Skaha Matters February 2022 by Skaha Matters

Skaha Matters

Volume 14 : Issue 2 February 2022 Your FREE Monthly Community News!

“Bringing Community Matters To You”

Levi enjoying a walk in the snow in the hills above Skaha Lake. Photo by Malibu Dreams Photography | To purchase photos, call 250.462.5513.

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Volunteer Spotlight

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Meet Kelvin Hall

Most of my working life was in emergency management and response with the federal, provincial and local governments. When we moved to the Okanagan in late 2013, my wife noticed a recruiting poster from Penticton Search and Rescue (PENSAR) and suggested I apply. Perhaps she wanted me out of the house, but understood my desire to help people. She does have a good sense of humour. I have been with PENSAR since Photo by Malibu Dreams Photography | To purchase photos, call 250.462.5513. January 2014 doing various tasks, currently I am one of the Search Advertise Your Business Here. Managers. Between training and Next call out tasks, I spend about 400Neighbours Helping Neighbours. Deadline 600 hours volunteering each year. skahamatters@telus.net 250.490.6951 Feb 15-20 When not volunteering with PENSAR, I sit on the RDOS Area “D” Advisory Planning Committee and the Okanagan Falls Parks and Up To Date Quick Facts: Skaha Matters is published every month. All residents and Recreation Committee. These two committees are important to the businesses in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Estates, Weekly St. Andrews, and Twin Lakes receive an issue via Canada Post on the future development of Okanagan Falls and are always looking for eCalendar! last business day of each month. Limited locations also carry copies. new volunteers. Both are great groups to work with. Sign Up Online For full advertising details, please visit www.SkahaMatters.com. Why do I volunteer? So many people helped my family when we Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of came to Canada in the late 1950s and I feel a sense of duty to the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this return the favour. Be safe, stay healthy and volunteer if time allows. publication. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement, and retain the right to edit all copy. Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. All authors and advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their final approval must be received to be published. © 2022 Okanagan Matters Publications.

Volunteers ... Making A Difference

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.

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Richard Cannings

Member of Parliament South Okanagan - West Kootenay

Richard.Cannings@parl.gc.ca 250.770.4480

#202 - 301 Main Street Penticton, BC V2A 5B7

From The Hill By Richard Cannings, MP South Okanagan-West Kootenay This is traditionally a time to look back on the year that was and forward to the year to come. Since 2021 wasn’t anyone’s favourite year with a pandemic, climate disasters, an opioid crisis, housing challenges and more, I won’t dwell on its shortcomings, but instead concentrate on my hopes and plans for the future. I hope the government has learned a lesson from last summer’s election - that Canadians don’t want more political games during the pandemic, and that they want Members of Parliament to work together to solve the difficult issues facing our country. And in our short fall/winter session in Parliament, we did accomplished a few important things. A bill banning conversion therapy was passed unanimously in both the House of Commons and the Senate, completing a process started five years ago by my former colleague Sheri Benson with her private members bill on this subject. Although we are still in the grips of the pandemic, at the end of October the government cut off COVID supports to 900,000 workers and replaced those supports with programs that helped some hard hit businesses, but left impacted self-employed workers out in the cold. As the NDP Critic for Small Business and Tourism, I’ve been hearing from many business leaders and industry groups that are concerned about workers and companies that have fallen through the cracks of government pandemic supports. I’ll continue to press the government to make sure no worker gets left behind in the pandemic recovery. The opioid crisis continues to kill hundreds of Canadians with a poisoned drug supply. The NDP - and most health sector groups and many police forces across the country - considers this a medical issue and not a criminal problem and has long supported the decriminalization of small amounts of drugs and provision of a safe supply to keep those struggling with addictions alive while they access programs to get their lives back. My colleague Gord Johns, the MP for Courtenay-Alberni has already tabled a private members’ bill to do just that and we’ll be debating that early in the spring. I participated in several important debates in the House of Commons this fall, including the federal government response to the flooding in British Columbia, renewed softwood lumber tariffs, and government supports for small businesses and the tourism sector. I also tabled two private members’ bills, one to return protection to rivers and lakes in South Okanagan-West Kootenay under the Navigation Protection Act and another to create a new Canadian Environmental Bill of Rights. The latter initiative would add the right for all Canadians to live in a healthy and ecologically balanced environment to the Canadian Bill of Rights and provide rights to information about the environment, rights to participate in environmental hearings, and a right to bring a matter concerning the environment before the courts. I hope to have that bill on the floor of the House for debate before the end of the spring session. Please enjoy time with friends and family as much as possible in these pandemic times and get out into our winter wonderland to recharge in the snowy woods and on the trails.

Monthly MLA Report By Roly Russell, MLA Boundary-Similkameen We’re off and running with 2022! I hope the year is offering promise of good things ahead for people - we surely all could use a little boost these days. The desire to establish permanent safety improvements on Highway 97 is clear. My office has been working on this for months now, and I appreciate the support of the community members who signed the petition to echo that to our government. As mentioned previously, we’ve been working closely with the Ministry on this, as well as local stakeholders and with Area “I” Director Monteith. I will have some more concrete plans to share once a few more details are ironed out. Earlier this week, in my capacity as the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Development, I had the opportunity to participate in some virtual meetings with First Nations and BC Government Ministers at the annual First Nations Leadership Gatherings. It was a pleasure to get to hear first-hand the issues that were top of mind for those leaders and their communities; the strong alignment in the needs of rural First Nations and other rural communities was certainly evident. For me, this helps reinforce how much interconnectedness and synergy there is between supporting First Nations communities and our other rural BC communities: at the end of day, nourishing our rural communities helps lift us all. Those impacted by the floods in 2021 remain a top priority for my office. We know how difficult it’s been for so many. I’m happy that people affected by the flooding in fall 2021 receiving Emergency Support Services will see this support evolve to personalized wrap-around services. From my own lived experience, I know how important it is to have caring and knowledgeable people to help impacted individuals navigate recovery post-disaster, so this is hopeful. The provincial and federal governments will provide these personalized recovery supports, including interim housing and basic needs assistance, through the Red Cross. These personalized supports will be funded by donations to the 2021 Canadian Red Cross British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Appeal, which raised over $30M, and then were matched by the Federal and Provincial governments for a total of over $90M. This month, the government also initiated a complex-care housing program, which helps move us toward wrap-around supports and into a model of more ‘community care’ rather than institutionalized care. This new model will provide residents with treatment services, as well as support from nurses, social workers, and other health professionals. This is exciting, because even through the unprecedented recent investments in affordable housing, supportive housing, and mental health and addictions, there are still people that are alienated from those supports, in some cases because they are unhoused or in precarious accommodations. This move will help improve service delivery to more of the people that will substantially benefit from that support. The CleanBC Communities Fund, gender designation, COVID business supports, mental health supports ... so much more to explore, but it’ll have to wait for next time!

Your Community Office:

(post) PO Box 1592, Grand Forks, BC V0H 1H0 (ph) 250-498-5122 (web) RolyRussellMLA.ca (em) Roly.Russell.MLA@leg.bc.ca

FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area "I"

February is an great opportunity to show love and appreciation to everyone. The Kaleden Community Association (KCA) is showing its love of Kaleden by continuing to support countess projects in Kaleden. Below is the 2022 list of fundraising funded projects. KCA has raised funds for community Subrina Monteith projects through volunteer time at Director of the bottle depot, as well as through RDOS Area "I" fundraising events such as Get Jazzed Dinner and Dance and Art Raﬄes. Additional dollars are paid to KCA by the RDOS for use of the Kaleden Community Hall as part of the lease agreement. At the January 17, 2022 KCA meeting, the following decisions were made to support projects in Pioneer Park and at Kaleden Community Hall, as well as other community initiatives: • Pioneer Park Initiatives • Maintain the funding for an AED for Pioneer Park ($1800) • Maintain the funding for a water bottle ﬁlling station for Pioneer Park ($2000) • Fund the purchase and installation of an accessible picnic table in Pioneer Park through the RDOS donation program ($6300) with the request that it be placed beside a pathway and hopefully under a tree, so that it is accessible for individuals with walkers or in wheelchairs • Support additional tree planting at Pioneer Park ($2000) • Kaleden Community Hall Initiatives • Fund painting of entrance and assembly (gym) area of the hall ($17,900) • Other Community Initiatives • Increase the KCA Small Grant limit to $200 from $150 up to four grants provided each year • Provide two KCA post-secondary bursaries ($500 each) through the Kaleden Bursary Fund • Collaborate with KID on the purchase and installation of a “Kaleden Cemetery” gate at the cemetery ($2000) • Support FireSmart Program through purchase of 4 additional large yard waste collection bags ($300) Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department has included the Kaleden FireSmart Committee as support members under the department. This will ensure the program is successful for many years to come. I continue to work with MLA Roly Russell on Hwy 97 and Hwy 3A advocacy to ensure that our voice is heard in needing a change to the intersection of the highways and along Hwy 97 through the Kaleden community. Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area "I" Direct: 250.460.0723 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca

Kaleden Irrigation District News By Bruce Shepherd, KID Trustee What’s New for 2022? With residents acquiring roof sprinkler systems for fire protection, and the potential impact on frontline firefighting efforts (see last month’s column), KID will be adding conditions on their use to its 2022 Water Conservation Measures. Stay tuned ... Heat domes and atmospheric rivers, along with COVID variants, had many impacts in 2021 which will continue to ripple through 2022. This includes supply chain disruptions that are resulting in major increases in the costs of power and construction materials. One example of the latter is the purchase early in 2021 of the piping and valve cluster needed for the upgrade work done in November; had those materials been purchased later in the year, they would have cost over 30% more (over $50,000 more), and may not have even been available then! These trends serve to emphasize the importance of advance financial planning for maintenance and infrastructure upgrades. KID is currently planning for 2022 and beyond; while efforts are being made to minimize tax increases, there will have to be an increase to keep KID functional into the future. More on this at KID’s AGM in May ... Tis the Season to NOT be Freezing! During the recent extended cold snap, there was some speculation on the Kaleden Facebook site as to whether frozen pipes could be due to problems in the KID mainlines. (I had to buy insulated covers for my outside taps - the first time they froze since moving here in 1988!) Never say never, but freezing in the mainlines is highly unlikely even with more extreme cold weather spells. This is because KID mainlines are much deeper than many residential service lines, and are continuously moving water that has been pumped from deep in Skaha Lake, where the temperature is seldom below 4°C (the maximum density of water). Of “Consuming” Interest? KID pumped over 1.35 billion liters in 2021, 11% more than in 2020, but 11% less compared to the 1991-2020 average. Domestic usage was up 27% during the non-irrigation months compared to 2020 (up by 14% compared to 1991-2020). This is likely due to more folks staying home due to COVID restrictions, but leak detection surveys will continue to check on that possibility as well. Water consumption during the 2021 irrigation season was 10% higher than in 2020, but 12% lower than the 1991-2020 average (note that water conservation measures began in 2010). June-July of 2021 averaged over 4°C hotter than in 2020, resulting in 40% higher consumption. AugustSeptember consumption was 11% lower than in 2020, despite similar temperatures; this is attributed to increased patrolling by KID staff during that period. COVID Continues ... So please call ahead for an appointment before visiting the KID Office!

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

“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.

Kaleden’s Lakeside Outdoor Ice Rink

MEA

KALEDEN

HUB

HELP

VISITS

Need Medical Equipment?

The HUB has a collection of used medical equipment ranging from large items such as a scooter, lift chair, wheelchair, etc. to bath and shower chairs, raised toilet seats, hoists, pillows, crutches and more. If you are looking for this type of equipment for the long or short term, please call the HUB at 250-460-3387 for more information. P

YE RA

250-460-3387 R

GRO

The community of Kaleden enjoyed a fabulous lakeside outdoor ice rink beginning Christmas Eve and lasting through to the second week of January. There are many to thank for this incredible opportunity: Mike Watson and Steph Wiedner (Kaleden rink elves); McClarty, McNolty, McLelland Families (firewood); KVFD and KID (hoses and water access); RDOS (clean washrooms and Kaleden FireSmart new lights); the Kaleden Seniors Committee (funded new concrete By Linda Dahl berm around the rink); and many others who cleared, scraped and shoveled snow. To all the skaters who came down to enjoy - thank Kaleden FireSmart and Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department you! It really was a bit of holiday magic right here in Kaleden. (KVFD) are officially now in a partnership to combat fire risk in For nominations in this “Building Community Spirit” column, please the Kaleden Fire District protection area. The Regional District Okanagan Similkameen supports FireSmart as an arm of the call 250-497-8188 or email to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca. KVFD. The partnership will provide synergy for FireSmart events and activities. By working closer together, we hope to increase the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department reduction of burnable debris throughout the Kaleden Fire District. To contact Kaleden FireSmart, please call 250-497-8231 or email By Jean Dube Kaleden FireSmart and Kaleden Volunteer Fire kaledenfire@shaw.ca. Department (KVFD) are officially now in a partnership Upcoming FireSmart Event ~ Saturday, May 7th - FireSmart to combat fire risk in the Kaleden Fire District protection area. The Chipping Event from 10 am - 2 pm at the KVFD Training Grounds, Regional District Okanagan Similkameen supports FireSmart as located at the end of Dogwood Avenue. More information to follow. an arm of the KVFD. The partnership will provide synergy for FireSmart events and activities. By working closer together, we hope to increase the reduction of burnable debris throughout the HUB We would like to welcome you & provide you with a package Kaleden Fire District. of community information. Please call 250-460-3387. DE

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250-460-3387

New To Kaleden?

GRO

Burn Prevention Week Feb 6-12 ~ “Cooking Safety”

KALEDEN

HELP

VISITS

47% of all home fires are caused by cooking. Preventing a Kaleden Community Association Update burn injury is always better than the pain and trauma of medical By Glenda Livolsi treatment afterward. A scald injury can happen at any age. Children, older adults and Below are a couple of photos of the new bike rack and new bench people with disabilities are especially at risk. Hot liquids from donated by the Kaleden Community Association. We hope the bath water, hot coffee and even microwaved soup can cause community enjoys using them whenever the need arises. devastating injuries. Here are a few tips: • Turn pot or pan handles toward the back of the stove. • When frying, use a pan lid or splash guard to prevent grease splatter. • Make sure children stay 1 metre from stove. • Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you to check on your cooking. If you leave, turn off stove or oven. • Allow food to rest before removing from the microwave. All new website for all things Kaleden! • After cooking, check the kitchen to make sure all burners and other appliances are turned off. www.KaledenCommunity.com Treat a burn right away. Cool the burn with room temperature Courtesy of the Kaleden Community Association water for 3-5 minutes. Cover with a clean, dry cloth. Get medical SkahaMatters.com | February 2022 | Page 5 help if needed.

FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area “D”

does a wonderful job and membership information can be obtained by emailing Matt Taylor at okanaganfallscommunity@gmail. com. The Heritage Hills and Lakeshore Highlands Community Association is another community association that does amazing good community work; membership information can be obtained by calling Doug or Susan Lychak at 778-515-2247. Other groups include the Legion, the Lions Club, the Irrigation Districts, Stewardship Associations, Strata Corporations, and many other resident groups, all of which can help in providing additional and ongoing information of local community interest. Membership fees are nominal. Benefits of membership include updated and regular information and a place and opportunity to share concerns and ideas. Although volunteer opportunities exist in all these organizations, there is seldom a requirement for specific volunteer requirement or participation on the executive Boards; meaning members need not fear pressure of participating beyond their comfort levels. Leadership in all these groups care about our community and are very welcoming of new members. I acknowledge with sadness the passing of local resident and community leader Navid Chaudry. Navid passed away peacefully with family by his side on December 20, 2021 at the age of 75. Navid was a long time community member who served for many years on our Area “D” Advisory Planning Commission, for many years as Chair and then many years as the past Chair. His numerous volunteer contributions to our community involved many hours of conscientious and kind consideration to our community betterment. He specifically was thoughtful and considerate of others and the importance of fairness to all who participated on the Advisory Planning Commission and to the public and the RDOS staff who participated in matters brought before the commission. Navid was a wonderful man who will be missed by many. Our annual public meeting for the RDOS Budget has been set for February 3, 2022 at 7 pm. Participation will be by computer or telephone. It is uncertain at this time whether Covid rules will allow for in person attendance for this event. The computer and telephone meeting will proceed regardless of whether in person attendance is permitted. If in person attendance is permitted, then I will be in person at the school gym and the computer and phone call technology will be available for those who wish to join by computer or telephone. Everyone is welcome and questions are encouraged. Jim Zafino, RDOS Finance Manager, will join me and be available to assist in answering questions and providing information. I hope to resume “Coffee Meetings with the Director” starting in March (Covid 19 rules permitting) and will post times and places in the March Skaha Matters article. In the meantime, I welcome phone calls at 250-328-9800 or emails to robirek@rdos.bc.ca. Ron Obirek, Director of RDOS Area “D” Direct: 250.328.9800 | robirek@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca

I am writing this on January 19, 2022. Happy Valentine’s Day! The Covid-19 roller coaster continues. I encourage all to continue following BC CDC and Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice and recommendations regarding Covid-19. Rules and circumstances are changing quickly. I remain Ron Obirek optimistic and hopeful for 2022. Director of RDOS Area “D” Welcome to Physiotherapists Grant Storzuk and Matthew Skaszczyk, who are opening Okanagan Falls Physiotherapy and Active Wellness Centre in March 2022. Their clinic will be located in the 97 & Main Crossroads building. Services offered will include physiotherapy, acupuncture, IMS/ dry needling, shock wave therapy, and sports injury rehabilitation. They can be reached at 250-498-2202 for more information. Covid notwithstanding, many projects are moving ahead in our area in 2022. There are numerous development permit and zoning applications pending. The Okanagan Falls Irrigation District is proceeding through a process of conversion that will permit access to grant funding and infrastructure improvements for the benefit of the entire community. The governance review process is continuing with numerous public meetings scheduled in the coming months. Watch the RDOS website and Skaha Matters for important dates and public hearings and meetings. Opportunity to attend by computer or phone will be provided and in-person attendance as Covid rules permit. The Okanagan Falls Community Association had an excellent public meeting on December 9, 2021 at the school gym attended by approximately 44 people in person and over 60 who attended by computer. We now have an 85 inch SmartBoard in the Club Room at the school, which was used with great success on December 9, 2021. All attendees were Covid safe with lots of room for physical distancing and the technology provided excellent audio and visual aid to the presenters and to all who participated in person and by computer. This technology will be available for the upcoming public meetings and will be used by our Advisory Planning Commission, our Parks and Recreation Commission, our Economic Development Office, and community groups and purposes including, but not limited to, the South Skaha Housing Society, Community Partners, the Area “D” Service and Boundary Configuration Study Committee, Community Associations, Irrigation Districts, service clubs and groups, and others in our community. Congratulations to the Heritage Hills and Lakeshore Highlands Community Association for the excellent work done on the Heritage Hills Park. Christmas was a spectacular time in the park with snowmen and Christmas decorations contributed by many. Community members joined together and safely created a wonderful ice-skating surface on the pond complete with hockey nets. Pond hockey was a delight to watch in addition to the general skating and community enjoyment. A warming tent was provided and community members performed a general clean up around the pond edges in addition to the wonderful community skating and related activities appreciated by many. Thank you very much to all those who participated in such a wonderful outdoor Covid safe and enjoyable holiday activity. I encourage all who are interested in receiving excellent information and updates on ongoing matters of interest and concern in our community generally to join one or more of our excellent community groups. The Okanagan Falls Community Association Heavy blanket of fog while snowshoeing on January 22 ~ Photo by John Smeltzer

Okanagan Falls Irrigation District News By Randy Perrett, Chair The New Cost Of Normal ~ The new normal means that when it comes to purchasing just about anything, nothing is normal anymore. Prices that we were quoted in 2020 have gone through the roof. Time lines and costs have changed. They are over the top on just about everything, from buying a 2x4, to any given construction projects. This can be blamed on many factors, such as supply chain issues, COVID, and labour shortages. This means that all bets are off, and that game plans that we put together a few years ago all have to be revisited. We have had to make some adjustments. Some tweaking has had to be done. This includes time frames and priorities. At the end of the day, OFID is concerned and committed. We will do our best to stick to our guns in working things out to stay on course with our projects, while still being fiscally responsible. Special Shout Outs ~ Thanks to Value Contracting for helping us out during the recent big freeze when our pipes were frozen and OFID needed a helping hand. Good to have good neighbours. Summer Student ~ Once again, we are making an application for a summer student. It is a win/win proposition where the Government helps us out with cost and we can provide summer employment to a student. We were very lucky last summer to have Marcus Granger join us. We kept him employed both in our office using his computer skills, as well as in the field with our operators. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we are as successful this year. Conversion ~ The plans for a conversion assessment, transferring OFID to RDOS is well underway. RDOS is preparing an engineering assessment, where they will consult with our engineers to go over our plans, projects and future needs. They will also be examining our financials, as well as conducting a staff impact study. This should be completed in the next few months. Once completed, the rate payers will be invited to an Open House, where any questions can be answered prior to a vote on conversion. Billing ~ Over the next few weeks, our billing for taxes and tolls will be sent out. Payments can be made online and in-person. If you have any questions, please call or drop in and see Kim. Water We Thinking ~ It’s a strange world of language in which skating on thin ice can get you in hot water. ~ Franklin P. Jones

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

Heritage Week 2022

By Karen Collins, Penticton Branch President In celebration of Heritage Week 2022, the Penticton Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society will be hosting an event highlighting local heritage at Cherry Lane Shopping Centre. Hours are Saturday, February 19 from 9:30-5:30, Sunday, February 20 from 11-5, and Family Day on Monday, February 21 from 11-5. Join us in sharing local history and learn more about the importance of local heritage. Participating groups will include the Penticton Branch of the Okanagan Historical Society, South Okanagan Genealogy Society, SS Sicamous Society and Kettle Valley Model Train Club and others. There will be historical books for sale, pictorial displays, and artifacts from private collections, as well as a small KVR model train display. “Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live with today and we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration, our touchstone, our reference point, our identity.” ~ UNESCO

Okanagan Falls Community Association Update By Matt Taylor, President

Shifting Gears ... The Area “D” Service & Boundary Configuration Study is shifting gears and going on the road! The fact finding phase is just ending, and the committee and consultants have prepared a series of Fact Sheets for all of the services provided within Area “D”. Did you know that there are more than 30 different services provided in various parts of Area “D”? The Fact Sheets describe each service with: who makes decisions; how it is delivered; at what cost; and how it might be impacted by incorporation. There’s a tremendous amount of information gathered here, which is consistently presented in relatively straight-forward language. Together, these provide a really strong foundation from which to consider possible changes. An overview was sent to each mailing point in Area “D”, and you can check these out for yourself online at www.rdosregionalconnections.ca where you can also register for automatic updates. In February, this study shifts to an engagement phase, as it goes on the road (see the notice on the next page). At a series of Open Houses (hybrid meetings offering in-person and virtual participation), the committee and consultants will share information, answer questions and seek residents’ thoughts and concerns regarding: • Services and service levels within the different communities that make up Area “D”; • Governance, representation and how decisions are made for these services; and • Implications of incorporation on services within the different communities. Then at a public meeting in March, we’ll hear the ‘lessons of experience’ from leaders in other BC communities that went through the incorporation process. And in April, we’ll see a survey that will help to identify preferences on different boundary options. These are real opportunities to learn how Okanagan Falls can evolve in a positive direction! I look forward to seeing you at any of the Open Houses. Elsewhere in Okanagan Falls ... Several community or economic developments appear to be moving forward, creating a more sustainable community. More next month! If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to join the OFCA, please email okanaganfallscommunity@gmail.com.

Economic Development Update By Gail Scott, Economic Development Coordinator I loved starting off the New Year by having the opportunity to continue to learn how I can be a better Community Economic Developer. I signed up for a weekly webinar series offered through ETSI-BC (the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior) and Community Futures East Kootenay. I am passionate about research, analysis, and finding economic development data that supports my work and helps others understand just where we are in the thick of things these days when it comes to growing our communities. The series is open to those who have an interest in this sort of information. By the time this article appears, there will only be two sessions remaining; however, for the average layman, the last one scheduled for February 9th, will be very beneficial. It is all about telling your story using data and is presented by Mike Stolte. Mike is not only exceptional in his delivery of digital information exchange, but he brings his wonderful sense of humour along with him. More and more, local and regional governments are seeking to grow their local economy by attracting new talent, investment and businesses to their regions. Timely and relevant economic data is paramount for those making relocation and investment decisions. Regional data is an important compliment to community-based information, as many developers and investors want to understand the dynamics of a business catchment area, as well as a specific community. It can also assist elected officials and local government staff to make better decisions in other areas as well. To support Southern Interior communities and Regional Districts, the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior (ETSI-BC) recently launched a new data visualization tool which features key economic data for each of the nine Regional Districts in our service area. This new data platform is a custom Cityviz (https://cityviz. ca/) edition developed by Ruby Industries Inc., a data science company based in the Central Okanagan. Cityviz is an investment profile that supports communities in their economic development activities. Okanagan Falls, although unincorporated, is no different than any other community trying to bring about sustainable smart growth planning. I have already reached out to Cityviz to discuss how our office can develop a data set for what we need to grow in order to validate our own investments, support funding applications (i.e. growing population may justify a new pool), provide relevant data to attract developers (i.e. seniors housing), and to support private sector businesses seeking a new location with specific demographics. Digital data paints a picture that words cannot express. I love it and welcome it.

Economic Development Office Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday ~ 10 am - 3 pm #1 - 5350 9th Avenue - Hwy 97, Okanagan Falls 778-515-5520

Okanagan Falls Visitor Info Centre Closed for the Season Reopens April 2022 #2 - 5350 9th Avenue - Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls 778-515-5520

Art, Aging & The Modern Elder

Submitted by the Penticton & District Community Arts Council The Penticton Arts Council is excited to collaborate with artists from the North Okanagan Chapter of Federation of Canadian Artists (NOFCA) for the upcoming group exhibition Art, Aging and the Modern Elder. Through visual arts and oral (recorded podcast) presentation, this project aims to educate the general community about aging, elderhood and ageism. This exhibition runs from February 5th to March 12th in the PDCAC Galleries at the Leir House Cultural Centre. This exhibition will showcase the works of 16 artists who are all seniors over the age of 55. Through a variety of mediums and styles, each artist explores their relationship to art and what it is like to be an elder in today’s world. The exhibit will also include recorded oral stories available through podcast to seniors in remote settings all over the province. Each artist will share stories from their personal life oﬀering a road map for how we can approach old age - with joy, wonder, frustration, and challenge. The project will oﬀer hope about aging, change perceptions of beauty and contribution, and engage seniors at all levels. The “Invitation to Creativity” guide is a perfect starter to set you on a creative path. With prompts and ideas, it is also a lot of fun. Plus, you don’t need much just to get started. All the prompts use everyday items you have at home. Get your copy of the Invitation to Creativity here: Kaleden Library - 101 Linden Avenue; Okanagan Falls Library - 850 Railway Lane, #101; Leir House Cultural Centre - 220 Manor Park Avenue, Penticton; or Email info@pentictonartscouncil.com. The Penticton Arts Council Galleries are open Wednesday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 4:30 pm and are located at 220 Manor Park Avenue in the Leir House Cultural Centre.

We believe in a vibrant, flourishing, and sustainable artistic community for all. Festive lights enjoyed along Hwy 97 during the holidays ~ Photo by Jenn Ugo

pentictonartscouncil.com

250.492.7997

Area “D” Service & Boundary Conﬁguration Study Update Get Informed, Get Involved, Have Your Say! The purpose of this study is to assess the state of governance and service delivery concerns in Area “D”, gauge interest among citizens in pursuing incorporation, and identify the preferred boundary conﬁguration for any subsequent incorporation study. Open Houses - We want to hear from you!

CatMatch Meet Jenna I was living in my car with the rest of my family when a kind gentleman told us he knew of a wonderful organization that would take the whole family into their care. Since we moved in, we have had medical care and all the food we can eat! And, the toys are AWESOME! But I need a family of my own now, so if you think you might have room in your family and your heart, please contact AlleyCATS Alliance at www.alleycatsalliance.org.

Jardin Estate Jewelry & Antiques Recycling the Elegance of the Past 5221 Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls

250.497.6733

www.jardinantiques.com

Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department By Colin Pickell

The Study Committee is hosting 5 Open Houses, each with a different Area “D” neighbourhood or community as the focus. The intention is to give residents in each specific area an opportunity to share and discuss issues relevant to their community, engage with their neighbours, and learn about the services and governance that impact their area. Meetings will be held in accordance with any restrictions at the time, but are being planned as Hybrid Meetings to accommodate residents attending in person (masks and proof of vaccination required) and online. Online registration information will be posted on www. rdosregionalconnections.ca. Residents unable to attend the meeting for their community are encouraged to attend one of the other meetings, as everyone’s input will be recorded and considered. Come have your say! Panel Discussion - Save the date! To provide Area “D” residents with a flavour of the impacts of incorporation, and a first-hand account of the incorporation study process, an online panel discussion is scheduled for Saturday, March 5 at 1 pm. The panel will feature Mayors of some of BC’s more recently incorporated communities of West Kelowna and Clearwater, as well as the Electoral Area Director from the Sorrento-Blind Bay Area currently in the final stages of an Incorporation Study. Come have your questions answered from those who have been through the process! Meeting link will be posted on www. rdosregionalconnections.ca. Where do I find more information? Learn more about the process, service Fact Sheets and incorporation impacts, submit your questions, or sign up for updates through our website at www.rdosregionalconnections.ca.

What is a First Responder? Why, when you dial 9-1-1 and ask for an ambulance, does a fire truck and firefighters in red coveralls often show up first? Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department is a First Responder department. Throughout BC, there are approximately 275 First Responder agencies that have agreements with BC Emergency Health Services (EHS) to provide life-saving services to communities outside a certain distance from an EHS station. When someone dials 9-1-1, an operator assesses the severity of the medical call and decides whether a First Responder crew should be paged out. The idea is that a First Responder crew can respond to the fire hall, suit up and roll a truck to arrive at the house faster than an ambulance can travel from the nearest EHS station. To provide this service to our community, our entire department has been trained as First Responders. Training is done through an accredited training agency (eg. St. John’s Ambulance) and consists of a 40-hour course using practical, hands-on scenarios and a lengthy written exam. Recertification is required every 3 years and keeps firefighters up to date on any changes in procedures and protocols. Our firefighters are trained to provide basic medical support before EHS paramedics take over the patient’s care. In our community, an ambulance will be coming from Penticton or Oliver, or perhaps Keremeos or Osoyoos, depending on EHS availability. During that initial intervention, as our First Responders attend to the patient, our Command officer can give Dispatch up-to-date information that is relayed directly to the ambulance en route. A health crisis can change significantly in a short span of time and having a First Responder team on site allows EHS to be more prepared for the situation when they arrive. This could include sending Critical Care paramedics or even an Air Ambulance helicopter! So, don’t be confused when you call for an ambulance and a firetruck shows up first, we are there to help! This month we responded to: medical first response - 10; alarms 8; powerline down - 1.

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

Medicines

- Okanagan Falls

250.497.7808 Surgery

Vaccinations

SkahaMatters.com | February 2022 | Page 9

EAST SIDE SALON

OSA Has Something For Everyone! By Kim Palmer, Executive Director

The OSA is proud to offer an outstanding variety of courses to fill the often dreary days of February. Are you an adult performer with singing experience and a flair for the dramatic? It’s not too late to join Showtime! Community Theatre. We’ll be producing a radio-play-style musical in June 2022, and rehearsing once a week on Wednesday evenings as we work towards our goal. Email info@osarts.ca for more information. Due to some logistical issues, we’ve delayed the start of our Juniorpreneur workshop until Tuesday, February 8, which means you have more time to register! Sign up your ambitious young person today for this innovative program, offered in partnership Deb and Chad Wetter with local business Graphically Hip. Children aged 11-14 will Award Winning Master Stylist learn a step-by-step process for creating and launching their own business. Register at www.okanaganschoolofthearts.com/courses. Tuesday - Friday 9am - 7pm eastsidesalon@shaw.ca More pottery classes are on the way! Stay tuned for our next set Saturdays 9am - 4pm of youth sessions, scheduled to start on Thursday, February 24 Artables on Main Street in Penticton. Youth aged 6-16 will be A/G Liter Sale On Now! at introduced to the pottery wheel as the primary tool for making utilitarian forms, such as mugs, bowls, and cylinders. Sign-up will open soon at www.okanaganschoolofthearts.com/courses. Financial Abuse We’re also thrilled to partner with local artist Roberta Far to offer By Heather King landscape acrylic painting classes, and with Peach Gravy Theatre Domestic Violence is not about the abuser blaming their own Cooperative to provide youth improv classes. Stay tuned to our abusive childhood for their current behavior. Domestic Violence is website and social media, as we bring you more details on these not about the abuser justifying their behavior by blaming the victim and other exciting opportunities. for making them hurt him/her. Domestic Violence IS about the Providing creativity and connection for abuser choosing to be abusive, in order to gain power and control Penticton and surrounding communities over their victim. Abusers are able to do so in a variety of ways, all of which involve coercion. Coercion is “persuading” someone to do 778-718-5757 or info@osarts.ca something, using force or threats - be they overt or covert. www.okanaganschoolofthearts.com

439 Panorama Crescent Just off Eastside Road in Skaha Estates

Simply Natural Styles!

778-515-1497

99% of domestic abuse cases involve financial abuse. If you are wondering whether you or someone you know is a victim of financial abuse, ponder these questions: 1) Do you have unrestricted access to all the family bank accounts and income? 2) Are you aware of your family’s debt and savings figures? 3) Do you have a credit card and/or bank card? 4) Do you have a job outside the home and complete control over your own income? 5) Does your husband make it easy for you to complete your schooling or your work, so you too can earn an income? 6) Are spending decisions largely made collaboratively? 7) Can you spend money without having to justify your spending to your husband? 8) Does your husband spend carefully, ensuring there is first of all enough money to pay for the family’s essentials? 9) Do you know what your husband earns at his job? 10) Do you have any financial way to leave your husband? Could you stay at a hotel for a few nights? Hire a lawyer? Rent your own place? 11) Is your name on the title of your car, your home or your lease agreement? If you answer ‘no’ to the majority of these questions, you need to reach out for some help. DO NOT confront your abuser about it. This could be very dangerous.

Shepherd My Sheep DV Ministries www.shepherdmysheepdvministries.com Educating communities on the issue of Domestic Violence Equipping communities to identify and support victims of Domestic Violence. Individual Advocacy for Victims/Survivors

Heather King

Lead Educator and Advocate

heather@shepherdmysheep.org Page 10 | February 2022 | SkahaMatters.com

RCMP Community Report Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design - Part 4 For the last several months, I have been writing about the basic principle of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) and how you can apply these principles to your own home, neighbourhood, business, multi-family homes, single buildings and complexes to reduce crime and deter unwanted activities. The principles identiﬁed so far were Territoriality, Natural Surveillance and Defensible Space. The last principle is Maintenance. Maintenance involves routine maintenance of homes, surrounding buildings, property and complexes to foster a positive image that helps to discourage crime and reduce the fear of crime. Examples of routine maintenance include; keeping trees and shrubs trimmed from windows, doors and walkways; using exterior lights at night; keeping litter picked up and the property neat at all times; ensure rules regarding junk vehicles and inappropriate outdoor storage are strictly enforced; and that graffiti is removed within 24 hours. Studies have shown that well maintained properties, buildings and complexes are less likely to attract unwanted behaviour. For example, in our area abandoned homes/properties in disrepair are notorious for attracting drug use, ﬁre and other criminal activities. We have CPTED / Security Self Assessments available for homes and business that you can arrange for pick up at the detachment or I can send you an electronic version. I am also available to do a CPTED review of your home, business, complex or property to provide you with suggestions to address your concerns. I can be reached at 250-490-2374 or send an email to rick.dellebuur@rcmpgrc.gc.ca. We are located in the Penticton RCMP Detachment. Rick Dellebuur, South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP Community Police Direct: 250-490-2374 // Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 or sostips.ca

Travel, Travel ... Oh How We Dream!

to book a trip and put down the deposit now for future travel. It gives a ray of hope, a light at the end of the tunnel, and something By Dy deVos to look forward to. I know that cruising is still not top of mind, but Just when we thought the pandemic was almost over, it hit us all there are many wonderful itineraries for 2023 with great deals and hard again over the holidays and into very busy travel months. flexibility to change and rebook. River cruising is very popular right Canadians like to escape the long winter months after Christmas now, as the ships are smaller and there are some very interesting and look forward to their time in the sun. Travel is not easy right destinations. A lot of companies are offering small group travel. If now, there is a lot of paperwork to do before one goes, most you gather friends and family, you could book the entire trip just for countries require PCR testing before you arrive at their borders, yourselves. Travel is very important for all of us for different reasons, and of course, coming back to Canada you have to take a PCR so don’t give up your dreams. Call me anytime to chat about options test at least 72 hours prior to arriving home. There are people and keep the dream alive. Safe and warm wishes for February. who have decided that travelling is still at the top of their list. Most understand that if they get Covid in destination they will now have Dy deVos to stay an extra 10 days. (Changed from 14 days on Jan 15, 2022). Travel Consultant If you do have Covid in DESTINATION, the way to return home Okanagan Falls/Vanderhoof, BC would be to provide proof of the positive PCR test that was taken www.dystravelconsulting.com between 11-18 days prior to departure. Be symptom free. Show ddevos@tpi.ca / 250.567.0865 the initial schedule departure time of your flight. Westjet and most License #78814 other airlines have been very good at changing return flights without fees. (This is always subject to change). There are some Not all who wander are lost. hotels that offer free accommodations for 5 extra days, but the best option is to have the Covid insurance plan. This plan covers Covid medical up to $5 million and allows $150 a day per person Give Where You Live! for hotel and food coverage if stuck in the destination. Flexibility is the new word we are all using in the travel world. Be flexible and be relaxed if the “inevitable” happens. There is no point in stressing during your entire holiday about your return trip. These ideas might not work for people rushing back to a job and if flexibility is difficult then it might be better to wait a little while longer. We are hearing through the medical and travel world that the numbers are definitely going to go down and by spring we are all hoping for some travel restrictions to be lifted. It is a great idea

More info at www.cfso.net/kaleden-community-fund/

More info at www.cfso.net/okanagan-falls-community-fund/

Berberine: A Well Researched Plant Extract For Improving Metabolism & Health By Dr. Tamara Browne, ND Naturopathic Physician, Licensed and Registered by The BC Ministry of Health Berberine is an alkaloid plant compound which is derived from plants such as Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, Barberry, and Chinese Goldthread. The use of these plants for medicinal purposes goes back centuries. More recently, the plants, and more specifically the extract Berberine, have been used adjunctively in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, cholesterol management, and high blood pressure. Science is catching up with the wisdom of the ages, proving the following facts about health management with supplemental Berberine: • Berberine activates AMPK (adenosine monophosphateactivated protein kinase). This is an enzyme that acts as a central energy regulatory control switch, regulating how energy is produced and used in the body. Activating AMPK induces a cascade of cellular events that are involved in maintaining energy homeostasis. Berberine, in essence, regulates an array of biological activities that normalize blood lipids, glucose, and energy imbalances. It lowers cholesterol and glucose if they are high and improves the way in which our body makes energy from the food we consume. • Metabolic syndromes such as Type 2 Diabetes and most other chronic diseases of aging, occur when these AMPK-regulated pathways are turned off. This can lead to hyperglycemia, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and energy imbalances. All of this contributes to the genesis of inflammation and degeneration in cells, tissues, and organs. Berberine has cancer protective mechanisms as well. For instance, it has been shown to interfere with metastasis (the spread of cancer in the body) and to block growth pathways that stimulate cancer growth. • We now know that activating AMPK can produce benefits similar to exercise, dieting, and weight loss. Not to say that these should be replaced by supplemental Berberine, but they can be enhanced by it. We must never forget that lifestyle measures are the cornerstone to good health and longevity, and that nutritional supplements support those efforts. Some finding in the scientific research with supplemental Berberine are the following: • PCOS (Polycystic Ovaries): Berberine reduces insulin resistance in ovarian theca cells and decreases excess testosterone production. • Berberine reduces the side effects of weight gain triggered by anti-psychotics. • Berberine increases expression of insulin receptors and therefore lowers insulin resistance and blood glucose which are hallmarks of diabetes. • Berberine has been found to improve fatty liver disease significantly. • Berberine is synergistic with statins in lowering cholesterol. 32% more than monotherapy. Simvistatin lowered cholesterol by 28% alone and Berberine by 27% alone. Together, they lowered cholesterol by 46%. • Other benefits of Berberine for CVD (Cardiovascular disease): Page 12 | February 2022 | SkahaMatters.com

Natural Family Health Clinic

the

& Chelation Centre

Preventing illness optimizing health,naturally. OFFERING INTRAVENOUS & INJECTABLE THERAPIES: • Chelation • Rejuvenation and Detoxification • Oxidative Therapies • Supportive Cancer Care • Prolozone Pain Management & Joint Rejuvenation Therapy • Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

Dr. Tamara Browne, Naturopathic Physician Unit 8B, 5350 Hwy 97, Okanagan Falls, BC

250-497-6681 www.drtamarabrowne.ca chelationokanagan It improves endothelial function, suppresses inflammation, and inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol. • CHF (Congestive Heart Failure): After 8 weeks of treatment (1.2-2g per day) a significant increase in left ventricular ejection fraction, exercise capacity, improvement in shortness of breath, a decrease in PVCs (abnormal beats) and a decrease on mortality at long-term follow up compared to controls. • Berberine does not cause arrhythmias and has no apparent side effects. • Berberine has aldose reductase inhibitory effects. Aldose reductase plays a role in much of the pathology caused by diabetes, such as neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathy, and cataracts. This occurs due to hyperglycemia increasing sorbitol levels leading to both osmotic and oxidative stress in tissue. This is not considered medical advice, but rather general information to inform and expand your knowledge of natural health options. Please seek the advice of a qualified and licensed medical professional before pursuing the use of these or other medications, supplements, herbs, or nutraceuticals.

Creative Wellness Solutions By Dee-anne Jalava, Seniors Wellness Practitioner February is Heart Month, a time to bring attention to the importance of cardiovascular health, and what we can do to reduce our risk of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease aﬀects approximately 2.4 million Canadian adults according to 2012/2013 data, and is the second leading cause of death in Canada. In 2016, 12% more women than men died of heart conditions, stroke or vascular cognitive impairment. Wear Red Canada is celebrated annually across Canada on February 13th to raise awareness about women’s heart health. According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, nine in ten Canadians have at least one risk factor for heart disease and stroke. Almost 80% of premature heart disease and stroke can be prevented through healthy behaviours. That means that habits like eating healthy, being active and living smoke free, have a big impact on your health. Some of the biggest risk factors include high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes, lack of exercise, an unhealthy weight, an unhealthy diet, stress, not getting enough sleep, and excessive alcohol and/or drug use. As many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices, a regular massage routine is a very healthy choice that will help to increase blood circulation, reduce your stress and improve your sleep and, therefore, reduce your risk.

Honour Box Self Serve

Creative Wellness Solutions provides a convenient massage with innumerable beneﬁts on a comfortable massage chair. You do not need to climb onto a table or remove clothing and no oils are used. You can choose from a head and face, upper body, or legs and feet massage, or any combination. We are a mobile service so are able to come to you in your home ($50 for a 30 minute appointment) or you can visit us at one of the locations that we visit weekly. Please call Dee-anne at 250497-5974 to arrange an appointment or to discuss The Grease Cream; which is an amazing, all-natural, cannabis infused pain management alternative that actually works. Be sure to check out our website at www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com for more information on The Grease Cream and where you can ﬁnd more information about our services, as well as to 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

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

FARM PRICES

Farm To Table! Self-Serve Fruit Stand

Open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week! 598 East Side Rd & 6th Ave, OK Falls

APPLES, PEARS, FRESH APPLE JUICE, & DRIED FRUIT

You know what they say, “An Apple A Day ...”! Thank you for supporting your local grower! Enjoy Farm Direct Pricing

For large orders of 20 lbs or more, call 250-809-5353.

Free Wireless Internet!

OK Falls Branch:

101 - 850 Railway Lane - 250-497-5886 Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm / Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm Friday 10 am - 5 pm / Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

www.orl.bc.ca

Kaleden Branch:

101 Linden Avenue - 250-497-8066 Tuesday 1 - 5 pm / Thursday 1 - 8 pm / Friday 1 - 5 pm

Keeping our libraries safe and open is a joint effort by Okanagan Regional Library Management, Staff, and Our Valued Customers. Help work with us to keep our libraries and each other safe! How To Safely Visit Your Library ~ Follow these guidelines: • Masks are REQUIRED by the Public Health Office. Masks must be worn in public indoor spaces by everyone aged 5 and over. • Please do not visit the library if you are experiencing any fever, respiratory illness or other COVID symptoms. • Follow good hand hygiene - sanitizer is available in all of our branches. • Follow good cough etiquette - cough or sneeze into your sleeve, immediately dispose of tissues in a garbage receptacle, wash your hands for 20 seconds or disinfect with hand sanitizer after coughing. • We encourage customers to use our self-checkout machines whenever possible. Thank you! Your cooperation and support is greatly appreciated. Prefer to attend programs from home? We continue to offer online programs, sign up for Virtual Story Times for kids and families, or check out our online events for adults! The Kaleden Library has new magazines added to our 2022 collection: Food & Wine Trails, Backpacker, Handwoven, Eco Parent, Food Network, Health, RV Lifestyle, and Yoga Journal. Happy Valentine’s Day! Looks like the first Valentine’s Day commenced in the year 496. It’s a very old tradition thought to be originated from a Roman Festival, which was held in mid-February. Celebrate this day with a special friend or loved ones, and enjoy a chocolate or two from a heart shaped box! Submitted by Glenda Livolsi, Kaleden Community Librarian

2022 Travel Guide to Mexico

A reminder to anyone attending programs: You must preregister - No exceptions. Limited spaces available. All participants must wear a mask (under 5 years of age exempt). Contact the library for more information or to pre-register for any of our programs. Proof of vaccination required. •

Creative Tile Night ~ Using only a few items you can magically create beautiful coasters! Tuesday, February 8th from 6:30-8:00 pm.

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Adult Colouring ~ Enjoy colouring and relieve a little stress at the same time! All materials supplied. Wednesday, February 9th from 6:30-8:00 pm.

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Book Club ~ Okanagan Falls Library Book Club Meeting will be Wednesday, February 16th from 1-2 pm. We will discuss Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng. If you are interested in joining our book club, please call the library for more information.

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Family Lego/Keva Plank Building ~ Tuesday, February 22nd from 6:30-8 pm. Bring your family unit and enjoy an evening of building together! This is a self-directed program.

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Stress Management ~ Wednesday, February 23rd from 6-8 pm. Please join holistic practitioner Andrea Garland, addressing the eﬀects of the pandemic and beyond.

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Crafting Circle ~ Crafting Circle is scheduled for Wednesday, February 9th & Wednesday, February 23rd from 1-3 pm. Bring your crafts and perhaps share your talents in a group of like-minded individuals.

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Friends of the Library ~ Our F.O.L. Group is looking for new members from our community. If you would like to be a part of this great group and have a few hours to help this cause, please call the library for further information

Submitted by Lynn Warﬁeld, Okanagan Falls Community Librarian 2.

Puerto Vallarta is deﬁned by the natural charm of its beaches and the warmth and hospitality of being welcomed like a friend. This magical destination has an authentic Mexican taste and spirit. Ecotourism, water parks, adventures in the middle of the jungle, swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat, days ﬁlled with sun and sand, fun and culture among it’s picturesque streets; absolutely everything that you’re looking for awaits in this destination.

Riviera Maya is home to some of the most popular beaches and resorts along the Mexican Caribbean. The Riviera Maya is a region south of Cancun with many smaller resort towns such as Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Puerto Morelos all located along the water. It’s Mayan ruins, as well as its mysterious cenotes and biodiverse jungles, are must experience adventures awaiting your visit.

By Diane Chatfield Mexico is a country with many attractions. From beautiful beaches to deserts, mountains, and ruin-filled jungles, it offers a wide variety of experiences, depending on where in the country you visit. It’s also easy to travel to for many Canadians, with relatively easy flight connectivity. Mexico has been one of the easiest countries to enter during the pandemic, with plenty of travelers choosing Mexico over other destinations, because of its entry requirements. Also, Mexico has routinely rated better than many other popular destinations throughout the pandemic. 3 Best Destinations in Mexico for 2022: 1.

Los Cabos is a destination made of two cities: San Juan del Cabo and Cabo San Lucas. Both offer incredible beaches When the time is right for you, Reliable Travel is here. along the biodiverse Sea of Cortez, where travelers can spot large stingrays, dolphins, sea lions and all matter of sea life. They’re also known for their food: this is the place where foodies flock to try out not just local Mexican cuisine, but also the wealth of incredible restaurants created by the innovative chefs who call this place their home away from home. San Jose del Cabo’s 23400 District is the place to find the best food in the region, while both cities offer art galleries and other cultural festivals, like the Los Cabos International Film Festival. Vi Creasey Diane Chatfield vicreasey@shaw.ca BC Business Licence #48999 dchatfield@tpi.ca Page 14 | February 2022 | SkahaMatters.com

ReliableTravel.ca 250-488-9313

School Trustee Report For SD67

Relax ... Rejuvenate ... Heal

250.497.8806

By Kathy Pierre, School Trustee Long Range Facility Plan Update as of January 17, 2022 ~ The Board reviewed the proposed options presented for the LongRange Facility Plan. Chair Palanio and Superintendent Manual met with partner groups and the Penticton Indian Band to provide an update on the Long-Range Facility Plan Process. The Board met in January 2022 to complete the review process. We will present on the LRFP at the January 31, 2022 Board of Education meeting.

New Year Mantra ... “The truth shall set you free!” Happy 2022! Celebrating 40 Years of Service!

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

COVID 19 Update ~ The return to school after the winter break was delayed until January 10, 2022, as school administrators January Highlights From and staﬀ reviewed Health and Safety policies. Dr. Bonnie Henry Kaleden Elementary School announced several expectations for schools, such as no overnight ﬁeld trips and travel. Sports are allowed at schools with internal By Principal Diane Haddow games; however, parents and spectators are not allowed to attend Kaleden Elementary students have been busy this month! games and there are no tournaments allowed. Happy New Year everyone! Have a look at our bulletin board! SD67 Budget Committee ~ Budget Committee and 2022-2023 • This is how our students describe what 2022 will look like! Budget Process commenced on January 20, 2022. Trustee Van Alphen, Trustee Stathers and Trustee Pierre are the Board Reps for the committee.

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Proposed District Calendar ~ The Board reviewed the 20222023 and 2023-2024 District Calendar and Pro D Days. A motion • was passed to post the calendar on the SD67 website for input from the public from December 1, 2021, to January 25, 2022. Final • approval of the proposed calendars occurred at the January 31, 2022, Board of Education Meeting for submission to the Ministry of Education for March 31, 2022. • Please contact Kathy Pierre at kpierre@SD67.bc.ca, if you have any questions regarding this report. Board meetings are live streamed and can be accessed at www.sd67.bc.ca.

Kaleden Elementary PAC Update By Brad Nunes Hello Kaleden and other supportive neighbouring communities! Happy February from all of us at KPAC. This month we would like to remind you of the dangers of giving your loved one any White Chocolates for Valentine’s Day. This is a horrible thing to do, and frankly, (and I am sure my made-up internet facts will prove it) it is the leading cause of marital disputes in February. This ‘fools candy’ should only be used to throw at unwanted house guests. Also, if you are ever served this pale insult to confectionaries at someone’s house, you can pretty much assume you have oﬀended them and are no longer welcome. In short, I hate white chocolate and I feel it should only be served to those whom you loath.

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The Kindergarten students are learning about polar bears! Look at the great pieces of art completed by our Kindergarten students! Mrs. Morezewich’s class has created some beautiful ‘hot chocolate’ pieces of art.

Students are continuing to be nominated as Student of the Week. Recognitions of students are made school wide on our Monday morning ‘virtual’ announcements. Stop, Drop and Read was organized for January 26th. This tied in with Family Literacy week. The students heard the call three times during the day, encouraging them to stop what they were doing and to read! KPAC will be running a Backyard Beans coffee fundraiser from January 25 - February 4th. Coffee will be available for pick up on February 11th here at the school. Let the school know if you are interested in ordering some coffee beans!

On another bitter-sweet note, KPAC would like to extend their most heartfelt thanks to Lauralee who is stepping down as our hot lunch coordinator. She has been the coordinator for a while now. It is a lot of work and our hats are oﬀ to her. In totally unrelated news, we suddenly have a new position open up at KPAC. If you love food, kiddos and have some free time, please reach out. For now, the school has stepped up to help keep it going, but we would really like KPAC to help lift this load. We are doing another Backyard Beans Coﬀee fundraiser. These amazing locally roasted beans have been very popular in the past and we want to keep your cupboards stocked. Please watch for information on the Facebook page, your kid’s backpacks and maybe a carrier pigeon? I’ll ask if we can get that approved. Ordering opens January 25 and the deadline is February 4. And lastly, our next meeting is Wednesday, February 23rd at 7 pm, with my lovely wife Tamara at the helm (she gets upset if I don’t constantly remind you of her important position of power). That is all! Much love to everyone from KPAC.

SkahaMatters.com | February 2022 | Page 15

School District No. 53 Board Report

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 53 (OKANAGAN SIMILKAMEEN)

By Janice Stevens, SD53 School Trustee The month of January 2022 continues to be dominated by the response and management of Covid-19 in our schools. The oneweek delay of the start of the school year was greatly appreciated by administration and staff to prepare for the ever-changing environment of this pandemic and it’s affects on students, staff and families. On January 17th, the PHO’s office issued an order providing for the collection of vaccination status from School District employees when directed by a local Medical Health Officer. While the order is province-wide, the ORDER is not effective when until directed by a local Medical Health Officer and may not be implemented in all school districts. Functional Closure ~ From the information provided by the Provincial Health Office and the BC Center for Disease Control, Omicron is a more transmissible virus with reduced symptoms for those who are vaccinated. While we are hopeful that this will not be necessary, the district needs to be prepared for a day when there may be a high number of staff away due to illness, which may result in a functional closure of a school(s). Schools are currently planning for continuity of learning for students in a variety of situations that may occur, including a shift to remote/online learning should there be a need to temporarily close a school. A functional closure is when a school is not able to operate in a normal manner and serve students in the way that is expected (i.e. teaching, supervision, support and custodial services). There are two ways that a school could be under a functional closure: 1. Interior Health could recommend a functional closure of a school due to the Covid-19 case count in or related to a school. 2. The district could decide to close a school due to a shortage of staff able to provide the required level of teaching, supervision, support and/or custodial services to ensure the health and safety of students. This would likely be due to a high absenteeism of all staff or certain employees required for a school to function and the inability to replace those absences. Board of Education Report December 15, 2021 ~ Following are some items that were discussed at the recent Board of Education Meeting held on December 15, 2021. Staff reported that all school districts in the province will be receiving feedback on their FESL (Framework for Enhancing Student Learning) reports that were submitted by September 30, 2021. This feedback is part of the new Continuous Improvement Program Review from the Ministry of Education. School districts were given two options in this program: one, receive the feedback from the peer review process to inform reflection; two, engage in a two-step process of self-assessment using the quality descriptors provided followed by a dialogue with the peer review team who engaged in the same exercise. The three focus areas will be District Data, Strategic Engagement, and Alignment. While this option is more involved for our district, our hope is that the process, reflection, and internal review will well position us to update our strategic plan. Assistant Superintendent Toneatto shared school completion data with the Board. While the district is very near the provincial average for all students using both 5 and 6-year completion rates, Assistant Superintendent Toneatto discussed the successes of our Indigenous students in the district who are graduating at a rate higher than the provincial average. While this success is to be celebrated, it was indicated that there is still a lot of work to do to create more equity through the system. For more information, feel free to contact Janice Stevens, School Trustee for SD53, at 250-307-4245 or jstevens@sd53.bc.ca.

NOTICE OF KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION January 17 - March 18, 2022 1.

Children who will be ﬁve years old by December 31, 2022, may begin their ﬁrst year of Primary (Full Day Kindergarten) in September 2022. These will be children who were born in 2017.

Please call ahead to make arrangements with the school to ensure COVID safety protocols are met. Parents or guardians may register these new students from Monday, January 17 to Friday, March 18, 2022 at the following schools: Cawston Primary

250-485-4434

8:15 - 2:30 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 2022. 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 2022 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 3, 2022 will be accepted on a ﬁrst come, ﬁrst served and availability basis. Beginning June 6, 2022, 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.

January Highlights From Okanagan Falls Elementary School By Principal Karen Sinclair 1.

Having fun baking ginger cookies with teacher Jen.

A snowﬂake story enjoyed by Division 1.

Intermediates having fun skating at the Oliver Arena.

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Gamma Rays By Tom Landecker

In the 1960s, the Cold War dominated the news. In 1963, the 4. Division 3 building and measuring snow forts. United States and the Soviet Union signed a treaty banning the 5. Caretakers of the Salmon eggs tank. testing of nuclear weapons. The US was suspicious that the 6. When nature gives you snow ... make a snow angel :) Soviets might cheat, and they built a fleet of satellites to sniff out any bomb tests. The Vela satellites worked by sensing gamma rays, very energetic radiation that is released in a brief flash when a nuclear weapon explodes. In July 1967, the satellite system did detect a flash of gamma rays, but it was unlike anything known from a bomb blast. Exploding nuclear bombs produce a burst of gamma rays lasting a millionth of a second, but this event lasted for many seconds. By comparing the times when the detectors on four different spacecraft picked up the signal, it was possible to pinpoint the direction the energy was coming from. The blast was not on the Earth, and not anywhere in space near the Earth - it was coming from the distant universe. And so, out of a weapons program, a new field of astronomy was born. Gamma ray bursts are huge events. In minutes, or even seconds, they can blast out as much energy as the Sun will radiate in its lifetime. Because they are so powerful, modern orbiting telescopes can detect them at great distances. One blast, picked up in January 2019, has been traced back to a galaxy 5 billion light years away. The actual explosion happened 5 billion years ago, just as the Sun and the Earth were forming. The gamma rays reached us just two years ago! This kind of astronomy has to be studied from space. Gamma rays cannot penetrate the Earth’s atmosphere. Happily, the atmosphere shields us from this harmful radiation. But, there is an interesting way that we can use the atmosphere to study gamma ray bursts. When these very energetic packets of gamma rays arrive at the top of the atmosphere, their interaction with the air molecules generates faint flashes of light, called Cerenkov radiation. The light flashes can be picked up by sensitive cameras mounted on huge mirrors. There is one such observatory in Arizona, another in Okanagan Falls PAC Update the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean, and a third in Namibia, in Southern Africa. Only the most powerful gamma-ray bursts will By Kandis Lipsett, PAC Chair initiate Cerenkov radiation, which is a limit, but it’s much cheaper Happy New Year. The OKF PAC had their first meeting for January to build instruments on the ground than in space. The big events 2022, where an announcement was made that the gaming grant come once every few months, and gradually we are learning a lot. was received. Many goals for ways to spend the money were So far, we don’t have a full explanation of gamma ray bursts. They discussed and a Facebook poll will be posted on the Okanagan are in some way connected with the explosive deaths of stars. As Falls Elementary School PAC page to determine which goals are a so often in science, there are still many questions to ask. Gammapriority. Your vote will be counted and your participation is valued. ray telescopes are doing a lot of other exciting things as well, but A friendly reminder that Fundscrip is still active and continuing to that’s a story for another month. raise money. More about Fundscrip is on the OKF PAC Facebook Here are a few helpful website addresses: page and Okanagan Falls Community Association Facebook page. • www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/facilities/drao.html Stay tuned for information about a 50/50 fundraiser. Tickets will • www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/publications/nrc_pubs/tapping/ be made available for purchase online and a separate Facebook • https://chime-experiment.ca page for the fundraiser will be created. The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory is operated by the There is lots happening to support the learning environment at our National Research Council Canada and is located at 717 White Lake school. Thank you for your support. Road in Kaleden. For more information, please call 250-497-2300.

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Kaleden Seniors Committee Update By Eryn Wiedner, KSC Coordinator We have so much in store for you, Kaleden! First up, starting February 17th from 2:30-4:30 and running weekly until April 7th, is a series of Introductory Barn Quilting Workshops led by KSC members Rita and Margie. The group meets at the Kaleden Community Hall and all the supplies and instruction will be provided to create your own unique barn quilts (see photos for examples). Cost is $35. Registration (kaledenseniors@gmail. com) is required, so we know how many supplies to have on hand.

On Friday, February 25th will be our ﬁrst Lunch & Learn of 2022 featuring a very special presentation by RCMP Corporal Jason Goodfellow and his Police Service Dog, Harro. Details are in the poster to the right, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this! Come enjoy a community lunch and see Harro in action! On Saturday, March 12th, we are going to get our craft on with a Silk Scarf Making Workshop held at the Kaleden Community Hall. If you can sprinkle cheese on a pizza and write your name with a pencil, you can create your very own unique wearable art piece! Spaces are limited and registration is required. There are two groups - one at 1 pm and the other at 3 pm. Please RSVP to kaledenseniors@gmail.com to save your spot.

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Please email us at kaledenseniors@gmail.com, if you have any questions or need more information about any of our activities.

Please note that all of our indoor events must follow Provincial Health Orders, whereby masks and vaccine passports are required and numbers are limited. We look forward to seeing you soon!

House Cleaner, Support Worker, Lawn Maintenance ... and much more!

For more info, call Kris at 250.809.3414

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Keep your eyes and ears out for details on a Broom Making Workshop, which is subject to availability of materials. As soon as they arrive, the date will be announced. Please also save the new date for Music Trivia on Friday, April 1st. It’s no April Fool’s joke, but it’s going to be a lot of fun!

Services for the Heart & Home Now Offering Snow Removal!

KALEDENHUB

for knowing and responding to individual and family need in the community

If you live in the Kaleden area and have needs during this time, please call the HUB. Our frozen meals (mostly soup) are available immediately. We can also provide grocery shopping - Please allow a few days advance notice. We are grateful for all the neighbours helping neighbours! HUB NUMBER: 250-460-3387

Kaleden Museum ~ A History Tid Bit By Meredith King The next series of articles will include the histories of some of the founding families who arrived in the decades starting in the 1920s. These are recorded from the memories of the descendants of these families. They are written up by me and I take responsibility for any errors. The run-on sentences are also all mine, though the tendency is undoubtedly inherited.

The MacKenzie Family

As with a great many biographies of early Kaleden families, we begin with the Preston clan. Burton Preston moved from Saskatchewan to Kaleden in the early 1920s and brought with him seven of his nine children. Five were already married and two were still living at home. Eight of Burton’s children were the progeny of his ﬁrst wife, Mary Lush, who passed away in January of 1912. Burton then married Martha Margrove, an English woman he had hired to help take care of his large family. Together they had a child, Annie Winnifred, born December 18, 1914 and it is this descendent of Burton Preston who was responsible for the legacy of the MacKenzie family in Kaleden. Annie was about 6 when the Preston family moved to Kaleden and she grew up on the 10 acre orchard, which is now known as Linden Gardens. (Annie in photo to right.) Burton and his son Richard originally developed the orchard together planting apple trees with soft fruits between. They built a two storey Eatons catalogue home on the bluﬀ overlooking Skaha Lake. When Richard got homesick for the prairies he switched places with his younger brother Robert and moved back to the family farm near Turtleford, SK. His brother, Robert, wife Hazel and their two children, Evelyn and Clarence moved to Kaleden, lived on the property and ran the orchard with Burton, Martha, and children, Earl and Annie. The second contributor to the MacKenzie family legacy was William Gordon MacKenzie, born November 15, 1908 in Lipton, SK. Gordon was the son of William Alexander MacKenzie, a transplant from Aberdeen, Scotland and Agnes Lush of Wellington County, Ontario.

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Do you note the connection? Agnes Lush was the older sister of Mary Lush, Burton Preston’s ﬁrst wife. So to set the stage - Burton Preston was Gordon MacKenzie’s uncle and Annie Preston’s father, although Gordon and Annie were not related by blood. In 1930, when Gordon was 22, he moved with his parents and two younger sisters, Jean and Eleanor, to Penticton. When visiting his uncle Burton, he became acquainted with “cousin” Annie. Needless to say, there was an immediate connection. The “young cousin” was 16 years old and extremely pretty and Gordon was not so bad looking either. They were immediately smitten with each other! Annie quickly said goodbye to her then boyfriend, and both of them started paying a lot of attention to each other. They quickly became serious, but Burton forbade any marriage until Annie turned 18. Not to be deterred, Gordon moved to Kaleden, worked as a labourer and saved his money. Annie worked in the Kaleden Packinghouse as a packer and her skills became well known. Gordon and Annie courted for two years and then on December 20, 1932, two days after Annie turned 18, they were married (photo to right). Join us each 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. SkahaMatters.com | February 2022 | Page 19

OK Falls Heritage & Museum Society

Audrey Joan Thomas

By Marla Wilson

July 28, 1926 - January 15, 2022

Wow, wasn’t that a cool January? Actually, one might say it was more than cool, it was down right cold! Even Vaseux Lake was frozen so solid, there was a number of ice ﬁshermen the middle of January out on the ice doing their thing. I’ve not seen that before. Anyway, now is February and things will get warmer! We hope you all continue to stay well and healthy this year. A great big Thank You goes out to Ed and Mary Findlater for providing funding to install a composting toilet in the Thrifty Boutique for staﬀ use. This has been a long time coming and is greatly appreciated. Noreen Fowler is now in Penticton Hospital and her husband visits her twice a week. We’ve no idea how long she’ll have to stay in hospital, but she is getting better each day and we all miss her and wish her well! The Thrifty Boutique is again open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10 am - 3 pm. Sue has arranged teams to keep the shop open. As the weather warms up, stop in and have a look at all the great clothing that has been donated.

Audrey was born in Princeton, BC July 28, 1926 and passed away peacefully January 15, 2022 at the Hamlets in Penticton, BC. Predeceased by her father and mother, Fred and Edna Lander, and her husband Ray Thomas. Survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Audrey worked for the Okanagan Falls and Oliver schools as a primary teacher for many years until her retirement. Upon retirement, she spent time travelling with friends and family by bus, train, plane, and ship to England, Ireland, Japan, Alaska and the Caribbean, as well as many road trips around the province. Audrey was an active member for many years in the Okanagan Falls Heritage Society, Museum and Thrift Store, the Okanagan Falls Senior Centre, the Okanagan Falls Legion and Ladies Auxiliary and numerous church groups. She loved antique bottle collecting, history, community, antiques, reading and animals. Did’ja know? After doing many stories of the early life in Okanagan Falls, I began to think about industry and what it had been and Many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Hamlets in Penticton for their care and compassion. Interment at a later date in Rock Creek done for the community. Cemetery, Rock Creek, BC. The Fur Trade and Gold Rushes were the events which brought this area its first white settlers in 1778 to 1858. In 1821, the North Donations in memory to SPCA, Critteraid, Alley Cats Alliance or West Company and the Hudson’s Bay Company amalgamated the South Okanagan Secondary School Enrichment Fund. Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by under the Hudson Bay Company banner. Fur trading forts were visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com. built in Keremeos and Kamloops. It was in the early days of 1890 that Okanagan Falls had its own newspaper, the “Okanagan Mining Review”, which gave a brilliant description of the sagebrush country and what there could be in a store for those men with foresight, courage and wisdom to fulfill their dreams. Cattle raising followed as the Falls first industry since the days when Mrs. Mike Keogan had her husband take up land here so info4@nunes-pottinger.com that she would have a place to raise her family and the 15 yearling www.nunes-pottinger.com Durham heifers she had purchased from Mr. Kruger for $100, while JOHN DARYN Mike went off gold-rushing to the Cariboo. The strange terraced NUNES POTTINGER 5855 Hemlock Street, PO Box 788, Oliver V0H 1T0 “step-look” of the valley side hills is said to have been worn there by countless hooves of the range cattle and wild horse bands - not, South Skaha Housing as we use to be told, by the side-hill gouger, a legendary animal with its legs longer on one side for handy side-hill travelling. The Society Update Southern Okanagan Land Company ran 3,000 head of cattle over By Michael Livingstone, SSHS Chair parts of this district. In 1919, the Okanagan Falls Stockbreeders Association was formed. The Southern Interior Stockmen’s Spring is coming, well sometime it will. We have been able to Association was organized in 1941 with yards and head office at watch the cold and snow come and go, bringing warmer weather Okanagan Falls. It continues to hold monthly cattle sales today. and spring just around the corner. Fruit industry played a large part in the industrial economy. In We have had some tenants move out and those tenants were the January 24, 1979 issue of the Okanagan Falls Review, they replaced by new tenants from the existing applications maintained talk about Sun Dew Foods. “Sun Dew Foods Ltd. is a primary fruit by our property manager (Locke Property Management). Be sure processing operation which started in January 1975 in Summerland. to get your name on the wait list, if you are interested in moving in. Four years later, they set up a plant in Okanagan Falls. All fruits and We are looking for a Part-time Cleaner to take care of the common berries are BC grown and purchased either through BC Tree Fruits areas of South Skaha Place. It would be about 4-6 hours per week. or Independent growers. Sun Dew purchased approximately 900 Any interested person can contact Locke Property Management in tons of fruit in 1978. There is practically no waste material after Penticton. (See their ad space on the next page for contact details.) the processing has been completed; the juices had been extracted and the resulting pulp is marketed to jam manufacturing industry. We are hoping to get back to our Annual General Meeting in April, All other fruit solids, except the pits, are used by farmers for cattle Covid permitted of course. Stay tuned for more info next month. feed or by BC Fish and Wildlife branch for deer feeding stations.” This is the very early beginnings of Okanagan Falls long industrial Open 10-3 Wed-Fri & 12-3 Sat past. There is much more to be told about industry, logging and Accepting Clean & Gently Used 250-486-6371 lumber, but this article would go on forever. We’ll carry on next Clothing & Accessories Okanagan Falls Heritage & Museum Place - 1145 Main St In Person When Open Please! month with more on the history of Okanagan Falls Industry.

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

H&M Thrifty Boutique

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #227 By Beverly van Uden Hours ~ We are open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 2 pm and Sundays from 12 Noon. Please note - we are closed on Mondays. Reminder to Members ~ Membership cards and stickers have to be picked up at the Legion Bar. We do not mail them out. The 2022 membership fees are due. Increase In Meal Costs ~ Due to the cost of food going up, our monthly Pancake Breakfast will be $8. Also, Dinners will be $12. Volunteers Always Needed! Meat Draws ~ Fridays at 5 pm and Saturdays at 4 pm. All money raised is donated to charities. Super Bowl February 13 ~ On the big screen with food available. Pancake Breakfast ~ Sunday, February 20 from 8-11 am. Pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, coﬀee & juice for $8 per person, kids under 12 are 1/2 price, and kids under 3 are free. Recycling Donations ~ If anybody has cans, bottles, or water bottles, please call or text Bev at 250-809-5537. Call A Friend ~ Please call a friend that is shut in due to Covid. Things are constantly changing ~ Always check the Facebook page “Royal Cdn Legion - Branch 227 Okanagan Falls BC”, the sign outside, or come into the Branch. We are located at 5009 Veterans Way in Okanagan Falls. For more information, please call 250-497-8338. We are a small Legion with a big heart!

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Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Society By Donna Taylor

There has been a change in the booking agent for the Senior Centre. Please call Heather or Gerrie Jackson at 250-497-1171, if you have a function you would like to book in our building. The Bridge Club is keen to increase their number of players and are now oﬀering free lessons in the basics of the game. Call Marg Brulotte at 250-497-5702 to sign up. Income Tax Return help will once again be available at the Seniors Centre every Thursday from 10 am - 12 noon in March and April. Beginning in March, please drop in any time the center is open to make an appointment for this service. A gentle reminder that it is also time for people to renew their membership in the center for 2022. The Senior Centre is open with an almost full calendar. We are hoping to see more of our old and new members coming out for activities soon. We follow all Covid safety procedures as laid out Okanagan Falls Lions Update by Dr. Henry and everyone’s vaccination status is checked at the door, along with masks being required in the building. By Bob Wilson, Past President We are looking for people to join our activities, as well as run the Welcome to 2022! And we almost made it, at least Lawn Bowling and Exercise Program. We are happy to hear other we thought we were on our way to a variation of suggestions too. normalcy ... as the younger generation say “NOT”. Activities in February 2022 Once again into the fray as Robbie Burns might have said on Pancake Breakfast ~ Saturday, February 5 from 8-10 am January 25, which will be gone by the time you read this, “what General Meeting ~ Monday, February 7 at 1 pm would the Bard have to say aboot all this ado?” Well, perhaps “Pull Canasta ~ Mondays at 10 am up your hose and tilt your kilt!” or something like that. Tuesday Bingo ~ Tuesdays - February 2, 9 & 16 at 1 pm I know it’s wearing on all of us physically and mentally, but we can’t give up and we certainly can’t ignore the seriousness of this Evening Pool ~ Tuesdays at 5 pm situation. As I have requested before, let’s get vaccinated, pay Scrabble ~ Thursdays at 10 am attention to guidelines and use whatever common sense is left in Bridge ~ Thursdays at 1 pm this world - shut this plague down! Come on, if we work together Cribbage ~ Thursdays at 7 pm we can beat it, as we have innumerable times in the past. I know, Drop-in Bingo ~ Saturday, February 19 from 1-4 pm I know I’m ranting again, but I’m getting tired as we all are - let’s Potluck Dinner ~ Saturday, February 26 at 5:30 pm just do it! The Lions Club Breakfasts at the Okanagan Falls Elementary PLEASE NOTE: Music & Coﬀee ~ Not Available Due To Covid School are ongoing twice a week with good response from the Are you over 50? Just $20/yr to join! recipients. Thanks to Mike and his volunteers and the school administration, without whom we wouldn’t be able to continue our Enjoy activities. Meet new people. Get out and have FUN! program. Become a member of the OK Falls Seniors Society! For more information, call Grethe at 250.497.5669. We are back to Zoom meetings for a while, which seem to be working out well and we are looking forward to resuming actual activities in the community. God bless to all. See you next month. LOCKE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD. Blood, it’s in you to give! The next Blood Donor Clinics will be The South Okanagan’s preferred held on February 14, 15, 16 at the Penticton Senior Drop In Property Manager for over 40 years! Centre from 1:30 - 5:30 pm. The Canadian Blood Services needs both donors and volunteers for their clinics. To become a donor OFFICE 250-492-0346 FAX 250-492-6673 and/or volunteer, visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. The Okanagan Falls Lions Club meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday, face to face if all goes well. If you would like to join us, call 778-439528 MAIN ST. PENTICTON, BC V2A 5C7 2275. Okanagan Falls Lion’s Club is online at www.e-clubhouse. www.lockeproperties.ca org/sites/okfalls/ and www.facebook.com/okanaganfallslionsclub.

LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY Kaleden Community Church (KCC)

Sunday Service at 10 am ~ Held at the church for the foreseeable future. Please check our website for the latest Covid-19 protocols. 443 Lakehill Rd, Kaleden / Pastor David Ohori - 250-497-5995 Email: kaledenchurch@gmail.com / FB: Kaleden Community Church Website: kaledenchurch.ca - for up to date event information

Okanagan Falls Community Church

Sunday Service at 11 am ~ With Jon Manlove Children’s Church ~ Please call 250-497-2027 to register. Ladies Coﬀee Morning Tuesdays at 9:30 ~ Coﬀee, chat & crafts. FB: Okanagan Falls Community Church. Everyone is welcome! 1356 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls / Office: 250-497-5131

Okanagan Falls United Church

Our church is closed right now to in-person services and we don’t know when we’ll re-open. There are Zoom services with Summerland United and Oasis United in Penticton that our congregation attends. If anyone would like the links, they can call Bob Shanks at 250-460-2560. If we do have in-person services, these are the people leading our Sunday Service at 9 am ~ Speakers: Feb 6 - Rev. Paul James; Feb 13 - Victor Ince; Feb 20 - Rev. Donald Schmidt; and Feb 27 - Rev. Paul James. Everyone welcome. Masks are required and vaccine passports are checked. Please visit www.okfallsunited.ca or call us for more information. 1108 Willow St, OK Falls / 250-497-1171 or 250-497-2560

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Service

Sunday Mass at 11 am - Service held in St. Barbara’s Church 1039 Willow St, OK Falls / Father Thomas Kakkaniyil - 250-498-3934

St. Barbara’s Anglican Church

Robert (Bob) Perry It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) Perry on December 20, 2021 in Penticton. Bob was a husband, father, friend, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather. Bob touched the hearts of numerous people who entered his life. Cherished and survived by his wife Jean and her children Rolf (Sherry) and Rhonda (Dan). Bob is also survived by his children Colin (Sherri), Neil (Rosane), Lynn Gessner, Kim (Trevor) Lorenz and Trent (Michelle). Bob has 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bob was predeceased by his wife Mona and son-in-law Tino Gessner. Bob grew up in Humbolt, Saskatchewan and later resided in Calgary, Alberta where he owned and operated a construction company. He eventually moved to Penticton and managed the Spanish Villa apartments for many years. Bob had a passion for life, and was a lifetime member of the Canadian Legion and was very proud of it. He was also President of the Legion in Penticton and bar manager there. He met his wife Jean in 2011 and he moved to Okanagan Falls. The both of them bought a winter home in Yuma, Arizona where they spent many winters, and did a couple of cruises before Covid put a stop to that. Bob always had a smile on his face that would light up any room he entered. We wish to thank Dr. Andrew Robertson, Dr. Murphy and all the nurses and staﬀ at the Penticton Hospital. You will be missed ... Condolences may be shared by visiting everdenrust.com.

Sunday Service at 9:30 am & 4th Sunday each month at 1 pm. 1039 Willow St, OK Falls / Rev. Dr. Guna Vaddadi - 250-899-0163 DE

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

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Al-Anon Meeting Information

If you or someone you know is aﬀected by a loved one’s drinking, please join us for support via Zoom or at local in-person meetings. Alcoholism is a family illness. In Al-Anon we learn new skills, build conﬁdence and self-esteem, gather in fellowship with others with similar problems. We learn that we didn’t cause the alcoholic to drink, we can’t control their drinking or cure it. In Al-Anon, we learn the AA 12 steps and slogans that focus on us like - How important is it? Let it begin with me. Live and let live! District 21 Al-Anon Group ~ 1-250-800-5566 Website ~ BCYukon-Al-Anon.org

Emergency Hampers can be made available from Okanagan Falls Helping Hand throughout the year with proper qualiﬁcations. To apply, please call 778-559-2412 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. Page 22 | February 2022 | SkahaMatters.com

Better at Home offers non-medical support services to anyone 65 years of age or older in the Okanagan Falls area. We are currently offering: • Housekeeping • Transportation Please contact 250-495-6925 or email bah@desertsun.ca to find our more information. We look forward to assisting you soon!

Flowers or Fish Heads?

Send yours to skahamatters@telus.net Your full name and location area 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

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Flowers to Andy and Lila, Lynn and Atsuro, and Werner for helping my dad on Barten Place. ~ From Darcy D. of Okanagan Falls

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

Flowers to and a special thank you goes to the secret Santa who cleaned in front of the doctors offices in downtown Okanagan Falls in late December. ~ From Jacob H. of Okanagan Falls

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

Flowers to the Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227 for their fabulous Pancake Breakfast and other delicious food items. They cheerfully serve large portions. We’ll be back. Thank You! ~ From Derek & Sandra H. of Okanagan Falls

South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Update By Michael Magnusson, General Manager A heartfelt farewell to Executive Director Wendy Weisner and Sandra Dean. In 2006, Wendy Weisner, Ph.D., along with Sandra Dean, MSW, and Rob Gwilliam founded the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre. Since that time, Wendy became the Executive Director and is now moving on to pursue other opportunities, leaving the SOSVC in a very healthy place with over 900 registered volunteers and dozens of members who have come to value our services. Sandra Dean, who most recently worked as the Centre’s Program Manager, also said goodbye in January, after putting together many of the fantastic programs and reference materials, among other things, we use and value today. The South Okanagan was so fortunate to have Wendy and Sandra connecting volunteers to non-proﬁts and other organizations, as well as training and advocating for volunteers, because through those eﬀorts, the SOSVC was able to support the many resources we have in our communities that need volunteers to help them operate. We wish Wendy and Sandra the very best on their future endeavors and thank them for all they have done. With Wendy’s and Sandra’s departure, the SOS Volunteer Centre welcomes Subrina Monteith of Kaleden who has assumed the Executive Director’s role, and Michael Magnusson of Penticton who is the new General Manager. Subrina and Michael have both enjoyed volunteering and supporting various organizations and causes over the years, so it was a fantastic opportunity for each of them to take that passion and turn it into a career. Stay tuned here in Skaha Matters, on our website, and on social media to see what new initiatives will be happening at the SOS Volunteer Centre.

250.493.3912

BC Lic# 49382

If Basic Cremation Is Your Choice By Lesley Luff, Okanagan Falls & Osoyoos Credible Cremation Services Ltd. was created with one thought in mind ... To offer families the one place they could turn to for a reasonable price for a simple cremation, without having to purchase options or extras that do not fit in with their requirements. It is a difficult enough time for families when one of their beloved family members have passed away, without having to feel pressured. Credible Cremation Services Ltd. is available 24 hours by telephone to help families with any questions they may have, whether it be an ‘at need’ situation or a ‘pre need’ requirement. For those who have not yet made their future arrangements, now is as good a time as any to take care of Pre-Planning. Credible Cremation Services Ltd. is fully licensed by the Province of BC and managed by Lesley Luff with over 25 years of dedicated service to families. Cremations are completed in Penticton, and we offer the very best in personal and efficient service. For further information, please call Lesley at 250-493-3912 or email to crediblecremations@shaw.ca.

Congratulations to our December 50/50 Winner! Thank you to everyone who purchased 50/50 online tickets during our last draw, and congratulations to Pat W. of Penticton for winning $825! Every dollar we raise allows us to continue recruiting, training, and working with our invaluable volunteers and members to have healthier communities throughout the South Okanagan Similkameen. Our next 50/50 is now live and runs until March 17 at 12 Noon, so please visit volunteercentre.info to purchase tickets - must be a BC Resident.

Handyman & Custom Finish Carpentry

Save the Date - February 23 ~ Join us via Zoom on Wednesday, February 23 from 11 am -12 noon for a virtual volunteer gathering. Everyone is welcome! Register by email to info@volunteercentre. info. A Zoom orientation is available for those who request it. Be part of something great ~ We would love to see you register as a volunteer by visiting www.volunteercentre.info, where you’ll see up-to-date opportunities on ways to help your community. Also, ‘Like’ our Facebook page to see highlights of what we’re up to.

(24 hrs)

Helping the Do-It-Yourself Homeowner

Jay Mallach 250.490.6343

No Job Too Small Licensed & Insured

jaymallach@gmail.com

LetsFinishIt.ca

Proudly serving Lake Country to Princeton & all points in between WHY WOULD YOU NEED BIN BOYZ?

HOW DOES IT WORK?

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 clean up ... or any other type of debris accepted at the landfills.

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 your’re ready, we come and get it and take it to the dump for you. It’s just that easy!

www.BinBoyz.com

Friendly Bin Boyz Driver

“ 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

info@binboyz.com | 8360 Gallagher Lake Frontage Rd Oliver, BC | 250-488-7410

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• Hearing Screening • Hearing Assessment • Hearing Aid Sales • Hearing Aid Repairs • Hearing Aid Reprogramming • Hearing Aid Cleaning

The Okanagan’s only fully mobile Hearing Aid Clinic - Sound Advice Hearing

Adam Verwey, RHIP Now available in Kaleden & Okanagan Falls 778-531-5213 | adam@sahearing.ca