Kids Connection
2016 Winter Edition
INSIDE: Growth in French Immersion Make Mornings Less Hectic
winter “Children are made readers on the laps of their parents”
– Emilie Buchwald, co-founder of Milkweed Editions, a non-profit publisher of children’s literature
The benefits of reading and the magic of storytelling come together at Okanagan Regional Library storytimes. Join us at your local branch to enjoy Winter Story Times for children from newborn to toddlers to young adults. Find out about free programs in your area at www.orl.bc.ca/branches Holiday Spirit at tHe orl!
Libraries throughout the region are celebrating the season with special events during December! With 7 libraries serving the Central Okanagan – Oyama, Lake Country, Rutland, Mission, downtown Kelowna, Westbank and Peachland. Keep up to date on events and news by friending us on Facebook facebook.com/OKRegLib and following us on Twitter @ORLReads
WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 3
Tips for visiting Santa at the store Christmastime is filled with many different traditions. Many people decorate their homes with Christmas trees, and songs are sung with family members who come from near and far to share gifts and companionship. Families with young children often make visiting Santa Claus a part of their annual traditions. During the holiday season, Santa can be found taking up residence in department stores and malls across the country. Thousands of children and their parents will wait in line to get some face time with jolly old St. Nick. The following are a handful of ways to make kids’ visits with Santa even more pleasant. • D o a t e s t r u n . If your child has not taken a photo with Santa before, he or she may be frightened and the result will be a poor photograph. The beard and the red coat coupled with the fact that kids are sitting on a stranger’s lap can be terrifying for youngsters. Acclimate your child to the experience by visiting the mall to see Santa and become familiar with what he looks like and how he acts. It may take a couple of visits before your child is ready to wait in line for the real vis- MetroMedia it. Discover the ways to make your • Go off-peak. Visit Santa child’s visit with Santa a pleasant when the store just opens or experience. when lines are not as long, such as during school hours or dinner time. This should cut down on the wait and create a less tense experience. Confirm visiting hours so you don’t arrive only to find he’s out to lunch or feeding his reindeer. Do not schedule anything after the Santa visit, so you don’t feel rushed. • D r e s s c o m f o r t a b l y . Wear comfortable shoes and clothing so neither you nor the kids will be uncomfortable. The goal is to look nice for the photo, but not at the expense of the children’s comfort level. And while you should be comfortable as well, be sure to look presentable, in the event you have to hop into the photo if that’s the only way your son or daughter will tolerate the experience. • Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger does not make them antsy. Bring along a change of clothes in case someone spills food or spits up before your turn. • G e t S a n t a r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s . Ask friends and neighbors which Santas they visit. Many stores will have a Santa on hand, but not every Santa is as adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable. Above all, try to have a good time and don’t expect perfection. Sometimes the best Santa-visit moments are the ones that are unrehearsed.
INDEX 5 How to raise kids who grow up giving
11 French Immersion programs can help today’s children open more doors in life
17 Family Sundays: A great way to spend time
Kids Connection 2016 Winter Edition
INSIDE: Growth in French Immersion Make Mornings Less Hectic
CONNECT WITH US Kids Connection is published by The Daily Courier as a quarterly supplement to our paid newspaper. Vice President/Group Publisher Terry Armstrong 250-470-0721, Editor Doyle Pontenteau 250-470-0741. To be a part of our next issue contact Krista Frasz, Director of Advertising 250-470-0761 www.kelownadailycourier.ca
YOUR Value Matters! Buying a home in Kelowna and Central Okanagan for the first time can be so exciting and it is a monumental decision in your life. Let Sharon Black help you through the whole decision making process and take away the fear and stress of buying a home. With over 30 years of experience, Sharon has moved a lot of people including families, property owners and investors, into a variety of dwellings, including homes, condo apartments, townhomes, acreages, investment properties and commercial properties. Many were first time home buyers. There is a process to buying, especially for the First Time Home Buyer. Your value matters. The best place to begin is with a Buyer Conselling Session. Sharon offers every buyer a Buyer Counselling Session, which affords you both the opportunity to meet and get to know and understand each other. Buyer Agency Representation is built on trust on both sides. This session is very informative and covers prequalification for a mortgage, your needs, wants, affordability, the style and type of home you are looking for, and so much more! It can seem like there are so many obstacles to buying, but really it comes down to simple terms. Do you qualify? Do you have the down payment? Where do you want to live? Sharon really listens to your needs and wants and has a great system for breaking down what it is you are looking for and ensuring you stay within your budget and affordability. This is also a time saving exercise, sorting through the properties that are most favourable to what you are looking for and eliminating those properties that are not suited to you.
By designating Sharon Black in a Buyer Agency Relationship, Sharon is able to provide you with invaluable information and it becomes her responsibility to represent the sole interests of you the buyer, as your Designated Agent. Whether buying a home, dwelling, building, business or industrial venture Sharon Black can be of assistance. Often home buyers are emotional and purchasing with a budget in mind. Your value Matters! Sharon Black and her team want to ensure you receive the best value for your dollar, no matter what type of property you are buying. Sharon Black brings a wealth of local real estate knowledge to the table for her clients. She keeps you grounded, using knowledge, education, and hard facts to ensure you are purchasing the property that meets your needs. When purchasing a home, it is the expert knowledge of the market area, a proficient knowledge of the inventory available and a clear understanding of what you are looking for that harvests the success shown in Sharon Black’s 30+ years of multiple award winning Real Estate service. Sharon has the ABRŽ Designation, Accredited Buyer Representation and is also an instructor of other agents in this field. Sharon is passionate about finding the right home for her clients and excels at Buyer Representation. Her honed negotiating skills are a great asset, combined with her straight talk, honest approach to real estate. Sharon provides the ultimate buyer service, streamlining the buying process and customizing a service plan to meet your needs.
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WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 5
How to raise kids who grow up giving The message of giving has reached new levels in recent years. While charitable endeavors have long been the center of many local community groups’ outreach efforts, social media has made charitable efforts as popular as ever, with millions taking part in exercises such as the Ice Bucket Challenge and other ventures meant to raise awareness for charitable causes. Charitable giving is a family tradition in many households. Many parents find that the earlier they introduce their children to charitable giving and volunteering, the more likely their kids are to embrace these efforts, both immediately and into adulthood. Parents can impart lessons to their youngsters about the MetroMedia importance of giving during the end of the year, when Generosity is something children can learn at an early age and continue into adulthood. many charities raise their Make sure the entire family gets involved with the effort of public profiles, or when newsworthy events, such as devastatgiving. ing storms, draw attention to the less fortunate. • Let children see where their efforts are going. Nancy Phillips, founder and president of DollarSmart Kids Writing a cheque is a rather unceremonious way of giving Enterprises, Inc., says it’s been scientifically proven that givthat may not resonate with young children. But if they can see ing increases self-esteem and self-confidence. Children who food being delivered to the hungry or pet supplies going to an learn that they can help others will soon realize they have the animal shelter, they can see the fruits of their efforts paying power to make a difference. Recognizing that they can make a off. big change is a very empowering discovery for kids. • Create a giving account or box. Here’s how parents can foster a love of giving. Make it a family tradition that members of the household • Choose age-appropriate tasks. will donate an item they receive or a small amount of money Young children do not have a lot of money, so try to find to the box each month. At the end of the year, the family can charitable tasks that allow them to donate their time and skills. Kids can help make cookies for bake sales or participate deliver those funds and gifts to a charity of choice. • Talk about giving at dinner. in food drives in front of grocery stores for certain charities. Make philanthropy a regular part of family conversation. • Let children choose the beneficiary of their efforts. Discuss the plight of the less fortunate with your children, foChildren may have their own ideas about who they want to help. Let kids choose because they’re more likely to get behind cusing on the value of volunteering and helping others. the effort if they feel their input is valued. Children can learn to be generous and give to others at an • Lead by example. early age, and those that do are more likely to grow into chariDon’t just pay lip service to the idea of being charitable. table adults. — MetroMedia Provide a good example by getting involved yourself.
KELOWNA REGIONAL TRANSIT SANTA SLEIGH BUS
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Saturday, December 10• 9:30 - 11:00 am Johnson Bentley Pool Parking Lot Please bring a non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Fund. Have a visit with Santa on the decorated bus and sip cocoa provided by Starbucks.
PAGE 6 • KIDS CONNECTION
WINTER, 2016
www.kelownavet.ca It’s not uncommon for families to welcome a new pet into their homes during the holiday season. Parents may give their children their first pet during the holidays, but those who choose to give a pet to someone outside their immediate family or to someone they don’t live with should consider the following advice before going through with that decision. Consult the eventual recipient first The element of surprise is part of what makes the holiday season of giving so special, and few things may inspire more enthusiastic responses than new pets under the tree. But however appealing you may find such reactions, it’s still best to first consult the intended recipient before buying or adopting the pet. Pets make wonderful additions to a home, but some people may be allergic to certain animals or simply not have the time or energy to devote to pet ownership. No one wants to return an animal to a kennel, and forcing a loved to take on the unwanted responsibility of pet ownership does not make much of a gift.
gifts should be willing to take the pet into their own homes if things are not working out with the recipient. This does not mean gift-givers have to keep the pet forever, but they should be willing to temporarily care for the animal until it finds a new home. Pets sometimes make wonderful gifts, but men and women who are considering giving pets as gifts this holiday season should not approach such gestures lightly. Tips to make crate training your puppy easier To those who have never crated or even owned a dog, the idea of crate training often comes off as cruel and unusual punishment. In reality, many dogs have a natural need for a den-like enclosure, and a crate satisfies that need, improving the animal’s life as a result. Crate training can also help dog owners housebreak a puppy. Dogs are reluctant to soil their sleeping
Let the recipient choose the pet Aunts or uncles may think a cute puppy is an ideal holiday gift for their nieces and nephews, but it’s best to let those youngsters’ parents choose the pet rather than going it alone. Once mom and dad have given you the greenlight to gift their kids a pet, let them decide which type of pet will become the newest member of their households. Parents may not feel their children are ready to handle the significant responsibility of dog ownership, and they may prefer their kids first receive a more low-maintenance pet, such as a fish. Pay for everything Pets are expensive, even those that are adopted from nearby shelters. Cats and dogs adopted from local shelters or even animals bought directly from breeders will need some immediate medical care, including shots and initial examinations at the veterinarian’s office, as well as food, dishes, leashes (if giving a dog), and bedding. When giving pets as a gift, men and women should fit the bill for these additional expenses, which can be significant. Recipients may not be able to afford these additional expenses, especially during the holiday season, nor did they ask to take on such a financial burden. So men and women giving pets as gifts should be capable of handling the oftoverlooked costs of adopting or buying a new pet. Be willing to take the pet Some households simply are not a good match for pets. Men and women looking to give pets as holiday
2015
2016
places, so it can be easier to housebreak a pet that is crated than one that isn’t. In addition, crating prevents destructive behaviour and helps owners rest easy when they leave the home, knowing that their pet is safe in its crate and not likely to be exposed to harmful items around the house, be it household cleaning products or electrical wires. While the benefits of crating are numerous for owner and dog alike, that doesn’t mean the process will be
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easy. In fact, many dog owners struggle to get their best friends acclimated to their crates. When starting a dog’s crate training, owners should consider the following tips. • Crate the dog from the get-go. The earlier crate training begins, the more successful it is likely to be. Dogs who are crate trained when young often see their crates as a respite or a place to relax and hangout throughout the rest of their lives. So the earlier owners get started the more likely pets are to enjoy their crates. • Never use the crate as punishment. A dog will likely never grow accustomed to or comfortable with its crate if the crate is used as a punishment for bad behaviour. Owners are not buying the crate to act as a jail cell, but rather a comfortable and safe place for dogs to spend time during the day or sleep in at night. Using a crate as punishment, even if it’s only done once, could make it impossible for owners to ever acclimate their pets to a crate. • Make the crate a place the dog will want to be. A crate doesn’t have to include just a bed and some bowls. A crate can be furnished with some of the dog’s favorite toys and treats so the crate is a place the dog loves. When placing such items, place on the opposite side of the door opening. Because dogs will spend most of their time in the crate when their owners are away, it’s best to only place larger toys that cannot be swallowed to prevent choking and illness. Inspect the crate daily to ensure no items have been chipped or broken and become choking hazards as a result. • Don’t isolate the crate. A crate should not be isolated from everyone in the home. When home, move the crate so the dog and crate are near you. If watching television in the living room, carry the crate into the room with you. This makes the crate more attractive and won’t instil feelings of isolation in the dog when it’s in the crate. In addition, the dog won’t associate the crate with feelings of isolation when you’re not home. At night, place the crate near your bed to further ensure the dog does not feel isolated when in its crate. • Don’t place the dog in the crate unless absolutely necessary. A dog should want to enter the crate. Owners who push or pull their dogs into the crate may find their dog will always be reluctant to enter the crate. If bed time arrives and the dog is genuinely reluctant to enter the crate, then owners might want to gently place the dog inside the crate. In such instances, make sure the crate is close to your own bed so the dog does not mistake being placed in the crate as punishment. When crate training a dog, owners can easily grow frustrated. However, the more a dog associates the crate with positivity, the easier the process becomes.
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WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 9
Bullying: More than just a schoolyard issue Educate yourself: In today’s online world, kids can be affected even when at home Kids these days can have it tough, a lot tougher than parents realize. There are so many factors in your child’s life that you didn’t have to face growing up, which means many of their issues can easily be overlooked or misunderstood. One of these factors is bullying. Back in the day if you had a fight with a friend it would be in person, face to face and that is where it would stay. In this day, bullying has impacted many children; most likely your child and there is a good chance that you don’t even know it. One day, you could seek solace in being at home after a bad day at school. These days, it follows your child home. Bullying doesn’t just stop when a kid leaves school. Thanks to the internet, it follows them everywhere. When they open up their laptop or look at their cell phone, bullying can be there. It is called cyberbullying and it has the potential to emotionally scar your child. Whether it be harsh words in an email or a ‘blast’ on a social media website such as Facebook, children are finding ways to reach one another when they aren’t in person. This can be traumatic to a child as it is a new age version of public shaming, which can lead to a child or adolescent feeling embarrassed resulting in withdrawing from those who would be available to support them when they were facing troubles. As a parent, it is second nature to want to protect your child from them feeling any type of pain.
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Although it is not realistic to protect them from everything, it is possible to offer them an unwavering support system. The key to doing so is educating yourself on the elements that could be negatively impacting your child and communicating with them in a non-judgmental and calming nature. If a child is already hurt and embarrassed it takes them a lot of courage for them to reach out for help and comfort, so it is important that they feel safe coming to you. It is our job as adults to know what is out there, ask for help ourselves when we don’t know the latest technology, and to teach our children productive and effective ways to deal with online bullying.
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Inspiring Unique Music Program with a Creative Twist Children’s Piano-Arts Corner (CPAC) Studio founded and directed by Claudia Kargl, multidisciplinary creative artist performer, registered BCRMTA & CFMTA recognized 3 times for professional teacher excellence, custom designer, publisher writer, certified photographer and member of CAPA, and music & photography workshop presenter, offers a dynamic “Twinkle Little Star” program specializing in early childhood education as well as a workshops series “For The Love of Music” for adults and seniors. Claudia’s extensive music, culture and arts background and local, national and international experience has given her multi-faceted skills to create inspiring and unique instruction that blends performing arts with visual and language arts. Her flair for originality, imaginative sparkle in storytelling, having fun learning, and using award winning examples from her collector libraries create enriched learning opportunity. Music education is an investment for life. With enrolment year-round, students of all ages come from across the Okanagan to appreciate Claudia’s passion for culture, music and the arts and participate in her creative, vibrant style of teaching. A custom designed “individualized” course of piano study focuses on the art of creativity and individual artistic expression. The mission of the CPAC program is to build skills and develop abilities and talents of the “whole person” to reach fullest potential. It is all about going beyond the notes and discovering the magic in the space between the notes. An ideal, modern, fully equipped state of the art studio with diverse learning centers, 2 top quality professional pianos in an art gallery setting with walk-out to stone exhibition patio and lush mountain garden overlooking the Okanagan Valley provide for an optimal and amazing learning environment. Students of all ages enjoy showcasing their solo, duet and small ensemble performance abilities as part of the innovative studio CD creation as well as the year-end June piano-arts graduation celebration with the popular multi-food court spectacle. An annual studio invitational community multi-events showcase tour, a wonderful intergenerational music-arts connection involving the participation of young children, teenagers, parents and grandparents, adds to the enlightening CPAC educational experience. “Stocking Stuffer” Lesson Gift Certificates and financial assistance for artistic & talented individuals! Registration available year-round. Join the CPAC intergenerational studio family. Call
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WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 11
SCHOOL DISTRICT 23
French Immersion programs can help today’s children open more doors in life
Contributed
Grade 8 École KLO Middle School French Immersion students collaborating on a project.
By ARMELLE MORAN French Immersion Consultant Central Okanagan Public Schools
“One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way.” — Frank Smith French Immersion programs are increasingly popular across Canada as parents consider bilingual education as a rewarding educational choice for their children. In B.C., Central Okanagan Public Schools currently has the highest percentage of students registered in French Immersion (Canadian Parents for French, 2016). There are several possible reasons why this program is attracting so much attention. First, we now know that bilingualism helps students become better at reasoning and solving problems (Bialystok, 2007, 2011), essential skills to develop in order to navigate the complexities of modern life. Second, bilingualism in French Immersion enhances competency in English and has a positive impact on students’ overall academic achievement (Cummins, 2006).
Third, bilingual education has the potential to open the door to a better understanding and respect of linguistic and cultural differences. It equips students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions to fully participate in a multicultural society such as in Canada. As well, developing a multicultural perspective helps students cope in an ever increasing globalized world. Consequently, intercultural competency is a prominent focus of most French Immersion curricula across the country. Fourth, bilingualism provides an attractive economic advantage in a competitive job market. For example, we know that bilingual employees earn between 4 and 14 per cent more than monolinguals, depending on where you live in Canada (Christofides and Swidinsky, 2010). In addition, recent research clearly argues that the majority of children “can” learn a second language and that most students with diverse learning abilities “benefit significantly” from a bilingual education (Paradis, Crago, Genesee and Rice, 2003; Petersen, Marinova-Todd and Mirenda, 2012). Together, these arguments explain why French Immersion Programs are so successful in Canada. However, they neglect to underscore that learning French or any language for that matter is simply fun!
PAGE 12 • KIDS CONNECTION
WINTER, 2016
OKANAGAN REGIONAL LIBRARY
1-stop shop for holiday fun and planning Whether your idea of the festive season is nestling up with family by a roaring fire or sinking your toes into sand under the sun, Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) branches are a one-stop shop to help you plan and enjoy your winter break without breaking the bank. If it’s a traditional holiday celebration you are planning, consider using these free resources: • Search our online catalogue for cookbooks and you will find 943 results, with everything from classic Christmas recipes to ethnic specialties to seasonal cocktails. • Borrow books and magazines for décor inspiration and DIY tips for decorating your home. • Get everyone in the festive spirit with music. There are more than 500 ChristmasBooklists of 100 Books to Read themed CDs in our collection Together Before Kindergarten are available at all Okanagan to choose from. • Keep the kids engaged and Regional Library branches for parents and caregivers, or you having fun over the school break by taking out books on can view the booklist online. crafts and science experiments, and let them play online with educational resources such as Tumble-books through the ORL’s eLibrary. • Need something new to watch during long nights indoors? Our free streaming video service, InstantFlix, features thousands
of independent films. • If you are dreaming of warmer climes, the library can help with travel inspiration and preparation: • The ORL collection includes numerous travel guides such as Lonely Planet, Frommers, Rick Steves, Moon and more in both print and digital formats. • Pick up the basics of a foreign language before you depart your library card gives you access to 50 hours of online language lessons from Rosetta Stone. • Global Road Warrior in our eLibrary includes maps and information about every country you want to see. • Even when you are out of Canada, you can still download reading materials with your ORL card and a Wi-Fi connection. Of course, a huge part of the holiday season at the ORL is our themed children’s storytimes. Check for special programs and events for the youngsters and the young-at-heart on our website. You can search by branch or by type of program on our events calendar at online at orl.bc.ca/whats-happening. Remember you are making a financially- and environmentally-sustainable choice by using your library during the holiday season. As pioneers of the sharing economy, libraries help reduce waste and reuse materials for all to enjoy. And they help your pocketbook – why buy a cookbook you will only use once or twice during the year when you can borrow it for free?! Plus, really, is there anything better than snuggling up by the fire with a good book? Note: all ORL branches are closed from Dec. 23, to Jan. 3, 2017. Stock up on your free resources by Dec. 22!
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH
Giving your children roots and wings It is the calling of all parents to give their children roots and wings. A child is like a seed. At first small, fragile and totally dependent upon others for survival. However, locked within the infant is an adult in the making. The family is the medium within which the child grows and matures. The family provides the food, shelter and protection needed for a child to grow physically. It is a caring community. The child learns a speak in at least one language in the family. The child learns to love and trust parents and siblings. Children learn what it means to belong. It is a place where a child feels safe, loved, cared for and esteemed. The child learns the rudimentary rules of life: to live by a routine, to share, to obey rules, to forgive, to work, to play and to be a part of a team. The family is a place where children learn values, what is right and wrong. It is in this crucible that children are taught about integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, and a work ethic. They learn that, in a family, you are unconditionally loved. At the same time, the family disciplines its offspring, not to hurt or break them, but to create and reinforce boundaries so that children can live at peace with others and themselves. A parent’s most passionate desire is that their children remain rooted in their family and strengthen these ties. The child that once was cared for his/her parents may very well one day care for his/her parents in some way.
These are the building blocks, the foundation, upon which every society builds. A society that values personal freedom and the rule of law requires families which provide children a place to sink their roots deeply. Children are also like birds. The family provides their nest, cares for and feeds them. The love and discipline the family gives makes their wings grow. The nestling watches its parents fly. The parents’ activities evoke the desire for flight in the nestling bird. Like the mother and father bird, parents encourage their children to flap their wings and fly. They encourage children to leave the nest, to pair and to start their own family. Parents cannot give their children roots and wings on their own. It takes an extended family, a child’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, peers and friends. It takes teachers, coaches, team members, employers and co-workers. The church can be a part of this team. The church provides a community of faith which is rooted in God’s word and the real presence of Jesus Christ. It is a place where boundaries are revealed, and where transgressions of these boundaries are forgiven. It is a family in which all who come and listen are exposed to the divine. It is a place where all are offered membership in a family which transcends time, space and our last breath. Come and see. Pastor Ed Skutshek, Grace Lutheran Church, W. Kelowna. Online: gracelutherankelowna.com
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It’s snow secret, we love Sunday School Sunday School helps children’s faith grow by leaps & bounds Learn and grow together with Jesus KNOW - get to know Jesus GROW - grow in faith in Him SHOW - learn to let our faith shine through us
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Contemporary Worship Service 9:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 10:30 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Ages 3 through Grade 6 SCAN ME
WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 17
KELOWNA ART GALLERY
Family Sundays: A great way to spend time Join us every Sunday from 1-4 pm at the Kelowna Art Gallery for Family Sundays. Through hands-on activities, helpful instructions, and age-appropriate information and questions, Family Sundays opens up the world of art and artists for children and adults by providing opportunities to engage, discover, and create. Family Sundays are open to the public every Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 pm. Cost is $4 per person, which includes participation in the activity and gallery admission. Contact the Gallery at 250-762-2226 for more information or go online to kelownaartgallery.com. SCHEDULE: November 27 | Life-Sized Drawings We will be looking at the large-scale works installed in the exhibition, Drawing From Life, and will create our very own life-sized portraits. We’ll trace our bodies and then draw in our details. Special Family Saturday! Dec 3 | Starlight Lantern Making 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $5 per person. Come join us in creating beautiful artistic lanterns to participate in the Downtown Light Up event.
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December 4 | Custom Gift Wrap Forgo the standard gift bags and typical wrapping paper this year and kick-start the holiday season by printing your very own gift wrap! We will provide an array of printmaking materials for you to personalize your special gifts! December 11 | Gingerbread Dwellings A twist on this holiday tradition! We will take inspiration from Germaine Koh’s exhibition, Home Made Home, and make unique tiny housing units using gingerbread, frosting, and candies. December 18 | Watercolour Winter Wonderland Using oil pastels, you will be drawing a winter wonderland scene depicting your favourite winter activities. Then you will cover your drawing with a watercolour wash to create the background. December 25 | Closed
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WINTER, 2016
Winter reading recommendations at Mosaic Books The Journey By Fancesca Sanna The Journey illustrates the life changing choices made by families left to flee their homes as a result of war. The Journey offers an honest perspective on the current refugee crisis by using beautiful artwork to express simple concepts and language to epitomize the journey many families must take. Sanna refers to her work as “a story of many journeys” and “a collage of the personal stories and incredible strength of the peo— Madisyn R. ple within them.” A Boy Called Christmas By Matt Haig, Illustrations by Chris Mould Santa’s origin story revealed! It’s all here: The red suit, the reindeer, the sleigh . . . and yet there’s more. It’s an epic quest during which 11-year-old Nikolas meets a troll named Sebastian, a Truth Pixie and some not-so-happy elves. With illustrations throughout, this novel is loaded with laughs, adventure and a message that “an impossibility is just a possibility you don’t understand.” It’s a perfect holiday read-aloud. — Sarah K Nanette’s Baguette By Mo Willems Mo Willems, who is known and loved for Elephant and Piggie and many storybooks such as Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus and Knuffle Bunny, has created another hit. Nanette’s Baguette is a delightfully illustrated story featuring our heroine Nanette on her first solo trip to the bakery. Although Nanette is “beset with regret,” her rhythmic rhyme scheme is
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Mosaic Books has many titles for children of all ages to read, including Nanette’s Baguette, The Journey and A Boy Called Christmas.
hilarious and will keep kids laughing. For the enjoyment of both children and adults, Nanette’s story is one of redemption and honesty. Did Nanette eat the baguette? Will Mom regret she let Nanette get the baguette? A Mosaic favourite! — Madisyn R.
Helping Our Community Together!
VOLUNTEER
Ring the Bells Nov 17 - Dec 24
Sign up Yourself, Families, Friends, Teams, Coworkers & Groups to Ring the Bells with The Salvation Army! Variety of locations available. Inside or Outside. Call: 250-860-2329 Ext 324 Email: kettles@kelsa.ca www.kelownasalvationarmy.ca
WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 19
FUN TIMES AT SILVER STAR At Silver Star Mountain Resort, we can keep your children busy all day with our ski and snowboard programs, group programs, private coaching, daycare, and more winter activities to tire out your kids. MY 1 PASS: One pass seven activities — ski, snowboard, snowshoe, nordic, fat biking, tubing and skating. ADVENTURE CENTRE BREAKFAST CLUB: Drop off your child for a healthy and nutritious breakfast before they head out for their day of fun sliding on the mountain. Once they have filled their tummy from a choice of healthy continental breakfast items, they can spend some time colouring, playing games and puzzles. An instructor will then help them get ready for their lesson and take them to meet their group. AFTERNOON ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES: Drop in and take part in our fun afternoon activities. When your child would like to take a break from sliding, mix it up and take part in a different afternoon activity each day. Add it as a package to build your very own “My Mountain Adventure Day.” Time: 12:30 - 2:30 p.m. $24 per child Mon. (outdoor play) ..............................Outdoor games bonanza Tues. (indoor play) ..........................Festive crafts and decorating Wed. (indoor)....Junk box monster modeling/sock puppet making Thurs. (indoor/outdoor)........Adventure Centre cookie decoration Fri. (indoor play)................................................Crafts and games Sat. (outdoor play) ............................................Crafts and games Sun. (indoor/outdoor play)..........................Special feature activity KIDS NIGHT OUT: Drop the kids off for their own night out of fun. Choose from 3 different nights to keep them busy until bedtime. Monday (dinner/games), Thursday (dinner/tubing), Saturday (pizza/ Wii). Ages 4-12. Time: 4 p.m. - 6.30 p.m. ice $26.00 per child.
At the Y, we never met a kid whose potential we couldn’t see. Out of School Care & Day Camps Child Care & Preschool Child & Youth Programs
Financial assistance is available.
Learn more or register: 250-491-9622 ymcaokanagan.ca
LAKEVIEW MARKET Serving Kelowna Since 1946 CORNER OF KLO & PANDOSY
8 AM - 9 PM 7 DAYS A WEEK
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We reserve the right to Limit Quantities.
PAGE 20 • KIDS CONNECTION
WINTER, 2016
14th annual Shoparama gift sale The Shoparama by Blue-House Events is a shopping experience. The idea was originally born as a fundraiser for the Vernon Girls Trumpet Band and seemed to be very successful right from the start and quickly grew into two events per year: The Shoparama Holiday Gift Sale and The Shoparama Spring Market. When the Vernon Girls Trumpet Band sadly disbanded, The Salvation Army Food Bank was chosen as the fundraising recipient.
The excellent work and service Fifth Avenue Auto provides is top quality – from making the initial appointment request to the execution of the service. Kevan, Jenny and their great team listen to their customers, understand what is needed and are able to make the right recommendations keeping in mind what is best for the customer and the vehicle. We only go to Fifth Avenue Auto for our automobile repairs and service.
Tracey & David Cochrane
As well as public donations at the door, The Shoparama makes a cash donation. The 14th annual Shoparama Holiday Gift Sale promises a merry mix of artisans, entrepreneurs and home-based business. More than 100 exhibitors from across B.C. will showcase thousands of unique gift ideas, all in two great rooms at the Vernon Rec Center. You’ll find everything from unique Christmas baking to Holiday themed decor, the always-popular Watkins to handcrafted jewelry, naturally made soaps to cozy crocheted hats, even freshly popped Kettle Korn. There is something for everyone. Don’t forget to enter for the main door prize of $100 Shoparama dollars as well as ‘On The Spot’ prizes throughout the weekend. The first 50 people on Saturday 5 p.m. will receive a hot-off-thepress 2017 Vernon Winter Carnival button. Don’t miss the ethnic food-themed concession featuring favourites such as samosas and perogies. There will be plenty of entertainment from local favourites such as Shaughnessy Rose and Papa D. Santa and his helpers will bring goodies and cheer throughout the weekend. Admission is free, although we encourage donating an unwrapped toy for the KISS FM Santa Toy Club or a donation of food or cash for the Food Bank. Help us make this a special foodbank fundraiser! The Shoparama takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, and Sunday, Dec. 4, 10 a.m to 5 p.m., at the Vernon Rec. Center Auditorium and Gymnasium, 3310 37 Ave. Check us out on Facebook.
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Prepare vehicles for harsh weather As the seasons change, motorists must take steps to safeguard their vehicles, especially when the season changes from fall to winter. Each winter, many vehicles are subjected to sub-zero temperatures, snowfall and icy roads, and such conditions can take their toll on vehicles over time. Taking steps to prepare vehicles for winter weather is a vital step that can make cars and trucks safer for drivers and their passengers. BATTERY Old batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly functioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 0ºC, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength. Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and re-
KELOWNA VOLVO
pressure, and drivers should be diligent in maintaining the proper tire pressure. Fuel economy as well as handling ability can decline when tires are not inflated properly. Tires can be refilled at many gas stations for little cost.
Replace existing wiper blades at the beginning of each winter so driver visibility is not compromised. charge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes if you cannot take an extended drive. EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE Keeping a car waxed and sealed can help maintain a durable exterior finish. This includes not only the paint, but the rubber and vinyl parts of the car’s exterior. Winter is a good time to switch to a heavy-duty synthetic wax that can shield against water and road salts. High-quality sealants can be used on bumpers, trim and rubber door seals as added protection. Speak with an automotive retailer or even the car dealership if you are unsure which products will
make your car’s parts most durable for winter weather. Do not stop washing your car just because the weather is cold. Slushy, wet roads and snow-melting salts can speed up the formation of rust or other decay on the undercarriage of the vehicle. These materials will need to be periodically cleaned off. Flush the underside of the vehicle whenever possible, taking advantage of any dry, slightly warmer days. TIRE PRESSURE According to the automotive retailer Pep Boys, vehicle tires lose a pound of air pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Many modern cars will alert to changes in air
• 1210 Leathead Road • 250-491-9348 • VolvoofKelowna.ca
WIPERS Visibility is key in hazardous weather conditions, and keeping the windshield clean is a priority. This means ensuring there is enough windshield wiper fluid in the car and that it is a product that will not freeze. Wiper blades can freeze and crack in the winter. Older blades may be more susceptible to damage. It’s a worthy investment to replace existing wiper blades at the start of each winter. When vehicles are parked, pull the wipers off of the windshield to safeguard them from sticking and cracking. Cold weather requires drivers to amp up their vehicle maintenance routines. Consult with a mechanic or automotive retailer for more ideas and products that can help your vehicles operate safely and efficiently this winter.
WINTER, 2016
21st 21 Annual A Ann nual
supporting
Th Daily The D il C Courier i B Be A An A Angel g l campaign ig supports families in need right here in our community. This year, help give those in need a comfortable holiday season. All donations will go to Feed the Valley. Our goal this year is to raise $150,000.
is
n undatio ised! o F d d n Bu ar ra mas Ala for every doll o h T e Th 5¢ uting .2 b i r t n o c
It’s easy to donate: 1. Donate at any Valley First branch 2. Visit our office at 550 Doyle Ave. (9am-4pm) 3. Call 250.470.0756 4. Donate online at www.KelownaDailyCourier.ca With your donation your name (or company’s name) will be recognized in the paper.
All cash donations over $20.00 received by noon, December 31st will receive a tax receipt for 2016. Please make cheques payable to “Be An Angel”.
Canucks helping families challenged by Autism In 1996, Vancouver Canucks co-owners, Paolo and Clara Aquilini listened in shock and disbelief as medical professionals diagnosed their son, Christian, with autism. In the following years, they experienced the emotional and financial struggles families living with autism face. They also began to live with the frustration of watching their beloved child struggle to participate in typical childhood activities, such as sports and recreation programming. Compelled by the lack of support in the community and driven by their own personal experience, in 2008 Paolo and Clara founded the Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and set out to give families living with autism a better chance for a happier life and future. Paolo and Clara’s vision is the founding inspiration for the Canucks Autism Network and guides the organization in its mission to provide yearround sports and recreation programs for children, teens and young adults living with autism while spreading awareness and providing training in communities across British Columbia and beyond. In its year of inception, CAN offered one soccer program to less than 20 families. Last year, CAN provided 496 high-quality sports and recreation programs to over 2,500 families living with autism. Families like the DonsanjJohals. Continued on page 23
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KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 23
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CAN
“To the parent who is constantly told that their child with autism can’t do anything, please let CAN show you that your child is capable. Canucks Autism Network gives us hope for Continued from page 22 his future. They made us feel like we could finally take the bub“We have been so impressed with the Canucks Autism ble wrap off of our son.” Network since our son first joined their I CAN Play Sports proAs a means to welcome even more families into the CAN gram earlier this year,” says Michelle Donsanj-Johals. community, on Sunday, December 18th, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, “Nobody was phased by the challenges of his autism. They acthe Canucks Autism Network will host families living with cepted him and provided him with the amount of support he re- autism at the Capital News Centre for a festive holiday skate quired based on his own individual needs. Most importantly, event. This free family event is open to all families living with they never gave up on him. He was participating in ways we autism in the Kelowna area. Families do not need to be CAN had never seen before.” members to attend but they are asked to RSVP to a short form Michelle wishes for all children living with autism to feel as at located at www.canucksautism.ca/interior. accepted, understood and supported as her son feels at CAN In addition to the Family Holiday Skate, the Canucks Autism programs. Network provides highly supported skating, swimming, fitness and sports programs in Kelowna for children, teens and young adults living with autism, as well as several family events throughout the year. To access Canucks Autism Network programs, families must complete an online membership application that includes an annual fee of $25 per family member with an autism diagnosis. This fee is fully refundable through autism funding provided by the Ministry of Child and Family Development. To become a member, please visit: www.canucksautism.ca/join or call (604) 685-4049. The prevalence of autism has increased dramatically in recent years, to one in 68 children in North America and more than 11,000 in B.C. While autism is evident in all racial, ethnic and social groups, it is almost five times more likely to occur in boys than girls. To donate, volunteer or join the Canucks Autism Network as a member, please visit canucksautism.ca. Contributed
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WINTER, 2016
YMCA youth program looking for local support Beyond the Bell aimed at children from underprivileged households; goal of program is to help them overcome academic disadvantages
EARN MONEY WHILE GETTING EXERCISE AND FRESH AIR DELIVER 2 DAYS PER WEEK Wednesdays & Fridays, deliver any time of day! Call Stephanie @
250.470.0716 or email stephanie.goodban@ok.bc.ca for information or to place your name on a wait list for a route near you!
Imagine growing up in an unstable home. Where parents aren’t there. A home where regular routines are non-existent. Where dinner is rarely prepared, and often there is no food at all. Now imagine being eight years old. Though not every case is the same, this home life is much more common in the Okanagan than many think. For Sam, who lives in West Kelowna, this is his reality. Sam’s parents have grown up in underprivileged households and have lived with instability all their lives. Now Sam is facing the same future — he has already fallen behind his peers in school and is aggressive and unhappy. For kids like Sam, without intervention, the cycle of poverty will continue. Research shows, as early as kindergarten, children from low income backgrounds are already at a six-month academic disadvantage compared with children from middle income families. This gap continues to widen each year and ultimately affects their future academic and career opportunities, as well as their overall health. This is what researchers call the achievement gap. The gap between rich and poor is greater than most Canadians realize, and in the Okanagan-Similkameen, the child poverty rate is 22.5 per cent — higher than B.C.’s rate of 20.4 per cent. Living in poverty is linked to an increase in health-related issues in kids, including poor nutrition, obesity, behavioural and emotional problems, and low academic achievement. Thankfully, generous donors in our community have enabled the YMCA of Okanagan to respond by offering a free community based academic enrichment program called Beyond the Bell to identified vulnerable students, like Sam. These children at George Pringle Elementary School are provided with the additional homework help they need to keep pace with their grade level and peers. This program is set apart from any other afterschool education program by its focus on health and social development, its measurable outcomes, and it’s 1 in 5 ratio of educators to children. For many parents and caregivers, YMCA Beyond the Bell has made all the difference in the world. “Sam is a completely different kid,” says Sam’s step-mom, Mary. “He is less aggressive and has learned to make friends and to share. He is interested in doing his homework, which has really been a struggle for him, and he often doesn’t want to leave when it’s time to come home.” Sam, like many, has seen a significant improvement in his academic levels, has made friends, is less anxious and has a safe, nurturing place to go after school. The YMCA of Okanagan wants to continue to operate their Beyond the Bell program long term, and also hopes to expand this program to other schools in our community. However, in order to do so, they need your help. Currently there is only enough funding to keep YMCA Beyond the Bell operational until the 2017 school year. This season, consider giving the gift of learning to a child in our community. To donate visit ymcaokanagan.ca/donate or call Rhonda Zakala at 250-491-9622 ext. 304 for more information.
WINTER, 2016
KIDS CONNECTION• PAGE 25
How to spur a child’s interest in the arts Art can enrich the lives of people, no matter the age. The arts can introduce adults and children to different cultures and traditions, while also helping them to develop more fully as human beings. While some may feel the benefits of the arts cannot be measured, one nonprofit organization for the arts says that kids who are involved in the arts are four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement than kids who are not involved in the arts. And though math and science may not be the first thing people associate with the arts, kids involved in the arts are four times more likely to participate in math and science fairs than kids who are not involved in the arts. Here are some ways parents can bring more art into their kids’ lives. • Join in the fun. Parents can make art more fun for kids by playing music around the house and singing and dancing alongside their youngsters. In addition, read a book to or with your children and join in when they pursue other artistic endeavors, such as drawing or painting. • Find local events. Many school districts have slashed their arts budgets in recent years, but parents can still find local arts events for kids in their communities. Peruse the local newspaper and other community-based periodicals for cultural events for kids. Support local theater groups by attending performances with your children and explaining to them that the performers live in the community just like they do. • Pitch in with local arts organizations. Local arts organizations typically rely on donations and volunteers to support their programs. Parents who want to instill a love of the arts in their children can help local organizations’ fundraising efforts and even volunteer their time if the opportunity presents itself. • Encourage kids’ artistic pursuits. Some kids may decide to pursue artistic endeavors, and parents can encourage such pursuits. Celebrate a child’s participation, recognizing their hard work in the same way you would acknowledge their successes in the classroom and in sports.
The Perfect Gift for the Dancer in Your Family • • • • •
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Plan A Wicked Party We have options for
Birthday Parties!
BOOK A PARTY with an instructor included for fun activities or RENT A ROOM and host your own! Make your party a splash with a POOL PARTY at Parkinson Rec Centre!
Helping The Okanagan PARTY for 40 Years! We ensure that each cake creation will be special to you … and to us!
Party rentals also available.
Find more details in the Activity & Program Guide or book your party by calling 250-469-8800. birthdayparties@kelowna.ca
250-763-1144 pjcakes.com 651 Grandview Road, Kelowna
PAGE 26 • KIDS CONNECTION
WINTER, 2016
Sunglasses: More than just fashion statements Ultraviolet (UV) rays are invisible and emitted from the sun. They are short wavelength rays located right before the visible spectrum starts. These rays can be separated into three components: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVB rays are the most dangerous, making it important to wear sunglasses. UV rays not only harm our eyes on bright, sunny days but can also pass through the clouds when it is overcast. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so even if the sun does not bother your eyes, sunglasses should still be worn. UV accumulates in the eye overtime and damages different components of the eye. The conjunctiva, a thin layer that covers the white (sclera) of the eye, can form pingueculae. Pingueculae is a yellowish raised thickening of the conjunctiva. The cornea, the clear window that covers some of the anterior eye structures, is susceptible to “sunburn” in certain conditions. UV can also cause cataracts, which are a clouding of the lens inside the eye. The lens is situated behind the coloured structure called the iris. The development of UV damage to the eye is seen at an earlier age in people who live at higher altitudes or near the equator. When looking for sunglasses, make sure they cover the entire eye. The sunglasses should have UV 400 protection. This protects
the eyes from all UVA and UVB rays. There are many different lenses available. A professional optician can guide you in the right direction. Polarized lenses reduce glare. In particular, they reduce glare from surfaces such as water and snow. Light is reflected in a horizontal direction from many surfaces. Polarized lenses have filters placed in a vertical direction, which blocks the light reflected in the horizontal direction, hence blocks glare. Photochromic lenses change from clear lenses indoors into sunglasses outdoors depending on the amount of UV they are exposed to. They are very convenient and avoid needing a separate pair of sunglasses. They are not very effective when driving, since modern windshields have a UV filter, which stops the UV rays from reaching the glasses. There are many different colours of tints. It comes down to personal preference. Gray tends to alter color perception the least, followed by brown. In conclusion, we have discovered that the UV rays from the sun affects our eyes in many different ways. Through research there have been many advances in sunglasses. It is important to remember that wearing sunglasses from a young age is essential since UV damage builds up throughout our lifetime.
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