Kamloops Connector December 2020 by KamloopsThisWeek

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VOL. 29, NO. 8, DECEMBER 2020 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Food insecurity and the pandemic Page 3

Kamloops Children’s Art Festival helps make season magical Page 5

Kamloops Symphony Concert Experience Page 9

Shared Serendipity Page 15

Zone 8, 55+ BC Games, Looks forward to Better Times in 2021 Pages 17

Help isolated loved ones this holiday

phenomenon called “cabin fever” tends to set in around late autumn or in midwinter. Long hours of darkness coupled with cold, inclement weather often is a recipe for increased time spent indoors. For people who live alone, the effects of cabin fever might be more pronounced. In addition to seasonal cabin fever, this year another factor comes into play: social distancing and voluntary quarantine as a result of the novel coronavirus COVID-19. Even those who may venture outside to socialize, particularly around the holiday season, may be hesitant or unable to do so to help prevent the spread of the virus. In these instances, friends and loved ones can mitigate feelings of isolation in various ways. • Schedule video chats. Video conferencing apps have become the communication vehicles of choice during the era of social distancing. Different applications and services continue to evolve and help

people stay in touch. Plan regular chats, either once or twice per week with isolated or vulnerable people. Try to organize a large group chat on the holiday itself so no one has to spend Christmas or Chanukah alone. • Drop off supplies. Even though supermarket shopfrom-home and other delivery services have normalized somewhat since the start of the pandemic, treat individuals who may be isolated to some personalized attention. Put together care packages of supplies or holiday treats and deliver them in person so you can see the smiles that result from being able to visit with someone familiar. • Send uplifting messages. Children or even adults can make personalized cards and mail them to loved ones at home or those who may be in long-term care facilities. Send new mailings every week or two so that residents always have something to look forward to in the mail. • Start a virtual club. A book club or another shared interest can be the

catalyst for more frequent communication. A club puts everyone on the same page and enables them to come together, via phone or video chat, for a discussion. • Ask for help learning

a new skill. Along the same vein as a virtual club, lessons on everything from woodworking to crochet to making favourite holiday recipes can be conducted online. Give an isolated

individual daily purpose and distraction by engaging him or her with online lessons. Isolation and feelings of loneliness can affect anyone who normally suffers from cabin fever.

However, this year it may be more pronounced, as it could be coupled with social distancing precautions that have already been in effect for some time.

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Food insecurity and the pandemic: How a local organization is finding creative ways to help By Desha Miciak, UBC Student Dietitian would have otherwise gone to landfill. This food arrives Monday to Thursday. This food is sorted, prepped, and cooked by volunteers into meals for people who come by the centre. Volunteers can also deliver these meals to people in the community who might have trouble getting to the centre. On Wednesdays there are also good food boxes made and delivered to adults (55 or older) in need. While COVID-19 has made it harder for some people and families to have enough food at home, the Mt. Paul Community Food Centre is finding new ways to help. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning more about programs or services provided by the Mt. Paul Community Food Centre, or would like to get involved, check them out on Facebook, or give them a call at 236-421-1011. Desha Miciak is a 5th year UBC Dietetics Student completing her internship with Interior Health.

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follow COVID-19 health and safety rules. For instance, instead of running in-person cooking programs for kids to learn food skills, the centre puts together kid’s recipe kits. These kits have all the ingredients and instructions for kids and families to make a recipe at home. This activity is open to anyone, and has been a big hit. There have been 977 kids and 820 adults using the recipe kits since June. Another change at the Mt. Paul Community Food Centre is that instead of serving fresh soups inside the centre, they now do “Terrific Takeaways.” This takeaway lunch can include things like wraps, soups, and smoothies. Terrific Takeaways happen at noon on Mondays and Thursdays. One thing that has not changed at the Mt. Paul Community Food Centre is the huge amount of food they recover from the food bank. Since March the centre has rescued over 70,000 pounds of food that

NTURIST AS DE S

he COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the way Canadians access food and their ability to afford it. In March and April this year, more people across Canada were shopping for their groceries online. Compared to 2019 there are less people eating out at restaurants, and instead more people are ordering meals to their homes. Also, more people are cooking at home and growing their own food. Another big change since the pandemic is that

some people are working less or have lost their jobs. This means that more families are dealing with household food insecurity. This is when households are not able to get enough food, or are not able to have enough food in the house all the time. Food insecurity is most often caused by limited income. Statistics Canada reports that household food insecurity has increased the most in families with kids. Although the pandemic has caused new challenges around food for many people and families, there have also been some creative solutions. In Kamloops, there are a number of organizations to help people and families dealing with food insecurity. One example is the Mt. Paul Community Food Centre, located on the North Shore of Kamloops at 140 Laburnum St. Before the pandemic, the food centre did a lot of in-person programs, but now they have made changes to

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Time to share your voice in ottawa CATHY MCLEOD MP

ver the 12 years as your MP, I have had the distinct pleasure of meeting and spending time with some notable individuals, some of whom are still with us and others who have passed on. This includes people like Don Cameron, Alex Sims, Dr. Gur Singh, Gordon Gore, Les Hewitt, Robbie Robertson, Ambo Dhaliwal, Jill Hayward and Manny Jules. All have persevered through a myriad of

challenges, and while each faced those in their own unique way, what they had in common was hard work, grit, optimism and an unwavering goal. This is what it’s going to require for all of us to take on the new year, and the unusual situation we are facing with the upcoming holiday season during a pandemic. Along these lines, I’d like to hear from seniors about how you made it through tough times, what you are looking forward to in the new year, to call upon your experience and share some inspirational words or advice, lines from a favourite poem or story, even a recipe for some

comfort food. I will publish a selection of these in an upcoming Kamloops Connector column and on my website to start 2021 on an upbeat note. You never know what might touch another person! As space is limited, please keep submissions to less than 100 words, with a deadline of Dec. 18. They can be emailed to cathy. mcleod.c1@parl.gc.ca or mailed to my office: 6 -275 Seymour St., Kamloops, V2C 2E7. No postage is required when mailing an MP. I am looking forward to the new year and hearing your stories. Happy holidays to all my constituents!

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Lining Up for Hope

The news of two promising vaccines to combat the coronavirus seems like a bit of a Christmas miracle. Hopefully those from Phizer and Moderna, and others, become a reality in the coming months and we can start working towards actually ending this pandemic as we line My two cents up for our shots when Moneca Jantzen Editor available. To put an end to the madness that is COVID would be such a relief, particularly when the world already feels upside down and messy. COVID just made it all a lot worse. Thinking ahead to 2021, which is just around the corner, one can’t help but feel a little bit hopeful with the prospect of the vaccines paired with the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris in the U.S. If they actually manage to remove Donald Trump from the White House by Jan. 20, some of the mania of the last few years might begin to diminish. Maybe. Waking up with a stuffy nose or a scratchy throat won’t feel like the end of the world like it does now. I’m not a hypochondriac by any means, but I am finding as I get older that my imagination does get carried away each time I have a health issue. The threat of COVID and the broad range of potential symptoms just exacerbates my fears and “Dr. Google” usually just adds fuel to the fire. A couple of weeks ago I was hit hard with a full body fever just as I was heading to bed. I got up the next morning and tried to work. It was a deadline day and I still had three big ads to finish, one from scratch. I took some Gravol and some Tylenol and powered through, collapsing back in bed by 2:30 p.m. (Not sure this qualifies as an advantage of working from home but it seems much harder to call in sick.) Of course, through all of this I had no idea what was causing the fever. I had no other symptoms that I could discern and none that really pointed at COVID, but of course, my mind went to THAT place. I began to worry about how I would get through two weeks segregating myself from the rest of my family. Would they actually be safe living in the same household? How would I fare if I actually have COVID? Where did I get it considering that I have been doing all the things? Have I passed it to anyone else? Would I start to have trouble breathing? I still don’t have a Will… Needless to say, my thoughts really get dark when I start thinking about it. As it turned out, by 3 a.m. the next morning my lower right leg had turned red and become hot and sore to the touch. I called 8-1-1 to talk to someone so I could determine if this was an Emergency Roomworthy problem. Sure enough it was and off I went to the hospital in the middle of the night. Relieved to see that it was super quiet in Emerg, I was helped quickly. With some antibiotics and a bit of luck my leg wasn’t going to fall off. I didn’t have COVID or flesh-eating disease so all was good! I called in sick for the Wednesday and slept hard all day. While my leg looked and felt pretty gnarly for the next couple of days, the antibiotics finally kicked in and the cellulitis is essentially gone now. Thank goodness! The relief I felt that I didn’t actually have COVID was immense. And yet as I get older, the reality is I could end up with any number of dread diseases and face a grim outcome or even just end up in a fatal accident. I don’t tend to lay awake at night worrying about that though. So yes, besides the fact I really do need to get my Will done, one of the worst things about COVID is the prospect of spreading it. Obviously I don’t want to get it, suffer through it and potentially have long-lasting issues and/or die a lonely death from it but mostly I don’t want to be the one that gives it to anyone else or ties up a hospital bed. I wash my hands. I wear my mask. I stay home. I keep my distance. And when the vaccine becomes available, I will be in the line up. Hopefully I’ll see you there. Have a quiet, content and safe Christmas everyone. Here’s hoping 2021 is a much better year.

Voices of Experience www.connectornews.ca Telephone: (250) 374-7467 Office Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Please address all correspondence to: Kamloops Connector 1365B Dalhousie Drive Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 Publisher Bob Doull General Manager Liz Spivey (778) 471-7537

publisher@connectornews.ca Editor:

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Dayana Rescigno creative@connectornews.ca Kamloops Connector is a monthly newspaper dedicated to inform, serve and entertain adults 45 and over. We aim to publish on the last Wednesday of each month and copy/booking deadlines are either the 2nd or 3rd Thursdays of each month. Please request a publishing schedule for specific information. Kamloops Connector is published by Kamloops This Week, part of the Aberdeen Publishing Group. Letters to the Editor must be signed and have a phone number (your phone number will not be printed unless requested). Other submissions are gratefully received although Kamloops Connector reserves the right to edit all material and to refuse any material deemed unsuitable for this publication. Articles, group and event listings will run in the newspaper as time and space permit. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from Kamloops Connector. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Kamloops Connector, Kamloops This Week or the staff thereof. Subscriptions are $35 per year in Canada. Any error which appears in an advertisement will be adjusted as to only the amount of space in which the error occurred. The content of each advertisement is the responsibility of the advertiser. Kamloops Connector recommends prudent consumer discretion.

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Kamloops Children's Art Festival

helps make season magical By Rebecca Kurtis, Kamloops Arts Council Admin Intern

t is officially December and that means we are counting down to the holidays. It also means that we are counting down to our 21st Annual Kamloops Children’s Art Festival. Our theme this year is “Starlight, Starbright” and we encourage everyone to show us your star power. “I am very excited about the early nightfall theme that we have in the winter months, ‘Starlight, starbright.’ I think the families will love the arts activities we have planned for them,” said KAC executive director Terri Hadwin. This virtual event will run from December 21st to the 25th and you will have three chances throughout each day to participate in different events. Programming will be offered in the morning, noon and night. Come sing along with The Wilds, an incredible folk pop band that will rock your world. Be mystified by Clinton W. Grey’s magical performances where he just might let you in on some secrets behind the magic and Kiki the Echo Elf whose beautiful voice could warm the coldest Grinch heart. Get up and move with Spiderman, dance along with the Princesses and listen to an amazing oral story by Chris Bose. Every day there will be something new for you and your family to do, see and experience. “Creativity Bags” filled with all the materials that families will need to participate alongside the

December 21 - 25 This Virtual Kamloops Childrens Art Festival will have a little something for everyone! Get up and move with Spiderman, learn Magic with Clint W Grey and sing along with Kiki the echo elf, The Wilds Band and so much more! Check out our website for more information!

kamloopsarts.ca

online festivities will be available to be picked up at the Old Courthouse Cultural Centre one week before the event begins (at no cost, you will be able to reserve your date and time for pick up). There are so many arts activities to keep your children busy and engaged. And we should also mention, there will be prizes. “This Festival will be unlike anything you have ever experienced—from our “Get Up and Move” segments to our spectacular performances and our bedtime stories, we are so

excited to be able to bring this virtual festival into your home,” said festival coordinator, Shannon Cooper. Thanks to our incredible sponsors, KAC’s Children Arts Festival is 100 percent free and will be livestreamed through Vimeo. You can find the video links and more information including the performance line up schedule on https:// kamloopsarts.ca/program/ childrens-art-festival/

SMALL//works 2020 Fundraiser Come visit us at the Old Courthouse for this great BIG teeny tiny art show! The SMALL//works fundraiser is a fabulous opportunity for artists to show their work and support the Kamloops Arts Council. This exhibition is comprised of small, one of a kind, original artworks and is the perfect time for gift givers and art collectors to find fun, affordable artwork just in time for the holiday season. For more information visit our website!

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Lessons Learned from Experienced Investors

financial focus LILI A SEERY Financial Advisor

according to the 2020 Edward Jones/Age Wave Four Pillars of the New Retirement study. And by keeping control of your emotions, you may be less likely to make moves such as selling quality investments with good fundamentals just because their prices have fallen in the midst of an overall market decline. • Know yourself. When we reach a certain age, most of us know ourselves pretty well. But you don’t have to wait decades to gain this knowledge – at least not when it comes to investing. For example, you should

quickly gain a good sense of your ability to withstand risk. How? Just consider how you react when the market declines sharply. If you find yourself losing sleep over your losses – even if they’re just on paper – you might be taking on too much risk for your own comfort level. Conversely, if market downturns don’t bother you as much as lack of growth in your portfolio, you might be investing too conservatively for your own risk tolerance. • Take a longer-term perspective. When we’re young, we sometimes are more inclined to desire MKT-6354F-A-A1 EXP 31 MAR 2022 © 2020 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

hose who have lived a long time have done a lot, seen a lot – and can teach us a lot. And that’s certainly true when it comes to investing. Consider some of the

lessons you might learn from experienced investors: • Regulate your emotions. In the investment world, there’s always something coming at us that could sound scary: political flashpoints, economic news, and even those once-in-a-generation occurrences, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. But older people may take these events in stride; in fact, baby boomers and members of the Silent Generation (born between 1925 and 1945) are coping better emotionally with the impacts of COVID-19 than younger aged cohorts,

instant gratification – we want results now. Translated into the investment world, this could mean we want to see big returns in a short period. However, despite the popular mythology, it’s quite hard to turn enormous profits on investments overnight – or even over weeks or months. But as the years pass, we learn the value of thinking long-term – how investments we made years ago, and have added to steadily, are now yielding results that can help build the resources we need to reach our objectives.

• Don’t go it alone. Some of us, when we’re young, have a tendency to think we have all the answers and don’t need much help in our endeavors. But age gives us the wisdom to recognize that, although we may have acquired much knowledge over the years, we can still use some help in specialized areas, such as creating a long-term investment strategy. Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

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several steps and an ongoing relationship with the lawyer and the client, the lawyer will prepare a retainer letter setting out the job the lawyer will do for you, what the charges are and any other details. The client then provides a sum of money (called a retainer amount) that the lawyer will hold in trust and use as security for the work that they will perform. The client will then get billed on a periodic basis as the case proceeds; this is usually for litigation matters, or complicated legal matters like buying a business or restructuring a company. If you are not sure if you need a lawyer and just have a few questions, the Canadian Bar Association has a Lawyer Referral Service – lawyers in your community sign up for this and offer a 30 minute consultation for $25 plus tax. The number to call for that service is 1-800-6631919. The Bar Association also offers something called Diala-Law which is pre-recorded free legal information on various legal topics. The number to call for that service is 1-800-565-5297. Kamloops is also lucky to offer a TRU Community Legal Clinic, where law school students, supervised by lawyers, provide free legal services for clients that meet the low-income requirements. Their number is 778-471-8490.

lawyer, check out their website. Lawyers’ websites will set out what area of law they practice in, how long they have been a lawyer and what community groups they participate in. These details can help you determine if they fit and if they handle the type of law your matter requires. The usual process when hiring a lawyer is that their Legal ease office will first conduct a KERRI D. PRIDDLE conflict check to be sure your case does not conflict with an existing or past client’s legal interests. Once iring a lawyer the conflict check is done, is an important decision. You need the lawyer will want to meet with you (or speak with you to spend some time and do your research. You can’t base by telephone or virtually) for an initial consultation. decisions on ads you see on Lawyers have identification Please download logos at the internet or the side of a requirements they have to edwardjones.com/graphics. bus. Just like picking a wine meet, so you will have to based onnot thetypeset label – you Do themay logo. provide ID at the meeting, not like what you get! You or before if it is a telephone The border is 3pt rule, yellow want to be sure the lawyer or video consultation. If (PMS 116C) you choose is the right fit for the consultation is being you and your situation. done remotely and there Consider what kind of are documents to review, legal issue you have – are the lawyer will usually want you buying a house? Do you to look at those in advance need a Will? Are you getting to maximize your meeting a divorce? Ask people who time. work in that industry what Once you and the lawyer lawyer they prefer to work meet and agree on a course with. For example: if you of action, the lawyer will are buying a house, ask your advise you about the next realtor, mortgage broker steps and a plan of action. or banker – they will have Some things are invoiced worked with lawyers who as a flat rate, like a Will or specialize in that area of a house purchase, and the law and be able to make a process is non-contentious recommendation. and straightforward. If the legal matter will require When considering a

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The Law Society of B.C. has a website where you can look up any lawyer in B.C., when they became a lawyer, their contact information and if they have had any disciplinary action taken against them. If a person is not listed on the Law Society website, they are not licensed to practice law in B.C. and cannot give legal advice. Although there are agencies that purport to give legal ‘assistance’ for a fee, that is not permitted because their standard and quality of assistance is not regulated. Only Lawyers, and Notaries for non-contentious matters, can give legal advice or assistance for a fee. The value of hiring a lawyer when you are doing the routine steps in life like buying a house or preparing a Will is that you will develop a relationship with that lawyer. Then, if something arises that you urgently need a lawyer for, like a car accident or litigation dispute, you already have a lawyer you know and trust that you can call and get advice from. It takes the stress of finding a lawyer when you are already upset and taking a chance on the right fit when you have urgent deadlines you may need to meet or you are injured and unwell. A wise person once said “Justice isn’t Just without a Lawyer you can Trust.”

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Q. Murray died. Christmas is coming. How can Alice feel merry when she’s missing Murray?

ask drake DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

A. I doubt if there’s a more emotionally charged time of the year for many people than Christmas time. How do you feel as Christmas approaches? If, like Alice, someone close to you has died this year (or even in years past) there’s a good chance that Christmas will trigger something in you. Perhaps some wonderful and treasured memories. Perhaps something painful. Perhaps both. In this month’s column I have some good news and some bad news regarding the weeks leading up to Dec. 25. My thoughts will not necessarily reflect your thoughts. But they are food for thought, and they represent observations I’ve made over the years as a

funeral director. First the bad news. There will be intense pressure to ‘get happy’ as Christmas approached. It will come from radio, TV, the internet, you name it. Whether it’s Andy Williams declaring “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” Brenda Lee “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” or Burl Ives telling you to have a “Holly Jolly Christmas,” Alice will be strongly encouraged to adopt the Christmas spirit. Closer to home, Alice’s grocer, furnace repairperson and dollar store clerk may well wish her a Merry Christmas. They may even ask Alice how she will be spending Christmas this year. Alice will probably offer a courteous reply but she likely won’t say what she’s really thinking: “My husband has died. I don’t want to even think about Christmas this year and I wish it would just go away.” Sadly, Alice is not feeling merry…she’s missing Murray! Have you ever felt this way at Christmas time? Do you feel that way this year? Now for some hopefully encouraging news. First, if it’s any comfort to you,

a lot of people struggle with the emotional roller coaster called Christmas. There are many bereaved Alices in our community, probably several could hear you if you yelled out your window. This may not bring a lot of comfort – your pain is still your pain – but it’s worth pointing out perhaps. Here’s something else to ponder. Although many ‘grief experts’ say you must face your grief – otherwise you’re in denial – there are many healthy distractions available during the Christmas season. One phrase I’ve heard many times over the years: “I’ll be spending time with my grandchildren this Christmas, and they keep me in the moment.” Or perhaps it’s your pet. Or perhaps it’s volunteering for a good cause. Alice, if you find something healthy to do to take your mind off Murray for awhile over Christmas, I say “GREAT.” (By the way, I’ll deal with the angry mail I may get from some grief experts for this last comment.) One last thing to ponder. Have you ever noticed how things change on Dec. 26 or a few days later? Most radio

stations put Burl, Brenda and Andy back on the shelf for another year. A greeting of “Merry Christmas” is replaced with “Happy New Year” (that’s a whole other topic for another time), and life goes on. It’s amazing how Alice can resume her normal life (including the roller coaster of life joys and the sadness about Murray as she navigates her own personal grief journey) once she stops being inundated with advertisements, Christmas songs and Christmas greetings from well meaning store clerks. All things must pass, including Dec. 25. I’ve had the honour to help a lot of people deal with death over the past two decades. One thing I’ve noticed however about the many Alices I’ve served: Alice is stronger than you’d think. She goes through the pain and gradually moves forward with her life. Christmas can be especially stressful but Alice manages to get through it and into the new year. I’m confident you will too.

Tips on managing stress Submitted by Nicole Clay, Zen Wellness Massage

n any other year, approaching the holiday season tends to stir up feelings of stress, anxiety and anticipation. Even though most people look forward to it, it can be stressful regardless. Increased demands on our time, the pressure to find the “perfect” gifts, and financial pressures can all add to our stress load. 2020 has brought with it many new sources and layers of stress, many that we haven’t experienced before. We find ourselves concerned and unsure of the future. You might find yourself riddled with anxiety in situations that you used to handle with ease, or worrying about things that barely used to cross your mind. Whether we acknowledge it or not,

stress does take a toll on us. Left unchecked, built-up stress and tension can take a serious toll on our mental and physical well-being. Now more than ever, we acknowledge that self-care is no longer considered a luxury but a necessity. We have come to realize that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we are of little benefit to those that we love. Managing stress is an important part of taking care of ourselves. Two of the most effective ways are: proper nutrition and exercise, and getting a great night’s sleep. A refreshing walk in the cool air can be very uplifting. Another is simply having someone to talk to. Sometimes sharing our concerns can help them seem more manageable. A soothing bath or an enjoyable

treat are also great little ways to ease our stress. Meditation, massage and other forms of bodywork are excellent methods of releasing built up tension, and can do wonders for anxiety. Another great skill to help manage stress is learning to be mindful and in the present moment. This takes practice so don’t

be discouraged if you find it challenging. As we enter into this busy season, take a deep breath and focus on what is within your control and what is truly worthy of your attention. And don’t forget to do something special for yourself. Your mind, body and soul will thank you.

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Licensed Esthetician/Owner Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5P6 or email your details with “Zen Wellness Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, December 4 at 9:00am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up

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8 | DECEMBER 2020

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The importance of subfloor

KAMLOOPS’ BEST SELECTION OF VQA WINES AND BC CRAFT BEER Gifts Packs & Stocking Stuffers HOLIDAY HOURS: CHRISTMAS EVE 9AM- 7PM CHRISTMAS DAY CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY 10AM - 7PM We’re In Lansdowne Mall! 225-450 Lansdowne St. 250-571-1377 Lansdowneliquor.ca lansdowneliquor

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SAFE & HAPPY

HOLIDAY SEASON!

Flooring PAUL MORRIS Nufloors

he subfloor is the foundation of your flooring and, consequently, the foundation of a good flooring installation. What is underneath your flooring typically is either plywood or concrete. In this article we will go into some detail on the most common types of subfloor, the importance of a good subfloor, and highlight which products work best on each type. Homes with multiple levels often can have multiple types of subfloor so it is important to understand how they differ and what it means when choosing your next flooring.

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a vapour barrier and or underlayment is needed to ensure the proper performance of the flooring. With concrete subfloors, you will want to pay close attention to preparation before installing your flooring. The goal with any subfloor is to have the surface as flat as possible. Some cases may require only minimal repair with the use of cement based patch to achieve a smooth and relatively flat surface. Some cases may require a self-levelling compound to achieve the same outcome. When it comes to subfloors we want to ensure that the flooring product selected accompanies the appropriate amount of prep and installation steps. By doing this we ensure that the flooring product being installed will perform and last for years to come. Avoiding using a vapour barrier or neglecting prep may save money in the short run it will come at the expense and performance of your flooring in the long term. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to drop by. Happy holidays!

‘Tis not the normal holiday season

CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME

you concerned about: GETTING READY •Are Strangers coming to your home FOR YOUR • Length of time to sell your unit JANUARY TRIP? • The right price to ask DON’T

Plywood Subfloor This is the preferred and most common material used for subfloors and can be found on the first, second and upper levels of a home. If you have an older home, plywood may be installed overtop of the diagonal planking (shiplap) for reinforcement. For a structurally sound subfloor, a thickness of ¾” is required. If a thinner plywood is used, additional layers may be necessary. Common prep needed for this type of subfloor includes; screws to help take away squeaks that have developed, sanding/ planning to take away high joint seams and patching to eliminate low areas and screw head marks. Plywood subfloors can accommodate all flooring types from carpet to vinyl to solid hardwood to tile. Concrete Subfloor Concrete subfloors are most common below or at ground level. Due to its proximity to the ground, there is natural moisture in concrete. Concrete subfloors can accept the majority of flooring types but in many cases

everything organized SHAWN FERGUSON Everything Organized

t’s amazing how slow time can pass in a year that I can’t wait to end. It was quite the trying year for many people filled with fear and wonder and yet I don’t think we will see the end of this for some time to come yet. No matter how much we want this to go away, it is only through our efforts that we can get back to some kind of normal. At this time of year, it is important for every person’s mental health to get some family or friend time but it’s also a time to protect your physical health. Now how can we do both? If you haven’t already

figured out how to use a program like ZOOM, it’s a great way to connect with others without having to worry about social distancing. I know it’s not the normal hugs and handshakes but it is a very close second. With this program people are able to share time with loved ones across the world and now even with friends next door. For example, I will be doing this with parts of my family. One house cooks a large holiday dinner and separates the meal into little care packages. These are dropped off ahead of time to all of their friends and family that will be joining the dinner at a distance. When everyone has their care package and it has been reheated at a set time, it will be time to turn on ZOOM and everyone will eat together. I think this will be a great way to enjoy everyone you’re thinking about this year without having to mask up or brave the elements. It will be a much different holiday season than most of us are used to but it’s a time for everyone to

learn to cope with a little more distancing for the betterment of everyone in the long run. We will just have to be creative on how to see everyone we want to share the season with without going outside of our normal bubbles. For the rest of the time how about a ZOOM organizing or downsizing party, so you have someone to chat with while you’re both going through the boxes of forgotten treasures or making that cluttered space in your home much more inviting. It’s great to see and share these items but remember if it remains in a box it isn’t doing anyone any good. Take pictures of all your treasures so that when you donate the items you won’t lose the memory. A great gift request is an electric picture frame that will load your pictures and then cycle through them so these items are no longer in a box but instead you get to see them in passing everyday. Happy Holidays from Everything Organized!

DECEMBER 2020 | 9

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KSO presents a soothing and introspective concert experience

he Kamloops Symphony’s next performance, Solemn Contemplation, will be a therapeutic experience; something we can all benefit from right now. Featuring both old and new works the music of this concert will soothe the soul and take the listener on an introspective journey. Solemn Contemplation will be available on-demand as an online experience from 7:30 pm on Saturday, November 21 through to Sunday, December 20, and will also be presented at two film screenings at the Paramount Theatre on Sunday, November 29. The program includes calming works by Canadian composers Larysa Kuzmenko and Julie Thériault, paired with an evocative and thoughtprovoking work by Baroque Italian composer Giovanni Battista Pergolesi. Larysa Kuzmenko is a Toronto-based Juno nominated composer and pianist whose music has been commissioned, performed, broadcast, and recorded by outstanding musicians all over the world. Her music has been called “as charming and colourful as any film score by Danny Elfman or John Williams.” The KSO will be performing her work A Prayer for Strings, which has a lyrical, song-like expressive melody and was inspired by the memory of her father. Along with being an accomplished pianist and

composer Julie Thériault is also a celebrated painter, relating colours to music and vibrations to painting. The KSO will be performing four selections from her recently produced album Projections, which possesses a fragile finesse with moments of hypnotizing introspection. Concluding the concert is Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater. Pergolesi was one of the most important early composers of comic opera (opera buffa) and was also known for his sacred music. Tragically, he died of tuberculosis at the age of 26 shortly after completing this piece. The Stabat Mater is a musical setting of a 13th-century hymn to the Virgin Mary, with the title coming from the first line “Stabat Mater dolorosa” or “the sorrowful mother was standing.” It is one of Pergolesi’s most celebrated sacred works, with the opening section having been described as “the most perfect and touching duet to come from the pen of any composer.” KSO music director Dina Gilbert says of the program, “In some of the most troubling times, we can also find light. With this next concert experience, I really wanted to contrast our first two projects of the year and give our audiences a moment for introspection, through some truly beautiful and sublime music. The purity and beauty of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, written while he was suffering from tuberculosis

at the age of 26, will resonate with today’s audiences. In addition, two pieces by living female Canadian composers will round out the program adding an aura of simplicity and serenity.” Joining the orchestra to perform the Stabat Mater are soprano Sinéad White, and countertenor Shane Hanson. Irish-born soprano Sinéad White is an active performer across North America, regularly singing in Toronto with ensembles such as Tafelmusic Orchestra & Chamber Choir, Theatre of Early Music, and Opera Atelier. Shane Hanson has established himself as an in-demand countertenor, receiving great praise for his performances in the Vancouver area and throughout the province. He has performed with the Vancouver Bach Choir, Okanagan Symphony, UBC Opera, Vancouver Symphony, Early Music Vancouver, and the Chilliwack Symphony. Tickets for the online experience are $15 for an Individual or $25 for a Household Pass. A special COVID price of $5 is also available. Tickets for the showings in Paramount are $20. All tickets will go on sale starting Friday, November 6, and can be purchased from Kamloops Live! Box Office at 250-374-5483 or kamloopslive.ca.

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On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me...

kamloops birdwatch NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

Chukar in a sage bush?!! Well maybe not so much in, as foraging skittishly beneath. The soft sandy colours, streaked noir flank, bright red eye and beak; emphasized by a vibrant band of black across its face circling down the neck like a pair of mysterious shades, compliment the stealth qualities this mid-sized Partridge possesses. Yes, the Chukar is a Partridge not a Quail as it can commonly be mistaken, although it is of the same Family. Chukars for me are an iconic bird of Kamloops, though not native to our lovely arid climate. Instead they were introduced in the late 1890’s around the Baja, Colorado and Southern areas of British Columbia. Kamloopsians can seek them out amongst Tranquille’s many distinguished rock formations and terrain; gleaning seeds and grasses in Batchelor Heights’ crevasses and trails; while some golfers may be interrupted by a covey of Chukars pitter pattering across the greens at Sun Rivers and in the surrounding area.

Ironically, their love of higher elevation desert climates and rocky perches carries a setback. Water is crucial to this terrestrial Avian. With a need to rehydrate twice a day, they seek out water in many forms including: from succulents, rainfall catch basins, ground seeps and in some areas they have been documented to travel down mineshafts to quench their thirst in the waters trickling through the tunnel walls. That is where their use for water ends. Unlike others birds we see gleefully splashing in a puddle or bird bath, Chukars prefer to take a dirt bath! They create a slight depression in the ground and then plop their rotund little bodies down. After scratching to loosen the dust, they use their stout rounded wings to toss it onto their backs. Next, they shamelessly get their shimmy and shake on! This helps to evenly distribute the dust over their feathers. Believe it or not, this daily routine aids in sustaining a balanced level of oil on the plumage, which in turn assists in the overall wellbeing of the bird. Since becoming established as a noninvasive species from Eurasia, they have been highly sought and hunted for their meat and mounting presentation. But to catch a Chukar is

not so easy. Though they are flight capable, Chukars prefer to masterfully outrun their pursuant by swiftly maneuvering uphill through their habitually difficult terrain. This cunning ability has led them to be dubbed the devil bird. That opinion is not shared in their native lands like Pakistan and Iran where the Chukar is the national bird. In Pakistani culture and North Indian Mythology the Chukar can symbolize fierce and sometimes unrequited love. It is born from the notion of the bird’s love affliction with the moon as it is often found gazing in longing, or so the story goes. Chukars are monogamous in nature, waltzing to win over a hen’s affection. Nests are small hollows in the ground lined with grasses. Broods range anywhere from 8-14 in size and are Precocial when hatched. You get to look that up yourself ;) Stay Curious Kamloops! Bird tidbit: Feet of strength plays a role in what behaviour or method is observed in a bird’s bathing routine. Example, birds that spend the majority of time in flight are considered to have weaker feet and are commonly observed diving and dipping into water, using their tail to flip water in the air.

Photo Credit: Rick Howie

Buying or Selling Real Estate? From sign up to sign down...I work hard for you! For all your Real Estate needs in Kamloops, call

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ACROSS 1. S ound of impact 5. S mall, rum-soaked cake 9. R ock concert gear 13. S omething Angela Merkel could spend 14. C lassic art subjects 15. The good earth 16. S omething to do before Christmas 19. M ountain ash tree 20. K elly of “High Society” 21. B oy from Boise 24. B athroom fixture 25. G al who gets wed around Christmas 28. R emained in bed 29. G o up 30. C onclude 31. F urther modify 34. Young seal 37. Z oroastrian of India 38. “ Wait, there’s more...” 39. M odels of alternative options for Christmas festivities, say? 43. B ottle up one’s emotions 45. What cannon fire might do to your galleon 46. E manates 47. R avi Shankar played it 48. M oney type you use to buy your Christmas gift certificates 54. Went right on the horse

55. Local ecosystem 56. Dryer than a bone 57. A few old Gaelic words 58. Makes the choice 59. Day care attendees DOWN

34. “ Guilty”, for example 35. Swiss Army knives have many 36. Street lamp gizmo 37. Protein’s cousin 38. Theatre seat feature 39. Prepares for a winter takeoff 40. Deep dislikes 41. Gunpowder requirement 42. Old Russian royal 43. Small, light anchor 44. Commander in a kaffiyeh 47. Hebrides’ native 49. Didgeridoo expert, slangily 50. Item often glossed over 51. New (pref.) 52. Old computer monitor, for short 53. Ouija board word

1. J oined in matrimony 2. Subtle tone 3. Smiley face smile, essentially 4. Coot’s marsh relative 5. Lighter fluid 6. Southern Yemen port 7. Do a little gambling 8. Glowing ember’s future 9. Straddling 10. Team spirit 11. Jigsaw puzzle bit 12. Nasty fall weather 14. Old Mogul governor 17. Sufficient space 18. Not exactly the modest type 21. Not busy at all 22. Faculty VIP Solution to Puzzle 23. Vinegar, basically 24. Take a tumble 26. Forearm bones 27. It’s uplifting for many women 31. One type of discrimination 32. Conservative leader O’Toole 33. Brayer meeting attendee?

DECEMBER 2020 | 13

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Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm

DECEMBER 2020

320A Second Ave. NE (Office Hours: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm)

Calendar of Events

Salmon Arm, BC V1E 1H1 | Phone 250-832-7000 Fax 250-833-0550

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

OFFICE CLOSED December 21 to January 3

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Foot Care (by appt. only) 22

Lakeview Community Centre Society MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Drop-In Crafts 10:00 am Artist Group 10:00 am Meditation 6:30 pm 7

Table Tennis 1:00 pm Drop-In Crafts 10:00 am Meditation 6:30 pm Artist Group 10:00 am 14

Table Tennis 1:00 pm Drop-In Crafts 10:00 am Meditation 6:30 pm Artist Group 10:00 am 21

Table Tennis 1:00 pm Drop-In Crafts 10:00 am Artist Group 10:00 am Meditation 6:30 pm 27

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Calendar of Events

Squilax/Anglemont

DECEMBER 2020

Lakeview Centre

THURSDAY

Book Review By Marilyn Brown

How to Pronounce Knife

Souvankham Thammavongsa

McClelland and Stewart publisher, 2020 Fiction, short stories, 179 pages

Day Away

SUNDAY

Day Away 17

Foot Care (by appt. only)

SATURDAY

Day Away

Day Away 15

FRIDAY

Foot Care (by appt. only) 13

THURSDAY Day Away

WEDNESDAY

Carpet Bowling 10:00 am Table Tennis 1:00 pm Meditation 6:30 pm

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Rise ‘n Shine Breakfast

Carpet Bowling 10:00 am Table Tennis 1:00 pm Meditation 6:30 pm

Meditation 6:30 pm

Drop-In Crafts 10:00 am Meditation 6:30 pm Artist Group 10:00 am

Meditation 6:30 pm

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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e all want to live, to have a promising future. Its as simple as that. In the 14 very short stories in this book, Laotian refugees or their descendants struggle to adapt to North American norms, sometimes successfully, but often at significant cost to the wellbeing of themselves, their family members, and/or their community of fellow Laotians. The past history of the refugees fleeing war-torn Laos is not the focus here but is implied, the unspoken backdrop to the challenges of being an outsider in a country new to them. The goal is to survive without losing hope of a better life. That isn’t easy. In the story “Paris” the narrator describes the stink and slime of her workplace in a chicken processing facility. The visceral description is enough to cause a carnivore to consider becoming an herbivore. This is literally and figuratively a deadend job. The mien of the slaughterhouse is symbolic of the moral decay of the boss and the system he represents. The narrator observes the status of the

women who are promoted, the non-Laotians, those with long, thin, pointy noses (and presumably fair skin). In the story “Chick – A – Chee” the parents in a refugee family work hard at minimal wage to support their two kids. One of their fun activities with their dad is to drive through a neighbourhood of substantial wealth, the homes large and decorous. At Hallowe’en, the boy and girl don costumes and canvas the area, their pillowcase loot-bags brimming with full-size chocolate bars, big bags of chips, and other goodies. They are glad their dad taught them how to chorus “Chick – A – Chee” at the doors. In “How to Pronounce Knife” a refugee child is determined to learn how to pronounce the word “knife.” Her father is the only one in the house who can read English. He solemnly and carefully sounds out the word. “Kah-nnn-eye-ff.” The girl is a quick learner. When she is called upon by her teacher to orally read out a section of a story which has that word, she is true to the lesson her father gave her. The teacher taps at the page

“as if by doing so the correct sound would spill out.” An unfriendly girl in the class contemptuously calls out, “The “k” is silent.” The child argues that it should have a sound, just like her father indicated. She is sent to the principal’s office. “And none of them, with all their lifetime of reading and good education, could explain it.” The stories are short and sharp, often with punchy dialogue and abrupt endings. There are no drawn-out explanations by a narrator, or descriptions of breathtaking landscapes. The reader is jettisoned into the principal dilemma of the characters and, just as in real life, sometimes the challenges remain unresolved. Souvankham Thammavongsa was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, and raised in Toronto. She is an award-winning poet, and has just won the $100,000 Scotiabank Giller Prize for 2020, Canada’s richest literary award. (Last year’s Scotiabank Giller prize was won by Ian Williams’ novel, Reproduction reviewed by me in the April 2020 Connector.) Thammavongsa is working on her first novel.

SUDOKU

14 | DECEMBER 2020

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, 7PM

Hills of Peace Lutheran Church SERVICE OF HOPE & HEALING (“BLUE CHRISTMAS”) 250-828-2221 ; office@hillsofpeace.com In-person attendees must contact the office to register; Masks required.

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Parts Procurement

By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

s I look out of my office window seeing all of that white stuff, yes snow, I am reminded of my vehicle to-do list. Time to do those repairs on the various means of transportation that I get to enjoy in warmer weather. From motorcycles to cars to the RV they all need something besides my time. I went to a local parts store that has the equipment to discover and match various paint colours and codes. This service is greatly appreciated by me, because they provide something I can’t do, and to perform their services they require full and necessary vehicle information, which is especially helpful when ordering parts. The piece of information most useful is the VIN – vehicle identification number. Most vehicles starting in 1980 have a 17-digit code and prior to that the code was 13 and less. This code is extremely useful because of all the accurate information that can be obtained just by looking at letters and numbers. Following is a brief description of the VIN> Parts of the VIN There are two different standards for the Vehicle Identification Number. The ISO standard, 3779, is copied by the European Union. In North America, a more stringent (but compatible) system is used. The VIN is composed of the following sections:

All are invited to join in online via Zoom: Meeting ID: 863 3464 0522 Password: HopePeace (467373223) (attendees remain muted during the service) A service of Hope and Healing (often called a “Blue Christmas” service) recognizes our common need to grieve, name our pain or suffering, and turn with hope to God. With the experience of a global pandemic, many might be looking for a space to reflect and sit with the challenges of faith in the face of isolation this year. December 18th and after: recording of service available at hillsofpeace.com

World Manufacturer Identifier The first three characters uniquely identify the manufacturer of the vehicle using the World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI code. Vehicle Descriptor Section - The 4th through 9th positions in the VIN are the VDS. North American Check Digit - One element that is fairly consistent is the use of position 9 as a check digit to verify the VIN. This is compulsory for vehicles in North America and is used fairly consistently even outside this rule. Vehicle Identifier Section - The 10th through 17th positions are used as the Vehicle Identifier Section or VIS. North American Model Year - The consistent element of the VIS is character number 10, which is required (in North America) to encode the model year of the vehicle. North American Plant Code – The other consistently-used element (which is compulsory in North America) is the use of the 11th character to encode the factory of manufacture of the vehicle. Although each manufacturer has their own set of plant codes, their location in the VIN is standardized. Model year encoding - Besides the three letters that are not allowed in the VIN itself (I, O and Q), the letter U and the digit 0 are not used for the year code. Note that the year code can be the calendar year in which a vehicle is built, or a model or type year allocated by the manufacturer. The year 1980 is encoded as “A”, and subsequent years increment through the allowed letters, so that “Y” represents the year 2000. 2001 through 2009 are encoded as the digits 1 through 9. As you can see by the information provided, the VIN will assist greatly in the purchasing of the proper repair parts. Due to space limitations I will continue with some additional VIN information next month as it is quite a useful tool. *On behalf of parts people, “They Are Not Technicians!” Yes they will provide parts as needed but they cannot diagnose or repair. That’s my job, as a technician, so please don’t expect them to provide that form of information. Any concerns or questions please to hesitate to contact me at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca

The Village of Chase would like to wish you and your family Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

chasebc.ca

DECEMBER 2020 | 15

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Shared Serendipity Story by Rita Joan Dozlaw “You’ll love Maria’s Christmas decorations, Grace, and I’m really happy she asked to meet you while you’re in town. We don’t have to stay long,” I told my house guest who was a distant in-law. “The theme of Maria’s décor is ‘Light of the World,’ and snow-white candles burn throughout the house for atmosphere. It’s lovely, and she’s decorated with hundreds of twinkle lights.” With the images on my mind, it thrilled me that my out-of-town relative also wanted to meet Maria. I’d shared many memorable times with her and, since she was going to be alone all that winter while her hubby worked in a Mexican mission camp called Rancho Betania, I needed to get the quick visit in to assure her I’d check on her often while she was home alone. Grace couldn’t have arrived in town at a better time; I felt sure she’d enjoy a seasonal visit with my creative forever-friend. At the door, rather than reach for the doorbell, I reached for the doorknob and called, “We’re here.” Maria met us with open arms. Just days earlier, Christmas had come and gone and, to my disappointment, she had already dismantled the seasonal decorations. “I wanted Grace to see your charming Christmas décor,” I complained. “Believe it or not, I’m quite ready for the new year.” Maria explained as she offered us tea and cookies. “Tomorrow’s a new day in a new year and things will become quite different for me and John.” I knew the circumstances and quickly changed the subject. It had been hard

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enough for Maria to accept that her hubby was leaving temporarily, and the last thing I wanted to do was bring that touchy subject up and cause Maria’s happy mood to swing into a depression. Obviously, she had come to terms with his plan; however, she knew how lonely she’d be without him and so did I. Grace was none the wiser and I’d keep it that way… and keep Maria cheery. Introducing Grace, I told Maria she was raised in a little village in Romania and came all the way to Canada and married here and took out citizenship. Things like that impressed me. “They lived and raised their family in Toronto where she sang professionally… right Grace?” Grace bowed her head humbly nodding as I went on to brag, “She has a gorgeous classically-trained voice, Maria, and she sings in several languages besides her native tongue. She’s sung for dignitaries and her concerts are beautiful,” I boasted. “I have several of her CDs now.” “Oh, I’m so happy to meet you!” Maria looked at Grace and pointed to her piano. “Do you play? Could you play and sing for us this afternoon?” Grace giggled shyly, “Oh, sorry; I can’t play a single note.” Her laugh was musical, soft and pleasing. Maria, being a novice at the piano, couldn’t accompany her either and asked, “Have you ever sung acapella, Grace?” “Oh, sure, often, but are you asking me to sing right now, right here?” “Yes, if you don’t mind.” Maria looked straight over at me. “Do it, Grace,” I prompted. “We’d love that!” I stared

encouragingly at my daughter-in-law’s cousin sincerely convincing her of our interest. But, she took Maria and me aback; she got up to leave! “Some music’s in the car,” she announced. Excited, Maria and I grinned at each other and, in two minutes, Grace was back clutching something. “I keep the words in front of me cuz I can get nervous and lose myself singing in languages other than Romanian,” she apologized. “But I can only sing this one in Italian. It’s called, Con te Partio… do you mind?” “Do we mind? Seriously, Grace? Anything you sing and any way you sing it will be a very special treat!” As Grace’s private audience of two, me and Maria turned our chairs to face her—while she paused before performing just to gaze out the window at ‘Butter Rum Mountain’. Watching the mountain-top airport beacon slowly flash on and off, she put a little pitch pipe to her lips. After inhaling deeply, in perfect key she broke into song. Angelic tones fluttered from Grace’s throat like an uncaged songbird. In romantic Italian, the mesmerising lyrics filled the air with an emotional truth which only a beautiful song like, ‘Time to Say Goodbye’ could evoke. I closed my eyes while Maria, swallowing hard and breathing heavily, wept from hers and covered her face as she sobbed; for, she recognized the piece. Grace sensed how profoundly Maria was moved by her selection, and she strained emotionally to continue with composure. She concentrated on the majestic snow-covered

mountain and, from the depths of her soul, her voice carried an arousing message. It was most extraordinary for Maria to be serenaded by a superior soprano… live, in the intimacy of her own living room! Ethereal, and remarkably timely, the meaningful love song composed by Francesca Sartori went beyond anything Maria had experienced so personally. Knowing what she was thinking, I got up and comforted her. At the finale, the three of us shared a touching group hug while, through her broken voice, Maria explained. “My hubby John is packed and ready to travel to Mexico for the winter… and early tomorrow morning it will be my ‘time to say goodbye’! Epilogue: As Grace left, the hostess gifted her with a pure-white scented candle. The special new friend vowed that, while the couple was temporarily separated, she’d have prayerful thoughts of them… especially when she lit her candle. The esoteric song, shared poignantly and spontaneously, was a memorable piece of music which Maria strongly desired to learn on her piano; so, afterwards, Grace gave her the music. Maria’s learning curve was long; several years in fact, but each time she plays it now she reminisces of the deeply comforting solace a new friend honoured and blessed her with so long ago.

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Local woman reaches milestone A long-time resident of Kamloops, Evelyn May Norris, celebrates her 100th birthday on Dec. 15. Evelyn has lived in Kamloops for more than 70 years. Evelyn is a graduate from the school of nursing at Brandon General Hospital. She and two other graduates recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of their nursing graduation. After her marriage to Wilbur Lyle Norris in 1946, they moved to Kamloops from Estevan, SK and here they raised their family of three, all the while, together and by hand, expanding their one room cabin year by year, room by room, into the existing spacious home located at 1034 Pleasant St. Evelyn lived in this home (even after being widowed in 1998) for 69 years before suffering a stroke while a resident of Berwick on the Park, which took away her mobility. She is now a much loved resident at the Overlander Extended Care facility in Brocklehurst. Her nursing career in Kamloops began with Evelyn working at Royal Inland Hospital when it was still a red brick building on the hill. Then, for many years, she worked at the Irving Clinic as the head nurse/receptionist for Dr. Osborne until he left for missionary work in Africa. During the last years of Evelyn’s career, she worked in the public health domain. No matter where Evelyn fulfilled her nursing duties, she was highly regarded for her work ethic, professionalism, dedication and her genuine concern for the well-being of others.

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DECEMBER 2020 | 17

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Zone 8, 55+ BC Games, Looks forward to Better Times in 2021 Formerly known as We Care

By Linda Haas

e are grateful for all the volunteers who support our organization, promoting wellness of mind and body through physical, mental and social activities. We are still short sport coordinators for Hockey and Slo-Pitch. Please let Peter Hughes 778-471-1805 or zone8pres.peterhughes@ shaw.ca know as soon as possible so that you, too, can be a star in Zone 8. Also, if you like doing figures, or figure you can figure out figures, we would like to account for your helping Zone 8 by taking on the position of treasurer. Help and gratitude go with the job. Normally we start off making New Year’s resolutions in January. However, because I shared Step 1 of Jeff Herring’s “10 ways to stop procrastinating” last month, here is Step 2: Have a breakdown. No, not your own nervous breakdown.

Break down the task you have been putting off into smaller pieces. Stop looking at it as this huge thing that will take forever to do. For example, if you have to clean out the garage, break it down into small steps: write out an organization plan or drawing — divide everything into two piles, a pile to keep and one to throw out, then throw stuff out, etc. Make it manageable by breaking it into manageable pieces. We wish all those 55+, and those who wait

impatiently to be 55 so they, too, can take part in the exciting 55+ BC Games, a happy holiday season. Looking forward to seeing you next year, in March we hope, at our first live General meeting in over a year. In the meantime, love to all and to all a healthy end to this challenging year.

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Packing up gifts Colouring outside the lines REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

‘Tis the season. This month holds many special holy days for a variety of faith traditions: In addition to Christmas (Christian) and Hannukah (Jewish), Muslims celebrate Ashura, Buddhists celebrate Bodhi Day, the pan-African community celebrates Kwanzaa, Zoroastrians celebrate the anniversary of the death of Zoroaster,

and many groups celebrate solstice – the longest night and the return of longer days. Of course, this year our celebrations are tempered by the pandemic. Closed borders mean I will not be able to spend the holiday with my family this year, and I know many others share this particular sadness with me. So I’m packing up gifts, preparing to ship them to my family south of the border. I’m also packing a few “gifts” for myself as I load boxes with 11 years of accumulated stuff in order to join my partner in Kelowna. The last frantic packing will mean several surprises when the unpacking commences. We are not alone in packing goodies and gifts to be opened on another day. All around us the natural world is packing,

too. Plants and trees are packing starches away deep in their roots. At just the right time in the spring, they will unpack these gifts, turning the starches into the carbohydrates needed to reinvigorate themselves in the spring. Squirrels, marmots and other fourlegged ones are packing away nuts and food to get them through a period of deep winter hibernation. This kind of packing requires some discernment. What do we need to pack away to insure new life next spring? What do we need to pack away to insure new life in the next generation? And the generation after that? What special gift might we consider packing to give to those who will come after us? We’ve packed lots of boxes with things we know we’ll

need in our new home. We’ve also packed several boxes for local thrift stores, too. And hauled a bunch of stuff up to ReStore. And filled our recycling bin – and the neighbours’ – several times over. And, of course, there has been a trip to the dump. Ouch. That one hurt. We’ve had some fun, too. We’ve packed up some of our goods for sale and then chosen to gift those goods to the buyer. We love the idea of a gifting economy, one that isn’t concerned with making the maximum dollar profit off goods, and suggests instead that when we no longer need something we pass it on to someone who does. The delight that has come as people respond with surprise and joy has been more valuable to us than the few dollars we might have made from the sale.

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hristmas for many of us is a magical time. It is that time of year when we think of things like peace on earth and good will towards all people. In Kamloops this is the season when many of us reach out with generosity

and kindness to those around us. Don’t we hope at Christmas for a better world for everyone? Don’t we believe in something good at this time of year? This year, for many, will be a different Christmas. How is it going to be when we are separated from our families and our loved ones? When we can’t hug one another? When we can’t sing familiar carols together? When we can’t have parties? How can we keep up our hopes for a better tomorrow? I was touched by a poem written on the wall of a cellar by a Jew in a concentration camp. “I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining. And I believe in love even when there is no one there. And

Kamloops United Church This Christmas Season Four Sunday Worship services to prepare for Christmas Nov 29, Dec. 6, 13 & 20th @ 10am 421 St. Paul Street (limited seating, masks required) or online at Kamloops United Church YouTube Worship on each of these advent Sundays will be offered in a thoughtful and intentional way.

The messages, themes and feelings experienced on each of these four Sundays will help each person access a deeply connected Christmas.

Music and Lights December 18, 19, 20th @ 7pm-8pm 421 St. Paul Street (masks required) We invite you to journey through the peaceful, candlelit, and music filled church.

This walk through of the building, will offer you and your loved ones a quiet, beautiful moment to experience the joy of Christmas.

Christmas Eve Service December 24, 2020 Kamloops United Church YouTube We invite you to gather and watch the service from your home.

We suggest you create a candlelit peaceful environment and join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus!

Right now the natural world is packing up what it needs to continue living through this winter and into next spring, when we will be gifted as spring unfurls in a splash of colours and amazing fragrances. One morning soon we will awaken to the excited chatter of birds returning. The bees will follow and soon our world will be green and filled with new life. All of this takes planning and, of course, careful packing. ‘Tis the season. The season of letting go of what is no longer life-giving. Just like the trees release their leaves to make room for what is to come next year. ‘Tis the season of packing the lifegiving elements to be drawn upon when the spring of new life arrives. ‘Tis the season of celebrating faith. Whatever

faith you embrace, whatever faith feeds your soul, ‘tis the season to celebrate the cycle of life and death and life again, knowing that the darkness of December’s short days is at work to create all that is necessary for new life to emerge in the new year. May it be so. Rev LeAnn Blackert works with Michele Walker and Lesly Comrie in ministry with Wild Church in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan (wildchurchbc.org). LeAnn and her two four-legged children are still unpacking those “gifts” in their new home in Kelowna. She will continue to help facilitate Wild Church gatherings in Kamloops and Sorrento, as well as in the Okanagan area. She looks forward to winter solstice and the turn back to lengthening light in our days.

I believe in God, even when God is silent.” This unknown man kept his hopes up by continuing to believe. A number of years ago, I visited New York City just before Christmas. On Fifth Avenue, the centre of Manhattan’s shopping district, I was amazed at the department store windows decorated for Christmas. One in particular caught my eye. There we two mannequins that looked like they were stepping out on the town. She was dressed in a sequinned black dress with a fur draped over her shoulders. He was sporting a tuxedo. At their feet were lots of beautifully wrapped presents. Above them, a sign, “What Christmas

Dreams are Made of.” As I looked at them, I thought, I want to step right into that window and be a part of that. Then, something beside the window moved. There was a woman sitting on the sidewalk, all her possessions in a shopping cart beside her. The stark contrast to the man and the woman in the window made me ask, “I wonder what her Christmas dreams are made of?” For this Pandemic Christmas, where are you placing your hopes? What are your dreams made of? What are the ways that we can still believe even though it is going to be a Christmastime unlike any of us has ever experienced?

Blue Christmas

If you feel a little blue around the holidays, or need some quiet space, we invite you to Blue Christmas. When loss, grief, depression, pain or hopelessness fill Christmas…our churches are offering non-traditional services of hope and healing. All are welcome! Tuesday December 1st @ 7pm Offered by Kamloops United Church 421 St. Paul Street (limited seating, masks required) or join the live stream on Kamloops United Church YouTube. Thursday, December 17th @ 7pm Offered by Hills of Peace. To participate go to www.hillsofpeace.com

DECEMBER 2020 | 19

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A Covid Christmas: Trapped in a Mask

Should caregivers help shingle the barn roof? Story by Trudy Frisk

aregivers go into client’s homes to help make it possible for those clients to remain in safe, familiar surroundings. This service, always important, didn’t originate recently. In Canada it began in the 1890s. The growing Canadian population faced a dangerous shortage of nurses, doctors and hospitals, especially in rural areas. The solution was the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON, the largest home care operation in Canada until 2015. It was founded in 1897 by Lady Ishbel Aberdeen, wife of Canada’s Governor General. During her cross -Canada travels Lady Ishbel heard many accounts of sick women and children left alone in remote areas while their husbands travelled long distances to plead for medical aid. In Halifax, in 1896, at a national meeting of the National Council for Women, Lady Aberdeen was asked to sponsor an order of visiting nurses to areas without medical facilities and also to establish small hospitals in remote areas. VON would be a tribute to

Queen Victoria on the 60th anniversary of her ascent to the throne. The Queen had asked that such memorials be directed to women’s and children’s health. Lady Aberdeen became the first president of the VON. She consulted with Charlotte Macleod, a Canadian who’d studied under Florence Nightingale. Nurse Macleod became VON Canada’s first Chief Superintendent, setting up a VON School of Nursing to which she welcomed the first twelve students in November 1897. In December 1897, Queen Victoria granted the VON a Royal charter. A member of the VON had to be a graduate of a recognized nursing school. She had to be unmarried, over twenty-eight years of age, dress very plainly and not curl or crimp her hair. These women travelled to visit their clients driving a horse and buggy, riding horseback, or, if necessary, walking. Medical care was their first concern. However, their primary goal was to ensure independence of the client and family. The VON, understood, and paid staff for doing tasks which

would accomplish that. A new mother with three older children, certainly couldn’t do farm chores. No problem. The VON cared for the older children. In harvest time, she picked and preserved fruit and vegetables. Chickens or other fowl would be fed and eggs gathered. Did cows need milking and milk churned into butter? All included in the VON handbook. One farm chore was firmly prohibited: “The VON nurse will, under no circumstances, help shingle the barn roof!” One hundred years later in 1997, the VON had changed some rules. Nurses could be married, under twenty-eight years, curl their hair, and reach their clients by car, not horse and buggy. VON’s basic focus remained the same, in-home care for clients. Nurses were still there to make them comfortable and keep them independent. They did what was needed and kept on doing it. Although, they never did help shingle a barn roof!

grocery delivery, fast food to go, and a car industry killing us not so softly with promises. Governments are playing dirty politics undermining measures to lock this nasty bug down. We have not learned to collaborate and cooperate. Instead we come from a long history of leading with fists, shooting first and writing of victories and heroism based on the number dead. We could

be fighting locusts, or in the middle of a tornado beginning with the letter V but, it can’t be a competition; what happens in one corner of the earth impacts the whole globe. We are in a second maybe third wave of COVID now. We are communal but required not to commune to survive. Anyone who lives as long as we have, already knows uncertainty and the unknown are a regular

part of regular life. As John Lennon famously said, “Life is what happens when we’re making other plans.” I don’t know what I’ll be doing for Christmas. Not having my kids geographically close, it will be hard but there is a chance to create innovative ways to celebrate with them. Another famous author, Dr. Seuss reminds us the Grinch didn’t steal Christmas, it came just the same but not quite.

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t can’t hurt; it’s no different than airplanes and cars that require seatbelts to save lives; it’s a preventive action. How do you measure something you’re preventing? We depend on scientists to project for us. What about that mask, eh? How does it relate to Christmas? It doesn’t except to remind us our celebrations will include a piece of cloth over our nose and mouth. Racks of masks with Christmas trees and bottles of scotch on them are already everywhere. Though I’m

facilities but residents can leave the building into an assumed safe bubble. People have more than one bubble and cross pollinate. Parts of buildings are off limits, only sometimes not. Differing views exist about what’s essential. Should individual rights and freedoms take precedence over communal rights in the current crisis. Are bars and booze essential, doesn’t consumption of booze reduce inhibitions, which COVID protocol should we follow, how do we overcome denial and duplicity by world leaders, and how do we overcome distrust towards governments and professionals? It’s hard, so hard, to be living in fear, figuring out mixed messages and with deprivation of our need on the one hand to be mentally healthy, and staying alive on the other. We are fatigued, annoyed and anxious to comply. Most of us are vulnerable. Small business has been severely impacted while the corporate world is making money hand over fist with internet shopping,

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prejudiced about masks. In the operating room, us nurses would never have gone in there without a mask not even with a gun at our backs. What were we doing if masks were not effective at shutting out bacteria and viruses? All those years of proving its effectiveness. There are both individual and communal rights, varying views on freedom, and differing thoughts about what is essential. We have a culture built on “me, myself and I,” having learned to worship entitlement and daily reminding ourselves what we deserve. We need balance between individual and communal rights and not to underestimate advertising promoting individual rights of nonsustainable pursuits. No doubt about it, economic growth is not congruent with the COVID protocols and vice-versa. You can go to the gym but children are not allowed in the local playground. People are screened in longterm care and residential

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20 | DECEMBER 2020

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What a year this has been. There really is just one thing I want to say to all of you

hange isn’t easy for anyone, but forced change is even harder. The Coronavirus Pandemic has changed the way we talk, we shop, we work and the way we play. We certainly are missing the in-person connections, and the hugs, but are grateful that technology is such that we can still stay connected and see our loved ones on the phone and computers. I have to admit that although my parents live just across town, life is so busy that I haven’t made the time as often as I should, to go and see them. It took this world changing event, to give me the momentum needed to start visiting virtually. Both my parents and I really enjoy our video chats. We have even included my brother and sister in the chats which is something that rarely happens in person! Office life has changed as well. Our number one priority is to keep everyone safe and although it’s a different experience now, we think we are doing a pretty good job! Hearing is essential, and the government deemed us an essential service right from the beginning. It was hard to adapt our opendoor policy – we can still accommodate walk-in hearing aid cleaning and servicing the difference is that now it’s contactless and you have to wait in your car while we do our work. You can even call us on your cell phone when you arrive and we will come to you! Linda often jokes that she just needs a pair of roller skates as it reminds her of the carhops of her youth. If you, or your loved one, require a hearing test, need new hearing aids, or programming of your existing hearing aids we are still open to safely serve you. We know how important your hearing is. We are required to limit the number of people in the office, so appointments are necessary and face masks are required. Really, this is a small price to pay to keep us all safe and to ensure that you are able to hear your best through the holidays and every day. Did you know that each hearing aid has a serial number and can be traced back to its original owner? If you find a hearing aid, you can take it back to any hearing aid office in town and they should be able to track it back to its original owner. More so now than ever, we’ve had people come to our office with found hearing aids. It doesn’t matter where or when the hearing aid was purchased, manufacturers have a master database to identify who they belong to. If you find a hearing aid, no matter what condition it’s in, bring it in. Hearing aids are a costly investment and it’s amazing what can be repaired. We’re sure that the original owner would be thankful for the return. If you’ve lost your hearing aids, and it doesn’t look like they will be found, there’s steps you can take. First, contact your hearing aid office and see if it’s still under loss and damage warranty. All hearing aids come automatically with a one to three-year manufacturers loss and damage policy. (Deductibles apply). Secondly, most hearing aids are covered under your house insurance. It’s worth asking the question even paying the deductible and

We Miss You! increased premiums for a few years often is more cost effective than spending thousands of dollars out of your own pocket to replace something that you have insured. And thirdly, if the hearing aids are provided by a third party; Provincial or Federal program, you can ask if they will cover the cost of the replacement. It seems like an odd thing to say, but this pandemic has given me more time to do the things I forgot I wanted/liked to do. We’ve all have our lock-down projects on the go and I’m no different. I’ve cleaned my closets, organized my house and spent most of my summer camping in my travel trailer. Something good that has come out of this is my new love for Canasta. Who would have guessed that this simple card game would be so enticing? I’ve even had thoughts of trying Bridge next. I must say, I’ve really started to love my time in the trailer. It’s now permanently parked on family acreage in Heffley. To extend my camping season I’ve ordered a Canadian-built, mini wood stove. It measures just 13 inches by 15 inches and will heat the trailer nicely. I’m planning on spending many more days, no matter how cold and snowy, in the trailer. If all goes well, I’ll be cozy and warm while I spend my January birthday there too.

offer gift certificates, in any denomination, and many forms of hearing protection. To stay safe, please just give us a call to order or ask any questions about these products. And as we’re talking about Christmas, we have to say that for the first time in 19 years we will not be able to have our Annual Christmas Tea and SingAlong. We’re feeling a little sorry for ourselves as this was always such a good time. Perhaps this year we’ll just enjoy a bit more eggnog and save the

merriment for when we can all be together again! Christmas in July perhaps?

Once again, I have to thank you for your friendships and in the spirit of the holidays, we all wish you all a very Merry Christmas and healthy and happy New Year!

Jan.

Many of you remember Dillan, who moved to Penticton to run the office there. He’s doing well and enjoying the City. Penticton has welcomed him warmly and he’s purchased a townhouse and settling in nicely. Blaine still drives to Penticton once in a while to cover for holidays and to visit with our customers. Blaine’s Covid project has been to work on music on a smaller scale. As we all know, the new restrictions have been hard on musicians and performers. There are not a lot of venues for live entertainment. It has been nice for us to have our musician friends in our ‘Safe Six’ circle. Blaine and his bandmates have been writing and recording original music that they will hopefully be able to perform soon – when our world is once again alive with music. We know that everyone is trying to limit the time they spend shopping and going out so feel free to call to request batteries be mailed out to you. Don’t forget though, that in order for your hearing aids to work properly they still need to be cleaned at least every three months. Christmas is just around the corner and you’ll want to make sure that even if it’s just a video chat that you can hear your family and loved ones. We don’t have ice skates for the staff, just yet, but we will be continuing to offer contactless curbside service for all of you. This includes the purchase of batteries as well as the cleaning and servicing of your hearing aids. If you are looking for a last-minute gift for the person with hearing issues we can help. We have signalling devices for telephones, smoke detectors, baby monitors, alarm clocks and more. These can be extremely useful during the night when your loved one is not wearing their hearing devices. We also

414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC 250.372.3090 Toll Free 1.877.718.2211 Email: info@kamloopshearingaidcentre.ca or online at:

www.KamloopsHearingAidCentre.ca Find us on facebook: /KamloopsHearingAidCentre

Christmas Hours: December 24 8:30-12:00 December 25 Closed December 28 Closed December 31 8:30 – 12:00 January 1 Closed