Skaha Matters January 2020 by Skaha Matters

Skaha Matters

Volume 12 : Issue 1

“Bringing Community Matters To You”

Your FREE Monthly Community News!

January 2020

Reflecting on a winter day on Skaha Lake Photo by Malibu Dreams Photography | To purchase photos, call 250.462.5513.

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FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area ‘I’ Happy New Year!

Subrina Monteith Director of RDOS Area ‘I’

Linda Larson, MLA ~ Boundary-Similkameen

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

Monthly MLA Report By Linda Larson, MLA Boundary-Similkameen Correction Notice: I would like to correct any misunderstanding that may have occurred from my article on a local Crossing Guard, which was published in the December 2019 Skaha Matters issue. While School Crossing Guards were originally just Volunteers, they are now compensated by the School District for the work they do. This in no way diminishes the value or the commitment of Crossing Guards throughout BC. My apologies to Ms. Rose Mah for any distress this has caused her.

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2020 has been a mild winter so far, bringing conversations around potential water shortages that are starting to be predicted for the spring. No one knows what Mother Nature has planned for the spring, but we do need snow to replenish our waterways. Fingers are crossed that the higher elevations receive the snow required for our needs in 2020 and beyond.

I’m deep into budget season, working on area budgets to set the 2020 tax requisition for Area “I”. 2020 will see an Economic Development service that will retain a grant writer to assist with applications for area projects. Overall, the taxes in Area “I” have been kept steady or close to when compared to 2019 rates. I’m working on reviews in 2019 that could reduce taxes in 2020, depending on survey feedback on transit and recreation. The Pioneer Park Boat Launch project has been completed, which will fix the ramp for boats who were unable to launch safely prior with the previous design. Kaleden Parks and Recreation budget for 2020 is relatively similar to 2019. Projects at Pioneer Park are grant and fundraising driven for 2020. The sewer committee met with RDOS staff and engineers and got an overview of the proposed service area of the project. The line will run up the KVR trail to Kaleden with two pump stations located in the community. One pump station on Alder Avenue and the main one on Ponderosa Avenue. Costing will be presented at a public meeting in February and referendum to follow in the spring. If you wish your street to be considered and you’re near Ponderosa Avenue or Alder Avenue area, please email or call me so I can share it with RDOS staff. Road concerns should be addressed with AIM Roads directly at 1-866-222-4204. If you wish to report a poor road condition that requires service, it is best to contact them directly. I am able to assist if things are not operating smoothly, but the first line of contact should always be with the provider. Once again, the wild horses along Highway 3A are a concern for motorists. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will be working on fencing in the spring of 2020. If the wild horses are spotted on the Highway, please report them to AIM. From my family to yours, wishing everyone a prosperous and healthy 2020! If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area ‘I’ Direct: 250.486.1346 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca

Introducing The Okanagan Falls Community Association

A shared desire to see Okanagan Falls thrive has led to the creation of a new community association. Area residents have formed the Okanagan Falls Community Association (OFCA) as a first step towards a more vibrant community. “Okanagan Falls is a beautiful part of the world and we really want it to be a great place for families, retirees and businesses,” says Matt Taylor, currently serving as Chair of the newly formed association. The founding members include local residents and business and community leaders, including Matt Taylor, Jak Meyer, Jim D’Andrea, Matt Kenyon, Karen Kruger and Bob Daly. Some of the ideas that brought the initial group together include improving safety and security, attracting investment, and encouraging community spirit and pride, but Taylor says that is just the beginning. “It’s early days for the association,” he says. “One of our main goals is community engagement, so we are looking forward to hearing what’s important to residents.” Early in the new year, members of the founding board will be visiting some of the established community groups, as well as hosting events for the public. With the information they gather, they will identify their priorities. “Residents have a lot of the same interests and goals for the community and with the creation of the association, we can start to work together to address them.” Anyone interested in learning more or getting involved is invited to follow the group’s Facebook page or email okanaganfallscommunity@gmail.com. Area ‘D’ Director Ron Obirek is very supportive of the new association. “I’ve always felt strongly that Okanagan Falls has amazing potential and it is great to see residents starting to work together to address the needs of the community as a whole. I look forward to working closely with this group and hope more residents will get involved.” Drop Off Non-parishables

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Where “Honey Do Cleaners” Began By Kelly Brant I retired from a career as a public servant after 25 years in 2015 and was missing people, so I took a course in English Literature to learn to write that novel everyone always told me I should write. Now, I will write my book; however, it is a very solitary thing to do. I had attended a wedding with my husband and when he stood up with the groom he passed me his camera, and long story short, they loved my shots and paid me for them! So, I took a photography course and as much as I enjoyed it, that also turned out to be a solitary thing to do. In March 2017, I took the “Introduction to BC Wines” course at the College in Penticton and loved it. At the end of the course, the instructor says “now you are qualified to work in a winery”. I have been working in a local winery for 2 years now and have a natural rapport with people and thus love where I work. It has been a really good fit for all of us! However, having twins in University and with the seasonal work in the Wine Industry, I was finding that expenses last longer than my income. I thoroughly enjoy the rewards associated with a sparkling clean home and winery, so it was a natural transition to move into a rewarding cleaning business. My clients love coming home to a clean home! And, I adore my clients! I received a call the other day asking me, “How much do you sell 2 liters of honey for?” Um, ah, my business is called “Honey Do Cleaners”. You leave me your “Honey Do List”, because I am so sweet! I emailed Myleen and asked her to change the colour of the font for the next advertisement (shown above). Hopefully, people know now that I clean like a busy bee, but don’t actually have bees making honey. LOL. I had been texting back and forth with a new client, because of the ad in Skaha Matters, and put the address in my GPS. I pull up, get my vacuum, mop, bag of clean rags out, cleaning supplies, business card, carry it all to the front door (I have this down to a science now), and ring the door bell. Expecting a lady to come to the door, I am surprised to see a distinguished elderly gentleman answer the door. He is quick to take in the scene and asks me, “Do you clean?” I smile brightly and hand him my card. “Yes!” I say, “obviously you aren’t the client I am looking for.” He provides me with the correct address and hires me to come back the following week. I love good Karma! Hope you all had an amazing Christmas and will have a safe and healthy 2020! SkahaMatters.com | January 2020 | Page 3

FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area ‘D’

Happy New Year! I hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. Some of you might have noticed that we managed to get some Christmas lights up this year at our waterfront park. Special thanks to RDOS staff who helped get the lights up and especially to Robin and Debbie at the Okanagan Falls Economic Ron Obirek Development Office for their good work Director of on organizing this festive project. This RDOS Area ‘D’ is the beginning of a Christmas Light campaign with a goal of getting more Christmas lights along the waterfront park system and growing onto our Main Street and other areas of our community into the future. We plan to get Christmas lights along the trestle bridge and across our waterfront park system as one step towards celebrating our community by putting up lights in the winter season. To this end, we ask for anyone who has LED lights that they are willing to donate to please drop them off at the Economic Development Office. Next year, we hope to grow our Christmas Light program and make a change for the better. All suggestions and ideas in this regard are welcome. On November 26, 2019, our Economic Development Office had an Open House that was very well attended by approximately 80100 people. I found this number quite impressive given the short notice provided. The food (which was excellent) was sourced locally from KJ Coffee Bar, who also provided a delicious cake. Services are now available through the office and I encourage anyone who is interested to please feel free to stop in and say hello and introduce yourself to Robin and Debbie. RDOS General Manager of Development Services, Brad Dollevoet, and Economic Development Coordinator, Robin Irwin, tell me they are working on an Economic Development Strategy and will be rolling out their plan in the early months of 2020. Encouraging affordable housing and the return of a grocer to our community are two objectives being developed. I welcome any and all community input and suggestions. The new Okanagan Falls Community Association has been registered under the BC Societies Act. The founders are Matt Taylor, Jim D’Andrea, Bob Daly, Jak Meyer, Karen Kruger and Matt Kenyon. Six committees are being formed; beautification, governance, investment, communications, membership, and community events. I have attended the 1st three meetings of this very impressive group and note that there are many members of the community who are stepping up and volunteering and participating - all with the goal of making our community better. Congratulations to each and every one who is involved. Stay tuned for more information. This promises to be a very positive new change agent in our community. I note that they are focused on what is strong and not what is wrong (thank you Robin). The staff in our new Economic Development Office are collaborating with support and positive contributions to helping improve our community!

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Matters. For this 1st article of the year 2020, I simply want to thank the community for all their support in 2019 and ask for everyone’s contributions on how we can make things better in 2020. As a starting point, I would like to take a look at the 2019 year in review. The following are some of our accomplishments. We successfully reversed the decision to close the gate and remove the ladders on our Heritage Trestle Bridge. This was an interesting piece of work, but an outcome that was overwhelmingly supported by the community at large and was a good step forward in making our community a little bit stronger and a little bit better. We also successfully transitioned the closure of the Community Services Office and re-opened under our new Economic Development Office. We expect to provide the same and better service than what was provided in the office previously. The office will continue to build upon previous successes that were a part of the old office. This includes continuing to support the development of affordable housing in our community. Continuation of the Town Centre Revitalization Plan. Support for a grant applications for funds towards important community projects. A local office where RDOS services and support can be obtained. We have been successful in encouraging the RDOS to review and update its Parkland Dedication policy and procedure. The process has begun and I look forward to the new policy which will be an improvement and one more step along the path of making things better. The new seniors affordable housing building (South Skaha Place) opened October 3, 2019, less than one year after the ground was broken and opened on time and on budget. This building represents over $7 million of monies raised and invested in our community and is a good first step toward providing much needed affordable housing. The South Skaha Housing Society is working towards another project and other community groups are talking about what they can do to help bring more affordable housing to our community. Congratulations to all involved for a job very well done.

I met with BC Housing and Municipalities Minister Selena Robinson four times during the year. The most recent was October 3, 2019. I want to thank the Minister and her staff for accepting my invitation and spending almost 2 hours with me touring our community and listening to our concerns regarding our need for affordable housing It is budget time again at the RDOS and I have asked the RDOS and better governance at the local level. I was grateful for her Finance Manager, John Kurvink, to again attend a public meeting attention and I am satisfied that she has a better understanding of in our community to report to the community and answer questions our needs going into the year 2020. I will be following up with her related to the budget and property taxes generally in our area. The this year, 2020, on matters under her areas of responsibility. public meeting has been set for Tuesday, January 21 at 6:30 pm In 2019, we saw the incorporation of the “Save the Aster Save in the Okanagan Falls School Gym. Everyone is welcome. the Beach Society”. I met with provincial Minister of Forests Last month, I started a conversation regarding governance of Lands and Natural Resources, Minister Donaldson, and shared our area. I will continue that discussion in next month’s Skaha our concerns regarding the Aster on Christie Memorial Beach

and also our concerns regarding milfoil in both Skaha Lake and Vaseux Lake. Our concerns have also been communicated to our Member of Parliament, Richard Cannings. Work with respect to these important issues shall continue in the year 2020. I want to extend a special thank you to our Member of Parliament, Richard Cannings, for attending our Remembrance Day reception at the Legion and for meeting with me throughout the past year and his plans to follow up with me early this year to discuss matters of concern in our area that relate to issues that are under the authority and jurisdiction of the federal government. His kind attention to our concerns is much appreciated.

Economic Development Office

Office Hours I have requested that every single member of the RDOS Board of Governance join me in a tour of our area, so that they can better understand our community and our needs when decisions are being made at the RDOS Board table. I report that I have had three directors and one alternate Director accept my invitation and I have provided them a tour already. I intend to do likewise with the remaining 15 members of the Board. I believe that we can make better decisions at the RDOS Board, if the individual members better understand the issues and challenges that have been persisting in our community for many years. Examples include our challenges with MOTI related matters, the Aster, our Town Update From The Area ‘D’ Centre Revitalization Plans, our need for better and affordable housing, our concerns regarding businesses that have closed and Economic Development Ofﬁce our needs to bring back a grocer to our community, and the need By Robin Irwin, Economic Development Coordinator to encourage and support businesses and therefore jobs in our First off, I would like to sincerely thank everyone who joined us community. at our Grand Opening event on November 26th to celebrate this I am expanding our Coffee with the Director meetings to 2 times a new endeavor, and for taking the time to come meet Debbie, Brad month (one in the morning and one in the evening). The 1st Coffee and I. We were thrilled to see about 100 community members who with the Director meeting is scheduled for Monday, January joined us for coffee, cake, sandwiches and goodies all provided by 13, 2020 at 9 am at the Legion. The 2nd meeting in January is KJ Coffee Bar here in Okanagan Falls. scheduled for Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 7 pm at the Legion. A special thank you to Rini Van Uden, Legion President, and all the Our first month in the office was a lot of fun, getting the space set membership of the Okanagan Falls Legion for their support of our up, meeting some local artists to display their works and sharing Coffee with the Director meetings and also for all the other good ideas with the community on future priorities for the area. We are works they do in support of our community. Anyone interested in so fortunate to have a plethora of community groups, volunteer joining the Legion is welcome to stop in and speak with the Legion organizations, and active non-profits who are looking at everything executive. As always, I welcome phone calls or emails and can be from housing, recreation, arts and culture and support for children and families. I am amazed as I get to know the volunteers just how reached at robirek@rdos.bc.ca or 250-328-9800. vibrant and strong our community really is. Yours Truly, From this office, our highest priority is to focus on what is strong in Ron Obirek, Director of RDOS Area ‘D’ our area, and while being cognizant of the challenges and issues, we will work hard to leverage all that Okanagan Falls and Area Direct: 250.328.9800 | robirek@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca ‘D’ already has going for it. We look forward to all that 2020 will bring, and encourage anyone looking to get involved or volunteer to come and visit us at our Economic Development Office on Tuesday to Friday from 10 am - 3 pm. The office is located at 5350 - 9th Avenue in Okanagan Falls, just around the corner from the Post Office and next to Bullies Pizza. The office is open from 10 am - 3 pm Tuesday through Friday. If • Okey Dokey Music Bingo you have any questions or concerns, please stop by the office any Music Trivia, Name That Tune & Family Feud time or call 778.515.5520. Alternatively, you can email Robin at rirwin@rdos.bc.ca or email Debbie at dmorrow@rdos.bc.ca. • Okey Dokey Karaoke Best wishes for a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

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Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department Fire Department History Continues ... In 1999 ... Hanoi, a fire at Ho Chi Minh city’s main fruit market spread quickly, destroying 218 homes and kiosks. The fire started at a kiosk in the market and engulfed more than a half hectare. More than 100 firefighters using 15 fire trucks battled hours to extinguish the blaze. No casualties were reported. A 1980 Thunderbird caught fire while being driven down Oliver Ranch Road at the junction of Rolling Hills Road. Three people escaped serious injury, but the vehicle sustained extensive damage. The hood and interior of the vehicle were fully engulfed by the time the Okanagan Falls fire trucks arrived on scene. The fire was extinguished quickly. The sharp curve at Vaseux Lake hosted a couple of vehicle accidents in the span of 6 hours. The first at 19:30 on May 7th, when a 1998 tractor trailer flipped over, spilling a load of wood chips. The truck hit the cement guard railing with the driver escaping injury. Six hours later another accident happened at the same location, while crews were cleaning up the previous incident. A 1991 Chevrolet truck struck a vehicle with their ambers flashing. There were lots of signs and warnings of the accident ahead. Alcohol was involved and the driver was charged with failing to obey a flag person and received a 24 hour driving suspension. Damage to the two vehicles was estimated at $13,000. The following day two Penticton residents suffered serious injuries after their motorcycle collided with another vehicle on Hwy 97 near Oliver Ranch Road. Both were rushed to the hospital. Penticton residents saw the tragic mid-air collision that claimed 5 lives. The collision between two small planes spiralled down, one landing behind Steelworks Inc. on Waterloo Avenue and the other in the parking lot of the Okanagan University College, which burst into flames. There were no injuries on the ground. Three members of one family died in the crash. The mid-air collision occurred over the channel parkway. The two sites were taped off and secured for two days before the wreckages were removed. In April 1963, eight people died from a mid-air collision above Skaha Lake. Five of those killed were of one family. Witnesses stated that one of the planes struck the lake at a steep angle and seemed to explode just under the surface after impact. In December 1950, a Canadian Pacific Airlines plane crashed into Mount Okanagan on it’s way to Calgary. The local Search and Rescue team had to trudge 6 kilometers through bush and snow, some places 4 feet deep, to get the passengers and bodies to the highway. Both pilots were killed, but all 15 passengers and stewardess survived and were transported to Penticton.

Keeping Up The Work By Linda Dahl Welcome to a New Year with a new commitment to FireSmart your property or to continue the hard work already being done. Kaleden is a proud FireSmart community, with visible signs that clearing burning debris is being taken seriously. The latest property to be worked on is at Tamarac and Oak Avenues. Thank you to Larry Richardson and his crew for all the trimming, limbing and hauling away of the dead and hanging debris.

All new website for all things Kaleden!

www.KaledenCommunity.com Courtesy of the Kaleden Community Association

Okanagan Falls Irrigation District News By Rick Wilson, Chair Firstly, we want to wish all our Ratepayers a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year. May 2020 meet or exceed all your expectations. It is the time of the year when our Water Taxes and Tolls notices go out to all Ratepayers in late January. We would like to encourage as many Ratepayers as possible to sign up for receiving your yearly invoice via email. This can be accomplished by sending an email to Kim at ofid@telus.net to authorize the District to email your invoice. This year, 2020, we will offer to accept Visa, Mastercard and Interac Debit Cards for payment, as well as cheques and cash. Drop into the office when paying your bill. We had hoped to see the Ferguson Place pipeline and Lower Zone connection project completed this year, but it will be spring before it is completed. The engineering portion is complete and it will go to tender in February, with completion by April 15, 2020.

All the testing and redevelopment work for Well No. 4 is now complete. We will share all the gathered information with our engineers and come up with a plan to put this well back into To be continued ... operation prior to next season’s irrigation period.

Safety Tip: Winter is prime time for checking carbon monoxide levels in your home also known as the silent thief. Install a carbon monoxide detector. Have You Thought Of Volunteering As A Fireﬁghter? For more info, please call 250497-5700 or email okfire@shaw. ca. Applications can be picked up Wednesdays between 9-12 am or 7-9 pm. There are benefits and all training is supplied.

The New Year will be a busy time for the Board and Staff, as we review our Asset Assessment Plan and the Capital Expenditure Plans to project projects for completion in the next few years. The Asset Assessment Plan is a document that evaluates all the installed infrastructure in the District, projects probable life span and predicts replacement schedules. This Plan is dynamic and has to be reviewed every three years to update the priorities for projects and replacement of equipment.

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

Kaleden Irrigation District News

KALEDEN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

By Bruce Shepherd, KID Trustee

Grant Funding Program

Our 2020 Vision ... is to again meet or beat the water consumption savings achieved in 2019. In 2019, we pumped an estimated 914,000 liters, which was 177 million liters less than in 2018, and 412 million liters less than in 2017. Keep thinking water conservation (and help keep those water taxes low)! Leaving Home ... ? This time of year, many take lengthy vacations or ‘snow bird’ until spring. Did you know that if you contact the KID Office, you can arrange to have them shut off your water at the outside main service valve, and then leave without any worries about water leaks on your property. A less certain way to avoid water damage is to shut off the main valve inside your residence and have someone regularly check on things. (PLEASE NOTE Do NOT turn the outside main service valve off and on yourself, as you will be held personally responsible for any resultant damage to the valve).

Do YOU have an

idea:

To bring neighbours together? Connect Kaleden Residents? Enhance opportunities for all residents to participate? Grant Criteria 1.

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

Grant is open to all ages.

Staying Home ... ? Help keep your neighbourhood safe by keeping fire hydrants visible and accessible in the snow (and of course, never park in front of them!).

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

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

Preventing Backﬂow ... Water supply lines usually maintain enough pressure to prevent water from flowing back into the pipe. But if line pressure drops, contaminated water can be sucked back into the system. Pressure drops will occur due to major events such as firefighting, watermain breaks and hydrant flushing. But, this also can happen when you draw water from elsewhere in the home (e.g., toilets, clothes washer, showers, etc.). Taps without a vacuum breaker can allow water to backflow if the pressure on the supply side decreases. Common causes of contamination include leaving hoses submerged in livestock troughs or in ponded water in pastures or corrals, and in laundry tubs or sprayers. A simple way to avoid backflow is to ensure hose ends are always kept above the water surface. Current Building Codes require vacuum breakers on all outside taps. If you already have frost-free hose bibbs with built-in vacuum breakers (see photo) you are good. If you don’t have that style, then you need screw-on retrofit vacuum breakers, which cost $9-12 at hardware or plumbing Example of frost-free hose bibb supply stores.

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

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

Kaleden Community Association has Grants available To Support YOUR Idea

with vacuum breaker.

Let’s Keep In Touch ... Canada Post has now ended its mail forwarding service in Kaleden. So, please ensure that if your mailing address has changed, let KID know. Late charges will apply if water bills are not paid by the billing deadline!

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

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Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department January 2020 Tip Happy New Year Everyone! A resolution for people who still work:

34 - 8300 Gallagher Lake Frontage Road Oliver, BC V0H 1T2

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HONESTY ~ INTEGRITY

• • • • • • •

Take charge of your safety at your work place. Wear the proper protective equipment. Go to work rested. Be aware of health and safety signage. Join your health and safety committee. Don’t put your safety at risk - be aware. BE SAFE ... NOT SORRY!

Kal-Rec Update By Jen Charlish

HAPPY NEW YEAR! Wow! It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating the year 2000 and here we are at 2020! Well, the Winter Recreation Guide was released mid December. Hopefully you and your family have had a chance to look at it and pick an activity you would like to participate in for the new year. There are many returning programs and a couple of new ones. Check it out at www.kalrec.ca and see if there is something that you might like to get involved in. Kaleden Seniors Programs are also starting up again this month. Don’t let the name fool you - these programs are for people of all ages and everyone is welcome. Cards and Games will resume on Thursday, January 16th, same time, same place and will run for 13 weeks. The first “Lunch and Learn” for the season will be on Friday, January 24th at the Kaleden Community Hall. This session includes a cooking class, so watch for the registration. Spots fill up fast. This session will start at 11:30 with Tai Chi with Richard and then the lunch will be an Indian Curry served on rice with an immune boosting dessert. Lunch will be followed by a quick demonstration of how to use an A.E.D. in the case of an emergency. The Kaleden Wednesdays Ladies Group will also be starting back up as well. Many thanks go to Fran for opening up the Church and putting the coffee on every Wednesday afternoon. There are many activities ... games, crafts, and quilting being a few, but really it is just a fun social event, where you can come out and chat with the friends and neighbours that you don’t see across the fence in the winter months. Of course there are also many volunteer opportunities that you can get involved in the community as well. Some take as little as an hour a month. Talk to your friends and neighbours and see if they are involved in something you might be interested in. Now, down at Pioneer Park ... Of course the ice rink is patiently waiting for the cold weather. Come on Winter! You will also see the machines working on the new double boat launch. The work on this project is scheduled to be done by the end of December, so if boating or fishing is on your January 1st wish list, you should be able to use the new boat launch. I think most of us will wait until the weather warms up, but if you get a chance, go down to Pioneer Park and take a look. On the business side, as always the Commission is looking for new members. This is a great time to join the Commission, because January is the orientation of new members, the budget is done and it is time to start discussing new projects for the coming year. Got an idea? Come and get involved. The Commission is now meeting the third Thursday of each month at the Fire Hall. The next regular meeting is Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Don’t let the gray winter months get you shut in and isolated. Get out for a short walk, or a little visit, or a new activity. You might be surprised at what you can find right here in Kaleden! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Kaleden Parks and Recreation Office at 250-497-8188 or email kalrecinfo@rdos.bc.ca. We have a website at www.kal-rec. ca, where you can find a full activity calendar, information on our community hall, parks, and facility rentals. You can also subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on Facebook for the most current information. Page 8 | January 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

www.LivingInTheOkanagan.com

MIKE INGRAHAM

JACLYN KINRADE 250-493-2244

LOCATIONS WEST REALTY 484 Main St, Penticton, V2A 5C5

The “Buy It For Life” Movement - Part 2 By Kristy Dyer

Disclaimer: Even if most Canadians followed all the advice in this column, consumer choice is not sufﬁcient to slow global climate change.

“Buy It For Life” (BIFL) is a consumer movement that promotes paying more for items we buy, but spending wisely so that those items last longer and are repairable. I introduced the movement in the last column. Here we examine the drawbacks. We are all nostalgic for how appliances used to be made, but we forget that owning your own dishwasher or clothes washer used to be a luxury. If nothing had changed in manufacturing since the 1960’s, a clothes washer today would cost $1,630. By “cutting corners” such as reducing the amount of metal, which is both expensive and heavier for shipping, washers are now affordable for a much broader section of the population. There’s too much “Buy” in BIFL. The commercial site Buymeonce. com seems to be heavier on “consumerism” than “sustainable”. The website offers $700 briefcases, $100 umbrellas that track themselves on the internet, and $200 sweaters. Those of us in the thrift and dollar store trenches won’t find much here that is relevant to our lives. The FrugalWoods blogger (“Maybe Buy It For Life, But Not Immediately”, http://shorturl.at/kHOU7) put her finger on some weak points. It is always worth poking around to see if you can get it for free, or borrow it, or buy it used. If it is the first time in your life you are purchasing something big, like a mattress, it may be better to shoot low, than to buy a several thousand dollar item that may be a mistake. Finally, a lifetime warranty isn’t appropriate for everything ... you are always going to lose more umbrellas and flashlights than you break. BuyMeOnce, the company side of BIFL, is also strangely critical of brands, such as Doc Martin shoes and presumably Lands’ End for abandoning absolute lifetime warranties. Lands’ End was forced into changing its “absolute” warranty policy by people making money by picking up used items secondhand, sending them in for exchange, then selling the “new with tags” replacements. Maybe items like socks should have a reasonable life span? The most powerful aspect of BIFL may be to change the playing field by demanding accurate data on reliability and repairs. Companies create deliberate confusion. Ryan Finlay, at ReCraigslist.com, writes that while it APPEARS you have choices, most of the appliance brands are owned by either Whirlpool or Electrolux, so you wind up comparing three Whirlpool offerings to each other. If a sub-brand gets a bad reputation, they discontinue that line for another. “[Mattress manufacturers] each year come out with 12 models of beds and to top it off they give the same mattresses different names for different stores”. (You can find the full text at shorturl.at/cuyI7). If BIFL can make it easier to vote with our wallet, that would be a major accomplishment.

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

Free ActivAge™ Program

Oliver Curling Club

By Janet Black, Recreation Coordinator Are you an Older Adult (55+) interested in starting on the path to increased physical activity? The British Columbia Parks and Recreation Association are funding a no impact fitness and active lifestyle program in both Kaleden and Okanagan Falls.

Try something new this year: CURLING!

ActivAge™ is a Free 3-month group-led physical activity program for inactive or less active older adults. It introduces participants to physical activity and reinforces their commitment to incorporate it into their daily lives.

New session starts January 6th with leagues for everyone!

Free PRACTICE DROP-IN January 2-5 (12-2 pm & 7-9 pm)

The program is progressive with planned physical activities (stretching, activity, and cool-down) based on ActivAge™ training. This fun and social program will help get participants moving in a relaxed environment with like-minded people.

NOVICE LEAGUE – Sundays, January 12 to February 2

“I feel so much stronger in only 12 weeks, and my cardio health was shown to be 25% better than at the start.” ~ ActivAge™ Participant in Okanagan Falls

FAMILY FUN DAY with lessons, lunch & prizes – Saturday, January 25

Please contact Janet Black directly at 250-497-8188 or jblack@ rdos.bc.ca to register for an introduction session prior to the start of the program on Wednesday, January 29th.

AFTER-SCHOOL JUNIOR LEAGUE every Tuesday (3-4:30 pm) Find out more: eastlinkcurlingcentre.ca

RCMP Community Report Crime Stopper Month January is Crime Stopper month where Crime Stopper Programs take the opportunity to raise awareness of Crime Stoppers and thank the community for their support.

Email: occ@eastlink.ca See you soon at the Eastlink Curling Centre! 735 McKinney Road, Oliver

Crime Stoppers was created in 1976 by Greg MacAleese, an Albuquerque, New Mexico detective, to find the killers of a 19 year old college student. Crime Stoppers has grown to a global crime fighting network. Programs operate independently with the aim of solving crime, improving security and keeping streets safe. Crime Stoppers offers a means for callers to provide information (tips) anonymously to help police solve crime and if the information results in an arrest, a cash reward is available. South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers provides this service to the communities of the South Okanagan and Similkameen. South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers is a registered society run by a volunteer board of directors and receives no funding except what the board raises through donations and contributions from the communities it serves. Since its inception in 1992, South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers has received 10,085 tips, which has resulted in 872 arrests, 990 criminal cases cleared, 392 charges laid, $1,869,505 in recovered property and $14,769,999 in seized drugs and 82 weapons seized. Most callers don’t want rewards, but since 1992 South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers has paid out $51,410 in rewards. South Okanagan Similkameen Crime Stoppers wants to thank everyone that has supported and continues to support Crime Stoppers. During Crime Stopper month, we would ask that everyone take some time to recognize the contributions that your local Crime Stoppers has made in helping to keep your communities safe and secure. If you would like to volunteer on our board or make a donation, please contact me or one of our board members, as we are always looking for good people and donations year round. Rick Dellebuur, South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP Community Police Direct: 250-490-2374 // Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 or sostips.ca

Join OK Falls Fitness Today! Happy New Year to everyone from OK Falls Fitness. We invite you to come and join our great gym. Did you know that strength training will help you get healthy and stay strong? Start the new year off right, with taking care of yourself and your health. A gym membership is the best way to reach your personal potential. We will continue to offer great membership deals. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to purchase a membership, please call or text Raymond at 250-328-5799.

OK L

AL KF

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IT SF

Raymond Gauthier Owner / Manager

250-328-5799

Open Daily

6:30am - 10pm

SkahaMatters.com | January 2020 | Page 9

Myers Cocktail: The Health BeneďŹ ts Of Nutritional IV Therapy By Dr. Tamara Browne, ND Naturopathic Physician, Licensed and Registered by The BC Ministry of Health Clinical and scientific research is mounting to support the use of intravenous nutrients for a wide range of health problems. Intravenous Nutrient Therapy, also often known as the Myers Cocktail after its founder Dr. John Myers who used this therapy extensively in his practice until his death in 1984, has been providing a multitude of health benefits in many doctorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; clinics for decades now. The rational for these benefits lies in the chemistry of various nutrients in the human body, the fact that most people are found to be nutritionally deficient in one or more vital nutrients, and the positive health effects of nutrient repletion. IV administration of nutrients can achieve blood concentrations that are much higher than with oral administration. This allows for beneficial effects such as the antiviral, anti-histamine, immune enhancing, mood and energy boosting effects of IV vitamin C, which are much more vigorous than with oral vitamin C alone. Along with high doses of vitamin C, the nutritional IV may contain various other nutrients depending on the particular needs of the patient. These include magnesium, calcium, trace minerals, and the various B-vitamins. Consistent results have been identified in several illnesses, the most well studied of those being; asthma, migraine and tension headache, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, arthritis, anxiety and depression, cardiovascular disease, colds and flu, sinusitis, seasonal allergies, hives, athletic performance, narcotic withdrawal and addiction recovery in general, muscle spasms, and menstrual pain. Significant health improvements can also be achieved using this therapy in any chronic inflammatory disease, due to its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Science is reaching the conclusion that inflammation is a major contributing factor in almost all chronic disease states.

Be your best

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

Call 250-497-6681 for details

This combination of nutrients acts in the short term to calm down over active inflammation and in the long term to repair damaged cells and tissues. In essence, it arms the body with the basic tools it requires to detoxify, repair, and regenerate healthy tissue. Patients often report an improvement in energy, a decrease in pain, a more stable mood, and improved sleep. With the natural rhythms of the body restored, it is primed to heal itself and perform at an optimal level. Various other natural IV therapies are offered and may be advised based on the unique needs of the individual. As always, Naturopathic Doctors treat the whole person in a natural, safe, non-toxic manner that is specifically targeted to their individual needs. If you are not functioning in optimal health, you may want to consider Nutritional IV Therapy as an effective means of supporting your health and diminishing disease causing processes in the body. In coordination with a holistic approach, Nutritional IV Therapy is a proven effective treatment that can provide both immediate symptom relief and ongoing prevention towards your goal of reaching optimal health. For more information on this and other leading-edge natural therapies, contact Dr. Tamara Browne at 250-497-6681 or visit www.drtamarabrowne.ca. Source: http://altmedrev.com/publications/7/5/389.pdf Page 10 | January 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

1612 Highway 97 South

Creative Wellness Solutions

Johnston Meier

By Dee-anne Jalava, Seniors Wellness Practitioner Vertigo is the feeling of dizziness, like the world is spinning around while you’re still or even lying down. It may cause loss of balance or nausea. These symptoms can be so severe it causes vomiting. There are a number of different causes of vertigo. Vertigo can be defined based upon whether the cause is peripheral or central. Central causes of vertigo arise in the brain or spinal cord and are usually from something quite serious like a concussion or traumatic brain injury, stroke, Multiple Sclerosis, tumors or vestibular migraines. Peripheral vertigo is due to a problem within the inner ear, such as inflammation, infection, fluid buildup, or tumors. Sometimes a reason or cure for the vertigo can’t be pinpointed. Massage therapy is used to alleviate the symptoms of vertigo and to reduce pain from headache and neck stiffness. It also helps to reduce stress and improve sleep. There are some medications that could be prescribed that may provide some relief, but it is important to note that these medications may help treat some of the symptoms of vertigo, but will not cure it. It’s great to check out alternative therapies that won’t have negative side effects. Massage and acupressure can greatly help to relieve feelings of vertigo. Creative Wellness Solutions is conveniently set up at the Okanagan Falls Zen Centre every Wednesday morning and at numerous sites in Penticton every week. Creative Wellness Solutions provide a convenient massage with innumerable benefits on a comfortable massage chair. You do not need to climb onto a table or remove clothing and no oils are used. We are available to meet your unique needs as a mobile service providing onsite chair massage in-home, at sports events, or in the workplace. Call Deeanne at 250-497-5974 for more information or to schedule your appointment. We offer three 15-minute routines. You can choose from a head and face, upper body, or legs and feet massage, or any combination. The cost per routine is $20. Be sure to check out our website at www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com, where you can read any past articles you may have missed.

Creative Wellness Solutions

Providing a unique combination of Chair Massage & Wellness Coaching

Call Dee-anne ~ 250-497-5974 www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com

Services For The Heart & Home By Patricia Irwin Wow ... The year 2020! May the force be with you, as we move into this new decade. I am offering dog walking, house sitting and pet care. I have two cats of my own, and love all animals. I happen to like going for long walks, especially up at the forest reserve past ‘See Ya Later Ranch’. These walks can go for two or three hours, if your dog needs a good run (or less if need be). I can be bonded and have recently had a criminal record check. Call to discuss the details of what service you require. Please note that house cleaning, yard work and grocery pick-up are also available services.

Services for the Heart & Home House Cleaning, Yard Work, Community Support Worker & Massage Technician

For more info, call Patricia at 778.889.9725

Insurance Agencies Group

For All Your Insurance Needs 5350 9th Avenue Okanagan Falls

250-497-8739 www.jmins.com

Audiobook Reviews By Kilmeny MacMichael Invasion of the Body Snatchers ~ Written by Jack Finney and narrated by Kristoffer Tabori. Audiobook has a run time of 6 hours and 40 minutes. Kristoffer Tabori is an award-winning narrator. Having seen the 1956 film of the same name a few times, I was worried that I would find listening to the story unexciting as I remembered the plot quite well. This worry proved unfounded. This audiobook version is set in the 1970’s and deviates in places from the 1956 film version. (A DVD of that movie is available from the library.) I don’t want to say too much about the story, because I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun for those unfamiliar. This is a science fiction story about a doctor in a Californian town, trying to decipher the cause behind some odd behaviour on the part of some of the residents. And then, as the story moves along, trying to save them, himself and “his girl” from, well, body snatchers. Is it a parable about the dangers of conformity (or communism?) or is it just a fun story? I dare you to fall asleep listening to this one. I Am Legend and Other Stories ~ Written by Richard Matheson and narrated by Robertson Dean and Yuri Rasovsky. MP3 Audiobook runs 10 hours 52 minutes. I Am Legend is also available on CD, in e-book and book format. The story “I Am Legend” has had three major film adaptations; you can borrow the 2007 Will Smith version from the library. The last man on earth after some kind of apocalyptic plague (is nuclear testing responsible?) finds himself surrounded by vampire like creatures. He tries to deal with the monsters, mourn his family, and stave off going mad from the isolation. There are moments of dark humour and violence. (He is, after all, fighting vampires.) It is not a sunny rainbows and lollipops story. It is largely a rather unpleasant and sometimes dated (I Am Legend dates from 1954) and sometimes timeless exploration of loneliness. There are a number of other, shorter science-fiction-y stories included in this audiobook download. Some don’t work so well anymore, and I found the narrator of the shorter stories rather aggravating. I did enjoy the short story “Witch War” - about silly girls who can kill with their minds. There are some obscenities used throughout the book. The Test ~ Written by Sylvain Neuvel and narrated by Neil Shah. MP3 Audiobook runs 2 hours 13 minutes. This title is also available from the library as a book and e-book. This short story from Quebec-born science fiction author Sylvain Neuvel packs a lot into a little over two hours, as we follow an immigrant undergoing a citizenship test in a future Britain. While the story opens with humor, if quickly becomes a suspenseful test of morals, as the test’s challenges become increasingly difficult. The listener is invited to consider how they themselves might respond under the intense screening procedure, and it becomes apparent that more then one character is undergoing a test of one kind or another.

Dumpster Rental and Roll Off Bin Services

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

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

Friendly Bin Boyz driver, Jim Dial

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

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

Free Wireless Internet!

OK Falls Branch:

101 Linden Avenue - 250-497-8066

Tuesday 1 - 5 pm / Thursday 1 - 8 pm / Friday 1 - 5 pm Happy New Year to all our library patrons from Glenda and Lynn at the Kaleden Library. Our Storytime children were very surprised when Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus stopped by the library to visit us in December. Each child received a Christmas book and candy cane! Preschool Storytime begins on Tuesday, January 21 at 10 am for children ages 2-5 years old. We have fun listening to stories, singing songs, making a craft and meeting new friends. For more information on this program, please call the Kaleden Library at 250-497-8066. Just a reminder that the Kaleden Library has two FREE internet stations available along with access to printing at 25 cents per page. Page 12 | January 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

Friendly Bin Boyz driver, Roy Willson

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:

250-488-7410

Adult Programs: •

Crafting Circle ~ Bring your projects to work on or get some creative inspiration from others. Wednesday, January 15th from 1-3 pm.

•

Book Club ~ Join our local book reading enthusiasts for discussion of monthly book selections. New members are always welcome! This month’s discussion is “Cold Comfort Farm” by Stella Gibbons. Wednesday, January 15th from 1-2 pm.

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

Storytime - Winter Theme ~ Join us for stories, songs, crafts, and more! Tuesday, January 21st from 9-9:45 am.

•

Builders Club ~ Let your creativity soar with LEGO and KEVA Planks. This self-led program takes place every Wednesday from 2:45 - 3:45 pm.

Friends of the Library News: Thanks to everyone who contributed to our Christmas Raffle and Silent Auction. Your help is most appreciated. Anyone who would like to volunteer as a “Friends of the Library” member, please see us for information. Wishing each and everyone of you a Happy New Year! All the best for 2020!

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School District No. 53 Board Report By Janice Stevens, School Trustee Welcome 2020! Happy New Year to all students, staff and families in Okanagan Falls. The following is a brief summary of items discussed at the Trustees’ Regular Meeting on December 11, 2019.

Staff reported on a Medicine Pouch Pilot Project that is being developed by the BC Sheriff’s Service. The project aims to develop okvalleylearning@live.ca 250.497.7133 educational, cultural and forward-thinking relationships with the Okanagan First Nations communities. The overarching goal of December Highlights From this program is to help the Ministry of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation lead the BC Government to work collaboratively Okanagan Falls Elementary School and respectfully with the First Nations and Indigenous peoples By Principal Karen Sinclair of BC. The primary goal of this project is to cleanse negative Congratulations to our Volleyball players! Great game play at energy and thoughts of Indigenous peoples who come into contact the OKF Co-Ed Volleyball Playday. Thank you to volunteer with the court system. SOSS staff and students will be working in partnership with Roger Hall (Native Liaison at the Okanagan Coach Leochko! Falcons enjoy our Fun Days Food Drive and bring in almost Correctional Centre, OIB elder and cultural teacher) to help 400 donations for Okanagan Falls Helping Hand. Everyone make these pouches. Medicine pouches are currently not used throughout courthouses, so our students will be involved in creating enjoyed taping Mrs. Sinclair to the wall! and introducing something brand new to provincial courthouses. Thank you to Blue Mountain Winery for your $1000 donation In addition to making the pouches, there is an educational piece towards tennis equipment. incorporated into this program. This will also be presented at the Thank you to Okanagan Falls PAC for hosting the Craft Fair Education Committee in January. and purchasing new Shinobi equipment. 7 Take-A-Risk grants have been approved for 2019/20. Take-AOur 2019 Christmas Concert - THE GRINCH - excellent performance by all of our students.

Risk grants are provided to teams of teachers who are inquiring collaboratively to try new or innovative ways to address student Okanagan Falls staff wishes the community a very “HAPPY NEW success. Recipients will share their learning at the June Education YEAR”! Thank you for all your support. We are looking forward Committee meeting. Projects this year range from Interschool Outdoor Learning to Social and Emotional Learning to Coto a fantastic 2020! Teaching in Math 8.

Marsel is leading the Starfish program, which is a new initiative offered in Oliver. The Starfish Pack includes 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 2 dinners and snacks for families that can use some extra support. A backpack is filled at Buy-Low Foods and returned to the school to go out to students on Fridays from September to June. Local business and private donations fund this program and 100% of the donations go to food. It was established so that children can come to school Monday morning, ready to learn, with having had the adequate food and nutrition over the weekend. It is through the generous support of many groups and individuals that this program can be offered. A big thank you to Sam for volunteering to lead this program and to the donors that are making it happen. Superintendent Young reported on the Come Read with Me/Come Count with Me programs. These district-developed programs are workshops for Grade 1 parents to support them with reading and numeracy at home. They have been offered during the school day, so that parents or caregivers can go into their children’s classroom to utilize what they have learned at the presentation. We have had very high attendance rates and positive feedback from parents who attended. Superintendent Young facilitated the Come Read with Me workshop and Melia Dirk, Early Learning Coordinator, facilitated the Come Count with Me workshop. The Come Count with Me program is new this fall and the Board would like to recognize Melia Dirk, Roberta Snow and Amanda Stene who worked to develop the presentation and materials. Director of Learning and Inquiry Toneatto gave a brief presentation on the completion rates in the district. A more fulsome discussion will be had in January as more information was to be received after the Board meeting. The information relayed was very encouraging. For more information, feel free to contact me, Janice Stevens, SD53 School Trustee, at 250-307-4245 or jstevens@sd53.bc.ca. SkahaMatters.com | January 2020 | Page 13

School Trustee Report For SD67

Relax ... Rejuvenate ... Heal

By Kathy Pierre, School Trustee

5 “Great Things” include ... 1.

Our Christmas Concert, “40 Winks Til Christmas”, was a very merry success with children, elves, Santa and a huge toy Jack-in-the-Box!

Students collected an amazing 341 food items to support our local “Kaleden Cares” Food Drive. Thank you to everyone for their donations.

Our Kindergarten / Grade 1 class learned about and made Inukshuks with Mrs. Allison, our Aboriginal Support Worker.

Coach Yann Clements from the Pinnacles Soccer Club taught an 8 session Soccer Unit with the Grade 2, 3, 4 & 5 students this month.

LEGO Club is up and running again after school with many devoted LEGO builders.

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The Board held nominations for the 2019-2020 Board Chair, Vice Chair, BC School Trustee Association Provincial Council Rep, and the BC Public School Employers Association Rep. The following trustees were elected into the following: Board Chair James Palanio; Vice Chair - Shelley Clarke; BC School Trustee Association Provincial Council Rep - Linda Van Alphen; and BC Public School Employers Association Rep - Barb Sheppard. The Board discussed the process for determining who will sit on various committees, including the Board Standing Committees. By December 10, 2019, Trustees let the Board Chair know which committees they were interested in representing on behalf of the Board for the current school year. The Board has completed the review of all its current policies to ensure they are complete, current, clear and accessible. The Board Policy Handbook was approved by the Board at the November 25, 2019 School Board Meeting. The new Board Policy Handbook will replace the Board’s existing policies in its entirety effective immediately. Also, an Administration Procedures Manual has been developed as a policy outlining administrative direction for the District Administration. It is an extension of the Board Policy Handbook and is divided into five categories, including: General Administration; Instructional Programs and Materials; Students; Personnel and Employee Relations; and Business Administration. The Administration Procedures Manual has been implemented upon approval of the Board Policy Handbook. To access the Board Policy Handbook, please go to http://www.sd67.bc.ca/Board/ PolicyandAP/Pages/default.aspx#/= . Superintendent Hyer reported on the SD67 Completion Rates for 2018-2019. The 6 year completion rate has declined in all categories by approximately 5%. As previously mentioned, the transportation survey was posted on the SD67 website for parent and community input. The survey closed on November 30, 2019. Three dates have been established to begin the public consultation process. 1. Summerland Secondary - January 8, 2020 at 7pm 2. Princess Margaret Secondary - January 22, 2020 at 7pm 3. IMC - January 29, 2020 at 7pm On November 28-30, 2019, Trustees attended the BC School Trustee Association Professional Learning Series for 2019-2020. One of my highlights was a presentation by Anthony Mclean on Leadership, Mental Health and Inclusivity. He was phenomenal with an inspiring message to be mindful to bring your best every day. SD67 put out a Media Release announcing the retirement of Superintendent Wendy Hyer commencing July 2020. We are currently beginning the hiring process to recruit a new Superintendent. The Board announced that Anne Cooper a retired Superintendent from Revelstoke has been contracted to carry out the hiring process. The Kaleden Elementary School Winter Concert was held on December 12, 2019. It was fantastic and such a treat. The students did a phenomenal job with their skit and their songs. Well done Kaleden School. Please contact Kathy Pierre at kpierre@summer.com, if you have any questions regarding the above.

New To Kaleden?

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

Kaleden Elementary PAC Update

South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Update

By Brad Nunes Happy New Year Everyone! Welcome to 2020, the year of perfect vision and clarity. This month KPAC would like to remind folks to please, please obey the speed signs in our school zone. With conditions getting icier and folks trying to squeeze out one more year on balding winter tires, give yourself lots and lots of time to brake. Kiddos have reduced peripheral vision when they are stuffed like sausages into snowsuits. Let’s keep the roads safe for them! We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who supported the Christmas Bake Sale and Raffle Baskets. If you donated baking or raffle items, or if you purchased tickets or cookies, you are a hero in our eyes. We are so appreciative of all the parents and members of the community that help us support the kids through the year. We salute you! If you are bored with lying to yourself and claiming your New Year’s resolution is to hit the gym, make a resolution that you can commit to ... like getting involved in PAC! We need lots of help over the year. Drop by a meeting and get involved. ALL parents are already de facto members, so there isn’t even any paperwork to complete. The next meeting is Monday, January 20th at 7 pm. Do you like lasers and justice? We need volunteers to work the community radar program. We got the gear, we just need the people. Anyone can help out, be you parents, grandparents or community members. So, do you want to get involved? Reach out and contact one of the amazing executive members. I am promised any interaction will be greeted with a custom high five and/or fist bump. Your current executive is Karen Pennington, Lindsay Slobodzian, Lauralee Majeau, Angela Schaffrick and Jessica ter Wolbeek. We would love some new and creative fundraising ideas or ideas for projects. I was told my ideas involving live bees weren’t appropriate, so we need someone with better ideas than I am serving up. That is it for this month. Best wishes, hopes and dreams for 2020 everyone!

Fresh BC Talent Quest - SEASON 8

PERFORMERS WANTED: Ages 9-18 years. All entertainment forms are welcome! Presenting Two Competition Categories NEW SOLO performers and/or DUETS Category; and Teen Bands, Dance or Instrumental GROUP Category. Performers must register on-line at www.cmeliveproductions.com. Registration Deadline is January 31, 2020. WINNERS perform at PEACHFEST on the Main Stage in August 2020. Competition starts on Saturdays in February and March at Tugs Tap House in Penticton (family friendly). Call 250.460.2221 or visit www.cmeliveproductions.com.

By Wendy Weisner, PhD, Executive Director Thank you to all the volunteers who helped out in 2019. Watch for these trends in 2020 and beyond: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

An increase in special and professional skill sets donated to charities. The rise of the flexible and virtual volunteer, as some volunteer charity roles can be done anywhere, for example newsletters, accounting, graphic design, etc. Millennials will lead the way in volunteering with 43% engaging in service. Volunteer training becomes even more vital as the charity online reach is further drawing in new volunteers. Volunteers connect through on-line sites and social media, not only flyers and posters. On-line giving happens throughout the year, challenging December as the highest giving month.

Connect and help yourself, while helping others.

Volunteer Opportunities Ooknakane Friendship Centre ~ To help out, contact Holly Legg at 146 Ellis Street, Penticton, or call 250-490 3504, or email pm@ friendshipcentre.ca. www.friendshipcentre.ca. Habitat for Humanity-Penticton ReStore ~ Contact Lorraine by email to lorraine.richmond@hfhokanagan.ca or call 778-7554346. More information at www.hfhokanagan.ca. Access Centre ~ To volunteer in Penticton, contact Tracy at community@accesscentre.org; in Summerland, contact Kay at summerlandadvocate@accesscentre.org; and Oliver, Osoyoos or Keremeos, contact Donna at southadvocate@accesscentre.org. Please use “I would like to volunteer” as subject line. Haven Hill Care Centre ~ Contact Kara Nelson, Recreation Manager and Volunteer Coordinator, at 250-492-2600 ext. 113, or email kara.nelson@havenhill.ca. Located at 415 Haven Hill Road in Penticton. Okanagan College ~ Please contact Wanda Dudley at 250-4924305 ext. 328, or email WDudley@okanagan.bc.ca. Penticton Soupateria ~ Please email info@soupateria.com. SS Sicamous Heritage Society ~ Contact Arlana, Venue Coordinator, at 250-492-0403 or email info@sssicamous.ca. Critteraid ~ Please contact Andrea, Critteraid Volunteer Coordinator, at 250- 486-2444 or email andrea@critteraid.org. Seniors Wellness Society ~ Contact Misty at 250-487-7455 or email Misty.Douglas@OneSkyCommunity.com. Penticton and District Arts Council ~ Contact Bethany at 250492-7997 or email info@pentictonartscouncil.com. Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Centre ~ To volunteer, contact Grethe Jensen, President, at 250-497-8199 or email oldys2@ outlook.com. South Okanagan Similkameen Brain injury Society ~ To volunteer, please call 250-490-0613 or email info@sosbis.com. Find more ways to contribute at www.volunteercentre.info under ‘Browse Opportunities’. Register as a volunteer for volunteer opportunity updates. Join the SOS Volunteer Centre’s Volunteer Gathering. Everyone is welcome. The next gathering will be held on Wednesday, January 29 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, includes lunch and refreshments. Please RSVP by Friday, January 24 by email to info@volunteercentre.info or call 1-888-576-5661.

Islands Of Turks And Caicos By Vi Creasey Diane and I have just come back from the Turks and Caicos. What a beautiful destination! We stayed at Beaches Resort and also the Windsong Resort. Beaches is an “all inclusive” resort and is unlike most “all inclusive” resorts. Definitely superior in every aspect. Please give us a call if you are looking for a “high end “all inclusive” vacation, and we will let you know why the price is justified. After Beaches, we went down the beach and stayed in an another very small resort called Windsong. This resort is directly in front of some of the best snorkelling in the Turks and Caicos. At this resort, you can get up to a four bedroom suite. This is a perfect resort for a large family or a multi-generation vacation. If you want, you can cook in your suite, or they do have chefs that you can hire to do all or some of your cooking. There is also a restaurant on site, with very reasonable prices. One of the upsides of staying in a non “all inclusive” resort is that you can try out some of the wonderful restaurants that Providenciales has to offer. We went to Da Conch Shack and had a wonderful meal and listened to some of the local music. What a luxury to take in the local flair! The Turks and Caicos consist of 40 different islands and cays, only 8 of which are inhabited. The islands of the Turks and Caicos are almost as diverse as its people. The Turks and Caicos Islands is a British Overseas Territory, located in the Atlantic Ocean and considered a part of the Caribbean region. With more than 40 small islands and cays, the eight inhabited islands are separated into two island groups; to the east of the Turks Island Passage are the Turks Islands of Grand Turk and Salt Cay and to the west are the Caicos Islands, South Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales, Pine Cay and Parrot Cay. The islands are located 575 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, south of the Bahamas and east of Cuba and the country of Hispaniola (Dominican Republic and Haiti).

Reliable Travel Vi Creasey

250-497-8785 Toll Free: 1-866-497-8785

BC Business Licence #48999

Locally Owned and Operated

We can come to you!

Dy de Vos

250-567-0865

Diane Chatfield 250-488-6818

vicreasey@shaw.ca | ddevos@tpi.ca | dchatfield@tpi.ca

Happy New Year By Tom Landecker The new year is upon us. Inevitably, it brings another passage of planet Earth in its orbit around the Sun, another cycle of winter, spring, summer, and fall, and a new calendar on the kitchen wall. We take the calendar for granted. We use it to remind us of appointments with the dentist, birthdays, and long weekends, but we rarely think of its origins. That calendar is a highly refined product of human observation, and of trial and error. We owe our seven-day week to the limited power of our eyes. The days of the week were originally named after the Sun, the Moon, and the five planets known in ancient times, and the planet names were tied to the names of the gods. The planet Uranus is visible to the human eye, and very old records of it exist, but it is very faint and moves very slowly and was not recognized as a planet until the year 1781. If we were better at seeing at night, if Uranus was a little bigger and a little brighter, we might now have an eight-day week.

The Babylonians were very good astronomers. More than 5000 years ago they described comets and other events. They watched the Sun and the Moon cross the sky and by a few hundred years BC were able to predict the occurrence of eclipses of the Sun. The islands are home to over 31,000 full time residents, and Their calendar, based on the Moon, had 12 months of 29 or 30 attract more than 1 million tourists annually. In 2016, the Turks days, and 7 times in 19 years there was a 13th month. This is still and Caicos Islands welcomed 1,300,575 tourists to its shores. the basis of the Jewish and Moslem religious calendars: the date Climate ~ The average temperature ranges between 85-90 of Easter is set, more or less, using this calendar. degrees (29-32 degrees Celsius) from June to October, sometimes The calendar was important for the organization of civic and reaching the mid 90’s (35 degrees Celsius), especially in the late religious life, but it was vital for agricultural societies. The Earth summer months. From November to May, the average temperature takes 365 and one quarter days to circle the Sun. If we ignore the is 80-84 degrees (27-29 degrees Celsius). Water temperature quarter day, six short hours, the calendar gets one day out of step in the summer is 82-84 degrees (28-29 degrees Celsius) and in in four years, and one month out in 120 years. If you plant your winter about 74-78 degrees (23-26 degrees Celsius). A constant crops one month out, you probably won’t have anything to harvest trade wind keeps the climate at a very comfortable level. and you will starve. An accurate calendar became important as People ~ Turks and Caicos Islanders are mostly descendants soon as society became dependent on agriculture. of Africans who were brought in to work the salt pans or the In 46 BC, Julius Caesar imposed a new calendar on the Roman cotton plantations. The expatriate population consists of British, empire. It was a calendar of 365 days, and it was designed in Canadians, Americans, French, Bahamians, people from consultation with astronomers (fact based government policy is not Hispaniola and virtually everywhere in the world. a new idea). The names we use today for the months derive from Crime ~ These Islands boast one of the lowest crime rates and that Julian calendar. The Julian calendar already inserted extra highest crime-solved rates in the Caribbean. You cannot, however, days to keep track of that pesky one quarter day. The calendar let down your guard against opportunist-type theft. Do not leave scheme was refined in the year 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII. The Gregorian calendar is the one you will hang on the kitchen wall valuables unattended and always lock your doors and windows. today. As you hang it, think about the 5000 years of human Call us at Reliable Travel to book your next vacation. We are endeavour that went into shaping this simple thing. Happy New looking forward to helping you “getaway” from the cold weather. Year!

VISITS

MEA

KALEDEN

HUB

Kaleden Snow Removal

YE RA

HELP

The Kaleden HUB is looking for volunteers to help out with occasional snow removal in Kaleden this winter. We could use people with machines or just a shovel and elbow grease. To volunteer or if you feel you may need some assistance with snow removal, please call the HUB at 250-460-3387. 250-460-3387

Here are a few helpful website addresses: • www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/facilities/drao.html • www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/publications/nrc_pubs/tapping/ • https://chime-experiment.ca The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory is operated by the National Research Council Canada. The Observatory is located at 717 White Lake Road in Kaleden. For more info, call 250-497-2300.

GRO

100 Men Who Care Community Support Continues To Grow

Continuing To Give To Great Causes

By Bruce Tawse

Once again, 100 Men Who Care got together and raised money to support three more charities in the South Okanagan Similkameen region. Okanoggin Barbers on Ellis Street in Penticton hosted the event on Wednesday, November 27th. Three charities, Friends of the Penticton Museum & Archives, Kaleden Community Association and Penticton & Area Access Society presented to the 100 Men and explained how they would use a donation to improve their communities. The group raised $7,000 in one hour and, after hearing from the three charities, the group donated $5,600 to the Penticton & Area Access Society. The other two charities also received $700 each. The Penticton & Area Access Society will be expanding its work on a new program for men called RISE. Releasing and Integrating Strong Emotions (RISE) is a program to help men with emotional issues, such as anger management, and other concerns that men may need help to cope with. The Friends of the Penticton Museum & Archives will use the funds to enhance their Hands-on Heritage Lab, an interactive program that allows children to experience a variety of challenges, such as building and testing earthquake safe bridges and other learning exercises. Kaleden Community Association has a wonderful volunteer spirit for a relatively small community and will use the funds to help with the many projects the volunteers take on each year. Members of 100 Men meet four times a year and each member commits to donating $100 at each meeting. Three charitable organizations from the South Okanagan and Similkameen region are chosen at random and invited to present at the meeting where they describe their organization, explain how a donation would be used, whom it will help and the impact the donation will have. The 100 Men members then vote to distribute their donations to the charities, with 80% going to the charity receiving the most votes and the two other groups receiving 10% each. All of the money donated goes directly to the three charities. To date, 42 charities in the South Okanagan/Similkameen region have received $94,100 from the 100 Men Who Care group. The date of the first quarterly meeting of 2020 will be announced early in the New Year. More information about the organization and the charities who have received support can be found on the website at www.100menpenticton.com. Or, you can email info@100menpenticton.com. For information regarding a similar organization for women, go to www.cfso.net, click “Programs”, then click “100 Women”.

Left to Right: Randy Cranston from the Kaleden Community Association; Dennis Ooman of the Friends of the Penticton Museum & Archives; Katrina McKeown and David Desaultels of the Penticton & Area Access Society receive their donations from 100 Men Who Care, joined by Peter Beauchamp, owner of Okanoggin Barbers Ltd. and host for the event.

The Penticton Resource Addition Society received $5400 to contribute to their programs, which will help with addiction recovery, thanks to The 100 Women Who Care South Okanagan. On Thursday, November 28th, three charities which included the YMCA Jump Start Program, the Penticton Academy of Music, and the Penticton Resource Addiction Society shared how their organizations made our community better and how a contribution to their group would be used. 100 Women Who Care South Okanagan have given more than $100,000 in the last 5 years to 50 local charities. To join and make a difference together, visit 100womensouthokanagan.com.

Tasting Room Reopens

Sip and Dip Scarf Painting Event

February 1, 2020

Saturday, February 8

Sales

Every Day is a Celebration

Monday - Friday 11am - 4pm

Saturday, February 15

Tastings

Everyday food pairings for Sparkling

Saturday & Sundays 11am - 4pm

Tickets available online at Nobleridge.com #BENOBLE #DRINKNOBLE

SkahaMatters.com | January 2020 | Page 17

South Skaha Housing Society Update

Kaleden Museum ~ A History Tid Bit

By Sharon Davis, Director of Fundraising & Communications

By Meredith King

Happy New Year Everyone! What a great This column is taken from the recollections of Kaleden pioneer year 2020 is going be. Our building is just Ron King, who was born here in September 1915, the second about full and we love our new tenants. child born in the community. He wrote these musings about his life in Kaleden before he passed away in 2010. These are his words, his memories, his thoughts, just as he wrote them down, run-on sentences included.

Orcharding

By Marla Wilson Winter is here and all is well. One day last week, the swans on Vaseux Lake were swimming and eating right near the highway. How truly beautiful they are. Also, the Bighorn sheep have been more visible, coming down to the fence at the highway to eat. They too are lovely to see. The Heritage Society has had a great year. The Thrifty Boutique, under management of Noreen Fowler, has been active and busy. Our friendly volunteers keep everything interesting and colourful. The lawns, gardens and buildings have been beautifully maintained thanks to Andrew Feniuk. We have some work to be done on the Bassett House kitchen floor, so that will keep Andy occupied for a while. Sue Walker often has new donations for the Museum that add to the knowledge of our Okanagan Falls history. Karen Feniuk keeps the office and finances in good order, and Tara Higgins keeps her finger on the pulse of the organization. All is well. We have some ongoing projects that will take off in the spring. The preservation of the Keogan Chimney will be on the schedule. We welcome interested members and volunteers. The next meeting will be Tuesday, January 21, 2020 at 1:00 pm in the Community Room at the school. This will be our AGM, so some changes will be coming up on the executive.

MEA

KALEDEN

HUB

250-460-3387

H&M Thrifty Boutique

HELP

Thanks to the support of Okanagan Falls, we’re looking forward to another great year!

VISITS

OK Falls Heritage & Museum Society

250-408-4990 or olmhubbard@gmail.com

Grocery shopping in the comfort of your own home ... and with delivery to your cupboards!

GRO

O’l Mother Hubbard Grocery Assistant!

In 2020, we will be fine tuning our Organizational Plan to sort out any glitches that need adjusting, plus building a new plan for our land and garden patio. I feel a BBQ and Garden Patio Party coming on this spring and summer! Stay Tuned!

YE RA

A really good time was had by all at our South Skaha Place Christmas Party put on by Locke Property Management. Thank you Jerry and Garth, our Board, and new friends living at SSP.

Among the orchard workers were two couples that toiled on our farm for a number of years during the mid 1950s and early sixties. The first were a young couple, Martin and Kos Janse from Holland, whom we sponsored as emigrants to Canada by providing a guarantee of employment. They were to move into our old house, as we had moved into our new one on Pineview in early 1953. We had heard all the stories about Dutch people being such clean people (such as scrubbing the sidewalks outside their home, etc.), so we scrubbed the old house until it looked so good we nearly moved back in. When they arrived, Kos started to work and cleaned every inch again. Finally after it was totally refurbished, she asked me if she could clean upstairs. I tried to convey the message that there was no upstairs, but she pointed to the cover over the access to the attic. Again, I tried to tell her that there was nothing to clean - just insulation between the joists - but nothing would do until I went over to the tractor shed and packed a ladder all the way back, so she could climb up and see for herself. They were with us until the early sixties, when they had accumulated enough cash to purchase their own orchard in Westbank. It was their hard work in our orchard that allowed me to enroll in engineering at DeVry and in the late 1950s I found employment with the Northwest Telephone looking after their microwave sites in the area. The Janses have remained good friends over the years. Charlie and Clara Biffert were the second couple, a little older, with kids about the same age as ours, who worked for us during much the same period and continued to work for my father after I switched careers. Charlie managed to purchase a number of old cabins, from out near the weigh scales, which we snaked down Lakehill to his lot on Third street. One of the great engineering feats of all time was assembling them into the form of one integrated building perched on a side hill of thirty degrees or more - but joined together they were and still solid when the property was sold in 1997. One year we went into partnership with the Bifferts in raising chickens. It was a deal whereby Charlie and Clara did all the work in caring for them and we provided the major portion of the financial investment, a great deal for both. What I had not reckoned with was the hours of slaughtering, plucking, cleaning and freezing them. Chicken, for many years, was way down on my list of favourite food, somewhere south of Tofu, Haggis and Tripe. Next month we will begin a new series of articles called “Kaleden Cameos”. Tune in next month for more ramblings on the intricacies of Kaleden life. To donate an item to the Kaleden Museum, please contact Meredith at 250-497-6995.

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

H&M Thrifty Boutique

Begins again on January 15, 2020

Okanagan Falls Heritage & Museum Place - 1145 Main St

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

Open 10-3 Tuesday - Saturday 250-486-6371

Accepting Clean & Gently Used Clothing & Accessories In Person When Open Please!

Kaleden Seniors Committee Update By Eryn Wiedner, KSC Coordinator Happy New Year Kaleden! We trust everyone is enjoying a safe and fun holiday season making memories to last a lifetime. Here are a few photos from our Wreath Making event at the start of the Christmas season. If you couldn’t join us, we hope to see you next year!

MEA

KALEDEN

HUB

HELP

VISITS

Need A Ride?

YE RA

250-460-3387

Our next Lunch & Learn is scheduled for Friday January 24th. If you live in the Kaleden Area and Everyone is welcome to join us for Tai Chi at 11:30 am followed need a ride, please call 250-460-3387. by a delicious Ayurvedic Indian Curry lunch including dessert at 12:30 pm. Local resident Leslie Roos will be on hand to give an “Building Community Spirit” AED demo following lunch. If you are interested in joining us for the Ayurvedic cooking class, where we will make an Indian curry The intention of this column is to share inspirational stories, or and Immune Boosting Winter Dessert and learn about the ancient even a quick photo, to show that community spirit is alive and well. wisdom of Ayurveda, registration opens on Friday, January 3rd. Kaleden Community Church See the poster in this issue of Skaha Matters for all of the details. R

GRO

Ladies Group drop-in will resume on January 15th and meets every Wednesday from 1-4pm at Kaleden Community Church. All ladies welcome at this no charge gathering. Thursday’s Cards & Games will resume on January 16th and is from 1-3 pm at the Kaleden Community Hall. Feel free to bring a new game to share! $4 drop-in fee or sign up for the series at $32.50 for 13 weeks. If you have any questions or ideas or need more information, you can always reach the Kaleden Seniors Committee at kaledenseniors@gmail.com.

From the Christmas Market to the Ole Fashion Christmas Dinner, the Kaleden Community Church helped get the community into the “Spirit of the Season”. Thanks for all that you do in Kaleden! If there is someone or a group you’d like to see honoured in this column, please call 250-497-8188 or email to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca.

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #227 By Bev van Uden

December Special Events: Saturday, January 11th ~ Fun & Games Night. Starts after the Meat Draw. Everyone Welcome! Should be a very eventful evening. Beef Dip & Coleslaw or Fries for $8.

Okanagan Falls Lions Update By Bob Wilson, Past President Here we are starting a new decade! Who would have thought (I know I didn’t or I would have taken better care of myself) that we’d make it this long. Health care, diet and general knowledge have come so far in the last few years ... we may make it for a few more. The Lions Club in Okanagan Falls is doing fine. A couple of members left and a couple joined, which balances us out somewhat. The core group is still hangin’ in there and we still have our lone charter member, Mike Livingstone, who does more than his share of the volunteering for school breakfast programs. And, we are planning a second day starting in January, so 2 days a week instead of 1!

Wednesday, January 15th ~ Music Trivia Night at 7 pm. Food will be available at 5:30 pm. Everyone is welcome! Sunday, January 19th ~ Pancake Breakfast from 8-11 am. Pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, sausages, coffee and juice. Adults $6, Children $3 & under 3 are Free.

Our club also has a Past District Governor as a current member, who always does his best to keep us laughing and staying on course. He is the force behind the Easter Egg Hunt. Thanks for all you’ve done over the years Dave Wilding!

Tuesday, January 21st ~ General Meeting at 7 pm. New executive will be sworn in.

Another member Colin van Blerk has collected over 68,000 pairs of eye glasses for distribution to sight clinics worldwide. Another Mondays / Wednesdays / Fridays ~ Pool at 2 pm. Call Stan for big thanks for what you do Colin! pool league information at 778-531-8228. One more time, on behalf of the club and including some club Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ Shuffleboard at 1 pm. Call Denise for volunteers, I would like to thank the community and other service organizations for their continued support both in funding, donations, information at 250-485-4949. and time spent helping our programs succeed. Tuesdays & Thursdays ~ Pool at 3 pm. Call Stan for pool league We had our club Christmas Dinner and Party at the Legion on information at 778-531-8228. Wednesdays ~ Darts at 7 pm. Call Denise for information at December 10th. Thanks to the Ladies Auxiliary for a great meal. We followed up with a gift exchange (swiping the other person’s 250-485-4949. pick allowed of course) which made for a fun evening. Fridays ~ Youth Darts from 6:30 - 8 pm. Call Dee for information From all of us to you ... “Have a Happy & Prosperous 2020!” at 250-497-5975.

Weekly Activities:

Friday & Saturday Nights ~ Meat Draws & 50-50 Draws starting Blood, it’s in you to give! The next Blood Donor Clinics are at 5 pm on Fridays & 4 pm on Saturdays. Come out ... you could January 22, 23 & 24 at the Penticton Senior Drop In Centre from 1:30 - 5:30 pm. The Canadian Blood Services needs both be a winner! Everyone is welcome! donors and volunteers for their clinics. To become a donor and/ Sunday is Fun Day ~ Check out the fun and games with Bingo or volunteer, please visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. and Horse Racing starting at 1:30 pm. Pool starts at 12 Noon. When you see a volunteer, please thank them. (Call Stan for pool league information at 778-531-8288.) We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 7 pm. If you would like to Other Items: join us, talk to a Lions member or call 778-439-2275. Okanagan NEW Canteen Hours - Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Falls Lion’s Club is online at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/okfalls/ Saturday from 2 pm until close. Open Tuesday and Thursday from and www.facebook.com/okanaganfallslionsclub. 1 pm until close. And, open Sunday from 12 Noon until close. Come Out & Try Volunteering ... It’s Lots Of Fun! For more information, please call 250-497-8338. Show Your Support & Become A Member ~ The Royal Canadian Legion cares for those who have served their country. The Royal Canadian Legion is committed to ensuring they receive the care and support they deserve. We are located at 5009 Veterans Ways in Okanagan Falls. For more information, call 250-497-8338. Facebook Page: Royal Cdn Legion - Branch 227 Okanagan Falls BC. “Where you are always welcome to join us!”

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

info4@nunes-pottinger.com JOHN NUNES

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

Page 20 | January 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

DARYN POTTINGER

Ladies Auxiliary of Branch #227 Update By Denise Ashton Season’s Greetings! We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Join us on Saturday, January 4th for our monthly LA Bingo starting at 12 Noon. On Sunday, January 5th, we will be providing Soup & Sandwiches for the monthly Dart Shoot. On Wednesday, January 8th, we will be holding our monthly General Meeting at 1:00 pm in the Legion. On Tuesday, January 21st, we will have our “Installation of Officers” at 6:00 pm, along with the Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227. On Saturday, February 1st, we will once again host our monthly LA Bingo starting at 12 Noon. We will continue our Meat Draws on Fridays and Saturdays with the Okanagan Falls Legion Branch #227. The LA Dinners following the Meat Draws will be re-addressed at our General Meeting in January. Stay tuned! Wishing you a Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Centre

Constance Care

By Loraine Thompson Happy New Year everyone! Festivities are over, families and friends have all gone home. Most of our decorations are put away for another year (unless you’re celebrating Ukrainian Christmas, then it’s ‘party on’!). Here at the Senior Centre activities are back in full gear as of January 2nd. At the January General Meeting , we will install our new executive for 2020. Do come out, find out what we’ve been up to since last year, and what we’ve got coming up in the new year. There will be cake and coffee. Music Jams continue to bring out musicians and snowbird friends from all over the country. Come on out of hibernation and join us, it’s always a fun day. Everyone is welcome! A big thanks goes to Chef Heinz of Catering Done Right of Kaleden for another great Christmas Dinner and The “Little Big Band” for their toe-tapping music. Also, thanks to Okanagan Falls Pharmasave, Wild Goose Winery and Dash Soapworks for door prize contributions. Thank you to our members, guests and especially Tuesday Bingo players, who donated goods to Okanagan Falls Helping Hands. Drop-In Bingo will do a Helping Hand Drive in February, to help replenish their shelves with much needed non-perishable foodstuffs, as they continue to help folks in need not only at Christmas, but all year long. There will be a memorial service held here for long time member, Shirley O’Connor on Saturday, January 11th at 2 pm. Our deepest sympathies are extended to her family at this time. She is sorely missed. At the risk of repeating myself, have you renewed your 2020 membership? Memberships are just $20/year and cover January 1 - December 31. For more information on anything to do with the Seniors Centre, please call Grethe at 250-497-5669 or stop by and check us out.

Monthly Special Events:

Pancake Breakfast ~ Saturday, January 4 from 8-10 am General Meeting ~ Monday, January 6 at 1 pm Music Jam ~ Sunday, January 12 from 1-4 pm Light lunch available at 11:30 am. Runs from October to April. Drop-in Bingo ~ Saturday, January 18 at 1 pm Potluck Dinner ~ Saturday, January 25 at 5:30 pm

Weekly Activities:

Canasta ~ Mondays - January 6, 13 & 20 at 10 am Exercise Class ~ Tuesdays & Thursdays at 9 am Tuesday Bingo ~ January 7, 14 & 21 at 1 pm Evening Pool ~ Tuesdays at 6 pm Music & Coffee ~ Wednesdays & Fridays from 9-10:30 am No Music & Coffee January 1 - Resumes January 8 Carpet Bowling ~ Wednesdays at 1 pm No Carpet Bowling January 1 - Resumes January 8 Scrabble ~ Thursdays at 10 am Bridge Club ~ Thursdays at 1 pm Cribbage ~ Thursdays at 7 pm

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

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

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

Senior Assistance Services: Errand and Shopping Services Grocery put-away & Organizing Medical Appointment Companion Prescription, Packages and Postal pick-ups Leisure Activity Companion In-Home Meal Preparation Oliver, Okanagan Falls and Penticton CALL OR TEXT to Book: Constance Stratton

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WK Mechanical Plumbing Contractor Installations

Repairs

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CatMatch Meet Lawrence Olivier I was literally living in a dump yard when a wonderful person insisted that I go home with her. I was VERY reluctant, and you might even say I was kidnapped! But, thank you kind person you changed my life! I was taken to a place where I was given medical care and counseling and now I feel like my old self again! I had forgotten how good life can be, and belly rubs ... WOW! I am now looking for someone who thinks belly rubs are important and will participate in their application! www.AlleyCATSAlliance.org

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

250.497.6733

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LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY

Master Stylist

Kaleden Community Church (KCC)

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

EAST SIDE SALON

Okanagan Falls Community Church

Sunday Worship ~ 10:00 am Speaker for January ~ John Rankin, except on January 12 there is a special guest speaker - Larry Schram from BUWC. Come join us in celebrating God’s Love! 1356 McLean Creek Rd, OK Falls / Office: 250-497-5131

Okanagan Falls United Church

Sunday Service ~ 9:00 - 10:00 am Speakers: January 5 - Rev. David Sparks; January 12 - Victor Ince; January 19 - Heather Burton; and January 26 - Sarah Tupholme. All ages are welcome! Coffee and social time to follow service. 1108 Willow St, OK Falls / 250-497-1171 / www.okfallsunited.ca

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Service

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

St. Barbara’s Anglican Church

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

Volunteer Spotlight A Christmas Sparkle Community Event

A Christmas Sparkle was indeed an event that could not have happened without all of the ‘special elves’. Many hands make light work. We are grateful to all of the elves for your help.

Helping Hand Update By Carmen Dixon, Helping Hand Chair It has been a whirlwind year, with the Helping Hand Christmas Hampers and Toys being distributed to approximately 75 families and/or individuals on December 20th and 21st. We want to sincerely thank everyone in the community for your support and donations this past year. We truly appreciate all your efforts, big and small, that have made this past year another great success. Thank you! A huge thank you to local businesses, G&R Auto and Pharmasave Okanagan Falls, as well as the Legion, Ladies Auxiliary, Heritage & Museum Society, and the Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department, for all of their help and generous donations during our recent food and toy drive to fill our Christmas Hampers in early December. Also, a huge thank you to Tyler and his wonderful staff at Buy-Low Foods in Oliver, who made this year’s hampers possible amidst the closure of our IGA. They all worked so hard to help us out to ensure Christmas Hampers were available to those in need in our community. Thank you to Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation for hosting “A Christmas Sparkle” special community event, which supported our annual “Fill the Van for the Helping Hand” (in photo to left) and our Bake Sale Table. “A Christmas Sparkle” was an excellent event and much fun was had by all who participated and volunteered. For more information, L to R - Carmen Dixon, Helping Hand Chair, to volunteer with our with Laurie Kingsfield, Past Chair. group, or to apply for an emergency hamper, please leave a message at 250-486-2767. Wishing Everyone a Safe and Prosperous New Year!

Brian Moen

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 info@okfalls.net. PRESIDENT’S GOLD AWARD

Volunteer In Your Community!

There are many volunteer opportunities in your community. Call any of the non-profit groups included in this issue. Let’s help each other! Page 22 | January 2020 | SkahaMatters.com

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Flowers to the wonderful Glenda at the Kaleden library for being so great with our children and hosting story time and crafts. Our girls have loved preschool story time the two years we’ve lived here. Glenda is so cheerful and brightens our Tuesdays! ~ From Steph A. of Kaleden Flowers to Rose Mah for 31 years working as a Crossing Guard Employee for Okanagan Falls Elementary School. The community has greatly appreciated your commitment to the safety of our children crossing Highway 97 at 10th Avenue. You will be greatly missed after you retire in June 2020. ~ From Skaha Matters Flowers to the Okanagan Falls Community Partners Group. Community Partners is an organization of leaders from Okanagan Falls community groups and service organizations. This year marks 10 years that Community Partners has served the Okanagan Falls Community. Initiated by Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Commission, Community Partners met for the first time in November 2008, and in January 2009 the following was adopted as the organization’s mission statement: “The mission of Okanagan Falls Community Partners is to build a strong community through working collaboratively on common undertakings, and supporting one another on individual endeavours.” Through its’ achievements over the past 10 years, Community Partners can take pride in the support it has given to the many projects on behalf of the Okanagan Falls Community and to the many groups which have spearheaded those projects. Hats off to Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation Commission for continued support and coordination of Okanagan Falls Community Partners. ~ From Bob D. of Okanagan Falls Flowers to Carmen Dixon and Wendy Goudie and the many volunteer elves who supported the “A Christmas Sparkle” community event. We were honoured to work beside you for such a special event. ~ From Janet and Nancy of RDOS Parks & Rec Flowers to the many, many community members who share good news stories and contribute so much positive energy in Okanagan Falls. ~ From Janet Black, RDOS Recreation Coordinator Flowers to Alf Hartviksen for chairing the Community Partners Committee for the last two years. Thank you for your leadership. ~ From the Community Partners Committee Flowers to Summerland Sweets for donating cases of syrup for our Pancake Breakfasts ~ From the Okanagan Falls Legion Fish Heads to cat owners who let their cats roam free in the community. They poop wherever they please and also dig up bulbs planted in my flowerbeds. ~ From Maggie M. of Okanagan Falls Don’t forget to review us on TripAdvisor & Facebook!

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If Basic Cremation Is Your Choice By Lesley Luff, Okanagan Falls Credible Cremation Services is available 24 hours to assist families with final arrangements, whenever the need arises. Lesley has always made the effort to provide personal, seamless service to all at a very reasonable price. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the families who placed their trust in us, and to extend our sincere condolences to all who lost a loved one during the past year. May 2020 bring everyone a peaceful and healthy New Year. It is with great sadness that we bid farewell to an Okanagan Falls Resident.

Doris Muriel KOOP In loving memory of Doris Muriel KOOP (Ror) of Okanagan Falls, who passed away on December 9, 2019 at the age of 92 at the Penticton Regional Hospital, with family members by her side. Doris is survived by her loving husband, Daniel Koop; Sister, Donna Smigarowski; Daughters, Linda (Pat) Sekulich, Lana Dahl, Faith (Reg) Phillips, Laurisa MacDermid (Stewart); Sons, Al (Louise) Jacobson, Terry (Paulette) Jacobson, Ronald Jacobson; Step-sons, David Koop, Barry (Patricia) Anderson (Koop), Donald Koop and Daniel Koop; along with numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Doris was predeceased by her son, Irvin Jacobson, and step-daughter, Shelley Twohig (Koop). Doris and Dan built their dream home and resided in Okanagan Falls several years ago after retirement. Doris will be cremated, and a private family memorial will be held at a later date. Final arrangements entrusted to Credible Cremation Services 250-493-3912 Published by Okanagan Matters Publications skahamatters@telus.net | 250.490.6951 www.SkahaMatters.com Quick Facts: Skaha Matters is published every month. All residents Up To Date and businesses in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Weekly Estates, St. Andrews, and Twin Lakes receive an issue via Canada eCalendar! Post on the last business day of each month. 35 locations also carry copies. For full advertising details, please visit www.SkahaMatters.com. Sign Up Online Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement, and retain the right to edit all copy. Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. All authors and advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their final approval must be received to be published. © 2019 Okanagan Matters Publications.

Wishing you an Active & Awesome New Year! A special thank you to each and every volunteer during 2019!

Your 2020 Winter Recreation Guide can be found on-line at: rec.rdos.bc.ca Print copies available at your local Library and Community Centres. Check out the New Children's Programs! Questions? Call 250-497-8188 or email rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca

Adult Fitness and Yoga Classes Resume the week of January 6th ** New This Season ** Monday Night Work-out with Kathy Orioli Please Note: Monday Night Yoga in Kaleden is on hold until February. Please stay tuned!

A FREE 12 week physical fitness program for older adults (55+) in both Kaleden and Okanagan Falls. See details in the article found on page ?