Downtown Echo, December 8, 2016

New payment system for RIH public parking z | Page 2

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Good as gold z | Page 5

Volume 15 Number 49 | 50¢

December 8, 2016

238 Lansdowne Street 250-377-0745 • allaboardgames.ca

Choral Rhapsody concert creates Christmas cheer The 19th annual Choral Rhapsody is bringing all kinds of festive cheer to the city of Kamloops. The Christmas music-filled event will be hosted at Sagebrush Theatre on December 13 at 7:00 pm.

Guests will be greeted by Stringendo, the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra’s Junior String ensemble, who will be performing in the lobby during the pre-concert mingling. Steve Powrie will act as master of ceremonies and Bill Brown will lead the audience sing-a-longs that will take place each between choir performances.

There will be a mix of modern and traditional holiday numbers, with some of the best choirs in the region: Ashcroft Sage Sound Singers, Desert Sound Harmony Choir, Vivace Chorale Choir, Hills of Peace Lutheran Church Choir, German Liederkreis Choir, Mostly Acappella Choir, TRU Chamber Chorister Choir and the Kamloops Choristers.

The finale of the evening will be Joy to the World, which will be sure to warm hearts and lift sprits to the highest heights.

Cara Gates, organizer, says this event “sets the mood for Christmas—you’ll be ready for the holiday season after this concert!”

Cara reveals that “the choirs really enjoy the event” and that the singers get a kick out of performing for each other. All in all, the evening is a warm and welcoming night of musical magic.

This event is so beloved, people starting looking forward to it well before the holiday season. Cara remarks, “People are calling in September to inquire about the concert.”

Though admission to the concert is free, audience members will be able to reserve seats in advance. “There is no need to panic” when it comes to guaranteeing seats, says Cara.

The Choirs of Kamloops and The City of Kamloops Parks, Recreation and Cultural

Kamloops Choristers

Services Department gather in support of wholegrain pasta, tomato sauce, wholegrain the Kamloops Food Bank. Cash and non- crackers, peanut butter, brown rice, pasta, perishable food donations will be accepted low-sodium canned vegetables, reducedand appreciated; last year they collected sugar canned fruit, canned tuna, chicken $1100 and almost 1000 pounds of food! and salmon. As always, baby food, formula, The Kamloops Food Bank is always in diapers and wipes are welcomed. need of donations, but the holiday season is Not only will the concert be a heart-warming an especially busy time. Everyone deserves welcome to the holiday spirit, it is also an essensustenance and nutritious meals throughout tial opportunity to support the local community. the year, but the hope is that everyone has To reserve your seats, contact Kamloops a warm meal to share with their loved ones Live! Box Office at 250-374-5483, online around the holiday season. at www.kamloopslive.ca or pop by the box In participation of purchasing items to office at 1025 Lorne Street. donate, consider shelf-stable or powdered For more information on the food bank, milk, low-sugar cereals, beans canola and check out the website, Kamloopsfoodbank.ca. olive oil. Granola bars, popcorn, oatmeal, Alicia Ashcroft, freelance

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2 n December 8, 2016

DOWNTOWN echo

Roadchecks on now

12 Days of Giving

Kamloops RCMP have started their Counter Attack program and there will be extra officers on the road looking for impaired drivers.

BC’s drinking-driving laws are tough on impaired drivers. The vehicle can be immediately taken off the road and impounded for three to 30 days. Costs related to these offences can add up – $600 to $4,000. And, a person who is found to be impaired while driving is subject to criminal charges.

What can you do? Before the first round make a plan; have a designated driver, plan on taking a taxi, public transportation or using Operation Red Nose.

New payment system for RIH public parking

Thompson Community Services workers and clients have been out and about doing random acts of kindness this month as part of their 12 Days of Giving initiative. Joe Akram and Bonnie Cleveland stopped by the Echo with a little kindness for our front desk gal Carrie Harman.

Annual “Stuff the Cruiser” benefits Christmas Amalgamated On Sunday, December 10, local RCMP officers, auxiliaries, sheriffs and community volunteers will be accepting donations for Christmas Amalgamated.

RCMP cruisers will be parked outside of Toys ‘R’ Us and Walmart from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Kamloops RCMP have invited some special guests to help us out. Safety Bear will be at Toys ‘R’ Us from 12:15 to 1:15 pm and at Walmart from 2:00 to 3:00 pm.

Princesses from Wishing Well Parties and Events will be at Walmart from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and at Toys ‘R’ Us

from 12:30 to 1:30 pm. Local singer/songwriter Madison Olds and her feature guest Dave Olds will be at Toys ‘R’ Us from 12:00 to 2:00 pm.

Kamloops RCMP is hoping the community will help “stuff” the cruisers with donations of food, toys and clothing for Christmas Amalgamated.

Christmas Amalgamated helps make Christmas brighter for many families in Kamloops. This year, Christmas Amalgamated anticipates distributing over 2000 hampers.

Christmas Amalgamated has provided us with a list of sug-

gested donation items: clothing for children (newborn to 14 years), blankets (newborn to 12 months), developmental toys (newborn to toddler), toys (teen boys), grooming products (teen boys), chocolates / mixed nuts, Christmas cake, gift cards (grocery or retail). Please no second hand items except winter coats.

Kamloops RCMP thank you in advance for your generosity.

For more information please contact Sally Whitson of Christmas Amalgamated at 250-376-0777 or Cst. Natalie Anfield of the Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000.

A new parking payment system will take effect at the Clinical Services Building parkade at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in December.

The existing gated pay-on-exit system will be replaced with a gateless pay-on-entry or pay-in-advance system. This change, intended to alleviate lineups and traffic congestion caused by a single exit gate, responds to public feedback received since the parkade opened in July.

Instead of paying for parking at a payment machine upon exiting the parkade, drivers will estimate their parking time as they arrive and make payment at one of four payment stations. The machine will prompt drivers to enter their license plate numbers while making payment.

This is similar to the system used previously for public parking at RIH. For drivers with mobile devices, PayByPhone is a downloadable parking app that enables them to make payment or extend their parking time without having to return to the parkade.

A parking ambassador will be available to assist drivers as they adjust to the new system and there will be new signage explaining payment options. Pamphlets will be provided in the parkade to offer general parking information as well as details on the PayByPhone app.

Interior Health appreciates the public’s feedback during the commissioning phase of the new parkade. Public parking is a vital component of health-care delivery and IH wants to ensure it is as safe and convenient as possible.

DOWNTOWN echo

December 8, 2016 n 3

Greener pastures

ECHO ASKS Opinions of the people who matter – you.

Do you remember your childhood phone number?

Katherin Edwards

Tanner Bruyere

Yes, I do, but I won’t share in case someone has it.

Only number I know off by heart is Blackwell Dairy.

Newell Flower Shop

Erwin’s

BC Green Party leader Andrew Weaver (centre) was in town recently to discuss Party strategies for the upcoming spring 2017 election. Among the leading topics discussed were major projects present and proposed for the province. Also presenting ideas were local Green Party candidates Donovan Cavers (left) and Dan Hines.

CD release party at Frankly Coffee On Saturday, December 10 Michele this instrument sang to Michele’s Botel and guest Kris Ruston, invite deep country roots. Within a few you to join their little shindig at sessions of post-production work, a Frankly Coffee, a licensed venue sup- couple of handfuls of bluesy, country, portive of live music located at 437 folksy songs took on a new life. Early Lansdowne Street. listeners were thrilled with the “expeIn the summer of 2016, Michele rience” afforded by this collection of Botel strummed and belted out some songs. A collection of songs ought to original songs off the floor at Death make people experience something Mountain Sound in Heffley Creek. pleasant, after all!

While pressing the record button, Doors open 7:00 pm and the live Kris Ruston came up with some great music is from 8:00 to 10:00 pm. Folks ideas for additional instrumentation can order appies and beverages from the for each song. Kris laid down some cash bar. Tickets are available online tracks with some vintage instruments through http://kamtix.ca or at the door his dad used to gig with down Nash- if not sold out. CD sales will take place ville way. He even pulled out his inside. There will be limited seating so pedal steel guitar for two songs and be sure to get your tickets early!

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DOWNTOWN echo

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meet our team JACK BELL

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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

Pyramid 17 opened its doors at 338 Seymour Street on October 21 and floor manager Curtis McDonald invites you down to check out their great styles for both men and women.

Warm up with Kamloops Burlesque this winter Winter. This is the time of year that makes one genuinely appreciate... every other season. Appreciate the basic things like heat, clothing and shelter. But what if we were living in an age where these things were not available?

An age where everything was cold and covered in snow and ice? The never-ending winter of an Ice Age! Kamloops Burlesque is shivering with anticipation (and cold) at the wintery goodness of it’s ‘Ice Age’ show on Thursday, December 8 at The Blue Grotto, sure to be full of pre-historic, icy cold, holiday themed acts that will make your head spin like a light up, animated mammoth on top of your Christmas tree.

Local Kamloops Burlesque performers will make you forget your wintery woes with a night full of crazed holiday antics, cave man style. Don’t know what this means? They don’t either. But it’s sure to be a good time.

Kamloops Burlesque is a 19+

showcase. VIP tickets are avail- cial seating. able in person at Instinct AdornDoors open at 8:00 pm, show ment or online at www.KamTix. starts at 9:30:00 pm. Dress up this ca. VIP Tickets give you exclusive December 8 for a chance at winfloor seating and a chance to win ning some delectably decadent more draw prizes. Arrive by 9:00 Caduceus Chocolates in their best pm to take advantage of this spe- dressed contest!

MP fights against illicit production or trafficking of fentanyl Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops – Thompson – Cariboo, seconded Private Members Bill C-324 on December 1 that will stop the illicit production or trafficking of substances including fentanyl.

“I was pleased to support my colleague Bob Saroya’s initiative today in Parliament and will be encouraging all Parliamentarians to get behind this Bill,” stated McLeod. “We all need to come together and contribute to finding solutions to the fentanyl crisis and holding those responsible to account.”

Bill C-324 would amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act in order to prohibit the possession, production, sale or importation of anything, if it is known to be used in the production or traffic of certain substances included in schedule I of that act. These substances would include: methamphetamines, ecstasy, fentanyl and W-18.

“These substances are a deadly plague on our communities, which are now dealing with a full-blown epidemic of fentanyl overdoses. Further, I believe that those that traffic and produce these substances must face the full extent of the law,” concluded McLeod.

DOWNTOWN echo

December 8, 2016 n 5

Good as gold There are moments in life akin to those cafeteria ing for a quick and merciful death. The waitress scenes in American high school movies. We’ve all trundles over with a towel, drawing as much attention been the new kid standing awkwardly, tray in hand, from the crowd as I had liquid into the material. desperately hoping to be invited to the table.

After time spent in the bathroom, pushIs there a more vulnerable task than ing my pelvis as close to the hand dryer as handing out resumes? A new city in your possible, I go back to the table to retrieve early twenties, pounding the pavement my resume stuffed manila envelope. The along retail and restaurant row. Smilwaitress followed me with a fresh drink. ing and standing at an unnatural state of I was keen to dash, but needed something straightness. Feigning interest and enthuto kill the time while my knickers dried. siasm for a job you need but don’t want.

The couple next to me smiled and invited I want to work here because I’m super me to sit at their table. The gentleman, a passionate about paying bills and buygregarious fellow with a firm handshake PERFECTLY and a robust nature, handed me his busiing groceries.

FABULOUS Alicia Ashcroft ness card after our introductions.

I popped into a Lulu Lemon shop and the super slender salesgirls made the Jack Gold was a judge nearing retireshop girls from Pretty Woman look like saints. ment who was based out of Los Angeles. He had a The job application required details about my much fancier title that I can remember, ‘Super Judge’ education, experience and history. My head is nod- or something. The specific details of his meteoric ding enthusiastically, but my eyes are saying, “All rise to society’s upper echelons is dim in my memof this information is literally on the resume I just ory. Still, I recall his kindness and insistence that handed to you.” success was possible - if you weren’t afraid to get Couldn’t we do something more productive, like your nails dirty when clawing your way to a higher you read my resume and ask me questions about it? plain. He was encouraging, tenacious and his wife At Lulu Lemon, one application question that was good humoured and sweet. They bolstered my stopped me cold was, “What style of yoga do you spirits and paid for the beer. He reminded me to call practice/prefer?” Um…something told me that the that number if I was ever in need.

VHS copy of “A.M. Yoga with Rodney Yee” that Luckily, I never needed a favour from Jack Gold: I used intermittently would not satisfy the require- Super Judge. He provided everything I needed right ments of the tall, thin spandex clad gazelles. in that moment. I’d like to believe benevolent cosmic Feeling like no job on earth belonged to me, I forces, working through a total stranger, reminding decided to call off the job-search and take my sor- you that even when you’re unemployed in a strange rows to the pub. I snagged a small table on a busy city and you look like your bladder burst clean through patio and ordered a beer. Reaching for the glass, your khakis, that everything is going to be okay. distracted by a passer-by, I knock the full glass Pants dry, wounds heal and embarrassment fades; over…directly onto my lap. What a day to wear failure becomes our best teacher. Support systems my cool new khaki capri pants. also appear out of nowhere and takes a half empty Sitting in stunned silence as the beer dripped through glass and makes it brim. That, my friends, is worth my thighs, creating a patio chair crotch puddle, wish- is weight in gold.

Part-Time Work

Scene: A man applying for credit at a department store.

Clerk: What do you do for a living?

Man: I’m a tree trimmer.

Clerk: What do you do after Christmas?

Junior Scrooge

Four-year-old to her two-yearold sister: “Let’s

play Christmas. I’ll be Nosed Reindeer never Santa Claus and you went to school? can be a present and That’s right—he was I’ll give you away.” elf taught.

Reindeer Lessons

Did you hear that Rudolph the Red-

Mazel Tov, Mary!

Christmas is a baby shower that went totally overboard.

And The Movember Winner Is… The wait is over and the results are in! Although the generous support from Kamloops raised a total of $4,266, Mayor Peter Milobar and the City of Kamloops have fallen short of Prince George’s $5,718 in the friendly Movember challenge that was issued early in November.

“Congratulations to Mayor Hall and the City of Prince George,” says Milobar. “I’m proud of the money and awareness we generated for men’s health and am looking forward to shaving!”

The punishment? Blazers fans can expect to see our Mayor sporting a Cougars jersey for the ceremonial puck drop at the upcoming home game against Prince George on February 19, 2017.

“The real winner in this is Movember,” says Prince George Mayor Lyn Hall. “It’s great to see everyone rally around such an important cause. I would like to thank Mayor Milobar for issuing this worthwhile challenge and extend my appreciation to everyone who donated in both cities.”

The BC Battle Royal raised a total of $9,994 for the Movember Foundation, the global charity that raises funds and awareness for men’s health. Funds raised go towards supporting innovative, world-class men’s health programs in four key areas: prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. To date, the Movember Foundation has funded 1,000 men’s health projects.

did you know that we not only deliver good news & great stories

WE ALSO DELIVER FLYERS

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6 n December 8, 2016

DOWNTOWN echo

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naturalhealth D I R E C TO RY Cathy Lidster, Energy Nutrition & Allergy Clearing Being healthy is easier than you think!

Quick and longlasting results. Call for free info sessions.

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Operation: Secret Santa helps seniors in need Do you know someone in need of a little Christmas cheer? Let the Centre for Seniors Information (CSI Kamloops) know!

The CSI is gearing up for a new season of their annual Operation: Secret Santa project that gets presents delivered to low income, isolated senior citizens.

The holidays can be especially lonely for low-income, independently living seniors. The presents are an exceptional way to not only brighten someone’s day, but to help connect them to the available services.

Last year, 30 care packages went out.

Jodi Lawrence, Echo advertising consultant and co-coordinator, hopes that the number of recipients will grow exponentially this year. “The Echo staff wanted to find a way to give back this holiday season. We found out that CSI had a similar project that we were hoping to execute. We joined forces to make this project bigger and better. This felt like the missing piece among the Christmas community fundraisers,” Jodi says. “Seniors often get forgotten or missed.”

Unwrapped new gifts can be dropped off at these generous supporters: CSI Brock Activity Centre, London Drugs, C a i n ’s Independent Grocer, Sahali Mall, All Aboard Games,

Schoening Funeral Service and First Memorial Funeral Services.

Suggested gift items could include magazines, puzzle books (crosswords, word search, Sudoku), playing cards, jigsaw puzzles and audio books.

Chocolates, tea, coffee, a fruit basket, a grocery store gift card. A new blanket, some slippers, socks and a lovely scarf would be great ideas as well. Maybe a hygiene and health care package? Hand cream, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner are also great options.

Financial donations can be made at CSI, Cain’s Independent Grocer and London Drugs customer service.

The deadline for Operation: Secret Santa gift donations is December 16 so the elves have time to deliver gifts just before Christmas.

Brandi Allen, executive assistant

AD

at CSI is excited to team up with the Echo to help this project grow and help more seniors in need. She believes that strong community ties are essential to the reduction of later-in-life loneliness and isolation.

The centre promotes inclusion and fosters a friendly, welcoming environment, it also serves as a resource centre, support system and advocacy service that “ensures quality of life, dignity and choice” for seniors.

The CSI has over 600 members and Brandi estimates that they have over 300 seniors accessing the services per month. There are over 100 registered volunteers, but they are always looking for more.

For more information call Brandi at 778-470-6000 or email brandi@ csikamloops.ca and brighten the holiday season for a senior today!

DOWNTOWN echo

December 8, 2016 n 7

New partnership to attract business, investment and skilled workers The City of Kamloops has from this partnership will announced the kickoff of a help us create new supnew partnership with local port resources to showcase business organizations to Kamloops as a premier locadraw attention to opportuni- tion for development.” ties in Kamloops. The City The first initiative of the has committed $100,000 to program was a partnership the new initiative, which will with Kamloops Innovation support the partners in their to provide a significant efforts to attract new busi- Kamloops presence at the nesses, development invest- Startup Canada Awards ment and skilled workers in Vancouver on October from the Lower Mainland.

24. A delegation, includThe City has partnered ing Mayor Peter Milobar with Venture Kamloops, and several local businessKamloops Innovation and people, attended the awards the Kamloops Chamber of in Vancouver to showcase Commerce to provide fund- Kamloops as a hub of entreing for campaigns that raise preneurship. The combinathe profile of Kamloops as an tion of the Mayor’s presence, ideal location to consider. two award recipients from “No question, our cost of liv- Kamloops, and the sponsoring is very appealing. When ship of the post-event celyou combine the affordabil- ebration made Kamloops ity factor with our transpor- a prominent topic of contation network and extensive versation among the event outdoor recreation opportuni- attendees. ties, Kamloops offers many “The Kamloops technolrelocation advantages,” says ogy sector has experienced Mayor Peter Milobar. “The phenomenal growth in the goal of this program is to last three years, and it is make sure companies and important that these compaskilled workers are aware of nies have the skilled workKamloops when considering force to allow the sector’s where to do business and find growth to continue,” says Dr. employment.”

Lincoln Smith of Kamloops As the business and real Innovation. “There is a real estate climates change in the gravity and interest building Lower Mainland, Kamloops around our technology comis well positioned to attract munity. Now is the time to companies and employees raise the profile of what is from a variety of sectors. happening here.”

The new partnership will “Many factors affect where a company decides to invest,” continue with several more says Jim Anderson, execu- initiatives, including: A Winter Fellowship protive director of Venture Kamloops. “The funding gram through Kamloops

Riding Rudolf

Every year BC Transit decorates up the Rudolf bus and you can’t help but smile when you see it. The inside is also decked out for the holidays.

Innovation, where founders of start-up companies from the Lower Mainland are invited to live and work in Kamloops at no charge while they experience and evaluate Kamloops as a potential expansion location.

Support for local tech companies that are attending the 2017 #BCTECH Summit

and representing Kamloops Commerce board of directors. on a provincial stage.

“With these targeted programs, “The Kamloops Chamber we look forward to welcomof Commerce is pleased to ing new development to our participate in this initiative business community.” and is happy to see the projThe City and its partners ects from Venture Kamloops are currently developing and Kamloops Innovation several other projects to moving forward,” says support this initiative, which Ryan Scorgie, president of will be announced over the the Kamloops Chamber of coming months.

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DOWNTOWN echo

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The Saucy Fops present Time Signatures playing at the Pavilion Theatre from December 14 to 17. Kamloops’ Saucy Fops return with a comedic look at the pacing and rhythm of life’s signature times. Using sharp dialog, movement and a few tempo changes, Time Signatures reveal the soundtrack behind their everyday interactions. The Saucy Fops write, create and produce all of their own work.

The Fops have toured across Canada with the Canadian Fringe Festival, to much acclaim, earning themselves three different Best of Fest Awards.

They are proud to call Kamloops their home base and have been doing productions there for 15 years. Last year the Fops performed in

Photo credit: Beth McBride

the inaugural Theatre On the Edge Festival with Back and Forth and Back, written by Cayman Duncan. The Fops are so excited to be back in Kamloops

with another original play written by Cayman Duncan.

Tickets are available at Kamloops Live!

Box Office, 1025 Lorne Street or visit kamloopslive.ca.

∂ 4Kamloops author shop local. showcases

shop local.

Canadian history mystery eatand local. eat local.

Camels once roamed the sagebrush-dotted hills around Kamloops. Their story is one of 30 in Kamloops author Elma Schemenauer’s new book YesterCanada: Historical Tales of Mystery and Adventure.

Published by Borealis Press of Ottawa, YesterCanada presents 30 historical tales spanning this great land and the centuries from the 1200’s to the 1900’s.

Here are a few of the mysteries you’ll find in its pages: Where in the icy Arctic is the lost Vancouverbased ship Baychimo? Who rang the chapel bell in Tadoussac, Quebec one foggy April night in 1782? Why did a Minnesota farmer abandon his farm, walk to Saskatchewan and build an oceangoing ship far from any ocean?

In YesterCanada you’ll also meet adventurers like Ontario’s daring

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Lady Agnes, pious Nova Scotia pioneers, gold-seekers of Alberta and the Manitoba Cree chief who gave his life for the woman he loved.

Elma Schemenauer says, “I love Canada and its history. I grew up in Saskatchewan, taught in Nova Scotia and worked in publishing in Toronto for many years. I now live with my husband on a sagebrushdotted hillside overlooking beautiful Kamloops, British Columbia.”

Elma is the author of 77 published books including the 1940sera Saskatchewan Mennonite novel Consider the Sunflowers, also published by Borealis Press.

YesterCanada is a 248-page paperback including 30 illustrations and a bibliography. Ask for it in a store or library. Or order online from Amazon, Chapters Indigo or Borealis Press.

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∂

shop local. spend local. enjoy local.

it takes you to start the trend

DOWNTOWN echo

Electrical safety tips to stay safe during storm season Electrical equipment is more prone to damage during the fall and winter months when high winds and heavy rain can cause trees to fall on power lines and knock down power poles. If you come across a fallen power line, assume it is dangerous, stay at least ten meters back – the length of a school bus – and dial 9-1-1.

Every fallen power line should be treated as an emergency.

The same goes for a hanging power line, a tree that has fallen on an electrical line, a power pole with a broken crossarm, a low-hanging power line close to the ground, or a power pole leaning more than two metres.

Safety is a key priority for BC Hydro and if a power line does fall, crews will work with emergency responders to ensure the area around the line is safe.

This includes storm restoration efforts from power line technicians, wire guards, damage assessors and vegetation crews.

Electrical equipment can be dangerous and people are injured or killed by electricity every year. For more information on electrical safety, visit bchydro.com/besafe.

Confessions of a store santa

While I was working as a store Santa, a boy asked me for an electric train set.

“If you get your train,” I told him, “your dad is going to want to play with it too. Is that all right?”

The boy became very quiet. So, moving the conversation along, I asked, “What else would you like Santa to bring you?”

He promptly replied, “Another train.”

“I once bought my kid a set of batteries for Christmas with a note on it saying ‘Toys not included.’”

– Bernard Manning

December 8, 2016 n 9

Congratulations!

Echo reader Linda Bourne was the grand prize winner of our Night Out in Greece contest for Mamma Mia tickets for the December 3 show. Congratulations Linda, we hope you enjoyed it!

10 n December 8, 2016

DOWNTOWN echo

TALK

OF THE TOWN

Submit your listing: echo@shawcable.com

Christmas tea fundraiser at St. Andrews on the Square ■■“Here Comes the Sun” by Jasmine Rempel until Dec. 17 at the Kamloops Arts Council Main Gallery, 7 W Seymour St. Gallery hours: Tues. to Fri. from 10am to 5pm and Sat. from 10am to 4pm. FMI visit: www.kamloopsarts.ca.

■■ Operation: Secret Santa accepting donations for isolated, low-income seniors at Brock Activity Centre, London Drugs, Independent Grocer, Sahali Mall, All Aboard Games, Schoening Funeral Service or First Memorial Funeral Services. Deadline is Dec. 16 for gift donations. FMI contact CSI at 778-470-6000 or brandi@csikamloops.ca.

■■ 2016 Cookie Walk. Online cookie orders until Dec. 2 at 5pm and Cookie Walk on Dec. 9 from 11am to 5pm at Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul St. Let Kamloops United Church do your Christmas baking! To order online visit: www.kamloopsunited.ca. FMI call 250-372-3020.

■■“Ice Age” Burlesque on Dec. 8 at The Blue Grotto, 319 Victoria St. Doors at 8pm for this 19+ show. Tickets are available at the door or VIP tickets are available online at kamtix.ca or at Instinct Adornment. FMI visit facebook. com/kamloopsburlesque.

■■ Michele Botel CD Release Party on Dec. 10 at 7pm at Frankly Coffee and Bistro, 437 Lansdowne St. FMI visit www.facebook.com/ events/1584598371849756/.

■■ Kamloops Kidney Support Group meets on Dec. 10 at 10am at Romeo’s Kitchen, 1250 Rogers Way. We are here to chat and/or answer questions about anything that is kidney related, whether you may be pre-dialysis or on dialysis, a kidney

■■ TVASC “Let’s Dance” on Dec. ■■ Time Signatures by the Saucy 10 from 8pm to 12am at Kamloops Fops from Dec. 14 to 17 at 8pm at Curling Club, 700 Victoria St. Mu- the Pavilion Theatre. Tickets availsic by Reflections. For tickets call able at Kamloops Live Box Office, Francoise 778-220-8010, Norma 1025 Lorne St. or kamloopslive.ca.

250-299-7221 or Zonia 250-372- ■■ The Kamloops Ostomy Support Group is a group for ostomates 0091. FMI call 250-571-5111.

■■ Annual Kinsmen Family and their support persons. Enhance Christmas Turkey Bingo on Dec. your quality of life through interac11 at 10am at the Cache Creek tion with others who live with an Community Hall. FMI call 250- ostomy. FMI re meeting dates and 453-9062. venues please call: Edie at 250819-0945 or Nightingale Medical at 250-377-8844.

■■ Sahali Mall Market every Saturday until Christmas from 10am to 2pm, 945 Columbia St. W. Shop for locally produced meats, eggs, baking, heirloom seeds, prepared food, crafts, books, and more. FMI contact: Visions Farmers Market Society, Andy Balogh, 250-577-3810 or http:// met.marketplacebc.ca/market/ visions-farmers-market-society.

■■ Bottle fundraiser for Children’s Circle Daycare Society. Drop off your empty bottles to General Grants, 1395B Battle St. No clutter, or fuss for you. Drop them off in the bag and let them know they are for the society.

■■ Society for Creative Anachronism - Shire of Ramsgaard weekly practice/gathering on Tuesdays at Catch Milk Crate Bandits on December 10 at The Art We Are 6:30pm at 150 Wilson St. (in back).

It’s music to make you dance, smile and party. It’s music born on the FMI call Raynagh at 250-376-6676. streets. Meet the Milk Crate Bandits. Walking down the streets of ■■ High Country Achievers Vancouver you’ll see them on their stolen plastic thrones and playing the Toastmasters Club meet on sounds of New Orleans. Yes, some may say they’re crooks but the petty Thursdays at 6:45pm at Desert theft of a milk crate from a back alley is surely absolved by the love they’ll Gardens, 540 Seymour St. Learn give you if you come and listen. The joy of the music will make you jump, how Toastmasters can provide holler and shout and some even say that being party to a misdemeanor you with the skills of communimakes it all the more fun! So if you see a spare milk crate on the street cation and leadership to help you pull up a seat and join in the joyous, swinging and dirty sounds of 1920s in achieving your goals. RefreshNew Orleans played by vagabonds from across the globe! 7 to 9pm at ments provided. FMI or to RSVP 246 Victoria St. Admission at the door. call Lesley at 250-374-8225. donor or a recipient, or anything in between. FMI call Edna Humphreys at 250-376-6361, Dorothy Drinnan at 250-573-2988, Margaret Thompson at 250-819-3135.

■■ Christmas Tea Dry Grad fundraiser on Dec. 10 from 1 to 3pm at St. Andrews on the Square, 159 Seymour St. Admission at the door or call 250-573-3166 or 250-374-3200.

In support of Kamloops School of the Arts.

Gift Boxes, Specialty Products & Assorted Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

ine Assorted 3-4 Litre W e! mor ON SALE $3 off or

BROCK CENTRE LIQUOR STORE

Stop in and get them before they’re gone !

ENTER TO WIN IPAD AIR with purchase of Screw It & Painted Turtle wines 750mL and up

OPEN AT 9AM - 7 DAYS A WEEK 1800 TRANQUILLE BROCK SHOPPING CENTRE 250.554.3317

DOWNTOWN echo

December 8, 2016 n 11

echo stargazer Dear Sagittarius: (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Watch for accidents and watch your health. You’re still thinking money but attraction has moved into your astro-sector of short trips and communication. So get out and spread your word, but watch for accidents.

Dear Capricorn: (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) Show me the money!

Attraction has moved into your astro-sector of personal finances just in time for some holiday shopping. There’s nothing like an unexpected payday to awaken your benevolent side. Have fun.

Dear Aquarius: (Jan. 21 - Feb. 19) Love drops in to say hello, so dress your best and make sure you smile. You’ve been a little too aggressive and pointed in your attitude lately. Tone it down or you might scare off your new friend.

Dear Pisces: (Feb. 20 - Mar. 20) It may seem like hidden forces are out to get you but a secret champion enters the game to lend an unseen hand. Have faith in the unknown and continue your quest. More people want you to succeed than you currently realize.

Dear Aries: (Mar. 21 - April 20) Friends to the rescue! It may seem recently that your friends aren’t supporting your cause but that is all about to change. Yes, you still have to push the envelope but help is on its way.

Dear Taurus: (Apr. 21 - May 21) Your venture into the public world has been met with obstacles and questions of “why bother”. A friend arrives however, to help you shine in a brighter light. Dress to impress.

Dear Gemini: (May 22 - June 21) A light is shining on your love life but you just won’t budge. 2016 is almost over and you would be wise to leave its problems in the past and embrace the pull of 2017. Love arrives from an unusual source.

Dear Cancer: (June 22 - July 22) A new job or career shift could be more profitable than expected. Disciple and dedication will be required to make the most of this opportunity. A small inheritance is on the way.

Dear Leo: (July 23 - Aug 22) The usual arguments widen the rift between you and someone close. On the other hand, someone new arrives to take your mind off of your troubles.

The kids begin to rebel.

Dear Virgo: (Aug. 23 - Sept. 23) You’re thinking relationships this week and wondering what to get your friends for the holidays. It’s been a good year financially but don’t go overboard at the mall. A possible promotion is offered at work.

Dear Libra (Sept. 24 - Oct. 23) The kids have been stressful recently but your efforts haven’t been in vain. Your struggle is about to be rewarded. Heal a wound from your past.

Dear Scorpio: (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Surprises continue at home but this time the fates smile in your favour. If you’re looking to move or sell, ask for more than you think. If you’re working from home, make sure everyone knows where to send the cheques!

Astro-week Sonnyscopes courtesy of Collin Sonny Rosati, Vancouver Astrologer, Hypnotist. For personal readings visit thesunnyside.net.

12 Days of Facebook On the 12th day of Christmas my Facebook gave to me: 12 dudes I’m blocking, 11 friends just watching, 10 corny topics, 9 busted friendships, 8 friends complaining, 7 stalkers stalking, 6 party invites, fiiiiiiiiiive DRAMA Queeeens; 4 game requests, 3 photo tags, 2 friends-a-pokin’- and the sponsored ads in the sidebar!

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christmas downtown

THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON IN DOWNTOWN KAMLOOPS

downtownkamloops.com holidays! n away during the

RIZES will be give OVER $3,500 IN P

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CONTEST & STROLL VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE TO WIN PRIZES

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@dtkamloops Downtown Kamloops downtownkamloops

12 n December 8, 2016

DOWNTOWN echo

Bring Joy to a lonely Senior this Christmas

Unwrapped new gifts will be collected through December 16 at

London Drugs*, Sahali Mall, Cain’s Independent Grocer*, CSI Activity & Drop-in Centre, Schoening Funeral Service, First Memorial Funeral Services, All Aboard Games *Cash donations accepted at London Drugs and Independent customer service.

AS: T •ISDtaE GIt F nery & o ti Cards igsaw

Gif ce J Large Pie Stamps• ne size slippers• O r Puzzles • , Scarves •Gende ts it r e d n e G Hats, M obes• Neutral R p Blankets • a L l a tr Neu eries • ts & Batt Chair h g li h s la F s• Calendar Monthly th Towel • Men’s a , Pillow • B Gloves, Scarves ’s s & Women hes & Calculator tc a d W te • s la su Sock bers) • In (big num • Picture Frames ugs Manicure Coffee M lendars • • Wall Ca Print Books, Word Sets •Big ssword Puzzles • o Finds, Cr rds • Magnifying a C g in izer, Play and Sanit Glass • H Coffee, Tea, Hot s, oap • Lotion, S • Box of Chocolate t te in la o m c r o e h p C otch, Pep Buttersc

Call us to register a low-income, isolated senior at CSI: 778-470-6000. *Cash donations will be used in-store to purchase items.

Centre for Seniors Information 9-A 1800 Tranquille Rd 778-470-6000 www.csikamloops.ca

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