Skaha Matters
Volume 13 : Issue 7 July 2021 Your FREE Monthly Community News!
“Bringing Community Matters To You”
Summer sunset over the Okanagan Falls KVR Trestle.
Photo by Malibu Dreams Photography | To purchase photos, call 250.462.5513.
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From The Hill By Richard Cannings, MP South Okanagan-West Kootenay The discovery of 215 unmarked and seemingly undocumented graves of children on the grounds of the former residential school in Kamloops has produced an outpouring of grief and anger across Canada. While the discovery was not a surprise to many people, especially to residential school survivors, it served as a shocking reminder to most Canadians that the country must face this history and learn its full truth. These children were not students like most Canadian kids going to school. They were forcibly taken from their families and endured unimaginable hardships as their culture was beaten out of them. Those that managed to get through their time at residential school did not graduate, they survived. To this day they are called survivors, not graduates. What the discovery by the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓ pemc has made so clear is that many kids didn’t survive. They died from what can be most charitably described as willful neglect. They were chronically underfed, while being forced to work to produce abundant food in the school gardens and farms. They had substandard medical care and suffered physical, sexual and mental abuse at the hands of school staff, the priests and nuns entrusted with their care. Many ran away in a desperate attempt to go home; many didn’t survive those escape attempts and were never seen again. This is not ancient history. The last residential school closed in 1996. My friend and colleague Romeo Saganash had a brother who never came home from residential school. His mother was only told two years later that he had in fact died, and she only learned where he was buried 40 years later as the result of an investigation by Romeo’s sister. Stories like this are repeated from every residential school across Canada.
During the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings investigating the impact of residential schools, the commissioners asked for funding from the Harper government to investigate these stories of unmarked graves at many of the school sites across Canada. That request was turned down. Unfair treatment of indigenous children by the government continues to this day. Right now, the federal government is fighting indigenous kids in court by appealing court decisions regarding financial compensation to residential school survivors and the rights of indigenous children to have the same access to health care that nonindigenous children have. All that and 19 other compliance orders from the Human Rights Tribunal. The NDP recently introduced a motion in the House of Commons that called on the government to take the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action seriously. It asked the government to finally fund the investigations that are needed to let us all know the truth. And, it asked the government to stop fighting indigenous children in court. On Monday, that motion was passed unanimously in the House of Commons, though shamefully a few cabinet ministers abstained and the rest of the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister, didn’t even show up to vote. Many years ago, I visited the site of the Kamloops Indian Residential School with members from the Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓ pemc community. They had just announced plans to keep the school standing as a working reminder of the ongoing impacts of the residential school system. It was a haunting experience for me then, as I listened to some of the stories of experiences at that institution. As we learned in the past two weeks, the truth can be shocking and painful, but knowing the truth is the first step in reconciliation. If you have any comments or questions about this issue, please get in touch with me at richard.cannings@parl.gc.ca.
Monthly MLA Report
By Roly Russell, MLA Boundary-Similkameen We called to a close the spring sitting of the legislature this week. I certainly learned a great deal, but I’m pleased to be able to turn my attention to the riding in a more undivided way in the weeks ahead. The painful discovery of the unmarked burials of children at Kamloops has created waves across the country and the world. Even though we had heard these stories before, the tangibility of it all is difficult to process. I’ve been saddened and have been left feeling fairly speechless. My hope is that the stories of these lives lost help shine a light on residential schools in a way that contributes to us building more awareness and understanding, and brings us closer to deeper and more meaningful reconciliation. My prayers go out to all the lives that those 215+ children touched. We have just released a draft action for implementation of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act. I encourage you to have a look at this significant step in the process. Visit https://engage.gov.bc.ca/declaration to learn more. The pandemic remains top-of-mind for most of us, of course, and successfully navigating the next month will determine whether our summer will unfold how we hope it to. As a whole, people around the province have done a great getting vaccinated and keeping transmission rates low. If there is anyone who hasn’t yet got registered to get vaccinated, please sign up and get registered! The process is easy, and pretty painless. Old growth is a passionate issue for many of our residents, and I’d count myself among those ranks. Please reach out to my office if you have concerns that you want to share: we’re trying to make enough time to talk in small groups to hear any thoughts, and to explain what we are doing, including the process to identify options for deferrals in partnership and consultation with First Nations. Finally, I’ve been asked to help with Provincial engagement around our “Forestry Intentions Paper” that was released earlier this month. I’m excited about this, and pleased with the idea that we’re starting to move towards a process designed to not just prioritize volume, but rather a more entire suite of values that we derive from our forests - including the many ways we define such value, whether social, cultural, financial or ecological.
Interiors
Exteriors
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Please come out to celebrate the opening of Little Falls Foods. Free BBQ’d veggie dogs & juice Music Games Tours of the grocery warehouse.
Saturday July 10 10am-2pm 5129 10th Avenue, OK Falls For more information call us at 250-497-5077.
A DAY ON THE LAKE New Pontoon Boat available for private charters and excursions from south end of Skaha Lake.
Fishing Boating Tubing Sight Seeing Penticton Cruises Sunset Cruises
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FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area ‘D’
Welcome to summer! I am writing this on June 20, 2021. Covid 19 positive tests continue to trend downward. On Friday, June 11, there was a Covid 19 pop-up clinic in Okanagan Falls. Approximately 350 vaccinations were delivered that day. Thank you to all who participated. Vaccination rates for BC Ron Obirek continue to trend upward. The success Director of is measurable by the significant drop RDOS Area ‘D’ in positive test results. I continue to encourage everyone to follow BC CDC and Dr. Bonnie Henry’s advice and recommendations. The governance committee has had its first meeting and has selected its Chair and Vice Chair. Congratulations to Chair Matt Taylor and Vice Chair Bob Daly. The other committee members are: David Forst (Skaha Estates), Phyllis Radchenko (Vaseux Lake), Eleanor Walker (Okanagan Falls), Kerrie MacLean (McLean Creek), Kurt Heibert (Upper Carmi), M. Kay Medland (Lakeshore Highlands), Vi Creasey (Sun Valley), and Myleen Mallach (Okanagan Falls). The Request for Proposal has been posted to engage the services of a qualified consultant. The committee will be meeting at the end of June and making a recommendation to the RDOS Board regarding selection of a qualified consultant. I encourage all to participate in the restructure study process. The purpose of the study is to have “public engagement that: 1) Identifies the most pressing service and governance issues; 2) Explores community interests in incorporation; and 3) Proposes a boundary for incorporation that optimizes the service delivery, representation, tax equity, and community vision”. The committee meetings will be public (by computer) and in-person when Covid 19 rules permit. Last month, I thanked a number of local businesses for opening in this difficult past year. I wish to add to the list of both new businesses and businesses that have been open and stayed open in our community for many years. Sticky Leaf Cannabis opened in the last year in Okanagan Falls (our second cannabis retail store). Value Contracting has been in business in our community for many decades. Likewise; Tickleberry’s Ice Cream, Structurlam, Unit Electrical Engineering, KJ Coffee, and all our many worldclass wineries. Thank you and your staff who have worked so hard to keep our community working. I encourage everyone to support local business as much as you can. Our local Okanagan Falls Community Association has been busy as always and has been successful in collaborating with local businesses to add banners to our Main Street as part of a bigger project for community improvement. Keep up the great work! Coffee meetings with me, the Director, are suspended until it is safe to reconvene. I am hopeful we can have a coffee meeting in the park (Christie Memorial Park) on August 9, 2021 at 9 am. Please watch the August Skaha Matters article for confirmation. Until we can meet again in-person, and as always, I welcome phone calls or emails any time. Yours truly,
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Okanagan Falls Irrigation District News By Randy Perrett, Chair Happy Canada Day! This time next year, I hope that our park will be fully opened. That we can have music, food, and do a full blown Canada Day event. This year there will be a mini COVID Canada Day celebration in Okanagan Falls. Next year, we’d like to host. Our park and band shell should be open and hopefully our new washroom will be up and running as well.
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
Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department Fire Department History Continues ...
By Rini Van Uden We’re Back! As of June 15th, we have reopened our doors. You We’re coming down to our last hours of history ... can drop in and deal with us face to face between the hours of 9:30 On November 21, 2008 at 6:49 am, a head on to 3:00 Tuesday to Thursday. It is possible that the office might be closed for a time or two when we do a mail drop or have to host collision at 2 km south on Hwy 97 occurred between two cars. a meeting. Otherwise, pop in, visit Kim, and remember, still wear Extrication was used to remove one individual from his vehicle. All occupants from both vehicles were transported to the hospital. your mask. Oliver Fire Department gave mutual aid. On December 4 at 8:23 Let’s Welcome Marcus ~ This year the Irrigation District was pm, a report came in that a Camaro went into the ditch on Eastside lucky enough to participate with the Government in obtaining a Road by Skaha Estates. Upon our arrival, there were no occupants student for the summer. Let’s welcome Marcus Grainger. Marcus at the scene. The fire truck that responded to the call received no is a 19 year old from Penticton. He is a first year student at the damage when a deer ran into the side of the truck. The deer didn’t University of Victoria. He has computer experience with spread do so well. On March 18, 2009, we responded to a car fire at 1840 sheets, data entry and programming. And, a guy who does not Oliver Ranch Road. The 2000 Toyota Van caught on fire inside mind getting his hands dirty. We hope to use Marcus both in the the garage. The engine compartment received the most damage, office and in the community using all of his skills. We would like to while the garage received heavy smoke damage. The possible make this a win, win for all. He’ll help us, we’ll give him some work cause may have been electrical, due to the fact that a new battery experience, and at the end of the summer, Okanagan Falls will be was installed that morning. On March 29 at 3:27 pm, there was better all around. a structure fire at 2313 Rolling Hills Road. When we arrived, the Water Restrictions ~ Our new water restrictions are now in whole roof was engulfed. All occupants cleared the building safely. place. With the driest spring on record in the Okanagan, we hope On scene, there were 4 trucks and 17 members. Mutual aid arrived that everyone will take the water restrictions seriously. We are from Kaleden with their pumper. We stayed on scene during the working on a “Stage Level” of restrictions, which would be similar night in case of flare-ups. On May 28, we responded to a MVA at to neighbouring communities. Our guy Marcus will be assigned the sharp curve at Vaseux Lake. A Ford Escort vs VW Passat. The the task of being our Water Ambassador, developing materials driver of the Ford had to extricated from the vehicle. The roof was and going around the Falls to do his best and ours to do a little removed, pushed the dash back and cut the seat lever, which was education. In the next few weeks, if you see him on your block embedded in the drivers leg. The other occupants received minor with his yellow vest on and blue hat, stop, say ‘hi’ and hear what injuries. To be continued ... he has to say. Have a great Canada Day!!! Conservation ~ With this being such a dry year, it is more important Don’t forget to review us on TripAdvisor & Facebook! than ever that we respect the water restrictions and comply. If you end up with the greenest grass on your block, because you Summer Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 8-2 decide to do your own thing and water when you want, while the rest of the neighbourhood has complied and their lawns look like 5121 9th Avenue, Okanagan Falls Any inquiries, email kjcoffeebar@gmail.com 778.515.6502 a Saskatoon hay field in the middle of August, we shouldn’t be applauding your green thumb, but rather give you a thumbs down, Heritage Hills Firesmart Event or maybe even a finger. Unease With Our Easements ~ An easement is a legal document that gives certain groups such as the Irrigation District, Fortis, RDOS and others access to rate payers property to carry on necessary repairs or to upgrade our systems. The easement is legally filed and provided to the homeowner and real estate agents upon the sale of a property. Unfortunately, some folks have not read about an easement, were not told about one, or chose to roll the dice and gamble that theirs would never be accessed. With our first project in the Master Plan in the works, it has been necessary to take advantage of our easements to complete the project. This means that some people will have their property affected. Maybe a driveway, a wall, or a garden. We at the Irrigation District feel pain for rate payers who’s property is being disrupted and destroyed. At the same time, we can’t ask other residents in the community to make things right. As sympathetic as we are, compassion and compensation do not always go hand in hand. And, we’ve all heard the message, over and over. When in doubt or if not sure, call before you dig. Water We Thinking ~ Shoot for the Moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars. ~ Les Brown (Yumna)
A Big Success
By Doug Lychak, President Heritage Hills / Lakeshore Highlands Community Association On June 12th, Heritage Hills / Lakeshore Highlands Community Association Firesmart Committee organized a Chip-in Day with assistance from the RDOS and Provincial Firesmart Organization. The event was organized under the leadership of Bob Coombs, Firesmart Committee Chair, with support and assistance from his committee and from community volunteers. Many truckloads of chipped materials were removed, as well as a huge bin of yard waste or smaller, flammable materials. The removal of this material now makes our community much safer and more resistant to the ever-increasing risk of forest fires. Bob is looking forward to working with the RDOS and the Province on securing additional support and funding to tackle some of the larger, problematic areas around the community. Bob is also looking for an opportunity to hold a second Chip-in Event this Fall. Thank you to all those residents, RDOS Staff and chipping crew who participated in the June event and helped to clean up and secure our community. SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 5
Economic Development Office Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday ~ 10 am - 3 pm #1 - 5350 9th Avenue - Hwy 97, Okanagan Falls 778-515-5520
Okanagan Falls Visitor Info Centre Open 9 am - 4 pm #2 - 5350 9th Avenue - Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls 778-515-5520
Area ‘D’ Economic Development Office By Gail Scott, Economic Development Coordinator I truly hope each and every person had something to celebrate on July 1st this year. Again, not a usual celebration for Canada Day, but never the less, a day to be acknowledged and a day to proudly stand up and announce you are a Canadian. Wednesday, June 23rd was also a day for celebration. Our southokanaganbikerentals.ca Brenda Bolton beautiful new highway banners 604 377 8002 were hung by FortisBC. They look fabulous. Thank you to AN KANAG O H T FortisBC, RDOS, Jim D’Andrea, U SO very ike Deli the Okanagan Falls Winery Mobile B 850 Railway Lane Association, and the local Okanagan Falls businesses (Avery Industrial “South Okanagan Bike Rentals” on Facebook Park, Green Light Cannabis, 97 & Main Crossroads, Holiday Beach Resort, Easy Lock Self “Building Community Spirit” Storage, and KJ Coffee Bar) for coming together and making this downtown beautification project The intention of this column is to share inspirational stories, or even a quick photo, to show that community spirit is alive and well. happen this year. What a game changer for our downtown core! Following the banner installation, those who attended, were invited back to the Okanagan Falls Visitor Info Centre for a tour of our newly repurposed Visitor Booth. As many of you may now know, our Visitor Booth became an official Destination BC Visitor Info Centre Network Partner this Spring. Visitor Centre volunteers and Okanagan Falls Economic Development staff were on hand to explain what this new status means and what it will mean to our community going forward. Enjoy your summer, stay safe, and respect the rules for re-opening our society.
Legion Town Market
Cat Thomas and Teresa Millar, being vendors at previous surrounding markets in the past, volunteered to help Bev Van Uden put on the “Legion Town Market”, following the health guidelines with regard to Covid-19. The first market on the Victoria Day weekend was a huge success with 22 vendors on site. It was decided to open the Town Market to all vendors, not just Artisans and not just Flea Market. Now it is a successful mixture of both. The next market is Saturday, July 3rd from 8 am - 12 Noon. Please call 250-487-8381 to book your spot or if you have any questions. For nominations in this “Building Community Spirit” column, please call 250-497-8188 or email to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca.
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Okanagan Falls Community Association Update By Matt Taylor, President Looking for a new way of contributing to, or investing in, your community? Check out the Okanagan Falls Community Fund!
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LOCKE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD. The South Okanagan’s preferred Property Manager for over 40 years! OFFICE 250-492-0346
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528 MAIN ST. PENTICTON, BC V2A 5C7 www.lockeproperties.ca
We are excited to announce the opening of the Okanagan Falls Community Fund, expected to be ‘live’ by press time. Our vision is to grow the Fund with donations - individual and corporate donors will benefit by being able to invest in our community and by receiving taxable donation receipts. Interest income from the fund will provide a stable source of grants targeting investment and growth that benefits the community. The Okanagan Falls Community Fund will be an essential tool in helping our community to thrive. We presently compete with all the other communities when we apply for grants. This fund will prioritize investment in Okanagan Falls and will help as we work together to address priority needs in the community - admittedly it will take time, but providing today will give us a stronger community with a more sustainable future. This Fund is similar to local community funds specific to Osoyoos, Oliver, Princeton and Summerland, all professionally administered by Community Foundation of South Okanagan / Similkameen in Penticton and each accessible under the ‘Community Funds’ menu tab. The OFCA is forming a committee to first plan and initiate a funding campaign, and in time to administer grants, working closely with Community Partners. Email us for further information or to inquire about volunteering. Area ‘D’ Boundary Configuration Study ~ The oversight committee with representation from the various communities within Area ‘D’ was appointed and has now met several times. Regular, monthly updates will be provided separately here in Skaha Matters, and as reported in other local media. Banners ~ Banners promoting 18 local businesses will be installed on Fortis power poles down Main Street by the time you read this. This was a collaborative effort. Thanks to all the collaborators on this initiative aimed at beautifying the ‘downtown’. If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to join the OFCA, please email okanaganfallscommunity@gmail.com. SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 7
Kaleden Irrigation District News By Bruce Shepherd, KID Trustee
Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department By Jean Dube With summer upon us and the warmer weather, we are all anxious to get out there in our local lakes, rivers and swimming pools. Here are a few watersafety tips for EVERYONE to follow. • Life jackets are key. Young children and weak swimmers should always wear life jackets, when in, on, or around water, or on a boat. • Supervise children at all times. Stay within arm’s reach of any children under age five or older children who do not know how to swim. Keep in view. Do not rely on an older sibling to watch a younger one. •
Fence-in backyard pools. Pools should be fenced on all four-sides, fencing should be a minimum of 1.2 metres high and should have self-closing and self-latching gates that are latched from the inside. Empty toddler’s pools when not in use. All pool chemicals should be safely stored out of the reach of children.
•
Learn to swim, learn CPR & Child First Aid. Knowing what to do in an emergency could save a life. Many organizations, including the Red Cross and St. John Ambulance, provide training.
•
Keep Hydrated. Drink plenty of water and watch for signs of light headedness or nausea, which are symptoms of dehydration and overheating.
•
Watch for signs of Hypothermia. Even when outside temperatures are high, being submerged in water can quickly lower body temperature. Hypothermia, a condition where the body’s core temperature drops below 95˚F/35˚C affects normal body function and can lead to drowning. Signs of hypothermia include shivering and muscle cramping.
If you see someone in trouble, follow these actions: SHOUT FOR HELP! THROW A FLOTATION DEVICE. CALL 9-1-1 if needed.
All new website for all things Kaleden! Ask about our Kaleden Grant Funding Program
www.KaledenCommunity.com Courtesy of the Kaleden Community Association
Relax ... Rejuvenate ... Heal
250.497.8806
Enter yourself in the Foot Detox Draw! Draw will be held on July 31.
Celebrating 40 Years of Service! Page 8 | July 2021 | SkahaMatters.com
Jaynie Molloy BSc. Hon. CH. 110 Linden Avenue, Kaleden
A Dry Subject ~ As I e-pen this column in mid-June, the jury is out as to whether we will have a drought this summer. As of June 9, the Province advised that the Okanagan Basin was at Drought Level 1. At Level 1, “ ... conditions are starting to become dry and the likelihood for adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values is rare. Emphasis is on stewardship, voluntary conservation through education, communication and planning ...” (BC Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan, 2021). But there are a number of drought indicators worrying those forecasting our summer water supply (for more information on these concerns, watch the 2021 Okanagan Water Supply Webinar on YouTube). Forecasting has never been easy. When I worked for the BC Ministry of Environment in the late 1990s, we were about to formally declare drought for the Okanagan system (an International Joint Commission requirement, as Okanagan River is shared with the USA). Within two weeks, we were in a major flood and sandbagging! And now the forecasters have unfolding complications due to climate change messing with established patterns and predictive tools. What’s KID’s Role in Drought Response? The Province has issued Dealing with Drought, which is a handbook for BC water suppliers. Comparing KID’s Stage One Water Conservation Measures to those provided in this handbook, we are compatible with those suggested for Drought Levels 0 and 1. Our Stage Two measures will cover Drought Levels 2-4, and Stage Three would be implemented at Drought Levels 4 or 5, depending on the specifics of the situation. What Changes if KID Moves to Stage Two? We drop from watering three times weekly to twice weekly. Properties south of Lakehill water on Tuesdays and Saturdays; north of Lakehill water on Wednesdays and Sundays. Everything else remains the same as for Stage One. One Water, One Community, Many Needs ~ Skaha Lake is but one pearl on the beautiful string of lakes in the Okanagan. You don’t have to travel very far south to see how vital water is; if you haven’t already done so, check out the Washington “Scab Lands” when we are allowed to once again cross the border. Everyone needs water, and being higher up on the system does not entitle anyone to waste it. And don’t forget about other nonhuman needs, such as fish. Okanagan sockeye are one of but two naturally-spawning runs left in the entire Columbia system, and they make up about 80% of the total sockeye return.
250.497.5407 | k.i.d@shaw.ca Office Hours: 9-12 Mon/Wed/Thur 119 Ponderosa Avenue V0H 1K0 www.kaledenirrigation.org
Kaleden FireSmart By Linda Dahl As we all saw last summer with the Christie Mountain fire, wildfires may start small, but can grow and spread quickly. Wind can blow sparks and embers well ahead of the actual fire, igniting brush, trees and homes. Do your part now and do everything you can to protect your home. Clean your gutters, remove woodpiles from near the house, keep your lawn mowed, cut down dead branches and trees and remove all combustibles close to your home ... just to name a few. TALK to your neighbours and make sure they are keeping their property fire safe too. One space can impact another. The RDOS has a new FireSmart web page at firesmart.rdos.bc.ca.
FROM THE DIRECTOR For RDOS Area ‘I’
Okanagan summer heat has arrived. I’m excited to see what the summer of 2021 brings, as we start to return to normal social gatherings and events. Please be safe and kind moving forwards to gathering again either as a community or with friends and family. Pioneer Park is ready for the summer Subrina Monteith with swim rafts and ropes out and Director of bathrooms open. RDOS recently had RDOS Area ‘I’ a Parks Master Plan Survey that will provide the RDOS board with direction on shaping parks and recreation in rural communities. Kaleden Community Association provided a small community grant to purchase fire buckets that are located on the side of the washroom facility. Please don’t leave a fire before it is fully extinguished at Pioneer Park. Recently, a service area of Kaleden voted against creating a sewer service for Kaleden. I have created a survey found to the right to provide insight into the results of the referendum and provide me feedback on moving forward. The project can be reconsidered if the feedback suggests that a reproach would be supported by residents. Even if your property was not in the initial service area, your response is requested. Feedback is necessary for next steps. Please fill out the survey and email it to Lbloomfield@rdos.bc.ca or drop it off at the RDOS Office at 101 Martin Street in Penticton. Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area ‘I’ Direct: 250.486.1346 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca
H&L Farm Update By Lily Yang Finally, summer is officially here. We are so busy picking produce on the farm everyday. I’m very excited to be able to offer more varieties of weekly boxes as following: • Single Veggie Box for $30: includes all seasonal veggies from the farm • Single Fruit Box for $40: includes all seasonal veggies and fruits from the farm • Single Gift Box for $50: includes all seasonal veggies, fruits and a flower bouquet from the farm • Monthly Box for $160 (4 weekly boxes): includes all seasonal veggies, fruits, and one half dozen of eggs Farm grown mushrooms are available for the weekly box occasionally. The purchase of weekly boxes is now available through our online store at www.handlfarm.com/shop. Place your order before Tuesday noon, and pick up your box on Wednesday between 4-6 pm on the farm. Our Dumpling Truck will be open for business every Sunday starting in July. You can find us at 97 & Main Crossroads together with The Spoke. Instagram @ dumpling_truck_at_h_and_l_farm.
Order Your Veggie Box Online & Pick it up on the farm! www.handlfarm.com 1644 Highway 97 South Okanagan Falls
Feedback Requested For The Proposed Sanitary Sewer System For Kaleden This survey will provide the RDOS with important feedback from the community on the recent referendum results. If you are a resident or property owner, please complete the survey below by July 18, 2021. Name and Address are not necessary and will not be collected to comply with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (BC). Questions? Call RDOS Address: Manager of Legislative Services at 250-492-0237.
Name:
What stopped you from voting ‘Yes’ in the referendum? Select ALL that apply: � Voted 'Yes' for the sewer � Not in proposed service area � Costs proposed were too much � Benefits of sewer were not clear � Concerned about higher density in community � Other: ___________________________________________ Why is sewer important to you? Please select ALL that apply: � I believe it would benefit the environment and the lake � Sewer is less work for me to maintain than a septic system � Interested in using more of my property for other uses � Interested in subdividing my property � Sewer is not important to me � Other: ___________________________________________ Do you feel that you received enough information to have a good understanding of the issues and options with the Kaleden sewer project? � Yes � No If 'No', what else did you need? ________ __________________________________________________ Communication was through several formats. What methods would you prefer in the future? Please select ALL that apply: � Dedicated Project Website � Newsletters � Regional Connections Website � Direct Emails � Virtual Public Meetings � Skaha Matters � In-Person Public Meetings � Other: _______________ If a different service area boundary was created and the sewer project could be moved forward at a lower cost for each parcel: Would you want to be included in the new service area? � Yes �No What annual taxation amount for capital infrastructure debt would be considered affordable? [Estimate in the referendum was $1225/year] (The annual operational cost would be a separate user fee.) � $200-$400 � $600-$800 � $1000-$1200 � $400-$600 � $800-$1000 � Other: _______________ Surveys can be clipped out & mailed, or scanned & emailed to: Liisa Bloomfield, 101 Martin Street, Penticton BC V2A 5J9 or email to Lbloomfield@rdos.bc.ca. Instead of mail or email, surveys can also be completed on-line. Find the survey link on kaledensewer.ca or rdosregionalconnections.ca Extra comments can be included on a separate page. Personal information and comments specifically identifying an individual will not be released to the public. Summary of results and comments will be provided in a feedback survey report.
Co-existing With Western Rattlesnakes When: Saturday, July 3rd, 2021 at 10:00 am Where: Twin Lakes Market (outside) Despite being a blue-listed species, western rattlesnakes are relatively common within the White Lake basin and surrounding area, where they share their home with several people. In this talk, we hope to teach community members about the importance of rattlesnakes and that peaceful coexistence can easily be achieved with this beautiful species. Some of the topics covered will include the ecosystem “services” provided by rattlesnakes that benefit people, the leading causes of rattlesnake population declines, the laws surrounding rattlesnakes, and how to keep you and your family safe in rattlesnake country. We will also be bringing a live rattlesnake to further dispel the myths surrounding these animals, and to show people how to safely move a rattlesnake out of harms way. We hope to see you there! *Please bring a mask, as Covid social-distancing protocols will be followed. Park on the west side of the store near the fenced off area. About the presenter: Matthew Macpherson is a PhD student at UBCO/TRU studying the relationship between rattlesnake behaviour and human activity. He has been working as a conservation biologist for over 6 years with a focus on reptile and amphibian species-at-risk, but has also worked with various bird, insect, and plant species. Dear Twin Lakes and surrounding communities/establishments, I’m looking for YOUR help with rattlesnake research!
Excavating 1612 Highway 97 South
My name is Matthew Macpherson. I am a PhD student at UBCO/ TRU studying the relationship between rattlesnake behaviour and human activity within the White Lake basin and surrounding area, to better understand humansnake conflicts. For part of my research, I am hoping to survey areas with different levels and types of human activity, such as ranch land, golf courses, and residential areas. If you commonly see rattlesnakes on your property and are okay with me surveying your property for snakes, PLEASE LET ME KNOW! Further, if you find a snake in an “undesirable” location and would like it relocated to a safer spot on or near your property, please let me know and my assistant or I would be happy to help if we can. Cell: 250-572-0627 or Email: matt.macpherson24@gmail.com Thank you, and I look forward to meeting you and working in this wonderful area. Handyman & Custom Finish Carpentry
Helping the Do-It-Yourself Homeowner
Jay Mallach 250.490.6343
No Job Too Small Licensed & Insured
Page 10 | July 2021 | SkahaMatters.com
jaymallach@gmail.com
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RCMP Community Report When Should I Call The Police? When I speak with people, there seems to be confusion as to when and what to call the police about. There seems to be two thoughts out there: 1) I don’t want to bother the police; or 2) they won’t or can’t do anything, so why bother calling. It is often said, “if it is not reported and there is no record of it, then it did not happen”!
Alisha, Ang, and Robyn would like to thank all 32 ladies who took part in their local Ladies Health Challenge! A huge THANK YOU to all the local businesses who supported and donated prizes! Ang Marcinko - Host and many donations; Robyn Verge - Host, Young Living, and much, much more; Alisha Hardy- Host, Seint Beauty; Kristen Mason - A&W; Jennifer Naylor - Epicure; Christine Meunie - Pampered Chef; Christine Butt - Bubbles and Nosh; Jocelyn Chapman - Beauty Counter; Chelsea Fairweather - Head 2 Toe Creations; Stephanie Webb - Steph’s wood signs and such; Nicole Dennison - House of Dennison; Karen West - La Bella Vita; Heather Routly - First Choice Hair; Tickleberries; 97 & Main Crossroads; KJ’s Coffee; Green Light Cannabis; Darcey Godfrey - Glow SUP Adventures; Jackie Goodfellow - Get Jacked; and Marla Black - Winemaster. Wow, what a wonderful community to be part of!
Services for the Heart & Home Need a part-time summer cleaner?
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We know that in reality lots of crime does not get reported, making it tough for communities to figure out the extent of their crime problem and what action should be taken. Little things are left unreported until they become bigger problems, and then this becomes harder to deal with. The old saying, “take care of the small stuff and the big stuff takes care of itself” is often true in regards to crime. Often we will have a group of people upset with the crime in their community. The first thing the police will do is run the crime stats for the area, and 9 times out of 10 the stats show a very different picture, as people have not been reporting crimes. You cannot expect the police to do something or know something if you have not reported something. Often there will be times when there is nothing the police can do, but at least they cannot say they did not know about it, especially if “down the road” the problems get worse. So, if you see a suspicious person, activity or vehicle, report it to the police. If you have a theft or property damage, report it. Let the police decide if they are going to attend. At least you did your part by reporting and very least there is a record of the incident. SEE Something, HEAR Something ... SAY something! Rick Dellebuur, South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP Community Police Direct: 250-490-2374 // Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477 or sostips.ca SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 11
Volunteer Spotlight Meet Bev Van Uden Bev Van Uden does it all at the Okanagan Falls Legion. If she’s not behind the grill prepping for Father’s Day Breakfast (shown to the left), she’s getting murals painted or organizing an outdoor patio ... or whatever is next. Thank you Bev for all your volunteer hours spent at the Okanagan Falls Legion to make it better for everyone!
Volunteers ... Making A Difference If there is someone you would like to see honoured in this column, please call 250-497-8188 or email to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca. Drop Off Non-parishables
Helping Hand Bins Onsite
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Page 12 | July 2021 | SkahaMatters.com
Sustainable Travel By Diane Chatfield The pandemic has caused massive changes in all of our lives and as things start to go back to as they were, some things will remain changed. The uprising of Greta Thunberg and then the pandemic have shed a stronger light on climate change and the role of tourism in the global economy. We feel stronger than ever that we all can make better travel choices going forward to help communities around the world thrive and help regenerate our planet. The world needs tourism, but it needs tourism done responsibly in order to thrive. Tourism helps communities climb out of poverty, it helps women get out of the sex trade, it helps children have an education and saves countless animals from poaching. That’s the world we want to live in! Parts of the world are gearing up to receive travellers and many countries are re-evaluating what is important to them. Sustainability is no longer the way of the future ... it is the here and now. Let’s take a look at simple ways that you can do this on your next trip. Sustainable Transportation ~ When possible, choosing transportation that has lower emissions such a trains or public transportation can make a big difference. Many travel companies are (or already have) upgrading their vehicles, river or ocean cruise ships, and airplanes to be more efficient and use less fuel and/or more environmentally friendly fuel. Choose direct flights, as more take off and landings produce more greenhouse emissions than longer, more direct flights. For this reason, try to choose direct flights whenever possible, and as a bonus you will likely spend less money and get to your destination quicker! Pack Light ~ You can reduce your carbon footprint just by bringing less with you! Doing so reduces the weight onboard and less fuel is needed to reach your destination. Pack Smart ~ Here are some items you can bring that reduce waste and are environmentally friendly; reusable straws, food containers, and cutlery (with a pipe cleaner and environmentally friendly dish detergent), cloth shopping bags, reef safe sunscreen, natural mosquito repellent, package free shampoo and conditioner bars (or refillable travel size containers), or reusable water bottle. Spend Local ~ When you shop for your souvenirs, buying from local artisans ensures that more tourist dollars stay in the local economy. Wildlife Conservation ~ Avoid taking part in attractions where animals are held in captivity, bred, or used for entertainment. There are some genuine animal rehabilitation and conservation centres that you can visit that promote the welfare of animals at risk, but it’s important to make sure they are operating ethically and with the animals best interests in mind.
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Weighing The Universe By Tom Landecker You have to be fast to catch a Fast Radio Burst! It’s a flash of radio light that lasts a few thousandths of a second, detected only by radio telescopes. What are they? No one knows, but a big Canadian team is well on the way to answering that intriguing question. It’s a team of fifty, from universities in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, and from our observatory, and we are joined by colleagues in the United States. A lot of what we know about Fast Radio Bursts (we call them FRBs) comes from the CHIME telescope at our observatory. In early June, our team published our first catalog of FRBs discovered with CHIME, and this lists over 500 FRBs detected in our first year of operation, 2018 to 2019. CHIME is now the world-leading FRB hunter, with more bursts detected than all other telescopes around the world have detected in the 14 years since they were first discovered. But we still don’t know what they are. FRBs are astounding. The bursts arrive from far beyond our Milky Way galaxy. They happen very often: if CHIME can discover 500 in a year, there must be 800 events each day when we count the whole sky, one every two minutes! They are very powerful: we have seen FRBs give off as much energy in a few thousandths of a second as the Sun emits in a week, and, for a few bursts, as much energy as the Sun generates in whole year. But what causes FRBs, and where do they come from? FRBs come from distant galaxies, but to find out exactly what causes them we have to pinpoint their precise locations. CHIME can detect FRBs, but can’t pinpoint their exact spot on the sky. To do that, we are building a small CHIME (we call it an Outrigger) about 100 km from Penticton. When the Outrigger comes online at the end of 2021, CHIME and the Outrigger will work together to give very precise positions on the sky. We will then use optical telescopes to find out exactly what’s there, to find what galaxy gave birth to the FRB.
By the end of the year 2022, we will have two more Outriggers operating, at distances of a few thousand kilometres from CHIME. Protect Those At Risk ~ Travel with companies that ensure that With those added to the team, we will be able to pinpoint locations tourism is mutually beneficial for both the visitors and the local in distant galaxies, showing us exactly where FRBs come from, indigenous people. Many of our travel partners have programs gradually answering that intriguing question: what are FRBs? that help women and children at risk as well, and you can even The FRBs that we detect have travelled far, taking many millions make donations before and while you’re on your trip to help out of years to reach us from distant galaxies. They bear the imprint of with these programs. that long journey, and interrogating their signals tells us how much Make The Most Of Your Destination ~ When you travel far matter they have travelled through: we are weighing the Universe! away, stay longer if you can. Surely most people would love to do Here are a few helpful website addresses: this! Enjoy a longer vacation, and in the meantime get the most • www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/solutions/facilities/drao.html out of your journey there. www.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/eng/publications/nrc_pubs/tapping/ There are so many ways that you can travel in a responsible and • https://chime-experiment.ca sustainable way, and you don’t have to do any extra work or spend • any extra money (unless you want to). When you’re ready for your next vacation, be sure to reach out to Reliable Travel, so that we can make sure you have the best time ever, while leaving a positive impact.
The Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory is operated by the National Research Council Canada and is located at 717 White Lake Road in Kaleden. For more information, please call 250-497-2300.
SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 13
Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: Is It Possible? By Dr. Tamara Browne, ND Naturopathic Physician, Licensed and Registered by The BC Ministry of Health A one-year study comparing a lifestylebased approach to manage Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) with standard of care treatments for the disease, has shown that this common, debilitating, and rapidly growing problem is, in fact, reversible. Although this flies in the face of conventional wisdom, it is not new to holistic doctors who have witnessed this phenomenon for decades. Fortunately, a study is proving what many have suspected all along; since Type 2 Diabetes is largely caused by environmental and lifestyle factors, it can be reversed by changing our environment and improving particular lifestyle factors. A group of researchers and doctors at Virta Health placed a study group of T2D patients on a program which induced nutritional ketosis. This is a diet that limits carbohydrate rich foods, keeps protein to a moderate level, and is relatively high in healthy fats. They also supplemented patients with certain vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. After one year, the treatment group on average had dropped their levels of Hemoglobin A1C by 1.3% (this is a measure of average 3-month blood glucose), their weight by an average of 12% or 30 pounds, 60% of the people had their diabetes reversed to normal, and 94% had lowered or discontinued their dependence on insulin. Other benefits of this diet are a lowering of one’s risk for heart disease, a lowering of high blood pressure, and a lowering of inflammation. Anyone with T2D can sign on with the Virta Health team to obtain more information and follow their protocol with proper monitoring. (www.virtahealth.com). With conventional dietary guidelines historically emphasizing a low-fat approach to health, diets for the past 50 years or so have been higher in carbohydrates, particularly from grains and sugars. This trend along with the production of factory food that is highly processed as well as the increase in fast and convenience foods, has brought about alarming statistics in chronic disease rates, many stemming from blood sugar abnormalities. According to Diabetes Canada, the prevalence of diabetes in 2015 was 3.4 million, but is estimated to grow to 5 million or 12.1% of the population by 2025. This represents a 44% prevalence increase and a 25% increase in health care costs. Not only can we not afford to put ourselves at risk with this largely preventable disease, but our healthcare systems could be severely stressed by these numbers. Consider this: It is estimated that one in ten deaths in Canadian adults is attributed to diabetes; Diabetics are 3 times more likely to be hospitalized with cardiovascular disease, 12 times more likely to develop end-stage kidney disease, and 20 times more likely to suffer a lower limb amputation compared to the general population. Couple this with the alarming stat that 57% of Diabetics cannot adhere to prescription treatment due to high out-of-pocket cost, and it becomes clear that prevention and evidence-based dietary and lifestyle approaches are direly needed in this area. Under the care of a Naturopathic Physician and adhering to lifestyle guidelines that are sensible and easy to follow, Diabetics can lower their dependence on expensive therapies, free up spending for healthy whole food and exercise, and expect to live longer, healthier lives. Dr. Joseph Mercola has written a wonderful Cookbook called “Fat for Fuel: The Ketogenic Cookbook”, which is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in this approach. Contact Dr. Tamara Browne at the Natural Family Health Clinic at 250-497-6681 for further information and guidance on this subject.
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Okanagan Falls Center for Dentistry*
Dr. Danny Zare Accepting New Patients Thanks to our patients for nominating and voting for our clinic as “Best in Penticton”.
Watch for our 5th Anniversary Celebrations in September! *Dr. Georgina Georgeson Dental Corp.
Creative Wellness Solutions Self-Serve Fruit Stand Open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week! 598 East Side Rd & 6th Ave Okanagan Falls
More Than Just Apples! Fresh Cherries arrive middle of July! Enjoy Farm Direct Pricing
For large orders of 20 lbs or more, call 250-809-5353.
Better at Home is a non-medical program helping seniors remain independent in their homes. We will be offering the following services in Okanagan Falls: • Housekeeping • Transportation Please contact 250-495-6925 and/or email bah@desertsun.ca to discuss details. Thank you very much!
By Dee-anne Jalava, Seniors Wellness Practitioner National Gorgeous Grandma Day is celebrated annually on July 23. As the name of the holiday suggests, our dearest, cuddliest grandmothers are celebrated. Grandmothers endlessly love and treasure their families, and typically have an infectious love for life. They have experienced a lot and have the best words of wisdom for us. With all the aches and pains of old age, most grandmothers have positive attitudes and amazing energy, which radiates into our lives. The day aims to celebrate women over the age of 50 and encourages them to defy society’s standards and live it up a bit. We love our grandmothers but, most of the time, we see them in a stereotypical old-fashioned way. Grandmothers are expected to be calm, collected, have an outdated style, and spend their days baking and knitting. Society’s narrow perception that women shouldn’t dress up, wear bright colours, and go on dates after the age of 50 is primitive. National Gorgeous Grandma Day intends to dispel this mindset and encourage people not to frown upon ladies over the age of 50 who are not ready to retire to a quiet life yet. Alice Solomon graduated at the age of 50 from Wellesley College in 1984. She realized that society saw her and other women of her age as senior citizens, regardless of whether or not they were actual ‘grandmothers’. Determined to challenge this thinking, she came up with the idea of ‘Gorgeous Grandma’. Women who were apparently ‘beyond their expiration date’ and no longer relevant are termed as ‘grandmas’, so Solomon decided to embrace the term, but amped it up with the use of the word ‘gorgeous’. Gorgeous Grandma is all about presenting an edgier image of older women and eliminating stereotypes confining them in a limited box. [nationaltoday.com] Celebrate your ‘Gorgeous Grandma’ with the gift of a massage. A massage is not just a luxury gift, although it makes you feel so great it feels like it is. Massage has so many real physical and mental health benefits that everyone should have them. Massage helps alleviate muscle pain after a workout, but also improves vascular function in people who had not exercised. According to multiple studies, massage therapy can reduce pain, help you sleep, ward off colds and flu, heighten your alert senses, ease cancer treatments and side effects, alleviate depression, and decrease headaches. What a wonderful gift for that ‘Gorgeous Grandma’! And, maybe that Gorgeous Grandma is YOU! Creative Wellness Solutions provides a convenient massage with innumerable benefits on a comfortable massage chair. You do not need to climb onto a table or remove clothing and no oils are used. We are a mobile service, so are able to come to you in your home or you can visit us at one of the locations that we visit weekly. Please call Dee-anne at 250-497-5974 to arrange an appointment or to discuss “The Grease Cream”. Be sure to check out our website at www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com where you can find more information and to read any past articles you may have missed.
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SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 15
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Tuesday 1 - 5 pm / Thursday 1 - 8 pm / Friday 1 - 5 pm Summer has arrived, and with that the Kaleden Library is having its annual “Summer Reading Club” for preschoolers, school aged children, and teens! “Crack The Case” is the theme this year ... so exciting and mysterious! Register online at www.orl. bc.ca/src-events for all the ORL online summer programs. Stop by the Kaleden Library and pick up your Summer Reading Club Activity Bag. Inside the bag you will find your reading record, stickers, activities, a craft, and small snack to eat while you’re on a scavenger hunt in the community. Also, don’t forget to enter the “Guess How Many MYSTERY Candies are in the Jar”. And new this year, What’s in the MYSTERY BOX? Have a wonderful FUN month of July! Submitted by Glenda Livolsi, Community Librarian
OK Falls Branch:
101 - 850 Railway Lane - 250-497-5886
Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm / Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm Friday 10 am - 5 pm / Saturday 10 am - 2 pm “Crack the Case” this summer at the Okanagan Falls Library! There are two fun ways to participate: 1. Join the online SRC fun at bcsrc.ca and participate in the online programming available all summer long. 2. Come into the branch and pick up your SRC package and monthly “Take & Make” Craft Bags filled with games, contests, as well as lots of other fun things to discover and to help you ... Crack the Case! Summer Reading Club is for school aged children 5 to 12 years of age. Okanagan Falls Library Book Club meeting is on Thursday, July 22 at 1:00 pm. This month’s discussion with be “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan. I am happy to announce that this meeting will be at the branch following all COVID guidelines. On display at your branch this month, are items featuring Canning and Freezing. Come in and get some ideas Happy Birthday Canada! Submitted by Lynn Warfield, Community Librarian
School District No. 53 Board Report By Janice Stevens, SD53 School Trustee Congratulations to the graduates of 2020! No one could have predicted how your last year of high school would unfold. We would like to thank all graduates for their hard work, determination and resilience during this most challenging year. Your future is bright! Enjoy a well-deserved summer break and best of luck in whichever direction the next year takes you. We are very proud. I would also like to extend my personal thanks for the remarkable leadership of Principal Mrs. Karen Sinclair and the amazing staff of Okanagan Falls Elementary. Covid-19 continued to be such a challenge for student, families and most importantly staff. We are so privileged to have a great group of caring professionals in our community. Enjoy your summer! Following is some highlights from administration and Board of Education Report May 26, 2021 Staff reported to the Board that Kindergarten registration for next year is relatively strong with most schools at or near projected enrollment. The Board would like to remind all parents to register children who will be 5 years old by December 31, 2021 as soon as possible to facilitate staffing. These will be children who are born in 2016. Parents must bring their child’s birth certificate and medical card. Staff reported on the initiatives promoted this year by our Health Promoting Schools Coordinator, Ms. Jennifer Martin. Interior Health supports health promoting practices within school districts by providing partial funding to support this position. This year, various activities from “Kids in the Kitchen” to yoga sessions for students and staff to “Take A Hike” after-school sessions have been offered in various community locations. Staff reported that the largest initiative this year, for this position, centered around providing outdoor learning experiences for both students and staff. Our Health Promoting School Coordinator and District Physical Therapist teamed up to offer outdoor, land-based experiential education opportunities to schools. Cohort-based, half-day opportunities were offered, and Indigenous Education Advocates were invited from various schools to join and enhance the day by offering ‘place-based’ connections to the learning. Mindfulness and Movement incorporated Mental Health and Movement. Over 650 students and their teachers participated in these popular land-based learning days this year. Our District is one of 46 in the province participating in “Equity in Action”, an ongoing collaborative process to improve the educational experiences for Indigenous learners with the goal of achieving equity within our system for all students. There have been several action items identified that will be added to our Equity Plan. Our final Equity in Action Plan will be submitted to the Ministry by the end of June and will be published on our SD No. 53 website. This Action Plan will be updated each year moving forward. Finally, most of the new outdoor learning spaces at all our schools are at or near completion. Taking learning outside has shown to increase engagement, relevance, health, and wellbeing. These spaces were supported with federal grant monies. Outdoor learning involves specific strategies and competencies to make learning meaningful and connect to nature and the outdoors. The news of the graves of the 215 children at the Kamloops Residential School reminds us all of the urgency to bring forth the truth of Canada’s residential schools before we can move forward with reconciliation. The education system plays an essential role on the path to reconciliation and we must all work together to heal the suffering caused by Canada’s treatment of Indigenous peoples. I wish everyone a healthy and happy summer break. For more information, feel free to contact me, Janice Stevens, SD53 School Trustee, at 250-307-4245 or jstevens@sd53.bc.ca.
To learn more about CivicReady, please visit www.rdos.bc.ca Sign up or update your notification preferences by visiting https://rdos.ca.regroup.com/signup
June Highlights From Okanagan Falls Elementary School By Principal Karen Sinclair
1. 2. 3.
Water Safety Lessons at the beach - Thank you Water Waves! HaHaHa Kidzfest - having fun making puppets. Flying Bob - a wonderful performance and message ... “Weird is wonderful, and there’s no time to waste being unhappy.” 4. ALL CHILDREN MATTER - sharing our caring message. 5. Thank you to Tickleberry’s for sponsoring our April Spirit Teams. Thank you to 97 & Main Crossroads for sponsoring our May Spirit Teams. 6. CONGRATULATIONS to our Grade 7s: Grace Christensen, Taija Delorme, Nash Thompson, Kaylee Warkentin and Ethan Colborne! All the best next year! Thank you for an amazing year to our students, staff, families, and community! Together we made it! Okanagan Falls Falcons SOARED! Enjoy the summer and we look forward to seeing everyone in September!
Calling All Creative Youth ... OSA Wants YOU! By Kim Palmer, Executive Director In the summer of 2021, the Okanagan School of the Arts (OSA) will be offering arts and crafts day camps to spark the imagination of our youth. These programs are a long-standing tradition for the OSA. We have new locations, new themes, and exciting new projects for participants to explore. The OSA’s Creativity Camps are a mix of visual art, activities, and summertime fun. These programs are intended for children ages six to twelve, and run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, Monday through Friday in July and August. We are deeply grateful to Cherry Lane Shopping Centre for providing space for this programming. The OSA is also offering a Teen Art Camp during the first week of July. Each day, an expert instructor will teach an in-depth workshop. Topics include creative writing, calligraphy, felting, and herbal crafting. There is a group rate for participants who register for all four courses. Registration is limited for all courses, so head to https://www. okanaganschoolofthearts.com/courses and sign up today!
Providing creativity and connection for Penticton and surrounding communities
778-718-5757 or info@osarts.ca www.okanaganschoolofthearts.com
OK Mini School Update By Chantelle Bruwer
The OK Mini School congratulates all of our 2021 graduates. Have a great summer and we wish you all the best in Kindergarten! Enrollment for September is now underway. Please contact okfallsminischool@gmail.com for more information. SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 17
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In May & June, the Board participated in the following meetings: May 26, 2021 Equity Scan Working Group: Vice Principal of Indigenous Education, Dustin Hyde, met with the Equity Scan Working Group to review the data from the stake holder surveys. There were 6 main themes gleaned from the data. The next step in the equity scan process is to create an action plan. May 27, 2021 Strategic Planning and Board Governance Session: The board did a Strategic Planning session with Michael McKay (Consultant). We examined what the Boards role is with the Strategic Plan and what type of leader we identify with. We will continue the work in August 2021. May 31, 2021 Board of Education Meeting: 1) The Board watched a video from Summerland Middle School put together by Jennifer Wingham. The video showcased Grade 8 teacher, Billy Reed, and how he utilized outdoor learning opportunities with his students. 2) The Board watched a video about the wonderful things that happened at Wiltse School. It showcased school administrators, teachers and students working and learning together to make school an engaging place to be. 3) Assistant Superintendent, Jason Corday, reported on and recognized upcoming retirements for SD67 to include 3 Education Assistants and 1 teacher. 4) Superintendent, Todd Manuel, provided an update on Health and Safety Protocols, The Strategic Plan Refresh; Long Term Facilities Plan; the Districts focus on Student Learning. 5) On May 25, 2021 the Province sent out the “BC Response to COVID-19 BC’s Restart Plan” for September 2021. The Province is hopeful that school will move to “Phase 1”; thus, schools are expected return to a more normal classroom in September. 6) Many teachers, administrators and support staff participated in a special COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic offered in May 2021. 7) Secretary Treasurer, Nicole Bittante, presented the 2021-2022 Annual Budget Report. The 3rd and final reading of the Bylaw was approved at a special meeting of the Board on June 8, 2021 to allow the public more time to review and provide input on the 2021-2022 Annual Budget Bylaw. June 8, 2021 Business Committee of the Whole: 1) KPMG representative David Bond did a presentation to the Board regarding the 2020-2021 financial audit process. The audit fieldwork will commence the week of August 9, 2021 with an Audit findings report presentation to the Board on September 27, 2021. Secretary Treasurer, Nicole Bittante, provided an update on the 2020-2021 operating fund budget as of May 31, 2021. I am pleased to report that there is a projected surplus of $1.2 M for the year. 2) Secretary Treasurer Bittante provided an update to the Board on the 2021-2022 Annual Facilities Grant Spending Plan for SD67. The grant is intended to fund annual facility projects required to maintain facility assets through their anticipated economic life. 3) Director of Facilities, Doug Gorcak, provided an update on the replacement Gym project at Summerland Secondary School. Demolition is expected to commence late July 2021. 4) Secretary Treasurer Bittante requested the Board to approve the school fee schedule and academy fee schedule for 2021-2021 school year. The Board passed a motion to approve the fee schedule as presented. 5) Secretary Treasurer Bittante requested the Board approve the international student fees proposed for the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 school years. The Board approved a $500 tuition fee increase in fees commencing 2022-2023. 6) Director of Facilities, Doug Gorcak, provided an update on the
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Five Year Capital Plan process. The Major Capital Replacement plan includes the replacement of Carmi Elementary School. The Board inquired about how the Long Range Facility Plan will impact the above school replacement plan. Gorcak indicated that we can alter the Major Capital Plan if things change due to the recommendations identified in the LRFP process. June 9, 2021 Education Committee of the Whole: 1) KVR Vice Principal, Michelle Glibbery, and Kaleden School Principal, Diane Haddow, provided details about the 2021 Summer School Program. 2) Vice Principal of Indigenous Education, Dustin Hyde, provided an update on the Equity Scan Process. Hyde indicated the Equity Action Plan will focus on the implementation of the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including a focus on equity in school completion rates for indigenous students. 3) Superintendent Manuel provided an update on the Anti-racism Working Group. The group has created a ‘call out’ to artists to create a wall mural that celebrates the community of Summerland and its diversity. The mural will be painted on an outside wall at Summerland Middle School. Please contact Kathy Pierre at kpierre@SD67.bc.ca, if you have any questions regarding this report. Board meetings are live steamed and can be accessed at www.sd67.bc.ca.
Kaleden Bursary
June Highlights From Kaleden Elementary School
By Darlene Bailey
The Kaleden Bursary Committee is offering several bursaries to Kaleden and area students (V0H 1K0 postal code) who are graduating from Grade 12 this academic year (2021) and pursuing further education. If anyone would like to sponsor a bursary or donate to the Kaleden Bursary Fund, and help our students, please contact myself, Darlene Bailey. Application for these bursaries can be made by submitting a letter or email and providing the following information: • Plans for further education (university, college, technical school) and type of education being pursued. • Where you graduated from high school and the name of the school. • How long you have lived in the Kaleden area (including Twin Lakes/White Lake Road) and did you attend Kaleden Elementary School. • Any Kaleden community involvement. • Hobbies, interests and volunteer/work experience. • Include your mailing address, house number, phone number and cell number, and email address. • If you are successful in being awarded a bursary, you have two years to claim it from the date awarded. • Upon being awarded a bursary, a thank you letter must be sent to the sponsor of your bursary. The bursary funds will not be released until the thank you letter is received by the sponsor. Applications must be received by July 5, 2021 and should be submitted to: Kaleden Bursary Committee, c/o Darlene Bailey, Box 239, Kaleden, BC V0H 1K0. Or, email to kaledenbursary@ shaw.ca. For further information, please call 250-497-8140.
By Principal Diane Haddow •
All the classes enjoyed the activities presented to us by the HaHaHa Kidzfest! The students were treated to a show by Flyin Bob on our back field! What a show it was! Fun was had by all!
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Puppets! Classes took time to create sock puppets in June as part of a planned craft through Kidzfest. Many cute puppets were created to go along with the mad libs that were put together.
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Dance Play was a huge success! The instructor taught the students a few dance moves and everyone had a dance session daily throughout the week.
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The year is coming to a close quickly! It has been a different year for sure, but it has been a great year! We wish all the Kaleden Coyote families all the best for the summer!
SkahaMatters.com | July 2021 | Page 19
Kaleden Museum ~ A History Tid Bit
By Meredith King The next series of articles will include the histories of some of the founding families who arrived in the decades starting in the 1920s. These are recorded from the memories of the descendants of these families. They are written up by me and I take responsibility for any errors. The run-on sentences are also all mine, though the tendency is undoubtedly inherited.
The Marriott Family - Part 2
On October 6, 1929, Gwyneth Lillian Cecily was born, followed by James Ronald on August 8, 1931 and David William on January 3, 1934. Dave was lucky to survive, since on the way to the hospital in Turtleford the car stalled on the railway tracks. In 1937, Thomas William Marriott (TW) sold the farm and moved his wife and five of his children to Oliver and then on to Okanagan Falls. Horace and Sid stayed on the farm until the fall of 1938 when they finally rejoined the family and their new baby brother Joseph Bernard Stanley who was born in Okanagan Falls in September of 1938. During these years, TW was the local butcher. His butcher shop was his truck, which had his shop set up in the back. He would drive from house to house and cut whatever the lady of the manor wanted from the supply in his truck. This was the beginning of the home delivery trend and TW covered Okanagan Falls and Kaleden on his home delivery route. Quite the entrepreneur. Neither of the two older boys stayed home for long. Horace found work on a dairy farm in the Marron Valley and then moved on to work in a shipyard in Vancouver. Sid joined the crew developing the Hope-Princeton Highway. In June of 1939, Gladys married Norman Stanley, whom she had met in Oliver. They settled at Osoyoos Lake and raised 5 children, Lloyd, Norma, Edwin, Lillian and Audrey. Both Gladys and Stanley have passed away. TW continued to work out of his truck until sometime in the early 40s, when he purchased a home on Ponderosa Avenue in Kaleden from his son Horace and moved his family once again. (Horace had been working in a shipyard in Vancouver when he heard of a house in Kaleden for sale from one of his compatriots, a Lockhart. He purchased it from him and then sold it to his Dad.). TW then built, beside the house, a permanent butcher shop which is still standing today. It is the small, white building on the left side, just at the top of the little hill on the way to Ponderosa Point. It has been converted into a small cabin and the property is currently owned by Don and Gail Jeffrey. Belle moved to Kaleden with the family and then went to the Pentecostal Bible School in Saskatoon from 1944-47 when she came home to work in the packing house. She had been corresponding with Nelson Atkinson on and off every since she met him as a young girl back in Cleves, Saskatchewan, when for one year the Atkinson family came to manage the farm of Jack Marriott. They met again after the war when Nelson came to visit his sister in Saskatoon at the same time Belle was in school there. A romance developed. When Belle moved to Ladysmith to help out at the church there in late 1947 Nelson followed her and worked
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at Comox Logging. On September 29, 1948 they were married and settled temporarily in Penticton. While there, Nelson bought a logging truck from Ivor Jeffrey, his cousin. The truck came with a contract to log in Merritt, so the couple moved and spent their entire married lives there. Nelson died April 4, 1998, but Belle who seems to have her father’s longevity genes, still lives in Merritt. They had one child, Celaine Isabelle and she had one child, Melanie Celaine, who lives in Kamloops with her husband Phil Rollins and they have three children, Emma and twins, Elle and John. In June of 1948 Sid married Mildred McCord of Keremeos and they spent most of their lives in Boston Bar, where Sid ran a heavy equipment company. They had five girls; Linda, Debbie, Lillian, Candace and Sydney-Ann. Both Sid and Mildred have passed away. Join us each month for more ramblings on the intricacies of Kaleden life. To donate an item to the Kaleden Museum, please contact Meredith at 250-497-6995. H&M Thrifty Boutique
H&M Thrifty Boutique Open 10-3 Wed-Fri & 12-3 Sat 250-486-6371
Okanagan Falls Heritage & Museum Place - 1145 Main St
Accepting Clean & Gently Used Clothing & Accessories In Person When Open Please!
OK Falls Heritage & Museum Society
By Marla Wilson Summer has arrived and, because we’ve been good, life may soon be returning to a more normal level than we’ve seen for a while. We wish to thank the whole community for your support through these last few difficult months. The Society Executive asked me to let you know that the hard work of our Maintenance and Gardens Manager, Andrew, has produced a truly beautiful garden at the Heritage site. The roses are blooming and will continue throughout the summer. Museum Manager, Sue Walker, suggested this would be a lovely venue for group photographs (weddings, family celebrations, etc.). Just leave your name and contact numbers with the staff in the Thrifty Boutique and we will be in touch. Did ’ja Know? Today’s story is about Okanagan Falls Hotels. The first Hotel was the Alexander, built in 1906/07. It sat on the lakeshore at the south end of Skaha Lake. Mr. John McLellan and Mr. Robt. Melville, who were both skilled carpenters, built the Hotel. The first owners were W.B. Hein and Warwick Arnott. It was a spacious building with 30 to 40 rooms, well furnished, a large dining room with family size tables, each with long linen tablecloths, polished hardwood floor, and a piano, as numerous concerts, with local talent, provided music for the evenings. The kitchen was well planned, with a Chinese cook who would provide T-bone steaks that could be cut with a fork. Mrs. Craib was house keeper. A large Bar Room was in the plans with its wall-to-wall mantle and mirror and the usual old-fashioned fixtures. The Hotel was finally finished, and at this time, the Post Office was moved into the Hotel. There was great excitement when the mail arrived, bringing in the Eaton’s Catalogue and the old once-a-week newspaper, The Family Herald printed in Winnipeg. In the 1920’s, the bar of the hotel had to close due to prohibition. Eventually, the Hotel closed and was dismantled in 1929, the lumber being salvaged by the Women’s Institute was used to build their Community Hall. It was officially opened by His Honor Lieutenant Governor Bruce of Victoria on May 10, 1929. The Okanagan Falls Hotel was built on its present site in 1948. There were two entry doors, one for “Gentlemen” and the other for “Ladies with Escorts”. Rooms for rent that are on the second floor, had to be there to provide a place for people to sleep if they were too intoxicated to go home. When it was built, it was the only hotel/ pub in the South Okanagan between Oliver and Vernon and was sometimes referred to as “Last Chance Saloon”.
Okanagan Falls Lions Update By Bob Wilson, Past President
Wow! The year is half over and the pandemic seems to be winding down. However, as I believe it was Yogi Berra who said, “It ain’t over, til it’s over!” So, even though it looks like all is well, stay safe and follow the guidelines. I don’t know about you, but I don’t care to repeat this last year and a half. Let’s get it done, get your vaccinations and get back to where we were. Not much to report this month. Still at the school doing breakfast twice a week. All is well as we work through the limited contact situation. Children are enjoying it and that’s what it’s about. Used eyeglasses collecting is continuing, so if you have retired eyewear look for our boxes around the South Okanagan towns. Lions International as LCIF distribute glasses to needy folks around the world as part of our sight programs. Blood, it’s in you to give! The next Blood Donor Clinics will be held on July 3 & 7 at the Penticton Senior Drop In Centre from 1:30 - 5:30 pm. The Canadian Blood Services needs both donors and volunteers for their clinics. To become a donor and/ or volunteer, please visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. When you see a volunteer, thank them. The Okanagan Falls Lions Club had it’s last meeting on June 22 until September. We will continue in the fall with a regular Tuesday meeting on the second Tuesday of the month, face to face if all goes well. If you would like to join us, call 778-439-2275. Okanagan Falls Lion’s Club is online at www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/okfalls/ and www.facebook.com/okanaganfallslionsclub. Have a great summer, stay healthy and safe.
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
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Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Society By Linda Rich
The Good News ~ Many of our seniors and members of the community have had their COVID vaccines, and COVID numbers continue to fall. We started up some activities in June, such as Cards and our Pancake Breakfast. There is a calendar posted at the Senior’s centre for dates and times. As restrictions lift, Tuesday Bingo will be held on July 13, 20, 27, and Drop-In Bingo resumes on Saturday, July 17. Both the Tuesday Bingo and DropIn Bingo will run in August, because the Seniors Centre has been closed for so long, and we know how much everyone loves to play Bingo! We are looking forward to seeing you there! The next Pancake Breakfast is on Saturday, July 3rd from 8:00 am until 10:00 am. You can have pancakes, sausages, eggs, juice and coffee for only $5.00. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy this yummy breakfast! Membership for 2021 can be renewed or taken out at that time, or you can phone Linda Rich (250-497-8713) to arrange another time. Hall rental inquires can be made through Arlene Rodgers at 250-497-7033. Lastly, we need more volunteers to help with Bingo and other program activities. If you have some time to spare, and would like to volunteer at the Centre, please contact President Grethe Jensen (250-497-5669) or Treasurer Linda Rich (250-497-8713).
TOWN MARKET
1st Saturday each month from 8 am - 12 noon
ALL VENDORS WELCOME! To book your table or any inquires, please phone or text 250-487-8381 or 250-809-7342
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #227 By Beverly van Uden
Hello Branch 227 Members & Guests ~ As I write this article, we are hoping things will be opening up more. Currently, we will be Open Tuesday to Saturday at 2 pm. If everything goes as planned, we will have our Meat Draws return in over 1 year, along with our 50/50 Draws on Fridays at 5 pm starting on July 2, along with Saturdays at 4 pm. Everything is still baby steps. Remember: face masks and protocols will all be in place until told otherwise. Legion Town Market ~ 1st Saturday each month from 8-12 Noon. To book a table, please call either 250-487-8381 or 250-809-7342. All vendors welcome. Next Legion Town Market is Saturday, July 3. Music Bingo on Thursday, July 8 at 6 pm ~ Okey Dokey Karaoke will be at our Legion for the first time hosting Music Bingo. Food will be available at 5 pm. Hope to see you there! Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, July 18 from 8-11 am ~ We will have pancakes, French toast, bacon, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee and juice. Just $7 each. Kids under 3 will be free. Food is available on Saturdays. Friday is in the planning stages. Any updates will be posted on the Legion Facebook page: Royal Cdn Legion - Branch 227 Okanagan Falls BC. You can also check the sign outside the Legion for updates as well. Big shout out to all the volunteers for keeping our Legion open. You are all the back bone of this Branch. Recycling Donations ~ If anyone has cans or bottles you would like to donate, please call Bev at 250-809-5537. Remember to Call a Friend or Loved One ~ Everyone loves to hear a friendly voice. We are located at 5009 Veterans Way, Okanagan Falls. For more info, call 250-497-8338. We are a small Legion with a big heart!
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 Society! For more information, call Grethe at 250.497.5669.
South Skaha Housing Society Update
By Michael Livingstone, SSHS Chair
We have heard back from BC Housing and our application to build family orientated housing was turned down. We have requested a debriefing to get a better idea of any issues with the application and to ensure that when we apply for the next round of building our application will be successful. We also hope to find out when the next round of building will occur. We will continue the process to ensure that our next application will be successful. It is our mandate to supply affordable housing in Okanagan Falls. Thank you for your continued support in our endeavors. We continue to have South Skaha Place full with a waiting list. If your plans for the future include looking at living in South Skaha Place, please apply soon as vacancies do come available.
LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY
South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre
Kaleden Community Church (KCC) - On Line!
Please visit www.okfallsunited.ca or call us for more information. 1108 Willow St, OK Falls / 250-497-1171 or 250-497-2560
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Service - Live!
Sunday Mass at 11 am - Service held in St. Barbara’s Church 1039 Willow St, OK Falls / Father Thomas Kakkaniyil - 250-498-3934
St. Barbara’s Anglican Church - Live July 11!
Sunday Services and Daily Evening Prayer on Zoom through July 10. Ask a local member for the Zoom details to join. In-person services start again on Sunday, July 11 at 9 am. Sunday garden service rest of July. If inclement weather, service will move inside. 1039 Willow St, OK Falls / Rev. Dr. Guna Vaddadi - 250-899-0163
Stone’s Throw Nursery Come and see us for all your Perennials, Trees, Shrubs, Fruit Trees and Ornamental Grasses. All at the Best Prices in the Okanagan!
Summer Hours: Sat & Sun 10-2
2346 Sun Valley Way Okanagan Falls
250-497-5641
stonesthrownursery@shaw.ca
www.stonesthrownursery.com
Pond Supplies
Design & Consulting
Installations
Aquatic Plants & Fish
University of Victoria Institute on Aging and Life Long HelpSelf Management ~ Become a volunteer for your area. Next Virtual Training is July 27 - Sept 9, 2021, Tue and Thur from 1:303:00 pm each day. Call 1-866-902-3767. E-selfmgmt@uvic.ca Register on the SOSVC website, www.volunteercentre.info, as a ‘Volunteer’ to receive updates on volunteer needs. Register as a ‘Leader’ in to receive board training and opportunities. ‘Like us’ on SOSVC Facebook. Before volunteering, read the “The Volunteer checklist - Volunteering during Covid-19”. For more information, email info@volunteercentre.info or call 1-888-576-5661.
Open 10-5 Wednesday to Sunday
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Okanagan Falls United Church - On Line!
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Okanagan Falls Community Church - Live!
By Wendy Weisner, PhD, Executive Director Have you ever thought about the value you can gain from becoming a Board Member? It’s a great thought and question to ask. Other questions are; “Do I have the time? Do I have the skills and experience? Am I capable of doing the job?” and “What happens if I join and I don’t like it? The SOS Volunteer Centre’s new publication Leading Community Organizations: Guide for Volunteers Considering Board Roles informs volunteers about being on a Board. It was created around questions, such as these, that volunteers ask about the roles and responsibilities of Board Members. For example, the average Board Director spends about 224 hours a year volunteering. That is 4 hours a week. And, young adults may feel they don’t have the skills and experience; however, they are valuable board members, they are often familiar with technology, and have experienced members to guide them. Many Boards welcome you sitting in on a couple of meetings and talking to Board Members and staff before you commit. In fact, it is easier on the expectations of everyone involved to try it out first. At www.volunteercentre.info you will find: • A Guide for Volunteers Considering Board Roles • A list of Board positions, the organization who needs them and who to contact • Registration to receive updates on Board roles and learning opportunities • Videos of Board Members & Staff speaking to board needs for different non profits
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Sunday Service at 10 am ~ Please check for live or virtual options. 443 Lakehill Rd, Kaleden / Pastor David Ohori - 250-497-5995 Email: kaledenchurch@gmail.com / FB: Kaleden Community Church Website: kaledenchurch.ca - for up to date event information
Need A Ride? If you live in the Kaleden Area and need a ride, please call 250-460-3387.
Flowers or Fish Heads? Send yours to skahamatters@telus.net
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Flowers to the Kaleden FireSmart Board for their sterling service to the community and for the successful Chipping/Bin Day event. ~ From Pinky R. of Kaleden Flowers to the Sickle Point Committee and the philanthropist who saved this community haven and sanctuary. Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to you. ~ From Peter N. of Kaleden Flowers to the Okanagan Falls Irrigation District Board for recognizing Ted Lynch’s invaluable contribution as their assigned liaison working with the Women’s Institute on the band shell. It is an appropriate addition to the public and print accolades that were provided during the process and at the opening ceremonies in 2015. ~ From Eleanor W., WI Past President; Chair, Band Shell Committee. Flowers to Director Ron Obirek, Okanagan Falls Parks and Rec Commission, Parks Lead Hand Luis Barroqueiro and his Parks Crew for bringing regular service back to Okanagan Falls Parks. ~ From Bob D. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to donations dropped off outside our open hours. The Heritage Thrifty Boutique has done a great job keeping used clothing out of the landfill. However, there are still people who do not try to be cooperative. We still have some people who will bring their donations to the shop in garbage bags and dump them on the door step because the store is closed. When this happens, your wonderful donations are lost. Some people walking past the shop come in and tear open the bags to see what is in them. Your donations are strewn around the parking lot. Dogs and cats see the mess and will use the clothing and bag to urinate on. By the time the shop is opened on its regular schedule, your wonderful donation must be cleaned up and taken to the dump, as by that time the clothing is unusable. Please do not leave donations at the store when it is closed. Thank you. ~ From Marla W. of the H&M Thrifty Boutique Fish Heads to the person who, on the evening of June 16, drove his ATV from the north along the KVR Trail and into Pioneer Park on the footpath. You got some attention, but it was for your stupidity, not your toy! ~ From Bruce S. of Kaleden
WANTED: Mature young lady senior "Snowbird" looking for Accommodation. Could become a returning tenant. I worked
house-sitting many high end properties in Alberta and BC for over 30 years. Single, N/S, N/pets. Furnished or not is okay. I have great references. This late fall-winter, I am looking for a nice rental place in Okanagan Falls or close by. I have a $800-$1000 rental budget, but you will get your summer rental place in top shape, deep cleaning, gardening, and even overseeing small renovations. My contact in Okanagan Falls is Angi at 778-931-0468 or alobostaylor@shaw.ca.
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If you live in the Kaleden area and have needs during this time, please call the HUB. Our frozen meals (mostly soup) are available immediately. We can also provide grocery shopping - Please allow a few days advance notice. We are grateful for all the neighbours helping neighbours! HUB NUMBER: 250-460-3387
250.493.3912
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110-1960 Barnes St, Penticton, BC V2A 4C3 www.crediblecremation.ca
If Basic Cremation Is Your Choice By Lesley Luff, Okanagan Falls & Osoyoos Have you noticed lately that when you call any business telephone number, you are greeted by a non-human voice which gives numerous choices and numbers to dial an a list of various department available to the caller? Whatever happened to a real person answering the telephone? Someone with whom one can ask questions of, get a quote on a product or service. What has happened to personal service? Well, you may rest assured, that if you call Lesley at 250-4933912, I will personally answer the phone, no matter if it is after 5 pm, weekend, holiday, or whenever. I feel that personal service is priority, no matter what business one is responsible for. Call me any time, for personal service at a very reasonable price. One phone number, one door and one price. Available 24 hours a day. Lesley at crediblecremation.ca or 250-493-3912. If is with great sadness that we bid farewell to a very special resident of Okanagan Falls.
Letourneau, Jody Carolan
May 31, 1967 - May 28, 2021 Jody passed away on May 28, 2021 in Penticton. Following her valiant struggle to beat the cancer, that eventually took her life. She was just three days away from another Birthday. Jody was pre-deceased by her mother Micky in 2019, and is survived by her loving father, Leonard Letourneau, her brother, Lenny (Kristy) and their three daughters. Jody was an avid golfer, and also travelled the world promoting Okanagan wines. Jody was a very special person, and will be sadly missed by all those who loved her, and by those whose lives she touched. May her spirit rest in eternal peace. Final arrangements through Credible Cremation Services Ltd. 250-493-3912 Emergency Hampers can be made available from Okanagan Falls Helping Hand during the year with proper qualifications. To apply, call 778-559-2412 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. Quick Facts: Skaha Matters is published every month. All residents and businesses in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Estates, St. Andrews, and Twin Lakes receive an issue via Canada Post on the last business day of each month. Limited locations also carry copies. Sign Up Online For full advertising details, please visit www.SkahaMatters.com. Please Note: No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. No liability is accepted for any loss or damage resulting from the use of this publication. We reserve the right to refuse any submission or advertisement, and retain the right to edit all copy. Every effort has been made to make this publication as accurate as possible. All authors and advertisers are provided with a proof of their submission and their final approval must be received to be published. © 2021 Okanagan Matters Publications.
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