart of its public interface. Originally called “vacation courses” and introduced at the centre in 1948, they were a modern version of the “camp meeting,” a tradition in Canada going back to the 1800s. At one time, the programs were primarily geared to adults, but in the 1970s a decision was made to focus the centre’s life on children and youth as much as on adults. Now, the emphasis is on the wider community experience that includes worship, intergenerational learning, evening events and high quality programs for children and youth. The centre also has a history of offering innovative ways of teaching and vibrant program topics. “Lab learning” (where
participants experiment with new behaviours, gather “data” from others in their group and make choices about their future behaviour based on the feedback) was one such innovation introduced in the 1970s. Since 2001, the centre has hosted its annual Imagine retreat for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people. New programs have often evolved as a result of listening and responding to needs within the wider community. For example, in March 2011 the centre will offer Social Media - Social Justice where participants will explore the rise of social media, street theatre, video blogging, and their potential for use in local churches and communities. And a week-long summer program, The Seventh Generation, (a ‘simple living week’) has been designed to respond to the First Nations challenge to live today with the seventh generation in mind. The centre has been a desirable place to hold meetings for hundreds of congregations and groups. Many return year after year. Some notable past and present regulars
include the Sal’i’shan Native Training Institute, quilting groups, BC 4-H, the Family Support Institute, CUPE, and the congregations of Canadian Memorial and Notre Dame churches. Between 1999 and 2003 a chapel, labyrinth, healing house and sacred garden were added, enhancing the cherry orchard, lakefront and 70 species of trees and shrubs on the 23acre site. Serenity and beauty continue to beckon new and returning guests more than ever – to renew and refresh. www.naramatacentre.net Phone: 250.496.5751 or Toll free 1.877.996.5751 (in AB and BC) email: info@naramatacentre.net
Pictured Left - Chalmers Chapel at Naramata Centre is a quiet place for worship or meditation. Photo supplied. Above - Families often return year after year -- like the three generations of Ellisons pictured here. Photo credit: Linnea Good. northof50.com 17
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DON
SAWYER FAIR COMMENT
Freedom to...? The other evening I was sitting in a bar in New Orleans with friends. A terrific jazz trio had just finished for the night, and we were having a beer in relative quiet. At some point, as it always seems to down here, the conversation veered onto politics. Actually, this is one of the many things I like about America: no matter how uninformed, everyone has an opinion, and they’re not shy about expressing it. Anyway, in the course of our discussion, a woman we’ve gotten to know commented that she was “proud to be an American.” Now this is hardly a new idea. You can hardly watch a TV show, leaf through a magazine or listen to a politician without encountering some version of this cant, and it is almost always delivered automatically, uncritically, kind of like the Pledge of Allegiance US school kids learn by rote and repeat every morning, facing the flag with hand
over heart. This sort of uber patriotism has always sort of enraged me. And to question it is unthinkable, kind of like hinting to a fundamentalist that that Jesus couldn’t really walk on water. And to even suggest that the speaker might want to examine his or her assertion invites glowers, narrowed eyes and calls to the FBI. But, having had a few beers already, I decided, what the heck, let’s see if there is anything behind this. “You’re proud to be an American” I said. “I know you, Laura, and you are very aware of America’s shortcomings. You know, rotten income distribution, no healthcare for the poor, embarrassing infant mortality rate, all that stuff. So given all that, what is it exactly that you are proud of?” The woman thought for a few moments, and then replied in her lovely southern drawl, “I don’t really know. I just am.” This was not good enough. “Laura,” I said in exasperation. “All I can think about is America’s astronomical murder rate, trillion-dollar military spending and wretched foreign policy that has consisted largely of bouncing around the globe invading countries, manufacturing coups and propping up dictatorships. I know you are not proud of that kind of thing. ” My friend looked at me patiently. “No, actually I’m quite ashamed of those.” She paused. “But I guess what I am proud of is our freedom. A lot of the things you listed are freedoms from something: poverty, murder, dying young. What I like about this country is not the freedom from, but the freedom to. The freedom to be something, to do something great. Anything you want.” “Come on, now, Laura,” I admonished, no doubt sounding utterly sanctimonious. “You know that whole social mobility thing is largely a myth, that educational success corresponds to socio-economic background, that most wealth is inherited, not earned. It’s like they said about George Bush: He was born on third base and thinks he hit a home run!” “True,” she replied. “But despite everything, this is still a country of hope. That’s why immigrants so desperately want to get here. There is hope for a better life, if not for them then their children. Anything is possible here.”
Interesting point. Certainly many have noted the difference between, for example, our more sedate “Canadianess” and the “can do” attitude that prevails in the US. That contrast can be illustrated, some have pointed out, by comparing a key line in the US constitution, which entitles Americans to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” with the Canadian equivalent, “peace, order and good government,” found in the British North America Act. Canadian philosopher and writer George Woodcock, critiquing our system of social services from an anarchist perspective, contended that our government social programs, for all their positive outcomes, prevent us from having to make real choices, to take individual responsibility for the well-being of others, to develop personal qualities of generosity and compassion. Are we really displaying social concern when we hand over the job of ensuring the welfare of our fellow countrymen to faceless “government”? “OK,” I conceded. “You say this is a country that emphasizes freedom to make choices. That you put an emphasis on individual responsibility. Let’s assume you’re right. But when you look at your hollowed out cities, the cult of greed that has taken over the country, the wars you keep getting yourself into, wouldn’t you at least agree that America, individually and collectively, is making some really, really bad decisions?” “Oh, yeah. Absolutely.” My friend laughed. “Look, we are kind of like privileged adolescents. We have so much opportunity, so many options. But out of ignorance and selfishness, we just keep on making bad choices. But like they teach in parenting classes, I still love the country; it’s the behaviour I don’t like.” Fair enough. But from a global perspective, I hope America grows up quickly. As any parent knows, those teenage years are murder. Don Sawyer is a writer, educator and former Director of Okanagan College’s International Development Centre. He lives with his wife in Salmon Arm. You can contact Don Sawyer by email at donsawyer@ telus.net or by mail at Don Sawyer c/o North of 50°, Box 100, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0. For more information on Don’s writing and development work, visit his web site at www.thenortherned.com.
northof50.com 19
Ready, Willing, Able Story & photos by Dawn Renaud
Our maturing demographic is a boon for savvy employers Throughout Canada, economists and provincial Chamber of Commerce organizations are concerned about a looming labour shortage: the baby boomers are retiring, and there are not enough skilled workers to fill their shoes. The ThirdQuarter program takes a proactive approach to addressing this problem. Michou Szabo is the Penticton and area community coordinator for the ThirdQuarter’s South Okanagan pilot project, one of twelve in Canada and the only one in British Columbia. It’s goal is to match those in the 50-plus age group—the third quarter of their lives—with workplace and volunteer positions in their communities. “There’s a large variety of skills and expertise out there in that demographic,” says Szabo. While some people in this age bracket can’t wait to retire, others just aren’t excited about calling it quits. Some employers already see the advantage of hiring mature 20 northof50.com
workers. Penticton Days Inn general manager Joe Morelli says that since they opened eleven years ago, his staff has included third-quarter workers from varied backgrounds—accounting, banking, medical reception. “They’re a joy to work with,” says Morelli. “They’re smart, they have life skills, and they’re great mentors for the younger staff.” Continuing to work is not always a matter of preference. Unless their pensions are adequate, some retirees can’t afford to stop working altogether. But under the current Canada Pension Plan rules, most people can bring in some extra money while they’re collecting CPP. This means that if they choose, retirees can better afford to scale back their work hours to accommodate other interests. Statistics from the past two years show that part-time employment is on the rise, and boomers aren’t the only ones driving up the numbers. Employers may use parttime workers to keep some of their costs down; recessioninduced cutbacks in sales have meant lay-offs and cut-backs.
Bored with retirement, Lee Sterry’s looking for a new adventure. ThirdQuarter coordinator Michou Szabo: “There’s a large variety of skills and expertise out there in that demographic.” Meanwhile, some younger Canadians are actively seeking part-time work and more flexible hours. “Thirty-something” professionals who have established their careers may be in a position to prioritize personal interests and volunteering, or they may be looking for creative work arrangements that will allow them to spend more time raising their young families. Those who prefer a wide-range minimalist lifestyle (and, in some cases, those who are not automatically ejected from the nest) don’t see getting a degree or a trade and establishing a career as necessary or even desirable. Instead, many of them are exploring their options including seasonal work and simultaneous part-time jobs, enjoying their earnings or socking them away for when they are ready to settle down. This trend toward flexible working hours means more options for everyone, including those who don’t want to retire cold-turkey. But not every retirement-age employee is able to continue in the same job—and not every employer is prepared to modify a job by reducing hours or physical responsibilities. So those who are not ready for full retirement may be looking elsewhere for opportunities to work part time, mentor, or consult in their previous line of work, while others are seeking something completely different. Some are combining past work skills with their leisure activities. Szabo uses the example of a woman who has worked as an accountant and enjoyed quilting in her free time; she might look for retail work in a quilt shop. “You can bring a lot to the plate if you have a varied work history,” says Szabo.
often target the six-figure salaries of executives and CEOs old enough to take early retirement; a payout takes them off the payroll and eases their way into a life of leisure. Once the objective shifts from “earning a good living” to “enjoying a good life,” a traditional resume can get in the way. The employer looking at a long-time executive’s work history alone and thinking, “overqualified, unaffordable, not interested in working hard,” needs to re-think those assumptions. Lee Sterry worked in radio for 35 years and spent much of his career in management. He gave retirement a try, but a few months ago he realized he was bored stiff. He’s looking for something to do: freelancing, consulting, part-time or full-time. “People that are in a so-called semi-retirement 50-plus situation don’t necessarily want to be the boss, or make a hundred thousand dollars a year, or do what they did before,” says Sterry. In many cases, “they’re perfectly happy doing other things that they find engaging, for less money, for less hours.” They’re also likely to be people with a strong work ethic, enthusiastic about what they’re doing. The transferable skills Sterry learned over his years in radio—communication, branding, marketing—could be applied in any kind of business, selling any product or service. This re-conceptualization is the strategy behind the ThirdQuarter program. “It looks at hiring in a different way,” says Szabo. Likening the program to an online dating service, she says it’s set up to make matches based on a worker’s full range of skills, and providing different options for bringing together employers and potential employees, to fill any kind
When companies restructure, belt-tightening measures northof50.com 21
Mary Kiviste’s impressed with the quality of the people she’s found through the online matching program. Days Inn manager Joe Morelli knows the value of third quarter workers. of need from a temporary contract to full-time employment. To date, Szabo says the ThirdQuarter site has not seen a lot of activity from employers. That’s not surprising given the recent economic downturn, and the region’s seasonal employment, and Szabo expects this to change soon as businesses ramp up for tourism, agricultural, landscaping,
MARCH 1961 50 Years Ago This Month
March 1 to 12. The 1961 World Ice Hockey Championships was held in Switzerland. Canada, represented by the Trail Smoke Eaters, won their nineteenth international title. It would be the last championship for Canada for thirty-three years March 6. The first London minicab was introduced March 9. A dog named Blackie, aboard Sputnik 9 was the first animal returned from space. March 9. The Supremes released “I Want A Guy” & “Never Again” March 13. Seventy-nine year old Pablo Picasso married his 37 year old model, Jacqueline Rocque March 15. Romance novel model, Fabio [Lanzoni], was born in Italy March 18. The Poppin’ Fresh Pillsbury Dough Boy introduced March 29. After a 4½ year trial Nelson Mandela is acquitted on treason charge 22 northof50.com
and as employers become aware of the program. Szabo already knows the matching system itself is working well, as evidenced by strong success where organizations come online looking for volunteers. Mary Kiviste recently turned to the ThirdQuarter website when she needed tutors for Okanagan College’s adult literacy program. “I’ve been quite thrilled with the process,” she says. She got responses almost immediately, and was impressed with the quality of the responses. Because those who contacted her had already been through something of a prescreening process, they were a good fit. For best results, Kiviste recommends that organizations using the site need to be clear about what their programs are about; this is also good advice for employers with positions to fill. “Really put some thought into what you need from people,” she says. Kiviste’s training session is now full, and she has been able to start a wait list. “This is helping me plan for the future.”
Interested employers, organizations and workers can find out more by visiting thirdquarter.ca. or by contacting area coordinators: Michou Szabo (Penticton and area) 250.809.7488, Michou.szabo@thirdquarter.ca Jim King (Oliver, Osoyoos, Okanagan Falls and area) 250.495.7751 jimking@thirdquarter.ca
A N WI
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Take Our Readership Survey to enter a draw to win a 3 or 4 day Twin Anchors Houseboat Vacation on Shuswap Lake Valued at $2,220
northof50.com 23
North of 50° Magazin We are always striving to make North of 50 more relevant to your needs and interest. To do that, we need to know more about you. That’s we’ve created this reader survey. We are not beneath bribing you to fill in the survey and give us your feedback. The more people who fill in the survey, the more effective it will be. That’s why we’re giving away a 4 day Twin Anchors Houseboat vacation! To be eligible for the Houseboat vacation draw, please fill out all the questions in each section of the Reader Survey. And don’t forget to put your name and address on the entry form on the last page of the survey so we can enter your name into the Houseboat draw. You can increase your odds of winning! Sign up for a one year mail subscription and we’ll enter you into the draw a second time! Please select your age
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North of 50° Magazine Contest:
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Wally Oppal, QC, one of the country’s most well-known and respected lawyers and advocates for justice will become the next Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University. Oppal has dedicated his entire working life to improving social justice and community safety. He was Crown Counsel and Defense Counsel on numerous high-profile criminal cases and is currently Commissioner of the Missing Women Commission of Inquiry. The Board of Governors, on the recommendation of a Board committee, which included student, alumni, faculty and community representation, made the selection of Mr. Oppal. He will be formally installed as Chancellor on June 8 as part of the ceremonies that will precede four Convocations held on June 9 and 10 at Thompson Rivers University. “I am deeply honoured to have been selected Chancellor of Thompson Rivers University,” said Oppal to the Board of Governors. “I know of no other post-secondary institution in BC that is more innovative and creative in meeting the diverse needs of our province in the 21st Century. I am very excited and look forward to working with President Alan Shaver, the Senate and the university’s Board of Governors.” Nancy Greene Raine was named as TRU’s first Chancellor in 2004 and served two three-year terms. The honorary head of the university, the Chancellor represents and bestows prestige on the institution and is a member of the Board of Governors and the University Senate. northof50.com 27
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WHITE
CALVIN
We Need the RCMP
When I was a highschool counselor and teacher, I often tried to bring in guest speakers who would be of high interest to the students. I wanted someone who would engage the students with meaningful topics, who would not just stand and talk at them, and who was real. Easily, the best speakers I ever brought in were members of the RCMP. This wasn’t just in one town, but in every town in which I taught. In Chetwynd, I remember a sergeant was asked if he had ever shot his gun at anyone. He said, no he hadn’t, and it scared him to imagine even having to point it at somebody. In Armstrong, a constable described how he had chased a man down the street in Vernon, tackled him, and was wrestling on the sidewalk trying to stop the man from grabbing the gun out of his holster. In Salmon Arm, a young female constable showed holds used to subdue a combatant. As well as making my classes exciting, all the officers who spoke to my students taught me a deep appreciation for the job they do. When people clamour for getting rid of the
RCMP because of the litany of complaints that have arisen in recent years, they are making an error in judgement. We need the RCMP and we need them as the national force they are now. There is absolutely no reason to think that provincial or municipal police forces would perform better. On the contrary, I can list several reasons why they would be less effective. Without going into detailed explanation: RCMP have national standards and national history; national scrutiny from every media in the country means more accountability and transparency; smart, young people attracted to policing join the RCMP because it’s the RCMP and they believe in that reputation. But, of course, we all know too well that there are grave problems within the RCMP. These need to be properly understood. I suspect that within almost every police force in the world there are similar egregious flaws. Because policing as an institution is based on power and the wielding of power , it will always display abuses of that capacity. Everywhere. So, we can shake our heads in shock and denunciation or turn our heads in denial. Or we can pay attention, evaluate wisely and affect changes. There are three main reasons why people want to become police officers. To have power and authority. To serve and protect. To have excitement. Thus, these ought to underlie all aspects of police training. As is, RCMP training, like all police training in Canada, is absolutely inadequate in terms of duration and content. There is no job more demanding and complex. Yet, someone has determined that six months is sufficient. In the past couple of decades, modern society has drastically changed: more sophisticated, more intense, faster, more complicated. No officer can possibly be prepared for the real job in six months. An ordinary university degree is four years. So, our officers are set up from the start to fail. Perhaps this is because those in charge of designing the training are the old guard who follow the dictum “It’s the way we’ve always done it.” For example, the cadets must not be effectively taught about power and how to handle that responsibility. The officers who tasered Robert Dziekanski at Vancouver airport and the young constable who kicked the head of Kelowna resident Buddy Tavares were not taught that force and power are sacred gifts given to them to only be used with wisdom and compassion. In fact, they are not taught about compassion. They were not involved in any
meaningful training designed to ensure they examine their own unmet needs with regard to power. The officers who caused the death of Vernon’s Chris Klim were not taught in their training what mental illness means and how gentleness and understanding is the appropriate response. The officers who abuse aboriginal men suffering from addiction are not taught about aboriginal culture sufficiently to give them a lens of awareness and respect which will counteract the racism they internalized from growing up in a Canada that has historically denigrated aboriginals. None of this happens because it is not on the radar of those with the authority of preparing our RCMP officers. Policing is a legal vocation and an enforcement vocation, but more crucially it is a people vocation. When that is not the driving emphasis, the flaws and abuses in performance are inevitable. These are times of exponential change. The RCMP must soul search and rethink the realistic needs of their officers and the needs within detachment culture. Extend the Depot training, use the best educational methods, and cover the bases properly. As long as it takes. Within detachments, proactively begin the transformation of the existing culture. Move from macho, role playing, code based self-protective attitudes to ones that emphasize service, openness, warmth, and being human. Genuine strength has no problem with such a shift. Calvin White is a retired high school counsellor who lives in the North Okanagan. He has over 70 essays published in various Canadian daily newspapers, including the Globe and Mail, the Ottawa Citizen, Toronto Star, Vancouver Sun and Province. If you have any comments on this column, you can write to Calvin White at calvinwhite@northof50.com or to Calvin White c/o North of 50°, Box 100, Armstrong, BC V0E 1B0
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northof50.com 29
STAYCATIONS
51° 38’ 51 N
A staycation is a bit like being a tourist in your own town. Instead of travelling afar for a vacation, you stay home and relax, taking day trips close to home. Living in the Thompson Okanagan is a bonus for staycationers, considering all there is to do here. Plan your staycation just like you would a regular vacation. Set a time and date for your ‘departure’. Buy a local guidebook. Go on a winery tour. Spend a day at the beach. Have dinner out. Visit a museum or art gallery. Check out one of the world class ski hills in the Thompson Okanagan. Experience live theatre. Attend a musical festival or sports event. Find a new hiking trail. The trick to enjoying a staycation is to make sure you do what you would do if you were on vacation: relax and explore!
Something’s brewing in BC’s Wine Country Blessed with lush valleys and premier growing conditions, the Thompson Okanagan is prime stomping grounds for award-winning winemakers. But theirs aren’t the only offerings collecting hardware for their craftsmanship. Or drawing the masses for a few celebrated sips. During the 2011 Okanagan Fest-of-Ale, April 8 – 9, brew masters and their fervent fans will flock to Penticton for an annual celebration of all things ale, drawing draughts from North American producers — great (Regional manufacturers the likes of Granville Island Brewery) and small (Microbreweries and Brewpubs, including Cannery Brewing Company and Crannóg Ales). Set to gather new generation brewers and long-established producers, the festival spotlights tastings, insightful presentations and local menus paired with pours, all backed by a steady thrum of live music. Some local lagers worthy of a cheer? Blow the froth off a Killer Bee Dark Honey or a Thirsty Beaver Amber Ale, or hoist a tall, cold Cannery Blackberry Porter or Certified Organic Backhand of God Stout. Each worthy of its own gold-medal status. www.fest-of-ale.bc.ca Spring Lake Ranch wrangles winter adventurers For the Barkowsky clan, year-round adventure is a family affair, complete with one heck of a backdrop. Namely a 4,000-hectare (10,000-acre) meadow- and forest-fringed playground, punctuated by Spring Lake Ranch’s goldenhued log cabins set against its namesake lake. But the view isn’t the only al fresco wonder to inspire in this rolling 30 northof50.com
Cariboo Country north of 100 Mile House. Here, when the temperature drops, the adventure heats up, with crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and skiing at nearby Mt. Timothy. You can even lace up and gather the gang for a spirited game of hockey on the ranch’s lake arena, or burrow under a blanket during a horse-drawn winter wagon ride. Summers prove no less tempting, with warm weather months signalling leisurely outings, including hiking, canoeing, fishing, and, of course, an opportunity to sit high in the saddle with afternoon tours on the trail. Post-adventure, fuel the fire with home-cooked fare, and kick back in the comfort of Spring Lake’s cabins. With accommodation geared for just 30 people, you’ll have ample opportunity to reconnect with the family. And get back in the saddle. www.springlakeranch.com
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Fast Forward into Spring Dummy Downhills. Pond Skimmings. Retro Days. Spring Breaks. Last Stands. Even if the prospect of trading in fleece and long johns for T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops glimmers with sunny attractiveness, no one wants to bid adieu to winter. That’s why snow sport resorts across BC sugar coat the inevitable with an array of fun-filled spring thaw events. Look no further than Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s Dairyland Milk Run, March 22. Here, the objective is straightforward enough: over the course of a day, ski every run in your ability level. Beginners challenge the greens, more-advanced add the blues, while ultimate riders hit all 60 runs on the mountain. Amped skiing and boarding in rail jams and slopestyle contests light your fire? Barbecues and beer gardens beckoning? Then make your way to Silver Star Mountain Resort’s Showdown Throwdown Hoedown, March 26 - 27. For a change in pace, point your compass to Golden, where Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is set to stage the Dogtooth Dash, March 26 – 27. This first-ever North American Open Ski Mountaineering Championship is a spectator-friendly event that combines all elements of ski touring — climbing, hiking, and, the best part, schussing downhill — on a cloverleaf course spread across a trio of alpine bowls. As sunshine warms Northern BC valleys, skiers and boarders in Smithers celebrate ever-lengthening spring days by scaling Hudson Bay Mountain 18 times to make turns on runs off the Skyline chairlift as part of the Valhalla Everest Challenge, March 27. That’s the equivalent of topping out on the world’s tallest peak, 88,400 metres (29,003 feet) in all — one sweet day’s worth of downhilling to crown the season. www.mountwashington.ca; www. skisilverstar.com; www.kickinghorseresort.com; www. hudsonbaymountain.com
“From the first hole to the 18th hole the journey along your course was such a pleasure and a treat. Course conditions were impeccable and course layout was awesome. All in all this was one of the best golf experiences I've had in a long, long time.”
“Nothing else... plays like this!” Get your season passes now! Toll Free 866.431.3285 6015 Shaw Road, Salmon Arm, BC V1E 2W2 GPS N50.65572 W119.21575
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AWAY FROM HOME 53° 19’ 59 N
EXPERIENCE A BRILLIANT ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN IRELAND
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On 17 March, St Patrick’s Day, every Pablo, Pierre, and Petya around the globe will gladly become Paddy for the day as the world celebrates its common affection for the Emerald Isle. And where better to really feel the excitement than at the epicentre of the global vibrations – Ireland. A sea of green faces throngs the streets of Dublin. A parade of huge guinea pigs, cats in bowler hats and giant insects passes through the city to the beat of marching drums and the cheers of 650,000 spectators. It may sound like the beginning of a science fiction movie – but it’s actually just a typical St Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
outdoor céilí, an opportunity for everyone to try a bit of traditional Irish dancing through the streets of Dublin in the biggest dance event of the year.” Among other highlights of the festival is a performance by one of Ireland’s most renowned and accomplished musicians, Sharon Shannon, on Saturday 19 March in the National Concert Hall in Dublin. Sharon’s unique ‘Galway Girl’ style of accordion playing fuses traditional Irish music with a multitude of musical genres and has brought her worldwide fame. Across the country
Ireland’s national day is the high point of the year and the country throws its heart, soul, imagination and renowned love of a party into the celebrations. Visiting the Emerald Isle at this most ‘green’ of times (often even the beer and rivers are dyed green) offers the unique opportunity to enjoy an extravaganza of music, film, arts, dance, culture and fun, based in Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, but resonating across the entire island. The 2011 St Patrick’s Day festivities promise to surprise and delight on many levels. Dublin’s four-day St Patrick’s Festival will kick off with a spectacular parade on Thursday 17 March, which this year will be inspired by the city’s recently acquired title as a UNESCO City of Literature. Verena Cornwall, Creative Director of St Patrick’s Festival, explains: “This year’s parade theme will be a short story specially written for the event by acclaimed Irish author Roddy Doyle, which celebrates the Irish people’s resilience and great sense of humour. “Each chapter of the story, ‘Brilliant’ will be used as inspiration by a specific pageant. The parade will also feature street theatre troupes, artists, dancers and marching bands from Ireland and across the globe. It will be quite a unique experience.” The Festival will also include ‘DublinSwell’ an evening of celebrating Dublin’s status as a UNESCO City of Literature when some of Ireland’s best loved names from literature, music, film and theatre, including Roddy Doyle and Joseph O’Connor, will come together to pay homage to the city’s literary heritage. Says Verena: “St Patrick’s Festival will be packed with entertaining, inspiring, quirky, fun and interactive events. One of the highlights is always the popular afternoon
The St Patrick’s Day celebrations are of course not confined to Dublin. Across the island in every city, town and village, people will be marking the day – and not just with the traditional ‘drowning of the shamrock’ (raising a glass or two in honour of St Patrick). Cork, Limerick and Sligo will each hold four-day festivals featuring an eclectic range of events from street theatre to modern art and bluegrass music. In Sligo the focus is on food and the SÓ Sligo Food & Cultural Fest 2011 will open with the Banquet of the Year on the 17 March and continue for four days of lively street entertainment, farmers market, foraging trails and food demonstrations from world-class chefs. And in the south east of Ireland Wexford will host on 19 March the 2011 National Lottery Skyfest firework spectacle, which will light the skies above the ancient Viking town in a dazzling display of pyrotechnic brilliance choreographed to a mesmerising soundtrack. Who was St Patrick? Those who want to uncover the story of the man behind the festivity should head north where they can follow his footsteps along St Patrick’s Trail. The fascinating Trail links 30 sites around counties Down and Armagh in Northern Ireland that all have strong connections to this most famous of saints and offer an insight into Ireland’s fascinating cultural and religious past. Key stops along the trail include the North Down Museum, an important Christian heritage site, which attracts pilgrims from around the world. The medieval town of Downpatrick with its magnificent cathedral is St Patrick’s burial place and also boasts a modern homage to the island’s patron saint northof50.com 33
in the shape of St Patrick’s Centre. This stunning visitors’ centre presents an interactive journey through the saint’s life, retold in his own words, and is one of the top tourist destinations in Ireland. The final stop on St Patrick’s Trail is the elegant city of Armagh, the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland for 1,500 years, adorned by twin cathedrals – one Catholic, one Church of Ireland. Here too, at the St Patrick’s Trian centre, the visitor can uncover the life and work of St Patrick as told in the magnificent ninth century manuscript ‘The Book of Armagh’, one of Ireland’s most precious historical documents and currently housed in the Library of Trinity College Dublin. Soul to soul For a soul experience of a non religious kind, music fans can take in one of the twentieth anniversary gigs by famed Irish band The Commitments. The band, created in the hit 1991 movie of the same name to “bring soul music to the people of Dublin” is preforming for four highly anticipated gigs across Ireland in St Patrick’s week. Around the world With 70 million people around the world considering themselves Irish or of Irish descent it is not surprising that St Patrick’s Day is celebrated across the globe. From the United States to Russia, from Canada to Australia, France to Argentina and even in Japan and the Caribbean island of Montserrat, people will be donning a shamrock pin and toasting their Irish heritage. This year the global festivities will include the ‘greening’ of the London Eye and other iconic buildings around the world, creating a vivid visual backdrop to the annual celebrations. The worldwide phenomenon that is St Patrick’s Day is quite an achievement for a tiny island with a population of just six million and is testament to the influence of the Irish diaspora, which has taken the country’s love of a song, a dance, a well turned phrase and a bit of ‘craic’, coupled with a fierce national pride, to every corner of the world. And it’s quite an achievement for St Patrick too, who, when he was bringing religion to the island would never have believed that his legacy would include not just the deeply held Christian faith of the Irish but a great excuse for a global party. 34 northof50.com
RAILWAY TALES TRAIN TALK By Jack Godwin
“We’d just pulled the drag off the High Iron onto two streaks of rust, but she hung over. I was up ahead bending the rails, the Hoghead was on the ground greasing the pig, the Tallow Pot was up on the tank cracking diamonds. The Con was in the Dog House flipping his tissues and the rear Shack was cooling a red hub when the streak of varnish came around the bend. The Eagle Eye seen us, and threw her in the big hole.”* Confused, gentle reader? Every work situation has its own particular slang and steam railroading was no exception. *TRANSLATION – “Our heavy freight train had entered a passing track but was too long to clear the mainline. I went forward to throw the switch at the other end of the siding. The engineer was walking around lubricating the bearings and the fireman was up on the tender breaking up coal. The conductor was in the caboose reading his train orders and the flagman was dealing with an overheated wheel bearing when a passenger train came around the curve. Its engineer saw us and threw the emergency brake.” Much of rail terminology is deeply embedded in the language we speak from “get on board’ with an idea, to any failure being described as “a train wreck”. To illustrate how pervasive train talk is, here’s an example with which you’re probably NOT familiar. In the mid-1880’s the Fall Brook Coal Company Railroad sought to develop an alternative to instant dismissal for employees caught breaking company rules. Due to the rapid expansion of rail service at that time experienced employees were hard to find and “second chances” were the order of the day. George Brown was the company supervisor who came up with a system of points for infractions. If you amassed sixty of Mr. Brown’s points you got fired. (Trainmen would offer as an excuse for why they couldn’t get caught playing poker in the caboose the fact that they were “packing fifty” points.) Other rail lines quickly adopted the system. In our day and age “Brownie Points” have been transformed into something positive rather than negative, but the expression itself is as old as train talk. The song “Train Talk” by The Kettle Valley Brakemen is available on the CD “Train Talk”. To discover more about the group including concert schedules, other CDs and bookings please visit www.kvbrakemen.com
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Positions Available: 1. Part-time Editor 2. Freelance Writers 3. Outside Sales For details & how to apply please visit www.northof50.com
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“TURN LEFT WHERE THE BARN USED TO BE...” By Lise Simpson
I ran into about five friends, and the cashier greeted me by name and asked me if my son was going to the high school dance. We then went to the video store, where the clerk noted that I had coloured my hair (she liked it). By this time my friend was speechless.
These were the instructions we received fourteen years ago when, new to Armstrong, we were trying to find a house that was for sale. To us these directions seemed completely ridiculous, but the owner of the house, not knowing we were newcomers, thought they were perfectly sufficient. Naturally my husband was far too manly to phone the fellow back and get better directions, but let’s save that topic for a future column, shall we? All these years later, we get it. We get the sense of belonging that comes from knowing where the red barn used to be. We get the aversion to using correct streets names, preferring instead to say “you know, right where Sam’s brother always parks his old blue pick-up”. It’s like belonging to a club, and it’s the best kind of club...we belong to our community. Small town life suits us just fine. I submit as evidence: a friend recently visited from the Coast, and she and I went for a huge walk with the dog. After awhile she said, “How have you possible gotten to know everybody? Everyone who drives by is waving.” I explained that I didn’t know all those people – they were just giving us the polite country salute, the raising of the hand over the steering wheel, just saying “hey”. She replied “in Burnaby, if someone I didn’t know gave me a wave like that, I’d be concerned about their intentions.” I thought that was a pretty sad insight into living in Burnaby. Later that day we went shopping at the local grocery store. 36 northof50.com
True, this lack of anonymity can have its downside. If you’ve got dark secrets, you’d better bury them deep. The day you hit the grocery store in your tattered sweatpants and unkempt hair will be the day you run into every single person you know. Plant the wrong crop at the wrong time, and be prepared for that to be public knowledge in under an hour. The mother of the little brat who fought with your son in preschool will turn out to be your teller at the local bank, and won’t that be a tad awkward? But in my mind, the upside outweighs the downside by a New York mile. A dear friend recently lost his Dad unexpectedly, and the love and support that came pouring out of this community could move mountains. Gerald could feel it every day, could see it propping up his Mom during an otherwise unbearable time. He saw it when folks dropped by with flowers or food or cards or just a shoulder to lean on, and he saw it when hundreds of friends attended the church service. Awhile ago I was driving with my son and a bunch of his friends. We found ourselves in a traffic jam – a whopping six or seven cars waiting to turn left onto the highway, delayed by a slow-moving tractor. I said, “You know you’re from a small town when a traffic jam is caused by a tractor”. Our friend Michael leaned forward to view the situation, and he corrected me. “You know you’re from a small town when you know the guy driving the tractor. That’s my uncle.” Love it. Love it. Love it. I would not trade it for any postal code. (With thanks to Michael and Gerald Luttmerding) Lise Simpson has lived with her family in Armstrong for 14 years, and would not return to the Coast for any sum of money in any global currency. She is a terrible poker player, and becomes alarmingly agitated if delivered late to an airport. She enjoys pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain
IT’S YOUR WORLD
Make Haste Slowly By Bob Harrington
There is an old Chinese proverb which says: “We live by holding hands.” This is true for humanity as we know that the goods we use, the foods we eat and the customs we have are a blend of worldwide products, climates and traditions. It becomes a bit more profound, perhaps, to say that the proverb extends not only to mankind but to all of nature – for it reminds us again of the interdependency of all living things. A humorous but classic observation of interdependency was made by Charles Darwin, who observed that there was a relationship between bees, clover, mice, cats and the number of old maids in England. As he expressed it, a good clover crop was dependent on the service of bees for pollination, but bees were eaten by mice. Since old maids reputedly kept cats, the cats would keep mice under control, thereby permitting more bees to be active in the important job of pollination. The humorous aspect of this was further enlarged by observers who pointed out that the strength of the British Navy in turn might be dependent on the clover crop, since a good clover crop meant a larger supply of “bully beef” for sailors, possibly adding to their effective fighting prowess. We can of course dismiss such observations with a scoff, but there have been too many other observations such as the “kingdom lost for want of a horseshoe nail” to remind us that “little things” do indeed mean a lot.
chain is the soil, producing and nourishing grass. The grass nourishes the beef animal, and in time it nourishes us. Note that in the interest of this particular chain, the buffalo has been displaced, the prairie dog town has virtually vanished; the coyote, wolf, the native prairie, the sandhill crane, the curlew and countless other animals, large and small, have been affected. We are satisfied (to a point) with this relationship and the alteration of natural environment, so we say it is “good.” Look at another food chain and expand it a bit and see if it is as easy to judge good and bad. In eastern forests there are many leaf-shedding trees. Larvae (caterpillars) of some moth species feed on the leaves when they are green and succulent. Mice of at least two kinds feed on the larvae of the moths. Mice, in their turn, are eaten by hawks. We can call this a leaf, moth, larvae, mouse, hawk food chain. Let’s say that we declare trees to be “good” because they produce lumber. The larvae eat leaves and perhaps retard growth in seasons of abundance, so we might tentatively say they are “bad.” Mice eat the larvae, so they must be “good.” But now we have to add another fact that mice sometimes eat seedling trees. Therefore mice might be “bad.” Where does that leave hawks? If mice are good because they eat larvae then hawks must be bad, but if mice are bad because they eat seedlings then hawks must be good.
The truth of the matter is that we live amidst a bewildering complexity of interrelationships and it is perhaps unfortunate that we often act to change natural conditions before we are fully aware of all the results that may accrue. The serious rodent problem that arises when foxes, coyotes, hawks and other predators are destroyed on range country is a single indication of our willingness to act without remembering the intricate food webs which have kept animal numbers in some sort of dynamic balance throughout the ages.
Unfortunately even with a continually more enlightened outlook, we are rank amateurs at assessing the merit of organisms which fit into complex relationships we only vaguely glimpse. Herein of course lays the danger of our readiness to act before we comprehend. We face the staggering problem of being technological giants with rudimentary understanding.
A look at even a simple food chain or two will enable us to have some idea of the difficulty of making an evaluation. Since food relationships in a community can be compared to links in a chain, we can think of a simple relationship we have developed in our own interest. We can call it the “soil, grass, cow, man food-chain.” At the bottom of this
Check out Bob’s latest book, The Soul Solution: The Need for a Theology of the Earth with a foreword by Dr. David Suzuki
Indeed, we need remember the old Latin admonition – Festina Lente, or, “Make haste, slowly.”
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HEALTH MATTERS
BRAIN FITNESS
So when these three individuals learned about a 6 week Brain Fitness class to be held in Salmon Arm, they each signed up. The Brain Fitness course was designed by Dr. Dawn Benson and Hanne McKay, two highly qualified educators who have been passionate about understanding how the brain works throughout their careers. As classroom teachers and then school administrators they often presented workshops together about the importance of the latest brain research on student learning.
Dr. Dawn Benson and Hanne McKay have studied brain research for many years and are now offering a six week course to teach participants how to improve their brain health. Photo supplied. If you are over the age of 50 you have probably cracked a joke about having a “senior moment?” You may find yourself saying, “My brain is just not like it used to be” or “I just can’t remember names any more.” Though we joke, one of biggest concerns for seniors is mental decline. Sixty four year old Peter Reed had begun to feel his memory was slipping. He often misplaced his keys and sometimes returned home from the grocery store without the items he needed because somehow – between home and the store – he’d misplaced his list! Dorothy Snow, also in her sixties, was still working and felt her memory was pretty good. However, she noticed that some of her friends were becoming more forgetful and she wanted to keep her memory sharp for as long as possible. Retired teacher Joanne, had been interested in “the brain” since her early university years. She was always on the lookout for the most up-to-date books and information about brain research and implications for the aging brain. 38 northof50.com
For the past decade, an increased use of PET scans and MRI’s had confirmed that the brain can change and continue to grow new neurons throughout life. Benson and MacKay decided to come together to do a thorough search of the findings on Brain Fitness and Health. Their goal was to review programs and find the most effective methods for brain health. As part of their studies they also completed coursework on Brain Fitness for the Older Adults through the American Senior Fitness Association. From their studies, reading and research their Brain Fitness program was conceived. The first six week session was held in Salmon Arm last October with a full class, ranging in age from late 40’s to one bright-eyed soul who had just turned 90! Couples attended together and several men came on their own providing a comfortable mix of male and female brains. Each class had a different theme focused on various aspects of what Benson and McKay call “The Daily Brain Fit Five,” which consist of Movement, Mental Stimulation, Managing Stress, as well as the right Sustenance (Nutrition) and Socialization (easier to remember as the 3M’s and 2S’s). The course includes brain games, breathing exercises, nutritional information, mental stimulation and stress management accompanied by physical movements that increase blood flow to the brain. A variety of guest speakers and topics regarding successful aging and brain health made each session lively and stimulating.
Besides up-to-date brain research information, everyone enjoyed a brain-friendly snack at the break. Brain teasers for homework were optional, but almost everyone took one. Guest speakers had the class skiing with Wii Fitness, quietly moving with some gentle Tai Chi, and energetically dancing the Zumba. One senior called the course, “Inspiring, uplifting, fun and healthy: A fine balance to the stuff going on in the world today.” Feedback from other participants showed that the course inspired them to take positive brain-health action. Whether drinking more water, exercising more frequently or focusing on better nutrition, the course served as an impetus for positive change. “Before they knew that, but now they do that!” says MacKay. Joanne’s feedback from the course stated: “I now pay more attention to memory and use ‘tricks’ or ‘hooks’ to help with remembering names. The Brain Fitness instructors were thorough in combing through the immense research and sharing their findings in such an engaging manner. I was expecting what I got from their course when I went to University in the 60’s but of course there wasn’t the brain research then like we have now. I’m a busy person and it was so nice to have someone else do all the research and I was able to just take their course! I have come to realize that Brain Fitness is not just a topic for seniors but an aspect of fitness that pertains to young adults as well as those in retirement. My investment in this course is being returned via many brain fit ‘dividends’!” For further information about brain fitness courses this spring in Salmon Arm or Salt Spring see www.Goldmindsbrainfitness.ca
Can a Workday Nap Increase Employee Productivity? Catching a few ZZZs at work can be beneficial to your health and reduce sick days.
“Seinfeld” character George Costanza may have had the right idea when he had a custom-built bed installed under his desk at his Yankee Stadium office. New research indicates falling asleep on the job actually may be good for employees, not merely grounds for firing. Many people have already heard about the benefits of power naps. They can boost alertness and brainpower. They also can be a boon to people who are not getting enough sleep at night. The American Academy of Sleep reports that most people do not get enough sleep. Power naps can be just what they need. Many companies are recognizing the benefit of power naps and encouraging workers to catch a quick snooze. Some offer reclining chairs or renewal rooms. Others give workers the opportunity to unfold a nap mat -- pre-school style -- and catch a few ZZZs on the floor. According to a 2007 study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who take daily 30-minute naps are 37 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who don’t nap. Naps also may boost immune system response, leading to workers who are sick fewer times and less likely to have to take personal days for illnesses. Some companies that don’t have space for napping set up arrangements with spas for discount packages in relaxation rooms or napping areas. Allowing employees to take naps is an inexpensive option for businesses looking to boost employee performance and morale. It can also be a way for financially struggling companies to offer incentives to employees in lieu of pay raises. Workers who think that napping would be a positive addition to their company can petition higher-ups to allow napping on company time or during breaks and lunch hours. northof50.com 39
march
PARKSIDE ART GALLERY - 100 MILE HOUSE KAMLOOPS ART GALLERY kag.bc.ca
March 26 to May 28 - The Optimism of Colour: William Perehudoff, a retrospective. Curated by Karen Wilkin, The Optimism of Colour is the first comprehensive survey of Perehudoff’s entire career. The exhibition traces the evolution of his work from the early figurative and landscape works, which reflect his desire to enlarge upon the special character of his surroundings and his interest in Impressionist colour theory, to the radiant abstract paintings that established his international reputation. March 26 to May 28 - Ted Smith and A.Y. Jackson: Familiar Territory. Familiar Territory speaks to both our fierce sense of independence as a nation and the geographical characteristics that make Canada unique and brings together two important Canadian artists inspired by Canada’s natural beauty. PENTICTON ART GALLERY
pentictonartgallery.com
VERNON PUBLIC ART GALLERY vernonpublicartgallery.com
March 17 to May 19 - BYRON JOHNSTON, MUSIC... AUDIENCE...YOUSE in the Topham Brown Gallery. March 17 to April 14 - SD #22 High School Students, ART FROM THE HEART at the Caroline Gailbraith, Up-Front and Community Galleries.
March 11 to April 9 WATER IS LIFE at the Parkside Art Gallery, in Partnership with the Lower Bridge Creek Watershed Stewardship Society. Art that celebrates and explores the importance of water at a local level. April 15 - May 14 ARTSFEST 2011 which serves Artists from the Central Interior Region. For more information contact CIRAC Executive Director Thomas Schoen at tschoen@ lincsat.com for your “Call For Entry” package or go to www.cirac.ca/LinkClick.asp x?fileticket=JsWYkrlW7u4% 3d&tabid=55&mid=374
KELOWNA ART GALLERY
ARTS HAPPENING
kelownaartgallery.com
Now to March 13 - Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas ~ Red: A Haida Manga. Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas challenges native stereotypes through illustrative story telling. The stories of the trickster Raven, as told by Yahgulanaas, are what most people would call comics, and they are fun, humorous and sometimes rude. Yahgulanaas takes traditional Haida stories and turns them into manga (Japanese style comics).
Now to June 12 - JASMINE REIMER: 1000LBS, 3 DAYS. Vancouverbased artist Jasmine Reimer is interested in the human body and how our culture’s largely sedentary lifestyle encourages obesity. Exacerbated by long hours in office chairs, some people’s bodies suffer and succumb to the stress under which they are placed day after day. For her installation in our Dysfunctional Chairs series Reimer explores the virtual colonization of the corpulent, strained body by the standard office chair. Using fragments of discarded office chairs paired with sand-filled fabric forms, Reimer creates weirdly provocative sculptures, visceral visual metaphors for the way many of us feel at the end of the week at our desks working on a computer.
April 2 to 16. Barb’s Used Book and Music Sale, the Kamloops Symphony’s semi-annual fundraising event at Sahali Mall. The huge 5000 square foot space opposite the main mall entrance has once again been donated by Sahali Mall. Donations of good quality used books of all kinds, sheet music, records, DVDs, CDs, musical instruments or any other related items can be dropped off at the Sahali Mall administration office from now until the sale ends. Doors open at 9:30 am April 13. RIVERDANCE, the thunderous celebration of Irish music, song and dance that has tapped its way onto the world stage thrilling millions of people around the globe, will play one Performance only at the Interior Savings Centre. Ticket info at 250.374.9200
march
VERNON
KAMLOOPS
COMING EVENTS
KELOWNA
March 19. The Arrogant Worms will perform at Creekside Theatre, 10241 Bottom Wood Lake Road. So The Arrogant Worms provide tuneful and silly escapism for everyone who needs it. And if you think you don’t need it, well you’re wrong. You do. The Arrogant Worms know what’s best for you and what’s best for you is The Arrogant Worms $25 adults. Ticketing and/or registration info 250.766.9309
March 22, The Royal Winnipeg Ballet Company presents WONDERLAND at Kelowna Community Theatre. This trip down the rabbit hole packs just as much surreal fun, but has generous doses of wit, camp, nostalgia and emotional depth. Acclaimed choreographer Shawn Hounsell’s creative genius has transformed Wonderland into a multisensory experience, with edgy and engaging dance movements, an inventive electroacoustic soundscape and unexpected visual treats. Join Alice as she navigates Wonderland’s surprises in RWB’s newest creation. www.rwb.org/ wonderland. Tickets through www.ticketmaster.com
SALMON ARM
LAKE COUNTRY
March 3 to 10. Kamloops Canadian and International Film Festival at the Paramount Theatre. Films include Incendies, Lovers in a Dangerous Times, Lebanon, The Secret of Kells, Wasteland, The House of Branching Love, Oliver Sherman, How to Boil a Frog, The Illusionist, Trigger, Cole, One Big Hapa Family, Small Town Murder Songs, Made in Dagenham. Visit the Film Festival website for more info http://www.kamloopsfilmsociety.org/
March 18. St. Patrick’s Day with Cod Gone Wild at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre, 7 pm. The biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day this side of Ireland. Authentic bagpipes and Celtic drumming. Celtic dancing, rich vocal and choral arrangements and a Modern Celtic band that will have your body flailing uncontrollably throughout the evening. 250-549-SHOW (7469) March 29. The Music Man New York’s Windwood Theatricals is back at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre, with their latest rambunctious, full-scale musical production. Winner of Five Tony Awards including Best Musical, The Music Man follows the fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill impressing flashy and exuberant ideas on small-town USA. Enjoy the laughter and adventure as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying musical instruments and uniforms for a marching band that he, despite not knowing a trombone from a treble clef, vows to organize. Ticketseller.ca Sunday, March 6. ‘Canadian Mining Company Practices: How They Threaten Indigenous Rights and the Environment,’ an illustrated talk by Johann Funk, retired sociology professor who has worked with Christian Peacemaker Teams, Sunday, March 6, 2 pm at First United Church in Salmon Arm (450 Okanagan Ave.) The talk will focus on Canada and Colombia where Christian Peacemaker Teams supports Indigenous rights through accompaniment, non-violence training, and lobbying. Public program sponsored by the Salmon Arm KAIROS Committee, a branch of the national KAIROS Coalition of 11 churches. For more information: Ray or Anne Morris 250.833.5773.
Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 pm is BLARNEY TIME! Shuswap Theatre’s Improv Group will provide the entertainment for this hilarious evening. Doors open at 6:00pm so you may enjoy a glass of green beer and other treats. Festive music, fun and shenanigans. Admission is $5 at the door. To volunteer or for more information, contact Monica at pr@shuswaptheatre.com or 250-833-6100.
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March 22 to 26, EL MARIACHI (Los Dorados) – Mariachi Band Tours Thompson / Okanagan. Ken Smedley & The George Ryga Centre are pleased to present “An Evening In Ol’ Mexico” with a “fiesta” of music from EL MARIACHI- (Los Dorados)! EL MARIACHI is a festive musical ensemble that will literally transport audiences into the warmth and joy of Mexican culture. EL MARIACHI is anchored by former Interior/Okanagan resident Terence “Diego” Smedley-Kohl (son of Ken Smedley and Dorian Kohl). As a child, growing up in Mexico, Diego was greatly influenced by Mariachi music. As an adult, it is a true thrill for him to perform in a “mariachi band” EL MARIACHI (Los Dorados), and to be a part of that band touring the Interior/Okanagan. Showtimes at the following venues. Tuesday, March 22 at Sagebrush Theatre, Kamloops, Tickets at Kamloops LIVE Box Office 250.374.LIVE. Wednesday, March 23 at Salmon Arm Art Gallery, Tickets at Acorn Music 250.832.8669. Thursday, March 24, at Zion United Church Hall, Armstrong, Tickets at The Brown Derby, 250.546.8221. Friday, March 25, at Kal Lake Campus Theatre, Vernon, Tickets at The BookNook 250.558.0668. Saturday, March 26 at Centre Stage Theatre, Summerland, Tickets at Martin’s Flowers, Summerland 250.494.5432 and The Dragon’s Den, Penticton 250.492.3011. Full Tour Info: www.ryga.org, All show times 8 pm
March 19. Steve Dawson, an accomplished Canadian guitarist and multi-instrumentalist, will perform at the Dream Cafe. Specializing in slide and fingerstyle guitar, pedal steel, lap steel, banjo and other stringed instruments, he is in-demand as a live performer, session musician, and producer. Steve is a fabulous player. He is a producer & collaborator of many musical delights, one being his Mississippi Sheiks Tribute project. You may have seen him playing with Jim Byrnes but he will delight you with his own music and trio. www.stevedawson.ca. Call 250.490.9012 for info
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Your tax-deductible gift to Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation will support health care needs for residents living in the North Okanagan, Columbia/Shuswap. For more information call (250) 558-1362 or visit www.vjhfoundation.org
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Community Events ANGLEMONT The 2011 Pig and Whistle Production of GOLD FEVER is fast approaching. The Anglebay Entertainers will present their 20th Show at the Lakeview Centre in Anglemont, April 27, 28, 29, 30 May 4, 5 and 7th. GOLD FEVER showcases the Gold Rush of 1865. The Anglebay Entertainers will take you by paddle wheeler and mule train to the gold fields in the Caribou. Will they find fame and fortune or Fools’ Gold? Some matinees and evening performances. Tickets are $12.50. Tickets are available by contacting Lorrie at 250.955.0835 or e-mail schrader@airspeedwireless.ca, or at Scotch Creek SuperValu. ENDERBY March 5th the Seed Savers will be hosting their 17th annual Seed Swap and Sale at the A.L.Fortune School in Enderby from 10 am to 3 pm. There will be vendors selling garden seeds, wool products, honey, soap, garlic and many more products. Several displays of information by Seeds of Diversity, U.S.C. Canada and other organizations will also be there. A silent auction will be held. The bidding closes at 2 p.m. In the theatre: Lectures on “Water Purification” by Burt Cohen, “Harmonic Farming” by Werner Gysi, “Where are Your Garden Seeds Coming From” by Herman Drescher, “Shuswap Heritage Seed Bank” by Sarah Bradshaw, “GMOs A Threat to Food Security and Human Health?” by Heide Osterman. At 2:00 p.m. the DVD “Fresh” will be shown. Admission $3.00. Free for students and children. 250.832.2355 or 250.838.6581. Kamloops Dance to the music of the Kamloops Old Time Fiddlers Saturday March 5th and 19th, 7:30 to 10:30 pm at Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street. Members $ 6.00, non-members $ 7.00. Everyone is welcome. 250.376.2330. The Kamloops Family History Society meets 4th Thursday of each month at Heritage House, 100 Lorne St, 7-9 pm (Sept to May). Guests and new members are welcome. 250.579.2078. Weekly community-wide Flea Markets with numerous vendors and up to 50 tables of unique gently-used items for sale! Admission is by donation. Every Sunday from 8am to 1pm. Phone 250.376.4777 for table rentals. North Shore Community Centre, 730 Cottonwood Ave. Community Dinners, Enjoy the excellent cooking of Gord Fryer of Fatman’s Catering as he makes wonderful homecooked meals for buffet supper! Dinner tickets are $10 each
and should be picked up in advance at 730 Cottonwood Ave. These Community Dinners are open to all and feature live entertainment, 50/50 draws, door prizes and more! Sunday, March 6 and Tuesday, March 29 at 5pm. Antiques & Collectibles Sale at the North Shore Community Centre, March 12 and 13. Over 50 tables of antiques & collectibles for the casual and the hard-core collector! Admission $4. Sat 9 to4 and Sunday 9 to3. Kelowna Kelowna Single’s Club Upcoming Dances are held at Rutland Centennial Hall, 180A Rutland Rd. N. Doors open 7:00 pm, Dancing 8:00 pm to midnight. Bar & Refreshments available. Light Lunch at 10:30 pm. Members $9.00. Non-members $12. Contact 250.763.1355 or 250.763.1867. Saturday March 19th, music by New Vintage / St. Patrick’s Dance. The Kelowna Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Society is holding a meeting and potluck lunch at the Winfield Senior’s Activity Centre, 9832,Bottom Lake Road, Winfield (next to the Arena) on Sunday, March 13th.Doors open at noon, lunch at 12.30pm. Please bring a gluten free dish or desert. Recipes welcome. Please bring plates and cutlery. Marie 250.763 .7159, or Katrina 250.546.3298. Kelowna Garden Club Monthly Meeting at 7:30 pm, March 9. Topic: The Answer Lies in the Soil with Speaker Sonja Peters, B.Sc, Researcher with CropHealth Advising & Research, Kelowna, will review the basics of organic matter, compost and soil microbes, and mulching practices. She will explain the three basic types of soil in the Kelowna area. Senior’s Centre, Branch 17, 1353 Richter Street. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME. Visitors and guests please pay $2.00 at the door. This is the first meeting of the year for the Kelowna Garden Club. Jean Dangerfield at 250.764.0620 or Linda Edser 250.769.6893, or visit www.kelownagardenclub.ca. OLIVER Beginner & Intermediate Line Dancing every Thursday 9 to 11 am. Join in for fun and exercise. Instructor Claire Denney. Oliver Senior Center 34452 95th St. Phone 250.498.6142. Card Games at the Oliver Senior Center, 34452 95th St. ‘’500’’ Mon & Fri at 1:00pm; Crib on Tuesdays at 7:00pm and Saturday at 1:15pm; Skat on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:00 pm; Bridge on Tuesdays at 1:00 pm; Bingo / Loonie Pot every Friday at 1 pm. 250.498.6142. northof50.com 43
Werner Gysi Opens Speaker Series in Vernon Capsule College returns on March 10 with a series of four Thursday morning talks around the theme of “Pursuing the Possible”. All speakers will address the dreams they hold for themselves and their communities, and how they are working for or have achieved change. The Speaker Series is a fund-raising event sponsored by the Canadian Federation of University Women, Vernon Branch with proceeds going to student scholarships at Okanagan College. The Spring Series begins Thursday March 10, 2011 at 9:30 am in the Halina Centre (in the Rec Centre, 37 Avenue, Vernon). The first talk on March 10 is by Werner Gysi, author of Harmonic Farming: Homesteading and A Family of Six at Sea. His books aim to inspire readers to become more enthusiastic about their own life and to live on their own terms. During his careers as an electronic engineer, business owner, sailor, teacher of science, apiarist, author, distributor, farmer and musician he noticed that dreams can come true. Join him to hear what he has to share and be prepared to laugh…and learn. On March 17, Aleksandra Dulic and Maggie Shirley from the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies at UBC Okanagan will share their recent work, a 3D game simulation, Future Delta: Experiencing Climate Change Through An Interactive Virtual World. Aleksandra’s artistic creations are exhibited internationally and in this one she combines climate change modeling, socioeconomic scenario analysis, and 3D modeling with sounds and images to make climate change science and solutions more real and understandable to a wider audience. On March 24, Sharon McCoubrey will address How The Arts Are Vital To Your Community. Sharon is President of the Arts Council of the Central Okanagan, Chairs the Lake Country Public Art Commission, Art Gallery Society, and ArtWalk. She will look at the social, intellectual, and sustainability issues related to the arts, and the benefits to individuals and communities. The final speaker on March 31 is David Kennedy, physician and counselor, who will speak on the Failure of the War on Drugs and Changes Needed. Admission to the Speaker Series is $7 per talk, $20 for the series, $4 for students, payable at the door. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information, call: Linda 250.503.2526 44 northof50.com
Communtiy Event listings are intended for non-profit sponsored and non-commercial events. We will list your event free of charge, space permitting. Please email details to info@ northof50.com or fax to 250.546.8914. Full Funeral Services •Pre-Arrangements Cremation • Memorial Markers Independently owned & operated
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Classified & Directory 1990 Ford F250, 7.3 diesel, 4x4, extended cab, 235,000 kms, recent tune-up, 1 extra set of winter tires on rims, $4000. 1994 Ford Tempo, 200,000 kms, extra set of winter tires on rims, $1000. 1999 Ford Taurus, GL, 160,000 kms, extra set of winter tires, $2700. 250.546.6208. Cash paid for silver coins. Paying 10 x face value. Buy old postcards, guns, bottles, tins, signs, traps, antiques, estates & collections. Phone 250.545.7140 or email sumas@shaw.ca. Maintain independance and peace of mind - MediPendant Medical Alert Service. New technology has greater range, wear outside or in shower. No contract. Rates as low as $19/ month. www.vnvs.ca or phone 1.877.566.8687. Metal detector, $5. Big MAX lamp, 300,00 candle power, $25. HP Deskjet printer, D4106, $40. Battery operated weed eater, $25. Paper shredder, $5. Phone 250.769.7735.
Christina McLean is feature artist for March at the old Courthouse Gallery, 7 West Seymour Street in Kamloops. Breathtaking florals in vibrant colours using colored pencils as her medium show the unique style of this self taught artist. An exciting exhibition to view the gallery also offers an array of local fine arts and crafts, handspun and dyed yarns, weaving, textile/fibre, jewelry, sculpture, pottery, glass art, knitting, stained glass, table art, hand-dyed silk scarves and paintings. No HST, handicap accessible. Open 10 to 5, Tues to Fri, 10 to 4, Sat. SUMMERLAND MUSEUM & HERITAGE SOCIETY Annual General Meeting, Wednesday, March 9th, 2011 at 7pm. “Words, Wit & Wisdom....My Life as a Writer” is the topic chosen by Susan McIver who will be be the Guest Speaker. It will be held at the Odd Fellows/Rebekah Hall at 9536 Main Street in Summerland. The General Public is welcome and admission is by donation. Refreshments will be served. 250.494.9395 or email info@summerlandmuseum.org
Round floral wool rug, 78” diameter, like new, was $1000, now $500. Phone 250.832.4019. Telex Active Noise Reduction Aviation Headset, brand new, never used. Includes carrying case and portable push-to-talk switch, $250. Phone 250.837.3741.
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Employment Opportunity Temporary Position Tax Preparer in Armstrong Small accounting / tax firm requires tax preparer with experience in Profile tax software. Five years experience. 30 hours per week. March 15 to April 30.
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Nightvision Monocular, brand new, $200. Phone 250.837.3741.
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