Kamloops Connector September 2021 by KamloopsThisWeek

September 2021

www.connectornews.ca

VOL. 30, NO. 5, SEPTEMBER 2021 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Meet the new Executive Director of the Kamloops Arts Council Page 5

Music in the Park Page 8

Grandma’s Socks Page 16

Good things to come*

The Great Work

Page 19

Page 18

Third Age Learning

M. Rhonda Whalley’s KTW photo contest submission of a simple, brilliant sunflower brings some cheer following a long, hot, smoky, intense and tragic wildfire season. Collective hopes and expectations for September beg for relief.

he Kamloops Adult Learners Society (KALS) is heading into it’s 16th season of providing a full slate of courses and programming to its some 200 members. Ginny Ratsoy is co-chair of the publicity committee, as well as a coordinator and teacher of KALS courses. She has been involved with the organization almost since

its inception. “I began as a volunteer instructor for KALS in 2007, at the behest of my then-colleague at TRU, Anne Gagnon, who was KALS’ first teacher back in 2005,” said Ratsoy. “The breadth of courses we are offering is impressive: students can

AT KALS

improve their physical literacy, learn how to write a

personal essay, delve into local history, join discussions about local, provincial, national and Continued on p. 17

SEE PAGE 2

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

834 Laval Crescent

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2 SEPTEMBER 2021

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LEGEND

The Connector’s Senior Living Choices directory gives readers a look at seniors’ residences providing extended, assisted and/or supportive living features in the city of Kamloops and surrounding communities. Each residence was contacted via email and/or phone and asked to fill out a onepage questionnaire. Any facilities missing from our list were either unable to respond to our questionnaire or were not considered to be providers of extended, assisted or supportive living situations to the best of our knowledge. Aside from our list, there are many housing options for those seeking independent, mature adult communities and are not necessarily requiring care options.

AL EC H T U PA SP

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING EXTENDED CARE HOUSEKEEPING TRANSPORTATION UTILITIES INCLUDED PLANNED ACTIVITIES SMALL PETS ALLOWED

SEPTEMBER 2021 3

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We are currently recruiting VOLUNTEERS for an Online Memory and Anxiety study at Thompson Rivers university. We are interested in participants: * 65 years of age or older * Not taking anti-anxiety medication or have taken medication for anxiety longer than a year * Not currently taking medication to enhance attention (like Aricept) * Do not have any known cardiovascular diseases or have not been diagnosed with any neurological conditions (for example Stroke) * Have normal or corrected vision * Fluent in English, and have access to internet, a computer or tablet at home.

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202-444 VICTORIA ST., KAMLOOPS V2C 2A7

Your participation would involve one online session consisting of questionnaires measuring your anxiety and memory, along with some general information. This study would also require you to participate in acomputer task and a memory assessment via phone call. Participation is completely voluntary, and you can earn a $5 gift card and be entered in a draw to win a $20 gift card after completing the experiment. If interested, please contact the research team (Dr. Claudia Gonzalez and Amie Smith) by emailing: coglab@tru.ca.

How to arrange long-term care for people living with dementia

hen Kamloops residents living with dementia requires full-time support due to complex needs, moving to a long-term care home may be the next step for caregivers or family. Researching long-term care can be an overwhelming process for people in the region. The Alzheimer Society of B.C. is here to provide support for area residents by offering free weekly webinars, including “Considering the transition to long-term care.” It’s for caregivers considering arranging a move and finding out how to access longterm care and what other factors need to be taken into account. The hour-long webinar is on Wednesday, August 25 at 2 p.m. PT. Tips on finding the right long-term care home * Consider what your priorities and expectations are in a long-term care home. * Contact your local community health centres for information about the long-term care application

process in your area. Some communities have a number of homes to choose from. Make a list of long-term care home options and narrow the list down to ones you would like to visit. * Visit each home on your list to see firsthand what each one has to offer. Bring your list of priorities, expectations, and any questions you may have so you don’t leave out anything important. Some long-term care homes allow the person living with dementia to visit the home and become familiar with it through day programs or respite services. * Try to be flexible and consider whether you could work with the staff to meet the needs of the person living with dementia. Even after an extensive search, you may not find everything you want in a single home. To learn more about transitioning to long-term care, register for the webinar at alzbc.org/webinars. A follow-up webinar, “Adjusting to long-term care,” continues discussing the experience of transitioning

into long-term care and explores different ways to ease the transition. The session includes howto’s on preparing for a move, adjusting to the move for both caregivers and people living with dementia, and working with the care team. The session is on Wednesday, September 1 at 2 p.m. PT. To learn about other topics related to the dementia, the Alzheimer Society of B.C. invites you to sign up for one of its free webinars. Previous webinars offered in August included: * Planning for healthcare, legal and financial decisions: Plan now, before dementia affects the ability to communicate. Learn how to begin early legal, healthcare and financial planning to prepare for your future. * Community changes: Explore how communication is affected by dementia and learn effective communication strategies. To register for any of these webinars or find out when they might be offered again, please visit alzbc.org/ webinars.

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My two cents Moneca Jantzen Editor

“Marriage is hard. Divorce is hard. Choose your hard. Obesity is hard. Being fit is hard. Choose your hard. Being in debt is hard. Being financially disciplined is hard. Choose your hard. Communication is hard. Not communicating is hard. Choose your hard. Life will never be easy. It will always be hard. But we can choose our hard. Pick wisely.” Unknown

This familiar meme crossed my path again the other day on Facebook—the one about choosing your hard. On the surface, I find it quite appealing and I wish life was that simple even if it is destined to be hard. As profound as this meme may seem, the suggestion that much of life is about the choices and paths we choose for ourselves is a pretty simplistic way of looking at things. If only life was that black and white and we actually had that much control. I highly doubt that most people that end up divorced ever imagined that is a choice they would eventually be driven to make. As for obesity, I know from personal experience that it is hardly a choice but a complex combination of genetics, lifestyle, psychology, environment and hormones. Yet the masses will try to convince all obese people otherwise to the point of absolute cruelty. I think it is high time that we realize that people come in all shapes and sizes and fitness is relative. Not everyone will have washboard abs and a tight booty, but they could still be relatively healthy and relatively fit and never deserving of others’ judgement and derision. I’ve never really understood why some people are so threatened by the existence of fat people. It’s weird. Everyone can always choose to be better, including the bullies that set chubby people up for a lifetime of self-loathing and shame, things that aggravate rather than help. Financial well-being definitely has a lot to do with self-discipline and hard work but it also has to do with luck of the draw. Not everyone gets the same breaks as everyone else. Some are born with a silver spoon and others have to scrimp and fight for every dollar they earn. It also has a lot to do with financial literacy, something we don’t actually teach our children which I’ve always thought is bizarre. It’s also possible that something as catastrophic as an illness or a pandemic could alter one’s trajectory in devastating ways. Hardly anyone is Jeff Bezos. As for communication, it IS hard. I used to consider myself a good communicator despite being somewhat socially awkward. In recent years, not so much. Ironically, in the age of the internet, we are supposed to have all the tools we could ever want to communicate better and yet there seems to be more and more misinformation and people are feeling more and more disconnected from one another. Sliding into someone’s DMs on Instagram has absolutely nothing on a good ole in-person heart to heart over a cup of tea. Maybe its just me, but I felt more connected pre-internet than I do now. I also find that since everyone now potentially has a public platform, be it Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or YouTube or maybe a podcast or two, there is so much ‘noise’ out there that it is hard to be heard above the cacophony of all the other voices. How does one even become relevant or interesting enough? Furthermore, not everyone wants to put themselves out there in this way. In the era of cancel culture, ransomware, catfishing, trolling, identity or intellectual property theft and basic security, the stakes are riskier than ever. Receiving views, likes and followers for your content is great if it even happens, but how does one cope if that ends or backfires? This brings us back to the notion of control over our choices and our lives. As wildfires swirl around us and reduce homes, businesses and acreages to rubble this summer, following almost two years of catering to the whims of a worldwide pandemic, it is pretty clear that there are things that happen that we cannot control. Viruses and forest fires don’t care how much money you have in your bank account, if you’ve got a dad bod vs washboard abs or how successful you’ve been on Tiktok. There are things that remind us that we are all basically the same and we are all ultimately vulnerable. Compassion, empathy, understanding and love should be the “hard” that we all choose all the time. The Afghani refugee, Haitian earthquake victim, the faraway village in Africa still waiting for COVID vaccines, the Residential School victims, not to mention the neighbour in Monte Lake that lost their underinsured home in the fires will all need our help. Step up where you can because it could always have happened to you and these are unimaginable ‘hards’ that no one would ever choose.

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.

SEPTEMBER 2021 5

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Meet the new Executive Director of the Kamloops Arts Council Tanya Nielsen has arrived and is excited to be at the Kamloops Arts Council By Elizabeth Nygren, Kamloops Arts Council

fter spending a few years away from the City of Kamloops, Tanya Nielsen is back in the city as the Kamloops Arts Council’s new executive director. Nielsen has had a broad journey on her way to the KAC, from attending TRU for her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree to travelling to Newfoundland to complete her Masters degree. “I actually went to school here at TRU and I did the BFA stream,” Nielsen said. “I was the second person to graduate with the gallery studies focus and I fell in love with the community. Afterwards I went to Memorial University in Newfoundland to do my Masters there.” After her Masters degree, Nielsen worked for a variety of nonprofit organizations, working in events

and conference management. Later on, she worked for the Quesnel Art Gallery. “I went to Quesnel Art Gallery and I was there for three years, part-time, kind of doing a whole bunch of stuff for them.” Nielsen said. “I always wanted to come back to Kamloops. The arts community here is just really connected. Other people are always reaching out to me or connecting to me or wanting to meet me and they’re from other organizations that I probably wouldn’t have met in a place like Vancouver.” Nielsen is an artist herself, with her main art forms being painting and photography. Nielsen has also worked in installation and performance as well. Nielsen said what she loves about the arts is “the possibility. I think

that the arts are great because it’s just this incredibly beautiful way to form a message to someone.” She added that “with art you have this beautiful, visual or melodic or colourful way of expressing an opinion or something that needs to be shared and if you do it right, it’s a huge impact.” Nielsen also believes that the arts bring us together and helps to foster a sense of community. “I think the arts are important because they bring us all together, more than anything else. We go to movies, we listen to music, you’ll see all these, or you used to before COVID, huge crowds of people that would gather together to experience something and I think that is one thing that has held communities together throughout

COVID; this artistic experience.” Throughout her years working in the arts, Nielsen is most proud of her work at the end of her undergraduate degree, and looking into how failure can foster success, which led to her Masters degree pursuit. “I put together an exhibition and it kind of led to my Masters thesis,” Nielsen said. “I had invited the graduating students to submit one work that they thought failed, and I interviewed them on the process and asked them what they thought of it now. Every single one of them was laughing throughout the interview as they were talking about their process. They weren’t traumatized at all but it allowed them to look at these things in a different way. When people

saw these works, they didn’t really see the failure in them. They saw them as something that could potentially be celebrated, that could potentially work.” Two weeks following the exhibition was the graduating exhibition that showed how far the students had come since their ‘failings.’ Above all, Nielsen is glad to be in the Kamloops community again and to be working at the Kamloops Arts Tanya Nielsen Council with a variety Kamloops Arts Council Executive Director of kind and creative people. “I like the people that I work with here,” Nielsen said. “They’re a lot of fun, they’re very dedicated and … WALTZ & TWO-STEP ROUND this is probably the DANCE LESSONS best group you could ask for. They’re all very Round Dancing excited and happy to is choreographed be here and ready to work.” ballroom dancing

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• 1⁄2 teaspoon pepper • 1 1⁄2 pounds lean ground turkey • 6 whole wheat hamburger buns, split • 3⁄4 cup pre-made mango salsa (a diced mixture of mangos, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley and some lime juice. Variations can include avocado, cucumber, kiwi, pineapple, cilantro or jalapeño.

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6 SEPTEMBER 2021

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hat’s the biggest financial mistake you can make? Choosing the wrong investments? Waiting too long to save for retirement? Underestimating the costs of retirement? All these are reasonable answers, but the biggest mistake you might make is not looking at your financial picture holistically – that is, not bringing into the picture all the elements of yourself. Let’s consider some of them: • Your views on helping your family – Your decisions about helping your family are clearly going to be a major part of your financial strategy – and this is true at virtually all stages

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.

of your life. When your children are young, you’ll need to decide if you’re going to put away money for their postsecondary education, and, if so, how much, and in what investment vehicles. When they’re young adults, you may also need to decide how much financial support you’re willing to provide for things such as the down payment on a new home. And when you’re drawing up your estate plans, you’ll need to consider how to distribute assets to your children, grandchildren or other family members. • Your personal beliefs – As someone with civic, ethical and moral concerns, you want to positively affect the world around you. And that’s why you may feel compelled to make charitable gifts throughout your life and then make philanthropy part of your legacy. To accomplish these objectives, you’ll want to include gifting techniques

in your financial strategy today and your estate plans for tomorrow. Of course, for the estate planning component, you’ll need to work with your tax and legal advisors. • Your purpose in life when you retire – When you retire, you may be stepping off a career path, but you’re also entering a world of possibilities. How will you define, and live out, your new sense of purpose at this stage of your life? Do you seek to broaden your horizons by traveling around the world? Do you want to give back more to the community by volunteering? Can you spend more time pursuing the hobbies you enjoy? Each of these choices will carry different financial implications for how much you’ll need to accumulate for retirement and how much you will need to take out each year from your retirement accounts, such as your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA).

• Your health – Your physical and mental health can play big roles in your financial plans and outlook. On the most basic level, the healthier you are, and the better you take care of yourself, the lower your health care bills will likely be during retirement, which will affect the amount you need to put away for health care. And you also may need to prepare for the costs of longterm care, which can be enormous. It can be challenging to weave all these elements into a single, unified vision, so you may want to get some help from a financial professional. But, in any case, be prepared to look at your situation holistically – because, when putting together a lifetime’s financial strategy, every part of your life matters. Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

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Hidden Features

THAT TECH GUY JEFFREY READE

common misconception is that high-tech gadgets are aimed at teens and younger adult user

demographics. The truth is that people over 50 use smart-home devices and other cutting-edge technology in their daily lives. Many of the devices have interesting features to play around with but also boast life-saving features. With more seniors opting to live their golden years in the comfort of their homes these features provide peace-of-mind to the whole family.

Besides cellular and smartphones, there are tons of smart-home devices that can order

groceries without having to call adult children or neighbours. In addition you can pair them with thermostats to adjust the temperature during different times of the day (always great for the scorching hot B.C. summers), and easily call friends and family with smart-speakers just by telling it to. There are benefits to wearable technology devices such as tracking heart rate, blood pressure and even analyze gait and movement

patterns. Audiologists use Bluetooth enabled hearing aids to conduct hearing tests and smart devices can even offer sound therapies to help strengthen the user’s hearing ability. Perhaps the features that have become most obvious in the last year have been telecommunication and even remote health. However, it still leaves a social isolation of sorts. This is where new technologies step up, though to be fair the

Happy Labour Day September 6th, 2021

technology isn’t really that new; it has been seriously upgraded though. Virtual reality. Certain VR platforms allow the user to interact with others wandering the digital globe or experience adventures in exotic locales, like kayaking or even virtual skydiving. VR technology offers great opportunities to enjoy virtual concerts, play games or even learn new skills. These inhome travel packages and courses are reasonably

priced or sometimes free, though the VR platforms do cost a little money. The mental health benefits are there though, so maybe next time you’re visiting the kids and grandkids and someone mentions that the young ones have a VR set, maybe try it out. You just might enjoy it. Even if it’s only sitting on a virtual beach listening to the ocean. New tech means the sky is the limit in terms of health benefits and adventures.

250-318-7977 jreade@gmail.com

Win a FREE Tech/Repair Consult ($60 Value)

Jeffrey Reade

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School Zones

Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5P6 or email your details with “That Tech Guy Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, Sept. 3rd at 9:00am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize.

Reinstated September 7th

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

Let’s keep our children SAFE

Phone............................................................................................................. Email ..............................................................................................................

Second Sunday in September

September 12th, 2021

September 30th will now be known as

Truth and Reconciliation Day. 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

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8 SEPTEMBER 2021

Music in the Park

August 2021 – Riverside Park

Date Artist Name Style Aug 25 Aug 26 Aug 27 Aug 28

Don’t miss the last few days of free, live music!

Cod Gone Wild Paisley Groove Richard Graham’s Backbeat Shattered Blue

Celtic Groovy Tunes New Orleans Swing Classic Rock

HTHOMPSON VALLEY STARSH Fun, Fitness & Friendship Await you Square & Round Dance Club

– Reconnect, Socialize – Have Fun!

F YOU CAN LEARN SOCIAL SQUARE DANCING IN 12 WEEKS FOR $8 PER NIGHT

FREE INTRO TO SOCIAL SQUARE DANCE LESSONS FULLY-VACCINATED DANCERS ONLY

Thursday Sept. 16, 2021 • 7-8:30pm Mainstream 8:30-9:30pm

St. Paul’s Cathedral, 360 Nicola St. Kamloops

- Fun & Fitness -

SINGLES AND COUPLES WELCOME

Music, Dancing, Friendship Great Exercise for Body & Mind! thompsonvalleystars.squaredance.bc.ca FOR INFO CALL MERV & SANDY

250-376-5636 meyerdance@telus.net

In 2020 the National Convention was to be in Surrey, BC but unfortunately due to Covid, this was postponed. A new square dance season begins Sept. 16 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, 360 Nicola Street, 7 to 8:30 p.m. At 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. experienced dancers will continue with Mainstream dancing. Sandy & Merv’s duet London, ON No partner is needed. If you Photo by Sandy Gregson-Meyer have 2 left feet, bring them both. You are never too young or too event is open to old to learn to dance, so put on FULLY-VACCINATED your shoes and come join us for this FREE introductory evening of DANCERS ONLY. Lessons are $8 per night, fun. Dress code is casual, smooth Thursdays from Sept. 23 to Dec. clean soled shoes please. This 16 but you can learn ‘Social Square Dancing’ in only 12 weeks. Square Dancing is popular worldwide and is ‘called’ in English throughout the world. For more information, call 250 376-5636 or email: meyerdance@ telus.net, or we’ll see you on the Sept. 16. Thompson Valley Stars website is: www.thompsonvalleystars. squaredance.bc.ca Also, see the online video: www.DancingKeepsYouYoung.ca BC Festival in Salmon Arm 2019 - Photo by Sandy Gregson-Meyer or those accomplished in today’s modern style of Square Dancing and its counterpart, Round Dancing (choreographed ballroom dancing), the BC Festival in Salmon Arm (photo attached) was a mecca of fun activity. Every 2 years there is a BC Festival and every other year, a Canadian National Convention. In 2018, Sandy & Merv Meyer of Kamloops drove across Canada in their camperized Sprinter van to attend the National Convention in London, ON where they joined a panel of callers to ‘call’ to some 800 dancers from all over the world.

SEPTEMBER 2021 9

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Chamber Musicians of Kamloops proudly presents the Chamber Music Series at Kamloops United Church On Friday, September 10, the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops presents the concert

Canadian Tale

The Sycamore String Quartet, consisting of Cvetozar Vutev, violin; Sandra Wilmot, violin; and Ashley Kroecher, viola, joins with local clarinet legend Sally Arai in a lyrical program of music by three contemporary Canadian composers - Latvian-born Vernon’s Imant Raminsh, Nelson’s Doug Jamieson, and the every-bubbly Scotland-born resident of Edmonton, Allan Gilliland. This program demonstrates the large stylistic diversity in the Canadian music traditions, from folk to jazz.

Tickets can be purchased through chambermusiciansofkamloops.org

Tickets for live audience: General $25 CMK Members and Students $20 Free for children under 12

Tickets for online audience:

Family $40 Front Row $25 General $15 CMK Members and Students $10 CMK membership fee is $10 per calendar year Purchasing a Family or a Front Row ticket provides online audience members with the opportunity to show some extra support for their favourite musicians who will be receiving 95% of the ticket proceeds. A purchaser of either a Family or a Front Row ticket will receive a tax receipt and a digital copy of the concert poster.

Questions?

Please call us at 250-318-3127 or email: chambermusiciansofkamloops@gmail.com

Summer in 2021

your voice in ottawa CATHY MCLEOD MP

here has been little reprieve for us this summer from a combination of high temperatures and smoke from the massive wildfires in our area. Masks worn for COVID protection are doing doubleduty as so many are wearing them while outdoors, as well, to limit the impacts of smoke inhalation due to poor air quality. The smoke can be

particularly hard on people with lung issues, seniors, pregnant women, children, those with chronic illness, and many other vulnerable populations, so it’s important to be checking in with friends, neighbours and relatives on a regular basis to see how they’re doing. This is also helpful with reducing one’s stress, to hear a friendly voice and know that people care. For seniors in particular, the B.C. Centre for Disease Control recommends creating a trusted network of three people to assist you in an emergency. Taking it easy on smoky days is also suggested by the B.C. CDC, staying indoors if possible, drinking extra water to reduce inflammation, using an air filter in your home, or visiting places with wellventilated air like libraries, community centres and shopping malls. Having a plan during an unpredictable wildfire season

such as one this is another good idea. Being organized can help reduce stress if one ends up needing to evacuate . . . for instance, keeping a box in a handy place with medications, important papers, a change of clothes and toiletries, and special memorabilia that cannot be replaced. Another tip that came into my office from former fire evacuees is to take photos or video of items in your home, lest they need to be replaced. If you are needing some extra emotional support, there is a toll-free, 24-hour phone line available to help people confidentially with mental health issues at 310-6789 (no area code needed). We all need to stick together to help each other during these challenging times.

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Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr, Kamloops, BC, V2C 5P6 or email your details with “Robin’s Room Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, Sept. 3rd at 9:00am. 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 Robin’s Room, check here

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10 SEPTEMBER 2021

Slip, Trip and Fall Law in BC Personal Injury ICBC Claims Civil Litigation Wills/Estate Planning Probate/Estate Administration Corporate Commercial

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“slip or trip and fall” is the commonly used term for occupier’s liability law in British Columbia. The Occupier’s Liability Act is the legislation that governs the duty placed on the owner or caretaker of a premises to ensure that no one suffers harm due to a dangerous condition. Although everyone has a duty to take care for their own safety, even if a premises is unsafe,

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an owner, tenant or caretaker must make reasonable efforts to ensure the safety of people entering or using the premises. The failure to make reasonable efforts can establish negligence and if someone is harmed, the party responsible for the premises can be held liable for the injured person’s losses. Although ‘slip’ or ‘trip’ is often referenced, this law refers to any unsafe condition that could pose a hazard or trap if reasonable precautions are not in place. Injury could be caused by an item falling off a wall, a spilled liquid, cracked sidewalk, a sharp object, an extension cord, dim lighting or missing handrail on a ramp, ice and snow or open grate. At the outset of a trip and fall injury, the hazard must be identified and the responsible party notified as soon as practical. Photographic documentation of the

hazard at the time of the injury is the best practice, as well as noting as many details as possible and getting any names and contact information for witnesses. Injury on City or Municipal Property has special rules and timelines. If an injury occurs due to an unsafe condition for which a City or Municipality is responsible, the time, date, location and manner in which the damage sustained must be reported to the City or local government in writing within 2 months of the occurrence, failing which the claim cannot be advanced. This can easily be done via email or a letter addressed to the city or town’s main mailing address. If an injury occurs in a private home or business, the owner will usually have insurance and the injured person will primarily deal with a representative from the insurance company. The

insurance representative will require the same details as the City so it is important to take note of every detail of the incident that caused the injury. There is a two year limitation for seeking damages which occurred on private or commercial property, but an injured person should notify the property owner or tenant as soon as possible after the injury happened to ensure no evidence is inadvertently lost (such as surveillance video or cleaning logs) and so that the owner has a reasonable opportunity to contact their insurer or obtain legal advice. The issues of liability, negligence, injuries and losses are very factspecific and it is prudent to seek legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing any details or timelines that could limit or prevent an injured person from recovering their damages.

For Zone 8, 55+ BC Games Seniors, Remembrance and Hope Submitted by Linda Haas

nce again we remember a member who has served Zone 8 well, and his community and family. This is Bill Smedley, a hard worker and a man with a teasing sense of humour. He moved to Chase as a young child, until he joined the Air Force in 1957. Bill and his wife then moved to Logan Lake where he worked at Highmont Mine. After a variety of work in Kamloops, he retired in 2007. But he didn’t retire from community activity. An enthusiastic participant in the Games, Wilf helped with

fundraisers, sat on the Board of Directors as Sport Event Coordinator for 5-pin Bowling, a sport in which he excelled, and which he enjoyed with Betty. He regularly attended monthly meetings, and made many valuable suggestions, as well as being Zone 8 logo ware chairman. Bill had been involved in children’s sports, such as president of minor hockey, coaching Little League ball and bowling. Bill will be remembered for his gentle humour, willingness to help those in need, and dedication

to family and friends. Thank you, Bill Smedley. We plan to be able to have an in-person Annual General Meeting in October. Stay tuned. Zone 8 wishes everybody who has enjoyed participating in the 55+ BC Games, who will be a newly qualified 55 +er in 2022, and who may be interested in next year’s Games in Victoria, a safe, healthy and enjoyable tail end of summer. And keep in mind that we desperately need a new coordinator for men’s golf and hockey. Please contact President

Peter 778-471-1805 or zone8pres@55plusbc games.org. And if you feel overwhelmed by the smoke and recent COVID news, remember aging may have slowed you down, but it doesn’t have to shut you up. And furthermore, if you still haven’t learned to act your age, we hope you never will! As much as possible, stay mentally and physically active. See you in October in living colour, and hopefully in person.

SEPTEMBER 2021 11

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Honest, Officer, that can’t be right By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

his, unfortunately, is common after any type of car show like Hot Nite or The Dub where there are a few who depart rather aggressively. As much as I appreciate the sound of a well tuned engine “there is a time and a place for everything” and these were not the times. I am talking about noise, you know excess decibels, hearing failure perpetrators etc. Sorry people, but below is a limit to those noisy exhausts as outlined by federal and provincial guidelines: Standards for the Approval of a Motor Vehicle

Vehicle noise Section 27 indicates that a motor vehicle shall be equipped with an exhaust muffler which complies with section 7.03 of the regulations. The opinion of an inspector as to whether the engine and exhaust noise is greater than that made by other vehicles in good condition of comparable size, horsepower, piston displacement or compression ratio shall determine whether exhaust gases are expelled with

excessive noise. When tested in an inspection station, the vehicle engine, any auxiliary engine and exhaust level shall not exceed Table 3 standards as follows: Class of Vehicle Maximum Allowable Sound Pressure Level DBA(Decibels) • Light duty trucks and cars 83 • Gasoline-driven heavy duty 88 • Motorcycles 91 • Diesel-driven heavy duty 93 Besides the excessive exhaust noise, tinted windows were also blatantly evident. Nice to look at but potentially illegal. There is no exception for illegal tinting on the front drivers and front passenger windows. It is illegal to tint these windows. As advised by the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles that there is no exemption for the illegal tinting of windows. Here are the tint procedures as outlined by Federal and Provincial Guide Lines: Windshield and windows Section 7.05 (1) of the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act Regulations indicates that no person shall drive or operate on a

highway a motor vehicle the windshield or any window of which is in such condition that the vision of the driver is impaired. (8) No person shall drive or operate on a highway a motor vehicle which has affixed to or placed on the windshield or a window any material that reduces the light transmitted through the windshield or window unless the material is affixed to or placed on (a) the windshield but not more than 75 mm below the top of the windshield, (b) a side window that is behind the driver, or (c) the rear window if the motor vehicle is equipped with outside rear view mirrors on the left and right side of the motor vehicle. (9) If a motor vehicle contains manufactured glass, tinting contained within the glass must meet the minimum light transmittance requirements under the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Tinted windows in the driver’s line of vision can restrict seeing especially at night so lets be smart out there.

While following a trailer down a gravel road I had to really back way off so the stones from the tires wouldn’t hit my windshield. Why you ask? The trailer had no mud/stone guards covering it’s wheels. I like my windshield, especially since I was driving my show car, really meaning windshields are hard to find and replace. Here are the rules as outlined by Federal and Provincial Guide Lines. 7.06 - Every motor vehicle, trailer and semitrailer not constructed so that the spray and splash of water and mud to the rear of the vehicle is minimized shall be equipped with mudguards and, if necessary, mudflaps. This is common sense, but too many drivers think it is okay to bend the rules. Please practice necessary and courteous procedures because I don’t know about you, but I want to keep my 51 year old vehicle in it’s show shape as long as possible. Any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca

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12 SEPTEMBER 2021

The Village of Chase would like to wish everyone a

Happy Labour Day

Our office will be closed September 6th

chasebc.ca

CONSIGNMENTS WELCOME TRAILERS • COACHES • CAMPERS • 5TH WHEELS • MOTOR HOMES

Save the difficulty & inconvenience of trying to sell your RV by yourself! Remember, we will also trade UP or DOWN to get you the unit you want!

Are you concerned about: • Strangers coming to your home • Length of time to sell your unit • The right price to ask Don’t • Legalities of selling want to consign? • Wasting your free time We’ll • Clean-up & detail costs buy your • Etc., etc., etc. unit!

We’ll eliminate all the problems for you! “On the Auto Mile”

Tel:

250-374-4949

Toll Free: 1-800-555-8373

2449 Trans Canada Hwy. E., Kamloops, BC V2C 4A9 www.SouthThompsonRV.com

ACROSS 1. Wildebeest, alternately 4. Ant, in old-fashioned English 9. Zero, to Nero 14. M r. Ely of old Tarzan fame 15. Tour leader 16. C ompletely silly 17. N oted Garden of Eden resident 18. P erson to call if you’re looking for your ancestors 20. L ike crayons 22. 9 -digit gov. ID 23. C all off the mission 24. S tring quartet instrument 26. “ This wonít hurt ___!” 27. S ome things your ancestral research might find 32. L oathed 33. C alla lily, e.g. 34. S lice off 35. “ Bearded” bloom 36. M olokai colonist, after 1869 38. B est TV ad award 39. S mall, comfy room 40. C lock front 41. L ift up 42. M aybe you can claim this if you’re related to Queen Victoria 46. “ I’ll look ___ it.” 47. F ix the kid’s laces 48. P rison-related

50. Point one’s weapon 51. Wheat, rye or flax 54. Some items your ancestral researcher might draw up for you 57. Chimpanzee, for one 58. Flaring skirt style 59. Auburn hair dye 60. Viola Desmond’s banknote 61. North Sea floaters 62. Dine at home 63. There’s a couple in “Annie” DOWN 1. Got bigger 2. Popular PBS science show 3. Ho-hum 4. McMuffin essential 5. Swiss breakfast cereal 6. Underling 7. Utopian place, to many 8. Mad Hatter’s drink 9. Metal added to stainless steel sinks 10. Gold bars, e.g. 11. Barber’s focus 12. Part of MIT 13. Permit 19. Work very hard 21. Agreeable words 25. Flower child’s hallucinogen 26. Pre-metric farm area 27. Actress ___ Black of

“Five Easy Pieces” 28. Open-mouthed eyewitness 29. Unable to read and write 30. Loud 31. Type of theatre light 32. Lie low 36. In conclusion 37. Reverberate 38. Common baby malady 40. Windups that may be grand 41. Derby, for one 43. Winter jacket feature 44. Far East 45. Aden native 48. Drained of colour 49. Abu Dhabi bigwig 50. General vicinity 52. In full bloom 53. Sheep enclosures 54. Awesome! 55. Hot French beverage 56. ___ Antonio, Texas

SEPTEMBER 2021 13

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Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm

SEPTEMBER 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

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Monday Morning Market

Foot Care (by appt. only) 14

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away

Lunch with Friends 21

Monday Morning Market

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away

Monday Morning Market

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away

Lunch with Friends 31

Merritt Senior Centre

SEPTEMBER 2021

The Merrit Seniors Association

Calendar of Events

250-378-3763 • 1675 Tutill Court | Nellie Holuboch, President

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Welcome back and enjoy your programs again. ALL HEALTH AND SAFETY RESTRICTIONS WILL STILL BE FOLLOWED. 5

Exercise Class 13 9:00 - 10 am Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Crib Games 1:00 pm Exercise Class 20 9:00 - 10 am Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Crib Games 1:00 pm

Exercise Class 27 9:00 - 10 am Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Crib Games 1:00 pm

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

THURSDAY Exercise Class 9:00 - 10 am

Exercise Class 9:00 - 10 am

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Exercise Class 9:00 - 10 am

SUDOKU 31

Floor Curling 1:00 pm

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

SATURDAY

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm 23

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm 16

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

FRIDAY Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Rummoli 7:00 pm

Pool Room Open 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Floor Curling 1:00 pm Whist 7:00 pm

By Marilyn Brown

The Midnight Library By Matt Haig Harper Avenue Publishers, 2020 Fiction, 288 pages

Day Away

Lunch with Friends 26

Book Review he countdown begins immediately: 19 years before Nora chooses death, she is in the school library playing a game of chess with the librarian, Mrs. Elm, who is enthusiastically musing about what this talented girl could do in her life. Nora is mildly interested in a vast swathe of careers – glaciologist, astronaut, philosopher, etc. She is a phenomenal musician, songwriter, and poet; she is athletic - at one with the pool – feasibly a future Olympian swimmer. In short, her future is bright. Fast forward to the clock counting down, and it is 27 hours before she chooses death. Her beloved cat, Voltaire, dies, shortly thereafter her job selling guitars and pianos at String Theory goes kerplunk, and her brother is still not answering her texts. All contribute to her downward slide into depression. “…she’d studied enough existential philosophy to believe loneliness was a fundamental part of being a human in an essentially meaningless universe ….” The adult Nora is caught in a whirlwind of regret over her own lackluster life. She feels she has let everyone down, including herself, nowhere near living a full life. She hovers at the point of self-immolation. The clock ticks down to midnight. Nora “awakes” to find herself with Mrs. Elm in a library, but not just any library. Mrs. Elm explains to Nora that the books lining the shelves, reaching into infinity, are all a version of a life that Nora wants. She may pick any she wants, (rock star, chess strategist, cat-sitter…) and if not satisfied with the new life, she may return to the library. Mrs. Elm warns her “But every time one decision is taken over another, the outcomes differ. An irreversible variation occurs …” A further complication is that the entire library could instantly disappear, stranding Nora in whatever alternate reality she is in. The magical realism of this story works well, although fewer forays, described in more detail, would allow the reader greater connection to Nora’s inner self. As her adventures are more entertaining than serious, the general tone is light, with sharp comical observations by the narrator. She does get herself into peculiar situations, including perilous ones. Life-threatening danger (for example, the near proximity of a black-eyed polar bear with dinner on its mind) might clarify Nora’s mind about death. An additional complexity is that the rules of the Midnight Library are not as simple as they at first seem. Matt Haig is the author of books for adults and children. The issue of mental health is important to him, himself a survivor of depression. One of the children’s books will be made into a film with Maggie Smith. The Midnight Library was shortlisted for the 2021 British Book Awards.

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14 SEPTEMBER 2021

HUSH, SOMEONE IS SINGING Creative Writing by Rita Joan Dozlaw

efore the ritual of a walk one late summer day, I’d been pondering scenarios to write about as I listened to some old tapes on an antique ghetto-blaster. The pop hits of the 1950s and ‘60s often put me in a mood and frame of mind to go back in my thoughts to a time when life was simpler and compose a poem or story. But, nothing came to me so, instead of a pen, I grabbed my sunglasses and went outside. It was a grey and chilly afternoon as I walked through the tranquil passageway of the woodsy area adjacent to my acreage. Withstanding the chill, I ramped up my pace along the well-worn shady path where, in the past, I’d raked up debris and broken off the dangling limbs of trees to save me from tripping hazards in the underbrush and scratches from the twigs. In the intimate open-air silence songbirds and my shuffling feet could be heard. Approaching a cleared

area alongside the trail where I’d dug up a little patch of soil and planted wildflower seeds, the seasonal sunshine pierced the foliage and shone on clusters of daisies surviving like little orphans in the wild. I lingered and picked a few daisies… He loves me, he loves me not, he loves me…. I knew my husband John loved me unconditionally and, plucking petals from the flowers, I remembered the sweet days when, as a girl, I’d wondered if my sweetheart truly loved me. As I walked the path that afternoon, I asked myself, how has it happened that he’s loved me for so long? How did it happen that I’ve been so blessed? Our lives together were far from over, and the answers came to me in a single flash. The spiritual kind of love we found has never and will never end. On days when John wasn’t always as up for walks as I was, I missed his presence. Alone that

hour, I imagined hearing something ethereal in the silence. Could he be following… coming up behind me? I stalled and looked around; no John… but I still heard the sentimental melody. Lowering my eyes, I found a spot on the ground beside the path, cleared it of pine cones, and laid my sweater down over the soil. My body coiled onto the sunny spot where I thought I’d grounded the dizzy thoughts, but I was deft to listen for the tenor’s voice again. It was telling a story on tape like the ones I’d listened to that morning. I recognized the 1950’s deep-throated voice of Pete Townsend there in his studio with a mic. His song painted an auditory picture as clearly as a camera could catch an image. As his pitch reached octaves, he was indeed smiling as he sang… however, I saw John’s lips in my imagination, not Townsend’s, shimmering the lyrical message. John’s broad neck strained to

reach the most-mellow bass bravado. He was not in a studio; he was outside, and his lean form stood beside a blistered gate which had weathered some because it had aged. So had John… to a ripeness with tanned butternut skin and fine laugh lines from the sun. As the vision looked down at me, it was John’s warm sunspeckled blue eyes which glistened, not Townsend’s. I was moved to see John’s strong hand resting on the rung of the fence while, in the field beyond, wild horses raced stoutly as if the song inspired their sinewy legs to take flight on swift hooves. It came to me! The memory of the day, when John ran around the car and grabbed me in his arms, he’d rushed with the urgency of a pack of wild horses—like those I imagined in the field— racing over the sandy soil leaving tawny clouds of dust billing up from his sandaled feet. John’s voice broke through clouds of dust like

an arc angel in song and, together, the wild and the mild appeared for me in the field-of-dreams moments I was having. It is 1958. In reality, it was 2021, and the power and strength of the voice in my memory moved me as it had long ago while my boyfriend John’s car radio played, ‘For Your Love’. John had sung the lyrics from his pleading heart. Would you? Would you go anywhere for my love? I would! I’d go anywhere, John! Would you marry me then? The impulse within me, in the quiet of the surrounding wood, blurted my answer…aloud. “Yes, I’d go anywhere and do anything for your love, John.” I had remembered all the precious moments we got engaged! I sat on my soft sweater and allowed soft sobs to stifle my throat as I recalled we’d married a few months later. The musical selection ebbed then paused and the old tape rattled to the end.

My head was fogged with tears, but the promises I’d made were clear. I would still go anywhere on earth for that man’s love. It’s been decades since John and I were inspired, by the love song, to declare our lifelong ‘vows’. I couldn’t wait to get back to the house and tell John what I’d remembered of our past and what an impact it had on my spirits when I was in the woods. I brushed myself off and, holding onto the daisies and to the lump in my throat, I gave permission to my writer’s voice to emulate the blessings, in a short story, which come from sharing many years with a loved one. As the lyrics of Townsend’s music reached me by osmosis while I was alone on a walk, perchance in these times, someone else who finds he or she is alone, will hear a whisper leaving a subtle reminder… to never forget what young love feels like.

Local Writers Barbara Ballé and Ward Pycock Win the 2021 Dr. Robert and Elma Schemenauer Awards

arbara Ballé and Ward Pycock, both of Kamloops, received the 2021 Dr. Robert and Elma Schemenauer Writing Awards at the Interior Authors Group summer social held July 24, 2021. Barbara Ballé won in the category Writing Showing an Appreciation of Nature for her poem SLEEP MY SORROW. One judge commented, “In the stanza which follows the opening, an excellent set of words presents a wholesome, natural scene to establish a fresh tone which holds quite well. I really like the line ‘Nostalgically, we walked after breakfast, seeing the North Thompson forcing the

wind to a long-distance race.’” Another judge said, “Certain lines resonated with me. ‘Chickadees wove songs on fronds of fir’ is one such line. Ward Pycock won in the category Writing with a Kamloops and Area Theme for his novel SKY LADDERS. In the words of one judge, “This is an intriguing fantasy novel that involves time travel. Well-developed characters that pull at your heartstrings. The story opens up in such a way as to make the reader want to keep reading to see what happens next, especially how they will arrive where they want to be. What stood out for

me in this timeless story is how we are connected to our ancestors whether we know it or not and whether we knew them or not. Their love flows forward or even backwards as in this story.” Another judge said, “I particularly enjoyed the scenes that take place in France and British Columbia during World War I. And I like the fact that the main characters are Kamloopsians.” To read the winning entries, please see https:// elmams.wixsite.com/ awards/2021-winners. Both the Kamloops Theme and Nature Theme Awards consist of a cash prize to the winner, a certificate, and a press release issued to local

media. Accompanying each Award is a cash donation to the IAG to support its growth and educational activities. The Awards are privately sponsored by Dr. Robert and Elma Schemenauer. They are not given by the Interior Authors Group of Kamloops. However, membership in the IAG is required to enter the annual contest. This is the sixth year they have been given to help support and recognize writers in Kamloops and area. For more about the Awards, see http:// elmams.wix.com/ Awards. For more about the IAG, see https:// interiorauthorsgroup. wordpress.com/.

Barbara Ballé

Barbara Ballé, winner of Award for Writing with a Nature Theme. Photo by Robert Schemenauer.

Ward Pycock

Ward Pycock, winner of Award for Writing with a Kamloops and Area Theme. Photo courtesy of Ward Pycock.

SEPTEMBER 2021 15

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How to prepare for

Home Support Services

Telehealth Appointments

hange has been a big part of life in the last couple of years. As the world confronted the COVID-19 pandemic, changes had to be made to keep people safe and prevent the virus from spreading. Some of those changes will no doubt prove temporary, while others may have staying power. An increased reliance on telemedicine is one notable change to take place during the pandemic that figures to stick around long after people may have gotten rid of their masks. When in-person doctor visits became risky, many doctors increased their telemedicine offerings, allowing patients to call in and discuss issues or symptoms over the phone. In many instances, doctors can prescribe medications or recommend treatments without seeing patients in their offices, and patients may appreciate that convenience even after the pandemic has ended. Some people may have been hesitant to embrace telemedicine, and reports during the pandemic’s early stages reflect that hesitation. Data from the National Cancer Institute indicates that screenings for breast cancer and colorectal cancer dropped by roughly 89 and 85 percent, respectively, in the first couple of months after the World Health

Organization declared a pandemic. Though cancer screenings typically must be conducted in person, the decline in screenings suggests patients were not speaking with their physicians during the early months of the pandemic. Had patients been more willing to speak with their physicians over the phone or via video conferencing apps like Zoom, the decline in cancer screenings likely would not have been so significant, as doctors would have emphasized the importance of screenings, even during a pandemic. Telehealth appointments can be valuable for anyone, and patients can take steps to ensure their telemedicine sessions with their physicians are as productive as possible. • Write down questions. Prior to an appointment, patients can write down any questions they have for their physicians. This helps ensure nothing is forgotten during the appointment. Writing down questions is especially important for telehealth appointments, as it can be easy to be distracted when calling in from home. • Keep a health diary. A health diary can help patients point to symptoms or other persistent issues they’ve faced in the weeks or

months leading up to their telehealth appointments. Jot down everything from the severity and frequency of symptoms to fluctuations in weight to any reactions to medications. No detail is too minor, as the more informed patients are the more fruitful their discussions with physicians can be. • Photograph any extraordinary symptoms. Physical examinations are vital components of preventive health regimens, but many people have delayed or skipped annual physicals during the pandemic. If any unusual symptoms or issues like rashes arise, document them by taking photos and measure the size of any lumps. Any symptoms should be reported to a physician immediately, but documentation like photographs can ensure nothing is lost in translation during telehealth appointments. Telemedicine figures to play a bigger role in health care in the years to come. Embracing strategies to make telehealth appointments more successful can help patients adapt to the changing health care landscape.

plus years, however, no carpet is invincible. Over the years natural wear and tear will happen, such as actual tears in the carpet, worn patches, matting and fraying. High traffic areas like hallways, stairs and living areas will see the most wear due to how much they are walked upon. If you notice your carpet looking a little worse for wear, then it is probably time to replace it. Stains Do you find yourself strategically placing furniture and/or area rugs to hide unsightly stains, even after having your carpet professionally cleaned? If you answered yes, then it may be time for new carpet. Stains can be caused from everyday wear, pets, food, wrong cleaners or just an accident with a drink. While some things may be easy to clean out of your carpet, others like red wine and coffee are not so easy. Water Damage & Mold Water damage will leave stains on your carpet and it is one of those stains that is difficult to remove. What is worse is that water damage can lead to mold and mildew stains, which can be

dangerous or even deadly. If you notice a musty smell it may be time to invest in new carpets. Style These days, this has become the most common reason to change carpet. Just like fashion, people often grow tired of their carpet colour or look and look to add some new life into their space with a new carpet choice. If you are selling, brand new carpet will add value to your home and make it more attractive to buyers. If you are renovating for yourself, new carpet can be a great place to start your space overhaul. Underpad We have said it once and we will say it again! Do not underestimate the importance of your underpad. If you are noticing that your carpet does not have much cushion left when walking on it this could be a sign that your underpad has packed down. Packed down underpad will cause carpet to wear much more rapidly. As always, if you have any questions regarding flooring don’t hesitate to stop by our showroom or give us a call.

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16 SEPTEMBER 2021

I’ve got a rail of a tale to tell ya

kamloops birdwatch NAOMI BIRKENHEAD

here are very few birds that earn the title of being elusive. The Sora rail is most definitely an award winner in this category. More often than not, when visiting a marshy wetland, their

distinct squawk will echo out amongst the cat-tails, luring you to its edge in hope of a glimpse. However, it’s call is far bolder than the plump, skittish, water bird itself and they are not often seen. It’s small 22cm stature and flexible vertebra aids in maneuvering throughout the reedy marshes. It’s speckly brown upper and grey lower aid in blending with the mud, but it’s eyecatching stubby yellow beak, can sometimes give it away. The best opportunity to catch a rail is early morning and evenings as it wanders the frays to feed on small

invertebrates and insects. Having been fed up with being cooped up, I stopped at the Mt. Dufferin pond to just get my fill of water and birds, when lo-and-behold that loud peep tickled my eardrums. As I walked to the viewing platform I kept my hopes very low, for sound emanating over water bounces and pin pointing a location can often be tricky. Much to my minimal expectations, I was graced almost immediately with company. The meadow chicken, as it is sometimes known, was casually meandering, peeping away only feet away from me.

Of course, I had no camera. But nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to see, because it gets better— Yes! I saw a Virginia rail as well, but still not the ‘better’ to which I am referring. The reason this Sora was perpetually vocalizing was a sight I had never seen. Out from the tangle of rushes came two fuzzy, black, Sora Rail babies. Well, if you wanted to see something more excited than a kid in a candy shop, this was it! Of course, containing all that excitement and trying not to scare away this rare nature moment was about as hard as a kid keeping

his hands to himself in a candy shop! I watched as they awkwardly traipsed across the mud, pouncing at dragonflies twice their size, to join their mommy. Now my excitement has turned to a plethora of other emotions as I realize I have NO CAMERA!!! I contemplate driving to my house 15 minutes away and back so totally round trip of 30 minutes in the hopes that when I return, this wonder of nature will still be grazing lazily before me. But I can’t take my eyes off this adorable little family. Their long toes allow them to easily maneuver over the wet terrain all while making them slightly

Grandma's Socks I

lost my Grandmother recently and I have wanted to say something nice or at least inspirational and perhaps share a story about her life or a funny moment between us. For three days now I haven’t posted anything because I wanted the right words. I searched my brain trying to think of a story I could share about my grandmother; something that could relay what kind of woman she was, but I don’t think I can. If you knew my Grandma, you know what kind of woman she was, and honestly, I don’t believe my words would do her justice, so I would like to share with you, my personal learning

in trying to find such a story. My mind keeps going back to Christmas, and every year getting a pair of hand knitted socks from Grandma. I try to push that thought away, because honestly, who wants to hear about knitted socks? I think about the times I shared with Grandma, looking for that special moment, that warm fuzzy feeling, to share among friends and family to bring comfort and smiles, and all I can think of is socks. Every year that I can remember...socks. Once in a while, there would be towels, or a comforter from the Bay or Zellers, but there were always socks.

just a nod to my feet followed by the word “Grandma.” When you have such interesting socks they find their way back to you no matter where you try to leave them... I often wondered why socks? Towels and blankets too, but mostly socks. A few years back on Christmas Day, mom was in Cranbrook, and I was stuck in Fort St. John, and she put Grandma on the phone. We exchanged Christmas pleasantries and talked for a few minutes. As I was about to say goodbye, curiosity got the better of me and I asked “Grandma...why do you send socks, blankets, and towels?”

If you have never had the pleasure of wearing a pair of my grandmother’s socks, allow me to explain. I will never win a fashion contest wearing my grandmother’s homemade socks. I may be able to stop a bullet with them, or prevent the neighbour’s dog from breaking skin if he bites below the knee. I am also sure they are fire retardant and virtually indestructible. You see, I haven’t lost many pairs of my grandmother’s socks. Not to theft, not to natural disaster, and certainly not for lack of trying. Over the years I have had to explain to many people my choice of winter footwear, mostly

alien to look at. Thin spindly legs support their stubby bobbing bodies. Every so often one of the babies would wander too far away and realize it had ventured beyond it’s mother’s view and come racing back squeaking away. Yup, birding is like a box of chocolates—you never know what you are going to see! The biggest lesson I have re-learned, is to always be ready. Nature is full of amazing and wondrous things and at any given moment, she may grace us and lift the veil so we may catch a glimpse. Stay Curious Kamloops!

Editor’s note: This was submitted by Pat Owen. It is a tribute from the son of a neighbour for his grandmother’s Celebration of Life. Pat felt it was worth sharing and we whole-heartedly agree.

I waited for the pearl of wisdom; I waited for the mysteries of the universe to unfold; and finally after so many years of wondering, I was greeted with an answer: “To keep you warm and dry.” In that one answer my grandmother would help me to eventually realize that she loved me enough to want me to be warm and comfortable. Warmth and comfort is an amazing gift. Think about it. As I sit here in my living room amongst 17 pairs— yes—seventeen pairs. That’s a one followed by a seven (!) pairs of socks. I am starting to realize that 17 pairs isn’t enough. I want there to be

seventeen more yet the knitting needles are silent now. Looking at these socks and looking for an inspirational word about my grandmother, I can honestly say my grandmother’s socks are exactly like the memories of her that I will cherish. Warm, comforting, humorous, reliable, indestructible, each one tenderly made with love, and a huge part of the foundation upon which I stand. Christmas will be a little colder this year, but not much. I mean 17 pairs is a lot. Thank you, Grandma. I love you too.

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KALS starts soon WE’RE OPEN FOR Continued from p. 1

Ginny Ratsoy world issues, and explore culture in the everyday landscape, for example. We also have a suite of courses on the environment – everything from fall bird migration and energy transitions to spirituality and climate change, science in a changing world, and climate action in Kamloops,” said Ratsoy. “There really is something for everyone, and we are proud of the relevance of our programmes.” KALS is aimed at retired adults of any age and the annual fee for membership is a modest $15. Courses range anywhere from free to having a small fee to help cover costs. Financial waivers are available to those in need. The organization is proceeding cautiously this fall as it resumes inperson classes following the stricter COVID protocols required last year. “When I joined the board in 2020, I was impressed by their ability to pivot. Margaret Graham, the chair of the programming committee, spearheaded our change from face-to-face to online teaching and learning. I don’t think there was a great impact on the content of courses; the pandemic has had more of an impact on delivery,” said Ratsoy. “The spring, 2021 semester, for example, was pretty well all delivered by Zoom. Again, KALS – the board, coordinators, and students – seemed to adjust well. We even offered one-on-one Zoom instruction and a course

on how to instruct using Zoom. We are disproving stereotypes – about seniors and their ability to adapt, particularly regarding technology – all the time,” continued Ratsoy. As the organization embarks on their latest offerings, a full slate of 28 courses, a mixture of inclass and “field courses,” they are collectively crossing their fingers that all courses will proceed as intended. “When class attendees arrive at the North Shore Community Centre (NSCC) they have been advised to go directly to the classroom and complete the required contact tracing form before being seated. We always keep class sizes small, and the Centre provides hand sanitizer in every classroom. Of course, we will continue to adjust rules to comply with COVID protocols if the Provincial Health Officer makes any changes,” said Ratsoy. The organization’s builtin flexibility ensures that should conditions change they can return to the online approach to course delivery. It may also factor in KALS ability to expand its accessibility. “We have not ruled out offering some online courses in the future - even in “safe” times – as we are committed to accessibility. One unanticipated benefit of the switch to Zoom was enrollment from other places in the Interior and even Ontario, so future online courses could broaden KALS’ reach,” said Ratsoy. Regardless of how KALS

delivers this fall’s courses, the main thing is that it continues to provide an affordable opportunity to enjoy both intellectual and social stimulation, learn for the sake of learning without the academic rigour or pressure or long-term commitment of traditional university level courses. No prerequisites, testing or grading is required to attend. Prospective students are encouraged to sign up early to avoid disappointment. Make sure the courses you’re interested in don’t fill up without you or worse yet, get cancelled for perceived lack of interest. Visit kals. ca or call 250.376.1525 Readers looking for more information on KALS and Third Age Learning generally can follow up with these peer reviewed articles by Professor Ratsoy below: The first, “The Roles of Canadian Universities in Heterogeneous ThirdAge Learning: A Call for Transformation,” was published in 2016 in the Canadian Journal of Higher Education. Here is the link: View of The Roles of Canadian Universities in Heterogeneous ThirdAge Learning: A Call for Transformation | Canadian Journal of Higher Education (sfu.ca) The second is a chapter about KALS in a book about Kamloops written by TRU faculty and edited by Terry Kading of TRU. Here is a link to a free pdf of the book: https://press.ucalgary.ca/ books/9781552389447/

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Although all of our courses are scheduled as face-to-face, KALS will adjust rules to comply with Covid protocols if the Provincial Health Officer changes them. The wearing of masks is a personal choice, and hand sanitizer is available on the wall inside each classroom. 3 Weeks 4 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 11 Weeks 2 Classes 4 Weeks 1 Class 2 Classes 1 Class 1 Class 2 Weeks 5 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 2 Classes 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class

Culture in the Everyday Landscape From a Buddhist Perspective Let’s Get Moving! Wetland Wonders I Wetland Wonders II News & Views The North Shore: From Fort to Town, 1843 - 1967 Come to the Concert What Exactly Is A Wild Church? Fall Bird Migration Paintings, Healing, and Health Care Spaces Estate Planning: WHY Plan? Spirituality and Climate Change Shakespeare’s Coriolanus James Buie Leighton - Early Pioneer Think Local, Act Local: Climate Action in Kamloops Kamloops Hospice - “ A View Behind The Scenes” At Home with the Personal Essay: The Joys and Challenges of Writing One A Whirlwind Tour of Mennonite History The BC Wildlife Park – How is it Run? Railroad History in Kamloops Energy Transitions: Where Are We Now? Big Horn Sheep Invasive Fish Control Regenerative Agriculture Science in a Changing World Western Rattlesnake Research Near Vernon, BC Travel Through Mongolia

September 15, 2021 September 16, 2021 September 16, 2021 September 16, 2021 September 16, 2021 September 17, 2021 September 21, 2021 September 23, 2021 September 30, 2021 October 5, 2021 October 6, 2021 October 7, 2021 October 12, 2021 October 12, 2021 October 12, 2021 October 14, 2021 October 26, 2021 October 26, 2021 October 28, 2021 November 2, 2021 November 3, 2021 November 4, 2021 November 9, 2021 November 15, 2021 November 16, 2021 November 16, 2021 November 18, 2021 November 23, 2021

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The Great Work

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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

God can save us from the escalating impacts of climate change shifts the blame from our own shoulders. The Christian story reminds us of our responsibility. In Genesis chapter one, God creates humans and says they are to “rule over” the rest of Colouring outside the lines creation. The Hebrew REV. LEANN BLACKERT word used is radah Wild Church – often translated as “have dominion over.” But radah can also mean moke hangs heavy to manage responsibly in the air, turning with care and respect. blue skies an The beauty of the eerie yellow. Ashes fall, creation story set in the coating patio chairs, garden of Eden is that all cars, crops, buildings... living beings – plants, everything outside. animals, birds, fish, and Nearly 800,000 hectares humans – live together have burned, businesses in a respectful harmony. and homes of humans There’s a deep spiritual and animals have been connection recognized lost, and there is no end when the presence of in sight. Maybe when God is said to “walk” the snow falls. through the garden. Recently I was part We have wandered far of an outdoor circle from the idea of the where someone natural world as a sacred pondered what actions place, a sacramental they might have taken community. that contributed to the Thomas Berry, a fires. That’s a tough priest, cultural historian question to ask, but and eco-theologian, worth the consideration. lamented a world in Just a week prior I sat which this earth is in stunned silence as viewed as a collection someone suggested of objects rather than climate change was a sacred community. overrated because God He understood the could handle it. There interconnectedness of was no openness to any all life – and the spiritual thought other than that nurture offered us by the God was in charge and natural world. would somehow save In his book, The Great us from ourselves. Yes, Work, he writes: We from ourselves. can no longer hear the I am always surprised voices of the rivers, the by those who believe mountain, or the sea. an interventionist God The trees and meadows who will swoop into are no longer intimate history and save us from modes of spirit presence. the latest crisis we have created, thinking this great act of compassion must come from some celestial being outside of ourselves rather than from the presence of holiness within ourselves. For over 50 years scientists have warned that our actions move us toward a point of no return. Their words are as gloomy and foreboding as our skies today. To believe that

The world about us has become an “it” rather than a “thou.” By objectifying other beings as lesser, as commodities to be consumed, we have lost an important part of a healthy spirituality. Berry speaks to the thought that the environmental crisis is also a spiritual crisis: We cannot save ourselves without saving the world in which we live. There are not two worlds, the world of the human and a world of the other modes of being. There is a single world. We will live or die as this world lives or dies…We come into being in and through the Earth. Simply put, we are Earthlings. The Earth is our origin, our nourishment, our educator, our healer, our fulfillment. At its core, even our spirituality is Earth derived. The human and the Earth are totally implicated, each in the other. If there is no spirituality in the Earth, then there is no spirituality in ourselves. Whatever creation story we choose to make our own, there is no denying that we originated in this earth – and we are the living beings who make the greatest impact on this planet. As difficult as it is, we must ask ourselves the question of what we have done to contribute not just to our local wildfires, but also to the greater climate crisis. One Wild Church member tells a story

that sums it up. As she observed the once green grass now burned to a golden brown, she looked to the sky and said, Oh Sun, what have you done? The response she heard: Oh Earthling, what have YOU done? Thomas Berry offers us hope: In our contemplation of how tragic moments of disintegration over the course of the centuries were followed by immensely creative moments of renewal, we receive our greatest hope for the future. To initiate and guide this next creative moment of the story of the Earth is the “Great Work” of the religions of the world as we move on into the future. It’s time to join this Great Work. It’s time to ask what we have done and to work for creative renewal in regard to creation. Rev LeAnn Blackert works with Michele Walker, Lesly Comrie and Linda Clark in ministry with Wild Church in Kamloops, Sorrento and the Okanagan. She considers herself a seeker in her faith journey and wanders the wild world looking for the Great Mystery and the “wild Christ.” July happens to be her favourite month of the year. To find out more, visit wildchurchbc. org and be in touch!

SEPTEMBER 2021 19

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Good Things to Come*

The inside story WENDY WESEEN

n the 60s, it was the dawn of the Age of Aquarius. I never really knew what that meant even though I lived slap dab in the middle of it. I never discovered Santana’s famous nineminute Soul Sacrifice his band played at Woodstock until recently and was forced to ask, “Where was I?” I’d laid across my big brass bed, the cat was in the cradle, I was packing one kid on each hip and the other day, my youngest son had just turned three and was coiled around my leg peek-a-booing from the tree of imperfect knowledge. Does that mean we’re still in the Age of

Aquarius? Is 60 years enough time to have moved from the dawn to the sunrise? It would seem not. The important key to unlock that broader perspective of the counterculture of the 1960s is the concept of Great Ages. We presently find ourselves straddling the threshold between a multitude of green and blue jigsaw pieces sliding into place around tiny scenarios of climate change, consumption, and a series of disasters around the world, that cause questions to be asked that have never been asked before. In any case, at some level, we understand we’re in the middle of a Great Age and facing a ‘new normal,’ landing in a place of uncertainty and the unknown where humans are very uncomfortable. This age didn’t begin with wildfires, a virus, earthquakes, or tropical storms and didn’t arrive in 2020, on a single day or year but has unfolded gradually over many years—the influence of Aquarius as powerful as hot lava exploding from a

crouching volcano. There are big clues to suggest its forces in our world. The rise of the Internet and current economic trends of a market economy are only current examples. If history is any guide, the truth will probably be considerably more complex than expected or imagined and there will be a battle between short-term choices and much harder long-term ones—much as in a Game of Thrones. To make sense of these unfolding complexities, we put forward simple explanations and resort to cliches such as ‘the light is at the end of the tunnel,’ and ‘we’re all in this together.’ Will the unprecedented crisis bring about an era where men and women become little more than cogs in a bureaucratic machine? Or is the promise of the 60s dawn of Aquarius continuing its passage across the stage of history? By the time this column is printed, I hopefully will have had my first hip replaced after two postponements, having had no idea how the COVID storm would

impact me. I came to understand that each person rides in a unique boat within said storm. I flashed back to the dawn of the Age of Aquarius and found myself meandering into the theatre of history. To the casual eye, the events transpiring around us may seem like a chaotic jumble of random occurrences and perhaps that is what we are meant to believe. But at second glance, there is much to suggest these happenings have a robust relationship to one another. Perhaps events are finally close enough to our lives to recognize how these isolated events are part of a much greater story. For me, a flashback to the notion of the Age of Aquarius is still about love and peace. Do we have enough “herd immunity’ against hatred and violence yet? And most importantly are enough of us committed to practice love and peace in our daily life?

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Jessica MARVIN

What about Murray’s final tax return?

ou’ve heard the old saying: the only sure things in life are death and taxes. So when Murray died, Alice wanted my guidance on both subjects. I was confident I could help Alice with Murray’s cremation arrangements. Helping her to navigate the world of Revenue Canada? That was another matter entirely. Alice had some basic but important questions involving Revenue Canada. “When do I have to fill out Murray’s final tax return?”

certificate,” I replied. Before she left Alice reminded me that I hadn’t answered her first question: “What is the due date for Murray’s final tax return?” I looked to form RC4111(E) for guidance. Unfortunately, it wasn’t as simple as I’d hoped. I said “It looks like the rule is if Murray died any time between January 1 and October 31, his final tax return (and balance owing) would be due by April 30 of the following year. But because Murray died between November 1 and December 31 his final return is not due until 6 months after the date of his death.” But I also showed Alice the part that discusses due dates for tax returns from the previous year, what to do if Murray was carrying on a business, and other variables. As Alice left my place I was sure I heard her whisper something like “Thank goodness for cousin Leroy!”

250.374.3022

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enough, answering the most basic question: What should you do first? The answer is: provide the Canada Revenue Agency with Murray’s date of death ASAP. The back page of RC4111(E) has a form that you can fill in and mail to the CRA. Form RC4111(E) then addresses subjects like “what if Murray was paying tax by instalments?” “What do you do with the GST credit?” and several other matters. It then asks Alice “Are you the legal representative?” As we know Alice and Murray have been together for decades, but it turns out cousin Leroy is the executor of Murray’s will. “Thank goodness” said Alice, “It will be up to Leroy to deal with Canada Revenue Agency!” “It looks like you’re right, Alice. Leroy will need to file all the tax returns, make sure Murray’s taxes are paid up, keep the beneficiaries informed of taxes they’ll owe, and obtain a clearance

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she asked. “And what about the GST credit?” I would have preferred to switch the subject and talk about the weather, world events or even synchronized swimming. Anything but taxes and Revenue Canada. Committed to helping Alice as best I could, however, we pressed on. “I’m not an accountant, Alice” I offered, “so I can’t give you financial advice.” I went a step further, just for good measure. “I’m also not a lawyer, so I can’t give you any legal advice.” I felt like Dr. McCoy (Bones) on Star Trek when he said to Captain Kirk “I’m a doctor, not a mechanic.” But we digress. Perhaps not surprisingly, Revenue Canada (officially known as the Canada Revenue Agency or CRA) has a form to help answer Alice’s question about the final tax return, GST and much more. It’s called RC4111(E) and you can download it from the CRA website, or call 1-800-9598281. It starts off nicely

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20 SEPTEMBER 2021

I want to HEAR every sound you make!

WHEN YOU HEAR BETTER, YOU LIVE BETTER.

Steps to Better Hearing

Know the effects of hearing loss Many people ignore hearing loss because they falsely think the consequences are not that bad. But years of research shows otherwise. Untreated hearing loss has been proven to impact our physical and mental health and, ultimately, our quality of life.

Join the club

Test your hearing

If you have hearing loss, you’re in good company. It’s the third most common physical condition affecting older adults after arthritis and high blood pressure

Confirm your hearing loss by contacting us today to schedule an audiological examination with one of our hearing care professionals. Experts also recommend that you see a hearing care professional for a comprehensive audiological examination.

See a hearing healthcare professional

Hear better. Live better.

Only they have the experience and equipment needed to perform a thorough and proper audiological evaluation, then prescribe the solution and treatment protocol that best fits your unique needs.

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

It’s proven that hearing health is connected to our overall health and wellbeing — and treating hearing loss has numerous benefits