Canada Summer Jobs accepting applications z | Page 2
your neighbourhood. your newspaper.
We had you at Bannock
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Painted Pony Café
z | Page 5 Volume 14 Number 50 | 50¢
December 17, 2015
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Song writing duo has heart for refugees If there is one thing that most Canadians have aptly titled Wait and See with all proceeds raised an abundance of, it is compassion. We are a from the work to be donated to the Canadian country of do-gooders; we like to help one Red Cross Refugee Crisis Appeal. another, we like to volunteer and historically we “As things have gotten progressively worse have always liked to welcome newcomers. In in the Middle East, we wanted to contribthe wake of many tragedies across the globe, us ute to the cause but we were not sure how,” Canadians will be welcoming a whole new set explains Timothy. “With the release of our of newcomers, ones that need to see our famous new song, we realized it would be a great Canadian compassion more than we know. opportunity to bring the two things together.” Just like Justin Trudeau welcomed the first So far, the song, which has been posted planes of Syrian refugees to our shores, we on YOU CARING, a place for Compashere in Kamloops can expect to see some new sionate Crowd Funding (https://www. families in our neighbourhoods. In preparation youcaring.com/canadian-red-cross-refugee-crifor that there are many organizations, commu- sis-appeal-475471) has received $720 in donanity groups and individual residents who are in tions. Their goal is to reach $1500 by Christmas preparation mode right now. and together we can help to make that happen! One such duo which includes “We are coming on two weeks since we local downtown resident released our song and fundraiser!” explain and employee at Seasons the duo. “The response has been wonderful, Health Therapies Deanwe are half way to our fundraising goal! dra Dey along with Thank you to everyone who has been Timothy Brooksharing our fundraiser and song. banks have put their Lets keep it rolling, so we can money where their reach our fundraiser goal by December 25th! This mouths are, litermoney will help feed refally. They together recently produced ugee families (approxiand shot a video mately two families for a song, for a month).”
ST E B OUR
Many people are aware that Canada is becoming home to some of the many Syrian refugees in coming months but why? The conflict in Syria is now in its fifth year, leading to one of the most serious and daunting humanitarian crises in decades. With limited prospects for an immediate end of the conflict, Syrians are growing increasingly vulnerable as their savings are exhausted and their assets are liquidated. Constant, deadly conflict is destroying lives, families and communities. Half the country’s population is now dependent on humanitarian assistance. Eight million - continued on page 2
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2 n December 17, 2015
DOWNTOWN echo
Deadline extended for Heritage BC Annual Awards nominations
Helping hands
(L-R) Perry Terrell, Jeff Tubbs, Evan Helgason and Justin Mason were a few of the TRU Men’s Basketball Team that volunteered their time to help out at the New Life Mission for the sixth year. Photo: Larry Read
If you haven’t yet nominated an organization, group, business, government or an individual for the 35th Heritage BC Annual Awards Program, you now have until January 7, 2016 to submit a nomination. The Heritage BC Annual Awards Program recognizes the outstanding and significant achievements in heritage conservation in communities across BC. There are opportunities available in four categories: Heritage Conservation; Heritage Education and Awareness; Heritage Planning and Management and the Ruby Nobbs Volunteer Award. There are three different levels for the awards categories: Outstanding Achievement, Honour and Recognition. Projects nominated for an award must have been completed within the past three calendar years. The awards will be presented at the Awards Ceremony and Gala, which will place during Heritage Week in February 2016. Making a nomination is easy, just complete the nominations form on the Heritage BC website, www.heritagebc.ca, before the January 7, 2016 deadline.
Canada Summer Jobs 2016 now accepting applications from employers
MP Cathy McLeod has informed complement a number of nation- competitive and successful, in The application period runs Not-for-profit organizations, pub- al priorities, including support recognition of their key con- from January 4, 2016, to Feblic-sector employers and small for: employers who help wel- tribution to the creation of new ruary 26, 2016. Applicants businesses with 50 or fewer come and settle Syrian refugees jobs; and cultural and creative approved for funding will be employees looking to hire full-time to Canada, as well as Syrian stu- industries looking to create jobs able to hire students as early as workers for summer 2016 to apply dents; Indigenous people, who and to strengthen our rich Cana- May 2016. now for funding under the Canada are among the fastest-growing dian identity. This latter priorFor further information and to Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. segments of the Canadian popu- ity will support the planning of apply, please visit www.serviceCSJ creates summer job oppor- lation; small businesses work- Canada’s 150th anniversary of canada.gc.ca/csj or visit a Sertunities and valuable work expe- ing to become more innovative, Confederation in 2017. vice Canada Centre. rience specifically for youth aged 15 to 30 intending to return to their studies in the next school year. The program’s aim is also - continued from front dians to registered Canadian charities between Septo help employers create summer tember 12 and December 31 in response to the conflict job opportunities that focus on people are also displaced within Syria while close to in Syria, the government will set aside one dollar in its priorities important to their local four million Syrians have fled to neighbouring coun- own Syria Emergency Relief Fund. This money set communities, which could include tries. Nearly two million Syrians are estimated to have aside in the fund will then provide financing to expespecial events such as sporting or fled to Turkey, while 1.2 million have gone to Leba- rienced international and Canadian humanitarian orgacultural occasions. non, another 625,000 have sought refuge in Jordan and nizations. The total value of the fund will be capped at In Kamloops-Thompson-Cari- 245,000 went to Iraq. $100 million. Therefore, every dollar donated towards boo, the priorities focus on local This refugee crisis stretches well beyond the Deandra and Timothy’s song will in fact produce $2. special events, location and sector Middle East with European nations in particular Big kudos to this duo for being proactive and priorities, but all eligible applicants struggling to cope with the influx of tens of thou- working to help the less fortunate during the holiare encouraged to apply. sands of desperate and vulnerable children, women day season. Happy Holidays everyone and lets do The new government is seek- and men from Syria and elsewhere. our best to welcome our new neighbours! ing applications, which will also For every eligible dollar donated by individual CanaTanya Orozco, freelance
Do-gooder duo helping Syrian refugees
DOWNTOWN echo
December 17, 2015 n 3
Getting their Voices heard
ECHO ASKS Opinions of the people who matter – you.
What is your favourite Christmas food?
Carol Declercq
BC Interior Community Foundation
Our crackerjack reporter found members of the Kamloops Power Choir were rehearsing on Victoria Street prior to their performance on CBC radio recently. The choir performed a trio of Christmas carols to the delight of everyone on Food Bank Day in the studio. The choir is open to join on a drop-in basis and meet every Wednesday evening at the Old Courthouse.
Melody Lowes Tenisci Piva
Shortbread
Homemade cranberry sauce.
Bringing true spirit to volunteerism Volunteer Kamloops has announced that Shawna Patterson has received the final Volunteer Recognition Award recipient for the month of December for her one-year of dedication as a Board Member for Volunteer Kamloops itself. These 12 awards were created to celebrate Volunteer Kamloops’ 30th Anniversary throughout 2015 by recognizing the individuals in our community who have embodied the true spirit of volunteerism. Shawna spent countless hours over a 12-month period, helping Volunteer Kamloops with its strate-
LARGEST SELECTION OF SMOKING GOODS IN KAMLOOPS
gic plan report, a full personnel policy review, staff performance reviews and so much more. She truly made a lasting impression on the organization and the greater community. If you want to learn more about how you can volunteer together, visit Volunteer Kamloops at volunteerkamloops.org or stop in at their office at 705 Seymour Street (open Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm) to meet with a Program Coordinator for a personalized assessment to identify volunteer opportunities tailored to your interests.
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4 n December 17, 2015
Edge Publishing Inc.
COMMUNITY
DOWNTOWN echo
Tour of lights
Design | Digital Printing Echo Newspapers
meet our team JACK BELL
Publisher
Life of Pies
JODI LAWRENCE Advertising Consultant Les Mistletoe
Carrie Harman
The Seniors Light Tour started out at Sandman Centre on December 10 with city councillors carolling and Pat Wallace welcoming everyone to the event. There were 30 buses and almost 600 seniors who took part of this year’s tour. (Inset) Bus driver Penny Wallace checks the route before embarking on the tour. Penny was one of 22 drivers who volunteered their time for this event.
Administrator The Silence of the Hams
Erin Johnson Graphic Designer
Alice in Winter Wonderland
Marilee Manning, wayne Kulchyski & velvet woods, Delivery
downtown echo
Independently owned and operated by Edge Publishing, the Downtown Echo is distributed weekly throughout downtown Kamloops. We focus on activities and events at the neighbourhood level, and on larger events with direct impact on our neighbourhood. The Downtown Echo is available free to you because we are advertising supported. Please support the local businesses that support this newspaper through their advertising - remember when you shop locally, the money you spend remains in our community. Disclaimer: The publisher will not be responsible for errors or omissions. Due care and attention is used in checking advertising copy for accuracy and legitimacy, but no warranty is implied or given by the publisher. The publisher reserve the right to refuse any advertising or editorial submissions which they believe to be inconsistent with the concept of this publication. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the contributors/ writers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of the publisher.
contact us at: PHONE: 250-374-ECHO (3246) FAX: 250-374-3247 EMAIL: echo@shawcable.com snail mail: #1 - 219 Victoria St, Kamloops, BC V2C 2A1
Grant received for Elizabeth Fry Society’s Supportive Housing The Kamloops and District Elizabeth Fry Society has received a $25,000 grant from the Canada Post Community Foundation for an exciting project, Kamloops first supportive housing for women and children. The cheque was presented to Elizabeth Fry Society representatives on October 29 by Canada Post manager Karen Plessis and superintendent Rob Klarich. The creation of this housing is the result of many years of work by the Society’s board, staff, volunteers and partners in the community. The project’s focus is providing a safe and supportive home for women and children to rebuild their lives after struggling with a variety of challenges. The project will enable the women and children living in the two bedroom suites to develop the skills to live healthy lives and contribute to the local community. The building includes a community room and meeting space in which the women and children can gather for individual or group support and also use the community kitchen to work together or for celebrations like
birthday parties and family events. CEO, Canada Post. “The Canada “We are proud of our employees Post Community Foundation aims and retirees who have devoted many to help community groups deliver a hours to raising awareness and funds,” difference in the lives of children in says Deepak Chopra, president and communities across Canada.
RIH kicks off Holiday Fundraising Campaign The Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation officially kicked off its Holiday Fundraising Campaign on December 8, in support of mental wellness at RIH. The mental health unit at Royal Inland Hospital cares for patients from all walks of life, within our Kamloops community and outlying areas. It is situated in an older part of the hospital and although the unit needs some upgrading, the care that is given there each day is remarkable. This December, RIH supporters are being asked to dedicate a holiday ornament to a loved one or care person when they make a gift to the Foundation. The dedicated ornaments will be on display in the hospital during the holiday season.
DOWNTOWN echo
BUSINESS PROFILE
Winter window winner will wow you! There is a reason that once you start spending time in the downtown core you fall in love. Of course the downtown has great things like wonderful coffee, twinkly tree lights and beautiful sidewalks but it is really the people and the businesses that make downtown the place that everyone loves to be. The merchants in the downtown core are known for their superior customer service and their willingness to participate in community. This has become uber-apparent during this holiday season. “Forty businesses got together and went all out decorating their windows for the holidays,” explains Gay Pooler, general manager of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association or Downtown Kamloops. “We created a festive holiday stroll and invited the people of Kamloops to come down, tour the windows with their friends and family to help get them into the holiday spirit.” As a bonus, visitors who voted on their favourites were entered into a draw to win some fabulous Downtown Kamloops prize packs and of course with votes there must be a winner. “We tallied up all the votes that were texted in and are happy to announce that Instinct Adornment and Arwen’s Apparel won this by a landslide.” For everyone who hasn’t seen their beautifully decorated window, you are invited down to see it before it disappears after the holidays. Although it is rumoured that the beautiful light display is powered by fairies and magic, it really was the artistic work of the fabulous Jennifer Mesluk using a flowy Dean River jacket from the store. It was hard to walk past during the evenings without hearing someone talking about the beautiful display. “Instinct Adornment has been party of the downtown commu-
December 17, 2015 n 5
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nity since 1999 offering piercing,” explains Jenna Dittrich, one of the founders of the popular shop. “We added clothing in 2010 with Arwen William’s line of locally made bamboo clothing and hand picked global treasures. We were so happy to have Arwen’s Apparel join us. It is pretty unique that many of her clothes are made right here in Kamloops.” Jenna is too humble when it comes to describing the store. The family business, in which three generations of family can be seen on any given day, opened downtown in a second floor spot in 1999. Fresh out of high school, Jenna became known as one of the area’s most professional piercers
and 16 years later has grown the business to the ground level shop it is now featuring two registered piercers with the International Association of Professional Piercers and the addition of Arwen and Arwen’s Apparel which helps to round out the business. Go check out the beautiful window at Instinct Adornment and Arwen’s Apparel. Don’t stay outside though, pop in and say hello, check out their fabulous array of products and perhaps even buy a gift certificate for a loved one for Christmas because honestly, nothing says I love you more than a hole in the head. Happy Holidays! Tanya Orozco, freelance
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Film shot in TNRD now available on DVD
The Thompson-Nicola Film Commission is pleased lus (Lower Nicola Indian Band), Nooaitch, Shackan to announce that Shana: The Wolf ’s Music, which was and Ntsla’tko (Coldwater) First Nations. Shana also primarily shot in the Thompson-Nicola Regional Dis- featured cast members from Merritt and other TNRD trict (TNRD), is officially available on DVD. The film communities. can be purchased exclusively at shanafilm.ca. Shana has been screened in 28 countries, including This Swiss-Canadian production, directed by Nino more than 15 theatres in Switzerland and all across Jacusso from Switzerland, was filmed with lead- North America. It has also been featured at more than ing cast members from the Scw’exmx branch of the 66 festivals worldwide, garnering 25 awards, including N’laka’pamux First Nations, which includes the Shu- best film, best director, best music and audience awards.
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6 n December 17, 2015
DOWNTOWN echo
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funny pa g e s DOWNTOWN
December 17, 2015
It’s time to advertise call 250-374-ECHO
right meow!
warning! This publication is not suitable, and not intended, for children and those with a weak sense of humour. If you meet these requirements, stop reading immediately and secure your parents permission. In fact stop and call your parents anyway. Thank them for bringing you into the world. Thank them for raising you. How long has it been since you told Mom you loved her? Too long, I bet. Go ahead, call her now.
be good… or elsa!
Dear Santa,
We’re on strike. That’s it. We are tired of working day after day with no breaks and no holidays. We are fed up with working for zero wages. We are sick of the cramped, confined sleeping and working quarters at the workshop. And most of all, we refuse to wear these silly, uncomfortable elf suits anymore. We, the Union of Workshop Elves, refuse to make any more toys until the following demands are met: òWe ò want to earn a salary plus four bonus pays per year plus a two per cent raise every year. òWe ò want to work part time and need a work timetable. òA ò spacious workshop and bigger beds to sleep in. òMedical ò and dental insurance for our families and us. òTwo ò months’ holiday plus free weekends and a coffee break. òA ò promotion in our jobs after five years. òA ò discount on the toys that we make. òMore ò comfortable uniforms and a faster car to deliver the toys. Unless these demands are met, children won’t get any presents for Christmas this year, and we’ll consider legal steps.
downtown
The Union of Workshop Elves
WANNA TAKE ME HOME?
The Echo is delivered free for the enjoyment of businesses and their customers. If you’d like to take a copy home, please pick one up at:
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #52 Zack’s Coffee & Tea • Caffe Motivo The Grind • Blenz Coffee Frankly Coffee All proceeds are donated to charity!
Try Before You Buy! Myra was going to the Christmas office party but needed a new party dress. In the clothing store she asked, “May I try on that dress in the window, please?” “Certainly not, madam,” responded the salesgirl, “You’ll have to use the fitting room like everyone else.”
We’ll give you a reason to smile NEW PATIENTS WELCOME
• General & Family Dentistry • Emergency Care • Oral Surgery • Implant Reconstructive Dentistry
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250-372-2333
8 n December 17, 2015
Christmas
DOWNTOWN echo
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It’s always good news! #1 - 219 Victoria Street 374-ECHO (3246) email us at: echo@ shawcable.com
Inheriting a parrot When Uncle Charlie died of old age, Bill was bequeathed his uncle’s prized Amazon parrot. This parrot was fully-grown with a bad attitude and a worse vocabulary. Every other word was an expletive. Those that weren’t expletives were, to say the very least, extremely rude. Bill tried hard to change the bird’s attitude and was constantly saying polite words, playing soft music, anything he could think of to try and set a good example. Nothing worked. Exasperated, he yelled at the bird. But the bird just got louder. Then he shook the parrot. But the bird just got angrier and ruder. Finally, in a moment of desperation, Bill put the parrot in the freezer.
For a few moments he heard the bird squawking, kicking and screaming. Then, suddenly all was quiet. Bill was frightened that he might have hurt his dead uncle’s prized parrot and quickly opened the freezer door. The parrot calmly stepped out onto Bill’s extended arm and said, “I am truly sorry that I might have offended you with
my language and actions and I humbly ask your forgiveness. I will now, from this day forth, endeavour to correct my behaviour so that such an ill-perceived outburst never again occurs.” Bill was completely astonished at the bird’s change in attitude and was about to ask what had caused such a dramatic change when the parrot continued, “May I ask what the chicken did?”
Coming home from college
Anne went away to college and promptly became an avid animal right activist. When she came home for the holidays she noticed her mother wearing a beautiful genuine fur coat. “Oh Mom,” Anne exclaimed in a disapproving tone. “Some ani-
The saga of the Christmas loser Home late after a night out, a youngster attempted to climb into his home down the chimney. He did not to want to wake other residents in the Judson Center social services agency; also he had broken his curfew and wanted no trouble. In best Santa Claus mode, he climbed onto the roof and let himself down the chimney; unfortunately he was too large and he became stuck. The 17 year old began moaning and was heard and rescued. Fire fighters and police officers from the City of Royal Oak, Michigan, had to pull him out. The youth suffered from minor scrapes and bruises.
just chillin’
mal must have suffered terribly just so you can get a fur coat.” “Anne!” screamed her Mom aghast. “I send you away to college and you come back talking like that!?” “How dare you talk that way about your Dad!”
DOWNTOWN echo
December 17, 2015 n 9
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10 n December 17, 2015
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OF THE TOWN
Submit your listing: echo@shawcable.com
■“Almost ■ Christmas” until Dec. 24 at the Old Courthouse Gallery, 7 W Seymour St. Unique gift ideas made by local artists. Open 10am to 5pm Tues. to Fri. and 10am to 4pm Sat. Free parking and handicap accessible. FMI visit: kamloopscourthousegallery.ca. ■■ 18th Annual Wildlights Festival from Dec. 11 to Jan. 3 from 5 to 9pm at the BC Wildlife Park. Closed Christmas Day. Spectacular light displays, Uncle Chris the Clown - performing each night except Dec. 18, 23, 24 and 31, “Elf on the Shelf” story time at 6 and 7pm on Dec. 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23, Home Hardware Family Farm, Wildlife Express Miniature Train, Holiday Maze, Laser Light Show! ■■ Spirit of Christmas on the Kamloops Heritage Railway departing the Lorne Street Station on Dec. 17, 18, 19 and 21 at 7pm and Dec. 19 and 21 at 4pm. Reservations required by calling Wonderland of underwear - There is no end to options in men’s unmentionables at Genthouse Chonies and Accessories located at 351 Victoria Street. You will find items suited to athletes, tradesmen, everyday styles, fun styles and 250-374-2141 or kamrail.com. even briefs that help keep your shirt tucked in. They carry several lines such as Pullin, Naked, Gregg Homme, Andrew Christian ■■ Beauty and the Beast – The and Ginch Gonch of Dragons Den fame. (L-R) Dave Wilson and Wendy Harder moved to Kamloops from Saskatchewan just Panto! On Dec. 24, 26, 28, 30 four short weeks ago to open the shop. They are getting to know the community and loving our winter so far! and 31 at 1pm and Dec. 26 and 29 at 7pm at the Sagebrush kas, foxtrots and more! Everyone tion on March 5 from 9:30am to raiser every Saturday from 12 to Theatre. Tickets available at welcome. FMI call 250-376-2330. 3:30pm at TRU Trades and Tech- 2pm at The Grind Coffeehouse, Kamloops Live! Box Office, ■■ Barnhartvale Coffee House nology Center. Entries accepted #100 125 4th Ave. Music by Will 1025 Lorne St., online at www. on Jan. 16 at 7:30pm at Barn- in categories of: Elementary, Sec- Lardie. Admission by donation. kamloopslive.ca and at the door. hartvale Hall. Featuring The ondary, Open and Corporate. The ■■ Drink and Draw on second FMI visit thelaughingstock.ca. Saloonatics. FMI call Chrisy contest rules and Entry Form will Wed. of each month from 6 to ■■ Colombo Lodge New Years at 250-573-0025 or www.barn- be posted: www.tru.ca/science/ 8pm at Red Collar Brewing, 355 Bash on Dec. 31 at the Colombo hartvalecoffeehouse.com. happening/annual.html. Lansdowne St. Minors welcome Lodge. Cocktails at 6pm, dinner ■■ Bubble Ball Soccer Tourna- ■■ Open Mic Night last Thurs. of with an adult. Free event. No exat 7pm with live band to fol- ment on Feb. 21 at TCC. All funds the month from 9pm to 12am at perience necessary and supplies low. Midnight snacks and party raised going to The Heart and the Central Station Pub. Free. provided. FMI call 250-377-2400. favours. FMI or tickets contact stroke Foundation. Limited space ■■ Pagan Coffee Meet-Up on the ■■ Society for Creative AnachTino at 250-376-3129 or the Co- available. To register your team third Thurs. of each month from ronism - Shire of Ramsgaard lombo Lodge at 250-374-4914. or FMI call 250-372-3938 or visit 7 to 9pm at The Art We Are, 246 weekly practice/gathering on ■■ Old Time Fiddlers Dance on heartandstrokebubbleball.ca. Victoria St. FMI join: Kamloops Mondays at 7pm at Stage House Jan. 2 at the Kamloops Yacht Club, ■■ 13th Annual APEGBC/TRU Pagan Community on facebook. Theatre, 422 Tranquille Rd. FMI 1140 River St. Enjoy waltzes, pol- Popsicle-Stick Bridge Competi- ■■ Kamloops Food Bank Fund- call Raynagh at 250-376-6676.
did you know that we not only deliver good news & great stories
WE ALSO DELIVER FLYERS
For more information call Jack or Jodi • 250.374.ECHO (3246) • #1 - 219 Victoria Street
DOWNTOWN echo
December 17, 2015 n 11
echo stargazer
Dear Sagittarius: (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) You’re the Belle of the ball this week and you’re itching to get out and play. Social groups, family and friends all come calling but as much as you’d like to try something new, love is arriving from the past and cleaning up lose ends you may have missed. Use your downtime to meditate and focus inwards. Dear Capricorn: (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) If you’ve been working hard and following your dreams then you should be in line for an award or public recognition for work already completed. Accept social invitations and definitely mix business with pleasure. Your next contract might be for love instead of money. Dear Aquarius: (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) You’re in the career spotlight and the bosses have noticed. Even though the invitations keep coming, social groups aren’t as fun as you thought they’d be. Reach out for career opportunities and love might return your call. Dear Pisces: (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) Love and money both arrive from a hidden source. There might be an inheritance or you could win a legal battle. Keep your eyes on the horizon. Distant shores are calling for an adventure. Dear Aries: (Mar. 21 - April 20) It may be the season of spending money but financial rewards are still headed your way. Efforts you make for others to help team projects will flourish. Look behind the scenes for something you missed and love just might look back. Dear Taurus: (Apr. 21 - May 21) Money is getting tighter and bringing lessons of trust. If the numbers don’t line up then don’t risk it. Love on the other hand is doing its best to find you. Take a chance on love but keep your wallet in your pocket. Dear Gemini: (May 22 - June 21) You’re frisky as ever and looking for love but the overall energy is shrinking your list of playmates. Keep going to the gym and be grateful for the break in your schedule. Love is looking for you somewhere you visit every day. Dear Cancer: (June 22 - July 22) Health continues to cause concern but love is strong. You’re more playful and vocal than usual and others are noticing this open and lighthearted vibe. Keep things light and festive. The intensity will notch up all on its own. Dear Leo: (July 23 - Aug 22) Get out and circulate. Fortune is favouring your family and those you consider family. So, get out and make the holiday rounds. Visit friends and make sure you take presents. If energy begins to fade then invite siblings over to help with the holiday load. Dear Virgo: (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) With so many good things happening right now, you’ll have to pick and choose to keep it all together. One smile is all it should take as fortune looks your way. On the downside, extra goodies are sitting on your hips. Get to the gym. Dear Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) This is a wonderful time to attack your goals so don’t get too distracted by the holiday spirit. You have an extra jump and money is looking for you. Your words are also adding up to gold. Put it all together and end 2015 with a healthy dose of love for yourself and the world around you. Dear Scorpio: (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Love is looking for Scorpio but there’s no reason to blow your budget on a pretty smile. Keep financial lessons close and watch for those who promise you the world. Energy is still low as you continue to work on freeing yourself from some of the 2015 chaos. Keep going. You’re almost there. Astro-week Sonnyscopes courtesy of Collin Sonny Rosati, Vancouver Astrologer, Hypnotist. For personal readings visit thesunnyside.net.
Three stages
There are three stages of man – He believes in Santa Claus; he doesn’t believe in Santa Claus; he is Santa Claus.
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handcrafted, one-of-a-kind gifts November 12 - December 24 Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm, Thurs: 10am - 9pm December 24: 10am - 1pm
250-377-2400 • 465 Victoria Street
12 n December 17, 2015
DOWNTOWN echo
Merry Christmas!
I know that term can be controversial, but in our household we celebrate Christmas in a big way! In fact, I love that this Christmas letter to you has become one of my traditions. 2015 was a great year for us. There were many highlights to say the least. It started last January at the Audibel U.S.Hearing Summit in Minneapolis, where we had the pleasure of listening to a man that had climbed Mt. Everest. Keynote speaker, Jamie Clarke, was inspirational to say the least; he attempted to climb Mt. Everest three times in total! His presentation reinforced the reality that even with a solid attempt, sometimes you have to try more than once to achieve your goal. Joanne, Lynda, Anna and I did a girls weekend in Calgary in February. That’s not the best time of the year to go to Calgary but we were able to fit in some shopping, dining, and gambling before attending a customer service training session. I am so ‘blessed’ to have long term staff like these ladies, but we all were amazed by how much was learned. I guess it’s true – you don’t know what you don’t know. This training inspired us to implement a weekly staff meeting at our office where we continue to discover useful technology tips, overcome work challenges and build a stronger team dynamic. After the weekend ended Lynda hopped a plane in Calgary and took a side trip to Northern Alberta to visit her daughter and her expanding family. Lynda is now a grandmother to five little ones! It amazes me that after all these years working with the same office management software that we are just now discovering how much it can do. Our staff meetings showcased how each of us had found hidden gems within the program that we just thought everyone else knew about, reinforcing the importance of asking questions and sharing information. Of course this made me think of you and your hearing aids. Often we make the instructions simple and straight-forward so that you won’t be overwhelmed. Once you’re comfortable with your hearing aids and their routine use though, we want to encourage you to ask us about the full capabilities of your hearing aids. Blue tooth compatibility? Remote control? Remote microphone? TV Streamer? Binaural processing? Dongal ability for media devices? These are all functions that many hearing aids have and are often not fully utilized.
March saw us in Victoria at the Western Canadian Symposium for Hearing Healthcare professionals. Funnily enough the highlight of the conference was an Ear Nose and Throat Specialist who talked for over three solid hours on the topic of the ear drum. You would think that this would be a bit overwhelming but honestly he was so engaging and informative that the time just flew by! We also attended classes on Tinnitus management and met with trade professionals to see new products and advancements. It was a whirlwind three days! Blaine’s parents moved away from Kamloops over 20 years ago. They talked about returning to Kamloops for many years and as his father retired this spring it was the perfect opportunity for them to leave Alberta and head home to beautiful BC. Although they didn’t officially move until mid-June, their initial trip out allowed all of us time to plant a big and hopefully bountiful garden at their new home. “Do you need any cucumbers” If I heard this once, I heard it a thousand times this summer. Apparently BC has better growing conditions than Alberta. Blaine parents planted as they always had in Alberta and received a bumper crop of veggies. Cucumbers were the most plentiful though and we had buckets and buckets and buckets of them. Not only that, they were surprised to find out that not all peppers are green – some are small, red and fiery. We won’t make that mistake again! Some of you may have seen the full page article in Kamloops This Week featuring Blaine’s band Forum. It is quite a thrill to think that I married a rock star. Forum has now opened for a couple of big name bands that came through town, performed at several pubs. This fall they donated their time and talents for a very special fundraising dinner and dance to raise money for a local family to afford to stay off work and be at Children’s Hospital while their child was receiving life saving treatments. They say that it’s an honour to just be nominated; now I know that that sentiment really is true. In September we were touched to have been nominated in the Customer Service category for the Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards. Although we didn’t take home the official award we still felt we were winners. We would like to thank all of you who nominated us!
info@kamloopshearingaidcentre.ca • www.kamloopshearingaidcentre.ca 414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC • Phone 250.372.3090 TOLL FREE 1.877.718.2211 Open M-F 8:30-4:30 Closed Dec 25, 26 & Jan 1
October saw Joanne and I at the lake for a long weekend up to our eyeballs in mud. We left Lynda, Anna and Blaine to hold down the fort while we got a head start on making some Christmas gifts. We were able to try out some new ideas and I’d love to tell you what we made but I’m afraid that it may ruin the surprise for a few of you. Although it seems like we’ve all been travelling and poor Anna has been left behind. She and her husband, like many other Kamloopsians, are taking advantage of a Travelwise Best Buy. In March they will be adventuring off to the South Seas on New Zealand cruise. Ahoy! And now we’ve come full circle and are heading into another Christmas season. As I sit here and think back over the year – of the good times and bad – it reminds me of Blaine’s grandparents. We lost them both this year and Christmas just won’t be the same without them. Life is a gift and one never knows from one year to the next just what will happen. This makes me long to surround myself with family and friends throughout the holidays. With that in mind, stop in for a glass of eggnog or perhaps a holiday treat on Friday, December 18th from noon until 4 pm. If you were there last year, you will have had the chance to listen to Blaine sing Christmas carols while his good friend Marty accompanied him on the keyboard. We even got in a bit of dancing as well. It was so much fun that we plan on doing it again this year. If you can’t make it on that day, don’t hesitate to stop by sometime before Christmas to have your hearing aids cleaned and get your holiday supply of batteries.
I’m very thankful for the many friendships I’ve made over the years and wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas & a happy New Year!
jan
for a n i p o St g or o n g g of e treat glass y a d i a hol s p h a h c. 18t e per D . iday, r F l 4 pm i t on n u oon from n