Kamloops Connector February 2021 by KamloopsThisWeek

February 2021 VOL. 29, NO. 10, FEBRUARY 2021 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Province-Wide Gardening Conference and Local Seedy Saturday Update Page 2

Art Exposed Kamloops Art Council Page 3

Ring In The New Year With Songs & Dances Page 9

Threshold of Truth Page 17

www.connectornews.ca

It’s all about love Page18

Take a step back in time for a Valentine's tradition

reeting cards are popular ways to express love and affection on Valentine’s Day. However, those looking to say “I love you” and much more in a creative way may want to harken back to a tradition that is several centuries old. Purse puzzles were once an innovative way to send notes and illustrations and express other sentiments. Purse puzzles became popular around 1720 and remained so until roughly 1840. The puzzles consisted of a sheet of paper folded into smaller parts. When unfolded, the purse puzzle would reveal several messages and hand-drawn art. In the 19th century, purse puzzles were a clever way for lovers to send love notes on Valentine’s Day or other times of the year. Purse puzzles were a form of paper art, similar to origami. Valentine’s celebrants can rekindle the magic of purse puzzles to add creative flair to this year’s celebrations. They can be made easily with tutorials found online. The finished puzzle will take a

square shape and open up like a pinwheel until the full sheet of paper is revealed.

How did “XO” come to symbolize kisses and hugs?

Love letters are a great way for couples to express their affection and devotion to each other. The sentiments expressed in love letters are as unique as the couples who write them. However, love letters often contain one particular turn of phrase regardless of their authors. When signing a love letter, it’s customary for writers to include at least one “XO” near their names. “XO” is widely recognized as symbolic of wishing “hugs and kisses” to a letter’s intended recipient. This tradition is such an ingrained part of romantic letter writing that few may stop to pause and wonder just how the letters “XO” came to symbolize hugs and kisses. The origins of “XO” are not definitively known, though many historians note that signing letters with “X” dates back

to the Middle Ages. Few people could read and write in the Middle Ages, but signing “X” did not require either of those abilities. Christianity played a big part in many people’s lives during the Middle Ages, and “X” was seen as a representation of the Christian cross. So when people signed “X” on legal documents, they were essentially stating the contents of the document were true in the name of Jesus Christ. While Jesus Christ’s teachings are rooted in showing compassion for one’s fellow man, signing a letter with “X” did not symbolize love in the Middle Ages. In fact, that development did not come about until much later. The Oxford English Dictionary attributes the first use of “X” to symbolize love and/or kisses Continued on p. 16

From the collection of the Postal Museum in the UK dated c1790.

HOME IS NOT JUST A PLACE, IT'S A FEELING. 250-372-8141

834 Laval Crescent

www.connectornews.ca

2 | FEBRUARY 2021

Province-Wide Gardening Conference and Local Seedy Saturday Update by Sandra Frangiadakis, Seed Library Coordinator

ince launching in the early 90s, Seedy Saturdays/Sundays have become immensely popular and have sprung up in dozens of B.C. communities. Gardening enthusiasts look forward to these events as a way to find local seeds, talk gardening, and generally get pumped up for the coming growing season. Last year, many of these events were cancelled due to COVID-19, including our local Seedy Saturday. A quick scan of the Seeds of Diversity website, 2021 Seedy Saturday listings shows that while

some communities are talking about hosting small, outdoor seed swaps or drive-thru seed swaps, most Seedy Saturday/ Sunday organizers have decided to go virtual for 2021. Vancouver-based FarmFolk CityFolk has stepped up to the plate to host a Province-wide Gardening Conference on the weekend of Feb. 19-21. Details are still in the works, but gardeners may want to save the dates because plans include sessions on seed saving and gardening education, movie screenings, Q & A’s with Master gardeners, local community discussions and more that has yet to be announced. Registration and the full schedule will be available soon at bcseeds.org. Local organizers are planning to hold a modified in-person Seedy Saturday event spread out over two weekends in March in conjunction

with the Kamloops regional Winter Farmers’ Market. The first session, Mar 6, will be in the Purity Feed Greenhouse, where the Saturday Farmers’ Market has been held since November. The second session, Mar 13, will take place at the OLPH Parish Hall, where Seedy Saturday has been held for the last few years. Details will be available soon on their Facebook page. In other local seed news, the Kamloops Food Policy Council’s Community Seed Library has been looking for a home where our seed collection can be more easily accessed by the public so anyone is able to sign up and take home seeds for free. Over the last few years we have shared our seeds at public events like Seedy Saturday, Kamloops Green Living Expo, and the Kamloops Regional Farmers’ Market where we could

March 13, 2021 10:00am - 2:00pm OLPH Parish Centre 635 Tranquille Road also engage with people, explain how the seed library works, talk about growing and saving seed, seed biodiversity, and food security in general. Last year we distributed a lot of seed to local non-profits like the Boys & Girls Club, Family Tree, and the Mount Paul Food Centre, as well as individuals who contacted us on our website or Facebook page. Since seeds need to be continually grown out to maintain vitality, we’d really like to make our collection available to more people. We currently have some interesting

varieties of drying beans, lettuce, kale, tomatoes, and other veggies, as well as herbs and flowers. We also have a box of commercial vegetable seed packages that were donated to us. Check our website or Facebook page in the next few weeks for announcements and updates, and watch for us at Seedy Saturday in March! It is immensely satisfying to carry out the complete growing cycle from seed to flower or fruit back to seed, and saving and sharing seeds is the only way to

guarantee the survival of special vegetable and flower varieties. Many popular vegetables such as tomatoes and lettuce are easy to save seed from and don’t require any special skills. Others, such as squash have certain requirements in order to produce seed true to type. A little bit of research can help you decide which seeds are worth saving and how to go about it. Seeds of Diversity has a wealth of information and resources for anyone looking for unusual seeds or wanting to learn more about seed saving.

Seasonal Recipe - Roasted Delicata Squash INGREDIENTS • • • •

One medium sized Delicata squash Olive oil Salt and pepper Other seasonings of your choice

DIRECTIONS 1. Slice off about half to one inch of both ends of the squash. Cut in half lengthwise. 2. Scoop out the seeds and stringy inside flesh with a spoon. Cut each half into 1/2-inch slices. 3. Put all the slices into a large bowl and drizzle generously with olive oil. 4. Season with salt, pepper, or a favorite seasoning mix (a bit of aniseed is nice) 5. Lay the slices in a single layer on a cookie sheet or roasting pan. 6. Roast at 375°F for about 20 minutes, then flip the slices over and roast another 15-20 minutes or until tender and starting to turn golden brown. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• There is no need to peel the skin because the outer skin is tender and delicious when roasted! • You don’t need much seasoning – you want the flavour and sweetness of the squash to shine through.

Source: Gardening Know How

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 3

Art Exposed

The health of individuals and our community is paramount. SPH POWER AT WORK PROVIDES CAREGIVERS FOR YOU: ONE TO ONE CARE

By Rebecca Kurtis, Kamloops Arts Council Admin Intern

or over a decade, the Kamloops Arts Council has been proud to put on our Art Exposed Regional Exhibit and we are excited to announce that it will be going ahead this year as well! Join us Mar 5 to 13, 2021 for this visual arts exhibit. Art Exposed is open to all residents of the Thompson Nicola Regional District, whether you are an emerging artist or an established one. The KAC invites artists to submit artwork in any medium – 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional. It is a juried show, with expert jury members viewing the artwork and awarding prizes to participants under the categories of: Established and Emerging, 2D and 3D, and Youth category. Visual Art is a very important expression, especially during tough times, and the KAC is happy to offer guests a safe viewing experience by ensuring social distancing by limiting guest attendance, frequent sanitization of high touch surfaces, and requiring attendees to masks. Artwork is best appreciated when viewed in person and it is important to give artists the chance to share their art with others. For

2021, the Arts Council will also incorporate a hybrid version to allow for more online engagement for those who are unable to come visit in person. Art Exposed gives the community the chance to view local artwork of various mediums, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, jewellery, pottery, photography, and much more. Every inch of the Old Courthouse gets filled with art, each piece unique and magnificent. Most of the pieces are available for purchase so it is an excellent opportunity to visit a local gallery, support local artists and find the perfect accent piece for your home or office. Last year there were 200 pieces submitted. Why participate? Leah Bojey, KAC Gallery Coordinator, writes “There are many benefits to being a part of Art Exposed. The best one, I think, is “exposure” as the title suggests. It brings many talented artists out of the “shadows.” Artists are often self-conscious about their work; this show gives them the opportunity to share their talents which builds their confidence. It allows all artists from the most experienced to those just discovering their talents to network, learn, and encourage each other

which builds a strong and happy community. It also provides enrichment to those in our community who appreciate art but may not be artists themselves. A perfect mix and great fun.” With a non-curated approach, this ensures that everyone — from beginning artists to established, and from youth to senior — can participate. For some, it will be the first time they publicly display their work. The emphasis is not on competition; Art Exposed offers community artists a chance to share their work in a professional setting, gain exposure and receive valuable feedback, taking their careers to the next level. Executive Director Terri Hadwin notes, “The talent showcased at this Regional Exhibit surprises a lot of people, they didn’t expect that there was such a degree of exceptional talent right here in their backyard. I cannot wait to see what local artists have created for Art Exposed 2021. There have been so many emotions experienced by artists this last year that they will be expressing in their artwork, I think it is going to be heart-stirring.” Interested in participating? The KAC is accepting applications until Feb 14.

• NURSING HOME • PERSON REMAINING AT HOME • SHELTERED LIVING ACCOMMODATIONS Personal care, medical reminders, meal preparation, housework, accompanying to appointments. TIMEFRAME - It takes between three to six months for the caregiver to start working for you or your loved ones

sphcaregivernanniescanada@gmail.com www.sphpoweratwork.com 250-314-6555 CALL FOR AN INITIAL ASSESSMENT!

- CSI Kamloops -

TAKE & BAKE MEALS * Entrees * Soups * Desserts *

Single portions ranging $3.00 - $7.00 778 - 470 - 6000 / 9:00 am - 2:00 pm PICK UP AT EITHER LOCATION Brock Activity Centre

9A 1800 Tranquille Rd

Brock Shopping Centre

Seniors Info Centre

25 700 Tranquille Rd Northills Mall

Delivery NOW Available

www.connectornews.ca

4 | FEBRUARY 2021

Waiting our turn

your voice in ottawa CATHY MCLEOD MP

OVID-19 vaccines are certainly one of the hot topics of the day. I am a strong believer in vaccines overall. My grandfather suffered from polio, a devastating, contagious disease that crippled so many children around the world and was only brought into check in the early ‘70s with the Salk vaccine. Thanks to its widespread uptake, Canada was declared “polio-free” in 1994. I had a cousin whose life was changed after he came down with the measles, which can also be prevented with a vaccine. As a nurse, I’ve sat in hospital emergency departments in the ‘80s with children who had meningitis and epiglottis, both preventable with vaccines. So when I heard about the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines approved for Canada so far (95 percent after two doses), I saw it as a light at the end of the tunnel. I will be lining up when it is my turn, putting my arm out to receive it. It won’t be mandatory, but it will be there for the vast

majority who choose to have it. Front-line workers in hospitals and long-term care facilities are the first group receiving COVID-19 vaccines in B.C. Next in line, in our province’s vaccine rollout, are remote First Nations; and long-term care facility residents, staff and essential visitors. After that, the priority groups are any residents over 80, GPs and other health-care workers, those in correctional facilities, and higher-risk marginalized populations, like those who are homeless. Health Canada has approved two vaccines – one from Pfizer-BioNTech and one from Moderna. Both vaccines require two doses, given several weeks apart. But the two-dose methodology required means it’s going to be a slow process. This is why it’s so important to continue to social distance, wear a mask, and follow current B.C. public health orders. There is an interesting online calculator, developed by scientist Jasmine Mah, which helps individuals estimate where they are in the queue to get a COVID vaccine. Enter your age, type of work, and living situation, and it will suggest when you are likely to receive your two doses of vaccine at omnicalculator.com/health/ vaccine-queue-ca. Looks like I won’t be receiving mine until early July to mid-September, but I am content to wait my turn.

Post-pandemic dreaming Valentine’s Day probably qualifies as one of my least favourite occasions. Perhaps it is a blatant case of sour grapes seeing as your’s truly has not fared well in the realm of romantic love. Aside from the obligatory card exchanges as a child in school and a few bonbons and other treats offered by my parents while growing My two cents up, this day has mostly been Moneca Jantzen one to avoid and ignore. I Editor can count on one hand any romantic gestures sent my way over my lifetime. My disdain for this day comes quite honestly. I also tend to see it as something terribly commercial and contrived. If someone is going to shower me with gifts and tokens of love, I’d rather it was just because, not because it is expected or demanded. While my personal view of Valentine’s Day is largely negative I don’t begrudge others their annual opportunity to declare their adulation for their partners. The world needs all the love it can get, romantic or otherwise. So happy Valentine’s Day to those who celebrate and be sure to shop local. In other news, it turns out I have a new role at home. New to the neighbourhood, we had a visit from a bylaws officer as it seems a couple of my neighbours complained about our dogs barking. A smaller yard and no alleyway between houses here, I guess tolerance levels are different than in my old neighbourhood. The only way I can silence my fur babies is to go out in the yard with them much like a prison guard does with their inmates. While we never left them out for more than a few minutes, I am relieved that I found a quick solution as I am keen to be a good neighbour. I do worry a bit about if/when I return to work at the office. It won’t be as easy for my mom to accompany them in the yard. I guess we’ll cross that bridge when necessary, presumably later this year. Despite the uneven rollout of the vaccines, it’s hard not to look forward and think about the prospect of being on the other side of the pandemic. The post-holiday blahs came along with a vengeance this year, perhaps because the holidays were low key and especially blazé in and of themselves. Figuratively dying of boredom is clearly much better than literally dying of COVID, however. To help stave off the boredom I have reacquainted myself with the offerings of the TNRD library. Not only have I been enjoying some free courses on Lynda.com using my library card, I’ve actually grabbed a few e-books to get myself reading actual books again. I do a ton of reading, but Facebook and news articles are not the same as a book—something I used to love doing but got out of the habit when motherhood took over—and, well, the internet. Apparently I am easily distracted like for two decades... I must also confess to binge watching more than my fair share of streamed tv series. Anything beyond a couple seasons makes for an exercise in endurance but not a marathon of which to be proud. I’ve polished off a few series lately with five or more seasons behind them. I don’t even know if I should be admitting that publicly. Netflix doesn’t even bother asking if I’m still watching anymore; it just assumes that I am! I haven’t been very good at reaching out to others lately, probably because I’m bored and feel kinda boring as a result. While I love my family dearly, and despite being a bit of an introvert, the truth is, I absolutely can’t wait to see people beyond my bubble again. Post-pandemic coffee anyone?

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

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 5

Getting organized to stay home

everything organized SHAWN FERGUSON Everything Organized

he thought of moving to a retirement home at this time has some people wondering if now is the best time and I’ve heard some are deciding to kick back and wait till things calm down a bit prior to taking this leap. For many, the thought of a retirement home means community and a more social environment, but at this time, this is what we are trying to avoid so many are naturally hesitant. While weighing your options, perhaps now is the best time to

start preparing for the move even if you are deciding to wait. This way, when the time comes that we can get back to being social you are ready and won’t be rushing to declutter or end up selling a cluttered home. A rising trend for people aging at home is people having renters move in which can help financially and socially at a time like this. Although this isn’t for everyone it is a nice way to get some help around home and have someone to talk to from time to time. For many empty nesters there is a room or two that sits empty or has turned into a big storage closet and right now is a great time to deal with these spaces. To organize these spaces into living spaces or just to reclaim a lost area from a sea of clutter can help so much mentally and emotionally. If there isn’t a ton of extra room remember to use the height of the rooms to help store more of your treasures and necessities but still enable you to use the space again. If you haven’t seen or used an item for over a year you do

not truly need this item. Take a picture of the item if it means that much to you and then send it on it way to a new home. One of the biggest issues with downsizing and organizing spaces at this time is what can one do with all the items that need to find a new home. Seeing as some charities are not open or are not accepting donations like they normally would it can be a little more difficult to get rid of larger volumes of items. We pride ourselves on not filling the landfills but even we are having more issues finding places for our client’s items. With some persistence and patience you will find homes for most items so they don’t end up in the landfill. This may mean you will have to donate smaller amounts more often or wait for appointments to be able to donate but taking the extra effort helps our community and planet so let’s do our best to keep items out of the landfill. Do you have a topic that you would like Shawn to write about? Please email him at Shawn@ everythingorganized.net

Flooring Transitions

Flooring PAUL MORRIS Nufloors The World of Floor Transitions In a dream scenario, our flooring would seamlessly flow from one room to the next. In the real world though, that may not always be possible as different rooms have different flooring or even different flooring types. So, how do we transition from one floor to the next to ensure that seamless look throughout? We achieve a seamless look by selecting the most appropriate transition for the application.

Transition Between Similar Materials Although you may not need a transition strip between materials of the same thickness, you may still want to consider using one. There are two reasons for this. One, proper transitions cover the seams that have been used for expansion gaps between the flooring types. Secondly, a transition piece helps to blend the two flooring types together. A common transition type used in this case is a t mould or t strip. T strips can be made of many different materials and at many thicknesses as low as 1mm high, which makes them a great option for a seamless finish. Transition Between Different Materials In this case, a transition strip is almost always required. There could be a couple of reasons for this. One, different flooring materials need an edge to help with protection of the product. Two, different materials may not have the same thickness which creates a change in floor heights and change in underfoot

characteristics. When this is the case we will use a transition known as a reducer to account for the change in height. When it comes to these transitions we can find many styles from metal, hardwood, engineered wood, laminate and vinyl transition strips. Selecting the proper transition can almost be as important as selecting the right flooring. Our goal is to have the transition chosen match the look and feel of, not only, the flooring but the surrounding home décor itself. As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or stop by our showroom.

Julia Maika Notary Public

• Wills • Powers of Attorney • Representation Agreements • Document Notarizations • Real Estate Transfers

600B - 235 1st Ave Kamloops, BC V2C 3J4

250-682-2984

info@maikanotary.ca A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

“Thank you Kamloops for your support for the past 20 years. We will continue to serve and make a difference in our community.” Serving Kamloops and area for 20 years 100% independent and locally owned • Certified Compounding Pharmacy • Medication Reviews

Free Delivery! MISSAGH MANSHADI

B.Sc. Pharm, Pharmacist/Owner Certified Compounder

NORTHSHORE: OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 374 Tranquille Rd. P: 250.434.2526 | F: 250.434.2527

MANSHADI PHARMACY Trusted Advice. Wholesome Care.

SOUTHSHORE: 477 St. Paul Street P: 250.372.2223 | F: 250.372.2224

Come find your Zen

Zen Wellness Massage

Find us on Facebook and Instagram! 141 Victoria Street #209 • 778.538.4225 KamloopsZenMassage@gmail.com

Win a $40 Gift Card Nicole Clay

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, February 5 at 9:00am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up

Name .............................................................................................................. Phone............................................................................................................. Email ..............................................................................................................

www.connectornews.ca

6 | FEBRUARY 2021

Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents a concert full of passion

he next performance in the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops’ ongoing concert series is Passions, taking place on Saturday, Feb. 20. Kamloops pianist Dimiter Terziev explores various faces of passion in a solo piano recital featuring some of the most iconic works of the repertoire such as Beethoven’s “Appassionata” and Liszt’s “Mephisto Waltz No. 1.” Included also are works by Chopin and a Canadian premiere of the cycle “Water Colours” by the Bulgarian Composer Pancho Vladigerov. The performance will be live streamed at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20, and will remain accessible to view on-demand until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 27. Tickets are $15, $10 for students/CMK members, and are available from Eventbrite.

February 2021 Events

Loyal Order of Moose • Women of the Moose • Moose Legion

THE FAMILY FRATERNITY

Open everyday 11 am Meat Draws Friday at 7 pm & Saturdays at 2-4 pm

February is Heart and Stroke Month

NEW MEMBERS ALWAYS WELCOME! mooselodge1552@shaw.ca

Loyal Order of Moose Lodge #1552

730 Cottonwood Avenue • 250-376-8022

Passions A vibrant concert experience of folk tunes & moving melodies.

Live streamed concert

Web Experience runs until

by the chamber musicians of kamloops

February 13

BC Family Day February 18th, 2021

February 20th

BC Heritage Week February 15, 2021 to February 21, 2021 (All day) Kamloops Museum & Archives

TODD STONE

MLA Kamloops-South Thompson 446 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC V2C 2A7 todd.stone.mla@leg.bc.ca toddstonemla.ca 250-374-2880 @toddstonebc ToddGStone

PETER MILOBAR

MLA Kamloops-North Thompson 618B Tranquille Road Kamloops, BC V2B 3H6 peter.milobar.mla@leg.bc.ca petermilobarmla.ca 250-554-5413 @PeterMilobar PeterMilobarKNT

ONE & TWO BEDROOM UNITS

• Apartment living for seniors • Beautiful gardens • Walking distance to North Shore shopping • One block from McArthur Island • Within the same for more information or complex as the to book an appointment North Shore Community Centre #307-730 Cottonwood Ave. & the Moose Lodge Kamloops, BC V2B 8M6 • Suites for purchase info@cottonwoodmanor.ca (life-lease) • SAFER (wait list)

Call 250-376-4777

www.cottonwoodmanor.ca

advisor photos. www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 7

If more financial advisors should be included, use the community name listing or EdwardJones.com version.

Nearing Retirement? What Questions Should You Ask?

he recent market volatility has affected just about everybody’s financial and investment situations – so, if you were planning to retire soon, will it still be possible? Of course, the answer depends somewhat on your employment situation. With so many people’s jobs being affected by the coronavirus pandemic, your retirement plans may also have been thrown into confusion. But assuming your employment is still stable, what adjustments in your financial and investment strategies might you need to make for your retirement? Here are a few areas to consider, and some questions to ask yourself:

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

Glover’s Medicine Centre Pharmacy offers a variety of health solutions. We’re an independent pharmacy, catering to the entire family. Our pharmacists play a unique role in providing personalized health care, we do much more than just fill prescriptions; we also provide health care and health advice to parents, children, and families on topics ranging from prenatal vitamins to maintaining a healthy weight to infant care. Located in Kamloops, you can find us right next door to a medical walk-in clinic.

Headline headline headline headline headline headline headline headline headline

Explore your investment Call to action. Call to action. Call to choices inaction. yourCall TFSA action. Call to to action. Call to action. Call to action.

Happy Holidays Lili A Seery

Happy Holidays Financial Advisor

1315 Summit Dr., Unit 4a Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 250-374-1882 Lili A Seery

Financial Advisor Lili A Seery

1315 Summit Dr., Unit 4a Financial Advisor Chianne V Jones Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 Financial Advisor 1315 Summit Dr., Unit 4a www.edwardjones.ca 250-374-1882 Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 1315 Summit Dr., Unit 4a 250-374-1882 Kamloops, BC V2C 5R9 250-374-1882 Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund

www.edwardjones.ca www.edwardjones.ca

MKT-5894B-C-A1

LILI A SEERY Financial Advisor

MKT-6354F-A-A1 MKT-5894B-C-A1 MKT-5894B-C-A1

financial focus

• Retirement goals – and your willingness to Similarly, OAS claims Now is a good time to adjust your retirement can be deferred beyond review your retirement lifestyle, you’ll want to age 65 to benefit from goals and assess your consider your options higher payments. As you progress toward and tradeoffs. For created your retirement achieving them. You example, would you be plans, you likely also may want to work with willing to work more calculated when you a financial professional years than you had would take CPP/QPP to determine if the originally planned in current environment exchange for greater and OAS, but you may has materially affected confidence in your need to review those your goals or if you ability to enjoy a choices. If you postpone need to make modest comfortable retirement retirement a few years, adjustments to stay on lifestyle? By working what effect will that have track. longer, you can on when you choose to • Retirement lifestyle continue adding to your See page 2 make for financial your claims and, – You probably created Registered Retirement advisor listing. your investment strategy Savings Plan (RRSP) consequently, the size of with a particular type and Tax Free Savings your benefits? You won’t of retirement lifestyle Account (TFSA) or want to make a hasty in mind. Perhaps you similar retirement plan, decision, because once had planned to become and you may be able to you start taking CPP/ a world traveler when push back the date you QPP and/or OAS, you your working days were start receiving CPP/ can’t undo your choice. over. Of course, in the QPP and/or If OAS to advertising you’re insurance, near term, extensive receive bigger monthlyMember This is certainly a remove SIPC. travel may not be benefits. You might also challenging time to be possible, anyway, but review your budget for entering retirement, once we move past opportunities to reduce and you’ll have some the pandemic, your spending today and questions to answer. 1 OF 2 freedom to roam will PAGE potentially save more But even in the midst likely return. But if your toward your retirement of uncertainty, you still investment portfolio is goals. have many choices. not where you thought • CPP/QPP and OAS Consider them carefully it might be, can you (or – You can file for CPP/ and make the decisions do you want to) adapt QPP benefits as early as your lifestyle plans? And 60, but the amount you that work for you. can you accept the same receive will be higher flexibility with your the longer you wait. The Member Canadian other lifestyle goals, standard age to take Investor Protection such as purchasing a CPP benefits is age 65 vacation home, pursuing but can be deferred until Fund. Member – hobbies, and so on? age 70, with each month Investment Industry Regulatory Organization • Tradeoffs – Based of deferral resulting in on your retirement goals an increased benefit. of Canada.

edwardjones.com

Member Member SIPC

Canadian Investor Protection Fund Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund

Veterinary Medicine

Glover’s Medicine Centre fills prescriptions for animals too.We understand that your dog or cat is a big part of your family.

Seniors Healthy Living • Questions about your medications? • Having trouble remembering to take your medications? • Do you know what compounded medications are? “Your prescriptions & compounding specialist”

FREE DELIVERY

ZOSTAVAX

(Shingles Vaccine)

& TRAVEL

VACCINES #10 -1380 Summit Drive • 250-851-3131 glovers@medicinecentre.com • www.gloversmedicinecentre.ca

Give us a call or drop by our pharmacy and see for yourself how we may be able to help.

250-372-1234 • info@cfselaw.ca

Downtown Kamloops - #300-272 Victoria St.

CFSELAW.CA

www.connectornews.ca

8 | FEBRUARY 2021

Why I Became An Automotive Technician By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

was reading a book titled “That’s Why I’m a Doctor,” written by Mark Bulgutch. It is about physicians’ most memorable moments related to their chosen profession. It got me thinking about what I had experienced over the last 62 years of my life due to the “Internal Combustion Engine,” and not only myself but other technicians also. Every one of the many I spoke to had memorable moments, because of the trade, so I will share some with you. *Yes, this is a feel good article especially in view of COVID-19. A technician told me about a situation where the customer, when installing the rear child seat, somehow caused

because unknown to the technician, the owners were going to take an important trip that required the use of this specific vehicle and they were leaving the next day. Like a doctor, the vehicle was ill with a hard to find ailment and through this technician’s perseverance, wrong was made right, which was all he wanted to achieve. Upon the customer’s return from their travels a letter of appreciation was sent to the dealership asking the owner to “bonus” the technician, he declined because all he wanted to do was “fix the car.” Another incident involved a customer concern that the owner’s wife did not like the way their relatively new car shifted. The procedure for

a fuse to blow. After numerous attempts and visits to cure the intermittent problem it was still there. The customer, at the end of their rope, was prepared to take greater steps to get the issue resolved. After arranging another vehicle for the customer this technician said “I don’t care how long it takes to fix this concern because the vehicle was not designed to break down, I will fix it! He also expressed that the vehicle owner was entitled to a good working car. After a major disassembly of the back seat wiring harness he discovered the fault and made the necessary repairs so it would not happen again. Needless to say the customer was extremely pleased

repair under warranty was to replace the automatic transmission with a new one, which was performed the next day. A few days later the owner returned fairly upset and made the same claim about the transmission. Road tests and pressure tests were performed and everything was on the good side of spec for that vehicle. The owner took the vehicle only to return the next day completely upset but instead of brushing off the concern the technician sat down with him to find out what was the whole story. The owner said his wife had bone cancer to which the technician realized what was happening. Every time the car shifted it broke a bone in her body and because her time was short she just wanted to

expressed the same form of commitment to their work of technical repair. The vehicle wasn’t designed to fail and basic steps may not always work so by keeping an open mind and the desire to correct a wrong they both said how grateful they were able to assist, it sure felt good. It was most amazing to receive so many unselfish examples of why people became automotive technicians. By the way, I was 9 years old when I tuned up my dad’s farm truck and I remember to this day how good it felt. Any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contact me at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca.

enjoy a drive in the early summer. The technician performed adjustments to the transmission that were out of spec but allowed for a very soft shift with the only instructions to the owner being “don’t drive the car too hard.” The owner came back a few weeks later with a gift basket and thank you for the technician. His wife only lived three more weeks but she enjoyed their daily road trip in this nice soft shifting car. The vehicle was reset to spec so it would survive normal operation and the owner left with a smile. The technician had just wanted to “fix the car” knowing that he had the skill and ability to make things right and that was his greatest reward. Both technicians

Have a wall that just won't stay nice?

We are a home that offers an active social life, nutritious meals and a carefree lifestyle. For more information on our unique, home-style assisted living residence, call or email activecare1607@gmail.com.

COMFORT & SECURITY IN A BEAUTIFUL SETTING LIMITED ROOMS AVAILABLE

Paint Like No Other

A trusted brand that is durable, washable, and available in thousands of colours.

WINNER 2019

Visit us today:

Retailer Name

KamloopsAddress Paint LOGO City, State Zip

1607 GREENFIELD AVENUE | 250•554-9244

$ & Window Coverings XX OFF

MOORE® REGAL® Phone Number 771 Notre Dame Drive, Kamloops, BCBENJAMIN V2CINTERIOR 5N8 SELECT PAINTS Website 250.828.1800 | kamloopspaint.com Take advantage of this exclusive offer: Visit XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX to receive $XX off your purchase of Benjamin Moore® REGAL® Select Interior Paint. Hurry, this offer ends XX/XX/XXXX.

Coupon valid for $X.XX off retailer’s suggested retail price per 3.79 L of up to 5 cans of 3.79 L of REGAL® Select Interior Paint. Redeemable only at participating retailers. Must present this original coupon to redeem – no copies will be allowed. Limit one per customer. Products may vary from store to store. Subject to availability. Retailer reserves the right to cancel this offer at any time without notice. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Coupon expires XX/XX/XXXX. ©2016 Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. Benjamin Moore, Green Promise, Paint like no other, REGAL, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks of Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited.

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 9

Songs &Dances

Songs & Dances runs until Feb 13

A vibrant concert experience

of folk tunes & moving melodies

Web Experience FRIDAY

JAN. 15

to SATURDAY

SUNDAY

FEB. 7

GRANTS

FEB. 13

BIG SCREEN Experience at the Paramount Theatre

kamloopssymphony.com 250.372.5000

SPONSORS

he Kamloops Symphony’s first production of the new year is Songs & Dances; a vibrant concert experience of folk tunes & moving melodies. This performance will be available to view online starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, and will remain accessible until Saturday, Feb. 13. Pending the safe reopening of movie theatres as per health regulations, the KSO is also hoping to have in-person film screenings on Sunday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Paramount Theatre. Recorded back in November, Songs & Dances includes a program of string orchestra works inspired by folk songs, moving from the sweeping, lush sounds of Canadian composers Marjan Mozetich, John Burge, and Bill Douglas, to the stirring and beautiful dances in the works of Hungarian composers Leó Weiner and Béla Bartók. Songs & Dances also features the KSO’s principal flute and oboe players, Heather Beaty and Marea Chernoff, as soloists. Born and raised in Vancouver, Heather Beaty has been playing the flute since the age of five and has earned both her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from UBC. She has studied and performed across Canada and Europe, and regularly performs with several orchestras and chamber music ensembles throughout BC. Heather has recently established the Seagrass Music Society which aims to demystify and modernize the way in which audiences consume classical music, and seeks to amplify female, non-binary, queer, BIPOC composers and performers. Heather will be the soloist in John Burge’s ethereal Forgotten Dreams for solo flute and string orchestra. Also born and raised in Vancouver, Marea Chernoff is an active freelance musician with a Bachelor of Music degree from UBC and a Master of Music degree from Boston University. In addition to being the KSO’s principal oboist she frequently performs with several orchestras and other musical ensembles throughout B.C. Marea is very actively involved in early music and historical performance, playing Baroque and classical oboe and recorder. She is also a dedicated educator and is on faculty at several schools, colleges, and universities in the Lower Mainland. Marea will be the soloist in Bill Douglas’ Songs & Dances for solo oboe and string orchestra, which features tunes from tangos, jigs and folksongs. Tickets for the online performance of Songs & Dances are $15 for Individuals and $25 for a Household Pass, with a special $5 COVID price available as well. Tickets for the in-person film screenings at the Paramount Theatre are $20 each. All tickets can be purchased from Kamloops Live! Box Office at 250-374-5483 or kamloopslive.ca.

Wills ON Wheels WE ARE OPEN AND READY TO ASSIST YOU DURING COVID-19 WITH YOUR: • Wills • Probates • Powers of Attorney • Representation Agreements

We are following protocols regarding sanitizing and social distancing 250-374-3737 • info@GLmail.com

Toni Vuteva Lawyer

GIBRALTAR LAW

202-444 VICTORIA ST., KAMLOOPS V2C 2A7

s Repair Sh ’ n w op o r B In Business Since 1922

Locksmith Kamloops & Area

Shop 250-372-3656 • Direct 250-320-5625 220 Lansdowne Street brownslocksmith.ca

* 24-hour Emergency Service *

Marea Chernoff

Heather Beaty

www.connectornews.ca

10 | FEBRUARY 2021

ICBC – Navigating the New Compensation Limitations Personal Injury ICBC Claims Civil Litigation Wills/Estate Planning Probate/Estate Administration Corporate Commercial

Kerri D. Priddle

Notary Services

Lawyer

Legal ease KERRI D. PRIDDLE

PRIDDLE LAW GROUP

9th Floor - 235 1st Avenue, Kamloops 250-434-8911 www.priddlelaw.ca Open Mon - Fri: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Home Support Services

House Cleaning • Personal Care (bathing, grooming) • Companion Care (at home & institutions) • Palliative & Compassionate Care • Meal Prep, Med Distribution, Wound Management • Transportation & Shopping • Continuous Care • Respite/Overnight Care Overnight Care • After hospital discharge • Continuous overnight care • After surgery • Security • Respite Call for a free in-home assessment • DVA

250.852.3212

Full Service Care Since 2009

Bradwins

 Professional Organizing  Estate Liquidation  Downsizing & Moving Experts  Companionship & NonMedical Home Services  Hoarding/Chronic Program Disorganization Canadian Franchises Available | *A division of Everything Organized Ventures Inc.

762 Dominion St. V2C 2X9  250.377.7601  everythingorganized.net

ave you been in an accident that happened after April 1, 2019? Has ICBC made you an offer to settle for $5,500 and told you that is the limit under the new rules? While that may be true if you recovered from your injuries in a short period of time, that is not the whole story. Accidents that occurred after April 1, 2019 are subject to the $5,500 ‘minor injury’ cap for pain and suffering (inconvenience, emotional stress). ICBC’s definition of ‘minor injury’ is sprains, strains, general aches and pains, cuts, bruises, road rash, minor whiplash and short term mental health conditions – these make sense as ‘minor’. However, ICBC

also classifies ‘minor’ as persistent pain, tempomandibular joint disorder and mild concussions and therefore these more serious injuries are also subject to the cap. It is really important for people who have been injured in an accident to hold off on settlement under the caps until they have recovered. A person has two years following the accident to settle out of court, so there is no hurry. The ‘minor injury’ designation assumes you will recover within 12 months and if you do fully recover in that time, the ‘minor’ pain and suffering payment is somewhat fair. However, in some cases the injury persists past 12 months, or it detrimentally affects your employment or education or you can’t care for yourself – this will very likely fall outside of the ‘minor injury’ cap. As well, if your concussion or mental health condition (anxiety or depression) lasts longer than 16 weeks (3 months) – this injury will also very likely fall outside the ‘minor injury’ cap. If you have taken the settlement under the caps, it will be

too late to go back for the appropriate compensation amount. This is why it is so important to hold off on settlement until you have completely recovered – to be sure that the compensation you receive is fair and reflects your losses. If you have not taken a settlement and your injuries persist, you can ask your adjuster to agree your injuries do not fall under the ‘minor injury’ cap. If they won’t agree, you can have the matter moved to their manager or examiner. If they won’t agree, you must now file your dispute with the new Civil Resolutions Tribunal (CRT) – an online Tribunal that has authority to decide if your injuries are ‘minor’ and award you compensation for other losses up to $50,000. The CRT has an online program to give you some guidance and advice. Lawyers always provide free consultations to give some initial advice to navigate this new ICBC and tribunal system, and assist you if you require. As well, in circumstances where the injured victim is not getting better in the 12 months or has a lasting concussion or psychological injury, they

will likely fall outside the ‘minor injury’ cap but will need help proving that. Also, there is more to compensation than pain and suffering. People lose a lot when they are injured in an accident through no fault of their own. There is often wage loss, lost opportunity to work or further their education, recover their out of pocket expenses and recover their mileage to attend for treatments or medical appointments. ICBC adjusters do not often canvass all the losses or volunteer the list of what an injury victim is entitled to. A lawyer can help you determine what your losses are, what you are entitled to and how to gather the evidence to prove those losses. As well, a lawyer can also represent you in the CRT to apply for a determination to remove you from the ‘minor injuries’ cap and then take the case on to negotiation with ICBC or to the regular BC Supreme Court for determination of what you should be fairly compensated for. When in doubt, get some legal advice!

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 11

How do we make sense of the connection between love and death?

ask drake DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

emember that old Frank Sinatra hit— “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage?” It seems that love and death go together as well. If you Google ‘love and death’ almost 2 billion results emerge – most of them about a metal band or Woody Allen’s hit movie

from the ‘70s. But love and death seem to weave their way through many movies and, indeed, through most of our lives, don’t they? One of my favourite movies of all time, with a love and death theme, is Dr. Zhivago. You may recall that it starred Omar Shariff (Yury Zhivago) and Julie Christie (Lara). Set in the revolutionary Russian era, it weaves love, death and politics together. We’ll leave politics out of this month’s column if that’s okay with you. Spoiler alert: the movie ends quite differently than does the book, Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (1958, Collins and Harvill Press). The book describes Zhivago’s death and wake in great detail. As I read it, I thought about the many thousands of people I have served over the past twenty years as an undertaker.

Then it struck me: Yury Zhivago’s wake and last rites bore striking similarities to so many of the families I’ve served. As you read the rest of this column I wonder if any of this rings a bell for you? There was no funeral for Yury Zhivago. A wake (viewing) was held in Yury’s flat. Pasternak laments the absence of a formal funeral: “…only the flowers took the place of the singing and the psalms” (page 440). Lara echoes Pasternak’s thoughts: “… what a pity he isn’t having a church funeral. The burial is so splendid and tremendous….He’s worthy of all the ‘Weeping which turns into Alleluias’ (page 446).” Fast forward to 2021 (even without COVID). Most people are not having a formal service for Murray. Ritual seems to

have been replaced by an earthly pragmatism. Is that lamentable? Most people today seem to prefer the lack of ritual and the lack of a funeral. Unbeknownst to everyone present, Lara and Yury’s brother Yevgraf organized Yury’s wake. Although almost no one present knew who they were (by this time Yury had married Marina and had children with her) Lara and Yevgraf seemed — by their mere presence — to have undisputed authority over Yury’s wake. Everyone, including Marina, left the room as soon as Lara and Yevgraf approached Yury’s coffin. Deference seems to be a common theme at wakes, even today. Families and friends often spend time sorting out who should see Murray first (and last), who needs special private

time, and who needs extra support. I wonder if you’ve had such an experience. Pasternak spends some time describing mourning behaviours. Marina (Yury’s latest and last wife) “grieved with an abundance of speech, as peasants do, neither distracted nor made shy by strangers” (page 440). A lot of other people were milling around, “the louder and more free their voices, the lower down and closer to the street they were” (page 442). It’s interesting that Pasternak points this out; people do seem to behave differently depending upon how physically far away they are from Murray! I’m not sure I would attribute an abundance of speech to someone’s ‘peasant-like standing’ however! Finally, Yury was cremated. In Bolshevik

ENTER TO WIN

Russia “the custom of cremating the dead had by this time become widespread” (Page 439). It appears that Yury’s cremation was a pragmatic decision, “…out of consideration for (the children’s) future at school and for Marina’s position at the Post Office…” (page 439). Again, fast forward to 2021. Cremation rates in B.C. are about 90 percent; many clients I’ve served speak about the expense of funerals and burials, as well as the financial toll it often takes on the family in the future. February is the month of Valentine’s Day. It’s seen as a time of love. As hundreds – perhaps thousands – of movies and books testify, however, love and death seem to be inextricably tied.

ONE NIGHT STAY AT THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON KAMLOOPS AND A $50.00 FOOD VOUCHER FOR THE HARVEST RESTURANT & LOUNGE

339 St. Paul Street, Kamloops, BC (250) 851-0026

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

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

Email ............................................................................................................. If you would like to receive special offers from Double Tree, check here

www.connectornews.ca

12 | FEBRUARY 2021

Monoga-Goose kamloops birdwatch NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

t’s that month, the F word month. The one chock full of mush and gush as L words flutter in the air as abundantly as the feathered avian that best represent the attributes we often revere. This bird is often lumped together with descriptive words like annoyance, or nuisance which is quite misleading because Hank here—a sturdy 14-20 lb. Gander with an ombre tan body, white rump, distinct long dark neck and white chin strap, is a Canada goose. Although his heart is the size of a plum, he is considered to be one of the most ferocious defenders of his family and his flame; a true-blue dedicated family guy. Fidelity is not a frugal feeling for these familiar fowl often seen frolicking about fields and the fringes of ponds and

waterways. Fraternizing as young adults until the age of three, they eventually find a fancy and couple for life. February is when hunky Hank began his flirtatious bid to catch the eye of fetching Norma. By April/May, their fondness and fervor is poured into the preservation of their clutch; consisting of 2-10 eggs. Norma will incubate for 25-28 days, while faithful Hank fervently fends off predators. Geese will actually begin communicating with the goslings before they hatch, thus babies become familiar with their parents calls and sounds. Within 1-2 days of hatching, the loyal lovers guide their little goslings to the water were they are capable of diving to depths of up to 40 feet. Forming a family unit helps to fortify the survival for the first year of the goslings life. The importance of flock flight formation to avoid fatigue and flying further is a lesson that begins once the goslings are 10-12 weeks old. We can often see geese practicing landings, take offs and the all important formation rotation at McArthur Island. The Canada geese also have an additional set

of cones that allows them to see in the ultraviolet spectrum and provides greater night vision. Geese have an internal compass and a fantastical memory that allows them to remember landmarks; such as mountains, coastlines and rivers, as well as detect the Earth’s magnetic energy field to obtain direction. There’s a notion that the Canada geese may also use celestial locus to guide their travels which can cover up to 1,500 kilometers in a day. Hank and Norma’s devotion is notable. It has earned them the right to be categorized as an emotional creature. Is this not what sets humans apart from animals? So why have we often shied away from our impassioned side as if a weakness? Perhaps it is time to waddle in the webbed footsteps of these feathered valentines who epitomize the faculty for a monogamous fusion. How many F words did I use in this article? ;) Stay schmaltzy Kamloops! naomijbirkenhead@ yahoo.ca Feel free to get in touch!

ACROSS 1. Off in the distance 5. Good Jewish boy 10. S peedometer’s location 14. Wound like a bull 15. Actor Hirsch, star of “Milk” 16. C ommon lotion additive 17. N asty weather event that occasionally occurs in January 20. S olo 21. S tirs up trouble 22. Q -tip, for one 25. Japan’s largest airline (abbr.) 26. O ld type of monitor 29. D isastrous weather event that sometimes happens in March 35. 2 020 or 2024, e.g. 37. C ounterfeit 38. L arge hip bones 39. R igid 42. R amesses II’s dad 43. B ipolar phase 45. M akes sure something’s done 47. D raining weather event of July, at times 50. U tter 51. F arm butter? 52. G uys-only party 54. L ike clergymen 59. Where Mrs. Gandhi ruled

63. Bad weather event that really slows down the September harvest 66. Muslim cleric 67. Garlic-flavoured mayo 68. PC repair pro, for short 69. Fixes a split seam 70. Metal dealer’s find 71. “Don’t leave” DOWN 1. Taj Mahal’s location 2. Young horse 3. Toronto football player 4. Things jockeys hold 5. Tilly of “Agnes of God” 6. Mmmm... 7. El Nino’s counterpart: La ___ 8. Catch phrase 9. Doing a hatchet job? 10. Just the facts 11. What Elon Musk is worth 12. Tender 13. Sews along the edge 18. Worthy of reporting 19. The workforce 23. Chimpanzees, e.g. 24. Unruly little stinker 26. Weather of a region 27. Take it easy 28. Make impure 30. Like leprechauns 31. Tenth out of ten

32. A rtificial bread spreads 33. Port of ancient Rome 34. Omnipotent one, to many 36. Low poker holding 40. Entrance charges 41. Daring deed 44. Where eagles hatch 46. Way up, or down 48. Foods from heaven? 49. This will make you sick 53. No-see-ums, e.g. 54. Famous name in elevators 55. Italian capital 56. Sketch 57. Weaponry 58. French sack dress designer 60. Try to lose weight 61. Ancient South American people 62. Like recently used fireplaces 64. Pie ___ mode 65. ChapStick’s target

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 13

Clearwater Seniors’ Activities

FEBRUARY 2021

Virtual Options through Clearwater Community Recreation and Healthy Living Program in Facebook. Phone Lynne (250-674-8185) for further info.

SUNDAY

MONDAY Online Sit & Be Fit with Sabine @10:30 7

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sabine @10:30

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sabine @10:30 22

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sabine @10:30

TUESDAY Online “Somatika Chair” with Sharon 11:00 am Online “Somatika Chair” with Sharon 11:00 am

WEDNESDAY

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sylvia @ 10:30 am 9

THURSDAY

Calendar of Events

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Writer’s Circle “Zoom” 2:00 pm

By Marilyn Brown

Legion’s 20 Take out Dinner Order between 1:00 - 4:00 pm, Pickup 5:00 - 6:00 pm

Online “Somatika Chair” with Sharon 11:00 am

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sylvia @ 10:30 am

Online “Somatika Chair” with Sharon 11:00 am

Writer’s Circle “Zoom” 2:00 pm 25

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sylvia @ 10:30 am

Book Club “Zoom” 2:00 pm

Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm

FEBRUARY 2021

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

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Foot Care (by appt. only) 7

Foot Care (by appt. only) 21

Foot Care (by appt. only)

FRIDAY

Day Away

Day Away 24

SATURDAY

Day Away 18

Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only)

THURSDAY Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only) 16

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Foot Care (by appt. only) 14

WEDNESDAY

Here the Dark

Online Sit & Be Fit with Sylvia @ 10:30 am

SUNDAY

Book Review

Day Away

SUDOKU

By David Bergen

Biblioasis, fiction, 2020, 215 pages Available in book stores and in eBook format

n this month of February when it is impossible to ignore the advertisements reminding us of Valentine’s Day, heart-festooned ads for everything from flowers and chocolates to risqué lingerie, retreats for couples only, and sappy Valentine movies, you may not be quite ready for this book of short stories and one novella. The title, Here the Dark, signals that the underbelly of humanity is to be displayed. In fact, some of the stories are disturbing - infatuation mixed with mindless violence, betrayal by a brother, boys and men baffled by women. In the first of seven short stories, April in Snow Lake, a 19-year-old young man is dumped by his girlfriend who is working and travelling in Europe, infatuated with the romance of places like Venice. He travels 500 miles north to a remote town, working at a rough job, starting a Sunday Christian day-camp for teens. He has feelings for April, a 17-year-old girl attending the camp. Her grandmother warns the girl against white boys. The girl’s uncle, though, is more creative in his disapproval.

In the novella, Here the Dark, a young couple in a Mennonite community are deeply attracted to each other, and marry. The woman questions some of the significant restrictions of the church; as a result, the congregation “shuns” her, refusing to acknowledge the presence of the person in disgrace. Emotional cruelty is at play here. Fortunately, the dark is contrasted with the light. How Can “n” Men Share a Bottle of Vodka? introduces us to a math teacher with a poet’s heart and a need for alcohol: he not only still has urgent feelings for his recently absconded wife but is smitten by the buxom English teacher with an unconventional, life-affirming exuberance. As his Alzheimer-stricken father puts it, she also has “fruitful loins,” being a mother of five children. The math teacher may be expected to jettison the whiskey in his ever-present steel Thermos bottle. My favourite story is Never Too Late. An aging, single rancher near Calgary finds a stray dog on his doorstep. His quest to return it to its owner leads him to a younger woman whom he describes as “a looker,” who is reliant on an electric wheel chair. She knows what she wants, and she wants him. In their intimate moments she does not hesitate to supply the instructions, as he says, similar to “putting together an IKEA kitchen,” with “…no tricks, no hesitation, everything (falling) together just so.” The glowering presence of her ex-husband threatens their happiness. The stories in Here the Dark, shortlisted for the 2020 Scotiabank Giller prize, glint with pointed observations about the complexity of relationships amongst family members, within communities, and between lovers. The writing is gritty and entertaining, leaving the reader to ponder what the next step would be for the characters. David Bergen is a past winner of the Giller prize for The Time In Between. Stranger is his recent novel. He lives in Winnipeg.

2021

Payment Dates for Old Age Security & the Canada Pension Plan

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

January 27 February 24 March 29 April 28 May 27 June 28

July 28 August 27 September 28 October 27 November 26 December 22

www.connectornews.ca

14 | FEBRUARY 2021

Kamloops Adult Learning Society

LEARN NEW THINGS DURING OUR NEW NORMAL

t Kamloops Adult Learning Society (KALS) we foster an environment where it’s easy to share ideas, make new friends and—above all—learn for the sheer enjoyment of it. KALS is taking all the safety protocols possible during these difficult times. All classes have size limits and may be cancelled if minimums are not met within 10 days before the start date. In person class sizes were determined using strict social distancing rules

KALS offers 33 daytime multi week or single session programs, in class (restricted size) or online (using zoom). Check out our programs at www.kals.ca

Winter/Spring Classes Starting Soon. Register Now! Register online, in person, by mail or phone

KAMLOOPS ADULT LEARNERS SOCIETY 4 Weeks 1 Class 7 Weeks 1 Class

PHONE: 250-376-1525 OFFICE/MAIL: #101-1550 Island Parkway, Kamloops, BC V2B 0H7 (McArthur Island Old Golf Course Building)

OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm (closed 12-1pm)

Beat the Winter Blues & Get Creative! Zoom Class History of the Kamloops Heritage Railway News and Views Think Local, Act Local: Climate Action in Kamloops Literary Identity of Kamloops: People, Events, History, and Landscape 2 Weeks The in Works Set in Our Area. Zoom Class 1 Class Regenerative Agriculture 1 Class Travel Through Mongolia 1 Class Aging Well - Prevent Your Risk of Falling Zoom Class 2 Weeks Spirituality & Climate Change 1 Class Printmaking 1 Class More than just a Meal: A Deeper dive into Food Security in Kamloops 1 Class A Whirlwind Tour of Mennonite History 1 Class Bumble Bees, Pollen Pants and Hairy Belly Bees Zoom Class 1 Class One Health Zoom Class 6 Sessions Filter Bubbles and Civic Engagement: Can we still talk to each other? Zoom Class 4 Weeks From a Buddhist Perspective 1 Class Kamloops Hospice - a “view” behind the scenes 4 Weeks Poetry and You & Me 1 Class Let’s Get Moving! 2 Weeks The Literary Identity of Kamloops- an examination of two works Zoom Class 1 Class Early Spring Bird Migration: The Basics 1 Class BC Transplant - Organ Donation 1 Class Tax Planning Strategies for Retirees 1 Class The Corkscrew Rd 1 Class Wildlife Park Tour 1 Class Wetland Wonders I 1 Class Wetland Wonders II 1 Class Injury Prevention For Pickleball Zoom Class 4 Sessions Lawn Bowling 1 Class What Is A Wild Church? 2 Sessions The North Shore: From Fort to Town, 1843-1967 2 Days Late Spring Bird Migration 1 Class James Buie Leighton - early pioneer

February 4, 2021 February 10, 2021 February 12, 2021 February 16, 2021 February 17, 2021

$15 $10 $50 $10 $15

February 23, 2021 February 24, 2021 March 1, 2021 March 2, 2021 March 2, 2021 March 3, 2021 March 4, 2021 March 4, 2021 March 8, 2021 March 15, 2021 March 19, 2021 March 23, 2021 April 6, 2021 April 7, 2021 April 14, 2021 April 15, 2021 April 15, 2021 April 20, 2021 April 22, 2021 April 28, 2021 April 29, 2021 April 29, 2021 April 30, 2021 May 4, 2021 May 4, 2021 May 10, 2021 May 19, 2021 May 31, 2021

$10 $10 $10 $15 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $35 $25 $10 $25 $10 $15 $5 Free $10 $10 $15 $10 $10 $10 $15 $10 $15 $15 $10

and protocols and KALS will adjust rules to comply with any Provincial Health changes. When you arrive at North Shore Community Centre you must first register at the front desk to enable contact tracing before going to the classroom. Masks are mandatory and required indoors and when you cannot social distance out of doors. In person class sizes were determined using strict social distancing rules and protocols and KALS will adjust rules to

comply if the Provincial Health Officer changes them. Online Zoom classes will not be refunded if your individual internet connection fails. You must have the Zoom software downloaded before the class start. Registration is on now and can be done online at www.kals.ca., by mail or in person. Our address is 1011550 Island Parkway Drive, V2B 0H7 (MacArthur Island old golf course building), or call us at 250-376-1525.

Alas, Change continues to affect the 55+ BC Games By Linda Haas

espite our hopes of taking part in the 55+ BC Games this year, the BC Seniors Games Society in conjunction with the Greater Victoria 55+ Host Society have moved the 2021 55+ BC Games tentatively to Sep 13 -17, 2022. Abbotsford, originally awarded the 2022 Games, will postpone its 55+ BC Games to 2023. In light of the current COVID-19 protocols put in place by BC Provincial Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, postponing the Games is deemed to be the most responsible and precautionary measure. With several

thousands of participants, supporters, officials, and volunteers needed to host these Games, this delay will help protect our communities and partners. Though disappointed to make this decision, the BC Seniors Games Society would like to thank all members who continue to support the Games as we move forward through 2021 to 2022 and 2023. We encourage members to stay active while adhering to the rules of the Public Health Officer and ViaSport. While postponement is not the same as procrastination, Jeff Herring’s 4th way to

stop procrastinating is: Develop your own SYSTEM. One of the quickest ways to get things done and avoid procrastination altogether is to have a system to take care of things. SYSTEM stands for Saves You Some Time Energy and Money. Take heart! With vaccines comes hope for better days when we can play and compete together. We can give heartfelt thanks for surviving these rough times, and for the frontline workers who help us to get through. And for those less fortunate with whom we will not share activities again, we will keep their memories in our hearts.

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 15

3 simple ways to a What is a silent stroke? healthier heart

Heart disease is a formidable foe. The Government of Canada notes that heart disease is the second leading cause of death, annually accounting for tens of thousands of deaths. While heart disease exacts a devastating toll on the United States and Canada, its reach extends far beyond North America, as the American College of Cardiology notes that cardiovascular disease accounts for 31 percent of all deaths across the globe. In spite of the prevalence of heart disease, men and women are not helpless against it. In fact, there are many ways for people to reduce their risk for heart disease. 1. Maintain a healthy weight. The American Heart Association reports that between 60 and 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. Carrying around extra weight takes a toll on the body, increasing a person’s risk for heart disease and stroke. Overweight or obese men and women can work with their physicians to develop a plan for effective, long-term weight loss, a plan that will likely include a combination of diet and routine exercise. 2. Understand and manage blood pressure. The AHA notes that high blood pressure, a common condition affecting

roughly one in three Americans, is often referred to as “the silent killer” because it does not necessarily produce symptoms. Blood pressure measures the force pushing outward on the walls of blood vessels as they carry blood oxygen to the body’s organs, and the force created as the heart rests between beats. Over time, the arterial walls of people with high blood pressure may become stressed and develop weak spots or scarring that makes them vulnerable to the buildup of plaque. Plaque buildup can increase the risk of blood clots and stroke. Blood pressure can rise as a person ages, so managing blood pressure involves routinely checking it and making certain changes, such as eating healthier foods and exercising more often, if it is high. 3. Control cholesterol levels. High levels of low-density lipoprotein, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, can increase a person’s risk for heart disease. The AHA notes that excessive amounts of cholesterol can be deposited into the arteries as plaque. When that happens, it leads to a condition known as atherosclerosis, or a narrowing of the inside of the artery walls. That narrowing leads to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Men and women should get their cholesterol levels checked at least once every four to six years beginning at age 20. Men and women who have been diagnosed with high cholesterol should recognize that cholesterol is only found in animal products, so a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and low in animal products can provide a simple way for men and women to lower their cholesterol. A more thorough and detailed plan to lower cholesterol levels should be discussed with a physician. More information about heart disease and how to combat it can be found at www.heartandstroke.ca.

KAMLOOPS’ BEST SELECTION OF VQA WINES AND BC CRAFT BEER Make us your first stop for your Valentine’s Day

The brain is a complex organ responsible for controlling many different bodily functions. When working at optimal capacity, the brain is a wonder to behold. When illness or trauma affects the brain, various parts of the body may not work as they should. One of the more devastating things that can affect the brain is stroke. Stroke describes a sudden stoppage of blood from reaching the brain. Harvard Medical School states that if a large number of brain cells are starved of blood supply, they can die. With their demise, a person’s memory and ability to speak and move can be compromised. While many strokes come on suddenly, certain factors may indicate a person is at risk. Such factors may include prior heart attacks, genetics, high blood pressure, smoking, or a prior stroke. However, in a particular type of stroke — a “silent stroke” — symptoms are far more subtle and difficult to spot. Silent cerebral infarction, often referred to as “SCI” or “silent stroke,” is a brain injury likely caused by a blood clot interrupting blood flow to the brain, offers the American Stroke Association. Silent strokes increase risk for other strokes and can be a sign of progressive brain damage. A silent stroke is typically only noticed as a side component of an MRI of the brain. Many times patients do not recall having a stroke and never felt any symptoms. Silent strokes should not be mistaken for mini-strokes. Mini-stroke is a brief but discrete and memorable event, with symptoms appearing for a few minutes or a few hours. According to a study on silent stroke titled “Functional and Cognitive Consequences of Silent Stroke Discovered Using Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in an Elderly Population” and published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society, silent strokes are quite common and can have

serious consequences. Researchers have found that silent stroke is associated with impairments in tests of cognitive function rather than movementoriented performance tests like rising from a chair. Almost 50 percent of studied silent strokes affected frontal circuit components of the brain, such as the frontal cortex, basal ganglia and thalamus. Lesions in these brain structures compromised executive functions and were related to vascular dementia. Another study showed associations between silent stroke and visual field deficits, weakness in walking on heels, history of memory loss, migraines, and lower scores in cognitive function tests. The “silent” part of a silent stroke also refers to the areas of the brain that the stroke affects. Experts at Harvard Medical School explain that, during a silent stroke, an interruption in blood flow destroys areas of cells in a part of the brain that is “silent,” meaning that it doesn’t control any vital functions. Researchers say that, over time, the damage from silent strokes can accumulate, leading to more and more problems with memory. Collectively, silent strokes become silent no longer. There are certain ways to reduce the risk of any type of stroke. These include: • managing high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels • quitting smoking • reducing the risk of diabetes and effectively treat the condition if it is present • losing weight to prevent obesity • exercising and avoid a sedentary lifestyle • taking a low-dose aspirin or a drug that prevents blood clots. Silent strokes largely go unrecognized but can lead to significant brain injury. Getting the facts can help men and women reduce their risk for silent stroke.

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

BILL ALBERS

We’re In Lansdowne Mall! 225-450 Lansdowne St. 250-571-1377 Lansdowneliquor.ca lansdowneliquor

250-851-1193 Office: 250-374-3331 Email: billalbers@remax.net

www.billalbers.remax.ca

Real Estate (Kamloops) 258 Seymour Street

www.connectornews.ca

16 | FEBRUARY 2021

Virtual Valentines offered by Slow No Tempo again

Kamloops Realty

T Jessica MARVIN 250.374.3022

je-matt@hotmail.com JessicaMattRealEstate.ca

250.319.8784 mmatt@shaw.ca

RealEstateKamloops.ca Member of Kamloops Chamber of Commerce

Comfort Keepers

he a cappella quartet Slow No Tempo will once again be spreading messages of love and caring with their third annual Singing Valentines fundraiser. This year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it will be a purely virtual experience. Instead of the traditional experience of four well-dressed men arriving at the recipient’s home or work to deliver the musical message of love and caring, anyone who orders a Singing Valentine will receive a video that they can show to their special someone. “We wanted to make sure we continued our Singing Valentines somehow this year, and this is the most responsible way we can continue to spread the love without potentially spreading the virus,” says quartet member Ryan Noakes. “It’s definitely

not the ideal way to deliver a valentine, but we feel it’s better than not doing it at all. Messages of love and caring are perhaps more important now than ever before.” Because the special people in our lives are not the only ones who deserve a little love, Slow No Tempo selects a different local charity each year to support with their fundraiser. The charity chosen for 2021 is the B.C. Wildlife Park, which has been connecting people to B.C.’s wildlife and wild places to encourage a sustainable society within a healthy natural environment since 1966. The funds raised by the Singing Valentines will assist them with the ongoing costs associated with the caring of some of British Columbia’s iconic wildlife. For 2021, the price has been reduced to $40. When ordering a valentine there are two

Congratulations to Connector reader Phil Churchill. He is the winner of the book by Phil Branca, Miners, Trappers, Hunters, Packers and other tales from the Bridge River Valley and he can expect to receive it in the mail. We did a draw on the review copy and were impressed by the number of readers that entered. For those of you that didn’t win, and are interested in getting a copy of Branca’s book, write to: Phil Branca, Box 1402, Lillooet, BC V0K 1V0 for more info. Thanks to everyone who entered.

We aim to keep her that way. SERVICES Companion Care Light Houskeeping Personal Care Respite Care Escorted Transportation

Call 778.471.1711 for a free in-home assessment kamloops.comfortkeepers.ca Suite 213 141 Victoria Street Kamloops, BC V2C 1Z5 © CK Franchising, Inc. *Most offices independently owned and operated.

ComfortKeepers.ca

that special someone in your life how much you care for them. Singing Valentines are also a fun way to let a parent, grandparent, sibling, cousin, friend, co-worker, team member, etc. know that they are important to you. Slow No Tempo was formed in the fall of 2018 by Alexander Bell, Ryan Noakes, Graham Specht, and Simon Walter. For more information about the singing valentines, go to kamloopsvalentines.com.

Book Raffle Winner

She’s always been the independent type. We help to keep her independent spirit strong. Comfort Keepers® provides compassionate in-home care that helps seniors live safe, happy, and independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. We call our approach Interactive Caregiving™, a unique system of care, which keeps our clients mentally and physically engaged while focusing on their safety assurance and nutrition needs.

song options; the “old school” barbershop medley of Let Me Call You Sweetheart/Heart Of My Heart or the more contemporary song I Want It That Way. Order your Singing Valentine by filling out the form at kamloopsvalentines.com, by calling 250-318-2978, or by e-mailing quartet@ slownotempo.ca. All Singing Valentines orders must be received and paid for by 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. A Singing Valentine is an excellent way to show

Hugs and kisses Continued from p. 1

in a letter to English naturalist Gilbert White. However, some historians debate the accuracy of that attribution, saying White’s use of the letter “X” in his letter was likely meant to convey blessings on the letter’s recipient. Researcher Stephen Goranson found many uses of the letter “X” to convey love and/or kisses in or after the 1880s, so it’s very likely that this was the first time that

including the letter “X” at the end of a letter took on the meaning so many people give it now. As for “O” symbolizing hugs, even less is known about how that came about. The late American writer Leo Rosten, whose writings included 1968’s “The Joys of Yiddish,” suggested that including “O” at the end of a letter might have a similar origin story to “X.” Rosten theorized that “O” was

used by Jewish immigrants who did not want to sign a document with “X,” which they, like the people in the Middle Ages, interpreted as symbolic of the Christian cross. Exactly when “O” was paired with “X” and came to symbolize hugs is unknown, though various historians suggest the two were not paired until the latter half of the 20th century.

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 17

Threshold of Truth Story by Rita Joan Dozlaw

rade twelve student, Amy, wondered how she could possibly come out a winner in the competitive race to write a music score for her high-school’s theatre production. There was little time because the show, offered by graduating students, was just three months away. The theme song for it was due for submission in just four weeks. The tight time frame meant that the music students learning the winning score had to do it in record time to create a sound track. Having studied music and theory since she was very young, in her head, Amy composed a prelude lending to the theme of the play. She also conjured the finale, but she was in a state of limbo to take the work through the play’s mystery to its climax. Daunted, her fear of inadequacy, and even failure, blocked her creative juices. Alone in her music room, she burst out in a soliloquy of emotional rants. “Don’t be so hard on yourself, Amy! It can’t be that hard! Think of it as your forte; you’d be a dingbat to give up on this! Some guys in class won’t stand a chance cuz they chose the music course only to earn credits. You’re not like them. You’ve always wanted to be a real musician; so, show your stuff!”

Raising her voice, she asked herself, “But, tell me Amy, where do I start?” “Where do you start with what?” A voice called from the hall. “Oh, mom, were you there all this time listening to me?” “No. I mean, I didn’t mean to… but your voice sounded agonizing. Is it your assignment? Any way I can help?” “Not really, mom, but it’s a contest of all things! I took it on cuz I know I can do it… but!” “But nothing, Amy! Keep believing in yourself!” “I’ve come up with a good beginning and ending, in my head, but the middle score’s a total blank.” Curious, Amy’s mother pulled her onto the couch and asked, “Who wrote the play and what’s the theme?” “Collectively, the high-school pre-grads wrote it in composition classes this year. It’s called, ‘Threshold of Truth.’ The winning score will be performed during the grad ceremony.” “Wow, can you get me a copy of the script?” “Yeah, sure… I’ve wondered about the gym’s acoustics.” “Show me what you’ve worked on so far, Amy,” her mom requested calmly. “I imagine the musical background tempo should sort of echo the story diction’s feelings no matter the

acoustics.” “I guess that makes sense, mom.” She shuffled back to her parent’s piano, and before long she had the score for the introductory prelude written down. It included beautiful and unusual minor chords. “I think I’ve got something here, mom. If I open up the chords and create arpeggios and move into an orderly melodic aria then I can concentrate on a climatic crescendo leading into the finale… which I’ve already got in my head.” “Oooh, amazing, honey.” Amy worked day and night giving up week-ends and afterschool hours at the café. She knew that, in the end, it would all be worth the effort even if she didn’t win nor have her theme piece performed by the student orchestra. She was already proud to be aiming for an integral part of the grad program. Playing the piece-meal score in her mind, then writing it all out and taping it, Amy relaxed while repeatedly listening to it. She’d discerned the mood which her music needed to create in order for the baffling mystery, in the story-line, to reach the point where a magnificent truth was revealed. The elevated theatrical aura she’d introduced highlighted the scenes. Amy’s mother had gently prompted her to include emotion

in the phrasings; for in truth, the profound episode in one’s life— to discover one’s potential— underlined excitement in the dialogue. Hence, the theme song ended as positive as it had begun in the opening scene. Mother and daughter, fans of fine music, relaxed by listening to a favorite long-play recording of the haunting classical theme from ‘Shindler’s List’, by John Williams penned for the film of the same name by Steven Spielberg. Its solemnity turned out to be the inspiration for the flowing cadence Amy felt led to write. The feat accomplished, she entered her thematic score in the contest. Awarded the winner, Amy’s phenomenal theme-song was turned over to students of music committed to a high-calibre performance. In conducting them, she lingered over lyrical bridge-passages connecting the melodic serenity of flutes. She listened for drama from the bass and critiqued the percussion section making it subtle enough to accompany the viola’s solo voice. The students truly knew their critical parts in the honourable opus, and Amy had the empowering experience of conducting them just behind the actors on stage at the graduation ceremony. That year, as always, twelfthgrade students were on the

threshold of finding out what they would do following high school. Amy recognised that the core of her academics must be to identify, confirm, and bring out her most intuitive leanings in order for her innate skills and talents to shine. Awed, by a good portion of society desiring the arts to flourish, in response to her personal epiphany, she elected to follow her passions in university. Like other teens involved in the classroom assignments, of story and music compositions for the extraordinary production, Amy’s astute journey to solve a mystery relating to her niche in life proved worthy in every sense. The graduating young people’s collaboration and comradery, plus their goals and high standards, elevated them all in terms of their dedication to achieve success. In short, the grand performance so moved the grads that they were swept into their own personal thresholds of truth. For Amy, the ultimate confirmation of her chosen profession—a career in music and the performing arts—along with passion and ambition transcended all her initial goals and brought a lifetime of unforeseen rewards.

wHat makes Us dIFFeRent? PLENTY! 210 Lansdowne st., kamLoops

250.377.8225 drakeCremation.com

Proud to sponsor the Desert Gardens Calendar

• 100% LOCALLY OWNED & AFFORDABLE • OUR UNIQUE PRICE SATISFACTION GUARANTEE • SIGNIFICANT DISCOUNTS IF YOU PRE-PAY • NO UPSELL AND NO HIDDEN SURPRISES • WE TAKE CARE OF MANY THINGS FOR FREE, INCLUDING THE CPP APPLICATION

dRake smItH, msw

President

www.connectornews.ca

18 | FEBRUARY 2021

UNITED CHURCHES OF CANADA Kamloops United Church

www.kamloopsunited.ca 421 St. Paul St. • Sundays 10 am Rev. Dr. Michael Caveney

It’s all about love people believed this crazy notion that the earth loved them back?” The floodgates opened. They all wanted to talk at once. We were suddenly off the deep end, heading for world peace and perfect harmony. One student summed it up: “You wouldn’t harm what gives you love.” Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend and protect and celebrate. But when you feel the earth loves you in return, that feeling transforms the relationship from a one-way street into a sacred bond. It is interesting to consider that question: Do you think the earth loves you? The Christian story teaches about a God who loves us. The same God who spoke or breathed all of life into existence. Science tells us this world as we know it began with a big bang when a different sun than ours died, giving birth to our sun. Big bang, expulsion of breath or word, all that we know is this planet and the cosmos were birthed by a large “explosion” of energy, suggesting the Creator’s essence is contained in the creation. Panentheism is the belief that God/Great Mystery/ Holy One is present in all creation, and also extends beyond time and space as we know it. I’ve come to understand this God as the God of here and now and the God who moves ahead

Mt. Paul United Church

www.mtpauluc.ca 140 Laburnum St. • Sundays 10 am Colouring outside the lines

Plura Hills United Church

www.plurahillsunited.com 2090 Pacific Way • Sundays 10 am

REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

One of my favourite books of 2020, Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book, Braiding Sweetgrass, has helped to shift my perspective on loving the natural world. In her book, Kimmerer raises an interesting question: I sat once in a graduate writing workshop on relationships to the land. The students all demonstrated a deep respect and affection for nature. They said that nature was the place where they experienced the greatest sense of belonging and well-being. They professed without reservation that they loved the earth. And then I asked them, “Do you think that the earth loves you back?” No one was willing to answer that. It was as if I had brought a twoheaded porcupine into the classroom. Unexpected. Prickly. They backed slowly away… So I made it hypothetical and asked, “What do you suppose would happen IF

of us, pulling us into our highest best selves (hence evolution). Many times it feels like wrestling with jello to try to understand God/ Great Mystery! What I do know is that if God’s presence permeates the natural world – and God is the source of Love – then it is possible for the earth to love us back. The question that emerges for me as I contemplate this is “what if we learn to see all beings as containers of divine life/holy energy and understand kinship that way?” Truly then we would understand Love and perhaps we would understand the sacred bond and interconnectedness of all life in such a way that we would no longer harm one another and the natural world. I think this month I’ll send Valentines to brother Sun and sister Moon, Brothers Wind and Air and Fire, Sister Water, and Mother Earth. I wonder if they’ll send something back! Rev LeAnn Blackert works with Michele Walker and Lesly Comrie in ministry with Wild Church in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan (wildchurchbc.org). She lives in an evolving world and finds her own understanding of God/ Great Mystery/Holiness also evolving, and loves exploring questions of faith in a community of seekers.

I Once Asked a Tree to Hug Me Have you ever been held by a tree? Leaned into its strength? Been held by roots that go deeper and farther than we can imagine? Sheltered beneath branches that reach into the sky, pulling life from our breath? Returning life to our lungs? I once lay against a white-barked birch, leaning into her lean, held in place. I leaned. Let go. Breathed. And felt really and truly held, supported, encouraged. If that isn’t love, then I don’t understand what a hug LeAnn Blackert is for. January 17, 2021

KLEO’S KLEO’S KLEO’S PHARMACY PHARMACY PHARMACY

February is Heart and Stroke Month

Lemon Fresh KLEO’S

Hair Clips salon

KLEO’S Professional Hair Care & Styling KLEO’S Carpet Cleaning PHARMACY Odour Control • Upholstery PHARMACY PHARMACY Carpet & 24 Hr Water Damage Service Questions about your Upholstery Compare our Prices and SAVE! Protect yourself and your family. No appointment necessary. heart medication? Protectyour yourself and your family. No appointment nd family . Care Nonecessary. appointment necessary. “COVID-19 PROTOCOL IN PLACE” We can help.

90B 1967 East Trans Canada Hwy 90B 1967 East Trans Canada s Canada Hwy Come see usHwy at Kamloops, BC V2C 4A4 Kamloops, A4 BC V2C 4A4 • 778-765-1444

KLEO’S PHARMACY

WINNER 2019

250-372-8884 • 250-377-1158

Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm

COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL • INDUSTRIAL Mon Fri: 10am 9am Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm Mon -- Fri: 5pm Saturday: 9am ---6pm 3pm We are • COMPETITIVE RATES • FLOORS, CEILINGS, ETC. Saturday: 2pm Saturday: 10am 9am --3pm Saturday: 9am - 3pm SHAUNA • BONDED & INSURED • CARPET CLEANING • REFERENCES • 24 HOUR SERVICE • WINDOWS & WALLS

• TRUCK MOUNT STEAM CLEANING • PRESSURE WASHING

mily. No appointment necessary. 90B 1967 East Trans Canada Hwy mily. No appointment mily . Kamloops, Nonecessary. necessary. BC appointment V2C 4A4 OTOCOL IN PLACE”

wy wy wy 65-1444

778-765-1444

Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm

Mon Fri: 10am 9am Mon -- Fri: 5pm Saturday: 9am ---6pm 3pm Saturday: 2pm Saturday: 10am 9am --3pm

Mon -Serving Fri: 9am 6pm Proudly Kamloops & AreaSince 1990 Saturday: 9am 3pm 250.574.8584 • 250.828.0057 • rjsbm.com

HAIR for you

KAREN

Love is in the ‘Hair’ 165 - 945 Columbia St. W. in the Sahali Mall

Appointments by phone call please

Open: Tue - Fri 9 am - 4 pm Sat 9 am - 1 pm

250.828.0708

www.connectornews.ca

FEBRUARY 2021 | 19

Praise and blame

The inside story WENDY WESEEN

Praise and blame, gain and loss, pleasure and sorrow come and go like the wind. To be happy, rest like a great tree in the midst of them all.

Jalal ad-Din Mohammed Rumi 1207-1273

’ll never forget the last chapter of a textbook entitled The Multiple Losses of Aging I read when learning about Developmental Psychology—looking at human development from the perspective of a series of tasks we must

accomplish during our lifetime. It wasn’t funny when I missed one of those tasks at 25 and it popped up when I was 65. I wish I knew then what I know now. And why did the turning point of my own aging and accompanying chronic illness occur in the same year as a pandemic, locked away from those who love and support me and vice-versa, out of the great world in a cocoon of isolation and loneliness hanging by broken wings with little hope of soon becoming a butterfly again. There is a competition between who suffers the most. And it is a sign of weakness to admit ‘certain emotions’ and can humans have only one emotion at a time? How we feel is often a mixed bag – bitter (why me?) and sweet (my goodness, mental health has become acceptable to discuss), joy (a light at end of the tunnel) and

grief (a huge number of deaths), regret (not recognizing sooner priorities we wished we had) and poignancy, (fulfilment from the slowdown of our usual pace), and tired (too many challenges and restrictions) but strong (a sense of victory from new accomplishments). It’s brave to talk about feelings in our culture; we don’t deal well with emotion. Often times it is considered a bad thing. We place our judgements into two camps, good feelings like happiness and contentment or bad such as hurt, jealousy, and anger. Emotional literacy sometimes called emotional intelligence, is different from knowing Pythagora’s Theorem. Emotional responses, both joys and sorrows, are another source of wisdom and crisis can be a point of opportunity. Managing transition in the last part of an aging life involves multiple new losses and is challenging enough without

COVID-19. Over Christmas, I was full of self-pity and had to remind myself my feelings and situation are not special or better or worse than others, but unique, only different from other people’s. I’ve used the expression before that “although we are all in the same storm (Covid), we’re not in the same boat (our own personal circumstances). My transition could be worse I recite to myself – I could be starving somewhere, have cancer, be caught in a natural disaster – such as a plague of locusts, a swarm of killer bees, fire, avalanche, earthquake or heaven forbid on an airplane with a design flaw. Rumi, the Persian poet we all love to love, says one of life’s greatest challenges is to become friendly and nonjudgmental with all emotions, to roll with the punches and embrace both joys and sorrows.

FOR RENT Available March 1, 2020 Newly built apartment complex at 406 / 766 Tranquille Road / Huston Place. Call 250-318-9297 for information

1350.00 per month

• One bedroom apartment and den. • Great location, close to all amenities in the heart of the North Shore business area including transit, banks, grocery stores, restaurants, post office, health services, new pharmacy opening in complex. • Kitchen has quartz countertops, new stainless appliances including stove, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, microwave oven, washer / dryer, storage closet • Assigned private parking / bicycle and scooter storage area • Great view from the 4th floor balcony • Natural gas hookup

Keep Active Keep Healthy Keep Moving!!! • 299 Third Ave. • 198–945 Columbia St. W. • 19–750 Fortune Dr. • 2–111 Oriole Rd.

HUB International Insurance Brokers 250-372-3155 • 1-800-661-6194

Time for Change Let’s not go back please, to the way we were It wasn’t caring, or loving anything, on here. This World, this Planet, this place we call home, We muddied the skies, scraped her heart, to the bone. We took so much and never replaced it.

COLUMBIA SH TI

NTURIST AS DE S

(Formerly Goessman Denture Clinic) ON OF B ATI RI OC

ars • et • scientia

A Proud Tradition of Denture Crafts ROBBY JAROUDI • ALLEN E. GOESSMAN

PERSONALIZED & PROFESSIONAL DENTURE SERVICE • Complete Dentures • Repairs • Dentures Over Implants • Partial Dentures

She’s angry, hurting, bleeding, scared and bare Storming, howling, spewing, erupting, everywhere. Shaking, tearing and rattling in places to show, She is in charge, not money, or man, we know. Man is destructive and greedy with want. It’s time to stop! Time to rest! Time to think! We are after all, on the edge of the brink. Time to listen to science, to those, who say, Respect the environment and animals that live today. Cherish our Home and protect it, we have only, this one, small Earth. Time for change.

Two great locations to serve you better! 10-2025 Granite Ave. Merritt, BC 1-888-374-9443

B. Cadre 08/21/2020

603 St. Paul Street Kamloops, BC 250-374-9443

www.connectornews.ca

20 | FEBRUARY 2021

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

Hearing Loss Isn’t Just About You

You may think that your hearing loss only affect you. They’re your ears after all, right? However, living with untreated hearing loss isn’t just about you, and also affects your loved ones in profound ways. Your hearing loss causes major communication barriers, and creates profound problems in your relationships. Even the seemingly insignificant interactions you have throughout your day are more important than you think, promoting intimacy between you and your partner as you share all the little moments of life. When you’re not able to hear clearly and communicate easily, these small interactions become a source of frustration for both you and your partner, and drive you apart rather than drawing you closer together. As your hearing deteriorates, you start communicating less with your loved ones, and lose the important connections in your life.

It’s All About Communication

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

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

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

Treating Hearing Loss

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

The good news is, people who treat their hearing loss report improvements in their relationships, are able to communicate easily, and get back to sharing all the little things in life. This positive effect extends to all your relationships, whether with your spouse, your family, your friends, colleagues. Tired of letting your hearing loss impact your life? If you want to improve your relationship, visit us at Kamloops Hearing Aid Centre.

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

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

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