Skaha Matters “Bringing Community Matters To You”
Volume 15 : Issue 11 November 2023 Your FREE Monthly Community News!
Vaseux Lake Boardwalk | Photo by Malibu Dreams Photography | To purchase photos, call 250.462.5513.
t e k r a M s l l a F
iquor.store
.com/fal y Agenc Follow us at www.facebook r o u q i Falls Smoking Cheap BC L 4 , Okanagan
ner” Store
e “Cor od Mart) Th
(OK Fo
FALLS MARKET
- Hwy 97
n Street
& 910 Mai
7.519
250.49
ls.market.l
“Pack” Deals
Your One Stop Shop for All Your Needs!
MONDAY - THURSDAY - 2 PC MEAL ~ $6.95
+ taxes
MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE! VALID NOVEMBER 2023 ONLY. FALLS MARKET
EVERYDAY IN NOVEMBER - 6 PC MEAL ~ $15.95
+ TAXES
MUST PRESENT THIS COUPON AT TIME OF PURCHASE! VALID NOVEMBER 2023 ONLY.
During days of inflation, rely on us for cheap affordable pricing!
COLDEST BEER in Okanagan Falls ... GUARANTEED!
Richard Cannings
Member of Parliament
Attend a Remembrance Day Ceremony on November 11th. Published by Okanagan Matters Publications Monthly submission deadline is always between the 15-20th. skahamatters@telus.net | 250.490.6951 | SkahaMatters.com Quick Facts: Skaha Matters is published every month. All residents and businesses in Kaleden, Heritage Hills, Okanagan Falls, Skaha Estates, St. Andrews, and Twin Lakes receive an issue via Canada Post on the last business day of each month. Limited locations also carry copies. 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. © 2023 Okanagan Matters Publications.
Up To Date Weekly eCalendar!
South Okanagan - West Kootenay Richard.Cannings@parl.gc.ca 250.770.4480
#202 - 301 Main Street Penticton, BC V2A 5B7
increases, and an inflation crisis meant the mere problem was that small businesses needed a few weeks administrative time to get their repayments in order. I want to repeat that without a real extension, over 250,000 small businesses are at risk of not surviving. These are the momand-pop stores that sponsor your kids’ sports teams, donate to food banks, kept your family members on the payroll during the pandemic, and, in BC, employ over 43% of workers - they are the backbone of our communities. So, what exactly is CEBA (Canada Emergency Benefit Assistance) and what is the deal small businesses have been dealt? From The Hill Originally, eligible CEBA borrowers had to repay the loan on or By Richard Cannings, MP South Okanagan-West Kootenay before December 31, 2022 to be eligible for the loan forgiveness. That was extended for one year when it was clear businesses We Need A Real CEBA Extension were still having a hard time with lingering effects of the COVID This past summer, my NDP colleagues and I worked hard alongside shutdowns and rising inflation. After broad and far-reaching calls many small businesses, our local Chambers of Commerce, and to extend the loan’s deadline once again, and the result was the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses to ask the less than 3 weeks, unless businesses forgo the promised loan government to extend the CEBA loan repayment deadline for forgiveness or refinance the loans with their banks. If they don’t small, struggling businesses. Over 30,000 small businesses meet the 18-day extended deadline, they will lose their promised in Canada signed a petition urging the government to extend loan forgiveness and accrue interest on funds owed. the deadline, and 250 Chambers of Commerce and other small business organizations wrote to Minister Freeland directly asking Only 10% have been able to repay their loans. Small businesses for help. As the NDP Critic for small business, I wrote my own in the arts, recreation, hospitality, and social services sectors letter, noting that 250,000 small businesses could be at risk of are most at risk to miss the current CEBA deadline. Without a full-fledged extension - that maintains the loan forgiveness, the closing their doors if the repayment deadline was not extended. impacts will be devastating for our local economies. Small businesses have been hit with one thing after another, and they’re still trying to bounce back. So, you can imagine that on Our government must extend the CEBA loan deadline by a year, September 14th when I first heard extensions would be granted, while maintaining the promised $20,000 loan forgiveness so small I thought the government had finally listened to Canadians and businesses can get the relief they need. Given that the Liberals granted a much needed one-year extension. I was excited to call have done so little to address the sky rocketing costs Canadians are many of the local businesses that had shared their struggles and facing, this extension is the least they can do for small businesses. let them know there was hope on the horizon. I was floored to Only months ago, the Liberals backed up an additional three billion realize this much needed extension was a mere 18 days. Instead, in loans to the Trans Mountain pipeline, but 18 days is all they are all I had to share was a half-baked plan that was only designed offering small businesses. Enough is enough. Summer tourism is to push the deadline from the end of December to mid January over, and we need to have these businesses’ backs now more than past the busy holiday season. It seemed the government thought ever. I will keep standing up for those who have contributed so much that a pandemic followed by supply-chain issues, cost of living to our country and keep pushing for a real extension on repayment.
Monthly MLA Report By Roly Russell, MLA Boundary-Similkameen Happy Halloween, all! It’s a favourite time of mine to spend with friends, after putting some creative energy into costume creation. I think our group costume this year is shaping up to be ‘existentialcrisis fighting witches’, but time will tell! Our Premier’s very busy visit to our region (the South Okanagan, Similkameen, and the Boundary) is the big news of the last month for my office. We packed his days with conversations with locals, and he got to hear the biggest issues on people’s minds. At the end of the tour, I asked him what he found most valuable; he highlighted how much he appreciates hearing directly from people about the issues that impact them personally, without filters. From union leaders to business owners to concerned citizens ... he got plenty Premier talks with Director Taylor of that! David Eby and I also co-hosted a Town Hall on rural issues while he was in the South Okanagan, with Q & A from locals but broadcast all across our province. A recurring theme of the successful event was empowering local people and communities to have more influence and capacity for decision-making. This idea wove through discussions on rural primary and acute care, watershed management, economic development, and more. The event built upon our recently released document outlining the first phase of our vision for rural communities across BC, “Good Lives, Strong Communities”.
and Agrirecovery. Grape and apple growers shared their struggles with the devastating winterkill event last December, highlighting the need for support to recover, and to expand this spring’s replant program. More support to get more Premier & I visited the Sikh Temple in Oliver revenue into the pockets discussing farming, education, healthcare, of our small farmers: the and sampled some delicious food! Premier heard this need. Finally, we met also with nurses, doctors, and others at South Okanagan General Hospital, discussing staffing challenges and closures of the SOGH Emergency department, the recent provincial approval of the alternate payment plan for ER physicians in Oliver, as well as longer-term issues such as recruitment of nurses that could be improved by amending BC’s loan forgiveness program criteria. The general tone from the healthcare teams that we spoke to seemed to be that we have turned a corner for improvement, and there’s optimism for the weeks and months ahead. Lots to do, but moving in the right direction. Enjoy November!
Honour Box Self Serve
FARM PRICES
Farm To Table! Self-Serve Fruit Stand
Open 24 hours a day & 7 days a week! 598 East Side Rd & 6th Ave, OK Falls
APPLES, PEARS, SQAUSH, DRIED FRUIT, & FRESH APPLE JUICE Our commitment to rural communities and the unique supports needed was the topic of our Town Hall in Osoyoos. Finally, we brought water leaders together to discuss opportunities for better management of water and watersheds (people there applauded the recent migration of water oversight to the Ministry of Water, Lands, and Resource Stewardship). Both in the fields and in the Sikh temple, we heard from struggling farmers, asking for support with insurance (e.g. updated agricultural offerings for the nature of modern farm realities), and to advocate to the Government of Canada for expanded eligibility for Agristability
The Apple Bin will remain open every day throughout the winter months, selling a variety of apples and pears. Thank you for supporting your local grower! Enjoy Farm Direct Pricing
For large orders of 20 lbs or more, call 250-809-5353.
From The Director For RDOS Area "I"
Fall has arrived. Lots of projects and meetings have happened or are in progress on topics that impact different parts of Area "I". As the RDOS enters budget planning, a local committee is being created for Area “I”. If you are interested in joining, please email me to be included. The committee will review the budget with Subrina Monteith the Director prior to adoption and Director of presentation to the community at 2nd RDOS Area "I" reading by RDOS Finance Manager. The RDOS is continuing work on Pioneer Park enhancements and upgrades. The replacement of the failing septic system (servicing the park washroom) was completed earlier this year. Work to construct a new pathway system to improve accessibility is the next step. Paving work is scheduled to be complete before the end of November 2023. Irrigation and landscape work will continue into spring 2024. Park users can expect disruptions and certain areas Up to of the park will be inaccessible during construction. The majority of the work will take place between the playground and tennis courts and the boat launch, located in the southern portion of the REBATES AVAILABLE park. The washroom facility will be inaccessible for periods of time, for conducting while preparation and paving work occur. work on your Grant funding was secured to improve park accessibility. Subrina property! Monteith, Electoral Area “I” Director, with assistance from the Kaleden Parks and Recreation Commission and RDOS staff, developed plans to upgrade and improve additional park features and amenities. For further information, please contact Rudi Weckel, RDOS Project Coordinator, at 250-490-4102. Building Community Spirit Subrina Monteith, Director of RDOS Area "I" The intention of this column is to share inspirational stories, or Direct: 250.460.0723 | smonteith@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca even a quick photo, to show that community spirit is alive and well.
$1000
DE
S
MEA
LS
KALEDEN
HUB
P
S
250-460-3387 YE RA
VISITS
RI
HELP
Twin Lakes Community Gathering!
Need Medical Equipment?
The HUB had used mobility aids and more to lend. For more information, please call 250-460-3387.
R
GRO
UP
Kaleden FireSmart By Linda Dahl
FireSmart and Power Lines!
On October 1st, the Twin Lakes community had a gratitude gathering in the old restaurant at the Twin Lakes Golf Course. We celebrated our community coming together keeping our spirits high during the Upper Park Rill Creek wildfire this past summer. Many thanks to Kate Trahan, General Manager of Twin Lakes Golf Course, for providing the venue. The Kaleden Community Grant of $200 from the Kaleden Community Association provided a lovely grazing table from Nikki Bailey of Keremeos Boards. Richard Hellyer of the Twin Lakes Fire Services Society spoke about the FireSmart Program. Thank you so much for the community members that came out to support our beautiful Twin Lakes home that is still standing due to the amazing crew that worked tirelessly on the fire. We hope to have another community event over the Christmas Holidays. (Submitted by Raydene Good-May.) For nominations in this “Building Community Spirit” column, please email a few sentences & hopefully a photo to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca. Page 4 | November 2023 | SkahaMatters.com
Do you have dead/dying trees growing into power lines? This can certainly be a problem for homeowners. Fortis will remove or trim trees that are too close to transmission and distribution power lines, but property owners are responsible for maintaining trees near secondary power lines serving their property. Never attempt to prune trees near power lines yourself. Trimming trees around power lines should only be attempted by trained professionals. Serious injuries and even fatalities have occurred when untrained individuals attempt to do this work themselves. Fortis has a tree clearing maintenance program. You can arrange to have your power temporarily disconnected when you have your trees or shrubs pruned or removed around electrified equipment serving your premises. You can call Fortis at 1-866-436-7847 to schedule an appointment. In most cases, there usually is no charge for this service.
Kaleden Irrigation District News
Kaleden Community Association Update
By Bruce Shepherd, KID Trustee
By Glenda Livolsi
Of Consuming Interest ... Yet another record-setting warm and dry summer, which persisted right up to the point of penning this column in the third week of October. This September, we consumed slightly more (2%) water than last year. Comparing April-September usage in 2023 to the 2010-2022 average, we also used 2% more water this year. Not too surprising, when you consider our - yet again - unusually warm and dry autumn. Looking further back in the KID records, we did use 20% less water in 2023 compared to the 1991-2009 average, with those savings attributed to leak repairs and conservation measures. As the weather continued warm and dry on into October, we’ll look at the bottom line for the 2023 May-October irrigation season in next month’s column. Undoubtedly, we will fall well short of meeting the “30% Challenge”, regardless how it is calculated. But please carry on conserving - the following will help to explain why ... We Dodged The Bullet - Or Have We ...? Recent rains and cooler temperatures were welcome, but did little to relieve the drought situation in the Okanagan. Okanagan Lake remains well below normal. As of October 12, the Okanagan Basin remained at Drought Level 4 (adverse impacts likely). And, the forecast is for a warmer and drier winter than normal due to El Niño, with a real possibility that this drought will continue on into 2024. (I’m starting to think I may regret buying that early-bird ski pass - but back to the bigger picture ...). As discussed in the last couple of columns, KID is constrained due to a combined irrigation and domestic water system, making it difficult to achieve both the water quality objectives and water conservation challenges set by the Province. This requires significant investment in infrastructure upgrades, further made impossible due to the Province’s political policy to bar Improvement Districts such as Kaleden from even applying for grants. Thanks to those who have taken the time to express their concern about this exclusion to MLA Roly Russell and Minister of Municipal Affairs Ann Kang. Remember, it’s YOUR tax dollars that are (NOT currently) at work for you! A Reminder ... That irrigation season ended October 15. If you haven’t already done so, make sure your irrigation system is completely drained. You will be responsible for repair costs, if your irrigation connection freezes. On November 11th ... Next time you’re in the Kaleden Community Hall, take a moment to look at the Honour Roll plaque by the stage, which lists the Kaledenites who went to war for us. Please honour all who served, and remember those who didn’t return ...
Remembrance Day is an annual Memorial Day observed to honour the men and women who served during wartime and to also remember those who have died.
Office Hours: 9-12 Mon/Wed/Thur 119 Ponderosa Ave | 250.497.5407 kaledenirrigation@gmail.com www.kaledenirrigation.org
“In Flanders Fields” by John McCrae In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders Fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders Fields.
All new website for all things Kaleden! Ask about our Kaleden Grant Funding Program
www.KaledenCommunity.com Courtesy of the Kaleden Community Association
Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department By Jean Dube
KVFD Hosting Pancake Breakfast Saturday, November 18 ~ 8-10 am
Kaleden Firehall - 303 Lakehill Road How about you and your family start your busy Saturday by filling your bellies with pancakes and sausages prepared by your local firefighters? Our Pancake Breakfast is by donation and includes hot coffee, tea, hot chocolate, syrup and toppings. Proceeds to KVFD and FireSmart activities. Come on in and tour the firehall. We’ll be on hand to answer your questions and equipment will be on display for your viewing. Recruitment packages will be available for future hiring. Sparky will also make an appearance. A reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 5, when we “fall back” one hour. It is also a good time to test your Smoke Alarms or combination Carbon Monoxide/Smoke Alarms, which are a key part of a home fire escape plan. Test your smoke alarms monthly. Install in every bedroom and on every level of the home, including the basement. Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old based on date of manufacturer on the back label.
5350 9th Avenue Okanagan Falls BC
Winter Hours
w w w. b u l l i e s p i z z a . c a Tuesday
Monday closed
4pm - 8pm
Wednesday 12pm - 8pm Thursday 12pm - 8pm
250-497-8344
Friday
12pm - 8pm
Saturday
4pm - 8pm
Sunday
4pm - 8pm
Gift certificates available
From The Director For RDOS Area “D” Washrooms Vandalized ~ Sadly, one of the community’s public washrooms was vandalized. Again. This is a tough way to open an article, but these costs add up. As taxpayers, we are spending more than $10,000 annually to clean and repair after the misguided actions of a very small number of people. That’s Matt Taylor roughly a ½% on our taxes ... And very Director for likely, there’s a local element to this. RDOS Area “D” So, following on the “see something / say something” mantra that’s been effective in Penticton, please report any activity of this nature to the RCMP. Road Maintenance ~ Great to see repair work being done in a number of locations throughout the community. There’s always further work to be done - never ending battle - but it is good to see some long-standing holes filled and curbing rebuilt. Please keep up the good work AIM and MoTI! Coffee Break ~ BC’s Premier knows where to get a good cup of coffee! Friday mid-morning saw the Premier and a small entourage including our MLA Roly Russell, stop for a quick cup of coffee at KJ Coffee Bar, with hosts Joanie and Karl, right here in Okanagan Falls! The group was enroute to meetings throughout the South Okanagan, from Oliver’s South Okanagan General Hospital to a Town Hall in Osoyoos. The Premier was aware that incorporation is being considered, asking where we were at in the process and how it was going. There was time for a quick ‘elevator pitch’ regarding the need for grant financing to assist subsidized housing by the Housing Society and infrastructure - sewer and water - throughout Area “D” to meet unprecedented growth. We thank the Premier for stopping and welcom the opportunity to plan a return visit.
Town Hall ~ Several individuals from Area “D” attended a Town Hall with the Premier, hosted by our MLA Roly Russell in Osoyoos. It was a small event, less than 100 people in the room, with some online. The general public was given the vast majority of time to express concerns and ask questions. Some of the issues touched on were: housing; healthcare; the reality that so many of our rural communities are resource based; and the economy, particularly as it relates to small business in rural BC. The responses were refreshingly straight forward and fact based with a dose of selfdeprecating humour. Again, there was opportunity to introduce a leader from the Okanagan Falls community. Leslie D’Andrea spoke in support of financial grant assistance for the South Skaha Housing Society’s 2nd building and also voiced the concerns of local businesses wineries and others - that are struggling to deal with the effects of: rising interest rates and other input costs; fire and weather related events; and the tourist ban coming at the end of summer and eliminating a peak tourist period. Closing Comments ~ In spite of washroom issues, and politicians, politics, or political events for that matter, it’s good to be reminded of what an amazing community we live in. Whether it’s the return of Pelicans seen by many of us, or the amazing fall weather and colourful leaves, there is much to be thankful for. Director’s Office Hours ~ Stop by the RDOS Okanagan Falls Office located at 1109 Willow Street on the first Tuesday each month between 1-3 pm. I look forward to meeting with you then. Matt Taylor, Director for RDOS Area “D” Direct: 250-460-0980 | mtaylor@rdos.bc.ca | www.rdos.bc.ca
Okanagan Falls Cabins Visiting the wineries in the area, your adventure could start here.
Don’t forget to review us on TripAdvisor & Facebook!
Thanks for an amazing Summer & Fall. Stay tuned for our Winter Hours Coming Soon!
5121 9th Avenue, Okanagan Falls
Any inquiries, email kjcoffeebar@gmail.com
778.515.6502
3 WINDS HAIR DESIGN We’ve MOVED! After 20 years in our past location, we have
moved into the showroom at Falls Furniture & Cabinet Co. next to KJ’s.
Book your Hair Appointments with Linda or Carrie. Book your Wednesday Chair Massage with Kim. 5119 9th Ave. Okanagan Falls
250-497-8801
Nestled at the south end of Skaha Lake, we welcome guests year round. The beautifully appointed common area is perfect for family reunions, weddings or for just a relaxing time away from it all. Available for monthly/nightly rental all year round! 604-379-5125 okfallscabins@gmail.com 718 Main St, Okanagan Falls
Incorporation Process Next steps
Initiate incorporation study • • •
FALL 2022 SUMMER 2023 COMPLETE
•
FALL 2023 SPRING 2024 CURRENT PHASE
Community events and written communications to share information about incorporation and answer questions
SPRING WINTER 2024
Analysis to determine incorporation impacts • •
• If a referendum is recommended, Province of BC initiates a vote • Electors in the Incorporation Study Area vote whether to incorporate
Community conversations
Province of BC approves/ funds the Study RDOS selects Study consultants RDOS establishes community committee to oversee process
Consultants assess service, governance, and tax impacts Committee ensures community interests are considered
SPRING 2025
EARLY 2025
Final report on incorporation • • •
Consultants submit report to Committee and RDOS Board Committee recommends whether to proceed with referendum RDOS accepts or rejects recommendation
For more information: rdosregionalconnections.ca
Service Delivery In Regional Districts By Rick Wilson, Chair of the Incorporation Study Committee As the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study gets underway, I want to share some background about how regional districts and municipalities make decisions about services they provide to local residents. Okanagan Falls is currently part of Electoral Area (EA) “D” in the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS). An EA is the land and communities outside municipal boundaries, often referred to as a rural or unincorporated area. As part of an EA, Okanagan Falls is represented by one elected official, the Area Director who sits on the RDOS Board. There are 20 directors on the Board, 9 EA and 11 Municipal, each representing their own constituents. In regional districts, some decisions about services are made by the elected directors of those who participate in the service (i.e. land use decisions). However, where a service is only provided to one EA, or a portion of an EA (such as Okanagan Falls Wastewater Treatment Plant or Sun Valley Water System in Area “D”), decisions cannot be made by just one EA Director and are instead made by the RDOS Board (all 20 municipal and EA directors). This is a distinct difference from the municipal model, where the authority for making decisions for local municipal services rests primarily with the municipal council, all of whom are locally elected. Put differently, council decisions for municipal services do not involve representatives from outside jurisdictions. Neither model is necessarily better, but they are different, and electors within the Okanagan Falls Incorporation Study Area will need to consider which one appeals most to them. You can learn more about this topic and more on the Incorporation Study webpage at rdosregionalconnections.ca.
Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department By Colin Pickell This month, we are welcoming four new recruits to our fire hall! They will be issued gear, including boots, a helmet, a jacket, some pants, a pair of coveralls, and three different types of work gloves. But one thing they won’t be given, probably because it doesn’t exist, is the Standard Oxford Firefighter to English translation dictionary. This book would be very helpful for their first few practices, as they will be introduced to a brand-new language. If you’ve ever gotten off the plane in a country where you didn’t speak the language, you’ll understand how challenging it’s going to be for them. Let’s listen in: “Welcome to the firehall. I’d like you to don some bunker gear, throw on an SCBA and grab a Halligan bar.” Translation: Let’s have you put on 45 lbs of gear meant to keep you safe from fire, throw on a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus - like SCUBA but without the “Underwater” - and pick up a multitool used for breaching doors. Great! Next: “While wearing all of your turnout gear we’re going to show you how to operate your air pack.” Well, just like in English, there are lots of words that mean the same thing at the firehall. Turnout gear = bunker gear and SCBA = air pack. Let’s move on to their initial training. They’ll use Storz adaptors, ponies, gate valves and spanners - and that’s just to hook up a hose to a fire hydrant. In fact, in just a few short weeks from now, after donning their structure gear (a.k.a. bunker gear, a.k.a. turnout gear), they may use a piece of equipment with pawls or dogs, a fly, a halyard and butt spurs to hoist a Pulaski or a mattock onto a Type-III roof from the delta side to ignite some light-emitting diodes and simulate the candling of a Class-A fire. Or loosely translated ... They will grab a ladder, go onto the roof of the firehall and turn on our Christmas tree lights. SkahaMatters.com | November 2023 | Page 7
OK Falls Parks & Rec Commission By Bob Daly, Chair Some wonderful news this past month with the appointment of Nancy Wigley to the position of Recreation Coordinator. Nancy has over eleven years experience with RDOS working in recreation, special events, volunteer management and general administration, many of those years spent working in Okanagan Falls. With a focus on community, Nancy will be working with Recreation Commissions and community groups to develop and deliver quality programs and services to the communities of Okanagan Falls and Kaleden. Nancy replaces Sydney Clement who served in the position for nearly three years and who has taken a position in her home town of Summerland. Okanagan Falls Parks and Recreation and the Okanagan Falls Community thanks Sydney for her dedicated service.
DT PROFESSIONAL HOME WATCH SERVICE INC.
250-770-0585 DARYL TARR LICENSED INSURED BONDED
LET US BE YOUR SECURITY BLANKET Use our dependable, trustworthy and friendly services to have peace of mind, while you are on vacation or away.
Check with your Insurance Co. Call us for a FREE Quote!
RV & Boat Storage Mini Storage
Google: DT Professional Home Watch
Meet Chelsey Fischer By Nancy Wigley, Recreation Coordinator Chelsey Fischer is a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor with a wealth of knowledge in martial arts. She has been teaching kickboxing classes through the RDOS for kids and adults for over a year and has already drawn several participants into the sport. Outside of coaching, Chelsey practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has earned gold and silver medals in local competitions. She is also an international bronze medalist in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, since returning from her most recent competition in Las Vegas. Chelsey loves teaching kickboxing, because she gets to share her passion for fitness through a dynamic workout that challenges both the body and the mind. Her classes appeal to those who have never boxed before. Chelsey focuses on teaching fundamental techniques, and gradually building on them for a fun and interesting class. We invite you to join one of Chelsey’s programs currently running: • Kids Kickboxing for ages 10-15 at Okanagan Falls Zen Centre from 3:30-4:30 pm on Tuesdays until November 28. • Adult Kickboxing for ages 16+ at Okanagan Falls Zen Centre from 5-6 pm on Tuesdays until November 28. • Box Fit for ages 16+ at Kaleden Community Hall from 9-10 am on Saturdays until November 25 (no class November 18). Sign up online at rec.rdos.bc.ca or email rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca.
Collective Storage has vacancy and is able to solve your parking and storage needs. collectivestorage.ca
4850 Weyerhauser Rd, OK Falls
250.497.5129
RCMP Community Report By Jo Anne Ruppenthal, Community Policing-Resortative Justice Coordinator As I look out of my office window, I see nothing but gray skies and blowing tree branches with green and orange leaves. I feel thankful, because I do not see snow on the ground! Hello, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Jo Anne Ruppenthal. I am a retired RCMP Member that is currently working for the City of Penticton as the Restorative Justice Coordinator, under the Community Policing Unit. I served with the RCMP for 25 years working in places throughout BC. My career took me to Kitimat, Kelowna, Ladysmith, Chetwynd and then to Penticton. When I talk about being thankful that there is no snow on the ground yet, in Chetwynd there definitely was!!! But as we say in the Peace Region,“at least it’s a dry snow”. I would like to remind the public that they should be having appropriate tires for the weather here in the Okanagan, which means M+S or Mountain/Snowflake tires, and commercial vehicles to carry chains between October 1 and March 31. The roads in the Okanagan Valley bottom, as well as the mountain passes, are now included in this requirement. Visit drivebc.ca for more information on winter tires, winter driving and the designated Winter Tire and Chain-Up Route Maps. Every time I talk about tires, I am reminded of my time in Kitimat where I was a young rookie investigating a fatal collision and while speaking with the Coroner, who was also the owner of a local tire shop, he told me to look at the vehicle’s tires and proceeded to tell me how spending the money on actual winter rated tires could have been one way of preventing this tragedy. That always stuck with me. What’s that saying, “pay now or pay later?”
Lest We Forget Join us for some Holiday Cheer! November 18 and 19, 11am to 5pm - Free event Includes Free Tastings, Mulled Wine, Stocking Stuffers, and Sweets from Chef John. Santa will visit from 3:30 to 5pm. Bring your kids or 4 legged friends to have photos taken with Santa.
Annual Holiday Sale Returns Check your inbox November 18th...
378 Parsons Road, Okanagan Falls blastedchurch.com 250-497-1125
Heritage Hills, Lakeshore Highlands, Vintage Views Community Association By Susan Lychack, Secretary Heritage Hills/Lakeshore Highlands/Vintage Views residents will be asked to participate in a referendum early next year, essentially to vote on the future of the Lakeshore Waterworks and the Vintage Views Sewage Treatment plan. Both utilities are currently privately owned and operated.
Dedication of the new “Birds of the Okanagan Falls Waterfront” sign include: L-R Bob and Sheila Daly, Area “D” Director Matt Taylor, and South Okanagan Naturalist Club members Ted Lynch, Bob Handfield and Colleen Simmons.
New Bird Sign For KVR Trail Submitted Press Release Users of the KVR Trail in Okanagan Falls will notice a new feature near the start of the trail by Lions Gardens. The new sign “Birds of the Okanagan Falls Waterfront” features pictures of 24 of the more common birds in the area and the time of year they are most likely to be seen. The project was initiated by Bob and Sheila Daly of Okanagan Falls in conjunction with the South Okanagan Naturalist Club, who had pioneered a similar project in Penticton several years before, and with the RDOS who completed the installation. A second sign will be installed near the Spit once it’s reconstruction is finished. The Dalys are pleased to contribute a gift which will add to the enjoyment of the beautiful community of Okanagan Falls for visitors and residents alike.
After a long history of failures of the sewage treatment plant, ongoing issues with the water delivery system including water testing and quality, residents are finally going to have a chance to have their concerns addressed. The referendum will determine whether the RDOS will take over the water supply and control of the Vintage Views Sewage Treatment Plant rather than leaving both these utilities under the current private ownership. Should the RDOS take over the water utility and the Sewage Treatment Plant, they will be in a position to apply for Provincial and Federal grant monies that could cover a large portion of the costs of much needed and necessary repair and upgrades. Most Heritage Hills /Lakeshore Highlands/Vintage Views residents rely on the Community Association to keep them informed of all developments relating to these situations, as well as other matters that are of concern to the community. Annual membership in the Community Association is $20 per household and offers the best way to stay informed of these very important issues. Memberships may be obtained by contacting Susan Lychak, Secretary, by email to sanddlychack@shaw.ca or may be paid at the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at the Okanagan Falls Elementary School at 7:00 pm. SkahaMatters.com | November 2023 | Page 9
Sauna Therapy Offers Enormous Health Benefits By Dr. Tamara Browne, ND Naturopathic Physician, Licensed and Registered by the BC Ministry of Health Skin is our largest organ and is often overlooked as a means of preventing and treating many of our most prominent illnesses. Saunas and sweat lodges have a long tradition of use throughout the world, and for good reason. Three major health areas that have been more recently scientifically studied showing excellent benefits of regular sauna use are: detoxification, performance enhancement, and optimizing brain health. As we are discovering, this therapy, also known as “Hyperthermic Conditioning”, not only feels wonderful but has multiple positive effects on the brain and body ranging from increased endurance to the growth of new brain cells. As far as detoxification is concerned, we now should all be aware that our environment is fairly toxic and that these various toxins are being stored in our tissues, primarily in our fatty tissues (this includes the fat layer under the skin, our brain and nervous system, and the fatty deposits in our organs). The US Centre for Disease Control found 148 different chemicals in the blood and urine samples of 2400 randomly sampled Americans, and 90% of the samples contained toxic pesticides. Further, a Mount Sanai School of Medicine study found 167 different chemicals in the blood and urine samples of volunteers. The toxins included lead, dioxins, PCB’s, phthalates, DEHP, and more. This is just a small sample of the research mounting to support the fact that most, if not all, humans on the planet carry a significant toxic load. Sweating the toxins out is likely the safest means of eliminating them from our bodies, since it bypasses the need for the toxins to pass through the organs of detoxification (Lymphatics, liver, bowel, kidney, lung), as well as from being dumped into the blood stream and possibly being redistributed to other storage compartments. Thus, sweating is likely our safest means of detoxifying harmful chemicals and heavy metals and should be incorporated routinely as one of your healthy lifestyle habits. The next benefit may not be so self-evident - Saunas enhance athletic performance, aid in muscle recovery after exercise, increase muscle mass, and aid in tissue repair. The mechanism underlying these effects is a measurable increase in certain hormones and other regulatory proteins such as HGH (human growth hormone), BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor), HSPs (Heat Shock Proteins), and a host of cell protecting antioxidants. HGH is a foundational chemical in the normal milieu of the body that enhances muscle mass, lowers body fat, and prevents the loss of muscle and bone that can occur with aging. With age, HGH declines precipitously. BDNF enhances the production and growth of new nerve cells in the brain. Heat Shock Proteins are used by our cells to counteract stress. They can prevent damage to cells by scavenging free radicals and also by increasing the level of antioxidants. A third proven benefit of regular sauna use, which is also not so obvious, is that it improves brain functioning. Research shows that regular sauna use, correlates with a reduced risk of death from any cause, and may help prevent the development of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. A Finnish study showed that men who used a sauna 4-7 times per week for an average of 15 minutes per day, had a 66% lower risk of developing dementia and a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease compared to men who used the sauna only once per week. It has been found that
the Natural Family
Health Clinic
& Chelation Centre
Preventing illness optimizing health,naturally. OFFERING INTRAVENOUS & INJECTABLE THERAPIES: • Chelation • Rejuvenation and Detoxification • Oxidative Therapies • Supportive Cancer Care • Prolozone Pain Management & Joint Rejuvenation Therapy • Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy
Dr. Tamara Browne, Naturopathic Physician Unit 8B, 5350 Hwy 97, Okanagan Falls, BC
250-497-6681 www.drtamarabrowne.ca chelationokanagan saunas lower inflammation in the body, lower blood pressure, improve blood flow dynamics, and enhance relaxation and mood. The brain enhancing effects are partly due to the increase in various brain chemicals and hormones such as norepinephrine, a stress hormone that increases focus and attention, prolactin which promotes myelin growth, helping the brain to function faster and repair nerve cells damage, and BDNF (Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor) which activates the production of new neurons (nerve cells). Further benefits are derived from the enhancement of insulin sensitivity and lowering of blood glucose levels (elevated glucose is associated with an increase in Alzheimer’s disease), and the benefits to the cardiovascular system. The same Finnish study showed that saunas can significantly lower one’s risk of death from fatal heart problems. And, the enhancement of brain blood flow aids in detoxification and regeneration of the brain cells. So, sweating is very good for you! If you are new to this therapy, start low and go slow. Begin with just a few minutes and increase gradually to a total of 15-30 minutes per session. Whether a dry sauna or a steam sauna is used, the main effect is the sweating that it produces, so either one can be effective. Consider incorporating this daily habit into your routine for the many health dividends it pays. You will be sure to feel more relaxed and enjoy much better health.
FOOTCARE BY JANEL JANEL ANIC Serving the South Okanagan, All Ages, Veterans & Diabetics
Licensed Practical Nurse 250-462-5666
Creative Wellness Solutions
Join us Wednesday, November 8
By Dee-anne Stone, Seniors Wellness Practitioner Massage can take an important role in the lives of seniors, and even more so with those in any stage of dementia. The massage chair provides an easily accessible mode for a most relaxing massage that will relieve symptoms of anxiety, depression and agitation. Our regular massage focuses on the upper back, neck, lower back, arms and hands. This provides a wonderfully relaxing feeling that helps dispel the lows of depression and the symptoms of anxiety. Many seniors experience isolation and this is another element that regular massages can help with and for those with dementia it can also reduce agitated behaviour and wandering. According to a study from the University of Pittsburgh, routines and being active are very significant to wellbeing. It states “Older adults who consistently get up early and remain active throughout the day are happier and perform better on cognitive tests than those with irregular activity patterns”. Having a routine is even more important for people with dementia. Routines are stored in our long-term memory and since dementia typically affects shortterm memory first, routines are retained longer and can last even into the middle stages of this progressive disease. Adding a regular massage to your routine would be extremely beneficial. Creative Wellness Solutions provides a convenient massage with innumerable benefits on a comfortable massage chair. You do not need to climb onto a table or remove clothing and no oils are used. You can choose from a head and face, upper body, or legs and feet massage, or any combination. We are a mobile service, so are able to come to you in your home ($50 for a 30 minute appointment). Group sessions and gift certificates are also available. Please call Dee-anne at 250-497-5974 to arrange an appointment or to discuss The Grease Cream; which is an amazing, all-natural, cannabis infused pain management alternative that actually works. Be sure to check out our website at www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com for more information about our services, The Grease Cream and where you can read any past articles you may have missed.
to welcome our
New Pharmacist Julie Traballo! Enjoy refreshments and an opportunity to speak to our new pharmacist. Julie is a pharmacist from the Philippines, who immigrated to Canada 20 years ago. She went to the University of Toronto to finish the International Pharmacy Graduate Program in 2004. She started her career as a community pharmacist in 100 Mile House, where she developed passion for smaller communities. Her fondness for smaller communities continued when she moved to Princeton, where she spent 15 years of her career as pharmacist owner of Shoppers Drug Mart before relocating to Penticton recently. In her spare time, she works as a pharmacist for the Provincial Covid-19 line and 811. She is now the Pharmacy Manager for Pharmasave Okanagan Falls. She looks forward to getting to know the community and serving the wonderful people. Julie is excited to help out our community with any concerns or questions about your medications or how we can service you better. We provide blood pressure screening, compliance packaging, compounding, minor ailments prescribing, vaccinations and delivery.
Pharmasave Okanagan Falls 5217 9th Avenue, Highway 97 | 250.497.8050
Creative Wellness Solutions
Providing a unique combination of Chair Massage & Wellness Coaching
Call Dee-anne ~ 250-497-5974 www.CreativeWellnessSolutions.com
Now Shop Open! Buy L Local. ocal.
yday & r e v E wear s Men thing! o Cl
BARBER SERVICES
SHAVE SERVICES
Kids under 12 ...................................... $20 Seniors/Basic Buzz ............................. $21 Men’s Cut/Style ................................... $30 Men’s Cut/Style (Long Hair) ............ $35 Bear Trim (Clipper Only) ................... $20 Beard Trim with Razor Cut-Out ... $25 Straight Razor Shave ......................... $50 Head Shave with Straight Razor ... $45
Bush Whacker ......... $30 Arms ........................... $20 Legs ............................ $20 Buttocks .................... $25 Back & Shoulders ... $25 Chest & Stomach .... $25 The Full Shear .......... $80
#4 - 5350 Highway 97
Okanagan Falls
778-515-1313
The Heart of Wine Country™ Presents
HOLIDAY CHEER November 18th & 19th
Join the Stag’s Hollow family for complimentary wine tastings, enter to win a holiday prize pack, and get a jump start on your holiday shopping at our mini-market featuring local artisans. Plus, Sommelier Ron Rocher will entertain you with his magical “old world vs. new world” wine pairing station. Tastings are festive & free all weekend from 11am to 4pm. Walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended.
Open for Tastings Friday to Sunday 12-4pm 250.497.6162 Okanagan Falls stagshollowwinery.com
Free Wireless Internet!
www.orl.bc.ca
OK Falls Branch:
101 - 850 Railway Lane - 250-497-5886 Tuesday 10 am - 6 pm / Wednesday 10 am - 4 pm Friday 10 am - 5 pm / Saturday 10 am - 2 pm Adult Programs: Crafting Circle ~ Wednesday, November 1 & 15 from 1-3 pm. Bring your creative talents and participate with like-minded individuals. Have fun while you create! Book Club ~ Our book club discussion will be on Wednesday, November 15 from 1-2 m. This month’s discussion will be “Fight Night”, by Miriam Toews. If you would like to join our club, please contact Lynn at the library for more information. Sensational Sharpie Art ~ Wednesday, November 1, 8 & 15 from 6:30-8 pm. Come and create some sensational art using sharpies. We’ll make coasters, bookmarks, and Christmas balls. Teens and Adults. Pre-registration required. Space is limited. Art Therapy ~ Saturdays during open hours. Come and experience the calming affects of colouring. Attention Gardeners! We are accepting donations of flower and vegetable seeds for our new Seed Library. We accept all kinds of seed donations both commercially packed and saved seed. Our plan is to have the Seed Library up and running for the 2024 growing season. Christmas Card Making with Pat ~ Wednesday, November 20 from 4-5:30 pm. Registration required. Space is limited. You will go home with 2 beautiful Christmas Cards to give to someone special. Children’s Programs: Preschool Story Time ~ Join us for some fun! Stories, songs, and more! Every Wednesday to December 13 from 10:30-11 am. Afterschool Drop-in LEGO and KEVA PLANK Club ~ Come and build something awesome! This program is self-directed. Wednesdays from 3-4 pm. Drop-In LEGO and KEVA PLANK ~ Come and build something great with your family/friends every Saturday during open hours. For more information on any of our programs, please contact the library at 250-497-5886 or email okanaganfalls@orl.bc.ca. Did You Know? • Two of the most popular toys were first released in November, the game Monopoly (1935) and the Easy-Bake Oven (1963). • The first x-ray was invented in Germany in November 1895 and King Tut’s Tomb was discovered on November 4, 1922. • Sneakers were originally called “sneaks”, because the wearer could walk in them without making noise. The name eventually evolved into “sneakers”. Silent Auction ~ Our annual Silent Auction will begin November 18. The Friends of the Library gratefully accept donations to this cause. Come and see what we have this year and all proceeds go towards our kids’ programs! Submitted by Lynn Warfield, Okanagan Falls Community Librarian
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
DARYN POTTINGER
Kaleden Branch:
101 Linden Avenue - 250-497-8066 Tuesday 1-5 pm / Thursday 1-8 pm / Friday 1-5 pm Preschool Storytime continues during the month of November. Join us at the Kaleden Library to meet new friends! Little ones with their parents, grandparents, or caregivers are welcomed to join us on Tuesday mornings from 10-10:45 am. This program includes Miss Glenda reading a couple of stories, action rhymes, fingerplays, and a small craft. Afternoon LEGO was very popular in October so the Kaleden Library is offering another program on Thursday, November 16th, at 2:30 to 3:30 PM. Pre-registration is required for this program as space is limited. This program is for kids 5 to 11 years old. Create something by yourself or with a friend! Please call the Kaleden Library at 250-497-8066 or email Kaleden@orl.bc.ca to register for these programs, or for more information. Get Your Free Library Card Today! Okanagan Regional Library is having a new patron recruitment drive! We are encouraging more people in our communities to enroll in our library system. Please bring two pieces of personal identification and proof of address for a new card. The Kaleden Library staff can also upgrade an old card to a new one at for no extra charge. For the month of November, the Okanagan Regional Library is offering 5 Monster Theme cards for the kids! The names of the monster cards are Terry, Merry, Jerry, Perry, and Dave. New cards for adults feature beautiful scenery photos. It’s a great time to get a new card! Submitted by Glenda Livolsi, Kaleden Community Librarian
Exhibitions, artist studios, workshops, drop-ins, and more. Let's get creative!
pentictonartscouncil.com
250.492.7997
Exhibitions & Coming Events Submitted by the Penticton & District Community Arts Council The Penticton & District Community Arts Council is excited to announce our upcoming exhibitions for November! November 18 to January 13 - Exhibitions •
Animal Antics II in Gallery I: Annual open group exhibition featuring bright and cheerful animals/creatures created by local artists.
•
Playful Colours and Mysterious Objects in Gallery ll: Solo exhibition by Kurt Hutterli of vibrant abstract paintings and playful sculptural installations.
•
Ornamented lV in Members’ Space: Annual members’ exhibition featuring handmade ornaments created by PDCAC member artists.
The Penticton Arts Council Galleries are currently open Wednesdays to Saturdays, 10:30 am to 4:30 pm, at 220 Manor Park Avenue in the Leir House Cultural Centre. To find out more about the Penticton Arts Council’s exhibitions, events, artists’ opportunities, the community calendar, and more, please visit www.pentictonartscouncil.com.
School Trustee Report For SD67 By Karen Botsford, School Trustee November is here already! It has been a busy couple of months! The Strategic Plan was approved at the September board meeting, and I would encourage you to visit the district website sd67.bc.ca where you will find it on the home page. The renewed vision statement “Empowering all learners to thrive”, and the mission statement “Cultivating conditions for powerful learning”, where every learner feels valued and inspired to contribute to an equitable and sustainable society along with the core values, “Equity, Resilience, Empathy, and Sustainability” will guide the district for the next 5 years. We are grateful to our indigenous rightsholders and partner groups, staff, and students who contributed greatly to the process. Grounded in our core values, the board continues to support the great work being done that is “focused on nurturing inclusive learning environments where every individual feels recognized, acknowledged, and accepted”. The district in partnership with the SOICS (South Okanagan Immigration and Community Services) is hosting an Anti-Racism parent engagement series offered both online and in person at siya? House at the Board Office, located at 425 Jermyn Avenue. Dates: November 8, November 15, February 7, April 10. RSVP dhyde@sd67.bc.ca. Learn how to talk to youth about racism, learn more about anti-racism programs and initiatives and provide feedback to SD67 and SOICS. On October 13 and 14, I attended the Thompson Okanagan Branch meeting in Merritt held at the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology. The host district, SD 58 Nicola-Similkameen, provided learning opportunities at Nicola-Canford Elementary where trustees, staff, students, and elders participated in the Blanket Exercise, a very moving hands-on engagement with our shared history as Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Superintendent of Indigenous Learning for the Ministry of Education and Childcare, Denise Augustine, presented and facilitated a conversation on equity and Truth and Reconciliation. In another session, the Assistant Deputy Minister, Jennifer McCrea, presented on the topic of Board Governance Through Challenging Times. The 9 districts in our branch have experienced challenges including COVID, wildfires, heat domes, tragedy, and floods. The ministry and the districts shared lessons learned and have updated procedures moving forward. One takeaway was that districts supported neighbouring districts in their time of need, to ensure students and families were supported. For more information, please contact Karen Botsford, School Trustee for SD67, by sending an email to kbotsford@sd67.bc.ca. I am grateful to be living on the unceded traditional territory of the Syilx Okanagan People.
October Highlights From Kaleden Elementary School By Ron Manning, Acting Principal The month of October saw us get into our educational groove. Students really began to fall into their routines and began to dig into the curriculum. The month has been highlighted by two grade 4/5 cross country runs at Trout Creek Elementary on October 13th and Naramata Elementary on October 26th. The Kaleden primary classrooms visited the pumpkin patch at Blossom Fruit Stand in Summerland on October 19th and our pumpkin carving day was held on October 27th. Thank you so much to “The Peach King” for supplying our students with pumpkins! The month was rounded out by our Halloween bash in the afternoon of October 31st. Parent/Teacher conferences were also held on Monday, October 30th, Wednesday, November 1st and Thursday, November 2nd.
Kaleden Elementary PAC Update By Lauralee Majeau We would like to acknowledge Peach King in Keremeos for their generous pumpkin donation. Your kindness is greatly appreciated and gave the kids a day of fun to carve and decorate! In other news, fundraising is currently underway for poinsettias and holiday greenery arrangements. If you are interested in purchasing, please contact Trenna Fisher at trennafisher@outlook.com. KPAC is also planning to participate at the Kaleden Winter Market on November 18. Please come by our booth at the Kaleden Hall and enter to win one of our amazing Christmas baskets. Thanks again to our community for your continued support.
Volunteer Spotlight Creative Halloween Themed Volunteer
enthusiastic about all things Halloween, Yvonne Lyver Skaha Lake Middle School Winter Market Extremely at 18-1302 Cedar Street in Okanagan Falls planned an amazing
By Janine Moore, PAC Chair & Organizer animatronic Halloween display for the 4th year in a row. She joined in the fun by pretending to be just another Skaha Lake Middle School PAC is excited to present our 2nd prop, as shown in the photo on left. Yvonne annual Artisan Winter Market! This year’s market will take place used her love of Halloween as a way to on November 25, 2023 from 9 am - 4 pm at 110 Green Avenue support the Okanagan Falls Helping Hand. West in Penticton. Come and shop our Artisan crafters, enter Thank you to everyone who donated nonto win one of our amazing raffle baskets, enjoy a hot chocolate perishable food items in the large pink bins. and some popcorn - all in one place. Entry is by donation. Hot And, thank you Yvonne for your creative way chocolate and popcorn will be available for sale. to volunteer and support your community, This is a great opportunity to support Skaha Lake Middle School’s while entertaining everyone too! students and teachers. All proceeds go towards activities and class items. We had over 35 vendors last year, and plan to expand this For nominations in this “Volunteer Spotlight” column, please email year. A one stop shop for all your Christmas shopping. Come by a few sentences & hopefully a photo to rdosrec@rdos.bc.ca. SkahaMatters.com | November 2023 | Page 13 and spend some time with us. We look forward to seeing you there!
October Highlights From Okanagan Falls Elementary School By Principal Karen Sinclair
Where does the time go?!? Lots of learning and exciting events at our school this past month! 1. Pickleball with community volunteers ... Thank you Dale, Dorothy and Mary! 2. OKF students participate in the District Cross Country Run ... Way to SOAR, Falcons! Thank you Ms. Keyes and Ms. Souch. 3. Fall is here! Div. 1 & 4 “Buddy” up to find lots of leaves for an art project. 4. Div. 3 Teamwork Challenge ... Learning how to work together and communicate. 5. OKF Soccer Team enjoys the District Playday ... Great job team! Thank you to coaches Mr. Souch and Mr. Azak. 6. SPECIAL THANK YOUs: OKF Lions Club for our breakfast program, OKF Fire Dept for sponsoring the “Get Out Alive” program, and OKF PAC for hosting the Halloween Fun Night!
Okanagan Falls PAC Update By Chantelle Bruwer Cookie Dough Fundraiser ~ PAC is proud to have teamed up with Future Fundraising. We are selling delicious Cookie Dough and Cheese Cakes, which can be stored frozen or refrigerated. $25 per 3.5 lb pail - makes 56 cookies. Great for holiday baking with your family. Orders are due by Friday, November 3 and will be available for pick-up on or after Tuesday, November 21. To order, please contact Chantelle at chantellebruwer@gmail.com. Meat Draw ~ PAC and the Okanagan Falls Legion is hosting another Meat Draw! Join us on Saturday, November 4 at 4 pm at the Okanagan Falls Legion for a Meat Draw in support of Okanagan Falls Elementary! Everyone is welcome! Christmas Craft Market ~ Join us on Saturday, November 25 from 9 am - 3 pm at the Okanagan Falls Elementary Gym. We have over 40 vendors! KJ Coffee Bar will be in the kitchen. Come support your locals and get some Christmas shopping done! PAC Meeting ~ Our next PAC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7th at 6 pm in the School Library. All parents/guardians of OKF students are welcome! Free child minding is available. Thrift Shoppe
Thrift Shoppe
Open 10-3 Wed-Fri & 12-3 Sat 250-497-7047
Okanagan Falls Heritage & Museum Place - 1145 Main St
Accepting Clean & Gently Used Clothing & Accessories In Person When Open Please!
GIRLS CLUB South Okanagan Celebrates One Year Anniversary Submitted Press Release
LOCKE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LTD. The South Okanagan’s preferred Property Manager for over 40 years! OFFICE 250-492-0346
FAX 250-492-6673
528 MAIN ST. PENTICTON, BC V2A 5C7 www.lockeproperties.ca
The GIRLS CLUB South Okanagan Chapter is thrilled to announce the celebration of its 1st Anniversary. Founded in September 2022 by Angela Douglas, a passionate mom and volunteer, GIRLS CLUB South Okanagan embraces all that GIRLS CLUB holds dear; friendship, fun, inclusiveness, connection, and community. The organization’s mission revolves around celebrating and connecting girls with neurological and developmental differences. Over the past year, GIRLS CLUB South Okanagan Chapter has connected 37 girls, bringing the combined Okanagan and South Okanagan Chapters to 145 girls and families connected! GIRLS CLUB members have enjoyed events held at local vendors and facilities such as: Penticton Excel; Peach Orchard Park; Summerland Recreation Centre - The Pool & Rink; Heartspace Yoga Summerland; Hoodoo Adventures Penticton; Riding4Life Penticton; and Loco Landing Penticton. Angela Douglas, Chapter Leader of the GIRLS CLUB South Okanagan Chapter, expresses gratitude for the community’s support over the past year. “I wasn’t sure what to expect when we started this chapter last year, but I have been touched and overwhelmed by the response from the community, the members and families themselves. Watching the connections blossom between the kids and parents alike has been the greatest reward. A huge thank you to all the vendors who have hosted us.” “We are incredibly proud of what our South Okanagan Chapter has achieved in just one year. GIRLS CLUB wouldn’t be where it is today without the dedication of our Chapter leaders, volunteers, the enthusiasm of the girls we serve, and the generous support of our community partners. We look forward to continuing our mission and empowering even more girls in the years to come.” Vicky Ryan, GIRLS CLUB Founder and Executive Director. GIRLS CLUB thanks the community for all its support, and invites anyone wanting to learn more to reach out. For more information, please email info@ingirlsclub.com or visit www.ingirlsclub.com.
School Trustee Report for SD53 By Sholeh Pickell, School Trustee The communities within the Okanagan Similkameen School District were presented with the school plans at our Education Committee meeting on October 10. This is an evening where our teachers around the district start to see areas of focus, through assessment scans, at their schools and begin directing the work for the year(s) ahead. This year, we noticed a trend toward numeracy as the focal point throughout our elementary schools. Our elementary school in Okanagan Falls presented a plan with many great ways to engage students and address the drop in maths ability, particularly as the students age from primary to intermediate. The teachers will be working together, school-wide, to bring both students’ confidence and learning up in this area in a systematic way. The schools will be assessing what is working and where to pivot throughout the year and presenting in May at our Education Committee meeting on how the efforts went and will have an opportunity to learn from each other. Principal Karen Sinclair also presented the School Plan to the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) at the October 12 meeting. All district school plans can be found on the SD53 website. These presentations happen yearly and are open to the public. To support our strategic plan around mental health support, there are some new or expanded positions this year in the district: District Mental Health Coordinator, Occupational Therapist, Elementary Counsellor, Behaviour Inclusion Support, English Language Learner Specialist Teacher, Integrated Child and Youth (ICY), Clinical Counsellor and an ICY Youth Peer Support Worker. This expansion of our Student Support Services team is exciting and reflective of the Board’s commitment to addressing student needs. The Board approved a Multi-Year Financial Plan in accordance with Ministry requirements. The plan has been posted on the district website and, as a “living” document, will be updated yearly. Finally, the Board was presented with and accepted the 2023 Framework for Enhancing Student Learning report. This report was sent to the Ministry and is posted on the district website. Lastly, I want to announce the retirement of Superintendent Beverly Young. The Board would like to express heartfelt appreciation for the capable leadership she has brought to our district. Superintendent Young is the one of the longest serving Superintendents in a single district throughout the province and has been with us for 13 years. She will be enjoying some well-earned R&R as of January 2024. The Board has appointed Marcus Toneatto, currently our Assistant Superintendent, to the role. He has been working closely with our Superintendent over the past several years and the Board feels he is ready for this next step and will provide continuity and continue to uphold the values of our school district. For more information, please contact Sholeh Pickell, School Trustee for SD53, by emailing to spickell@sd53.bc.ca.
South Skaha Housing Society Update By Michael Livingstone, SSHS Chair As mentioned last month, the South Skaha Housing Society is putting together a proposal to build a much needed rental accommodation in Okanagan Falls. The Society is planning for the building to be a 36 unit building with studio, one, two and three bedroom units, bringing a broad range of housing to Okanagan Falls. As mentioned before, the Society is seeking for “letters of support” from community organizations and business to include with the application when it is submitted to BC Housing. If you have any questions about this or wish to provide a “letter of support”, please contact the Society by email to sshsbod@gmail.com.
Drop Off Non-parishables
Helping Hand Bins Onsite
For All Your Storage & RV Needs ... Think EASY! Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30-4:30 & Saturday 10:00-3:30 1964 Oliver Ranch Road, Okanagan Falls info@easylockselfstorage.com www.easylockselfstorage.com
Space And Time By Tom Landecker The ancient Egyptians knew how to make a right angle: draw a triangle with sides 3, 4, and 5 units long. They used this knowledge to build the pyramids, and to divide up their land into fields with right-angle corners. If the Earth was flat, the Egyptian surveyors could have divided up the entire surface of the Earth into square fields. But the Earth isn’t flat, so that won’t work. To see that it doesn’t work, try putting a page of paper flat on a soccer ball (or a basket ball, or any kind of ball). The paper won’t lie flat, and as you push it onto the surface it wrinkles. You can see exactly the same problem on the Canadian prairies, where the land is divided into square “sections”, each one mile by one mile. Two survey lines, each running North, get closer and closer the further North they go. (Imagine those lines going from the Canadian border at the 49th parallel, all the way to the North pole. They meet there, as do all other lines running North.) The surveyors of the prairies solved this problem by introducing “adjustment lines”. Every ten miles, a new grid is defined. Roads that run North-South have a jog every ten miles. What happened to land surveying between the ancient Egyptians and the prairie surveyors of the 19th century? We stepped up from a flat Earth, two dimensions, to a round Earth, three dimensions. Now I want to take you to four dimensions. We usually think that space and time are completely separate. Around the year 1900, Albert Einstein discovered that, if we consider space and time to be parts of a four-dimensional world, we can understand a lot of things about the world we live in that had, until then, been very puzzling to science. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity has survived every practical test and measurement that we have thrown at it. Now we understand that light rays don’t travel in straight lines near massive stars and galaxies. Now we understand black holes. Now we understand how the Sun makes its energy. We have also started to understand the Universe as a whole. We know that the Universe is expanding, and has been expanding since the moment we call the Big Bang, 13.8 billion years ago. What happened before the Big Bang? That’s a good question, but it can’t be answered. Asking what happened before the Big Bang is like asking what’s North of the North pole. Because we are accustomed to living in three dimensions, we can see that the North pole question doesn’t make sense. It’s harder to think in four dimensions, but to ask what happened before the Big Bang equally doesn’t make sense. Time, as we understand it, began at the Big Bang. Interesting websites: • spaceplace.nasa.gov/big-bang/en/ • wonderopolis.org/wonder/what-is-the-space-time-continuum • chime-experiment.ca 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.
ReliableTravel.ca 250-488-9313
Vi Creasey
vicreasey@shaw.ca
Diane Chatfield BC Business Licence #48999
dchatfield@tpi.ca
How To Book The Cheapest Flights For The Holidays, According To Experts By Vi Creasey
The holiday season may seem like it’s still weeks away, but the time to start booking your travel plans is now. Generally, you really want to be around two months in advance. Some experts say that you can get some of the best fares, if you purchase around 50 days in advance. Airfare will be volatile, but still low during this time. Those who are flexible with their travel dates will save the most money this holiday season. Is there a day that's cheaper than others to book a flight? There used to be some truth to the concept that certain days were better for finding flight deals. However, research shows that this is more of a myth nowadays. There is no one day or 'golden rule' about when to book that applies to all travel. One expert relies on eight years of data and 70 trillion flight prices to recommend the best time to book specific routes and dates. There's a common myth that 'booking on a Tuesday' will guarantee a traveler the best price. The reality is prices change so often and depend on the route, the travel dates, etc., that there isn't one day that guarantees you the best price. For domestic trips, book one to two months in advance. For international trips, expect to book three to five months in advance. There may not be one day to ensure cheaper airfare, and you might find airfare prices fluctuate Monday through Friday. Airlines look at customer demand and monitor booking trends to decide whether to open or close certain types of fares and whether to raise or lower existing fares. So, how can you use this information to your advantage when buying airline tickets? For most domestic trips, airfare will fall between one and three months before your departure before rising rapidly in the last three to four weeks before takeoff. This means there is a sweet spot where airlines will be offering lower prices on average and are more likely to offer promotional discounts and ultra-low fares. To take advantage of these prices, start monitoring prices three to four months before your trip. For international trips, you generally need to book further ahead of time: Start gauging these flight prices six to seven months in advance, while planning on booking three to five months in advance. What's the best day to travel? While airfare prices fluctuate based on when you book, midweek travel is usually cheaper than flying on weekends. Travelers who fly midweek, usually Wednesday, can save an average of $56 per ticket on domestic airfare throughout the year. Midweek savings spike over $60 per ticket during busy spring break and summer vacation months, while flying midweek over the holidays can save you $100 or more. The same logic applies to international travel: A weeklong long-haul trip originating midweek averages $70 less than the same trip originating on a weekend, according to experts. When to book holiday travel? According to an analysis of 11,000 travel itineraries, airfares are up by 12% compared to 2022 prices. While holiday travel days are more accommodating this year, airfare is still on the rise, so it is in travelers' best interest to plan ahead and book early.
Bottom Line ~ While there is no magical time or day to book airfare for the best prices, your best bet is to fly midweek, specifically on Wednesdays, for both domestic and international travel. Flying over the weekend usually comes at a significant price premium. Ultimately, the economics of airfare look a lot like that of any other commodity. Airline pricing is the story of supply and demand. Remember, this advice also applies to cash fares. If you are using airline miles, it's never too soon to start checking and booking. At Reliable Travel, without analyzing 70 trillion flights, our personal experience is that booking early usually results in the best pricing. Also, booking early in the day. What happens with airline tickets is that they can often be held until end of day. At the end of the day, the airline swoops in and brings everything “on hold” but not paid for back into its inventory. Black Friday is approaching quickly. We have often found amazing deals on the Black Friday sales. Last year, I booked Kelowna to LAX for $412, a few weeks later the same flight was over $800. Reliable Travel is here to help with all the Black Friday sales. Changing the subject, let's move to cruising. On our Elvis Cruise to Alaska, sailing from Vancouver on April 30th, we now have 29 cabins booked. Princess Cruises was kind enough to give us an additional 8 cabins at our group prices, so we still have space for you to join us. Our prices are amazing and this cruise will be so much fun! We also have another June 9 group cruise, departing Vancouver northbound. Again, very good pricing. Our Mediterranean Cruise is a 20-day cruise departing from Rome. Please remember that Reliable Travel is here to help you with all your travel needs. We are only a phone call away!
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 250.497.8199.
VENABLESTHEATRE.CA
The Impact Of Removing Dual Agency In British Columbia Real Estate: Navigating Client-Agent Relationships By Sergej Sinicin of neuHouzz Real Estate Group
In My Humble Opinion By David Ohori, MACP, MDiv, RCC Last month, I essentially told everyone that they are their own worst problem. Even though it’s often true, it’s not all that helpful if you struggle with low self-esteem. This month, I’ll try to tip the scale back the other way ... all the way back to ZERO! Engineer, musician, singer, writer, and astronaut Chris Hadfield gave sage advice in his book “An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth” for those wanting to excel in their field: always “aim for zero”. In some ways, it sounds counterintuitive, but he was referring to practicing humility, even when we may be the smartest astronaut in the space station. Humility is a funny thing. In our current culture, humility is something we teach our kids to embody, and at the same time, we often view it as a sign of weakness. Do a quick Google search. You will likely find “A low estimate of one’s own importance”. This definition is completely unhelpful, because it is like saying “that thing over there is small”, when the thing we are talking about is an airplane or a building. The Cambridge dictionary gets us closer to a better understanding of true humility: “the feeling or attitude that you have no special importance that makes you better than others”. Think of humility as the balance point between arrogance and shame. Let me explain. The word “arrogance” is rooted in the concept of reaching out and taking favour from others. In other words, it overestimates one’s significance or entitlement compared to others. The word “shame” originated in the concept of needing to cover oneself. Shame is the sense that our vulnerability and weakness (or our nakedness) has been exposed to others. Humility, however, understands the proper level of one’s significance and value compared to others. And the term’s original meaning was on the ground. Not above, nor below; grounded at zero. In fact, “humility” and “human” both come from the same Latin term, “humus,” meaning ground or soil. Thus, humility recognizes that we all come from the same soil. I am not greater than you, and I am not less than you. I do not deserve more pumpkin pie, and I do not deserve less pumpkin pie. Spiritual leader and writer Echart Tolle teaches that “you are, and will always be, inferior to some, superior to others. In essence, you are neither inferior nor superior to anyone. True self-esteem and true humility arise out of that realization.” This realization acknowledges our strengths and weaknesses and also those of others. Humility is the practice of living and relating with others grounded in our common humanity. I think we should all listen to Chris Hadfield. Not because he’s a good singer (or the first Canadian to spacewalk) but because aiming for zero, is aiming for just the right level of self-esteem ... at least in my humble opinion. If you are struggling with selfworth, self-esteem, or shame, please reach out and connect with us at S2F. And please feel free to submit general questions, and comments to connect@space2flourish.ca and we’ll do our best to answer them in future articles.
In 2018, the British Columbia real estate landscape underwent a significant transformation with the removal of dual agency. This change was aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring a higher level of accountability in real estate transactions. Dual agency, where a single agent represents both the buyer and the seller in a real estate transaction, was seen as a potential conflict of interest. This move ushered in a new era of client-agent relationships. The removal of dual agency was a pivotal step toward creating a more transparent real estate environment. Buyers and Sellers could now be confident that their interests were being exclusively represented by their agent. This new found transparency bolstered trust between clients and their agents, laying the foundation for more open and honest communication. While the removal of dual agency brought about positive changes, agents were compelled to improve their communication skills and collaborate more effectively. Ensuring that the buyer understood the limitations of the agent’s role and that their best interests were still the top priority. Agents need to maintain a professional distance, ensuring that they provide necessary information without overstepping boundaries or influencing the buyer’s decisions unduly. The listing agent is the expert on that property and there is no problem in the listing agent showing the property to a potential buyer, knowing that they have a duty of confidentiality to their seller and they clearly articulate that to the buyer client. The listing agent must also make it clear that the buyer client should not express any information that could be deemed confidential in nature. What are the options for a buyer that is interested in a property and they have been in contact with the listing agent? 1. The buyer client could find their own agent. Essentially asking friends, family or even looking up an agent via Google or other search avenues they choose. 2. The listing agent could recommend another strong professional in the area that could represent the buyer in making an offer on the property. Strong agents attract each other, so a good listing agent that handles this situation professionally can be counted on to provide a strong recommendation to another agent. 3. The buyer client could write an offer unrepresented. To be unrepresented means that you are managing the deal and the contract on your own. If you are not experienced in the sale or purchase of real estate, this may not be the best option for you. If you Books Referenced: have done many transactions and are comfortable with the process • An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, by Chris Hadfield of buying or selling a property, this may be a good option for you. • A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose, by Eckhart Tolle While agents faced challenges in adapting to the new regulations, the shift ultimately benefited buyers and sellers by ensuring they received unbiased representation and advice. In this transformed landscape, the emphasis on clear communication and ethical practices became the guiding principles, shaping a real estate market that prioritized the best interests of clients above all else.
Kaleden Museum ~ Fun Facts By Meredith King For the next few issues, we are going to relate some fascinating fun facts about Kaleden. Interesting anecdotes you should know, so that you can entertain your family and friends. Did You Know ... that during the 20s and 30s the asparagus crop in the orchards, though not as lucrative, was just about as abundant as the apple crop? It began in 1913 when the land kitty-corner to the Old Hotel, almost all the way up to Pine Street, was developed into what was called The Kaleden Hotel Gardens. The gardens provided fresh vegetables for the two hotel dining rooms, plus an abundance of flowers including roses and Baby’s Breath. Among the vegetables successfully nurtured on the slopes was asparagus and though historically very hard to propagate it seemed to thrive there. With the abandonment of the hotel in about 1915 the roses soon disappeared, but the seeds of the asparagus and the Baby’s Breath were gradually scattered by the winds, birds and other forces of nature and soon appeared throughout the community, growing wild on hills and along roads. The asparagus began to reproduce and thrive in the orchards where the irrigation encouraged its growth and by the 20s and 30s every orchard in the community produced a lush crop of this delicacy. My father, Ron King, could remember picking it by the apple box full and delivering it to the restaurants and cafés in Penticton. A welcome cash crop, especially since it was free and required only the labour to pick and deliver it. Unfortunately, the good folk of Penticton had also discovered this bonanza of free food and each Sunday afternoon saw the village inundated with asparagus hunters tramping through the orchards in quest of the shoots. Since the crop was so plentiful, their presence, though not totally appreciated, was tolerated with general good humour. In the meantime, the Baby’s Breath, which had never invaded the orchards as readily, flourished in areas where nothing but native grasses survived, areas uncultivated and unirrigated. Since one plant can produce up to 10,000 seeds, it grew rapidly, unimpeded and unbothered and for years the village was filled with its sweet aroma. In later years, their abundance was discovered by florists and until well into the 70s florists would come from as far away as Victoria to pick and transport truck loads full of the plants for their future floral arrangements. It’s a shame both seemed to have disappeared from the landscape. 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. DE
S
MEA
LS
KALEDEN
HUB
P
YE RA
S
250-460-3387
HELP
VISITS
RI
New To Kaleden?
We would like to welcome you & provide you with a package of community information. Please call 250-460-3387.
R
GRO
UP
Relax ... Rejuvenate ... Heal
250.497.8806
Health is Wealth Share this Truth with a Gift Certificate Celebrating 40 Years of Service! Page 18 | November 2023 | SkahaMatters.com
Jaynie Molloy BSc. Hon. CH. 110 Linden Avenue, Kaleden
premiummobilityproducts.ca
We’ve Moved! 101-1505 Main Street, Penticton
Call us at 236.422.4383
OK Falls Heritage & Museum Society By Grant Henderson Restoration Project Update ~ Let me express our heartfelt thanks to the numerous donors and purchasers of Pioneer Pathway paver stones in the first five months of our campaign. So far, our fundraiser has gleaned sufficient funds to replace the roof on the Bassett House. The roof was in terrible shape; unlikely to last another year without significantly more damage occurring. The wooden shingles were disintegrating and the woodpeckers were making matters worse. Oddly enough, through all its re-roofing over the last century, the original shiplap roof was never covered with sheeting. The application of new sheeting tightened up the roof, so it will last a great deal longer. The roof was done in midOctober by Impervious Roofing and Siding. We are very grateful to Jordan for a great price, and a first-rate job. It looks fantastic! The front porch of the Bassett House was stained this summer, as was the wheelchair ramp in the rear. New porch lights were added to replicate the appearance of coal oil lanterns. Yet, there is much more to be done. Lots of interior work is needed to restore the original doorways, baseboards, and trim to their natural wood finish (as it was in 1909). Some electrical upgrades are required as well. The Pioneer Pathway Fundraiser affords anyone the ability to emblazon their message in stone on the walkway leading up to the Bassett House. At the same time, it will help us to raise the nearly $90,000 now estimated to restore and improve the entire property. Pavers are available in two sizes and will be engraved with up to ten (10) characters/spaces per line. Small pavers ($100) have two lines, while large pavers ($200) have five lines. For a tax-deductible donation to the Heritage Society of $100 or more, your message will be commemorated in stone. The lettering is painted in monument paint to last for years. Ever wonder what to give the person who has everything? How about a paver with their name on it? So far, we have orders from family groups, businesses, individuals in memory, and an Elementary School class. The opportunity to mark your spot in history is here. Visit www.okanaganfallheritage.org to see our first attempt at a website. Unfortunately, it does not feature e-commerce, nor online ordering, but soon ... (we hope). In the meantime, to request an order form, email us at okanaganfallsheritage@outlook.com. We’d be happy to reply with more information and a printable order form. Please help us save the Bassett House. It’s the only piece of turnof-the-century original housing that remains in Okanagan Falls.
Kaleden Seniors Committee Update By Eryn Wiedner, KSC Coordinator Late September found us enjoying the most hearty soups and fresh bread at the Frog City Café, thanks to Lalita and her team. Following lunch, Ken Hayter gave an informative garden talk and we all left with some things to consider (think water conservation and improved soil health). The two books Ken recommends we all read this winter are: “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer and “Finding the Mother Tree” by Suzanne Simard. Both are available through our local Kaleden library. Thank you Ken and Linden Gardens for hosting us!
DE
MEA
S
LS
KALEDEN
HUB
P
S
250-460-3387 YE RA
VISITS
RI
HELP
R
GRO
UP
Our big event in November is the fourth annual Kaleden Progressive Winter Market on Saturday, November 18th from 10-2. New this year is a Pancake Breakfast at the Firehall, so please be sure to swing by from 8-10 am before the market opens and support our local fire department! We have lots of returning vendors and some new ones to add. The map will be available on November 10th on the community website. We hope to see lots of you out and about in our amazing community! Please invite your friends and family and help spread the word. Many of you ask us every year for the date of our Wreath Making and Appie Potluck night and it’s here! Friday, December 1st from 5:30-7:30 at Linden Gardens. See the poster below for all the details. If you have any questions, please email kaledenseniors@ gmail.com. No registration required. We hope to see you there!
Need A Ride? If you live in the Kaleden Area and need a ride, please call 250-460-3387.
“A Nice Family Christmas” By Dianna Gin, Many Hats Theatre Company Publicist It’s Christmas Eve, and a young newspaper reporter on the brink of being fired has been assigned a last-chance story about a typical family Christmas ... his family Christmas. He goes home to his recently widowed mother, his crazy uncle, his eccentric grandmother, and his battling siblings and their neurotic spouses, who provide no shortage of material. One by one, we learn each family member’s secrets, problems, and dysfunctions, and when they learn that he’s writing an article with some very personal family information, the fruitcake hits the fan. The question is, will the magic of Christmas bring this family back together? “A Nice Family Christmas” is directed by Eric Hanston, and stars Elizabeth Barry, Gian Canonizado, John Fraser, Brock Greenhill, Jane Pilkey, Paige Prosser and Eleanor Walker. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm with a Sunday Matinee at 2 pm. Show runs from November 9 December 3, 2023 on the Cannery Stage Venue, located at 1475 Fairview Road in Penticton. Tickets are $28 for adults and $25 for seniors/students. Visit www.manyhatstheatre.com and click on the ‘tickets’ link to purchase your tickets through Eventbrite. For further information, please call 250-462-6428.
“A Nice Family Christmas”
November 9 - December 3, 2023 Cannery Stage Venue in Penticton www.ManyHatsTheatre.com
Roses Life Women Center Presents ...
Peer 2 Peer Wellness Circle
Okanagan Falls Lions Update By Bob Wilson, President
Halloween has come and gone and we’re headed for Remembrance Day on the 11th of November. Not too many remember the original anymore, but the ceremony has continued for the last 92 years, having it’s beginning in 1931. Starts September 28 & Runs Every Thursday from 4:30-7:30 pm Previously, it was known as Armistice Day, which began in 1919. Held at SOICS - 340 Ellis Street in Penticton This was the year following the actual Armistice on November 11, 1918. That makes a total of 104 years, during which we have Seniors Crafting Corner seen World War II, the Korean conflict, Vietnam, Iraq, Bosnia/ This is a 4 month program with continuous intake. You can join anytime, but please ensure Herzegovina, Afghanistan and now Ukraine with Israel and Hamas you register before attending so supplies can be prepared. This program is open to every getting serious. Add to that all of the world disasters we have seen individual who identifies as a woman who is over 50 years of age. The activities will involve various handcrafts including knitting and crocheting various items, as well as DIYs in a variety over the past few years, here and abroad, and we have a real need for change ... “Hope springs eternal”, as the saying goes. of projects, like fall decorations, Christmas wreaths and cards, canvas painting, and beading. The old song says, “When will we ever learn?” ... seemingly never. Starts September 27 & Runs Every Wednesday from 1:30-4:30 pm As Lions members, we strive to bypass the conflicts and help Held at SOICS - 340 Ellis Street in Penticton wherever we can. Lion Mike’s District Governorship this year stresses, “Let’s embrace change as we serve”. As someone once observed, “Change is the only constant we have”. Email: inforlwomencenter@gmail.com Phone: 403-630-7977 School Breakfasts at Okanagan Falls Elementary are ongoing twice a week, Mondays and Wednesdays and Mike reports that they are up to around 50 units per day. Thanks to all our volunteers The Royal Canadian for their “early” service. Legion Branch #227 Belich’s AG Foods has given us the opportunity to sell their By Beverly van Uden discount coupon books again this year, so look for us at the store. Open Monday - Saturday from 2 pm to closing. Open Sunday Proceeds for community activities. Thanks again to Mike and Kyle. That’s about it for this installment. Please forgive the somewhat from 11:30 pm to closing. Everyone Welcome! Meat Draws - Fridays at 5 pm & Saturdays at 4 pm ~ Thanks lengthy diatribe at the beginning, but sometimes it’s difficult not to to Belich’s AG Foods for supplying the meat and to the Okanagan say something that’s on your mind. Falls Parent Advisory Council (PAC) for volunteering to do the Be as well as you can, be as safe as you can. See you next time. Meat Draws. Profits will be donated to Okanagan Falls PAC. Blood, it’s in you to give! The next Blood Donor Clinics will be held Candle Light Service on Thursday, November 2 ~ 1 pm at the on November 20, 21 & 22 at the Penticton Senior Drop In Centre Maple Street Cemetery. Everyone is welcome. Okanagan Falls from 1:30-5:30 pm. The Canadian Blood Services needs both school students will be assisting, as we place candles on all the donors and volunteers, visit www.blood.ca or call 1-888-236-6283. veterans markers. Candle light service began in the Netherlands If you would like to join us, call 778-439-2275. www.e-clubhouse. org/sites/okfalls/ or www.facebook.com/okanaganfallslionsclub. to show thanks and to honour those who liberated the country. Join a circle of peers who have experienced racism, discrimination, and hate. This will be guided by the experienced Life Coach Rosemary Mupambwa. Here you will receive Free mutual support and wellness practices. Everyone 16 years and older are welcome!
Veterans Dinner on Monday, November 6 ~ We would like to thank our veterans with a special dinner. Any veterans that have not been contacted, please call the Legion at 250-497-8338. Remembrance Day on Saturday, November 11 ~ We will be having our service at 11 am at the Legion. Arrive early. After the service, we will meet inside the Legion for a lunch and dance with music by Wendy Rodocker. No meat draw that day. Hoping still to get Summerland Pipes and Drums to attend. Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, November 19 ~ Join us from 8-10:30 am. Eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, French toast, juice and coffee for $9/adult. General Meeting on Tuesday, November 21 ~ Meetings are open to all members on the 3rd Tuesday each month at 7 pm. Recycling ~ Drop off cans, bottles, milk cartons at the Legion. Call or text Bev at 250-809-5537 for more information. Everyone Is Welcome To Be A Legion Member ~ Legions give back to the veterans and the community. Come out and see what we are about. Volunteers Are Always Needed! Get The Latest Updates ~ Always check the Facebook page “Royal Cdn Legion - Branch 227 Okanagan Falls BC”, Skaha Matters Weekly eCalendar, the sign outside, or come into the Branch. For more information, call 250-497-8338. We are a small Legion with a Big Heart! Page 20 | November 2023 | SkahaMatters.com
Central Ridge Veterinary Clinic - Okanagan Falls
250.497.7808
Dr. Sylvia Tingson D.V.M. Open Mon - Fri 9-5 & Sat 9-12
Medicines
Surgery
Vaccinations
CatMatch Meet Terry & Shelley AlleyCATS Alliance is dedicated to the feral and abandoned cats of the Okanagan. We work hard to rescue those that most turn away from. Our volunteers have been bitten and scratched and bear the scars from some of those who do not understand that we are actually giving them a better life. Cats like Terry who bit his caretaker 3 times, but now all he gives are purrs and head butts! Help us help cats like Terry, who really DON’T KNOW what is best for them! www.alleycatsalliance.org.
Jardin Estate Jewelry & Antiques Recycling the Elegance of the Past 5221 Hwy 97 Okanagan Falls
250.497.6733
www.jardinantiques.com
Okanagan Falls Seniors Activity Society the Committee chose the name Okanagan Falls Senior Activity By Donna Taylor We are located at 1128 Willow Street in Okanagan Falls. The local bus stop is right across the street from our front doors. We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary on Sunday, November 19th with a wine and cheese event in the hall. Everyone welcome. We have a library and puzzles to loan out. If you would like to use the library when the hall is not in use, call Donna at 250-462-5233. Activities in November 2023: Canasta ~ Mondays - November 6, 13 & 20 at 10 am Tuesday Bingo ~ Tuesdays - November 7, 14 & 21 at 1 pm Evening Pool ~ Tuesdays at 6 pm Morning Music ~ Wednesdays from 10-11:30 am Mexican Train Dominos ~ Wednesdays at 1 pm Scrabble ~ Thursdays at 10 am Bridge ~ Thursdays at 1 pm Cribbage ~ Thursdays at 7 pm Line Dancing ~ Fridays at 10 am Pancake Breakfast ~ Saturday, November 4 from 8-10 am Drop-in Bingo ~ Saturday, November 18 at 1 pm 50th Anniversary ~ Sunday, November 19 at 2 pm Pot Luck Dinner ~ Saturday, November 25 at 5:30 pm Booking Agent - Heather at 250-497-1171
Our 50 Year History ...
Prior to 1973, there was an interested group of seniors that called themselves the “Okanagan Falls Senior’s Social Club”. In 1973, they applied to the Senior Citizens Association of British Columbia and became Branch 52 of that organization. February 5, 1974, they elected an executive. The President was Mrs. Sadie LeBeau, the Vice-President was Mr. Keeley; Secretary was Mr. Sorenson, and Treasurer was Mrs. O’Keefe. The members of the group met in the Legion Hall. They incorporated in 1977 and became the Okanagan Falls Housing and Recreation Society and proposed to construct and manage their own building. In October 1977, plans were being discussed to put a building on church property. At the May 2, 1978 meeting, they were still waiting for an agreement on the land by the church authorities. Once approved by the church, re-zoning would be required. Another piece of land was eventually purchased by the Housing Committee at the south end of Birch Street next to Shuttleworth Creek. On September 23, 1982, a contract was signed to start building an 11-unit Senior Citizens Residence, which they had been working toward for some time. On October 12, 1982, the Housing Committee reported the building had been started. November 2, 1982, the society received a donation of funds from the Legion. They chose to hold the donation and put it toward the building of a Recreation Centre. January 11, 1983, the Housing Committee reported the building was to be completed by the end of February, but not ready for occupancy until April. February 23, 1983, a tour was taken through the new housing complex. The Housing Committee opened a suggestion box for a name. Shuttleworth Place received the most votes and the Grand Opening was scheduled for May 6, 1983. January 5, 1984, a vote was taken to build a drop-in centre. Thirtyfive were in favour, and two were against. The property for the building was beside the United Church. Ed McWilliams was chair of the Housing and Recreation Committee. They began to look for funding. On May 7, 1985, two sets of plans for the new building were drawn up by Bill Barton. He suggested cement block walls and a pitched roof. The cost would be about $85,000. When a plan was approved, it would go to the Regional District for their approval, and applications for grants could be started. Mr. Barton was thanked for his work. At the meeting on November 5, 1985,
Centre. Throughout 1986, grants began to come in to get the building going. With the funding in place, work began on February 3, 1987. Most of the labour was being donated. Trades people were hired to install the heating, electricity, and plumbing. The Committee received many donations of furniture and money, two fridges, a stove, and game room equipment. March 12, 1987, after much discussion, it was decided that the new centre would have a ‘No Smoking’ rule. On April 7, 1987, a volunteer was found to make the sign, “Okanagan Falls Senior Activity Centre”. The grand opening of the centre took place on April 25, 1987. Many years later the centre became a registered charity. It has been a Society since 1974. Their simple mission - to provide a meeting place for older adults 50+ where they can participate in activities with their contemporaries. All activities are chosen and directed by the members. You might think of it as an adult clubhouse. The Society is not a service club. Nevertheless, over the years, we have participated in and provided help to other groups in the community when needed. For example, we open our building so performers who use the band shell in the park have access to a place to change and use the facilities. We award a scholarship of $1,000 to a local, deserving graduate from the high school and we participate in community celebrations, such as Canada Day and Remembrance Day at the Legion. The Society is operated entirely by volunteers. We pay our bills and keep the doors open by charging a $20 membership fee, as well as Fundraising, Bingo, and Pancake Breakfasts. We also charge a user fee of $3 per activity. We hold a Flea Market twice a year and rent our hall to people in the community for their events. For local non-profit community organizations, we charge a nominal rental fee. We have had small weddings, but sadly, now member gatherings are more often memorial services for which we don’t charge. Sometimes Interior Health uses the building for flu clinics, and we are always asked to hold municipal, provincial, and federal elections in our building. These rentals are more lucrative. The main use of the building is the activities we plan for the seniors, and they run most days. There are scheduled card games, line dancing, scrabble, Friday afternoon music, dancing, etc. These activities require the $3 user fee. We are open to holding almost any activity our members might suggest. We have a small lending library with donated books and puzzles. When we have too many, the activity leader culls them and the overflow goes into the Flea Market. In June, we typically have a barbecue where the centre provides the meat and condiments and the members bring a salad or dessert. We often have entertainment for this get-together. We have a formal dinner at Christmas with music and dancing. We can seat 120, but limit the sale of tickets to 100. We have a volunteer who oversees the kitchen for these events and buys the supplies needed for any of the activities that require the use of the kitchen. For daily activities, the activity leader will make coffee and ensure that the kitchen is cleaned up. Large expenditures in the last five years have been covered by the New Horizons for Seniors or other grants. We renovated the bathrooms and the stage, built storage space, purchased a new computer, and bought chairs that are more comfortable. In addition, we built shelving for books and purchased a defibrillator. The President, Vice-President, Secretary, and Treasurer are elected board directors. We have six additional board members with various duties, such as kitchen manager, building and grounds maintenance, flea market coordinator, and key registry. All board positions are volunteers. We are always looking for volunteers willing to help with Bingo, flea markets, potluck dinners, and other fundraising activities. SkahaMatters.com | November 2023 | Page 21
Helping Hand Update By Lou Brulotte We are starting to prepare for our Annual Christmas Hamper Campaign. All your help in the past years was greatly appreciated and we hope that together we will have the opportunity to help all of those in need in our community once again this Christmas. For every person in need, please fill out the required registration form provided below and either drop it off to Okanagan Falls Pharmasave or Belich’s AG Foods. Alternatively, you can mail it to the address on the form. After your registration form is dropped off or mailed, a member of Helping Hand will contact you. Please note that the Registration Deadline for all Christmas Hampers is Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Christmas Hamper pick is on Friday, December 15 from 1-4 pm at Okanagan Falls Community Church, located at 1356 McLean Creek Road. The Okanagan Falls Helping Hand is a registered charitable organization. Donations can be sent to Okanagan Falls Helping Hand at P.O. Box 640 Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations of $20 or more. Cash donations will allow us to purchase exactly what families are in need of, which makes a huge difference this time of year. Keep an eye out for our pink donation bins at locations and special events around Okanagan Falls. Please make sure you check the expiry dates on all non-perishable donations. Thank you! We are always looking for volunteers to join us. If you would like to volunteer, or for any other questions you may have, please call us at 778-559-2412 and leave a message. Your call will be returned. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. It is very much appreciated! DE
S
MEA
LS
KALEDEN
HUB
P
S
250-460-3387 YE RA
VISITS
RI
HELP
R
GRO
UP
2023 Okanagan Falls Helping Hand
VENABLESTHEATRE.CA 250-498-1626
KALEDENHUB
Call 250-460-3387
for knowing and responding to individual and family need in the community
Christmas Hamper Registration Form
If you live in the Kaleden area and have needs, 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.
For Residents of Okanagan Falls Area Only
LOCAL CHURCH DIRECTORY
Name: _______________________________ Phone: _______________________________ Street Address: ________________________ _____________________________________ # of Adults: ________ # of Children: _______ Boys Ages: ________ Boys Sizes: ________ Girls Ages: ________ Girls Sizes: ________
Registration Deadline: Tuesday, December 5, 2023 Drop off Registration Form at either Okanagan Falls Pharmasave or Belich’s AG Foods Or mail to Okanagan Falls Helping Hand P.O. Box 640, Okanagan Falls, BC V0H 1R0 Hamper pick up is Friday, December 15 from 1-4 pm at Okanagan Falls Community Church
Kaleden Community Church
10 am Sunday Worship ~ in-person and online Visit kaledenchurch.ca for updates and the link to our live worship. 443 Lakehill Rd. | kaledenchurch@gmail.com | 250-497-5995
Okanagan Falls Community Church
Sunday Worship Service & Children’s Church at 11 am Join Pastor Jon Manlove. Live Worship Services online - okfcc.net. FB: Okanagan Falls Community Church. Everyone is welcome! 1356 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-5131
Okanagan Falls United Church
Sunday Service at 9 am ~ Speakers: Nov 5 - Rev. David Sparks; Nov 12 - Rev. Paul James; Nov 19 - Rev. Laura Turnbull; and Nov 26 - Judi Ritcey. Everyone is welcome to join us. Coffee fellowship held after the service. Visit okfallsunited.ca for more information. 1108 Willow St, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-1171 or 250-460-2560
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Service
Sunday Mass at 11 am - Service held in St. Barbara’s Church 1039 Willow St | Father Gabriel Chinnaperiannan | 250-494-2266
St. Barbara’s Anglican Church
Sunday Service at 9:30 am ~ Join Rev. Rick Paulin on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month. Guest speakers rotate on the 1st and 3rd Sundays. Please call the number below with any questions. 1039 Willow St, Okanagan Falls | 250-497-7844
Flowers or Fish Heads?
Send yours to skahamatters@telus.net Your full name and location area is required on any submission.
Credible Cremation Services
Sensible Prices for Practical People - At need / Pre need.
Call Lesley, our own Senior, Licensed Director
(Please Note: Some discretion on content inclusion may be involved.)
Flowers to the anonymous donor who contributed $500 toward our restoration project. His generous and anonymous gift will surely help us to reach our goal. ~ From Okanagan Falls Heritage & Museum Society Flowers to all the Kaleden residents who participated in the Okanagan Regional Library Survey, and/or attended the information session at the Kaleden Library. Your feedback is appreciated and vital to the future plans of the ORL. ~ From Glenda L. of Kaleden Library Flowers to the beautiful OK Falls Cabins. We feel gratitude for what Annalise has done with lots of hard work ... changing a community “eye sore” corner into an “eye candy”. We also look forward to see “What’s New” on her funny/wise sign. So, thank you Annalise and to everyone else contributing to our community beautification. ~ From Angi LT. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to people who throw their yard waste over their fence into the alley. The dump is five minutes away and takes yard waste for free! ~ From Emily M. of Okanagan Falls Fish Heads to MOTI for not addressing the issue of the huge water puddle at the bottom of Maple Street. Two years and still nothing. Accidents in the winter months, as it freezes and vehicles slide through this busy intersection. First responders coming soon! Stay tuned! ~ From Brent R. of Okanagan Falls
South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre Update
Total - Basic Cremation ... No Hidden Costs $1190.00 + taxes (Penticton area) $1390.00 + taxes (Kelowna area)
250.493.3912 (24 hrs)
110-1960 Barnes St, Penticton, BC V2A 4C3 Lesley@crediblecremation.ca
BC Lic# 49382
If Basic Cremation Is Your Choice By Lesley H. Luff of Okanagan Falls & Osoyoos Credible Cremation Services is available 24 hours, including holidays and weekends, to assist families at their time of direct need. Our prices are the lowest in the valley and we offer an onsite crematorium. As well as a direct at-need service, we offer families the opportunity to make their arrangements ahead of time, which makes good common sense and removes the burden of making difficult decisions from those left to deal with the estate of the deceased. Thanksgiving is now behind us, and for some, it was a time to gather and to give thanks. For others, however, it was a very sad time, having to cope with the loss of a beloved family member or a dear friend. Sincere condolences to all of those families $1190 plus taxes etc. - Penticton and areas South $1390 plus taxes etc. - Kelowna and areas North (All possible extra costs are clearly shown on our Price Quotes.) Credible Cremation Services 110-1960 Barnes St., Penticton, BC V2A 4C3 250-493-3912 - Lesley@crediblecremation.ca
By Laura Turnbull, Chairperson The other day several friends and I were discussing our most memorable volunteers we knew. I heard about a 94-year-old woman who has been committed to the Kidney Foundation since its beginning in 1964 and today phones several times each week to members of that organization. Apparently, she can no longer do the office work she previously so enjoyed. However, she felt that she would like to maintain contact with the friends she had made, so makes regular phone visits to the donors of the Kidney Foundation. I also heard about a gentleman who wrote letters for a blind woman who lives in an assisted living facility. What is significant about this man is he uses a wheelchair for mobility. He takes the Handy Dart to make his weekly visits. He has been visiting this woman for over 12 years on a weekly basis. The two have become good friends and the letters have become an important link in their relationship. I was introduced to a candy striper at the local hospital who volunteers twice a week for three hours bringing delight and mail to the patients in hospital. With a ready smile and a story to tell, this teenager has been a valued volunteer for the past 4 years. I heard several other stories of active volunteers, but I told one about a friend of mine who coordinates the annual UNICEF appeal at Halloween in her home community (in another province). She donates countless hours rounding up the untold number of helpers needed to distribute the boxes to the schools, work with the school staff, assist the children in understanding the program, count the money collected, and the list goes on. She is a dedicated volunteer! If any of these stories have sparked an interest in volunteering, please contact the South Okanagan Similkameen Volunteer Centre at 1-888-576-5661, email the Centre at info@volunteercentre.info or drop into its new location in The Cannery at 110 - 1475 Fairview Road. Office hours are generally 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Calling ahead first is suggested.
HOLIDAY CHEER Nov 18 & 19 from 11AM-4PM
Wine tastings at Meyer & Mayhem Marshmallows around the fire Tasty fare by Law of Attraction food truck Local musicians Rod & Ron on Saturday We will be collecting non-perishable food donations for local charity Helping Hand In partnership with:
Tickets $15 (club members $10) MFVwines.com or mayhemwines.com 4287 McLean Creek Rd, Okanagan Falls SkahaMatters.com | November 2023 | Page 23
Mailed by Mail For Less