Skaha Matters
CommunityMatt
Celebrating 15 Years!
By Myleen Mallach, Owner/Publisher of Skaha Matters
In the spring of 2009, I decided to create Skaha Matters from a need I saw in the local area. I had already been working on Apex Matters for over five years, so after some research and a business plan for Skaha Matters, the first issue for August 2009 was published. 15 years later, I am still thoroughly enjoying this meaningful work. This grassroots community newsletter is made possible by local business advertisements, along with the many content contributors sharing their updates. I am honoured to serve our local residents and businesses alike. Thank you for your support. I look forward to many more years of “Bringing Community Matters To You”
Published by Okanagan Matters Publications Monthly submission deadline is always between the 15-20th. skahamatters@telus.net | 250.490.6951 | SkahaMatters.com
Quick Facts: Skaha Matters is published every month. All residents and businesses in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Estates, St. Andrews, and Twin Lakes receive an issue via Canada Post on the last business day of each month. Limited locations also carry copies. For full advertising details, please visit www.SkahaMatters.com.
Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement, and retain the right to edit all copy. Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. All authors and advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their final approval must be received to be published. © 2024 Okanagan Matters Publications.
From The Hill
By Richard Cannings, MP South Okanagan-West Kootenay
Back from the Hill
Parliament rose late in June and I must say it is so good to be back at home in the riding, enjoying summer and all the benefits that go with this season. I celebrated Canada Day in Penticton with a record crowd of proud and happy folks taking in the sunny weather, good music and tasty treats. Farmers Markets are going full tilt again and special events are popping up all over. I spent last Saturday at the Penticton Scottish Festival where hundreds of people with Scottish heritage (or wish they were Scots!) gathered to watch the athletics, dancing and of course the pipe bands. I know bagpipes are not everyone’s cup of tea, but personally I love the sound, and having seven pipe bands march by does a world of good for my soul. A special treat there was hearing the New Zealand Youth Pipe Band that had come all the way to British Columbia to play at events and take part in workshops.
Another treat of being home is that my strawberry, raspberry and black currant crops are off the charts, so I’ve been busy making jam and pies, and our sour cherries are just getting ripe now. Unfortunately, the grape, apricot and peach crops were essentially wiped out this year during the January flash freeze. Orchardists, vineyard owners and wine makers are struggling to get through a year of no produce. But remember, there is still plenty of wine in most local winery cellars from previous years, so please shop locally to help that sector through these difficult times.
June is our wettest month in the southern Interior, and this year was no exception although precipitation was a little below average. But now the regime has sharply shifted to hot, dry weather as we feel the effects of a serious heat dome affecting the southwestern United States. With temperatures in the high 30s and no rain
BC Day! Richard Cannings
We are so for tunate to live in the most beautiful par t of Canada. I encourage you to get out and safely enjoy our beautiful province - Lie on a beach, get out on a lake, or hike through an alpine meadow
This BC Day and everyday--please suppor t our local businesses, stay safe and open your hear ts.
in sight, anxieties about wildfires are beginning to rise. High temperatures, low humidity and afternoon winds are a sure-fire formula to turn any fire into a raging inferno. So, please be careful with cigarettes, hot engines and other ignition sources when out in the woods. And, don’t even think about lighting a campfire in this weather.
We don’t want a repeat of last year’s smoke-filled summer that had a seriously negative impact on local businesses and residents alike. Thousands of people in the southern interior were evacuated from their homes and many lost everything.
Indeed, the impacts of our extreme climate events are felt across every sector. I have been meeting regularly with the insurance sector and they admit that costs are sharply rising for them and their customers. Many people who lost their homes last summer have yet to settle with insurers, and home insurance premiums are going up across the country. It’s difficult to even get home insurance at all - and therefore a mortgage - when buying a home during a fire-filled summer. This is just one of the real costs of climate change.
One of the priorities I’ve focussed on in Ottawa has been on these costs - how we can plan for the future to reduce the frequency and severity of destructive fires and floods, and how we can best help Canadians deal with these disasters when they do happen. I’ve proposed a national wildfire fighting force that could really help battle fires before they get out of control. I’ve proposed increased funding for disaster adaptation and insurance guarantees. I’ve worked on proposals to help orchardists and wineries survive after losing their entire crops. And, I’ve tried to extend the loan deadlines for businesses impacted by these extreme weather events. These are critical conversations and I sincerely hope that the federal government will listen before it’s too late for many families and businesses across the country.
Monthly MLA Report
By Roly Russell, MLA Boundary-Similkameen
Summer is clearly upon us, and the heat is on! My mind is preoccupied with fire, so before a local update, I want to discuss government’s investments in communities and people to better secure our communities against the growing threat of wildfire. First, last year’s wildfire season was incredibly challenging for British Columbians, an artefact of climate change leading to hotter, drier, and longer wildfire seasons. To address this, BC is shifting from a heavy focus on reactive responses to more proactive prevention and long-term planning approaches. Last fall, we passed our new Emergency and Disaster Management Act, something I am certainly passionate about (and might need another article to celebrate!). The Premier launched an expert task force to provide real-time recommendations based on recent experiences, many of which are already being implemented. BC expanded the Wildfire Service’s capabilities, investing millions in new firefighting equipment, including pumps, safety gear, and medical supplies. Improvements in the hiring process now make it easier for rural and remote community members to join, including initiatives like First Nations boot camps. We’re also introducing technology for real-time wildfire behavior predictions, giving decision-makers more data to act swiftly. Additionally, we’re supporting community-based resilience projects to reduce wildfire risks and are investing in over 100 communities to improve their locally-led emergency-preparedness systems, infrastructure, and we’ve created a new pathway for community-led organizing with BCWS. We also amended the evacuation benefit system to lower barriers, reduce wait times, expand accommodation options, and provide faster support directly into evacuees’ bank accounts. I won’t stop being an advocate for community-led emergency management for people! We’ve invested, and changed, a great deal for increased community security.
Enhancing wildfire preparedness also depends on changing our mindset, and updating our education and training models. BC’s new Wildfire Training and Education Centre at Thompson Rivers University, a recommendation of the Premier’s Task Force,
offers comprehensive training programs for future firefighters and emergency responders. This centre will complement TRU’s Institute for Wildfire Science, Adaptation, and Resiliency. Additionally in post-secondary education, UBC Forestry’s Centre for Wildfire Coexistence is revolutionizing our interaction with wildfires, and exploring innovative forestry and land management practices. The Centre aims to restore healthy and resilient forests as communities adapt to climate change. Together, centers like these are advancing our understanding and management of wildfires, ensuring that communities across British Columbia are better prepared and more resilient in the face of the coexistence with wildfire that is a reality of today.
As for local news, I welcomed the Minister for Trade, Jagrup Brar, and Minister of Environment, George Heyman, to the South Okanagan to discuss provincial investments in expanding and diversifying our manufacturing sector (particularly in rural communities as part of my mandate from Premier Eby), recent agricultural challenges, and ecological policy. To help advance our commitment to managing forests for value rather than just volume, we made the amazing announcement of $7M invested into Mercer’s mass timber facility in Okanagan Falls, bringing jobs and economic value to the area. We toured Avery Farms indoor lettuce facility (photo below), as well as meeting with struggling fruit farmers to talk about how we can support them through these trying times, whether by expanding production support, crop insurance, climate change response supports, financial tools, or otherwise.
Subrina Monteith Director of RDOS Area "I"
From The Director For RDOS Area "I"
The community of Kaleden has been built by numerous volunteers over the years. The Kaleden Community Hall and Pioneer Park were built by volunteers. The weekly recreational drop-in sport activities are organized by volunteers. The many volunteers on different committees, the volunteer fire department, as well as volunteers at the Kaleden Elementary School, all relay how Kaleden is a volunteer powered community.
Kaleden Community Day, which was held on July 13, is another example of volunteer residents (Rick and Nikki Johnson) with a vision who made it a reality. The Kaleden community wishes to send a huge "Thank you for making Kaleden our happy place”! The RDOS is moving forward with the creation of business licences for vacation rentals. It will look different in every area. I am seeking your feedback on the process, cost and criteria. Health and safety of our community, residents and guests are important to everyone. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me.
Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area "I"
Direct: 250.460.0723 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca
New To Kaleden?
Kaleden Community Association Update
By Glenda Livolsi
Wow! What that a fabulous Community Day at Pioneer Park! I’m sure we all agree in saying, “Kaleden is my Happy Place”. Thank you to Rick and Nikki Johnson and all your helpers who were involved in putting together the 3rd annual Kaleden Community Day. Many thanks to all the sponsors and donors, and to all the people who came out on this hot summer day to have fun with neighbours and friends.
The Kaleden Community Association is a registered charity with the Canada Revenue Agency. Anyone can make donations to the KCA for projects in the community and receive a tax receipt.
KCA has also established a Kaleden Community Fund with the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen. This fund allows people to donate toward larger projects or to designate donations from their estates. For more information, please contact us by email to chair@kaledencommunity.com.
There are many worthwhile projects in our community that rely on volunteers. The Kaleden Community Association meets monthly and is always looking for new volunteers! The next meeting is at 6:30 pm on Tuesday, September 24th at the Kaleden Firehall.
For more information on our community events and to stay informed on all that Kaleden has to offer, please visit our website at kaledencommunity.com.
By Linda Dahl
Kaleden FireSmart was able to connect with lots of familiar and new faces during the annual Kaleden Community Day event held on July 13th. It is encouraging to know how many community members are committed to becoming and more importantly, staying fire safe.
Book an assessment for your property through visiting firesmart. rdos.bc.ca. Borrow tools and large yard waste bags through emailing firesmart@kaledenfire.ca. Remember to keep the 1.5 m area around your home clear of ALL combustible materials.
Kaleden Irrigation District News
By Bruce Shepherd, KID Trustee
Let’s Carry On Conserving ~ As I write this in mid-July, the Okanagan Basin remained at Drought Level 2 (conservation actions including local water restrictions advised). Some areas such as Osoyoos had already implemented the 20% WaterWise Challenge by dropping from three to two watering days weekly, with no washing of vehicles or driveways allowed. In Kaleden’s case, water consumption in June was 15% lower in 2024 than in 2023, so we were off to a good start to summer-season conserving! Please continue conserving (check out okwaterwise. ca for tips), and be aware that KID staff are monitoring compliance with watering restrictions.
Remember the IPZ? KID’s Intake Protection Zone (IPZ) boundaries span from 300 to 450 m out from the shoreline, and extend some 600 m north and 300 m south of the KID Pumphouse. This area is in front of about half of the homes along Alder Avenue, and extends right to Pioneer Park’s main beach. Within the IPZ, water quality should take priority over other uses, and special care must be taken in the use and handling of potential contaminants. So:
• DON’T fuel your boat or drain bilges within the IPZ.
• DON’T run your boat above idle in shallow water (prop wash can stir up sediments).
• DON’T anchor or fish in front of the KID Pumphouse to avoid snagging waterlines and the intake screens (about 22m deep) - we won’t be returning your favorite lure!
• DO use the Park washrooms before swimming! And always rememberif you don’t want to drink it, don’t put it in the lake!
Water Bills ~ Thanks to those who paid their Toll Bills before the June 20 deadline. Unfortunately, $33,350 remained outstanding in mid-July, approximately 10% of the total billed. If you didn’t pay in time, a 10% penalty will be applied, and non-payment can result in your water being shut off, so contact the KID Office ASAP! And another reminder that a separate Tax Bill is coming in the fall.
A Heads-Up On Voyent Alert ~ KID continues to work with the RDOS to provide alerts for our water users in the event of emergency outages, planned projects, etc. A flyer was sent out outlining how to sign up for this important alert database, but if you have already signed up (great!) and want to update your location and notification preferences, use voyent-alert.com/community/ NOT login.voyent-alert.com that was given in the flyer.
O ce Hours: 9-12 Mon/Wed/Thur 119 Ponderosa Ave | 250.497.5407 kaledenirrigation@gmail.com www.kaledenirrigation.org
Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department
By Jean Dube
Slow Down And Move Over When Emergency Vehicles Are Approaching!
When you see an emergency vehicle travelling with lights and sirens you are required by law to pull over and yield. Examples of Emergency vehicles include police, ambulance and fire trucks. Every minute counts in an emergency and it also includes the safety of First Responders, pedestrians and other drivers while attending to the emergencies.
Drivers must remain stopped until the emergency vehicle has safely and fully passed by. It does not matter which direction they are coming from.
When driving on any undivided two-way road or highway:
• All traffic, moving in both directions, must pull to the closest curb and stop. This includes cyclist and pedestrians.
• Never block the route of an emergency vehicle.
• Never stop in an intersection.
On divided highways with median strip:
• Pull over to either the left or right side of the roadway to create a clear access lane in the centre for emergency vehicles.
• When in doubt, the best thing to do is to pull over safely to the right and stop.
• Use your signal when you pull over, as this lets the driver of the emergency vehicle know that you see them coming and you plan to pull over to the side of the road that you are indicating.
• Never slam on the breaks and stop suddenly.
• Emergency vehicles often travel and respond to calls in groups, and if you see or hear one you may encounter more. Always shoulder check, mirror check, signal, and ensure it is safe and there are no more emergency vehicles before pulling back into traffic.
Following the laws when sharing the road with emergency vehicles will ensure everyone gets to their destination safely and emergency services are delivered to those in need.
Matt Taylor Director for RDOS Area “D”
From The Director For RDOS Area “D”
You Know It’s Hot When ~ Your dog doesn’t want to go on the road or even a path, because it hurts their feet! I’ve never before seen local government ads telling us how to test the heat of the road with the back of your hand. If you can’t keep it there for a 5-count, it’s too hot for a dog to walk on. We’re currently in the middle of a heat wave. Temperatures were well above 30˚C for most of July - forecast to hit 40˚C on some days - and not a break in sight. August is forecast to be over 25˚C for the entire month.
PLEASE practice responsible behaviour, as this is likely to be a tough year for fires. Flicking cigarette butts out the car window or to the side of a walking trail is high risk! And, that’s just one example of behaviours that in other seasons or decades might have been acceptable, but may now have a terrible impact.
Action On Illegal Forest Encampments ~ Okanagan Falls has lived with an illegal encampment just outside town for several years, located on crown land just off the 201 Forest Service Road. This encampment was acted on by the Okanagan Forest Task Force (OFTF), who assisted in getting people to move out. While some locals were involved in the cleanup, further assistance from OFTF was essential as there were a number of abandoned RVs and other vehicles requiring specialized equipment to dismantle and remove. Below are ‘before & after’ images, providing an idea of the amount of garbage involved. Many thanks to all for helping.
Illegal Forestry Encampments like this were discussed in a meeting with Attorney General Niki Sharma, who was brought to Okanagan Falls by MLA Roly Russell (in photo below). Showing these images and inviting some of the volunteers to speak to her directly, made for a stronger request that the province take action and make the necessary legislative changes to address illegal forestry encampments - as done earlier to address urban encampments.
and Summerland, including one beside Highway 97 just north of Penticton!
Mercer Doubles Down On Okanagan Falls ~ Get used to that name, as it’s going to be around for a while! In 2023, Mercer Mass Timber bought the assets of Structurlam - a local company fallen on hard times with deep roots in the community. Structurlam was a pioneer of the mass timber technology now used to build 18-storey buildings ... all from wood! After closing 2 of the 4 plantsPenticton and Oliver - Mercer has invested in and expanded the 2 remaining plants in Okanagan Falls. Mercer’s recent investments were supported by an up to $7 million dollar investment by the Province under it’s Mass Timber Action Plan. Here in Okanagan Falls, this translates into one of our major employers calling staff back to work and a slight increase in the number of employees.
Credit To Volunteers ~ Thanks to all those who volunteered to power-wash and paint the fence at Kenyon Park! It looks sooooo much better!
Canada Day ~ There were tons of volunteers from across the community, giving out cupcakes, facepainting, decorating bikes and lots more! The Lions ran a hotdog BBQ! The Fire Department showed off their truck! NeuHouzz Realty brought in and ran a bouncy castle! There was a great pancake breakfast at the Okanagan Falls Seniors Centre. And, tons of people at Market & Music in the Park in the late afternoon and early evening. RDOS staff did a great job of coordinating activities throughout the day around the town. And as they so often do, Belich’s AG Foods provided ‘food support’! Thanks to everyone for ‘showing up’ and making a really good Canada Day, as it always is in Okanagan Falls!
Director Information ~ Office hours are 1-3 pm on the first Tuesday every month at the RDOS Okanagan Falls Office.
Matt Taylor, Director for RDOS Area “D”
Direct: 250-460-0980 | mtaylor@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca
LOCKE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD.
The South Okanagan’s preferred Property Manager for over 40 years! OFFICE 250-492-0346 FAX 250-492-6673
As this column is being written, the Province is acting on some illegal forestry encampments between Penticton
Tax Impact Estimator
By Rick Wilson, Chair of the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study Committee
Perhaps the most pressing question about incorporation is how it would affect taxes for residents of Okanagan Falls. Now that the technical analysis is complete, we have the answer to this question. Incorporation would result in an increase to local taxes - a result that was anticipated from the outset of the study. For a residential property valued at $500,000, incorporation would increase taxes by approximately $289. This amount would go down for properties valued at less, and it would go up for properties valued at more.
The tax impact estimator tool available on the Incorporation Study website allows you to enter the assessed value of your property (for residential properties only) and it then provides an estimate of the tax difference between remaining as part of RDOS Electoral Area “D” and incorporating as a new municipality. The estimate is based on the assumptions in the analysis that the Committee has reviewed over the past year.
Please be aware that this tool does not show the total local government taxes and user fees that apply to the property (i.e. the taxes payable), but rather provides an estimate of the difference in the local government taxes and user fees between the two options. Remember that the tool is an estimate, but the estimator provides a good idea of what to expect.
For anyone wanting to know what the resulting property tax bill would look like, have a look at the sample tax notices provided online (or in the July mailout), which include school taxes, hospital taxes, together with the local government taxes.
The tax impact estimator tool is located near the top of the project website; a more detailed calculator in spreadsheet form is located third from the top under the “Documents” tab on the right-hand side of the website.
The Incorporation Study will affect the future of Okanagan Falls. Be informed. Be involved.
Music & Market In The Park
By Grant Henderson
We’re now more than halfway through the Music & Market in the Park Summer Program. The performance by Mozzy Lane on Canada Day was excellent! The weather wasn’t too hot and the attendance was great. Thanks to all who came to enjoy the event. On July 14th, we featured the Blueshounds Band to a sizeable crowd, despite the 35 degrees of heat. With the breeze blowing gently through the park, it made for a comfortable atmosphere. Still, I must commend the vendors for enduring up to seven hours in the park.
Our mandate is to provide local musicians with an opportunity to play in public. On July 28th, we featured a band from Oliver called Between Dusk. They are a rock band with a unique, almost Indonesian twist to it. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, we hadn’t heard them play in the park yet.
Our first concert in August (Sunday the 11th) is featuring a band called Rumble Seat Revival. They are a band recommended to us by Osoyoos Music in the Park. So, we thought we’d give them a day on their way through.
The last concert of the season on Sunday, August 25th is always a favourite with Rebel Luv rockin’ the park as they have since the very beginning of our summer program, nine years ago.
Mark your calendars for these terrific events on August 11th and 25th. The market is from 3-8 pm, while the music is from 5-8 pm held in Centennial Park in Okanagan Falls. See you there!
Be informed. Be involved.
Electors within the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study Area have many ways to get information.
Study website: View study findings, including a tax impact calculator to estimate the impact on your residential property: rdosregionalconnections.ca/ okanagan-falls-incorporation-study
Mailouts: Delivered to addresses within the Study Area in July and October 2024.
Booth at Music in the Park: Visit our booth at Centennial Park on July 1, July 14, August 11, and August 25
Open houses: Locations to be confirmed.
• Saturday, August 17, 2-4:30pm
• Wednesday, September 11, 6-8:30pm
Discussion panel: Hear from other jurisdictions that have recently considered incorporation. Location to be confirmed.
• Tuesday, October 8, 6-8:00pm
Information binders: Hard copies of all Study materials are available at the Okanagan Falls Library and the RDOS Community Office.
Okanagan Falls Parks & Recreation Commission
By Bob Daly, Chair
The value of Okanagan Falls’ Parks couldn’t be more evident than on Canada Day: hundreds of children and families enjoying the fun activities and food in celebration of Canada’s Birthday in Kenyon Park; the opening of the Spit with signage of its history and the re-introduction of native plant species; picnics and volleyball in Christie Park; cricket matches in Keogan Sports Park; Market and Music in Centennial Park; the peacefulness of Lions Gardens and the spectacular views from Garnet Family Park. Our parks are something of which we can all be proud.
However, at the same time, our parks are being most heavily used, they are really taking a beating during this unprecedented dry hot spell. Our entire community has been reduced to watering one day per week for a combination of reasons as explained by RDOS, “We were seeing greater demand than the infrastructure was able to maintain ... i.e. levels in the reservoirs were not holding at a safe level and the incredibly hot weather is increasing the fire risk (referring to the need for sufficient water for fire-fighting). In addition, issues with one of Okanagan Falls pumps has added additional pressure on the system.”
And according to Manager of Parks Justin Shuttleworth, “Water restrictions or not, the grass is going to struggle in this heat, and unless we get an extended cool stretch with some moisture, it will remain that way until fall.”
So, while we may have to endure brown parks for the rest of the summer, Okanagan Falls parks still remain among the most beautiful and accessible in the Okanagan.
Building Community Spirit
The intention of this column is to share inspirational stories, or even a quick photo, to show that community spirit is alive and well.
Local Canada Day Celebrations!
The communities of Kaleden and Okanagan Falls showcased their incredible community spirit this Canada Day! The air was filled with laughter, and friends caught up amidst the relaxed vibes at both Pioneer Park in Kaleden and Kenyon Park in Okanagan Falls. The scrumptious Canada Day cupcakes from Belich’s AG Foods were undeniably the highlight of the day, giving everyone a sweet tooth and big smiles! And let’s not forget the bike parade - a super close second, with wheels spinning and kids grinning!
A huge shout-out to our amazing volunteers who made this day unforgettable. Your hard work and dedication are the heartbeats of our community events. Thank you for making magic happen! For nominations in this “Building Community Spirit” column, please email a few sentences & hopefully a photo to rec@rdos.bc.ca.
Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department
By Colin Pickell
The Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department would like to congratulate our Junior Member, Maisey Cobb, on her recent graduation from high school. Congratulations Maisey! We sat down with Maisey to talk about what’s next for her.
What made you want to join the fire department? I’ve always been interested in First Responders and everything they do. I remember when I was younger, I watched the fire department practice from my deck, and I wanted to know what was happening and be down there with them. Also, there was a fire on our property once and the fire department put it out before it reached my house, which also helped strike my interest.
What have been your most memorable calls? I don’t really have one that stands out, but I think motor vehicle accidents are the most interesting for me.
What are your plans now that you’ve graduated? I’m currently taking my Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course and then I might take my Primary Care Paramedicine (PCP) course later this year and become a paramedic.
What advice would you give anyone thinking of joining the fire department? Never give up and follow your dreams! You’ll always have people telling you that you shouldn’t, or you can’t do something, but don’t listen to them! Remember, if it was easy everyone would do it!
Congratulations to all of the Okanagan Falls high school grads!
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Head Shave with Straight Razor ... $45
We are fully stocked with a great selection of everyday menswear & accessories. We have suits & dress shirts for weddings & all occasions. Tailoring also available!
Member Profile - Maisey Cobb, Junior Firefighter Years on the department? 1.5 years
Okanagan Falls Parks
Volunteers At Work
By Bob Daly
Community-minded volunteers have always played a prominent role in making Okanagan Falls Parks among the most beautiful in the South Okanagan.
On June 22, nineteen dedicated Okanagan Falls volunteers turned out to beautify Kenyon Park in preparation for summer. Organized by Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Commission and the RDOS, the volunteers painted the long-overlooked fence between Kenyon Park and Sun and Sand RV Park. The hardworking group was able to complete painting the 395 foot fence in just under two hours. Their work made such a positive impact that, upon completion, the volunteers were rewarded with a round of applause from nearby picnickers.
The Okanagan Falls Community gives a big thanks to those volunteers who worked so hard that day: Ted Lynch; Lynette Donoghue; Bob Shanks; Barb Shanks; Jerry Stewart; Matt Taylor; Rod Hubler; Rick Wilson; Tomomi Wilson; Lili Kadagama; Sheila Daly; Colleen Simmons; Tim Doucette; Nancy Doucette; JD Thomas; Rini Van Uden; Mark Beaulieu; Paul White; Bob Daly and Recreation Coordinator, Nancy Wigley.
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RCMP Community Report
By Jo Anne Ruppenthal, Community Policing-Resortative Justice Coordinator
Heading Back To School
Well, it’s the last month of summer vacation for our youth before they get enclosed in the walls of school and they become busy with multi-tasking their lives with sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.
Many parents find the end of the summer a bit overwhelming, because they know the easy routine of summer is going to segway into behavioural issues of anxiety, fear, and excitement or dread of the upcoming school year. Other parents will feel a sense of relief that their children will be back in a school routine, as it was hard to keep them entertained over the summer. Whatever group you find yourself in, try to be focused on the ‘today’.
Youth are experiencing a variety of social anxieties more today than when I was a teenager. Sure, the drama is all the same, but the intensity that they feel it is way more, due to social media and how youth communicate to one another.
Here are some helpful tips for youth and parents:
1. Be prepared mentally ~ Start talking a little about heading back to school slowly over the next few weeks, maybe visit the school, if it’s a new school - park and walk around it and talk about areas that you see (the pros/cons) and how to navigate around those areas.
2. Be prepared organizationally ~ Try not to wait till the end of summer or first week of school to buy all your supplies. Too much stress can be felt, plus a lot of things have been picked over by then. Maybe buy something special for your youth for school during a very good day you had with them, so it will hold good memories for them. Parents, should start looking at their own schedules and how they will be managing all of the needs for their children, plus managing the day to day stresses of the house/work balance.
3. Be present in the moments now ~ Reflect back on them when your youth is having a bad day to let them know that life is full of ups/downs, but they don’t last long.
Mitochondria Rescue: Natural Methods To Wake Up Energy Production
By Dr. Tamara Browne, ND Naturopathic Physician,
Licensed and Registered by the BC Ministry of Health
Mitochondria are tiny organelles within our cells that use the oxygen we breath to energize the human body. Unfortunately, these tiny but critical organelles can become damaged by free radicals and toxic chemicals, and will under-perform due to age or illness related factors such as low hormone status, hypothyroidism, inflammation, infections, and low oxygen utilization. This mitochondrial damage then leads to poor energy production. The end result is chronic fatigue and often fibromyalgia and a host of inflammatory and chronic degenerative disease processes. Your mitochondria have enormous potential to influence your health, including your risk of developing cancer and the quality of life in cancer patients. We now know that one of the universal characteristics of cancer cells is that they have serious mitochondrial dysfunction with radically decreased numbers of functional mitochondria.
Energy production is altered in cancer cells as they adapt to become dependent on glucose and revert to glycolysis, or fermentation, for energy production. This occurs without the use of oxygen. Thus, they bypass the need to utilize oxygen in the mitochondria to produce energy efficiently. They make this metabolic switch which produces an acidic environment, uses enormous amounts of glucose (about 200 times more than a healthy cell), and yet, produces very little energy.
Dr. Otto Warburg was a physician with a Ph.D. in chemistry and was close friends with Albert Einstein. Most experts recognize Warburg as the greatest biochemist of the 20th century. He received a Nobel Prize in 1931 for his discovery that cancer cells use glucose as a source of energy production. This is called the “Warburg Effect” and, sadly, to this day it is essentially ignored in medicine. He discovered that healthy cells can burn either glucose or fat (ketones), but that most cancer cells are entirely dependent on glucose for energy, avoiding the need for oxygen. Therefore, encouraging fat burning through various lifestyle methods, may provide the best metabolic environment to starve cancer cells
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Dr. Tamara Browne, Naturopathic Physician
Unit 8B, 5350 Hwy 97, Okanagan
and improve mitochondrial energy production. Intermittent water fasting along with a low carbohydrate diet, for instance, has the effect of promoting the health of mitochondria and encouraging the switch from inefficient glucose burning to highly efficient ketone burning.
Other lifestyle factors that are generally health promoting such as adequate exercise, fresh air, adequate sleep, fresh wholesome food, hydration, and stress management contribute to mitochondrial health as well. Think of the mitochondria as our engines that require regular tune-ups to optimally function. This issue is becoming ever more pressing as the environment we live in becomes more toxic. Lower your toxic burden by filtering your water, avoiding household and personal items that are chemical laden (if you can’t understand the label it is likely not good for you!), and sticking to a diet high in detoxifying whole foods such as healthy fats (fish oil, olive oil, coconut oil), dark leafy greens and a variety of other fresh veggies, dark berries, fresh nuts and seeds, free-run grass-fed eggs, wild fish, and turmeric, as well as other fresh herbs and spices. Plenty of clean water also helps to flush out toxins. Tune your engine by exercising on a regular basis, and if needed, taking some supplemental mitochondrial nutrients as advised by a Naturopathic Physician. Avoid junk food, excess alcohol, cigarettes and other toxic substances, which effectively smother the mitochondria.
For information and guidance on mitochondrial health, seek help from a Naturopathic Doctor. This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be considered as medical advice.
Need Medical Equipment?
The HUB had used mobility aids and more to lend. For more information, please call
Okanagan Falls Community Association Update
By Colleen Simmons
Creative Wellness Solutions
By Dee-anne Stone, Seniors Wellness Practitioner
Okanagan Falls is continuing to flourish, and we are thrilled to introduce Tawnya Froese, the new owner of our local Pharmasave! Tawnya (in photo to right), along with her partners, brings a wealth of experience from their four sister stores located from Osoyoos to Kelowna. Since taking ownership at the beginning of June, they have been diligently working to update the inventory and integrate new buying cycles. This ensures that our community has access to the latest and best products. Pharmasave is renowned for it’s commitment to the community, and Tawnya is no exception. She understands the importance of providing local access to essential items such as prescriptions, beauty products, and personal health supplies. Thankfully, residents of Okanagan Falls need not to travel to larger centres for their pharma needs. By shopping locally, you are not only supporting a community-minded business, but also helping to build a stronger, more vibrant Okanagan Falls. We also celebrate the success of the Granfondo cycling event. This year marked the 12th Annual Granfondo, which saw over 2,000 cyclists pedaling through the scenic routes of Okanagan Falls. The Granfondo is Canada’s premier long-distance cycling event, and it continues to draw participants from all over. It’s truly inspiring to witness such dedication and athleticism. Unbelievably, the winner completed the grueling 150 km course in under four hours, despite the blistering heat! This event not only showcases the stunning beauty of our region, but also highlights the incredible spirit and resilience of it’s participants.
AlleyCATS is seeing a kitten tsunami this year! We are trying to help as many as possible, but this is stretching our resources! If you are able to contribute to the cost of caring for all of these kittens and their mom's, it would be so appreciated! Every feline rescued o the streets are spayed or neutered to reduce the su ering. To support the good work, you can e-transfer to alleycatsalliance@gmail.com. Please include your email address for a tax receipt. You can also donate via www.alleycatsalliance.org. Thank you for your support!
the Elegance of the Past
www.jardinantiques.com
Our necks can get so sore and one of the best ways to relieve that pain is massage. Headaches and migraines can often be caused by neck pain. It is a common ailment for our neck to get so stiff we can barely turn our head. This can also be the result of excessive tension and stress. Neck pain can be caused by so many things. Sometimes it is caused by the way we slept. This pain can often be relieved with a warm compress, heating pad or shower. This loosens and relaxes the muscles. If there is inflammation, apply ice for 20 minutes and alternate with heat.
Prolonged use of a computer or cell phone will often cause us to have a sore neck. This pain will usually go away after a while, but massage will speed up the recovery time. By using more ergonomic tools and methods like holding our phone or device in a higher position, more level with the eyes, instead of constantly bending our head down will help to reduce pressure on the neck muscles.
Massage is a wonderful, natural way to reduce stress, ease tension and loosen sore muscles and knots in our neck and back. Creative Wellness Solutions provides a convenient massage with innumerable benefits on a comfortable massage chair. You do not need to climb onto a table or remove clothing and no oils are used. You can choose from a head and face, upper body, or legs and feet massage, or any combination.
We are a mobile service, so are able to come to you in your home ($50 for a 30 minute appointment). Group sessions and gift certificates are also available. Please call Dee-anne at 250497-5974 to arrange an appointment or to discuss The Grease Cream; which is an amazing, all-natural, cannabis infused pain management alternative that actually works. Be sure to check out our website at www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com for more information about our services, The Grease Cream and where you can read any past articles you may have missed.
Creative Wellness Solutions
Providing a unique combination of Chair Massage & Wellness Coaching Call Dee-anne ~ 250-497-5974 www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com
By Paula Rodriguez de la Vega
Bats are considered a “keystone species”. In our area, we have at least 14 species of which half are considered to be “at risk of disappearing”.
If you have bats in your house, barn, or property, or know where any might be roosting, we would like to hear from you. We need to learn more about bats in British Columbia, and if needed, can also help provide information on how to safely co-exist with them or gently evict them and find them a new home.
Please call 1-855-922-2287 ext. 13, email okanagan@bcbats. ca, or report the colony online at bcbats.ca/got-bats.
Kaleden Branch: 101 Linden Avenue - 250-497-8066
Tuesday 1-5 pm / Thursday 1-8 pm / Friday 1-5 pm
As summer heats up, we head to the water! While that can be fun for you, it’s scary for a library book. If you’re worried about water damage or filling a book with sand, we have a nice selection of used books for sale at the library for adults and children. These proceeds are used to support our children’s programs at the library.
Summer Reading Club special presentation on July 9 at Kaleden Library
The Kaleden Library has two Summer Reading Club programs scheduled for August, as follows:
• Thursday, August 15th - Bobby Bovenzi will be at our special guest speaker/musician from 6:30-7:30 pm. Come feel the rhythm, as we learn to drum with Bobby on his African drums.
• Thursday, August 29th - Summer is almost over and its time to celebrate with the WIND-UP PARTY for this year’s Summer Reading Club. Meet us at 6:30 pm to discuss summer reading club, make a craft, and have fun giving out prizes and awards! For more information, please contact the Kaleden Library at 250497-8066 or email us at kaleden@orl.bc.ca.
Submitted by your Kaleden Librarians - Glenda and Rachael
Is An Alzheimer/Dementia Support Group Right For Me?
By The Regional Library Branches of Kaleden & Okanagan Falls
While there are many different types of Alzheimer and Dementia support groups, our goal is to offer people a place where they can feel connected to others who are going through similar experiences. Most caregivers find that the biggest benefit they gain from support group meetings is feeling that they are not alone.
If you are interested in having a support group locally, please contact Glenda Livolsi at the Kaleden Library or Lynn Warfield at the Okanagan Falls Library. Preregistration is required. We will meet the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:00 pm at the Okanagan Falls Library starting in September.
OK Falls Branch: 101 - 850 Railway Lane - 250-497-5886
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm / Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm
Friday 10 am - 5 pm / Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Adult Programs:
• Crafting Circle ~ Every Wednesday from 1-3 pm & Saturdays from 10 am - 2 pm. Bring your creative talents and participate with like-minded individuals. Have fun while you create!
• Book Club ~ Wednesday, August 21 from 1-2 pm. This month’s discussion will be “Looking for Jane” by Heather Marshall. If you would like to join our club, please contact Lynn at the library for more information.
• Art Therapy ~ Saturdays during open hours. Come and experience the calming affects of adult colouring. We also have colouring pages for kids!
• Saturday Board Games ~ Come play your favourite board or card game at the library. We have Monopoly, Scrabble, Crib, Yahtzee, Skip-bo, Chess, and others! Drop-in every Saturday during open hours between 10 am - 2 pm for teens and adults.
Children’s Programs:
• Drop-In LEGO and KEVA PLANK Building ~ Every Saturday during open hours. Bring your family and your friends! Come and experience creative building with Megagontiles! These are magnetic tiles of different shapes and sizes. These will be available during our drop-in LEGO and KEVA PLANK Building every Saturday.
• Summer Reading Club 2024 ~ This program has been a great success this summer and we are having our SRC Wind-Up on Wednesday, August 6, 2024 from 6:30-7:30 pm. Reading records continue through the summer until September 10th. Finish your record and get entered into a raffle for a great prize and receive your SRC Reading Medal!
Friends of the Library ~ A special thank you goes out to our local Friends of the Library who have supported us throughout the year and especially during Summer Reading Club. We appreciate all the work they do to make our programs fun by having special guests. Your local Friends of the Library are actively looking for new members who would support our library through fundraising, such as book sales, bake sales, and raffles. If you would like to join our local Friends of the Library Group, please contact the branch for further information.
Programming Ideas ~ If you have a great idea or talent you would like to share with others, please contact Lynn at the library for a possible programming idea.
Puzzle Table ~ Come in to the branch and relax by working on our current puzzle! Adults and teens welcome.
Okanagan Falls Grows ~ The seed library has lots of seeds available for planting. We hope the seeds those of you have received are producing. “Let’s Watch Okanagan Falls Grow!”
Submitted by Lynn Warfield, Okanagan Falls Community Librarian
UNISUS School Announcement
By Linnea Storvold
UNISUS School in Summerland Launches Exciting Learning Initiatives, New Language Classes, Academic Acceleration Capabilities and Sibling Discounts!
UNISUS School is an innovative ECE (Early Childhood Education)
- Grade 12 school in Summerland that puts learning at the centre of everything we do, in meaningful and engaging ways for the students. Our inquiry-based lessons spark students’ curiosity and interest, ensuring they are deeply engaged in their education. With core pillars in outdoor education, technology and innovation, and entrepreneurship, alongside optimal class sizes, we offer a holistic approach to student development. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) school, we provide a world-renowned education that equips students with the skills needed for higher education and beyond.
UNISUS School is excited to announce several new initiatives designed to support and enhance the academic and extracurricular experiences of our students. These 4 initiatives include a substantial sibling discount, the launch of a comprehensive enrichment program, the introduction of new world languages to our offerings, and opportunities for academic acceleration in a given subject.
1. Sibling Discount ~ UNISUS School is pleased to offer a 50% sibling discount, effective September 2024. This significant discount underscores our commitment to making quality education accessible to more families in our community.
2. Launch of Enrichment Programs ~ Want to build expertise in an area of passion? Discover an enrichment program that goes beyond electives. We empower students to go deeper than surface learning and actually develop a skill set within their areas of passion. Students will be able to implement critical, marketready skills and certifications they acquire into future careers through these programs.
The introduction of these enrichment programs will allow students to participate in their chosen activities within their own personal interest areas including sports and athletics, music and fine arts, leadership and entrepreneurship, outdoor education, technology and digital citizenship and world languages.
3. Introduction of New World Languages ~ A major highlight of our enrichment program is the introduction of optional French and Mandarin classes. These are offered in addition to the second language curriculum component at the school, which is Spanish. These additional language options are particularly significant for our local community, reflecting the popularity of these specific languages and our commitment to equipping students with valuable, diverse language skills.
4. Empowering Students Through Academic Acceleration Opportunities ~ To further empower our students, we are introducing a truly unique opportunity with academic acceleration. Our innovative learning block design will allow students to join higher-grade-level classes in literacy or numeracy, enabling them to pace themselves and accelerate in these subjects if they wish, or if they are not being challenged in their grade level.
Students who excel or are gifted in a subject area will no longer be held back from accelerating due to the grade that they’re in. The impact of successful acceleration is that students are appropriately placed for their level of learning and will be proud of what they can accomplish, which results in a more engaged learner across all subject matter.
This flexible approach supports personalized learning paths and helps students achieve their full academic potential.
UNISUS School remains dedicated to providing a dynamic and inclusive educational environment that fosters growth, creativity, and excellence. We are confident that these new initiatives will significantly enhance the educational experience for our students and their families.
Any families who are interested in touring the school, please contact Linnea Storvold at linnea.storvold@unisus.ca or Danielle Timmer at danielle.timmer@unisus.ca.
Kaleden Elementary PAC Update
By Trenna Fisher
The Kaleden PAC would like to remind everyone to stay safe in August, as the temperatures stay at a high. Remember to wear sunscreen, hats and drink lots of water, and have fun!!! One more month till we are back at school!
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17th at 6:30 pm in the school library! We would love to welcome anyone parents who have a child going to school at Kaleden Elementary to join us at this meeting. Please email PAC chair Trenna Fisher at trennafisher@outlook.com with any questions or comments.
Highlights From Okanagan Falls Elementary School
By Principal Katie Poole
We extend our gratitude to our incredible staff who organized our summer reading programs in July! We also want to thank our dedicated students and families for their hard work and commitment. Alongside valuable reading practice, our students had a blast playing games, creating crafts, and building lasting friendships!
Exhibitions, artist studios, workshops, drop-ins, and more. Let's get creative! pentictonartscouncil.com
Exhibitions & Coming Events
Submitted by the Penticton & District Community Arts Council
The Penticton & District Community Arts Council is excited to announce our summer exhibitions!
July 27th to September 14th
• Japanese Noren and Portals in Gallery I: Solo exhibition by Maureen Fugeta. Noren curtains and Portals are a symbol of welcome, simultaneously separating and connecting two spaces. In her first solo exhibition, Maureen Fugeta bridges cultures through textiles inspired by the vibrant colours of the Okanagan, created from organic cotton and natural dyes using traditional Japanese Shibori techniques.
• Lakeshore Meditations in Gallery II: Solo exhibition by Marguerite McIntosh. It is easy to walk through life without pause, without being present to where one actually is, without stopping, observing and reflecting on the surrounding beauty. These abstract landscapes, based on photos taken from a particular spot over a period of time, document a practice of intentional and contemplative noticing.
The Penticton Arts Council Galleries are currently open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, at 220 Manor Park Avenue in the Leir House Cultural Centre. To find out more about the Penticton Arts Council’s exhibitions, events, artists’ opportunities, the community calendar, and more, please visit www.pentictonartscouncil.com.
Okanagan Falls PAC Update
By Chantelle Bruwer
On Friday, July 6th, Okanagan Falls Elementary PAC hosted a “PAC Movie Night in the Park” at Kenyon Park in Okanagan Falls. It was such a fun community event! Thank you to everyone who came to enjoy it with us.
We’d like to thank Easy Lock Self Storage, as well as the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen and their Neighbourhood Small Grants program for sponsoring this event.
Thanks to our volunteers! A BIG thank you to our parent volunteers, Kris and Jillian, for setting up the movie and to all our PAC parents (and kids) for running the $1 concession.
Stay tuned for more details on our next movie!
If you’d like to get involved or donate to Okanagan Falls Elementary PAC, please reach out to okfpac@gmail.com.
Have a great summer everyone!
Buying A Tenanted Property: What The New BC Tenancy Act Means For Real Estate Transactions
By Sergej Sinicin of neuHouzz Real Estate Group
On July 18, the updated British Columbia’s Tenancy Act brought significant changes to the landscape of rental properties. If you’re looking to buy, sell or invest, these new rules have definitely added a layer of complexity that makes it crucial to understand the changes. Let’s peel back some of the layers and highlight them.
What’s New In The Tenancy Act? ~ The recent changes in the Tenancy Act are intended to provide greater protection for tenants and to ensure transparency and fairness in the rental market. Here’s the key changes (source: BC Real Estate Association and Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre):
1. Mandatory Use Of BCeID Web Portal To Create End Of Tenancy Notices:
• Landlords must use this portal to generate Notices to End Tenancy for personal or caretaker use. There will be no more paper copies provided to a tenant from the landlord.
• Landlords will be required to have a Basic BCeID to access the website portal.
• The portal requires landlords to provide details about the persons moving into the home. The details of the new occupant will be shared with the current tenant. So when you’re purchasing a tenanted property, your name will be shared with the current tenants.
• The portal will give landlords information about the required conditions for ending a tenancy and about the penalties associated with ending the tenancy in bad faith.
• The portal will inform landlords about the amount of compensation, if any, they are required to issue to tenants when ending a tenancy.
2. Extended Notice Period:
• The current mandatory 2 Month’s Notice has been extended to a 4 Month’s Notice.
• The allowed time frame for tenants to file a complaint to dispute the Notice to End Tenancy has been extended from 15 to 30 days.
• Timeline Example:
• You buy a tenanted property and want to complete your transaction.
• You clear subjects on July 26 and now have a firm deal.
• You give the tenants 4 full month’s notice to vacate the property.
• The tenants can reside in the property until November 30.
• You cannot take possession of the property until December 1.
3. Occupancy Requirements:
• Buyers of a tenanted property must move into the property for a minimum of 12 months, which was previously 6 months.
• This 12 month regulation is retroactive to April 3. If you bought a property after April 3, you are required to reside in the property for a minimum of 12 months.
• Landlords found to be ending a tenancy in bad faith can be ordered to pay the displaced tenant up to 12 months rent.
• Landlords are not allowed to increase rent for additional occupants under 19 (even when they become adults, if they were living there as a minor), and a tenant having a baby no longer means ‘having an extra tenant move in’.
• Retroactive to April 3, landlords are prohibited from giving personal use eviction notices for rental buildings with 5 or more units.
Is It Still Worth Investing In Tenanted Properties?
~ The knee jerk reaction definitely triggers some negative scenarios, and we could start a whole new topic on whether these new regulations actually help increase the supply of affordable housing, but we shouldn’t allow it to be all doom and gloom. From a REALTOR’s perspective, the answer is - it’s goal specific: if you are looking for long-term stability and predictable returns, the new Tenancy Act still provides that beneficial framework. However, if your investment strategy relies on increasing rent or buying and renovating properties for a profit, the new regulations definitely pose additional costs and restrictions that will affect your bottom line and flexibility. Final Thoughts ~ Changes to the BC Tenancy Act are aimed to create a more balanced and regulated rental market. For those looking to buy or sell a tenanted property, this means you have to adapt your strategy to align with these new rules. While the added challenges are real and we strongly advise to seek legal advice to navigate these new regulations, the potential for a great property remains strong. As your REALTOR and professional real estate advisor, I can help you make informed decisions that align with your real estate goals, while still complying with the latest regulations. Contact me to explore your options!
Need A Ride?
A Sky Full Of Shooting Stars
By Tom Landecker
Shooting stars: what are they? What we see on a dark night is a momentary flash of light that crosses the sky. These events have nothing to do with stars, and even less to do with shooting! The Earth, moving in its orbit around the Sun, runs into a tiny fragment left over from the origin of the Solar System. The tiny piece, the size of a grain of sand, enters the Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of about 30 kilometres per second, the speed of the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. Collisions with the atoms and molecules of our atmosphere heat the incoming piece until it burns, and we see a flash of light. On any dark night, you can see one shooting star every ten minutes.
In mid-August, the Earth predictably runs into an extra dense cloud of tiny pieces, the debris of a comet that passes through the Solar System once every 34 years. For a few nights, we can see as many as one shooting star every minute. This is the Perseid meteor shower.
On Saturday, August 10th, the Observatory grounds will be open to give you a front seat at this spectacle. Gates open at 7 pm. At 8 pm and 9 pm, we will be presenting talks telling the story behind the sights you will see, and talks on other science topics. Until 11 pm, you can enjoy the view from the lawn. Local amateur astronomers will be there, their telescopes ready to show you interesting things in the sky. Come and renew your acquaintance with the stars! Bring a lawn chair and a blanket. If you can’t come to the Observatory that night, you can see the event quite well from any dark place. Allow 20 minutes for your eyes to fully adjust to the dark, and relax. There is no special direction to look, the shooting stars will be all over the sky. The event is the “Perseid” meteor shower, because all the shooting stars seem to emanate from the constellation of Perseus (towards the North from the Okanagan), but it’s better to look away from Perseus rather than at it. Binoculars and telescopes don’t help with this event, nothing is better than your eyes.
As you gaze at this natural spectacle, think about its deeper significance: you are watching the same process that built the Earth five billion years ago. It was faster then, but it’s still going on, day and night. Each day the Earth sweeps up about 30 tons of new material, about three large truck loads. Come to the Observatory on August 10th to learn all about it.
Interesting websites:
• www.planetary.org/articles/your-guide-meteor-shower
• www.space.com/32868-perseid-meteor-shower-guide.html
• chime-experiment.ca
Two Events at Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory:
• Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 7-11 pm. The Observatory invites you to join us for a night of viewing the sky for the Perseids Meteor Shower. Turn down the lights, turn off your electronics and disconnect. Join us for an evening of beauty, nature and science as we view the meteor shower on the darkened grounds of Canada’s leading Radio Astronomy site. Talks will run at 8 pm and 9 pm.
• Open House on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 10 am - 5 pm. The Observatory invites you to join us for a day of fun, science and celebration at our Open House. There will be kids activities, tours, talks and more at the all day event, celebrating 64 years of Canada’s leading Astrophysical observatory site.
Located at 717 White Lake Road in Kaleden, the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory is a naturally occurring radio silent site. Please power OFF all electronics (airplane mode is not sufficient) before entering the site operated by the National Research Council Canada. For more information, please call 250-497-2300.
TASTING ROOM & PATIO
Kaleden Museum
By Mike Gane
History of Hotel Kaleden - Part 3
The interior finishing work was far less hazardous, but done with great attention to detail. In its heyday, it must have presented a welcome greeting to the traveller, with a roaring blaze in the rotunda fireplace.
The Penticton Herald noted in the same article that, “Mr. Ritchie is to be commended in his endeavour to make the hotel second to none in the valley. We might also add, there is to be no bar. Whether Mr. Ritchie’s action in this regard is behind the times, or slightly ahead of them is largely a matter of viewpoint.”
On March 23 of 1912, A.S. Hatfield wrote about Kaleden’s progress in the Penticton Herald, and stated that the plumbing of the hotel had been completed by Mr. D.J. Morgan and he had left on the 14th for his home in Kamloops. “Kaleden, now scarcely three years old,” he wrote, “has a population of over 100. It contains, with one exception, the best hotel in the valley.”
Twin Lakes Harvest Dance
By Daina Zilans
The Twin Lakes Social Club invites you to come out to our Harvest Dance on Saturday, September 7 from 8:00 pm (doors open at 7:00 pm) to 11:00 pm. This event is being held at the Club House of the Twin Lakes Golf Course, located at 79 Twin Lakes Road. It’ll be a special event since it’s the first dance that’s being held at the Golf Course since before the pandemic. So dust off your dancing shoes, grab a partner or a group of friends, and join us for a memorable evening!
Music will be provided by Penticton’s DJ Spill, who plays a variety of styles of tunes. You can dance inside or outside on the patio, while enjoying a beautiful view of the grounds and mountains. A big thank you to the Twin Lakes Golf Course for the use of their wonderful space! The Golf Course will also be offering a cash bar and free tea and coffee and free snacks will also be available. Thanks also goes to Neighbourhood Small Grants through the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen for helping us put on this dance.
Upon arrival, your name will be entered into a draw for a number of door prizes that have been donated by generous local merchants. Winners will be announced during the course of the evening. Advance tickets are $10 each or $15 at the door. Proceeds will help us fund future Twin Lakes Social Club events. Tickets can be purchased from Twin Lakes Social Club members, by scanning the QR code to the right, or by sending an email to info@gatewayranch.ca.
This is a great opportunity to get together for a good time with people in your neighbourhood and community! Hope to see you there!
1912 - Hotel just completed. The hotel opened for business in August of 1912. Mr. Ritchie placed weekly ads in the Penticton Herald from August of 1912 to February of 1914. It quickly became known as a most attractive place to stay, with the Herald reporting in May 1913, that, “The hotel is becoming a popular stopping place for motor parties going north and south.” Hotel Kaleden was splendidly furnished and under the management of Mr. and Mrs. William McDonald. It operated for about 2.5 years, with Mrs. Anguin managing it for one summer and Mrs. Janet Locke for one winter.
Let us keep Kaleden community spirit going and preserve this piece of our history and perpetuate Ritchie’s grand vision for future generations, please make a pledge at www.cfso.net/hotelkaleden. If you wish to donate items to the Kaleden Museum, please contact Mike Gane at 250-497-5674.
24 hours a day & 7 days a week!
598 East Side Rd & 6th Ave Okanagan Falls
Ad from Penticton Herald
Dance Lessons
By Brian Udal, DVIDA Master Instructor
Enjoy 50% off on your first private lesson for the month of August. Learn Swing, Latin, Country or Ballroom. Book now! Whether you are a brand new beginner or a seasoned dancer, I can change your dance life experience a lot in one hour. Learn connection, hand and arm styling, cuban motion, foot articulation and placement, spins, turns, drops, spotting, posture, sway, the five leads and how to use them to perfect the look and feel of your dancing skills, and the list goes on. The moment I hold your hand, I feel the information I need to guide you. Whether you are a couple or a single person, lead or follow, I can make a difference in your confidence, ease, grace and elegance. 20 years of teaching private lessons with pros and competition have gifted me with a wealth of knowledge to share with you and/or your partner. Are you getting married? How about First Dance lessons and create a gift that goes on giving. Advanced dancers? Are you a “Pattern Junkie? I have a warehouse of patterns to show you. Want to learn something new, like “Daisy Chaining”. Economize what you know and make it into something fabulous. Tips, finesse, styling, it’s what you need to pick up your game. Mini Group lessons? Yes, we can do that too and it’s cheaper in multiples. It’s a beautiful August drive to Summerland where your lessons are in a large private studio for day or evening lessons. Grab your daytimer and call me on the phone today to nail the time and place. Brian Udal at 604.220.6256 cell.
Brians.dance.class@gmail.com
Swing, Latin, Country, Ballroom for Group, Private & Wedding Lessons Certi ed Instructor Since 2004 | Okanagan - 604-220-6256 cell
Okanagan Falls Lions Update
By Bob Wilson, Past President
Here we are once again, heading into the 8th month of the year and trying to get through the summer heat, keeping our fingers crossed, hoping for a smoke free remainder to the year. So far, we’ve been fortunate - at least to the time when this was submitted in mid July.
Four Music in the Park events have come and gone, with two to go in August. Attendance was down somewhat due to the heat, but a crowd of music lovers attended every show. July 1st was a busy day with the Canada Day BBQ in Kenyon Park at 11 am, followed by Music in the Park with Mozzie Lane at 5 pm. We all went home and crashed that evening. Then, July 14th saw us back at Centennial Park for The Blueshounds, which was another great show in the heat of July. One more event in late July saw us heading for August and here we are. Thanks to all who purchased our Cookies, as the proceeds keep our club projects carrying on.
The School Breakfast program will be back in September with the early rising volunteers at the Okanagan Falls Elementary School. We’re looking forward to the new school year already.
That’s about all for this month. Be safe and keep well in the sunshine and heat.
Blood, it’s in you to give! The next Blood Donor Clinics will be held on August 26, 27 & 28 at the Penticton Senior Drop In Centre from 1:30-5:30 pm. The Canadian Blood Services needs both donors and volunteers, visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283.
If you would like to join us, call 778-439-2275. www.e-clubhouse. org/sites/okfalls/ or www.facebook.com/okanaganfallslionsclub.
Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Society
By Donna Taylor
We are located at 1128 Willow Street in Okanagan Falls. The local bus stop is right across the street from our front doors. The center is CLOSED to all for the month of August, as the floors are being refinished. September will be back to all our regular activities listed below.
Activities in SEPTEMBER 2024:
Canasta ~ Mondays at 10 am
Carpet Bowling ~ On hold until fall
Tuesday Bingo ~ Tuesdays - September 3, 10 & 17 at 1 pm
Evening Pool ~ Tuesdays at 6 pm
Mexican Train Dominos ~ Wednesdays at 1 pm
Scrabble ~ On hold for now - looking for players
Bridge ~ Thursdays at 1 pm
Cribbage ~ Thursdays at 7 pm
Line Dancing ~ Fridays at 1 pm
Pancake Breakfast ~ Returning September 2 from 8-10 am
General Meeting ~ Monday, September 2 at 1 pm
Drop-in Bingo ~ Saturday, September 21 at 1 pm
Pot Luck ~ Saturday, September 28 at 5:30 pm
Country Music Jamboree ~ On hold until fall
Booking Agent - Heather at 250-497-1171
Are you over 50? Just $25/yr to join!
Enjoy activities. Meet new people. Get out and have FUN! Become a member of the OK Falls Seniors Society! For more information, call 250.497.8199 or 250-462-5233.
ReliableTravel.ca
Creasey vicreasey@shaw.ca
Reliable Travel Is Here For You!
By Vi Creasey
Reliable Travel is proud to co-sponsor “Music in the Park” along with the Okanagan Falls Lions Club on August 25. Rebel Luv always gives a fantastic performance! Come out and enjoy the music and support the Okanagan Falls Lions’s projects by purchasing their cookies. We want to thank you all for your support of our local business and we want to give back to our community.
We have a couple of “group” cruises coming up in 2025. The first one is 11 nights, out of Galveston in January 2025, sailing in the Western Caribbean. We are also doing our “Elvis” cruise again in April 2025. This is also in the Western Caribbean. We would love to have you join us. Please call for more details on these featured trips.
If you just know that you want to go on a vacation, but not sure where or when, we are here to help. Once we know what you want out of your vacation, approximately for how long you want to go and your budget, Reliable Travel will find the perfect vacation fit for you.
Please do not leave BC without Emergency Medical Insurance in place. We are here to ensure that you have the insurance coverage required for your vacation. We always make sure that your travel plans are booked and all the details are taken care of. Enjoy your summer and do your best to stay cool.
Thrift Shoppe
OK Falls Heritage & Museum Society
By Grant Henderson, President
History is coming to life at Heritage Place. After a very long time of looking the same, the reorganizing and improvements to the property are allowing us to begin looking more like a heritage site. Much of the Thrift Shoppe looks more like a general mercantile. The natural wood adds a particular warmth to the atmosphere. That, combined with the friendly volunteers, has brought more attention to the Shoppe.
I must sincerely thank the public for supporting our fundraiser by purchasing a Pioneer Pathway Paver. Speaking of which, we have reached our first sixty paver orders. That completes the first year of accumulating sufficient numbers to send to the stonemason. The first order will be etched, painted, and installed this year. I’m so excited to see it come together. We are now accepting orders for phase two of the paver project. People are just delighted to make a statement that will form a part of our historic property. Imagine being able to bring your grandchildren to Heritage Place and say, “See? That’s us”.
We would like thank the Okanagan Falls Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 227, for inviting us to work their Meat Draw on July 20th. Your donation to the Heritage Society is greatly appreciated.
Thrift Shoppe
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #227
By Bill Jennings
Open Wednesday - Saturday from 2 pm to close. Open Sunday from 11:30 am to close. Everyone Welcome!
Burger Wednesdays ~ 4:30 - 6:30 pm, $15 gets you a burger with toppings and fries. Our cooks are amazing, and the burgers are the best.
The Branch 227 OK Falls Cruise-In Car Show ~ Will be here every Wednesday around 4 pm. Come out and enjoy! Cruise-In T-shirts are available.
Tuesdays & Fridays - Beginner Line Dancing at 10 am ~ Use the 2nd floor entrance.
Meat Draws - Fridays at 5 pm & Saturdays at 4 pm ~ Profits are donated to charities. THANKS to Belich’s AG Foods
Drop-in Darts - Every Saturday starting at 2 pm ~ Registration is at 1:30 pm.
Saturday, August 24th is Branch 227’s Summer Bash ~ Music, Games, and Fun for ALL ages.
Sunday, August 25th ~ Our kitchen will be open for Market & Music in the Park. Have a bite and a drink. Everyone Welcome.
Thursday, August 29th is Branch 227’s Buddy Coffee ~ Open to all serving and retired CAF, Allied, and Retired RCMP Veterans. Coffee and a light snack will be supplied.
No Pancake Breakfast in August ~ Join us on September 15th from 8-10:30 am.
General Meeting ~ There is no scheduled meeting in August.
Bottle Returns ~ Drop off cans & bottles at the Legion.
Thoughts, Ideas, Concerns, Want To Help? ~ Contact us by sending an email to branch227@shaw.ca
Membership ~ Everyone is welcome to be a Legion Member. If you have had any phone or address changes, please let us know. Member Cards and Stickers must be picked up at the Branch. We do not deliver. As of July 1st, new members pay half the price for their membership for the remainder of the year. Come down and see what we are all about.
We are always looking for Volunteers ~ Stop on in and see if you can help us help the community.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!
We are absolutely in need of new volunteers in order to keep our organization going.
Without new volunteers, we simply cannot continue to operate as is.
If you can help and volunteer your time, please call 778-559-2412 today!
For Updates ~ We have a Monthly Calendar available to take home at the Branch, a sign out front, and you can check out our Facebook Page at “Royal Cdn Legion - Branch 227 Okanagan Falls BC”. For more information, call 250-497-8338. We are a Small Legion with a BIG Heart! To apply, please call 778-559-2412 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. Emergency Vouchers can be made available from Okanagan Falls Helping Hand throughout the year with proper qualifications.
Don’t forget to review us on TripAdvisor & Facebook!
Now Open on Saturdays!
South Skaha Housing Society Update
By Michael Livingstone, SSHS Chair
There is not a lot to report this month. We are still in the preparation phase and trying to get everything done, so that the building can start. I wish I could put a start date into this report, but unfortunately, I cannot. We will continue the prep work and hope for an early start. Rest assured, we are committed to moving forward as efficiently as possible and will keep you updated as soon as we have concrete information. However, I wish we were starting now!
TASTING ROOM & WINE SHOP
Open daily | 11AM - 4PM
Advanced bookings required for our “Wine Tasting & Small Bites” experience. Walk-in wine tastings welcome if space is available
LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY
Kaleden Community Church
Sunday Worship at 10 am ~ Service held at Linden Gardens during the month of August. If it should rain, then held at the Church. Visit kaledenchurch.ca for updates and the link to our live worship. 443 Lakehill Rd. | kaledenchurch@gmail.com | 250-497-5995
Okanagan Falls Community Church
Sunday Worship Service & Children’s Church at 11 am All services with Pastor Jon Manlove. Everyone is welcome! Services with closed caption live on YouTube and our website at okfcc.net. FB: Okanagan Falls Community Church 1356 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-5131
Okanagan Falls United Church
Sunday Service at 9 am ~ Speakers: August 4 - Rev. Laura Turnbull; August 11 - Rev. Dr. Donald Schmidt; August 18 - Judi Ritcey; and August 25 - Rev. Paul James. Everyone welcome! Coffee fellowship after service. Visit okfallsunited.ca. 1108 Willow St, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-1171 or 250-488-8174
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Service
Sunday Mass at 11 am ~ All services held in St. Barbara’s Church. 1039 Willow St | Father Gabriel Chinnaperiannan | 250-494-3110
St. Barbara’s Anglican Church
Sunday Service at 9:30 am ~ Join Rev. Rick Paulin on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Morning Prayer on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. Everyone welcome. Call for more information. 1039 Willow St, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-7844
Donald Bruce Thompson
May 29, 1944 - June 22, 2024
Don Thompson of Okanagan Falls passed away quietly at the Sunnybank Retirement Centre in Oliver on June 22, 2024.
Don was born in Penticton on May 29, 1944, one of six children, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces on May 24, 1966 and spend the next 26 years working for the military in the Army Transport Division, with postings within Canada, Germany, and the Island of Cyprus, before retiring on June 30, 1992. He moved back to Okanagan Falls and worked various local jobs, including work as a ranch hand on The Thomas Ranch and as a general labourer at the Morris Reed’s Post Mill and the Okanagan Falls stock yards. Don’s hobbies included reading and attending the local meat draws at the Okanagan Falls Legion, western movies and watching TV and drinking with his wife. He also enjoyed fighting with his granddaughter over possession of her comfort blanket. Don is survived by his daughter Dunja (Michael) Grover, son Mark Thompson, grandchildren Teresa Grover and Krystina Grover, and his brother Grant Thompson and sister-in-law Sharon Thompson. He is predeceased by his parents John and Mildred (Evelyn) Thompson, his wife Ulrike Thompson (nee Henneke), brothers Ken and Morris Thompson, and sisters Yvonne (Bonnie) Cumberland, and Joyce Lafebvre. He will be missed, by many nieces and nephews, their families and his many friends he made throughout the years. All those that knew Don will have many precious memories of him and he will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday June 27, 2024 at the Okanagan Falls Royal Canadian Legion Branch 227. Condolences can be made to the family through www.kettlevalleymemorial.com.
South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections Volunteer Centre Update
By Laura Turnbull, Board Chairperson
The scorching summer heat is wearing many of us down. The last thing we feel like doing is leaving the cool comfort of our home and go out and volunteer. At least that is what I hear from friends and associates who talk with me about the drain this weather seems to have on our energy. Some suggest that summer is not the time for volunteering; it is the time for rest and renewal only. Many of our organizations, groups, programs, and events, however, find themselves short-handed in the summer months, and volunteers are ever more crucial.
• The many festivals taking place in the community are dependent on the time and talent of volunteers to be successful. Without ticket takers, traffic control personnel, garbage handlers, backstage helpers, (the list goes on!), our many high-quality festivals would not be able to take place.
• One can hardly imagine the hospital operating as efficiently and effectively as it does without the hundreds of volunteers who each day make the hospital a friendlier, less confusing place.
• Just think how clean our trails and pathways are thanks to community-minded volunteers who clean up the hiking routes we love to take.
• The many coaches, referees, and officials at the various meets and tournaments that take place over the summer are often volunteers.
• Many folk who live in Care Facilities find the days long without the kindness of volunteers who come and read or play cards or call BINGO for them.
• Animal lovers may be interested in giving some time to the rehabilitation riding program or CritterAid.
• The Ornamental Gardens are always looking for helpers to tend the various garden beds.
There is no limit to the number of summer-related volunteer opportunities.
The SOSCC Volunteer Centre is the place to turn to. Subrina Monteith, the Executive Director, would like to meet with you! Call for an appointment at 1-888-576-5661, or send an email to info@volunteercentre.info. Be sure to check out our website at www.volunteercentre.info. Why not make the South Okanagan Similkameen Community Connections Volunteer Centre and one or more of its many organizations, community groups, and activities part of your summer experience. You won’t regret it!
Flowers or Fish Heads?
Send yours to skahamatters@telus.net
Your full name and location area is required on any submission.
(Please Note: Some discretion on content inclusion may be involved.)
Flowers to Monica, one of the RDOS staffers responsible for keeping Pioneer Park looking beautiful. The flowers and plants in the parking lot area look beautiful and healthy. Monica was very knowledgeable about the different plants that are thriving there when we stopped during our walk to admire them. One more reason that Kaleden is our happy place!
~ From Rick and Nikki J. of Kaleden Flowers to RDOS Recreation Coordinator Nancy Wigley and the summer students for organizing a fun event to celebrate Canada Day in both Kaleden and Okanagan Falls.
~ From RDOS Directors Subrina M. and Matt T. Flowers to our community for donating their bottles and cans to the Kaleden Bottle Depot. And, a BIG bouquet of flowers to all the volunteers who help sort the bottles and cans each week. Your time and effort is greatly appreciated, especially in this hot weather.
~ From Glenda L. and the Kaleden Bursary Committee
Credible Cremation Services
Call Lesley, our own Senior, Licensed Director
Total - Basic Cremation No Hidden Costs
$1240.00 + taxes (Penticton area)
$1390.00 + taxes (Kelowna area)
250.493.3912 (24 hrs)
110-1960 Barnes St, Penticton, BC V2A 4C3 Lesley@crediblecremation.ca
If Basic Cremation Is Your Choice
By Lesley H. Luff, Okanagan Falls & Osoyoos
If you have read the ad space above, you will have noticed the price change. The last price increase was back in 2021, and reluctantly we have no choice but to implement this modest change.
I am sure everyone can appreciate that everything has gone up in price. One only has to look at the cost of groceries, gasoline, postage, utilities, rent, mortgages and numerous other items that we have all had to endure. The cost of “doing business” is no different, as we also have to absorb the increase in wages, equipment, supplies, advertising, gasoline, vehicle maintenance, etc., so we too must increase our costs.
~ From Matt T. of Okanagan Falls
Flowers to the Black Pearl Resort and Annalise ... the humorous and clever signs always make me laugh! Friends tell me the units are clean and quite beautiful. It’s great to have a motel back in the community!
Fish Heads to the white truck on Eastside Road that came barrelling around a blind corner, overtaking a bike, and of course a couple of feet onto MY LANE. It was so close to either a head on collision or sending me into the lake. I very narrowly squeezed through without either happening. For hours afterwards, I felt sick and couldn’t get those “what if’s” off my mind. I know getting caught behind a bike can be frustrating, but DON’T risk someone else’s life because you lack patience.
~ From Fiona C. of Okanagan Falls
Fish Heads to the recent theft at The Apple Bin. If we want to keep the convenience of a self-serve open 24 hours a day fresh market, we all need to do our share to protect this community. Remember, if you see something, then say something. ~ From Skaha Matters
Fish Heads to School District 53 for cutting down the beautiful shade trees and removing half of the field, just to put in an unnecessary and unwanted parking lot.
~ From Elizabeth G. of Okanagan Falls
RISE AND SHINE! IT’S BRUNCH TIME!
Join us for a cozy weekend brunch and start your day o right with our delicious co ee and breakfast options. See you soon!
OPEN DAILY 6am - 2pm
837 Main St & Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls
We do not anticipate another increase for at least another year, but for those who have not yet made their final arrangements, now is a very good time to take care of it. Finalize it now and lock in the price. Make your Will and choose a reputable Executor. List all of your assets, bank accounts, etc. If you require a Vital Statistics Form or Price Quote, please phone 250-493-3912 or email Lesley@crediblecremation.ca.
Stay cool and if you have to venture outside, do so in the cool of the morning. This is also the best time to take the family dog for a walk. Hot pavement can burn their paws.
“Always available by phone and email. Office by appointment only please.”
Credible Cremation Services
110-1960 Barnes Street, Penticton V2A 4C3 250-493-3912 or Lesley@crediblecremation.ca
We offer “Sensible Prices for Practical People”
