Kamloops This Week March 8, 2023

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March 8–10, 2023

Join us in celebrating 40 years of international education at TRU with the biggest event of the year. Find a world of connections through inspiring talks, food, dances and much more.

tru.ca/idays

Homestay Families Needed

TRU’s Homestay program aims to give students a temporary home where they feel welcomed, cared for and safe. It allows students to live with Canadian families and be exposed to and participate in Canadian culture and customs while building their English language skills.

As a host family, you can add a new member to your family, connect to a new culture and learn about other languages, celebrations and maybe even cuisines!

For more information:

tru.ca/hostfamily

Are you a TRU student looking for your next adventure?

Study a semester or two in another country for the same tuition fees you pay at home!

Undergraduate students can study in another country while completing courses towards their TRU degree

To learn more visit:

tru.ca/studyabroad

Showcase Supporter:

C I T Y PAG E

Mar 8, 2023

Stay Connec ted @CityofKamloops Kamloops.ca

Council Calendar

The public, media, delegations, and staff are encouraged to par ticipate in meetings vir tually through Zoom or to observe through the City YouTube channel.

March 14, 2023

1:30 pm - Regular Council Meeting

March 28, 2023

1:30 pm - Regular Council Meeting

March 28, 2023

7:00 pm - Public Hearing

April 4, 2023

10:30 am - Finance Committee

April 4, 2023

1:30 pm - Civic Operations Committee

The complete 2023 Council Calendars is available online at:

Kamloops.ca/CouncilPor tal

Council Meeting Recap

Sign up for the Council Highlights e -newsletter at:

Kamloops.ca/Subscribe

Notice to Motorists

Please use caution when driving in the vicinity and obey all traffic control personnel, signs, and devices in the following areas:

• For tune Drive

Oak Road to Overlanders Bridge

• Singh Street

Ord Road to Parkcrest Avenue

To stay up to date on road work projects, visit:

Kamloops.ca/Kammute

Yard Waste Sites Open

The Bunker Road and Barnhar tvale Yard Waste Sites are now open for the season.

You can find the operating hours at: Kamloops.ca/Landfills

Become a Snow Angel

Volunteer to help shovel driveways and sidewalks for seniors and others who aren’t able to do it themselves

To learn more, visit: Kamloops.ca/Volunteer

G O E L E C T R I C R E B AT E S

Are you considering purchasing an EV charger for your home?

Or do you live in a building that may be planning upgrades to suppor t EV charging in park ing stalls?

Take advantage of new rebates from the Province of BC and BC Hydro Several rebate types include a top -up from the City of K amloops for eligible K amloops residents.

Learn more at: Kamloops.ca/GoElec tric

Suppor ting the transition to zero - emissions transpor tation suppor ts targets in the Community Climate Action Plan. Learn more at: Kamloops.ca/ClimateAc tion

2023 S P R I N G A N D

S U M M E R AC T I V I T Y G U I D E

Do you k now an outstanding citizen of K amloops who deser ves to be recognized for their contributions to the community?

Don' t miss out on your chance to nominate them for an Exemplar y Ser vice Award

Each year, City Council formally ack nowledges individuals who have dedicated their time and ser vice to the city with Exemplar y Ser vice Awards Nominations are accepted in two categories:

• Young adult - under 30

• Adult - 30 and over

The nomination deadline is 4:30 pm on March 13, 2023. Find more information about nomination criteria and how to submit a nomination at: Kamloops.ca/Exemplar ySer viceAward

The Activity Guide is published three times per year and offers a wide range of courses and programs for people of all ages and abilities

Find your hard copy of the 2023 Spring and Summer Activity Guide in today's edition of K amloops This Week Registration star ts on Tuesday, March 14, at 6:30 am online or at 10:00 am by phone or in person.

Swim lesson schedules are not available in the guide Lesson schedules will be available online by March 1. Residents searching for a swim lesson program are encouraged to look online at: Kamloops.ca/Swim or visit the Tournament Capital Centre or Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre to pick up a physical copy of the swim lesson programming

Ways to register:

• Go online - to register online, visit Kamloops.ca/Register

Be prepared! You will need to have an online recreation account before you can register

• Call us - call our Customer Relations Representatives at 250-828-3500

For more information and to view the guide, visit: Kamloops.ca/Ac tivityGuide

Consider a Career With Us

Repor t an issue: 250-828-3461

For after-hours emergencies, press 1.

Let's Talk K amloops is our engagement website where you can share your voice and shape our city Please subscribe to the project of interest to receive updates Sign up and speak up at: LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca

Join our team of over 700 employees who work in a variety of fulfilling and challenging careers Visit: Kamloops.ca/Jobs

MISUSE OF NDAS FOCUS OF TALK

A former University of Windsor law professor and Order of Canada recipient is fighting against the abuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) and, on Thursday, March 9, will speak on the matter in Kamloops during a free presentation.

Julie Macfarlane is co-founder of Can’t Buy My Silence, a group pushing to stop the

misuse of NDAs. The group’s co-founder is Zelda Perkins, the first woman to break an NDA she had signed decades earlier with Harvey Weinstein, the movie producer now serving decades in prison for sexual assault-related crimes.

Perkins was later named Time’s Person of the

TODAY’S FLYERS

Your Independent Grocer*, Walmart, Shoppers*, Safeway*, Rexall*, Princess Auto*, Peavey Mart*, City Parks & Rec Guide*, M&M Meats*, London Drugs*, Manshadi*, Home Hardware*, Freshco*, Canadian Tire* * Selected distribution

WEATHER FORECAST

March 8: Sunny 6/-4 (hi/low)

March 9: Sunny 8/-3 (hi/low)

March 10: Sunny 9/-3 (hi/low)

March 11: Chance of showers 7/0 (hi/low)

March 12: Sun and clouds 10/1 (hi/low)

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Year as part of the recognition of the #MeToo movement.

Macfarlane, who said she resigned her position at the University of Windsor in protest of the school’s use of NDAs, will speak at the Desert Gardens Community Centre, 540 Seymour St., on Thursday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

WHAT WILL CITY DO WITH $15-MILLION WINDFALL?

Money from one-time provincial government fund cannot be used to reduce this year’s tax rate increase unless spent on capital projects in the budget being funded by tax dollars

The City of Kamloops is receiving a one-time windfall of more than $15 million that it can use to pay for infrastructure and other capital projects.

The money is the city’s share of $1 billion the provincial government is sending to municipalities from the $5.7-billion surplus.

All of B.C.’s 188 municipalities and regional districts are receiving funding from the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund in order to pay for new infrastructure and amenities, such as recreation facilities, transit services, parks and water treatment plants.

The province announced the fund in mid-February and grants will be distributed to municipalities and regional districts by the end of March, with totals calculated based on a funding formula that reflects population size and growth.

The City of Kamloops will receive $15,692,000 from the fund.

Local governments are responsible for determining how the grants will be allocated based on their needs. City of Kamloops CAO David Trawin told KTW that allocation is something council will need to determine.

Trawin said the $15 million cannot be used to reduce this year’s tax rate increase unless spent on capital

projects in the budget being funded by tax dollars, which this fund is allowed to cover. That could mean the funds may be applicable to some of the 10 supplemental budget items city council is considering this week.

“Typically, our tax rate is because of our growth in operational costs, not capital costs,” Trawin said.

He added that while he has yet to see the exact spending requirements, he knows it is meant to be put towards infrastructure to accommodate growth in Kamloops over the last five years.

“Council has asked us to put a list of everything that’s in every plan or anything that might be coming forward in the next five, 10 years, anyway, that we may need money on,” Trawin said.

He said once that list is drawn up, council will review and decide on how to spend the $15 million.

Kamloops Mayor Reid HamerJackson told KTW he will be discussing with council how the money should be spent and did not wish to disclose it beforehand.

“You’ve got to be happy when you’ve got $15.6 million put in the till, right?” Hamer-Jackson said.

Prior to the announced funding, Coun. Mike O’Reilly told KTW that while the government’s funding will be a boon, what the city really needs is land on which to build housing.

He pointed to vacant property the province owns at the corner of Sixth Avenue and Columbia Street

downtown as an example of land the province should consider providing the city for development of housing.

All local governments are required to report on the use of funds in their annual audited financial statements. The Ministry of Municipal Affairs will provide further guidance to municipalities and regional districts on the use of their funds in the coming weeks.

“We’re providing the single-largest provincial investment in communities in B.C.’s history,” Premier David Eby said in a release.

DOLLARS DOLED OUT BASED ON POPULATION AND GROWTH

The distribution formula used to hand out the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund was pegged at an initial $500,000 per municipality or district, with further adjustments made for population size and percapita population growth between 2016 and 2021, based on BC Stats data.

Among comparably sized cities, Kamloops ($15,692,000) received more than Prince George ($12,498,000), but less than Chilliwack ($16,392,000) and Nanaimo ($16,088,000). Kelowna, the largest city in the Interior, received $26,228,000. Rural communities surrounding Kamloops received a few million dollars: Ashcroft ($1,076,000), Barriere ($1,316,000), Logan Lake ($1,538,000), Merritt ($2,891,000) and Sun Peaks ($1,151,000).

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

Rail tour parent company buys Scott’s Inn

INVICTUS PROPERTIES PLANS TO USE THE INN EXCLUSIVELY TO HOUSE EMPLOYEES FROM THE ROCKY MOUNTAINEER BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER OF ITS OPERATING SEASON EACH YEAR

a lot of interest in the hotel, but he was waiting for the right buyer.

The company behind The Hive office building and Delta Kamloops Hotel has purchased Scott’s Inn and Restaurant at Nicola Street and 11th Avenue downtown.

Invictus Properties plans to use the property exclusively to house employees from the Rocky Mountaineer between April and October of its operating season each year. Invictus is part of the Armstrong Group of Companies, which includes Rocky Mountaineer.

The luxury train company had already been using Scott’s Inn for its team that works onboard the trains as a primary accommodation for years prior to the sale.

Scott’s Inn is expected to continue to operate with the existing hotel and restaurant operations teams in place.

“We are proud to continue our

investment in Kamloops with this acquisition of the Scott’s Inn and Restaurant,” Armstrong Group president and CEO Tristan Armstrong, said in a release.

“Kamloops is truly at the heart of our company and we look forward to continuing to deliver tangible, positive impacts in this community, where our team lives, works and operates.”

Kamloops is home to Rocky

Mountaineer’s maintenance facility, where the company employs about 80 people. The city is also the midpoint overnight stop on two of its rail routes.

Al Patel, now former owner of Scott’s Inn and Restaurant, told KTW that he decided to sell the property because, at age 75, he was looking to semi-retire. He said renovations are underway at Scott’s Inn, with rooms already being repainted.

He said there won’t be any changes to the restaurant.

The sale provides more stability for Rocky Mountaineer employees, who had to find accommodations around the city in the event there was no room at Scott’s Inn, which annually held up to 45 of its 51 rooms for train company employees.

Patel said it’s his understanding the hotel will keep its name and still be open to the general public in Rocky Mountaineer’s offseason.

He said the hotel had been hosting Rocky Mountaineer guests and employees since 1990, which Patel described as an honour, adding that selling the hotel to the train company’s parent company continues the legacy of Scott’s Inn in Kamloops.

“I couldn’t have found anybody better,” Patel said, noting there was

Patel, who owned the business for 34 years, said he did not want to sell to someone who was going to tear down the motel and restaurant.

As for his future plans, Patel said he will continue to work in his capacity as founder of the ICCHA Wish Foundation, which is striving to fund acute diagnostic cardiac care at Royal Inland Hospital.

Invictus Properties has operated in Kamloops for more than 10 years, since 2007 as owner-operator of the Delta Kamloops Hotel. It is a co-developer of The Hive office building, which opened in 2022 behind the Delta at Lansdowne Street and Fifth Avenue, and has other commercial properties under its portfolio.

Invictus plans to open Stills Co. Tasting Lounge The Hive in early summer 2023, though the opening has been pushed back from an initial opening date of winter 2022.

Kamloops Society for Alcohol and Drug Services has changed its name to Day One Society.

“ We serve a diverse group of people from youth to adults to seniors,” said Marilyn Mclean

“ It is our ultimate hope that by what we do through our communications, connections, and services, we will resonate with those in a journey of addiction to connect with us to turn the thought of ‘one day I’ll get help’ into day one of their journey to recovery and wellness ”

“We all have a Day One. It is reclaiming our strength.”

Marilyn McLean Board Chair, Day One Society

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

Scott’s Inn is downtown at Nicola Street and 11th Avenue.

KTW FILE PHOTO

LOCAL NEWS

New year starts with more than 200 toxic drug deaths in B.C.

SEAN BRADY STAFF REPORTER sbrady@kamloopsthisweek.com

A preliminary report for January shows at least 211 toxic drug deaths across B.C., including six in Kamloops.

While the B.C. total is troubling, putting the province on pace for its worst-ever year for overdose deaths, Kamloops’ total was less than last year’s average of 7.75 drug deaths per month, which led to the worst year on record for the city.

Last year, Kamloops lost 93 people due to illicit drug toxicity and, across the province, 2,293 lives were lost in 2022.

In January of this year, the hardest-hit township in the province was Vancouver, with 61 lives lost, followed by Surrey, with 24.

“Toxic drugs pose a constant and ever-present danger to anyone who uses drugs. Anyone using any substance purchased on

An Evening with Sarah Slean

the unregulated illicit drug market is at risk of serious harm or death,” B.C. chief coroner Lisa Lapointe said in a release.

Drug death rates were highest in the Vancouver Coastal health region, with 5.3 deaths seen per 100,000 people, while Interior Health saw the second-lowest rate in B.C., with 3.6 deaths per 100,000.

At least 11,195 lives have been lost since the illicit drug toxicity publichealth emergency was first declared in April 2016.

Kamloops has seen 412 illicit drug toxicity related deaths in that time.

The number of deaths provincewide spiked suddenly in 2016, when fentanyl flooded the drug market, contaminating the supply with a drug that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine.

In B.C., overdose deaths totalled 529 in 2015 before spiking to 994 in 2016. In Kamloops, there were seven such deaths in 2015

and 44 in 2016.

Of the reported deaths in January, 69 per cent involved people between the ages of 30 and 59, while 77 per cent of the deaths were among men.

A large majority (83 per cent) of the deaths occurred inside, including 55 per cent in private residences and 29 per cent in other residences, including social and supportive housing, singleroom occupancy buildings, shelters and hotels. Another 15 per cent occurred in vehicles, on sidewalks, on streets or in parks.

Two deaths have been recorded at overdose prevention sites, including one in January and one in 2022.

In 2021, fentanyl was found to be present in 84.4 per cent of all illicit drug toxicity deaths, while cocaine was present in 44 per cent, meth/amphetamines was found in 40.8 per cent, benzodiazepines in 23 per cent and other opioids in 19.3 per cent of deaths.

Employment dismissals are stressful...

for both employers and employees Many fac tors determine a dismissal’s fairness , including per formance and ser vice length, among others . It ’s a complex process , and consulting a law yer early on can assis t in navigating the pit falls for both an employer and an employee

If you have questions , we’re here to help 250 372 5542 law@fultonco com

A musical celebration of International Women’s Day

Canadian songstress Sarah Slean joins the KSO for a genre-bending evening of her original music, songs by the legendary Joni Mitchell, and other surprises.

WorkBC connects people to opportunities and helps people with disabilities overcome barriers. Get personalized tools and supports to succeed at WorkBC.ca/FindYourPath. Plus, get one-on-one job support at your local WorkBC Centre.

KENDRA MURRAY

On Feb. 22, the KamloopsThompson board of education received a Ministry of Education and Child Care funding announcement for a new school in the Pineview Valley community.

Pineview Valley elementary has been on the board’s capital plan since June 2018 (third priority) and was our first priority in June 2021. It first appeared on the board’s capital plan in 2014-2015.

We look forward to the opportunity to open a new school in 2026 that will have 456 spaces for Pineview Valley students. It will be the second-largest elementary school in the district, after the new

Of

Kamloops This Week is a politically independent newspaper, published Wednesdays at 1365-B Dalhousie Dr., Kamloops, B.C., V2C 5P6 Phone: 250-374-7467 | Fax: 250-374-1033

email: editor@kamloopsthisweek.com

Pineview Valley school soon a reality OPINION

On June 14, 2022, in my capacity as board chair, I sent a letter to then-education minister Jennifer Whiteside to emphasize the extreme need for a new school in Pineview Valley because McGowan Park elementary in Upper Sahali, where the majority of students in Pineview Valley attend, was at 166 per cent of capacity.

Parkcrest facility opens with 476 seats (operating capacity).

The board of education has been advocating for a new school in this community for many years.

On Jan. 23 and Jan. 24 of this year, the board was honoured to welcome Education Minister Rachna Singh during her visit to Kamloops. Singh met with the board and spent time with the Aboriginal Education Council, inclusive education staff (to learn about inclusive sexual health) and the Student Equity Council just prior to the provincial announce-

ment of the provincial government’s K-12 Anti-Racism Action Plan.

The board posted the brief that it had shared with Singh, which identified its capital priorities, namely the need for a new school in Pineview Valley.

As we wait for the design and building process to unfold, we will continue to work collaboratively with the community to alleviate space pressures when possible until the new school is completed.

School district facilities director Art McDonald and his team have been working hard to expedite all aspects of this project, while school district Supt. Rhonda Nixon and the senior executive team have been meeting with McGowan Park

elementary staff and parents and will continue to meet with them to ensure supports are in place as they await opening of the new school.

As we progress through the exciting next steps of the designbuild process, we look forward to sharing with the community the growth of the facility and families who will be attending Pineview Valley elementary.

Heather Grieve is chair of the Kamloops-Thompson (School District 73) board of education. Grieve can be contacted via email at hgrieve@sd73.bc.ca. SD73 columns appear monthly in KTW and online at kamloops thisweek.com monthly.

the earthquakes and where to lay the blame

If you are trying to dodge the blame for a great disaster, the best policy is to say that it was God’s will.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, upon visiting one of the 6,000-plus buildings that collapsed on their sleeping residents in eastern Turkey on Feb. 6, said, “Such things have always happened. It’s part of destiny’s plan.”

A very angry Turkish woman on the television news had a simpler explanation for the tens of thousands dead already found under the wreckage and the many more to come: “Earthquakes don’t kill people!” she cried. “Buildings kill people!”

To be precise, cheaply built high-rise housing that flouts the regulations about making dwellings earthquake-proof kills people — by the tens of thousands.

ANOTHER VIEW GWYNNE DYER

But it is possible to construct high-rise buildings that will not pancake down on their residents in an earthquake.

In Japan, for example, where they have enforced building regulations since the great 1929 Tokyo quake claimed the lives of 140,000 people, earthquakes of almost comparable power now kill in the low hundreds or even in single digits.

Strong concrete floors and vertical columns separating them, both steel-reinforced, cost a bit more, of course, but they keep your people alive. If you live in an earthquake zone, that’s what you do.

Turkey, like most earthquake zones, has strong regulations on building safety. However, it also has construction amnesties that register and legalize buildings that are constructed without planning permissions and ignore fire and seismic codes. So, build whatever you want and wait for Erdogan’s next amnesty to report it.

About 5.8-million residential buildings were regularized by the last amnesty, issued just before the presidential election of 2018. Another amnesty is planned for the near future, since there is another election scheduled for this May. Indeed, most of the victims of the recent Turkish earthquakes lived in buildings covered by the 2018 amnesty or earlier ones.

Politicians and developers have a mutually beneficial relationship in most countries, but Turkey is special. It’s not just kickbacks;

Erdogan’s government favours the industry with amnesties, low interest rates and the like because construction produces a quick hit of economic activity that helps him through the next election or other crisis.

He has quite a few little tics like that.

Another is a fixed belief that a low interest rate makes the economy grow faster. Yes, it does, but most people also know that if the low rates causes inflation, then you need higher rates to stop it.

Erdogan doesn’t acknowledge that he knows this and his stubborn conviction to the contrary has raised inflation to almost 100 per cent a year.

The cost-of-living crisis has already made his victory in the upcoming election doubtful.

See ERDOGAN, A9

KTW

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HEATHER GRIEVE View From SD73

OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ERDOGAN MAY FALL DUE TO PUBLIC ANGER

Erdogan has tried all the usual tricks — doubled the minimum wage, increased pensions by 30 per cent, subsidized domestic energy costs, let two-million extra people retire immediately — and still the polls show a very tight race.

On top of this, there is now growing public anger about Erdogan’s role in enabling developers to get rich by ignoring the building regulations, especially in the southeastern cities that are mourning tens of thousands of earthquake victims. These cities normally vote strongly for Erdogan’s AK Party, but probably not this time.

Turkey is still a democracy, despite having been run by a ruthless populist strongman for 20 years. Thousands of people are jailed for political reasons, the media work for the boss and corruption and oppression are everywhere. But the voting system is still relatively intact. Erdogan could lose and he knows it.

HEARTFELT THANKS FOR HELP AT CRASH

Editor:

So, he will want to make a great show of summoning help from his rich friends abroad for the immense task of rebuilding the region devastated by the earthquakes.

His problem is that he no longer has any rich friends abroad.

Russia certainly can’t afford to bail him out, nor can Iran. The rich Arab regimes don’t trust him because they see him as an Islamist and China is no longer splashing cash around to buy influence overseas. Turkey’s Western allies in the NATO alliance have the money, but Erdogan has also alienated them with his games.

To get the reconstruction aid he needs, Erdogan would have to lift his veto on Sweden and Finland joining NATO, stop selling drones to Russia, stop threatening NATO ally Greece with a Turkish attack “suddenly one night” and a good deal more.

That might be too much for him to swallow— or he might swallow it and still lose the election.

We are the family involved in the Feb. 26 head-on vehicle crash on Westsyde Road.

With this continuing to be an ongoing impaired driving-related investigation, I will not comment on the specifics of the crash itself.

I would, however, like to bring to attention the actions of all the people behind the scenes that came to our rescue. First and foremost, an incredible lady named Jenny Ann, as well as the young man who acted without thought on aiding us with help.

Another man, who had a fire department icon on his licence plate, pulled out of line and drove right up

to our wrecked truck. I either did not catch their names or did not hear them and I sincerely apologize. We seem to single out people to call heroes and put them in the limelight and oftentimes it’s just show. Then there are all those individuals in health care who put themselves on the line every day to assist those in need. They are the unsung heroes.

All of the people who helped us that day did an incredible job. They did what they are best at, what they have trained for and what they continue to do time after time — they helped. And for that we are grateful.

All the efforts from firefighters to paramedics to police officers to staff

at Royal Inland Hospital made our tribulations easier to bear.

Jenny Ann even had my 86-yearold mother smiling while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. Jenny Ann’s calm and professional demeanor lessened my mother’s panic and distress.

This incident will have serious consequences for her, coupled with the very recent loss of my brother and now trying to deal with injuries most likely beyond her capability to heal.

Our most heartfelt thanks to all the responders involved.

Sharlene Klein and family Kamloops

GREENWASHING AT KRUGER PULP MILL

Editor:

Re: KTW’s March 1 story on the Kruger pulp mill (‘Fibre needed to keep mill going’):

Thomas Hoffman of Kruger is careful to note the pulp mill produces what he calls “green” power and jobs to attempt to legitimize the mill’s existence in our city.

I hope most of Kamloops citizens realize this is greenwashing. There is nothing green about burning wood to make electricity and pumping out pollutants.

Take a look at the particulates belching out of the stack any time you are driving into the city from the north. Wait and see what happens when the fibre runs out and Kruger becomes nothing but a “green” electricity producer, burning whatever waste wood it can get its hands on as the company continues to tell us what a valuable service it is providing to all of us in the valley.

Don Ferguson Kamloops

WHAT’S YOUR TAKE?

Time change arrives this weekend, when we spring ahead one hour on March 12. Are you a fan of twice-yearly time change?

Vote online: kamloopsthisweek.com

Kamloops This Week is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please email  editor@kamloopsthisweek.com or call 250-374-7467

If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the website at  mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163

Dangerous driving trial of Mountie continues

The officer who called off a police chase of a stolen vehicle questioned whether his orders were being followed as he heard the incident play out over the radio, a jury has been told.

Const. Christopher Squire, 35, is facing one count of dangerous driving. He was one of three Kamloops Mounties at the centre of an Independent Investigations Office of BC (IIOBC) probe following a Dec. 8, 2018, incident in Westsyde that left a suspect injured.

During the pursuit, Squire’s unmarked police vehicle collided with a stolen truck after engaging in a chase down Ord and Westsyde roads.

ASK ERIN Your Senior Living Expert

Q) My Dad has asked to move from the Lower Mainland to Kamloops to be closer to us He is beginning to have memory issues and we are noticing a decline His doctor is currently beginning assessment of his cognitive issues. Would be he able to live at Berwick? Currently he is living in his own apartment

A) This is a common question that people often wonder “ Will I be able to live in a Retirement Community if I have memory issues?” When there is no underlying medical condition causing this memory loss, it is known as “age-associated memory impairment,” which is considered a part of the normal aging process Brain diseases like Alzheimer ’s disease and other dementias are different Setting up an appointment with your doctor is a good step in the right direction. It is hard to know if someone will be appropriate in an independent setting at a retirement community without meeting them first Bringing your loved one to the community that they most desire is the first step in the process They will be able to meet with a senior living specialist that will be able to better determine if they would be successful in the setting offered. The last thing one wants is to move a loved one into a setting they are not going to be successful in, only to have to move them months later A meet and greet will help both parties to determine if they will be successful and able to live an active and engaged life At Berwick on the Park, we like to say we want our residents to thrive, not just survive

The Crown contends that Squire drove dangerously when he disobeyed his commanding officer and pursued the truck. RCMP dash-cam video played in court showed police vehicles chasing the vehicle eastbound on Ord Road, through the traffic light at the bottom of Bachelor Heights before continuing northbound on Westsyde Road.

Buliziuk can be heard radioing officers to stop pursuing the vehicle, then telling Squire to continue into Westsyde to look for the vehicle.

That led to police pursuing the vehicle back toward the city, southbound on Westsyde Road, toward a spike belt before Squire disabled the vehicle using a PIT (precision immobilization technique) manoeuvre. The driver of a police vehicle comes up behind a vehicle being pursued and taps the front end of the police vehicle against the rear corner of the vehicle being pursued, forcing the driver of the vehicle being pursued to spin out of control.

In B.C. Supreme Court on Monday. Mar. 6, the jury heard from Sgt. Brandon Buliziuk, the watch commander who called off the chase from the police detachment.

Over the radio, Buliziuk can be heard telling Squire to “shut it [the pursuit] down completely” and to then carry on ahead into

City of Kamloops

Westsyde to look for the vehicle. A marked car followed as backup and a spike belt was deployed on Westsyde Road in the event the driver of the truck travelled back toward the city, which he eventually did.

At one point over the radio, Buliziuk asked Squire, “Are you pursuing this vehicle?” Squire responded, “Negative,” relayed speeds and noted the vehicle was fishtailing.

Buliziuk said he asked because information relayed over the radio was that police were still engaged in a pursuit.

Buliziuk said he believed his orders to follow the vehicle covertly into Westsyde were being followed, but as he heard “some of the excitement in the voices and the description of the fishtailing, it made me question,’ Are we re-engaged with this vehicle?’” Buliziuk said.

He said from his position behind his desk, he could not determine whether a pursuit recommenced. Buliziuk said it sounded as though officers were being “a little bit more aggressive than I would like” and considered whether the suspects in the vehicle were being “pushed” — meaning whether the suspect vehicle was driving erratically because of being pursued.

He told the court the situation could have become more dangerous if the suspect

vehicle was being “pushed.”

Asked by prosecutor Andrew McLeod if he wanted the suspect vehicle “pushed” back towards the roadblock, Buliziuk said he wanted the vehicle to travel back toward the roadblock, but did not want a pursuit to be re-engaged to do that.

He said in this case, police did not want to engage in an “L.A. freeway-type” pursuit, but rather wished to strategically place resources to allow the vehicle to escape Westsyde and head back toward the city, where officers were waiting with a roadblock and spike belt.

Buliziuk said it is tough to assess whether there are greater safety risks at a roadblock if a suspect vehicle is “pushed,” noting it depends on the suspect. He said he has seen examples of vehicles being driven dangerously into roadblocks while being followed by police vehicles and while not being followed by police vehicles.

Asked under cross-examination by defence counsel Brad Smith if it was reasonable for Squire to maintain his “operational activity” until provided direction by the watch commander, Buliziuk said any member has the ability to terminate a pursuit based on their own risk assessment.

Justice Sheri Donegan is presiding over the trial, which is expected to continue for the bulk of this week.

March 6–June 25, 2023

The City of K amloops has contrac ted BA Dawson Blacktop Ltd to complete resur facing and utility work on For tune Drive between Oak Road and O verlanders Bridge

Work will begin on March 6, 2023 and is expec ted to be complete by the end of June Construc tion is scheduled to occur Monday–Saturday, 7:00 am–5:00 pm. Some evening work may be required

Traffic & Transit Impacts

Traffic detours may be in effec t and transit will be impac ted. Visit the projec t page at LetsTalk.Kamloops.ca/For tune for the most up -to - date information.

Please obey all traffic control personnel and equipment when driving in the vicinity of the construc tion

Questions?

For more information, call 250-828-3461 or visit:

Will Berwick be a good fit?

MICHAEL POTESTIO STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

BC Housing set to buy city property by June

MICHAEL

STAFF REPORTER michael@kamloopsthisweek.com

Kamloops council has approved a housing agreement and development permit for the future development of a property it intends to sell to the province.

The agreement ensures that BC Housing will build a six-storey, 80-unit apartment complex for seniors and families at 346 Campbell Ave., right behind the former Northbridge Hotel on the North Shore.

“I think it’s great,” Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson said. “I think it addresses the 2020 housing continuum report.”

Under the agreement, BC Housing will demolish the existing empty building on the lot and build a rental apartment consisting of 24 affordable rental units and 56 social housing units for low-income

families and seniors. The complex will consist of 15 one-bedroom units, 45 two-bedroom units, 15 threebedroom units and five handicapaccessible one-bedroom units. It will also have an outdoor amenity space and a community garden.

The development will have 53 above-ground parking spaces, including three accessible stalls, 40 long-term storage bicycle parking spaces and four visitor spaces near the main entrance.

The project will be owned and subsidized by Provincial Rental Housing Corporation and managed by the ASK Wellness Society, which will collect rent and pay the mortgage. To ensure the units are preserved as subsidized affordable rental and social housing units, a housing agreement bylaw is required prior to issuing a development permit, according to a city staff report to council.

City social, housing and commu-

nity development manager Carmin Mazzotta said rent for the 24 units will not exceed the average market rate, noting the other 56 units will be subsidized for low-income earners, with rent in those residences set at no more than 30 per cent of occupants’ income. He clarified that the building will not be a supportive housing development.

City development, engineering and sustainability director Marvin Kwiatkowski said if the housing agreement was to ever dissolve, there would be implications of paying development cost charges and meeting parking requirements, but noted the agreement is there to lock in the building owner to the affordable housing conditions.

The city acquired 346 Campbell Ave. when it purchased the Northbridge Hotel at 377 Tranquille Rd. for more than $7 million in September 2021.

Kwiatkowski told council there

is a purchasing agreement in place with the agency, with June 1 the deadline to close the sale for $3.7 million.

A BC Housing spokesperson told KTW the reason the sale has not yet closed is because BC Housing is still finalizing its funding. Both parties agreed to a long close as part of the contract of sale, to allow BC Housing time to secure approval for both the proposed affordable housing project and the purchase of the property.

The municipality, meanwhile, intends to demolish the Northbridge Hotel this spring in an effort to sell the property to a developer that intends to build market-rate housing on the site. Mazzotta said the two types of buildings will mirror what was built on nearby Spirit Square — at Tranquille Road and Yew Street — where an affordable seniors apartment and market-rate apartment were constructed.

Ace

Learn

THE CITY OF KAMLOOPS AND THE PROVINCIAL AGENCY HAVE AGREED THAT SUBSIDIZED AND RENT-CONTROLLED HOUSING WILL RISE ON THE SITE AT 346 CAMPBELL AVE. IN NORTH KAMLOOPS

POTESTIO

A rendering of what the building is expected to look like once built.

BC HOUSING IMAGE

Sponsors, events, special guests announced for Memorial Cup

THE NATIONAL MAJOR JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNEY BEGINS MAY 26 IN KAMLOOPS

The Kamloops Blazers, in partnership with the 2023 Memorial Cup host organizing committee, have released details of a series of sponsored events set to take place during the 2023 Memorial Cup tournament.

The tourney, presented by Kia, will take place at Sandman Centre in late May and early June.

Gathering at Kelson Hall for the March 1 announcement, 2023 Memorial Cup committee chair Yves Lacasse said the committee seeks to bring the same level of city-wide enthusiasm to the city as was experienced in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Western Canada Theatre artistic director James MacDonald joined the 60-minute presentation of Memorial Cup sponsors, interviewing those involved.

Here is a look at what to expect during the 10-day event, which runs from May 25 (the day before the first game) and June 3:

ARRIVAL OF THE CUP AND OPENING CEREMONY

Presented by Kia at the Tk’emlúps the Secwépemc Powwow Arbour, the event will feature a welcome and prayer by Tk’emlúps, along with opening remarks and introductions of the host Kamloops Blazers and the three other teams.

The ceremony will also include the unveiling of the Blazers’ theme jersey for the tournament’s opening night.

It is free for all to attend.

MOLSON

CANADIAN HOCKEY HOUSE:

Serving as the official entertainment venue for the 10-day event, the Molson Canadian Hockey House will serve as a central destination for concerts, viewing parties and leadership series events. It will be located in the lower parking lot of Sandman Centre.

Headlining the concert series on June 1 is a performance from Gord Bamford. Other musical talents scheduled for May 25 and June 3 will be announced soon, along with ticket information.

On game days, Molson Canadian Hockey House will offer a community viewing opportunity for fans without a game ticket wishing to experience the energy of the Memorial Cup.

BLAZING TRAILS LEADERSHIP EVENTS:

The Blazing Trails Leadership Series, presented by Tk’emlúps, will see accomplished Olympians, including Scott Niedermayer, Manon Rheaume, Jerome Iginla and Philip Poulin, take the stage. The athletes will share their personal stories for fans on June 2 during a luncheon at Thompson Rivers University.

Clara Hughes will also be featured as part of the Leadership Series on May 31. The event is free to attend.

HOCKEY HALL OF FAME:

Presented by Switchback Creek Development at Sun Peaks, this event is a Memorial Cup staple for fans and community members alike.

Guests will be able to visit the Hockey Hall of Fame exhibit and have their photo taken with trophies, watch video and participate hockey-related activities.

Located in Kelson Hall at 330 St. Paul St., the event is free and open to the public.

ECO-FRIENDLY EVENT:

Thompson Rivers University is presenting various options over the course of the festivities, which include:

• elimination of single-sue water bottles and packaging in the Molson Canadian Hockey House;

• electric and hybrid vehicles as part of the transportation fleet, provided by Kia Canada.

2023 Memorial Cup host organizing committee chairman Yves Lacasse (far left) announces details of the Memorial Cup, a 10-day event held in Kamloops, during a March 1 press conference at Kelson Hall. Kamloops Blazers’ player Logan Stankoven and Blazers’ general manager and head coach Shaun Clouston talked about their winning aspirations.

In addition, the City of Kamloops will provide free public transit for ticket holders throughout the tournament.

THEME DAYS SCHEDULE:

• May 27 is Locals Day, presented by the City of Kamloops and celebrating everything Kamloops;

• May 28 is Youth Day, presented by Morfco and featuring a ball hockey tournament for youth;

• May 29 is Parents Day, celebrating support from player parents and families;

• May 30 is CH-All Day, presented by Canruss Medical and Safety Services, a day of celebration and education on diversity, equity and inclusion;

• May 31 is Indigenous Day, focused on the process of truth and reconciliation;

• June 1 is Western Day, presented by Kubota, celebrating everything about the West Coast;

• June 2 is Eco-Day, presented by Thompson Rivers University, supporting the vision of keeping the environmental footprint as low as possible;

• June 3 is Women’s Day, presented by Kia Kamloops, a celebration focused on accomplishments by women throughout the Kamloops area and broader hockey community.

ADDITIONAL EVENT SPONSORS:

Simpcw Resources Group, ATS Traffic, MNP, R James-Western Freightliner, Extreme Excavating, Atypique, Grant Thornton, Kelson Group.

In addition, 30 businesses have stepped up and supported the tourney through the purchase of Coming Together Partner packages.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

STILL AVAILABLE:

Limited ticket packages and sponsorship packages are still available.

For ticket packages, contact the Sandman Centre box office at 250-828-33339 or online at ticketmaster.ca.

For sponsorship opportunities, contact Jim Chopper or Stacy Keen at the Kamloops Blazers’ office at 250-828-1144.

seniors that

dedicated to ensure you stay informed, and we couldn’t do it without them.

DAVE EAGLES STAFF REPORTER dave_eagles@kamloopsthisweek.com

KTW PHOTOS

Exploring healthy tech for early learners

BREANNE MASSEY STAFF REPORTER breanne@kamloopsthisweek.com

Erin Spencer recently embarked on the first year of her two-yearlong diploma in Early Childhood Education (ECE) at Thompson Rivers University.

She is eager to explore the relationship between childcare programming and emerging technologies.

The 23-year-old believes incorporating healthy and educational learning for children in early years programming is critical for success.

“Kids know it’s there, so let’s explore it with them in healthy and educational ways,” Spencer said.

She cited the importance of learning about social media in the workplace during her communications class, as well as being exposed to the HiMama app, which helps ECEs communicate with families

about what activities their child did at childcare programs, what they ate (if snacks were provided by the centre) and if diapers were used.

Spencer said the Microsoft Sway application offered through TRU has been a fun and interactive way to

build a learning portfolio during her studies. It also provides an interactive way for her to communicate with her TRU instructors, along with a collaborative way to connect with a mentor educator at her work placement.

Spencer said she is eager to learn

more about what materials are age appropriate and how they relate to children in the program.

TRU assistant teaching professor and practicum coordinator Karolyn Hendra said it is interesting to look at the pros, cons and innovations of technology from a childcare perspective.

“I like that our ECE technology is ubiquitous,” Hendra said, noting children can utilize music, video and experiential learning with the support of some technology programs. “We have the opportunity to enrich our program with technology so it can be used in an ethical way.”

However, she added, it’s important to note that family needs typically differ from educational needs. Hendra explained that families might use the TV to entertain their children while they prepare dinner, but an educator might use it to teach language acquisition, practise songs or show educational videos.

The challenge, Hendra said, falls into writing effective policies that support remote learners and remote communities, while still ensuring childcare programs aren’t on the hook if devices provided by the parents are lost or stolen.

That’s why she believes many centres have policies requiring devices stay in backpacks.

“It’s not going away,” Hendra said of the plethora of technological gadgets and programs, citing the importance of families and childcare centres to work together so technology is used in an ethical way.

No need to be afraid of using technology tools

The importance of sharing, networking and staying up to date with the latest trends in childcare professional development remain at the heart of the work being done at the Children’s Circle Childcare Centre in Sagebrush/South Kamloops.

Executive director Karyn Sutherland believes that supporting staff development with training opportunities at the non-profit has become more accessible in light of emerging technologies.

“I have a science background, so I really do tend to think that technology tools, you can’t be afraid of them,” Sutherland said. “You have to leverage them to add quality to your programs and quality to your staffing. We can do more with less with technology. It’s just knowing how to use it.”

In fact, Children’s Circle began scaling up its technological expertise recently to accommodate 30 staff members and

160 children and their families.

“We also have a projector and screen where I’ll stream professional development topics during staff meetings and professional development day so we’re able to connect with educators on topics, say, in Italy or Denmark, wherever we’re interested in learning about different approaches to early learning, whether it’s clay work or what’s the value of magnet play,” she said.

“That sort of thing. It helps us in professional development as well.”

In the classroom, Children’s Circle incor-

porates technology by utilizing the HiMama app to communicate internally and externally with families, document early learning standards, tracking subsidies and distribute invoices for billing.

“It allows us to have a lot less manpower hours, which is really important these days with short staffing,” Sutherland said.

“It’s built in a lot of efficiencies for us. Our families really love it because they can see what’s happening in the classrooms every day and they’re able to communicate with our educators quite easily. One of the things that we missed during COVID was the link between parent involvement and childcare when [families] weren’t allowed in the building. It was very detrimental to programming,” she said.

“Even though parents are allowed back in the building now, this really provides a strong connection to educators and families. In that way, it’s really important to our programming.”

Additionally, Microsoft Sway is utilized for helping practicum students from the early childhood education program at TRU log their

progress in a collaborative way, while satisfying the requirements from their studies.

Sutherland said iPads in every classroom, where phones are not allowed on the floor, has helped immensely in supporting some of the learning initiatives offered at Children’s Circle.

She noted the devices were particularly useful in helping educators teach students holiday-themed music for their Christmas concert over the winter break, but cautioned that the goals need to be strategically planned.

“We would never want a child to sit there and watch a movie. That’s not what early learning is about,” Sutherland said.

“However, if we can use our iPads for a 30-second or a one-minute [clip] to show the children and augment their learning about a topic — maybe they’re learning about coyotes or owl pellets, to actually hear the sound of the owl calls that go along with the barred owl pellet that they were dissecting — in that way, it again adds value to the programming.”

Early childhood Education student Erin Spencer (left) and instructor Karolyn Hendra discussed with KTW the ethics of incorporating emerging technologies into daycare and afterschool programs.

BREANNE MASSEY/KTW

BREANNE MASSEY STAFF REPORTER breanne@kamloopsthisweek.com

“We can do more with less with technology. It’s just knowing how to use it.”

— KARYN SUTHERLAND executive director Children’s Circle Childcare Centre

LOCAL NEWS

Using present technology to revive the past

BREANNE MASSEY STAFF REPORTER

With the passing of elders in the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc community, language reclamation has become challenging as the number of fluent language teachers and cultural experts continues to decrease.

But emerging technologies have made alternative solutions available to allow families and communities to pass down the historical values of language and culture to future generations.

Little Fawn Nursery is an immersion language program focused on the revitalization of the critically endangered Secwepemctsin language.

Little Fawn Nursery opened on the Tk’emlúps reserve in 2010 to provide a safe, secure and loving learning environment for children to get cultural exposure to Secwepemctsin and experiential learning, with an emphasis on outdoor activities.

Little Fawn Nursery administrator Debra McNeil advocates for emerging technologies to be

incorporated into the curriculum so children and their families gain exposure to the culture.

An interactive SMART Board is an electronic whiteboard that allows early childhood educators and their students to touch, draw, drag and drop or use a stylus to focus on seasonal themes,

such as local wildlife, plants and weather.

Little Fawn Nursery incorporates its SMART Board daily at circle time as a teaching tool to share language lessons and to allow visual learning that focuses on powwow music and dancing.

“Circle is not just right here,”

said Little Fawn nursery language and cultural teacher Jackie Joseph, while gesturing at the carpet at the front of her classroom.

“Circle is out on a walk, in the classroom, on the playground — anywhere that’s teachable. When you make it fun and interactive, they learn even more.”

2 0 2 3 B O O

According to First Voices, the Secwepemctsin language contains references to cultural, ecological and historical knowledge that includes values, beliefs, rituals, songs, stories, social and political structures, as well as the spirituality of the people.

The language connects the people to the land.

Joseph said she is grateful that technology has made it possible for guests, especially elders with health issues, to interact with preschoolers through Zoom.

“That’s what we have to depend on now,” Joseph said, noting there is currently an absence of an elder or a language teacher in the program.

However, Ted Gottfriedson, Tk’emlúps’ language and culture department manager, assists the program with basic language acquisition and helps with pronunciation when possible.

LEARN ONLINE

You can explore the Secwepemctsin language online at firstvoices.com.

There, you will be introduced to the language, which you can learn via words, songs, phrases and stories. There is also a kids portalthat offers many activities.

Star ts: Sunday, March 5 - 8 AM | Tuesday, March 7 - 6 PM

Location: Sandman Signature Hotel

All levels: Walking program / Learn to Run / 10K training/ Half marathon training

Little Fawn Nursery administrator Debra McNeil (left) showcases the SMART Board technology with co-worker, Jackie Joseph, who is the nursery’s language and cultural teacher.

BREANNE MASSEY/KTW

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Engine fire prompts landing

The Transportation Safety Board of Canada is investigating after a March 2 in-flight engine fire forced a WestJet Encore De Havilland DHC-8-402 aircraft to land in Kelowna.

The plane was en route to Calgary from Kamloops when the engine fire prompted a landing in the Okanagan city. There were no injuries reported.

Council gives nod to Canary Lofts residential project

The skyline of downtown Kamloops will change as city council has approved a development permit and rezoning application for a large housing project following a public hearing on Feb. 28.

The development, dubbed Canary Lofts by developer Total Concept Developments, will see a number of properties rezoned, including the parcel at the northeast corner of Columbia Street and First

Avenue that now houses the boarded-up Upland Apartments.

Council voted unanimously 8-0 in favour of the project. Coun. Mike O’Reilly was absent from the public hearing and subsequent vote due to a prior engagement.

Canary Lofts will be a 171-unit strata-titled and rental apartment development in two buildings — an existing, renovated 30-unit structure and a new, 141-unit addition — with

an underground parking structure containing 178 parking spaces. The proposed development involves properties that currently hold two multi-family buildings (including the aforementioned Uplands) and three houses. Plans are to remove one house and keep two others that have suites in them. The 178 units will consist of 56 studio apartments, 98 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom units.

Three schools placed under hold and secure protocols

Three schools in Valleyview were placed under brief hold and secure protocols on Monday, March 6, as police investigated a weapons complaint in the 1900-block of the East Trans-Canada Highway.

The hold and secure protocol was enacted at about 1:40 p.m. and lifted shortly thereafter.

Kamloops RCMP Cpl. Crystal Evelyn said in a release that police

responded to a motel to investigate a report of a person who appeared to be pointing a firearm at another person.

Evelyn said one man was arrested and quickly released upon further investigation, which revealed he was not the suspect.

“Responding officers conducted extensive patrols in the area and recommended nearby schools be

Be safe out there

In the wake of the 12 avalanche deaths in B.C. this year, Interior Health is urging people to be prepared and extremely

60th Guida Birthday Happy

placed in a brief hold and secure,” Evelyn said.

“No one was located who matched the description of the suspect or the victim, the hold and secure was lifted and the investigation is ongoing.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Kamloops RCMP at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2023-7616.

cautious in the backcountry. The health authority noted there is a continued considerable avalanche danger.

There are 4,236 international students on campus at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops and Williams Lake (not including continuing studies and open learning). India leads the way with 1,898 students, followed by Nigeria (370), Bangladesh (259), China (226) and Iran (145).

International Days return to campus at TRU

THREE-DAY CELEBRATION (MARCH 8 TO MARCH 10) IS BACK FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2020

The three-day celebration of culture that is International Days (IDays) returns to Thompson Rivers University this week with in-person events from March 8 through March 10.

Featuring keynote speakers, workshops, live performances, fashion shows and food, IDays brings the world and its perspectives to enrich the campus and the community.

Activities will run throughout the day into the evening and all Kamloopsians are

welcome to attend.

The full IDays schedule can be found online at https://idays2023. sched.com/IDays.

One of the keynote speakers is KTW global affairs columnist Gwynne Dyer, who will be speaking on war in the 21st century. Dyer will be presenting in the Terrace Room of the Campus Acitivity Centre on Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m. International Days is also an event that is kickstarting TRU World’s 40th anniversary.

The international community is an integral part of TRU and

Kamloops as students from more than 100 countries and regions attend the university.

IDays hasn’t been held since 2020, when it was cancelled due to the emerging COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the event’s return underscores the importance of gathering to foster understanding and togetherness.

“To celebrate diversity is to recognize the beauty in our differences and the unity in our humanity,” international student Kulraj Singh Sandhu said.

“IDays at TRU is a vibrant cel-

ebration that brings together people from different backgrounds, cultures and perspectives, fostering a sense of community, inclusivity, curiosity and sustainability. It is a reminder that we are all connected and that our differences should be celebrated, not feared.”

The capstone event of IDays is the colourful, exciting and highly anticipated showcase featuring a fashion show, food festival, educational booths, singing, dancing and performances by members of the TRU and Kamloops communities.

As an outlet for creativity, expression and learning, it is an event widely embraced by people of all ages.

“IDays is an opportunity to celebrate connection and community in song, dance, food and constant learning,” said Reuben Onyango, associate director of international student services at TRU.

“This is our first IDays since the world stayed home in 2020 and we hope it provides the TRU and Kamloops communities with the chance to come together in song, dance, celebration and culture.”

PRADEEP RAO PHOTO

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Call Wanda 778-557-2815 or email now2preplan@gmail.com

Play Like the Dickens on March 15

The Kamloops Community Band is set to perform on Wednesday, March 15, to raise money for its annual Richard Dickens Music Scholarship and, new this year, for the Donald Bennett Music Legacy Fund.

Richard Dickens founded the Kamloops Community Band in 2001 as a place for young people, teachers, retirees and other community members to play music.

After he died in 2009, the scholarship was created in his memory.

It provides $2,000 per year for four years to an exemplary music student who plans to continue

their music education at the post-secondary level.

The Donald Bennett Music Legacy Fund was established to remember Don Bennett, who died in 2020 and left a 35-year legacy of music education in Kamloops.

The March 15 Play Like the Dickens concert will feature energetic marches and a mix of the classic wind band repertoire, including Holst’s First Suite in Eb and other band arrangements like Toto’s Africa .

Special guests will include a cappella quartet Slow No Tempo and the South Kamloops secondary jazz band.

The event will take place at the Kamloops Full Gospel

Tabernacle on the North Shore, 1550 Tranquille Rd. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at kamloopsband.eventbrite.ca.

Trio: A blend of past and present

The Lake Winds Trio program for the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops on Feb. 25 at Kamloops United Church was music to put spring in your step. The sprightly excerpt from Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in which both flutes jostled for attention, was a great start and it only got better.

There was a rounded mix of past and present

composers to sharpen the ears. The trio of performers were expertly trained: Anna McGuigan of the U.K. and Christine Moore and Carol Colpitts of B.C.

Through Moore, we see a bright future for chamber music in the B.C. Interior. As Kamloops musicians showcase their talents in the Okanagan and vice versa, the calibre of music continues to rise.

Moore portrayed sensitivity in her playing. The piece, Eternal Spring, written as a memorial by

Eric Ewanzen, flowed with the ups and downs of a full life.

There is an excerpt on the chambermusiciansofkamloops.org website. Her solo, Beautiful Evening, was similarly sensitive.

McGuigan is undoubtedly in command of the flute family of instruments. Her playing of Vivaldi showcased her ability to make the music come to the listener, just as the composer intended. The tiny piccolo in her hands

conveyed the piece as if the instrument was irrelevant. We could have been hearing a dozen 17thcentury instruments. Colpitts is a legendary accompanist. Choir members in the city will remember her at chorfests. Next up for the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops is War and Peace on March 25. The concert will feature three prominent composers who left Soviet-era Russia. Tickets are on sale on the group’s website.

SPONSORS:

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

LESLIE HALL SPECIAL TO KTW

Concert REVIEW

Richard Dickens (fondly known as Dick) directs the Kamloops youth choir Higher Ground in 2006.

DAVE EAGLES/KTW

Social dance for St. Patrick’s Day celebration

BREANNE MASSEY STAFF REPORTER breanne@kamloopsthisweek.com

You’re invited to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a social dance.

Lindy in the Loops is hosting a Shamrock Soirée swing social dance on Saturday, March 18, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. at the St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral, downtown at Nicola Street and Fourth Avenue.

It will be the group’s third Shamrock Soirée, featuring Beyond Brass, a 16-member Kamloops band performing jazz and swing music.

“It’s been quite a while since we’ve had a big St. Patrick’s Day dance because of COVID-19,”

Lindy Loops event organizer Justin Mufford told KTW.

“Last year, we weren’t even operating due to the health restrictions. It’s fun having a themed dance.”

There will be a beginner dropin lesson for attendees from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., followed by live music and a social dance from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. The purpose of the lessons are for newcomers to learn basic moves before the social dance begins.

Attendees are encouraged to come single or with their partner as the lessons and social aspects of the evening are designed to be friendly and inclusive, allowing dancers to rotate to different partners throughout the evening

SEEDY SATURDAY SET FOR MARCH 11

to build a sense of community. The benefit of rotating dance partners allows beginners to mix with advanced dancers to ensure

Seedy Saturday will return on Saturday, March 11, with master gardeners, the Kamloops Seed Library and vendors on hand.

“Seedy Saturday 2023 aims to be a

there is progression in lessons through participation.

“Not only is it a fun night, but it’s a great way to try out swing

fun and enjoyable event about local food, seeds and food security and sovereignty,” the organizers said in a release.

This year’s event is a collaboration between the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market and the Mount Paul

dancing if you’ve never done it before,” Mufford said.

Wilf Froese of Beyond Brass told KTW be email: “Playing the tunes of Glenn Miller and other big bands of the 1940s and 50s is always great when the dance floor is packed. In the words of Louis Prima, the Lindy in the Loops troupe can really ‘Jump, Jive an’ Wail.’”

To listen to Beyond Brass, visit https://www.beyondbrass.com/ default.htm.

To book $25 tickets in advance of March 17 at midnight, visit https://www.lindyintheloops. com/st-patricks-dance-ft-beyondbrass.

Email info@lindyintheloops. com for more information.

Community Food Centre.

The event will he held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mount Paul Community Food Centre, 140 Laburnum St. in North Kamloops.

Entry is by donation, with proceeds going to the centre.

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

The 16-member Kamloops band Beyond Brass will be performing jazz and swing music at the March 18 swing social. ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

MARY-BETH HARRISON

Human resources manager at New Gold 10K

New Gold has participated with Boogie the Bridge as both a sponsor and corporate team for more than a decade, proudly holding the title of largest corporate team for many years.

Anyone who has attended Boogie or a RunClub event has heard founding member Jo Berry say that Boogie is so much more than running — and it is. No one can deny the physical benefits of running, walking or dancing down the safely blocked-off streets of Kamloops. I love both running and Boogie for the mental benefits and stress release it provides.

To quote the wise words of Elle Woods, while clearly identifying myself as a millennial: “… exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!” If those were not reasons enough to participate, Boogie is also a wonderful fundraising activity for many deserving organizations across our community.

Last year, I attended my 10th Boogie event and, with the greatest of intentions, signed up for the 10K, only to change my mind, mid-run, to the 5K. Little did I know that one of my fellow New Gold teammates had seen both my 10K bib and my 30-something-minute 5K time, only to return to work and spread the news that Mary-Beth is a machine who can run a three-minute kilometre!

For that reason, I will be attending Boogie training this year to rediscover my stride, work on my time or just identify a faster runner I can stick my bib on around the 5K turnaround point at this year’s Boogie.

NATHANIEL MARTIN Millwright at Teck Highland Valley Copper 21K

I have been a Kamloops resident since before the turn of the century — which is much more fun to say than since 1994.

Like so many, we’ve had our up years and down years and we like to blame others, the weather, the pandemic, who should have received the last rose on The Bachelor However, it is, primarily ourselves, the person in the mirror choosing to make the same self-inflicting mistakes until you start to not recognize yourself anymore and find it’s time to make a change.

My change came with hard choices, but some right ones were to eat less junk food and have more movement. Keeping me on that direction was Jo Berry’s RunClub, where we can all be different, yet have similar journeys toward a happier, fulfilled life. This togetherness in RunClub is further amplified on the Boogie the Bridge day, where thousands gather and, in unity, we all move as an active community running as one.

That’s what I impressed upon when talking to Teck Highland Valley Copper and they heard it loud and clear, proudly becoming a platinum sponsor.

So, get up off the couch and walk, shuffle, waddle, jog, sprint or skip — make this the year you decide to move. Find a friend, join a club, join a gym, join any group that gets you out there moving.

Mine was RunClub and a Boogie goal of finishing the 21K event. Do whatever it is that gets you moving, then come together for Boogie on April 23 and tell me your movement story when you see me. I want to hear about it.

RUNCLUB PLAYWORK, WEEK 1

1) Walk 5 minutes, run

1 minute. Repeat 6 times.

Total 36 minutes

2) Walk 5 minutes, run for 1 minute. Repeat 5 times. Total 30 minutes

Walk easy for 20 minutes, then power walk for for 30.

Total 50 minutes

COOL DOWN Ten minutes walking cool down and stretching

TIPS Proper, supportive shoes are important for your health. Visit a specialty running store for the proper shoe for your foot type and power walking.

3) Walk 5 minutes, run

1 minute. Repeat 6 times.

Total 36 minutes

Ten minutes walking cool down and stretching

You did it! You started. The hardest part is having the courage to start and you did.

Congratulations!

ACACIA PANGILINAN Executive director at Kamloops & District Chamber of Commerce 5K

Guess who’s back?

Back again?

I am back!

Tell a friend — about Boogie!

I’m excited to be back in spring training for Boogie the Bridge and to experience the incredible energy of Jo Berry and the Boogie team.

Maybe “excited” is the wrong word. The thought of it actually terrifies me as I haven’t participated in a big race/run like Boogie since 2018.

Let’s be real, the first few runs are probably going to be brutal. I’m sure I’ll be huffing and puffing and wondering why I thought this would be a good idea, but I know that with each run, I’ll get stronger and it will get better.

For now, I’m focusing on taking it one step at a time, enjoying the process and not tripping over my own feet.

So, here’s to starting this new training and all the ups and downs that come with it.

MOVEMENT IS CHANGE with Jo Berry, RunClub and Boogie the Bridge founder

Boogie strong in 2023, Kamloops

The countdown  is on again. It’s time to train for Boogie. Our eight weeks of clinics have kicked off and we are on the runway towards the 26th annual CFJC-TV Boogie The Bridge. Not many races let you feel the way Boogie does, but this Kamloops grassroots event isn’t your normal race.

The high-energy warmup, the sea of red, the bands on the route and crossing Overlander Bridge combine for a potent energy that guarantees a great time.

The finish line is the most supportive one you will ever cross. Boogie training with RunClub is the same energy. There is a pace for everyone, from our fabulous walking group to a pair of 5K groups to a couple of 10K groups to a half-marathon group to a full marathon group. All paces are equal and supportive of each other.

The hardest part of RunClub is getting there. Once you do, you’ll wonder what took you so long. You can also follow the RunClub program right here with Kamloops This Week Make it a date, commit to fit.

1) Walk 2 minutes, run for 5 minutes. Repeat 6 times and add 10-minute walk. Total 52 minutes

2) Walk 2 minutes, run 5 minutes. Repeat 5 times and add 10-minute walk. Total 45 minutes

3) Walk 2 minutes, run 5 minutes. Repeat 6 times. Total 42 minutes

Ten minutes walking cool down and stretching

Spring training has begun. Gentle reminder it is the time on your feet that counts. Ease into your training.

1) Walk 2 minutes, run 8 minutes. Repeat 6 times.

Total 60 minutes

2) Walk 2 minutes, run 8 minutes. Repeat 5 times.

Total 50 minutes

3) Walk 2 minutes, run 8 minutes. Repeat 6 times.

Total 60 minutes

Ten minutes walking cool down and stretching

You have run many 10Ks and are preparing for a strong 10K at Boogie the Bridge.

1) 10-kilometre run

2) Walk 2 minutes, run 8 minutes. Repeat 6 times.

Total 60 minutes

2) Walk 2 minutes, run 8 minutes. Repeat 7 times.

Total 70 minutes

Ten minutes walking cool down and stretching

You have been running all winter and can run 16 kilometres easily. Boogie is only eight weeks away and we will be increasing the kilometres steadily.

Every Wednesday, all the ingredients are here to keep you motivated and heading toward your Boogie goal. In eight short weeks, you’ll be amazed at your progress. RunClub’s  mantra, “Movement is Change,” is the real deal. Movement changes us physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Mental health matters and now, more than ever, we know moving outdoors in nature improves our mental health.

Over the next eight weeks, we will chat a lot about our mental health. Running has helped me through many times of grief, raised me out of depression, eased my anxiety and made my heart and mind more cohesive. Running has given me my best friends, a vibrant, supportive community (RunClub) and too many lifetime memories to mention here.

I am forever grateful for my running — my versatile, forever companion that has given me so much. The CFJC-TV Boogie is the currency to share this lifestyle with everyone who comes out and at whatever pace is perfect for them.

I cannot wait to train with you all.

Scenes from the Garden of Gethsemane

It is interesting to look into the different things that happened to Jesus just before He died. That which was happening in the last few weeks before His death on the cross was no surprise to Jesus.

would do His father’s will in going to the cross. Between the first and second time that Jesus prayed, we read of an angel coming and ministering to Him.

City of Kamloops

T I V I T Y P RO G R A M S

Programs

Saturday on Seymour FREE

Drop into the KMA on this Saturday for creative activities for the whole family to enjoy Kamloops Museum and Archives

Sat Mar 18

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

XploreSportz Spring Break Camps

Ages 7 - 12 $195/Week

Try 2 sports each day while meeting new friends and having fun!

Tournament Capital Centre

Mar 20-24 and March 27-31

8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Find Your Space

Ages 13+ FREE

Gender Equity Month Panel

Online via Zoom – register on pacificsportinteriorbc com/events

Wed Mar 15 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

March Break at the KMA

Ages 9 - 12 4/$35

Explore at the KMA with a different artifact each day of the March break

Kamloops Museum and Archives

Mar 21 - Mar 24

9:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Watch for the Spring/Summer Activity Guide.

Registration for Programs and Swimming Lessons open the following week

Registration Day: March 14, 6:30am

Online: Kamloops ca/register 10am in-person or phone

We’re Hiring! Multi-Sport Coaches

- Closing March 10

Seeking individuals with experiencing coaching, working, or volunteering with children, to coach children, ages 2 5 to 6 years old in activities that develop physical literacy Multiple positions available with a focus on soccer and t-ball Positions are part-time and substitute contract positions Apply today: Kamloops ca/careers

Jesus had spoken to the disciples a number of times during the three-and-a-half years of His public ministry about His coming death by crucifixion. The disciples did not understand up until after His death what He had been trying to tell them all along.

We will look at some different things that are related to Jesus’ time in the Garden of Gethsemane just before He was taken captive.

The Garden of Gethsemane had been a place where Jesus had prayed many times with His disciples. It was such a common place for Him to go and pray, that Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him in the end, knew that he would find Jesus there when he brought the men with him that would take Him captive.

The prayer life of Jesus was unlike any other person’s prayer life. We read of Him very commonly praying through the night

JOHN EGGERS

You Gotta Have FAITH

while His disciples slept.

This would be the last time Jesus prayed with them until after His resurrection. We read that He went across a stream called Kidron with His disciples, except Judas Iscariot, who would come to the garden with a band of men to take Jesus captive in a short time.

The voice of Jesus was heard many times in this garden prior to this last night. The Lord, with His disciples following, went into the garden and separated Himself from the disciples about a stone’s throw away.

Jesus prayed three times to His Father, telling Him that He

Jesus was anticipating what He knew for all of His life that He would die for the sins of the world.

In the Bible, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 states: “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”

Jesus knew that Judas Iscariot was going to bring a band of men, bind Jesus and lead Him away to the high priest first and then on to Pilate, where the people would demand that Pilate would crucify the Lord Jesus.

When Judas arrived in the garden with the men he brought with him, the first thing he did was give Jesus a kiss on the cheek. Judas had agreed that this would be the sign to the men who came with him who it was that they should take captive. Peter took a sword and cut off the ear of the servant of the high priest, thinking he would help the Lord to escape, maybe.

However, Jesus healed the

ear and went willingly with the men.

Before the men came with Judas, Jesus had told his disciples, while they were still in the garden, that it was written that the sheep would be scattered and the shepherd would be smitten. This was fulfilled in that the disciples fled for fear when the men came and Jesus was taken by the men to eventually be crucified.

In Isaiah 53:5, we read: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him and with His stripes we are healed.” We need to take the opportunity while we have it and turn to Christ as our Saviour — and trust Him for what He has done for us at the cross.

John Eggers is an elder in the assembly that meets in Westsyde Gospel Hall in Kamloops. KTW welcomes submissions to its Faith page. Columns should be between 600 and 800 words in length and include a headshot of the author, along with a short bio on the writer. Email editor@ kamloopsthisweek.com.

Art Exposed on through March 12

One of the biggest art exhibits in the Interior region continues through Sunday, March 12. The Kamloops Arts Council’s Art Exposed is at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre, downtown at Seymour

Street and First Avenue.

Art Exposed features art of various media, including paintings, drawings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and photography, from artists across the Thompson-Nicola region.

Many works submitted to

UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS

1044-8TH STREET 250 376 9209

the exhibit will also up for sale. About 200 pieces from 120 artists are expected at the show.

Now more than 10 years old, the Kamloops Art Council’s Art Exposed regional exhibition continues to showcase emerging and established artists from TNRD residents.

Comedian Ed Hill to return to Effie

Comedian Ed Hill is set to return to The Effie with a show on Saturday, March 11.

The Vancouver-based comedian has been touring the show since January, with eight stops including four in the U.S. and four in Canada.

The tour stop at the Effie, 422 Tranquille Rd., is previewing Hill’s new show, Stupid Ed, which will make its off-off-Broadway debut in New York City on March 30.

The comedian’s 2021 special, Candy

and Smiley, was filmed early on in the pandemic and went ahead despite the lack of a traditional live audience.

Instead, Hill surrounded himself with family and friends and provided an intimate look at his Taiwanese-Canadian upbringing based around his parents, mother Candy and father Smiley.

The special was named one of the best of 2021 by Paste Magazine and American broadcaster NPR

Tickets to the show at The Effie are $22, available online at eventbrite.ca.

AC

ANSWERS TO CROSSWORD FOUND ON A37

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

KAMLOOPS THISWEEK

Embrace Equity is the theme of the day

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

International Women’s Day has

occurred for well over a century, with the first gathering in 1911 supported by more than a million people.

Today, International Women’s Day belongs to all groups collectively everywhere.

The theme for International

L e t's Build Each Ot her Up

A Broad’s Way Festival returns

Western Canada Theatre is marking International Women’s Day with its annual A Broad’s Way Festival, which began on March 7 and continues on March 10, 11 and 12.

All events are at Kelson Hall, the theatre company’s new venue, downtown at 330 St. Paul St. Produced by Western Canada Theater education co-ordinator Terri Runnalls, the festival’s final two events are A Broad’s Way

Women’s Day 2023 is Embrace Equity. The aim of the Embrace Equity campaign theme is to get the world talking about why equal opportunities aren’t enough. People start from different places, so true inclusion and belonging require equitable action.

Cabaret on March 10 and March 11 at 7:30 p.m.

The fourth annual event will have an all-women lineup featuring music, dance, comedy and theatre in Kelson Hall’s brand new Lori Marchand Theatre.

A private playwriting workshop will wrap up the event on March 12.

For tickets and more information, go online to wctlive.ca/ broadswayfest.

Pledge to be women’s rights champions

An International Women’s Day message from the Kamloops and District Labour Council:

This International Women’s Day, March 8, let’s embrace equity by lifting up union women, celebrating our achievements and pledging to be women’s rights champions in our communities and workplaces.

International Women’s Day is an important day in Canada to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women and to raise awareness about ongoing struggles for gender equality.

The day provides an opportunity to celebrate strong women role models and to embrace equity in all areas of society, including workplaces, schools and communities.

To celebrate strong women and embrace equity on International Women’s Day, Canadians can support women-led initiatives, businesses, women in technical and trade fields, educate themselves about the challenges facing women and take

action to promote gender equality. This may include advocating for policy changes that promote women’s rights, volunteering with organizations that support women and girls and speaking out against sexism and discrimination and highlighting everyday women who are making a difference in their communities.

This International Women’s Day, celebrate the achievements of union women and pledge to be women’s rights champions in our communities and workplaces. By working together, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

A contest, interesting links and fun activities, can be found online at kdlc.ca/iwd2023.

The Kamloops and District Labour Council is a labour organization committed to promoting social justice and equality for all.

It is dedicated to advocating for the rights of workers and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

Natalie L Hebert

I obtained my Associate’s Degree from the University College of the Cariboo (now known, of course, as Thompson Rivers University), followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in English from Trinity Western University, and my law degree from the University of Manitoba

I grew up in Williams Lake and went back there to article with Vanderburgh & Company I was called to the Bar in May of 2008 I practiced law in Williams Lake until May 2011, when I moved to Cranbrook and practiced law there until January of 2016 I opened my own firm here in Kamloops in February 2016 in order to be closer to family My husband

Chris and I have three children

I am a sole practioner, with a focus on real estate services, mediation services, Hear the Child Reports, Wills, Powers of Attorney and arbitration services A majority of my career was in family litigation and as a parent’s counsel in Ministry of Children and Families matters

I love helping people with buying/selling their houses, working with people on wills and estates and corporate matters. We provide a personal touch, answering our phones throughout the lunch hour, offering evening and weekend appointments to fit people’s busy schedules, and can help assist with last-minute matters

Outside of the office, I serve with the provincial government’s Mental Health Review Board as chair of its hearing panels

I love being in the community of Kamloops!

474 Columbia Street, Suite 203

They go down in herstory

You are invited to take the Canadian women in history course, which was created in October of last year by Women and Gender

Equality Canada

The free learning activity guides people through key figures, events and gender equality milestones in Canadian history and celebrates the diverse and

inspiring stories of Canadian women who have made an impact.

The course provides an opportunity for everyone to learn about the contributions of the amazing women and girls who have shaped our society and inspired so many.

The course highlights all the Canadian women who

AN ELITE HELPING HAND

International Women’s Day is on March 8 and Interior Elite Contacting in Kamloops is getting involved to mark the day.

The company at 912D Laval Cres. in Southgate is helping the Kamloops Y Emergency Women’s Shelter via a donation bin in Interior

Elite Contracting’s office.

The firm will be accepting donations of all kinds — including blankets, clothes, accessories and hygiene products — through Wednesday, March 8.

For more information, call the company at 250-828-9545.

didn’t accept the status quo and fought hard to change things so today’s women have more rights and freedom.

To take the course and learn more about the federal government’s involvement in gender equality, go online to https://resources.chatterhigh.com/canadian-women-in-history-course.

inspiration

another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”

SERENA WILLIAMS

The Many Women of Dearborn Ford

The automotive industry strives to have 20 percent of its staff represented by women. We are pleased to say that at Dearborn Ford that number is 40 percent. We have a solid staff of professional women in Automotive Sales, Controller, Finance Manager, Service Department, Parts, and Administrative Staff. These ladies excel in their roles at the dealership

We are pleased to serve the Kamloops area, including Salmon Arm, Merritt, Vernon, Clearwater,and 100 Mile House Dearborn Ford is your premier retailer for new Ford vehicles such as the popular Fiesta, Mustang, and new Ford suv’s such as the Edge or the Escape and of course new Ford trucks. We also have an extensive selection of premium certified used vehicles.

Our team is here to make your auto shopping experience fun, easy and financially advantageous.

Long Blades toast rejuvenation

Sylvie Lloyd, Patrick Gu and Leah Turner are Kamloops Long Blades’ lifers, lovers of the speed skating club that introduced them to friends, competition and the sport that became inseparable from their lives.

The B.C. Short Track Championships, which wrapped up on Sunday, March 5, at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre, gave them a chance to celebrate the rejuvenation of the club, which suffered amid the pandemic.

“That was a bit of a hard time and we lost a lot of skaters, especially the young guys, so seeing

so many skaters out here, and so many new ones, too, it’s amazing to see,” said Turner, an 18-yearold Thompson Rivers University student. “The community is so great. I love it here.”

Gu felt the wrath of COVID19 restrictions in the 2019-2020 season, when, for the first time in his career, he qualified for short track provincials.

“Unfortunately, it got cancelled, which was kind of demotivating,” said 17-year-old Gu, a nine-year veteran of the Long Blades. “Since we’re back to normal, it’s a lot better now. My parents are here watching me today. We’ve been able to keep some old friends and make new friends, as well. It’s really refreshing to see everyone again, see how much everyone has grown and improved. It’s really

great racing here today.”

Gu graduated early from Sa-Hali secondary and is entertaining scholarship offers from UBC, the University of Toronto and the University of Waterloo, with plans to pursue a career in software development.

Does he plan to make a lot of money?

“Hopefully!” Gu said with a laugh.

Perhaps he will return to Kamloops some day and take up presidency duties for the Long Blades, but he may have competition in Lloyd, who spoke glowingly of the club her mother, Sandi Vyse, co-founded.

“It always feels good when we’re able to put on a good meet at home, show off the nice facility we have,” said 26-year-old Lloyd, a

B.C. Wildlife Park employee.

“We have really amazing officials who have been in our sport for a really long time. We feel really proud. We just have an amazing recreation program. It’s a sport for everybody, all ages, all levels.”

Vyse spoke to KTW on the final day of competition. She said membership dipped amid the pandemic, but noted numbers are growing again, with about 45 skaters signed up for the 20222023 campaign.

“We had to rebuild the club and now we’re to the point where we’re able to host some big competitions again,” said Vyse, noting club membership peaked at about 65 skaters. “It’s great for the community to see us in the media and remember we exist because we are a lower-

profile sport. A lot of people only see us in Olympic years. I’m sure we’ll get a few new members, people passing by and seeing the racing.”

The provincial championship featured about 120 skaters — many of whom brought family members and friends — from across the province.

“I love it,” Lloyd said. “I’ve been skating since I was just a little kid, since I could walk, basically. I grew up in this club. I love to be an advocate for this sport. It really is a great, positive environment.”

ON THE ICE

The Long Blades were represented by 13 skaters on the weekend at provincials.

See RESULTS, A31

Sylvie Lloyd (middle) of the Kamloops Long Blades waits for her opportunity to pounce and pass on the weekend at the B.C.

Short Track Speed Skating Championships on McArthur Island.

SPORTS

Dunstone in contention

Abruzzi Ristorante is 79 metres from Budweiser Gardens, a short trot for the Sheriff and his posse.

“We’ve found a couple good spots in town,” Manitoba skip Matt Dunstone said. “But that’s my favourite by quite a bit.”

The upscale-casual Italian eatery in London, Ont., home of the 2023 Tim Hortons Brier, holds advantageous position to please — the buttercup-squash risotto tastes better when you’re undefeated.

“Obviously, it’s the start you want and it puts you into the driver’s seat going into the home stretch,” said Dunstone, the 27-year-old Winnipeger Kamloopsian and two-time Brier bronze medallist.

The Buffalo-toting Fort Rouge Curling Club rink — Dunstone, third B.J. Neufeld, second Colton Lott and lead Ryan Harnden — improved to 4-0 on Tuesday, with an 8-4 win over Nova Scotia.

One-game days — Manitoba vanquished Saskatchewan (Kelly Knapp) 9-3 on Saturday, Nunavut (Jake Higgs) 14-2 on Sunday and Northwest Territories (Jamie Koe) 10-4 on Monday — offered Dunstone ample time for rest, relaxation, ravioli and cannoli.

The menu has changed.

Manitoba had two games on Tuesday, including an evening draw with Wild Card 2 (Reid Carruthers) that took place after KTW’s press deadline, and has two tilts on Wednesday, with Newfoundland and Labrador (Nathan Young) and Alberta (Kevin Koe) on the docket.

Dunstone was eyeing a sweep on Tuesday that would put him in great position to nab one of three available Pool A playoff spots.

“It would be ideal, but you’ve got to keep your foot down on the gas and maybe that was sort of what happened last year,” Dunstone said, referring to his Wild Card entry that started 6-0 at the 2022 Brier and missed the playoffs.

“We eased up a little bit and it cost us.”

Manitoba will wrap round-robin action on Thursday with a game against Northern Ontario (Tanner Horgan).

Dinner out may be in order if still undefeated.

“We’re doing some fine dining, eating well,” Dunstone said. “We found all the hot spots London has to offer.”

DESSERT FEATURE

Dunstone’s take on the playoff format makes for interesting table talk.

“I’m not a huge fan of it,” he said. “I like the 18 teams and the three Wild

Card teams. It helps the strength of the field by quite a bit. I just wish, on the crossover side of things, instead of going 2 playing 3 in an elimination game and 1 getting the bye, I wish you played everybody and got your three round-robin games there.”

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts wrapped up on Feb. 26 in Kamloops, giving Dunstone a chance to hone his opinion on the playoffs.

“To me, it’s a little bit opportunistic,” he said.

“You look at what [Kerri] Einarson’s done the last two years.

“They were 8-0 and lost the wrong game and ended up in the 3 vs. 4 game, playing against a team they were two or three games better than. That’s the part I don’t like about it. Certain games don’t necessarily matter, per se.”

THE STANDINGS

Here are the standings as of Tuesday afternoon.

Pool A: Alberta (5-0), Manitoba (4-0), Northern Ontario (4-1), Nova Scotia (2-2), Wild Card 2 (2-2), Saskatchewan (2-2), Nunavut (1-4), Northwest Territories (0-4) and Newfoundland and Labrador (0-5).

Pool B: Wild Card 1 (5-0), Canada (4-1), Ontario (3-2), Quebec (2-2), Wild Card 3 (2-2), Prince Edward Island (2-3), Yukon (1-3), B.C. (1-3) and New Brunswick (0-4).

MARTY HASTINGS STAFF REPORTER sports@kamloopsthisweek.com

Matt Dunstone hollering at the Tim Hortons Brier earlier this week in London, Ont. MICHAEL BURNS/CURLING CANADA

Blazers make it four in a row

The Kamloops Blazers clinched their fourth consecutive B.C. Division championship on Saturday, March 4.

A Prince George Cougars’ loss — 5-4 in overtime to the visiting Spokane Chiefs — meant the Blazers could not be caught and Kamloops put an exclamation point on the division-title victory by shellacking the hometown Kelowna Rockets 7-2 at Prospera Place.

Olen Zellweger (2), Caedan Bankier, Connor Levis, Ryan Hofer, Daylan Kuefler and Kyle Masters scored goals for Kamloops in support of goaltender Dylan Ernst, who stopped 26 shots to pick up the victory between the pipes.

Andrew Cristall and Dylan Wightman notched goals for the Rockets, whose goaltender, Jari Kykkanen, stopped 49 shots in a losing effort.

As of KTW’s press deadline on Tuesday, Kamloops (40-114-2, 86 points) was second in Western Conference standings, 12 points behind the Seattle

Thunderbirds (48-9-1-1, 98 points) and six points ahead of the Portland Winterhawks (3717-3-3, 80 points).

The Blazers held a 21-point lead atop the B.C. Division.

Seattle played host to Kamloops on Tuesday in Kent, Wash., after KTW’s press deadline.

The Blazers will square off against the Silvertips on Wednesday in Everett and host the rematch on Friday, a 7 p.m.

start at Sandman Centre.

CAPTAIN’S CAUSE

Logan Stankoven Charity Night will take place on Saturday, March 11, when the Kamloops Blazers play host to the Vancouver Giants at Sandman Centre.

Game time is 7 p.m. Stankoven, a Kamloopsian who captains the Blazers and a Hockey Gives Blood ambassador, is aiming to raise

$35,000 in support of Canadian Blood Services, with the help of sponsors Warner Rentals, Metro Reload and Extreme Excavating.

Local businesses will sponsor 11 custom, autographed Stankoven jerseys that will be available for fans to win through an online auction that wraps up at 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 11.

At the game, there will be a shoot-to-win contest, concourse fan engagement, information on offer from representatives of Hockey Gives Blood and Canadian Blood Services and opportunities for fans to donate and help Stankoven reach his goal.

The funds raised will support recruitment of blood, plasma and stem-cell donors, along with world-class research.

Hockey Gives Blood is a non-profit organization founded by a group of former players. For more information, go online to hockeygivesblood.ca and blood.ca/hgb.

Matthew Seminoff and the Kamloops Blazers are 2022-2023 B.C. Division champions, earning provincial bragging rights for the fourth straight year. ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

SPORTS

Titans rebound to win provincial bronze

MARTY HASTINGS STAFF REPORTER sports@kamloopsthisweek.com

Dejection was on the faces of his South Kamloops Titans while head coach Del Komarniski addressed the team following a semifinal defeat on March 4 at the B.C. School Sports Girls AAA Provincial Basketball Championship.

No. 1-ranked St. Michaels University School of Victoria moved on to the gold-medal matchup following a 43-32 triumph over the No. 4 Titans in a bruising contest at Langley Events Centre.

“That was a physical battle,” Komarniski said. “I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of a game on that level, where both teams were sort of sockin’ it to each other for 40 minutes. We just came up on the short end and it hurt.”

Komarniski is proud of his charges for their response to the setback — a spirited 73-52 win over the No. 3 R.A. McMath Wildcats of Richmond

in the bronze-medal tilt.

“The kids felt that pain, but as I said to them, the [bronze-medal] game is really a character game,” Komarniski said. “The team that usually perseveres in that game is the team that picks themselves off the mat. After that game, I told them I was pleased with their character.”

Kiana Kaczur netted a team-high 23 points and Grace McDonald tallied 22 points in the bronze-medal game for the

Titans, who opened the tournament with a 60-49 victory over No. 13 Clayton Heights of Surrey and bounced No. 5 Mennonite Educational Institute of Abbotsford 67-36 in quarter-final action.

The No. 2 Abbotsford Panthers bested St. Michaels 67-64 in the gold-medal game.

Two Titans cracked tournament all-star teams, with McDonald earning second-team honours and Lucy Marchese

being named to the first team.

South Kam dispatched the Sa-Hali Sabres 62-53 last month in the AAA Girls’ Okanagan Championship final.

Sa-Hali advanced to provincials, claiming the No. 6 seed, and vanquished No. 8 Little Flower Academy of Vancouver 63-44 on March 4 to place seventh at the tournament.

Meanwhile, the St. Ann’s Crusaders edged host Nanaimo Christian 47-45 on March 4 to place fifth in the single A girls’ provincial basketball championship.

Morgan Eichenberger of the Crusaders was named a secondteam all-star.

Credo Christian of Langley topped Unity Christian of Chilliwack 57-50 to win the single A girls’ provincial championship.

ON THE PODIUM

The 2022-2023 South Kam bronze medallists: Ashlee Weir, Ashtynn Gurnsey, Nicola Underwood, Alyssa Robinson, Kylee Koppes, Lucy Marchese,

What is Emotional Investing?

According to the World Economics Forum in 2019, every day on average there are:

• 306 billion emails

• 500 million tweets

• 3 5 billion Google searches

We would venture to say those numbers increased the past few years considering world events The news can be overwhelming and some days flat out disheartening Trying to make sense of so much information can impact our ability to make rational decisions under emotional duress

TD Wealth has a 'behavioural finance discovery tool' that assists investors to identify, learn and help avoid their unique blind spots The goal is to make better financial decisions

Here are some common financial blind spots:

1) Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms one's personal beliefs If Bob thinks the stock market will drop, he looks for information that confirms he is right He also discounts information that that tells him otherwise, skewing his ability to take a measured approach

2) Sensitivity to Noise

We live in the technological age of information overload The amount of negative media in the world is remarkably high The problem is filtering out noise Often a self-acclaimed pundit is telling everyone to sell before things get worse They are not accountable if they get it wrong which often is the case Your wealth can suffer irreparable damage if you make a knee-jerk reaction. Remembering your investment goals and objectives should guide your investments, not the most recent opinion

3) Framing

Consider you have a million dollars in an investment portfolio

Due to market events, you are down 10% or $100,000 Often, framing in terms of dollars tends to elicit a heightened emotional reaction and could lead an investor to sell in panic By looking at similar problems in different ways, it can help bring rationality to our decisions

4) Short-Term Focus

During times of crises, people tend to focus on the immediate challenges which can evoke our fight or flight response We like the "10-10-10 strategy" when making a decision Consider how you will feel ten minutes from now, ten months and, finally, ten years from now The goal is to maintain perspective For example, every stock market crash in Canada and the US has always recovered and moved to new highs

Feron Wallace, Kiana Kaczur, Kali McDermott, Sydney Fraser, Grace McDonald, Caitlyn Lloyd, Faraone Francesca and Georgia Conner, who is also the team manager. Assistant coaches Drew Milburn and Scott Reeves helped on the bench, with Del Komarniski handling head coaching duties.

THE BOYS

Three teams from Kamloops will compete at the B.C. School Sports Basketball Championships, which get underway on Wednesday, March 8, at Langley Events Centre.

The No. 9-ranked St. Ann’s Crusaders, No. 12-ranked Westsyde Whundas and No. 13-ranked South Kamloops Titans will toil in the single A, AA and AAA divisions, respectively.

5) Loss Aversion

As humans, we tend to feel more pain from investment losses than joy from equivalent gains One helpful solution is to step back the frequency you check on your investments We do not advocate an ostrich approach; however, checking daily in midst of a sell-off yields no positive energy It can increase anxiety and the risk for an emotional reaction

Similarly, diet plans do not recommend daily weighing as small changes can upset an individual and cause them to second guess their approach and long-term goals

6) Anchoring

Anchoring bias is the tendency to attach or "anchor" our thoughts to a reference point for making financial decisions – despite the relevance of the information. For example, an investor buys shares in ABC company based on a forecast that the stock price will rise to $100 The investor may become anchored to $100 target, ignoring new relevant information If you hear yourself say, "when it hits this price, then I will sell" then you could be exhibiting anchoring bias

During challenging times, it can be hard to keep ones investing emotions in check We believe working with a trusted professional can help provide a balanced picture and help guide you to the best possible outcomes

Until next time

Invest Well. Live Well.

Written by Eric Davis

Davis Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Advisor eric.davis@td.com

Regional champion Blazers turn focus to provincials

The under-15 female Thompson Blazers emphatically claimed the Okanagan Mainline Amateur Hockey Association title, besting the South Zone Knights 7-0 in the championship game on Sunday in Valleyview Arena.

Gwen Storry (2), Lily Dekkers (2), Alli Plowe, Sophie Collins and Raina Chala notched goals for Thompson in support of goaltender Victoria Itterman, who picked up a shutout between the pipes.

The Blazers, who posted a 13-2 record

Called to the Hall

to finish atop league standings, will play host to the U15 Female B.C. Hockey Championship, which will run from March 22 to March 26 at McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre.

Mike Brown is head coach of the team.

Classics raid provincial podium

Kamloops Classic

Swimming athletes hit the podium and contributed to a 19th-place finish at the Swim BC Winter Provincial Championships, which wrapped up on the weekend in Victoria.

Nearly 600 swimmers from B.C. and Yukon participated at the event, at which the Classics nabbed 11 medals — five gold, two silver and four bronze.

In the 15- and 16-year-old girls’ division, Sienna Angove won six medals — four gold and two silver.

She placed first in the 200m backstroke, 100m freestyle, 400m freestyle and 400 individual medley, and finished second in the 100m backstroke and 1,500m freestyle.

Angove also placed 12th in the 200m breaststroke and 15th in the 200m individual medley.

Parker Cameron, toiling in the 17-and-over boys’ division,

finished atop the podium in the 200m backstroke and nabbed three bronze medals, placing third in the 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke and 400m individual medley.

He placed fourth in the 200m fly, 16th in the 100m fly and achieved qualifying times for the Canadian Swimming Trials later this month in Toronto in the 50m backstroke,

100m backstroke, 200m fly and 400m individual medley.

In the 12-and-under boys’ division, Gavin Stroich claimed bronze in the 200m backstroke, placed fourth in the 100m backstroke and was eighth in the 50m backstroke and 1,500m freestyle.

Ben Stroich was sixth in the 1,500m freestyle, eighth in the 400m freestyle, 11th in the

200m individual medley, 13th in the 200m freestyle, 14th in the 50m backstroke, 19th in the 100m freestyle and 21st in the 50m freestyle.

In the 12-and-under girls’ division, Maci Dixon placed sixth in the 50-metre freestyle and 20th in the 50m fly.

Elise Percy was 12th in the 100m backstroke and 50m fly, 13th in the 50m backstroke and 26th in the 50m breaststroke.

In the 13- and 14-year-old boys’ division, Julian Cinel placed eighth in the 50m backstroke, 12th in the 50m fly, 23rd in the 50m freestyle, 18th in the 100m fly and 24th in the 50m backstroke.

Ryder Crichton finished 14th in the 50m backstroke and 21st in the 400m freestyle, and Haolin Li placed 19th in the 200m fly.

Sarah Tulloch was 17th in the 50m backstroke and 25th in the 50m fly.

SPRING RUN OFF COMING TO OVERLANDERS PARK

The Kamloops Ridge Runners will play host to Kamloops Spring Run Off 2023 on Sunday, March 12, in Overlanders Park

(245 Kitchener Cres.).

An Interior Road Racing Series event sponsored by Runners Sole and Cooling Running, the Run Off

will include five-kilometre and 10km distances, with the races getting underway at 10:20 a.m. and 10 a.m., respectively.

Register online at kamridgerunners.com.

The club will also play host to the Blackwell Dairy Race on May 27, a fam -

Gary Reed, Jessica Vliegenthart and Doug Collins will join the Kamloops Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.

Reed, a two-time Olympian middledistance runner, won six national titles and competed in six world championships, winning a silver medal in 2007.

Vliegenthart, who was paralyzed from the waist down in 2004, excelled in wheelchair basket-

ball, winning silver at the 2007 Pan Am Games, bronze at the 2010 World Championship, silver at the 2011 Pan Am games and placing sixth at the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

Collins was a broadcaster for CFJC in Kamloops for 51 years and was an organizer and volunteer on the local sports scene, including with minor baseball and high school football.

RESULTS FROM MAC ISLE

From A27

Caleb Van der Merwe finished first in the NeoJunior male division, Sylvie Lloyd placed first in the open senior female division and Leah Turner was third in the junior open female division.

Patrick Gu placed fifth in the junior open male division.

In the Youth 13 female division, Meena Litt finished first and Laylah Sadegur earned a seventh-place finish. In the Youth 11 female division, Kayleigh Roberts placed fifth.

Keidis Corrigan placed second in the Youth 12 male division. Jacob Beesley finished fifth and Jared Roberts was seventh in the Youth 13 male division.

Ashton Loland placed 11th, Clara Beggs was 15th and Hallie Sadegur finished 20th in the pre-youth division.

LONG BLADES LAST WEEK

Subscribe to Kamloops Last Week on YouTube to see video and interviews from the provincial championship.

ily oriented event that includes a pancake breakfast provided by the Kamloops Paddlewheelers Lions Club.

Episode 82 will be available on Wednesday evening.

The show is also available for consumption through your favourite podcast provider.

Whitecaps FC coach Vanni Sartini will be among guests on Wednesday.

Maci Dixon of the Kamloops Classics in action in December the TCC.

ALLEN DOUGLAS/KTW

Jessica Vliegenthart (left) is among the Kamloops Sports Hall of fame class of 2023.

KTW FILE PHOTO

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NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

7 ‘‘The year’s at the spring/ And day’s at the ’’: Robert Browning

8 Yankees manager before Girardi

9 Zealous activist 10 C-note

11 Tranquil discipline

12 Former name of a Kansas arena that commemorated a 1976 U S anniversary

13 It helps make a stew a goo 14 Poached fruit

15 Garnish for una margarita

16 Source of many a name on a campus building, informally 17 Starts eating 20 Poli 25 Reply to the Little Red Hen

26 Name hidden in ‘‘before long’’ 28 It makes a red velvet cake red

32 Cancún cash

33 Hamburger’s beef?

34 Word with pepper or tower

35 Like some ancient pyramids

37 Acceleration, e

WORD SCRAMBLE

ANSWER: YRLAAS

CHEAP THRILLS

By Christina Iverson and Samuel A. Donaldson

CROSSWORD ANSWERS FOUND ON A29

FUN BY THE NUMBERS Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes To solve a sudoku the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! ANSWERS

WEEKLY COMICS

WEEKLY HOROSCOPES

A development may have you feeling a bit down, Aries That is only temporar y, though, as your mood and circumstances will rebound in no time at all

Taurus, people you encounter this week may be exceptionally stubborn, so you may need to avoid confrontations Keep your emotions in check as best as you can

Gemini, the weather may not be suitable for getting much done outdoors, but you can cer tainly stay busy inside the house with any projects you have been putting off

This is a great oppor tunity for getting rid of any clutter that has been holding you back, Cancer Star t sor ting through the garage or cleaning out a desk at work

Leo, do not worr y about the small stuff that you feel could be holding you back If you step away from the situation, you may find that ever ything is working out

Virgo, there are plenty of oppor tunities open to you, but you may not realize they are so close by A friend may need to guide your way on this for the time being

You may be feeling bad about something you did in the past, Libra, and now you want to make amends It ’s the little changes you implement that will make a difference

Scorpio, you may be ready to give your life an overhaul That may amount to you changing careers in the weeks to come Do your research before you put in notice

Sagittarius, stay focused and disciplined this week, especially as it pertains to a diet You can maintain your commitment, especially with others cheering you on

MARCH 8, 2023 - MARCH 14, 2023

Capricorn, rewards will not come without hard work and dedication Now is the time to stick with the plan and keep moving for ward Save days off for later

Do not go up against managers or superiors this week, Aquarius Doing so likely won’t go in your favour Just keep out of the spotlight for a little while longer

You may be building the blocks of a major life project, Pisces Use all of the resources at your disposal in the days to come

ZITS by Jerry Scott & Jim Borgman

SHOE by Gary Brookins & Susie Macnelly

HAGAR THE HORRIBLE by Chris Browne

PARDON MY PLANET by Vic Lee

ARCTIC CIRCLE by Alex Hallatt

BABY BLUES by Rick Kirkman & Jerry Scott

Bobby Orr's (4444) Collectors Lithograph (40"x32") $350 1-250545-2755 (Ver non)

GC Annual Family Facilit y Pass for YMCA $500 250-376-6607

Greeting cards made in England each cellophane wrapped 30 000 for $2,000/obo 250-376-6607

Travelscooter The wor ld s lightest tr uly por table Mobilit y Scooter $2,000/obo 250-828-7978

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PARCEL TAX ROLL REVIEW PANEL

In accordance with Section 204 of the Community Charter, a sitting of the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel will take place on March 27, 2023 commencing at 9:00 a m , in the Council Chambers, 1 Opal Drive, Logan Lake, BC, to hear any complaints with respect to errors or omissions on the Parcel Tax Roll

The Parcel Tax is utilized to provide a Grant-In-Aid to the Logan Lake TV Society for the operation and maintenance of the Television Rebroadcasting System in Logan Lake

This Parcel Tax is available for inspection from the Director of Finance at Municipal Hall (1 Opal Drive) during regular office hours of 8:30 a m to 4:00 p m Monday to Friday

A complaint shall not be heard by the Parcel Tax Roll Review Panel unless written notice of the complaint has been given to the municipality at least 48 hours before the time set for the first sitting of the Review Panel

Colin Forsyth Director of Finance

WAREHOUSER LIEN SALE JAXSEN-PACIFIC MARINE AND MOTORSPORT LTD jaxsen-pacific@outlook com

Pursuant to a Warehouse Lein Act of the Government of British Columbia Jaxsen-Pacific Motorsports Ltd will be selling by tender for the fees of Gary Demchuk in the following goods:

2019 Ford F150 Crew Cab VIN:1FTFW1E41KFC32648

1999 Bigfoot B27 Travel Trailer VIN: 2GVI24027YS010090

To obtain further information contact Jaxsen-Pacific Motorsports Ltd at 236-421-2666

Sale is subject to cancellation or adjournment without notice Sale will take place at JaxsenPacific Marine and Motorsport at 755 Fortune Drive, Kamloops BC V2B2L3 no earlier than March 21, 2023 Goods are sold on an “as is where is” basis with no warranty given or implied The highest or any bid may not necessarily be accepted Bidder takes responsibility to ensure they are satisfied with the description of unit/goods being sold as well as transportation to have goods moved from the sale location Terms of sale: Immediate full payment upon successful bid, plus applicable taxes.

Kamloops Office Jaxsen-Pacific Motorsports Ltd 236-421-2666

Woodlot 1599 has a proposed Woodlot Licence Plan amendment available for review and input until April 5 2023 Please contact Judy Thomas, RPF at jthomas13@ shaw ca or 250-960-9501 to obtain a copy or provide input

Woodlot 1599 approximately 48 km NE of Kamloops is north of Red Lake and was burnt in the 2021 Sparks Lake fire

The amendment proposes changes to the visual quality objectives, stocking standards and meets objectives for the Deadman Creek Fisheries Sensitive Watershed

TRU invites applications for the following position:

FACULTY

Sessional - Graduate and Master of Education Courses

Faculty of Education and Social Work

For further information please visit: tru.ca/careers

We wish to thank all applicants; however, only those under consideration will be contacted

Mustang Powder Caretaker

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Tiani Ser vices Ltd

Class 1 Drivers

Tiani Ser vices Ltd requires experienced Class 1 Drivers for Gravel trucks, Highboys and Low bed in Prince George area

Contact Darc y Tiani 250 614 6667 • dtiani@tellus.net

Please recycle this newspaper.

2023 Student Job Posting

The District of Logan Lake is now accepting applicants for summer employment for the Visitor Info Centre/ Municipal Campground and Parks.

Employment will commence first week of May 2023 (dependant on notification of grant funding) and continue to September 2023 for Visitor Info Centre/ Municipal Campground and first week of May 2023 and continue to September 2023 for Parks students. Eligibility will be based on the following standards:

• Be between 16 and 30 years of age; inclusive;

• Must be a Canadian citizen;

• Familiarity with the use of computers and other electronics to complete job tasks;

• Previous customers service experience would be an asset;

• Not hold another full-time (30 or more hours) summer job; and

• Able to start first week of May, 2023 is preferred

Parks Student Job Description: A parks department job may include:

• Cutting and trimming grass, trimming bushes, trees and hedges

• Weeding and landscaping maintenance

• Watering of flower and herb beds

• General property maintenance such as picking up garbage and cleaning of washrooms

Visitor Center/ Campground Job Description: A Visitors Info Centre/Municipal Campground job may include:

• Greeting of customers, booking of campsites and checking in reservations

• Cutting and trimming grass, trimming bushes, trees and hedges

• Weeding and landscaping maintenance

• General maintenance such as cleaning of campsites, and cleaning of washrooms

The rate of pay is $20 00 per hour in the 1st year of employment, $21 00 per hour in the 2nd year of employment and $22 00 per hour in the 3rd year of employment as per C U P E Collective Agreement

For details on available positions, please contact:

Mike Carlsen, Community Development Officer District of Logan Lake PO Box 190 #1 Opal Drive, Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0 Tel: 250-371-4559 | Email: mcarlsen@loganlake ca or visit : www loganlake ca/career-opportunities

All interested applicants can submit a resume to the above by 4:00 p m on Thursday, March 9, 2023, e-mail is preferred Please specify area of preference (i e Parks or Visitor Centre/Municipal Campground) Preference may be given to post secondary students.

Posting Date: February 21, 2023

Closing Date: March 9, 2023

2023 CAMPGROUND HOST SUMMER POSITION

Reporting to the Community Development Officer (CDO), the Campground Host assists with operation and maintenance of the Logan Lake Municipal Campground

This position is responsible for assisting guests with all inquiries and concerns outside of regular Staff hours.

If you are an experienced camper and interested in sharing your love of the outdoors and the Highland Valley, please consider joining us for the 2023 Season The Campground Host provides a friendly welcoming face to visitors at the Logan Lake Municipal Campground Whether it s recommending the best trail to hike, or the newest fishing lure to bait your catch, the Campground Host s job is to make visitors from around the world feel at home in Logan Lake

Job Duties Include:

• Assist with the following pertaining to the operation and maintenance of the municipal campground during hours that the campground staff are not scheduled for work:

• Processing of campground reservations/bookings and collection of fees for late entry campers.

• Assist with general cleaning of campground sites.

• Process firewood sales and delivery to camp sites.

• Evening and early morning check of all campground washrooms. Ensures facilities are stocked with supplies and standard levels of cleanliness are upheld

• Provide guests with documentation and ensures the “Campground Rules” are adhered to

• Other Duties as assigned by the CDO

• Assist guests with inquires and/or concerns.

• Daily walk of the campground to interact with visitors and have a presence throughout the park.

The creation of the Camper Engagement Program, in conjunction with the CDO These sessions will be weekly camper engagement sessions, and can be anything from guided groups hikes, popcorn socials to fishing events, etc

• Duties also include the coordination and monitoring of the campground online/social media accounts. The Campground currently uses Facebook and Instagram for their social media presence The manager/host social media portion of the job may include:

• Gathering pictures and videos to use as content for social media posts.

• Posting on social media approved content including District hashtags and taglines.

• Re-posting or liking content

• Attending Campground and District events.

• Monitoring social media accounts and interacting with guests on social media

• Increasing social media presence by finding and adding new followers.

Job Qualifications:

• Grade 12 or equivalent

Minimum 1 year Campground Host work experience

• Minimum 3 years public relations work experience

• Have an understanding of social media platforms and the creation of posts including the use of hashtags.

• Ability to exercise courtesy and tact in dealing with the public and staff

• Have a contagious love of the outdoors, camping, and a passion for working with people in a positive atmosphere

• Ability to work productively with minimal supervision

• Demonstrated flexibility, sound judgment, and discretion

• Strong customer service skills.

• First Aid certification

• Class 5 BC Driver s License

RCMP Criminal Record and/or Vulnerable Sector Check.

This is a contract position with compensation to be negotiated on an individual basis based on previous experience and abilities, there are no benefits associated with this position As part of this package the Host is provided with a full hook-up campsite (Water, Sewer and Power) The expectation is that the Campground Host is present at the campground when Staff is not, including but not limited to evenings, weekends, and holidays.

To apply for the Campground Host position please submit an application letter outlining qualifications and experience to:

Mike Carlsen, Community Development Officer District of Logan Lake PO Box 190

#1 Opal Drive, Logan Lake, BC V0K 1W0

Tel: 250-371-4559 | Email: mcarlsen@loganlake ca or visit : www loganlake ca/career-opportunities

he deadline for applications is 4:00pm on Thursday March 9 2023 The start date for this position is the first week of May *Host campsite may be available earlier if required

Posting Date: February 21, 2023 | Closing Date: March 9, 2023

The NICOLA VALLEY RODEO ASSOCIATION (NVRA) is seeking a catering and/or food service business to operate the food concession for the 2023 season at the Merritt rodeo grounds

The concession holds a Food Premise permit and was renovated in 2019 with updated equipment and finishes. The successful applicant must be able to commit to provide services when required at all (currently 6 – 8) scheduled events for 2023, including the Labour Day Weekend Pro Rodeo and demonstrate an ability to provide a variety of menu items at reasonable prices. Attention to prompt service and compliance with health legislation is essential, including the requirements for a temporary food permit https://www.interiorhealth ca/YourEnvironment/FoodSafety/Pages/Permits aspx#temporary

E x p re s s i o n s of i nte re s t m u s t b e re ce i ve d by t h e Ni co l a Va l l ey Ro d e o A s s o c i a t i o n o n o r b efo re Ma rc h 3 1 Pl e a s e d i re c t yo u r a p p l i ca t i o n o r re q u e s t fo r f u r t h e r i nfo r m a t i o n to n i co l a va l l ey ro d e o a s s o c i a t i o n @ g m a i l co m

COTTONWOOD MANOR

(144-unit seniors apartment building on North Shore) needs a TEMPORARY FULL-TIME MAINTENANCE PERSON to cover a leave of absence

Position could become permanent.

Duties include doing routine checks, preventive maintenance and minor repairs; janitorial work such as mopping floors and cleaning washrooms; looking after plumbing problems such as leaking taps, unclogging and replacing toilets; putting out City of Kamloops bins for garbage and recycling pickup; keeping building and grounds clean and tidy; small electrical repairs and suite renovations; snow removal with shovel, snowblower and tractor; and miscellaneous other duties A criminal record check is required

Please send resume to #307 – 730 Cottonwood Avenue, Kamloops, BC V2B 8M6 or email to info@cottonwoodmanor ca

facebook.com/kamloopsthisweek

DUNES JOB

Now Hiring for Award Winning Team

Job Title: Client Service Associate

Full time: 37.5 hours a week plus benefits

Company Overview:

At TD Wealth Private Investment Advice (PIA), we serve a limited number of affluent families in Wealth Management to meet their goals We typically review all aspects of their finance: banking, lending, investing, tax, estate planning, insurance and retirement planning. PIA is a division of TD Bank which has won many awards and recently named as one of the World’s best Employers 2021 by Forbes

• Do you enjoy helping others?

• Are you admired for your attention to detail?

• Do you provide the highest level of customer service?

• Would you like competitive compensation with bonuses ?

• Monday to Friday schedule with flexibility to balance work and life?

Job Description:

• A client facing role where your first impressions leave lasting results on our customers

• Provide diverse administrative support to a team of advisors

• Scheduling appointments and manage team calendars

• Open new accounts, prepare documentation and reports for client meetings

• Maintain marketing materials: newspaper, LinkedIn, website, etc

• Manage and coordinate client events

• Ensure office supplies and equipment are maintained

• Be well organized, prioritize multiple deadlines and execute with accuracy

• Correspond & collaborate with various TD Bank business units and staff

• Use insights to continually improve individual and team performance for clients

• Keep others informed and up to date about status and progress of activities

• Proficient with Microsoft Office: Word, Excel & Outlook

If you would like to build your career and be compensated well while doing meaningful work, please reach out!

Eric.Davis@td.com

TD Wealth Private Investment Advice daviswealth.ca

INTERESTED? CALL 250-374-0462

In Loving Memory of Kelly Kirsten Cunningham

February 4, 1969 –March 3, 2017

Loving Memory of Cohen McLean

March

Kenneth Charles Churchwell

January 27, 1946 - January 15, 2023

It is with deep sadness that I inform our friends and family of the sudden passing of Kenneth (Ken) Churchwell on January 15, 2023.

Kenneth spent the majority of his working life employed at B.C. Corrections, KRCC, and Rayleigh Camp. After retiring, he met his good friend, Al Tellier, who taught him to play the guitar They were called “The Alkenolics.” Al passed away a year ago and that was very hard on Ken. I affirm they are playing guitars and singing together right now

Ken leaves to mourn his wife, Carol, his sister Kathy in Edmonton and his two brothers, Keith and Garnet of Saskatoon, as well as his nieces and nephews.

KELLY

You

It’s

Ken, you’d better be there to meet me when it’s my turn. I love you.

Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

250-554-2577

Roger Larose

April 5, 1968 - November 20, 2022

Terrence James Coventry

December 23, 1933 to February 19, 2023

Terry passed away in Langley Lodge, Langley B.C. at the age of 89, surrounded by family after a lengthy and difficult journey with dementia.

He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn of 27 years, sons Kirk (Kathy), Mark (Melissa), Jay (Dianne) and daughter Tracee (Brian). His grandchildren are Kyle, Kara, Justin (Jenny), and Sterling (Sharmila).

Terry was predeceased by his parents, James and Williamina, sister Isabella, first wife Bernice (Bunnie) and granddaughter Leila.

Being a man of deep faith, Terry served as an elder in various congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses for some 60 years. His faith moved him to spend countless hours volunteering to study the Bible with people as well as regularly visiting and encouraging the elderly in extended care homes. He was well known, loved and highly respected by many across Canada.

Terry leaves behind a rich legacy of service to his God, Jehovah. John 11:25

William Shelley

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of William "Bill" Shelley on March 4, 2023 at the age of 75.

DR AK E

Drake Smith, MSW Funeral Director

Q. I’ve heard I can make Dad’s ashes into a diamond, is that tr ue?

A. I’m guessing about a dozen people have a sked me about this over the years. Interest stir red up by the media on a slow news day perhaps. T he answer is yes but it will cost you a for t une.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Roger Stephen Larose. Roger passed away at Royal Inland Hospital on November 20 at age 54. He was born in Noranda, Quebec and moved to Kamloops at age 9. Roger married his wife and soulmate, Sharon, in 2003. He worked as a courier in Kamloops for 28 years. Roger will be remembered for his sense of humour, generosity, kindness, and fun-loving spirit.

Roger is survived by his wife Sharon Larose, his daughters Sarah (James Walkinshaw) Halliday of Kamloops, Candace (Brad Leroux) Halliday and grandson Bowen Leroux of Maple Ridge, his mother Jean Larose of Kamloops, brothers Donny (Olga) Larose, Darrell Larose, Tim (Diane) Larose, Ivan (Anne) Larose, Eldon Larose, Peter Larose of Kamloops, his sister Liza (Doug) Allen of Vernon, and dozens of nieces and nephews who loved his playful personality He is predeceased by his father, David Donald Larose.

A Celebration of Life for Roger Larose will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 1:00 pm at Orchard’s Walk Community Center, 3281 Valleyview Drive, Kamloops.

210 Lansdowne • 425 Tranquille Rd

250-37 7-8225

Drake

Bill passed away at RIH with his family by his side. Bill is survived by his wife Gail, his daughter Patti (Jamie), his son Billy (Chelsea), and his grandchildren Ethan & Will.

By Christina Rossetti

Remember me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day

You tell me of our future that you planned:

Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve:

For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad.

Beulah Mae Burns

Beulah Mae Burns passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 21, 2022 at the Brocklehurst Gemstone Care Centre in Kamloops, BC.

Born Beulah Mae McCullough on the 10th of March 1933 in Tiddville, Nova Scotia to Harold Burton & Sarah Ann McCullough; Beulah was predeceased by her parents; her husband James Reginald (Jimmy) Burns; and her siblings, Sheldon McCullough, Erna Nickerson, Emerson McCullough, Ronald McCullough, Nelson McCullough, Nettie Outhouse and Douglas McCullough. Beulah is survived by her sister Margaret Davidson of Digby, Nova Scotia and by her children; Carol Richards (Bob) of Digby, Nova Scotia; Phil Burns (Julie) of Kamloops, BC and Bonnie Burns of Kamloops, BC; her granddaughter, Carolyn Richards (Brad Inman) of Langley, BC; her step grandson, Timothy Wright of Victoria, BC; and her great-grandchildren Layne Richards (Kaelea) of Kamloops, BC and Alexis Lippert of Langley, BC.

Beulah and Jimmy were married in 1952 in Digby, Nova Scotia and, although they lived in Toronto for a few short years in the 1950s; they made their home in Tiddville, Nova Scotia for many years where they both worked at the fish plant in nearby East Ferry In February of 1970, Beulah and Jimmy moved their family to British Columbia; first to Williams Lake for a brief time, but ultimately settling that fall in Kamloops where Jimmy first apprenticed and then became a journeyman plumber and Beulah worked for a number of years at the Valleyview K-Mart.

An accomplished seamstress, Beulah will be best remembered for her sewing, having made many beautiful quilts as well as many of her family's clothes and the altering of clothes for many individuals over the years both in Nova Scotia and In British Columbia.

A Celebration of Beulah’s Life will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 12:30 PM at Valleyview Bible Church, 2386 Trans Canada Hwy East Frontage Rd, Kamloops, BC.

Conrad Craig Varney

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son and brother Conrad Craig Varney Conrad was born December 31, 1970 in Moosomin, SK to Dalbert and Patricia Varney, and passed at the age of 52 on March 1, 2023 at RIH in Kamloops, BC.

Conrad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in March 2022. He fought a valiant and feisty battle, but eventually his body succumbed to complications of his weakened immune system. He passed peacefully with loving family and friends at his side.

Conrad is survived by his mother Pat, siblings Sheila and Darren and their families, the devoted love of his life Galadriel Olson, Aunt Verna (Ron) Bannister, Uncle Carmen (Gloria) Varney, Uncle Ken (Alison) Patrick, Aunt Vivian Patrick and their extended families. He was pre-deceased by his father Dal, his Grandparents Amos and Viola Varney and Harry and Alma Patrick, and his Uncle Garnet Patrick.

Conrad spent his early school years in the Yukon. At age 14 his family moved to Kamloops where he finished his high school education at Brocklehurst High. After spending a period of his life in Red Deer, AB, he returned to Kamloops where he lived the rest of his years.

Conrad was a devoted son, brother, partner and friend. His huge heart has left a mark on many of those he has left behind, and he will be missed dearly We can imagine him now cruising into the sunset in his red Camaro with his beloved cat “Misses” in his lap, and his cherished Dad in the passenger seat. Say Hi to Dad for us Conrad, may your tank be always full and the road in front of you be endless. Save us all a seat for when our time comes.

Remembrances can be directed to Drake Cremation & Funeral Services, and donations in Conrad’s honour can be made to the SPCA. A Celebration of Conrad’s life will be organized for later in the summer 2023.

Alexander Decker

On February 23, 2023, Alexander Decker passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the age of 96. He leaves behind his wife of 70 years Edna, their daughter Linda (Steve), and sons Wayne (Gail), Gary (Patti), and David (Laura). He also had 10 grandchildren and 17 greatgrandchildren and many friends, including George Roy of 67 years.

Alec, as he was known lived most of his life in Vancouver where he worked and owned Decker ’s Auto Parts, a family business that he took over from his dad. He was well-known in the auto parts industry and made many friends and connections over the years. Later in life, Alec bought a property at Timothy Lake where he spent a lot of time. He loved being up there tinkering in his shed, feeding the ducks, spending time with his dogs, tending to his garden and acquiring treasures. Later in life he and Edna moved to Kamloops to be closer to family where he continued to enjoy going to Timothy Lake and spending more time with Edna and making new friends in their complex.

Anyone that knew him would always remember him, as he was such a character and a one-of-a kind guy He would always make the grandchildren and greatgrandchildren laugh. He had many collections and could fix anything with duct tape. He had a full life and lived life right to the end. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

We will always think of him in his “green suit.” Thank you to the doctors and nurses in the ER at RIH that helped in his last moments.

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring in Kamloops.

Condolences may be sent to www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Tam Viet Phung

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Tam Viet Phung. He was a devoted husband to his cherished wife, Mien Tran, a loving father to his eight children, and a doting grandfather to his twenty-three grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.

Tam lived a life of love, kindness, and generosity, touching the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who take solace in the knowledge that he is now at peace, watching over us from the heavens above.

The Phung family would like you to join us for the celebration of life for our father on Sunday, March 12, at 12 noon until 2:00 pm, to pay our respects, honour, and celebrate the life of our beloved patriarch at the Schoening Funeral Home located at 513 Seymour Street.

Although we grieve the loss of our father, we find comfort in knowing that he lived a long and fulfilling life surrounded by the love of his family We kindly request your presence to offer your condolences, share fond memories, and join us in prayer for his peaceful journey

Our family would like to give a special thanks to Dr Del Begio, our community nurses and the Royal Inland Hospital for helping our father

In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that you honour our father's memory by spreading love, kindness, and compassion to those around you. A di da phat.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Ronald Andrew Wierenga 1945 - 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ronald Andrew Wierenga on February 18, 2023.

Ron was born in Barrhead, Alberta on June 10, 1945. Ron and his family moved to the Smithers and Houston region as a youth and stayed there well into his adulthood. Ron worked throughout most of his life working in the lumber industry and diamond drilling industry

Ron was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding his motorcycle. Ron moved to the Kamloops area to retire in 2003 and there he met his best friend Edna, who also became his second wife.

Ron and Edna spent many summers camping throughout BC, Alaska, and the northern United States with their wonderful little dog Spunky Ron mostly enjoyed quiet evenings at home with Edna and Spunky

Ron leaves behind his children Jeanette (Smithers), Bernadette (Smithers), Daniel (Grand Cache), Delancy (Smithers), Steven (Calgary), Thomas (Kamloops) and Victoria (Kamloops). Ron also leaves behind his brother Larry (Jenny) from Smithers, sisters Mary (Kamloops), Andrea (Camrose) and Winnona (Camrose), as well as his 10 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ron was preceded by his parents Andrew and Rene as well as his daughter Kimberly

As per Ron’s wishes he will be cremated and there will be a private celebration of life held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com 250-554-2577

David Bennewith

It Is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of David Bennewith on February 24, 2023 at the age of 59. Dave passed at hospice with his wife and sons by his side. Dave is survived by his wife Janice, his sons Mitch (Cassandra), Corey (Ashlie) and Devin, grandchildren Zane, Dominic, Kaleb, Arlanna, Brooklyn, Ella, Kelsey and Lalla, along with many more family members and friends.

Dave was born in Chilliwack and grew up in Heffley Creek. He was an excellent provider for his family, working as a faller and heavy equipment operator in the logging industry for many years. Dave’s later career years were spent on the road as a Class 1 truck driver

Dave’s love of the outdoors and nature were passed down to his family through camping, fishing, quadding, motor biking and snowmobiling adventures. Hunting trips shared with his sons taught them the same love and respect for nature that he possessed.

Dave will never be forgotten and will remain in our hearts forever His legacy will live on in his sons.

A special thank you to his doctors and all the wonderful staff at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice Home.

There will be no service by request.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at: kamloops@cypressfuneral.ca

Irene McDonald

On February 25, 2023 Irene McDonald passed away at the age of 91 after a brief illness. She was visiting with her son and daughter in the last moments of her long life. Irene was born on her grandparents’ homestead in Saskatchewan in 1931. A farmer ’s daughter she loved the prairie landscape long after she moved to British Columbia in the early 70s. What a move that must have been! Mom, Dad, five kids, and a dog in a station wagon from Winnipeg to Kamloops in late December

For many years Irene worked as a homemaker for Kamloops Home Support and after retirement was a volunteer for People in Motion. She was a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s League and a faithful parishioner at St. John Vianney in Westsyde. Irene had a heart for volunteer service and supported several charities. For the last eleven years the community of RiverBend Manor was her home. Her family is grateful to the staff of RiverBend for their thoughtful care.

Irene was predeceased by her sons Don and Tom, her husband Al, her companion John, and granddaughter Hope. She is survived by her son Gerry (Barb), daughters Anne (Paul) and Connie (Steve) and daughter-in-law Lynn. Irene also was blessed with eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was pleased to meet the newest member of our clan last week.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2826 Bank Road.

Irene was a supporter of BC Children’s Hospital for many years, she was grateful for the care her grandchildren received there. Memorial donations to this valuable facility would be appreciated.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneralservice.com

Lorraine Mary Anne Davidowski (Lazzarotto)

July 17, 1941 - February 18, 2023

We regret to announce that the glue of our family, Lorraine, has passed away

She is survived by her dearest sister Viola (Robert) Ellithorpe. Her three children Ken (Cheryl) and Carrie of Kamloops and Bob (Carla) of Nassau, Bahamas. She loved unconditionally all of her six grandchildren and her special great-grandchild Raina. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mom is predeceased by her parents Tomaso and Zelinda. Lorraine missed greatly her husband Andy whom for 57 years were side by side, in, well, everything.

Lorraine spent many years as secretary/treasurer for the Pritchard Community Association as well as the Ladies Auxiliary Very often mom would be on the phone arranging dances, potlucks, teas, and the annual Funfair She was also an active member of the Chase Legion. We could count on her in fundraising, driving, watching, and chaperoning all school activities.

Our family had a love of sports, whether playing or watching. However, when mom became an avid tennis fan, watching from 2 am to 8 am she received a lot of teasing. Tennis is not a sport!! Yet dad would make up the draw, record the results and ask if there were any upsets before she went to get some sleep.

Camping and fishing were also yearly events. We have many fond memories of time spent at Niskonlith Lake where we will invite family and close friends for a nice picnic to celebrate her life.

Thank you to all the 1st responders, Emergency, ICU, PAR staff, nurses, doctors, and gastrologists from Royal Inland Hospital.

Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

Lois Jacqueline Cutler (née Gill)

We would like to formally announce the December 17, 2022 passing of Lois Jacqueline Cutler (née Gill), formerly of North Vancouver, BC and latterly of Kamloops, BC, at the age of 87 years.

Lois leaves behind two daughters: Leslie Thomas (North Vancouver, BC), son-in-law Graham, grandchildren Jennifer (Michael), Tara and Jordan, great-grandchildren Samuel, Charlotte and Paige; and Laura Cutler (Calgary, AB). Lois is also survived by her devoted friend, Dale Merrett.

Lois's career and community accomplishments are innumerable and multifarious. She parlayed humble beginnings from participating in North Vancouver musical reviews and teaching hat-making into commentating fashion shows and voice-overs for CFJC radio in Kamloops. This ability to engage an audience morphed into securing a host position for the long-running CFJC-TV talk show "Let's Visit A While," the ever-popular "Carefree Cooking" and the seniors'-focused "Plus Generation." Simultaneously, Lois was a keen volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Research Society and rose to the title of Interior Regional President. Furthermore, she recruited, coached, and chaperoned Miss Kamloops pageant contestants for 10 years and served on the Kamloops Bid Committee to host the inaugural BC Winter Games (1979), subsequently leading the hostess team of volunteers to execute the event. Her civic involvement also included becoming the first woman president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce (1979-80). This position aligned with years of work for the Status of Women at local and national government forums. Also, her culinary experience resulted in Lois becoming a member of the exclusive La Chaine des Rostisseurs gastronomy association, positions on the BC Food and Restaurant Association and documenting Culinary Olympics in her favourite country, Germany

Following the above broadcasting and public persona roles, Lois took her penchant for commentating and travel to Wells Gray Tours, eventually helping it branch into international destinations. One of her final organizational feats was bringing a chapter of the Professional and Business (PROBUS) Society to Kamloops and instigating sub-arms like its Page Turners Book Club and Tea Connoisseurs, all of which continue to flourish today

From her youth, Lois was very active in the United Church of Canada. She consistently served on United Church Women committees including starting the Prayer Shawl (knitting) Club in her home church of Kamloops United. She loved gardening, sewing, home decorating and sharing her cooking and entertainment talents (evenings always had a delightful theme!) with friends and family Lois was grateful to vacation for 46 years at the beloved family cabin on Denman Island, BC and satisfying an insatiable "wanderlust." Most importantly, Lois was happiest building family traditions that are practiced to this day

Leslie and Laura wish to thank Lois's plethora of career, volunteer, peer and treasured-friend contacts, as well as the staff of her final home, Kamloops Seniors Village and the Royal Inland Hospital 5 South Ward.

Lois's Celebration of Life will take place April 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm at the Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street, Kamloops.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Research Society or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com

JoAnne Marie Vigneault

December 12, 1948 - February 26, 2023

JoAnne Marie Vigneault (née Seems) was born in Dalhousie, New Brunswick on December 12, 1948. She passed away on February 26, 2023 in Kamloops, BC. JoAnne was the last surviving child of parents Frank and Celia Seems and leaves behind two children, Luke and Lise and one grandson, Miles.

JoAnne grew up in a large family in New Brunswick. Completing her post secondary education in Fredericton, she moved around the Maritimes and Quebec before meeting Wilf, with whom she married and had two children. In 1993 the family moved to Kamloops where she remained. Following a separation from Wilf, JoAnne met her long-time partner Garry, with whom she stayed for more than 20 years.

In life, JoAnne was athletic; excelling at tennis and always finding new ways to keep fit. She at times had a sharp wit, which she held onto until her final days. JoAnne was a voracious reader and loved crosswords and games. Almost to a fault, she always saw the best in people. She valued a good sense of humour and a love of music. She was a lovely woman who was admired by friends and family

There will be no service for JoAnne. The family asks that donations be made to an Alzheimer's organization of your choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family from www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com 250-554-2577

Pedal for the medal: B.C. staycation for the win

My staycation proves terrific. Below our home location stretches Canada’s longest urban greenway and Delta’s Nature Reserve.

Bicycling buddies and I love to launch adventures on the easypeasy trails through dappled forests.

Its lower trail leads to Burns Bog’s two entrances. Their oneway boardwalks allow walkers to safely loop through the bog and investigate its unique, fascinating peat ecology. Cycling west, we pass through Watershed Park.

Mountain bikers and hikers enjoy a labyrinth of multi-use pathways here. Our greenway ride next borders the base of Panorama Ridge and then descends onto rural roadways linking Mud Bay Park.

From here, we meander atop a scenic dyke along Boundary Bay. Colourful wildflowers border its level packed gravel trail. The panoramic shoreline conjures breezy meditations and awesome entertainment.

In autumn, 50-plus species of migrating birds make stopovers here. Bald eagles, hawks and occasional snowy owls are seen poised to greet, and eat them. November provides spectacular aerial shows as thousands of shorebirds merge into huge flocks and fly skyward, creating wondrous flowing patterns called murmurations.

Only six-kilometres from Mud

Bay, Delta’s heritage airport, we are presented a pleasant break.

A quaint café features patio tables facing a grassy field, dotted with vintage aircraft. Cycling just 12 kilometres more, we arrive at a junction. We see art installations depicting a silhouetted flight of birds before continuing on. Some pedallers head down 72nd Street to Orphan Wild Life.

There, recovering owls, falcons and other raptors are seen in huge flight cages.

Our group typically continues atop the dyke to Beach Grove. Exiting this shoreline neighbourhood, we spin along well-shouldered Boundary Bay Road on to Centennial Beach.

From benches, we watch seagulls swoop and scrap for food. Strolling the sandy foreshore, placards explain several of the unique local plant adaptations.

Shuttling bicycles, a short family ride begins at Deas Island Park.

Millennium Trail leads us merrily along the river, under Highway 99, then alongside picturesque Captain’s Cove and Fraser’s South Arm Marshes.

Across a small bridge, we picnic in peaceful Harbour Park.

Another option is to explore historic Ladner, first lunching at a terrific seafood restaurant, which sprawls adjacent to an old landing. Paddle wheelers frequented the original wharf. To continue our history lesson, we head for Ladner’s 1912 municipal hall, now a museum.

Two other adventures begin at Ladner’s Port Guichon elementary school. Winding through a quiet neighbourhood, we arrive at River Road, where a heritage sign announces “Port Guichon.”

This early Quebecois settlement once boasted steamship and railroad terminals. The levee remains topped with dwellings shrouded in greenery, a fish

processing plant and park ramped for launching watercraft. Crossing a wooden, century-old bridge, we spot trumpeter swans paddling through reedy habitats. To our left, floats a large community of modern houseboats.

Beyond, Westham Island fields display quilts of seasonal crops. Fronting turn-of-the-century farmhouses, roadside stands offer fresh produce and cut flowers. A sign in a farm shop invites passersby to sample berry wines.

In October, red- orange- and yellow-leafed trees adorn island farmlands; Canada geese glean leftover crops.

It’s a treat to hear Siberian snow geese honking raucously overhead and to watch them feed on bulrush roots in marshes. During April, ring-necked pheasants forage newly plowed ground, crowing loudly.

Our pastoral ride comes to an end near the Fraser River’s

southern estuary, attracting more than 1.5 million birds every fall. Picnicking on Reifel Bird Sanctuary’s outer lawns, we take a booked visit to see an array of its 230 wintering species. We purchase seeds and enter its gate to handfeed year-round residents: redwinged blackbirds, chickadees and myriad ducks.

Multi-coloured wood ducks waddle cautiously toward the feast. Rare, red-topped sand hill cranes cackle and strut around us. A second ride bypasses Westham Island’s bridge and continues on River Road along Canoe Pass. Where the pavement ends, an elevated dyke trail begins.

In summer, yellow tansy and purple, pink and white wild peas line our way along the marshy Fraser.

Roberts Bank coal terminal shimmers in the distance. Several trailside benches encourage contemplations of its splendor. From one, we spot cormorants and herons perched on pilings. These posts recall one of Ladner’s 11 early salmon canneries.

Later, descending the dyke, a footpath leads us between driftwood and pink wild roses to a gentle clearing.

Our Tour de Delta’s annual riding competitions inspire even greater challenges for yet more staycation holidaying.

Cycling medicates both the body and soul. I enjoy these yearround doses of Delta’s healthful, restorative bike rides.

Travel Writers’ Tales is an independent newspaper column syndicate. For more, go online to travelwriterstales.com.

Photo: Iceland

RICK MILLIKAN SPECIAL TO KTW travelwriterstales.com

An easy ride along Centennial Beach Trail on a crisp autumn day provides much more than fresh air and exercise — offering lessons in ecology, biodiversity and history of migratory waterfowl and of human interactions.

RICK MILLIKAN PHOTO