Okanagan Mission
Review www.omra.ca
Fall 2013
Published quarterly by the Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association, Kelowna, BC
Music in Schools A must
Page 14
Music & Meals at the Minstrel Cafe
Page 22
Dominic PetraroIA Feature Profile
Page 26
In the Works
Lakeshore Bridge Update
Page 38
President’s Report the optimal location for a Community From the President
Mark Thompson
Policing Station? Suffice it to say it will be a better technical office than the one we have. Will it better provide
I
for the services envisioned within the write this report during the period of government shut down in the United States.
concept of community policing?
The Review
Something that Warren Buffet
We are pleased that the Review has
simply called crazy and embarrassing.
grown significantly during the past year.
This is also a time period when Canadians have been shocked at the apparent misappropriation of funds by one or more Canadian Senators. No matter how you slice it, a Senator that participates in misappropriation of taxpayer funds must be punished. Nobody can be held to be above the law. We believe that communication is the key to the success of any jurisdiction. We believe that improved communication between our community association and the City of Kelowna will lead to improved quality of life in this community.
Last December our Winter edition was 20 pages. This Fall edition is 52 pages which we consider a significant accomplishment. We have many individuals that contribute and we thank them all for their hard work. It takes considerable revenue to print and distribute this publication to approximately 10,000 postal mail boxes from KLO road to Kelowna Mountain going even beyond the technical borders of our association. Our advertisers cannot be thanked enough for their support. We encourage you to give them a chance for your business. We strive to improve the breadth of articles that we bring you. Health, Education and Law are becom-
As I write this I have also just learned
ing regular articles of interest that we
that the City intends to make a deci-
will strive to provide. We encourage
sion to move the Community Police
you to raise issues and compliments.
Station to the Regional District of the
Should you wish to become a contribu-
Central Okanagan building on KLO
tor please contact Lynda Norman the
Road. Apparently Council will make a
chair of our communications commit-
final decision in late October. Is this
tee by email lynda@lyndanorman.com.
FEATURED
IN THIS
ISSUE
From the President 3 Mayor’s Report 8 Young Achiever 11 New Middle School 12 Music in Schools 14 Clare Anderson 22
Published quarterly by the
Okanagan Mission Resident’s Association www.omra.ca letters@omra.ca Box 29138, Kelowna, BC V1W 4A7
CHAIRMAN of communication committee Lynda Norman 250-878-6885 lynda@lyndanorman.com
Editor Dona Sturmanis 250-765-9151 donasturmanis@yahoo.com
contributors Walter Gray Len McFarlane John McMahon Deanna Merrick Lisa Moldenhauer Sharon Murray Lynda Norman Kathleen Rowe Sharon Simpson Mark Thompson Luanne Warren advertising Mark Thompson 778-477-5776 omrads@shaw.ca
Design Jamie Clark omrads@shaw.ca The articles contained within this newsmagazine are the expressed opinion of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the OMRA Board of Directors. They are for information purposes only and, while they cannot be guaranteed, they were obtained from sources believed to be reliable.
Maxine DeHart Dominic Petraroia Innovative Pharmacy In the Works The Simpson Files Real Estate Trends
24 26 34 38 42 48
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
3
Membership
Tickets are limited so order early as we
sion or the concept of fairness. I
The Annual Membership fee to join
believe it will be a sellout. See page
repeat, “Roadways and sidewalks
the Okanagan Resident’s Association is $10.00. We encourage you to join or renew as soon as possible. Please see the membership application form
“Please help us be a catalyst for ever improving our community’s quality of life”
on page 21. There is strength in numbers in almost any organization’s future. We currently
are a primary services paid for by
Dinner, Dance and
taxpayers also including development
Social event to be
charges. We think timely placement
held Saturday Nov
should be given a higher priority. A
16th at a cost of
simple focus of low taxes is a hollow
only $20 each. Get
objective if it is accomplished by
to know some of the
under servicing.” I am encouraged
people in your com-
by some recent comments from the
munity. We even
Mayor on the matter of timeliness.
expect some city councillors to be present. The live music will be great
Increasing Participation and Effectiveness of Community Associations
have over one hundred members
and I look forward to seeing you there.
registered since May of this year and
Turner Road Development Review
The community associations of
This development now appears to
Kelowna will meet again in mid-
be on hold. The City withheld their
October with the City Clerk to take a
support for an ALR land swap and
class called Civics 101. This step will
the owner has now placed the land
help all community associations better
up for sale. This will invite a new
understand how the City decision
set of proposals over time that
making process works. We have a
may or may not be better than the
commitment to subsequently develop
past proposals for development.
a memorandum of understanding.
our membership campaign is just beginning. Some have asked about the lifetime memberships that had been improperly issued in the past. Our constitution and bylaws do not allow for blanket lifetime memberships and they are unfortunately no longer considered valid. We discussed this at our Annual General Meeting and we appreciate
This memorandum will further define
your continued support. Your associa-
Lakeshore Road
tion considers $10 per year to be a
Lakeshore Road is a matter that
in Kelowna. We are hopeful that
continues to deserve significant
this process will increase the
attention. This publication contains
participation and effectiveness of
comments by the Mayor (page 8)
Kelowna community associations.
small price for membership. Please help us be a catalyst for ever improving our community’s quality of life.
Board Members and Volunteers We are always looking for volunteers to help with the business of your association. Ours is a working board that requires individuals to become board members that have time to commit. Board members are more than just policy makers. Until we grow substantially there will continue to be a need for board members to also perform work on behalf of the association. We have embarked on the appointment of committees to distribute the work load.
November Fund Raiser and Social
4
10 for details of the
and differing comments placed in an article called In the Works by Len
Thank-you
McFarlane (page 38). We leave it to
I want to thank our Board for their
you to judge the appropriateness of the City plan for a new Mission Creek bridge on Lakeshore and we encourage your feedback. Is the City about to implement the appropriate design or is it just the cheapest design? Are you in favor of the City purposely further slowing the traffic on Lakeshore Road? Make your thoughts known on how the City should mitigate traffic problems during the build period. Your association continues to suggest that waiting up to 25 years to finish
Our membership committee has
lakeshore Road is not congruent
organized our first major social event.
with the needs of Okanagan Mis-
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
the role of community associations
commitment and participation. We look for continuous improvement on our ability to perform. Again we encourage you to support our advertisers when you can as a means to provide a community thank-you for their support.
OMR
On the cover Okanagan Mission residents Tara Stewart (left) and Theresa Leitch (right) out for a walk on the Mission Creek Greenway. Photo by Mark Thompson
OKANAGAN
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For a man who believed in nothing… In one night he would believe in everything. Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
5
CONTACTS
Autumn: the active season
Officers
reveals plans to build a new junior editorial notes
President
Mark Thompson 778-477-5776 president@omra.ca
Dona Sturmanis
VICE President
Sharon Murray 250-859-8508 okmurrays@gmail.com Secretary/treasurer
Brenda Sbrozzi 250-808-5221 info@omra.ca Past President
Kerry Lomax 250-764-8892 k-dlmx@shaw.ca
Directors Ian Disbery 250-764-9652 i.disbery@shaw.ca Wrae Hill 250-764-5355 margandwrae@hotmaill.com Melissa McCall 778-214-1265 Wanda McMechan 250-450-6595 Lynda Norman 250-878-6885 lynda@lyndanorman.com Kelly Roth 250-764-2852 kdroth@shaw.ca
omra.ca website Brenda Sbrozzi 250-808-5221 info@omra.ca
meetings Board of Directors Meeting Cedar Creek Centre 5160 Chute Lake Road, Kelowna
F
all is one of the most glorious times of the year in the Okanagan, especially on a crisp,
blue-skied day with all the leaves on the trees turning brilliant yellows, oranges and reds and accenting the Valley’s breathtaking landscape.
ity, getting things
6
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Lakeshore Bridge is optimal. Both Walter Gray in his Mayor’s Report and Len McFarlane’s In the Works discuss details of this crucial issue. Sharron Simpson in her column asks questions about the future of Okanagan Mission
examples of what
accomplished
so-called communi-
after the relaxing
ties used to be.
days of summer. A number of people in Okanagan Mission and surrounding area who truly get things done are profiled in this issue of the Review. That would also include 18-year-old Quinn Sadlowski, Okanagan Mission Secondary School graduate, who won the 2013 OMRA bursary. Her amazing
activities—as well as in the community,
As always, fall presents infinite possibilities for recreational activity. Deanna Merrick reports on the fabulous Fall Wine Festival that happened in October, and profiles some delectable nearby restaurants that will have your taste buds tingling. You’ll also get a glimpse of seasonal activities offered at the Mission Library and by the City of Kelowna in Okanagan Mission.
are a testament to her energy and
This issue, we introduce a new
achievements. If she’s this active
and valuable contributor to the
now, imagine how much she’ll
Review—Sahron Murray.
be getting done in the future!
Enjoy the pleasures of fall. Enjoy the
Education is naturally a prime focus for
seasonal beauty, accomplish wonderful
the fall. In this issue, John McMahon,
things, learn something new, plan your
Okanagan Mission resident and
future… and have fun doing it!
principal of George Pringle Elementary, Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association PO Box 29138 Okanagan Mission, BC V1W 4A7
cerns is that the design of the future
referring to history for
as well as in sports and extracurricular
VISIT OMRA.CA
Resident’s Association’s primary con-
as a community,
Annual General Meeting
News • eVeNT & MeeTING NOTIFICATIONs • RequesT INFORMATION BeCOMe A MeMBeR ApplICATION FORM sIGN up FOR speCIAl eMAIl COMMuNICATION FACe BOOk CONNeCTION • COMMuNITy suRVeys COMING sOON
future. One of the Okanagan Mission
for new activ-
involvement in school—scholastically
Further details TBA
Autumn is a good time to plan for the
It is also a time
Tues Nov 26, 2013 May 2014
middle school at The Ponds.
writes about the importance of music education in schools. Len McFarlane
OMR
Dona Sturmanis is Editor of the Okanagan Mission Review, and may be reached at donasturmanis@yahoo.com.
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City Council Contact List Good communication with people can make a difference in the way you live in your community. Similarly, the following people know that in order to vote on matters in your best interest they must hear from you.
Mayor Walter Gray 250-469-8980 mayorandcouncil@kelowna.ca
Councillor Colin Basran 250-575-4535 cbasran@kelowna.ca
Councillor André Blanleil 250-862-0592 ablanleil@andres1.com
Councillor Maxine DeHart 250-469-8865 mdehart@kelowna.ca
Councillor Gail Given 250-469-8677 ggiven@kelowna.ca
Councillor Robert Hobson 250-469-6224 robert.hobson@cord.bc.ca
Councillor Mohini Singh 250-469-8949 msingh@kelowna.ca
Councillor Luke Stack 250-878-4990 lstack@kelowna.ca
Councillor Gerry Zimmermann 250-469-8898 gzimmermann@kelowna.ca
Mayor’s Report Improvements Coming to Lakeshore Road and Mission Creek Bridge the view from city hall
Mayor Walter Gray
T
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
ing budget approvals later this year. Nearly 700 residents provided feedback on a visioning workshop in
he new Lakeshore Road is an important north-south corridor that requires
careful planning, budgeting and thoughtful execution—that’s why the project has been so carefully and thoroughly studied. The section from Richter to Lexington needs significant upgrades, including replacement of the bridge over Mission Creek to make it safer during high-water events.
January, and concept drawings resulting from that workshop and online survey were presented to the public at an open house in April. All of these documents and timelines are available for review on the city’s website, kelowna.ca (Click on Lakeshore Road Improvements under the City Projects link on the homepage). While a few people continue to advocate for a more elaborate (and around $11 million more expensive) design for the Truswell intersection, a
Residents of the Mission know this
specially commissioned Intersection
section of Lakeshore as a sometimes
Safety Audit by DC Dean & Associates
scenic, sometimes bumpy, often
gives us confidence that the design
congested road connecting the upper
will more than adequately address
Mission to the South Pandosy neigh-
pedestrian and traffic safety require-
bourhood, through the hospital district
ments for the foreseeable future.
and eventually to downtown Kelowna.
In case you have not had the op-
It’s a major tourism and recreation
portunity to look at what is planned
corridor, passing waterfront parks,
for this section of Lakeshore Road,
beaches, commercial areas and a
here are some of the features of
diverse mixture of residential areas.
the new and improved road:
It handles an average of 12,000 vehicles a day and as the South Mission continues to grow, those traffic volumes will increase. Replacing the Lakeshore Road Mission Creek Bridge, installing a sanitary trunk and adding an off-road multi-use pathway are the next significant infrastructure improvements the city of
8
Kelowna has planned for 2014, pend-
■■New Mission Creek Bridge with clearance improved to protect against high water events and debris during spring runoff. ■■Opportunities on new bridge to incorporate decorative and/or cultural elements into the design. ■■Greenway Trail extension under
the new bridge, for safer contigu-
■■Wide bicycle lanes, pedestrian
■■Decorative lighting throughout the
ous trail away from road traffic.
sidewalk and multi-use pathway
corridor for safety and esthetic appeal.
■■Wide boulevard areas offer opportunities to improve esthetics
offer multiple opportunities for safe, active transportation.
and landscaping along the corridor
■■Multi-use pathway extended
and enhance the sense of place
in front of Rotary Park.
with public art where appropriate.
■■Bioswales with attractive plantings act as a primary treatment of surface water runoff. Lakeshore Road is one of our city’s
■■Roundabouts planned for the
main transportation arteries and an
Manteo-Hiawatha area in the north
important recreation route, given
and Lexington-Bluebird roads in the
its proximity to the lake, marina,
south accommodate future traffic
beaches and parks. The new design
volumes without the need for a traffic
for Lakeshore lets the 12,000 vehicles
■■Centre left-turn lanes provide
signal, and they provide a gateway
that use the road daily move ef-
access to properties while
feature to introduce the corridor to
ficiently and safely, while giving more
maintaining through traffic.
drivers and provide traffic calming.
space for cyclists and pedestrians.
■■A centre median, wherever accessibility is not an issue, to assist in traffic calming and enhance esthetic treatment through the corridor.
OMR
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Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
9
okanagan mission residents’ association
FALL FUNDRAISER WHAT:
Dinner, Dance and Social Event Music by “Pete’s Late J.A.M. Band”
WHERE: The Brook Bar & Grill Michaelbrook Ranch Golf Course 1085 Lexington Drive, Kelowna, BC WHEN:
Saturday, Nov 16, 2013
COST:
$20 per person (19+) - each ticket includes - one beef or veggie burger with fries - one glass of draft beer or one soft drink
TIME:
Burgers served between 6:30 and 8:30 pm Music and dancing from 8pm to midnight
TICKETS: Available from Brenda Sbrozzi 250-808-5221 bsbrozzi@shaw.ca Hosted by:
Okanagan Mission Residents Association The Okanagan Mission Residents Association (OMRA) works on behalf of all persons residing within the Okanagan Mission boundaries. We promote the interests of our residents and our community, organize functions and activities within our community and facilitate interaction and dialogue between the City of Kelowna and/or other governments with our Okanagan Mission residents.
www.omra.ca
Young OKM achiever loves children English, Spanish, psychology and art Bursary recipient
and graduated with honours. Quinn
Dona Sturmanis
was also involved in the Leadership Excellence Program, Grad Council, So-
T
cial Justice, and different sports teams he recipient of the 2013
such as basketball and tennis. She was
Okanagan Mission Resident’s
also involved in the Fame Performing
Association bursary is Quinn
Arts Academy and choreographed
Sadlowski who received her award
the school musical, 42nd Street.
when she graduated from Okanagan
And as if that weren’t enough,
Mission Secondary school last spring.
Quinn has done lots of volunteering,
She was chosen for the bursary
including with the Kelowna Food
because of her scholastic achievement, extensive involvement in
Bank and the Salvation Army.
school activities and the community,
The bursary is helping Quinn as she
her love of children and her desire
attends UBC-O this fall in pursuit of
to be a kindergarten teacher. “I’ve
her career as a kindergarten teacher.
done lots of work with kids with that goal in mind,” says Quinn, 18. “I’ve volunteered in a kindergarten classroom. I coached tennis for children three to six in the Le Petite program at the Mission Tennis Club
She’ll be taking a mixture of arts and OKM Graduate, Quinn Sadlowski
the Mission Tennis Club, helped out with sports camps at Parkinson and nannied for a family. “Every day I had
sciences with the goal of obtaining her bachelor of arts degree and then her bachelor of education. “I like kids’ outlooks on life,” says
as well as Parkinson Recreation
something to do with kids,” she says.
Quinn, who has two older brothers
Centre. All summer, I also taught
We all know the saying—if you want
own thing. Kindergarten can influence
something done, give it to a busy
them for the rest of their lives. I’ve
person. At school, she kept up an
learned a lot about kids through
impressive scholastic performance,
teaching and baby sitting. They have
dance at Parkinson to children three-10. I’m trying to get these programs started in other venues.”
P
This past summer, Quinn worked at
and a younger sister. “They do their
an innocence that I admire.” Free Market Evaluations!
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Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
11
Junior middle school to be built at the Ponds It will be a few years yet, but the first couple of steps have been taken. education
Len McFarlane
T
The right place at the right time
by cost, as the Kettle Valley site
Our Okanagan Mission region is only
required the purchase of additional
one of two in our school district
property which was deemed unaf-
that remains without a middle
fordable by the school district.
school program. Coincidentally, our he recent announcement of
region is also facing critical space
the location of a potential
shortages in its K to 7 elementary
new middle school provides
school facilities due to population
us with a glimpse into the future
growth despite the recent open-
of the structure of our educational
ing of Chute Lake Elementary.
system and the trend in
“The Ponds property is slightly more central to the potential catchment,” says Emily Watson, planning manager for SD23, “particularly as the city continues to expand their road network in the area.”
population demographics for the Okanagan Mission area.
Grade configuration Middle schools have long been in existence throughout North America since the 1950s and in Kelowna since the 1990s with the traditional grade configuration of 7 to 9. In 2008 School District 23 produced a Grade Configuration Review Report which anticipated the
Eventually 4 catchment area elementary schools (in yellow) will feed the new middle school
implementation of Full Day Kindergarten and recommended “a review of grade configuration at all levels.” In 2012 a new Long Term Facility Plan was announced that recommended: “The District work towards the long-term goal of phasing in a consistent grade configuration in all areas with K-5 elementary
12
Therefore, when considering new construction in Okanagan Mis-
Short term
sion, the middle school option
The projected grade 7 population
would defer the need for a new
of the three catchment elementary
elementary school as it would
schools (Dorothea Walker, Chute
house approximately 600 to 650
Lake and Anne McClymont) is ap-
students as opposed to an elementary
proximately 185 students per year.
school of 450 to 500 students.
One of the models presented in the
schools, Grade 6-8 middle schools
Two sites were large enough to
Grade Configuration Review Report
and Grade 9-12 senior secondary
accommodate a middle school,
of 2008 was a “middle school within
schools.” School district staff held
one in Kettle Valley and one in The
schools” configuration as an option
a public consultation on May 10,
Ponds. The choice for the The Ponds
“when it is not possible to configure
2012 at OKM Secondary School.
location was partly determined
a grades 6 to 8 middle school.”
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Once the addition to
Junior Middle School
OKM is completed in
for grades 6 to 8 in
September 2014 the
our school district.
added capacity will make
There are no specifics
this option feasible as
yet on the program
a short term solution
offerings, but the
until the new middle
guidelines are in place
school is completed.
and many teachers and
The resulting Middle (7
parents are already
to 8) within a Secondary
excited about the
(7 to 12) initiative would
positive impact that
open up many muchneeded classroom seats in our three elementary schools. There are many special educational benefits of the middle school program that our children will soon be able to take advantage of if the school district proceeds with this interim plan.
The proposed new middle school will be located on the corner of Frost Road and Steele Road in the Ponds subdivision.
cross including: project planning,
this new educational initiative will have on our children. An added bonus will be
project approvals; and capital
its location in The Ponds neighbour-
funding before it is a reality.
hood, as it will be snuggled between Bellevue Creek Linear Park to the east
Along with the ultimate goal of providing a better education system
Long Term
for our children, Okanagan Mission
The new facility is still a long way
students will benefit by opportunity
off and there are many hurdles to
of attending the first purpose-built
and a village-concept commercial shopping complex to the west.
OMR
Len McFarlane is an Okanagan Mission resident and regular contributor to the Okanagan Mission Review.
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13
Music in schools: a must As schools begin to implement initiatives and efforts to improve student achievement, we must ensure that music education is not lost as a core component of those efforts. As we rally around the importance of 21st century learning, we must realize that music is more than just an extra in education. nature—it was a lesson of the heart. Education
John McMahon
I
As the workshop progressed the local media watched and recorded observations of the event. In the interviews
n March of 2013 Gordon Stobbe, arguably one of the East Coast’s top master fiddlers, ar-
rived at the doors of George Pringle Elementary School. At his side was J.J. Guy, another award-winning fiddler. What was to follow was magic. George Pringle and Glenmore Elementary violin students had gathered together to attend this
that followed it was the iconic Mr. Stobbe who responded emphatically to a question posed by the reporter. When asked to give his thoughts on the positive opportunity these two schools were lucky enough to have, as
less fortunate circumstance, older
this was not the ‘norm’, he succinctly
students mentoring younger ones.”
made his point:”These kind of programs should not be for the lucky—all students deserve this opportunity.”
and say, ‘Yes we see the value and are willing to fund and otherwise support
workshop. These students had spent
“For many students, the opportunity
these music education programs.’
hours in school learning to play the
to play an instrument can lead to
Really, what have you got to lose?”
violin. Under the skilled direction of
a lifetime involvement with music
another of Canada’s finest fiddlers,
making,” said Gordon Stobbe. “This
Shamma Sabir, they not only played
will likely not be true of most sports
the instrument but had come to love playing music. As the two guests began, the students listened carefully, attentive and highly engaged
“Literally thousands of scientific and academic studies have shown that music education improves academic achievement’’
throughout the
14
“The point is, someone has to step up
activities yet we allow music to leave the curriculum before phys. ed. This is not to denigrate phys. ed.
Music Education Makes Students Smarter and Happier Whether a fiddle, a guitar, a ukulele or any musical instrument, the benefits of providing music instruction in schools are obvious. Literally thousands of scientific and academic studies have shown that music education improves academic achievement,
“Music goes against
builds communication skills, fosters
the prevailing
creativity, develops teamwork and
educational
increases engagement in school so the
presentation. These students were
model of stratifying students into
idea that a musical opportunity should
treated to an opportunity unlike
their age groups. Music may be the
be afforded is certainly justified. In
anything in a typical school day.
most cross-generational activity
fact, in closer analysis the study of
They enthusiastically played, danced
we have. I see first hand how com-
a musical instrument aligns strongly
and sang. There was no standardized
munities come together to make
with the goal of developing a 21st
measurement in sight, no computers
music with children playing next to
century learner—one held to the
and no iPhones. The lesson was
their parents, ‘have’ students playing
utmost place of importance by the
simpler and perhaps more profound in
on an equal basis with students of
Ministry of Education and every
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
school district in the country. As schools begin to implement
to learn a musical instrument changes
What her research revealed was
the neurophysiology of the brain.
profound. The first finding was not a surprise in view of the overwhelming
initiatives and efforts to improve
According to the
student achievement, we must ensure
Department of
that music education is not lost as
Physiology and
a core component of those efforts.
Communication
As we rally around the importance
Sciences at
of 21st century learning, we must
Northwest Uni-
realize that music is more than just
versity, playing an
an extra in education. Music is a
instrument helps
subject. It is a subject that crosses all
children better
curriculum, providing direct instruc-
process speech in
tion in math, reading, memory skills,
noisy classrooms and more accurately
spatial relationships, and even muscle
interpret the nuances of language. A
memory and physical education.
correlation exists between the amount
In order for today’s students to thrive and succeed in the complex world they live in and in view of the every changing worlds of tomorrow, they need an education that includes music. No other 21st century skill class can provide the comprehensive instruction we find in exemplary music
amount of research
“The facts are clear—students who studied music in school consistently outperform those with no arts participation.’’
of music training and the amount of improvement in reading fluency in children. Music activities engage both the left and right hemisphere of the brain. In fact, studying music involves more right- and left-brain functions
that students in music performance scored 57 points higher on verbal subjects and 41 points higher on math, and students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal subjects and 44 points higher on the math. (Source: The College Entrance Examination Board).
While this finding was important, it is the second set of discoveries that were perhaps more
compelling. The students reported consistently, as did parents and staff, that they were happier. They enjoyed coming to school more and looked forward to arriving each day. There was a sense of community pride that resulted from the investment in the provision of arts opportunities.
strong communities and give every
tive, a call to support and enhance
States a study conducted showed
strengthened.
It is, arguably, a central goal to build
The facts are clear—students who
arts participation. In the United
demic results were
(Source: Good Music, Brighter Children) While the obvious benefits of music in
tently outperform those with no
in education—aca-
than any other activity measured.
programs across North America.
studied music in school consis-
in the field of arts
schools provide a compelling imperaopportunities, there is another story.
effort to ensuring that children grow up confident, happy and resilient. Arts and music education has the power to positively impact lives in this profound and essential way. I
Eva Lowe, formerly a resource
am privileged to be supported by
teacher in School District #23, Central
a community and staff at George
Okanagan, focussed her area of study
Pringle Elementary who agree and will
on the effects of providing arts and
energetically answer the call.
music opportunities to children. With extensive measures, surveys and exploration, there were two conclusions as to the effects. Her subjects were students at a
The John Hopkins Science Institute
small elemen-
conducted extensive studies and
tary school who
discovered that musicians have struc-
were gifted
turally and functionally different brains
with the ‘arts
compared with non-musicians. In
extra’ as part of
particular, the areas of the brain used
their education
to process music are larger or more
over the school
active in musicians. Even just starting
year studied.
OMR
John McMahon, principal at George Pringle Elementary School, lives in Okanagan Mission with his wife and daughters.
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Kyla Ramirez
Kyla Ramirez works with a wide variety of clients
A global approach to muscle rehabilitation mission resident profile
Sharon Murray
K
elowna is a cosmopolitan city, and one of its truly global citizens lives in the
Lower Mission and runs her business in Kettle Valley. Kyla Ramirez, the
them to return to activities injury or age appeared to have cheated them of, or helping them to try new sports and interests. Following a period of training, she started working with clients in New Zealand and the Yukon before setting up her own studio, Complete Core Pilates, in Kelowna.
founder and owner of Complete
A New Approach with Pilates
Core Pilates spent part of her
problem muscle can be turned back
Kyla’s approach is centred on the indi-
on, and strengthened with prescribed
vidual, and she is constantly refreshing
repetitive exercises. Over time the
her knowledge, and embracing new
muscle returns to full strength; the
therapies. Active bodies respond well
pain and discomfort decreases, and a
childhood in Ecuador. Her parents brought her to Canada when she was 10 years old, and one of the defining moments in her life was her first day in an Alberta school. She remembers staring at a pack of 64 Crayola crayons in disbelief. She had no idea how or why one child could have or need that many colours! She had never seen
to Pilates, but because everyone is different, a more targeted approach
Movement problems can impact any
specific muscle functions. This is
of us, whatever interests and activities
where she has recently started bring-
we pursue. Kyla works with weekend
ing Neurokinetic Therapy into play.
warriors who want to return to peak
Neurokinetic Therapy recognizes that
awareness of the relative material
the brain (primarily the cerebellum and
wealth in Canada compared with
the cerebral cortex), is responsible for
other countries in the developing
the body’s motor control. Research
world has remained with her.
shows that when muscles become
direction took a turn when she moved to New Zealand and discovered Pilates. She had always been an active woman, climbing, ice skating and running, so a career in health and wellness
injured or weak, the brain will find compensatory muscles to create movement. If this compensatory
fitness, as well as those whose goal is to be able to kick a football with their kids, or manage an hour’s gardening without pain. Hamstrings, knee pain, lower back aches, kinks in the neck, or shooting pains in the shoulder, whatever the problem, it is advisable to get them checked out and addressed.
pattern is allowed to continue, then
Kyla works with Arlene Wilkins and
dysfunction and pain follow. The good
Lori Rockl, two other experienced
news is that the brain can be retrained.
Pilates practitioners who share
was a logical step. She became
To re-program the brain, and train it to
fascinated with the Pilates discipline
function correctly again, the muscle
and its focus on the science behind in-
which is compensating for the weak,
juries, rehabilitation, and improvement
injured muscle is identified. In layman’s
in performance. Moreover she saw the
terms, the compensatory muscle
potential Pilates offered to impact
is turned off. This means that the
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
return to normal activities is possible.
is sometimes needed to rehabilitate
a pack of crayons that size. This
Following university, Kyla’s career
18
people’s lives for the better, helping
her passion for wellness, and the desire to bring it to our community in Okanagan Mission. Visit completecorepilates.com.
OMR
Sharon Murray is Vice President of the Okanagan Mission Residents Association.
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Lynda Millard A hidden gem in Okanagan Mission mission resident profile
Sharon Murray
M
parents, your boss, your mate, and to raise your kids. Now it’s time for you.’’ Lynda’s husband, Mike, has been
eeting Okanagan Mission resident Lynda Millard gave me pause to reflect
that, after six years in the area, I am still uncovering hidden gems. Lynda is an active member of our community, not least as the President of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society which she founded and runs, with Sue Schierer, her Vice President, from an office in her home. The Crown Jewels of Canada Society is a national non-profit organization, and a REAL social network, with the refreshingly simple aims of bringing together women across Canada to have Fun, (as Lynda stresses with a capital ‘’F’’), and to provide a sisterhood of friendship and support for its members. Those struggling with loss or ill health are given the opportunity to relax and laugh, secure in the knowledge they are with friends. Recognizing changing demographics, and a generation of 50+ women who are active and wanting to live life to the full, Lynda formed the organiza-
20
You’ve done your best to please your
supportive of her venture from the outset, encouraging her to develop the fledgling group from its base in
wear the Crown Jewels colours; sport
the Mission into a national society.
something on your head; (whether
Activities vary from jalopy rides to
that be a fascinator, a lampshade, or
cruises, charity fundraisers to annual
a decorated bra!); pay your dues; and have FUN.
conventions, craft fairs to tea parties, movie nights to zip lining, and all are in the hands of the members. The ladies hold annual conventions;
“Having ticked off most of our shoulds, women generally feel a new sense of mastery in their late 40s and 50s. You’ve done your best to please your parents, your boss, your mate, and to raise your kids. Now it’s time for you.’’
with 2013 in Calgary; 2014 in Vancouver, and 2015 promising a lobster fest in Nova Scotia.
The ladies of the Crown Jewels “keep it simple, sisters!’’ and give free rein to the diverse interests of their members. In an increasingly
remote online world, it is refreshing to encounter an organization where
As we chatted it became clear that
chapters and individuals can engage
Lynda embodies the values of the
via the Internet, but where the focus
organization. Proudly Canadian, two
is on real life relationships and get
of the organization’s colours are
togethers—women striking up and
red and white. The third colour is
maintaining friendships with women.
purple; honouring the regal stature of the membership; like jewels, all women are precious and unique.
tion in 2009. Lynda’s quote from
Just as the welcome into Lynda’s home
Gail Sheehy will resonate with many
is warm, I got the feeling that new
women approaching their second life;
recruits into the Crown Jewels are
“having ticked off most of our shoulds,
also welcomed with open arms. The
women generally feel a new sense
5000+ members are organized into
of mastery in their late 40s and 50s.
local chapters, with only four rules;
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Lynda Millard, Crown Jewels President
As Lynda emphasizes, ‘’We hug a lot. We all need hugs from time to time.’’ For more information on The Crown Jewels of Canada Society, visit www. crownjewelsofcanada.com or email info@crownjewelsofcanada.com.
OMR
Sharon Murray is Vice President of the Okanagan Mission Residents Association.
Award-Winning REALTOR® since 2006
Kelowna Real Estate Jaime Briggs 250-215-0015 www.BriggsOnHomes.com
Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association Membership Application Name First
Apply online at OMRA.ca or complete this form and mail with payment
Last
Age: Please indicate the appropriate age range.
Street Address
18-24
Mailing Address (if different)
25-32 City
Province
Home Phone
Postal Code
Cell
Email Address By providing an email address you agree to receive email updates and notices from OMRA
33-44 45-60 60+
Any person over 18 years of age, residing within Okanagan Mission who pays $10 annually to the Association will be a member of the Okanagan Mission Residents/ Community Association. Please complete this form, then mail it to PO Box 29138, Kelowna, BC V1W 4A7
I have enclosed the $10 membership fee I would consider becoming a Director or Volunteer Member of Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
21
Clare Anderson Music and meals at the Minstrel Cafe Mission resident profile
Deanna Merrick
O
ne of the countless joys of life in Okanagan Mission is a vibrant music scene,
brought to life by some of the most passionate and inspired individuals in the valley. Enter Clare Anderson, owner of the Minstrel Cafe and energetic promoter of live musicians from near and far.
bought the restaurant and found their
musicians there, and was eventually
home just a few blocks away. And
accepted as one of the locals. He
with his arrival, and the opening of
was, he says, living the dream.
the Minstrel Cafe, came the advent
In the early 1980s, an acquaintance had opened a restaurant/club, Sidetrack, in Edmonton. With Anderson’s experience in Hawaii and his restaurant and music background, he moved back to
“People are astounded at some of the entertainment we have… they can’t believe that they can see performances of that quality in a little place in the Mission.”
of live music on a nightly basis. “When I first bought the restaurant it was a tough business. And the music business is equally tough. Nobody has joined the two on a consistent basis
Combining great food with eclectic
Canada and took
and traditional musical experiences
over Sidetrack as
has been in Clare Anderson’s blood
the operating partner. He stayed
since he was a child. When he bought
there from 1983 until 1998 in what
the Minstrel Cafe in January of 2000,
he describes as “one of the most
The Minstrel Cafe on Lakeshore seats
he brought years of experience in the
vibrant, engaging musical scenes in
100 indoors, with an additional 20
food and music business with him.
the country.” The people who showed
people in their back room. Their lush,
up there read like a who’s who of
garden-style patio holds another 65
the music, sports and entertainment
to 70 seats. With live entertainment
world. He became deeply involved in
available nightly, there is a very
the community in Edmonton and took
reasonable entertainment charge,
on other challenges like helping the
“He had restaurants and hotels on the
which helps pay the gifted musicians
Edmonton Oilers add entertainment
island for 30 years. My father was
and develop the local music scene.
into their game nights. He was also
the real thing. When I was 12 years
involved in another successful venture,
old I started as a busboy and just kept
Max’s Diner, in Saskatoon.
Anderson was born in Victoria, where his father was the original owner/operator of the Oak Bay Marina Restaurant.
going from there,” he reminisces. As a young man on Vancouver Island, Anderson was very connected to the west coast music scene. His father, himself a gifted musician, opened for Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald, to name but a few.
22
lived near a core group of international
A Perfect Pairing Like so many Kelowna residents, Anderson first visited Okanagan Mission during a family vacation. He and his wife, Sylvia, were looking for a special
At age 25, Anderson operated a res-
spot to raise a family and
taurant and club in Lahaina, Maui. He
run a small business. They
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
for as long as we have. You really have to be committed and focused,” Anderson says.
The music at the Minstrel Cafe is,
The Anderson family in 2005 during the early years of the Minstrel.
signature dishes
active bunch. He loves basketball,
are created.
tennis, hockey and sailing, and
“The Slow Braised
his ‘German golf foursome.’
Lamb Shank has
Clare Anderson approaches his life
been very popular
with great passion. He delights
ever since we
when parents bring their children
opened. The
to the restaurant, introducing them
Seafood Linguini,
to great live music. He takes on his
Mahi Mahi and
restaurant, his music, his family, his
Crab-encrusted
sports and his community with a joy
Salmon are also
and zeal that is second to none.
OMR
favourites.” Don’t-missappetizers include the Minstrel Cafe’s Asian Ribs, Thai Mussels and Roast Beet & Orange Salads. They also feature gourmet pizzas.
Voted best PLACe to eAt & heAr LiVe musiC! Nov 1 HILLS AND LEMELIN Brother ray’s gifted guitar comBined with hill’s gutsy harmonica swoops
Nov 2/29/30
POPPA DAWG BLUES BAND
The Minstrel The Andersons in 2013 on the patio at the Minstrel. From left to right: Sylvia, Tehgann (14), Clare and Coan (9).
Cafe is a strong supporter of area wineries and has a great wine list fea-
Anderson says, the most eclectic mix
from memphis to motown, Kelowna’s premiere Bluesman delivers his Bluesy originals and soulful covers
Nov 6 tHE SHUffLE DEMONS canada’s masters of musical mayhem and jazz funK folly
Dec 3 ZAPPACOStA
in the valley. From jazz to blues and
turing many Okanagan Mission selec-
juno award winning/grammy nominated vocalist
rock to folk, you’ll find local, national
tions and wines from throughout the
moNDay seafooD feast
and international sounds to suit most
region. You can also bring your own
anyone’s taste. Kelowna’s own music
wine for a reasonable corkage fee.
scene is filled with riveting talent like Poppa Dawg, and singer/songwriters Andrew and Zachary Smith.
The Minstrel Cafe has been home to over 100 weddings and countless other celebrations. Anderson also op-
“People are astounded at some of the
erates the Skookum
entertainment we have…they can’t be-
Barn Dance Society,
lieve that they can see performances
which has hosted
of that quality in a little place in the
16 performances
Mission,” said Anderson, who was at
at the Mission Hall.
one time a juror for the Juno awards.
From this, they’ve
The Minstrel Cafe’s meals are a perfect pairing with their musical
donated $16,000 to area charities.
offerings. Under the guidance of Chef
Anderson, his wife,
Leon, who was once Sous Chef at the
their daughter
Taj Mahal in India— many delectable
and son are an
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LiVe entertAinment 5–6 nights A Week 250-764-2301 4638 Lakeshore rD. www.minstrelcafe.com Established 2000
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23
Maxine DeHart Multitasking Maven Iconic Columnist councillor profile
The business column
Deanna Merrick
alone could be daunting, but Maxine sees it as
K
an opportunity to help elowna City Councillor Max-
businesses and charities in
ine DeHart is a living example
the community. She says
of the old adage, “When you
she gets about a hundred
want to get something done, give
new contacts a week,
it to a busy person.” DeHart is well
turning the information
known in the city as the prolific
into a column that runs
business columnist for the Kelowna
1,800 to 2,000 words.
Capital News. She’s been a force in the local tourism industry in her capacity as director of sales for the Ramada Hotel for the past 27 years. And her job on city council brings a range of other commitments on various committees. On top of all that, DeHart is committed to some of the city’s most successful volunteer fundraisers. It’s amazing that
“The column has really made me
Mexico every year, and until an injury slowed her down,
“I wasn’t sure if I should go ahead,
and it has opened my eyes to the
but I did,” she says. “That same
people of Kelowna. Whether it’s a
year, I started my business column
big business like Sun-Rype or a new
and the drive-through breakfast
hot dog stand, the people behind
fundraiser at the hotel. After all of
it are truly amazing,” she says.
that it was easy. I just continued
DeHart operates with a few simple rules. She always returns calls, and doesn’t write
“At this moment I really like where I am politically and in my career.”
was an ac-
‘rumor mill.’ “And I always make sure to spell it right. Their name, their
business, whatever. People also love
Golf and Country Club.
the Birthdays of the Week. I know it’s
in 1970, where she worked for the Scotia Bank for 15 years. In 1985, she joined the tourism industry and has not looked back. She met and married
24
about the
tive member of the Kelowna
Maxine DeHart moved to Kelowna
their operation for that year.
grow. I see all of these businesses,
she finds two weeks to visit
Coucillor Maixne DeHart
doing what I was doing.”
Consistent Councillor DeHart says the biggest highlight of her career to date was being elected to Kelowna City Council. “Sometimes I look back and wonder whatever possessed me to run. But it has worked out… the background in the media and the hotel has given me a broad perspective.”
a lot of information, and sometimes
Maxine says her brief time on city
I have so much that I have to cut
council has been a huge learning
it back! You have to ask yourself
experience. She’s had to figure out
what is important to readers… what do people want to hear about.”
how the city works and educate herself on the various boards and
her husband Chris, who is part of the
Effective Fundraiser
committees she sits on.
same DeHart family for which DeHart
In 1998, the Kelowna United
“Many years ago, I was the
Road and DeHart Avenue are named.
Way approached Maxine to chair
vice-president of the Kelowna
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Chamber of Commerce and was appointed to represent the Chamber with the City of Kelowna. Now as a councillor, I represent the city with the Chamber of Commerce. It’s come full circle,” she laughs. DeHart says the combination of such a variety of individual strengths and backgrounds has made for a great city council, which melds together to create an effective group. Maxine DeHart considers it a privilege to represent the people of Kelowna’s Mission, where she has been a resident for 30 years. While she’s a busy person, she has created her own sort of balance which works well for her. “At this moment I really like where I am politically and in my career. If you like where you are, you will do a good job!”
OMR
Okanagan Mission Community Website • News • EVENT & MEETING NOTIFICATIONS • Request Information • B oard Member Contact Information • B ecome a member Application Form • Sign up for Special Email Communication • New Constitution & Bylaws • Face Book Connection • Community Surveys Coming Soon
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
25
Dominic Petraroia, QC Managing Partner of Farris Law Firm, Kelowna feature profile
Sharon Murray & Mark Thompson
D
ominic Petraroia’s name reflects his Italian birth, although he was raised and
educated in Vancouver and worked with the notable law firm of Clark Wilson before moving to Kelowna in 1991. He built his own legal practice here with his colleague William Thiessen, before merging the firm with Farris in 2008. Dominic is now the Managing Partner of perhaps the most contemporary law office in Kelowna with a strong total partnership presence in western Canada.
of how they would go about serving
with views to die for on the 18th floor
your needs and asking for dollar
of the newest Landmark VI office
estimates for their services. When
building. It is indeed a special mixture
significant amounts of work might
of architecture, humanism, pragmatism
be required check to see how they
and efficiency with room to grow.
go about dispatching the work load
Dominic, or Dom as he likes to be
to the appropriate level of counsel.
called, has a preference for the
The role of Managing Partner is a
non-litigation part of practising law.
demanding one, and to be successful
He likes start-ups, estate planning,
requires legal skills and expertise
corporate reorganizations and in
as well as strong business acumen.
general helping
Dominic believes
individuals or
that Kelowna
corporations reach
is the most
achievable goals.
entrepreneurial area of BC outside
When we asked
of Vancouver, and
Dominic how
he is dedicated
people should
to the continued
go about finding
growth of the
legal counsel he
firm in the City.
Like many accomplished individuals,
answers “Birds
Dominic’s achievements have to be
of a feather
A simple prin-
teased out of him. A QC and a man
flock together.”
ciple that Dominic
with a formidable record as a lawyer
In other words
and Managing Partner, Dominic is also
the best referral
a talented musician, coming close
advice is to ask
to pursuing a degree in music rather
others that you know need good legal
the Kelowna Farris office as one
than law. In another life he might
advice. Examples include talking to
that staff are proud to belong
have become a concert pianist. This
a trusted friend, your banker or your
to. To this end it is clear that an
first love is pursued alongside the law,
accountant and other associates
articling law student would see
and in recent years he has been a
that live and work in similar circles
this office as a dream placement
committed supporter of the Okanagan
to yourself. “Lawyers are judged on
with articling student offices bet-
Symphony Orchestra and a recent
their results and reputations, and both
ter than most lawyers imagine.
chair of the KGH Hospital Foundation.
take years to achieve,” said Dominic.
Dominic’s wife, Sharon was a teacher at Anne McClymont Elementary School in Okanagan Mission for many years, and he has three children. Without a doubt Farris has created an
26
incredible Kelowna work environment
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Dominic Petraroia, Managing Partner Farris
adheres to is to continuously strive to have
Our review notes that a number of
When trying to find a legal firm to
Farris’s lawyers are ranked among
provide the service you need it is
the Leading 500 Lawyers in Canada,
fair ball to interview the appropriate
as well as the Top 100 Cross-Border
counsel within the firm referencing
Lawyers, according to Lexpert, the
your needs and asking for an overview
most respected legal publication in
Canada. Although Dominic is a fan of advances in technology which means that he can service his clients more efficiently and with expediency, he stresses that it is dangerous to opt for legal self diagnosis via the internet. Standard templates may appear a cheap alternative, but they may be overly simplistic and misleading, and the experience may be very costly in the long run. Utilizing internet knowledge can be helpful in preparation but he advises against performing your own heart surgery based on having read all about it on the internet. The investment by Farris in Kelowna demonstrates their confidence in, and commitment to, the future of the City. The firm’s presence in Kelowna allows businesses with complex and diverse transactions to deal with a local practice rather than incur the additional cost and inconvenience of instructing a large city firm in Vancouver, Calgary, or Toronto. In turn, the opportunity to work on interesting legal issues, Dominic in the new Farris offices in the Landmark VI building
and large deals, coupled with the inviting Kelowna climate, attracts impressive legal talent to the City. This bodes well for the firm’s private and business clients. Farris offers a comprehensive range of legal services. To be a good manager Dominic notes,
Nothing less would be expected of
is clear that this is the kind of person
a firm of Farris’ calibre; it’s a given,
that we need to be in leadership or at
and Dominic goes beyond this in his
least guiding our leadership. Thinking
ambitions for the practice. He stresses
about the world stage maybe we can
that he aims to use this expertise to
convince Dominic to be the Mayor
facilitate the client’s goals; personal or
and be the first concert pianist to
“it is important to
business, providing
perform in a new convention centre
be smart enough
peace of mind, and
with a 2000 seat concert hall that
a timely result.
we know he could make happen.
On completion of
It is people like Dominic Petraroia
this interview it
and his firm Farris that raises the
becomes demon-
bar for performance in Kelowna.
but not too smart.” On the humorous side he states,
“It is important to be smart enough but not too smart.”
“to get a good feel for how to do your managing
strably clear that Dominic is much
The impact on our community goes
more than a managing partner of a
far beyond one firm. This is one
leading Kelowna law firm. He is a
great example of what it takes to
Most legal firms claim that their aim
family man, a community servant and
place Kelowna on the world stage
is to be a high performance law firm
above all a man of grace. His intellect
making it an ever more attractive
offering the best legal expertise.
is admirable as is his humbleness. It
place to live work and play.
job well study the complications of how best to herd cats.”
OMR
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
27
Fabulous Fall Okanagan Wine Festival 3rd with the British events
Columbia Wine
Deanna Merrick
Awards, recognizing the top wines
F
in BC with gold, rom Osoyoos to Salmon Arm
silver and bronze
and Tappin, our region came
medals awarded
alive with a veritable feast
by a slate of esteemed judges from
for the senses at the 33rd annual
across Canada. Also celebrated were
The flagship Westjet Wine Tastings
Fall Okanagan Wine Festival. Wine,
awards for the Best Red, Best White,
took place October 4 and 5 at the
food, music… …the Okanagan Fall
Best Sparkling Wine, Best Dessert
Rotary Centre for the Arts in Kelowna.
Wine Festival offers something for
Wine and Best New Winery. The
Guests could meet winemakers and
British Columbia Wine Awards were
wine experts from 50 to 60 wineries,
held in an intimate setting with
and sip from a selection of over 250
winery-hosted tables at the Laurel
wines. The WestJet Wine Tastings
Heritage Packinghouse. The admission
are a celebration of all things fresh
everyone, from newly-minted wine lovers to long time oenophiles. The fall festival kicked off October
RESERVE YOUR LE2013 VINTAGES TODAY
Mission Creek Wine Cellars Great Wine is Yours for the Making! Located in Mission Creek Shopping Centre
#22-3155 Lakeshore Road 250.862.9463 www.missioncreekwinecellars.com
A unique collection of five distinguished varietals from some of the world’s most renowned wine-growing regions.
The Wines:
South African Shiraz Cabernet South African Viognier Chenin Blanc Roussanne Pacific Quartet Oregon Pinot Noir Red Mountain, Washington Cabernet Merlot
www.winexpert.com
28
fee included tapas and canapés.
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Available by pre-order only. Order yours by December 6th.
and alive, including new releases,
Check out the Fall 2013 Activity & Program Guide
bubblies, whites, reds and dessert wines. Admission included a safe ride
Available online and at locations throughout Kelowna
home, compliments of Valley First Insurance and BC Liquor Stores.
► Find programs in your neighbourhood including fitness, cooking and dance classes
The individual wineries and restaurants
► Let kids discover after-school activities that keep them busy while having fun
in Okanagan Mission were host to some of the hottest tickets at the
► Sign up for e-Subscribe and get the Guide delivered to your inbox
Okanagan Fall Wine Festival. From October 4 through 14, Summerhill
kelowna.ca/recreation
Pyramid Winery and their Sunset
250 469-8800
Organic Bistro featured Sip Into Sunset, a four-course Table d’Hote menu, created by Chef Jesse Croy. This popular event showcased seasonal local organic ingredients with wine pairings by winemaker Eric von Krosigk. The Lakeside Lunch at the El was a two-course lunch with a three-course wine flight at the Hotel Eldorado.
F
R
A
M
I
N
G
Picture Framing & Mirrors Custom Designs & Sizes
A very special evening unfolded under the stars at CedarCreek Estate Winery, when it hosted Starry Nights Winemaker’s Dinner on October 5. Guests joined CedarCreek’s Winemaker, Darryl Brooker, and President Gordon Fitzpatrick to enjoy a personal selection of exceptional wines from their current and library vintages, paired with an exquisitely prepared dinner showcasing CedarCreek’s
Frames
‘farm to table’ philosophy.
Liners
A celebration of the start of the new harvest was the theme at St. Hubertus & Oak Bay Estate Winery’s Harvest Lunch. Each lunch was artfully prepared by a local chef, and matched with St. Hubertus and Oak Bay wines. This enchanting spread was served un-
Mats Glass Mounting Stretching
der a white marquee in the vineyard. There are always plenty of reasons to venture out into Okanagan Mission and surrounding areas in the fall.
OMR
For further details on all fall Okanagan Wine Festival Events, visit thewinefestivals.com.
Now open to the public! Competitive prices Designer and Artist discounts Two locations to serve you: 560 Raymer Ave., Kelowna PH: 250-868-3391 3376 Sexsmith Rd., Kelowna PH: 250-765-6116
Excellent client expectations for over 28 years Reliable, flexible scheduling Locally owned and operated
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
29
Great dining experiences Near Okanagan Mission Hector and Laurie Tisnada in front of their Mexican restaurant on Pandosy
restaurants
additional 50 on their outdoor patio. Original Joe’s is open
by Deanna Merrick
from 11 a.m. to
D
midnight seven days a week.
uring a wet fall or gloomy winter, it sometimes seems
“We’ve got an
like everyone you talk to
atmosphere that
is heading off to Mexico. If that
is comfortable,
isn’t in your budget this year,
laid back and not
or perhaps you’ve just recently
too pretentious.
returned and want to keep your
Wednesday night
Mexican memories alive, visit Hector’s Casa on Pandosy Street.
The restaurant, which seats 60
It’s the real thing, a great restaurant
people, features a great selection
where the scrumptious food
of traditional northwestern Mexican
will keep you coming back.
food. Their fajitas—steak, chicken and
Hector Tisnado was raised in the Mexican countryside outside of Mazatlan, and it was here that his family intro-
popular selections, including the
details and reservation information.
fish tacos, made with mahi-mahi.
Original Joe’s, a popular stop for lunch
of the recipes they offer are passed
and dinner with a great atmosphere
down from generation to generation.
for diners of all ages. This is the
in West Kelowna.
Martin keeps the tone fun and
quality, with madefrom-scratch food.
except Saturday and Sunday when
Ninety five per
the hours are 4:30 to 10:00 p.m.
cent of our food is made fresh. We also have a great selection of B.C. craft beers,” says Matt.
patios. It’s very secluded, half covered
The restaurant
and half open air. It will stay opened
seats 135 guests,
when weather permits,” says Hector.
with room for an
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
have made Original Joe’s a local hit.
and restaurant manager Dustin
daily from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.,
decor. We’ve also got one of the best
salad, appie and burger items that
Albertson, who also has Original Joe’s
The colourful restaurant is open
very relaxing with traditional Mexican
beef dip, one of the many sandwich,
There is plenty of free parking,
“We focus on
The atmosphere at Hector’s Casa is
Another perennial favourite is their
second restaurant for owner Matt
experience to their new venture.
“We have the best margaritas in town!
30
on their menu. Visit hectorscasa.ca for
you’ll find at Hector’s Casa. Many
Laurie, brought years of restaurant
get a bottle of wine at half price.” Their entire menu is filled with
Not far down Pandosy Street is
and both Hector and his wife,
the next night is Wine Down Thursday where you can
prawn—are the most popular choice
duced him to the delectable delicacies
Hector’s Casa was opened in 1999,
is Wing Night and
Owner, Matt Albertson, in front of his Original Joes Pandosy branch location
engaging. Visit Original Joe’s site at originaljoes.ca.
A young family enjoys lunch on the deck of the Chutney on Pandosy
Somewhat surprisingly, the East Indian food lends itself very well to some
For an inspired taste of some-
of the Okanagan’s local
thing completely different, be
wines, including Pinot Gris,
sure to visit Chutney Cuisine
Gewurztraminer, Cabernet
of India, another award-
Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
winning restaurant in the Pandosy Street shopping area.
The restaurant also offers
Featuring predominantly East
take-out and delivery
Indian food, a full 90 per cent
foods. Chutney Cuisine
of their menu is gluten-free
of India is open for lunch
and there is a mouth-watering
and dinner all week. Check
selection of vegetarian meals. Proprietor Gurvinder Momi opened Chutney Cuisine in 2002. He has been involved in the restaurant business for 18 years in Kelowna, and he started the first Indian restaurant in the city. Extensive renovations
Their menu has some unique, mouth-watering selections. Momi says that Indian food is not as
This fall and winter, don’t let a few snowflakes or clouds keep
“Our guests choose how spicy they
dishes these restaurants serve up. You
want their food, and 70 per cent of
are scheduled for this October. “We will have high-end ambi-
korma with cashew nuts, and the
Thanks to all in the community who make the Okanagan Mission a great place to call home.
restaurant.ca, for details.
spicy as people may think.
them want it to be moderate. People
ence, a five-star look,” he says.
their web site, chutney-
love our butter chicken, the chicken
you indoors. Try some of the great don’t have to travel to experience different corners of the world.
OMR
fresh baked tandoori vegetables.”
We love our gardens but we’re also loving the new clothing lines we’re carrying. If you haven’t visited lately, come and see what’s new from Pure Handknit® and sister company, Neon Buddha®. From the garden to your closet, we’ve got you covered!
Ron Cannan, MP
Kelowna - Lake Country
114-1835 Gordon Drive, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 3H4 (250)-470-5075 ron@cannan.ca www.cannan.ca Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
31
Gallery 421 Fine Art Inspirations in the Heart of SOPA ART
by Dona Sturmanis
Since being established in 2002,
as they are constantly refining
Gallery 421 has become one of BC’s
the aesthetic of the gallery.
most vibrant and exciting commercial art galleries. The very unique and
A
distinctive collection focuses on s owner of Gallery 421, Susan Einerssen has always been passionate for the
arts and started her own art collection at the early age of 17.
contemporary and traditional oil and acrylic paintings, soapstone, metal and bronze sculptures, glass, raku and jewelry by renowned, emerging and highly-respected Canadian artists.
In 1992, she married Jonn Einerssen, an internationally-acclaimed ocean painter and their dream was to promote artists and own an art gallery. That dream came
Over the years, Gallery 421 has become a destination for art lovers and collectors from Canada and internationally.
role in supporting working Canadian artists by sharing their work with collectors,” says Susan. “It is imperative to us that all visitors, clients and those interested in fine art feel welcomed in our gallery.” Enjoy a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere to browse. The sales associates are expeditious, knowledgeable and friendly and 421 works closely with each client to
true on October,1997 when
choose the perfect pieces of
they jointly started the Grand
art whether they are adding to
Gallery which was located in
their collection or considering
the Grand Hotel in Kelowna.
their very first piece. Their
In 2001, two other galleries
reputation for excellent service
partnered together with
has been earned over the years,
Grand Gallery with the vision
whether it is that they find
of owning and operating
the perfect piece, deliver one
a second location in the
or more pieces to a client’s
Rotary Centre for the Arts
home or office for trial, or
and Gallery 421 came to
Gallery 421 is vibrant & exciting
fruition. After several years of working together, the other two galleries decided to focus primarily on their own gallery and Susan took over as the owner of Gallery 421. In
“Gallery 21 strives to always keep
hosts three to four shows yearly
the gallery interesting and diverse,”
featuring group artist shows.
says Susan. “The comprehensive and continually updated website
was sold to primarily focus on the pro-
[www.421.ca] and Facebook
motion of Gallery 421 and its artists.
pages have much to do with the
heart and the soul, and that the
reach of Gallery 421 collectors from around the world.”
artists I carry in my gallery are
With new pieces arriving weekly,
passionate in their form of art which
Susan continually strives to keep
translates to the clients,” she says.
the art fresh, new and dynamic,
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
hang their valued piece of art. Gallery 421 proudly
December of 2003, the Grand Gallery
“I truly believe that art feeds the
32
“We aspire to have an essential
For the convenience of art collectors, Classic Gallery Framing offers competitive framing at the same location. Gallery 421 also offers by-appointment viewing after business hours. Worldwide shipping and interest-free lay-away plans are available. Gallery 421 is located ar 560 Raymer Avenue in Kelowna.
OMR
Most hoMes sold in the Mission since 2008*
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W W W . B R E N T P A Y. C A Assurance Realty Ltd.
*SOURCE: OMREB
DIRECT PH: 250.878.4834
Talk about innovative pharmacy services health
Mark Thompson
A
s a former pharmacist with an edge for innovation I look for leading edge health
care providers. This is part two of three parts on an example of innovation in pharmacy services delivered by Prescription Health Studio Inc. Part III will discuss a link with an innovative physician.
for the Nutritionist. In other words
tion with Pharmacist Ester Simmons
the Nutritionist becomes a more
Foot and the physician when ap-
recognizable part of the holistic
propriate. She believes that everyone
approach to health care in a truly
will benefit from seeking professional
sustainable healthcare delivery system.
nutritional advice, as there is so much
Pharmacist Esther Simmons Foot, who is by all standards a breath of
Again, unlike almost any other
pharmacy (Prescription Health Studio
pharmacy, Prescription Health Studio
Inc.) providing some of the most innovative pharmacy services that I have ever seen. This article highlights the provision
is a critical part of a quality health
of Nutritionist
overall health of an individual is altered by their nutrition regiment. The Preventative Health Care Model stands to gain significant ground by including a much enhanced role
services. Unlike almost any other pharmacy,
initial consultation for a cost of only $69.95. In a one hour meeting, Leah will gather information about you, do a series of questionnaires and provide an
Prescription Health Studio has a Reg-
assessment of probable associated
istered Holistic Nutritionist on staff
causes of underlying health issues that
and her name is Leah Green.
may exist. In this consultation process
She is easy to talk to, draws on
you will obtain dietary, nutraceuti-
her education and experience,
cal and lifestyle recommendations
shows a genuine interest in your
that are customized to your body’s
health and she has the support
specific needs. Combine this with a
of the pharmacist to practice
medication review (if appropriate)
her profession. Leah has a great
and you may obtain perhaps the best
advantage having served as a
value in health care today for the
for almost a decade. This has provided her with familiarity
Registered Holistic Nutritionist, Leah Green (left) ansd Pharmacist, Esther Simmons Foot (right)
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
through the Nutritionist provides a
“The Preventative Health Care Model stands to gain significant ground by including a much enhanced role for the Nutritionist.”
former Pharmacy Technician
34
on what is healthy and what isn’t.
fresh air, has a brand new professional
We know that attention to nutrition care plan. Without question the
conflicting information these days
provision of future quality life years. At Prescription Health Studio,
with a broad range of pharma-
Inc. a nutritional consultation
ceuticals better enabling her to
and a lifestyle education process
apply her Nutritionist knowledge
provide support for their clients
to consult with her clients.
to achieve more optimal health.
Leah believes all clients are
So even if you feel fine and don’t
unique and require an indi-
have any major apparent health issues,
vidualized approach in order to
consider adding a Nutritionist to
holistically address health issues.
your healthcare team of advisors to
Leah works closely in consulta-
help you reach optimal health.
OMR
PRESCRIPTION HEALTH STUDIO integrative pharmacy
Phamacist/Owner
Esther Simmons Foot
RPh, B.A., B.Sc. (Pharm), FLT Certified®
Book either an in-depth Medication Review or a Nutritional Consultation or both today. In-depth medication review: To empower you with knowledge about the risks and benefits of your pharmaceutical and nutraceutical therapies. Support to discontinue or reduce drug therapies or advice to mitigate harmful side effects of these drugs with nutraceutical supplementation. Partners: $69.95
Non-Partners: $125.00
Nutritional Consultation: Leah will gather information and do a series of questionnaires to try and find the probable cause of your symptoms. She will then give you recommendations that are customized to your body’s specific needs. Registered Holistic Nutritionist
Leah Green
Initial Consultation: $69.95
Follow-Up visit: $49.95
Blood lab interpretation, food sensitivities, hormones, adrenal and thyroid testing available.
540 West Avenue, Kelowna, BC • 778-478-1303 • phs@medicinecentre.com
www.prescriptionhealthstudio.com
Award winning community design development
Mark Thompson
K
businesses add products and services
doing in a hard economy and what
to keep things fresh and interesting.
new developments are planned for
Tony Overton is the owner of the Village Centre and I asked him about
ettle Valley is an award winning
the recent expansion to the Village
community and also the home
Centre. Overton replied, “I spend a lot
to an award winning com-
of time looking at demographics and
mercial centre “Best Retail Building”
trying to look forward to see how we
in the Okanagan OMREB 2011
can further improve things. The City
The Village Centre is home to over 20 businesses and entrepreneurs and the mix of services offered by the commercial centre has continued to evolve over the last five years as residents provide regular feedback on what they would like to see, but there are also plenty of surprises for the community as the local
census indicated to me that in 2012 the population would grow to over 10,000 residents living within a five minute drive time of the Village Centre, so I felt the time was right to add another 13,000 sq ft of retail space and offer residents a greater variety of services.” So how are the local businesses
● Coyote Grill & Restaurant ● Papitos Pizza ● Mission House Coffee ● Vacanza Travel ● iNartifex Design Studio ● Flower Scene Florist ● Gabel Landscaping
Kettle Valley? Overton said, “Kettle Valley has expanded by 50% in the last five years, and the new Elementary school has further established Kettle Valley as one of the most desirable places to live. Local entrepreneurs have invested significantly into providing high quality establishments. There is still space for additional services which are needed by the community, and we have a very strong demand for a Walk in Medical clinic and a Dentist, but we have also had enquiries for Physiotherapy, Grocery and a Post Office so it is important to keep an open mind to what will most benefit the community.”
● Kettle Valley Gym ● Completecore Pilates Studio ● Peoples Pharmacy ● Dr. Webb Chiropractic ● Neurotech Brain Balancing ● Little Owl Daycare OFFICE & RETAIL SPACE AVAILABLE
Contact Tony at 250.826.0844 or overtons@live.ca
36
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
OMR
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Lakeshore Bridge update Understanding the Design Process in the works
Len McFarlane
T
he construction of a bridge is a long process. The time from concept to
ribbon-cutting could take three or more years, two or more of which involve design. In the case of the Lakeshore Bridge, time and money are becoming increasingly crucial. To understand where we are in the Lakeshore Bridge project,
The Preliminary Design proposes a bridge deck 2.7 metres (9 feet) higher than the current bridge deck.
designs would be unsuccessful in a
potential safety issues. It is the formal
knowledge of the design process.
formal safety review, OMRA submit-
stamp of approval from licenced
The Concept Phase
ted its own concept featuring an
engineers that the city requires in
overpass at the Truswell intersection.
order to proceed with the project.
it would help to have a basic
The first step is to develop a design
The safety review was conducted over
concept by identifying its needs and
the five month period from May to
problems. In this case the need is
September 2011 by the private con-
to replace the aging Mission Creek
sulting firm of D.C. Dean Associates.
Bridge while extending the Mission Creek Greenway. The problem is to raise the bridge high enough to accommodate new flood level clearance guidelines while addressing the resultant safety issues at the nearby Truswell Road intersection. This phase of the project was carried out during the six month period from January to June 2011 by a design team
Although the overpass design
Lakeshore and Truswell Intersection
rated higher in terms of safety and
Safety Review Report on September
functionality, the estimated cost
6, 2011. The report concluded that
was speculated to be higher and on
the apparent preferred concept
May 16, 2011, city council agreed
design did have its shortcomings and
with staff’s recommendation to
established three design requirements:
accept the cheapest ($2.7m) of their designs as the preferred option.
a) Remove the signal lights at the Truswell Road intersection
consisting of the city’s Infrastructure
The Transportation Safety Audit
Planning Department and the private
b) Relocate the Truswell intersec-
The next step is to have a formal
tion to a point 30m to the north
consulting firm of Stantec Inc.
38
The result was the publication of the
study conducted by an experienced
c) Prohibit left turns on exit from
The city pursued a couple of designs
team of transportation specialists
that combined a bridge over Mission
who provide a feasibility assessment
Creek with a grade level intersection
of the concept design and establish
The audit report also recognized an
at Truswell Road. Suspecting that their
design requirements by addressing
interest from the design team to
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
the River Run subdivision
reduce the safe stopping distance
This view is looking northward to the bridge showing the traffic-calming components of narrower traffic lanes and a raised centre median.
calculations by creating a bridge design based on the posted speed limit of 50 kph rather than the 85th percentile* speed limit of 62.3 kph. The safety report then established two design requirements should the city wish to pursue this initiative: 1) Include sufficient traffic calming components to adequately manage the speeds within the corridor. 2) Conduct further studies to address their impact on safety. Anticipating future fundamental changes to the bridge design, the safety audit emphasized the importance of “further safety reviews in the form of road safety audits that should be undertaken as the city enters into the preliminary and detailed design stages of the project.”
The design team presented their plan
a safety audit had not been con-
at an open house at the Manteo
ducted on the preliminary design.
Resort in April 2013 which showed
The consultant then assured city
a design similar to that of the earlier
staff and OMRA that “we are certain
concept design by combining a bridge
that our proposed new design will
over Mission Creek with a grade level
meet all traffic safety standards.”
intersection at Truswell Road. The OMRA board had an opportunity over the summer to review the drawings
The Detailed Design Phase This is the last of the design phases in which engineers define the details
Shortly after the release of the
in more detail and has noticed two
safety report, city staff announced
fundamental changes from the
that their preferred concept design
previous concept report of 2011:
parameters, material requirements
1) The bridge structure has been
been informed that once the city
was no longer being considered.
The Preliminary Design Phase This step normally bridges the gap
raised by .7m to a total of 2.7m above the bridge’s current grade.
of the project including operating and design life. OMRA has recently has selected a consultant to do the detailed design work, they will engage an independent safety audi-
between the concept design and
2) The bridge grade has been increased
the detailed design and focuses
to 6% from the previous 4.59%.
tor to report on how the proposed
The preliminary design also includes
required traffic safety standards.
on creating the general framework on which to build the project.
several traffic calming components
design will meet or not meet all
This phase was conducted over the
including narrowed traffic lanes, a
OMRA’s Concerns
21 month period from July 2011 to
raised centre median, a roundabout
April 2013 by a design team consisting
The preliminary design report is an
and warning flashers. The roundabout
of the city’s Design and Construction
all-inclusive document covering the
will be located 0.3 km south at
Services Department and the private
Lakeshore Road project from Richter
the Lexington intersection and the
consulting firm of Urban Systems
to Lexington and the design team
flashers are recommended to be
Inc. “We basically started from a
has put forward a quality report. The
installed in advance of the bridge
blank piece of paper,” says consult-
focus for OMRA, however, is on the
to warn Lakeshore Road traffic
ing engineer Forrest Klotzbach.
small section of real estate between
when signal lights at Truswell
the bridge and the Truswell intersec-
are red or changing to red.
tion and we have four concerns.
At a meeting in July 2013 between
1) The three recommended design
OMRA representatives and the
requirements from the first audit
design team, it was revealed that
in September 2011 (signal light
* The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85% of drivers are operating their vehicles. The data is acquired from an adequate sample of free-fowing vehicles (not impeded by other vehicles) operating at their desired speed at the measurement location.
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
39
removal, intersection relocation and the left turn restriction) were not implemented in the preliminary design. 2) The adequacy of the traffic calming components will require evaluation to determine their effectiveness in managing the 85th percentile speed of 62.3 kph within the road corridor down to 50 kph. 3) The increased grade will require evaluation to determine its effect on the stopping abilities of northbound drivers and cyclists at the Truswell intersection. (The preliminary design shows a continuous 6% grade from the bridge through the intersection.) 4) The increased grade will require evaluation to determine its impact on the mobility of pedestrians and cyclists crossing the bridge particularly during periods of inclement weather.
design. A team of safety engineers
The formal safety review is several
has analyzed the Design Concept.
months away and city staff remain
City Hall recognizes that its costs are adding up as it continues to search for the most cost-effective solution for its taxpayers. Meanwhile,
Time and Money
time is taking its toll on the old
The city’s Infrastructure Planning
bridge as structural engineers
Department and the Design and Construction Services Department
continue to carry out monthly inspections to ensure its integrity.
optimistic about the results. However, considering the above safety concerns and the uncertainty in the longevity of the old bridge, OMRA has encouraged them to be pro-active in investigating alternative design concepts. A sub-optimal design that saves money is still a sub-optimal design. The people deserve the optimiza-
have invested over two years in this
“We are doing our best to keep costs
tion of design with the availability
project. Two consulting engineer-
low,” says Bill Berry, Director of
of an appropriate budget.
ing teams have worked diligently
Design and Construction Services.
from two different perspectives to
“However, we always consider the
provide the city with a satisfactory
safety of our citizens as paramount.”
Opinion
OMR
Len McFarlane is a resident of Okanagan Mission and a regular contributor to the Okanagan Mission Review.
Elaborate or realistic: A viable Truswell intersection design must be found
It has been said that OMRA is advocating for an elaborate design for the Truswell intersec-
the bridge. The access evolved into a four-way
been subjected to a safety audit and relies
intersection at Truswell Road.
heavily on speed reduction components which the D.C. Dean study has already considered to
tion. More accurately OMRA is advocating for a
It is evident from a 2011 Truswell Intersec-
realistic design that addresses some safety and
tion Safety Audit by D.C. Dean & Associates
efficiency issues instigated by a questionable
($4800*) that there was no safety review
This may complicate the next phase of
be ineffective.
conducted at that time to evaluate its impact
the project, the Detailed Design, since major
In 1993 city engineers were aware that the
on the new bridge. The safety audit concluded
changes may be required in the design of the
Lakeshore Bridge was nearing the end of its 65
that stopping distances between the proposed
year lifespan and that its replacement would
bridge and the Truswell intersection would be
be significantly higher to accommodate more
inadequate. Subsequently the Concept Design
stringent flood level requirements in Mission
($62,100*) on which the safety audit was based
Creek. Curiously, they approved the location
has been scrapped.
decision by City staff over 20 years ago.
40
The proposed 6% grade is similar to that of the W.R. Bennett Bridge by comparison to the Gordon Bridge, which has a 5.2% grade.
of an access to a new Lakeshore Road subdi-
The new design ($55,000*) which was
vision (River Run) a mere 45 metres north of
presented at the Manteo in April 2013 has not
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Truswell intersection. Until a safe and functional design is found we will not see a new Lakeshore Bridge across Mission Creek. Len McFarlane *These amounts are the costs for private consulting fees only, and do not include City of Kelowna engineering and administration costs
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Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
41
Okanagan Mission: what is it? A community is often defined by a gathering place the Okanagan tradition of paving over
near Father Pandosy’s Mission, north
the simpson files
an area, erecting buildings, and then
of the creek, where area settlers, or
Sharron Simpson
calling it a park. However, that too is
those just passing through, gathered,
quite a distance from the area’s appar-
exchanged news, drank and social-
ently arbitrary Mission Creek boundary.
ized and likely drank some more.
With so much recent development,
Later during the Kettle Valley
the real estate buzz is about the
Railway construction years, an official
warm fuzzy feeling of an old-
Okanagan Mission town site was
fashioned village or community in
identified around the intersection
the midst of a bustling Kelowna.
of Collett and Lakeshore Roads and
S
o… a visitor arrives in Kelowna, looks at a map, and says: “What is Okanagan
Mission?” What do you say? Is it a geographic area in the southern part of Kelowna? The real estate advertisements refer to Lower Mission— is there an Upper Mission? Or even an Upper Upper Mission? Is it a neighbourhood? A community? A village?
So—what makes the elusive “community” everyone supposedly wants to live in? Is it more than a feeling? Is there a checklist of requirements for an area to be a considered a community? If so—what’s on it: coffee shops, schools, community
the Bellevue Hotel briefly took over the social functions of Lequime’s store. When the Okanagan Mission Supply Company was built nearby, it became both the commercial hub and the post office for the area. George Hall became postmaster in 1918.
centres such as Cedar Creek or the
Recovering from the ravages of World
Mission Hall, or parks—Kuipers Peak,
War I when many settlers departed
or the Kettle Valley playground?
for England and never returned, plus the social turmoil of the Depression, Mission residents recognized they needed a gathering place. Shortly after the roof of the Kelowna Growers’ Exchange packinghouse on Lakeshore Road collapsed in 1937, a public meeting was called to determine if there was sufficient interest in having a community hall. Support was unanimous; the Women’s Institute promised
There’s a sign announcing the Historic
Kettle Valley Village Centre: a community gathering place
Boundary of Okanagan Mission—then
42
$84.00, the Badminton Club voted to donate $50.00, and the local sports club offered the deed to 2.04 acres of
there’s the Father Pandosy Mission,
Historically, a collective gathering
land to the newly-formed Community
which the area is named after, but it’s
place has been that critical marker
Hall Association. Those attending the
north of Mission Creek, the current
signalling the transition of a loosely
inaugural meeting promised rough
apparent designated boundary of
unorganized area into a “community.”
lumber, bulldozers, and cement mixers
Okanagan Mission. And what about
Mission pioneer Eli Lequime had a
along with $130.00 in cash. Residents
Mission Park, which certainly follows
general store, post office and saloon
put on plays and charged admission,
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
sold garden plants, organized a
spaces have traditionally become
treasure hunt, sold baked goods, and
community gathering places. George
amateur carpenters got to work.
Hall became the Mission postmaster when mail came by sternwheelers and delivered to the dock at the foot of Collett Road. Lake freeze-ups were among the hazards, which interrupted regular delivery, and George
When Dick retired in 1981, Belle took over and when the store was sold soon after, the post office moved to the mini mall just to the north, tucked into The Laughing Moon boutique and café. Belle moved with it and the
often had to venture to Kelowna by
community moved along with her.
horseback and stuff his saddlebags
However, more recently, in someone’s
with mail for the return trip home. At the outbreak of World War II, when many again departed for the war, George Hall’s widow, Jessie, became the acting postmistress.
Originally the social and sports centre for Okanagan Mission residents, the Red Barn no longer has such an essential role in the greatly expanded community
and brought over to sell in the store.
wisdom, the post office was again moved to the north side of Mission Creek, out of what we formally call Okanagan Mission, into a mall off Gordon Drive, and the Mission
The building at the corner of Lakeshore and Collett was recently given a facelift by a tenant who, like many others, occupied the building for a short period
On January 21, 1938 the landmark red barn was officially opened with over 300 residents dancing to the music of the Charles Pettman Orchestra. The hall has, at various times, been transformed into school rooms, a badminton court, a dance hall, a wedding site, and a meeting location. At one stage, the iconic red barn became a rather drab gray barn—it was a shock to old-timers—but in 2009 new red siding replace the earlier incarnation
After the war, Dick Hall, George and
residents lost one of their few remain-
and history buffs smiled again.
Jessie’s eldest son, was appointed
ing communal gathering places.
The log building beside the tennis courts was dedicated as the new Scouts Hall in 1958, and continues to be used for this, and other purposes. At various times there has been talk of more onsite community amenities such as a swimming pool, a playground, and more parking… but how does—or should—this become more of a destination location for Mission residents? Local post offices and their adjacent
postmaster and he and his brother, Buster, took over the store. Hall’s store, on the corner of Collett and Lakeshore, became the community’s gathering place. With the stamp wicket and post boxes just inside the main door, everyone came and went, bought their groceries, exchanged
The idea of an Okanagan Mission ‘community’—of the creation of a commonly recognized gathering spot—might be something the residents’ association could ponder as an alternative to the current propensity to develop ‘self-contained’
stories, and caught up with everyone
villages throughout the area. It’s
else’s comings and goings, as well as
worthy of a discussion.
the state of their health. Regulars looked forward to the armloads of
OMR
Comments or queries? Contact sharronsimpson@shaw.ca
gladiolas Dick grew every summer
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
43
What’s happening at the Library? Workshops, book clubs, TV shows and more programs running through the fall.
just let us know—we’d be happy to
reading time
Babytime, Toddlertime, and Storytime
come to your meeting and assist you.
Luanne Warren
provide an opportunity for every preschool child to participate in singing,
The library has lots of feature films, both new releases and classics. We
T
rhymes, puppets and stories. New to
movies and TV shows, free Wi-Fi,
Paws to Read program, in which
as well as eBooks and audiobooks.
children read to therapy dogs, will be
Ideally located in the Capital News
back—stay tuned for more details.
Come in and have a peek or go
Teens can come and participate in a
and request your favourite titles.
he Mission Library is more than
the Mission branch is an afterschool
just books! We have programs
Lego Club—kids can come and build
for the whole family, lots of
and share their creations. Our popular
Centre, the library is a great place to hang out while you’re waiting for hockey or soccer practice to end, or after swimming or the gym. We have our regular pre-school
jewellery workshop, create something out of duct tape and learn about martial arts. Dates and times for these events will be on our website. Mission Reads Book
Babytime
also have great TV shows, including Downton Abbey, Mad Men, Doctor Who, and many more. Our DVD selection includes fitness, travel, and music documentaries. online and browse our catalogue,
If you are a community group that would like to increase your membership or profile, let us know. We’d be happy to help you host an open house. The library is a great
Tuesdays at 10:15 am until November 26th. Stories, songs and activities for your 1 – 18 month old and a parent or caregiver.
Club is continuing.
Toddlertime
last Thursday of the
A popular new addition to the library
month at 6:45 pm.
is our ‘Grab and Go’ bags. Each
We are also adding
bag has 4-6 books from a specific
Thursdays at 10:15 am until December 12. Stories, songs and activities for your 3 – 5 year old and a parent or caregiver.
an afternoon session
genre. You check out the whole bag.
Teen Time
on the last Wednes-
The contents are a surprise, so no
day at 1:30 pm.
peeking until you get home!
Wednesdays at 10:15 am until December 11. Stories, songs and activities for your 18 month old – 3 year old and a parent or caregiver.
Preschool Storytime
November 19 is Duct Tape Projects December 3 is Jewelry Making
Titles include The House of Sand and
Mission Reads
Bookclub the last Wednesday of the month at 1:30 pm or the last Thursday of the month at 6:45 pm October’s book is The House Sand and Fog November’s book is Y January’s book is I Know this Much is True
Paws for Reading will be back soon.
Check at the branch for details on dates and times.
Lego Builders is happening on October 25
at 10:30 am. Registration is required.
Call the Mission branch at 250-764-2254 or www.orl.bc.ca/branches/mission for details. 4105 Gordon Drive in the CNC building.
www.orl.bc.ca 44
We meet on the
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Fog, Y, I Know This Much is True, Indian Horse, Birdsong, and Sweet Tooth. Put your name on the list for the books (or eBooks), and join us
place to get your word out!
The ORL app is a convenient way to browse our catalogue while you are on the go. Download it on to your phone, and you can request items, renew your books, and monitor your account. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook (accessible from our home page—orl.bc.ca/branches/mission)
around the fireplace.
and keep up with all our events!
Coffee and treats
Come in this fall and check us
are provided. If you want help setting up your own book club,
out! We’d love to see you!
OMR
Luanne Warren is the Assistant Community Librarian at the Mission Library.
Take a class this fall from an instructor like Tyra Skibington recreation
Kathleen Rowe & Tyra Skibington
T
he City of Kelowna Active Living & Culture is all about neighbourhood connec-
tions. Through the years we have moved out into the community providing a variety of programs and activities for the whole family. The neighbourhood team is always looking for instructors and are delighted when one of our local residents can step up to the plate. Tyra Skibington is one of those people. There is a good chance that you have heard or seen her name if you or your family have taken a fitness or recreation class through the City of Kelowna in the last six years. Since moving to Kelowna’s Kettle Valley neighbourhood six years ago, Tyra has taught a variety of fitness classes such as Playdate Bootcamp, T-ball, Core classes, BellyFit and HOGA (hiking and yoga combo). A self-proclaimed
Fitness classes are a key element of the City of Kelowna’s offerings
compassionate practice and she
classes. This fall Tyra is teaching
founded the Trinity Yoga family.
BellyFit and HOGA at the Cedar
She felt the need to “press pause,”
Creek Community Centre on Chute
“get out of her head” and “connect
Lake Road. She also conducts the
more with her body and spirit.”
Babysitting Certification course for
Tyra has a passion for connecting
those children looking to get started
people back to the simple things
“The neighbourhood team is always looking for instructors and are delighted when one of our local residents can step up to the plate.”
foodie, Tyra has been involved in health and fitness promotion since graduating from the University of Calgary “many years ago.” Recently, her life called for a more
like laughing, sweating and embracing nature.
in the childminding business. For a complete guide to fall fitness and all other programs and activities for all ages, go to Kelowna.ca/
She has two young
recreation or pick up a copy at various
children who
locations throughout the community.
make her laugh every day and has been married to the “nic-
est guy,” Chris, for 11 years. If you are looking for a different spin on your current fitness regime, drop in or sign up to one of Tyra’s
To find out more, call 250-469-8800 or go online at Kelowna.ca/recreation. You can e-Subscribe and have up-to-date information send to your inbox.
OMR
Questions or comments? Send to krowe@kelowna.ca.
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
45
Shoppers Drug Mart off to a great start The Lakeshore location has
new business report
also initiated a series of talks for local residents, covering
Deanna Merrick
T
issues ranging from smoking cessation to aging well and
his summer, Shoppers Drug
seniors and medications.
Mart found a new home in
These sessions are promoted
Okanagan Mission, bringing
in-store, so drop by and see
the total number of drugstores in
what is coming up next.
the area to 11. A 12,000 square foot
The new building also
bright-lit beauty now graces a prime spot near Lakeshore and Lanfranco.
features seven apartments
Holly Sumner is no stranger to the
will be handled by a separate
on the second floor, which
Shoppers Drug Mart franchise, having
leasing company. And while
owned a West Kelowna location as
Holly Sumner won’t be living
well other stores around Kelowna. She has been with Shoppers Drug Mart for 15 years, including seven as an owner.
Holly Sumner & an employee celebrate the opening of the new store
above her store, she does hope to move into Okanagan Mission in the near future.
Vaccinations, including flu vaccines,
ists to review and analyse all medica-
are readily available at Shoppers Drug
tions they take, including prescriptions,
a handful of stores to manage, she’s
Mart. The pharmacists also undergo
over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and
one busy entrepreneur. It is no wonder
medication reviews with their clients,
herbals. If needed, the pharmacy will
she has set her sights on this area both
and recommend that customers sit
then contact an individual’s family
personally and professionally. It is, as
down twice a year with their special-
doctor to flag any potential problems.
she says, “dynamic and vibrant.”
With twin two-year-olds and
560 Raymer Avenue Kelowna BC V1Y 4Z5 250.448.8888 info@gallery421.ca www.gallery421.ca Angela Morgan 46
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
OMR
Church directory Options in your neighbouhood The following are some of the churches found in and near Okanagan Mission.
Evangel Church
St. Andrews Anglican Church
Pastor: Pastor Will Sohnchen
4619 Lakeshore Road Phone: 250 764 2626 Web site: standrewskelowna.ca Pastors: Rev. Canon Catherine Dafoe Hall; Rev. Christine Ross
OKANAGAN MISSION SENIORS SOCIETY
Okanagan Mission Activity Centre 4398 Hobson Road Regular Weekly Activities
Service Times: Sundays 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist; 10:00 a.m. Family Service
St. Charles Garnier Catholic Church 3665 Benvoulin Road
Monday
9:00 1:00
Quilting Sing for Your Life
Tuesday
9:30
Keep Fit*
Web site: stcharlesgarnier.ca
Wednesday
9:00
Painting
Priests: Father Pat Monette; F
Thursday
9:00 1:00
Crafts Bridge
ather Gerald Sekanga
9:30 1:00
Keep Fit* Cribbage
Sunday: 8:30 a.m.; 10:30 a.m.;
Friday
Phone: 250 860 6779
Masses: Saturday: 5:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Sask. Retired Teachers meet 3rd Tuesday every month at 11:00
Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m.
For information contact:
Beverley Akerlund at 250-764-7478 or Lance Secret at 250-979-0074
St. Andrew’s Okanagan Mission Anglican Church of Canada Serving the Mission since 1911
Sunday services 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM
3261 Gordon Drive Phone: 250 762 0682 Website: evangelbc.org Service Times: Sunday 9:00 a.m.; 10:00 a.m. Check the office for free English classes to be scheduled in the fall
First Lutheran Church 4091 Lakeshore Road. Phone: 250 764 3111 Web site: firstlutheran.ca Pastor: Senior Pastor Keith Reisdorf; Associate Pastor Lee Loveridge Service Times: 9:00 a.m. (traditional); 10:30 a.m. (contemporary)
Gospel Fellowship Church 3714 Gordon Drive Phone: 250 763 6553 Web site: kgfchurch.com Pastor: Mike Penninga Service Times: Sunday 9:00 a.m.; 11:00 a.m.
St. Paul’s United Church 3131 Lakeshore Road Phone: 250 764 5443 Web site: sanctuarykelowna.com Pastor: Minister Richard Chung Service Times: Sunday 9:50 a.m.
VISIT OMRA.CA
News • eVeNT & MeeTING NOTIFICATIONs • RequesT INFORMATION BeCOMe A MeMBeR ApplICATION FORM sIGN up FOR speCIAl eMAIl COMMuNICATION FACe BOOk CONNeCTION • COMMuNITy suRVeys COMING sOON
4619 Lakeshore Road www.standrewskelowna.ca 250-764-2626
Okanagan Mission Residents’ Association PO Box 29138 Okanagan Mission, BC V1W 4A7
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
47
Real Estate Recovery: are we there yet? real estate trends
Lisa Moldenhauer
H
2012! For the third consecutive
All indicators point to a continued
month we have seen a decrease in
economic recovery which is a major
inventory, the average price of a
force in driving the real estate market.
home edge forward, and the Okana-
The definition of recovery is the
gan Mainline Real Estate Board
restoration or return to any former
ave real estate prices in
posting the most MLS® residential
and better state or condition. Stronger
Kelowna finally stabilized?
sales since 2009! Exciting news!
economic conditions are expected in
The most accurate answer
is found in the reported statistics. Recent months have seen a marked improvement in our local real estate market with the number of sales for the period May through July 2013 up 13.4%. A total of 1398 proper-
Does this mean we are heading for a healthier, more balanced market? Could prices start to rise after having remained flat for years? Entering a market where sellers aren’t at the mercy of aggressive buyers? You be
both BC and Alberta during the second half of the year and through 2014, and the US economy, the largest BC export market, is forecast to turn the corner in late 2013 with growth accelerating above 3 percent in 2014.
the judge. The principle of supply and
I think you would agree with me
ties were sold in the Central Okana-
demand is a basic one. If demand
that in light of the recent statistics,
gan from May 1 to July 31 2013
remains unchanged or increases, and
it would appear that in terms of our
versus 1232 properties exchanging
supply decreases, a shortage occurs,
local real estate market… we are
hands for the same time period in
leading to a higher equilibrium price.
definitely in recovery mode.
Farm to
OMR
TABLE
The farm to table experience has been a part of my family since the 1920s when my Great Grandfather George Washington Ward began cultivating this land which is now home to sprawling vineyards of Pinotage, Riesling and Gewurztraminer. Harvest season at The View is colourful, rich and bountiful. We look forward to bringing our farm to your table every time you share a bottle of View wine with your family and friends. Cheers! It’s easy to find us....just look for the red shoe.
- Jennifer Turton-Molgat
Open Year Round April-Oct | Daily | 11:30 am – 5:30 pm Nov-March | Weekdays | Noon – 5 pm www.theviewwinery.com The View Winery 1-2287 Ward Rd., Kelowna, BC (p) 250 860.0742 or (c) 250 215.1331
48
Okanagan Mission Review • Fall 2013
Mission Park Centre 605 KLO Road, Suite 16, Kelowna BC
(250) 860-7765
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