Kamloops Connector August 2023

Photo: Susan Myles

Photo: Sherry Bennett

Photo: Lorraine Corrigan

Photo: Debbie McBride

Climate Justice: A No-One-Left-Behind approach to Climate Action

By Jess Payette, Stirfront Coordinator

I’ve enjoyed seeing folks use the public parklet at The Stir this summer to take a break from the sun. However, it makes me think about our need for more tree cover, especially where folks can rest under that shade without being asked to leave, because they’re obstructing a business, or haven’t purchased a coffee.

This past September, the City of Kamloops released their Community Climate Action Plan’s (CCAP) Implementation Report, a little over a year since the CCAP was announced in June 2021. The CCAP is primarily “focused on GHG mitigation with some actions that also contribute to resilience, such as through increasing tree canopy cover, utilizing green infrastructure, encouraging regenerative agriculture, supporting renewable energy projects, and promoting betterinsulated homes with heat pumps that offer both heating and cooling“ (CCPA 2-22 Implementation Report, p. 46-7).

The 2022 report addresses some equity and climate justice

considerations in the city’s first year of implementation, including “the distribution of trees in Kamloops in relation to socio-economic factors requires further study. Trees, green roofs, and vegetation can help reduce urban heat island effects by shading building surfaces, deflecting radiation from the sun, and releasing moisture into the atmosphere; therefore, it is important to assess whether these benefits are being equitably distributed” (CCPA 2-22 Implementation Report, p. 43).

It is important for our community to advocate for follow up on this consideration, and other climate justice challenges in the CCAP, with the city. When the city begins to look at how to equitably distribute canopy cover, we need to make sure they are taking into account if there will be enough

canopy cover in public spaces for folks to rest under. This is an especially important consideration, as already vulnerable populations, like those with substance use disorders, disability, and the elderly, are most susceptible to both the impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat, and systemic challenges, like homelessness, which means, at certain times, outdoor shade may be these people’s only way to combat heat (Mello, 2023).

So what is climate justice? And why does it matter?

Climate Justice centres diverse human perspectives and experiences in the way we take action on climate change. Climate justice recognizes that “climate change is causing a multitude of detrimental social, economic, health, and other impacts on vulnerable

communities who have contributed the least to the climate crisis”, (Nakat, 2023). It is important to recognize that the effects of climate change have been caused by, and continue to perpetuate, our colonialist society and the oppression of minority groups. Just because you can escape from wildfire smoke and heat waves in a well insulated home, doesn’t mean that everyone else has access to the same climate adaptations to keep them safe and comfortable. Recognizing this, and responding to it by pressuring systems and institutions to take mitigating measures, rather than solely adaptation measures, not only helps our climate’s health in the long run, but helps dismantle a system of continued discrimination against vulnerable groups by putting their needs and voices at the forefront

of this work. These groups most affected by climate change and colonialism have been asking for climate justice since the civil rights movement of the 1960s (Carbon Brief). Recently, the Indigenous Climate Action Data Quilt was released, which documents climate justice initiatives in Indigenous Communities around B.C. BIPOC folk have been advocating for a more just and equitable climate action for decades, and it is up to us to help elevate their voices in local government to help fight for climate justice in our communities.

BC First Nations Climate Action Data Quilt

The City of Kamloops is on the right track with their implementation of the CCAP, but it can be better. As a community,

we can continue to advocate for climate justice in Kamloops by speaking to City Council, showing up to Public Hearings, and centering diverse experiences in our minds when we approach conversations on climate change. Last year, the Kamloops Food Policy Council made seven policy recommendations to the city in advance of the 2022 municipal election, including recommendations on public spaces, healthy ecosystems, and decolonizing the municipality. You can learn more about these topics and our recommendations on our website: https:// kamloopsfoodpolicy council.com/food-andthe-city/.

Pergolas at The Stir’s Public Parklet, now complete with benches and a community pantry, provide shade to community members.

Seasonal Recipe

Fresh apricot crumble

Apricot Filling

• 600 gr (1.3 lbs) fresh apricots - (about 18-20 small apricots)

• 40 gr (3 tbsp) brown sugar

• 1/2 Lemon, juiced - (about 30ml / 2 tbsp)

• 7 gr (1 tbsp) cornstarch

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger

Apricots Filling

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C/350°F.

Oat Topping

• 150 gr (1-1/2 cup) rolled oats(certified Gluten-Free if required)

• 50 gr (1/4 cup) brown sugar

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground ginger

• 120 gr (1/2 cup) unsalted buttersoft

2. Wash and cut the fresh apricots into thin slices (I cut each apricot in 8, but you can also cube them). Place them in a large mixing bowl with the brown sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, ground cinnamon and ginger. Toss together until evenly coated.

3. Transfer into a baking dish and set aside.

Oat Topping

1. Place the rolled oats, brown sugar, ground cinnamon and ground ginger in a large mixing bowl. Cut the soft butter into small cubes and add them to the oats. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the oats to create chunks of dough. Cover the apricots with the crumble. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling under is bubbling. Leave to cool down for about 10 minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

1. I used a small oval ceramic baking dish, suitable for about 6 people. Feel free to double the quantities to feed more people.

2. Make sure the butter is well rubbed into the dry ingredients, and evenly combined. You should not see large pieces of uncovered butter anymore.

3. If not serving straight away, leave to cool down completely then cover and transfer in the fridge. Re-heat in the oven before serving for about 10 to 15 minutes, covered with aluminium foil.

Source: https://www.abakingjourney.com/fresh-apricot-crumble-with-oat-topping/

How’s that frog doing?

WVoices of Experience

www.connectornews.ca

Telephone: (250) 374-7467

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

My two cents

Moneca Jantzen Editor

hile the summer is half over, it seems we’ve had a much longer “summer” than usual given the way the weather has behaved this year. A big part of me doesn’t want to complain about a summer launched in May. Locally, it has mostly been wonderful and for once there haven’t been too many mosquitos to send me over the edge. This is not to say that forest fires, floods and extreme weather events have not been doing their thing across the country and world. One of my nieces lives not too far from the fires that took out that neighbourhood near Halifax in the spring. My sister was supposed to do an Ironman in Mirabel, Quebec recently and the event was canceled due to wildfire smoke. These events are always too close for comfort, often life changing and they are impacting people everyday even if they aren’t happening to us directly.

I think most of us enjoy classic summer days of heat and blue skies, but that’s really only if you have access to the right conditions. Living through summer can be tough if you don’t have access to an air conditioner, a fan or two, a cool basement to retreat to, a swimming pool or a beach that also offers shade, cool drinks and perhaps a way to cook outside. The rather ominous downside is definitely a record-setting fire season, widespread drought conditions and all that that entails as well as the harsh reality that many people do not have access to all the things to safely get through a scorching summer.

I started out the season with a busted A/C in my car and while clearly a luxury, now that I have it fixed I am relieved, especially on those smoky days when keeping one’s windows down seems foolish, the price of gas notwithstanding. Needless to say, it’s crucial to stay safe out there, find ways to keep cool, stay hydrated and wear your sunscreen, hat and sunglasses.

With the prospect of having to cut back on water this summer, my mom and I have already started to do a few extra things that will help a little. Surely these are things people should be doing anyways even without the threat of water rations. Have shorter (and fewer) showers if you can swing it; do full loads of laundry and just once a week or less; use low flow toilets and don’t flush every time unless necessary (insert catchy little poem here); keep a large catchment container in the sink and use greywater to rinse dishes or water plants; keep the grass a little longer, adhere to municipal watering regulations; water everything a little bit less and maybe invest in rain barrels to catch some of that rainwater if you have a garden to worry about. I have even contemplated what I will do if/when things get worse and I may resort to showering with a small bucket of water—a skill I acquired many moons ago. I also won’t be washing my car often, although this is hardly atypical of me. Beyond that, it would seem anything else we can do is pray and learn how to rain dance and pressure the powers that be to do the right thing.

As individuals, we can all do our part to help the environment, but in the grand scheme of things real change has to come from government and industry on an international level and on a grand scale and I don’t know if that will ever happen in a way that will matter. Just hearing how devastating the war in the Ukraine has been in environmental terms, as an example, makes me despair that humans will ever get their collective act together. That someone like Vladimir Putin can single handedly distract millions from what we should really be attending to and focusing on, not to mention massively impacting the planet in such a horrific way, is infuriating.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t feel like the frog in the gradually boiled water. It’s hard not to be painfully aware of our reality at this point and I guess the question is whether or not it’s too late. We should have hopped out decades ago and figured this stuff out by now, but here we are. It will be interesting to see how things unfold going forward as more and more people are faced with the stark reality of climate change.

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

Publisher Bob Doull

General Manager Jack Bell (778) 471-7526 jack@kamloopsthisweek.com

Editor: Moneca Jantzen editor@connectornews.ca

Graphic Designer: Dayana Rescigno creative@connectornews.ca

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Music in the Park August 2023 Schedule

Date Artist Name Style

Aug 16 Jackson Hollow Bluegrass

Aug 17 Oral Fuentes Latin Music

Aug 18 Trigger Mafia Rock

Aug 19 Out of Many Caribbean Music

Aug 20 Mostly Marley Bob Marley Tribute

Highs Funkadelic Trancedance

Aug 7 Last Child Classic Rock

Aug 8 Peach Panic East Coast Delight

Aug 9 Richard Graham Roots & Blues

Aug 10 Paisley Groove

Kamloops Groove Band

Aug 11 RibFest: Rock Legends Bob Seger Tribute

Aug 12 RibFest: Eagle Eyes Eagles Tribute

Aug 13 RibFest: Punch Drunk Cabaret Rockabilly

Aug 14 Joni Miller Band Soul Blues & Rock ‘n Roll

Aug 15 Road Waves Rock Funk & Soul

Aug 21 Black Daze Ozzy Tribute

Aug 22 Anna K Indie Pop Singer Songwriter

Aug 23 Mike McKenzie Band Rock

Aug 24 Led Zeppelin Tribute Music of Led Zeppelin

Aug 25 Alive and Kissin’ Kiss Tribute

Aug 26 Malice In Chains Alice in Chains Tribute

Aug 27 Spendo Rock ‘n Roll

Aug 28 Maritime Kitchen Party East Coast Party Music

Aug 29 Forum Country Rock Alternative

Aug 30 Rawn Side of Town Bluesy Rock

Aug 31 Shattered Blue Rock Classics

Checklist: Top 5 Considerations for your GIC Maturity

Time Horizon

CHIANNE V. JONES Financial Advisor

Higher interest rates have caused the popularity of Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs) to surge in recent years. If you’ve bought a GIC recently, it may be maturing soon. This presents you with a new opportunity and a decision to make.

Let’s look at five key factors to consider when making your decision.

Risk Tolerance

We often think of GICs as low-risk investments, where both the original investment and the rate of return are guaranteed. In terms of volatility and principal protection, GICs are very low risk investments. But the flip side is that you’re also likely to receive a relatively low rate of return, and poor tax efficiency. This can contribute to other risks like running out of money in retirement, and not earning a rate of return that keeps pace with inflation.

With this broader view of risk, we can see that all investors, even GIC investors, are exposed to risk in some form or another.

A time horizon generally refers to the period of time you expect to hold an investment, or until you need that money. Time horizons are often linked to investment goals and strategies, for example to retire in 15 years or buy a house next year. However, time horizons can also be associated with certain types of investment products, such as a 10-year government bond or a 2-year GIC. GICs are generally shortterm investments with terms of 5 years or less and are typically more suitable for shorterterm goals and time horizons.

Current Debts

If your GIC maturity date is soon approaching, it may make sense to use the proceeds to pay down some of your debts, in particular high-interest debt. For example, many credit cards charge interest rates approaching 20% or more, which far exceeds GIC rates currently available. If you’re carrying a balance on your credit card or have other forms of highinterest debt, it may be advantageous to use the GIC proceeds to pay down those debts.

Tax Efficiency

This is a priority for many investors and building a taxefficient investment portfolio can help you keep more of what you earn. When it comes to tax-efficient investing,

it’s important to remember that different types of investments generate different types of income – interest, dividends, and capital gains. In turn, each type of investment income is subject to different tax treatment. While capital gains enjoy favorable tax treatment, interest earned from GICs is subject to full income inclusion and taxed accordingly. As such, investments such as GICs have very poor tax efficiency. When choosing your investment products, remember that all investment returns are not treated equally, and it’s not just what you earn, but what you keep that matters most.

Need for Liquidity

Liquidity refers to how easy it is to buy or sell an investment without significantly impacting its price. Liquid investments are easily accessible and can be bought and sold easily and efficiently, whereas illiquid assets or assets with low liquidity may be inaccessible, take longer to sell, and may have higher transaction costs.

Many traditional

investments such as mutual funds and stocks on major exchanges are considered highly liquid, while hedge funds and real estate are often much less liquid. Other than cashable or redeemable GICs, most GICs must be held until maturity, and cannot be sold, redeemed, or transferred from one account to another until they mature. Like other investments, GICs are not universally good or bad investments, but rather, may be more appropriate for certain investors at certain times, while being less suitable for others. If you have a GIC maturing soon and wondering what to do next, your Edward Jones advisor can help you assess your overall financial situation, and together you can determine the best path forward for you.

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

Financial focus

New tech, new scam

THAT TECH GUY

Irecently saw an article about a man who went

shopping and kept a tally of what he bought. He went to the self checkout since he only had a few items. He bought $55 worth and it cane up as $130. He asked for help and the attendant came over and looked then deleted something and said everything was settled. So what was deleted?

It was a gift card. Someone swiped a

gift card then walked away in hopes no one would notice an additional $75 on their bill. Now most people wouldn’t notice that on a few hundred dollars purchase.

It’s a relatively new(ish) scam. With self checkout it’s fairly easy to do. Once the payment goes through the card is active. The issue comes from self checkout, it relies on

the customer to know what they’re buying and a rough idea of the total. I admit I use self checkout when I have a few items, other than that I go to a cashier. Sometimes, well most times actually, old school is safer. If you process your own groceries keep an eye out for what’s on your bill. Stay safe out there, we’re all in this together.

Happy BC Day

K AMLOOPA POW WOW

Tk ’emlups I ndian Band Pow wow Grounds

Celebrating its 42nd year FMI - facebook com/kamloopapowwow

AUGUST 11TH TO AUGUST 13TH

K AMLOOPS DAYBREAK ROTARY RIBFEST R iverside Park

Western Canada’s biggest Rib Festival FMI - kamloopsribfest com

HOT NITE IN THE CITY Downtown K amloops FMI - hotniteinthecity com

AUGUST 27TH

K AMLOOPS PRIDE 2023

Riverside Park - 11:00am FMI - kamloopspride com

PETER MILOBAR TODD STONE

MLA K amloops-Nor th Thompson

618B Tranquille Road Kamloops, BC V2B 3H6

peter.milobar.mla@leg.bc.ca

250-554-5413

@PeterMilobar

PeterMilobarKNT

MLA K amloops-South Thompson 446 Vic toria Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2A7 todd.stone.mla@leg.bc.ca

250-374-2880

@toddstonebc

ToddGStone

TO

JEFFREY READE

If you have signed up for direct deposit, your Old Age Security (OAS) and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) payments will be automatically deposited in your bank account on these dates:

Security

the Canada Pension

Personal Injur y Malprac tice Estates

Employment Contrac t Disputes

Real Law vs TV Law

an inaccurate representation of legal proceedings, while real law is grounded in legal principles and aims for accuracy, not high drama.

Legal Ease

Comfor t Keepers

There are some significant ways that the way law is practiced in Canada differs from what you see on TV. While television shows often take creative liberties for the sake of entertainment, real law adheres to legal principles and procedures. Here are some key differences between real law and TV law in Canada:

Accuracy and Realism: TV law often portrays legal scenarios in a dramatized and condensed manner, focusing on highstakes courtroom battles. This creates

Timeframe: TV law cases are usually resolved within a single episode or a few episodes, providing a sense of closure and resolution. In reality, legal cases can take months or even years to reach a conclusion, as they involve extensive investigations, court appearances and legal procedures.

Courtroom

Dramatics: TV law tends to emphasize dramatic confrontations, surprise witnesses and emotionally charged moments. While real trials can have their intense moments, they are generally more procedural and focused on evidence, legal arguments and adherence to rules of

the court. Legal Professionals: TV law often portrays lawyers as brilliant, charismatic and constantly engaged in high-stakes battles. In reality, lawyers vary in their skills and personalities, and legal work encompasses much more than courtroom drama, including research, negotiation and client counseling.

Simplified Legal Issues: TV shows often simplify complex legal issues to make them more accessible to the audience. Real law involves intricate statutes, regulations, case law and legal interpretations that may not be as straightforward or easily resolved.

Ethical Considerations: TV law sometimes presents ethical dilemmas and questionable tactics that may not align with the ethical rules and

standards governing real lawyers. Real law professionals are bound by codes of ethics and professional responsibility that regulate their behavior and conduct.

Case Resolution: In TV law, cases often have clear winners and losers, with justice served within the duration of an episode. Real law is more nuanced, with outcomes that can vary depending on evidence, legal arguments and the judgment of the court or jury.

It’s important to recognize that TV law serves primarily as entertainment and is not a reliable source for understanding the intricacies of the legal system. To gain a more accurate understanding of Canadian law, it is advisable to consult legal professionals, academic resources or reputable legal publications.

Those Happy Days of Summer

It’s hard to believe, one month of summer is gone. Where oh where did it go?

Chair Fitness will be taking a break for the last week of July and the first week of August and Tennis will be continuing throughout the summer. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call if you are not sure if your particular program is happening during the summer.

Morning Sun Toastmasters will not be meeting during July and August and resuming on Thursday Mornings at 7 a.m. in

September.

Music with Frank on Mondays. Just for Fun Music, Table Tennis, TGIF and Mexican Train will be continuing for August. Please check our calendar for days and times or feel free to call the Centre anytime. 250-3725110.

NOTE: For the month of August we will be closed on Mondays. The Ladies Auxiliary Gift Shoppe will also be closed on Mondays for August.

Our Oasis Restaurant will

continue to be open Tuesday to Friday for the month of August.

The Ladies Auxiliary Gift shoppe will also be open Tuesday to Friday for the summer months.

We hope everyone enjoys BC Day on August 7, 2023. We are truly blessed to have such a beautiful Province in which to explore and enjoy.

We at Seniors’ Community Centre would like to take this opportunity to thank all those working to keep our City safe and healthy. We truly thank all those

Firefighters who are working so diligently to protect us from the fires ravaging our Province. Please be safe and do your part to keep everyone safe. Be Fire Smart. Have a wonderful month and we hope you will join us soon at the Seniors’ Community Centre @ Desert Gardens for some fun and socialization. Everyone is welcome. Until next month enjoy this hot summer sunshine as too soon it will turn to those colourful leaves of autumn.

Kerri D. Priddle Trial Lawyer

KERRI D. PRIDDLE

Submitted by Penny Ouchi, Seniors’ Community Centre at Desert Gardens

The family tree

At some point or another, the majority of us have survived or encountered “that family member or event,” that is born out of the ever growing Family Tree. The older we get, the more expansive our families become, developing a delicate tapestry woven by a variety of experiences, personalities, preferences, traditions and backgrounds.

As we meander along the shores of the Shuswap in our boat, I watch as a menagerie of feathered friends flutter about, and it dawns on me how often we look at birds from a singular species aspect. Their various attributes piquing everyone’s interest in a different way; the majestic soaring presence of the bald eagle, the cunning hunt of an osprey, the undulating flight of a flicker, and the distinct call of a loon, just to name a few.

In the boughs of a single pine tree, a plethora of sounds ring out; sharp notes from bohemian waxwings, soft musical lyrics of flycatchers and rhythmic cheeps from nuthatches and chickadees. Along the shore, a lone solitary sandpiper bobs, while

a cohort of common mergansers work to corral fish as a pair of loons look on.

In this tiny stretch of wilderness, at least a dozen different birds intermingle and why shouldn’t they, after all they are family! Despite all their differences, at the heart of who they are is a bird! Their goals and objectives are still the same. They work alongside each other respectfully minding each other’s business with the odd spat breaking out. As we sit and watch their everyday life, I often find myself wondering if they appreciate and adapt to each other’s unique qualities. Do those who are habitually in each other’s environment show inherent behaviours of the other?

If we stop and analyze those who make up our family tree, will we find that the irritating behaviour of one and the admirable quality of another is what actually lends its mark to our own uniqueness.

I encourage you all to take a moment and watch the life one single tree supports. How different aspects of the tree provide for different species and in turn how the tree requires those differences to survive; Ones that eat flies off the leaves and bugs from within. Perhaps we all need to take a moment and appreciate our irritating “family tree qualities” as much as our admirable ones!

Stay curious Kamloops!

425 Lansdowne Street kamloopslegion.com

Kamloops birdwatch

NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

AMLOOPS’ BEST SELECTION OF VQA WINES AND BC CRAFT BEER

Happy BC Day

We’re In Lansdowne Mall!

225-450 Lansdowne St . 250-571-1377 Lansdowneliquor ca lansdowneliquor

Hair Clips salon

Interior Health heat warning guidance

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for the Thompson/Cariboo/ Shuswap, North Okanagan, Central Okanagan, and South Okanagan areas.

The Province has not declared an extreme heat emergency for these regions.

With elevated temperatures, the risk of heat-related illness increases.

The BC Centre of Disease Control provides a broad range of heatrelated guidance on its website, including information on the different types of heat alerts, how to prepare for hot temperatures, symptoms of heat-related illnesses, those most at risk during hot weather and ways to stay cool.

Preparing for and responding to hot weather:

Happy BC Day

indoor temperatures over 31 C can be dangerous for people who are susceptible to heat.

• If your home gets very hot, consider staying with a friend or relative who has air conditioning if possible.

• Identify people who may be at high risk for heat-related illness. If possible, help them prepare for heat and plan to check in on them.

Who is most at risk?

It is important to monitor yourself, family members, neighbours and friends during hot weather. Consider developing a check-in system for those who are at high risk of heat-related illness.

Those at highest risk include:

• older adults, especially those over 60

• people who live alone

overheating. Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest and use water to cool your body.

· If you have air conditioning at home, make sure it is in good working order.

· If you do not have air conditioning at home:

• Find somewhere you can cool off on hot days. Consider places in your community to spend time indoors such as libraries, community centres, movie theatres or malls. Also, as temperatures may be hotter inside than outside, consider outdoor spaces with lots of shade and running water.

• Shut windows and close curtains and blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Open doors and windows when it is cooler outside to move that cooler air indoors.

• Ensure that you have a working fan, but do not rely on fans as your primary means of cooling. Fans can be used to draw cooler late-evening, overnight and early-morning air indoors. Keep track of temperatures in your home using a thermostat or thermometer. Sustained

• people with preexisting health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease

• people with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety

• people with substance use disorders

• people with limited mobility and other disabilities

• people who are marginally housed

• people who work in hot environments

• people who are pregnant

• infants and young children

Your health:

• Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty.

• Spray your body with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath or sit with part of your body in water to cool down.

• Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day.

• Stay in the shade and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more.

• Take immediate action to cool down if you are

• Signs of heat stroke include loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting and very dark urine or no urine. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. However, it is important to use 911 responsibly to avoid overwhelming the system. When to call 911:

• In cases of heat stroke: loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting or very dark urine or no urine.

•In general: when there is chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe burns, choking, convulsions that are not stopping, a drowning, a severe allergic reaction, a head injury, signs of a stroke or a major trauma.

If you have a less urgent health issue:

• You can call HealthLinkBC at 811 and speak with a nurse or go to an urgent care centre or clinic if you can do so safely. That way, our emergency medical dispatch staff and paramedics will be available for people who need their services the most.

• There are also online tools at healthlinkbc.ca, including a “Check Your Symptoms” tool.

Stay independent longer with a walk-in tub

Hoping to stay in your home as long as possible? Debating which home renovations are best suited to helping you achieve that goal?

Considering a report from the Government of Canada states one in four seniors fall every year and many of those falls happen in the bathroom, it’s no surprise that installing a walk-in tub can allow seniors to live at home independently for an additional five years, on average.

“Getting in and out of the bath or shower is a huge source of anxiety for seniors, especially those with mobility issues,” says Rick Perkins, owner of Walk-In Tubs Thompson Okanagan. “For both seniors and their family members, installing a walk-in tub can make a big difference when it comes to safety and peace-ofmind ”

Why a walk-in tub? Why not a walk-in shower?

“I’ve often met with clients who for whatever reasons don’t particularly like baths and would prefer to continue showering,” Perkins says “While I completely understand everyone has a

personal preference, I always encourage them to consider their safety first and the numbers don’t lie, walk-in baths are the safest solution on the market ”

Walk-in tubs are specifically designed with senior health, safety and longterm comfort in mind, Perkins says. If you’re thinking a grab-bar is all you need, ask yourself one simple question: “If I slip and manage to catch myself on the grab bar, do I have the upper body strength to fully prevent a fall or am I still going to walk away injured?”

The vast majority of the seniors Perkins speaks with agree they can’t safely rely on grab-bars alone.

“I just want to help people, if I make a sale along the way great, but it’s never my priority,”

– Rick Perkins.

Keeping their clients safe is the ultimate goal – they’re not a high-pressure, salesfocused business, says Perkins, who though semi-retired, continues to sell walk-in tubs because he and his wife, Cheryl, find it so rewarding and fulfilling “Rick has always been a ‘people person’ – he just loves visiting and helping people,”

Cheryl says “This is a ‘feel-good’ business and we’re driven to continue it because we’re not only helping keep our fellow seniors safe, but helping them retain their independence for as long as possible ”

Walk-in Tubs Thompson Okanagan

offers a free, zero-obligation estimate and Rick is always eager to provide prospective clients with information on Provincial and Federal tax-credits and grants available for seniors interested in a walk-in tub.

Learn more at walkintubsbc.com, email info@walkintubsbc.com or call 250-682-4932 for more information.

By Impress

Media (a division of Black Press).

Rivertown Players bring free theatre to local parks

By Keiko Bolen, Kamloops Arts Council

Making their grand debut at Art in the Park this July 1st, the Rivertown Players are an acting troupe composed of postsecondary theatre students focused on creating accessible, free, family-friendly performances for our beautiful community. Under the tutelage of a local theatre professional, the students create a full-scale production from scratch, which they then perform live multiple times a week. From scripts to sets to costumes to direction, the students are involved in every aspect of theatre production and learn just what it takes to

mount a series of plays on a tight schedule. This year the Rivertown Players are focused on telling stories with heart; a few central themes of the show they have put together include embracing differences between one another, treating everyone with kindness and respect, and acknowledging and accepting when we need to ask for help. They hope that these topics resonate with their audience and that they are able to take these ideas home with them and apply them to their real life. While the performances are primarily targeted at children, the Players aim to make their shows enjoyable for

all ages and have incorporated humour they believe will have everyone chuckling, regardless of age. These completely free performances will be available all over Kamloops, including the Northshore and Downtown TNRD libraries, as well as several popular parks such as Riverside Park, Albert McGowan, Prince Charles, and Brocklehurst Parks, to name a few. Performances are typically 30 minutes long and are presented three to four times a week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, meaning there are ample opportunities to catch these talented individuals at a

location near you. With interactive songs and games as a warm-up before transitioning into their entirely selfcrafted plays, every performance has the opportunity to be unique. Most guests

enjoy the shows so thoroughly that they return to each viewing daily!

The best way to catch the Rivertown Players is to follow them on Instagram and Facebook at @

Hey, there’s a car show!

Many years ago while visiting Vancouver Island in Campbell River, we came across a car show in the downtown area. It was amazing to see quite a few hundred vehicles that primarily existed on the Island. I was impressed by the variety of different cars, motorcycles, and trucks on display. Having a show car myself and attending many events with nothing but the smell of carnuba and tire

prep, I was reflecting on what these exercises of “showing” meant.

I remember the day I showed the original owner of my show car what 2 years of work, 4-5 nights a week and 6-7 hours per day meant. She marvelled at how lovely her car looked and her husband said “you painted the car” then just walked away.

Just to clarify, the restoration incorporated replacement of many sheet metal parts, like fenders, doors, trunk panels etc. To sum it up, the only sheet metal I could use was the roof, the trunk and the hood, all other was replaced or extensively repaired.

Of course, I also overhauled the engine completely, rebuilt the transmission, replaced all bearings in the rear differential, replaced all of the brake components and the cooling system. Not to be missed, the interior was reupholstered, with new carpeting replacing the yellow and green shag, the gas and brake pedals were also replaced. Ya right, I “painted the car” which by the way was painted a specific colour blue because it was the original owner’s

favoured choice.

rivertownplayers to stay up to date on their schedule all summer long, though you may run into them during a stroll through your favourite park!

By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

At a “car show” every single vehicle has a story as to how it got there and why the owner chose that vehicle. The stories can be quite fascinating and interesting besides being very personal.

To recognize various peoples efforts with their vehicle contributions, for all of us to see, a judging process has been incorporated. Some shows will have categories like many of the following. How far did you travel to attend the show, how long has the vehicle been in the family, the crazy glue award (explained as, did the restoration process bond the family together), special meaning award and more. Trophies were given out to acknowledge each contribution to the various stories or histories provided.

My favourite story belongs to a young man who was showing a beautiful 1966 GTO which he and his father had restored. His father was the original owner and when the time came to restore it, sleeves were rolled up and both of them “went to town” on it. Yes, those were his words! The story seemed impressive but not spectacular as what they had done

was a similar restoration process, as many others had done. This person did not know he was being evaluated for an award so his comment was totally open.

He summed up his qualification for the “Special meaning award” by admitting how his personal connection to the vehicle was primarily the result of the following statement “I was conceived in the back seat.” Big check mark on that one!

Many people have spoken of first time vehicle experiences they had in that very vehicle or something like it, or that vehicle is from a childhood or teenage infatuation with a rolling piece of shiny metal. The reasons were endless and incredibly heart warming.

It really is a car show where people make public their own personal expressions not just a competition and to that I say thank you to all who participate.

Any questions or concerns please contact me at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca.

Pros and Cons of Curbless Walk-in Showers

with you. Children can clear a 4” curb with no problems, however, the elderly may have a harder time. It is nice to have a bathroom that functions and works for everyone in the family.

Flooring

One of the latest trends that we are loving in bathroom design is a sleek and modern curbless shower. If you plan a bathroom remodel or build a new home, this guide is for you. Let’s explore some of the pros and cons of curbless showers to help you decide if one may be right for you!

Pros

Functionality

By eliminating the curb, you make your shower an accessible space for all. This is important if you live in a home with multiple generations or have company stay

Say goodbye to the door

Not only are shower doors expensive they can be timeconsuming to clean. With curbless showers you eliminate the need for one, that is unless you want one, then go for it!

Show off your design

Your view is physically cut off when a shower is enclosed by a curb or door. With an open shower, there are sightlines into the wet area that can showcase and show off a luxury or creative shower design. Think of all the new tiles and decorative wall panels available on the market. There are so many options

for you to create a space that is beautiful and unique to your style so why not let it shine with a curbless shower?

Great for all spaces

If you have your heart set on a curbless shower but are concerned your space is too small, do not fret, you do not need to live in a large home to enjoy a curbless shower. Smaller bathrooms with curbless showers simply require a bit more thought on the layout.

Cons

Little privacy

Curbless showers are often open to the rest of the bathroom, so they do not offer much privacy. If privacy is a concern, consider adding different design elements such as obscure glass, glass blocks, or curtains to minimize this problem.

Water can escape

Since only the slope of the shower floor

holds water in the wet area of the shower it is easier for water to spill over into the rest of the bathroom. To combat this, shower head type and placement are extra important.

Logistics

This isn’t as much of a concern for new builds as it is for renovation projects. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as tiling your entire bathroom and adding a showerhead. Depending on the scope of the project and your local building codes, the floor where the shower will be may need to be lowered or raised to account for waterproofing and draining. If any of these points have piqued your interest in curbless showers don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom for a chat. With so many new tiles on the market, we’re confident there will be a style for you!

PAUL MORRIS Nufloors

Seniors’ Community Centre at Desert Gardens

540 Seymour Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2G9

Phone 250-372-5110 | www.desertgardens.ca | desertgardens@hotmail.com

We Welcome Everyone in the Community. Why not COME AND TRY ONE OF THESE ACTIVITIES or just have a Visit

Our Ladies Auxiliary Gift Shoppe is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am to 1:30pm

ACROSS

1. Indicates tire pressure

4. Request 7. Clairvoyance

10. 007’s creator

11. Adult male

12. Scandinavian god of battle

13. Cloths spread on a coffin

56. A beloved carb

57. Tag the base runner to get him out

59. Prehistoric people

60. Large African antelope

61. Vehicle

62. Georgia rockers

63. Scientific instrument (abbr.)

64. A major division of geological time

65. Attempt

DOWN

1. Plant of the nettle family

2. Fit to be sold

3. Rather

4. Collected

5. A baglike structure in a plant or animal

6. Patella

7. Ageless

8. Lists of course requirements

9. Pokes at

13. TV network

14. They __

17. Cooking hardware

18. U.S. Army title

20. Iron-containing compound

22. Swiss river (alt. spelling)

27. Former French coin

28. Electronic countermeasures

29. Taxi

31. Helps little firms

32. Woeful

33. Midway between northeast and east

37. Glowing

38. Tasks which should be done

39. An informal body of friends

40. Intrinsic nature

41. Neural structures

42. Brews

43. Where ships unload cargo

44. Singer

47. Sino-Soviet block (abbr.)

48. Southwest Scotland town

49. Most worthless parts

51. Viscous

52. Put to work

53. Old world, new

58. Swiss river

Merritt Senior Centre

The Merrit Seniors Association

250-378-3763 • 1675 Tutill Court |

Book Review

By Marilyn Brown

Closer by Sea

By Perry Chafe Fiction,

259 pages plus a reading group guide Scribner Canada 2023

Office hours are Wednesday and Friday from 11:00am to 2:00pm All programs are subject to change or cancellation.

Kamloops Seniors Drop-In Schedule

SUDOKU

If a setting could be considered a character in a novel, then this book would be the shining star of such an arrangement. Closer by Sea immediately submerges the reader in the land of stunning beauty and simultaneous challenges of making a living off the sea. The Newfoundland fishing village on an island isolated from the mainland employs most of the population in the fishing industry. The men go out to sea and if luck is with them, bring their heavily laden, purpose-built, handcrafted boats to the docks and fish plant, where the women prepare the fish for sale in Canadian and international markets. The children have various jobs too: a teenager, for example, could make some cash by deft knife work cutting “cod tongues,” the kids needing only a nod from a skipper to gain permission to work on a catch of cod. Pierce and his pals are a tight-knit group who work as a team on the docks, even when the target of a nasty bunch of older boys.

Twelve-year-old Pierce is the joy of his parents. When his father seems to be lost at sea on a calm day both mother and son are deeply shocked. The father’s boat is found with no one on board. Pierce is determined to make the boat “ship shape” and seaworthy in order to continue in his family’s tradition of fishing for a living.

As fishing boats return to port with fewer and fewer fish, the stress on the community is intense. Tempers flare. In the midst of this a girl whom Pierce is drawn to goes missing. One suspect is a non-resident elderly scientist “with eyes like a dead fish.” Suspense builds as Pierce and his friends risk their lives to find the missing girl.

Closer by Sea is permeated with the atmosphere of a Newfoundland working fishing village in the early 90s. The challenges that the young Pierce faces engage the reader immediately and sustain the tension throughout. Recommended.

The author, Perry Chafe, knows the nuances of Newfoundland, having been born and raised there. He is a television writer and producer whose credits include Republic of Doyle and Son of a Critch. This is his first novel.

THOSE WERE THE DAYS

Story by Rita Joan Dozlaw

Renata’s summers were not all good ones, but looking back she declared life was all about taking the bad with the good and being carefree. She was smack in the middle of a big family constellation, and her personal orbit was chaotic. She’d tried to keep up with her brothers and appear street wise but a tomboy she was not; too awkward! Even pulling off an act as a smart-alek big sister to her baby sister, didn’t work because she didn’t have the smarts! She was an indecisive little wimp. Look out baby brother! Renata took her angst out on the youngest bro, Rob. Hiding behind the façade of ‘family jester,’ so as not to divulge her insecurities, Renata purposely spooked Rob by jumping out in front of his face, wagging her tongue, waving her hands like claws, and rolling her eyes back in their sockets. She got her kicks creeping him out and told him the mosquitoes were going to suck all the blood right out of his head while he slept!

“I’m gonna call the foreign legion and have you shipped to kingdom come if you don’t behave, Renata.” Her mother made that clear repeatedly. One summer night, Renata watched a late-night stand-up comedian on TV. He asked the audience a question she’d always wanted to ask.

“Where on earth is Kingdom Come?”

Someone answered, “Where the boys are!” That did it; Renata wanted to go there. She had no luck searching for the illusive Kingdom Come; boys were yukky anyway. Her consoling dad

reminded her of her first love.

“When you were three, you had a crush on a cop! In a crowd at the bus stop, you got onto the wrong bus without your mama! I found you in a cop’s arms at the police station. You were devouring an ice cream cone and pulled an ugly tantrum when I took you from his arms to go home.”

Compared to her sister Jeanie who sang, flirted, danced the jig, pouted and manipulated everyone to get her way, Renata was homely and had no such skills. She got the new clothes, however, while Jeanie wore the hand-me-downs. The kids’ grandma showered the quiet girl with unconditional love—knowing she’d been upstaged by her sister. Once, feeling her oats at Gram’s, Renata tipped over the ironing board, and the hot iron burned her foot. Gram took her onto her lap, smeared zinc ointment on the injury, and coddled the inconsolable child as they rocked in the grand old rocking chair that all the kids scrambled for and fought over.

For being brave, Gram gave Renata a gift book about ponies, carousel horses and mythical unicorns. In the front she wrote, ‘For my precious Renny, Love Gram.’ She influenced the youngster to learn how to play the piano and, with a twinkle in her eye, pointed at the keys so Renata could get it right. Renata learned ‘Country Gardens.’ It was their favourite duet to play together.

The summer Renata was eight, the family stood out on the tarmac to board a flight to a new country. “Where’s Gram,

mommy?”

Renata’s mother explained the sorrowful truth. “She’s in heaven, honey.”

When the plane took off, gazing through the clouds, Renata was sure she was going up to heaven to see Gram. She wept bitterly when the plane touched down in Canada and her beloved grandmother wasn’t there.

In the summers to come, the young teen sang in church choirs, got her first dog and, with an older brother, attended her first concert. Harry Belafonte’s performance, at the Eaton’s Centre, was a highlight of her life. She left with her first vinyl record. It was autographed by Belafonte himself. Her sweet-sixteenth summer was ruined when, following a terrible rain storm, ground water seeped into the crawlspace under their house where Renata’s favorite possessions were stored in a playroom. The contents, of the cardboard box containing the pony book, the long-play record of Belafonte, and the dog-eared ‘Country Gardens’ sheet music, was soaked and destroyed. One stand-alone, magic, rite of passage happened when Renata was seventeen. She fell in love. Three months later she was engaged to Johnny. Her parents’ new jobs, located in the Niagara region, meant they had to relocate. Back then, single girls were bound to stay with their parents. The love-sick girl pined for Johnny all that summer while communicating on long-distance calls and exchanging snail mail… until the night he came to town, stole into her house,

absconded with his best girl, who was packed to go, and fled the coop. Renata had to return home; Johnny’s folks refused to let her stay there. At eighteen, the kids had a date at the altar.

The new bride had to grow up: don’t fill the wringer-washer with too much soap; suds can overflow all the way down a back lane! Wool sweaters shrink in hot water! Reds ruin the whites… things like that. Attempting to bake her first cake, the gas stove blew up in her face, singed her hair, and knocked her over. Was being a spouse about survival?

That spring, Renata stored a winter blanket in a plastic bag. It was mistaken for trash and hauled to a land fill. Being a spouse was about losses and learning curves. They led to the decade Renata bore three kids. The boys were daredevils like their uncles and, imagining they were stuntmen and superheroes, they plunged off the roof onto a trampoline.

Renata had to figure out just what being a parent was about!

Fast forward to summers of agerelated health issues.

Renata was a big kid at heart, and her prerogative was to not act her age! The child within helped her write, and her new book was hilarious.

‘Those were the days [for Renata] my friend.’ Sharing her stories, with folks in their second childhood who wore rose-coloured glasses to see their past, brought Renata joys galore!

Outdoor activities that are perfect for seniors

The great outdoors beckons people of all ages. Fresh air can be hard to resist and the benefits of spending time outdoors are so numerous that it behooves anyone, including seniors, to answer the call of nature.

According to researchers, human beings benefit both physically and psychologically from spending time in nature. Such experiences can reduce stress and help lower heart rates, potentially decreasing individuals’ risk for cardiovascular disease. In addition, spending time outside in green spaces has been linked to a lower risk of depression.

Seniors who are retired or even aging empty nesters who are still in the workforce can make great use of their free time by venturing into the great outdoors. The following are a handful of seniorfriendly outdoor activities that provide a great reason to get off the couch and take in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

• Hiking: Hiking

provides a great workout and an ideal opportunity to spend time in an idyllic setting. Hiking helps individuals build stronger muscles and bones, improves their sense of balance, has a positive effect on heart health, and can decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. Hiking is an especially attractive outdoor activity for seniors, as many parks feature trails with varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring there’s a trail for seniors whether they’re seasoned or novice hikers.

• Water aerobics: Water-based exercises can be especially helpful individuals with chronic diseases, a category many seniors fall into. The CDC in the U.S. notes that one study published in the journal of Arthritis & Rheumatology found that such activity improves the use of joints affected by arthritis without worsening symptoms. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also notes that swimming can lead to improved health for people with diabetes

and heart disease. Seniors can reap these benefits by going for a dip in their own backyard pools or a local body of water, such as a lake or ocean.

• Fishing: Of course not all outdoor activities need to make seniors huff and puff. Fishing provides a great reason to get outdoors, and many individuals devoted to fishing report feeling less stressed after a day spent casting for their favourite fish. Individuals who consume what they catch also can benefit by improving their diets, as consuming certain types of fish has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and obesity.

• Volunteering: Local environmental groups often sponsor cleanups at parks and waterfront attractions like beaches and lakes. Volunteering with such organizations is a great way to get outside and give back, and working with like-minded individuals can be a great way for seniors to meet new people

ENTER TO WIN

2 PASSES TO “THE NORTH THOMPSON FALL FAIR” September 2nd to 4th at the Barriere Fairground

Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr., Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 or email your details with “Fall Fair Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, Aug. 25th at 9:00 am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize.

Name .............................................................................................................

Phone............................................................................................................

Email

What is grief?

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

What is grief? It depends on who you ask. Some push it away while others bathe in tears. Some need to surround themselves with friends and family while others need to be alone. Grief is emotional: expressing it with sadness or anger, sitting with it in shock or numbness, yelling, crying or silence. Grief can be all of these things. There are many types of grief and we all acknowledge and express it in whatever way is right for us. There is no comparison in grief. There is no ‘right way to do grief.’ My grief is not worse than your grief. Your friend’s grief lasting longer than your sister’s grief doesn’t mean one grief is stronger than the other. Sometimes, we don’t even recognize we are grieving. A loss is a loss, whether it be our person, our pet, our job, our house, our relationship and most especially ourselves. I think we forget this last one most of all.

When sitting with grief, please remember these three things:

1) Be gentle with yourself and expect less. You are a different person than you were before the event. Maybe

What are you watering?

you used to juggle two different tasks while talking on the phone and taking your dog for a walk at the same time. It’s ok get up off the couch and not remember if you were wanting a glass of water or if you needed to go pee. You are likely sleeping less; remembering things is challenging.

2) Attempt to do something to ground yourself every day—whatever that is for you. Pause. Take a step outside and breathe deeply the fresh air, maybe three deep breaths if you can. Stretch, like really high trying to touch the ceiling or the sky. Walk in bare feet on the grass. It might be hard to concentrate, so start small.

3) Grief has no timeline. Well-meaning people might try to tell you ‘it’s been long enough’ or something similar to try to nudge you back to your happy place. Grief comes in waves. Even when we think we are through it, one picture, song, smell, movie, place, a word can bring a memory back. And we might smile or cry or do both. It’s okay. We all grieve our own way but the one thing I think everyone can agree on is that grief is hard.

End of Life Doula

outsideColouring the lines

Batteries installed, solution in place, we hit the power button and BUBBLES!

Bright, colourful, magical bubbles are pouring out of the new bubble machine, dancing through the air, making us smile and maybe even giggle!

Not more than a dozen steps onto the foot bridge on the trail, my partner and I stop completely still. Just a few feet in front of us two black-capped chickadees are flying face to face inches apart, nearly hovering in the air. We stand still, watching for several minutes as these two move in synchronicity, mirroring one another, before flying away. We smile in awe at this

bit of wonder as we wander.

Donning my brand new helmet, I place my feet on the pedals of my brand new ebike and launch myself! As I pedal in and out of shade on the bike trail which takes me home from the bike shop, I hear myself saying, “yes! yes! yes!” Joy fills my entire being as I remember how much I love to ride, something I’ve been unable to do since injuring my knee several years ago! The gift of pedal assist makes this joy possible again!

“The quality of your life depends on the seeds you water,” says beloved Buddhist teacher Thich Nach Hahn. After a year of many challenges, I realized I was losing my joy for life, my joy for living, so this summer I’ve very intentionally been watering the seeds of joy!

Blowing bubbles, playing in area lakes with the grandchildren, hiking local trails, reading my favourite authors, and now biking!

Watering seeds until that moment when the joy just bubbles out of me on that bike trail.

The Book of Ecclesiastes tells us there is a season for everything: a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance…

I don’t read this as an either/ or, but as a both/ and, meaning there must be room in our lives for weeping AND laughing. Healthy living allows room for challenges, for grief and sorrow, for sadness, even for anger, along with happiness, kindness, laughing, dancing, joy!

My year of challenges included all those things, but in this season of summer I chose to water joy, to give it more room for growth, to nurture it to fruition. So far the harvest looks very promising!

What seeds are you watering? What wants to burst forth in your life? What needs room to emerge fully for you? If you are watering seeds of sorrow, sadness, or grief, then I pray

you walk gently with yourself, giving space for all that these segments of our journey through life hold for us. If you are watering seeds of kindness, compassion, care for earth, care for others, or something similar, then I pray you find many different ways to water these beautiful gifts. And if you are watering seeds of hope, laughter, dancing and joy, then I pray your life bubbles over with these gifts so our world will be colour-filled and made more magical by what you offer!

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.org and be in touch!

REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

Is it true that Drake has retired and recently sold his cremation and funeral business?

By Nolan Adam, owner of Drake Cremation and Funeral Services

Many of you will be sad to hear that Drake did, in fact, sell his funeral home. My name is Nolan Adam and along with my wife Abigail and our children Emma and Noah, I’m honoured to announce that we are the new owners of Drake’s Cremation and Funeral Service.

I am a third generation funeral director who always wanted to be like my grandpa. He started his very own funeral business in a small community in rural Manitoba and ever since I was 8 years

old, I knew that this profession was what I wanted to do.

At 10 years old, I was cutting grass and cleaning cars, and at 16 years old I received my first black suit, keys to a black funeral vehicle and a large black bag which held a very heavy cell phone. Fast forward many years later, and here I am, with children who are 9 and 7 who have already begun cutting grass and cleaning cars. When they each turn sixteen will get keys to a black car, a black suit but the cell phone they receive will be a little smaller.

Drake, and his wife Avril, have built a tremendous business — a business based on the principal of “Treat people how you yourself want to be treated.” They served the grieving families of Kamloops and surrounding communities with love, care and compassion and my family and I will work tirelessly to fill the void that their wellearned retirement leaves.

I know many of you now are thinking, “This is fine, but what about Maggie? She is star of the show.” I am

sorry to report that even though I tried to get Maggie as part of the package, she has retired from the business as well. But do not fear, my equally cute Husky puppy Dante is up to the task and follows me wherever I go. I look forward to becoming part of this beautiful community and when the time comes, serving you with the same love, care, and compassion for which Drake was so well known. If I can help in any way, please email me at nolan@ drakecremation.com.

Left to right, Noah, Emma, Abigail and Nolan Adam have recently arrived in Kamloops. The Adams are the new owners of Drake Cremation and Funeral Services.

> When should I get my hearing checked for the first time?

> What do I do if I lose one of my hearing aids?

> Why don’t my hearing aid batteries last as long as they used to?

> I can’t afford to get hearing aids, HELP!

DID YOU KNOW?

Remember to let your hearing aid batteries sit un-tabbed for one minute before putting them into your hearing aid

Giving the batter y that ex tra minute allows air to enter and ac tivate the batter y which will increase the batter y longevit y!

If you notice a sudden/dramatic change in your hearing it should be addressed right away! Just like your eyes, your hearing should change slowly over time A sudden change can be an indicator of other things It may just be wax but in case it is not you should have it checked by a professional right away Often it is faster and easier to get into see us than it is to see your doc tor If it’s just wax we can tell by our hearing test If it’s something else, a comprehensive hearing test will help your medical professional diagnose and treat you faster

The average person should have a baseline audiogram between age 50 and 55. Just like other baseline tests it gives us a star ting point, if your hearing changes we will have a reference as to how much and how fast If you have been exposed to loud noises either through your workplace or through recreational ac tivities you should have your hearing tested earlier Jobsite test are done to collec t data, not to inform you of hearing loss If you have had your hearing tested at or through work , any hearing loss that shows a number of greater than 20 indicates that you should have a full hearing evaluation by a Hearing Healthcare Professional

Most ex tended health plans have some sor t of provision for hearing health c are. We can help you navigate the paper work to make it as smooth as possible Sometimes we can even direc t bill them.

All hearing aid manufac tures have a loss warranty on their hearing aids. If you have lost one or both of your aids, check with your hearing aid provider to see if they are still under loss warrant y If they are not many house insurance policies cover lost and or severe damage to your hearing aids Did you know that more hearing aids are eaten by pets annually then are lost

All hearing aid offices offer a trial period with new hearing aids Some offices charge a restocking fee others do not The best way to make an educated discussion is to wear appropriate amplification in and around your day to day ac tivities There are third par ty benefits through First Canadian Heath, D epar tment of Veterans’ Affairs, Worksafe BC, CPP disabilit y benefits, and Work BC. If your hearing loss indicates that you should be applying to any of them we will not only tell you, we will help you navigate the paper work!

Get all of your questions answered! Call us today to book a no - obligation consultation.