Kamloops Connector January 2022 by KamloopsThisWeek

Happy New Year!

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VOL. 30, NO. 9, JANUARY 2022 POWERED BY KAMLOOPS THIS WEEK | A PROUD PART OF ABERDEEN PUBLISHING

Food System Resilience Page 2

Building our own wellness plan - Part 2 Page 11

Parental support group seeks to expand Page 12

KALS - Kamloops Adult Learners Society Page 13

The Cry of the Earth Page 19

Thompson-Nicola residents invited to make it a Breakfast to Remember

A Kamloops This Week photo contest contribution by Raul Weisser from early 2019, “Pinantan Road” illustrates a typical wintery day in the countryside—a moody take on a season that technically begins with the Winter Solstice on Dec. 21.

his winter, Thompson-Nicola residents can take action to support people affected by dementia at Breakfast to Remember, a virtual fundraising breakfast event in support of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. And their participation can help support the Society’s programs and services that help local residents living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. The event will feature a keynote address and live Q&A with Dr. Lisa Genova, neuroscientist, speaker and international and New York Times bestselling author of Still Alice. Genova holds a PhD in neuroscience from

Harvard University and has captured a special place in contemporary fiction, writing stories that are equally inspired by neuroscience and the human spirit. Her first TED talk on brain health has been viewed more than five million times, with her most recent talk garnering more than one million views in its first month alone. Genova’s extensivelyresearched fiction describes the unique journeys of people living with neurological diseases and disorders. She writes with passion and accuracy to educate, demystify, destigmatize and ultimately inspire support for care and scientific research. “We’re thrilled

to welcome such an inspiring and accomplished speaker to our breakfast,” said Jen Lyle, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of B.C. “Lisa Genova understands all the ways dementia can change a person’s life – as well as the neuroscience behind the changes and the actions we can all take now to improve brain health. With the number of people living with dementia on the rise, there is no better time to come together and learn while helping provide critical support needed today.” Annual Breakfast to Remember events bring B.C. business leaders together to hear inspiring talks and help raise Continued on p. 12

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Food System Resilience

s the memories of empty grocery shelves and uncertainty about supply chains are still fresh in our minds, it’s a good time to think about what food system resilience is, and how we can move towards this as a community. The recent highway closures showed the relatively short supplies of fresh vegetables, milk, egg and other staples that our grocery stores can carry. While many people attributed the empty shelves to panic buying, in reality, our food system has moved towards to-the-minute supply chains. Our globalized system and consolidation of production and aggregation facilities that leave us very vulnerable to disruptions. As climate change disasters become more and more frequent, there is an increased risk of larger scale shortages. Turning our attention and our minds towards local food can help to put some slack in our system and increase our ability to weather the potential supply chain storms ahead. Our Kamloops Food Policy Council co-founder Laura Kalina always looked at the food system as a continuum-

starting with emergency food, then community food security and then capacity building and policy change. The recipe for becoming more food resilient as a community lies in addressing all three of these areas on the continuum; through mutual aid, local food production and shifting to regional agriculture. Mutual Aid We need to start with disrupting the “us” vs “them” mentality. Many people were upset about alleged “hoarding” of food during the shortages, but it is important to remember that Kamloops’ population increased by 4% (3000+) with evacuees at the same time as the highways closed. All the evacuees were given grocery vouchers to spend at local stores to do an emptyfridge shop. One of the most important things we can do is to redirect our focus to mutual aid. It’s about helping others, but also learning how to communicate your needs. Sharing and trading are some of the most important activities for resilience in times of crisis. Knowing where food is being redistributed is helpful: a list of free food

Summitted by the Kamloops Food Policy Council

resources and community rent on an hourly or monthly farms that are producing meals on our website: http:// basis. for a local market, and to kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil. Our City of Kamloops continue to move towards Food and Agriculture Plan com/foodsecurity. creating livelihoods that keep now encourages front yard Local Food gardens instead of lawns, and the food production sector We are seeing many in our region healthy and it allows up to five backyard examples of how local food thriving. chickens per household. In production increases the Kamloops detached houses resilience of our system. We do not know what sorts can have up to seven rabbits When the grocery shelves of emergencies we may face and more recently, bee hives. were empty, there were still in the growing uncertainty These measures and the fresh veggies at our winter of climate change. However, policies that are in place to Farmers Market. We saw what we do know is that how support them will come as Blackwell Dairy milk stand we prepare as a community out like an oasis in a deserted a great comfort as eggs and other staples are in short dairy aisle. Local farms were will greatly enhance our selfletting people know on social supply in the grocery stores. sufficiency and resilience. Our Gleaning Abundance media they could come by if The Kamloops Food Policy they needed food. Ultimately, Program and the Butler Council is intrepidly working Urban Farm are great ways the more local food in our to access fruit and vegetables towards our vision of a local bellies, the more we will be regenerative and just food able to cope with disruptions from common space for free in the summer months. Food system, with a renewed sense in our supply chains. Let’s that can be preserved for the of purpose and attention. support local farmers and winter months. food business owners to To support our work visit Finally, we need to continue make sure they are there kamloopsfoodpolicycouncil. to push for provincial and when we need them again. federal policies and programs com/support-our-work/ or Shift to Regional call 778.870.9867. that protect and preserve Agriculture One of our major focuses right now at the Kamloops Food Policy Council is developing a Food Hub: a processing facility that will allow local foods to be preserved so they are available year-round. This facility will be available for food entrepreneurs, farmers and community members to Blackwell Dairy standing out in an otherwise empty dairy cooler

Local Winter Cabbage Rolls INGREDIENTS • 3 heads of cabbage from a local organic farm • 3 cups of cooked rice (ideally from the Kamloops Organics Food Buying Club)

PREPARE

• 2 lbs ground local pork • 4 lbs ground local beef • 1 large onion from a local organic farm • 4 slices of locally made bread

Moisten the bread with water and squeeze out excess, cut into tiny chunks. Cut out the core of the cabbages, and put whole cabbage in a large pot in boiling water until the outer leaves are soft. Remove outer leaves and return cabbage to the pot, continue until all leaves are soft. Use the smaller, inner leaves to live a very large roasting pan. Mix rice, raw meat, onion and bread, a sprinkle of pepper and about 2 tsp salt together, using hands. Take a palm-full of meat mixture and roll it into a sausage size shape. Place at base of cabbage leaf. Fold the sides in and then roll to the top of leaf. Place loose sides down in the roasting pan. Layer the rolls as deep as the pan allows, and then put more excess leaves on top. Pour boiling water over all, almost to the top level of the rolls. Salt lightly. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for about 3-4 hours.

JANUARY 2022 3

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Chamber Musicians of Kamloops aims to uplift in the New year

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

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202-444 VICTORIA ST., KAMLOOPS V2C 2A7 On Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. at Kamloops United Church the Chamber Musicians of Kamloops will present Humoresque, a light, showy, and uplifting New Year’s concert. The musicians will be Rachel Casponi (soprano), Cvetozar Vutev (violin) and Naomi Cloutier (piano). The program

will feature music from the Baroque era to the 20th century, and even Bluegrass, from comic opera to musicals, the sublime to the ridiculous. For information and the concert program visit www.chambermusiciansofkamloops.org.

Zone 8 55+ Folks Look Forward to Games Again Submitted by Linda Haas

rusting the Victoria 55+ BC Games will take place in in September, we know they will continue to be friendly and welcoming, offering lively competition in the spirit of fun and friendship, and presenting activity opportunities that are inclusive of all levels and abilities and which will take into consideration any restrictions that still may be necessary. Contact zone8info@ 55plusbcgames. org if you are interested in: • Becoming a member • Registering to participate in the 55+ BC Games • Volunteering within the zone • Becoming a sponsor

• General information While some BC Seniors Games Society webpages have changed appearances and information may be more indirectly acquired than formerly, the intent is still to promote the Mission of the BC Seniors Games Society, which is to improve the health, lifestyle and image of British Columbia’s 55+ population by: • Organizing the annual 55+ BC Games as an opportunity for the 55+ population of BC to participate in physical and social activities. • Promoting community awareness of the contemporary image of the 55+ population as

physically active and socially engaged. • Encouraging year-round participation at the zone level. Speaking of fees, we need a Zone 8 treasurer! Our president is interim treasurer, but needs to be relieved of the financial responsibility as soon as possible. If you can help and/or want more information, please contact Peter at zone8pres@ 55plusbcgames. org or 778-4711805. At this time, we hold hope that we can meet in person for the March 2022 meeting. Registration for the Games should be open by then. We can accept your membership

applications and fees as soon as the 2022 membership forms are available. All executive, sport coordinators, and area reps, as well as potential participants in the 2022 55+ BC Games must be members. More information re application for the Games and fees required will be available by March. During the “empty” months of 2020 and 2021, we’ve missed all those formerly involved, and the pleasure of meeting new participants. Soon, we hope, the 55+ BC Games will be very much alive again. Wishing everybody a Happy and Healthy New Year!

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Ready or not

At least two of my friends shared the above meme on their Facebook page recently and it seems about right. Who wants to open the door of 2022 with even a 10 foot pole? Based on our collective experience of the last couple of years, I doubt there are too many people My two cents eagerly wondering what Moneca Jantzen is instore for us all in the Editor New Year. Between the pandemic and extreme weather events, not to mention the social upheaval of late, it is little wonder most of us are a bit nervous. It would be nice to feel optimistic, but a certain amount of trepidation seems like a healthier response. Regardless, one should really marvel at how things can improve when the political will exists. While not the hoped for panacea, vaccines certainly arrived much quicker than we all imagined. They are still one of the most important tools in the pandemic toolbox. The other jaw-dropping example is how fast B.C. managed to re-open the Coquihalla to commercial traffic after the devastation that took place midNovember. We should also be in awe at how fast train travel was restored as well as the pipeline. Now to apply this impressive will to so many other issues plaguing us such as the big problem of climate change and perhaps even the opioid crisis, rampant homelessness and reconciliation etc. These other disasters need immediate action too but maybe the solutions aren’t so obvious or easy to implement so we drag our feet. We spar at the community level trying to decide how to navigate some of these problems and yet the drug supply is not safe, too many people don’t have a roof over their head and most of us are not doing the bare minimum to save the planet. The pandemic has added so much pollution to the world that it is just heartbreaking to watch. (No Walmart I don’t want any bags when I pick up my mom’s grocery order!) No matter what is instore for us collectively or individually in 2022, let’s approach it all with hope, love, compassion and humour as well as political will. We really can do great things. Self-care and stress management will be the name of the game as well but let’s also continue to think of and do for others along the way.

Happy New Year everyone!

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.

JANUARY 2022 5

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Winter and our feet...

Submitted by Robin Clements

inter is here, which means time for skating, skiing, snowshoeing and wearing our warm winter boots. With such activities can come consequences to our feet. Ingrown toenails are common yet very painful, and when left untreated could lead to serious problems such as infection. Whether they are a hereditary trait, or a recurrent and persistent issue, ingrown toenails can quickly change your winter fun into winter blues. To prevent ingrown toenails it is important

to have them trimmed properly. The angle of our body makes it difficult to do this. Toenails should be kept at a moderate length, trimmed straight across and not into the corners. If you have an underlying condition that causes poor circulation such as diabetes, toenail maintenance is essential. Left untreated, an ingrown toenail can infect the bone below and lead to serious complications that may require surgery. As a Podologist/ CMP (Certified Master Pedicurist) and Licensed Esthetician,

I am trained to alleviate discomfort and provide foot care services such as callus, corn, and ingrown treatment during a pedicure. My training is beyond your regular salon or spa pedicures with the same satisfying experience. With our medical and healthcare system over capacity, our foot specialist and physicians appreciate my business and qualifications at Robin’s Room. In support of our community, I have expanded my practice into doing in home treatment for those unable to get to

my studio at #209141 Victoria St. Healthy feet are our foundation and vital to our mobility so should be taken very seriously for our overall health. I strive to keep you on the ice, in the hills, and doing all the activities winter brings including being as comfy as possible in those winter boots. I can be reached at robinsroom1@gmail. com, robinsroom. online or text (as I’m hearing impaired) to 250-320-8860. I’m looking forward to meeting you and the needs of our community.

#209-141 Victoria Street 250-320-8860 • Robinsroom1@gmail.com (Wheelchair accessible location)

Win a $40 Gift Card Robin Clements Licensed Esthetician

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, Jan. 7th 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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A Cautionary Tale: Keeping banking matters private Submitted by Marlene Wildeman

n a recent Friday afternoon I was in the North Shore branch of Scotiabank when I was witness to two senior deaf men taking money out of their accounts. In one case, it was clear the man was taking out his entire monthly pension amount and then shuffling off with $3,000 cash in his pockets. The other one was only $465. In both cases, the men asked for what they wanted in very loud voices while the rest of us waited in line. Then we heard the teller repeat it in a loud voice, then ask, again loudly, what denominations the customer wanted; eg.

“Do you want that in hundreds, fifties, twenties … ?” Had there been a dastardly or desperate person waiting in line, all they had to do was wait until the old deaf men made their way out, then rob them for all that money! I happen to have a cousin in Gastown, Vancouver who has told me about seniors there being forced into the bank on the day the pensions get deposited, only to have their money taken from them as soon as they leave by these desperados, drug addicts, criminals … call them what you will. They know where these old fellas live and they threaten to beat them

if they do not comply. The next day the old men are out on the street begging. I talked to my teller about this and suggested that they teach these regular customers, one by one, to bring in a slip of paper with their wishes written on it to show to the teller and the money given in an envelope without the teller announcing to

the world how much it was. Seemed like it would take a miracle to get such a thing accomplished. If this situation resonates for you and you are a deaf senior who banks in person, or alternatively you advocate for someone in this situation, perhaps a new approach to banking will ensure one’s safety.

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Tips to protect your information this holiday season

Happy New Year Chianne V Jones Financial Advisor

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SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

s you know, 2021 was full of challenges. We were still feeling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic when supply chains shut down and inflation heated up. So, if you’re like many people, you might not be sorry to see the year come to a close. But now it’s time to look ahead to a brighter 2022. And on a personal level, you may want to set some New Year’s resolutions. You might resolve to improve your health and diet, and possibly learn some new skills, but why not make some financial resolutions too? Here are a few ideas to consider: • Prepare for the unexpected. If you haven’t already created an emergency

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.

fund, now may be a good time to start. Ideally, you’d like to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in this fund, with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid account (if you’re retired, you may want your emergency fund to contain up to a year’s worth of living expenses). Once you’ve got this fund established, you may be able to avoid dipping into longterm investments to pay for short-term needs, such as costly home or auto repairs or large medical bills. • Boost your retirement savings. The pandemic caused many of us to reevaluate our ability to eventually enjoy the retirement lifestyles we’ve envisioned. In fact, according to a study from Age Wave and Edward Jones - 60% of preretirees and 53% of Canadian retirees indicated they were interested in receiving retirement related guidance from a financial professional to determine the best way to optimize their retirement savings. This year, if you can afford it, increase

your contributions to your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) and your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. • Reduce your debt load. The less debt you carry, the more money you’ll have available to support your lifestyle todayand save and invest for tomorrow. So, this year, resolve to cut down on your existing debts and avoid taking on new ones whenever possible. You can motivate yourself by measuring your progress – at the beginning of 2022, record your total debts and then compare this figure to your debt load at the start of 2023. If the numbers have dropped, you’ll know you were making the right moves. • Don’t overreact to the headlines. A lot can happen during a year. Consider inflation – it shot up in 2021, but it may well subside in 2022. If you changed your investment strategy to accommodate the rise in inflation, will you then have to modify it again when prices fall? And inflation is

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just one event. What about changes in interest rates? And don’t forget extreme weather events, such as wildfires and floods. Any, or all, of these occurrences can affect the financial markets in the short term, but it doesn’t make sense for you to keep changing the way you invest in response to the news of the day. Instead, stick with a strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. You may need to adjust this strategy over time, in response to changes in your own life, but don’t let your decisions be dictated by external events. These aren’t the only financial resolutions you can make – but following them may help you develop positive habits that can help you face the future with confidence. Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. Member – Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

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Old traditions, new technology

THAT TECH GUY JEFFREY READE

ne thing this year has taught us is

how to incorporate new technology into our daily lives. The hardest time for many is the holidays. The difficulty with family gatherings is still an issue for many, either for safety reasons or travel restrictions. For many families sharing Christmas morning and New Year’s Eve is the most important time of the year. New technology can help share those moments

either by Zoom, Skype or FaceTime. It’s not the ideal situation but it can certainly make things easier. I know one family that sets an iPad up on their table so the grandparents can have dinner with them. The important part is the traditions, and while we’ve all had to adapt, the memories and traditions are being kept alive. This past

year has taught us to use tools available to us even in family situations. So while

you may not be able to visit your relatives in person, visit with them digitally and make

new memories. Happy holidays everyone, stay safe and enjoy your technology.

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Happy New Year

May this new year be the Best Year Yet!

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Message of hope and optimism

I FRANK CAPUTO KAMLOOPSTHOMPSON-CARIBOO MP

t has been such a difficult year for many of us. Floods, wildfires, COVID-19 and reminders of the terrible history of residential schools have brought uncertainty and hardship to our communities. We’ve also never had a year where so many people have stepped up to help

their friends, family and neighbours. The stories that I’ve heard throughout these times have been inspiring, and I’m touched by how generous so many people have been with their time and resources. When hard times come, our community will step up to meet any challenge. Since being elected as your Member of Parliament this past

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September, I have done everything I can to get started on the right foot. I first want to thank the voters of Kamloops-ThompsonCariboo. It is the honour of my life to represent you in the House of Commons. Whether or not you voted for me, I hope to be your voice in Ottawa. If I haven’t had the chance to meet you

yet, please reach out to my office. I appreciate every opportunity to meet with constituents and hear about how best I can serve you. I’m looking forward to 2022 with hope and optimism. There may be hard times yet to come, but I have every confidence that our community will be able to whether any storm that comes our way.

PORRIDGE A

fter all these years my son can still surprise me. When I asked him recently if he wanted me to get him any groceries, he replied, “Yes, some porridge.” “When did you start liking porridge?” I asked. “I always liked it. But, not the Plain Jane porridge. I like porridge with flavour.” This was news. Yet, porridge is as Canadian as winter. It fueled the exploration and settlement of our country. I can’t say for certain what the early French settlers and adventurers ate, but, once the Scots began to set up forts and trade for furs, we know those voyageur canoes contained a goodly cargo of oatmeal. In fact, the original saying might have been, “Keep your porridge dry!” Imagine a weight of soggy oatmeal impeding travel! Likely it was much later that shooters adapted the maxim to “Keep your powder dry!” When I say ‘porridge’ I mean oatmeal. Sunny Boy or Red River Cereal are also hot cereals, but they have odd textures and are full of strange grains. Cream of Wheat is bland and inoffensive. Oatmeal, the food that sustained Canada, is simple basic crushed oats, requiring long and careful cooking to become tasty. We don’t usually think of oatmeal as cowboy food. The romantic image has a cowboy at

his campfire drinking coffee (black), or eating flapjacks from a chuckwagon. However, oatmeal played its part in ranching history. “Tell me about the years you travelled with the threshing crew.” Mona Saemerow asked her rancher husband, Mel. “Do you want me to tell you about staying at places where the breakfast oatmeal was so thick and heavy you could stand on it?” Mel inquired. As Mel implied, there’s a downside to oatmeal. Properly cooked, well mixed with brown sugar and gurgling under milk, it can be tolerable. Improperly cooked, and there are many ways of doing that, it’s a lumpy nightmare. Our mother, who could create a banquet for twelve from a can of salmon, an egg and some stale bread, never mastered porridge. Many a winter morning my brother and I stared stubbornly at the lumpy mass congealing in our bowls, willing it to vanish. “If you don’t eat your porridge, you can’t go to school!” came the parental decree. “Win, win!” we would have thought if that expression had been current. “We don’t have to eat porridge, and we can go skiing!” They didn’t mean it of course. We had to eat the stuff, ice cold by now, and go to school. Is it any wonder, we grew up to be suspicious cynics? Many Canadians

From my family to yours, I would like to wish you Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.

Story By Trudy Frisk

had similar childhood experiences. In fact, oatmeal was the breakfast food of farmers and ranchers across western Canada. A friend of mine, born January 8th, on a Saskatchewan farm, swears that, after she and her mother were made comfortable, the first food that passed her lips was a spoonful of porridge guided by her mother’s loving hand. This, she insists, is why she developed an all consuming hatred for it, refusing as an adult to swallow it in any form, unless on a mountaineering expedition. Then she mixed it with rolled wheat, bran, flax seed, raisins and a whole wheat cream of wheat milled in Vulcan, Alberta and known, therefore, as Vulcanite. Brown sugar completed the camouflage and it was declared edible. The hiking group’s best porridge ever was cooked on a trip when the weather had turned nasty and they decided to go home days earlier than planned. They didn’t want to carry out unnecessary supplies. Acting on the theory that it’s easier to carry food in the stomach than the pack, they cooked most of their porridge. One member who always hiked with a bottle of over-proof rum decided to lighten his load by pouring the rum on the porridge. “Rain? What rain?”

I’ve never been fond of porridge. If anything could resign me to it, it was the ambrosia dished up by the guides each morning on a kayak tour of Clayoquot Sound. Cooked in apple juice, sprinkled with raisins and almonds, it was scrumptious. (It may be just a figment of my imagination, but I swear there were chocolate bits.) The most anti-morning people on the tour scraped their bowls and looked longingly for more. Oatmeal has its defenders. My sister points out, somewhat testily, that, for hundreds of years, oatmeal has been used as both a medicine and a cosmetic. An oatmeal paste soothes rashes, insect bites and poison ivy irritation. An oatmeal bath relieves dry skin. Oatmeal facial beauty masks were probably used by Mary, Queen of Scots to eliminate wrinkles. Furthermore, it’s said people who eat oatmeal every day have cleaner arteries. As my sister sums it up, “You might as well eat some while you’re soaking in an oatmeal bath in the tub.” My son’s final word on the flavoured instant oatmeal he prefers: “It’s fast and filling. It never stays around here long.” Those Scottish fur traders would understand.

JANUARY 2022 9

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Becoming disaster-ready

Give today. Grow tomorrow.

By Dale Bass, Kamloops City Councillor & retired journalist

s so many people struggle to recover from the many disasters to hit the region, the B.C. Interior Community Fund (BCICF) is preparing to assist them — with a little help from it’s likeminded friends. Thanks to $250,000 from the Calgary Foundation and $50,000 from the Vancouver Foundation, BCICF has created a disaster relief fund to try to fill some of the financialassistance gaps that exist. Kathy Humphrey, BCICF vice-president

and marketing committee chair, said the new fund, approved by the board in December, is different for them because it is not based on endowments alone but rather keeping about 10 per cent to invest to grow and getting the rest of the money out quickly to where it is most needed. The Calgary Foundation started its own relief fund after the province experienced flooding several years ago. “When they saw what happened here, they wanted to help,” Humphrey said.

BCICF is partnering with the Thompson-Nicola Regional District and representatives of areas that experienced damage and property loss to decide where the money should be allocated but Humphrey said the focus will be people affected but who have needs that can’t be met through existing funding programs. Mental-health support is an important area, she said, because once a disaster like the wildfires or floods that hit the area this year have passed, “recovery can be worse than the

emergency.” Community foundations are small, mostly volunteerrun organizations that invest donations and use the interest generated to give out grants in many community-focused areas. BCICF administration fees are just one per cent. People who wish to contribute to the B.C. Interior Disaster Relief Fund can do so online at BCICF.ca, by mailing or delivering cheques to 2-219 Victoria St., by phone at 250-434-6995.

Cozy Floors for Winter

Flooring PAUL MORRIS Nufloors

inter is upon us and it’s time to pay some attention to your current flooring. On top of needing something durable to withstand the winter elements (snow, mud, rock salt, etc.) we also want something warm and cozy underfoot! This is why we are sharing our top cozy flooring options to

get you through those chilly winter months. Carpet It is fairly obvious why carpet is at the top of our list… it is the softest and most comfortable underfoot. If you are contemplating installing new carpet, there is no better time than during the chilliest months of the year. Whether it is a bedroom, living room, games room, office or den, carpet will make your space even more inviting and cozy. Carpet is also a great way to help insulate basement rooms over concrete. Tile You may be surprised to see this one on our list because tile is usually considered cold and hard to

the touch however, you can change that by installing it overtop of radiant heating. Although it may sound like an expensive project, radiant heat is in fact very cost effective once installed. Heated tile is wonderful to walk on after especially during those cold winter months! Once you have experience heated tile you wont want to go back. Snow-Proof Although snowproof flooring isn’t actually a real thing, water-proof flooring is and that is what we are referring to. The two most common types of waterproof or water resistant flooring are vinyl and laminate. Each flooring type has some very

hearty options that will withstand the toughest of winters. Additionally, we should note we are starting to see waterproof engineered hardwood emerging in the market. With damp, snowy, rocky and salty shoes trekking through the house, durable flooring is a must. On top of being highly durable, laminate, luxury vinyl and hardwood are softer and warm underfoot (especially compared to tile or stone). Some can be installed with radiant heating as well for even more added warmth and coziness. As always if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to pop in. From all of our Nufloors team, Happy New Year!

The Bostock and Fallis families of Monte Creek Marilyn and Hugh Fallis, with Chelsea Hotel: The Songs of Leonard Cohen creator/director Tracey Power generously support Western Canada Theatre through their fund at BC Interior Community Foundation.

We are proud to support Canadian creators and plays telling stories not commonly told on our stage. Your donation today – Marilyn and Hugh Fallis

will have a large impact on local charities for years to come.

The Bostock and Fallis Families of Monte Creek Heritage Fund has generously supported this production through the BC Interior Community Foundation. Learn more at bcicf.ca

BC INTERIOR

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

www.bcicf.ca | 250.434.6995

DANCE FOR FUN! WALTZ & TWO-STEP ROUND DANCE LESSONS

Round Dancing is choreographed ballroom dancing Tuesdays 7-8:30 pm $ 5 per person Starting Jan. 18th, 2022 WE MUST ALL BE FULLY VACCINATED Experienced Dancers Welcome

Make friends! Lively Music! HTHOMPSONH HVALLEY STARSH

FUN, FITNESS & FRIENDSHIP AWAIT YOU

For location and to register 250.376.5636 or email: meyerdance@telus.net

thompsonvalleystars.squaredance.bc.ca

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10 JANUARY 2022

Beware the Urgent Telephone Calls or Emails

Personal Injury ICBC Claims Civil Litigation Wills/Estate Planning Probate/Estate Administration Corporate Commercial

Kerri D. Priddle

Lawyer

Notary Services

PRIDDLE LAW GROUP

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

Comfort Keepers

She’s always been the independent type. We aim to keep her that way. 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.

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

Legal ease KERRI D. PRIDDLE

e have all been getting calls that come up on our telephone display as a local number or as ‘Canada Revenue Agency,’ ‘Border Services’ or ‘RCMP.’ When we answer, the recording or person on the line says there is an urgent matter and a scary, dire situation! Con-artists can now clone telephone numbers of real government agencies and trusted businesses when they call you to make the call coming in on the call display look real. We have also been receiving simple emails that that say something like “Hey, do you have a minute”? It is a test to see if your email is active and if you respond, they will try and engage you in an urgent matter and a dire, scary situation! Con-artists know how to make emails look like they are coming from friends, trusted businesses and government agencies as well. The caller or emailer is meant to scare us into doing whatever we can to resolve the problem and it all sounds very real, very urgent and the consequences are

terrible for us or our family. The scenarios vary, but the usual story is that our bank account or social insurance number has been compromised. It is going to affect our credit or ability to travel. It is a simple mistake and easy to fix but if we don’t do it now, the police will come and arrest us or the CRA will access our bank accounts and take all our money. The people on the line are highly trained and sound very, very convincing. The catch is – it isn’t real. Canada Revenue, the bank or credit union, the border services department and the RCMP would never call you or email you for these sorts of things. They cannot do that. And they would never require you personally to do something about this. They certainly would never require you to take out money and send it somewhere. They would not need remote access to your computer. They certainly would not need you to buy gift cards or put money in a

bitcoin machine at a gas station. If there was a problem with your bank account, taxes or social insurance number you would never need to keep it a secret and ask you to help fix it yourself. If you are getting these calls or emails – hang up or delete the email. If you are unsure—and these callers make the situation sound very real and convincing so it is not your fault if it feels like something that might be real—go in person to your bank and speak to the teller or manager about what is happening. Explain the situation and tell them about what the caller is asking you to do. You can also call the non-emergency line at the RCMP in your area (Kamloops 250-8283000) and explain what is happening and what you are being asked to do. You can also talk to your family or close friends. Whatever you do, do not keep your fears a secret and do not hand over any money or buy any gift cards. Also, never give someone remote access to your

computer or online banking or investments. You need to protect your hard-earned money. Retirees are often the target of these calls and emails, because they often hold investments and have cash readily available. Retirees are also nice people and want to do the right thing. Successful conartists know how to sound official and professional. They know many retirees worry about their retirement savings and they do not want any negative involvement with CRA, the police or border agencies. Many people do not report these frauds because they are embarrassed that they were convinced by it or are confused about what has happened. If you think this may have already happened to you, or is happening to you now, reach out now to the RCMP or to your bank directly, in case there is still something that can be done to get your money back or prevent it from happening again.

JANUARY 2022 11

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Building our own Hair Clips salon Professional Hair Care & Styling for Adults wellness plan

STAFF IS DOUBLE VACCINATED

√

Part 2

SHAUNA

We are HAIR for you

KAREN

**Call today for your appointment**

Start the new year with a “Fresh Cut”

Adam and Carl

Clear Impact Co-Founders Hi, welcome back! As we discussed last month, our easiest path to health and wellness is to reconnect to how we naturally evolved to be healthy. There is no magic pill, magic workout or magic diet that will give us sustainable wellness, energy and vitality. We all know many things we need to do to be healthy, like good sleep, good nutrition, lots of movement etc. but it just seems so hard to stick to anything. Let’s explore why that is. First, in this culture our bodies and minds are being hammered daily with stress. Let’s look at all the things that stress us. Sugar and processed foods, blue light (screens), being sedentary, pollution (air/water/ noise/soil etc.), alcohol, drugs, smoking, other people’s stress. The list is long. Being stressed shifts us into the sympathetic nervous system (or “fight or flight”) state. Constantly living under stress has us living in the revved up state for much of our waking hours. This is unnatural

and very unhealthy. It also does something very interesting that stops us from making reasoned decisions. It shuts down the prefrontal cortex of our brain which houses our processing for logic and reason. Do you ever notice how when you are stressed, your cravings are overwhelmingly strong? In the sympathetic nervous system state our brain goes into automation mode and is just searching for “energy” to battle the perceived threat (stressor). Most of our cravings produce either dopamine or adrenaline feeding our monkey brain, with no consideration for our long-term wellness. So, it makes sense that if we want to change our behaviour and make it easier to adopt some healthy lifestyle practices, we first should learn how to calm our nervous system to a) create the space for choice in the moment and b) reduce the strength of our cravings. The first of the two foundational practices we teach to our clients does just that, and in

165 - 945 Columbia St. W. in the Sahali Mall less than a minute! Let me teach you the basic version now. If you want the full (free) training, you can find a link to ask for it on our website www.clearimpact.io. It’s called Heartflow breathing. Follow these simplified instructions in a moment of stress. • Close your eyes and put your hand on your heart • Breathe in for 4 seconds • Breathe out for 7 seconds • On the exhale think about what you are grateful for in that moment • Repeat 2 more times with consistency •Notice how you feel Practicing this 3 or more times per day will train your nervous system to stay in the parasympathetic (rest and digest) state more and more of your day! Now go and practice! (and notice your monkey mind telling you all the reasons you shouldn’t! The monkey mind doesn’t like change!) Next month we’ll talk about another powerful foundational practice.

Open: Tue - Fri 9 am - 4 pm Sat 10 am - 2 pm

250.828.0708

ENTER TO WIN

TWO SKI TICKETS TO “HARPER MOUNTAIN” Mail or drop off your entry to: Kamloops Connector, 1365B Dalhousie Dr., Kamloops, BC V2C 5P6 or email your details with “Harper Contest” to win@connectornews.ca. Random draw from entries submitted for the contest. One entry per household. Draw date: Friday, Jan. 7th at 9:00 am. Prize must be accepted as awarded. Winners will be called to arrange pick up of their prize.

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

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12 JANUARY 2022

Parental support group seeks to expand

Volunteer With Us Parent Support Services Society

A world where all children and their families are

Nurtured, Valued and Safe.

Submitted by Cassandra Strain

arent Support Services Society of BC is a provincial non-profit that supports families and all those in a parenting role. Parent Support Services protects the safety and wellbeing of children and promotes the health of all families by partnering with those in a parenting role and their communities to build support, advocacy, education, research, and resources. Parent Support Services Society’s vision is a world where all children and their families are nurtured, valued, and safe. Parent Support Services’ Circles Program is a province-wide service of self-help groups

providing caregivers and those in a parenting role a safe environment in which they can talk about the children in their care, parenting challenges, successes, and stressors, and receive support and learn from each other. Support Circles are free, confidential, and anonymous. In Kamloops and neighbouring municipalities, we offer an online Support Circle for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren or other relatives raising a relative’s child (kinship caregivers). To learn more, contact Cassandra at 1-250-384-8042 or Cynthia at 1-250-5724690. Support Circles can be online or in person

(following COVID-19 guidelines), and can be open to any parent or specific demographics of caregivers. For example, Support Circles can be for single parents, fathers, parents of teens, parents of children with special needs, parents who speak a specific language, or for newcomers to Canada. All these kinds of Support Circles and more are run by a volunteer facilitator, and they may be of interest to you and your community. We are looking to expand our programs in Kamloops and the Interior Region, and provide more Support Circles for parents in particular. Volunteers are the backbone of our

program, from Circle facilitators to steering committee members to board members and more. They are essential to what we do. We are currently looking for new volunteers – we welcome you to sign up and make a difference in the lives of BC families! As a volunteer facilitator, Parent Support Services Society of BC will provide online training and resources, as well as a co-facilitator and the support of your regional program coordinator. Visit parentsupportbc. ca/volunteer for more info. Or contact Cassandra Strain at cassandra.strain@ parentsupportbc.ca, 250-384-8042.

A Breakfast to Remember Continued from p. 1 critical funds for Alzheimer Society of B.C. programs and services, including increased virtual programming. Funds raised also enable dementia research in B.C. Programs and services help Ashcroft, Barriere, Chase, Clearwater, Kamloops, Lytton, Merritt and other ThompsonNicola residents living with dementia, their families, and their caregivers. Following the success of last year’s event in a virtual format, Thompson-Nicola

ONE & TWO BEDROOM UNITS

• Apartment living for seniors • Beautiful gardens • Walking distance “wait list” 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 (life-lease) info@nsccs.ca • SAFER (wait list) www.cottonwoodmanor.ca

Call 250-376-4777

and other B.C. residents once again have the opportunity to join the fundraiser to help show people affected by dementia they’re not alone. Breakfast to Remember is set for Thursday, March 3, from 7:30 – 9 a.m. Tickets include access to an exclusive research event, a live discussion about the latest research here in B.C. To learn more, or to purchase tickets, visit BreakfastToRemember.ca.

Dr. Lisa Genova, neuroscientist, TED Talk speaker and best selling author, is the keynote speaker of the Alzheimer Society of B.C.’s Breakfast to Remember on March 3, 2022. Learn more at BreakfastToRemember.ca.

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JANUARY 2022 13

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Kamloops Adult Learning Society

WE’RE OPEN FOR LEARNING!

Do you like to meet new people and enjoy discussion and new experiences? If so, consider joining us at the Kamloops Adult Learners Society.

KALS offers 41 daytime multi-week or single session classes (restricted sizes) from bird behaviour to dealing with difficult people to news & views to composers: Finzi, Mahler and Harty.

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

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)

For all KALS classes inside and out, you must be fully vaccinated against Covid 19. You will be required to show your vaccine passport and ID. For classes held at NSCC wearing masks is mandatory in all areas of the building when not seated. KALS will follow all Provincial Health Office protocols and will adjust rules to comply when there are changes. 4 Weeks 1 Class 11 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 2 Weeks 4 Weeks 1 Class 8 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 2 Weeks 3 Weeks 1 Class 2 Weeks 4 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 6 Weeks 1 Class 2 Weeks 1 Class 4 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 3 Weeks 1 Class 1 Class 1 Class 2 Sessions 1 Class 1 Class

Come to the Concert Saving Humanity by Working Together: Collaborative Approaches to Climate Action News & Views Literacy for All Hidden History of the BC Interior The Flaneur: Impressionism and its Legacy. Rediscovering Children’s Literature Beneficial and Predatory Insects Then and Now: “A Journal of the Plague Year” by Daniel Defoe Canada and the Indo-Pacific The Senior’s Living and Care Journey in BC Exploring the Personal Essay: Weaving Time, Memory, and Text Composers: Finzi, Mahler and Harty Climate Change, Ecosystem Resilience and Local Implications Who Do We Think She Is? Revisiting Alice Munro “ZOOM” Art & Conversation Reduction Tech Offsets: Disrupting Climate Collapse Learning in Retirement: In-person and Online Ways to Stay Engaged in Your Interests Collective Memories-Japanese Canadians Dealing with Difficult People “ZOOM” Science in a Changing World A Fish Tale: Managing Invasive Fish Growing Forests in BC: Today, Tomorrow, The Future Benjamin Fondane and the Existential Revolt Against Reason, 1929-1944 Life as a Conservation Officer Bridging the Gap Between People and Cyber Security James Teit: An Extraordinary Person Skills in Intercultural Communications: Challenges and Rewards “ZOOM” Pathways into Homelessness and Local Solutions Wildlife Park Tour Gardengate Horticultural Program Expansion Organize Your Closet, Organize Your Life Regenerative Farming at Notch Hill Community Growers Farm Heritage Railway Backshop Tour Ways of Seeing: To See What Others Miss Language Sounds and How We Make Them Thistle Farm Tour Hope and Resilience on the Labyrinth Bird Behaviour Tranquille Creek Nature Experience I Tranquille Creek Nature Experience II

January 13, 2022 January 13, 2022 January 14, 2022 January 20, 2022 January 24, 2022 January 25, 2022 January 27, 2022 January 27, 2022 February 2, 2022 February 2, 2022 February 3, 2022 February 4, 2022 February 7, 2022 February 7, 2022 February 8, 2022 February 8, 2022 February 8, 2022 February 9, 2022 February 9, 2022 February 17, 2022 February 22, 2022 February 23, 2022 February 23, 2022 February 24, 2022 March 1, 2022 March 4, 2022 March 8, 2022 April 5, 2022 April 14, 2022 April 20, 2022 April 22, 2022 April 26, 2022 April 27, 2022 April 28, 2022 May 2, 2020 May 10, 2020 May 11, 2020 May 12, 2022 May 17, 2022 June 2, 2022 June 2, 2022

$30 $10 $50 FREE $10 $15 $30 $10 $50 $10 FREE $15 $20 $10 $15 FREE $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $10 $40 FREE $15 $10 $25 FREE $15 $10 $10 FREE $10 $20 $10 $10 $10 $15 $10 $10

The winter/spring classes are listed to the lower left, and you can see the full class description at www.kals.ca. Registration has already begun for this session. All classes are in the daytime, and in an atmosphere where it’s easy to share ideas, make new friends and learn for the sheer enjoyment of it. There are no exams, no deadlines, and no pressure. A $15 annual membership fee is required for all courses and entitles you to vote at our AGM, register in free classes and be invited to special events. A confidential financial waiver is available for those in need. You can register online at www.kals.ca by mail or in person at our office throughout the semester using credit, cash, or cheque. Check out the class list and see which courses pique your interest. All classes have size limits so sign up at your earliest convenience.

Everybody has a story

Enter to win a copy of Karen Harmon’s latest book— Fat and Beautiful: A Story of Love, Pain and Courage

at and Beautiful is the third book in a series of memoirs documenting B.C. author Karen Harmon’s family. In this one, she tells the poignant and relatable story surrounding her older first-born sister, Linda Bonner, now a Kamloops resident. Born in 1947 into a family of characters, Bonner was a precocious and happy child. Upon entering the public school system she soon learned that fitting in wasn’t going to come easily. Her quick wit became her main defence to those that would poke fun at her size. Her saviour was anything “western”— tv shows, movies, horses, dude ranches and eventually cowboys. With many obstacles along the way, Linda blazed a trail from Vancouver’s big city to the dusty Cariboo to follow her dream of Author Karen Harmon with her three memoirs horses, ranches, and riding. Linda’s story is heartwarming and heart-wrenching, uncommonly adventurous and unusually comical. Anyone who has struggled with not fitting into what society thinks to be “normal” will find Linda’s experiences encouraging and relatable. Allow Linda to inspire and remind you that it isn’t about the happily ever after, it is the thrill you create along the way when it seems the world is against you that matters. Karen Harmon is that the author of two previous awardwinning books: Looking for Normal and Where is My Happy Ending? A Journey of No Regrets. Harmon will be a guest on CFJC’s Noon Day show on Feb. 18. She is also scheduled for a book signing at the Chapters location in Kamloops on Feb. 19. The Kamloops Connector will raffle off the copy we have. If interested, please email your entries to editor@connectornews.ca by Jan. 14, 2022 and we’ll mail it to the winner.

www.connectornews.ca

14 JANUARY 2022

A gift of trivia for car buffs Dear readers, Since we’re deep into the holidays and it is totally to our benefit to hear or read about some interesting topics, I was requested to provide a trivia article. With the local road catastrophes due to flooding and this is a very wheels related situation, a smile at this time of the year is warranted. So here goes: • The first self-propelled vehicle was designed and introduced in 1769 by Nicholas Cugnot who also supposedly had the world’s first traffic accident. The incident was never officially recorded in modern accounts. The first mention of the incident appeared in 1804, thirtythree years after the alleged accident. True or not, the story persists that Cugnot was arrested and convicted of dangerous driving. • The Ford Mustang was not named after a horse but after the WWII fighter plane the P-51 Mustang. • The first drive-in gas station in North America was opened up by Gulf which later became Petro-Canada. • The first truly recognized vehicle of the Muscle Car era was the 1964 GTO

with a 389 engine fed by a multiple carburetor intake system. • The first Japanese auto manufacturer in the USA was located in Marysville Ohio, home of a Honda plant. • Speaking of Honda, the Honda CRV first generation models (1982) had a standard tailgate flip out picnic table and the option of an outside shower. • Chrysler first officially used the name “Hemi” for one of its engine designs in 1964. Even though the design or derivatives were used earlier it was 1964 when the name was revived and used for marketing. • In 1948, Harley Earl of General Motors Corporation created the tail light fins for the Cadillac which were used for the following decade. • Cassette players were last available in a vehicle as an option in 2011, the car was the Ford Crown Victoria. • Volkswagen was the creation of Dr. Ferdinand Porsche from the demands of Adolf Hitler, known as the peoples’ car. • The Spirit of Ecstasy was the name of the hood ornament mounted on the Rolls Royce.

By Gary Miller, Retired Service Advisor & Certified Automotive Specialist

• Sam McLaughlin, the founder of GM Canada and his version of the Buick, had a chemist brother John who was the creator of Canada Dry Ginger Ale introduced in 1904. After John’s passing in 1914, Sam took over the company. Ginger Ale sales skyrocketed because of Prohibition in Canada and the United States which spiked demand on both sides of the border, not only from teetotallers, but also from those smoothing the taste of their bathtub gin. Sam became a wealthy man from not only soda sales but also the sales of his McLaughlin Buick. • Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland, naming it after Abraham Lincoln. Leland also created the Cadillac name brand and company. Leland, furthermore, promoted the use of the engine starter motor to eliminate the hand crank because cranking a vehicle caused the death of a dear friend. By 1915, Kettering’s design of starter motor was introduced into all Cadillac vehicles. With the design, the motor ran when the engine did only now as a

generator instead of a starter. Because of the surplus of electrical energy, ignition systems were electrically supplied instead of utilizing a magneto and the headlights were connected to the circuitry. These two changes used up that extra energy so the battery would not overcharge. • The first “drive-in” was located in Camen, New Jersey in 1933 and the last one in B.C. is located in Enderby. • The modern mass production process and its basic approach is credited to Olds. In 1901, they used it to build the first mass-produced automobile, the Oldsmobile Curved Dash. This vehicle sold for $650, equal to $20,220 today. About 600 were sold initially, about 3,000 the next year and at least 4,000 in 1904. Contrary to popular belief, it was this car, rather than Ford’s Model T, that was the first mass-produced, low-priced American motor vehicle. I enjoy trivia and I hope this kind of information puts a curious smile on your face at this time of the season. Be COVID smart and take care until next year. Any questions or concerns I can be reached at bigsix8280@yahoo.ca.

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Party Time T

he New Year’s Eve party at Nancy’s had been a blast, and she grabbed her friend Barbara to help with the clean-up. They gathered all the trays and bowls of leftovers and took them straight to the kitchen. “What will you do with these?” Barbara asked as she put the last of the festive un-popped party crackers, coneshaped paper hats and leftovers on the counter. “I’ll make a few dozen sandwiches in the morning and take lunches to the homeless folks in the down town shelter.” “Perfect idea, Nan, but why wait till morning? We could both work on that project and get them done up tonight. I’m too stimulated to go straight to bed anyway.” Looking at her watch, she was satisfied it was only a little after 1:00 a.m. “Want to?” “Oh, Barb, I’m so beat; I just wanna head for the shower!” Sometime later, in the dead of night, Nancy lay curled up tight one minute and sprawled, like a ragdoll in a toy box, the next. Practically comatose, she had a fitful night with little sleep. Oh no, there’s so much to do, she worried as she tried to rouse on New Year’s morning. She would run out of time if she wasn’t careful. Seize the day! But, in a stupor, she couldn’t bring herself to crawl out of bed; so, punching out the flattened pillow to bring it back to life, she laid her head back down and closed her eyes. Just a few more horizontal moments… A little later on, she struggled to get out from under the cozy covers. They tangled around her legs and held her down. She put up a good fight, tearing up the bed in the process, and managed to free herself. In a

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zombie-state, she went straight to the kitchen for brekkie. Justifying that at least she would get her scrambled eggs down, even if they were raw, she drank a mug of left-over eggnog. With buttery shortbread, a hunk of cheese and a link of cold sausage, she substituted her usual fare of toast and bacon. Time seemed to be fleeing while she gathered all the fresh turkey, sliced cheese and deli meats and frantically made a slew of thick sandwiches. Wrapping them in wax paper, she slipped them into lunch-bags and stuffed each bag with mixed nuts, mandarin oranges, fruit cake, sugar cookies and candy. Lastly, she loaded all the lunches into strong cardboard boxes. Grabbing a throw for around her shoulders, in PJs, she went out and scraped the windows and brushed the icy snow off the car. She was in a mad rush to make the precious delivery by noon. Cold, and struggling to see past her heavy eyelids, she dashed back inside and dressed layering up on winter wear. It was hard, but she hauled the loads to the car and set them all on the slippery hood. What a wonder that she reacted quickly enough when they nearly slipped off. Then, she attempted to unlock the driver’s side door. Oh no, it’s frozen shut! Nancy normally kept her cool in such tight situations, but she feared she’d never make it downtown for party time and was a physical and mental wreck. She raced back inside and, with numb fingers, called the Automobile Association for help. A service man was there before she could blink and, with a handy dandy gadget, thawed the lock and left. Nancy struggled alone to load the containers

of lunches into the hatchback. By then, her hands were freezing so she fumbled turning the key in the ignition only to hear the engine grunt. Panic set in again and she shrieked in silence, what else is going to go wrong this morning? Why is Murphy’s Law plaguing me on the first day of the year? More and more frustrated while twisting and turning the key, with desperation, she kicked the gas pedal with one foot and stomped on the brake with the other. Blast it; now this old beater won’t run. I’ll need jumper cables! She shivered and put her frozen hands over her eyes but dared not cry. Tears would freeze on her face. Wrenching herself from the seat belt, Nancy couldn’t understand why she felt pinned down. She squirmed and suddenly heard the incessant thring, thring of the land-line phone inside the house! Irritated and alarmed, she tried to get out from under the car blanket, but she was tangled up in it. She hollered at the phone. “Hold your horses! I’m coming!” Hearing the rage, of her own voice, impacted her reality. With all her might, she wrestled her shoulders and legs free. That’s odd. She hadn’t been under the warm plaid car blanket; she was under her

flannelette bedcovers! Finally able to hang her legs over the side of the bed, stumbling and thrashing, she made her way to the kitchen. She plopped down on a bar stool at the counter and grabbed the phone off the cradle. Pulling hair from her face and rubbing her eyes, she heard her throat croak, “Hello. Who’s this?” Barbara was on the line. “Hi, you’re up?” In wonderment, Nancy groaned, “Uh yeah, barely.” “Gee, Nan, you don’t sound like you’re completely awake yet! Anyway, I’m on my way over there to pick up the lunches you and I packed up last night after the party. Okay? Are you ready to go?” Nancy leaned over the counter to look at the floor behind the table. Oh brother. Several large coolers, with stuffed lunch bags inside, were lined up. Fully conscious and startled, Nancy realized she’d had an insane nightmare. “I’ll be ready in a jiffy, Barb,” she laughed. The two volunteers loaded the car and showed up at the shelter without Murphy’s interference! Barbara brought and poured mugs of hot chocolate from thermoses while Nancy handed out sacks of mouth-watering lunches! Needless to say, it was the ultimate, joyfilled, New Year’s Day!

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

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ACROSS 1. “Gunsmoke” broadcaster, once 4. Major uproars 8. Search for a well site, perhaps 13. “ ___ ‘er rip!” 14. Wander aimlessly 15. S mall European finches 16. B it of rowboat gear 17. I tems you got in your stocking that you can still blow right now! 19. S omething most go as we all get older 21. P ull sharply 22. I t’s a brilliant thought 23. Japanese 31 syllable poem 25. I tem often not included 27. I tem you might have ridden in the 1940’s New Year, maybe 30. L and-locked Horn of Africa nation (abbr.) 31. S mall silvery salmon 32. U se a crowbar 36. F eudal land 38. G ets water out of the boat 41. U K pea soup, back in the ‘60s 42. D o away with 44. S tarts a civil suit 46. S mall change in Myanmar 47. S tocking gift you needed to raid the veggie bin for, originally 51. L atin phrase that means “deductive”

54. W WII convoy menace 55. Actors Marvin and Majors 56. Terminate 58. Get used to 61. Gift you could develop your artistic skills with in the ‘60s 64. “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” tree 65. Supplies the food for 66. Wedding reception tradition 67. Not waste 68. Kids’ playground fixture 69. Peck on the cheek 70. Glum DOWN 1. Problem with your sink drain 2. Polar denizen 3. Bit of ambulance gear 4. Poison in classic mysteries 5. Where to hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign 6. Roe, to biologists 7. Virgo’s mo., mostly 8. Belle of the ball, briefly 9. Planet-circling craft 10. Irish writer Oscar ___ 11. Curl up one’s lip 12. Written composition 15. Popular sweetener 18. Lymph node swelling 20. Shaggy Himalayan bovine 24. Nizari Ismaili imam,

___ Khan 26. Common sugar meas. 27. CFL whistle blowers 28. Pertaining to the ear 29. Raise the sail 33. Headlong 34. Tofu source 35. Major Hoople’s favourite oath 37. Very, very, very hungry 39. Polynesian pig-out 40. Bumps in the road, so to speak 43. Strongly in favour of 45. Mollifies 48. Garlic-crushing device 49. Piggish remark? 50. Deerstalker, for one 51. Actors Baldwin and Guinness 52. Bit of potpourri 53. Your abs, technically 57. Where one could play quoits 59. Org. that launched John Glenn in ‘62 60. Squeaked by 62. “How ___ you doing?” 63. James Clavell’s “___Pan”

JANUARY 2022 17

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Clearwater Seniors’ Activities

JANUARY 2022

Seniors’ Coordinator 250-674-8185 SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ old ICBC office 11

Second Sunday Social Wells Gray Inn @ 12:30 pm. Order from the menu

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ old ICBC office 18

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ old ICBC office 25

Men’s Shed Drop-in: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm @ old ICBC office 30

Calendar of Events

31 31

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

Live Stream or 5 Men’s Shed Drop-in:6 @ DLCC Gym. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sit & Be Fit @ old ICBC office 9:45 am - 10:30 am Drop -in Crib 1:00 pm Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm @ Seniors’ Room @ Legion Live Stream or 12 13 @ DLCC Gym. Men’s Shed Drop-in: Sit & Be Fit 9:00 am - 3:00 pm 9:45 am - 10:30 am @ old ICBC office Drop -in Crib 1:00 pm @ Legion Live Stream or 19 Men’s Shed Drop-in: 20 @ DLCC Gym. 9:00 am 3:00 pm Sit & Be Fit @ old ICBC office 9:45 am - 10:30 am Drop -in Crib 1:00 pm Writers’ Circle 2:00 pm @ Seniors’ Room @ Legion Live Stream or 26 Men’s Shed Drop-in:27 @ DLCC Gym. 9:00 am - 3:00 pm Sit & Be Fit @ old ICBC office 9:45 am - 10:30 am Book Club 2:00 pm Drop -in Crib 1:00 pm @Seniors’ Room @ Legion

Seniors’ Resource Centre - Salmon Arm TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

Hiking Group 7 leaves Skate Park parking area @ 9:00 am

Hiking Group 14 leaves Skate Park parking area @ 9:00 am

Hiking Group 21 leaves Skate Park parking area @ 9:00 am

Hiking Group 28 leaves Skate Park parking area @ 9:00 am

Calendar of Events

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

MONDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Happy New Year 2022 Office Closed

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Monday Morning Market

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Monday Morning Market 31 31

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away

Day Away 27

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away 20

Foot Care (by appt. only)

Day Away 13

Day Away

Foot Care (by appt. only) 18

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JANUARY 2022

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Book Review By Marilyn Brown

Always Pack A Candle: A Nurse in the Cariboo - Chilcotin

By Marion McKinnon Crook Heritage House Publishing Company, 2021 Memoir, 277 pages

n the preface to the story, the author touches on the people of the Cariboo who helped her do her job as community nurse, in particular “… the teachers alerting me to health problems and helping me organize screening, immunization and well-baby clinics, to resort owners who fed me and gave me accurate directions. To the truck drivers who stopped and put my car back on the road. To the many residents of the Cariboo who fed me, rescued me, and made sure I didn’t die out there in the wilderness.” This is a rollicking true story of an adventurous woman who leaves comfort and family behind on a small, one-cow farm in the Fraser Valley to experience living in a far-flung area of B.C., where the terrain, climate, geography, and just plain distance from health care and other necessities makes for formidable challenges, and fortunately, for a resilient and welcoming community. This is the 1960s, the story is centred in Williams Lake, the area assigned to the fledgling nurse immense, and “the ride” for her exhilarating, scary, and fulfilling. “The ride” is both literal and figurative: there is more than one hair-raising experience of the new nurse driving solo, through treacherous winter conditions, icy roads requiring smart driving, through road washouts and wheel-sucking spring mud (for example in Likely, near 150 Mile House) in order to provide health care for a range of patients, from new moms to the elderly, often to those in isolated ranches, farmhouses, and indigenous households which offer hospitality and often, friendship. “The ride” also refers to the route she took professionally – as a teen fascinated by science, wanting to be a vet, a goal thwarted by the sexism of the time – the only veterinary school in Canada informing the teen not to bother applying as women were not accepted there. Nursing was one of a few professional options available for her, and she wanted to start in a small community, hence her arrival in Williams Lake. From her fellow boarding house renter, a young female teacher, she learns the rules as applied by the all-male school board: female teachers can go to parties but not imbibe to excess, date but not have sex, have opinions but keep them quiet. The landlady enforces similar rules. Fortunately, Miss McKinnon’s supervisor and also the head of the local school are independent-women, adept at manipulating the health care or education system, each bold and effective. In particular, this is the time of “the 60s scoop” of indigenous children, and systemic racism. The team “butts heads” with a number of bigoted, racist, or self-important individuals in key positions in order to improve the lives of the hard-working, down-to-earth, and generous people of the Cariboo. In the meantime, this nurse not only is a keen learner, professionally and personally, she is on the cusp of a slowburning passion with a certain rancher. It’s a good thing she (graciously) rejects numerous other proposals of marriage. Highly recommended. Marion McKinnon Crook was a public health nurse. She is a published author of fifteen books and has a PhD in education. She lives in a coastal B.C. town “with her dog and cat, who hate each other.”

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18 JANUARY 2022

What is grief?

Submitted by Erin Chambers

rief is the response to loss, specifically the death of something that we had a bond to be that a person, an animal, a relationship, a job, a change in lifestyle, even our past self. We may also experience different types of grief: anticipatory grief, one in which we are expecting a future loss; compound grief, where loss happens one after the other and we don’t have time to ‘deal’ with our grief/loss before another happens; caregiver grief, where quite often we don’t deal with loss as it happens because we are ‘too busy’ taking care of practical tasks in our role as caregiver—these are just a few examples of the types of grief and loss we can experience. There is no ‘normal’ when it comes to grief. We all deal with grief in different ways and in our own time. There is no end date when it comes to loss. We will never be the

person we were before the loss because this is a new experience, no matter what loss we may have endured previously. In all cases, it is very important that we don’t judge ourselves as there is no right or wrong way to grieve. Cut yourself some slack, lower your standards for yourself during this time. You are processing a lot. And, if you are trying to support or help someone through grief/loss, not knowing what to say is ok. Just holding space for that person, listening, whether they are silent or talking, checking in on them, or doing a small task is great support during a time when ‘simple’ decisions are so very difficult. We can’t fix grief but we can be a companion with it, honour it and listen with our hearts. Please reach out for support if you are dealing with loss/grief.

UNITED CHURCHES OF CANADA Kamloops United Church

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

Mt. Paul United Church

www.mtpauluc.ca 140 Laburnum St. • Sundays 10 am

Plura Hills United Church

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

End of Life Doula I specialize in grief and loss, in all areas of life: relationships, jobs, pets, self, way of life, as well as our loved ones. I help people navigate death in both the practical and emotional sense.

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The power of being “in”

Colouring outside the lines REV. LEANN BLACKERT Wild Church

t started about 6 weeks ago. I tried and tried but I just couldn’t do it. “Those muscles have apparently retired early,” I laughed and explained to my trainer, who had asked me to do sit ups. “No problem,” she assured me. “We’ll start slowly and convince them to start working again in little, tiny increments.” We’re still working on it, and in six weeks I’ve managed to build up strength and do several sets of modified sit ups. It’s a process but worth the effort. My body is being transformed. One sit up at a time. All around us this earth is reminding us that climate change is real: a 2-yearold pandemic that is now in its fourth variation, forest fires, mudslides, atmospheric rivers, tornadoes in BC and across the central US. It seems the planet is doing everything she can to get our attention and to encourage us to change the way we live and the impact we are making. It’s a process, too. Little, tiny

increments add up over time: taking the time to sort out the recycling, cutting back on meat consumption, driving gas-powered vehicles less often, thinking twice before developing more forest wild lands. The body of the earth can be transformed, one small action at a time. The United Church has a credal statement that invites us “to live with respect in Creation.” Not FOR creation, but IN creation. Because we are part of a wider community that includes more than human beings that share this land – this planet – with us. Each of us is part of a greater whole – and each of us is essential to greater whole living in a balanced way. First Nations communities understand this interconnectedness. The spirituality of the land has been part of their understanding from time immemorial. The idea of taking only what you need so that others might find what they need, too. The idea of giving thanks to those living beings when we take their lives so that we might continue living, whether trees, plants or animals. It is a respectful reciprocity that is often neglected in our culture today. Many of us have just spent time with families and friends, including youngsters – those little beings

who will live on beyond us. As I watch my partner’s grandchildren laugh and play I wonder what the world will look like in 50 years, when they reach the age I am today. And I wonder how my own actions today will impact their lives tomorrow. Again, Indigenous communities understand the impact of our actions impacts the next seven generations. At the rate the environment is changing (as a result of our actions), there may not be seven generations to follow us. Jesus teaches that all of the law – all of the principles for living – can be summed up in this way: To love God – or Creator – or Great Mystery – or whatever you call that which is too large for words, and to love our neighbours as we love ourselves. Imagine if he had said “and to love this world so that love impacts the next seven generations.” Imagine if we understood the love he was teaching. As this new year unfolds – and we see COVID-19 continue evolving – and we see other environmental catastrophes unfolding, I wonder if we might consider what small steps we might take to help the body of this great planet be transformed. I’ve noticed those tiny, little incremental

improvements increase my strength every week – and I’m able to do more and more. Soon I might be able to do a full set of sit ups. Other exercises are increasing my body strength and my health as well. It all adds up. Hanging above my desk is the word I drew for my word of the year in 2021. That word is “discipline.” Working with my trainer takes discipline. Choosing new habits takes discipline. Even taking tiny, little steps toward a better future for this planet and for future generations takes discipline. I think I’ll just leave that word where my eyes settle on it several times a day. The Earth is asking us for just this very thing. She asks us to live with respect IN creation. Will we love her – and will we love our future generations – enough to make some changes this year? May it be so. 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!

JANUARY 2022 19

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The Cry of the Earth The insiGhT story WENDY WESEEN

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world: indeed, that’s all that ever has.” Margaret Mead, anthropologist, and winner of the 1978 planetary citizen of the year award.

’m at a loss about writing this month’s column. When I reflect upon 2021, my head spins, bursting with opinions and column possibilities. I wanted to talk about the impact of the pandemic on children or the consequences

of keeping things the way they were before COVID, or about the loss of standards in advertising especially those that contravene the progress of climate change. Or the true nature of the Omicron mutation, or the strain on an already floundering health care system, or the need for effective mental health and addictions care, or concerns about the increased violence in world cultures, or the consequences of global warming on world climates that has led to drought, floods, ruined towns and cities, fires, and animal extinction. It’s overwhelming, and I feel hopeless and helpless. During the everlasting pandemic, we’ve come together in the face of ignorance, distorted ideas about truth and confusion about what is real. There is great uncertainty and much that is unknown.

Forced solitude especially at this time of year, has made us reflect on our experience, what it has taught us and to ponder more fiercely about New Year resolutions. Where does one begin? We will need to overcome the acute sense of being overwhelmed on top of COVID fatigue. At the same time, we are in a new stage that requires improved consciousness and an expansion of our world views, values, and ethics. We can no longer view ourselves as isolated individuals and competing nations. Our collective presence on this finite planet is a species with a common story of origin and shared destiny. Nonetheless, amid enormous diversity we have the opportunity to see our profound connectedness and need for interdependence and kinship on a global scale, but we will need to change

the oppositional and competitive way we have been taught to think. Its a transitionary moment when life now includes the larger life of the earth. In last month’s column, I talked about the common good and that individual freedom requires responsibility to community and happiness takes other than material goods. So, I have chosen one small and one larger resolution. I want to recycle better, face the moldy cottage cheese forgotten in the back of the fridge which results in waste. Instead to keep better tabs on my larder, making sure I rinse the container and properly recycle it. As I became increasingly disabled, I reduced community volunteering and must now focus on what I can realistically do. It will be harder to conquer my ego, be kinder, be forgiving, and hold space for other people’s

struggles and stories. It’s time to examine the big question of our time. Can our altruistic nature constrain greed and aggression from under the strain of the high-tech persuasive advertising industry and channel selfcenteredness into compassion, and cooperation? Now, with one hip finally replaced, I’m more comfortable circulating again in the outside world of a larger

community. I’ve been reconnecting with my earth loving friends and groups. Coming slowly, very cautiously, out of the COVID pandemic into an increasingly vaccinated city while continuing to mask, practice distancing and engaging in super-duper hand hygiene. The COVID pandemic could be a dress rehearsal to make the changes needed to respond to the cry of the earth.

Drake, can I tell you something about Murray and Me?

ask drake DRAKE SMITH Funeral Director

lice walked into our little place on the North Shore recently. “Murray passed away last night at Royal Inland,” she said, “And I need to arrange for his cremation.” The first thought that went through my head

was whether Alice might be exhausted and need some time to get some rest before beginning to make arrangements for Murray. “You’re right, Drake,” said Alice, “I haven’t had much sleep. But if I get these arrangements done I think I’ll be able to relax a bit and get some sleep.” I’d heard many people express the same wish over the years, so I wasn’t completely surprised to hear that Alice wanted to get this matter handled right away. So, we proceeded. What came out of Alice’s mouth next however DID surprise me, because I’d never heard anyone say it quite so bluntly and clearly before. Although several

clients have expressed similar sentiments they were much more subtle than was Alice. “Drake,” she said. “Murray and I were married for 58 years. We have four children and 18 grandchildren. Murray was a good provider and never harmed anyone. But I came to realize a long time ago that I really didn’t like Murray. I think he felt the same way about me. We just tolerated each other. I’m really not sorry he’s gone.” Alice had just dropped a bombshell. I wondered how many other people knew this extremely personal and intimate information about Alice. At that moment I realized I was in a bit of

an awkward situation. First and foremost, I’m an undertaker/funeral director. Alice needed me to take the steps required for Murray’s cremation, to register his death, to produce the death certificate and to possibly arrange for a celebration of life and return his cremated remains to Alice or bury them up at Hillside Cemetery. On the other hand, Alice had just expressed something one might say to a marriage counsellor. In this case, however, it was perhaps a little late to employ someone in that capacity. It turned out that Alice wanted to ‘get down to business’ and deal with the practical matter or effecting Murray’s

cremation. So, we pressed on. After Alice left, however, I decided to do a little research. Using Google (how else do we do research these days?) I typed “How to grieve if you didn’t like the person.” Can you guess how many results it produced? In less than one second it produced 16,600,000 results! Just for fun I then typed in “How to thaw a frozen turkey.” It only produced 5,170,000 results. Google shows almost 3 times as many results on how to grieve for someone you don’t like than it does telling you how to avoid a Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner disaster! I started to read

some of the articles on dealing with the death of someone you didn’t like. There were articles on the death of an estranged parent and many other scenarios, including the one facing Alice. In fact, it seems that the situation facing Alice is not uncommon at all. That doesn’t mean it’s not complicated; the emotional turmoil involved in this type of grieving process can be most intense. Alice revealed more of her inner thoughts when she came by to pick up Murray’s urn the following week. Because some of you might have experienced the death of someone you didn’t like, I’ll share more about Alice next month.

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75%

“SoundGear does HEARING it better than anyone Learn how to protect yourself. I’ve ever worked with.” PROTECTION TIPS

exposed to loud noise Most causes of hearing loss are impossible to prevent. However, noise-induced hearing loss is not. never or seldom Give your ears timeloss? to recover after being around 1 Use hearing 7 hearing What is protection noise-induced UFF CRAIG MORGAN loud sounds. Foam earplugs are an exposed to loud noises. wear hearing economical solution, or consider custom Do not put anything smaller than your earplugs to best reduce the sound levels. EARPLUGS FOR8 WORK OR PLAY ON protection. elbow in your ear! This includes cotton Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is hearing loss caused by either exposure to a loud impulse sound like a gunshot or explosion, or prolonged exposure to high levels of noise. It can happen immediately or gradually over time. 2 Turn the volume down of the TV, radio, swabs, bobby pins, keys, paperclips, or Noises below music, etc. 75 decibels (dB), are unlikely to cause anything else you might use to clean or hearing loss. Sounds 85 dB and above can. scratch your ears. 3 Avoid loud or noisy activities/places, when possible. Keep moving! Exercise keeps the blood

aringLoudness Protection plus exposure The Perfect Combination: Hearing Protection and Enhanced Awareness deafening sound of gunrisk blasts and time equals Preventing noise-induced hearing loss 9 ndGear, the 100% digital, instant-

oduct. Exposure Comfortable and convenient, to sounds 85 decibels (dB) and above is all it takes to damage your hearing. A food r and delivers the necessary protection blender is 88 dB. A car wash is 89 dB. A , range or wherever noise is a problem.lawn

mower? That’s 96 dB. And pretty much most sporting events and restaurants exceed safe sound levels, too.

So what’s a person to do? You can’t be expected to wear hearing protection when you’re making a smoothie.

– but it is good advice to know your limits. helpNo protect your hearing The key to noise-exposed hearing loss is decibel re personal level PLUS timesounds. exposed.Foam So unless you’re ection around loud earplugs

blending your smoothie for eight straight hours, l solution, or consider purchasing passionate about music, you need you should be ok. to best reduce the sound levels. uipment for the finest outcome. We down on TV, radio,Safety music, etc. Thethe Occupational and Health custom-fit in-ear monitors that feature sy activities/places, Administration when (OSHA)possible. recommends eight xposed to loud sounds. nced sound and pure, rich hours of exposure at 85 dB,tones. then forFor every five loud sounds (e.g., music, concerts, or professionally - they fit, dB after that, the time are is cutcustom in half. So if you’re c.), take breaks from the noise. going to and a concert where it’s dB loud, wanted noise eliminate the100 need for either the loudest sound protection, source bring monitors. hearing leave after a half hour, ge wedge eworks, etc.). or do what apparently 75 percent of us do — me to recover after being exposed toear loud noises. risk it. (We recommend you wear plugs.) ng smaller than your elbow in your ear! there’s an easy on swabs, bobby pins,Luckily, keys, paperclips, orway to measure how loud might use to clean or scratch your ears. it is where you are. With the ercise keeps the blood pumping SoundCheck Hearing app, you body, including the ears. This can use your smartphone to al parts of the ears healthy. check the noise in any g tested, especially if you experiencelevels a change environment in real time. ringing or fullness in your ears over 24 hours.

Protect your hearing with Industrial Ear Protection, a 100% sound pumping throughout the digital body, including time exposed tohearing loud designed sounds. 4 Limit yournoise-induced Fortunately, loss canto beprotect prevented. Preventing compression device uniquely your ears and enhance your the ears. This keeps the internal parts of noise-induced hearing loss requires you to do three things: awareness, keeping you safe in a potentially hazardous work environment. the ears healthy. sounds (e.g., 5 When listening to loud Instant-fit and ready to wear right out of the box, industrial music, concerts, fitness etc.), take 1. Know what sounds areclasses, too loud (anything above 85 dB) ear protection 10 is small enough rest discreetly in Getor your hearingto tested, breaks fromloud the noise. 2. Either avoid sounds or limit your exposure proximity to themespecially if your ears and comfortable enough to wear allhearing, day. you experience a change in your 3. Wear hearing protection when you can’t avoid or or ringing or fullness in your ears over 24 safe from distance from loud Moveaaway the loudest soundnoises 6 move source (e.g., speakers, fireworks, etc.).

hours.

HEARING CHECKLIST Hearing Check Hearing Check List List 1. Have you ever been exposed to loud or continuous noise? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 2. Do you find men’s voices easier to understand than women’s? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 3. Do you find it difficult to follow conversation in a noisy restaurant or crowded room? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 4. Do you get accused of hearing only when you want to? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 5. Do you have difficulty understanding speech on the telephone? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 6. Do you hear better with one ear than the other? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 7. Do your family and/or friends complain about your hearing? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO 8. Do you sometimes feel that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . n YES n NO IfIfyou checked “YES” to more one of theseone questions, call for an appoinment you checked tothen more of these If you checked “YES” yes to more then onethan of these questions, callquestions, for an appoinment for EVALUATION. for a a FREE FREE--COMPREHENSIVE COMPREHENSIVEHEARING HEARING EVALUATION.

call for an appointment for a FREE - COMPREHENSIVE, HEARING EVALUATION. Hearing testing, aid fittings hearing aid programming Hearing testing, hearing hearing aid fittings and and hearing aid programming www.audibel.ca

by appointment only. PLEASE 250-372-3090 BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT. by appointment only. PLEASE CALL CALL 250-372-3090 TO BOOKTO YOUR APPOINTMENT.

ning! Please usafrom your cell phone when youcell arrive orwhen comeyou and knock on the door and Dropcall in for cleaning! Please call us from your phone arrive or come and knock onwe would be happy to assist you. the door and we would be happy to assist you.

AID CENTRE

you all a very Canada Day!

414 Arrowstone Drive Kamloops, BC

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

250.372.3090

1.877.718.2211

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