Kamloops Connector October 2023

Keeping people in the land of the remembered

By Moneca Jantzen

Everybody loves a good mystery but not everybody makes it their mission to solve them. Charlotte

Gorley, originally from Salmon Arm, discovered while working on her own family tree that she has an insatiable desire to “re-home” found photos of total strangers.

Gorley often wishes the old photos she finds in antique shops and thrift stores were accompanied by a thousand words because every hint counts.

“I developed an interest in genealogy research and as I researched my family tree, and my husband’s ancestry, I had a deep appreciation for the photos that brought a personal element to our ancestors’ records,” said Gorley.

“I’ve always liked visiting antique stores and found myself drawn to photos and documents in those shops. If a photo had a name or other clue on the back, I thought it would be fun to see if I could “home” it and unite it with the family it belongs with,” explains Gorley.

Some photos are virtually impossible to rescue because they offer no clues. If Gorley has a name, a place, a date, an address or any other solid information she can begin to piece together a story using various online tools such as ancestry.ca, FamilySearch.com, tineye.com, DeadFred. com, Find-A-Grave.com, Google, census records, obituaries, etc.

“It’s always sad to find photos with nothing written on the back, or “Grandma and Grandpa”. A name is very helpful, and if the photo has a date, it makes it easier to narrow down the individual. In the early 1900s many people had photos made into postcards so I might have the name of the recipient, or if it is a studio photo the photographer’s name is often helpful,” said Gorley.

“Perhaps the image might have a background that gives a clue to the location, or even the season the photo was taken in. There might be another object in the photo that helps to identify the person, time, or place, such as an automobile,” said Gorley.

When asked about the response she gets from families that are reunited with their ancestor’s photo, Gorley says: “The families are excited and grateful. Often, they will share a story about their loved one if they knew them, or tell me a passed-downthe-generations story about them. They often say

things like “She had the best laugh” or “He collected the darnedest thing”. I can hear the smile in their message when they share things like that.”

Gorley doesn’t expect anything in return for a successful reunion and just hopes the recipients might pay her kindness forward. Sometimes they do more, like send her a gift card or a bouquet of flowers. On the flip side, some

Continued on page 12

Charlotte Gorley

Public Spaces Build Community Resilience

By Jess Payette, Stirfront Coordinator

community, like we have during this summer’s wildfire emergency. However, there seems to be a disparity between the support and compassion many folks have for immediate victims of emergency circumstances, and the compassion they have for those facing longer term impacts of emergencies, whether environmental, personal, or systemic.

Have you seen what’s stirring outside of Kamloops Food Hub? A collection of benches, native plants, and a community pantry have popped up outside The Stir - and everyone is welcome to enjoy the space. So often, there are barriers to accessing public spaces that divide us. You may need to buy a coffee to sit on a patio

downtown; others might have bylaw officers called on them because they’re staying overnight in a public park, rather than just visiting it. These differences in the way folks experience shared spaces create divides in our community, and can weaken our compassion for each other.

In times of emergency, Kamloops often acts as a host

Katherine Peinhardt writes for the Project for Public Spaces that “[Public spaces] foster social networks that strengthen neighbourhoods, and as a result, become hubs for recovery after disasters like climateexacerbated hurricanes and wildfires. Creating equitable, accessible spaces that attract interactions between all members of a community feeds directly into the type of deep resilience so necessary in an era of climate change.”

This resiliency Peinhardt writes about

Seasonal Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1 inch cubes

•1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved

•2 tbsp olive oil

•Salt

•Pepper

Instructions:

comes from connecting with everyone in our community -and we can’t do that if we’re actively preventing some of our community members from participating in shared spaces. Encouraging separation between groups in our communities prevents us from finding effective ways to support everyone -because we’re not hearing from everyone. Regardless of a person’s background or current circumstances, they should be able to enjoy the same socalled public spaces as anyone else in our community.We hope that the cultivation of these truly shared spaces can help build connections in our community, and encourage more fully formed perspectives in important conversations happening in Kamloops.

Chris Torres, The Stir’s Parklet Manager, says “We believe everyone deserves

great public space, and we want to show our commitment to making that a reality for our community. Our hope is to join other leaders in our community in advocating for more public space, and in doing so, encourage a city that is better for business, more compassionate and diverse, and safer for everyone who lives here.”

If you want to help build a culture of resilience, respect, and compassion in our community, we encourage you to visit The Stir’s Parklet. The Stir is also looking for folks to help keep this space clean and functional for our community to enjoy by adopting care-

taking tasks for the community pantry or parklet. You can learn more about adopting the parklet at https:// kamloopsfoodpolicy council.com/will-youadopt-our-communitypantry-and-parklet/ To learn more about the importance of public spaces, you can read the article and policy recommendations Torres wrote on behalf of the Kamloops Food Policy Council at https://kamloopsfood policycouncil.com /public-spaces-andthe-commons/.

Fall Salad DaisyBeet.com

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

•1 large SweeTango apple, diced

• 8 cups curly kale, stems removed and cut into bite size pieces

•1/3 cup pepitas

•1/4 cup dried cranberries

•2 oz goat cheese, crumbled

•Preheat oven to 415F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or foil.

For Balsamic Honey Mustard Dressing

•1/2 cup olive oil

•6 tbsp balsamic vinegar

•1 1/2 tbsp honey mustard

•Pinch of salt

•Toss butternut squash in 1 tbsp olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, and cinnamon. Spread out on one of the baking sheets.

•Toss Brussels sprouts in the remaining olive oil, plus a generous shake of salt and pepper. Place on the other baking sheet.

ª Roast the vegetables for 20-25 minutes until fork tender and beginning to brown.

• Toast the pepitas. Heat a small skillet over medium heat on the stovetop and add pepitas. Toast for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Pepitas will be done when they begin to turn brown.

•Prepare the dressing. Add all dressing ingredients to a small jar. Close the jar and shake vigorously to combine.

• Add kale, roasted vegetables, apples, toasted pepitas, dried cranberries, and goat cheese to a large mixing bowl. Pour on the dressing and toss well to combine everything and coat all the ingredients in the dressing

Photo of KFPC staff in The Stir’s Parklet

Photo credit: Katrina Andresen

With 1 in 8 women expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime, most Canadians know someone who will be affected by breast cancer. When you run for one, you run for all.

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and CIBC invite all Canadians to lace up their shoes and come together to make a real difference for those impacted by breast cancer at the 32nd annual Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure on Sunday, October 1, 2023.

Taking place in 53 communities across the country, the Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led initiative in support of the breast cancer cause. The event raises funds for world-leading research and vitally important support

IS BACK

JOIN US ON SUNDAY, OC T. 1, 2023

National sponsors

programs to help people facing breast cancer live longer, fuller lives.

Breast cancer continues to be the most diagnosed cancer among women, with 1 in 8 women expected to face a diagnosis in their lifetime. By fundraising and participating in the Run, Canadians are making a real, lasting difference.

Over the last 5 years, CCS has invested over $53 million in breast cancer research across the country. Today, 89% of women and 76% of men with breast cancer survive at least 5 years past their diagnosis. Notably, since its peak in 1986, the breast cancer death rate has been nearly cut in half.

This significant progress is thanks to Canadians’ continued commitment to changing the future of breast cancer forever.

In 2022, 45,000 Canadians came together in-person and

virtually to participate in the CIBC Run for the Cure, raising more than $13 million. Funds raised through the Run go towards compassionate support programs like transportation services, accommodation, wig services, an online community and toll-free helpline, as well as making a lasting impact on improved breast cancer outcomes through life-saving research.

The Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure is open to everyone. Participants can register to run or walk a 5-kilometre or 1-kilometre route at a Canadian Cancer Society CIBC Run for the Cure site in their community. Canadians can also participate from anywhere in Canada by registering for My Run. Any Where. Any Way. Visit cibcrunforthecure.com to register or donate today.

Harvesting Gratitude

Voices 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

Idon’t know about you, but I’ve been finding the pace of the world to be somewhat draining of late. I am hoping the arrival of autumn will bring a bit of calm and time to reflect, a chance to contemplate life’s many blessings. Thanksgiving will come and go and many of us will share in a feast with family and friends on this occasion. In times that are increasingly hard for some, hopefully those of us that can, will pay it forward and contribute to special causes or render acts of kindness to help make other’s lives just a little bit better. Whether it’s a strategic donation to an organization or to someone’s Go Fund Me as they navigate tragedy, paying for someone’s groceries, donating to the Food Bank, or giving away free stuff online to someone in need, there is always something we can do to make someone’s day or life better.

Helping others will also help one feel better about their own situation. During the month of August I participated in a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society on Facebook. Participants were to commit to rowing at least 62000m over the course of the month as well as fundraise. I managed to raise over $300 which for me is substantial, but the entire group got very close to raising $150,000. Not only did I benefit from the warm fuzzies that large sum provoked, I was encouraged and motivated to add a new exercise routine to my schedule. I can’t say that it totally stuck (yet) but I accomplished the goal and I now know I can do it. Once past certain distractions, I hope I can get back to a routine again and back on the rower.

Other ways to help ponder life’s blessings at this time of year is to find ways to refuel. Perhaps you like hiking or fishing or camping and need to get out in nature to ground yourself after a hectic summer season. Maybe you need to resume your photography or painting hobby or dig into that stack of books sitting next to your bed. Picking out a beautiful new journal to start back at your morning pages might get you back in a refreshed headspace to feel gratitude once more.

Now that the weather is cooler and hopefully the air remains less smoky, outdoor activities can draw one outside. Tidying up the garden for another year is on the to do list but we can be thankful for the harvest we enjoyed. Trying a hundred different zucchini recipes is not out of the question for some of us.

It is said that one cannot feel fear or anger when in a state of gratitude. It is important to spend some time in pursuit of feelings of gratitude even when it seems impossible. Get outside, attend a live performance, make a date with friends, try a new recipe, take a day trip, sign up for a course, go to a movie, visit the museum, the art gallery or the wildlife park, make popcorn, phone someone, just sit on your balcony and soak up some rays of the sun before the weather turns cold. Or once it does turn cold, feel the crisp air on your face and see your breath in the air.

Maybe check out some new podcasts (i.e. subscribe to Kamloops Last Week, a quirky weekly podcast on YouTube with Marty Hastings, Chris Foulds and Mike Miltimore that features local guests and newsy banter about Kamloops and area—an entertaining, and informative addition to the local media landscape.) If that’s not your speed, borrow some audio books from the library, don some headphones and do some de-cluttering or listen to it while on a road trip.

Clearly, there is so much we can do to feed our souls along the way. Big things and little things. Whatever we can manage. Happy harvesting and know that those of us at The Connector are truly grateful for your loyalty and interest in what we do. We are also super grateful for our advertisers and contributors both past and present. You have made us what we are.

Happy Thanksgiving!

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

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

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Christopher Young appointed as Executive Director of the Kamloops Symphony & KSO

someone with the skills and drive to advance the orchestra and our music school, and deepen their connections with our communities”, says McDonald. “Chris was our board’s unanimous choice. His energy, relationships with music and musicians, and commitment to diverse programming and audience development, are well recognized. We are excited for him to bring his enthusiastic spirit and experience to Kamloops and our region.”

BECOME A VOLUNTEER TUTOR

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

• We provide free training and ongoing support

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

The Kamloops Symphony Orchestra [KSO] & KSO Music School are delighted to announce the appointment of Christopher Young as the new Executive Director of the KSO following a national search conducted by Martin Bragg & Associates. Young’s extensive background in arts management, music education, and community engagement makes him an ideal candidate to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and excellence.

Born and raised in Fort St. John, BC, Young is a graduate of the University of Leeds in the UK, where he was granted a Master of Arts with Distinction in Music & Management. During this time, he showcased his expertise in governance, management, and marketing for regional arts organizations, including contributions to Opera North, the Leeds International Piano Competition, Leeds Lieder, and Leeds

Baroque. His leadership skills and innovative strategies have already made significant impacts during his tenure in the Sales & Marketing department at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra & VSO School of Music.

Young’s multifaceted accomplishments extend beyond arts administration, as he actively contributes to the musical community as a trumpet player and music educator. He completed his music degree at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, AB, and has studied with renowned Canadian and international musicians. His achievements also encompass considerable success in marketing, fundraising, and management for diverse artistic and not-for-profit projects across Western Canada.

KSO President and Board Chair, John McDonald, believes Young’s passion and experience will be vital to launching the KSO into its next 50 years.

“The board searched locally and nationally for

Christopher Young shared his excitement for the KSO, saying, “It is a privilege to step into the role of Executive Director for the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra & KSO Music School: institutions which hold much importance and opportunity for the community. My passion and my background in music and arts management drives my commitment to further enrich the cultural landscape and foster artistic excellence across the Thompson Valley. As a musician and as an audience member, I understand the transformative power of the live music experience, and I am excited to work alongside the KSO’s talented team to cultivate meaningful cultural and artistic experiences for all members of the community.”

Christopher Young began his position with the KSO on September 18, 2023.

Curbside Organic Waste Collec

It’s

- and multi-family households along curbside collection

How can I stay up to date on the new collec tion schedules?

With the launch of curbside organics collection, collection schedules have changed Organics are collected week ly* and garbage and rec ycling are now collected ever y other week on an alternating basis, depending on your zone. *Between December 1 and Februar y 28/29, organics will be collected ever y other week on garbage collection days

We encourage residents to put out their organics ever y collection day, no matter the amount of material This will remove any decomposing organic material on a frequent basis Find your zone -specific solid waste collection schedule at Kamloops.ca/CollectionSchedules or call us to have one

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

How much will market volatility affect you?

CHIANNE V. JONES Financial Advisor

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: If you’re an investor, you haven’t liked what you’ve seen in the financial markets recently. The effects of the coronavirus triggered a “bear” market– a decline of 20 percent or more – and more volatility is almost certainly on the way. But instead of fretting over your investment statements, you could consider some more positive approaches to this situation.

For one thing, ask yourself this: When do you really need the money from your investment accounts, such as your RRSP or LIRA? These are retirement accounts, so, depending on your age, you may not need to tap into them for 20, 30 or even 40 years. If so, your losses may be “paper” ones only for now and aren’t subjecting you to imminent financial jeopardy. This isn’t to minimize the effect this downturn will have on you, of course – it always takes time to recover lost ground, and there are no guarantees with investing. However, although past performance

does not guarantee future results, it is useful to note that, over its long history, the stock market has typically trended in one direction – up –despite serious and sometimes lengthy declines such as we saw in the Great Depression and, to a lesser extent, the bursting of the “dot. com” bubble of the early 2000s and the financial crisis of 2008-09.

Nonetheless, you may have shorterterm goals – a wedding, down payment on a home, overseas trip, etc. –for which you need to save. For these goals, though, you wouldn’t want to touch your RRSP, anyway, as you’d likely face income and withholding taxes. Instead, you’ll want your money invested in liquid, low-risk accounts that will be minimally affected, if at all, by declines in the financial markets. These vehicles might include Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), money market accounts and even good old-fashioned

Government of Canada Savings Bonds, all of which offer the protection of principal and can pay higher rates than traditional bank savings accounts. But you might also have longer-term goals that can be addressed through investments that may be somewhat or largely free of the effects of market volatility. For example, to supplement your retirement income, you might consider a fixed annuity, which can provide you with a guaranteed interest rate and, depending on how it’s structured, an income stream you can’t outlive.

Apart from the issue of when you might need money from your investment accounts, you might want to ask yourself another question: Just how much of my net worth is tied up in my portfolio? If you’re like many people, you have other assets apart from your investments. If you’re a homeowner, consider your house:

Has it dropped in value at all during the recent market decline? Probably not. Do you still have just as much equity in it as you did a month ago?

You might have even more. In other words, the value of your investments may have dropped a certain percentage, but the decline in your overall net worth may well be significantly smaller. So, here’s the bottom line: Large drops in the financial markets aren’t much fun for investors – but that doesn’t mean the bottom has dropped out on your financial future. Keeping things in perspective is a good move in all of life’s endeavours –including investing.

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

Financial focus

Overdrawn at the memory bank? This can help

I’m sure you’ve noticed your devices slowing down with time. It

happens to everything eventually. Why does it happen with technology? It’s not because of mechanical wear. As you store data and use the device information becomes fragmented across the storage drive. Why does this happen? Simply put, it is because computers are stupid. They store data in a very disorganized way. There are directory names, but behind the

scenes the information isn’t filed in order. This causes a drive to become “fragmented” over time, and data takes longer to be retrieved.

One tool on Windows computers is the disk defragmenter. This scans your drive and regroups the data into logical groups so the computer can find it in all in once place. It should be listed under Windows Administrative Tools.

Unfortunately, Apple computers do not come with a built-in defragmentation tool. However, according to my sources, Macs don’t suffer from drive fragmentation to the extent Windows PCs do. This isn’t a short process: it takes hours, but can actually free up storage space. Think of it this way: your basement is cluttered with boxes and it prevents you

from finding family photo albums because the boxes aren’t labeled properly. So you spend a weekend organizing all the boxes. You put all the photo albums on one shelf, Christmas wrapping stuff on another. Now you know exactly where to find things, at least until your family and friends start pawing through the boxes again.

So how often should

you defragment your hard drive? I would suggest once every month or two. This will keep your computer running smoothly for a long time to come. Routine maintenance on your computer is like maintaining a vehicle, a little extra time and care can prevent expensive bills in the future.

2ND ANNUAL STSEPTÉK WLES RE SK’ELÉP (COYOTE STORIES) INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL at the Paramount Theatre Featuring

want to miss this weekend! OCTOBER

Comfor t Keepers

What is “Litigation”?

resolution of their dispute.

Legal Ease

One of the processes a lawyer may recommend to resolve a dispute is called ‘litigation.’ Often, our clients will ask what that even means?

The short answer is that litigation means going to Court. However, the answer is not that simple: litigation is the whole process of resolving disputes or conflicts through the legal system, typically in Provincial or Supreme Court. The litigation process has a defined set of rules and steps that all of the parties use to get to the desired goal—

Litigation involves two or more parties, often referred to as plaintiffs or claimants (those who initiate the legal action) and defendants (those who are being sued or accused).

The primary goal of litigation is to seek a legal remedy or resolution to a disagreement or legal issue.

The process of litigation typically involves several key stages:

Pleadings: this is the initial phase where the parties involved file their legal documents and outline their respective positions and the issues in dispute.

Discovery: during this stage both parties gather evidence to support their claims or defenses. This can involve examinations for discovery (sworn evidence given out of court), requests and production of

documents and other methods of gathering information.

Pre-trial proceedings: before the trial there are often various pre-trial applications hearings and conferences, where the parties deal with specific administrative issues or attempt to settle or resolve their dispute (usually through a formal mediation process) without going to trial.

Trial: if the dispute could not be resolved through settlement or pre-trial applications, the case proceeds to trial. During the trial, both parties present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who then makes a final decision on the matter.

Judgment: after the trial a Judgment or Order is issued. This can result in various outcomes including a finding of fact, a monetary award or a dismissal of the case.

Appeal: if one party feels that the

judge made an error in law or in fact when making their Judgment or Order, they may have the right to appeal to a higher Court, seeking a review of the Trial Judge’s decision.

Litigation can encompass a wide range of legal issues, including civil matters such as contract disputes, personal injury claims, family law cases and more. Additionally, it can also involve criminal proceedings, where the government (Crown Counsel) prosecutes individuals accused of committing crimes.

The litigation process can be complex and lengthy, and it often requires the involvement of legal professionals, including lawyers, judges, and sometimes juries, to ensure a fair and just resolution to the dispute.

Marlene Campbell of Kamloops is the Winner of Wendy Nordick’s book

Indelible: A social worker in the wake of civil war.

Last month we offered a giveaway of local author Wendy Nordick’s book Indelible: A social worker in the wake of civil war. Marlene Campbell of Kamloops is our winner. We have mailed out her prize and we wish to thank everyone who took the time to enter.

It was nice to see lots of interest in Nordick’s very personal story.

Wendy Nordick holds a PhD and practiced social work for 25 years in acute care psychiatry and mental health here in Kamloops. She has published academic journal articles and is a member of a local writing group. She is a lover of literature. She and her husband, Bill, love adventure and have visited more than 40 countries including the two years on assignment with CUSO in Sri Lanka as recounted in her book. Indelible is now available for pre-sales in all major book houses such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads and Thriftbooks.

WHY AM I HERE? Story by

Lindsay lamented, to her reflection in the pond, “I’ve left the best years of my life behind; springtime, summer time and autumn were wonderful. With little warning, much less preparation time, I’ve been flung into the unproductive winter of my life… as a dried up field I yield no more bounty.”

Her first reckoning was that winters had come before! She remembered them and got through them. The second lesson learned was that they were never as dark or permanent as her very personal winter was. She recalled how ice and snow melted, and spring returned to warm her sorrow-filled heart. Her personal winter was colder than any calendar months.

Emotions chilled her to the core.

Confessing to the universe, Lindsay watched clouds. “I’ve hungered for high spirits to remain in me like an endless sky cloaked in azure above a mantle of clouds that I can chase, catch and float upon at will. It used to happen as regularly as springtime bloomed! Lately, like my memory, my spirit is fading. So I ask, will the winter I’m suffering ever morph into spring?”

The Creator had the answers and plans to lift Lindsay’s spirits in her most doubtful season! As she laid on the grass looking over the lay of the land with its refreshing pond, a voice reverberated across the glistening water. You are different and will be challenged differently! Long ago, the crops were

Rita Joan Dozlaw

all planted. Your new harvest will revive you and rekindle your spirit.

Lindsay pondered her future; what would validate her existence?

The pond, Lindsay’s confidante, whispered over pebbles near her feet: Step back from the disturbing shore of hindsight. With confidence, look beyond to the horizon filled with untold surprises— an opulent sunset, alpenglow, possibilities!

Lindsay still had a job to do. She still had a hobby to enjoy. Her dilemma, fear, wasn’t hers alone. Others, too, were afraid to step into new ways. Old ways, like old shoes were comfortable. But, Lindsay’s were so worn from her journey they were unsuited to the tasks of treading forward… much less to somewhere new.

Lindsay was even getting disillusioned with her hobby, writing family memoires, and failed to be inspired to continue. From somewhere in the cosmos, a message echoed. Lindsay, Lindsay, Lindsay, blot out negativity! Like a powerful epiphany, her spirit summoned her to meditate calmly. In so doing, she found a renewed purpose and her thought processes unlocked exciting expectations.

Subtly laced with over eighty years of life’s truths, in her writings, Lindsay found a sense of self in the constellation of her family, and she recognized a life-long sense of comic relief. Her journal entries unwittingly revealed an unravelling of her and her family’s comedy acts! She revisited

the humour that lead to contentment rather than to anxiety. Still, the shadow of aging shrouded and disheartened her.

“I’ve found that writing, when you’re old, is a very lonely pastime,” she complained to a breeze that left her shivering. “I miss the world of chaotic social stimulation and physical activities which, against my will, I gave up. Also, I bear the disappointment of unreached goals and the insufferable deepfreeze my heart is in over the loss of precious loved ones. I am a lonely clone.”

This woman had dear companions, but searching her heart, she needed more. She adopted a puppy! Playing as a child with the feisty poodle

everyone cautioned her about, she reckoned with her plight; it did take energy, patience, and get-up-n’-go! She climbed more stairs; unstable, she bent down anyway, and often twisted and turned fitfully at her end of the leash… but not at the end of her rope! She lifted weights, so to speak, muscling her fifteen pound fur baby onto her lap, plus toddlers. She mopped up muddy paw prints and gave away endless hugs and kibble treats while her pet responded with endless adoration. The nurturing instinct was miraculously revived and spilled over to others. Everyone’s gramma, Lindsay was stimulated like never before by simple Crawling into bed at

Continued on page 12

Fall/Winter Vehicle Prep

By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

Iwas talking to a few neighbours about the introduction of Fall 2023 and the “to-do” list of upcoming chores. Some of them include clearing out the garden crops, putting away the RV and last, but not least, our vehicles of transportation, the daily beasts of burden. Since having multiple vehicles in the driveway I petitioned myself to spend the day installing winter tires and necessary services to them. When changing tires it was worth my while to purchase a good floor jack, safety stands and a cordless impact gun. The gun, by the way, travels with me every where, especially when I go out of town, the shorter the exposure to the elements during an emergency road tire change the better. For safety sake use impact sockets with the tool, a regular socket may split when in use on an impact gun. Be sure to get one that will meet your needs, a 140150 ft/lb. torque rating will work for most cars and a 250-350 ft/lb. for trucks.

Please remember, it is recommended to put the best tires on the rear of the vehicle to decrease the potential of rear end spin-out when making turns on slippery winter roads. Of course I have to mention this, any travel on Provincial Highways as of October 1st, requires the use of tires marked with the snow flake and M+S— motorcycles being exempt. (Had to add that last bit just to please a friend.)

As I mentioned last year, more and more people have taken the advice of carrying a battery booster kit with them. They cost anywhere from $100 for one that will work on a 4 cylinder engine, up to the $180 range for one that will help fire up a Diesel. Be sure to recharge them every 4 months although they will keep a charge for 6 but why push the envelope? These booster kits can be recharged while you drive and also serves a function as a power pack for a cell phone or computer all wrapped in a neat little package.

Now that we are ready to travel, how about those new winter wiper blades? It’s nice to be able to see through a dirty window which also goes to say use a cold weather windshield antifreeze. After you have topped up the washer reservoir activate the washers for 20-30 seconds, this will fill the lines with the better winter fluid displacing the summer fluid thus preventing early windshield freeze-up.

Just for the record, warm weather washer fluid is heavier than cold weather fluid so it stays on the windshield long enough to clean off the bugs, which is good for summer. The winter fluid evaporates very quickly to prevent smearing when used allowing clearer vision sooner, so be sure to use the correct one.

While prepping my vehicles, oil and filter(s) changes, topping of fluids I make absolutely sure of the vehicle’s cooling/heating system. Not only is the fluid level important but so is the condition and function of the radiator cap. A faulty cap or

low level will definitely decrease the heating ability for the interior of the vehicle. When checking coolant for freezing strength (-45), I also check for acidity. The fluid should be neutral, high acidity really eats up aluminum components like water pumps and radiators. This testing can be done with litmus paper or an electrical multi-meter. When in doubt, flush it out.

Be sure to update your emergency travel kit, warm blanket, emergency signal items, good candle combined with something to light it with, emergency food, flash light(s) with fresh batteries, head covering and extra gloves. Cold does not discriminate. It will freeze any body if given the opportunity.

*Can’t forget to add fuel conditioner to the lawn mower or any other warm weather gas powered item, it will save a big problem next spring.

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

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).

Vintage photo sleuthing

Continued from page 1

“Recently I was able to send a package of beautiful family photos to a descendant in Rome! And another descendant decided they were so eager to see and touch the photos and memorabilia that I had, they jumped in their car and drove for two hours to get the items,” recounts Gorley.

One might wonder what drives a person to work so hard at finding the story behind a random photo. Gorley explains that for her it is “...(t)he sense of doing something meaningful and doing my small part to keep the memories of those passed, alive in the hearts of family. I hope that I am also piquing interest in researching and documenting family history stories.”

On her own family blog, Charlotte’s Web of Kindred Connections: Honouring Ancestors and Sharing Discoveries, it is clear that Gorley’s passion for “re-homing” found photos stems from a strong belief that “their lives mattered.”

In a short essay of the same title, Gorley states:

They lived, they loved, they rejoiced, and they feared. They were real people, and they deserve to be remembered. They

WHY AM I HERE?

Continued from page 9

did small and great things. They raised families and went about day-to-day life. They nurtured communities and they belonged.

They passed down stories, knowledge, culture, rituals, and traditions. That’s important to our sense of who we are, even if we don’t acknowledge it.

They connect us to our heritage, to our collective history. By doing that, they are actually connecting us to the future by situating us in ‘future history’.

It is definitely worth keeping them in the land of the remembered if at all possible. Be sure to label your family photos so the Charlottes of the world can have a better chance of finding their rightful homes should they go astray.

Current mystery of ‘Mabel and Maud’ has Gorley’s attention.

night, the furry-warm bedfellow welcomed her with dogged devotion.

Thereafter, disposition and fortitude served as balm in Lindsay’s Gilead. Story characters and scenarios lifted her out of dissatisfaction from procrastinating to a high degree of self-satisfaction in the completion of the work. How could she feel lonely when there were all those characters acting out in endless ways, appearing mysteriously by osmosis in her creative mind and sending messages to her fingertips on the computer’s keyboard? It turned out that, in awaking moreweary than when she retired to her bed, there was still the hope

Story by Rita Joan Dozlaw

of something in the dawning of a new day that would put smiles on her face. Her eyes shone brighter than the mirrored reflections of her wearisome brow.

Lindsay, short of dancing on the spot, frolicked in the vision of her reinvented selfimage. She twirled herself, got dizzy and decided never again and sang instead. From her own voice, she felt a quickening of her heartbeat like she’d felt when her first love entered her life. There was a permanence in that love and in Lindsay’s joy of life.

It wasn’t out of the question, then, to believe that she could feel good just opening the door to the take-out delivery boy who spared

her from cooking. Her croaky morning voice, still in unison with the music at the altar of her mental spirituality, signalled that she was blessed enough to sing each day. It had been a big decision, many times over, to let go of the past just to plunder through her provoking eighties; it was eureka, however, to discover that she had much more to contribute! In what could have been a bleak thirst in the winter of her life she’d found, by a divine rendezvous with destiny, a fount of fresh blessings— understanding, acceptance, inclusion, love, truth and friendship—the kinds of earthy blessings we all endeavour to embrace.

CanGo Grannies host fabric sale

The Kamloops CanGo Grannies are hosting a Quilting Fabric and Yarn sale featuring huge savings for local crafters. The event takes place on Saturday, October 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at St. Paul’s Cathedral Community Hall, 360 Nicola St. Quilting cottons in varied lengths including metres, fat quarters, strips and scraps, thread

and other notions, yarn and knitting needles.

Measured fabric is $5/m, yarn is priced from $1 and up per ball. Great prices on notions! Admission is $2, please bring your own bags.

All proceeds go to benefit The Stephen Lewis Foundation’s Grandmothers to Grandmothers Campaign supporting grassroots projects for families devastated by

the continuing HIV/ Aids pandemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. The CanGo Grannies thank all our generous donors to this sale and look forward to seeing Kamloops quilters and crafters on October 14.

CanGo Grannies and friend craft African Angel ornaments from some donated fabric for an upcoming craft sale in November, left to right, Karen Cavaghan, Donna Greenlay, Dorothy Woodward, and Barb Jackson.

Photos: Submitted

SMALL//works returns

By Keiko Bolen

Have you dreamed of displaying your art in a real art exhibition? The Kamloops Arts Council’s annual fundraiser, SMALL// works, is the perfect opportunity to make your dreams a reality. Applications opened August 31 and close on November 15 at midnight, meaning there is plenty of time for anyone from the aspiring to the seasoned to submit up to ten pieces of art for consideration.

Running from December 1, 2023, to December 23, 2023, SMALL//works is an exciting opportunity for local artists to show off their “great big teeny tiny” art and also support the Arts Council.

As each piece can be no larger than 200 square inches, the KAC is able to cover every inch of their several galleries

with an estimated 300 artworks. All mediums are welcome, and submissions can be 2D or 3D. These tiny wonders are priced very affordably, with most pieces coming in at less than 100 dollars per piece and a maximum of 300 dollars. Most exciting is that the works can be purchased right off of the gallery wall. Giftgivers seeking unique finds for the holiday season are sure to find something amidst the hundreds of donations. While SMALL// works was created as a fundraising opportunity for the KAC, the Arts Council always puts the artist first and, as a result, splits the proceeds of every piece sold with the contributing artists. The KAC believes in celebrating local art and wants to share

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

it aims to uplift. For more information on SMALL// works, including artist application instructions, please visit the Kamloops Arts Council website at kamloopsarts.ca/ galleriesexhibitions/ #smallworks.

Zone 8 and 55+ Seniors Games plan next season on heels of Abbottsford performance

Submitted by Maria Russell Martin

Another 55+ BC Seniors Games event held in Abbottsford in August has come to a successful conclusion. In spite of withdrawals due to BC wide fires and smoke, 123 participants attended from Zone 8 bringing home a total of 67 medals - 32 gold, 27 silver, and eight bronze.

Congratulations to all who volunteered and participated. Go to

55plusbcseniorgames. org and look for results and photos of the many activities. Now Zone 8 is switching focus to get ready for the 2024 Games scheduled to be held in Salmon Arm. We expect it to be a busy year and the present executive is seeking interested volunteers.

Positions such as vice-president,

registrar, merchandise and fundraiser chairs, etc. are all open. The more volunteers we have, the more ideas and tasks can be shared. Contact: zone8pres@55plus bcgames.org or call 778-694-3913.

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12th at 10 a.m. at the

Kamloops Sports Council Building, McArthur Island Park, 101-1550 Island Parkway Dr. Do come out to meet the present executive and volunteers and ask any questions and consider that your help will make it possible for many seniors to remain active and sociable.

Services:

•

•

Golden Seal

It’s the help, where and when you need it.

• Companionship

• Cooking

•

ACROSS

1. Male children

Give

5. Robert Wagner series “Hart to __”

9. Unfolded

46. Vanished American hoopster Bison

48. A type of breakfast

24. Black powdery substance

26. Set of four

28. Canned fishes

today!

250-819-4450

goldensealkamloops@gmail.com

Creekside Seniors

11. Digestive disease

13. Wednesday

15. Malignant tumor

16. Conscientious investment strategy (abbr.)

17. Slowed

19. Letter of the Semitic abjads

21. Weights of cars without fuel

22. Former CIA

23. Asian country

25. Instead 26. Ancient Egyptian King

27. Privies

29. Shopping trips

31. Paradoxical anecdote

33. It’s on the table 34. Ancient Persia ruler

36. Small American rail 38. File extension 39. Days (Spanish)

41. Everyone has one

43. South American plant

44. About ilium

52. Uncooked

53. Examined

54. Christian recluse

56. Strong posts

57. Some are for pasta

58. Skinny

59. School-based organizations

DOWN

1. Ringlet

2. Type of complex

3. Midway between north and northwest

4. It becomes something bigger

5. German courtesy title

6. Genus of birds

7. Marked by public disorder

8. Least aggressive

9. Russian city

10. Insect repellent

11. Interruptions

12. Scoundrels

14. 1,000 calories

15. What one does overnight

18. Dwarf planet

20. Pipe

30. North Carolina college

32. Secured

34. A disgraceful event

35. Physical suffering

37. The home of the free

38. Some are boys

40. Satisfy

42. Makes very happy

43. South American plants

45. Modes of transportation

47. Female sheep

49. Type of torch

50. Piece of merchandise

51. Jump over

55. Wife of Amun

Support

Kamloops Seniors Drop-In Schedule

Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street

Sponsored by Kamloops Seniors’ Village • seniorloops@shaw ca

Book Review

By Marilyn Brown

Red Zone: From the Offensive Line to the Front Line of the Pandemic

By Laurent Duvernay – Tardif Collins Publishing, Canada, 2022

Coffee, tea, cards, andother activities available at each drop-in $2 00 cash drop in

Join us every week and connect with others! Complimentary parking passes available

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

Biography

What does a six foot five, 320-pound elite football player destined to win the NFL’s Super Bowl have in common with an intelligent, warm-hearted, hard-working orderly in a Montreal area senior facility early in the novel corona virus pandemic spreading rapidly world-wide? They are the same person: the author of this book. The word “intense” could describe this man’s attitude to both medicine and football. In an exceptionally open and transparent manner DuvernayTardif details the passion he infuses in his twin goals: to play the game he loves, and to help people in need of medical assistance. It is remarkable for anyone to have two such disparate fields of expertise, but what makes this story even more compelling is the care he infuses into all he does.

**WE ARE OPEN FOR SPECIAL EVENTS.**

Talk to us about our rooms and “finger food” menu.

SUDOKU

For the seniors in a care facility under lockdown, being unable to visit with family is almost unbearable. Duvernay-Tardif is one of many caregivers pulling long shifts, under trying circumstances, day after day, to the point of utter exhaustion. In such dire circumstances he makes time to do the little things that put smiles on faces: he plays scrabble with a patient with limited mobility, he listens to stories the seniors share about their families, he recognizes the value of a simple touch of compassion. He is a valuable volunteer at the facility as he has completed some medical training, and yet willingly helps with the lessthan-glamorous tasks of an orderly. He takes a year off from professional football to do this. He questions whether or not he will return to the gridiron after this year, or if he will even be fit enough to compete for a spot on his beloved team.

His skills in staying focused while under incredible tension are put to good use in the health care setting - partly due to his experience as a professional football player. His route to the Super Bowl is a maze of challenges. Not only is the physical routine to get to and stay in top physical condition necessary, the game itself is cerebral, much more so than a non-football observer would likely ever realize. Therefore, as a player hoping to break into the big league, he previously consults with experts in physical and mental training, with the mental training on how to problem-solve amidst chaos, the most important. True, as a key member on the offensive line of the Kansas City Chiefs, brute force plays a part in the game too. He sees the irony of his nickname “Dr. Death”. None of the accomplishments come easily. From being a French Canadian with English the second language, pivoting from playing CFL football to the NFL American form, in a different country, during a time of changing methods of dealing with COVID-19, this young doctor succeeds spectacularly, with support from family, friends, and colleagues. Highly recommended.

2023 Payment Dates

for Old Age Security & the Canada Pension Plan

will be automatically deposited in your bank account on these dates:

January 27

February 24

March 29

April 26

May 29

June 28

The Truth Behind Vinyl Installation

July 27

August 29

September 27

October 27

November 28

December 20

Aquestion we often get asked is “Can I install vinyl plank over my current flooring?”

While vinyl plank can be installed over many substrates, including other flooring types there are a few things to remember when doing this. This month we will touch on some of the factors you need to consider when installing vinyl over existing flooring.

Installing Over Existing Flooring

The benefit of installing your new vinyl floors overtop of your existing flooring is that it saves you

time on the prep work by allowing you to skip the demolition stage and get right to the floor laying stage. But to do this, your existing flooring must be fixed to the subfloor below and be in good condition. Installing over an existing floating floor is a no-no since there will be too much movement to the floor which will ultimately cause a failure.

The next thing to remember is that the floor below must be prepped to accept the new flooring. Some glues do not work well on top of existing vinyl so in these cases ensuring you have the proper glue is imperative. Priming the floor is never a bad idea as it will ensure that you get maximum effectiveness of the adhesive.

The last thing to consider when installing over an existing floor is what

the finished height of both flooring types will be. Will there be enough clearance for doors to close properly if you add another layer of flooring? Will appliances lay flush with countertops? You want to think of this beforehand to make sure the flooring won’t be too high.

Removing the Old Flooring

By installing over top of existing flooring, you are overlooking, arguably, the most important factor to having longlasting, problemfree flooring – the subfloor. A benefit to removing the existing flooring is that any repairs to the subfloor such as fixing squeaks are much easier without a layer of flooring on top of it. The more layers you add to your floor, the more problems you are opening yourself up to.

Another thing to remember is that before you remove the

existing flooring you need to determine if it’s safe to do so.

Older floors were manufactured using asbestos, and if your flooring is suspected to be from this era, there are special precautions that need to take place. A qualified technician would have to make that determination. The last consideration is the warranty. Some manufacturers will void their warranty if their product is installed over existing flooring so make sure you check with your flooring expert if you are unsure.

New flooring is a big purchase, and you want to ensure that it is going to perform as best as it possibly can. If you are ever in doubt about installing over an existing floor it is best to consult an expert. As always if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom.

Flooring PAUL MORRIS Nufloors

Happy Thanksgiving

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

Wow! Fall has arrived already. I don’t know where the time has gone. Soon we will start witnessing the changing of the many colours and cooler refreshing temperatures.

Seniors’ Community Centre @ Desert Gardens would like to thank our volunteers who so willingly work endlessly to support our Centre, whether it be in our café, front desk, gift shop, providing music or wherever a lending hand is needed. We would also like to thank those folks who support our Centre – whether it be at the Oasis, groups, games or events.

Still, at this time there are no lunch or dinners being served, however, we have lots of homemade goodies (sweets, muffins, cookies) and coffee/tea/ pop and juice and lots of smiles included.

We’re happy to announce that our Chair Fitness and Activities are gaining momentum.

• Music with Frank (Piano Sing-a-Long) is Mondays 1-2 p.m.

• Chair Fitness is Tuesday and Thursdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.

• Scrabble is Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m.

• Toastmasters is Thursdays @ 7 a.m.

• Table Tennis is on Mondays and Thursdays from 12:30-2:30 p.m. and Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m.

• TGIF and Friday Jamming (music) is on Fridays from 9:3011:30 a.m. Everyone’s welcome

to come in and join.

• Mexican Train is Saturdays @ 2 p.m.

EXCITING NEWS: Starting Thursday, Sept. 21st @ 1-2 p.m. Shirley Lunan is introducing a Card Game Hour. Everyone is welcome from our Community and we hope you will come and support this new activity.

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

Our Ladies’ Auxiliary Gift Shoppe is open Tuesday –Friday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Why not drop down and have a look at all the exciting things they have for sale at very reasonable prices? Homemade sweaters, dishcloths, honey, jewellery, household items and décor of all sorts. Something for every age from babies to seniors. Do stop by and see what they have. If not on display they likely can find what you are looking for. The L.A. is part of the Seniors’ Community Centre and all monies go back into our programs and activities. For this we thank you for your continued support.

Everyone is Welcome to come to our wonderful Centre and participate in an activity or just to have a cup of coffee/tea and chat with new friends.

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

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

Acceptance is defined as: ‘the recognition of the reality or a situation, recognizing a process or condition without attempting to change it or protest it’. Acceptance isn’t always easy.

It is part of our human DNA to compare ourselves to others. We often ‘rate’ ourselves or judge ourselves when we feel we fall short or are missing something that we perceive someone else to have. Why is what they have better anyways? Why can’t I do that ‘thing’ as well as they can? I’m not sure if my standards are good enough. Acceptance can also refer to a situation. This can be difficult when events don’t go as planned or if something unexpected happens. For instance, receiving dire news or being a part of, or experiencing, a traumatic event. Why did this happen?

Typically, it’s challenging to accept something that we don’t like. We tend to push it away, not deal with it, hold it at arms

Step out...

length, close our eyes, hearts, isolate ourselves— whatever it takes to not accept the current reality. After all, we preferred our past one much more even if it wasn’t ‘perfect’.

So how do we welcome acceptance? How do we better learn to ‘go with the flow’? There is no one solid answer here, but acknowledgement is a good start.

It’s difficult to sit in ‘the feels’. To be uncomfortable. To feel sad, angry, frustrated, hurt, vulnerable, abandoned, empty and any other multitude of emotions.

Processing these feelings usually isn’t an overnight thing. It’s not a ‘one and done’ either. We are challenged in acceptance every day, sometimes in multitudes and, sometimes, it reaches out and grabs us without us even knowing, causing us to question our values or our ‘enoughness’.

Start by just saying hi: “Hello anger/fear/sadness. I know you are here right now. Can we talk later? I’m not ready yet.”

outsideColouring the lines

and excessive nutrients from the soil.

End of Life Doula

American Beat poet Lew Welch writes this invitation: “Step out onto the Planet. Draw a circle a hundred feet round. Inside the circle are 300 things nobody understands, and, maybe nobody’s ever really seen. How many can you find?”

I love this poem. And I think amazing things can happen with a circle that is only 6 feet round rather than one hundred. So I accept the invitation and I step out, draw my imaginary circle, and see so many things to be thankful for:

First, I see grass, which works to cool the planet and offers food and shelter to so many big and little beings. Grass also works to prevent soil erosion, sequesters carbon, and helps to regulate water quality by filtering pollutants

Ants criss cross the ground all around me. Their busy activity works to aerate and fertilize the soil, and to decompose compostables. A solitary bee crawling across a lonely and still blooming wildflower. Bees help to pollinate all those trees and plants that produce our fruits and vegetables. And, of course, honey!

That lonely bloomer might just be chicory, loaded with so many health benefits as well as making a hot cuppa alternative to coffee. The roots of this plant also help to aerate the soil.

The soil itself, which holds not just the roots to the grass and blooming plants, but a whole mycelial network which communicates with and supports this small little ecosystem that is part of a much broader network. This network is sometimes referred to as the Wood Wide Web. Soil is composed of minerals, organic materials (decaying plants and other goodies), microbes, elements, bugs,

worms, fungi, air and water. All this goodness is absorbed into those same fruits and vegetables, providing much needed minerals to us.

My little patch of the planet is filled with sunlight – the source of life for all living beings. The sun makes photosynthesis possible. This process provides life-giving food to the plants (think of fruits and veggies again). Without the sun there would be no plant life and no oxygen for us to breathe.

In October we reap the abundance of the growing season, often marked with Thanksgiving Day celebrations. Our fall feasts would not be possible without the soil and the grass and the ants and bees and flowers and trees and the sun. Whenever you serve up a meal this month, think about the earth – the soil where everything on your plate found what it needed to flourish and become your food. With each bite you are partaking of sun, rain, soil, and air. When you have eaten your fill, take a minute to step out onto the Planet,

draw an imaginary circle 6 feet round. How many things can you find to be thankful for?

And if your faith acknowledges the Source behind all of life, no matter what name you ascribe, include that Great Mystery in your thoughts of gratitude.

And don’t forget to offer thanksgiving for yourself. After all, you are inside that little circle of life, too, and we so rarely stop to appreciate ourselves. No matter who you are or where you’ve been in life, you are important to the wider circle of life. I am grateful for you, too. Thanks for reading.

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

Do I send them flowers?

By Nolan Adam, owner of Drake Cremation and Funeral Services

Flowers have long been a symbol of sympathy and support and can convey your condolences and love without the need for words. This gesture can be a thoughtful and comforting act during a family’s time of grief and loss. However, it’s important to consider the preferences and cultural norms of the grieving family before sending flowers. Here are some points to keep in mind:

1. Familiarity with the Family’s Wishes: If you are close to the family and have a good understanding of their preferences, you can follow their customs or traditions when it comes to sending flowers or other expressions of sympathy.

2. Check the Obituary or Funeral Announcement: Often, obituaries or funeral announcements include information about the family’s

preferences regarding flowers. They may specify whether they welcome floral tributes or suggest alternative ways to express condolences, such as making a donation to a charity in the deceased’s name.

3. Religious and Cultural Considerations: Different religions and cultures have varying customs regarding mourning and sympathy gestures. Some may encourage flowers, while others may have specific preferences or restrictions. It’s important to respect these cultural norms.

4. Personal Relationships: Consider your personal relationship with the family. If you are close friends or family members, flowers are generally a thoughtful gesture. However, if you are a more distant acquaintance, you might want to

consider other ways to express your condolences, such as a heartfelt card or a sympathy message.

5. Practical Considerations: Keep in mind that some family members may be overwhelmed with funeral preparations and logistics. In such cases, sending flowers can be a way to brighten their environment and provide a moment of beauty amid the sadness.

6. Alternative Sympathy Gestures: If you are unsure about sending flowers, you can explore alternative sympathy gestures. Making a charitable donation, sending a sympathy card, preparing a homemade meal, or offering your time to help with practical tasks are all meaningful ways to support grieving families.

My wife loves flowers, for any occasion. A dozen

roses brightens her day every time she receives them. One day, while we were living in Montreal, my wife came to visit my work. I had just finished having a funeral that had over 100 flower arrangements. My wife marvelled at the beauty of these arrangements but was dismayed when I told her all of these flowers would be in the garbage within the hour. The next day I came home from work with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. My wife was so happy until it dawned on her what she saw the day before. She looked at me with an inquisitive eye and asked: “can I see the receipt?” Busted!!! All that to say, even though giving flowers for any occasion has become less popular in our culture, it remains a beautiful way to express one’s feeling.

Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents

On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents the Vaughan String Quartet in New Horizons, a concert exploring the everchanging repertoire for string quartet, by composers from Haydn to H. VillaLobos.

The Vaughan String Quartet is an active

young chamber music group based in Edmonton. Their past engagements include many performances throughout western Canada as well as internationally in the U.S. and Europe. They have also collaborated with a number of artists.

For more information, check chambermusiciansof kamloops.org.

Enjoying Thanksgiving with Hearing Loss

Thanksgiving is approaching fast, and everyone is looking forward to meeting with friends and family! No matter whether your gathering is large or small, it is always a time to connect again and be thankful for all the good and blessings-in-disguise. If you have hearing loss, you might worry about how you will be able to interact with everyone else. Fear not; here are a few ways to enjoy Thanksgiving despite your hearing loss.

Wear Your Hearing Aids

The best solution to dealing with hearing loss at all is to invest in hearing aids. Hearing aids will not fix your condition, but it will adequately amplify sounds so you can be in tune with the world around you once more. After an audiologist conducts a hearing test and brings the results, he or she can next prescribe a hearing device that will suit your lifestyle. Whether you need to hear a conversation amid background noise or listen to a speaker in a large room, there’s a hearing solution for you

Limit Background Noise

Because hearing aids do not completely solve the condition, do not be discouraged if you still have trouble hearing now and again. To help yourself out, limit the background noise, such as music, when your guests arrive.

Sit Where You Can See

Another way to limit background noise is to sit with your back against a wall, which will limit the scope of sounds around you. However, your placement at the table may also foster how easily you can communicate with others. Be sure to find a spot where you can easily see everyone when they speak.

Let Others Know

Communication can be hard, but understanding each other is a powerful way to overcome any barrier to this end. Don’t be shy to let others know that you have hearing loss, and remind them gently if necessary. This understanding can help people relate better on both ends.

Relax

Lastly, let yourself relax. Thanksgiving is an enjoyable holiday with plenty of wonderful food, and you’ll be spending time with people that you love and who love you.

Source: https://www.clarityhearing. com/blog/enjoying-thanksgiving-with-hearing-loss/