The Kamloops Connector February 2023

Are you ready to be a climate champion in 2023?

Transition Kamloops has been granted funding to work together with the Kamloops Food Policy Council and the Kamloops Naturalist Club to implement an exciting community resilience-building initiative over the next year. Program participants will explore effective systems change and learn about ways other communities have taken action—then apply this knowledge locally to implement our own “made in Kamloops” plan. “We’ve already seen the impacts that wildfires and

flooding can have. This program is an opportunity for more people to have a say in strengthening our community and making it better prepared for the challenges that are going to keep coming our way,” says Gisela Ruckert, an organizer with Transition Kamloops. “The action projects will be chosen by the program participants themselves―and there’s money available to help implement them.”

Starting January 31st, participants will begin to work through four

online learning topics covering key challenges and action paths around climate change. The learning topics require a commitment of two hours a week, which can be completed whenever works for learners. There will also be opportunities to meet inperson with other participants.

The four topics participants will be learning about are: 1. Capitalism, Planetary Limits and the Making of New Commons Continued on page 18

The Kamloops Food Policy Council has been stirring up the local food economy with our new food hub, The Stir.

In 2021, we received $800,000 from the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food to implement a food hub in Kamloops to provide mentorship and commercial kitchen rentals to help incubate new food business startups in the Kamloops region.

In phase one of our food hub project, we helped fund the construction of the new Gardengate Training Centre in Brocklehurst, operated by Open Door Group. This state of the art commercial kitchen is now shared by Gardengate’s clients as well as by members of the Stir, called Stir Makers.

KMK Living Inc was one of the first Stir Makers to use the Gardengate kitchen in the spring of 2021.

KMK Living rented the Gardengate kitchen through The Stir to turn their home kombucha brewing hobby into a business. They were able to brew and store their products in the Gardengate commercial kitchen to meet the

regulations required to start selling their kombucha and water kefir fermented beverages at local farmers markets, launch a home delivery program, and start wholesaling to local retailers. One year later, in May of 2022, KMK Living graduated from the Gardengate kitchen and opened their own brewery in Kamloops after acquiring Wild Mountain Jun, another local fermented beverage company. You can now find KMK Living products on tap or on the shelf around Kamloops and up at Sun Peaks. Seeing KMK Living leave our facility is not a sad goodbye for us. Our whole goal at The Stir is to help local food entrepreneurs overcome their initial hurdles and get going with less risk and more certainty so that they can grow and succeed beyond our kitchens.

In addition to the Gardengate kitchen launch in phase one, the Kamloops Food Policy Council helped fund the Kweseltken Kitchen, a mobile food processing trailer operated by the Community Futures Development

By Kent Fawcett, Food Hub Manager for The Stir

Corporation of the Central Interior First Nations (CFDC of CIFN). This trailer is equipped with smoking, canning and dehydrating equipment that can be taken directly to rural Indigenous communities to enable them to start making value-added products utilizing traditional food preservation methods.

The Kweseltken Kitchen helps people get cooking wherever they are at and when they are ready they can have access to our brick-and-mortar commercial kitchen facilities to further scale up their enterprise.

The Kweseltken Kitchen pivoted during the devastating forest fire season of the summer of 2021 to help feed evacuees and frontline workers. The trailer continued to feed our community when the Kamloops region was impacted by the atmospheric river later that year that led to the closure of our major roadways connecting us to the coast.

In Phase 2 of our food hub project, the Kamloops Food Policy Council took over a 4500 square foot building

at 185 Royal Ave on Kamloops’ North Shore to convert it into The Stir’s flagship facility. The Stir headquarters has two main areas of focus: The Stir Kitchen, a fullscale food processing facility, and The Stirfront, a local food store and community space. The Stir Kitchen opened in October 2022, welcoming 2 new Stir Makers to start their businesses: Milos Adventure Catering and JStax Eatery, a ghost kitchen selling directly through meal delivery apps.

Renovations started at The Stir in the fall of 2021 and finished in the fall of 2022. Construction was greatly impacted time and again by supply chain disruptions due to global events or local natural disasters. However, the setbacks helped us realize how truly important the work we are doing is. After our roadways were shut down in 2021 and we experienced grocery stores lined with empty shelves, a strong local food system seems more important than ever.

The KFPC is continuing our work on phase 2 of The Stir by contributing to a regional food distribution system in

Kamloops. In this way, The Stir is strengthening our local food system by increasing our capacity for both local food processing and local food aggregation and distribution. The better we are able to feed ourselves from our own backyard, the more resilient our community will be in the face of global uncertainty and climate crises.

We have secured funding in partnership with a local Indigenous fishery cooperative to improve the Stir warehouse and construct a large-scale walkin freezer and dry warehouse storage. This partnership will also include ground transportation to distribute Kamloops-

made products from our Stir Makers across BC. The KFPC will be launching a feasibility study for our local food distribution system in early 2023 to gain community insight into how best to shape our efforts.

This project will also include turning our Stirfront community space into a local food retail outlet.

In order to implement our local food distribution system, we are hiring a full-time Distribution Manager to champion this project for the KFPC. To learn more about this job posting and to apply, visit: https://kamloopsfood policycouncil.com/ were-hiring-distributionmanager/.

Outfront of The Stir, Kamloops’ regional food hub, 185 Royal Ave.

A Gift to Impact Change

Guy Mercier Donates $1 million to RIH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Local businessman, community builder, and generous hospital supporter, Guy Mercier has announced a generous gift to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, benefitting the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at RIH. The beautiful department is in the new Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Tower.

Guy Mercier has been a supporter of the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation for over 20 years. He’s a well-known philanthropist in Kamloops who has supported many organizations such as Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops Women’s Shelter, BC Wildlife Park, SPCA, Prostate Cancer, and many local sporting organizations.

This specific gift is close to Guy’s heart commemorating his mother, Rita C. Mercier.

It is due to her strength, perseverance and tireless dedication to her family and surviving six children that their family remains strong to this day.

Guy’s parents suffered the loss of 4 children all before the age of 4 and Guy felt that naming the new NICU after her, was a beautiful way to honour her memory and her strength. Access to the same type of neonatal services was not available in their small town of Mont Saint-Pierre, Quebec, at the time. “Listening to my mother tell the stories of the loss of their new born daughter and three sons provided a perspective of what many parents go through with a sick baby or toddler. This was one way for my family to impact change,” says Guy.

The new NICU is a beautiful environment that is more attuned to the special emotional and psychosocial needs of families and premature babies. The expanded and enhanced unit includes 8 single bassinette rooms and 4 stabilization bays. The space also gives parents the

opportunity to be bedside with the option of staying overnight with their baby in the private rooms. The old space did not allow for privacy nor the option to stay with your baby. On the same floor, is the labour and delivery department, keeping mothers receiving postnatal care close to their babies at all times.

Guy founded Acres Enterprises Ltd. in 1980 with a passion for building communities through industrial, civil, and general contracting/building services. Throughout his 35 plus years in the construction industry, Guy focused on projects laying the groundwork for natural and thriving communities, encouraged economic development, and made a significant impact on the betterment of his city and other communities.

In 2012, Guy made the decision to sell the company which he built and focus on other passions; real estate development and philanthropy. These new ventures would allow Guy to plan and build prosperous neighbourhoods and communities while also donating to causes close to his heart.

Mr. Mercier has expressed gratitude for access to the health care available in Kamloops and is pleased to support its expansion now, and in the future. He currently resides in Kamloops and looks forward to spending time with his children and granddaughter. Guy also hopes to inspire his children in the ways of giving back through this donation.

Heidi Coleman, CEO-RIH Foundation, commented

on the donation, “I met Guy when I first started at the Foundation. His acute attention to the healthcare needs in Kamloops was apparent immediately. Since then, we have worked with him in a multitude of ways. Guy supported the development of the Cancer Clinic at RIH. He also helped renovate the emergency department’s trauma room by purchasing two state-of-the-art overhead articulating booms which allowed the medical staff to have easier access to the patient and the lifesaving equipment. Guy even offered his commercial space to us for use at our 2018 Royal Affair event. This newest gift has changed the way families and their newborns receive care in our Hospital. We are very grateful for his ongoing support.”

“On behalf of the entire Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we are truly grateful to be the recipient of this wonderful gift, as it allows us to provide optimal family centered care to our patients and their loved ones. This generous contribution will help to fit each private patient room in the NICU with a refrigerator and sleeper chair so that out of town parents can enjoy the comforts of home while staying with their newborn babies. To create a neonatal environment conducive to natural healing and development, this meaningful donation will also help to purchase Giraffe Beds, essential for the comfort and protection of RIH’s youngest patients.”

– Dr. Denise Chapple, Chief of Pediatrics.

The heart of the matter

My two cents

Moneca Jantzen Editor

few weeks into the new year, hopefully most of us have managed to dodge the various illnesses said to be floating around and clogging up our beleaguered health care system. While I haven’t been donning a mask when out and about, I have one on hand in case I feel I’m in a situation where there are just too many people around. I also find that habits established during the worst of COVID linger and I tend not to go out that much anymore. Days can go by and I realize I haven’t hopped in the car to go anywhere.

It makes me wonder how many other people’s habits have changed in this way. How many of us have altered our social habits and are maybe lacking connection and sociability? I’m sure many have resumed old patterns and jumped at the chance to get life back to “normal” yet many have not.

Some of us continue to work remotely if we are still working and have yet to retire. Those that have recently retired may now feel the isolation that comes with no longer fraternizing with coworkers regularly, a potentially difficult adjustment regardless of the lingering influence of COVID. Many seniors may still not have resumed seeing family and friends as often as before for fear of getting sick or maybe people’s habits have just changed after almost three years of practice.

Speaking for my own situation, I live with my immediate family members; I moved to the outskirts of town and I now work remotely, happily so. I no longer see coworkers regularly nor spend time with friends often. I have become habituated to ordering online for things other than groceries, so I don’t shop as frequently in person as I did previously. I rely on Facebook to keep me aware of the activities of family and friends both near and far. Aside from a nice three hour video call with my sister at Christmas, I no longer write letters, send cards or even chat very much with anyone.

I have given up on the dating scene entirely (who needs all that rejection?!) and I keep interactions on social media to a minimum as they are not very rewarding either. The only exception to that rule is the group on Facebook that supports my virtual reality exercise habit of Supernatural. It is quite possible that I am becoming a bit of a hermit although I have always been an introvert. It worries me a little bit, but I tell myself I will seek out connections if and when I feel it to be necessary for my mental health or otherwise. It is interesting to me what a person can become accustomed to over time.

I’m sure I’m not alone in this experience. I observe my daughter and future son-in-law trying to resume a more “normal” lifestyle since COVID changed everything and while they have managed to go on a few quick trips, concerts, nights out, movies at the theatre, etc. they still struggle for things to feel normal again as well. The damage done by the lockdowns will be with us for some time.

February is traditionally a month where we contemplate our love lives on Valentine’s Day and making connections with people we care about on Family Day. We also relate it to caring for our heart health. While there is no doubt that some of us need more contact with people than others do, use this coming month to give some thought to how you can tend to your heart romantically or health-wise or the hearts of the people you love. Maybe you, too, have fallen into a pattern where you are more disconnected than you realized. Make an effort to re-connect with yourself and/or others and make life better for yourself and someone else. It is important to reclaim some of the things COVID took away from so many of us.

Publisher Bob Doull

General Manager Jack Bell (778) 471-7526 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.

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What seniors can do to safeguard their mental health

No one is immune to issues that can adversely affect their mental health, including men and women nearing retirement age and those who are already retired. Though the term “golden years” suggests life in retirement is one sunny day after another, many individuals 60 and older are dealing with mental health issues.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 15 percent of the world’s adults aged 60 and over suffer from a mental disorder. What makes that statistic even more troubling is that the WHO acknowledges it likely doesn’t paint the most accurate picture of seniors and mental health, as depression is often undiagnosed among older men and women and untreated because it co-occurs with other issues affecting seniors.

In the past in U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledged that late-life anxiety was not readily understood. However, much progress has been made in recent years thanks to a heightened awareness of the problem of seniors and mental health. That means seniors now have ample resources they can look to as they seek to learn what they can do to safeguard their mental health.

Recognizing warning signs

Recognizing the signs of mental health issues is the first step to getting treatment. Mental health issues vary, and individuals with anxiety will likely experience different symptoms than those with depression. The following are some of the warning signs of mental health issues.

• Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite

• Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions

• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

• Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge

• Increased worry or feeling stressed

• Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness

• Ongoing headaches, digestive issues, or pain

• Misuse of alcohol or drugs

• Sadness or hopelessness

• Suicidal thoughts

• Engaging in high-risk activities

• Obsessive thinking or compulsive behavior

• Thoughts or behaviors that interfere with work, family, or social life

• Engaging in thinking or behavior that is concerning to others

• Seeing, hearing, and feeling things that other people do not see, hear, or feel

Seeking help

As noted, a growing awareness of mental health issues and how they affect seniors has translated to more available resources for aging men and women who need help. In Canada, individuals can visit the Canadian Mental Health Association at https://cmha. ca/find-help/find-cmha-in-your-area/ for contact information for various groups across the country.

Behaviors

that can be beneficial

Most cases of depression cannot be prevented. However, healthy lifestyle changes can have longterm benefits of seniors’ mental health. Such changes

include:

• Being physically active

• Eating a healthy diet that can reduce risk for diseases that can bring on disability and depression

• Getting adequate sleep, which for seniors is between seven to nine hours per night

• Remaining socially active, including regular contact with friends and family

• Participating in activities you enjoy

• Sharing mental issues or concerns with friends, family members and your physician

Research indicates that seniors are vulnerable to mental health issues. Call 1-800-707-8550 to access seniors health services in the Kamloops area.

•

CHIANNE V. JONES Financial Advisor

Considering whether to complete your taxes yourself or hire a tax professional? Here are some pros and cons of each to help you decide. Do it yourself The pros

•

Save money: You can likely save money if you do your taxes yourself. Anyone can file electronically through NETFILE, or you can use online software (for a fee).

Increase your financial fitness: As you review your taxes, you may find small changes you could make, such as maxing out your registered plan contributions or donating items for a tax deduction.

The cons Time: If you file your own taxes, be ready to commit more time than if you hire a tax professional,

•

•

especially if you work for yourself or own your own business.

Risk of error: Even if you use tax preparation software, you may miss a deduction or take one that turns out to be incorrect.

Hire a professional

The pros Peace of mind: Your tax professional should know the tax laws and stay updated on anything new –something you might not have time, or interest, to do.

Audit assistance: In the unlikely event you are audited, your tax professional may work with you to

prepare or work with the CRA directly on your behalf. Be sure to understand whether they offer these services and the amount they charge if you need them.

The cons Cost: Cost can be a drawback if you are considering hiring a professional to complete your tax returns for you, especially if your tax situation is complicated.

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

New year, old scams

READE

One question

I get a lot is why the

scams stay the same as technology evolves. The simple answer is because they work. When I taught corporate security lessons I started with a simple question: am I more dangerous with a phone or laptop? Most people answered laptop. I can do lots with a laptop; but a phone is far more dangerous. It opens the door to social engineering.

I’ve covered this many times because it is that dangerous. A gifted social engineer can get you to give them any information they want and make you feel good about it. There is no shame in falling for a scam. I know IT professionals that have been scammed, it takes a slight lapse in judgment. We all have those. One favourite is

pretending to be the Canadian Revenue Agency or Microsoft. With tax season fast approaching we can all expect these calls to increase. My advice? Don’t answer numbers you don’t know, if you do and it’s a scammer, don’t say anything more and hang up. If you can, turn call control on for your phone number. Tell your friends and family if

you get scam calls.

The

very best advice

I can give is to stay as vigilant as possible. Don’t give into the fear the scammers

push. I know it’s hard, but I have faith you can do it. You’re stronger than you think. Trust your instincts.

TODD

PETER MILOBAR

THAT TECH GUY JEFFREY

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.

BC Car Accident Program changes

ease KERRI D. PRIDDLE

Law firms are fielding calls from BC drivers and passengers who have been injured in the many car accidents that have happened this past winter. They are asking for assistance to commence a claim with ICBC or sue the bad driver and get them compensation for their very serious injuries and losses.

The Law firms have to tell them that as of May 1, 2022 there is no compensation from ICBC for injuries, no matter the severity or who was at fault. Also, the injured person is now prohibited from suing the bad driver (or their ICBC

3rd party insurance) for causing their accident injuries, except in criminal situations and only if the bad driver is actually convicted of a criminal offence in Court. This is good news if you are a bad driver, but not for anyone else.

Instead, what BC car accident injury victims have is what ICBC terms the “Enhanced Care Model” based on your own ICBC 1st party coverage (also called Part 7). This means ICBC, as your own insurer, will cover your medical treatments while you recover from your injuries and some wage loss and housekeeping while you are completely and totally disabled from working or caring for your home. Once your injuries plateau or you recover, your coverage is ended.

A person with car accident injuries still makes a claim in the usual way and will be assigned an injury adjuster. That

adjuster decides what coverage you have and in most cases will directly pay the treatment provider, if they have signed up for direct billing with ICBC. If you have a disagreement about treatments, the online Civil Resolutions Tribunal (CRT) is tasked with dealing with those disagreements.

Law firms can no longer assist you in this process in any meaningful way and people with accident injuries now have to deal with ICBC adjusters on their own.

After the initial 6 weeks following an accident, the adjuster will require proof that the treatments you require to recover are still ‘accident related.’

As such, every 6 months you will need a detailed note from your doctor. The note must say the injuries are caused from your accident and what treatment you need to support your ongoing recovery. In addition, any treatments or expenses you pay out

of pocket have to be submitted within 60 days to your adjuster for reimbursement or they will not be reimbursed. Plan ahead, as these timelines are very important, and any delay will result in the adjuster suspending coverage of your treatments until you get the appropriate note. This can potentially delay your recovery if you cannot afford to pay out of pocket for the treatments in the meantime.

These changes have resulted in confusion, delay in treatment and many people falling through the cracks of the “Enhanced Care” system. We encourage the use of the online CRT program if you have any difficulties with getting coverage from ICBC. The CRT program is designed to be very user friendly and case managers are assigned to assist you in the process.

The Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents

“Inspired by Nature”

On Saturday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the Kamloops United Church, 4th and St. Paul, the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops present Inspired by Nature. The musicians are Christine Moore, flute; Anna McGuigan, flute; and Carol Colpitts, piano. The concert will have music spanning multiple styles and

landscapes, an exploration of rivers, forest, and birdsong, through the music of Kamloops composer Daniel Silverberg, Ernesto Koehler, Emil Kronke and Anze Rozman. The concert will also be live-streamed. Ticket information is available at chambermusiciansofkamloops.org.

Legal

The Kamloops Symphony Presents

A Beautifully Melancholic Piano Concerto and The Music Of A Tragic Love Story

The Kamloops Symphony’s next Noran Masterworks concert of the 2022/23 Season is Mozart’s Dark Side, taking place in Sagebrush Theatre on Saturday, February 4 at 7:30 pm. The programme features Mozart’s melancholic Piano Concerto in D minor, Jean Sibelius’ stirring incidental music for the tragic love triangle of Pelléas and Mélisande, and Canadian composer Kelly-Marie Murphy’s In the Time of Our Disbelieving, a powerful reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The concert begins with Kelly-Marie Murphy’s In the Time of Our Disbelieving. Well known in the Canadian music scene, her music has been described as breathtaking, imaginative, and expressive. Murphy’s music has been performed around the world in iconic concert halls such as Carnegie Hall in New York, The Mozarteum in Salzburg, and the National Concert Hall in Dublin, and has been broadcast on radio in over 20 countries. She started composing In the time of Our Disbelieving during the winter break at the end of 2019, just as we were starting to hear about the COVID-19 virus, and also the year of the intense wildfires in Australia followed by intense floods creating a large wildlife disaster. With all these things coming together, Murphy was reflecting on the notion that facts exist yet belief in these facts is

becoming increasingly more optional. The music reflects her fear and anxiety about this, and her desire to be the person who will believe even the difficult to accept facts.

Next on the programme is Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D minor. Composed at the height of his popularity in Vienna, this work is a striking contrast to the energetic and joyful norms of his usual piano concerti, bringing the darker side of his creativity to the surface. These darker and more melancholic leanings made it a favourite piano concerto among the 19thcentury audiences and Romantic composers.

Joining the KSO on the Sagebrush Theatre stage to perform this concerto is Canadian pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin. An internationally renowned award winner, RichardHamelin stands out as one of the most important musicians of his generation. He has performed as a soloist with more than 50 ensembles, including orchestras all across Canada, throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

KSO Music Director Dina Gilbert said of guest artist Richard-Hamelin, “We have been looking to showcase concert pianist Charles Richard-Hamelin to our Kamloops and Salmon Arm audiences for such a long time and are

very excited to finally share the stage him. You won’t want to miss the performance of this Canadian pianist who is one of the most talented and awarded pianist of his generation.”

Concluding the concert is the orchestral suite for Finnish composer Jean Sibelius’ incidental music for Maurice Maeterlinck’s play Pelléas and Mélisande. Considered to be one of the high points of Sibelius’ incidental music, the music has rich, dark and menacing colours, with a mood of impending doom throughout, fitting for a play telling the story of a tragic love triangle.

Tickets for Mozart’s Dark Side are $49.99, $44.99 for Seniors, $10 for Youth (under 19), $25 for KSO Up Close seats (the front three rows of Sagebrush Theatre), $15 for KSOundcheck members (age 1934), and are available from Kamloops Live! Box Office from kamloopslive.ca or 250-374-5483.

Richard-Hamelin

Buckle up, you are in for a ride

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

While looking outside and seeing the white of winter, I observed a person driving their vehicle, slipping and sliding around, going way too fast. The speed limit on that section of the street is 30 kph, not 70 or 80 as is what I could estimate of their speed to be.

I also had just heard about the bus accident where 4 passengers were killed and many injured. In the icy conditions which we experience in our mountainous part of BC, circumstances can change in a heartbeat. Having travelled in excess of 400,000 kilometres on the highways of Western

Canada I witnessed massive and quick changes of the highways and secondary roads. In simple terms, things can get pretty ugly and bite you severely in the blink of an eye.

I’ve heard criticism of Vancouver and surrounding area drivers and all I can say is “don’t be so smug.” The cold weather creates the very worst of driving conditions especially at the freeze/ melt point of -1 to +1 temperatures. You have absolutely no traction combined with the hills in the area and a mass of people wanting to get home—it is the formula for pure chaos. I have witnessed vehicles stopped at the top of a hill, even

buses that had to let off all the passengers suddenly go sliding down the road most of them empty because they thought their precautionary measures were adequate. I would absolutely call these circumstances “accidents.” If we from the interior, enter the big city under driving conditions like these, we may get bitten too.

Yes, some people did not have proper snow tires and unfortunately they are not allowed to use studded tires if you live in the lower mainland.

This brings me back to the bus accident. The people that survived or had minor injuries wore their seat belts. Being strapped to a fixed

mounting prevents a person from tumbling around especially in a spill or roll over. We wear seat belts in our personal vehicles so why not on the bus? Just for the record, the driver does request all passengers to put it on, but unfortunately it is hard to monitor compliance while driving the vehicle. Unlike an aircraft, there are no assistants able to walk up and down the aisles to see who is wearing or not. Sometimes it is a bit of a challenge or rather a hard choice to meet a schedule compared to safe travel. Because the road conditions can change so fast, accidents can happen, so be prepared by wearing

your belts and allowing time for the unexpected.

Just for the record, airbags were not mandatory in Canada because 94 percent of Canadian travellers wear a seat belt. The biggest issue for the use of airbags was, less than 50 percent of Americans would hook up their belts which are considered a primary restraint item. To provide additional protection, air bags were legislated in the US and since most of our vehicles are manufactured there, airbags were incorporated into Canadian vehicles. If you notice, printed on your vehicles airbag, are the letters SRS which is a secondary protective

device. The letters stand for “supplemental restraint system.” It is amazing to watch car racers who have a horrific end over end crash and just get up and walk away, their multi contact restraint system (belts) held them in place.

I know this can’t be said enough: slow down, take a big patience pill, prepare your vehicle for winter driving, wear your seat belt, include an updated survival kit and be sure to clean the snow off of your vehicle including the roof and the hood. Nuff said!

Any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at bigsix8280@ yahoo.ca.

Budget-friendly alternatives to hardwood floors

to many extremely realistic wood-look flooring options that are neither solid nor engineered hardwood and best of all are suited for any area of your home.

Flooring

PAUL MORRIS Nufloors

Who doesn’t want the look of real hardwood flooring throughout their home? While hardwood flooring is beautiful, unfortunately hardwood is just not suited for all areas of one’s home. Being a natural product makes it more vulnerable to damage than other flooring options. Luckily, flooring has evolved greatly, even just over the past couple of years. We now have access

Laminate Laminate flooring has come a long way in recent years and is a great alternative to hardwood. Today you would have a hard time distinguishing the difference between laminate and hardwood floors because of how realistic the wood visuals are. Laminate is easy to install, super durable, and priced for any budget. In addition, laminate is very easy to clean. With laminate you get the best of both worlds, the look of wood you love with minimal maintenance. Not to mention, with technology advancements waterproof laminate

has been a game changer in the marketplace.

Luxury Vinyl Plank

Inspired by wood flooring, luxury vinyl plank is available in a beautiful collection of colours and designs from traditional to modern to rustic. However, unlike hardwood, luxury vinyl plank is extremely resistant to water and humidity and is very durable against stains, dents, and scratches. With both click and glue-down options, luxury vinyl plank can go in any room in your home and fits a variety of price points, so you have thousands of options from which to choose.

Porcelain Tile

While the installation of porcelain tile will be more costly than both laminate and luxury vinyl plank, the durability is second to none. Given the right circumstance,

selecting a porcelain tile can be more costeffective than other flooring types. Many well-priced wood-look porcelain tiles include such realistic details that it is hard to tell the difference once installed. With such realism and durability, selecting a porcelain tile could be the perfect choice for you.

When selecting flooring every customer has different needs and circumstances. If you would like to get a better idea of which flooring type is best for you, don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom or give us a call! The most important part of your flooring selection journey is ensuring you get the best product for you and your lifestyle.

Local MP seeks input on federal budget priorities

FRANK CAPUTO KAMLOOPSTHOMPSON-CARIBOO MP

Family Day is fast approaching. Unfortunately, many Canadians (especially seniors) are wrestling with how expensive everything has become. Whether it’s the hydro bill, fuel

costs, or the latest grocery bill. We are all paying more for life’s necessities. I’ve recently heard that as many as 1 in 5 Canadians are now skipping a meal daily just to be able to make ends meet. Seniors, families and students are being asked to make the difficult decision between heating their homes or putting food on the kitchen table.

This is where your input is needed. The Finance Minister will be tabling the Federal Budget this spring. I welcome

all residents to share with me their ideas, thoughts and frustrations. I’d like to know from you what I should be fighting for. What is most important to you? What are the problems that you or your family members are facing? What in your eyes needs to be done now?

I have always remained both encouraged and inspired by the resiliency of our community throughout the pandemic, forest fires or whatever is thrown our way. I

want to make sure that your voices are heard and that your priorities are shared with the government. Please share with me any of your questions, comments or concerns regarding the upcoming Budget. Feel free to reach out to my office by email frank. caputo@parl.gc.ca or by mail to: 275 Seymour Street, Suite 6, Kamloops, British Columbia

Be An Angel

The snow has come early this year, which means our Kamloops seniors need your help!

The Snow Angels program is looking for volunteers to clear snow from driveways and walkways of the homes of our seniors Having safe access allows them to retain independence, be able to get groceries and to go to medical appointments. They also need their driveways and walkways clear for in-home care to be able to get to them safely Without your help, they are trapped With this snow, we have many seniors reaching out for help

Our Snow Angels program is sponsored by Pizza Now which gives each Snow Angel a personal pizza every time they clear snow, not to mention the monthly draw of a Family Meal

Feeling good about helping seniors out and free pizza! That’s a winning deal.

Be an Angel. Apply today at volunteerkamloops.org to join our Snow Angels team.

Kamloops Arts Council Opens Annual Art in the Park

by Keiko Bolen, Kamloops Arts Council

Astaple of Kamloops’ Canada Day festivities, Art in the Park is back, and artist and performer applications are open. Every year on July 1st, artists and community booths fill beautiful Riverside Park with their marvelous artwork while talented performers entertain the estimated 30,0000 attendees for a day filled with creativity and fun. Art in the Park is both an art show and a sale, meaning creatives have the opportunity to not only display their work for tens of thousands to see, but also to sell.

As always, the Kamloops Arts Council encourages artists of all types to apply. Some mediums featured in 2023’s Art in the Park include visual art, pottery, jewelry, textilework, woodwork and metalsmithing, to name a few. The KAC endeavors to introduce the Kamloops community to a vast array of artistic mediums and hope that artists of all backgrounds and specialties are inspired to participate in this iconic event.

The great news is that applying for a booth at Art in the Park is quite simple. Since the event is hosted by the Kamloops Arts Council, artists are expected to be current members of the Council in order to participate on the day. Once you have confirmed your membership is up to date, there is a quick application form to be filled out. To accompany the completed application form, clear, well-lit

photographs of the art you intend to feature at your booth are required, as well as a non-refundable $15 administration fee by the submission deadline of April 15, 2023. Submissions are then reviewed by the KAC Selection Committee, which evaluates the works based on the originality, quality and craftsmanship of the product intended to sell. If you are accepted into the event, the Arts Council will contact you by email with further information about booths and setup. Simple, right?

If the performing arts are more your speed, Art in the Park welcomes you as well. From singing and dancing to stilt walking and juggling, all forms of performing arts are encouraged to apply. Just as they hope to feature a spread of artistic styles, the KAC strives to display a great variety of performers as well.

Applications are also open for performers and close on April 15th and are just as easy to complete as the artist application. Again, there is a simple application form to complete, paired with a video or photo submission of your act. Performer applications are also reviewed by the KAC Selection Committee and are evaluated on the same qualities as noted above for the artists.

Whether you’re a thespian or a painter, the Kamloops Arts Council looks forward to receiving all of your applications featuring your wonderful, uniquely you art. For more information about Art in the Park applications for both artists and performers, please visit kamloopsarts.ca/ program/art-in-thepark/.

TOM LAVIN & THE LEGENDARY

Observations on Life

our physical output and increase our mental gymnastics by making general observations on life.

• When one door closes and another door opens, you are probably in prison.

• To me, “drink responsibly” means don’t spill it.

• Age 60 might be the new 40, but 9:00 pm is the new midnight.

• It’s the start of a brand new day, and I’m off like a herd of turtles.

• The older I get, the earlier it gets late.

• When I say, “The other day,” I could be referring to any time between yesterday and 15 years ago.

• I remember being able to get up without making sound effects.

• I had my patience tested. I’m negative.

• Remember, if you lose a sock in the dryer, it comes back as a Tupperware lid that doesn’t fit any of your containers.

• If you’re sitting in public and a stranger takes the seat next to you, just stare straight ahead and say, “Did you bring the money?”

• When you ask me what I am doing today, and I say “nothing,” it does not mean I am free. It means I am doing nothing.

• I finally got eight hours of sleep. It took me three days, but whatever.

• I run like the winded.

• I hate when a couple argues in public, and I missed the beginning and don’t know whose side I’m on.

• When someone asks what I did over the weekend, I squint and ask, “Why, what did you hear?”

• When you do squats, are your knees supposed to sound like a goat chewing on an aluminum can stuffed with celery?

• I don’t mean to interrupt people. I just randomly remember things and get really excited.

• When I ask for directions, please don’t use words like “east.”

• Don’t bother walking a mile in my shoes. That would be boring. Spend 30 seconds in my head. That’ll freak you right out.

• Sometimes, someone unexpected comes into your life out of nowhere, makes your heart race, and changes you forever. We call those people cops.

• My luck is like a bald guy who just won a comb.

Submitted, Source: Anonymous

Men

Book Review

By Marilyn Brown

Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age

By Sanjay Gupta, MD With Kristin Loberg Simon & Schuster Paperbacks,

2021, 319 pages

9:00-3:00pm

Men’s Sheds Drop-In 9 00-3:00pm Cand e Creek x country ski trails 10:00-11:00am Men s Sheds Drop-In - 9:00-3:00pm Candle Creek x country sk trai s 10 00-11:00am Book Club 2:00-4:00pm @ Library

9:00-3:00pm Candle Creek x country sk tra s 10:00-11 00am Wri ers Circ e 2 00-4:00pm S room

H k ng Group mee at he Spor sp ex @ 8:30 am Seniors Tech 3:30pm n the Sen ors room Drop n Crib @ the Leg on 7:00pm Hik ng Group meet at the Sportsplex @ 8:30 am Sen ors Tech 3:30pm in he Sen ors room Drop in Crib @ he Leg on 7:00pm

This book’s dedication by Dr. Gupta to his family is a warm introduction to a science – based book. He wants his family and himself to be able to retain the memories of their times together. Understanding and strengthening one’s brain can help us all to live life fully, and to remember events and people. We can nurture and support the abilities of our own unique brain. Dr. Gupta, a medical expert frequently on CNN, highlights recent research while guiding readers through practical strategies to boost brain resiliency. The main message pulses with positivity: you can improve your brain now.

De-bunking a dozen myths about the brain is a start. For example, even if a person has a genetic link to a brain disease, lifestyle choices affect longevity considerably more than genetics. Diet, exercise/movement, sleep, socializing, limiting alcohol, and continuous learning, (for example reading books), all strengthen the brain. Important to note is that aging is not intrinsically linked to cognitive decline. The brain is not static. Cognitive decline and brain diseases such as Alzheimer’s take decades to exhibit symptoms but being proactive can delay the onset. New brain cell growth is possible even late in life.

The book begins with some basic facts, includes interesting research, provides practical strategies for brain health, and concludes with hope that we will all be able to “keep sharp.”

Keep Sharp: Build a Better Brain at Any Age is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

Sanjay Gupta’s formal training as a doctor is itemized in the book: the list of accolades much too long to list here. As well, he is an author of four books, including Cheating Death and Chasing Life. He is a husband and father of two daughters.

Be mine, mine, mine, mine, mine!

Jack

"It's

Leave it to Disney to very simply capture and create a memorable character with a single word. The seagull from Finding Nemo turned a bird many people find annoying, into an icon of cuteness. It’s true that seagulls are viewed as pesky kleptomaniacs, and constantly seem to bicker amongst themselves over whose food is whose, but there is more to this species than meets the eye.

Now if you have read my articles before, you have probably ascertained that I have a mushy gushy heart and, February is the month of MUSHY, the month filled with love. Not just Valentine’s Day, but Family Day as well. So I bet you are wondering how a bird known for scavenging, stealing, disruptive squawking and pooping on everything (which is apparently good luck?), could possibly represent love? Well, believe it or not all those characteristic actually embody it.

There are eight or so different Families that frequent Kamloops and surrounding area. The California, Herring. Thayer’s, Ringed billed and Glaucous-winged are the most common and typical in appearance

when people think of a Seagull; Stark white chest, neck and underbelly encased by soft grey wings with a red strip on the tip of the lower mandible. Differences are subtle. Greenish legs on the California, pink on the Thayer’s. The Herring’s tail is black with white spots similar to the RingBilled who has a bold black ring around its bill (hence the name).

Two not so common are the Franklin’s and Bonaparte’s gull which are easier to identify due to their Black heads and white eye rings when breeding.

Believe it or not, Seagulls are very smart birds and Family is important to them. They mate for life and tend to return to the same spot to breed.

Both parents take turns incubating and caring for the eggs and nest and hatchlings won’t be allowed to leave until they are very capable fliers and feeders. Most Juvenile Gulls are speckled greys and browns and easy to spot amongst the adults.

Gull Parents pass down knowledge and teach their offspring important skills to aid in successful flying and food foraging.

They will also teach fellow Gulls and work together in groups to adapt new techniques and are known to be some of the most skilled fliers capable of mastering intense winds and thermals.

Because of this team and family dynamic, Gulls have developed very complex forms of communication that is both vocal and body involved. Positioning

of wings and body movements alongside those annoying squawks are all used to relay information from the position of a school of fish, or helping to pester another bird into dropping its catch, or teaching a technique, or sharing new information or simply keeping in touch.

To me that behaviour speaks of caring, a caring that is not solely about the survival of self but of the species, the Family. Many might argue that idea and chalk it up to instinct and survival, but I believe there is a choice in it all. Daniel and I watched one day as a Gull positioned himself between two other gulls and his female mate so she could freely feed off the French fries on the ground. His concern wasn’t about himself. I know we often brush aside “commercialized” holidays, but instead of loathing them, maybe take the opportunity to really evaluate if your behaviour and caring has become more of a habit and routine or a choice. Do your family, friends, or loved one truly know how much they mean to you? Are you doing the best you can to get them that French fry or potato chip?! We often choose to give back and contribute when we are given and contributed too, thus creating a cycle of caring and interacting that leads to an overall element of success.!

Stay Curious Kamloops and never stop passing down your love!

Kamloops birdwatch

NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

The Kamloops Connector is pleased

welcome Jack Bell to our team as general manager and

consultant, adding to his role at Kamloops This

Jay knew everyone kept secrets of one sort or another, but she was sure no one had as profound a secret as she kept. She’d listened as a near-stranger spoke to a crowd about the possibility of making certain unattainable dreams come true. But, still, Jay hid her dream; she was sure it could never come true. An odd gut feeling, however, assured her that the timing would be just right, some day, when just the right person would approach with encouragement. Since she’d never met anyone she deemed confidential enough to be completely open with, she dismissed the dream… until she met me.

It was the 50’s, and I was dabbling in the arts with no real direction or goals. I considered the business look; dressing for success meant that I didn’t even own a shift or a typical plaid, button-down-thefront shirtwaist dress. I would at least look like I was good at something! The intriguing thing was that my new friend, Jay, had similar quirks. She hadn’t set any specific goals for herself either and, together, we imagined creating fodder for fiction. We shared our innermost secrets in that regard.

For instance, Jay suggested strolling, in her imagination, down long halls over Persian rugs. In our crazy little conversation, I went one further and plucked, from my imagination, a vision of me slinking over the patterned paisley of the fine carpeting and seeing the little dimples from my stilettos winking at me as if to heal the wounds of negativity! Through the power of friendship, it was revealed to us both that we were normal, boy crazy but normal.

As Jay and I matured and took apartments near the college, whenever we got together we’d talk over

compelling scenarios while ignoring the dishes in the sink and laundry spilling from hampers. With others, however, we kept our secrets in check, and when boyfriends gave us corsages to wear at college dances, the scent of florals served as a stepping-off point from reality to the realm of dreaming up fiction. We wanted to write the fantasies down but were afraid to. I never knew exactly why Jay was afraid, but I remember why I was.

As a teenager, I wrote essays for school assignments and read them aloud to my dad. He was alarmed and instructed me: “Quit writing personal things down on paper, Trudy! Never do it; that kind of stuff will incriminate you; it will come back to haunt you; it will expose too much of your truth. I’m tellin’ ya, girl; keep yer boy-crazy acrobatics to yourself!”

And, I did. I also locked up the good intentions and motivations to write and, unlike an old painting locked in an old house, I could break out at will, some day, gaze into the dusty attic of my mind, and revive the preserved ideas. I wondered if the day would ever come when I’d expose my buried passions without the trappings of self-sabotage. I longed for a crystal ball.

I’d lost track of Jay so couldn’t share the freedom of recognizing that my ‘better judgment’ allowed me to dissolve any leftover fear, from my dad’s stern warnings, and savour the scent of secrets that twinged my palate to indulge, without guilt, in the craft of writing about romance. “You could write a love story about that!” Jay had uttered with frankness. I was ready to acknowledge the statement. Why not?

Setting the scene, in my mind, of sunbeams pouring over my roll-top secretariat

which, in truth, was a TVtray/table next to a wingback chair which was, in truth, a straight chair from the kitchen, I went to work.

My mind spun scenarios that surprised even me. I was actually creating a fictional story with fictional characters. All the while, the made-up parts appeared as real as the sun ray with its little flecks of dust floating in a balm from an open window. Outside, beneath the window, thorny rose bushes gave off their sweetas-kisses scent, and I knew I was on the road less traveled that Robert Frost wrote of.

The floral scents mesmerized me. Their sweet tang gave me permission to enter into a sort of clandestine meeting between my old ways and a new frame of mind. I was tossed about in a rite of passage as waves of quiet sea became turbulent and the daily-written pages turned into a finely crafted work of fiction. I ignored the risks, and it turned out that the protagonist in my story had ignored risks. She and I wondered, would this tale come back to haunt me, as my daddy had warned? Or, would the notion of no guilt whatsoever, in writing such sensual entanglements, free the writer in me?

The answer came from ‘The Artist Way,’ by Julia Cameron. In her guidebook to higher creativity, I’d found a sense of safety and ways to overcome the inner critic!

In the fresh air, I cut a swath of thorn-laden roses. Trimming and arranging them in a vessel the shape of a woman—as most vases are, their scent set free, in me, the secrets only my psyche and fountain pen had privy to. The manuscript grew like the rose garden, full of beauty but almost untouchable by thorns. It was a humble effort, and on a chilly day in February a love story of vulnerability

Story by Rita Joan Dozlaw

and conflict, bordering on dangerous exotica and seduction, spilled over the parchment like smeared teardrops because the mere subject of love can sting whether real or fictitious.

I’d broken through the stigma of writing luscious details which, back in the 50’s, were too taboo for a

nice person to put down on paper. It felt alright, though, and I hoped that my long lost friend, like me, had abandoned fear and enjoyed a sense of freedom to write in her fashion. I dedicated ‘Sweet Scent of Secrets’ to Jay for the early inspiration she gifted me with.

Home-grown climate action

Continued from page 1

Waddle, waddle

2. Stewarding Land for the Common Good 3. Resilient & Just Food Systems 4. Democratizing Money & Finance

The learning process will continue until April 23rd, when participants will transition to identifying Kamloops’ unique needs and the ways we can take action towards a more resilient community.

From May until the end of 2023, participants will implement one or more unique action projects. “This is really the heart of the program,” says Ruckert. “Projects could be things like producing a guide to locally-grown food, or doing an ecosystem conservation project, or planning ways to support vulnerable populations during extreme weather events. We’ll have to wait and see which ideas get folks excited during the learning process.”

The program is funded by the Synergia Cooperative Institute, the Canadian Community Economic Development Network, and Athabasca University, making it free for all participants.

To learn more about this grassroots community action project and to sign up, visit www.transitionkamloops.net.

In complete silence fourteen mallard ducks waddle single file in a perfectly straight line, moving with purpose, heads up, eyes alert, tail feathers curled. They transition from land to the iced over pond. Their goal is now clear. Slowly they slip one by one into the deep water at the center of the pond.

I stand in the gloomy grayness of the day and feel my spirit lift. This past year was not an easy one. We were only too happy to turn the calendar page to a new year, with hopes and prayers that

2023 will hold fewer challenges. Each time the calendar page turns we are walking –or waddling – to places we have never traveled. We’re experiencing circumstances we have never experienced. We don’t know what joy, sorrow or trauma the next day holds.

The ducks are returning to the water they raced out of when I arrived at the park. Well, racing as only ducks can do: shuffling and wobbling a two step while demanding an entry fee. They aren’t afraid to go after what they want. They move away from me, disappointed in my lack of generosity. But they know something I am learning. The deepest water, that darkest hole in the middle of the snow-covered pond might look foreboding, but it holds a gift that is only revealed when

my fourteen feathered teachers reach it and laughter and giggles break the silence as they swim and dive and play.

Richard Wagamese, beloved wise one, speaks of “beyond.” In his book Embers, “I no longer want to be resilient. I don’t want to simply bounce back from things that hurt me or cause me pain. Bouncing back means returning to where I stood before. Instead, I want to go beyond the hurts and the darkness. The first step toward genuine healing from my mental illness was when I came to trust and believe there was a beyond. Now I reach for beyond every day, in every encounter, in every circumstance.”

Richard and the flock of mallards remind me there is a beyond. Beyond the gloom and gray of these winter days there waits a sunny spring morning. Beyond the

solitary moments of loneliness there are friends walking with me. Beyond the disappointment, the confusion, the sadness, the fear –beyond whatever name the challenge wears – there is joy to be found when I finally and fully immerse myself in the deepest water. And so I waddle on, trusting that I will be held in what my friend calls

The Big Love just as the ducks are held in the pond’s waters. I waddle on trusting in beyond.

Rev LeAnn Blackert works with Michele Walker, Lesly Comrie and Linda Clark in ministry with Wild Church in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan. She considers herself a seeker in her faith journey and wanders the wild world looking for the Great Mystery and the “wild Christ.” To find out more, visit wildchurchbc.com and be in touch!

DrakeSmith, MSW President

outsideColouring the lines

REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

If you’re the Executor or next of kin responsible, the list of things to do following the death seems daunting. It felt that way for me when my father died years ago. So many places to contact, so many decisions to make. And you worry about forgetting to do or sign something. And what if you make a mistake when filling out a form? Alice had that worried look on her face when we sat down to arrange for Murray’s cremation.

It may come as no surprise then that Alice expressed an audible sigh of relief as I brought out the fourth form in our

arrangement package. The first three forms (vital statistics/ service arrangements, authorization to transfer, contract) were now in our rearview mirror. It was time to complete the OAS/CPP Notification of Death form. “This is a simple yet important form” I told Alice. “It lets Service Canada know that Murray has died so they can stop sending his monthly pension cheques.” I could almost read Alice’s mind: what if we don’t send the form? “Alice, if we don’t send this form to Service Canada they are going to demand that you pay them back if the cheques keep coming” I proffered.

Still, Alice was a little confused. Murray died on the 2nd of the month. She asked “Will Murray receive his pension at the end of this month? “Yes” I replied, “Because Murray died after the start of the month, his account

will receive the full pension cheques at the end of this month, just like usual.” Had Murray died during the last few days of the previous month he would not have received his OAS/ CPP in the following month. Again, to give an example using my father, who died on November 30, 1998 he did not receive the OAS/CPP cheque in December of that year. Had he died on December 1st he would have received these cheques in December.

Alice wished Murray wasn’t gone but she was slightly relieved at his timing.

The form itself is straightforward. We complete it for Alice and we send it away to Service Canada. It lists Murray’s last name, first name and initial of middle name(s), his date of birth, date and place of death, his mother’s maiden name (remember we asked for all this information on the

very first form we filled out – the vital statistics form?) and then it asks for Alice’s name, contact information and confirmation of her relationship to Murray (executor and wife). I sign it, date it, and my dedicated staff fax (yes, fax!) it off to Service Canada. Simple, but very important as it takes so much stress off Alice.

Service Canada takes it from there by stopping Murray’s OAS/CPP cheques from coming when they shouldn’t.

Next month we look at the final form in the arrangement process: the cremation authorization form. For many people (including Alice) this form brings the reality of the situation to the forefront –Alice will sign the document that means Murray will, in fact, be cremated.

• Personal Care (bathing, grooming)

• Companion Care (at home & institutions)

• Palliative & Compassionate Care

• Meal Prep, Med Distribution, Wound Management

• Transportation & Shopping

• Continuous Care

• Respite/Overnight Care

• After hospital discharge

• Continuous overnight care

• After surgery

• Security

• Respite

Ask Drake

DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

This Valentine’s Day, Treat Hearing Loss to Improve Your Relationships

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, love is in the air. Have you been looking for the perfect gift to give your loved one to show them that you care? We know that finding the right thing can be a challenge, so why not do something extra special this year, and treat your hearing loss to improve your relationships? relationships?

Putting a Strain on Relationships

When you can’t follow conversations, communication is a real challenge You ask people to repeat themselves a lot, but you’re embarrassed to admit that you don’t understand what’s been said. You may choose to stay home rather than spend an exhausting evening playing an impossible game of fill in the blanks, where you always seem to answer inappropriately, and miss the punchline of every joke since you’re always a few steps behind.

If you can’t communicate clearly, you’ll soon find yourself having difficulties in your relationships. Communication is often reduced to yelling matches that leave everyone frustrated and upset Living with untreated hearing loss leaves your prone to social isolation, as you pull back from situations that make you uncomfortable, or where you have trouble communicating clearly Choosing to stay home and avoid embarrassment rather than meet your friends for dinner might seem like a good idea at the time, but when you fall into the habit of saying no, your relationships will suffer.

It’s All About Communication

Daily communication, whether about big things or small things, is more important than you think. One of the most fundamental building blocks of a healthy relationship is good communication. Whether with family or friends, almost all activities include lots of talking, from meeting friends for dinner to going to a concert, taking in a ball game, chatting with coworkers during coffee break, or hanging out with your family at home. But if you’re living with untreated hearing loss, you lose your ability to communicate easily, and the most valuable connections in your life start to suffer Straining just to make out the words leads to frustration, resentment, and ultimately a feeling of isolation and loneliness for both you and your loved one

Treating Hearing Loss

If you want to get the most out of your relationships, and give your loved one a gift they’ll truly appreciate, then it’s time to treat your hearing loss Only 1 in 4 Americans who would benefit from a hearing aid seek treatment. That means that 75% of Americans who have difficulty hearing are putting their relationships in jeopardy! Almost half of those with untreated hearing loss report that the breakdown in communication resulted in the loss of the relationships they cared about the most

Hearing testing, hearing aid fittings and hearing aid programming by appointment only. PLEASE CALL 250-372-3090 TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. Drop in for a cleaning! Please call us from your cell phone when you arrive or come in and we would be happy to assist you.

414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC 250.372.3090 Toll Free 1.877.718.2211

Email: info@kamloopshearingaidcentre ca or online at: www.KamloopsHearingAidCentre.ca

Find us on facebook: /KamloopsHearingAidCentre Independent and Family Owned since 2000