NOVEMBER 2016 FREE
Snowbirds
More and more migrate to South Okanagan www.oksun.ca
CONTENTS Tony retires at 50, but still seeks a rich woman
Page 20 PUBLISHER
ABERDEEN PUBLISHING INC. www.aberdeenpublishing.com
EDITOR
RICHARD MCGUIRE editor@oksun.ca
AD DESIGN
RONDA JAHN production@osoyoostimes.com
SALES
BRIAN HIGHLEY brianhighley@aberdeenpublishing.com
5
Spare some TIME for body and soul
6
Snowbirds find inspiration feeding world’s hungry
9
Snowbirds enjoy programs at Sonora Centre
10
Prairie snowbirds put down roots in Osoyoos
12
Salmon Run (photo feature)
14
White is dominant at Baldy Festival of Colours
17
Oliver graduate is now a medical student
20
Tony retires at 50, still seeks rich woman
“
23
Around Town events calendar
“I can see desert, a lake and mountains. There’s absolutely nothing better than sitting here in the sun, looking at the snow on top and not having to shovel.” - Bonnie Rhys, former Alberta snowbird now living in Osoyoos (Page 10) NOVEMBER 2016 FREE
CONTRIBUT0RS KELSI BISSONNETTE is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Instructor. She has been working in the fitness industry for 20+ years and has owned her own fitness studio.
Snowbirds
More and more migrate to South Okanagan www.oksun.ca
ON THE COVER Laura and Allen Hall, from Alberta, used to spend winters in Yuma, Arizona. With the exchange on the dollar, they now come to Oliver and volunteer at Okanagan Gleaners, where their good deeds accord with their Christian faith. (Richard McGuire photo) Page 6.
We welcome feedback from our readers. Send comments to editor@oksun.ca or mail to Box 359, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0, Telephone 250-4957225. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in whole or part by any means without the written permission of the publisher. While every care has been taken with this publication, the author(s) and publisher cannot be held responsible for any errors it may contain. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. © 2016 Aberdeen Publishing. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement. ISSN 2291-2991.
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Sun Sightings Caine Kruger of the Osoyoos Indian Band performs a men’s fancy dance at Festival of the Grape in Oliver at the beginning of October. He also performed two days earlier at the 10th anniversary celebrations for the Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre in Osoyoos. The centre is planning a major renewal (Richard McGuire photo)
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Instructor Kandice Davidson, right, watches as Marion Soames, Donnie Heaven and Ingrid Plattmann practise their techniques in the TIME program at Oliver Parks and Recreation. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Spare some TIME for body and soul By Lyonel Doherty
A small group of people in Oliver is taking advantage of TIME. Together in Movement and Exercise (TIME) has started up again at the Oliver Recreation Centre for people with neurological disorders, stroke or MS. Instructor Kandice Davidson said the program can help people improve their balance and mobility. The only prerequisite is that participants have to be able to cross a crosswalk independently (walkers are allowed). Donnie Heaven is one of the participants who swears by the program because it helps her reduce back pain. “I’m learning how to bend over, so my back doesn’t hurt as much.” Heaven said she is proud of herself for being able to work in her garden on her knees without getting a sore back when she gets up. She uses a technique called the “hip hinge” to avoid back pain. Davidson said some people struggle with getting out of their chairs, so at TIME they learn how to properly position their body before attempting to get up. “It’s changing bad habits to good habits,” Heaven pointed out. Davidson said the program can also help prevent falls by learning how to shift your weight. Participants also agree that the program helps build confidence in your movements. Davidson said people who apply these techniques at home find that these movements become a habit. The one-
hour class is held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m.
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Laura and Allen Hall, from Alberta, get onions ready for a machine that will chop them. They used to spend winters in Yuma, Arizona, but the dollar exchange made them look at the South Okanagan. There was snow on the ground when they left Alberta in mid-October. (Richard McGuire photo)
Snowbirds find inspiration, satisfaction feeding world’s hungry at the Gleaners By Richard McGuire In past winters, Allen and Laura Hall have left Alberta and driven to Yuma, Arizona for a little warmth. When the dollar exchange became less favourable, they looked at other options and last year they came to Osoyoos instead, camping at Island View RV Resort. But the Halls began volunteering at the Okanagan Gleaners just outside Oliver and they enjoyed the experience. So this year they’re back for about six months, volunteering their time to help feed the world’s hungry. “We’re here for the wintertime and donating our time at the Gleaners about three to four hours a day and learning a new trade,” said Allen, 67. They’ve been living in a recreational vehicle (RV) full time for the past 10 years, camping on an acreage near Alder Flats, Alta. during the summer and travelling south for the winter. When they left in mid-October, there was already snow on the ground. 6 www.oksun.ca
At the Gleaners, they have an RV site with hook-ups where they stay while volunteering. The Okanagan Gleaners is a Christian-based, non-denominational organization that takes surplus vegetables and fruit that might otherwise go to waste and turns it into dried soup mix to feed the world’s hungry. “I like this concept of taking the food that would go into the landfill sites and using it to feed the hungry,” said Allen, a devout Baptist. “It’s a wonderful thing.” He’s been dicing vegetables, working outdoors under a high canopy. First it was potatoes, but recently there have been a lot of onions, onions and more onions. “I don’t like onions to begin with, but we’re doing onions and as long as I have a little fresh air, I’m OK,” said Allen. Has he been shedding tears over the work? “Yes, every day,” he replies. “I was shedding tears before I came to see you.” Still, he has no hesitation in recommending the experience to other snowbirds who want to do something
Jenn Bate peels onions at the Okanagan Gleaners near Oliver. She researched volunteering experiences online before making her first trip west of Ontario. She wants to come back again. (Richard McGuire photo) meaningful with their time as they stay in a milder climate for the winter. Staying and working for Okanagan Gleaners, Allen said has helped him to get to know the Lord. “For those that are looking for a different way of life, this is the place to come,” he said. “You get to meet other people from different walks.” His wife Laura also describes the experience as fantastic. “It’s quite a blessing because we didn’t know about Gleaners until last winter,” she said, adding that she appreciates being able to help the world’s hungry, especially since there are relatively few hungry people in Canada compared to some other countries of the world. She also enjoys the temperate winter climate of the South Okanagan. And she enjoys the people she works with, including Okanagan Gleaners Manager Greg Masson. Laura peels vegetables and also does cleaning work. Unlike the Halls, who stumbled upon the Gleaners in the summer of 2015, Jenn Bate found them after extensive online research. The recently retired nurse from Richmond Hill, Ontario, had never before travelled west of her home province. But she wanted to travel with purpose, to take on a mission, to volunteer for something worthwhile. “I was looking for two months on the internet for what
would be a good fit for me,” says Bate, 57, who describes herself as an Evangelical Christian. “I was putting in hit words like ‘senior,’ ‘missions,’ ‘senior volunteer,’ ‘North America,’ ‘women,’ ‘RV.” Those are all the hits that I tried combinations of because I actually wanted to travel with purpose. I didn’t want to just travel randomly. I didn’t even know what part of Canada or North America I wanted to see. I wanted to have a central focus on where I could serve.” When she began her research, the wildfires of Fort McMurray, Alberta, were very much in the news. But she soon realized she wasn’t needed up there. When September came, she was an empty nester as her children were all away at school. And her husband was still busy working. This was her time to take a plunge into the adventure of retirement. “I wanted to taste test it because I know my husband would not want to travel this way,” she said, referring to the small van she’s living in. “I’m the trailblazer for us.” Nonetheless, he was supportive of her and helped her get the van ready, outfitting it with solar panels on the roof. “We actually bought it for me to travel and converted it so I can sleep and cook in it,” she said. Continued on Page 8 OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 7
She headed off in mid-September, embarking on a drive across Canada for her first time. “I hadn’t even seen Canada from Ontario to here,” she said. “So the six-day drive was stunning and it was a geography lesson for me.” Her first volunteer position was in Abbotsford where she worked at the Gleaners there for a month. Then, she arrived at the Okanagan Gleaners in mid-October. “It’s absolutely perfect timing for the Gleaners because the crowds and campers from the summer have left and now there’s lots of product and lots of opportunity to help them out here,” said Bate. Unlike the Halls, who are staying the entire winter, Bate plans to stay for four weeks. Then she’ll drive her van back to Ontario through the United States. She’s done a bit of everything working at the Okanagan Gleaners, though she says some of the jobs like operating the big dicing machine or the forklift are “not my department.” She too has spent a lot of time recently chopping onions, but she’s also worked with apples. “I had the wonderful opportunity, which I loved, of going to Summerland and picking apples from an organic farmer’s field,” she said. “About a dozen of us did that just last week.” The fruits and vegetables the Gleaners receive are donated by growers and packers by the tonne. Some of it is cosmetically flawed and some can’t be sold for other reasons, but all of it is good fresh or frozen food. The Gleaners cut and dry the food in industrial dryers and in the spring it’s combined into soup mixes and packaged and packed into drums. It’s then distributed by Christian aid organizations to needy people in destinations around the world.
Like the Halls, Bate also highly recommends the experience to others. “It’s outstanding,” she said. “I came in hopes of being a blessing to others and I have been blessed tenfold. I had no idea what awaited me when I came to both the Gleaner locations, let alone the geography location. My eyes have been opened too on so many levels. It has really enriched my life.” Bate said when she returns to Ontario, she wants to share the good of her experience and to encourage women, whether single or retired, to embrace this kind of travel. “I think there’s a lot of fear in the world through various sources and it has paralyzed people from embracing what the world has to offer,” she said. Bate said she would like to do something similar again, but next time she wants to bring others with her to share the experience. She also highly recommends the South Okanagan, much of which she hasn’t yet explored. The idea of retiring, becoming a snowbird and then going to work might seem strange to some – especially since many snowbirds prefer to golf, line dance or socialize over cards. But those who stay and volunteer their labour at the Okanagan Gleaners all say the experience is enjoyable, satisfying and that working to help others also makes them feel good. “I’m a nurse,” said Bate. “Anything working with my hands and with people is a great fit for me.” “I’ve been working since I was 11 years old,” said Allen Hall, who worked on farms before working in construction and taking on a 32-year career hauling propane. “I’ve never been out of a job. So whether it’s gratis or whatever, I just enjoy it. I have to do something.”
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Pickleball is very popular for seniors at the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos. (Richard McGuire photo)
Snowbirds enjoy programs at Sonora Centre By Richard McGuire Snowbirds are well represented among those taking part in programs for seniors during winter months at the Sonora Community Centre in Osoyoos. “We don’t do anything specifically for snowbirds,” said Sarah Dynneson, program supervisor with the Town of Osoyoos, who looks after programs at the facility. “Any of our programs that they wanted to participate in they could.” One of the most popular activities for snowbirds and seniors generally is pickleball, a racquet sport that’s less stressful on joints such as knees and ankles than related sports like tennis or squash. “It’s easy to learn the basics of it,” said Dynneson. “But it does take a while to hone your skills, so there is a challenge involved as well. You can continually be challenging yourself and getting better at it.” There’s also a social aspect to the sport, she said, and many of those participating used to play other racquet sports. The town offers pickleball workshops and there are many times when people can drop in to play pickleball in the gymnasium. But other activities geared to seniors are also popular
with snowbirds. There are fitness classes on weekday mornings from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m. And there’s also a Zumba program geared to seniors on Tuesdays from 4:40 to 5:30 p.m. The fitness classes are all offered on a drop-in basis, said Dynneson. There’s a cardio combo offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday and cardio strength interval training on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The cardio combo is not as intense and is perfect for beginners, she said. The interval training is a combination of cardio and strength training, but is a bit more intense than the cardio combo. Also popular for snowbirds – as well as others of all ages – is the weight room. Some pass options are better suited than others for snowbirds, who may only be in the South Okanagan for part of the year. “Most of the time when the snowbirds are coming and they get passes, it’s usually for a 10-punch pass or a one-month pass, depending on how long they are here for,” said Dynneson. Passes for three months, six months and annual are also offered. OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 9
Bonnie and Aubrey Rhys came to Osoyoos from the Prairies as snowbirds, but three years ago they put down roots. (Richard McGuire photo)
Prairie snowbirds put down roots in Osoyoos By Richard McGuire Some snowbirds like the South Okanagan so much that they decide to become year-round residents. That was the case for Bonnie and Aubrey Rhys, who spent a couple winters in Osoyoos before buying a home and settling permanently in 2013. Now Bonnie especially has become a key player at the Osoyoos Senior Centre, where she serves as vice president and participates in many activities. The couple spent many years living in Grande Prairie, Alberta. Bonnie moved there from Toronto at age 19 and Aubrey moved there from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia at age 30. When Aubrey, now 65, retired in 2009, the couple sold their place in Grande Prairie and decided to spend the winter at Lake Havasu, Arizona. They put their stuff into storage and decided to find another place for summers in Alberta when they got back. The place they chose was Sylvan Lake, just west of Red Deer, because it was a good central location between their four daughters, who were scattered around the province. They rented a condo. 10 www.oksun.ca
But during their second winter at Lake Havasu, Aubrey was struck by a major medical emergency that sent him to hospital. Although they had medical insurance, the insurance company found a loophole to deny his claim. A lawyer advised them that when it comes to insurance companies, it’s hard to win. The experience cost them about $200,000 in medical bills and it meant that Aubrey would not be able to get insurance for stays in the U.S. again. Even for those who don’t have an experience like Aubrey’s, it gets expensive for seniors to get insurance as they get older and as they get into their mid-80s, it becomes virtually impossible. So the ability to winter in a warmer climate without leaving Canada makes the South Okanagan very attractive for many seniors, allowing them to avoid the problem of medical insurance. In 2011, the couple decided to spend six months of the long Prairie winter at Destiny Beach Resort in Osoyoos instead. And they loved it here. The following winter, they were back in Osoyoos, this time staying at the Watermark Beach Resort. And once again, they loved it. They arrived at the beginning of Oc-
tober and returned to Alberta at the end of March. Sometime around then, a realization struck them. Why were they renting a condo in Sylvan Lake for six months of the year when they liked it so much in Osoyoos? “When we left the Watermark, we decided to go back, finish our lease at the condo, put our stuff in storage and come back for the winter and find a place to buy,” said Aubrey. They ended up not even waiting until winter. Bonnie searched online and found a place on Gala Cresent for the couple to rent. They moved down in July and rented for a year. Then they bought a home at Casitas del Sol, a gated community complex near the Osoyoos industrial park and they’ve been living there ever since. Back in April of 2013, they sent a letter to the Osoyoos Times raving about Osoyoos and announcing their decision to move there permanently in the fall. “We have travelled this great country of ours extensively, as well as many places in the United States,” they wrote. “Also, we have experienced the cultures of Mexico, Great Britain, Europe and Central America. By far Osoyoos offers the environment that we prefer to spend our latter years in... The residents here are friendly and helpful, the local merchants are friendly and warm and the town council appears to be doing a great job.” They were especially impressed by the cleanliness of the town. Bonnie said she found it hilarious that the town puts a little gravel or sand out when it snows and then later sweeps it up. “We got plowed twice a year in Grand Prairie,” she said. “You back out of your driveway and get into the ruts until you’re on the road.” They love the Osoyoos climate. Bonnie, who is asthmatic, finds the dry heat of the summer especially suitable. “That’s why we used to go to Arizona,” said Aubrey. “This is an ideal spot because here I can see desert, a lake and mountains,” said Bonnie. “There’s absolutely nothing better than sitting here in the sun, looking at the snow up on top and not having to shovel.” Nor do they mind much the grey days that often occur during the South Okanagan winters. “It gets a little overcast, but we just keep thinking back to where we came from,” said Aubrey. “If it pours rain, at least we don’t have to shovel,” his wife adds. Aubrey helps the senior centre with errands sometimes, but he keeps a lower profile. “Lots of people don’t believe I’m married,” Bonnie jokes. “They call him the Easter Bunny because he hauls a truck load of food and parcels in there and nobody ever sees him. He just shows up and leaves it in the kitchen.” But Bonnie has made herself busy as a volunteer at the senior centre and previously with the Better at Home program, then known as CASI, which helps seniors to
live independently in their homes for longer. The Osoyoos Senior Centre also offers a wide range of recreational programs that she gets involved with. There are dances, card games, dinners. Recently lawn bowling enthusiast Naga Terada has introduced carpet bowling, adapting lawn bowling to the hall at the senior centre. Bonnie said she’s learning to play bridge. “We have two afternoons of social bridge, duplicate bridge in the evening, partner bridge in the evening, whist, euchre, cribbage,” she says, listing off the many activities that keep the senior centre hopping. “We have ballroom dance lessons Sunday afternoons, so really the only free time is that slot a couple of evenings and Sunday morning. Otherwise, that place is full.” It’s that busy from the beginning of November to the end of April, in large part because of all the snowbirds coming to Osoyoos, she said. Last year was a record year for membership at the senior centre, she added. There were close to 650 members and about half of them were snowbirds. The snowbirds, she adds, are really good members to have because they are willing to chip in and do some work. Many stay as late as the end of April or even into May, but the senior centre holds a luncheon event in March to honour the snowbirds as they start to drift away. “Everybody can say goodbye to one another because the snowbirds make a lot of friends here from all over,” Bonnie said. The annual migration of snowbirds to the South Okanagan is partly driven by weather, but hotel prices are also a big factor. When the summer tourists leave, the hotels offer discounted monthly rates that are attractive to snowbirds. Some people camp at places like the Nk’Mip RV Park and Campground, winterizing their trailers and putting skirts around them. A vibrant community forms. In recent years, with the dollar exchange rate discouraging snowbirds from going to the United States, it’s become harder and harder for snowbirds to get winter accommodation in Osoyoos. In the first years they came to Osoyoos, Bonnie and Aubrey said some popular hotels were booked at about 50 to 75 per cent. Now they’re booked solid and there’s a waiting list, some with hundreds of names. With so many snowbirds coming to the South Okanagan, the number of activities available has multiplied throughout the entire region. And some snowbirds go town to town, organizing their activities around when events are scheduled. “We have Monday afternoon dances during January, but then Keremeos has one on a different day,” said Bonnie. “Oliver has one Saturday morning. You wouldn’t believe the number of snowbirds that just love to dance. Then there’s the bingo circuit and they travel around. It’s not just Osoyoos getting the benefit of snowbirds. It’s a little triangle area.” OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 11
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Salmon Run Numerous members of the Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) paid a visit to the Okanagan River Channel recently to count and measure the sockeye salmon that were running through the channel. The channel is located near Islandview Road near the KVR Trail. The ONA has been responsible for stocking local lakes, rivers and streams with millions of sockeye salmon fingerlings over the past several years. The ONA owns and operates a sophisticated, state-of-the-art fish hatchery on Penticton Indian Band land in Penticton.
Lyonel Doherty photos
OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 13
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Joey O’Brien (right), managing director of Baldy Mountain Resort, and Rayana Pedlar, operator of the quad lift, welcomed visitors to the resort in October. (Richard McGuire photo)
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There’s lots of snow up at Mount Baldy now as visitors found out when they drove up on Oct. 22 for Baldy Festival of Colours. Many visitors rode the quad lift up Sugar Lump for a gorgeous view of snow on the trees and the yellow larches at lower elevations. And there’s lots more to come! (Richard McGuire photo)
White is dominant at Baldy’s Festival of Colours By Richard McGuire When it rains in the valley, it’s snowing up on Mount Baldy, as visitors found out at an open house for the revived ski resort on two weekends in October. “We call it the Festival of Colours and we thought it was actually going to be fall colours,” said Joey O’Brien, managing director of Baldy Mountain Resort. “It seems that the predominant colour is white.” Guests had a chance to ride a chairlift up the Sugar Lump, eat sausages and burgers at the day lodge and sample local beer, wine and custom-roasted coffee. In mid-October, it snowed heavily over three days and then there was another dusting before the Oct. 22 weekend events. “I skied off the mountain today with our team,” O’Brien said. “It was beautiful up there. It was sweet skiing.” The mountain is officially scheduled to open Dec. 1, provided there is sufficient snow, but barring a heat wave, that looks like a given. O’Brien is now musing about the possibility of opening on some weekends in November. He said 75 cm of snow base is needed, though the resort
is setting up snow fences to try to capture enough snow. “Give me that 75 cm and I’m going to pounce on it,” said O’Brien. “It may not even be the whole mountain, but just some of the mountain. Who cares?” Mount Baldy closed after the 2012-13 season when its American owners ran into financial difficulties. It opened again briefly in early 2015 under another potential buyer, but that deal fell through when the buyer couldn’t raise the capital. Now O’Brien has the backing of a group of ChineseCanadian investors led by Vancouver lawyer Victor Tsao, who are prepared to let O’Brien turn the resort around over the longer haul. Baldy will be the third ski resort O’Brien has rescued. The work to get the resort ready has been intense. For years, only minimal maintenance was done. Some 500 acres of brush had to be cleared and equipment overhauled and certified. Rental equipment is arriving. “We’re going to be just fine,” said O’Brien. “We’ve got everything done that we need to get done... It won’t be a completely polished ski resort (at first), ... but for the most part we’re going to have a fully functioning ski resort seven days a week.” OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 15
The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen are meeting face-to-face with business people in Okanagan Falls – more than 20 in total. From left are Shona Schleppe, Denise Blashko, Niki Pierson and Larry Olson. (Brian Highley photo)
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Oliver graduate now a medical student By Lyonel Doherty The president of Doctors of BC is proud to welcome first year medical students to the University of BC, particularly when one of those students happens to be Gabriella Martine, who grew up in Oliver. Doctor Alan Ruddiman from Oliver acknowledged Martine at the recent UBC 1st Year Medical Student Orientation in Vancouver. “This is truly one of my great pleasures as the current president of Doctors of BC; that of being able to interact with medical students and residents - the very future of medicine here in BC.” Ruddiman said one of the strongest predictors of a physician choosing to pursue a career in rural medicine is that of being of rural origin. “I look forward to following Gabie’s medical career with interest. I congratulate her again on being selected to study medicine at UBC.” He noted that Martine will be completing her brief orientation in Vancouver and then take up her medical studies at the Southern Medical Program at UBC Okanagan in Kelowna. “Very exciting times indeed, and wonderful to continue to see our rural students succeed in the manner Gabie has. Clearly her family, friends and many who know her in the community will be equally excited for her.” Lori Martine, Gabriella’s mother, reminisced about her daughter’s childhood. “Gabie showed very strong skills in writing and once dreamed of becoming an author.” But her first love is horses, Lori pointed out. “She joined Penticton Pony Club at a young age and started studying injuries and care for her horse. At that time, we thought she would become a veterinarian.” Gabie excelled at all of the sciences in high school, and started her first year in Simon Fraser University (SFU), ready to focus on biological research. “She was soon to discover, however, that she enjoys working with people more than animals,” Lori said. She worked for Residence Life at SFU for four years organizing health and wellness committees, volunteered at Burnaby Hospital and added a minor in health science to her degree. Coming from a family of Oliver Youth Ambassadors, one would think Gabriella would have been one. But she wasn’t for two main reasons – there was a gap in the program during the time she might have shown an interest, and she became very involved as an equestrian competitor. However, she whole-heartedly supported her sisters, Juliana and Cheryce in their ambassador work. When asked about receiving free medical advice from Gabriella, Lori replied, “We have already started running our minor physical complaints by Gabie, just to see what she thinks.”
Gabriella Martine receives a backpack from Alan Ruddiman, president of Doctors of B.C. (Contributed photo) Lori said her daughter is a born problem solver so she enjoys the conversations, but always prefaces her answers with, “I’m not a doctor yet . . . not even close!” Lori said the family is very proud of the extremely hard work that Gabriella has put into her studies in order to earn her place in medical school. Gabriella said her decision to choose medicine as a career was developed over several years throughout high school and university. “I enjoyed my science classes in high school and decided to pursue biology in university.” At SFU she completed her undergraduate degree and worked for the Residence Life program where she discovered a passion for community development and working closely with others. “Combining my love for science, working with people and my interest in human health steered me towards medical school,” she said. Gabriella said she sees her future career as a family doctor in a rural community. “There are many factors that go into both the decision of what career to choose as well as what town/city to settle down in, but I do not see myself living in a big city long-term.” Growing up in Oliver, Gabriella enjoyed the tight-knit community. “I always tell my mother living in the Oliver community feels like growing up with 100 different aunts/uncles/ cousins that were always looking out for me.” She added that having access to the gorgeous backyard nature and outdoor activities was also a huge bonus considering her passion for horseback riding. Will she be giving free medical advice to family members and curing their ills? Gabriella said she will offer caring advice, but would prompt family members to refer to their own family doctor. OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 17
By Kelsi Bissonnette Health and Wellness Coordinator Watermark Beach Resort
Growth learning and expanding your mind at any age for increased overall Wellness What is Growth Learning? This is the kind of learning that adds knowledge and skills to your repertoire that you did not have before. Growth learning helps you expand your mind. You’re acquiring information that you didn’t have that enables you to do things that you could not do previously. Some of the very best thinkers in the world today are producing some of the very best material and ideas that you can use for continuous education and to help you expand your mind. You can find this information by doing a quick search online. You can discover great ideas by listening to podcasts, reading blogs, and reading books. You can discover incredible information without having to buy anything at all. Growth Learning can be done at any age for any interests and will increase the overall wellness of the individual. Here are 7 Easy and FREE Tips for how to expand your mind, create new neural pathways and decrease cognitive decline as you age: 1. Lend a helping hand to those in need. Volunteering gives you a chance to meet people whom you would never come across in your life. They are usually in less fortunate circumstances, but yet they showed more strength and tenacity than many of us. Meet them, help them and be inspired. 2. Horse around with kids. Children
Wellness Words
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are constantly curious and never stop asking questions. We can perhaps recapture some of that lost essence by spending time playing with them Boogie all night long. Social dancing not only gives you a good body workout, it can also be a great way to train the mind. Because you don’t just have to remember the steps, you also got to avoid stepping on your partner’s feet — a two-in-one exercise for the brain. Shock your taste buds. Tastes can trigger dormant memories, thoughts, feelings and ideas. Rather than eating the same foods everyday, be adventurous. Try out different food combinations, unusual recipes, or visit restaurants you have never tried before. Take a different route to work. Bored with the day in day out routine you have kept for the last five years? Repetitive actions and scenes dull the brain and cap your creativity. Give your mind a sensory stimulation by taking an unfamiliar route to the office, gym, or wherever. Who knows, you might even bump into your muse. Pick up a new sport. Our reflexes slow down if we don’t use them and gradually, our mind too. Pick up a new sport that looks vaguely interesting to you and throw yourself into the whole learning experience. Don’t take yourself too seriously, make plenty of silly mistakes and have lots of fun and
laughter! 7. Meditate for insights. Sometimes, the more we force ourselves to come up with fresh ideas, the harder it becomes. Why not take 15 minutes to relax and do a simple meditation? Reflective meditation is one you can use to help bypass your thinking, conditioned mind and open yourself to possibilities you never know existed. Be well, Kelsi Bissonnette Health and Wellness Instructor
YOGA • PILATES • SPINNING • TRX • STEP • SUP • MEDITATION • WORKSHOPS • RETREATS • WELLNESS
15 Park Place Osoyoos BC 250-689-6020
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www.osoyoospilates.com Email inquiries contact us wellness@watermarkbeachresort.com 18 www.oksun.ca
MEETINGS Grandmothers for Africa meetings are the second Wednesday of the month, 1 p.m. at the Osoyoos United Church. O’s Own Writers meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. at the Osoyoos Arts Centre. New members welcome. Call Jody 250-495-2170. Osoyoos Photography Club meets the first and third Tuesday in Room 1 downstairs at the Sonora Community Centre. Informal meet at 6:30 p.m. regular meeting at 6:45 p.m. For more information 250-495-4960 email: osoyoosphotoclub@gmail.com. The Multiple Sclerosis group meets the second Thursday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Interior Health office, 4816 89 Street, Osoyoos. Call Ron at 250-498-4372 or Donna 250-4955001.
Oliver & Osoyoos Search & Rescue. 7 p.m. every Thursday. 100 Cessna St., Oliver (beside the Air Cadet hangar) www.oosar.org. Osoyoos Quilters meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Elks Lodge, 8506 92 Ave. at 9:30 a.m. Call 250-495-2254 or 250-495-4569 for more info. Evening quilting every first and third Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Vera at 250-495-2738. Double O Quilters Guild meets on the 2nd Monday of the month, September through May. 9:30 a.m. at the Oliver Community Hall. Contact Lynda at 250498-8804. Communities for Kids Osoyoos Table Meeting. 3rd Monday of month 4 p.m. at Sonora Community Centre. 250-4988433 for info.
Toastmasters... “Where leaders are made”. Drop in any Tuesday 7 p.m. at 5876 Airport St. in Oliver. Contact Shauna 250-485-8465 or meandwine@ gmail.com. T.O.P.S. meets every Thurs. at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Osoyoos Baptist Church (lower level). We are a support group interested in eating healthy and losing weight. New members welcome. For more info, call 250-495-0410. Osoyoos Elks #436, 2nd Wednesday meet at 7 p.m., Elks Hall, 8506 92 Avenue. Call Annette at 250-495-6227 or Ken Thibault at 250-495-3936. AA meetings every Monday 7 p.m. St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Every Friday 7 p.m. St. Christopher’s Anglican Church. Call Louise 250-495-1627.
Parkinson’s Support Group meets on Monday from 1 - 3 p.m. at Sunnybank Lodge in Oliver. Call Maureen at 250495-7978 for more info.
Once again this year the Festival of the Grape held Oct. 2 in Oliver was wildly popular. One entertaining highlight is always the grape stomp. Shown here, team members of Scots on Holidays furiously stomp and collect juice to become the grand champions of the event. (Richard McGuire photo) OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 19
Tony “The Boss” Batista celebrated his 50th birthday last month and he’s also announced his retirement after a career of over 27 years at Osoyoos Home Hardware. (Richard McGuire photo)
Tony retires at 50, still seeks rich woman By Richard McGuire Tony Batista has long been saying he plans to find a rich woman and retire at age 50. On Oct, 22, he celebrated his 50th birthday at the Osoyoos Portuguese Club at a surprise party organized by his family. He also confirmed he is retiring after a career of more than 27 years at Osoyoos Home Hardware. “He’s got half of it done,” said Frances Sologuk, who owns Osoyoos Home Hardware with her husband Larry. She suggests Batista now just needs to find his rich woman. It’s not for lack of trying. “He loves the ladies,” said Sologuk, adding that women especially ask about Batista when she travels on company business. “I had him work at the Special Olympics because Home Hardware supports Special Olympics, so when I was working the show, I had Tony work at the Special Olympics booth,” she recalls. “He fell in love with one girl and she still asks about him.” Batista’s true love though is hockey. At most Osoyoos 20 www.oksun.ca
Coyotes games, he paces next to the team bench wearing a Coyotes jersey with “The Boss” emblazoned on the back above the number one. He’s like a second coach. “Pass it to the point!” he calls out as the Coyotes’ players carry the puck into the opposing team’s end. “Look behind you! Help him!” Batista has been playing a role at Junior B hockey games even before the Coyotes came to Osoyoos seven years ago, says Coyotes owner Randy Bedard. “We call him the equipment manager,” said Bedard. “He fills the water bottles and brings the towels to the officials and things like that. He hangs out with the club. He doesn’t have a lot of responsibilities, but he’s there.” At a game the night before his birthday, Batista’s birthday was announced over the public-address system and he beamed with pride as many of the spectators cheered him. Then in the second intermission, he was out on the ice, cleaning up the Chuck-a-Ducks, small plastic ducks that people throw onto the ice to try to win a jackpot. The music playing was Gangnam Style, probably Batista’s favourite song, and he shook his hips a little. But to really see Batista dance to Gangnam Style,
you need to watch him at one of the Osoyoos Street Dances, where his energy is infectious. “He’s a happy man,” said his sister, Mariajose (Mary Joe) Goncalves when asked about his love of dancing and hockey. She and other family members have been taking care of Batista. Asked about why he retired, she said: “He had enough. I thought it was time for him to retire. He was getting really tired and he likes to help with the Coyotes, so he’s always busy. He doesn’t need the money. We take care of him.” Colin Lancaster has been working for Osoyoos Home Hardware for 26 years, almost as long as Batista. “He’s a fun guy to work with,” said Lancaster. “Always there and always having fun with customers coming into the store. And always looking for the girls.” Lancaster said Batista often talks hockey with customers and is passionate about the sport. “If the Canucks lose or the Coyotes lose, the hat gets thrown on the ground,” he said. Bedard agrees that Batista doesn’t like it when the Coyotes lose. “I think he’s kind of a fair-weather fan,” Bedard laughs. “He loves you when you win and he hates you when you lose. But there’s always the next game and he comes back around again.” Bedard described Batista as “energetic and dedicated.” He takes his responsibilities seriously and goes at his work with gusto. “He goes at warp speed when he’s doing something and he’ll say, ‘I’m fast Randy, I’m fast.’ He always says that,” said Bedard. Batista has been well accepted by the players every year, Bedard said, and the players have bought him the jerseys. He’s not been shy about asking when he feels he needs a new one. Sologuk said Batista takes pride in how the store departments look as he stocks the shelves. He’s also friendly and funny with customers. One of his career highlights though
Coping With Skin Conditions
Tony Batista dances Gangnam Style. (Richard McGuire photo) was appearing in a Home Hardware commercial that often showed during hockey games several years ago. “He always used to say he wanted to get on TV,” Sologuk recalls. “That was big. We worked really hard at arranging to have that commercial in our store with Tony. It was his dream.” After she took him to Ontario, Home Hardware officials were sold on the idea and the commercial was made, bringing wide recognition to Batista. “We’ve enjoyed working with Tony a lot,” said Sologuk. “We’re going to miss him. We keep telling him we hope he can come back for special occasions.” But she said his support is from the whole community and not just from Home Hardware. “He’s been raised by his family, an amazing family, but he’s been supported by an entire community. Everybody kind of embraced him. People that have lived here years ago still come in and take Tony out for lunch.” And when they do, Batista makes sure to eat the lunch his sister made him on his coffee break so he can enjoy a second lunch with his friends.
Acne Acne is most common in teenagers and is caused by overactive sebaceous glands. Creams and lotions with benzoyl peroxide, salicylic Greg Wheeler, acid, glycolic acid Pharmacist or sulphur are available through Remedy’sRx without a prescription. For serious acne, antibiotic lotions may help. Rosacea It’s not yet known what causes rosacea, a skin disorder that causes your face to become redder and appear inflamed. If it becomes severe, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to reduce inflammation. Eczema Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, features small, itchy bumps and is most common in babies and small children. It is best to stay away from creams, ointments, soaps or anything that will irritate the skin. A doctor will prescribe corticosteroids or antihistamines if necessary. Psoriasis Psoriasis is a severely itchy, chronic skin condition. There is no permanent cure, but there are many creams and lotions available, including coal tar, that help. Talk to your Remedy’sRx pharmacist or doctor about other treatments such as topical steroids, ultraviolet B light and calcipotriene. These common skin conditions can affect the quality of your life. Ask your Remedy’sRx pharmacist for help coping with them.
105-291 Fairview Rd Oliver
250.485.4007
OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 21
Retired nurse Alice Partridge (left) does a blood pressure check on Barbara Lodge at the Osoyoos Wellness Clinic. It’s especially popular with snowbirds, who drop in for coffee, to socialize and get their blood pressure checked. (Richard McGuire photo)
Choosing Wellness is a healthy way to socialize Richard McGuire Every Thursday morning from mid-September until the end of May, seniors and especially snowbirds flock to the Cactus Centre in Osoyoos for a basic health checkup and a cup of coffee with friends. Choosing Wellness has been running since 1989, but Sharon Krenn, the co-ordinator, admits that many local seniors still don’t know about it. “We do get a lot of snowbirds,” she said. “We get the same ones back year after year. And they usually try to round up two or three more new couples if they’re new to Osoyoos, which is good, because they meet people that way.” The program is entirely run by volunteers, most of whom are retired nurses, though Krenn is not. They weigh people and check their blood pressure and record the results in a booklet that people keep and can make available to their doctor. There are also one or two people who can give a light, gentle massage to back and neck. “Then we serve coffee and tea, crackers and cheese, cookies, little cakes or stuff like muffins,” said Krenn. Choosing Wellness is open from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., though some people show up early and sometimes it runs later. Although there are about eight retired nurses who 22 www.oksun.ca
volunteer with the program, Krenn notes in particular the longtime contributions of Bea Becker and Ellie Jakubovskis, who are founding members. The numbers of people coming fluctuate through the season. Turnout was light when the program started up again in mid-September, but Krenn said it’s now up to about 40 or 50 each Thursday morning and in the past it has been as many as 100. Of course the Cactus Centre, which is located behind the Splash Park at Jack Shaw Gardens, can’t hold that many people at once. But Krenn said people arrive at different times, get checked, have their coffee and visit and leave. It’s obviously not a substitute for a visit to the doctor, but the nurses can give some advice, telling people when a trip to the doctor might be a good idea. A few doctors distrusted the program in the early days, but Krenn said those doctors are long gone and others even refer their patients to Choosing Wellness. Before drug stores began installing blood pressure machines, it was harder for people, especially those without a family doctor here, to be monitored on a regular basis. So that made the program popular. Now, however, Krenn thinks the social aspect plays a large part in bringing people back each week. And if that encourages them to keep a closer watch on their health, so much the better.
NOVEMBER Osoyoos Coyotes Junior B hockey team plays November home games on Saturday, Nov. 5 (Summerland), Saturday, Nov. 12 (Princeton), Wednesday Nov. 16 (North Okanagan), Saturday, Nov. 19 (Revelstoke) and Saturday, Nov. 26 (Summerland). Game times at the Sun Bowl Arena are at 7:30 p.m.
Every Thursday starting Nov. 3 come to the Osoyoos Seniors Centre for bingo. The fun starts at 1 p.m.
ing” event. It will be celebrated with a mass followed by a social on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 10:30 a.m.
Free monthly presentation of Healthy Living at the Osoyoos library. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 10 a.m. Learn about nutrition from a registered holistic nutritionist.
It’s that time again. The mass flu clinic will be on Tuesday, Nov. 1 from noon – 4 p.m. at the Osoyoos Seniors Centre. The family clinics are by appointment only on Nov. 21 and Dec. 5 from 1 – 5 p.m. Please call 250-495-6433 to book.
The Osoyoos Senior Centre Association will hold its yearly general meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the centre at 17 Park Place.
The Osoyoos Concert Series features its second concert of the season with Everything Fitz on Thursday, Nov. 24 at the Osoyoos Community Theatre, at Osoyoos Secondary School. Tickets available at Imperial Office and Sundance Video for $23 or $25 at the door. Show start at 7:30 p.m.
The Community Cultural Center of Tonasket’s benefit auction will be held on Saturday, Nov. 5. Doors open at 5, dinner at 6 p.m. ($15). Silent auction from 5 - 7 and live auction at 7. This event will support the CCC’s winter operating expenses. 411 Western Ave., Tonasket, WA. The Empty Bowls fundraiser for Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 4 at the Watermark Beach Resort. Sample soups made by some of the best local chefs along with local wine and craft beer and cider and take home a unique bowl made by the Osoyoos Potters. Tickets are $49 from Desert Sun. Launch your flamin’ pumpkin on Saturday, Nov. 5 at Saxon Winery, 9819 Lumsden Ave. in Summerland from 4 – 8 p.m. Cost is $5 per launch. No pumpkin? No problem there will be some available. Dress warmly and come enjoy yourself with fun entertainment. Donations to food bank accepted.
On Friday, Nov. 11 the South Okanagan Concert Society presents this season’s first concert, Quartango. Four passionate tango musicians plus two dancers at the Frank Venables Theatre in Oliver at 7:30 p.m. Tickets online or at Venables box office Mondays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Early bird price of $16.15 until Nov. 10. Osoyoos Soroptimists Christmas Joy Breakfast Fashion Show at the Watermark Beach Resort on Saturday, Nov. 12. There will be a breakfast buffet, live music and silent auction. 9 – 11:30 am. Tickets $25 and are available at Imperial Office Pro and Beyond Bliss. Market on Main annual general meeting is on Nov. 16 at the Sonora Centre starting at 7 p.m. in room #1. Everyone is welcome. Bonnie Kilroe is coming back on Nov. 18 to the Osoyoos Legion with her Diva Show. Tickets $20 in advance at the canteen or $25 at the door. Show starts at 7 p.m. St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Osoyoos invites and welcomes all Catholics to a special “Homecom-
Winter in Wine Country Festival runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 4. There are open houses at more than 30 Oliver and Osoyoos area wineries with tastings, unusual gifts, Christmas light displays and seasonal experiences. See the ad on Page 4 of the Okanagan Sun or visit www. oliverosoyoos.com for more information. There will be blood donor clinics at the Penticton Seniors Drop-in Centre at 2965 South Main Street. Nov. 28 and 29 from 1:30 - 5:30 p.m. Download the GIVE BLOOD APP, book online at www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. Check your eligibility to donate. The First Chair Festival – Back to Baldy runs from Thursday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 4 celebrating the reopening of this ski resort east of Oliver. Art and Music night is being held at Jojo’s Café on Main Street in Osoyoos on Saturday, Dec. 3. It runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and features the music of Roland Berg and the photography of Richard McGuire. Send your events to: events@osoyoostimes.com
OKANAGAN SUN • NOVEMBER 2016 • 23
starting under $300,000
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