Skaha Matters February 2020 by Skaha Matters

Skaha Matters “Bringing Community Matters To You”

Volume 12 : Issue 2 February 2020 Your FREE Monthly Community News!

Winter morning near Peach Cliff in Okanagan Falls Photo by Malibu Dreams Photography | To purchase photos, call 250.462.5513.

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CFUZ 1st ONAIRversary! On February 1, 2020, CFUZ Peach City Radio will celebrate its first full year on the air at 92.9 FM. To mark the occasion, they prepared a full day of live radio, featuring many of its locally created radio programs. Hosts will be asking listeners to make donations while tuned in to the station during this milestone broadcast. The funds raised during the first annual funding drive (dubbed its ONAIRversary) will assist the Peach City Community Radio Society in maintaining annual station and transmission costs. Penticton is home to the Okanagan’s first licensed FM community radio station, which proudly manages its broadcast and online stream through efforts of volunteers alone. Volunteers host the programs, provide free broadcast skills training to others, plan annual fundraising, and manage the radio schedule. CFUZ serves up an alternative from the mainstream, giving listeners locally focused spoken word content, as well as a wide variety of music genres to explore. A full list of programs and the weekly broadcast schedule can be found at www.peachcityradio.org/programs. Published by Okanagan Matters Publications skahamatters@telus.net | 250.490.6951 www.SkahaMatters.com

FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area ‘I’ Spring is around the corner and there is a lot happening in Area ‘I’. The RDOS board approved first reading on the regional financials on January 9th, which sets everything into motion for public consultation. Area ‘I’ taxes were held at a 0% proposed increase for 2020. There will be an online YouTube video located on the RDOS website Subrina Monteith to review the financials in detail. Director of There will be a public meeting held on RDOS Area ‘I’ Tuesday, February 11th at 7 pm at the Kaleden Community Hall to review the area’s tax requisition. The Boat Launch Project should be completed any day with final touches to landscaping in the near future. The entire project of Pioneer Park came in around budget with some extra bonus works allowing for future plans for irrigation, etc.

The Kaleden Sewer System pre-design Quick Facts: Skaha Matters is published every month. All residents Up To Date is on schedule to be and businesses in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, Skaha completed by early Weekly Estates, St. Andrews, and Twin Lakes receive an issue via Canada March. There are a Post on the last business day of each month. 35 locations also carry eCalendar! few areas shown on Sign Up Online copies. For full advertising details, please visit www.SkahaMatters.com. the map to the right in Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of red that may still be the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this added to the defined 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 service area outlined possible. All authors and advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their in black. Bylaws for final approval must be received to be published. © 2020 Okanagan Matters Publications. creating the service area and borrowing the community’s share of the cost will be going to the Board soon for the initial readings to meet Provincial requirements in order to hold a referendum in June, where the community will decide if these bylaws will be adopted or rejected. Public meetings and newsletters will begin in April on the pre-design of the Kaleden Sewer System, so residents feel well informed and comfortable with their decisions made in the referendum. If your home is near the proposed service area and you wished to be considered, please let me know ASAP as this is when the design is being finalized. KALEDEN SEWER

Client/Project

REGIONAL DISTRICT OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN KALEDEN SEWER TO OK FALLS Scale

Revision Date

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2020-01-13

1564.0038.01

Figure

2.0

Title

KALEDEN SERVICE AREA OVERVIEW MAP

Tasting Room Reopens

Sip and Dip Scarf Painting Event

February 1, 2020

Saturday, February 8

Sales

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Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm

Saturday, February 15

Tastings

Everyday food pairings for Sparkling

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Tickets available online at Nobleridge.com #BENOBLE #DRINKNOBLE

There is a proposed bylaw change that may affect residents in Area ‘I’ regarding suites. In Kaleden and the other communities of Electoral Area ‘I’, the proposed changes will require a dwelling unit located in an accessory structure be connected to a community sewer system if the property is less than 1.0 ha (2.47 acres) in area. Currently, parcels less than 1.0 ha in area are permitted to have a “secondary suite” in an accessory structure connected to a septic system, but this will no longer be allowed once the new regulations are adopted. There will be a feedback form on the RDOS website or email me and I can share the form. Wishing everyone a month full of love and kindness in your heart. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area ‘I’ Direct: 250.486.1346 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca

FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area ‘D’

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020! CUSTOM GRANITE MEMORIAL MARKERS

Happy Valentine’s Day to one and all!

Ron Obirek

Director of RDOS Area ‘D’

This year has begun on a sad note. My Alternate Director at the RDOS Board, Tom Styffe, passed away from Cancer on December 22, 2019, just a few days before Christmas. Tom was only 60 years old. He was a long time resident of Okanagan Falls. He is survived by his wife, Lisa, his children, Justin and Tara, and many loving family and friends.

Tom Styffe made many lasting contributions to our community. Before moving here, he was elected as town counsellor in Logan Lake, BC. Tom may be unique in RDOS history having served as the Alternate Director for 3 successive Directors, starting with Director Bill Schwarz in 2007 to 2011, continuing as the Alternate Director to former Director Tom Siddon from 2011 to 2018, and then as my Alternate Director from 2018 to the present time. Tom had a background career in Construction Management. He contributed to many community projects and initiatives, including several Parks and Recreation projects, first in Logan Lake and then in Okanagan Falls. He also served as Chair of the Board of Okanagan College and as a member of the Real Estate Council of BC. We all owe Tom Styffe a debt of gratitude for his service to our community and contributions he made. I wish to extend the condolences of our community to Tom’s family at this time of loss.

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Linda Larson, MLA ~ Boundary-Similkameen

6369 Main Street, Box 998, Oliver, BC V0H 1T0 Tel: 250.498.5122 Toll-free: 1.855.498.5122 “Your Voice in Victoria!” Linda.Larson.MLA@leg.bc.ca

RCMP Community Report Spooﬁng

Recently, there has been an increase of persons getting a call supposedly from the police demanding payment for fines or crimes. They may tell you that a friend or relative is in trouble and needs money for bail or fines or to keep from being arrested or even to keep you from being arrested. This is not new, but lately I first met Tom Styffe as a member of a delegation to the Okanagan they have been using a technique called “spoofing” that displays Falls Parks and Recreation Commission many years ago. I came the legitimate police phone number on your call display that has to know him and work with him as a community member with helped to convince some that the call and request is legitimate. respect to Parks projects in our area. Technology allows callers to forge caller ID information and I worked with Tom further when I joined the Okanagan Falls Parks present false names and numbers. This is not limited to phone and Recreation Commission and further again when I joined the calls, but is also used in emails to “spoof” the sender information, Okanagan Falls Advisory Planning Commission. I was impressed so it appears to be coming from a legitimate trusted source such by Tom’s professionalism, by his courtesy, and by his knowledge. as Canada Revenue or a financial institution. They all have one I had expected and hoped he would be our next Director after thing in common, to get you to think that they are legitimate former Director Tom Siddon. Tom was busy with other things and and trustworthy, so you will give them money or access to your told me, even before his illness, that he would not stand for office. personal information. I was incredibly fortunate to have Tom Styffe’s support and To protect yourself from these fraudulent callers, simply hang up guidance and counsel as Alternate Director. Anyone who knew on them and if concerned look up the agency’s phone number Tom Styffe knew what a wonderful and good person he was and yourself and call them. The police don’t call anyone demanding knew that he was knowledgeable, considerate and kind. He cared payment over the phone. The police and Canada Revenue don’t accept bit coin or gift cards as payment and I don’t believe there about his community. He contributed willingly and with joy. Regrettably in 2019, Tom’s illness progressed. I last saw Tom are any financial institution or utilities that do either. So, if anyone in late autumn 2019. I asked how he was doing. In a polite and asks for payment in bit coin or gift cards, this should raise a red understated manner, he told me things had taken a turn for the ﬂag that it is a very likely a scam. worse. I told him we missed him at the RDOS Board table. He If an email appears fraudulent, don’t open it. Or, if you have, be answered that he missed being there. I thanked Tom for all that sure to delete it completely from your device and do not click he had done. We said goodbye. Thank you Tom Styffe for your on any links or attachments, as they may be linked to malicious websites or infected with malware. service and job well done. I have scheduled two coffee meetings for the month of February. While the scammer may change their story and method, their goal Both will be at the Okanagan Falls Visitor Information Centre next remains the same. Be wary of unsolicited calls. Never volunteer to the Economic Development Office at # 1, 5350 - 9th Avenue information on yourself or family members to unknown callers and Okanagan Falls (next door to Bullies Pizza, which is next door always question urgent requests for money. If you do become a to the Johntson Meier Insurance Office). The 1st meeting will victim of a scam, report it to the police. be Monday, February 10, 2020 at 9 am and the 2nd shall be Rick Dellebuur, South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP Community Police Thursday, February 20, 2020 at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome. I Direct: 250-490-2374 // Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 or sostips.ca also welcome phone calls and emails any time. Yours Truly, Ron Obirek, Director of RDOS Area ‘D’ Direct: 250.328.9800 | robirek@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca

Are you over 50? Just $20/yr to join! Enjoy activities. Meet new people. Get out and have FUN! Become a member of the OK Falls Seniors Centre! For more information, call Grethe at 250.497.5669.

Okanagan Falls Community Association Update “Complete A Survey In February” By Matt Taylor, Chair Things are happening! The Association is starting to work with the new RDOS Economic Development Coordinator and other RDOS staff on an Economic Development strategy for the community. You can have your input into this work, as well as help set the priorities for the association, by completing a short feedback form. The form is available through our Facebook page (@okfallscommunity). Paper versions are also available at the Okanagan Falls Legion, the Economic Development Office, and at KJ Coffee Bar. We request that you complete the form before Sunday, February 23rd. We will share the results and what’s next for the Association in the spring through Skaha Matters.

Update From The Area ‘D’ Economic Development Oﬃce

By Robin Irwin, Economic Development Coordinator As I write today, I am looking out the window at the white landscape after the big snowstorm. Days like this remind me just what a beautiful landscape we reside in, and how special this community is with people helping each other as we dig out early in the morning. Our last month has been productive. Our team is very excited to be meeting with the newly formed Okanagan Falls Community Association. With an excellent roster of board members and goals for a stronger more prosperous community, this group is focused and determined to make a change in our community. We thank them for their commitment. I have enjoyed meeting the owners of operating businesses in Area ‘D’, and connecting with entrepreneurs looking to start new businesses in the area. To support potential entrepreneurs, we will be co-hosting a “Lunch and Learn” event here at the Economic Development Office on Thursday, February 6th with Community Futures Penticton. Nicole from Community Futures will be here from 12-1 for an introductory session on starting your business. She will share opportunities for funding, training and business planning. Bring your lunch and your questions! The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce (SOCC) has elected a new Board of Directors, and brought back their previous manager to bring the organization’s 2020 goals forward. I am excited to be the newest Director on the Board, voted in on January 14th. I expect a stronger presence of SOCC in our community as we work together on events here in our community for business to business networking, marketing and promotion seminars, and membership info sessions. Contact our office for more info on the SOCC. Lastly, on this snowy day, we are thinking about the coming tourism season! Summer days will soon arrive, as will the thousands of travelers on our Highway 97 corridor. We plan to work closely with the Visitors Centre volunteers, who have so kindly donated their time to keep the Visitor Centre doors open in years past. Expanding the hours and supporting their operation is a priority to ensure that community and business information is available, up to date and ready to share with visitors on long weekends and busy points in the tourism season. It is important to remember that, despite the support RDOS offers through the space and equipment, this is a purely volunteer organization and as such, more volunteers are always needed to share the load. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact our office.

We have also established some early communication channels. You can join the Facebook page (@okfallscommunity) or email the group at okanaganfallscommunity@gmail.com. Our Facebook page currently sports one of the most scenic views in our community, but does not showcase our greatest asset ... our citizens! As a result, we are hosting a photo contest to collect digital photos of our community in action for the page and use in future promotions and work of the Association. See the details in the “Send Your Snaps!” article under the “Building Community Spirit” column in this edition of Skaha Matters. H&M Thrifty Boutique

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Celebrate Heritage Week February 17-22, 2020 By Karen Collins, Penticton Branch President, Okanagan Historical Society The Penticton Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society will be hosting a Heritage Week Event, “2020 Vision: Bringing the Past into the Future” in the unit across from Coles Book Store at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, from Monday, February 17th - Saturday February 22nd. The display will be open during all mall hours. The OHS will be joined by other local non-profit organizations, including the Okanagan School of the Arts Shatford Centre, South Okanagan Genealogical Society, and the SS Sicamous Society in sharing local history with the community. Books on the Okanagan’s history will be on sale, artifacts from private collections will be on display, volunteers will share their knowledge of local heritage, and much more. Proud to have an article their history told in the 83rd edition of the Okanagan History Report, Jack Godwin of the Kettle Valley Brakemen will be present on Saturday, February 22nd from 11 am - 1 pm to sign books, play and sing any requested Brakemen tune and talk trains. Join us to learn more about the history of our area and your own family history in celebration of Heritage Week.

Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department

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Fire Department History Continues ... Okanagan Falls celebrated the opening of the Historic KVR Trestle on September 4, 1999, with an official ribbon cutting, a community barbecue, and an antique car show. With two years of planning and construction, the restored bridge was open to hikers, bikers and fishers. At just under 500 feet, the trestle represents the Okanagan’s longest public walking pier. The $75,000 restoration project, by donations, was headed by Fred Lindsay. On the morning of September 3, 1999, a malfunction at the Windsor Airport Observation Station failed to detect foggy conditions, and no fog warnings were issued. The malfunction was not discovered until later. Around 8:00 am near the Manning Road overpass, a tractor-trailer entered a very dense fog patch and slowed suddenly, causing a following tractor-trailer to jack-knife. Reports indicated that the fog reduced visibility to less than 1 metre (3.3 ft). The initial crash set off a chain reaction of five further separate collisions, as other drivers unable to see the obstruction continued into the dense fog and colliding with crashed vehicles for several minutes. Although no vehicles crossed the median, there were collisions in both directions. Eighty seven vehicles were involved, many burnt and destroyed. People were injured in their vehicles or struck as they attempted to ﬂee the pile-up. Seven people died at the scene and one more died later in hospital. A total of 45 people were injured. Sgt. B.G. Mailloux of the Ontario Provincial Police described the pile-up as “a massive fireball”. Emergency services reported charred bodies inside vehicles, while several of the vehicles were unrecognizable and had to be traced by their registration numbers. In an area dubbed the “hot zone” or “fiery center”, several vehicles were fused together. Traffic was temporarily rerouted, while Highway 401 had to be repaved before reopening to traffic. On November 26th, a structure fire occurred at 5220 - 8th Avenue in Okanagan Falls. Three trucks with 12 members fought the fire, which was believed to be caused by arson. Eleven people were evacuated with $180,000 damage to the building and contents. In 1999, the Okanagan Falls Fire Department saw 150 incidents for the year and had 23 members. On July 14, 2000 at approximately 7:00 pm, an F3 tornado tore through the Green Acres Campground at Pine Lake in central Alberta, killing 12 people and critically injuring more than 100 others. Pine Lake is a recreational area approximately 25 km southeast of Red Deer, Alberta and 150 km northeast of Calgary. The tornado formed out of a severe thunderstorm which formed on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies and moved rapidly eastward, encountering a narrow band of low-level moisture that caused it to develop into a supercell thunderstorm. It touched down about 5 km west of the campground and was on the ground for approximately 20 km. Damage assessment suggests that winds within the central corridor reached 300 kilometres per hour. In addition, Weather

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Paid on call positions available. All training supplied. For more information, please call 250-497-5700 or email okfire@shaw.ca. Applications can be picked up Wednesdays between 9-12 am or 7-9 pm at the fire hall.

Okanagan Falls Irrigation District News By Randy Perrett, Chair 2020 brings the start of a new year, a new decade and a chance to start off new in many directions. This has certainly been the case with the Irrigation District. Let’s start with me. I am Randy Perrett and am the new Chair of the Irrigation District. I’ve been a Trustee for the past seven years, replacing Rick Wilson, who is remaining as a Trustee, and will be working on our technology and security committees. Now meet the rest of us. The board members remain the same. Bob Daly, Ted Lynch and Marjorie Bracconier. In our office, Kim Kirkham is settling in as our office administrator, with assistance from Leesa on short term contracts, projects and vacation relief. On our operations side, Travis Prystupa has just completed his second year as our Chief Operator. Peter Maliepaard, our part time operator left us at the end of the year. Sig Held, who was previously with the District as a relief operator, has been hired as a second certified operator on a full time basis. This will give the district a certified operator on duty seven days a week, as well as allowing the district to do less contracting out on smaller projects. The district is now introducing “point of sale” through Moneris. In English, this means that you will now be able to use your credit card (not American Express) or debit card to pay your water bill and tolls. These will be sent out in the next few weeks. If you register with the District, you can take advantage of the new billing options and be added to our email contacts to be up to date on district news and alerts. A new year and many changes. All of us at the Irrigation District look forward to serving our friends and neighbours in Okanagan Falls in the coming year. WATER WE THINKING: Water is life and clean water means health. ~ Audrey Hepburn

Office Hours: Tue/Wed/Thu from 9:30-4:30 1109 Willow Street, Okanagan Falls P: 250.497.8541 E: ofid@telus.net www.okanaganfallsirrigationdistrict.ca SkahaMatters.com | February 2020 | Page 5

Kaleden Irrigation District News

Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department

By Bruce Shepherd, KID Trustee The Care and Feeding of Your Septic System ~ If you live in Kaleden, you have a septic system. While planning is underway to connect at least the near-lake residences to the Okanagan Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant via a sewer line along the KVR Trail, it likely will be some years before it is completed. Meanwhile, don’t neglect your septic system! The primary push to provide a sewer system along the Skaha Lake foreshore is to preserve water quality, and the primary potential source of pollution likely would be from malfunctioning septic systems (just to be clear, KID’s current water quality is great, and we want to keep it that way, right?). City folk either moving into or vacationing in Kaleden have been known to not have a good understanding of what happens to what they ﬂush here - for example, we had an experience with renters that ﬂushed disposable diapers, which could have severely damaged our system had we not pumped in time. It’s best to think of your septic system as a living thing, and ...

February 2020 Tip February is “Burn Awareness” Month Please review these important lessons with your children: •

Hot water scalds are the leading cause of burns to young children. The vast majority of these burn injuries are preventable.

•

When using water taps, turn COLD water on first. Then add HOT water and adjust the temperature. Reverse the order when turning water off: HOT water first, then the COLD water.

•

Always test young children’s bath and sink water before using. When bathing children, never leave them unattended as they may turn on the hot water or slip in your absence.

•

Be very careful when drinking HOT liquids, especially around children. At 60°C (140°F) it takes less than five seconds to get a third degree (full thickness) burn.

•

Playing with matches and lighters is one of the leading causes of fire deaths to young children. The vast majority of these burn injuries are preventable. Matches and lighters are tools for grown-ups, and not toys to be played with. Reinforce the concept that like power tools or a knife, the match is a tool with specific uses, such as lighting a stove or a candle, or for starting campfires

•

Discuss GOOD FIRES and BAD FIRES and how matches and lighters are to be used in a responsible manner. Keep all matches and lighters stored high out of the reach of young children. It reduces the temptation to experiment with fire. If need be, lock up matches and lighters.

•

Discuss the dangers around the stove. Teach children to never touch anything on the stove, or to open the oven. Children should not use stoves until they are old enough to safely handle items, reach cooking surfaces, and are mature enough to understand safety procedures in the kitchen. Instruct children to stay away from adults who are busy preparing food, carrying pots or using appliances. Adults should always turn pot handles inward (pointing toward the middle of the stove) when cooking. This will help prevent children from pulling hot food down on themselves.

Don’t Poison It ... by putting any of the following down the drain: × Fats or grease

× Motor oils or fuels

× Disposable diapers

× Coffee grounds

× Egg or nut shells

× Filter tip cigarettes

× Sanitary napkins, tampons or condoms × Paper towels or rags × Paint or solvents × Pool or hot tub water × other toxic chemicals* *Drain cleaners, floor cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, waxes, polishes, strippers and bleach all can kill the good bacteria in the septic tank, and contaminate ground and surface waters. The use of in-sink garburators is definitely inadvisable! Research into the use of septic tank additives has shown that they may provide a short-term benefit, but create long-term problems if used regularly, and their use doesn’t reduce the need for routine pumpouts. Don’t Tread On It ... Keep vehicles and livestock off the drain field, as pressure and soil compaction can break pipes and hamper oxygenation and percolation. Paving, buildings, trees and aboveground pools on drain fields are all “no-nos”. Grass preferred, please! Don’t Let It Get Constipated ... Build-up of sludge and scum in the septic tank must be pumped out at least every five years, and may be required more often, depending on tank capacity, amount of use and other factors. If the tank’s outlet baffle is overtopped or breached and sludge or scum enters the drain field, it can become inoperational. Keep in mind that new septic systems, which require the services of a professional engineer, now cost $30-50,000 and up! And Always Remember ... You could end up drinking what makes it into the lake from your septic system, so keep it happy and healthy so that we all will be too!

250.497.5407 | k.i.d@shaw.ca Office Hours: 9-12 Mon/Wed/Thur 119 Ponderosa Avenue V0H 1K0 www.kaledenirrigation.org D

KALEDEN

HUB

YE RA

250-460-3387

HELP

VISITS

MEA

Kaleden Ladies Drop-in Every Wednesday from 1-4 pm Held at Kaleden Community Church

GRO

All ladies welcome for coffee, calories and conversation. Games, handwork, quilting, crafts or whatever interests you. Questions? Call Fran at 250-497-7850

February FireSmart Tip By Linda Dahl Below all that snow, FireSmart Spring clean-up work is waiting to be done. Start making a list and thinking about what you can do really soon that will protect your “Home Ignition Zone”, which is the 10 meters all around your home. Prepare to work on things such as cleaning your roof and gutters, as well as cleaning up ALL combustible materials on the ground or on your deck. Fuels within this home ignition zone must be managed to create an environment that will not support wildfires of any kind.

Kaleden Community Association Update

KALEDEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

By Glenda Livolsi

Grant Funding Program

SAVE THE DATE and mark November 12, 2020 on your calendar for the 3rd annual GET JAZZED Dinner and Dance at the Kaleden Community Hall. This event has sold out for the last two years! Stay tuned as we will be sending more information out in the early fall. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill out the Kaleden Community Fund Survey. We received great feedback. Of those people who entered the draw, the lucky winner was Lindsay Slobodzian. Congratulations Lindsay! Another THANK YOU to all of you who contributed their bottles and cans to the recycle tent. The Kaleden Community Association (KCA) is happy to have received over $3280 for the year. Last year, the KCA hosted an art raﬄe to raise funds for community projects. It was so successful that they are having another ART RAFFLE for 2020. One photograph was donated by Sue Kelly (photographer is Bruce Trumbull) called “Sandhill Cranes Migrating Through Kaleden”. The second photo is by Les Clark called “Fall Through the Trees”. Thank you to Sue and Les for giving back to your community. These two, beautiful, framed photos will be on display at the Kaleden Library and will also be on display at community events over the next couple of months. The ART RAFFLE is raising funds to cover the cost of the Kaleden Community Website, a bursary through the Kaleden Bursary Fund, and a specific project at the park. The tickets are going on sale Friday, February 14th for $5 each or 3 for $10. You may also purchase tickets through a KCA Director, or by contacting us via email to kaledencommunity@gmail.com.

DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA? Connect Kaleden residents? Enhance opportunities for all residents to participate? Bring neighbours together?

GRANT CRITERIA 1.

Applicant(s) must be a resident of the greater Kaleden area.

Grant is open to all ages.

Grant activity or purpose must engage and/or connect residents of Kaleden and enhance opportunities for participation.

Grant funding is limited to maximum of $150.00 once a calendar year.

Grant application may be submitted at anytime to kaledencommunity@gmail.com or in writing to Kaleden Community Association Box 136, Kaleden, BC, V0H 1K0

Applications may be requested by contacting KCA at either of the above addresses.

KALEDEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION HAS GRANTS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT YOUR IDEA

Be sure to purchase your tickets for these Kaleden Art Rafﬂe Prizes! Left - “Fall Through the Trees”. Right - “Sandhill Cranes Migrating Through Kaleden”. KCA Directors (so far) for 2020 are the following; Randy Cranston, Eryn Wiedner, Pinky Bata-Reidman, Neal Dockendorf, Gail Jeffery, Glenda Livolsi, Rita Masson, Jaynie Molloy, Subrina Monteith and Karen Smith. If you are interested in becoming a KCA director, please contact one of the current directors for more information.

All new website for all things Kaleden!

www.KaledenCommunity.com Courtesy of the Kaleden Community Association Relax ... Rejuvenate ... Heal

Reflexology + Foot Detox = $50 Valentine Gift Certificates Available!

250.497.8806

Jaynie Molloy BSc. Hon. CH. 110 Linden Avenue, Kaleden

1612 Highway 97 South

Weight Loss: Learn the Science And Take Control With “My Healthy Body” Classes By Dr. Tamara Browne, ND Naturopathic Physician, Licensed and Registered by The BC Ministry of Health

Be your best

When it comes to losing excess body weight, simply counting calories fails to address the key issues involved, and most often, does not work long-term. The “low-calorie/exercise-more” plan rarely succeeds and can lead to yo-yo dieting with large swings in weight in the long run. Counting calories alone neglects the most significant aspects of our relationship with food and is a short-term fix only. This is in large part because low-calorie foods are often deficient in important nutrients and high in harmful chemicals. In addition to this, the body will adapt to a low-calorie diet and hold onto weight with stronger fervor, in an attempt to store fuel for the future.

Learn from the best Discover your personal journey to optimal health and weight through distillation of the scientific evidence by an expert in the field of health and longevity. Allow Dr. Tamara Browne, ND to guide you in a monthly group meeting format towards greater understanding of the science of how your body works. Learn how to take control, stop cravings, and be in the best shape of your life.

Since the “Food Pyramid” was first implemented in 1977, Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes rates have increased dramatically. These guidelines were, and still are, based on high-carbohydrate eating. They are largely industry funded, are mainly designed for profit, and fail to put individual health needs first. The food pyramid, in essence, puts profit over health. Many naturally healthy foods are vilified and replaced with empty calorie, manufactured replacements. Eating natural whole foods that are low in carbohydrate and higher in healthy fats lowers hunger and produces a metabolic state of balance. The body learns to burn its own energy stores and weight loss easily occurs. Individuals naturally eat less often as hunger dissipates. A well formulated ketogenic diet meets the criteria for maintaining optimal weight and health. It emulates the historic diet of humankind prior to the advent of a more agriculturally-based, and particularly, manufacture-based diet. Science has caught up with this approach and we now know the main causes of obesity are: 1.

Insulin Resistance ~ Elevated blood glucose leads to elevated blood insulin, which eventually causes a reduction in insulin receptor sensitivity. This causes less glucose to enter the cell to be burned for energy, ever rising blood glucose levels, and excess storage of glucose as fat. This then increases the risk of obesity, diabetes, gout, elevated cholesterol, kidney stones, atherosclerosis, neurological and auto-immune disorders, cancer, and inﬂammation

Sedentary Lifestyle ~ Living an active lifestyle helps. A sedentary lifestyle does not.

Microbiome Imbalances ~ The bacteria in our gut are critical to our health and weight. It has been found that altering the balance of these microbes affects our hormone system that

By Appointment Only

Page 8 | February 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

Call 250-497-6681 for details in turn affects our energy balance and weight. An unhealthy microbiome can stem from a plethora of modern-day insults to the body, and restoring the health of this vital ecosystem is important to create optimal health. 4.

Hormone Imbalances ~ The hormonal milieu in the body and brain affects both weight and health. Considering that cholesterol is used to manufacture all of our hormones, and excess sugar/carbohydrate causes hormonal dysregulation leading to adrenal and thyroid issues, it makes sense that a low carbohydrate/high healthy fat diet would play a major role in weight loss, hormone health, and mental/emotional health. All of this proves to be true scientifically. The stress of constantly needing to balance blood glucose when sugar is over-consumed is very hard on our stress glands (the adrenals). It is also hard on the thyroid gland leading to a lowering of active thyroid hormone production and symptoms of hypothyroidism such as weight gain, depression, fatigue, dry skin and many more symptoms caused by a sluggish metabolism. Both adrenal hormones and thyroid hormones are critical to metabolic health (metabolism is defined as the way we burn fuel for energy production in the mitochondria of our cells).

It turns out that a well-formulated diet that is higher in healthy fats, lower in carbs, and moderate in protein, is the best diet for the entire hormone system, including the adrenal and thyroid glands. Not to mention, this way of eating also lowers insulin, inﬂammation, blood pressure, risk of cardiovascular disease, uric acid which can lead to gout and kidney stones, and balances estrogen and testosterone in both men and women. By eating less frequently, and restricting your food intake to an 8-10-hour window everyday with a long overnight fast, the ketogenic diet works more effectively to improve all health parameters. This becomes much

easier when ketones from fat are being used as your primary fuel source as opposed to glucose from carbohydrates. *We also now know that Gastric Bypass surgery generally does not work long-term for weight management. If you are struggling to lose weight you may want to consider having a full hormonal work-up and seeking guidance about how to change your eating habits in a sustainable, healthy manner. Weight loss is about optimizing health and is not beneficial if done in an unhealthy manner. You will not feel deprived on a healthy, whole foods, nutritious low carb/high fat diet, and in the long run you will reduce your risk of disease and look and feel much healthier. The whole person approach is required to ensure optimal health of the body and brain is achieved. Naturopathic Doctors are uniquely trained to guide each person individually towards optimal health and weight. Call Dr. Tamara Browne, ND at 250-497-6681 or visit www. drtamarabrowne.ca for more information. At the Natural Family Health Clinic Ltd., we are starting an educational program to help teach the latest scientific discoveries concerning optimal health and weight. This is to help fill the gap in knowledge that exists in this area. If you would like to join this class, call the office for more information. The meetings will be held on the last Tuesday evening of every month from 7-9 pm at the clinic in Okanagan Falls. All are welcome!

“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.

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Meet Your Recreation Team By Janet Black, Recreation Coordinator Meet Your Recreation Team ... a weekly column featuring one of the team members each month.

Send Your Snaps!

The Friday Morning Painters, with program leader Elli on the far right.

Meet Elli Ewanchuk “Art is in the eye of the beholder. However, when you can share what is in your heart your work takes on a new perspective”. Photo enthusiasts are invited to send their best digital pics of fun in the falls for use by the Okanagan Falls Community Association in social media and future materials promoting the community. If you have photos of our community in action, from great events such as the Junior Triathlon, Frolic in the Falls, Canada Day, Music and Market in the Park, or just fun at the beach and on the trestle bridge, post them on our Facebook page (@okfallscommunity) or email them to okanaganfallscommunity@gmail.com.

Elli’s interest in arts and crafts developed at a very early age. Over the years, mostly self-taught, she has developed her talents using acrylics and, more recently, watercolour.

Do you love to paint along with others with a similar interest? Painters of all levels are welcome to gather on Friday mornings from 9 am until 12 noon in the Multi-purpose Room in the Okanagan Recreation Centre. Help and instruction is available to beginners who would like to learn to paint using watercolour or acrylics. Do The three pictures that receive the most ‘likes’ on our Facebook you have projects of your own that you would like to finish in the page as of Sunday, February 23rd at 8 pm will win wine from company of others? Please join us in this unstructured, creative our local outstanding wineries. (1st place receives three bottles, setting. Advanced painters are also welcome to join in for some 2nd place receives two bottles and 3rd receives one bottle). Be tips, fun and company. Drop-ins are welcome. The fee for each sure you have permission from the identifiable people in the week is $12. Please call Elli Ewanchuk at 780-991-0657 for more photos before you submit. Please note that by submitting a photo, information on this program. you are giving the Association the right to use that photo in their promotions. The winning images will be published in the next House Cleaning, Yard Work, Community edition of Skaha Matters.

Services for the Heart & Home

If there is someone or a group you’d like to see honoured in this “Building Community Spirit” column, please call 250-497-8188 or email to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca.

Support Worker & Massage Technician

For more info, call Patricia at 778.889.9725 SkahaMatters.com | February 2020 | Page 9

Creative Wellness Solutions

Audiobook Reviews

By Dee-anne Jalava, Seniors Wellness Practitioner

By Kilmeny MacMichael

The Oxford Dictionary defines ‘cabin fever’ as “irritability, listlessness, and similar symptoms resulting from long confinement or isolation indoors during the winter.” Our winters aren’t as bad as other places in the country, but when we get hit with big storms and -17° temperatures our roads can be treacherous and many people prefer to just stay home and be safe and warm. Colds and ﬂus can also keep us home bound.

The Great Gatsby ~ Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Narrated by Anthony Heald. Reviewed audiobook runs 4 hours 53 minutes. Three different audiobook versions are available.

If we stay secluded, it can start to cause feelings of ‘cabin fever’ and even depression. Not being able to get out and do the things we like to do can make us feel irritated and on edge for no apparent reason. We can end up feeling lethargic or simply unmotivated to do anything. It can be quite easy to succumb to the feeling of not wanting to go out and do things. So, what can we do to keep the winter blues at bay? Do your best to be active every day. Make a list itemizing a specific task for each day of the week. Work on a hobby, do a puzzle, go through photographs, organize your paperwork, rearrange the furniture, start on spring cleaning, or play a game. Get out in the fresh air as much as you can. Our weather isn’t treacherous for very long, so make a lunch date, go to the library, the mall or the gym/recreation centre, an exercise class or walking group. Call someone to spend some time with, as you may very well be helping them out of a slump as well. And remember, spring is right around the corner! A Wellness Coach can also help with the winter blues. They can provide the support and accountability we sometimes need to get through difficult times. A massage will also help get the circulation moving and reduce stress. Massage is beneficial for both the body and the mind. Creative Wellness Solutions provides wellness coaching and is conveniently set up for massage at the Okanagan Falls Zen Centre every Wednesday morning and at numerous sites in Penticton every week. Creative Wellness Solutions provide 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. We are available to meet your unique needs as a mobile service providing on site chair massage in-home, at sports events, or in the workplace. Call Dee-anne at 250-497-5974 for more information or to schedule your appointment. We offer three 15-minute routines. You can choose from a head and face, upper body, or legs and feet massage, or any combination. The cost per routine is $20. Be sure to check out our website at www. CreativeWellnessSolutions.com 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

MEA

KALEDEN

HUB

YE RA

250-460-3387

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Need A Ride? If you live in the Kaleden Area and need a ride, please call 250-460-3387.

I read The Great Gatsby over a decade ago, and remembered it vaguely as a dated, frivolous romance, one that I only completed in order to strike it off some “top novels” list or other. However, given its enduring popularity, I recently gave it another chance. I discovered a rather emotional, sad story of a man and his dreams during the 1920s. The somewhat archaic language ﬂowed better in my ear today then it did to my eye fifteen or so years ago. If you are not yet acquainted with this “American Classic”, or haven’t read it for awhile, why not give listening to it a try? You may also borrow a copy of two of the filmed versions of the story from the library, as well as copies of the original novel, in both print and e-book format. The Thin Man ~ Written by Dashiell Hammett. Narrated by William Dufris. MP3 audiobook runs 5 hours 54 minutes. Also available in e-book and traditional book format. This story is narrated in a deceptively laid-back fashion, punctuated by outbursts of violence, the most obvious expression of the moral corruption lurking beneath the sophisticated, booze-soaked surface of Nick and Nora Charles’s New York City. The Charles’ are rich people who get involved in solving crimes because, well, it breaks the monotony of being rich society people. Language and some attitudes are occasionally dated, but this remains an engaging mystery, with the actual mystery plot itself secondary to characters, settings and dialogue. An elaborate audiobook performance of Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon is also available through the library, as well as that book and a DVD of the 1941 film. Shane ~ Written by Jack Schaefer. Narrated by Eric G. Dove. MP3 audiobook reviewed runs 4 hours 24 minutes. Also available in another audiobook version and as a book. The audiobook version I downloaded has an introduction with spoilers. The novel starts at 14 minutes 17 seconds. This is a story about a family, a dispute between settlers and a rancher over water rights and a prototypical mysterious stranger. It is told in a somewhat old-fashioned style, from the viewpoint of a man recalling his experience of the conﬂict as a child. It is about friendship and respect and found family bonds. It is about individual struggle with self and the sometimes need for violence and how to live righteously. (Naturally, our beliefs as a society on how this looks have changed somewhat over the past sixty years.) It is a joyous and tragic story, and even though the style and subject matter is a bit old-fashioned, it is still an engaging story. At least it was for me, but I am likely biased. I grew up enjoying the 1953 film version of this movie, a copy of which is at the library for you to borrow.

GRO

Free Wireless Internet!

Heating Bills High In Winter?

www.orl.bc.ca

Kaleden Branch:

If your home is heated with an electric furnace or base boards, consider installing an air source heat pump.

101 Linden Avenue - 250-497-8066

Tuesday 1 - 5 pm / Thursday 1 - 8 pm / Friday 1 - 5 pm When we talk about Valentine’s Day, we think of greeting cards, chocolates, and ﬂowers. But Valentine’s Day is a good reminder to tell our loved ones how glad we are that they are in our lives. It’s a great opportunity to spread love and kindness in our community. During the month of February, we invite you to share the love, stop by the library to check out a romantic movie or book, and tell us why you love your little community library!

You would save on energy costs and be eligible for a rebate of $1,200. Or, if you’d prefer, you could be eligible for a low interest loan (1.9%) for up to $6500. For more information, call FortisBC at 1-866-436-7847 or email electricrebates@ fortisbc.com.

Preschool Storytime continues on Tuesday mornings during the month of February. We welcome preschoolers with their parents and/or caregivers at 10:00 am. The 45 minutes will be filled with fun listening to stories, singing songs, making a small craft and meeting new friends. Valentine Fun is on Thursday, February 13th from 2:30-3:30 pm. Children between the ages of 5 to 12 years old can make a Valentine Card to give to someone special and a craft. After the card and craft are made, a Valentine Story will be read while the children nibble on a heart-shaped cookie. All supplies are included for this FREE program. Please register for this program, as space is limited. Winner of the Gingerbread House colouring page was Zane. He was so happy to be able to decorate the gingerbread house with his family over the holidays. For more information on these programs offered at the Kaleden Library, please call 250-497-8066 or email at kaleden@orl. bc.ca.

OK Falls Branch:

Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm / Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm Friday 10 am - 5 pm / Saturday 10 am - 2 pm Adult Programs: •

Stress - The #1 Proxy Killer in the World ~ Join Elaine Hopkins and learn what stress does to the body, how to change your focus away from the chatterbox mind, learn new ways to relax and eliminate stress. We will discuss good versus not good stress and how multitasking affects our cells. Registration is required. Tuesday, February 4th from 6:30-8 pm.

•

Crafting Circle ~ Bring your projects to work on or get some creative inspiration from others. Wednesday, February 5th and 19th from 1-3 pm.

•

From Shooting Stars to Black Holes ~ Presentation by Wendell Shuster of the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. (See article in this issue.) Saturday, February 15th at 11 am.

•

Book Club ~ Join our local book reading enthusiasts for discussion of monthly book selections. New members are always welcome! This month’s discussion is “The Language of Flowers” by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. Wednesday, February 19th from 1-2 pm.

•

South Okanagan Scribes (S.O.S.) ~ Please join local author Faye Arcand, leading this writing group at the Okanagan Falls Library. A safe place to share, while building a writing community, having fun, learning and growing in your craft. Tuesday, February 21st from 6-8 pm.

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Supplies Available ~ Dart Sets, Flights, Shafts & Accessories Reasonable Prices Point Replacement Available For further information, contact Denise at 250-485-4949 or email dartzandmore@gmail.com

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Do you have a special talent or hobby you would like to share with others? We are always looking for new content to add to our line up of programs. Please let us know what you have to offer. Children’s Programs: •

Storytime ~ Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and more! Tuesday, February 18th from 9-9:45 am.

•

Builders Club ~ Let your creativity soar with LEGO and KEVA Planks. . This self-led program takes place after school every Wednesday from 2:45 to 3:45pm SkahaMatters.com | February 2020 | Page 11

Dumpster Rental and Roll Off Bin Services

Proudly serving the South Okanagan (Summerland to Osoyoos) WHY WOULD YOU NEED BIN BOYZ? We provide roll off bins for construction waste, homeowner renovations, moving debris, property clean ups, small and midsize demolition debris removal, green waste and yard cleanup... or any other type of debris accepted at the landfills.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Give us a call, or stop in at the office to chat about your disposal requirements. We’ll help you decide what size bin to choose. The Boyz drop off a bin at your site. You fill it up. When you’re ready, we come and get it and take it to the dump for you. It’s just that easy!

Friendly Bin Boyz driver, Jim Dial

“ I was selling an acreage and needed to clean up and remove years of debris in just a few days. Renting a bin from Bin Boyz saved me so much time, and many trips to the dump! You guys are great!“ – Happy customer, Marie

Contact Bin Boyz for prompt, efficient and reliable bin rental and junk removal service. info@binboyz.com | 8360 Gallagher Lake Frontage Rd Oliver, BC |

Okanagan Falls PAC Update By Lindsay Hainstock, PAC Vice President Tennis anyone? Our school is now geared up and ready for the kids to learn the game of Tennis, thanks to the generosity of BLUE MOUNTAIN WINERY! Blue Mountain Winery donated all the money from the tastings at their fun Sparkling event in November and then matched the funds themselves! The kids can also cozy up with some new books in the library or grab a snack, if they don’t have enough in their lunch, thanks to a very generous donation from the OKANAGAN FALLS COMMUNITY CHURCH. Then, two amazing helpers showed up from INTERIOR SAVINGS to volunteer and organize all the books in the library! Lots to do when the weather is chilly. Now, here is a little learning challenge for everyone ... developing a Growth Mindset! We are all capable of many things; it is just a matter of focusing our brains to what is important to you and being open to learning. Next time you find yourself saying to someone, “oh, I can’t do this”, instead try thinking, “maybe I should try a different way”. Learning never has to stop. Find us on Facebook in the group “Okanagan Falls Elementary PAC” for regular updates and find that missing sweater your kid left at school. You can also reach us at okfallspac@gmail.com. The next PAC meeting will be held on Thursday, February 6th at 6:30 pm in the School Library. Free child minding will be available.

Central Ridge Veterinary Clinic Dr. Sylvia Tingson D.V.M. Open Mon - Fri 9-5 & Sat 9-12

Medicines

Page 12 | February 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

- Okanagan Falls

250.497.7808 Surgery

Vaccinations

250-488-7410

Friendly Bin Boyz driver, Roy Willson

January Highlights From Okanagan Falls Elementary School

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 53 (OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN)

By Principal Karen Sinclair 1.

Ms Rose helps build her 1st snowman with the students.

Come Count With Me - Parents learning math games to play at home.

Children who will be five years old by December 31, 2020, 3. may begin their first year of Primary (Full Day Kindergarten) in September 2020. These will be children who were born in 4. 2015. 5. Parents or guardians may register these new students from Monday, January 20 to Friday, March 13, 2020 at the following schools:

Skating lessons are enjoyed by Grades 1-4 students at Oliver Arena.

NOTICE OF KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION January 20 - March 13, 2020 1.

Cawston Primary

250-485-4434

Find Your Fit - Career Fair for Grade 5-7 students. Rocks & Rings - indoor curling lessons for all ages.

8:15 - 2:45 pm

Okanagan Falls Elementary

250-497-5414

8:00 - 2:30 pm

Oliver Elementary

250-498-3468

8:00 - 3:30 pm

Tuc-el-Nuit Elementary

250-498-3415

8:00 - 3:30 pm

Osoyoos Elementary

250-495-7248

9:00 - 3:00 pm

YouLearn (Call for Appt)

250-498-4597

Special Hours

8:30-7:00 pm (Mon) & 8:30-2:30 pm (Tues-Thur) 2. Please bring your child’s birth certiﬁcate and Medical Card with you. Should you require further details, please contact your local school. 3. Parents may defer the entry of their child into Kindergarten for one year, but registration must occur in the following school year. 4. Early registration assists the district with plans for September 2020. Also, Kindergarten spaces in a school may be limited and placement is done on a first come, first serve basis.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 53 (OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN) PARENTS OF GRADE 1 TO 12 STUDENTS REGISTERING OR REQUESTING A CHANGE OF SCHOOL SEPTEMBER 2020 Parents or guardians may enroll their son or daughter in an educational program at any school in our district, as outlined in Section 74.1 of the School Act, and providing there is space available in the respective grade. Registrations prior to June 5, 2020 will be accepted on a first come, first served and availability basis. Beginning June 8, 2020, registrations will be accepted in the following priority order as per section 74.6 of the School Act: (a)

a catchment area child who, in the previous school year, attended the school at which the educational program is made available;

(b)

a catchment area child;

(c)

a non-catchment area child;

(d)

a non-school district child For further information, please contact your local school’s principal.

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SkahaMatters.com | February 2020 | Page 13

School Trustee Report For SD67

Grade 7 overall results: • Reading ~ 28% emerging and 71% meeting By Kathy Pierre, School Trustee • Writing ~ 15% emerging and 84% meeting As previously mentioned, the transportation survey was posted on • Numeracy ~ 41% emerging and 55% meeting the SD67 website for parent and community input. The survey Also, Superintendent Hyer presented the results of the 2018closed on November 30, 2019. Three dates were established to 2019 Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment. The Grade 10 Numeracy begin the public consultation process. Assessment is a graduation requirement that must be completed 1. Summerland Secondary ~ January 8, 2020 at 7:00 pm. A by all students (Grades 10-12) across the Province. Students can small group of parents from Summerland and Trout Creek write the assessment up to three times, if they wish to improve attended. There appeared to be consensus that courtesy their results. In 2018-2019, there was potentially 535 students rider and basic rider fees would be acceptable if required. identified as being first time writers with 137 students who wrote 2. Princess Margaret Secondary ~ January 22, 2020 at 7:00 pm. the assessment. 3. IMC ~ January 29, 2020 at 7:00 pm. • The Grade 10 Numeracy Assessment Results based on those SD67 put out a media release announcing the retirement of who wrote are as follows: Emerging ~ 30%; Developing ~ Superintendent Wendy Hyer commencing July 2020. Currently, we 45%; Proficient ~ 22%; and Extending ~ 13%. are beginning the recruiting process to hire a new Superintendent Superintendent Hyer provided Trustees with a sample Grade to commence August 2020. 10 Numeracy Assessment, so we are familiar with the types of • The Board hired a consultant, Anne Cooper, to conduct the questions on the assessment. The Numeracy 10 Assessment hiring process on behalf of the Board. provides questions involving analyzing, applying, interpreting, • Anne Cooper has done the following thus far: solving, fair share, modeling, planning/designing, reasoning/ • Held an initial meeting with the board to determine estimating, recall, skills, and strategy. The numeracy problems stakeholders, timelines and to establish a calendar of presented are link to real life scenarios and problems. dates for the hiring process. Stakeholders included The Board will be seeking public/community input for the representatives from DPAC, Penticton Indian Band, 2020/2021 budgetary process. In February 2020, a budget survey Metis, OSTU, Principal/Vice Principal, selected Senior will be posted on the SD67 website. Everyone is encouraged to Management, and Teachers/Support workers. complete the survey. Also, the 2019/2020 Budget revisions will • Met with stakeholder groups for input into establishing a occur in February 2020. profile of the Superintendent position and the criteria for Please contact Kathy Pierre at kpierre@summer.com, if you have the job posting. The following areas were explored with any questions regarding the above. stakeholders: www.LivingInTheOkanagan.com • Assets of SD67 from stake holder perspectives. • Challenges of SD67 from Stake holder perspectives. • Attributes or a skill set that is important for a INGRAHAM Superintendent. • Currently, the job posting has gone out with a closing date of February 7, 2020. • After February 7, 2020, Anne Cooper will be screening, reference checking, long listings, shortlisting, etc. KINRADE LOCATIONS WEST REALTY • The Board will receive a shortlisting of Candidates by February 484 Main St, Penticton, V2A 5C5 250-493-2244 26, 2020. • A Candidates Forum is planned with invited Stakeholders on Kaleden Elementary PAC Update March 2, 2020 at IMC. • The Interviews will be conducted with the Board on March By Brad Nunes 3-4, 2020. Hello Kaleden. We are back in the sights of Cupid’s arrow. That’s • The Board hopes to complete the above hiring and selection right. February curses us with chocolates, roses and all that other process by March 5, 2020. mushy stuff. This year, I advise stealing one of the wonderful At the January 15, 2020 Education Meeting, the Indigenous Valentine’s Day crafts your kiddos bring home and pawning it off Education District Principal, Al Beckingham, reported to the Board as your own. Five dollars seems like a lot of hush money to an 8 on the provincial “How Are We Doing Report”. Mr. Beckingham year old. shared selected data points from the 2017/18 Indigenous You know what else is red? Boiled lobsters of course! KPAC will Education Report - “How Are We Doing”, as well as some of the once again be hosting Kaleden’s premier crustacean crushing District supports that are in place to address identified areas of event. If you are able to help out in any way (volunteer in any concern. Currently, there are 942 students identified as having capacity, secure the donation of auction items or wine, be a hypeIndigenous ancestry in 2018-2019. It is apparent that SD67’s man) please reach out and contact any member of the executive. indigenous student results have improved over the past 10 years; This is the big one and we need all hands (and claws) on deck! however, they are still not at par with the general population. We also need you. Yeah you! KPAC needs some new faces to Superintendent Hyer reported to the Board on the 2018-2019 come out to our meetings. We are a busy little school, and many Foundations Skills Assessment (Provincial Assessment) results hands make light work. So, come on out and share your talents for Grade 4 and Grade 7. or ideas. Or, just come out and say ‘hi’. The next meeting is on Grade 4 overall results: Monday, February 10th at 7 pm in the School Library. There will • Reading ~ 23% emerging and 66% on track be chocolates! • Writing ~ 5% emerging and 90% on track That is it for this month. Happy Valentine’s Day everyone. Thanks • Numeracy ~ 32% emerging and 63% on track for the huge bundles of love and support you show our school!

MIKE

JACLYN

Great Things Are Happening At Kaleden Elementary School!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

By Mrs. Lomax, Kaleden School Principal 5 “Great Things” include ...

Axis Theatre’s production of

Winter snow fun at Kaleden School!

Our Grade 2/3 class shares a Show & Tell session with their Senior Buddies.

Our Grade 4/5 class helps out in the community by shoveling neighbour’s driveways.

Basketball Season has started for the Grade 4 & 5 students with games scheduled through January and February.

Kindergarten & Grade 1 students show off their snowman art skills!

Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish by Joseph A. Dandurand

SUNDAY FEBRUARY

Th’owxiya is an old and powerful spirit that inhabits a feast dish. Her dish holds beautiful foods from around the world but careful, stealing from her is dangerous business! When a hungry mouse, Kw'atel, is caught stealing from her an intense journey begins. In�O

childrensshowcase.ca

Single tickets $12.

Ticket vendors listed on our website or at Eventbrite. Bringing live theatre to the young and young-at-heart for 36 years.

Indigenous Storytellers Spin A Tale Of An Old And Powerful Spirit That Inhabits A Feast Dish By Jayme Friedt Children’s Showcase is pleased to present Axis Theatre’s production of Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish by Joseph A. Dandurand on Sunday, February 9th at 2 pm at the Cleland Theatre.

MEA

KALEDEN

HUB

YE RA

GRO

250-460-3387

HELP

VISITS

New To Kaleden?

We would like to welcome you & provide you with a package of community information. Please call 250-460-3387.

LESS

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Indigenous storytellers spin a tale from the Kwantlen First Nations Village of Squa’lets, about Th’owxiya, an old and powerful spirit that inhabits a feast dish. Her dish holds beautiful foods from around the world, but careful, stealing from her is dangerous business! When Th’owxiya catches a hungry mouse, Kw’atel, stealing a piece of cheese, she demands two child spirits be brought for her to eat or else she will eat Kw’atel’s whole family. Desperate to save her family, Kw’atel sets forth on an intense journey gaining knowledge, understanding and forgiveness along the way. Single tickets for Th’owxiya: The Hungry Feast Dish are $12 and are available in advance at Tumbleweed Gallery, Penticton Arts Council Office, Penticton Art Gallery, Prague Café, Oliver Veterinary Hospital, The Beanery (Summerland) or online at Eventbrite. Tickets also available at the door. For more information, go to childrensshowcase.ca.

TEEN Performers SHOWCASE Fresh BC Talent - Season 8

Starts February 2nd and runs on 1st Sunday each month. March 1, April 5 and May 3 at BLENZ COFFEE in Penticton FREE Event - All Show Times at 1:30 pm Performers Info or Bookings: 250.460.2221

Fresh BC Talent S8 - Peachfest Talent Quest Category 1 - SOLO and or DUETS Category 2 - TEEN Bands, Dance, etc. WINNERS to Penticton PEACHFEST Registration Deadline by Jan 31, 2020 Details / Info: www.cmeliveproductions.com

Star Gazing - The Oldest Science Submitted by the Greater Twin Lake Area Stewardship Society Did you know that for every grain of sand on every beach, there are about 10,000 stars in the universe? Or, that there are huge distances between stars? The closest star to our sun is Proxima Centauri, 4.24 light years away, which would take 70,000 years to get to in our fastest spacecraft. Some stars, red hypergiants, are gigantic! If you stacked 1,420 of our suns on top of each other, you’d have the diameter of VY Canis Majoris. It would take an airplane about 1,100 years to ﬂy around it. When a large star dies by exploding in a supernova, a gravitational collapse can take place and result in a neutron star. The atoms are squished together so hard that each atom’s empty space gives way and the nuclei in the middle of each atom are bunched together into a tiny star with a diameter of about 24 km, whose mass is as much as three suns or one million Earths! As fascinating as all this is, what do astronomy and space exploration do for us? They provide technologies that we use every day to monitor weather conditions and crops, enable TV and internet data to be transmitted, led to light-weight carbonfibre material for prosthetic limbs, the development of a network of space satellites which help stop us getting lost - and assist emergency and rescue services find us when we do. It advanced the miniaturization of electronic components, the development of corrosive-resistant kitchen knives, and much more.

From Shooting Stars To Black Holes With Wendell Shuster of the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory There are many different kinds of stars out there. Some are real stars, some not. Our Sun is the nearest star. There is an evening star, a morning star, hairy stars, shooting stars, protostars, the north star, a dog star, supergiant stars, dwarf stars, naked eye stars, pulsating stars, exploding stars, guest stars, neutron stars and the ultimate death star, a black hole! We are going to talk on some of these mystery stars. Come join us at the presentation and count your “lucky stars” we are all part of this amazing Universe!

Saturday, February 15 ~ 11:00 - 12:00 Okanagan Falls Library, 850 Railway Ln #101 Sponsored by the Greater Twin Lake Area Stewardship Society For more information, please email jgstrong@shaw.ca

Brian Moen PRESIDENT’S GOLD AWARD

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Astronomers and astrophysicists try to understand the universe SALES and how things within it work by making observations and applying ACHIEVEMENT AWARD the science that we know to those observations. Thanks to their REALTOR work, Voyager 1 launched in 1977 to explore the outer solar system and the interstellar medium. Voyager discovered extremely high “Of The Fields, Lately” magnetic fields at the edge of our solar system, which will be For our fi rst production in our ‘Lucky 13’ season, Many Hats considered when designing new spacecraft. is pleased to offer you “Of the Fields, Lately” by acclaimed Astronomy is the oldest science. We can all explore astronomy, Newfoundland playwright David French. The second in French’s enjoying it just as much as the Mesopotamians nearly 5000 years wildly popular Mercer pentalogy premiered in 1973 as a sequel to ago, and the ancient Chinese, Babylonians, and Greeks! “Leaving Home”. Since then, the saga has been rounded out by This month our night sky reveals the star clusters Taurus, Orion, “Salt Water Moon”, “1949” and “Soldier’s Heart”. Cancer, Monoceros, Perseus, Canis Major, Puppis, Cygnus, the “Of the Fields, Lately” follows the fortunes of the Mercer family, explanet Uranus, and if you have a great telescope, the galaxies pat Newfoundlanders living in Toronto. Son Ben (Jeff Swetlikoe) Andromeda, Triangulum, Ursa Major, Canes Venatici, Coma returns after a long absence to attend his aunt’s funeral, only to Berenices, and Virgo! discover that his father Jacob (Paul Varga) has recently suffered Indulge your sense of a heart attack. Ben’s father has been advised not to go back to wonder (and an astronomy work, but feels he must provide for his family. Ben is faced with app) to find these clusters a decision-should he remain and support his family or pursue his tonight! dreams in the big city. Jeanne Kearney plays Ben’s mother Mary Hubble Telescope’s image and Jason Lane rounds out the cast as Wiff. of Eta Carinae shows its “Of the Fields, Lately” is directed by Jane Pilkey and produced by hot gases in red, white and Ben Amos. Eleanor Walker is stage manager. blue colors. (See image *** NOTE: “Of the Fields, Lately” contains adult language *** to the right.) Image: © “Of the Fields, Lately” opens Thursday, February 6th and runs until NASA, ESA, N. Smith Saturday, February 29th on the Cannery Stage, located at 1475 (University of Arizona) Fairview Road in Penticton. Performances are Thursday, Friday, and J. Morse (BoldlyGo Saturday at 8 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets are $25 for adults Institute) and $22 for seniors/students. Visit www.manyhatstheatre.com and For more information: click on the ‘tickets’ link to purchase your tickets. Any questions, • https://in-the-sky.org/whatsup.php. email ManyHatsTheatre@shaw.ca or call 250-462-6428. • https://waitbutwhy.com/2013/11/4-mind-blowing-thingsabout-stars.html “Of The Fields, Lately” February 6-29, 2020 • https://www.thejournal.ie/readme/patrick-moore-inspiredCannery Stage Venue in Penticton generations-to-explore-713644-Dec2012/ Page 16 | February 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

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Bucket List Cruise? Join Windstar! By Diane Chatfield If you are looking to check something off your bucket list, why not consider a French Polynesian cruise aboard the Windstar Wind Spirit? The Wind Spirit is a sleek, 4-masted sailing ship accommodating only 148 guests in ocean view staterooms. The 8-day Dreams of Tahiti cruise allows you to luxuriate in a delightful overnight in Bora Bora, a unique island paradise; discover Moorea, the inspiration for South Pacific’s mystical Bali Hai; experience drift snorkeling among coral gardens; sail, swim, and kayak from the ship’s Watersports Platform during your voyage; snorkel down to personally select and harvest your own black pearl in Raiatea; delight to entertainment on board and learn native Polynesian dances. This itinerary departs and concludes in Papeete and also includes stops in Motu Mahaea (Tahaa) and Huahine. Depart from Los Angeles (LAX) and set foot in Tahiti eight short hours later, ready to enjoy your vacation.

For All Your Storage & RV Needs ... Think EASY! Winter Office Hours: Monday - Friday 9-4 & Saturday 10-3:30 1964 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls info@easylockselfstorage.com www.easylockselfstorage.com

We’re All Made Of Star Stuff By Tom Landecker

What is the source of the Sun’s energy? This was one of the great scientific puzzles of the Victorian era. The Sun is hot, nearly 6000 degrees at its visible surface. Without an energy source inside it, the Sun would cool down and become dark in a few million years. By 1840, geologists had grasped the age of the Earth’s rocks and A day on board your Windstar ship is a day of choices, all of which understood the processes of erosion. They knew that a few billion are fantastic. Perhaps you’ll begin with a relaxing massage at the years were needed to shape the landscape. How could the Earth WindSpa. Or, maybe an invigorating workout in the Fitness Centre. be older than the Sun? Even better, why not both? After a sumptuous lunch, make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the ship’s stern. Everything you Today, we know the answer. The Sun is a ball of gaseous material, can think of for fun in the water is there ... swimming, kayaking, mostly Hydrogen, and some Helium. At its very centre, under the sail-boarding, and even water skiing. And, it’s all complimentary, crushing weight of the overlying layers, the atoms of Hydrogen of course. Sun yourself on deck, or take a dip in the whirlpool. collapse and fuse together to form atoms of Helium. A tiny bit of After dinner, dance to live music in the lounge. This is your ship, matter disappears in the process and emerges as energy. This is so of course you’re welcome on the bridge, where the Captain the energy of the Sun. This is how the Sun has continued to shine and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with for 4.6 billion years, and will last another 5 billion years. The same you. Windstar doesn’t just take you to fascinating destinations, process is going on in virtually every other star. they take you into them, giving you unique access to knowledge What happens in a star when all its Hydrogen is used up? The and activities that enhance your understanding of the places you star is then mostly Helium, and a new process begins, with visit. Complimentary Destination Discovery Events treat you to Helium atoms fusing together to make atoms of Carbon. Through iconic experiences that capture the essence of your locale. Guest successive stages, the whole panoply of chemical elements is Lecturers intrigue you with regional topics, adding new dimensions manufactured. At its formation 13.6 billion years ago, the Universe to your voyage. And, small group excursions take you to meet held none of these elements. The Carbon that forms the complex locals who are delighted to share their homes, cuisines, and molecules of our bodies, the Oxygen and Nitrogen in the air we cultures with you. Wine tastings, SCUBA diving, tours with locals breathe, the Silicon that forms the Earth’s crust, were all formed and more ... Windstar offers a variety of unique excursions that inside stars. We are truly children of the stars. will add more depth and immersion to every day of your journey. These substances were not formed in the Sun, they were formed Each meticulously planned excursion meets the highest standard in generations of Milky Way stars that came before the Sun. These of quality in safety and professionalism. chemical elements, and all the other elements that we know in the Give us a call today to book your bucket-list vacation.

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periodic table, were dispersed from stars into the space between the stars, and became part of the mix from which the Sun and the planets, including the Earth, formed 4.6 billion years ago.

A massive star, with 8 to 10 times as much matter as the Sun, when it is nearing the end of its life, is structured like an onion, with successive layers of different elements at different depths below the surface. Finally, at the very centre, Iron begins to form. That process no longer generates energy, and the star collapses inwards, forming a black hole or a neutron start at its very core, and then the outer layers are blasted outwards. That is how the Iron in the Earth was formed. Your blood is red because of the Iron in the haemoglobin molecules: you are carrying bits of exploded star around, deep within you. Here are a few helpful website addresses: •

www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/facilities/drao.html

•

www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/publications/nrc_pubs/tapping/

•

https://chime-experiment.ca

The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory is operated by the National Research Council Canada. The Observatory is located at 717 White Lake Road in Kaleden. For more info, call 250-497-2300. SkahaMatters.com | February 2020 | Page 17

OK Falls Heritage & Museum Society

Kaleden Museum ~ A History Tid Bit

By Marla Wilson

By Meredith King

Well, we had our Winter Blast of Arctic air in January, so with that being out of the way, now we can get on with a normal Okanagan Falls Winter. It really felt pretty good after the bitter cold stuff. Perhaps all that snow melt will give our forests some needed moisture that will help protect them from fires in the summer. The Heritage Society is moving right along. Our AGM was in January, and so now it is onward toward spring. There are some new Executive Members, and that is a good thing. Change is good. Noreen Fowler and her staff will be putting all the winter stock on a Big Bag Sale starting February 18th. The same rules apply. Buy a bag for $5 and fill it to the brim with clothing of your choice. There is a great deal of spring clothing that has been brought in over the winter. The colourful spring stuff will go on the racks after the sale is over. The shop has done extremely well over the last year. Maintenance Man, Andrew Feniuk, is always putzing around the place and the results are amazing. He has really worked hard this last year to whip it all into shape. There needs to be some work done on the kitchen ﬂoor in the Bassett House, so that may be on his agenda. Sue Walker will be making contact with the Seniors Homes to invite them to bring their residents on a day trip to the museum. They love to bring their lunch when they come, so we set up the patio under the roof to protect them from weather, sun or rain, then they tour through the complex. Some take the short walk over the creek to Tickleberry’s. The displays in the Museum and Bassett House seems to awaken memories of their past. Thank you to the community for your continued support of the Okanagan Falls Heritage and Museum Society.

This column is taken from the recollections of Kaleden pioneer Ron King, who was born here in September 1915, the second child born in the community. He wrote these musings about his life in Kaleden before he passed away in 2010. These are his words, his memories, his thoughts, just as he wrote them down, run-on sentences included.

2020 Vision For The New Year By Bruce Tawse

As the new decade begins, 100 Men Who Care have a vision for 2020: donate a minimum of $40,000 to charitable organizations in the South Okanagan Similkameen region. To date, forty-two charities in the region have received $94,300 from the 100 Men Who Care group. The first meeting of the New Year will be: Wednesday, February 26th - 5:30-6:30 pm Tug’s Tap House Pub & Eatery 260 Martin Street in Penticton (Doors open at 5:00 / Event at 5:30 pm) Members of 100 Men meet four times a year and each member commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Three charitable organizations from the South Okanagan and Similkameen region are chosen at random and invited to present at the meeting where they describe their organization, explain how a donation would be used, whom it will help and the impact the donation will have in the community. The 100 Men members then vote to distribute their donations to the charities, with 80% going to the charity receiving the most votes and the two other groups receiving 10% each. All of the money donated goes directly to the three charities. More information about the organization, how to join and the charities who have received support can be found on the website at www.100menpenticton.com. You can also email info@100menpenticton.com with any questions. For information regarding a similar organization for women, go to www.cfso.net, click “Programs”, then click “100 Women”. Page 18 | February 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

Kaleden Cameos

Every community has to have its characters and growing up in Kaleden there were many who contributed to the atmosphere of the village. Since even my earliest remembrances fall somewhat later than the truly pioneer days, there are only dim recollections of the kind of romantic characters that would fit into the Wild West theme, but there were a few. Perhaps the one that we felt fit the mold best was Henry Burson. He was the cowboy of our early days, living out near the bottom of Roadhouse Hill. We would sometimes visit him, since the most delicious water cress grew in abundance in a spring just off his property or talk with him during his regular visits to Kaleden to pick up mail. We felt we knew him well and all the boys admired his horse, his cowboy attire and rolling cowboy gait. Others living out to the west in the White Lake - Yellow Lake were less well known to us, but were the subject of much interest and speculation. Tops in this category would be Berkeley Noad, a recluse who shunned any socializing with the civilized world. I don’t think I ever saw him more than once or twice, but we knew him well by reputation - a grizzled prospector type who would shoot you first and question you later - a reputation that was likely totally unsubstantiated by fact. Also living in that area was Vincent Green, a totally different personality, but definitely a character. From a refined British background, we were told, he and his wife fit into the role of pioneer ranchers in a most amazing way. A visit to their home was an adventure and we children were entranced by their open door policy, which allowed not only friends and neighbours, but domesticated livestock, pets, plus any and all denizens of the forest, unfettered access to their home and all were welcomed to roam freely. Having a cup of tea with the Greens, while squirrels ran overhead dropping bits of straw and sticks onto your head, with birds ﬂying in and out, and sharing the table with the docile feline was something their relatives in the old country might have wondered at. Tune in next month for more ramblings on the intricacies of Kaleden life. To donate an item to the Kaleden Museum, please contact Meredith at 250-497-6995.

South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Update By Wendy Weisner, PhD, Executive Director Join the SOS Volunteer Centre’s “Volunteer Gathering” where volunteers meet first and get to know one another before embarking on volunteer work of their choice. Everyone is welcome. Next Team Gathering is Wednesday, February 26th from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, includes lunch and refreshments. Please RSVP by Friday, February 21st to info@volunteercentre.info. Discover ways you can contribute and make a difference by ‘Browsing Opportunities’ at www.volunteercentre.info. Please register as a volunteer to receive updates. For more information or to meet with a staff member, email info@volunteercentre.info or call 1-888-576-5661.

Kaleden Seniors Committee Update By Eryn Wiedner, KSC Coordinator Greetings from the Kaleden Seniors Committee! On January 11th, 9 locals attended the LifeSaver course by St John’s Ambulance thanks to the Kaleden Seniors Committee. We can all find comfort knowing there are more folks in our midst with first aid training, should the need arise.

A big shout out to local Melanie Magritz, Ayurvedic Consultant and Massage Therapist, for the amazing cooking class on Friday, January 24th. We learned so much about this ancient Indian wisdom for holistic health and enjoyed a delicious lunch with the community. Richard Lautsch is also worthy of our thanks for the excellent intro to Tai Chi he provided. We left the hall with full bellies and clear minds. We are super excited about our February event - Music Trivia with James Chicalo (see poster to the right) on Friday, February 14th at 1pm. Many of you know James from the “Awesome Kids Athletics” program right here in Kaleden, but you might not know he is also a professional entertainer. Please join us for a fun-filled game of Music Trivia with James, where we are sure to groove a little and have lots of laughs. We will play in teams and there are prizes to be won! Please bring a healthy snack or dessert to share. Everyone is welcome! Weekly Reminders: Women’s Drop-in meets every Wednesday from 1-4pm at the Kaleden Church. All ladies welcome at this no charge gathering. Thursday’s Cards & Games is from 1-3pm at the Kaleden Hall. Feel free to bring a new game to share! $4 drop-in fee or sign up for the series at $32.50 for 13 weeks. If you have any questions or ideas or need more information, you can always reach the Kaleden Seniors Committee at kaledenseniors@gmail.com.

CatMatch Meet Black Bird I am about a year and a half old and in search of a special family. I came from a very difficult background and was not held or given a lot of love. As a result, I am very nervous around people. I need a quiet home with patient people who will give me the time to relax and feel safe, while I gather my courage to approach them to seek the love and affection that I crave. I love to play with toys, so I’ll entertain you as we work on our relationship. If you think you have these qualities, please contact AlleyCATS Alliance at alleycatsalliance@gmail.com. www.AlleyCATSAlliance.org

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The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #227 By Bev van Uden

** It’s Time To Renew Your Membership! ** February Special Events: Sunday, February 2nd ~ Super Bowl Sunday! Taco Salad Bowls will be served for $8. Everyone is welcome! Friday, February 14th ~ Valentine Dance with Wendy Rodocker and Ron (shown below). Spaghetti Dinner with garlic toast $8. Starts at 6:30 pm following the Meat Draw. Everyone is welcome!

Okanagan Falls Lions Update By Bob Wilson, Past President Well, that was an interesting winter wonderland! Now we go back to waterproof footwear for a while. But don’t put the cold weather gear away just yet, ‘cause who knows what’s next. Not much to report this month. We are continuing our school breakfast programs on Tuesday mornings (cold breakfast) and Thursday mornings (hot breakfast) at Okanagan Falls Elementary School. Thanks again to our supporters from the community and corporate sector in the way of time and supplies. All is going well. We will be continuing our normal activities throughout the coming year with the Easter Egg Hunt, Walk for Dog Guides, and Cookies for Breakfast at the Music in the Park events. Details will be in Skaha Matters as the time gets closer. Our meeting place seems to be going back and forth between the multi-purpose room at the school and the RDOS office beside Bullies Pizza. We will try to firm up locations, but if we aren’t at one place we’ll be at the other on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. Remember, the 4th Tuesday is a dinner meeting. Happy Valentine’s Day! (Not the Chicago one, the Love one!)

Blood, it’s in you to give! The next Blood Donor Clinics are February 17 & 18 at the Penticton Senior Drop In Centre from 1:30 - 5:30 pm. The Canadian Blood Services needs both donors and volunteers for their clinics. To become a donor and/or volunteer, Sunday, February 16th ~ Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 am. please visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. When you see Pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, sausages, coffee and juice. a volunteer, please thank them. Adults $6, Children $3 & under 3 are Free. Everyone is welcome! If you would like to join us, talk to a Lions member or call 778-439Tuesday, February 18th ~ General Meeting at 7 pm.

Wednesday, February 19th ~ Music Trivia at 7 pm. Food available at 5:30 pm. Everyone is welcome!

Weekly Activities: Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays ~ Pool at 2 pm. Call Stan for pool league information at 778-531-8228. Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ Pool at 3 pm. Call Stan for pool league information at 778-531-8228.

2275. Okanagan Falls Lion’s Club is online at www.e-clubhouse. org/sites/okfalls/ and www.facebook.com/okanaganfallslionsclub.

South Skaha Housing Society Update By Sharon Davis, Director of Fundraising & Communications

A ‘South Skaha Place’ Winter’s Tale

The tenants are all nestled in enjoying some great winter scenery. We have a few glitches, but everyone prevails. All we need is our pub to reopen and have a wonderful grocery outlet! Many thanks to our OK Food Mart, Heritage Market, KJ’s Fridays ~ Youth Darts from 6:30 - 8 pm. Call Dee for information Coffee Bar, Bullies Pizza, Kettle Valley Pizza and Falls Restaurant at 250-497-5975. (although it is closed for February and reopens in early March). Friday & Saturday Nights ~ Meat Draws & 50-50 Draws starting Maybe the Pharmasave can expand into groceries. (Come on at 5 pm on Fridays & 4 pm on Saturdays. Come out ... you could Greg and Heidi, you can do it, you are there for us with everything be a winner! Everyone is welcome! else.) These places are so important to our seniors who are not Sunday is Fun Day ~ Check out the fun and games with Bingo able to go to Oliver, Penticton or Kelowna (Costcoville). and Horse Racing starting at 1:30 pm. Pool starts at 12 Noon. South Skaha Place is waiting for signs of Spring and maybe we’ll (Call Stan for pool league information at 778-531-8228.) have some good news on these issues, as well as working on our Patio Garden and other adjacent property. Bundle up and keep Other Items: shovelling. We will get ‘er done in our mighty little town! NEW Canteen Hours - Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 2 pm until close. Open Tuesday and Thursday from 1 pm until close. And, open Sunday from 12 Noon until close. Wednesdays ~ Darts at 7 pm. Call Denise for information at 250-485-4949.

Come Out & Try Volunteering ... It’s Lots Of Fun! For more information, please call 250-497-8338. Show Your Support & Become A Member ~ The Royal Canadian Legion cares for those who have served their country. The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. We are located at 5009 Veterans Ways in Okanagan Falls. For more information, call 250-497-8338. Facebook Page: Royal Cdn Legion - Branch 227 Okanagan Falls BC. “Where you are always welcome to join us!”

Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Centre

Community Champions

By Loraine Thompson

By Elmira Galiyeva, LIP Coordinator for South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services

As of this writing, we’ve had some pretty good dumps of snow this winter and a few days of extreme cold temperatures, but things just keep on keepin’ on here at the Senior Centre. Are you perhaps looking for something to do to help alleviate some of that winter cabin fever? Well, just come on over and check us out. Something is usually going on and coffee is only minutes away. You could meet some new folks, make some new friends. Maybe catch up with some old friends you haven’t seen in awhile. Try something new, or maybe we have your favourite activity already listed on our calendar. Or, maybe you’ve been looking for an opportunity to do some volunteering. We operate solely by the help of volunteers. There’s not too much out of the ordinary happening here for February, except that this year is a leap year, so anything is possible. February Drop-In Bingo will do a food drive for our local Helping Hands to help replenish their shelves with much needed nonperishable foodstuffs. Details will be posted at the Centre. By March, we’ll be getting ready for our annual Spring Flea Market, held on Saturday, March 14th. If you’ve starting your spring cleaning, you could set aside some of your treasures to donate. Don’t forget our monthly General Meeting, being held on Monday, February 3rd at 1 pm. Did I mention there will be cake? Our Music Jams continue to bring out musicians and snowbird friends from all over the country. Come on out of hibernation and join us ... it’s always a fun day. Everyone is welcome! Once again, at the risk of repeating myself, have you renewed your 2020 membership? Membership is $20/year, which covers from January 1st to December 31st. For more information on anything to do with the Seniors Centre, please call Grethe at 250-488-3925.

Monthly Special Events:

Pancake Breakfast ~ Saturday, February 1 from 8-10 am General Meeting ~ Monday, February 3 at 1 pm Music Jam ~ Sunday, February 9 from 1-4 pm Light lunch available at 11:30 am. Runs from October to April. Drop-in Bingo ~ Saturday, February 15 at 1 pm Potluck Dinner ~ Saturday, February 22 at 5:30 pm

Weekly Activities:

Canasta ~ Mondays - February 3, 10 & 17 at 10 am Exercise Class ~ Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9 am Tuesday Bingo ~ February 4, 11 & 18 at 1 pm Evening Pool ~ Tuesdays at 6 pm Music & Coffee ~ Wednesdays & Fridays from 9-10:30 am Carpet Bowling ~ Wednesdays at 1 pm Scrabble / Bridge / Cribbage ~ Thursdays at 10 am / 1 pm / 7 pm

Ladies Auxiliary of Branch #227 Update By Denise Ashton

Immigration is not easy. If you experienced it, you know what I mean. If not, imagine moving to a country where you don’t know anyone, you don’t speak the local language, you don’t have a home, and you don’t have a job. How would that go? Studies show that it may take up to 15 years for a newcomer to integrate into a community in Canada. Daunting, isn’t it? There is something each of us can do to change that, though. From welcoming policies at the government level and supportive practices at the organizational level, to a caring attitude of a neighbour or a colleague who doesn’t just tolerate you but is genuinely interested in and values you. Let me introduce you to two wonderful women on their settlement journey. Meet Walida Jamlil. Walida, her husband Ahmed and their three children moved to Canada, thanks to a group of residents at St. Saviour’s Church that sponsored them in 2016. Originally from Syria, they lived in Lebanon before coming to Penticton. Ahmed was a construction worker and Walida was a stay-at-home mom. Walida admits that language learning plays the most important role on the way to integration. Both, Walida and Ahmed, are learning English at the South Okanagan Immigrant and Community Services (SOICS). Ahmed works at a store and Walida has started a home-based businesses, called Walida’s Mending & Alteration Services and Walida’s Catering Services. Ahmed is very supportive of Walida’s entrepreneurship. “I really like it here”, says Walida, “I enjoy the English lessons ... people are very nice ... the church group has been very kind and supportive ... children are happy - they love their school and made friends ... “ “What is your dream, Walida?” I ask. She smiles, “My dream is to build a successful business in my community”. Meet my next champion ... Eklas Alzoubi. Eklas and her family (husband Mohammad and three children at that time) also arrived in 2016, thanks to the sponsorship of the local group of residents ... Summerland Refugee Sponsorship Group. Now, the Alzoubi family has five children. They live in Summerland. Mohammad, who used to be a chef in Syria, works at the Lakeside Resort at the reception. The kids like learning languages and enjoy their school a lot. And, Eklas studies English at SOICS and runs her home-based catering business. She got her driver’s license and is able to commute to Penticton every day. She admits with excitement in her eyes, “I can go anywhere I want”. “I love cooking, especially when I see how much people enjoy the food I make. I sell my food at the local community markets and do catering as well. My dream is to open a restaurant and run it together with my husband and children. Right now we can’t afford the loans, but someday, I hope, our dream will come true.”

We start off this month on Saturday, February 1st with our LA Bingo held at 12 Noon. On both Saturdays, February 1st and February 15th, the Ladies Auxiliary will hold our LA Dinners, following the Meat Draw which starts at 4:30pm. On Sunday, February 2nd, the Ladies Auxiliary will provide Soup and Sandwiches for the Monthly Dart Event. The Ladies Auxiliary’s Installation of Officers will be held at our next General Meeting on Wednesday, February 5th, along with our Ladies Auxiliary Anniversary. Look for our basket draws and other events in the coming months. We will also continue our Meat Draws, held every Friday and Saturday with the Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227.

SkahaMatters.com | February 2020 | Page 21

LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY Kaleden Community Church (KCC)

Family Worship ~ Sundays at 10:00 am 443 Lakehill Rd, Kaleden / Pastor David Jenkins - 250-497-5995 Email: kaledenchurch@gmail.com / FB: Kaleden Community Church www.kaledencommunitychurch.org - for up to date event info

Okanagan Falls Community Church

Sunday Worship ~ 10:00 am Speaker for February ~ Pastor Jon Manlove Come join us in celebrating God’s Love! 1356 McLean Creek Rd, OK Falls / Office: 250-497-5131

Okanagan Falls United Church

Sunday Service ~ 9:00 - 10:00 am Speakers: February 2 - Rev. Mark Bedford; February 9 - Rev. David Sparks; February 16 - Rev. Paul James; and February 23 Victor Ince. Musician for February is Lori Martine. All ages are welcome! Coffee and social time to follow service. 1108 Willow St, OK Falls / 250-497-1171 / www.okfallsunited.ca

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Service

Sunday Mass ~ 11:30 am 1039 Willow St, OK Falls / Administrator - Father Dominique Okanagan Falls Contact: Lorraine Harrison - 250-497-8781

St. Barbara’s Anglican Church

Sunday Service ~ 9:30 am 1st 3 Sundays & 1:00 pm 4th Sunday Coffee and social time after the Church Service. 1039 Willow St, OK Falls / Rt. Rev. David Irving - 250-767-1842

Emergency Hampers can be made available from Okanagan Falls Helping Hand throughout the year with proper qualiﬁcations.

William Thomas Styffe

August 15, 1959 - December 22, 2019 William Thomas Styffe, 60, of Okanagan Falls passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 22, 2019. Tom, as he was known to all, can be best characterized as a builder. He made his mark in the construction industry helping to build many lasting structures in our Province, but Tom’s true passion was good governance and he so enjoyed helping to build the communities in which his family lived. Over the years, he served as a Councillor in Logan Lake, as Alternate Director of RDOS Area ‘D’, on the Real Estate Council of BC, and (his favourite) as Chair of the Board of Governors for Okanagan College. A man who loved golf, his Cadillac and sunshine, Tom could always be relied upon for a well-timed joke. Unquestionably, Tom’s greatest accomplishment was building his strong, loving family. Tom is survived by his wife and the love of his life, Lisa, and his beloved children Justin (Christie) and Tara (Wes) and darling granddaughter Sawyer, as well as brothers Philip (Sarica) and Roy (Cheryl).. A celebration of Tom’s life will be planned. In lieu of ﬂowers, donations in Tom’s memory to the BC Cancer Foundation would be most welcome. A special thank you to Dr. Andrew in Penticton and Dr. Lucas in Kelowna. Condolences may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com

Nunes ~ Pottinger Funeral Service and Crematorium 250-498-0167

To apply, please call 250-486-2767 and leave a message. Your call will be returned.

Volunteer Spotlight Okanagan Falls School Breakfast Volunteers

Thank you to our Okanagan Falls School Breakfast Program Volunteers! They are awesome! They serve a cold breakfast every Tuesday morning and a hot breakfast every Thursday morning for our students. Thank you for what you do for our school community!

info4@nunes-pottinger.com JOHN NUNES

www.nunes-pottinger.com 5855 Hemlock Street, PO Box 788, Oliver V0H 1T0

DANIEL K. LO MOBILE LEGAL & NOTARIAL SERVICES DELIVERING BEYOND 9-5

Available for Evening & Weekend Appointments E: Daniel@dklmobilelaw.ca P: 250-770-2951 C: 778-931-0461 W: dklmobilelaw.ca A: 129 Nanaimo Ave. W, Penticton V2A 1N2

Insurance Agencies Group

If there is someone you would like to see honoured in this column, please call 250-497-8188 or email to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca.

For All Your Insurance Needs

Volunteer In Your Community!

Page 22 | February 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

CORPORATE AND COMMERCIAL LAW WILLS, ESTATES AND PROBATE LAW REAL ESTATE CONVEYANCING COLLABORATIVE FAMILY LAW

Johnston Meier

Volunteers ... Making A Difference

There are many volunteer opportunities in your community. Call any of the non-profit groups included in this issue. Let’s help each other!

DARYN POTTINGER

5350 9th Avenue Okanagan Falls

250-497-8739 www.jmins.com

Flowers or Fish Heads?

Send yours to skahamatters@telus.net Your name and location is required on any submission.

Credible Cremation Services Ltd.

Sensible Prices for Practical People - At need / Pre need.

Call Lesley, our own Senior, Licensed Director

(Please Note: Some discretion on content inclusion may be involved.)

Flowers to Kaledenites who care. A well-timed meal delivered by a friend or neighbour to someone in need is one of the best gifts imaginable. Kudos to the people of Kaleden for stepping up to the plate many times this past year to assist with odd jobs, rides, friendships, and to provide meals for people. Your generosity and display of caring by lending a hand is remarkable. If you find yourself with left over’s, please drop them off at the Kaleden Community Church on Wednesday afternoons during the Ladies’ Drop-In. The Kaleden HUB has a freezer at the Church and can arrange to deliver the meal when needed. Never doubt that one person can make a difference. ~ From Kim D. of Kaleden Flowers to Ron Obirek for all that you do in our community! In your last column, you wrote about inviting the other RDOS directors to tour Okanagan Falls. I have always found it difficult to accept that people who know nothing about our community make decisions that affect us. You are helping to change that by inviting them to find out, first hand, to see what is going on here ... now they can make informed decisions. I’m convinced that you would tour their communities, if invited. Your hard work and dedication is SO much appreciated and noticed! ~ From Heather J. of Okanagan Falls Flowers to the “Angel” that cleared the snow away from my car on January 16, 2020. It was very much appreciated. ~ From Mary F. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to people who use Hody Drive as a bathroom for their dogs and do not clean up after them. Really?! Letting your animal poop in your neighbour’s driveway, not once, but numerous times. Shame on you! ~ From Colleen L. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to the Grinch who stole my backpack out of my car when it was parked in my driveway on a Sunday night in midDecember. I can’t imagine that my clothes, my make-up bag or my curling iron were of much use to you. I hope that you at least donated them to charity rather than just throwing them out. And, no, however you might have used this excuse to justify the theft to yourself, they were not covered by insurance. So, I have to replace the backpack and its contents myself. I truly hope that you get the help you need rather than stealing from more working people. To everyone else in Okanagan Falls - lock up your cars, your sheds and your bikes. And, I hope that this doesn’t happen to you. ~ From Kristal K. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to the person who didn’t check the holiday garbage and recycle schedule for Area ‘D’. In Okanagan Falls, there is an ally behind Ralph’s on Main. On December 31st, someone put their garbage out and it was there until the Saturday when Waste Management came by to get it. What happened was rodents got into it, leaving garbage and recycle debris all across the alley (close to where it was put out). The ‘offender’ failed to identify his or her debris and now the mess is left for someone else (ME) to clean up. Please use proper containers and protect the cleanliness of area. Please and Thank You! ~ From Maria M. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to the dog owners who continually leave their dog’s poop for someone else to dispose of, or worse yet, to step in. You give the responsible dog owners a bad name. Did you think the snow would hide it forever? I think those of you who don’t clean up after your pet should not be allowed to have a pet. ~ From Heather J. of Okanagan Falls

O’l Mother Hubbard Grocery Assistant! Grocery shopping in the comfort of your own home ... and with delivery to your cupboards!

250-408-4990 or olmhubbard@gmail.com

Total - Basic Cremation ... No Hidden Costs $1190.00 + taxes (Penticton area) $1390.00 + taxes (Kelowna area)

250.493.3912

(24 hrs)

110-1960 Barnes St, Penticton, BC V2A 4C3 www.crediblecremation.ca

BC Lic# 49382

If Basic Cremation Is Your Choice By Lesley Luff, Okanagan Falls & Osoyoos Another year is now behind us and a new one has just begun. As we look forward with anticipation to 2020, most of us will be making our “New Year’s Resolutions”. Some of which we will keep, and others, just like the old year will slip away unaccomplished. For those who may have made a resolution to see to their final arrangements, now is the time to call Lesley and make an appointment. Take it from me, your spouse, family and their children will thank you for not leaving them with the responsibility of making decisions on your behalf, when the time comes. Prearranging will allow your loved ones to mourn your passing without having the stress of making emotional choices during a time of grief. Do it Now! Call Lesley at 250-493-3912 for your appointment. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to another Okanagan Falls Neighbour.

LETOURNEAU, VERNICE HELEN March 30, 1935 - December 27, 2019

The Letourneau family celebrate the life of “Mickey” Vernice Letournea, while mourning her passing. Loving wife of Leonard, beloved mother of Jody and Len, Mickey will be sadly missed every day, by her family and many friends. We all take away the gift of her life, her laughter, and the love that she left with us. Final arrangements for Vernice through Credible Cremation Services. 250-493-3912 Email: crediblecremations@shaw.ca

Constance Care Senior Assistance Services: Errand & Shopping Services Grocery Put-Away & Organizing Medical Appointment Companion Prescription, Packages & Postal Pick-ups Leisure Activity Companion In-Home Meal Preparation

Oliver, Okanagan Falls & Penticton 10 years of Emergency Care Services with BC Ambulance Professionally Trained Chef

Call or Text: 250.423.8763

Dementia-Care Experience Licensed, Registered & Insured Hourly & Flat Rates

Constance Stratton

Handyman & Custom Finish Carpentry

Helping the Do-It-Yourself Homeowner

Jay Mallach 250.490.6343

No Job Too Small Licensed & Insured

jaymallach@gmail.com

LetsFinishIt.ca

Our Vision: Everyone, Active, Everyday! Check out the full program schedule at rec.rdos.bc.ca | 250.497-8188 rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca

DROP-IN Fitness Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s do this!

Monday Night Workout:

Your 2020 Winter Recreation Guide can be found on-line at: rec.rdos.bc.ca

5:30 pm with Kathy Orioli Strength, cardio and core.

Print copies available at your local library and community centres.

Functional Fitness 9:30 am Tuesdays and Thursdays with Kandice Davidson

Synchro-Fit H.I.I.T. Class

YOUTH BASKETBALL

Gentle Fit

Mondays at 6:00 pm Okanagan Falls Gym $2 Drop-in For ages 10+

11:00 am Tuesdays and Thursdays

Parent Participation appreciated, but not mandatory.

5:00 pm Wednesdays with James Chicalo

A modified fitness program for those challenged by mobility or balance issues. Please call the office to arrange an orientation with our instructor. Kandice Davidson is certified as a Functional Aging Specialist and Trainer. ________________________________________

Fitness Classes in Kaleden Jackie will be back with her popular boot camps soon. Stay tuned!

Back to back Sundays at Kaleden Hall. February 16th and 23rd 1:00-3:00 pm $20 for both. Please pre-register early.