Kamloops Connector October 2022

5 ways to thank a senior in your life

Seniorcitizens account for a significant percentage of the overall population. As of 2021, Statistics Canada reported there were roughly 7.1 million persons age 65 and older living in Canada.

People are living longer than ever, and as individuals age, the demand for senior services continues to grow — as does the need to be patient and respect the elderly. In the spirit of Thanksgiving season, there are many ways to show seniors just how much they’re appreciated.

1. Help with chores. Lend a hand with chores around the house that may have grown difficult for seniors. This can include mowing the lawn, weeding garden beds, shoveling snow, raking leaves, or even taking the garbage pails in and out on collection days.

2. Visit more often. Frequent visits are one of the simplest ways to show seniors you care. Whether seniors live in a private home or managed care facility, visitors

brighten their days, especially if they no longer get out and about as frequently as they once did. Spending time together and sharing stories can bring smiles to the faces of older adults.

3. Plan activities with seniors in mind. When organizing parties and special events, consider the needs of seniors on the guest list. Add music from their era to playlists or DJ requests. Seat seniors with mobility issues near exits and restrooms. Make sure to arrange for photos with the guest of honor to keep family history alive.

4. Thank seniors. Find any

reason to thank a senior. Perhaps someone served in the military or volunteered their time with children. Celebrate accomplishments big and small with a simple “thank you.”

5. Prepare a meal. Invite a special senior over for a home-cooked meal with the family. Make it a regular occurrence on the calendar. If he or she cannot get out easily, bring a hot meal over to his or her place, instead.

Simple gestures of gratitude and appreciation can brighten a senior’s day and let that person know he or she has not been forgotten.

Fall colours are on their way. Gagandeep Singh submitted this colourful fall image from last year to the monthly KTW photo contest.

Planning for change, together

By Krista Macaulay & Lindsay Harris, Kamloops Food Policy Council

Fallis often a time of transition and change. Just as the weather shifts and the trees around us begin to shed their leaves, so do our lives and daily structures alter and adapt. Schedules become more rigid with kids back to school and vacations coming to an end. Shorts and sandals go back in the closet, while coats and toques come out with the crisp morning air. Berry season closes out for the great pumpkin king’s arrival. With so much change in the air, it feels fitting that our municipal elections happen in fall.

While municipal elections do not receive the same attention as federal or provincial elections, they are the best way that individuals can bring change to their communities and everyday life. Our school trustees, council, and mayor make decisions that affect our schools, our community services, and city plans. Local government is the true key to actionable change for Kamloops.

At the Kamloops Food Policy Council, we have brought together members of our network to form a policy advocacy group leading up to fall’s municipal election. This Food and the City group has been collaborating on areas of change for our city. Using food as a lens to explore relevant civic issues and food as a lever for transformative social change, the Food and the City group has created a number of powerful discussions and policy recommendations. As Andrea

Magarini and Andrea Calori of the book “Food and the Cities” write:

“Food is a fundamental component of a city that is inseparable from citizens’ basic rights and needs, individual lifestyles and cultures, the socioeconomic structure, and the city’s relationship with the surrounding environment . . . These trends go well beyond the need to feed cities, calling into question our perspectives on how to think about cities as a whole.”

Food is how we connect and engage with the land, our community, our traditions, and each other. Because food impacts all areas of our lives, it can act as a lever through which we can create transformative changes! At the Kamloops Food Policy Council, we know that strong local food systems can help us get to more affordable housing, walkable neighbourhoods, stronger local economics, spaces for safety and belonging and more!

The Food and the City group has endeavoured over the past 4 months, creating 7 in-depth blog posts on key topics. Through much research, discussion, and collaborative writing we have produced the following posts and subsequent policy recommendations (in no particular order):

1. Sustainable Development & Affordable Housing

2. Public Spaces & the Commons

3. Planning for People, Not Cars

4. Healthy Ecosystems & Pesticide Use

5. Community Safety 6. Decolonizing the Municipality

7. Community Food Security

Each post can be found on our webpage: www. kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.com/ food-and-the-city and includes an in-depth analysis of the topic with policy recommendations for our current and future leaders! These recommendations provide key directions for positive growth, change, and development in all areas of life for Kamloopsians.

The Food and the City Group also speaks to the ability of citizens to participate in elections in their city. So often it can feel like we are disconnected from our municipal government and the decisions that take place in City Hall. This project seeks to display that advocacy matters and citizens can participate in municipal elections beyond pencilling in their candidates of choice. Whether it is those who have joined the Food and the City Group to research and write on specific issues, or those from our wider network who came together to help create communications material and spread the word! On the evening of Tuesday September 13, we hosted a DIY Flyer Making Event to create awareness of the project and craft some fun posters to share around our community! This project has truly been an exciting example of how citizenssuch as you and I - can participate

in a deeper way in municipal elections.

Together we can create positive change. Together we can build community and partnerships that advocate for a stronger, happier, healthier, and more resilient Kamloops!

Be sure to check out our list of topics and recommendations: www.kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil.

com/food-and-the-city

If you want to get involved in developing and implementing policy with us, or if you’re a local government candidate and want to support any of these policies in your platform or to discuss further, please reach out to us: lindsay@tapestryevaluation.com.

½ teaspoons pumpkin

(or sub 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ginger, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg,

teaspoon allspice)

packed

Brandon

Gives Back Fund

fishing derby; gathering family and friends to remember Brandon and raise money for the Brandon Kirk Hein Memorial Fund which Lisa and Kirk started with the Foundation in 2012.

Tragically, Lisa Tavender and Kirk Hein lost their only son Brandon when he was only 19 years old. For his parents, remembering their kind, adventurous son is easy – he never leaves their minds – but they want to keep his memory alive for others as well.

Brandon was a really good kid and always had a huge smile. He touched people of all ages; from little ones who referred to him as “Uncle B” to the seniors he went out of his way to help. Many saw Brandon as an old soul.

Brandon loved the outdoors, especially fishing, so it only made sense to have a

Brandon graduated from Valleyview Secondary School in 2009, and starting a scholarship fund at BC Interior Community Foundation (BCICF) in his name seemed like a perfect way to honour him.

“After many successful fishing derbies, we now have a significant amount in the fund to sustain future awards,” said Tavender.

While Lisa was researching the BCICF and asking questions she learned that there were other opportunities to give back in Brandon’s name. With the support of family and friends, she started a second fund. The Brandon Gives Back Fund was created to support seniors and youth. This fund helps community charitable organizations through grants in our region.

ONE

Children’s Literacy Program

ONE TO ONE Children’s Literacy Program

Do you have 2 HOURS A WEEK during school hours to read one-onone with young students?

Do you have 2 HOURS A WEEK during school hours to read one-on-one with young students?

VOLUNTEER TUTOR

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TUTOR

Do you have 2 HOURS

• No experience is necessary, but you must have good English language skills.

A WEEK during school hours to read one-on-one with young students?

• We provide free training and ongoing support.

• No experience is necessary, but you must have good English language skills.

• No experience is necessary, but you must have good English language skills.

• We provide free training and ongoing support.

While the pain of losing Brandon will never diminish, knowing his memory lives on in the gifts he bestows on others provides comfort to his family.

Lisa says, “These two funds allow us all to remember Brandon on his birthday, special holidays, and significant dates. Even though he is no longer with us, it doesn’t mean we have to stop buying him birthday and Christmas presents.”

• We provide free training and ongoing support.

• Tutors read with 3 elementary students for 30 minutes each once a week for 12 weeks.

• Tutors read with 3 elementary students for 30 minutes each once a week for 12 weeks.

• Tutors read with 3 elementary students for 30 minutes each once a week for 12 weeks.

2022 ONE TO ONE Volunteer Training

2022 ONE TO ONE Volunteer Training

Mon., Sept. 26, 9 a.m. – 12 noon, Room 1B Wed., Oct. 5, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., Room 6

MONDAY September 26 9 am – 12 noon Room 1B

2022 ONE TO ONE Volunteer Training

Lisa and Kirk have found that creating a legacy fund in the name of their son is proving a wonderful way to remember and honour a loved one forever and a way to give back to others.

MONDAY September 26 9 am – 12 noon Room 1B

WEDNESDAY October 5 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Room 6 Henry Grube Education Centre 245 Kitchener Crescent

OR

245 Kitchener Crescent

Henry Grube Education Centre

245 Kitchener Crescent

OR

WEDNESDAY October 5 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm Room 6

Henry Grube Education Centre

PLEASE REGISTER BY CONTACTING CAMI AT one2one.kamloops@gmail.com or 250-573-1785

AT one2one.kamloops@gmail.com

PLEASE REGISTER

PLEASE REGISTER BY CONTACTING CAMI AT one2one.kamloops@gmail.com or 250-573-1785

impact of your donation will be felt forever in our community

Your gift to BCICF is placed in an endowed fund.

BY CONTACTING CAMI The fund generates earnings. The earnings create money for grants. The grants support local charities. The charities do amazing work in our communities. Your donation stays in the fund to generate more earnings to support charities in our community FOREVER!

Victoria

ONE TO 250.434.6995 WWW.BCICF.CA

October has arrived

For many years I regarded October as the most stressful month in my calendar. Not only does it include Thanksgiving and Halloween, it is my daughter’s birth month. For all of these reasons, and more, she absolutely loves the month of October, pumpkin spice and all!

Voices of Experience

www.connectornews.ca

Telephone: (250) 374-7467

My two cents

Moneca Jantzen Editor

For me, as a single parent, the arrival of October always signaled the beginning of a season of financial and social anxiety. While I was always happy to make the month fun and memorable for my kiddo, on the inside I was a big ball of stress wondering how to make things special, how to pay for everything and get through it all socially—turkey dinner, fun birthday party, gifts and Halloween costumes, too much candy in the house. It was also hard to not start thinking about Christmas as well.

Now that my daughter is an adult, I no longer feel so stressed when October rolls around. I reluctantly cook a turkey every year. A huge production in the kitchen for half an hour around the table and a big mess to clean up afterwards seems beyond anticlimactic and no one seems as thankful as they should, especially since it’s, well, Thanksgiving. Birthday celebrations now mostly consist of an e-transfer and maybe dinner out. No muss, no fuss. As for Halloween, sometimes I’m home, sometimes I’m not. Wink, wink.

I probably sound like a real party pooper and I probably am, but in the name of avoiding stress I like to think of myself as pragmatic.

A friend of mine actually has this whole thing hacked. Her family celebrates Everything Day. They choose a day in the year where they can all be together and they celebrate birthdays and all holidays on the one day. I believe they still observe all the things along the way but the pressure to try to get together is not there and the gift exchanges have already been accomplished. This is probably not an idea everyone would embrace especially when there are children involved but I happen to think it’s a clever minimalist solution.

To add to the festivities this October, we happen to have a municipal election on our plates as well. With so many candidates, most of whom we’ve probably never heard of before, I’d say we have our homework cut out for us. Whether we read all the news articles and ads, scour all the pamphlets that come to our mailbox, watch the news or visit all of the candidates’ websites and attend all of the forums, it is important that we educate ourselves before we vote. It would also be nice if everyone who is eligible actually votes this time. It amazes me how many people take our right to vote for granted and don’t bother heading to the polls. Some of those people that fail to vote also have the audacity to complain about the state of things after the fact.

Not only can you cast your vote on Election Day October 15, 2022, there are several advance polls (October 5, October 8 and October 12, 2022) and also a way to vote by mail for those unable to do so in person. There really is no good excuse not to vote.

Another day worth observing this month is Care Aid Day on October 18. If you have a care aid or health worker in your life that you appreciate, be sure to acknowledge them and thank them for all they do.

While October was a month that tortured me a little bit for a couple of decades, I can now stand back and feel more gratitude than anything else. In the grand scheme of things my life has not been that difficult. I am grateful for my family, especially my daughter. I am grateful that I’ve reached a point in my life where I can relax a little bit. I’m grateful that I still live in a democracy and can vote. (At least at the municipal level I still feel like my vote actually matters. Provincially and federally my vote never seems to make an impact in this riding yet I will always exercise my franchise.) I’m thankful for so many things and while there does seem to be a great deal of upheaval out there in the world, I find that counting one’s blessings can be one of the most grounding things one can do. I hope you, too, have plenty to be thankful for this October. Happy Thanksgiving!

Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm

Please address all correspondence to: Kamloops Connector 1365B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6

Publisher Bob Doull

General Manager

Liz Spivey (778) 471-7537

publisher@connectornews.ca

Editor: Moneca Jantzen

editor@connectornews.ca

Graphic Designer: Dayana Rescigno

creative@connectornews.ca

Kamloops Connector is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain adults 45 and over.

We aim to publish on the last Wednesday of each month and copy/booking deadlines are either the 2nd or 3rd Thursdays of each month. Please request a publishing schedule for specific information.

Kamloops Connector is published by Kamloops This Week, part of the Aberdeen Publishing Group. Letters to the Editor must be signed and have a phone number (your phone number will not be printed unless requested). Other submissions are gratefully received although Kamloops Connector reserves the right to edit all material and to refuse any material deemed unsuitable for this publication. Articles, group and event listings will run in the newspaper as time and space permit.

No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Kamloops Connector. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Kamloops Connector, Kamloops This Week or the staff thereof.

Subscriptions are $35 per year in Canada.

Any error which appears in an advertisement will be adjusted as to only the amount of space in which the error occurred. The content of each advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser.

Kamloops Connector recommends prudent consumer discretion.

Downtown Seniors’ Election Forum Sept. 28 at noon

Editor’s note: Hopefully readers know about this already as it takes place early on our publication day.

Council candidate Nancy Bepple has organized the Seniors’ Election Forum for the last 4 elections, regardless of whether she was a candidate or not.

“It is the only downtown, daytime forum. It is designed to be accessible, especially to seniors, but is open to anyone. It has been well attended in past elections,” said Bepple.

This will be one of the first election forums of Kamloops’ city election. It will give voters a chance to hear the mayoral and council candidates’ platforms.

As well, the audience can ask questions of the candidates.

Special information with respect to COVID protocols: Desert Gardens requires people to wear masks in common areas such as the entrance hall (not the meeting room). Please bring a mask.

Room size. Double the normal size of room has been booked than in the past so that there is extra room for people wishing space.

Date/Time: Wednesday, Sept 28, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. (doors open at 11:30 a.m.)

Location: Desert Gardens, 540 Seymour St., Kamloops.

CSI Kamloops: Celebrating 25 years of advocacy & support

Submitted by Brenda Prevost, Operations Manager

June

11, 1997, was the beginning of The Centre for Seniors Information BC Interior Society. Over the next twenty-five years the society will experience numerous changes and steady growth.

Today, known as CSI Kamloops the society is the only dedicated senior’s organization providing support services in Kamloops and the surrounding area. A person who is struggling to find help or assistance with personal concerns, housing, or family related matters can have great difficulty navigating the complex network and

will often fall through the cracks of the system. As a result, they continue to struggle with various aspects of day to day living, including abuse, neglect, and anxiety.

CSI’s hands-on approach to find answers to their questions and solutions to their concerns has proved to be a service that helped fill a huge gap in community support.

CSI now operates out of three locations in Kamloops. The original Information and Resource Centre located in Northills Mall, the Activity Centre in Brock Shopping Centre and the

Sunrise Centre which is a 112-unit affordable Housing complex on 6th and Victoria. In addition to Information, Advocacy and Referral CSI delivers many additional community programs and services including the Volunteer Tax Service, Take and Bake and Secret Santa to name a few. The society operates under the guidance of seven highly professional staff, a ten-member Board of Directors and numerous volunteers. For more information call 778470-6000 or email info@ csikamloops.ca.

Welcome to our Adventure Field!

Do you and your partner share the same vision for retirement?

Communication is key - You probably know the importance of communication in any relationship — and this same skill is essential for agreeing on your shared retirement lifestyle.

both want to travel –but one wants to drive around the country, while the other wants to visit foreign shores.

be a one-time event.

Financial focus

CHIANNE V. JONES Financial Advisor

You and your partner may agree on many key issues facing you at your current stage of life, such as your lifestyle and financial issues. But what if your visions for retirement differ?

It can be a challenge. After all, each of you has so many possibilities: You can pursue your hobbies, volunteer, continue your education — there’s really no limit to the ways you can add meaning to your lives.

So, to get on the same page, take the time to have an open discussion, following these suggestions:

Be open – Create and share a list of characteristics for your retirement vision. Some characteristics you may want to consider are the type of living arrangements, what kind of activities you want to do, whether or not you’ll work and how close to friends and family you want to be.

Be specific – You and your partner may want many of the same things, but perhaps not to the same degree. For example, maybe you

Be ready to share - Share your plans with others who have an interest in your decisions to help shape your final visions. Friends and family may have influence in what you choose to do.

Be ready to compromise – You and your partner have already travelled a long way together and probably have an interest in finding common ground — so, if you’re each willing to move a little bit in the other’s direction, you should be able to enjoy spending time together for many years to come.

Be prepared for more dialogue – The discussion of your shared retirement lifestyle should not

As the years go by, you each may have new ideas about what you’d like to do. So, revisit the conversation every so often

Planning together is twice as fun. You and your partner have accomplished many goals together and have much in common. It can be advantageous to plan together, even if you don’t want to comingle assets. There can be efficiencies (tax savings) now or in retirement. Talk to your advisor to help you determine a strategy to reach your shared retirement vision.

Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

Kamloops Family History Society celebrating 40 years

bookshelves full of “stuff,” plus two large published family history books. Originally, my research was done by writing letters, phoning family and institutions, visiting archives in person or paying a professional researcher.

was formed.

The 1980s saw home computers become popular and by the 90s digital technology revolutionized the way large amounts of information could be reproduced, transferred and retrieved.

Gillian Gaiser is the founder of the Kamloops Family History Society in 1982. She takes a walk down Memory Lane considering how we researched ‘then’ and how we research ‘now.’

I started my family history in 1976. Almost five decades later I have a file cabinet and

At that time, there were very few “how to” books. On the first of eight visits to Salt Lake City Genealogical Library in 1977 I was able to purchase books and genealogical charts. 1979 and 1982 saw me head to UBC for seminars that inspired me to start a Family History Society (FHS) in Kamloops. Twenty folks came to the first meeting and the KFHS

Genealogical databases started to come online and people like me could research at home in their pjs.

My son bought a computer in 1986 and I began putting my information into PAF (or Personal Ancestral File), the only free genealogy program. In 1998, Cyndi of Cyndi’s List introduced me to a wonderful new search engine – Google.

The internet is now a billion-dollar industry that has spawned profitable websites and databases like Ancestry, FindMyPast and MyHeritage, genealogy programs and AncestryDNA testing. How marvellous it is to have so much information available to us so easily and at such reasonable costs compared to the past.

I feel blessed to have been able to enjoyand make so many friends – through such a wonderful hobby. Are you interested in researching your Family History?

For help, contact us at family4genealogy@ gmail.com.

Big tech companies aren’t your friends

tech items—ordering them months in advance in some cases, becoming friends with the salespeople. These major brands aren’t your friends, and I mention this because someone asked me which companies are the most “trustworthy.”

habits to figure out what will get them your money next time. If you aren’t paying for the service, then you are their product. All your information is what they sell to other companies to better understand consumers.

to throttling speeds for older devices to encourage people to buy new ones.

THAT TECH GUY

JEFFREY READE

Iknow people that stand in line for the latest popular

It’s tough to answer because my honest opinion is none of them. They produce goods and provide services but at the end of the day they are just another company in a long list of large companies. They track your buying

In the case of hardware, the major players are devious ones. Once they have you into their hardware “ecosystems” it can be nearly impossible to escape. It’s possible, but it will take time and research. One company even allegedly resorted

One of the biggest online retailers has AI learning programs that can predict the next items you might find interesting based on things you bought months ago. That’s not to say local retail stores are any better. That membership card you scan at the store? It tells their system what products you buy and how often. Even your postal code tells them how far you travel to shop there and what is purchased in your area.

I know it sounds paranoid, and it is at times, but every ounce of data you produce has value to someone with the right piece of software and a willingness to analyze it. Some companies act apologetically when they get caught, even offering small “gifts” to appease consumers. In the case of one massive chain, a coffee and pastry was offered to the wronged parties. That’s it. That’s what they think invading your privacy is worth to you. They’re more afraid of losing continuous

data from their customers than they are about data breaches.

Shouldn’t it be the other way around and shouldn’t hard-working people get a say in what data companies can track and for what reasons? It seems to me that we’ve given companies carte blanche to do with our data whatever they please. Maybe it’s time people started telling companies where the line is and not the other way around

PETER TMILOBAR

ODD STONE

We help to keep her independent spirit strong. Comfor t Keepers® provides compassionate in-home care that helps seniors live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfor t of their own homes.

We call our approach Interactive Caregiving™, a unique system of care, which keeps our clients mentally and physically engaged while focusing on their safety assurance and nutrition needs.

Use caution when making online reviews

Legal ease KERRI D. PRIDDLE

There have been a number of BC Supreme Court decisions recently awarding money for damages due to online reviews and comments. The reason for this is that the comments made were determined to be ‘defamation’ and attracted very hefty

damages to be paid by the online reviewer – in one instance it was $90,000! This amount was awarded for potential lost sales but mainly for loss of reputation and it all started from a miscommunication and customer dissatisfaction with how a complaint was dealt with by the owners of the business.

If words are used in a review or comment which have the effect of lowering a person, business or company’s reputation in the estimation of right thinking members of society generally or exposes that person or business to hatred, contempt or ridicule it

can attract a damages award in law. If those words are written, it is defamation. If the words are spoken, it is slander.

The defence to defamation and slander is “fair comment” which means it is true or the reviewer had reason to believe it is true. However, you have to be able to prove it.

We live in an online world now, and the written word is powerful. Comments and reviews can ruin lives, businesses and careers. We simply cannot write things about another person or business that would harm their reputation or expose them to

hatred, contempt or ridicule online (or in the paper or even say them to others) if it isn’t true or a fair comment.

If you do, you attract the likelihood of an allegation of slander or defamation and could be held to account for damages – not just for the person or business’ losses but also damage to their reputation.

Think twice before writing a scathing review if you are unhappy with a service or product and think about if it is really true or if you are just blowing off steam because you are mad or unhappy about something. It could just cost you $90,000.

Come paddle a (Voyageur) canoe

The Thompson River Interior Paddle Sports Club (TRIPS) is partnering with the McDonald Park Neighbourhood Association (MPNA) to offer guided day trips of the McDonald Park Neighbourhood on the Thompson River in Voyageur Canoes. This community event will be held on Sunday October 2nd, 2022. The proceeds of the outing

will go to the MPNA and TRIPS to promote further community initiatives. The recommended domination is $10 for children under 12; $15 for youth 12-1; and $20 for adults. There will be 2 outings from Pioneer Park: one from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 and another from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Children must be 8 years or older to participate.

For more info or to PreRegister for the event

visit our Facebook page @ thompsonriverspaddlers and look for the event.

Thompson Rivers Interior Paddle Sports (TRIPS) is a canoe club based in Kamloops, BC. The club offers recreational canoeing and marathon canoe racing programs that are open to participants from around the Kamloops area.

MYTH ALERT:

By Clear Impact

Nope. Wrong.

I’m sure someone has but I promise you it had nothing to do with the cold, or their wet hair.

In fact “getting cold” for a period of time actually boosts our immune system. It’s called cold therapy or cold thermogenesis and it’s one of my favourite wellness practices.

Do you know what else it does? Well, here’s a list.

1. It helps burn fat. Our heart rate increases, our blood pressure goes up, and our body goes to work (really hard!) keeping itself warm. All of this translates to higher energy use. And yes, as we get older, an increased heart rate or blood pressure can be a concern, but not if it’s from a controlled short term effort like exercise or like cold water therapy. An added benefit, regular cold therapy allows us to maintain a higher resting metabolic rate so we burn more fat all day! And do you know that feeling of shivering when you get really cold? Well most of that shivering draws its energy directly from stored fat!

2. It helps build muscle mass. Numerous studies have shown that using cold therapy before exercise increases muscle development. It’s like a

natural steroid!

3. It’s a full body antiinflammatory. Makes sense right? It’s like putting an ice pack over your whole body! As we know, most injuries and diseases involve inflammation. When we reduce that inflammation, our bodies have a better natural ability to heal themselves.

4. It builds Brown Adipose Tissue or “brown fat”. Now don’t worry, brown fat isn’t the fat around our bellies. In fact, studies are showing that low brown fat production is a common characteristic of obesity. We want to create more brown fat because that is the substance that burns white fat to keep us warm!

5. It results in a much sharper, clearer mind and an improved mood. I love getting out of my cold shower in the morning feeling powerfully awake and energized to greet my day!

So how do we do cold therapy? Well it’s really easy actually. And you don’t have to jump in an icy lake or river in the middle of winter. (I do, and you’re welcome to join me up the Adam’s River but you don’t have to!)

The easiest way is in the shower. We want the temperature of the water

down around 10C but it’s still beneficial up to even 15C.

Start by immersing your face in the water. Your skin and body will start to prepare your insulatory response right away. Then immerse your whole body for 20-30 seconds. That’s great for the first time. Then make it longer the next day and so on until you are up to 3, 5 even 10 minutes.

If you are having trouble initially getting used to the cold, use some HeartFlow breathing to get lots of oxygen into your cells before you start, or take a break after 30 seconds so your body’s insulatory response has time to catch up. It will feel easier when you turn the cold water back on.

Your chest and upper back have the most brown fat production capability so be sure to get the water on there.

That’s it—simple. No extra time taken out of your day, more health, more mental sharpness, more fitness and a lower hot water bill!

Now if you have heart trouble, high blood pressure or any other health concerns, definitely check with your doctor before using this practice.

Otherwise, let’s chill!

–HOUSING –INCLUSION SAFETY

250-374-3331

billalbers@remax.net

ACCOMPLISHMENTS THIS TERM

•Giving the public agreater voice through establishment of asafety and security group for neighbourhood associations;

•Promoting creation of abylaw restricting single-use plastic;

•Creating day lodges for people living with social issues;

•Advocating to the province for asecond mental-health RCMP Car 40;

•Advocating for asobering centreand morecomplex-carebeds;

•Addressing the lack of childcarecentres;

•Advocating for better conditions in longter mcarehousing, public health and RIH.

GOALS FOR ASECOND TERM:

•Finding ways to encourage more affordable housing to be built, especially for seniors, those living with disabilities or with low incomes;

•Continuing to advocate for abetter healthcaresystem that isn’tfilled with long waits, bur nout, lack of doctors;

•Maintaining asafe city for everyone;

•Improving transit options for seniors and those living with disabilities;

• Continuing to give the public alouder voice at City Hall;

Standing up for financial responsibility and

572-4620

“Don’t go outside in the cold with wet hair or you’ll catch a cold!”

KSO starts 2022/23 season with New World Festival

The Kamloops Symphony begins their 2022/23 Season with the New World Festival, an exciting multiday festival showcasing the works of Czech composer Antonin Dvořák with some modern twists, along with several free pop-up events throughout the city.

The first concert of the festival is Dvořák & Jam, taking place on Friday, September 30 at 7:30 pm in Sagebrush Theatre. Music Director Dina Gilbert and the Orchestra will be joined by cellist Stéphane Tétreault to perform Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, a work that continues to captivate audiences worldwide and is often described as the “king” of the cello concertos. Following the concerto will be a community first: a classical “jam session” where amateurs from the Kamloops area will join forces with musicians of the Orchestra to rehearse and perform a oneof-a-kind Slavonic Dance Party as they present a selection of Dvořák’s Slavonic Dances.

The second concert of

Ray

the festival is New World / New Beats, taking place on Saturday, October 1 at 7:30 pm in Sagebrush Theatre. In this concert, the Orchestra explores multiple versions of the old and new, beginning with Dvořák’s New World Symphony which combines classical musical traditions from Europe with the sounds he heard after coming to North America. The New World Symphony is widely regarded as the most popular of all the symphonies, with astronaut Neil Armstrong bringing a recording with him on the Apollo 11 mission. Then, in a Kamloops first, the concert concludes by combining the motivational hiphop of local Cree artist K.A.S.P. with the traditional sounds of the Orchestra. Joining K.A.S.P. and the KSO will be hip-hop artists Brandon Peters, K-9, J. Thorn, and DJ MV.

In addition to these concerts the Kamloops Symphony will be presenting several FREE pop-up events throughout city from Wednesday, September

28 through to Sunday, October 2. These will include special musical presentations by KSO Principal Bass player Maggie Hasspacher showcasing her instrument through a variety of musical styles and interactive activities, KSO Principal Horn player Sam McNally bringing the Swiss Alps to Kamloops with Alphorn demonstrations, and performances by the mariachi band Mariachi Los Dorados. The Kamloops Symphony’s website has a list of times and locations for these events and will be updated as new times are added.

Tickets for Dvořák & Jam are $30, and New World / New Beats tickets are $49.99. Both concerts have Youth tickets for $10, and new this season are KSO Up Close tickets, where the first three rows in Sagebrush Theatre are available for the discounted price of $25. Tickets are available from Kamloops Live! Box Office.

Maggie Hasspacher

Mariachi Los Dorados.

Sam McNally Stéphane Tétreault

SMALL//works Make

a Big Impact

by Keiko Bolen, Kamloops Arts Council

Everyone’s

favourite fundraiser is set to make its return this fall! Running from November 19, 2022, to December 22, 2022, SMALL// works is an exciting opportunity for local artists to show off their “great big teeny tiny” art and for art lovers to support both Kamloops talent and the Kamloops Arts Council.

SMALL//works is an art exhibition that features a grand variety of small, oneof-a-kind artworks crafted by artists local to the area. As each art piece can be no greater than 200 square inches, the Kamloops Arts Council is able to fill their galleries with over three hundred and fifty original artworks! These tiny wonders are priced very affordably, with most pieces coming

in at less than $100 per piece and at a maximum of $300. A special feature of the exhibition is that patrons can purchase art off the wall! Giftgivers seeking unique finds for the holiday season are sure to find something amidst the hundreds of donations.

A bonus of shopping SMALL// works is that patrons will not only be supporting local artists but also the Kamloops Arts Council itself!

While SMALL// works was created as a fundraising opportunity for the KAC, the Arts Council always puts the artist first and, as a result, splits the proceeds of every piece sold with the contributing artists. The KAC believes in celebrating local art and wants to share in the successes,

meaning that fifty percent of each sale is given to the donating artist, and fifty percent is retained by the KAC so that it can continue its important work of bringing art to our beautiful city, while also directly supporting the artists it aims to uplift.

For artists interested in participating in SMALL//works, there is still plenty of time to make your submissions. The submission deadline is October 29, 2022, and the Arts Council encourages all to apply. No matter your age, experience, or artistic medium, the Arts Council would be delighted to see and feature your work. Artists have the option to contribute up to ten pieces of art, which, again, must be under 200 square inches, including the frame, and be priced under $300. Your artwork will be displayed all over the KAC galleries in the Old Courthouse for community visitors to admire and purchase on the spot to take home the same day!

For more information on SMALL// works, including artist application instructions, please visit the Kamloops Arts Council website at kamloopsarts. ca/program/smallworks/.

Hair Clips

SHAUNA

KAREN

Enjoy a Relaxing Bath With NoWorries

Get in and out of the bath with ease and confidence

Canadian made walk-in tubs since 1992, the best accessibility and a lifetime warranty.

Why Choose Walk-In Tubs BC?

Experience, Safety, Reliability

Our primary goal at Walk in Tubs BC is to provide you, our valued client, with the peace of mind and confidence that you have made the right decision.

This comes from allowing us to sit down together, explain the numerous features and benefits, listen intently to your concerns and do our best to honestly answer all your questions. Then if we have earned your business and with your approval, help you select the perfect system for your individual needs and budget

Canadian, Local, & Experienced

When it comes to Walk-in Tubs across British Columbia, we take pride in our position as one of the best option with only the highest quality products affordably priced. Our walk-in tubs and materials come from a Canadian manufacturing company that has been in business since 1992; they are well established in the field and have a wonderful track record of success. That gives you the reassurance that parts will continue to be available and warranties are backed up with integrity.

As we age and begin to lose our mobility and sense of balance, bathing can not only become difficult but also a cause of additional stress and anxiety. Fear of falling and a fear of not being able to get out of the tub are two of the most common occurrences with many of our seniors today. Walk-in tubs have become extremely popular in the last decade and estimates show that people who go ahead and install a walk-in tub in their homes today, will be able to live independently for an additional five years.

Walk-in tubs are exactly what the name implies, tubs that have large doors that open, and you simply walk in and sit down on a 17-inch-high seat You close and lock the door and the tub fills rapidly while you are sitting comfortably and safely inside All the taps and controls are easily accessible at your fingertips Once you are done your bath, turn the dial and the tub quickly drains and you simply open the door and walk out of the tub. The various models all have numerous grab bars and nonslip surfaces making getting in and out worr y free Walk-in

tubs are designed for an aging population who desire to remain independent for many years to come

Manufacturers have optional tub designs accommodating ever y shape and size of person and bathroom There is a tub size that will fit in the space where your existing tub or shower is.

Walk-in tubs can be as basic as a soaker tub to as deluxe as your own personal spa Offering numerous options such as heated back, multi-speed warm air jets, water jets, ozone, light therapy, aromatherapy, and more.

The benefits of a walk-in tub are numerous Many people crave being able to confidently have a bath again and find relief by just soaking in a warm tub Owners say they believe they sleep better after a soothing bath The warm air or water jets give a deep massage and help to stimulate circulation, thus carr ying additional healing oxygen throughout the body to the hands and feet This has shown positive results increasing mobility and helping to relieve the pain and symptoms of such conditions as arthritis, chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic

and peripheral neuropathy, as well as various other acute and chronic conditions.

The Canadian Government website states that 1 in 4 seniors fall ever y year, and 25% of these falls are serious, leaving the victims permanently disabled and bedridden. A large percentage

of these falls take place in the bathroom Aside from all the pain and suffering it also ends up costing the Canadian medical system two billion dollars annually. Therefore, the British Columbia and Federal Governments are helping many people who decide to purchase

a walk-in tub now. The help comes in the forms of a tax credit, a Provincial Sales Tax waiver, and in certain qualifying cases a $7,500.00 Government Grant

As we all age and the years fly by, many seniors are faced with the reality that taking proactive steps today and deciding to retrofit their homes with a walk-in tub is one of the best investments they can make to help them age in place, comfortably and independently in the home they love

Sponsored content provided by Walk-in Tubs BC.

Perhaps, one of the best decisions I’ve made is when

I decided to go ahead and put a walk-in tub in my house. I no longer have a fear of falling and this will help me live in my home for many more years to come.’

Jean S.

The Village of Chase wishes everyone a happy

ACROSS

Bay Area humorist

Hurt

Icelandic poems

A taro corm

Metaphorical use of a word

It fears the hammer

Excessively quaint (British)

Laid-back California county

Cook in a microwave oven

Not late

Go from one place to another

Peoples living in the Congo

Popular pasta

Available engine power (abbr.)

Popular musician Charles

Angry

Spelling is one type

One who makes a living

Indicates location

Imperial Chinese dynasty

Small water buffaloes

Hungarian city

Fabric

Ancient kingdom near Dead Sea

Precursor to the EU

Philly footballers

Female sibling

“When Harry Met Sally” actress

Magnetic tape of high quality

Insecticide

Apparatus to record and transmit

52. Some is considered “dog”

Israeli city __ Aviv

Fencing sword

Ottoman military title

Wise people

Cold wind

Popular type of shoe

Administrative district

A way to reveal

Cooked meat cut into small pieces

Actress Zellweger

Romanian city

DOWN

Small town in Portugal

Site of famed Ethiopian battle

German river

Christmas carols

Cash machine

Rough and uneven

Rumanian round

occurrence of disease

A place to relax

Feeling of listlessness

Coat or smear a substance

Wild mango

Brews

Belgian city

Confined condition (abbr.)

Swiss river

Small amount

Part of buildings

Vietnamese capital

Sailboats

Shelter

Terminated

Discharge

Snag

Partner to cheese

A container for coffee

Spend time dully

Satisfies

Snakelike fish

Consume

Type of student

Erase

Instruct

Girl’s given name

Jewish spiritual leader

“To __ his own”

North-central Indian city

Greek alphabet characters

Weapon

Amounts of time

American Nobel physicist vital to MRIs

Soviet Socialist Republic

Witness

Pool

2:00pm

Cribbage

Pool tables

10:00am 2:00pm

bbage 1:00pm

Pool tables 10:00am 2:00pm

bbage 1:00pm

Pool tables 10:00am 2:00pm

Cribbage 1:00pm

Bingo 1:00pm to 3:00pm Doors open 11:00am Bingo 1:00pm to 3:00pm Doors open 11:00am Bingo 1:00pm to 3:00pm Doors open 11:00am

Bingo 1:00pm to 3:00pm Doors open 11:00am

10:00 to 11:00am

10:00am 2:00pm

curling 1:00pm

7:00pm

10:00 to 11:00am

tab

10:00am 2:00pm

curling 1:00pm Whist 7:00pm

10:00 to 11:00am

tab

10:00am 2:00pm

curling 1:00pm

7:00pm

10:00 to 11:00am

10:00am 2:00pm

1:00pm

7:00pm

2:00pm

Sip and Snack café @ noon

Shuffleboard 2:00pm

S p and Snack café @ noon

Shuffleboard 2:00pm

Sip and Snack café @ noon

Shuffleboard 2:00pm

Sip and Snack café @ noon

OCTOBER 2022

of Events

1:00pm

By Marilyn Brown Book Review

Pool

2:00pm

Rummoli 7:00pm

Pool tables 10:00am 2:00pm

Rummoli 7:00pm

Pool tables 10:00am 2:00pm

Rummoli 7:00pm

Pool tables 10:00am 2:00pm Rummoli 7:00pm

1:00pm

1:00pm

oor curling 1:00pm

oor curling 1:00pm

By Andre Picard

Random House Canada 2021, 201 pages, non-fiction

Generallybook reviews are organized by following the order of the book itself, however, this review begins at the end.

In the final chapter Picard points out Canada’s long history of shunting severe nation-wide issues to the review/report/recommend sequence. Notably absent in this sequence is a critical next step: implementation. “Since the advent of Medicare, there have been at least 150 inquiries, parliamentary hearings, task forces and commissioned reports on the sad state of long-term care, home care and elder care …” Although the COVID 19 pandemic brought to light some of the horrific circumstances of elder “care,” situations similar to these existed before the pandemic and may very well continue into the future unless a change of mind-set occurs nationally, with political will (and funding) a key component.

At least partly because of media attention to shocking situations of elder neglect during the pandemic, the Canadian public is aware of the need for improvements in the care of seniors, particularly in Ontario and Quebec. (In Quebec the Canadian Armed Forces deployed to help Long Term Care facilities, the teams later reporting out the deplorable conditions they found seniors in.) Seniors who could have lived had they been supported, died, usually without loved ones or palliative care. What needs to be done now?

Picard is very clear: do not return to minimum care, four beds to a room with one bathroom, a curtain the only privacy shield. Don’t focus on building more beds: focus on better all-around care, including aging in place. The publicly funded versus privately funded debate is explored – the BC Seniors Advocate concluding a review by stating “…care homes should not be a business generating profit.” Picard urges us to listen and act upon the life-lessons offered by those who know what they are talking about: “…the family caregivers, care providers, and researchers who are featured (in this book).” The experts offer keen insights on staffing, caregivers, long-term care homes, home care, funding, and community. Action is required now.

Recommended.

Andre Picard is an experienced reporter on health for the Globe and Mail newspaper. His interest in elder care is both professional and personal. He shares insights from the situations of his own parents, what he calls “the cascade of care” for them: ambulances/emergency departments, financial stress, health decline leading to Long Term Care, and death.

Neglected No More: The Urgent Need to Improve the Lives of Canada’s Elders in the Wake of a Pandemic

The catcher of the fly

to quickly dart from their perch to gobble up a tasty morsel on the wing, or quite literally on the fly, favourites include wasps, beetles, grasshoppers, winged ants and, of course, flies.

lines, they are very easy to see.

The LEAST of a fly’s concerns is about being squashed underfoot.

ALDER their attention is turned to the DUSKY skies. WILLOW or not they survive the GREY morning transition depends on it!

See how I cleverly used the most commonly seen flycatcher names in that sentence? But it is true. The swift aerobatics of this large Genus of bird is a marvel to watch.

Once an insect leaves the safety of the ground, all bets are off. Known

At first glimpse, their distinct bolt from a tree top or branch is a great identifier. From there, glassing their lightning quick bodies or stealthy positioning under a tree and listening for its song can further aid in identifying which species you have SPOTTED (sorry no spotted flycatchers here! You must venture overseas usually).

Kingbirds are the largest we see migrating through. Eastern and Western are very distinguishable thanks to plumage colour.

A Western’s chest is washed in soft yellow, accented by a greyish head, while the Eastern is a dark grey with a white underside. Often seen throughout parks and perched along fences and telephone

The LEAST, ALDER, HAMMONDs, DUSKY, WILLOW, GREY, OLIVE-SIDED and PACIFIC SLOPED tend to need a closer inspection to verify; generally described as olive-grey coloured birds, with white wing bars and eye-rings.

Peterson Creek and Riverside Park are both wonderful places right now to see the LEAST, HAMMONDS, ALDER and DUSKY in action and provide a wonderful opportunity to practice identifying who’s eye ring is the brightest, or who’s lower mandible is orange, who’s the smallest and loudest, or who’s tail is bigger.

Something my partner will test me on when we are out exploring, is picking out the songs of the birds we hear chittering around us!

I often find myself grateful for having met someone who shares my fondness for the outdoors and nature, and can find humour in my nerd brain. He is encouraging in his own way and has had many startled moments thanks to me suddenly grabbing him with excitement over this bird or that.

I implore you all this thanksgiving month to appreciate that someone who has encouraged your hobby, intrigued you to take a closer look at that sing songing little fellow, or simply to sit and surround yourself in nature’s own rhythm and hum.

Stay Curious Kamloops and Happy Thanksgiving!

Kamloops birdwatch

NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

How to prep your floors for fall

Carpet

PAUL MORRIS Nufloors

Every year fall brings beautiful colours, cooler temperatures, and some of your flooring’s worst enemies. As we transition into a new season, we will begin to see more rain, snow, dirt, and mud all of which can adversely affect the look and performance of your floor. This month we will look at some tips to ensure that your carpet and hardwood are ready for this season.

As we spend less time outside and more time indoors, carpet is more susceptible to accidents. More time inside means the possibility of more dirt, hair, crumbs, debris, and spills getting embedded into the carpet fibres. Spills attract dirt, so vacuuming more regularly and spot cleaning are important to limit the amount of debris getting further embedded and causing damage to your carpet. You also must be cautious when it comes to wet, muddy shoes and paw prints. If you aren’t careful, these will leave stubborn stains. A good idea, for the cooler, wet seasons is to implement a shoefree home if you don’t already enforce this. We also suggest placing

rugs at every entrance way so family members and guests can wipe their shoes thoroughly. A pro tip for pet owners is to leave a towel at the front door so wet, muddy paws can be wiped down as soon as they enter your home.

Hardwood Hardwood needs extra care and attention, especially in Canada where the weather fluctuates, and we experience all four seasons. Temperature changes and moisture are two of hardwoods’ worst enemies.

Wood naturally expands and contracts depending on weather and humidity, and your hardwood floors are no different.

When it comes to the cooler months, you may notice your floor shrinking and you

may start to see gaps between the boards. Do not panic! This is normal. The best way to avoid shrinking and gaping is to keep the temperature consistent between 60-70 degrees. We also recommend using a hygrometer to ensure the moisture and humidity levels in your home do not dip too low or climb too high. Additionally, keeping a hardwood cleaner on hand is always good practice to ensure you’re ready for any dirt or salt that can be tracked in.

Keeping these tips in mind will go a long way to ensuring your flooring, not only, looks great but performs for many seasons to come. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom.

Do you have Diabetes?

By Liza Fedechko, Liza’s Foot Care

Do you ever experience numbness, pain and prickly sensations to your hands or feet? This may be caused by a condition known as Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). There are many causes such as trauma, chemotherapy, autoimmune disorders but the number one cause is Diabetes There are four types of Neuropathy; Peripheral, Proximal, Autonomic, and Focal Neuropathy. Neuropathy diagnosis is determined by the nerves that are affected. This diagnosis will predetermine the course of treatment a person will require. Peripheral Neuropathy

is the most common one with Diabetes. This type may affect the hands, arms, legs and feet. The nerves leading to these extremities may become damaged or destroyed resulting in pain, ulcers, infections and other complications. An infection that does not heal may lead to a possible amputation of either the toes, feet and possibly the leg(s).

There are many things to consider with DPN. A good diet, regular exercise, managing stress and frequent check ups with your family physician and/ or foot care nurse. It is extremely important to monitor your feet daily especially if you experience numbness

because an undetected wound can lead to a very preventable infection. Another thing to consider is proper fitting footwear and appropriate socks.

Socks without seams are good to use as there is no seam to rub against the toes.

Damage to the nerves cannot be reversed. Nutritional imbalance such as uncontrolled blood sugars may impact or cause nerve fibre destruction.

Proper nutrition and hydration are necessary in controlling blood sugars. A good diet will prevent spikes in sugars and thus aid in preventing this irreversible damage. Avoid or reduce sugary snacks, processed

foods and simple carbohydrates. Staving off those darn tempting, but oh so delicious treats like white bread, cakes, cookies and canned pop will definitely help. Other foods or products to avoid are alcohol, caffeine, foods that are high in sodium and vegetables that may have been sprayed with pesticides.

There are many treatments available for Neuropathy like medication, physiotherapy, and supportive equipment. Consult a physician if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms for proper diagnosis and treatment

Flooring

Being

Creating

Communication

for more information on my vision for Kamloops and to support my campaign.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Submitted by Penny Ouchi

Wow!

Fall has arrived already. Where has the time has gone? Soon we will start witnessing the changing of the many colours and cooler refreshing temperatures.

Firstly, we would like to extend our sincerest condolences to our beloved Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll’s family. She has been such an amazing lady by all standards, enduring many ups and downs and still standing steadfast and loyal to all the Commonwealth and beyond. She will never be forgotten.

Seniors’ Community Centre @ Desert Gardens thanks the many +55 dart players who attended the Canada Games, supported our Centre and welcomed many new friendships. It was certainly a great pleasure to serve you. Further, I would personally like to thank Suzanne, Doris, Mary L. and Seiko for their unwavering energy and assistance in prepping and serving lunches to our guests. Also, a thank you to Lillian for covering the front desk.

We continue to have the Oasis Café open Monday to Friday from 9:30 – 1 p.m. Unfortunately, at this time there are no lunch or dinners being served, however, we have lots of homemade goodies, sweets, muffins, cookies and coffee, tea, pop and

juice. Lots of smiles are included.

We are happy to announce that our Chair Fitness and Chair Yoga classes are gaining momentum. If you would like a good, but gentle, workout – come on down on a Tuesday/ Thursday and give it a try.

Chair Fitness is Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. with instructor Michelle.

Chair Yoga is Tuesday and Thursdays from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. with our new and wonderful instructor Teresa.

Scrabble is Wednesdays from 1:00 –3:00 p.m.

Cribbage is Fridays from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Toastmasters is Thursdays @ 7 a.m.

Table Tennis is on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

TGIF is on Fridays from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Mexican Train is Saturdays @ 2:00 p.m.

EXCITING NEWS: Our wonderful resident pianist – Frank Endersby has offered to entertain you (sing along if you’d like) every Monday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in our Oasis Cafe. We will serve coffee and tea and provide a nice comfortable seat for your enjoyment. Please come and join in for an hour of fun and relaxation. Meet some new friends. Everyone is welcome from our Community and everyone is welcome to come and try any of these activities or just

to have a cup of coffee/ tea and chat with new friends..

**Cribbage and Mahjong: we would like to start these programs up once again BUT need someone to lead them. Please if interested give the office a call at 250372-5110.

We would like to thank the many folks in the Community who call to arrange special meetings or events. We are happy to host whenever possible.

Our Ladies Auxiliary (LA) Gift Shoppe is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Why not drop down and have a look at all the exciting things they have for sale at very reasonable prices? Homemade sweaters, dishcloths, honey, jewelry, household items and décor of all sorts. Something for every age from babies to seniors. Do stop by and see what they have. If not on display they likely can find what you are looking for. The LA is part of the Seniors’ Community Centre and all monies goes back into our programs and activities. For this we thank you for your continued support. If anyone has new ideas for extra programs please stop by the office and pass them on. We hope to have the Centre vibrant and bustling once again.

Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends. Enjoy the beautiful Fall.

DrakeSmith, MSW President

OH HORRORS

Creative Writing by Rita Joan Dozlaw

Adisquieting fear, that would last a lifetime, came over seven-yearold Lonnie when, in the 1950s, she logged into her mind’s eye what she saw in her kitchen. For the first time, her young brain was imprinted with a hideously ghoulish memory. Two decades later although she finally had no more recurring nightmares of the frightening incident which had left her so disturbed, she still recalled it with angst.

Two decades later, Lonnie and her husband, Jim, welcomed Jude their first child. When he was eighteen months old, Lonnie told Jim what happened in the kitchen when she was only seven and her little sister, Wendy, was eighteen months old.

“It was the morning of October 31, 1950. I loved helping mom dress my baby sister. At the time, we wondered if Wendy was old enough to tolerate a costume of sorts for later on when I’d go trick-or-treating. We watched her react to an uncomfortable orange wig. At the sight of herself in a mirror, she got all giggly. Mom carried her to the highchair in the kitchen and gave her a biscuit to munch on because she was teething and was crazy about treats. There was going to be a Halloween party at school, so I had already dressed myself up in a whiskered black cat mask, a furry sweater, and a pair of my dad’s black gloves… for paws, you know.”

“Sounds cute.”

“Yeah. While we were having fun, mom quickly snuck out the screen door just long enough to deliver a small jack-o-lantern to our neighbour out on the sidewalk. It took only seconds for Wendy to realize the sound of the screeching screen door meant mommy had gone out. First, she whimpered and then she wailed at the top of her lungs.”

“It’s a stage, right? Something like separation anxiety that most babies go through?”

“Yeah, but I didn’t know what to do for her. I tried side-

tracking her by poking my big black hands in front of her face and growling like a vicious cat, but that made her scream even more. So, I took off my mask and gloves and, like mom did once, I poured a tiny bit of daddy’s apple cider into a glass for her to sip. The little clown grabbed the glass fiercely and thrust it to her mouth. I turned from her to go find a favourite toy, and I heard a sound I’d never heard before: a bloodcurdling shriek; it couldn’t be Wendy’s voice. It had to be a wild raging animal screaming inside of her! In a panic, I rushed back to her and saw blood smearing over her face and covering her fist. She was waving her hand and smeared blood on the wig and the tray of her highchair.”

“It must’ve killed you to see that!”

“The little imp had ground her new baby teeth against the glass and broke a chunk of it right off. Her eyes were so fierce and her angelic face was so hellish, I was the one scared to death on that Halloween morning! If the crimson blood hadn’t been so beautiful, I’d have looked away but, instead, I stared and wretched at the grisly sight. It pooled in the dimple on her chin.”

“That’s a nightmare of a story, Lonnie. What did you do?”

“I hollered out the door and, no kidding, a black cat crept near the staircase like a bad omen. I didn’t even know what ‘omens’ meant back then; I just remember that slinking cat.

Mom assumed I was hurt and begged me to tell her where it hurt! ‘Tell me, Lonnie, tell mommy where it hurts.’ I didn’t know why she kept repeating the question. Then, she heard the same howl from the kitchen as I’d heard... and she saw what I saw!”

At that moment, during the telling of Lonnie’s worst nightmare, she struggled to get her breath. With a napkin, Jim wiped her cheeks and gathered her and Jude into his arms. “The past is the past, honey… we’ll make sure nothing like that ever happens to Jude.”

“Oh Jim,” she choked, “if I could have articulated an answer to where I hurt, I’d have blurted out, ‘inside my heart, mommy.’ I’ll always remember the guilt, Jim.”

“It was a bad accident, Lonnie, but you can’t blame yourself!”

“I do know that, but back then, I really suffered over it. The lovely truth coming out of that whole nightmare is that Wendy and I grew very close; she’s an extraordinary sister!”

“I can attest to that for sure. She’s also a terrific aunt to Jude.”

Lonnie explained, “While mom wrapped Wendy’s hand in a tea towel, the neighbour arranged for someone to babysit me while she took mom and Wendy to the hospital. The gaping wound, in her palm behind her thumb, was sutured and bandaged. Luckily, her lip wasn’t cut bad; it just bled a lot. For being a brave girl, she got a new cup… like Jude’s ‘sippy cup’. Filled with animal crackers, it was decorated with handpainted clowns and witches. Wendy generously shared her crackers with me. After supper, mom put the wig on her, and I wheeled her in the stroller over piles of crunchy, russetcoloured leaves to trick-or-treat next door.”

So it happened that, on All Saints Eve in 1976, at eighteen months of age, baby Jude made his first entrance on the Halloween scene. Not at all superstitious, Jim and Lonnie kept the tradition and put a stringy clown wig on Jude’s head, dotted his pug nose with a dab of lipstick, and covered him under the scarecrows appliqued on his blanket. On the night of the living dead, the lively little family, along with others in spooktacular costumes, collected candy. Older boys, up to their typical mischief, lurked like zombies in a dark movie. Jim warned Lonnie, “Jude’ll be acting out like that too, one of these days.”

“Oh, horrors.”

New beginnings

The insight story

WENDY WESEEN

Every fall when school resumes, I look at myself in the mirror. What? Summer almost over? And who is that? That can’t be right? In Roman mythology, Janus is the god of new beginnings (or transitions, new gates and doorways, and passages). Janus has two faces, one looking to the future and the other to the past. The month of January is named

after Janus. But for me, September has always been the beginning of a new year. It was the landscape of newly sharped pencils, exercise books with pages ready for my best writing, new shoes, and reconnecting with friends not seen all summer.

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago in a faraway land, I had an art exhibition in January called A Winter’s Tale. It was ironical because it was about flowers. That year when my Amaryllis bloomed in January from its Christmas planting and when artists who work from real life have trouble finding real life in a brutal Saskatchewan landscape, they are forced during the winter to paint still lifes of flowers, fruit, bowls, vases, and the inevitable rumpled

tablecloths.

This year Autumn seems to be arriving quickly despite the hot summer, bouts at the lake, music in the park, festivals, camping trips, and park picnics. I’m starting to anticipate the leaves falling from trees and fields becoming barren and brown, and geese are already mustering to fly south. This year we heard Christmas music and suffered Christmas sales in July.

We don’t often stop to think about the number of changes we have made in our lives. Changes seem to cluster at certain times in the life cycle, aging being one of the most notable. They are like waves and sometimes additionally triggered by world events - a lengthy pandemic, a new war and the effects of climate change. The

last four years have been the most challenging and difficult of my life, posing the most intense questions given in life, I taught developmental psychology a long time ago and remember the last chapter about aging vividly. The chapter was called The Age of Losses. There would be the loss of a partner/ spouse, but also the loss of a home that enfolded potent memories as we downsize our treasured keepsakes, and the loss of a neighbourhood, perhaps our church and interest community, and not the least the loss of capabilities – our physical strength and mobility, perhaps our eyesight, and hearing, the onset of chronic disease and loss of friends dying ahead of us, and now, the managing an unhealthy care system.

But the biggest loss is of our familiar identity. Moving from being a child and sibling, to an adolescent and troublesome daughter, to a young adult in love scaring her parents to death, to being a spouse, a parent, and expanding our careers, onto empty nesting, parenting our own parents, retirement, becoming a senior and eventually frail and in need of help. And the endings and new beginning involve letting

go of the person we used to be and beginning new chapters, many we had not planned. Now I’m there and humbled. With seven years left (if I’m lucky), I’ll be working through transition and its an uncomfortable pause before revealing a new beginning, embracing present moments with love, and remembering my purpose in life.

Death in the blended family at

storm?

DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

October is Hallowe’en month. As an undertaker I’ve never seen a ghost (or a goblin) but I have seen some behaviours that some people might describe as ‘witch like’ (or ‘warlock like’ if you prefer). I’m referring, of course, to the dynamics following a death in the blended family.

When someone in a blended family dies,

you can almost bet the next few days, weeks or years will be scary and full of drama. A couple of reallife examples might help make the point. Years ago Murray left Alice and the kids and married Suzie, a young single mom. Murray and Suzie lived semi-happily ever after, but the kids didn’t like their new siblings at all. (They didn’t like their step-parents much either!) The inevitable day arrived – Murray died. As next of kin, Suzie cremated him and kept the ashes, or maybe she scattered them somewhere. No one knew for sure, because Suzie wouldn’t tell her step-kids what became of Murray; she only told her own kids.

(Guess what costume Suzie is wearing this Hallowe’en!) Now Murray’s kids hate Suzie more than ever, and they are devastated by the literal loss of their Dad.

Here’s another horror story (with a hint of black comedy), but it’s also true. Alice left Murray but never divorced him. Alice met Ralph and nature took over – they moved in together, kind of. Ralph kept his house and Alice kept hers. They declared ‘single’ on their tax returns. One day Alice died and left no Will. Ralph thought he was next-of-kin (after all, he’d been with Alice for 10 years) and proceeded to make cremation

arrangements for Alice. “Not so fast!”

cried Murray, “I’m still Alice’s husband and therefore her next of kin. I want her buried beside her mother-inlaw!” Alice is rolling over to this day.

Not all blended families behave like this when a death occurs, but death often seems to amplify underlying discord, doesn’t it? It sometimes almost seems like a setup for the perfect storm. If you have a blended family on your hands, and you want to avoid a potential horror story when death occurs, what can you do? Well, you could go to group counselling for a couple of years, but that would cost a fortune and it might

not work anyhow.

A better starting point might be to visit your local funeral director. Find out for yourself how to prepare for possible conflict and how to avoid it. Although we are not lawyers and can’t give legal advice, we are governed by the Funeral Act and Regulations in BC. We refer to these laws almost every day, so we know them pretty well, and we can refer them to you to read. In the absence of communication, knowledge can be a key. If the whole blended bunch won’t come with you, come by yourself. By the way, we don’t charge for the consultation!

Drop in Crib

the Legion 1:00pm

Drop in Crib

Legion

in Crib

Hiking Group meet at at the Sportsplex at 8:30am

Drop in Crib @ the Legion 7:00pm

Hiking Group meet at at the Sportsplex at 8:30am

Drop in Crib @ the Legion 7:00pm

Hiking Group meet at at the Sportsplex at 8:30am

Drop in Crib @ the Legion 7:00pm

- 12:00pm

8:00 - 12:00pm

Market DLCC Field 9:00 - 12:00pm

Pancake Breakfast Elks Hall

8:00 - 12:00pm

Farmers Market DLCC Field 9:00 - 12:00pm

Pancake Breakfast Elks Hall

8:00 - 12:00pm

Farmers Market DLCC Field 9:00 - 12:00pm

Men’s

ICBC office

9:00-3:00pm

Club

2:00-4:00

Hiking Group meet at at the Sportsplex at 8:30am

Drop in Crib @ the Legion 7:00pm

Pancake Breakfast Elks Hall

8:00 - 12:00pm

Farmers Market DLCC Field 9:00 - 12:00pm

What’s your relationship with death

Submitted by Erin Chambers, Life Coach/End of Life Doula

Congratulations for reading this article. By doing so, you are becoming more familiar with death.

Death is something we will all experience whether it is someone we know intimately, a close friend, an acquaintance, someone in our community or in the world at large. Our experiences shape our expectations. Oftentimes our reactions create emotional triggers for future events.

Perhaps you have never thought about the intimate details of a death, not only when and how it occurred, but what took place afterwards, i.e. how the news was shared, by whom and, potentially, the responses that followed either by you or someone else.

Maybe it was seeing someone in a care home or other facility in the days, months or years prior to death, that impacted you most. Not being allowed to attend a funeral before you were a certain age; perhaps instead of causing curiosity, it created fear.

Witnessing someone experience the certainty of grief and pain following a

traumatic and unexpected death shocked you and, truthfully, you just aren’t sure how to deal with it.

It may be that you had positive death related experiences where you have been included in ceremonies or other end of life rituals. Taking care of someone helped you feel useful.

You have fond memories of sharing stories, smiles and tears at a living funeral you attended.

Possibly you were able to engage with a close friend’s end of life planning, which created conflicted feelings for you. How is it conceivable to enjoy something that will also bring you future sadness?

Reflecting about our past experiences with death might help us better learn, if not what we want, certainly what we don’t want others to experience.

Although death is our common path, not all deaths are the same. What emotions do you want to create or experience? What values are important to you? Perhaps it’s time to rewrite your death relationship/experience script.

Finding gratitude when life seems unfair

Laments rise out of trust and confidence, yet also confusion and, sometimes, fear. I once read someone describe laments as cries to God that become affirmations of faith.

outsideColouring the lines

REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

“It’s not fair.”

That was the response of someone I know and love to her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.

“It’s just not fair.”

I agree. This person has devoted her life to helping others. She has cared for neighbours, for family members, for her husband as he navigates his own Parkinson’s diagnosis.

I am sure that in those three words –it’s not fair – there is a lament – a cry to God against circumstances that seem unfair.

In the book of Psalms we find many psalms that are such cries to God.

End of Life Doula

Sometimes the cry is a question: My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? (Ps 22:1) Sometimes the cry appears as words of trust: In you, O Lord, I take refuge. (Ps 71:1) And the fact that the Book of Psalms is filled with laments tells me it’s okay to be sad, to be angry, to be confused when life seems unfair.

A lament demands that God be faithful, that God live up to God’s promises.

I think that’s what this woman’s words were: a question wrapped in a statement of lament that became an affirmation of faith … because she is a woman of faith. And she knows that even though the circumstances are not what she wants, God will be with her every day in this journey. In fact, her mantra is “one day at a time.” And she found a quote that gives her comfort: God doesn’t give us more than we can handle; instead God helps us to handle what we have been given. Like this loved one, I cannot believe in a God who acts as the arbitrator to decide who gets cancer or who must suffer some other awful life circumstance. I can instead believe in a God who is there for us amid the pain and fear and grief.

Thanksgiving is a time when we pause to give thanks for the good things in life: a bountiful harvest, our families and friends. Sometimes my family will pause before the big feast and share one thing we are grateful for from the past year. It’s a time of reflecting on the good times – the

good circumstances of life. Remembering the good times can help us to put the difficult times in perspective. We celebrate those good times with prayers or with toasts. Such memories can help us in those moments when life begins to feel unfair.

Paul is a friend. I’ve known him only a few years, but I love him like a brother. Paul also has a cancer diagnosis and is just beginning a series of chemotherapy treatments that, if all goes well, will prepare him for a bone marrow transplant next year.

The last time I talked with Paul, he said he has come to see his cancer journey as a spiritual journey – an idea he holds on to “in the midst of lab reports and visits with medical folk who are afraid to talk about the spiritual.”

Paul finds himself in circumstances that seem unfair.

Paul acknowledges that fear is his default mode since his diagnosis. He recently made a pilgrimage to Iona, a contemplative community on an island off Scotland.

As he sat on a bench, offering his own prayer of lament, he watched the ocean, and realized he was being invited to remember all the times God has been present in his life. Each wave brought a new memory, and Paul realized he

no longer felt fear, but a deep sense of contentment, which he saw as gift. And he was grateful for that gift.

So often when life seems unfair, we call out “where is God in the midst of this?” Remembering those times in our lives when things have been good – those time that invite us to be thankful – can help us understand that God is indeed in the midst of these unfair circumstances – faithful as the waves rolling into the shore, offering us what we need for this day, whether a day of Thanksgiving or a day of lament. May you feel the presence of God in very real and tangible ways as you walk your own path through good times and bad, and may you, like Paul, find a deep sense of contentment as you remember God’s faithfulness.

Rev LeAnn Blackert works with Michele Walker, Linda Clark and Lesly Comrie in ministry with Wild Church in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan (wildchurchbc. org). She considers herself a seeker in her faith journey and wanders the wild world looking for soul-nourishing connection with the Great Mystery and fellow seekers. To join her and others on this journey, visit wildchurchbc.org and be in touch!

Ispecializeingrief and loss, in allareas of life: relationships, jobs, pets, self, wayoflife, as well as our lovedones. I help people navigate death in both the practicaland emotional sense.

Submitted by Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

Writing this article does have some advantages, personally and professionally. I was inspired to prepare this information when asked about what trade experiences I had witnessed or observed.

When I was taking the automotive program in school I never thought more of what I was going to do in my future other than fix cars, but then, my shop teacher, who inspired us young students, did the following: He held up his hand with three fingers out and said “in this world there are primarily three ways to learn or experience virtually anything in this trade. By doing things right, by doing things wrong or by something you did not expect.” He said the third one had it’s greatest rewards and challenges so keep your options open. He called these “Golden Opportunities.”

When I was reviewing my career I couldn’t help but see his words, especially #3, and how it influenced my choices.

I worked at gas stations, dealerships, my own businesses, teaching for a major manufacturer, being an automotive department head and creator at a College, eventually becoming a corporate manager for another automotive manufacturer. Most of these positions happened by me keeping my ears, eyes and mind open to various aspects of the trade as life progressed.

Most of these happened because they were “Golden Opportunities.”

I am writing this not so much for the generation of us in the “over 45 crowd,” but as a way to share some life experiences with people that we may meet in our daily travels, especially those following an uncertain career path.

There are programs now taught at some of the major colleges that cover a multitude of trade exposures. Some are actually called Trade Discovery, or Opportunities in Non Traditional Trades etc. I think you get the drift. This course of training was originally used to address women who wanted something different from an “office job,” that they had been firmly directed to take; they wanted something more fulfilling.

The program took off like a wildfire and soon became open to all peoples, men and women. So many of the students took up automotive painting, others parts inventory and organization. Some took an automotive academic direction becoming Service Advisors or Service Managers everywhere from small shops to large dealerships. Some also became Fixed Operations Managers for multiple dealerships as part of an Auto Group and then progressed to become a Dealership General Manager.

The Academic portion did not require one to be

a technician but instead to have some organizational abilities combined with people skills. Part of the program included a strong communications aspect that doesn’t come from just a computer. Students were trained to speak to a small group of people, or an effective one on one training experience.

When one thinks of all the fingers of positions in the automotive industry the field is rather vast. Using some of my past here is a sample of both technical and nontechnical opportunities.

As a Head Office Manager for a manufacturer, my group was responsible for Compliance and Information for the vehicles produced. Litigation of product quality came across my desk, any service information in the form of service manuals, customer owner’s manuals, warranty booklets, campaigns and recalls were addressed from the same group.

My staff included people who could write, technicians that could perform accident investigations, people who could look at warranty claims, and ones who could properly test, evaluate and make improvements to pre-production vehicles for the Canadian market. All this was done by those of either gender or any ethnicity, your qualification was that you just had to do the job correctly.

Part of the fun was

testing pre-production vehicles or special project ones. This included lots of travel and seeing new places. Who can say that part of the job that allowed them to drive a race vehicle around Indy or Daytona was not going to be fun? Being invited to the Tokyo Motor Show, a world event, was also part of the employment enjoyment. This is a long way from turning wrenches that I thought I was going to do for the rest of my life when I was in high school. I learned to keep my options open for those “Golden Opportunities.” My shop teacher was right.

Performing these various functions has also provided a very decent remuneration, in my retirement. I can live pleasantly comfortably and I can still dabble with cars, and bikes, and motorhomes, and boats etc.

Please express upon someone who is going through some career adversities to look at what is available from the colleges for some possibilities of an introduction to a trade. There are so many options available out there so if interested, please feel free to contact me re alternative directions in the automotive trade, if I can help, I will. Take care and until next month.

I can be contacted atbigsix8280@yahoo.ca.

CELEBRATING Thanksgiving WITH HEARING LOSS

The Thanksgiving holiday is always emotionally charged, especially when families come together but once a year.

After an absence of some time, there’s lots of news to share about comings and goings along with the inevitable chatter about the issues of the day Trying to squeeze in as much as we can over the course of a few hours is difficult For those of us with a hearing loss, holiday celebrations also bring their own unique set of challenges and concerns. Communicating with family at Thanksgiving can be made easier.

Here are five tips to make your Thanksgiving more enjoyable.

1) Check with your host about the guest list. Determine who might not know about your hearing loss. Make it a point to connect with those people during the celebration. Tell them about your hearing loss and that you want to hear what they have to say. Ask them to get your attention when they want to communicate.

You can also go over the hearing loss “drill” we all use: “Please look at me, speak slowly, and forgive me if I ask you to repeat what you said.”

Have a laugh about it They will appreciate your thoughtfulness.

2) Check your expectations, fears, and concerns at the door. The whole family is here and you want nothing more than to participate in it all. You already know that the day will not go perfectly and you may miss a lot of the news and conversation. That said, you can always get contact information for those with whom you wish to continue communicating. Emails, texts, and cell phones now afford us a variety of convenient and accessible ways to communicate something else to be thankful for

3) Double or single-sided deafness? Location, location, location. Sit in the middle of the table and noise and try your best to hear what’s going on. Or seat yourself at a good angle to at least see everyone. If you can, have some family

members who know how to communicate with you and who won’t place extraordinary demands on your hearing sit near you so you can have your own conversation circle.

4) Bring Your tools and toys so you can adjust to the noise. There are a number of things you can try Use the noise reduction setting on your hearing aid. Place a Phonak Roger microphone in the middle of, in another appropriate place on the table, or in the room so you can pick up more of the conversations. Use an app on your phone that can caption speech. Remember also to take a break auditory fatigue is real. You can always step away when it gets to be too much.

5) Save the day for a family member with a hearing loss. Let them know you know that they are hard of hearing. If they need assistance, offer to help them communicate with others. You can be their translator; stand or sit near them to help with conversations. Make a point of spending some time chatting to make them feel part of the celebration.